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Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

So, originally I didn't have plans to attend for a variety of reasons, including RL expectations to be preoccupied otherwise. As those conditions changed and Cory discussed her outfit with me with some uncertainty, I remembered the rainbow trout mask and made one to share, to sort of idea that it could certainly be done, and at that point offered to attend as a trout in kind if I could make a presence. This outfit, then, was made solely with pre-existing designs (@Xiran actually designed the trout mask some time ago!):

You look at a glittering rainbow trout mask that Jolanthe is wearing:

Opal-dusted white leather forms this thin mask, a smooth curved plane whose lower portion has been cut away to reveal the wearer's mouth. Two round eye holes have been circled in thick lines of yellow paint. Beneath them, tiny slivers of emerald, sapphire, and the occasional ruby overlap to cover the cheeks. Draped over bony spines, silvery cloth fins hang from either side of this sparkling mask, while braided cloth cords have been sewn to each temple.

You look at a subtly prismatic white suit of changeant silks that Jolanthe is wearing:

A neutral, relaxed cut defines the profile of this single-breasted suit,

permitting it to fit reasonably on most figures without being

particularly form flattering. Dupion silk lined with taffeta composes

the body of the pants and jacket, predominantly rendered in a pure,

porcelain white. It provides a canvas for the multiple shots of colour

which linger within the layering of the fabric, casting prismatic

gradients along every crease and fold with an iridescence that is only

heightened by the lustrous nature of the employed changeant silks. The

underlying shirt of ivory twill broadcloth silk provides some stark

relief to the shifting hues produced by the jacket and pants, and

emboldens its accompanying black charmeuse necktie to stand out all the

more proudly. A single large button formed from smoothly polished

obsidian pins the jacket together, with smaller buttons lining the cuffs

and binding the dress shirt beneath the necktie.

You look at a pair of opalescent white dress gloves that Jolanthe is wearing:

Some of the finest bolts of silk have been used to create these men's

dress gloves, while an equally grand amount of effort seems to have been

devoted to that same work. A soft white, the material seems to shimmer

slightly as the light catches the intricate strand-work, giving off a

pearl-like glimmer in seemingly erratic patterns. The glimmers are

subtle from a distance, however, upon closer examination the chaos fades

and a distinct pattern of leaves can be seen, outlined by the opalescent

wisps. A small silver tree has been stitched just inside each glove.

You look at albino alligator shoes buffed into oil-slick iridescence that Jolanthe is wearing:

Rippling shades of coal black and muted white swathe the body of these

brogue shoes, having been cut and tailored from albino alligator skin.

The scales gleam with a lustrous, polished finish, their surfaces

rippling with oil-slick tones of green, blue, and red that deaden as

quickly as they wink into vision. Hardy soles of reinforced black

leather anchor the shoes, cut to barely be visible when standing

upright, whereas the burnished black silk laces threading silver

grommets are clearly meant to be as eye-catching as the alligator skin.

Black insoles of fine suede help to cradle the feet in a fit as

comfortable as it is stylish.

As Cory's own costume developed more, though, it started to remind me slightly of a concept/character from a different game. Which prompted me to muse about being a related counterpoint character - this ended up snowballing into tailoring a few specific patterns that could fulfill the vision effectively while also customising it into being interpreted in various IC fashions (rather than a strictly OOC one), so that ended up being the basis for The Defeated. Mask and gown are the new patterns, while the gloves and cape were otherwise existing and supplementary:

You look at a despairing mask of overflowing agonies that Jolanthe is wearing:

An even vertical split divides this mask into distinct halves, cleaving

straight down the middle along the bridge of a delicate, pert nose. The

right side is a fragile porcelain, with a small, discomfited frown

creasing the smooth surface near a rounded chin. An airy cast of pink

tinges a sloping, angular cheek that arches away from the mouth, which

is smudged by a black, inky teardrop that appears to be caught along the

curve. The smoky stain diminishes as it trails upwards towards the

hollowed eye slot, which is rimmed by voluminous black silk threads that

bunch close about the opening and obscure the view, implying that the

eye is always to be sealed shut amidst the exaggerated lashes. A firm

dash of black ink directly above the eye slot cants low towards the ear

to further frame the features of the face, and adds an additional hint

of despondency to its expression. As a finishing touch, the right side

is partially crowned by a trio of diamond spades, which radiate from one

another like the points of a tiara - though they droop low near the

temple, as though they are about to topple off and away. The left side

of the mask, comparatively, is naught but a sea of black silk pierced by

indistinct dark protrusions. They are as small as thorns near the mouth,

where they crowd about like the disorganised teeth of a rictus grin,

before growing progressively larger as they scale up the cheek. A

particularly long hook extends from where the left eye should be, with

an ornamental glass eye perched upon its tip - at once alien and yet

seemingly proper with its black sclera and indigo pupil. The left temple

serves as an anchor point for a twisting horn that appears to mirror the

placement of the faux-tiara on the right. The intense pitch of the silk

seems to intensify of its own accord on occasion, making it difficult to

make out every last feature of the mask at a glance.

