2025.10.27: Oogy Boogies Party

Oogy Boogie's Party
Sark's Halloween Party, themed for Ooogie Boogie of The Nightmare Before Christmas, held at Steamed and Hammered. Considered a Nightzone for the entirety of the event.
IC Date	October 27th, 2025
IC Time	All Night
Players	Andrei, Arachnix, Archimedes, Ashe, Cristobal, Dasia, Ink, Ji-a, Lan, Lavender, Phil, Sark, Xiu, Tyler, Zoe
Location	Steamed and Hammered
Spheres	Bygone, Mage, Sorcerer, Traditions

Welcome to the party! Steamed and Hammered has been decorated this evening in dark browns, reds, and black colors, with silks and sheets hanging around corners and booths to create secluded seating and cast darker shadows around the restaurant floor. Light projectors create faintly moving shadows of creepy crawlies on the walls and cast under chairs and tables to give an impression of bugs being underfoot the entire evening. Details of the special menu and party favors being offered for the evening are on the following wiki page:

https://cityofhopemush.net/index.php?title=Oogie_Boogie_Party

Andrei has arrived. Tyler has arrived. Archimedes has arrived. Lavender has arrived.

For those that might be regular patrons of S&H, the interior looks decidedly different this evening, with most of the steampunk aesthetic obscured by black and red cloth and an overall graveyard look to things. The main dining area is shadowed and backlit with special effects made to look like small neon bugs skitter and dart from cover to cover, and a soundtrack of Elfman music is playing constantly in the background.

Sark has done himself up as Mr. Oogy Boogie himself, his frame more of a big lumpy burlap blob that looks like it might erupt and spill out more of those little critters with every step he makes. At the start of the evening, he's hovering over the front table with the costume contest signup, waiting to see who braves the location first.

Ji-a has arrived. Arachnix has arrived.

Floating in nearly on tiptoes, the Lavender one arrives! She flits, she flies, she dances in circles one way and the other in her own little dance. Wings waving behind her, she seems light as a feather. The Poison Pixie is looking for fun as she enters the party. "Oh Sark? Where are you?" she approaches the big lump of burlap blob and says, "Good evening!"

Andrei comes in just after the event has started, dressed lavishly as Jareth the Goblin King. He's more light-footed, and confident as he steps in and looks around, a wry smile on his face, eyes looking everywhere.

Tyler arrives at the party, his kermit costume ill-fitting but he owns every inch of it. With the golfball eyes and green jumpsuit, he is mostly a green figure walking around with a banjo, a real one, slung over his shoulder. But he's doing his best to hide the last-minute dash for a costume and how well it fits. Thankfully, the mask allows him to refrain from having to paint his face.

Ashe has arrived.

Sark claps happily as figures make their way inside, though the expression is harder to read on his face as Oogy leers happily at the group. With a loud laugh, he steps forward and offers a bow of his burlap head to Lavender, a throaty chuckle as he addresses her, "How WONDERFUL to see you here, my dear. I think you will be right at home with my friends, though be careful, they might want to keep part of you for themselves! Those big blank eyes actually waggle their eyebrows at her before looking past her at the other new arrivals. Andrei in particular gets a wagging burlap finger and an amused, "Now now, any children you find here are mine, my dear King, and kidnapped justly so. Though I might be inclined to...negotiate."

He pauses before raising his voice, "WELCOME MY FRIENDS to the party after the party, while that silly Jack is out moping off with his Sally, we can truly enjoy ourselves this evening. Find a seat, find a beverage, find new friends and trouble to get into and maybe a little later we will have our own Sandy Claws to torment, yes?"

"Sijaghaebolkka?" (For those speak Korean, she's saying 'Should we begin?') This is said as Ji-a, cosplaying as D.Va from Overwatch, walks through the door. She points her pink blaster at the bouncer as if this 5 foot 2 woman can be intimidating. She giggles playfully as she lowers her blaster and then starts to wander into the club, trying to see who all is where, but more importantly... who is cosplaying?! She has wide eyes as this would be her first event like this in America, so everything is a bit new.

"I would never presume to steal any children from another. Though if I could trick them to joining my entourage, I would do so in a heartbeat, my good Oogie," Jareth says. The voice rolling and lush and rich to the ears.

