a brimming glass of spiders

[bivariant]

WHO? Everyone.
WHAT? House parties.
WHEN? During the first three weeks, but after the banquet and House Chchai's demise.
ANYTHING ELSE? If characters have specific actions they'd like to take direct them here. Jumbled mess of a post plotting post is here.

Comments

HOUSE KHAH.

[bivariant]

76 - ota

[mylawn]

House Khah ends up being a good choice, if only because they're the most military-leaning of the houses, and if 76 knows anything, it's that. He's not really one for tennis or video games, but in the end it doesn't matter because he has enough military accomplishments to brag about. That, combined with the impression he made with the queen, means that some degree of attention is on him, for better or worse.

He has stories, at least, and it might be easy to overhear him talking about conquest in something he calls the Omnic Crisis. It's clear he's not the greatest embellisher, but the gist of it is apparent--after the major governments of his world failed to end the conflict, he and four others singlehandedly prevented the extermination of their species through asymmetrical warfare and covert operations. He's been rebuilding every since. He doesn't exactly run out of material in that department, given that he's spent a lifetime fighting, but when pressed he elaborates on other topics, most notably the nature of his artificiality. 76 was chosen for genetic enhancement as part of a classified and vaguely controversial program, capable of all manner of superhuman physical feats, despite his apparent age--possibly this explains a few things.

Through all this, however, 76 is acutely aware of his place in the hierarchy--he's not as advantaged as he could be, of course, but even an "artificial" man is better for a magical recruit than being left on their own. He keeps his eyes peeled for any fellow COST recruits that might be in over their heads, sidling up to them or waving them over if it looks like they need a buddy or a rescue.

Isn't that

nice.

[bivariant]

As she is given leave of the conversation with Khah's great matron, it is his well-timed invitation that helps her keep her head, swimming as it is, intact. With all her limbs attached, albeit shivering, she carries herself across the width of the party hall and directly to the side of her fellow recruit, though she knows him no better than she'd know a name or unfamiliar face from a list. In pairs, they are all safer. In trios, as they are now ( the shadow of her unseen companion, with its eyes closed, polite in the face of polite society ), they're even safer.

It's not a rescue she needs, but the association of such. Every step must be measured.

She admits as much: "I can't tell if I've gained us something or lost us something. Even here, among what I understand, there are still so many foreign variables." Bleak honesty, as she seizes at a nearby platter of Aranean hors d'oeuvres, unidentifiable meats and all, and sets one behind her teeth. Almost petulant, if she were not steady of eye. Already looking for the next move, most like. She asks: "How is your night going?" Looking for more than simple pleasantries, by the flat cadence of her voice.

[mylawn]

It’s hard to keep his focus on more than what’s in front of him, given the nature of this party and the attention the Araneans demand of him, but 76 does his best to stay aware of what’s in his periphery. He catches Cheris speaking with the matron out of the corner of his eye, and is ready and waiting the instant she needs to extract herself. Nobody looks particularly offended, so he can only assume it went about as well as it could have.

He welcomes her company simply because he’s a man and it’s safer to be accompanied, especially given his artificial nature and the apparent stir he created when he introduced himself to the Queen. All of that carries over to this party, and he’s taking it in stride as best he can.

“Could be worse.”

Could be a meal. He’s surveying the room with a stare that suggests he’s trying to chart every possible exit, forming contingency plan after contingency plan. All he’s really been doing otherwise is politely spurning advances by saying that he’s spoken for (and that Lena would be extremely upset if the Araneans got their hands on him without her express permission), so he’s clearly more interested in Cheris’ recent engagement.

“What’d she have to say?”

[bivariant]

"Could be," blood on the floor, flesh in a hungry belly. Could be worse, indeed.

Another bite of unidentifiable meat, the elegantly-crafted pins held in her fist like an abortive weapon. One spins, absent and fluid around her stiff fingers, an idleness in her muscles given to the memories of someone else. Someone far more used to spinning blades and pens and guns across palm and the tips of fingers. With her other hand, she crooks a finger, beckoning 76 to breach the scant few inches between their heights. Conspiratorially, she holds one last skewer of meat to him -- a natural camouflage for her whispering. No cause for curiosity, she's only offering the maleform a bite to eat.

"-- who do you think should sit the throne?" She answers, by way of questioning him.

HOUSE JANKEH.

[bivariant]

Armitage Hux | OTA

[neutronium]

Entrance and mingling

So Jankeh's House has less COST attendees than Khah. Let them gloat--in the end, quality matters more than quantity, and the less people there are, the easier it is to maneuver to a better position in the hierarchy. Of course, being human, and only that, he will always be at a disadvantage, but Hux will use that. After all, his main drive is to gain information for Regency in the end--and that can be done even if he's ignored.

