MONTHLY PLOTTING POST | March
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ph_oocMonthly Plotting Post | March
Happy almost springtime!! Look who's early for once!
Before we jump in, I'd like to commend the community for a great transition into having an AC minimum. Over the past couple of days, Blue and I have been taking a look at some of the patterns we've noticed from now being just about two months in, and it looks like what we aimed for is being broadly accomplished! If y'all keep up the good work, you can likely expect me to occasionally waive the requirement as a treat <3 We're also definitely seeing a positive impact on the tag-out to toplevel disparity, so keep it up!
Don't forget that because the event for March will follow into April because it's a major plot drop, so there won't be an April plotting post. Now, without further ado, let's get ready to kill a demon!
Using his powers to deceive the mind and transform the island, Eligos will be creating a false replica of the Regia Infernalis, leading characters to believe that PERMADEATH IS ON (it's not really) and will have several tricks up his sleeves. This event will feature several distinct areas--- the dungeon, the senate room, the catacombs, the ceremonial hall, and the waiting room.
The Dungeon is the main event. I talked about this in a thread in the Discord server for those who caught it, but the main gist is that characters will be placed in groups of usually (but not strictly) 2-3 and will be presented with situations where one or more person must die in order for the survivors to proceed. In these Saw-trap-esque predicaments, characters will be encouraged (or forced) to betray one another's trust--- again, with the false understanding that the victim will permanently die. Survivors will proceed into the halls of the dungeon to meet with other survivors and dodge guards, while victims will be placed in the catacombs to respawn, unbeknownst to the ones who just killed them. Groups and traps are up to the players, but hard choices and severe tests of trust are the goal, and you're encouraged to make the fate of the victim to make as graphic and horrifying as you're amenable to. Get nasty with it. You know you want to.
The Senate Room is an option for characters who aren't in a group or who are in Dahlia and CT's team of people trying to prevent Eligos from dying here. Players here will be entered into a mingle that features a game--- a combination of Heads-Up and Mafia. Seated around a meeting table, each unwitting player will be given an envelope with a message from Eligos that reads, "We are nothing but our nature. Open the envelope for the key, but should you do so without knowing your nature, you will die." Looking around, they'll see that everyone else has a (fairly unflattering) word floating over their head that they themselves cannot see, but everyone else can. The task is simple--- question those around you for hints (as they cannot tell you the answer) and either correctly guess your word before opening the envelope and proceed to the dungeon halls (and potentially to another trial?) or guess incorrectly before opening and end up in the catacombs with the other "dead". The answers will be chosen by me and concealed under drop-downs, and players can choose to not reveal their own characters' answers until they make their guess and try to get it right, or to opt out of the secret and OOCly know the answer even though their character does not. Additionally, I will choose several characters to receive a gift from Eligos---- a package with a knife and instructions that let them know they can kill someone else for their key and bypass the puzzle. Remember that OOC consent is a must, even if permadeath's not really on!
The Catacombs are, as previously mentioned, the place where characters who die end up. Below the rest of the castle, this maze-like hall of underground graves is full of whatever deterrents you want--- whether it's physical obstacles, monsters, puzzles, or whatever else. The objective here is to simply make it back to where the surviving characters are, but feel free to meet up with other victims!
The Ceremonial Hall is an opt-out/alternative location for those less interested in the horrors happening in the rest of Eligos' house of horrors. Featuring an ornate throne and seating for observing guests, this space is being prepared for the coronation of a new king, but certainly you don't expect the nobility to do it themselves, do you? Using his powers of hypnotic manipulation, Aster has claimed a handful of Pumpkin Hollow residents to act as the help. Play the role of a courtly servant--- gather secrets, swap gossip, complete Prince Aster's grueling task list, or find a way to slack off. Just don't get busted by Claunthe, Duchess of Debt, Our Unholy Lady of Legbreakers, lest you be saddled with a debt you aren't prepared to pay for your time theft.
