A masquerade ski

Chatterbox: Pudding's Place

A masquerade ski

A masquerade ski lodge!

Has this ever been done before? Well, whatever. Here it is.

You slam the computer shut and rub your eyes. The essay is good enough. A solid B. Hopefully. You don't need anything more, just some sleep. You push away your chair and walk off to the kitchen, hoping to grab a snack before you go to bed. The kitchen is still and quiet when you enter, and you scan the fridge for anything good. Something catches your eye. It's a note.

Look in the third drawer 

That's all. You flip it over, but it's just a semi-soggy piece of paper. Well, what do you have to lose? You go look in your mom's desk drawer. Nothing is in there. But it's not the only desk in the house. When you go back to your room and open the third drawer, you find a gilded envelope with a mysterious seal in the shape of a masquerade mask.

You stare at the envelope. It couldn't be for you. Too fancy. But sure enough, written on the back is:

To the CBer holding this.

The CB? What does the CB have to do with this? It couldn't be a...ski lodge, could it?

(SPOILER IT IS) 

Dear random person holding this,

You are invited to the notorious Mulberry Mansion. Which is a mansion, if you haven't heard of it. I, Madam Masquerade (OBVIOUSLY that's not my real name, if you couldn't figure that out, just throw this note in the recycling) own it, and am throwing a masquerade. I throw no parties other than those where the guests come masked. On to the point. You are invited to my exclusive masquerade ball, which will begin on December first. Do not give away your identity! Instead, don a fancy mask, whether it's painted wood carved into a cat's head or fabric with so many feathers I can't see your head at all. Don the most wonderful outfit or costume you can imagine and you'll find your way to Mulberry Mansion. Do not reveal who you are...it could be dangerous.

It will be a multiple-day grand party with balls and games and food provided. You'll also get your own room in the mansion, which will change to look however you'd like. All for free, of course.

Just fifteen spots. Hurry to claim one by RVSPing immediately! 

~Madam Masquerade 

- - - - -

So, a ski lodge where no one knows who is who! Please make up a name, based on your outfit and mask. There will be fifteen spots and it will begin on December 1st, because NaNo. One more thing! In the spirit of a masquerade, you may guess who your fellow partygoers are. You may also guess who I am.

Good luck, and have fun! 

submitted by Madam Masquerade, age Unknown, Mulberry Mansion
(November 19, 2020 - 6:20 pm)

Name: Gold Rose, or simply Rose.

Gender/Pronouns: she/they

Mask: A yellow mask with gold roses at the left corner.

Outfit: A yellow floor-length ballgown with a square neckline and long sleeves. Gold rose earrings, a gold necklace, and gold rings, along with gold heels. My dark hair will be down and curled, with some pieces pinned back by gold rose clips.

Personality: Somewhat reserved at first, but will open up quickly. Talkative and friendly with a sharp wit. Skilled in persuasion, and overall a logical person.

This is such an intriguing concept! 

submitted by Gold Rose
(November 20, 2020 - 4:35 pm)

May I reserve?

submitted by Senorita Crepusculo, Evening
(November 20, 2020 - 4:41 pm)
submitted by 3 more spots!, age I think?, Need more math skills :(
(November 20, 2020 - 6:34 pm)

A quick prologue...

Madam Masquerade paused, looking in the mirror. Layers of dark purple fabric created her gown, complete with amethysts and pearls, and an obsidian ring. Her sleeves were puffy and long, and her slim white gloves came to meet them. No skin was shown. A heavy velvet cloak covered the rest of her hair and body. A blank white mask hid her face, with a tulle veil over it, patterned with small silver stars.

Not a bit of her identity was given away. She smiled under the mask, and touched the mirror. Everything was perfect.

The guests would be arriving soon, by the finest train she could get her hands on. Mulberry Mansion was set up immaculately. Everything would go as planned. 

There was only one undetermined thing. Would the guests find out the secret of the Mansion?

