Quests & Challenges

“Oh, hi, Emphy!” Pandora easily recognises Emphyrias— it’s rather hard not to after spending any amount of time with her, especially time in which Emphyrias was helping keep her safe while traveling cross-country. With her father being a Mirror who’d decided she needed ‘hunting lessons’, well, she’s never actually been nervous around the Aether. It’s a little familiar, if anything.

“Rocks?” Dante’s head tilts slightly one way, watching the rocks form an evermoving circle in the air.

“Juggling?” Lilith’s head tilts the other direction, just as slightly. She’s intrigued. They’re both intrigued. They’ve heard of juggling, of course, but… “Wow, you’re really cool!”

“Yeah, it’s impressive!” Well, Emphy’s got their attention for… a little while, at least. Probably not too long, with everything going on. Still. Rocks? Don’t those hurt if you drop them? Wow! It’s hard to say if the twins are more intrigued by the art or the potential for danger.

Lenore waves over at Emphyrias politely even if she’s paying slightly more attention to Valcua. Somehow she’s already getting the feeling that this one is a kindred spirit… She idly notes it isn’t nearly as nervewracking being around a dragon with such great fangs and obvious potential for violence when she isn’t barely out of an egg. That’s helpful. Or maybe she just got really used to her younger siblings.

“… I really don’t think we’re supposed to be putting sharp objects in the vicinity of guests,” Lenore comments. Almost before she’s done talking, a light pink swan has strutted over to Valcua with a box of pins in its beak. And a rose. It does not seem to want to want to give the rose up to this strange dragon, though. Considering there’s a black swan also with a rose watching the juggling… it’s not too hard to figure out where this one came from.

“It sounds lovely to be able to get the mimics involved in a treasure hunt!” Pandora is ignoring the prospects of violent chaos and gambling. Those aren’t constructive at all to a party! “And we do have a dance floor. Really, I think that’s the main point. Some very fun kinds of dancing similar to Veilspun swarms were suggested yesterday. Hide and seek, perhaps with treasure, sounds like it’ll be such a good addition— Oh, and look at you, aren’t you so adorable!” That last bit is directed at the Undertide hatchling. It’s easy to miss what she said, though, because there’s the sudden sound of harps being played in a short, upbeat melody. Which tended to happen yesterday, too, whenever ‘harps’ were mentioned…

“And we should keep the art supplies around, hm.” Well, that’s an easy one, since they’ll have enough of them. Lenore considers it. They’re going to have to do something to keep art and materials from getting everywhere. She hasn’t forgotten the initial suggestion had been ‘drawing on the walls’…

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81768039][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/817681/81768039.png[/img][/url] [size=5][u][b]Entertainment[/u][/b][/size][/center] This time, Uru'kaet sits quiet to listen to others for a bit longer than she has for previous discussions, seeing as how she's kind of already made a suggestion for this one. But, at hearing her general idea of a treasure hunt so well-liked, she decides it's about time to go into specifics on that. "I maintain my suggestion that our blank area in the floor plan be transformed into a themed area for a treasure hunt. Originally I believe I suggested a bog not unlike what you might find in the Drag, but on further contemplation an an elaborate flower garden might be more appropriate, and the intended 'treasures' to find would be specific flowers, the locations of which would be marked on a map handed out to all those who attempt it. "Arranging the garden itself in a maze-like manner would provide plenty challenge, but the added map - enchanted to show one's location - ensures no one gets irreparably lost - though I imagine some might go in just to see how lost they can get. And to accommodate the differing sizes of guests, we could have a multi-layered set-up. Wide, though twisting, paths along the floor level, coupled with plenty of standing trellises and hanging baskets, perhaps even a small catwalk that would be around eye-level for the larger guests and within easy flight or climbing reach for smaller ones. "Having a map also allows us to set a few different difficulty levels to the hunt, to accommodate both ambition and ability. More difficult hunts would have more flowers to find, in more difficult places to reach, and easier ones fewer, with positions on the main path. Perhaps three levels of difficulty, a standard, an easier one, and a harder one, to keep the organizers from being overrun. "And this is something that can be done either individually or in small groups, allowing for a solo challenge and a fun collaborative game simultaneously. I'd also like to offer a small prize to those who complete the hunt at any difficulty level, something small, say, a basket of cut flowers or a small treat not offered on the vittles table, but that is up to the discretion of our hosts," she nods to the small group, deferring this particular decision. "This hunt should of course be the main game to play, but not the only one. I do like the idea of a few smaller card games or set piece games for those more inclined to a sedate, sitting game. But I suggest a game of riddles. It's erudite, philosophical, and a much more formal party game that doesn't require any extra pieces than a few well-tuned minds. Have a few sets given to select hosts to get people started, and the game should hold its own from there. It's also a conversation starter as participants explain the reasoning behind their answers." Here she, for the first time, almost seems to hesitate. "This one is not so much a game as purely for entertainment purposes, but I believe it worth saying. As others have said, many Veilspun feel that the world has left them behind, and that they must acclimate to the new world that has risen in the wake of their withdrawal from it. This is meant to be a party for them, so perhaps a storyteller or two could be brought in to tell the tales of both modernity and the past. I happen to know a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/21751336]Veilspun storyteller[/url] who remembers many of their ancient cultural tales long lost to time. Having both old Veilspun stories and the newer tales of our own age told would be a good way to really celebrate all their return means." She shakes herself a bit, as if she could throw off sentimentality so easily, and continues with an audible, if invisible, grin, "As I've heard a number of asks by now, I'm happy to attempt to teach my unglittering spell to anyone with the aptitude. I warn that it requires both significant magical might and a phenomenal spatial awareness to perform, as glitter is both incredibly stubborn and incredibly small. the offer to perform it for anyone not up to learning it themselves stands though." Smugness radiates from her figure. It's a spell she created herself, long ago in an age long past, and she's never quite had students before!

