badfeyth: (📚 and saying that's the way)
Ghost ([personal profile] badfeyth) wrote in [community profile] citylogs2023-12-02 12:30 am

[open mingle: the sunlight at midnight gala]

WHO: Anyone attending the Sunlight at Midnight gala!
WHAT: KISS PEOPLE AND DANCE IDK
WHERE: The freshly-renovated Planetarium in District 4!
WHEN: Saturday, December 2
WARNINGS: None for the log itself; please warn responsibly in individual top-levels!



THE VENUE
Upon entry to the newly-renovated venue space that was once a planetarium, guests will quickly notice that the space has been transformed into a three-layered affair, ranging from the very well-lit upper level down to the more romantic ambiance of the dance floor and performance space, with a comfortable tier of seating and standing tables in the middle.


Not intended by Ghost ([personal profile] badfeyth) and Kaveh ([personal profile] fussiest), yet still mysteriously appearing at random places throughout the venue, are sprigs of magical kissing mistletoe!

The mistletoe will cause characters to at least pause underneath it, and will give them a mild compulsion to kiss whoever they're with, but the compulsion will not be unavoidable and characters can easily break free of the "hold" the mistletoe has on them. Even so, partygoers will quickly learn to be mindful of what's overhead — or not!


UPPER TIER
On the well-lit upper tier, guests will find plenty of generalized mingle room, including two patios with casual seating on either side of the space. Throughout the center are a variety of stations and attractions, as well as some helpful resources for the discerning partygoer.

For the fashionably un-forward, you may wish to visit (or find yourselves forcibly dragged into) Lestat's on-site fashion consulting lair, which boasts a small and curtained-off space where partygoers in need can receive last-minute fashion advice, do wardrobe finishing touches, and address any other aesthetic concerns under the discerning eye of LESTAT DE LIONCOURT ([personal profile] perfectdevil). This is also where a selection of basic cosmetics and beauty supplies can be found, in case of a need for an emergency touch-up, safety pin, or spot removal!

Continuing onward, guests will find four individual food stations, each with their own set of color-coded disposable dishware! Perhaps they'd like to take a sampling of:

• STATION #1 — TSURUNO ([personal profile] fanstheflames): Fried rice in the shape of Christmas trees, dumplings with carrot reindeer antlers and red pepper noses, and fortune cookies that tell you to go dance with somebody already!
• STATION #2 — ROLAND ([personal profile] gradenine): Hotpot with mild and spicy soup bases plus a variety of vegetables and meats, and KBBQ with chicken, pork, and beef cuts, plus sides!
• STATION #3 — RENO ([personal profile] astraphilia): Whipped goat cheese figs, brie and prosciutto stuffed dates, and sprouting cauliflower with brown butter and lemon — paired with a couple of simple cocktails (a negroni and a Bombay mule)!
• STATION #4 — WANDERER ([personal profile] featheradrift): Samosas, panipuri, Japanese-style sandwiches, and a lot of sweets and desserts like chocolate truffles, pâte de fruit, candied nuts, madeleines, and custards!

Champagne (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is also circulating around the venue under the watchful eye of KANEKI ([personal profile] anthropophagite), and a small selection of coffee is available at a nearby station as well!

Finally, at the far end of the upper concourse, one can find a partitioned-off space for photo opportunities featuring a black-and-gold backdrop, an arch aglow with fairy lights, and a few idle props like chairs and small movable tables that partygoers can use to coordinate their souvenir photos. PROMPTO ([personal profile] burstmodes) will be around to do formal event photography, but there'll also be a Polaroid available so that people can take their own photos and develop them instantly!

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.
    
    


MIDDLE TIER
On the mid-tier halfway down the stairs that flank the venue on either side, partygoers will find a landing with an assortment of standing tables covered in black tablecloths and tied with gold bows, where guests can enjoy their refreshments, engage in conversation, and people-watch the goings-on taking place below them on the dance floor! To prevent any mischief or accidental spilling of food onto hapless dancers below, each landing is lined with a courtesy railing, and immediately below the railing is an arrangement of tasteful decor.

Between the two landings, guests can find the remnants of the planetarium seating — fold-down auditorium chairs with comfortable cushions arranged in gently circular rows, giving the people relaxing there a perfect view of the dance floor and the spectacle of lights taking place below it.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.
    


LOWER TIER
The lowest level of the venue, at the very bottom of the stairs, is the most dimly-lit of the three levels and is mostly comprised of the dance floor. Along the back wall and parts of the sides runs a slightly-raised platform stage upon which are arranged a piano, an electric guitar, a stereo system, and a few microphones for the convenience of any vocalists in the house. The stage is wide enough for one or two people to walk around comfortably, but generally is fairly modest to leave the majority of the room for the dance floor.