And last but not least, the Waiting Room is for those awaiting a final audience with His Infernal Majesty, the King of Treason. At first housing just Francis Mulcahy and a phone, this place is accessible from the dungeon halls as well as the catacombs to anyone with the chops to make it that far. Contribute to Eligos' death or try to deter it if you like, though ultimately this will not be an event that you can change. Aster's seen to that by sending his latest Infernal Servant in to ensure results.
Once Eligos has fallen, this will be followed up by a miniature event-post toward the end of April for Aster's coronation. The Regnum Infernalis has a new king--- and he's got plans.
Less meta-plot related, but it will also be time soon to start thinking about Harbor Day and CukeFest, plus the three year anniversary party! There's tons of exciting stuff on the way, so stay tuned!
Before we jump in, I'd like to commend the community for a great transition into having an AC minimum. Over the past couple of days, Blue and I have been taking a look at some of the patterns we've noticed from now being just about two months in, and it looks like what we aimed for is being broadly accomplished! If y'all keep up the good work, you can likely expect me to occasionally waive the requirement as a treat <3 We're also definitely seeing a positive impact on the tag-out to toplevel disparity, so keep it up!
Don't forget that because the event for March will follow into April because it's a major plot drop, so there won't be an April plotting post. Now, without further ado, let's get ready to kill a demon!
SPRING TDM
March - May
Spring has very nearly sprung! The TDM is still in planning, but I have a few ideas for plant-based pandemonium for us to get into. I've had the Victorian flower language on the brain in a major way and I'd love to find a way to offer some fun treasures. I've also been pondering fossils, spring cleaning, and April Fool's Day. Don't forget that the Pokemon lineup will be changing with the season, and feel free to leave prompt suggestions. The TDM will most likely launch next weekend (March 7/8) so as to not overlap with the March event while still being up in time for the EMP.
MARCH/APRIL EVENT - By Order of the King
March 15th - The Ides of March
It's time for our next major plot development--- the fall of Eligos. Those of you who have been here for a while know that the death of Mendel had an unreasonably tight turnaround for how plot-involved it was, so since the last demon royal death, we've had such events run for two months instead of one, which works substantially better. This is a great time to organize more elaborate plans or get caught up on your backlog! This event is going to be pretty horror-forward due to its plot relevance, so please keep an eye out for content warnings and utilize the opt-out if this particular salad spinner isn't your vibe. Using his powers to deceive the mind and transform the island, Eligos will be creating a false replica of the Regia Infernalis, leading characters to believe that PERMADEATH IS ON (it's not really) and will have several tricks up his sleeves. This event will feature several distinct areas--- the dungeon, the senate room, the catacombs, the ceremonial hall, and the waiting room.
The Dungeon is the main event. I talked about this in a thread in the Discord server for those who caught it, but the main gist is that characters will be placed in groups of usually (but not strictly) 2-3 and will be presented with situations where one or more person must die in order for the survivors to proceed. In these Saw-trap-esque predicaments, characters will be encouraged (or forced) to betray one another's trust--- again, with the false understanding that the victim will permanently die. Survivors will proceed into the halls of the dungeon to meet with other survivors and dodge guards, while victims will be placed in the catacombs to respawn, unbeknownst to the ones who just killed them. Groups and traps are up to the players, but hard choices and severe tests of trust are the goal, and you're encouraged to make the fate of the victim to make as graphic and horrifying as you're amenable to. Get nasty with it. You know you want to.