You look at ruched black velvet opera gloves that Jolanthe is wearing:

Ending just above the elbows, these formal opera gloves ensconce the

wearer's hands and arms in twin sheaths of sumptuous black velvet with a

dense nap and plush, luxurious texture. Exceptionally fine, hand-sewn

stitches ensure a sleek appearance and snug fit along the fingers,

knuckles, and palms, the velvet clinging tightly to the skin. In

contrast, beginning from the wrist down, both gloves are gathered and

richly ruched along the inside seam, creating a series of lush,

elaborate folds draping gently along the arms for a somewhat softer,

fuller look than the traditional close-fitting evening gloves. The hem

of each glove is reinforced with bands of stiffened leather to keep it

from sliding down the arm. These gloves are otherwise unadorned apart

from the artful ruching along the arms, providing an elegant and

understated accent to any ensemble.

You look at a zephyr cape of argent gossamer that Jolanthe is wearing:

This unusually cut cape has been designed to be worn together with a

dress, forming a dramatic and elegant overlay for the garment beneath.

Insubstantial and diaphanous, the delicate gossamer begins at mid-neck,

gathered by a collar of diamond-inlaid silver clouds held closed with a

cleverly concealed clasp. Splitting into two swooping, overlapped sides

in the front, the translucent silk spills to the sides of the chest and

under the arms, then flows freely out to the back starting at waist

level to trail on the ground. Across the garment, intricate

silver-worked patterns of cloud wisps and soaring birds are accented

with diamond chips and tiny polished gemstones in shades of pale blue.

You look at a sooty, metal-laced gown of pierced constellations that Jolanthe is wearing:

Pooling charmeuse settles around the hem of this skirt, dragging along

the ground regardless of who wears it and fraying the material into

ragged ends of formerly sateen elegance. A deep indigo colours the silk

there, before transitioning into midnight black along a gradient as it

ascends upwards towards the torso. Tiny studs of silver festoon the

length that conceals the knees and calves, with delicate argent threads

connecting them to outline varying whimsical constellations: from

whales, to dragons, to shields and fists. Inky, chitinous protrusions

further accent the skirt amidst the metallic constellations, often

cutting through the fabric around and through their formations in barbed

arms that hook towards the torso. These protrusions are as small as

thorns near the hem, progressively growing in scale and length as they

spike higher into the bodice. The bodice itself is reinforced with

blackened iron bands, layered to resemble armoured plating with a

delicate structure that sculpts the spine into proper posture in a

modestly flattering style. A single silver star is depicted on the

chest, where a final, large protrusion extends in the form of a black

sword hilt - hollowed to reduced weight, and poised to appear as though

it has plunged through the sternum from an upward angle. The shoulders

are supported by simple buckled bands of leather, leaving the arms bare.

<><><>

And so when everything was accepted, we had to figure out if we wanted to attend as a fish duo or as very opposite looking costumes. I figured I could just swap out later via glamrock later at some point, and this idea for cheating the system and effectively going as "both" is what lead to the fish slap-off subplot being brewed along the way. Mostly random and nonsensical, but it was fun to get wound up into it and roll along.

Jolanthe

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Here's mine. It's a lobonep fursuit that I made after threatening Afrit for days that I was going to create a human glamour.

Description:

His five-feet-and-change form covered head to toe in an all-concealing costume, there is nothing readily apparent to indicate he is an ordinary human. Rather, he looks for all the world like a skinny little loboshigaru, albeit with oversized forepaws and feet and a distinct lack of expressiveness.

Costume:

an unsettlingly lifelike loboshigaru head mask

Supple, silk-lined suede serves as the comfortably padded base of this unsettlingly lifelike loboshigaru mask, which fits snugly over the entire head to conceal the wearer's visage from all sides. Wolf's fur dyed a myriad of earthen hues covers the exterior, settling over wood-hewn armature that gives the mask its tell-tale canine shape. Splashes and splotches of brown and white dapple the cheeks, neck, and scalp, while the muzzle and eye holes are awash in stark black. A narrow band of the same darts up the forehead between two oversized, saucer-shaped ears standing permanently at attention. Clever wooden hinges provide some flexion to the jaw, allowing the mask's mouth to flap somewhat rigidly with the movement of the wearer's chin as they speak, which reveals flashes of polished white marble teeth. A leathery black nose caps the canid snout, buffed to a subtle sheen that gives it the appearance of being perpetually damp.

