take your fill
let the spectacle astound you.
seconds seem to tick by until the time finally arrives. the shadows inside the mansion grow long and disappear into darkness entirely as the sun sets beneath the horizon. both grandiose doors on the far end of the feasting hall glow with a thick jade diffusion. the voice beckons once more.
the incandescent doors shudder and swing open to reveal a grand ballroom. the floor is made of dark polished marble most of which is utilized for dancing, morbid and ghoulish frescoes are painted on every wall with deeply rich tones, and the high reaching ceiling is rib vaulted in a gothic style. two staircases on either side of the main entrance lead up to a mezzanine that has several opera house style balconies overlooking the dance floors. windows from floor to ceiling occupy the walls. curtains of thin gossamer are draped over each. a symphony of masked musicians play uncanny melodies that fill the hall.
an impossible number of masked figures enjoy the space, especially those spectrally waltzing above the still living. the ghosts both exaggerate how spacious it is while filling the room entirely. a dark, curly hair child looms lost and confused near the exit. a middle aged unspeakable hides behind the curtains. an attractive and wealthy couple laugh on the edge of the dancing with a couple of charismatic and charming americans and two scottish farmers who still looked completely in love, even in death. just outside the orchestra pit, a dark haired woman plucks the notes of a harp as a man who smells of saltwater and snake venom listens. two fathers that no one would recognize, one with a friendly face and one less so, chat on a balcony. finally, a familiar sly-faced twin leans expectantly against a window.
there is still no host to be introduced, merely guests in this liminal space, but just beyond the imposing windows, a seemingly endless graveyard is illuminated by floating jack-o-lanterns and carved turnip heads. tombstones etched with names line the grass as far as the eye can see in every direction, and yet, not a single door leads out to it. the haunts come and go from the cemetery as they please, but perhaps even that can only be during this special night when, indeed, the shroud between living and not is mere gossamer. it is time to begin la danse macabre!
happy halloween friends! thank you again for sending in all your haunts and making this event such a great character study. the highly anticipated ball has begun and will continue until the sun rises. while threads are always encouraged, a channel in the discord has also been opened today for in character interactions.
consider this the wrap up of the event. as we enter the new month, all characters will awaken where they fell asleep before arriving at the haunted mansion as if it were all a dream. however, they each still possess their mask. continue writing any threads from the event, and after november 1st, feel free to continue non-event related threads as well.