The Senate Room is an option for characters who aren't in a group or who are in Dahlia and CT's team of people trying to prevent Eligos from dying here. Players here will be entered into a mingle that features a game--- a combination of Heads-Up and Mafia. Seated around a meeting table, each unwitting player will be given an envelope with a message from Eligos that reads, "We are nothing but our nature. Open the envelope for the key, but should you do so without knowing your nature, you will die." Looking around, they'll see that everyone else has a (fairly unflattering) word floating over their head that they themselves cannot see, but everyone else can. The task is simple--- question those around you for hints (as they cannot tell you the answer) and either correctly guess your word before opening the envelope and proceed to the dungeon halls (and potentially to another trial?) or guess incorrectly before opening and end up in the catacombs with the other "dead". The answers will be chosen by me and concealed under drop-downs, and players can choose to not reveal their own characters' answers until they make their guess and try to get it right, or to opt out of the secret and OOCly know the answer even though their character does not. Additionally, I will choose several characters to receive a gift from Eligos---- a package with a knife and instructions that let them know they can kill someone else for their key and bypass the puzzle. Remember that OOC consent is a must, even if permadeath's not really on!
The Catacombs are, as previously mentioned, the place where characters who die end up. Below the rest of the castle, this maze-like hall of underground graves is full of whatever deterrents you want--- whether it's physical obstacles, monsters, puzzles, or whatever else. The objective here is to simply make it back to where the surviving characters are, but feel free to meet up with other victims!
The Ceremonial Hall is an opt-out/alternative location for those less interested in the horrors happening in the rest of Eligos' house of horrors. Featuring an ornate throne and seating for observing guests, this space is being prepared for the coronation of a new king, but certainly you don't expect the nobility to do it themselves, do you? Using his powers of hypnotic manipulation, Aster has claimed a handful of Pumpkin Hollow residents to act as the help. Play the role of a courtly servant--- gather secrets, swap gossip, complete Prince Aster's grueling task list, or find a way to slack off. Just don't get busted by Claunthe, Duchess of Debt, Our Unholy Lady of Legbreakers, lest you be saddled with a debt you aren't prepared to pay for your time theft.
And last but not least, the Waiting Room is for those awaiting a final audience with His Infernal Majesty, the King of Treason. At first housing just Francis Mulcahy and a phone, this place is accessible from the dungeon halls as well as the catacombs to anyone with the chops to make it that far. Contribute to Eligos' death or try to deter it if you like, though ultimately this will not be an event that you can change. Aster's seen to that by sending his latest Infernal Servant in to ensure results.
Once Eligos has fallen, this will be followed up by a miniature event-post toward the end of April for Aster's coronation. The Regnum Infernalis has a new king--- and he's got plans.
CURRENT METAPLOT
With Nyarlathotep's identitiy revealed and Aster crowned king, we're reaching the final stretch! Expect things to get crazy over the next couple of months as Aster exacts petty revenge on all his least favorite subjects and Dahlia begins making plans on how to oust him. And of course Nyarlathotep isn't going to just sit back and relax either. Less meta-plot related, but it will also be time soon to start thinking about Harbor Day and CukeFest, plus the three year anniversary party! There's tons of exciting stuff on the way, so stay tuned!
FEBRUARY EVENT - Dance Into Spring
Feb. 15th, 2026 12:54 ampumpkinhollow posting in ph_logs
DANCE INTO SPRING
A Wealth of Happiness and Romance…
The sun rises on February 15th, and the whole town is buzzing with excitement. There's a similar excitement in the air on the days of other festivals, surely, as well as Dahlia's annual birthday gala, but something in the air is different today. Like a breath held, a flower waiting to bloom.
It's spent the last few days raining, patches of snow growing smaller and smaller until they are a memory. But yesterday, the sun was out, giving all that water a chance to saturate the earth while freshly-uncovered plants wake to sunlight and stretch toward its rays. Serendipitous. A blessed omen from Serranai herself. A sign that she, as well, is waking from her slumber. The world is alive again. Reborn, in that annual sacred miracle that is the onset of spring.