a riotously mottled full-body loboshigaru suit

Covering the entire body from the neck to the wrists and ankles, this form-fitting, silk-lined linen suit looks for all intents and purposes like the pelt of a riotously mottled loboshigaru. The forearms and shins feature pristine white wolf's fur, dyed at chaotic intervals with splotches and rings of black. Towards the biceps and shoulders, and across the entire back, shades of cocoa, kafe, and caramel cavort in chaotic configurations. A shock of white paints an abstract starburst on the chest, framed by a trail of coal black that delineates it from the dappling of earthen hues that splash across the rest of the torso and thighs. A tufted tail hangs limply from the rear, and discreet little wooden toggles concealed by a strip of excess fur allow for easy donning and removal while maintaining the look of a seamless, natural pelt.

furry white gloves
Covered in white wolf's fur, these snug gloves conform comfortably to the hands and end in slim cuffs meant to tuck into a long-sleeved garment. Soft buttons of black suede adorn the palms and fingertips, imitating with lifelike veracity the paw pads of a loboshigaru, further enhanced by the blunted chips of wood affixed to imitate well manicured claws.

faux paw boots
Crafted around wooden supports meant to hold plantigrade feet in a digitigrade position, these boots look for all the world like a pair of canine hind legs. White wolf's fur wraps the entire garment, extending partway up the shin to end in snug cuffs that could tuck easily under the hems of long trousers. Black paw pads made of soft but durable leather provide some traction underfoot, while blunt chips of wood upon the toes give the appearance of well manicured little claws.

Gimmick:

In a mellifluous, sultry tone, Lady Amaranth Sapphira d'Vanecu says, "Next up, Nepenthe, please come forward."

At the call of his name, Nepenthe immediately begins voguing wildly across the open floorspace, striking dramatic poses each time he reaches the edge of the crowd and swinging his hips with each step to wag his lifeless tail.

The jaw of his mask flapping rigidly, Nepenthe says, "Anybody who knows me knows I'm glamours all the way down, but the costume I put together here is a disguise so convincing that my own husband and pup couldn't even tell I'm actually, horrifyingly, a ~HUMAN~ underneath it all!"

Finley Dahyu says, "It's so disconcerti~i~ing!"

As he makes erratic hand gestures about his face, Nepenthe's mask twists around backwards, its vacant eye sockets staring out garishly behind him as he continues to strut around the ballroom. When he finally makes his way back to the judges, he performs a showy bow for them, and then to the audience.

Muttering under her breath, Coraline Myeras whispers, "You can go as yourself, that's... that's cheating..."

Nepenthe shuffles back through the crowd to stand near Finley, only then taking a second to get his head on straight.

Coraline applauds the presentation, despite herself.

Alabaster Lady Zau d'Vanecu, the Earthen Eminence says to Coraline, "You, uh... You're gonna hate my costume then..."

Nepenthe stamps the lifeless leathery nose of his mask to the side of Finley's own panda mask in some awful approximation of a peck on the cheek.

Nepenthe

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Xiran's

Although glimmers of ethereal energy fade in the wake of her dusty green wings, she is a nimble faeling titan of unremarkable stature, little bigger than a pooka. Joyous and unrestrained in flight, moments of stillness reveal white half- moons mottling the furthest extent of her translucent moth wings. Traces of viridian veins marble her pale skin. Her silvery hair has pulled back into a thick braid, an emerald flower secured at the tail. Dancing in the breeze of her fluttering wings, unbound strands of silver follow the softened contours of her aged pixie face. Accented by laugh lines, a connatural gleam of mischief lights her eyes.

She is wearing:
an emerald rose, sending glimmers of green through her hair
a shimmering snowflake mask
a webbed wedding band of platinum
a snowy cloak adorned with moonglory
a soft white dress of delicate eyelet lace with
a bright red poppy,
a tiger lily, and
a cool tulip of dusk woven tucked into the white ribbon at the hem.
a silver and moonstone scabbard secured to her calf with black suede straps
a pair of stomped toad slippers tucked into her beribboned waist like squished trophies.

Gimmick (while she was actually wearing the shoes properly):
Xiran curtseys, one stomped toad slipper briefly crossing behind her ankle, nudging the end of her scabbard.
You say, "Thank you for hosting this event! I've taken to depicting a snow-dusted forest giving way to spring."
Reasonably, Xiran says, "Since it's the domain of the First of the Crones, naturally the soil is quite fertile thanks to..." She trails off with an impish grin.
You display a pair of stomped toad slippers for all in the room to see.

Item: a pair of stomped toad slippers
The polished leather bodies of these slippers are wildly unrefined and imperfect, left with pebbly bumps and warty aberrations against a swampy brown finish. Yet this hardly seems out of place, for two pairs of wrinkly legs sprout out from around their collars, and a distinctly toad-like head crowns the toe of each. Two eyes fashioned from hollowed glass discs anchor along either side of each toe, with a small black marble trapped within. Each time the slippers move and shift, the marble darts around like an exceptionally erratic pupil. The very tip of the toe is further embellished with a floppy red felt tongue that dangles just to the edge of the sole, as though the depicted toad is gagging or gasping. To help round out the story of visuals told by these slippers, the vamp of either slipper is mashed with deep indentations, resembling the imprint left by a heavy boot. The fleece interiors of the slippers are dyed a ghastly puce, coloured like flesh and viscera despite being quite soft and plush.

