Costume Party in Honor of Lex Luthor's Birthday [OPEN]

[defenestration]

As stated on the invitation, Adrian is throwing a costume party to celebrate Lex's twenty-fifth birthday at the Luthor-Veidt Building in Brock Marsh. Everyone is welcome, whether they know Lex or not. There's plenty of food and free alcohol (mostly wine, fancy beer, and champagne), music and a space for dancing, and room to mingle and make new friends. Some simple and classy decorations, purple of course, have been put up on the first and second floors to create a festive atmosphere.

(A note to those who might try to take the opportunity to go snooping: security is insanely tight. The elevators will not go beyond the first and second floors without a special code, and there's an elevator operator who is very obviously there to make sure you don't try anything funny. The stairwells are likewise under guard and the private areas of the first floor are locked and under camera surveillance.)



[ooc: Please wait until a few threads are set up before tagging! Party time! Everyone is welcome!

Note: I've turned off notifs so if you need my attention in a specific spot, please PM or plurk me.]

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Arrivals

[defenestration]

As you enter the building's vestibule, you're likely to be met by Aimery, who has a collection of masks at the ready should you happen to arrive sans costume. Adrian is also probably close by, at least at the early part of the evening, playing host.

The Lobby

[defenestration]

The Lobby of the Luthor-Veidt building is a mixture of the original architectural style and modern glass and cool colors in its decor, although if you look carefully you'll see hints of medieval and ancient Egyptian design as well. The reception desk has been turned into an open bar, and catering employees move through the crowd to offer drinks and hors-d'ouevres. An area off to one side has been designated as a small dance floor, and an eclectic music mix (with an occasional rather 80s feel to it) is being piped in.

The Second Floor

[defenestration]

The elevators will take you to the second floor, where the hallway and two large guest suites have been opened up salon-style. The caterers have set up tables there -- one table features a multitude of delicious cakes -- and there's furniture to sit and converse in. This is also where you'll find the bathrooms should you need them. The decor is less modern than the first floor, and all extremely tasteful. There's a subtle theme of purple hinted at but it succeeds in not being overwhelming. The music here is softer so as not to impede conversation.

(Adrian and Lex have offices on the second floor. However, they are locked up tight and guests should not attempt to access them.)

The Birthday Boy

[patricide]

Lex has come to the party dressed as Alexander the Great, an appropriate costume to those who know him well. As the man of the hour, he's doing his best to mingle, moving from room to room, available for introductions and birthday wishes.

The Host

[defenestration]

Adrian is making the rounds throughout the party, and he's pretty easy to spot -- those with a knowledge of Earth history (or Earth film) will recognize him as Ramesses, his costume reminiscent of Yul Brynner's role in The Ten Commandments -- although with purple in place of the blue. Instead of the headdress, however, he's sporting a gold Uraeus diadem.

[goodeintentions]

Aimery had dressed as the masked man that had saved him a few weeks before, a fitting role for him considering he was playing protector of the party in some ways. Adrian had helpfully supplied the hero's name: Ozymandias. He thought his rendition of the costume was poor and far too heavy, but he liked to think that he managed to pull off looking properly heroic, proud, and set a good first impression of his employers. He had the hair and chin for it, at least, even if he felt scrawny in comparison.

He didn't manage to greet every single guest individually, especially when Adrian was taking over and when his duties took him elsewhere, but he certainly tried to be friendly and welcoming when he did. Aimery had acquired quite a number and variety of masks to let guests without costumes use, all displayed on a table off to the side of the room so that people could see what was on offer. Said table was also where he stowed presents for safe keeping —discreetly, underneath the table once the guest had passed so as not to make anyone feel self conscious about their lack of a present or compare theirs to others— until he had a spare moment to move them away to safety in another room.

[OOC: Probably don't even need to specify this but it just in case: it is totally okay to handwave that Aims gave your character a mask if they need one or put away their present, we don't have to thread it.]

[aldabeyoun.livejournal.com]

Unable to convince either West or Pickman to come out, Njoki still chose to make an appearance at the party. While she might not know anyone here, an evening out among strangers would still be better than another evening watching the tension build in Mafaton. Mask (http://www.cartaalta.com/venetian_masks/barocco_masks/46-mask_colombina_barocco_grifone_white.jpg) or not, Njoki is easy to recognize in plain black pants and a well-fitted black t-shirt with sleeves short enough to show off her scarification.

"S'this where I can drop off a gift?" she says, holding up a small envelope holding a card and a short, official certificate stating that the bearer has 'adopted' a bennu bird at the Baedal zoological gardens.

[goodeintentions]

Even though he was the one in a superhero costume complete with actual armor, some of the guests still intimidated Aimery. With all those muscles and what looked like extensive intentional scaring, Njoki definitely fell in that group. He hid it well, not cowering or anything of that sort, but someone observant might note a nervousness in his stance and an over-eagerness in his smile.

