The Annual Winterdark Masquerade Ball

This year’s Ball will be, without question or doubt, simply the Event of the Season!  As always, guests are to dress in their finest and don a mask to add to the opulence, the glamor and the sheer magnificence of the evening.  Please be reminded that His Excellency will not tolerate the bearing of weapons in his Palace; as such, even attuned weapons will be checked at the door.  

Guests will be admitted at five o'clock post meridiem and will be announced as they enter His Excellency's Grand Ballroom.  This year, His Excellency has graciously extended his hand of invitation to Lady Nostrove, Lord Ambrosius and Lord Marlvinian of The Great Kingdom of Valaria.  They will be welcome with open arms and acknowledged as visiting nobility in every respect. 

In years past we have chosen to hold a series of games and events to further the enjoyment of our guests, and this year will be no different!  Winners will be given prizes and glory for their efforts, and we encourage each and every one of you to partake.  So without any further ado, our events for the evening:

7:00 PM - Competition of Song
Let your voices ring out and your music take flight!  This competition will be divided into two separate categories, vocal and instrumental performance.  Our judges are looking for musicality, quality of performance, range of tonal color and, of course, emotional discharge!  Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each category and will be honored by Captain Magnus Zero Darkheart Von Ritter.

8:30 - Promenade as lead by Dame Mixolydia Hartwoode
Dame Hartwoode has been kind enough to lend us her skills in the art of courtly dance.  Guests are encourage to come and learn the very latest and most traditional steps danced in nearly every kingdom and empire in Palmydia!

9:30 - Competition of Luck
Allisandria Hold ‘Em, plain and simple!  The buy in for this game will be twenty gold pieces and limited to eight players, setting the pot at one hundred and sixty gold pieces.  The house will, however, be sweetening the deal with a little something of its own.  The pot and prize will be awarded by Sir Aleister Darkheart.

10:30 - Competition of Storytelling
Spin us a yarn, tell us a tale, intrigue us with stories of the past!  This year’s theme will be Tales of Ancient History, so delve deep into the history books and find us a saga of bygone glory.  The top three storytellers will be rewarded by Sir Sorel Argentblade of Winterdark and Squire Zathir of Drega'mire.

Competition of the Hunt
The main event and grand prize attraction, this is a game will last from the opening of festivities to the very end of the ball and comes to us from the finest parties and balls of Faust.  Each contestant must first solve a number of riddles, each one pertaining to and identifying a ‘warden’; a guest of noble title at the ball.  Once the contestant finds a warden, they must answer his or her question to receive a ‘bauble’.  The contestant with the most baubles at the end of the night wins.  Be wary though!  As per Coast Haven tradition, should you find that your baubles be missing, it is no one’s fault but your own!  The Grand Prize will be awarded at the end of the ball by none other than the Master of Ceremonies himself, Admiral Zander G. Gehnsen.

As things stand, we have attracted two well respected merchants to sell a number of fine and rare items of value!  Materials, trinkets, alchemy and more await the discerning buyer.  As well, Dominus Rystar Ming Na of the Ostcliff Imperial Merchants Guild has graciously offered to organize a game of chance of his own, so be certain to stop by!  Finally, it is with great pleasure I announce the prizes of this year's ball.  Each was purchased in the great bazaar of Faust and kindly donated by our judges.

The Earrings of Lady Luck
It is said that these golden hooks were granted to an old fisherman by a beautiful young lass while he was down on his luck.  Since then, it seems that luck and good fortune shine an any who wear them!

The Ring of the Wandering Minstrel
A ring said to have been worn by the legendary Wanderer, a gypsy man cursed to walk the earth until Gaia herself set foot on her good green world again.  This ring bestows powers handy to a traveler of any deign.

The Tome of Past Glories
Composed and written by a scholar of the last age, this book contains the legends of the Heroes of Ashgard.  Within its dust old pages lies a bravery that can be called up on battle, and a perseverance that carries even the most weary soul to great deeds!