The Festival Green is decorated to the nines with all manner of fresh flowers---- early blooms and green-house raised. A naked maypole stands at the ready, loose fabric dangling errantly in the breeze. The gates open early, when the sun in her early morning vantage still stares just a bit harshly, still warming up to the idea of being aloft. Partygoers trickle in a few at a time, some eager to be early and others taking their sweet time in getting ready. It isn't until the light of later-morning softens and the world takes on the divine radiance of a sun-struck early spring day that Dahlia Leeds ascends the stairs of the large gazebo in a lush flower crown. A hush falls over the crowd of its own volition, and music begins to play, soft and rising. The procession is about to begin.
First comes the honor court--- those nominated who did not manage to clear the first round of voting. They are attended by their "courtiers", the name used for their chosen plus-ones. They come in as a group, tossing ever more flower petals in a hail like confetti and waving to the crowd. Patty Paisley and Kelaiah Voxx ride on the shoulders of Mettaton, who escorts Grace Holloway. Margaret Houlihan and Anya Kovacs carry bouquets of flowers associated with healing, gifted to them by the local medical staff. Ashley Graham, Haley Beckman, Cassandra de Rolo are tasked with carrying banners--- long pennants with floral patterns on them, made of light fabric so that they dance in the breeze as they're carried in. And the youngest contestants, Noelle Holiday and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, bring up the rear, each looking their own flavor of nervous. They and their guests find their seats at the honor-tables circling the base of the gazebo, where a crown of flowers awaits each member at their seat. Then comes the Floral Court, the honored nominees that made it to the second round of the vote. They come in two by two with their courtiers--- Daisy Tonner with Basira Hussein, Valdis with Agni Azimar, Lyubov Morghenschtern with Shen Qingqiu, Zivia Birnbaum with Degas Clayton, Susie Dyneaux with Ralsei, and Carolina Church with Gerry Keay. They make their way down the aisle of the festival green and up to the gazebo. Standing at the top of the short flight of steps is Dahlia Leeds, the previous year's Flower Queen, standing proudly in her blue and white gown beside her own courtier. Gracing each pair with a greeting of “hail and merry meet”, she places a ring of flowers on the head of each Flower Court member who kneels or bows to receive it, while Radar hands each courtier a matching boutonniere or corsage. The last two contestants receive a slightly larger flower crown and an extra prize as well--- a ribbon for being in the top three, decorated with a small flower-shaped metal charm. Susie's is bronze and Carolina's is silver. Once the formalities are complete, each pair files past Dahlia and Radar to take their seats at the high table.
Finally, it is time for the Flower Queen herself to arrive. By process of elimination, many onlookers have already determined the winner, but everyone still holds their breath as they await the arrival of their new Flower Queen.
And there she is. A vision in violet, escorted by North Dakota, is Fever Dream. The face of Town Hall, the hearse driver of choice for Mourner's Night, and a Daughter of Winter chosen by the goddess Mortanne herself. If ever were someone from off-world to deserve the title of "community pillar," none should deserve it more than her. The people have spoken, and they speak again as they erupt into thunderous cheering as their elected Queen appears at last.
As the pair make their way to the steps of the gazebo, a fresh shower of petals rains down upon them as the music swells to greet them. Once there, Dahlia steps down from the top landing, guiding Fever to stand there instead. A willful abdication, allowing the year to change and welcoming what comes next.
“Hail and merry meet.” Dahlia says, unable to contain her thrilled grin as she recites the words. “Today, just as I was one year ago, you have been chosen by the people of our town to be the Flower Queen. It is my honor to present you with gifts befitting a queen.”
Another townsperson passes her a basket, which Dahlia presents to Fever. It contains a number of spring-themed treats--- honey harvested from last spring’s flowers, a bottle of specially crafted sweet festival wine to be consumed on the summer solstice, a candle embedded with dried flowers, a blend of lavender and bergamot tea, a charming floral soap, and a necklace with a pressed forget-me-not inside a clear pendant. There is also a medal hanging around the wine bottle shaped like an orchid bloom, engraved on the back with text. “Flower Queen 16:56 - Pumpkin Hollow - Fever Dream”. Dahlia then passes the somewhat heavy basket off to North to carry--- after all, it’s the Courtier’s job to attend to the Queen!