Still, he decided to make himself stand out as best he could--and take a small, calculated risk in all of this, as well. He dressed in the finest outfit that he felt suited him, and wore the necklace bearing the Crown Princesses name about his neck, pulled tight along with another golden necklace (one he had used his precious credits on).

He keeps his chin high, and stays quiet, moving about the edges of the rooms at first. Let others talk, so he can gather up information--after all, while they are supposed to subtly brag, he can also gain information about people that could be useful to the otherside.

Eventually he finds another COST operative and speaks quietly, regarding all of this with a careful, even voice. "Feel a bit like bait? Or perhaps a bright shiny object to be admired?" Why not both--this was part of the whole point in being here, yes?

[ooc: if your character has information you wouldn't oocly mind Hux turning over to regency about themselves, let me know!]

Weaponry

The weaponry is what Hux is most interested in; eventually he moves over to that, and can't help but show his genuine passion in the different types the recruits are shown. He asks questions, tests them out, asks for more clarification.

Eventually he'll move to the area where they can fire the gun-types, and there he unclips the sleeves of his tunic so that he can move easier, and looks over to the person on his right, giving a nod of his head.

"Hazard a wager? Since that seems to be the name of the game, here."

mingling

[handsomefoil]

Henry makes sure he brings his guns to the party, or perhaps in this case, his bright shiny weapon. As a normal servant-level class in their eyes, he can only try his best to stand out by wearing the most visibly striking outfit (minus the white gloves, he swaps them for black and he discards the headpiece with some disdain) available to him. Honestly, to him, it's an eyesore but he's learned well enough that the Araneans are into that sort of thing.

"I think bringing out a shiny object for admiration is just asking to be bait."

The saber is currently hanging on his belt in plain view, and he unhooks it to spin in idly in his hands.

"Come to think of it, you've never really got to see it in action, have you?"

[neutronium]

Henry does look a bit...ridiculous in the frippery, but if only because it is so far from what he has seen the man wear previously (though of course that has only been a few outfits). Still, Hux has no doubt that the Araneans will like what they see; hopefully not enough to try and gain a taste.

"Yes, I suppose it is asking for it. Which you seem interested in doing." Hux smirked, watching Henry spinning the device. He knows how to play this game as well as the spiders, in some ways.

"Any particular reason? Or are you simply interested in showing it off for me?" Hux pressed his lips together, making sure he doesn't look overly interested.

[handsomefoil]

He wouldn't doubt that the casual way he handles the weapon in a way that'll catch attention catches the many eyes of close-by Araneans. Though the fact that a very normal servant-class of a human being is wielding it seems to be just dull enough that it doesn't full capture their interest. Luckily, this is just the handle piece.

"Might as well hit two birds with one stone while we're at it," he says, grinning almost mischievously at him. "Admit it, you want to see."

weaponry

[thoughtimight]

These weapons are all unfamiliar to her. The crossbows and assorted ranged weapons are admirable in their craftsmanship; even the guns that seem generally unfavorable catch her eye. A strong curiosity possess her to understand what the people of this world see in such things that make them so prized.

Her hand extends to touch one of the weapons. Even a hint of texture might provide some answers. When the voice brings her back to reality, she seems embarrassed and retracts her arm.

"Oh," she doesn't seem immediately taken at the idea of a contest. There are others far more skilled than herself. "I'd gladly watch you shoot."

[neutronium]

Hux watches the young woman, the way her fingers brush over the weapons, as if she could discern what made each special. It was interesting; these were more crude weapons than he was used to, but he was assured he would be able to manage.

"Are you wanting to watch me shoot so you learn about the weapons? Or because you want to see my skill?" One is shrewd, one less so. Not that wanting to learn about the weapons through watching someone else was a bad thing--but learning through doing was best. "If it is the former, it perhaps would be better for me to help you, hm?"

[thoughtimight]

There is something of a chill in the man's words that sets her on edge. She considers and remembers their exact circumstances: it's all part of the competition, isn't it? While she's trained rigorously these last few weeks, Dolores sees no harm in more time learning. There's a vague proverb on the edge of her mind-- learning is never finished... something. It's all so far away now.

"I want to learn about the weapons," she replies quietly, almost surprised with herself. Is it a lie? She isn't sure.

"You'd be a great help."

mingle mccringleberry

[omniavincit]

There's nothing about William to draw the eye, and he makes no attempt to do so—his clothes are tasteful, but even the accents provide little more than polite emphasis. There is one exception: the ring glittering on his finger in House Jankeh's colors. Whispers and glances—sometimes openly speculative—trail him as he negotiates the party.