"Yes, sir," he answered quickly, stepping forward and holding out his hand to take the offered envelope, "I'm taking care of those for now."

[rhinemaid]

Arriving with Cindy - Cynthia - as 'the brunette Cinderella', Ilde makes her way in the direction of the table for masks largely out of passing curiosity. After all, there are awfully pretty things over there and she does have certain noticeable tendencies. Less magpie, more a faerie love of finery, and she can appreciate that while she's observing.

"They're not required, though, if your costume goes without?" she inquires of Aimery, quizzical. Presumably her reason for the query is clear enough.

[last-libertine.livejournal.com]

It is quite likely that the actual Spartans would have laughed at this particular one (http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii162/in_arkham_ego/61159.jpg), as he is noticeably more trim than their regimen would necessitate. But that doesn't bother Evan; he'd probably go shirtless all the time if weather and circumstance allowed, he doesn't mind showing a little leg, and he also has his wand tucked neatly into the hilt and blade of his fake sword. The helmet has already come off, though. He needs to see and more importantly, he needs people to see him.

The masks and the surroundings merit some attention, but Evan is mostly enthralled by the people. Why is everyone hot as fuck. It's pleasantly ridiculous. He drifts over to Aimery in a lean, nonchalant manner designed to command attention without demanding it, and offers him a fine white envelope, sealed without any marking.

"For the man of the hour," he says, mock-grandly. It contains nothing but an absolutely filthy limerick, written in lovely script but definitely anonymous.

[alan_shore]

Somewhere in the crowd, likely nearer to the bar than the dance floor, a vine twines daintily around a champagne flute. The tendril (one of several, all of which seem to move with preternatural grace, occasionally in time with the music) leads to one Alan Shore, who will be passing the evening in the guise of one half of the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary. He's dressed in a suit--a leaf, impossibly verdant, protrudes from the breast pocket--and for the most part succeeds in conducting himself as if wholly accustomed to playing host to a multitude of leafy limbs.

[cerebric.livejournal.com]

Charles and Raven are dressed as Hansel and Gretel (http://www.fashionica.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Se_main2.jpg), complete with candy in Charles' pocket should they need to use it as a prop. They have also brought their own masks, Raven's (http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/15e/e/AAAAAtIu6t8AAAAAAV7qVg.jpg) being suitably more elaborate in comparison to Charles' (http://pilgrimagedesign.com/devil%20and%20demon%20masks/Resources/v1lgc.jpeg) angular design. They were also kind enough to provide Erik a mask (http://www.caufields.com/productimages/Halloween/Mask/Images/54908.jpg), whether or not he wears it is up to him, but it got them through the door.

Once inside each person is free to wander or stick to the group as they please. Charles being Charles gravitates toward the open bar.

WAIT I'M DUMB

[last-libertine.livejournal.com]

While Evan doesn't have the slightest clue who Lex is, he's observant enough to realize that the way Lex interacts with various people at the party means he's the guest of honor. Given the admirable decor, attractive party-goers, and festive atmosphere, Evan is naturally inclined to think well of Lex even without any personal knowledge of the man — who is, after all, dressed as Alexander the Great, a sign of good taste in Evan's book. In any case it would be polite to at least wish him well, because that limerick he handed Aimery is truly awful.

So, at a proper interval, he pauses while passing Lex and leans just a smidgin closer than appropriate given their mutual lack of acquaintance and his own state of partial undress. "Happy birthday, Mr. Luthor," he says very earnestly, taking a quick sip from his drink. "I wish you well on all your conquests."

[xenophilius]

A tall figure, made taller for the worryingly life-like sheep's head worn like a hat atop white-blonde head, is standing by the food with two picks worth of olives, ham, cheese held in both hands and fingers curled around a half-empty champagne glass as well. Xeno Lovegood is wearing a long coat made entirely of wool, long enough that it gathers around his feet, and there's a sheep-like tail sewn on at the appropriate location. He also has a tweed waistcoat drawn over the top, as he is the sheep half of the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary.

"But my great aunt was said to have grown at least two veggie lambs," he's enthusing. "She was a wonderful herbologist, you know. I went to the highlands last spring to find some cuttings to take home, but I think the winter might have been particularly terrible that year because sheep did not seem to be in bloom at all, despite all the rumours."

His hat regards the ceiling, and says baaaa in a guttural and strangely realistic manner.

[ OOC: Do you want to be the one being talked at? Then let it be you. WE DON'T EVEN HAVE TO KNOW EACH OTHER. ]

[aldabeyoun.livejournal.com]

"Thanks," she says with an easy smile. "You've got a great costume, but I've got to cop to ignorance and ask who it is?"