Then, Dahlia pins a boutonniere to North's lapel, and beneath it, a medal of his own. “Floral Courtier - 16:56 - Dmitri 'North Dakota' Katina”.
“With this sprig of Serannai’s glory, I bestow upon you the honored duty of Courtier to the Flower Queen. Assist her as she needs and ensure that she spends this day as free and joyful as a spring breeze.”
Lastly, Dahlia turns back to Fever and lifts up the crown of flowers from her own head, larger and more elaborate than the others, holding it aloft for a moment before resting it upon Fever’s head.
“With this crown, I pass my title on to you. May it bring you felicity and fortune, so that you may share it with the earth as you put seed to soil.”
Before they all proceed up to the gazebo to join the rest of the Floral Court at their table, Dahlia takes Fever's hand and leans in to whisper to her. "Congratulations, love. You've more than earned it," Dahlia tells her emphatically, kissing her on the cheek. And then all four of them---- this year's Queen, the prior, and each of their courtiers, ascend the steps and take their honored places at the table.
Applause rings out over the crowd, music swells once more, and Merrymeet officially begins. Congratulations to Fever, and all the members of the Floral Court!
Short on Brass? Drop by Gourd en Glace before the event and grab yourself a sundae and bring it up to Venka Meridell, the proprietor who also happens to be the local tailor’s daughter. She’ll slip you a coupon for a half-price Merrymeet outfit if you’re willing to taste test one of her unorthodox new ice cream flavors. Her mother, Saraya, will begrudgingly accept these coupons. [Mod Note: Please only take this option if you have 500B or less in your ledger, we are trying to get some of these rich-ass characters to spend their damn money!]
Once you’re all dressed to the nines, please feel free to use the code below to show off your drip in the Fashion Show thread! Please remember that imgur is still not functional in the UK, so use URLs from Pinterest, Snipboard, Catbox, etc. so that no one misses out on your drip. If you got a discounted outfit, you also have to include what weird flavor of ice cream Venka made you taste-test and whether it was good or not.
It's spent the last few days raining, patches of snow growing smaller and smaller until they are a memory. But yesterday, the sun was out, giving all that water a chance to saturate the earth while freshly-uncovered plants wake to sunlight and stretch toward its rays. Serendipitous. A blessed omen from Serranai herself. A sign that she, as well, is waking from her slumber. The world is alive again. Reborn, in that annual sacred miracle that is the onset of spring.
The Festival Green is decorated to the nines with all manner of fresh flowers---- early blooms and green-house raised. A naked maypole stands at the ready, loose fabric dangling errantly in the breeze. The gates open early, when the sun in her early morning vantage still stares just a bit harshly, still warming up to the idea of being aloft. Partygoers trickle in a few at a time, some eager to be early and others taking their sweet time in getting ready. It isn't until the light of later-morning softens and the world takes on the divine radiance of a sun-struck early spring day that Dahlia Leeds ascends the stairs of the large gazebo in a lush flower crown. A hush falls over the crowd of its own volition, and music begins to play, soft and rising. The procession is about to begin.