Fave Reaction:
A startled laugh escapes Sapphira's lips, which is quickly stifled as her hand moves to politely cover her mouth.

Thanks for fun times!

Xiran

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

@Tyrus

Robert De Niro Watching You GIF - RobertDeNiro WatchingYou EyesOnYou GIFs

Uzriel

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Mine was a costume within a costume: "Lady Sapphira's Swan (Audra) Disguised as Lord Uzriel d'Vanecu, Demagogue of Dissonance and Thankless Librarian"

Description:

He is an ordinary human demigod, but for now he is a swan. A swan of regal bearing and stature as
befits the nobility of Magnagora. Feathers of stormy hues are applied wherever necessary to conceal
the human beneath as much as possible from head to toe. Extending from the feathers on either side
of his head are a pair of curving goat horns, curiously made from what appears to be paper and glue,
and painted a lackluster black. Conspicuously nestled between the horns is a curly tuft of bright
red hair. A plague doctor's mask and goggles hides much of the face, while a bold, thick line of
black facepaint extends from the eyes back to the ears. Flimsy hoses extend from the mask to a
prominent pair of canisters hoisted on his back. A crisp military coat completes the main look,
whose silk-lined pockets are filled with various handwritten documents. One such document is
slightly rolled, thus making the title only partially discernible: 'Constable Cases: The Chortling
Cherubs written and directed by Uzriel d'Vanecu, the Demagogue of D--'. Other smaller papers bearing
cryptic numbers and letters are less noticeable if not for their charred edges and severely wrinkled
states, as if one had crushed them and set them ablaze in a bout of extreme frustration.

Costume/Clothing:

His moderately short hair is a deep, fiery crimson in colour, shaved down to nearly nothing around
the back of his head and ears. At the top, his hair spikes outward in errant locks, each a different
length from its neighbor as though cut in haste or without particular care. (Red Hair Curio)

He is wearing:

mechanical goggles set in a mask rent with dark fissures attached to hoses, serving as a respirator.
a fesix backpack augmented to look like two cylindrical canisters strapped to the back complete with
hoses and gears
a black leather plague mask lined in ebony feathers that conceals most of the face and blends into
the rest of the costume
carnelian prayer beads shaped like demonic imps
a crisp ebon military coat edged in gold, its pockets stuffed with various parchments
dapper swan robes of ebony and stormy blue hues
polished black boots retrofitted with flaps of leather supported in a wire frame to resemble
leathery legs and webbed feet
a sanguine choker of rubescent blood drops from which hangs a small gold medallion stamped with the
letter 'A'
a snug pair of ebony riding gloves edged in stormy blue and extensively decorated with black swan
feathers
a simple belt of black leather from which hangs various scientific contraptions and a replica of an
Iron Key to the Infernal Machine
the Medallion of Harmony encased in a similar, hollowed replica with the word 'Knowledge' written in
a child-like scrawl and a backwards 'd'.
striped markings of face-paint. (Wodewose black facepaint)

The only custom designed item was the set of swan robes:

Cut from crushed black velvet, these robes hang majestically from the
wearer's form, exemplifying the pinnacle of refinement. Glossy ebony
feathers limned in stormy blue hues have been painstakingly sewn into
the fabric throughout, each feather delicately pressed in layers to
resemble the sleek plumage of a swan. In subtle juxtaposition with the
slightly lighter hues of the main body of the garment, each sleeve is
tinted with the darkest hues and their decoration reserved for feathers
of only the deepest black.

Tyrus

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

I was a member of Magnagora's constabulary, to match along with Sapphira's outfit as Lady Amaranth (both characters from the play).

He is a fiendish archlich master viscanti damned vernal ascendant. His tall, regal frame is held

with a proud, dignified posture, bestowing upon him an aura of refined aristocracy. His skin is

ashen-grey, however in no manner impresses a state of ill health - rather, it lends his sharp

features the appearance of a masterfully-carved statue, defined by stark angles and broad, chiselled

contours. Contrasting the slate-grey hue of his complexion is a vibrant rust-red shock of short,

wavy hair, the locks curling around an impressive pair of curving goat horns, the osseous structures

of lacklustre black barely touched with dark ochre. A focused set of golden-amber eyes gazes out

with calculated curiosity and determination. His normally aristocratic posture carries with it an

additional aura of strength and authority. The strange devices he usually wears have been removed,

replaced instead with a crisp constable outfit. Dangling from his belt are a set of steel handcuffs

along with a pair of batons. Velvety coils of incandescent indigo billow about his shoulders like a

luxurious shawl, its threads woven of eventide fog and vespertine blooms.