Obsidian Coral of the Anteries
Recovered from the very deepest reefs of the Anteries Sea, this strange black coral glows and shimmers with magical energy.  After having it inspected by a respected Archmage, it has been revealed to us that it contains red strands of the Weave itself!  What effect it may have, we are still unsure, but we do know that it is extremely rare and exceptionally powerful.

Is it possible to compete in both categories of the singing competition? Or must we choose either a vocal performance or an instrumental performance?

In Light and Love,
Mother Remi Sylvaine

We ask that each contestant select only one of the two musical categories.

Will there be dancing lessons from Dame Mixolydia again?

Or The Best game? It is silly yet good fun, from what I gathered at last years ball.

I will inquire as to whether or not Dame Heartwood wishes to hold the promenade as she has in years past.  As for this 'Best' game, I am unable to provide any planning for it as I rather have my hands full.  Should someone else wish to organize this game, by all means.

Howdy,

I was looking at this here party and had a question.  Would it be an affront to show up if'n you don't have a lady to accompany you?  I ask because thought I might have some interest in the Ball my dance card isn't exactly what you'd call full as I'm not exactly a "ladies man".

Anyhow, thanks for your response and I hope the Ball goes wonderfully regardless.

"Bat" Cooper

Dame Heartwood will indeed be hosting dancing at the ball, It would not be a proper ball otherwise.  An escort to the ball is not required. While many do arrive in pairs, there are also a fair number of attendees who arrive as individuals.

-Count Winterdark

Be certain to inspect our final announcements regarding the Ball.  Those wishing to enter Winterdark using our conveniently placed Moon Gate will assemble at the Baron's Manor between four and five post meridiem.  A second Moon Gate will be arranged for guests wishing to return to Travance once the festivities have come to an end.

Xander,

Why wouldn't you just use the Gates of Passage like we do every year? 

Also congratulations on the position of Master of Ceremonies this year.  I'm sure it will place you in a position of authority such that you may abuse many more young women.  A man of your caliber is a blessing to both our Kingdom and as a representative of the city states of Coast Haven. 


-Sir Lyle Shaw the Red
First Knight of Alisandria
In Service to Lord Blackthorne

Sir Shaw,

The Reaching Room is what is used to bring people from Travance to the Black Keep.  If you are going to correct someone make sure your information is correct.

Also, your comments about Xander's treatment of women is unwarranted and uncalled for.  I suggest you keep a closer handle on the words you use and be sure that what you say or write is befitting of a noble.


In service to Count Winterdark,

Sir Sorel Argentblade

Sir Argetblade,

I thought a courageous and valiant knight such as yourself would be more amicable towards the protection of Kormyre's innocents and women.  Xander publicly abused a woman last Sunday, I think you were in fact there, by attempting to choke the poor young lady while he was heavily intoxicated. 

I don't believe it is uncalled for to warn potential ladies that may attend a gathering in which he is in command of the proceedings, and to my understanding a large quantity of drink will be served, of the potential threat of one of their hosts.  I hope all went well and all returned home safely, but you must agree that especially in these times we must educate the King's subjects so that their safety is maintained. 

-Sir Lyle Shaw the Red
First Knight of Alisandria
In Service to Lord Blackthorne

Sir Shaw,

I had spoken to both Ilana and Xander about the situation, as well as Captain Magnus VonRitter about what occured.  At the time Xander was suffering from an insanity that made him act violently towards others.  His actions weren't in his direct control and shortly after what occurred Doctor Maxwell and Captain VonRitter both saw that Xander's mental state was brought back to normal.

Someone can not truly be blamed for their actions if they do not have control over them, whether is be insanity, magical or psionic means.  Anyone can fall to such a state, including many of the valiant people of Travance.  It is a shame when such things happen, but we all do our best to prevent it.

I do thank you for wishing to warn the people of a potential threat, but there is no threat to be seen within Xander any longer.

Sir Sorel Argentblade