undergrounds | Night Tournament Opening Ceremony

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Every four years the Night Tournament is held in London as a celebration of the physical, mental and magical prowess of its supernatural inhabitants. Over three weeks the chosen competitors will take on various challenges in an effort to be crowned Champions of their species. Tonight, the grand opening ceremony is taking place at the Redbright Institute, where guests can expect a spectacle of magical wonders and of course the parade of this year's competitors.

The ceremony takes place from 8pm-11pm Sunday 6th August. It is being hosted by the school's Chancellor, Sylvia Redbright, accompanied by event organisers Alexandrie Belrose, the Dean, and Yasmine Merad. Guests must have purchased a ticket in order to attend the event, unless of course you are one of the competitors or someone involved in organising the tournament.

Rules of entry
• No weapons. Any weapons or objects that could be used as weapons will be confiscated.
• No drugs or alcohol except that provided at the event. Don't try to sneak any in.
• No violence.

There is security present on the grounds during the event. The school itself is shut. (In fact, if your character is a member of the Redbright Institute, you could have them acting as security if you want.) They will respond to and put a stop to any trouble.

Order of events
The entirety of tonight's ceremony takes place outside in the grounds, namely the football field. There are stands around the field where the audience can watch the show. A number of stewards (student volunteers) will check tickets and direct guests over to the right place. They are also selling a variety of drinks and snacks to cater for all supernatural tastes. Vampires without daylight jewellery are directed through to the "shade zone": a section of the stand which is completely shielded from the sun.

8pm-8.30pm: Redbright Choir
Led by the Head of Music Ms Sandra Ng, the Redbright Choir is comprised of a variety of students representing all supernatural beings coming together to sing in harmony. They are accompanied by a live band.

8.30-9.30pm: Welcome to the Night (nb. sunset is at 8.45pm)
Settle in for one hell of a show. The hour's entertainment, proudly organised and performed by students at the Redbright Institute, features a showpiece from every supernatural type, from witches performing a spectacular light show of magic, meta humans showing off their powers, to werewolves and shapeshifters dancing in fur costumes. The theme again is harmony: the show ends with all performers joining hands in a giant circle on the pitch before performing their final dance.

9.30-9.45pm: Sylvia's Welcome Speech
As the host and sponsor of the Night Tournament, Sylvia will then step up to a podium to say a few words. She talks about (you guessed it) peace and harmony and coming together to celebrate supernatural diversity. She speaks proudly of the Redbright Institute's record of welcoming and teaching any supernatural student, no matter their background. The one thing that does get all the journalists scribbling furiously, however, is a brief mention of the Night Council's new President. Though she doesn't mention him by name, she does say that she welcomes the President's stance on promoting peace and unity.

9.45-10.15pm: The Parade
At last the 16 competitors are introduced one by one. Dressed in spectacular costumes, each competitor gets their own float which makes one round of the field before they all meet in the centre of the pitch. The parade is accompanied by inspiring music and showers of glitter (or is it pixie dust?). Smile and wave, everyone. Smile and wave.

10.15-11pm: General Mingling
Finally, the audience are allowed to invade the pitch where they can mingle with the competitors as they please. Stewards walk around serving more drinks, and there is a live band playing until the end of the event. Stick around to catch some gossip, place a bet on your preferred competitor, or offer support to your favourites.

[OOC: Please see the information post for more details on this event and to ask any questions!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Joscelin can't help but snicker when he sees the pirate in his get up. Sure, he should probably be supportive of his fellow vampire, but...how can he be, really, when the man makes himself so easy to ridicule?

By the time he gets up close to Flint after the parade he can barely breathe, he's laughing so hard. Really. A pirate.

"How very...tasteful of you," he manages to gasp out. "Subtle."

Flint nonchalantly leans against the railing of his float and observes the boy doubled over in laughter.

"Taste is quite overrated in circumstances such as these. If a strong first impression is what you seek, you necessarily open yourself to the possibility of ridicule ."

He raises an eyebrow, a corner of his mouth lifting in a sardonic half smile. "I'd say I made enough of an impression, wouldn't you?"