Starting about an inch below her elbows and moving up her arms, the scarring is most definitely intentional; too regular and evenly patterned to be anything else. Not that Aimery can see, but she's marked up to the base of her neck, down her torso, until just above her knees.

[last-libertine.livejournal.com]

The too-skinny-to-be-a-real-Spartan, though unacquainted with the gracious host, is open about appreciating Adrian's costume, or just Adrian, or whatever. It's more friendly than salacious. And, despite the number of drinks he's had, still alert and intelligent. Again, though he knows nothing of who Adrian is, the way other people react to him and the way Adrian himself acts are strong enough indications as to his role. In time, Evan takes advantage of a natural conversational lull to casually approach him.

"I really, really must thank you for a spectacular evening," he says, smile crooked and coy as it disappears briefly behind his drink. "I arrived yesterday with nothing. Tonight I drink with kings. For just one night, of course, but it'll live long in more than just my memory. Which is the point, of course, so... well done, and thank you."

[magnetic]

Erik hasn't even bothered to wear the little throwaway domino mask properly, opting instead to hold it up to his eyes on the way past the party's gatekeeper, a distinctly tolerant air about him. As ever, he stands tall and narrow, dressed tonight in a slim grey suit without a tie, and looking kind of intense purely by default.

He too makes a beeline for the bar, for...reasons. The mask's new home is the first table he happens to pass.

[last-libertine.livejournal.com]

"I have no idea what the fuck you are," Evan comments blithely, slinking a half circle around Alan in a manner probably never used by the actual Spartans, "but may I congratulate you anyway, sir?"

Without really waiting for permission, he toasts Alan and drinks.

[last-libertine.livejournal.com]

... well, it's a good thing Evan did not surrender to horrible impulse and arrive dressed as an actual fucking Death Eater. He'd entertained the notion for approximately .0047 seconds, laughed, and then ended up a Spartan. He is eyeing that sheep hat in a distinctly blank manner, one which serves as an alternative to uncertainty he would never show. Lucius had mentioned to him another wizard present, the name unfamiliar, and he wonders if this is it, as the hat seems exactly the demented kind of whimsical that the magic of his world can be. He edges a bit closer to eavesdrop, but keeps his face turned a little away. Who knows if that wizard would somehow recognize him, after all? Lucius did not seem to think this Lovegood fellow much of a threat, but it's not danger he's looking to avoid right now, just plain old awkwardness.

[rhinemaid]

Tonight isn't going to involve much drinking for Ilde (her attention is prone to wandering enough without adding alcohol into the mix); she acquires a (weak) brandy alexander downstairs, circulates and observes as she's generally wont to do, and eventually drifts upstairs to the quieter salon where she can find herself a place to sit and watch and talk. A little less inclined to get falling down drunk in a gown she quite likes, her quieter tendencies settle at the fore and her mildly disquieting tranquillity isn't anything out of the ordinary to anyone familiar with her. Her mood is still breezily affable, and she's as interested in people she doesn't know as people she already does.

[aldabeyoun.livejournal.com]

Njoki laughs aloud at Alan's costume and is smiling brightly when she approaches him: "You look spectacular. Very nicely done, Alan."

Perhaps Ki's sense of what constitutes an adorable costume is slightly skewed, but she thinks that the little, furling and curling tendrils are sweet. She'd also like to know how such a thing was created -- Is it alive? Does it need to eat?

[rhinemaid]

It seems Ilde doesn't adhere to the notion that you should greet someone before you start playing with their tendrils, coaxing a few around her little finger. "You can get tie pins that play like this at a shop in Howl Barrow," she remarks, in lieu of aforementioned theoretical greeting, lifting her hand higher to see if they'll follow her.

[captaincocksure]

James T. Kirk, Captain and Commanding Officer of the USS Enterprise, the Federation's flagship, arrives with all the confident bearing and assured smiling that one expects from a man of his rank and accomplishments. He may be young, but he's a man that wears authority and responsibility well.

Too bad it's not showing quite so much, at the moment.

Dr. McCoy, please do remember your captain apologized ahead of time.

For the captain has arrived wearing the back end of a pantomime horse costume. Just the back end, the suspenders strapped over his shoulders. There's no front end, no accompanying other half. Just him. Dressed like the back end of a horse.

Let the trolling begin.

[manyshapes.livejournal.com]

Raven isn't headed for the bar, she's headed for the dance floor, although she notes what direction the two men go in first. She also notices Erik dispose of his mask, and makes a mental note to do something about that later.

[manyshapes.livejournal.com]

Utilizing a little subtle questioning and her skills of observation, Raven has discovered the celebrant in question, and heads over to him, wearing a bright smile.

"Happy birthday!" She holds out an envelope that contains a suitably generic birthday card (no balloons or puppies with funny expressions) and a gift certificate for coffee beans at Queequag's. "This is a great party, you must have good friends."