Lavender grins and giggles! "Oh this shall be fun! Who shall I poi...glitter first!" She takes out a want with ribbons and sparkles and twirls it around. "Oh I must sign up for the costume contest! Although how do you beat Oogy Boogie himself!" She pauses to look to see who else has come in and the giggles some more! "Oh my, If it isn't the Green One! And a King, and... " She looks over Ji-a, "I'm afraid I have no idea who you have dressed up as, but I love it!" This is the time to get in on it, so she'll sign up now for the contest, get her photo taken, and move on to find a drink.

Archimedes enters the Steamed and Hammered, pale skin with the affectation of blood dripping down the corner of his mouth via a specifically applied bit of makeup. He's pale, far more pale than he typically is. Given his tailed tuxedo, and cape, Archimedes can't help but sweep into the club in spite of not doing anything particularly different. As the result of some additions to his incisors, his mouth sits open, but only just a little bit. He pauses taking a look around. A few get a raised eyebrow, while others get smiles. Soon, Archimedes is moving along... on the hunt... for a drink... of water, or soda, or coffee. Jeez.

Phil has arrived. Dasia has arrived.

Tyler walks around as Kermit the Frog, playing the first few notes from the song, the Rainbow Connection. It's just nine notes, but they're difficult to miss if you know the character and the significance of the melody. Wandering around the event, he looks over towards the Jaryth and gives him a quick thumbs up of approval, "Sick costume..." and then he sees a glittery fairy and knows the true meaning of fear.

Ji-a seems to know how costume contests work because cosplay is all about her culture! She makes sure to get in line for registering for the contest. She fills out whatever forms and then gives a cute V-sign with her fingers while sticking out her tongue in a playful manner. She then looks to Lavender and giggles, "I'm D.Va" She says this as if EVERYONE should know who she is, perhaps not realizing that the gaming world may not be everyone's cup of tea. She then takes note of Starfire. She squeals with delight, "You so have to get her picture next!"

And then there's /that/ guy. Purple shirt, red cummerbund, black jacket and slacks. Black top hat with red hatband and a skull and bones and a feather. Necklace with a couple large-ish teeth strung on it. And a walking stick.

This utterly trustworthy character takes one look around, then makes a beeline for Tyler, reaching out to clap a hand on the man's shoulder. "Gettin' into trouble, kid?"

Zoe has arrived.

Blinking, Arachnix looks at Ji-a. "Um hi? I suppose." She smiles looking around an dmoving to get in line for pictures to satisfy the dj. "Anything to keep people happy, I guess.

Sark hehs under his breath as he ducks around a few figures, having to watch his step lest he clobber some poor soul with a burlap flap of his body. He pauses up in front of the Starfire and gives her a visible shiver, throwing his voice into the impression, "I DO so love how parties like this bring out the troublemakers. Lovely to see you, my dear!" A throaty giggle escapes him as he gets out of her way and sidles his way through the crowd, trying to get an idea of who's already signing up, though he adds in general, "Party cakes are on the table and everyone gets a gift to take home...or is it follow you home? You'll find out!"

Ashe saunters in wearing a black skirt and blazer with a distinctive bat bowtie. It was the best she could do online yesterday. Gothic is difficult for her. She recognizes Ji-a, and gives her a posed V, all she remembers of DVA.

Tyler is half startled by the overly dramatic persona of a guy that makes a bee-line straight for him and starts to stumble over his words a bit, "Um... no? I mean...not lately..." His fingers miss the mark on the banjo and everything kinda sounded wonky for a second like the starting notes from the Rainbow connection took a dark, twisted turn. "Nice Costume..." he smiles back at the Shadowman. "You got friends on the other side too?"

Somewhere behind Sark, someone has found the first 'screamer' present as a loud, creepy 'HAPPY CHRISTMAS' peals out followed by a shreiking giggle as the owner finds their hands full of cinnamon candies.

Archimedes heads towards the bar, waiting his turn as he looks over the menu of available drinks. When it's his turn, the man clearly dressed up as Count Dracula orders a Sunrise, then rolls his eyes at the raised eyebrow he gets from the bartender, "Just... give me a straw." He grins, fangily, and then pays with cash. He turns to lean against the bar casually as he can as he takes a look at the new people arriving in their costumes.

Ji-a / D.Va smiles as StarFire gets in line, but then she notices Ashe. She quickly goes to meet her half way. She mimics the "V" pose with Ashe, beaming with excitement and kinetic energy. She then bites her bottom lip as she tries to figure out who Ashe is. She shakes her head with confusion and at a loss. She quietly whispers, "Who are you supposed to be?" She shakes her head, "Zatanna?"