He lacks Hux's effortless hauteur, and when he finally finds space to breathe in the company of another recruit, his first exhalation comes shuddering out. “Are you fishing for compliments?” The teasing, his eyes, they're mild—even as he grazes a glance over the necklaces the other man wears. Maybe it's because his own jewelry is a signal, an invitation: hard not to read into it.

His head cocks to the side. “You're as bright as a chandelier.”

Sorry for the late reply

[neutronium]

Hux notices the ring; it's a curious thing. He's already been cornered by a few Anarean's over his necklace, and while he finds it curious, he would have preferred the whispers. He has handled it well enough--but having large spiders hovering over him would unnerve anyone. So to see someone else sporting a piece of interest is...worth following.

Blinking at the man's words, Hux protests--he was not fishing for compliments. "No--Never."

He didn't truly know how to do that, though it might have been unintentional. He was a man who knew how important outward appearances were, and cloaked himself as best he could in things he felt could be armor, without actually being so. But there was something in the recruit's words that was not acidic; somehow it reminded him of Mitaka.

It gave him a slight warm feeling, and a hint of flush hit his cheeks, tilting his head . "I suppose that is the point. Sometimes being noticed for the thing you chose is better than being noticed for something you do not."

He puts a hand out. "Hux. You're new, I believe?"

Johnny Conjob on the job!

[inconstantly]

COST RESIDENCE: OPEN TO ALL INCLUDING THOSE NOT AT THE PARTY aka the foot option

[John finishes the last of his preparations. He's clean shaven, though he'd still rather not be, and wearing yet another suit as provided by COST. While not his ideal appearance, the suit is still far better than the flowing robes and he considers himself lucky.

There's a final look in the mirror to make certain his hair is presentable this time. It seems right. Nothing close to the result of a windstorm as he had been so accused earlier. One last thing was needed. He retrieves his prized auction item, a collection of limbs fused together as art. John can be found within the residence making his way out of the building and toward the party, likely looking entirely too pleased with himself as he carries his winnings.]

AT THE PARTY: bullshittery at its finest

[As he talks, he holds the art against his hip as a trophy and inviting stares. If one approaches John's conversation, they can catch him in mid-story, embellishing a tale that may or may not be true.]

...and then I turned a single fireball into an inferno, pushing it away from me and eliminating all of the tanks that dared to think that surrounding me was a good idea.

LATER: closed to Dolores

[The party has dwindled to smaller collections of COST members and Araneans talking, far more subdued than the grand displays of tall tales earlier. During this quieter time, John with drink in hand finds Dolores. It's the first time they've spoken since her attempt with helping him groom had turned sideways. When he approaches her it's with a slight smile, one that regrets staying out of touch for so long.]

I've kept the scruff off. What do you think?

[With his free hand he rubs at his chin for emphasis.]

[thoughtimight]

[ There's still a certain embarrassment in standing about in such fanciful attire and acting accordingly. While she can go through the motions fluidly, a question occasionally resonates faintly as to her success. It's a relief when the party dies down and she can compose herself, finding a corner and having a seat. She regards her clutch, a new and strange accessory, and pops it open to check on the only contents at the moment: the black book William has given to her.

She stops running her thumb over the collection of closed pages when a familiar voice makes itself known. ]

...I think part of you liked the attention.

[ She starts to smile but can't quite bring herself to sustain it. ]

You look well. [ Her eyes dip to the floor as she snaps the clutch shut again. ] That's all I wanted.

[inconstantly]

I admit that I liked the attention initially. [John squints, giving his head a quick bob toward his shoulder as he remembers what came after.] The mental stuff after was also admittedly not fantastic. I wasn't trying to put on an act for you.

What you said makes sense though. I'll keep it up, it'll be alright.

[Her uneasiness makes John frown, particularly in the way she can't seem to meet his eyes. John steps closer, touching Dolores' arm just above her shoulder gently.]

But are you alright?

[thoughtimight]

[ The conversation, while still confusing, has never strayed far from her mind. Even if she did want to shake it, it doesn't seem as though she could. She wouldn't. While it never satisfied her curiosity, it certainly revealed the duality of it.

She looks up at the touch. Her hand finds his and covers it. ]

I'm... truly sorry for that.

[ She's searching his face now deeply as if looking for some telling sign. ]

Are we still friends?

mams hijis - ota

[prizeneck]

He arrives late with Starbucks, and when the Araneans ask the reason for his delay, he shrugs and tells them that he had asked for almond milk, not soy milk, there's a very big difference. The Araneans find this a decent excuse, just roll their eight eyes in sympathy, and start sharing stories about mishaps at Starbucks, mostly that even the Aranean baristas kept misspelling their names and I swear, like, it's like they're doing it, like, on purpose? I, like. Don't get it.