It's on the dance floor that the real "sunlight at midnight" theme takes its shape, as this is where the bulk of Kaveh's artificial lighting technology has been put into play. Along with standard party enhancements like a few spotlights and an overhead disco ball, the perimeter is also dotted with round arrays of stained glass with light fixtures behind them, causing panels of colored light to cast onto the hardwood of the dance floor. These arrays can also be rotated like kaleidoscopes, allowing for the patterns of light to change throughout the course of the evening — adding an element of renewable interest in the continuing aesthetic.

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.
    


ENTERTAINMENT
Throughout the course of the evening, music will be provided by a rotating set list of performers, interspersed with prearranged playlists courtesy of the new media store. Entertainers will be informed of their set lengths, obligations, and timeslots well in advance of the venue by Ghost, and any necessary instruments or microphone hookups will be ready and available at the time of the performance.

Performers on deck include:
• HYTHLODAEUS ([personal profile] nomoresharks) and EMET-SELCH ([personal profile] recreator): Jazz piano bops along with some ragtime arrangements.
• EDDIE ([personal profile] thefreak): A mix of slow rock ballads and hard rock dance numbers, on electric guitar!

In addition to the live performances, the venue will also be treated to some traditional mid-2000s party favorites such as:
• BLORBOLICIOUS, by Gurgi (feat. Bill.i.was)
• HIPS SOMETIMES LIE, by The Kira
• SANDSQUALL, by DaNice
• MAYBE GONNA GIVE YOU UP, by Rickard Dastley
• MAMBO NO. 4 AND A HALF, by Stu Vega
• THE CHA-CHA HUSTLE, by DJ FriendlyGhost
• VIRUS, by Boo Boo Dolls

VISUALS: AESTHETICS & ETC.
    


LIVEBLOG
Looking to add some network spam to your gala experience? Check out our dedicated IC NETWORK POST!

credit.

excaliburden: (Although we live a fable)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. It isn't sentient or anything. [Thank god Altria cannot create life.]

It is only a construct.

I suppose there is just something a little unnerving about eating from a moving creature even so.

[The golem looks at its missing piece, and then over at Don, and then back to its missing piece. It grumbles.]
excaliburden: (to sit at the Round Table.)

1/2

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
[...?

Yeah, that gives her pause. His words are standard Wanderer words, but his emotions... but the threads going on behind the words, the anxiety in his tone--there's something more there.]
icanfixer: (17)

[personal profile] icanfixer 2023-12-07 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
'Tis not the first time I have bitten something that still yet moved, and it shall not be the last.

[ munches... ]

This one, however, shall not turn my stomach inside out. And that one could feel pain, for it squealed most terribly when my teeth clashed against its own.

[ casually. like it's normal. ]
excaliburden: (and dance and sing.)

2/2

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
[She can't see what it is, but she stops chasing the golem, turning to face him more properly, and completely earnestly:]

Is something wrong?
immortalpoet: (wine)

[personal profile] immortalpoet 2023-12-07 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[A LARGE PAUSE]

I literally have no idea who you are.
excaliburden: (No one would ever know)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
[... Is she? Is she going to give up immediately? After he went through so much effort to help her find this dress, the sparkly jewelry she's wearing, and enough confidence to step into the gala to begin with?

(Sorry about the shoes.)

... She takes a deep breath in, brow furrowing, and for a moment, her fears of approaching the dance floor when she's never been worthy of standing in such a spotlight war with her spiteful need to prove people wrong, even if it's just herself.

And then she clenches both hands into fists before her.]


... I'm not! I'm not giving up! I probably won't be any good at it and I might bump into a lot of people, but if I'm honest, I still kind of want to try...!
featheradrift: (talking 3)

[personal profile] featheradrift 2023-12-07 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Now he's starting to get suspicious of her perceptiveness. Several times, she's read his emotions quite clearly, but he's certain he composed himself well enough to avoid showing any outward signs of turmoil.

But now's not a good time to ask. Instead, he feigns ignorance and raises an eyebrow in question.
]

What's with the question all of a sudden? Don't you have a golem to chase?
excaliburden: (it's hot!)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
[I mean it's kind of normal in faerie britain too. Altria blinks a little, but doesn't look terribly surprised.]

... Is it okay if I ask why you were eating things that were still alive...?
excaliburden: (it's hot!)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[She's quiet for a moment at that, glancing over at the golem, before she turns her attention back to him completely, eyes fixed on him.]

... I can chase it later!