"Indeed, sir, you made an impression," Joscelin calls back, still snickering. "And I shan't forget it. But your face is not known to me. Whom do I have the honor of ridiculing tonight?" The vampire is a complete stranger to him, which is somewhat rare. Joss thought he knew all of the vampires of a certain age in the city.

Flint jumps over the railing and lands lightly on both feet. He inclines his head at Joscelin.

"James Flint. It's been some ... time, since I was last in London." Shy of 3 centuries, in fact. He leans a little towards Joscelin. "And whom do I have the honor of being the butt of the joke for tonight?"

Joscelin grins and bows with a flourish; the perfect little gentleman. "Joscelin Fitzthomas de Lisle. 'Master Fitzthomas' would be most correct mode of address, but since that's no longer fashionable, 'Joss' will do. Your servant, sir."

Straightening, he adds, "And what is it that brings you to London, Mr. Flint? Besides the excellent weather and conversation."

Edited 2017-08-20 01:59 (UTC)

Flint inclines his head in acknowledgment. "Please — just Flint."

He observes the boy a moment longer — he figures that the boy is far more than what he appears to be, besides, the name rings a bell he can't quite place just yet — contemplating Joscelin's words while carefully choosing his own.

"Business. And a dash of ... nostalgia, maybe."

"Business enough to represent us at this delightful freak show," Joscelin replies appreciatively. The "us" is quite intentional. He's not pretending to be anything other than what he is. "How do you think you'll do? I rather like the bear's chances, personally. No offense." The bear is still his favorite part of all this, pirate captains aside.

"How long has it been? Since you were in London last, I mean."

Flint nods slowly, a vaguely amused smile touching his lips at the mention of this "delightful freak show". The inclusion is not lost on him.

"Well, it is a bear, so I'd say his chances are fairly high. But I don't write myself off altogether. I've seen worse odds."

His smile dies a little at Joscelin's last question. The memory of his forced exile is still quite vivid and there's an underlying bitterness when he answers: "It's been a very, very long time." A brief pause. "A couple hundred of years, actually." Another pause while he contemplates a way to shift the topic away from him. "Were you familiar with that London?" The one he left behind, he means.

"I was, yes." Barring a few wars and his own self-inflicted exile in the later 20th century, Joscelin has lived his most of his long life in London. "Quite familiar. It's changed a fair bit, as I'm sure you've noticed." Smells better, for one thing.

The boy vampire looks away, kicks his feet in the grass for a moment before turning back to Flint. "The Nest is a much better place than it was this time last year. If you'd like, I could introduce you to our Duke, Jean-Claude. He's got a flair for the dramatic as well; you two might get along."

Smells infinitely better, for certain.

"I've noticed. It isn't the shining capital of the world it once was, for one thing." There's a hint of satisfaction in his tone that he can't conceal.

He tilts his head again at Joscelin, appreciative that his preference for drama has not gone unnoticed. "I've indeed heard rumors of past turmoil. I would not be adverse to meeting the man who's made the peace possible."

Joscelin laughs. The sound is short and bitter and far different from his childish giggles a few moments ago. "Peace. Indeed. Long may it reign." He likes peace, he really does, but he can't help but miss the chaos that had preceded it. There are so many rules now.

"Jean-Claude can be found at his club most nights. I will make the arrangements for a personal introduction, if you're interested."

Flint gives Joss a long, scrutinizing look. He quite prefers a state of chaos himself — thrives on it, even — but showing his hand this early in the game just wouldn't do now, would it. His nostrils flare a little at the bitterness in the boy's tone, however, a minute betrayal of his thoughts on an otherwise polished facade.

"Since you're vouching for him, I would very much welcome a personal introduction at a time that suits you best."

Joscelin procures a card from a beautiful little enameled case and presents it to the man. Sometimes these things are best done the old fashioned way. "Call the number on the back and I can assure you that the meeting will happen sooner rather than later. I think Jean-Claude would be very interested in making your acquaintance, Mr. Flint."

It is a rare genuine smile that touches Flint's mouth as he plucks the card from Joss' fingers.

"Thank you, I'll make sure to get in touch with him. Should I mention you...?"

A smile for a smile. "It wouldn't hurt." Joscelin is being honest; Jean-Claude trusts him and seems to value his judgement. "Tell him about the pirate ship. He'll like that."

Night Tournament Opening Ceremony

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