Crowning of the Flower Queen
Attendees line up along the pathway of flower petals leading from the festival gate to the gazebo, creating a colorful spectacle with their finery as they peek around each other, trying to get a look at the procession. To the tune of soft and pleasant music, the nominees for Flower Queen begin to file in, claim their prizes, and take their seats.First comes the honor court--- those nominated who did not manage to clear the first round of voting. They are attended by their "courtiers", the name used for their chosen plus-ones. They come in as a group, tossing ever more flower petals in a hail like confetti and waving to the crowd. Patty Paisley and Kelaiah Voxx ride on the shoulders of Mettaton, who escorts Grace Holloway. Margaret Houlihan and Anya Kovacs carry bouquets of flowers associated with healing, gifted to them by the local medical staff. Ashley Graham, Haley Beckman, Cassandra de Rolo are tasked with carrying banners--- long pennants with floral patterns on them, made of light fabric so that they dance in the breeze as they're carried in. And the youngest contestants, Noelle Holiday and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, bring up the rear, each looking their own flavor of nervous. They and their guests find their seats at the honor-tables circling the base of the gazebo, where a crown of flowers awaits each member at their seat. Then comes the Floral Court, the honored nominees that made it to the second round of the vote. They come in two by two with their courtiers--- Daisy Tonner with Basira Hussein, Valdis with Agni Azimar, Lyubov Morghenschtern with Shen Qingqiu, Zivia Birnbaum with Degas Clayton, Susie Dyneaux with Ralsei, and Carolina Church with Gerry Keay. They make their way down the aisle of the festival green and up to the gazebo. Standing at the top of the short flight of steps is Dahlia Leeds, the previous year's Flower Queen, standing proudly in her blue and white gown beside her own courtier. Gracing each pair with a greeting of “hail and merry meet”, she places a ring of flowers on the head of each Flower Court member who kneels or bows to receive it, while Radar hands each courtier a matching boutonniere or corsage. The last two contestants receive a slightly larger flower crown and an extra prize as well--- a ribbon for being in the top three, decorated with a small flower-shaped metal charm. Susie's is bronze and Carolina's is silver. Once the formalities are complete, each pair files past Dahlia and Radar to take their seats at the high table.
Finally, it is time for the Flower Queen herself to arrive. By process of elimination, many onlookers have already determined the winner, but everyone still holds their breath as they await the arrival of their new Flower Queen.
And there she is. A vision in violet, escorted by North Dakota, is Fever Dream. The face of Town Hall, the hearse driver of choice for Mourner's Night, and a Daughter of Winter chosen by the goddess Mortanne herself. If ever were someone from off-world to deserve the title of "community pillar," none should deserve it more than her. The people have spoken, and they speak again as they erupt into thunderous cheering as their elected Queen appears at last.
As the pair make their way to the steps of the gazebo, a fresh shower of petals rains down upon them as the music swells to greet them. Once there, Dahlia steps down from the top landing, guiding Fever to stand there instead. A willful abdication, allowing the year to change and welcoming what comes next.
“Hail and merry meet.” Dahlia says, unable to contain her thrilled grin as she recites the words. “Today, just as I was one year ago, you have been chosen by the people of our town to be the Flower Queen. It is my honor to present you with gifts befitting a queen.”
Another townsperson passes her a basket, which Dahlia presents to Fever. It contains a number of spring-themed treats--- honey harvested from last spring’s flowers, a bottle of specially crafted sweet festival wine to be consumed on the summer solstice, a candle embedded with dried flowers, a blend of lavender and bergamot tea, a charming floral soap, and a necklace with a pressed forget-me-not inside a clear pendant. There is also a medal hanging around the wine bottle shaped like an orchid bloom, engraved on the back with text. “Flower Queen 16:56 - Pumpkin Hollow - Fever Dream”. Dahlia then passes the somewhat heavy basket off to North to carry--- after all, it’s the Courtier’s job to attend to the Queen!
Then, Dahlia pins a boutonniere to North's lapel, and beneath it, a medal of his own. “Floral Courtier - 16:56 - Dmitri 'North Dakota' Katina”.
“With this sprig of Serannai’s glory, I bestow upon you the honored duty of Courtier to the Flower Queen. Assist her as she needs and ensure that she spends this day as free and joyful as a spring breeze.”
Lastly, Dahlia turns back to Fever and lifts up the crown of flowers from her own head, larger and more elaborate than the others, holding it aloft for a moment before resting it upon Fever’s head.
“With this crown, I pass my title on to you. May it bring you felicity and fortune, so that you may share it with the earth as you put seed to soil.”