I'm just a little worried... you seemed kind of... [Mmmm... It's hard to put into words; she didn't get a great read on it. But--]

... sad?
immortalpoet: (vermillion)

[personal profile] immortalpoet 2023-12-07 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
Clock is ticking on the thinking of something, there.

[DON'T BE MEAN]

Does this happen with you often where you come from?
icanfixer: (49)

[personal profile] icanfixer 2023-12-07 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! Because it had a tantalizing scent.

[ finally, someone who gets it. who isn't surprised, at least. ]

They were delectable chickens, of which there were a few variety depending on marination -- I have at home a plush of one, and it is my most adorable companion.
featheradrift: (smile)

[personal profile] featheradrift 2023-12-07 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's a pleased look on his face for a moment before he masks it with his standard smirk. ]

Then there's nothing stopping you.

[ Plenty of people were just fooling around on the dance floor anyway. She would fit right in. ]
excaliburden: (That this outrageous pro)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
[NOOO NOT THE PRESSURE.]

Ah, um--

[!!]

--not... often? Just once before, I mean! I thought since I've had some practice now ["practice"] I could do it better this time...
excaliburden: (ham and jam and spam a lot)

1/2

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[.....?]

Chickens?
excaliburden: (With footwork impeccable)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
... Oooh, so it was chickens.

[SHE DEFINITELY THOUGHT MAYBE IT WOULD BE HUMANS.]
excaliburden: (That this outrageous pro)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
R-right...!

[Altria takes a deep breath, slaps her cheeks lightly with her hands, and steps out onto the dance floor.



And turns around immediately one step in to come back, face red.]


I--I can't go out there by myself...! [What does she do... oh, she just needs someone to come with her.



Oh, she knows.]


C-come with me! I can't go aloooone!
immortalpoet: (wine)

[personal profile] immortalpoet 2023-12-07 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
[(gordon ramsey voice) once before??? FUCK ME ARE YOU FOR REAL]

Mm.

How does one even practice....making golems.
icanfixer: (17)

[personal profile] icanfixer 2023-12-07 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ ... she wouldn't be wrong in some cases. ]

That they were! Whatever were thee thinking, my friend?
excaliburden: (it's hot!)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. I was making chocolate that time.

[I am sorry for all of this. Every last bit of it.]

And it wasn't a golem, it was a different kind of monster.

[The moral of the story is she shouldn't be allowed in the kitchen period.]
excaliburden: (give the audience a grin)

[personal profile] excaliburden 2023-12-07 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
[... ha ha!]

Oh, nothing. I wasn't really sure what to expect at all, you know?

Faeries don't have to eat at all, so I can't imagine being hungry enough to take a bite out of a chicken like that.
featheradrift: (look behind)

[personal profile] featheradrift 2023-12-07 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's not expecting to be confronted by Altria, of all people. If he keeps brushing her off, he knows she'll stop asking. He doesn't necessarily want to do that, but... He looks directly at her, eyes unflinching. ]

You should enjoy the gala. Tonight's supposed to be a night of fun and excitement. It would be bad manners to let anything else ruin it.

[ He knows this won't assuage her, but right now, the gala should be the focus. Everyone's focus. His feelings were irrelevant here. ]
immortalpoet: (Default)

[personal profile] immortalpoet 2023-12-07 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
...That one, yes. In the washing machine.

[He's already squarely filing this man away in the nice and not so tidy folder of "person who likely is not from a world I have much idea about".]

[He goes along - this man clearly has the aura of Imminent Busybody. He is determined not to give him an inch if he can help it, already familiar with the type, but the next question makes him stare a moment...before he shrugs, one hand adjusting his glasses.]


Depends on the detergent. There's a few brands that Fixers use all the time.
playing_human: (even though you've lost your mind)

[personal profile] playing_human 2023-12-07 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
It's...

[Dorian looks around, smile slightly strained.]

...fine, isn't it?
featheradrift: (wide eyes)

[personal profile] featheradrift 2023-12-07 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ He watches her march onto the dance floor, turn around, and immediately march back. There's a small sigh of exasperation—one step at a time, but then she asks him to come with her, and his eyes widen in surprise. ]

What? I refuse. You can handle it by yourself.
playing_human: (to summer)

[personal profile] playing_human 2023-12-07 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
[A soft chuckle.]

Well.

[He glances around to make sure no one's near enough to listen before leaning in slightly and speaking in a playfully conspiratorial tone.]

It's not a very good party, is it? Once you've tasted all the food, there isn't much of anything to do except for vaguely rhythmic wiggling. And sitting, I suppose. Can't forget the sitting.

[That, or he's feeling a bit overstimulated--something that's happened fairly easily these past few days.]