Juuuust kidding.

But after a while deciding, he does use the fact that his near invisibility as a natural grants him access to the party without much of a second glance. He takes the time to listen in to conversations, steer away from the hors d'oeuvres that look, sound, and smell alive and swiping those that don't. He mingles well, almost too well, into the shadows, to the point that he nods at another watcher in the shadows with an asshole smirk in his face.

Near invisibility, though, because as it is, those in House Jankeh are interested in technology, especially applied to engineering. And as a natural, he's overlooked, but the technology perched on the bridge of his nose is a call out to a couple of Araneans who try to be disruptive for the sake of... being disruptive, really. In the back of his mind he remembers Igawa complaining about Silicon Valley venture capitalist fickleness, very vaguely.

When these Araneans start asking things about specifications and upgrades and soundproof workarounds, he vaguely wonders if he'd be like a fish in the water here. He does, however, start speaking in shorter sentences, the grit filling his voice at each reply.

... he is already going to die soon, help him not die again?

HOUSE SHAIY.

[bivariant]

[cutlery]

[ Dressed in his spider best, Sebastian is probably a little less wary than the other two attendees. It might seem unwarranted, since as the magical one of this trio, he had the most to fear in terms of their carnivorous hosts, but he doesn't seem to mind that pressure. Maybe it's just putting on appearances? It's hard to tell. Regardless, it's time to make their entrance, and Sebastian straightens out his sleeves in a display of minute perfectionism before turning to the other two. He's clearly looking them over to make sure their appearances are similarly up to Aranean standard, but his tone is casual and even amiable.

He might actually be looking forward to this party... ]

Well then. I imagine we will be turning a few heads once we go inside, so are you both quite ready?

[doublejumps]

[ As far as Genji's aware, it's only three COST agents who are going to this particular party, and he wouldn't have known of Sebastian at all if Arthur hadn't filled him in. It's not as if he even knows Arthur that well yet, but there's still some security in knowing that he's not stepping into the lion's den completely alone. He's used to working as part of a team, so this suits him just fine.

They'd made plans to meet up before they entered the building, if only to brace themselves and form any plans about how to approach this. Genji can't help but feel a little responsible for the other two. As the one artificial member of their group, he's going to be able to get away with more than Sebastian or Arthur might.

He's chosen to wear his outfit from the banquet here. There's no reason that an ensemble this nice should only be worn once, after all, and it seems to fit in with everyone else's aesthetic at this gathering.

At Sebastian's question, Genji laughs briefly and rubs at the back of his head. ]

As ready as I can be, I think.

[pointedlook]

[ They're a matched set, all in various shades of blue. It was his fanciest outfit and considering they were about to traipse into the predatory victors' grounds, the extra care in his appearance would add some security. Mental armor, if nothing else.

There's also the safety net of Sebastian and Genji being here. He doesn't know Genji too well, but thus far he seems shrewd, cautious. Sebastian is cut from a similar cloth, though Arthur gets the impression there's a lot he isn't saying. While he's pretty sure both of them can hold their own, he feels himself slipping into a familiar mindset. Run point, run interference if necessary, be ready for anything. Keep a close watch on them and an even sharper eye on those they'll be surrounded by. ]

No backing out now. Either they're gonna think we're brave or stupid.

[ And isn't that why they're here? To convince them of the first notion? Here went nothing. ]

[cutlery]

Brave, I would think. Considering the offerings of the other houses' celebrations, I doubt it is the only reason, but it does take a certain resolve to enter this one.

[ Which might be a compliment? It's not clear with his indirect way of phrasing things, but he does think just a bit more highly of Genji and Arthur because of their involvement in what he would imagine is the most dangerous party. It didn't factor into his decision, personally, but he also has the sense of security that comes with being an ancient demon. He respects the Araneans and doesn't want to cross them, but he also has a sense of security in that if things were to go badly, he could handle it. ]

If nothing else, it does promise to be interesting. I imagine I will draw their attention, at the very least. [ He knows Arthur knows, but just in case, he looks to Genji as he motions to himself. ] I am a demon, after all, just in case you are not aware.

[ Which is probably the most casually you could say something like that, but it also doesn't seem to be terribly important to him, since without missing a beat, he turns his attention to the door. They're not using the main door, since they don't quite have the status for it as a group of dudes, but it's personally to Sebastian's preference anyways. Making a grand entrance with doorman isn't what he'd like to go for, so he grabs the handle of the door. Unless there's further conversation, he'll open it for them to head inside. ]