Menacing horns twist upon themselves like crooked spires on his head, their dully reflective

circumferences rigid enough to accommodate silver wire criss-crossing to either side in a wretched

dreamcatcher. Bent and cracked bells abuse their clappers betwixt these, a disharmony brought to

life with each twist of head or subtle movement.

He is wearing:

a piceous wedding band of gold and lapis

a demonic skull mask smothered in molten gold

a white-copper pin adorned with a fresh sprig of jasmine

a commemorative Bloodfaire button of iron clockwork

fitted blue uniform trousers

a formal uniform coat of the Constabulary

a pair of polished black dress shoes

the Iron Key to the Infernal Machine dangling beside a pair of handcuffs from his belt.

Looktext:
Constable Uzriel d'Vanecu looms here, projecting an aura of command. He wields a pair of gleaming steel handcuffs in his left hand and an engraved wooden pipe in his right hand.

Enter Message:

A sense of stern authority weighs heavily in the air as Uzriel enters from the ether.

Exit Message:

As Uzriel leaves to the ether, the sense of stern authority lifts from the area.

Accent:
In a laid-back drawl, you say, "Hrm."

Pose:

You have emoted: Uzriel rises to his feet and lazily saunters before Sapphira in his crisply pressed

constable's outfit. He drawls out lazily, "I'm not sure what this contest is about. I'm an actual

cotton-sock-wearing constable here on official duty, and I'm onto you Lady A." Pointing his

handcuffs threateningly towards Sapphira he adds, "I'll find out what you did with the real Lady

Grey."

Outfit details:

a formal uniform coat of the Constabulary

Sewn from sturdy yet fine cloth in midnight blue, this formal coat is

part of the uniform as worn by the Magnagoran Constabulary. A high cuff

collar rests just below the chin, and the double-breasted style of the

coat has polished gold buttons running in a neat row down each side of

the front panel. Long sleeves end in neat straight hems just past the

wrist, while the coat itself terminates at mid-thigh, with an

overlapping slit at the back for ease of movement. A silk lining adds

comfortable opulence, and a few golden badges at one shoulder add a

measure of prestige to the garment.

a white long-sleeved dress shirt

The bulk of this shirt is made of white cloth, while the delicate lining

in the center and on the cuffs is made of silk. A few pearly buttons

reside on the middle of the shirt and seem to shine in the light. The

collar and cuffs are crisp and neatly creased, giving this shirt a

clearly formal appearance.

fitted blue uniform trousers

Utilitarian and practical foremost, these trousers are tailored for a

proper fit. Part of the uniform of the Magnagoran Constabulary, the

pants are midnight blue, with a crimson line sewn down the outer leg in

a most official manner, ending in neat cuffs just above the feet. A

crisp seam has been pressed into the front of the legs, and slim pockets

at the hip give some practicality, along with the golden button that

secures the waist.

a simple pair of plain white socks

Woven from bleached wool, this heavy pair of plain white socks is

exceedingly plain and utilitarian. Unembellished, the socks provide a

large amount of warmth, just barely long enough to cover over the

ankles. The yarn is soft and fluffy, making the socks comfortable enough

to be worn for long periods of time.

a pair of polished black dress shoes

While practical, there is no mistaking the formal polish of these shoes

that form part of the Constabulary uniform. Lustrous black leather,

burnished until it gleams, forms these shoes, with solid wooden soles

and minimal weft. The shiny toe cap is rounded, the edge sewn with tiny

black stitches. The smooth upper is broken by the curving vamp, in which

several eyelets have been punched to allow the laces through, securing

the shoe over the foot. A simple lining of felt pads the shoes for

comfortable wear, the simple style doubling as militaristic formality.

Edit: Also changed my title to "Constable Uzriel" sneakily changed Sapphira's title as well.

Uzriel

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Description

All you can tell about this person is that they stand about three feet tall. Their costume hides everything except their feet, which appear to be a pair of wide, dark brown paws. From these minimal clues, it's likely that they are a bouncing furrikin. A chaos butterfly is resting on their shoulder.

They are wearing:

a black and white panda suit

a playful panda mask

a pair of fuzzy black gloves.

Items

Thick fur, white and fluffy, spreads out across the torso of this panda suit as a single, pale piece of hide, cut from an exotic snow bear. Sleeves and leggings of inky black fur cut a stark contrast to the blank torso, each limb being just as fuzzy and warm as the pallid central fur. Silk stitches trace an ivory line down the suit's belly and back and ebony bands around its limbs, attaching the fur onto a thick, coarse linen underlay which is in turn tied to a pear-shaped frame of pine. This frame provides the panda suit with a portly figure, complementing its characteristic snuggliness at the cost of a narrow waist. A series of unobstrusive buttons can be spotted on the back of the panda suit, cut from pearl so as to allow the owner to don the suit without ruining the effect completely.