In the distance, the train set off. Soon it would pick up the ones who replied.

- - - - -

Three(ish) spots left! I may start writing earlier...I have no clue.

submitted by Madam Masquerade, Mulberry Mansion
(November 20, 2020 - 6:43 pm)

May I reserve a spot?

submitted by Silver birch
(November 20, 2020 - 6:48 pm)

Name (alias, not your real CB name): Showstopper; The Great Magician

Gender: Male

Mask: A classic fancy masquerade mask, but made of solid gold. Small black details.

Outfit: Heck it, I'm being over dramatic  today. Sparkly golden suit jacket with a black dress shirt underneath. Golden bowtie to match the jacket. Black pants with gold detailing, golden and black shoes. Golden and black top hat.

Personality: Eccentric yet extremely sarcastic. Comical and brutally honest. I make flirty jokes and mean absolutely nothing by them. Has literally no filter. Enjoys poker and showing off my elaborate magic tricks.

submitted by Showstopper, age Young Gent, The Valley of Illusion
(November 21, 2020 - 8:22 am)

I am honoured to be able to grace this ball with my presence.

Name (alias, not your real CB name): Lady Eclipse

Gender/pronouns: Female, she/her

Mask: A simple black mask with a line of diamonds under each eye.

Outfit: A midnight-blue kimono-like gown adorned with diamonds at the hem, a long black cloak with a moon-shaped clasp, silver gloves.  I will also be wearing black heels, silver hoop earrings, and a silver necklace with a moonstone pendant, and my long black hair will be in an elegant braid.

Personality: Reserved, mysterious, thoughtful, clever, somewhat vain.  Extremely calm under pressure and can be very cold if angry or insulted.

 

submitted by Lady Eclipse, age young lady, twilight
(November 21, 2020 - 2:18 pm)
submitted by Spots full! (?), age I think, I’m going to count
(November 21, 2020 - 2:52 pm)

Ok, I think spots are full. If you reserved, please fill out the sheet. 

submitted by YES, SPOTS ARE FULL!, I’ll start soon
(November 21, 2020 - 2:54 pm)

When you want to read the newest post but it was literally said it was post 0 seconds ago so the Admins haven't approved it yet:

CAPTCHA says "caiby"... 'Kay bye? Where are you going? 

submitted by Anonymous
(November 21, 2020 - 5:11 pm)
Name (alias, not your real CB name): Lady Cerulean

Gender/pronouns: Female, she/her

Mask: One of those half masquerade masks. It's a pale shade of cerulean, trimmed in silver. Hanging from this is a sheer, silver veil that circles my head and falls just below my shoulders. From behind the veil, my ice-blue eyes shine brightly.

Outfit: My silver-gold hair is curled elaborately on the top of my head. My gown is a deeper shade of cerulean. The sleeves are off my shoulders, and the dress is quite complex. The bodice is made of silk embroidered into silver floral patterns, and the skirt is an enormous, floaty mass of gauzy tulle. I will be wearing a simple, tarnished silver locket, but that is tucked into my dress, so all you can see is the delicate silver chain.
Personality: One of those people who seems like a fluttery, silly butterfly on the outside, but is really quite clever, although that is hidden from most people, including myself. I'd like to throw in a bit of heartache, if you don't mind, Madam. Also, I really love cheese. It's my driving passion. Please have as much fun with that as you can.
submitted by Lady Cerulean
(November 21, 2020 - 5:09 pm)

Name (alias, not your real CB name): Madam Snow

Gender/pronouns: Female She\Her

Mask: a mask with icicles coming off the bottom

Outfit: a balloon that is ice blue and silver. I have blonde hair in a low bun with silver earrings and blue heels.

Personality: cool, (no pun intended) fun, kind

submitted by Madam Snow, age Nothing, Icicle Mansion
(November 21, 2020 - 6:28 pm)

Name (alias, not your real CB name): Silver birch

Gender/pronouns: Female, she/her

Mask: A silver mask covering my entire face, decorated with leaves and a stripe of teal.