[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/34742449][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/347425/34742449_350.png[/img][/url] Glare sways along to the harp's melody, not even bothering to look for its source. Until she is surprised to hear her name, and pleased the singer liked her suggestions. As the other dragons talk, she paces the huge room as usual, unable to stand still. When the Abberration, Wail arrives, Glare's along with almost everyone else's attention is all on her. The dragon's posture is all bluster, and Glare doesn't feel threatened. She actually stops and just watches the Abby's movements, enthralled by the two heads, two tails, long legs, massive talons. When Utvagari suggests Simon Says and Twister, Glare waits for him to finish speaking before adding her thoughts. "Simon Says makes sense! With the Veils' swarming type behavior. Twister sounds so fun! But...with dragons of drastic size differences, we'd need separate games or rounds. So probably better to avoid that one. Shame though, I haven't played that since I was a hatchling!" Glare listens to Avarice's long list intently, she loves his attention to detail. She adds, "Oh! A jigsaw puzzle could be fun! Sometimes my clan's archivist sets one up in the library, and while you're there you can place a piece or two. Or sit down and really work at it. A table with one out, where guests can stop by if they wish, maybe strike up a conversation, could be nice. And it would probably just be on the side somewhere, in addition to other activities." When Lenore mentions art supplies, Glare almost wonders if she meant to say "We [i]shouldn't[/i] keep the art supplies around." She can tell Lenore is pondering something. She guesses by the chaotic siblings what that might be, and approaches Lenore. "What if the art supplies were outside? The guests could retreat from the music for some quiet, and be inspired by the sights and sounds of nature to channel their creativity. Maybe there could even be a little contest to judge the art. And the guests would have their art pieces to bring home as a unique party favor. Or gift to a new friend they met."[/center] Edit: added widget of Glare and omg this post turned out much longer than I planned! I need to go to bed!

[quote=Day 4]What sort of activities would be the best for this ball?[/quote] The spiral seems a bit lower on energy with all the hatchlings running around. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/85949208][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/859493/85949208_350.png[/img][/url] "Yes, yes. This is a masquerade, after all, why don't we hold a costume contest for the best dressed? I do quite like the idea of a scavenger hunt, as well. And perhaps we have a psychic in the audience who could provide tarot readings, or a magician to show off some illusion tricks? These seem right up the alley of our shadow flight subjects."

“… You have an incredible artistic vision about the treasure hunt and garden-maze.” Lenore’s stayed silent for several long moments, listening to other dragons’ suggestions while thinking over everything Uru'kaet had said. “Can we officially hire you to design that? You seemed to know your way around a floor plan. And it’d be shame to try to replicate something you envision so clearly by giving your words to other contractors. Alecinne too, if you’re willing, for the initial floor plan and since you seem to work well together. Other categories and ideas are much easier to implement ourselves, but that kind of detailed artistic vision…” It’s made an impression, that’s for sure. As have the glitter removal services…

“Ah, and, yes.” She nods over at Glare. “That’s a lovely suggestion for helping keep things from getting too messy inside and yet also… let guests get out all of their creative energies.” Art supplies will definitely be getting relocated outside after this party planning meeting is over. They’ll get the clearing turned into something presentable once it stops being… necessary… to keep it the way it is.

“Sister knows illusions!” Lilith chimes in suddenly, swiveling her head around to look directly around at Inknova at the same time Dante turns to look at Sicha, saying “Oooh, she’s got the fancy deck of cards! Magic tricks are absolutely necessary!”