Coarse linens wrap around a sturdy, nearly spherical pine frame to form the foundation of this mask, a single hole left in the bottom of the construction to allow for the wearer's head. White fur, thick and fuzzy, spreads across the linen underlay, gathered into blackened floppy ears in the correct places. Two circular patches of black silk gauze spread across twin holes cut into the fur to serve as eyes, the loose weave of the silk allowing for relatively clear vision. Two white, upturned 'V's' have been dyed into the ocular gauze, combining with a cute, black mouth and an extended pink felt tongue to impart a sense of playfulness or mischief.

At their heart, these gloves are two simple layers of undyed linen, the first and innermost being soft and gentle on the digits within, attached to the second, a coarse but sturdy fabric that provides some additional warmth at the cost of dexterity. Black fur, fuzzy and thick, has been wrapped around these mundane linens, forcing the fingers to work as one with the thumb to accomplish whatever motor skills the wearer attempts.

Pose

Finley waddles forward, the rotund torso of their costume swaying pendulously with each step, wood creaking. Holding up their arms, they show off the gloved paws of their outfit and speak loudly to counteract the muffling effect of their mask, "I was inspired by my papa Nepenthe dressing as himself in order to hide his temporary but embarrassing human form," -- they gesture towards Nepenthe -- "and decided to be a cute furball dressed as a cute furball!" After a pause, they add, "But I'm not human underneath." They slowly spin in a circle to show off their quaint costume, then toddle back over to stand by Chundae and Nepenthe.

Finley

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

I went as Lady Amaranth, a character from Uzriel's latest play (if you haven't watched it, do, it's hilarious) - a lady of intrigue and beguiling and fabulous!

She is a fiendish undead irontongue viscanti damned demigoddess and cuts an elegant, alluring figure, styled exquisitely for the Masquerade Ball, heels adding to her normally diminutive height. Surely blessed by the fates, her face is a vision of aristocratic symmetry and noble elegance, despite the upper sweep of her face being hidden behind an ivory mask. Her hair has been darkened to pitch and styled into an elegant up-do, adorned with a gleaming white amaranth blossom. Her eyes are striking; vivid lapis in hue, they are big and bright, the hue enhanced by the application of shadowy kohl and long, dark lashes. Protruding from her brow are two small ivory horns; never growing to great prominence, they curve gently upwards into rounded, polished tips. Slender, feminine and filled with an innate, seductive grace, the viscanti woman has flawless skin in a soft, dusky roseate hue, fair compared to the deep carmine of her painted lips. Velvety coils of incandescent indigo billow about her shoulders like a luxurious shawl, its threads woven of eventide fog and vespertine blooms.

Her glossy, raven-black hair has been gathered into a refined updo, wavy locks escaping the confinement in artistic disarray. In the front, the hair sweeps over her forehead in a wave on one side, and curls in wispy strands on the other.

She is wearing:

a slender gold hair pin bearing an elaborate white amaranth elegantly nestled in her hair

an exquisite ivory half mask covering her eyes

a slinky gown of scarlet silk

a sterling wedding band of gold and lapis

scarlet stiletto-heeled shoes.

Simple in construction, this hair pin is a slender length of gold

doubled upon itself, one side gentle rippled to allow it to more easily

grip one's tresses. While the pin is unremarkable, the adornment it

bears is an exquisite piece of workmanship. Milky-white moonstone has

been carved into the elegant curves of an amaranth blossom, its polished

surface rendered with an opalescent luster in the ambient light.

Overshadowing its bearing pin, the blossom has been designed so that it

can nestle within the hair as though a real bloom had been entwined

there, the pin holding it securely in place.

An elegant accessory, this half mask has been crafted from polished

ivory and lustrous silk, following the contours of the face perfectly.

Covering the brow and eyes, the mask curves down over the nose, before

halting in a smooth line that reveals the mouth of the wearer but

effectively disguises the wearer. Holes allow vision through the mask,

and two silken ribbons tie the concealment securely in place behind the

head. Smooth and polished, the mask has been brushed with a faint touch

of gold dust about the hairline and encircling the eyes, lending a

delicate aureate shimmer to the accessory as the light touches it.

A vision in deep scarlet, this silk gown clings and slides luxuriously

over the figure like liquid fire. Impossibly thin straps curve over each

shoulder, supporting the elegantly scooped neckline at the front, and

the similarly dipping back that rests below the shoulder blades. Hugging

the bust, the slinky fabric skims the torso and glides seamlessly over

the hips, only flaring gently into skirts that reach the floor with a

small fish-tail train trailing behind. Naturally lustrous, the silk is a

deep, sultry hue, and the cut of the gown is risque yet still

sophisticated, enhancing the natural curves of a feminine figure and

adding seductive allure.