Outfit: A long silver and pale teal dress, decorated with leaves matching the mask. Leaves are braided through my hair, and I'm wearing gloves.

Personality: Very calm and quiet, but friendly when spoken to. Does not show much outward emotion, but enjoys engaging in small conversations. I get a little nervous when talking to big groups of people.

submitted by Silver birch
(November 22, 2020 - 12:05 pm)

(Btw, I'm top, but this is my official entry!)

Name (alias, not your real CB name): Florence Flour-Que

Gender/pronouns: Female, She/hers/her

Mask: White with gold trim, covering the eyes and getting wider to the left, covering up my cheek. The left side has black flames on it. There are two feathers on the upper right side, one black and the other white and gold.

Outfit: A dress with a low v-neck with a thread in a cross pattern connecting the sides of the neck. The sleeves are bell sleeves with a black ribbion at the start of the bell. The sleeve has black flames. There's a belt in the middle that's jet-black with a gold feather sticking out of it, and the skirt has a huge slit down the middle of it. The two sides of the slit have gold trim lining them. the bottom of the dress has gold flames rising up it. the shoes are thy-high black boots. (I'll add a pic soo, I know it sounds complicated right now. XD)

Personality: (I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be, like, not my actually my personality, so i kept it simple) Easily scared and surprised, slighty sarcastic, can be pretty judgemental at times, but overall a pretty descent and kind person. Apologizes too much, loves being creative, and smiles/laughs a lot, but is also very emotional and can cry pretty easily.

 

Thanks so much for your patience with my questions and i'll post that picture of the mask and dress soon. I'm really excited for this!

submitted by Florence Flour-Que, age irrelevant, Hidden
(November 22, 2020 - 5:52 pm)

The Beginning

The Train Ride

"This is fantastic!" Mistress Bloodmoon said. She looked out the window, giddy.

Everyone was in silent agreement that it was very odd to not see each other's faces. A little haunting, very eerie. Yet, they were still making friends. And monocle man was freaking everyone out. He was possibly insane.

"This countryside is gorgeous," Pea gushed. "Fantastic!" Her hands were pressed to the window as the eyes beneath her mask peered out at the countryside. Beside her, Mistress Bloodmoon agreed.

They were on a train, a rather fantastic one. Off to some mansion, in fact, that must have been somewhere in this sprawling English countryside. 

The Black Master and Student were sitting silently. The more introverted guests were making the more extroverted ones uncomfortable as they stared behind their rather creepy masks.

Mistress of the Wind and Lady Flower squealed in a very unladylike fashion. "Oh, my goodness, is that Mulberry Mansion?" They giggled over one another. 

Lady Cerulean sighed with delight. "Think of all the cheese that could fit inside that house..."

The mansion was fantastic. It was red and purple and blue, somehow being unique and colorful yet stylish and refined at the same time. Gold accents and balconies sprouted off of the pillars and rooftops at random points. It was gorgeous in its own way. 

On the train, Showstopper was talking animatedly to Lady Eclipse, who looked bored. Silver Birch and Gold Rose seemed to be having a polite conversation, though they both looked a little shy. Florence and Madam Snow were exchanging pleasantries.

Mulberry Mansion loomed up until it was right there in front of the train. Or, that's just how it seemed, with its massive size. Really, a few horse-drawn carriages were waiting for them, the cream colored horses impatient. 

When the masked guests arrived at Mulberry Mansion, the chatter and gossip began at once. Mostly it was the ones who had been excited on the train. Those who were refined then were still refined now. Showstopper offered his arm to Lady Flower, who giggled and took it. 

Without further ado, a butler ushered them into the mansion, checking their invatations.

The room they walked into was grand. It was merely the main hall, but huge chandeliers hung and ornate carved tables dotted the walls.

"It's beautiful!" Squealed Lady Cerulean. She twirled in a circle.