Before they all proceed up to the gazebo to join the rest of the Floral Court at their table, Dahlia takes Fever's hand and leans in to whisper to her. "Congratulations, love. You've more than earned it," Dahlia tells her emphatically, kissing her on the cheek. And then all four of them---- this year's Queen, the prior, and each of their courtiers, ascend the steps and take their honored places at the table.
Applause rings out over the crowd, music swells once more, and Merrymeet officially begins. Congratulations to Fever, and all the members of the Floral Court!
Dress to Impress
Generally speaking, the dress code for Merrymeet is garden party formalwear. Appropriate outfits can fall anywhere in the Classic or Lavish categories. Characters here less than 2 months are able to get free rentals if they’d like, but can buy their outfit if they wish. Everyone else is asked to please purchase their outfit (from 300-500B, depending upon complexity).Short on Brass? Drop by Gourd en Glace before the event and grab yourself a sundae and bring it up to Venka Meridell, the proprietor who also happens to be the local tailor’s daughter. She’ll slip you a coupon for a half-price Merrymeet outfit if you’re willing to taste test one of her unorthodox new ice cream flavors. Her mother, Saraya, will begrudgingly accept these coupons. [Mod Note: Please only take this option if you have 500B or less in your ledger, we are trying to get some of these rich-ass characters to spend their damn money!]
Once you’re all dressed to the nines, please feel free to use the code below to show off your drip in the Fashion Show thread! Please remember that imgur is still not functional in the UK, so use URLs from Pinterest, Snipboard, Catbox, etc. so that no one misses out on your drip. If you got a discounted outfit, you also have to include what weird flavor of ice cream Venka made you taste-test and whether it was good or not.
…In the Golden Afternoon
Springtime Spread
It doesn’t take long for lunch to be brought out, courtesy of some helpful volunteers and the Oak & Iron’s diligent cooking staff. Salads full of spring greens, fresh bread with herbs baked in, puff pastries with fresh cheese and asparagus, egg tarts, chicken sandwiches, and crispy little hashbrowns formed into cups to look like bird nests, each with a devilled egg sitting inside. There are also dozens of little desserts made with flowers and spring berries, like cakes and custards, and even heart-shaped macarons.And while there is wine being passed around the table, there is also tea. But this isn’t just any tea, and these aren’t just any tea pots. The pots are clear glass, surrounded by ornate silver fixtures, so that you can see the color of the tea and the leaves steeping within. Some are regular tea leaves rolling around in ball strainers while others are blooming floral teas perched in the center of the pots. And best of all, these teapots are enchanted, looking like chubby little tea puppies walking around on four short metal legs. They meander around between dishes on the tables, bumbling up to partygoers to offer their contents and tipping forward with surprising grace to pour tea into cups. They are helpfully labeled with tags tied to their handles, explaining what they contain.
And the teapots aren't the only thing that's been enchanted---- the teas themselves have been blended with some mood enhancers! The intensity of the effects depends on how much you drink and how susceptible to these sorts of things you tend to be, but don't worry--- if you don't like what you got, the drink won't overstay its welcome. Unfortunately, though, these enchantments are a bit experimental, and some of them don't really work as intended…
Well, don't worry too much about it. Surely nothing can go wrong, right? Anyway, the selection available is as follows:
Spiced Apple Blend - A black tea blend with fresh apple slices that makes the drinker feel happy! A great way to bring up the mood if you didn't make it to the festival in the best of spirits.
Orange Blossom Herbal - A delicious floral and citrus tisane that evokes a playful feeling, encouraging jokes and shenanigans along with making the drinker feel a little bit giggly.
Invigorating Green - an energizing green tea that has somewhat mixed effects--- while some may find it perks them up so they can dance longer and party harder, others may find that it provides a bit too much of a zing. The urge to burn off all that energy might be enough to send you for a jog or even a few push-ups, despite your finery, or you may just end up raising your heart rate for a bit.