Designed for style and aesthetics over practicality, these shoes are

made from leather covered in lustrous scarlet silk. Two slender straps

cross the toes from each side, the fabric given a dazzling dusting of

crushed garnet that glistens in the light. Leaving the rest of the skin

scandalously bare, the sole supports the foot to the other end, where

another piece of scarlet fabric gently encloses the heel. Another narrow

strap encircles the ankle delicately, held in place with a small golden

buckle to one side. The heels are slender stilettos, adding many inches

to the height of the wearer along with dramatic flair and an attractive

curve to the calves as they are forced onto their toes.

Sapphira

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Chundae as a sugar fae:

Rather diminutive, standing shy of two feet tall, she is a nimble faeling sugar-dusted demigoddess. White powdered sugar freckles dapple her pale mauve skin in playful constellations. With a vibrant presence full of life, her cheeks are flush with a cheerful rosy undertone which compliments the blushing shade of her lips. Pastel rose lashes frame brilliant lavender eyes demurely, only enhancing the ingenue cast of her features when paired with her button nose, which twitches habitually. Frothy pink curls highlight the innocent roundness of her face, her vivid locks equally lavish and whimsical as they struggle against the pale violet ribbon netting. The pointed tips of her ears just barely crest the rolling waves of pink curls. Thin and gossamer wings sprout from her back, reminiscent of a bumblebee's, their transparent chitin decorated with intricate segmentation. Each cell is painted with pastel hues, catching the light like thin panes of stained-glass fashioned from rock candy. A chaos butterfly is resting on her shoulder.

Perfectly pinkalicious and decadent, the frothy cloud of curls that adorns her head almost seems to swallow her in lavish style. Each coil is tamed, though barely, providing a far-reaching pouf netted with pale violet ribbons and prismatic crystals. With nothing else to keep them in check these curls tumble in an opulent riot down the spine, easily long enough to reach her waist.

She is wearing:

a fanciful fascinator of sweet confections neatly nestled in her pink curls,

a deep violet half-mask trimmed with silver pearls obscuring her face,

candied prayer beads of the Lord Epicurean braided around her right forearm,

a commemorative Bloodfaire button of iron clockwork pinned to her gown,

a blushing gown effused with a spectacle of cotton candy blossoms,

violet rock candy slippers giving her a bit of height on sensible heels.

You look at a blushing gown effused with a spectacle of cotton candy blossoms that Chundae is wearing:

The billowing bouffant skirt dominates this gown, its overflowing layers

creating a dramatic shape and silhouette as it flows neatly into

tailored princess seams along the bodice for cinched waist effect. A

romantic sweetheart neckline lends a demure and playful air to the

shape. Blushing chiffon serves as the base of the gown, upon which a

panoply of pastel cotton candy flowers thrives. Artfully crafted

gossamer blossoms, dyed batiste cotton in light pinks, purples, and

blues, festoon the neckline in a lovely garland. Continuing their lively

march down the rest of the gown, the flowers become more scattered and

numerous as they descend, with haphazard clusters blooming even along

the floor-length hem. The floral adornments hug each curve of the dress

with understated precision, their playful placement never obscuring the

manicured silhouette even as they dance upon the full chiffon skirts and

cinched bodice. A subtle aroma perfumes each bloom, with hints of

vanilla sweetness and floral gracing the gown with a pleasant bouquet.

You look at violet rock candy slippers that Chundae is wearing:

Carefully fashioned from violet glass, these delicate slippers are made

to gingerly embrace the wearer's feet in a whimsical casing reminiscent

of rock candy. Gentle lavender cotton serves as the lightly cushioned

insoles, cleverly hidden by the darkest of the glass alongside the

outsole. A sturdy wooden heel sits neatly against the darker outer sole,

painted purple with a glossy finish to blend with the surrounding glass.

Subtly sweet, an aroma of vanilla and violets perfumes the polish to

bring the candied illusion full circle. With a softly rounded toe and

the playful but sensible heel, the form is feminine and demure in a

manner that is only enhanced by the fanciful homage to confectionery.

You look at a deep violet half-mask trimmed with silver pearls that Chundae is wearing:

This simple mask has been moulded of leather into an androgynous face.

It is humanoid in shape, but nothing to distinguish it as being of any

species. It is meant to cover only the upper half of the face, leaving

the mouth and jaw exposed to view. The leather has been dyed a deep

purple, with tiny silver pearls surrounding the eye sockets. Small

strips of deep purple silk have been woven through thin slits on the

sides, the perfect length to tie the mask onto the wearer's head

securely.

This was not the mask I'd designed for the costume, but unfortunately mine was not approved in time! So, this was a back-up that fit the color palette. Special thanks to @Silvanos sewing everything for me!