Lavender oos as she hears about the presents and skips over to that table, delaying getting a drink. "Oh! We can pick one out now? Or is it for when we leave?" She inquires as she looks them all over.

Zoe makes her way in, moving hesitantly. She doesn't seem to display quite as much confidence as her costume might otherwise suggest. Or it's social anxiety creeping up. Or both. But that does abate a bit as she spots some familiar faces, taking a little longer through costumes and music. She drifts in Arachnix's direction first. "Hello again! I didn't expect to run into you again so soon! Did you get a chance to look at those books yet? Or were you too busy getting ready? I know I was."

Andrei waves to Tyler as he moves about. Archimedes. Ji-a, Zoe, and Arachnix. A number of people he knows so far have shown up. He waits to have his picture taken as well. Once he's done, and holds a small, perfectly clear glass sphere in the picture, well, it's time to be about.

Sark whirls around when he hears a question about the presents, laughing loudly and even managing a wink at the Poison Pixie, "Now what kind of host would I be to tell people they have to WAIT to open their presents? You COULD leave it a surprise, but that's up to you, my dear!"

"You have no idea," Dr. /checks notes/ Phil replies, rubbing his eyes. "Don't worry, if they were gonna eat you, they would have." From there, he glances around at the rest of the crowd: a couple other faces he recognizes, several that he doesn't. "So. Drinks--" Aha, there they are, the mention of a straw drawing his attention to the right spot.

A warm smile greets Zoe. Her eyes glide over the woman's figure and costume. "You went all out it looks like. I mean, Hollywood level effect on your costume." A casual regret washes over her face and is gone just as instantly as it appeared. "Sometimes, it's just nice to know that people put in the effort."

Tyler smiles as the witch doctor heads over to the bar and he decides to find a table he can claim and spies one near the fireplace. Frogs like fire, right? Eh, maybe not so much but he's been on his feet all day and would very much like to sit and look at all of the costumes. So 'Kermit' wanders over towards the table and takes a seat, turning one of the chairs to look outward into the room, occasionally strumming those same nine notes on the banjo like they were the only ones he learned.

Lavender picks a present - which is hard for her because NONE of them a purple. So she closes her eyes, and floats her hand over the top around and around and around until STOP! She picks the one under her hand and then gleefully moves off to the bar to get a drink. "What do you have that is fruity and lavender?"

There is a Dasia, because Dasia just shows up places regardless of invite or not. Luckily she has one tonight! All she heard was 'Costume' and 'Nightmare Before Christmas', so she is here in questionably appropriate costume: Sexy Ghost Dog! Its even got a little light-up nose at the point of the hood that's supposed to be the snout of it all, small ears and eyes placed appropriately there-on.

She makes her way to the table, eyes peeled for Sark, with her hands behind her back. Mysterious.

Ji-a is trying to find a place to sit, so that she's not overwhelmed with the number of people here. That, and if she can find a place to sit, then she can people watch and enjoy all the outfits! She makes a play for the Fireplace Table, but then pauses slightly so as to not intrude and join at a table that's already occupied.

Sark is attempting to keep tabs on new arrivals as people make their way around, pausing at a table of settled individuals to tap at the menu, "The lamb was indeed PROPERLY sacrificed by my own butcher, do try it!" before wheeling away. He eases himself around Kermit with a giggle and leans in to murmur to the green one, "Now now, dont eat too many of my critters while you're here, my friend. I might have to keep you and take them back!"

With that casual threat and another laugh, OogySark makes his way in Dasia's direction, reaching out to flop a burlap finger around that lit nose of hers, "While Jack is away, I see his puppy got away, did she?"

Ashe takes a present at random with a drawn out "Thaaannk you.", and strolls over to the bar. "Mead? Actual mead? Oh wow." She orders a mead and a bourbon with a grin, as she basically lives off alcohol and wishful thinking. Ashe glances around at the other costumers.

Lan has arrived.

