Arc 3: The Magister's Masquerade

ARC SUBPLOT: FAMILY TIES

Ambiance Faira, Astrid Berge, Jalivia de Vaironne, Amadeus Orpheus Hart

More details to come...

CORDIALLY INVITED

Main Party: Lardriira'xyra Nallisoth, Grimmwood drifting by Jormungandr, Jalivia de Vaironne, Ambiance Faira, Astrid Berge, Amadeus Oprheus Hart

Side Characters: Rio Saoirse, Xi Bloodwood

Our session opens before the school year actually begins, with each student moving into their apartments and seeing a vellum letter on their desk. Each student opened it, to reveal a grand invitation to this year's Magister's Masquerade, the theme being "A Starlit Night." Enclosed was also everyone's Masque Charms that they would need for the dance, as well as a second invitation to a meet-cute reception at the Bow's End Tavern hosted by Javenesh and Manneo. With time on their hands, the party accepted, and were swept up in the whirlwind of the party.

Ambi went to the bar and had a chat with Javenesh, and he asked her to help him pull a prank on Astrid. Not harmful in any way, he just wants to get a little bit of revenge and let bygones be bygones. He left the creative details up to her. Javenesh also let slip that Dean Tullus wants the focus of the ball to be about Deroulex's history, which is quite boring. When Amadeus rattled Astrid, Javenesh had a change of heart, thanking Ambi for helping with the prank, but deciding to back out.

Jalivia and Xi had a pretty serious chat about Xi's humanity, as Xi frantically tried to cover by saying that they've never drank alcohol (instead of just saying they don't drink period.) The two shared a Riesling, and had a nice chat about helping each other. Jalivia and Manneo then had one last conversation regarding Manneo's new management position at the Bow's End Tavern, and how he's admittedly a little bit nervous to fill Javenesh's shoes. He's a little bit nervous about his experimentation with food, but Jalivia was able to reassure him that he deserved this position. Manneo's confidence skyrocketed thanks to Jalivia's help. Much later in the night, Xi confessed that he wanted to dance at the dance, and asked Jalivia to go with them, which Jalivia said yes.

Grimmwood caught up with Grayson and the two of them challenged each other to try an exotic snack. Grimmwood found some pickled lotus root, and planned to bring it back to Grayson. Wouldn't luck have it, Grayson found the mushrooms, and the two had a great time together. Grayson also let slip that one of the founding dragons might make an appearance at the dance.

Rio caught up with Aurora, and the two of them talked about their summer plans and their new classes, talking about their professors. Melwythorne and Rio then bond over snacks, and the two vow to try every one. Eventually, they were able to make their way around, leaving Melwythorne satisfied, but also with a stomachache. He also lets slip that he's heard rumor that the Magister's Masquerade is actually a secret fourth exam, which he's worried about.

Xi had a chat with Javenesh, and Javenesh took them under his wing. Javenesh also let slip that the staff are trying to "peacekeep" the Mage Tower rules after incidents last year, which has students up in arms. Xi and Melwythorne then had a chat, Melwythorne commending Xi about being kind enough to try and bond with the Silkball team. The two talked about their breaks, and how Melwythorne wished he was a better student like Xi, who is always so dilligent with studying. The conversation was cut short by Melwythorne needing to visit the bathroom, but he did mention that he was still feeling on edge after Mage Hunters invaded campus last year.

Lardriira'xyra went to get a drink with Manneo, and the two talked about creating exquisite food dishes. Manneo wished he could bring his dishes to the ball, but without being a third-year or having a proxy, there's not much else he can do.

Amadeus got absolutely waisted and fell deep into the uncanny valley in appearance, but eventually, was approached by Astrid. Astrid wanted to use Amadeus's magic as insurance to prevent herself from being pranked, asking them to cast an illusion to get back at Javenesh. Amadeus instead had most of their face melt off (in a harmless changeling fashion), and they fled, screeching. Dean Tullus went after them. Many students nearby muttered around it being "the ailment," but they didn't seem to care much.

Manneo and Tilana were forced to escort a sick Melwythorne out of the tavern, as they claimed to have had one too many eel rolls. Astrid and Amadeus later had a falling out over their differences, Grimmwood moving to comfort the former while Jalivia moved to comfort the latter. Jalivia discreetly scoped out Amadeus to make sure they didn't taint the snacks, but found nothing. Ambiance and Lardriira'xyra went to check on Melwythorne, discovering that the scan just came back with indigestion and a headache that was chalked up to being drunk and having eaten too much food. Tilana later let slip that Melwythorne missed Silkball Practice that day for a meeting with a teacher, but she didn't know which teacher, or why.