Steamy Ginseng - for folks looking for a boost to their romance game, this warming tea will have the drinker feeling flirty! Be sweeter, more charming, and more receptive to romance!
Earl Grey, Hot - enjoy a boost of confidence with a strong cup of this classic black tea. You'll be as bold as bergamot!
Calming Chamomile - While this tea is intended to relieve tension, in some cases it will just make the drinker incredibly sleepy.
Pitch Black - this strong breakfast blend was intended to reduce sad feelings in the drinker, but there seems to have been a mishap in the brewing that now causes it to make you sadder. At least the tea is delicious--- it's probably one of the best-tasting teas you've ever had.
Bee's Delight - a bit of a misnomer. While this honey-infused lemon ginger tea was meant to draw on the social prowess of the bees involved in its making, it was accidentally brewed with honey from bees that were very angry with the harvester.
Enjoy any of these with your meal to turn up the mood! While these teas are clearly labeled, it's up to you whether or not you actually read them. Accidents can happen!
Planting Ritual
After the food is served and everyone's had plenty of time to eat, Dahlia calls everyone over to the far side of the Festival Green nearest Town Hall. Fever has a floral-print apron tied over her dress and has Her Majesty's Royal Spade in hand, and she and Dahlia stand in front of a small plot of earth with a row of tulips planted behind little stone plaques. A whole line of them, from nearly half a century of Flower Queens--- Juniper Sweetwater, Mary Dahl, Dahlia Leeds, and now, Fever Dream.This part of the ceremony is short, just involving Dahlia and Fever saying a brief prayer to Serranai over a new tulip bud, followed by Fever burying it next to the others, which have already begun to sprout for the impending spring. Won't it be exciting to see what color the petals are in a month or two?
Once that concludes, Fever is released from her protective gardening get-up, and the party gets started in earnest. Time to dance, mingle, and enjoy a festival blessedly free of demonic or eldritch intervention. Who knows how many of those we have left?
Dance the Day Away (or whatever else you like!)
Food is a staple of any good Concordian holiday, no matter where on this beautiful planet you may find yourself, but it surely isn't all there is to do at Merrymeet. After all, what's a garden party without a bit of dancing?Local musicians will be playing throughout the day for group and couple’s dances, including a local partner dance called the Sunrise Waltz and a classic maypole dance that is equal parts party game as it is fertility ritual. Feel free to dance the afternoon away with partners, friends, new acquaintances, and more!
There’s also areas to catch your breath and chat with friends, a chocolate dipping station with a variety of little treats, flower sprouts in tiny pots and premade seed packets as party favors, flower garland braiding areas, and plenty of wine!
Additionally, there are a few tents scattered around the far edges of the green. They're pitched low to the ground, with the floor of them covered in cushions and the upper interiors are strung with flower garlands and silk drapes, creating a very romantic ambiance for couples looking to grab a private moment together away from the crowd. It's the perfect place for a kiss, a proposal, a confession of love--- or anything else that might call for a moment alone. (You’re not supposed to, but if you’re quiet and don’t mind a bit of risk, it wouldn’t be hard to sneak a little naughty fun into your day in these little tents. Just keep it stealthy--- this is an all-ages festival, and you'll get kicked out if you're caught being inappropriate.)
Also, if upon returning to their seats, everyone in town will find an invitation to a bit of an afterparty on the Bluffs, a whole year in the making, right down to the day. (Though in reality, it's several decades overdue.)
Whether this is your first time celebrating this time-honored tradition with us, or you've been with us for all three years, or anywhere in-between, it is our sincere hope that this Merrymeet finds you well and joyful. Take this opportunity to share love, whether that's for your partners, your friends, or something somewhere in the middle, and greet spring with open arms. The festivities will at last draw to a close when the sun begins to set --- the perfect time to head out and grab some dinner, either at home or at unrelated gatherings, wherever you might find them.
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again, my friends.
| CONTENT WARNINGS: mood alteration (optional)|