A butler stepped up to them, wearing a black tuxedo and a purple bowtie. "I am sir Gio Violette. Call me Gio. I will await your every need. For now, please follow me to Madam Masquerade. She is waiting for you."

Mistress Bloodmoon twirled around, and then they followed Gio through the mansion. Queen Sunrise admired the house modestly. The Plague Doctor just walked quickly. Señora Crepusculo admired the house politely. Monocle Man continued to be rather scary. He had informed them quietly that if they broke one of his monocles...he had stared into their souls and then suddenly brought his fist down on his hand in a way that implied smashing. Everyone jumped. Well, most everyone, that is.

"Understand?" He'd said. Lady Cerulean nodded for the group and Gio, looking unfazed, had continued walking. Miss Daisy padded softly beside Lady Flower, and the Black Student silently walked with the group.

It seemed that the Plague Doctor, Monocle Man, and The Black Master had been deemed the creepiest, for their reserved ways and disturbing masks. They carried a mysterious, dark air. Lady Eclipse almost was creepy, but she spoke occasionally, and it was to scold others. This made her just annoying, and she was quite haughty.

Actually, everyone was creepy. The guests got a sense of unease from being around people but not being able to see their faces. Everyone thought they'd get used to it, though, and no one gave it too much worry. 

"Hello! It's lovely to make your acquaintance!" A voice said from above. Every guest had jumped. Madam Masquerade had that effect on people, and she could be dead silent, too. She was standing on the balcony, in layers of dark purple. The guests could just barely see under her veil, but all they saw there was a white mask, covering her whole face.

"Gio will show you to your rooms. They are the only place you may take off your mask. Then join me for dinner!" And she disappeared.

The guests exchanged glances, and finally Lady Flower spoke up. "How exactly are we supposed to eat when some of us have masks that cover our whole faces?"

"Those of you who have full-face masks will consume your meals in your rooms, and engage in conversation during the dinner hour.

A few of the guests let out appalled gasps. Silver Birch sniffed.

"So we're just supposed to watch them eat?!" Queen Sunrise said indignantly. Gio said nothing, making Sunrise huff in annoyance.

"Ha!" Mistress of the Wind laughed. Silver Birch looked hurt.

"Let us go to your rooms," Gio said, leaving no more room for argument. The guests eyed each other, then followed the butler down the hall.

Once everyone was settled in their rooms, they could finally take their masks off. It was like their aliases faded away, their identities coming back.

Madam Snow sighed happily, lifting off her mask. Who knew it would be so hard to hold up am identity? And masks got uncomfortable, too. 

Then, there was a knock on her bedroom door. She rushed over, assuming it was Gio. 

She forgot to put her mask back on. 

When Madam Snow opened the door, she saw a guest standing there.

"May I help you?" She asked. The guest walked into the room and closed the door in one motion. At that moment, Madam Snow's face drained of color and she reached up to touch her exposed face.

From the other rooms, the guests heard a bloodcurdling scream. They rushed out of their bedrooms, and the hall was full of confusion as they wondered what had happened. Then, there was another scream. The guests followed it to Madam Snow's room.

Mistress Bloodmoon was standing in the doorway. She shakily pointed at the floor. There was a body, with a knife stuck in the heart. There was a moment of silence.

"A murder...?"

"This--I--"

Madam Snow was dead. The guests could all see her face. And her true identity was...

- - - - -

Here's how this will work: whoever was murdered (Madam Snow, in this case) will reply saying their real CBer identity. Then, everyone can discuss and guess who the murderer is--and guess the identities of one another. Remember not to post anything under anything but your masquerade alias, unless you were murdered/discovered.

Dead: 1

Identity Revealed: 0 (well, 1, technically, but not yet).

Murderer: ???

I started this a little early, so sorry if you didn't have time to fill out a sheet. You may also guess who I am! 

submitted by Madam Masquerade, Mulberry Mansion
(November 23, 2020 - 7:55 pm)