“Tricking as many people as possible in fun ways is exactly what we should be doing!” the twins agree in unison. It seems like juggling has lost their attention now…

[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/95660342][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/956604/95660342p.png[/img][/url] Alecinne sighs to himself at mention of using the space to build something "maze-like." Like... a maze. No, it's fine. If they all want a maze then it was probably inevitable. It's not a problem. He can do mazes all day. Frequently does, even. Oh, and it's official. Well, it's not like he wasn't expecting this. "Right you are, happy to help," he says. He turns to Uru'kaet. "May I ask what type of maze you're envisioning? A proper maze, of course, not a labyrinth, but a geometrical? One which reveals an image or words when viewed from above? Hedges are easy enough to source and magic up into position, but will we be using mushrooms or other flora as walls or obstacles? Besides the flowers for the treasure spots, of course. And how cheater-friendly do we want to make it? Maps of course will go a long way, but in my experience there are always those who will get frustrated and simply try to break - or eat - through the hedges. But if that's part of the fun then I suppose we don't need an impassable wall charm. Ah, yes, as far as the layout goes, I have several previous models drawn out already that we may copy or lift elements from at will. Here's one I worked on for a cat cafe..." He flips through the sketchbook. Other than the recently drawn floor plan for the main ballroom... It's mazes. It's all mazes. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/92942169][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/929422/92942169_350.png[/img][/url][/center] A milky pink and white Snapper steps forward. "Please do forgive our Cayrno for leaving so quickly," she says, inclining her head first to the guest of honor, then to the crowd at large. "[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3340168/11#post_56939779]The first time[/url] he ended up in a place like this he and his little denmates spoke at such length that it quite ruined everyone's day! So then of course I had to put an arcane limiter on him so that it wouldn't happen again. A bright young fungus like him is better suited to cameo appearances anyway, to be honest. Oh, dear. My name is Lovely. Unfortunate, isn't it? But it's the only one I have." To Flavor, she says, "Catch me up, darling, where are we in the process?" "Ah, yes. Party games, of course. Mm. Well. I can't say I've experimented with Veilspun hypnosis much. Does anyone know, may I ask, if it has a cumulatively injurious effect on its targets? It's simply that, oh dear, I would hate to suggest anything that goes against the spirit of the guidelines, it's just that I've thought of a game which Veilspun will so rarely have had a chance to play due to their size and it would be ever so enchanting..." "You've heard of Tug-of-war? A game which usually involves a rope and two teams of combatants each trying to drag it over to their own side? Only in this case it would involve one larger dragon, a volunteer, to be sure, and two Veilspun or teams of Veilspun each trying to seize control of their mind and maneuver them over to their side of the playing field. Of course, only if it wouldn't hurt the poor beast caught between them! It wouldn't do to mar the evening." "For another suggestion that would take the guests' unique physiological talents into account, how about the more traditional party game of charades? Instead of one single dragon performing the word or words for the audience, a full team of Veilspun can fly as one to present the concept. Alternatively, a 'virus-style' version where one dragon begins and as others correctly guess the answer, they join the performance, culminating in a grand dance sweeping across the ballroom!" She nods. "Ah, my ideas would perhaps be best suited to the dance floor during a lull. As it seems the other activity space may be occupied by one of our sweet Alecinne's amusing little mazes."

[center][b]Day 4[/b] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/92359444][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/923595/92359444_350.png[/img][/url] It's a night to indulged ourself, how about adding some games~ [/center]

Lenore blinks once, mildly distracted from the floor planning by... everything else that's been said. "That's Cayrno? Ah. The arcane limiter must be for his own safety. He's, ah... left one of my friends with pressing questions about acronyms." Very pressing. And Aster's gone and piqued the curiosity of several other dragons by now, Lenore and Pandora included. No wonder the sudden guest had fled.

"Oh! You made the labyrinth for the cat cafe!" The twins have now found yet another thing to grab their attention. It's Alecinne. They're both immediately at his side with sparkling eyes. "Wow, are you a professional maze builder? We don't want cheaters, let's punish them~ Let's make them regret it~" They sound far too gleeful about this one.

Pandora is suddenly very worried about why she's being the responsible one and Lenore isn't objecting to the hypnosis-based idea. "The swarm ideas sound very nice! I've heard Veilspun can transmit emotion to each other in swarms or something like that. I bet they'd work really well in unity. I'm... not really sure that the, er, the tug of war is a good idea, and... it may be easier to fall back into the trap of hypnosis once you're exposed to it..."

She looks all around the venue rather nervously. "So you may wish to stay away from it. To avoid suffering any unexpected averse effects. I really don't think it would be that good for anyone here. Lovely ideas, though. Lovely. There's such a variety and so much creativity put into it all."

A maze was one thing, but a storyteller? Now that one caught the attention of the Dragon lounging on the harp. Harp, harp, harp, how it swayed beneath him, the thrumming of its strings and his wings in sync.

"Now that's unique. You all have come up with a myriad of good ideas. My favorite thus far..." he caught himself before calling it a-maze-ing. Especially because the maze wasn't the part to catch his interest. Something old was in those tethers he had to this world, and as they clinged to him, so too did they all grasp for knowledge.
"Be assured as you speak, your ideas? I've listened to each."

For even if he did not call them out directly... well. They got the picture. The stocky dragon moved to Lenore's side, murmuring in her ear. "The preperations are complete on my end. I do hope you're ready for a spectacle when it comes time for the party to truly kick in to full swing." He drew back, clapping his hands together twice. The Ridgeback from before glided over, moving so the Veilspun could perch on his shoulder.

"Don't be distracted by me, now. You've much work to do, all of you. I trust in... most of you."