Chundae

Re: Masquerade Ball Costumes 06/07/2021, 591 CoE

Description:
Clad head to ankle in macabre elegance, all left revealed by the gruesome ensemble makes it clear
that he is a fiendish viscanti sand-scoured demigod. Though his stature is blandly average, and
costumery obfuscates many of his defining features, his poise is unmistakable: the cold rigidity of
iron is belied in his stance, and the trademark haughtiness of his race bleeds through the slow
pronouncement of near every motion. Restraining a curtain of loose, brown-black curls that falls to
the middle of his chest, a quartet of polished horns sweeps back from just above his forehead, their
curve severe and aiming the silver-capped points to just behind his ears. Slim, but not gangly, the
man's lightly-muscled frame is bound in flesh toned a reddish ochre, blooming with profusions of
violet reminiscent of bruising where it stretches thin over his joints. Brief glimpses of the lower
body permitted by the tatters of his gown reveal fur, all black as night and patchily grown over a
half-made mockery of aslari legs.

He is wearing:

a wretched iron halo headpiece, the cherub's skull atop it slick with fresh blood;

a demon-skull mask of stretched skin and gore, rendering his eyes as voided sockets;

an off-the-shoulder angel wing cape along his left side, secured with a bone broach;

a corseted gown of bared, bleeding wounds, his arms loosely restrained by thin wires.

Item: a wretched iron halo headpiece
Spindly spikes of iron frame a semicircle around the head, like some
wicked reimagining of a halo from a scene far darker than contemporary
Celestian art. Varying in length, perhaps half a meter at the shortest,
the needle-like protrusions threaten a nasty prick for any who dawdle
too close to the wearer. Between them manifests something of a twisted
dreamcatcher's web, a thing of barbed iron wire snagged by strips of
torn lace all throughout its toothy criss-crosses. Central to the wicked
web, a polished cherub skull joins the headpiece to its anchoring band,
the once pristine bone now graven with glyphs of the sephiroth. Gemstone
inlays highlight each sphere in turn, from rubescent Malkuth to violet
Kether, their joined array ringing a stake pounded straight through the
top of the skull.

Item: a demon-skull mask of stretched skin and gore
The picture of horror, this painted wood mask is a monstrous thing of
glistening, sanguinary hues juxtaposed with the white of fresh bone.
Layers of paper mache stained deep crimson fan out above, below and to
either side of the face, made up to resemble skin peeled back and away
from the skull. What exists beneath is not the exposed likeness of any

mortal race, however; the gore-slicked marriage of muscle and skeleton

is clearly a mimicry of demonic kin, the familiar features warped in

strange proportions and interspersed with growths alien to the Elders'

shards. Panels of lusterless onyx render the eyes as voided sockets, and

a hellish grin packed with teeth far too sharp, far too numerable, acts

as the final flourish to this grotesque display.

Item: an off-the-shoulder angel wing cape

Far too pure to have been sourced from Prime-bound avians, the plumes

that splay along this cape boast a peerless white and gold-trimmed
elegance. The feathers retain their natural, tiered arrangement, as

though the whole of the wing were skinned and sewn onto the rust-red

silk lining to drape over one shoulder. Five iron chains draw across

the chest, each affixed through silk and angel-flesh alike with nasty,

barbed hooks, gathered at an opposite point to keep the garment bound

securely for travel, mingling and more.

Item: a corseted gown of bared, bleeding wounds

Limiting its wearer's range of movement with not only the cruel embrace

of an impossibly slim middle, but indeed the crossing of artfully rusted

wires bridging the chest, limbs and spine, this ensemble's allure is

more owed to its potential as a macabre, walking art piece. Black patent

leather shapes a corseted top with exposed iron boning, flowing from a

high, rigid neck to the forced hourglass silhouette of the waist, all

tightly drawn from top to bottom by coal-dark sateen ribbon. Panels of

gauzy cloth shroud the legs below, stark in contrast with a war between

pearly white and matte, ruddy crimson; when they part, the limbs are

revealed to be wrapped as the torso in glossy black. Sheer as though

immaterial, full sleeves of nigh invisible silk encapsulate both arms:

anchoring the web of wires, dozens of golden hooks appear to pierce the

skin along them, with swathes of thick-layered paint completing this

illusion in approximation of the raw flesh exposed. For all its grisly

overtones, the gown's aesthetic is supported by an undeniable eye for

quality craftsmanship, each seam, barb and the white amaranth applique

at the hollow of the throat stitched with presentable perfection.

Gimmick:

You say, "I curated this ensemble as a testament to Magnagora itself. It is inspired by the Engine's

historical defiance of Fate and those who would blindly follow it and other masters - with a

prominent nod to the Lady Nifilhema, a personal icon of mine. It speaks to centuries of war-making

and the embrace of Transformation, all to manifest a society whose presence is undeniably without

parallel."

As Eritheyl seems to move to show his couture in a better light, a wire is subtly gathered about his
wrist. With an audible 'click', a mechanism within the cherub's skull that crowns his headpiece is
triggered, its eyes outpouring a deluge of crimson liquid to further stain his mask and gown.

Eritheyl