Lan/Aquaman strides in from the door like a wave that decided it was done holding back. Water beads down his armor, catching the red and amber lights as if he's carrying the ocean in with him. Each step lands heavy and unhurried, boots whispering against the floor. He drags a faint scent of salt and rain in his wake, something wild and alive that doesn't belong in a city. The trident rests across his shoulders, easy as a shepherd's staff, its metal tips glinting darkly as the projected shadows of spiders crawl across his chest. He glances around once, eyes the blue-gray of deep tidepools, unreadable but sharp, like he's already decided which corner of the room the sea would flood first. A grin ghosts over his mouth, quick and crooked.

As he stands in the doorway, he allows his eyes a moment to adjust to the change in lighting while looking around.

The Bartender takes one look at the Lavender Poison Pixie, and grins. "I got just the thing." He goes all Cocktail and does some flashy moves, taking out all the ingredients. Starting with Gin - and not just any Gin, but Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. He puts in 2oz of that, followed by 1/2 oz of Limoncello, 1/2 oz of lavender simple syrup, and then squeezes in a similar amount of fresh lemon juice - all of this ontop of some ice in a shaker. Shake shake shake...KOKOMO! He pours it into a glass, and then tops with a lemon wedge and a sprig of, yes, lavender on top. He hands it over to Lavender.

"Oh my! That looks delightful!" The Lavender Pixie slips out her little wallet from a slim pocket in her costume, and this guy earn a big tip! "Happy Halloween!" She takes her drink turning around and looks to find somewhere to sit and enjoy it.

Talia has arrived. Cristobal has arrived.

Zoe loses one Willpower

Tyler glances up from the table near the fireplace with himself, Ji-a and Andrei towards the bar as someone yells about something being delightful. The attention is then drawn back to the people he's seated with and he occasionally strums on the banjo he's got slung over his shoulder.

"Aquaman!" shouts the Asian woman dressed as D.Va, but then realizes that in her enthusiasm that maybe she shouted that a little too loudly. She winces a little, hunching her shoulders as she lifts her hand to her mouth as if she realizes she may have made a social faux pas. Still, she's happy to see costumes that she recognizes!

A man dressed in a dark tailored suit enters; he's wearing a sandy-furred wolf's head. It looks like it may have been taken from somebody's Fursuit. He glances around, and then heads further inward.

Sark pauses again to answer a question from another table and giggles as he taps an employee on the arm to nudge him in their direction, "There you go, my good man, stuff them well..." As he makes his way through the middle of the room, OogySark again raises his voice, "Dont stuff yourselves TOO well, my little troublemakers. We're bringing Sandy Claws himself out in a moment and EVERYONE is welcome to a piece of HIM. Arent you supposed to SHARE that Christmas Spirit?"

Dasia/Zero the Sexy Ghost Dog leans closer to Sark, murmuring something before giving his cheek a lick. She is nothing if not committed to the character and/or the bit. That... 'accomplished'... she pulls her hands from behind her back, revealing a gift of her own. "Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without an exchange of gifts," she says, swapping the very specific shade of green, black, and gold box for the one provided here. "You might want to wait until you have thumbs before tearing into that," she adds, before slipping away to find a table. She does take a path that swings by the bar, for a glowing, spooky martini of some sort.

Ashe gets her mead and bourbon like a boring normal person, and drifts away from the bar and looks for a table to sit at alone and brood.

Lan turns his head toward the voice, a slow grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. The blue-gray of his eyes catches the light like surf before dawn. He shifts the trident from one shoulder, leaning on it as if it were just another bar prop."Careful, my little scuttle fish," he calls back, tone easy, teasing but warm. "Say my name too loud and half the ocean shows up lookin' for me." A low chuckle follows as he looks towards the bar for a drink first or greet people he knows first, Lan chooses the later as his eyes fall on Archimedes and he begins to make his way through the crowd.

Ink finds her way into the space! Entering through the front door, the musician is... Dressed as another musician. Thorn, the Hex Girl, makes her way into the room with an inaudible hum on her lips and her arms spread out to her sides. She gives a little spin, flaring out her skirt for a moment as she casts a curious gaze about the room... Which leads to her seeing someone specific. She smiles, a bright full toothed thing, and makes her way towards the bar with a laugh. She stops a short distance away from Zoe, asking, "Room for me? Or all full up Zo?" She does another, slower spin... "Whatcha think?"

Arachnix glances to Phil, "I don't drink. So no worries. Agent Ness has no need to bash into this speakeasy and ruin our fun." With that said, Arachnix orders an orange juice. Noticing Ink, the redheaded wannabe Starfire gives a wave of pale white fingers.

At some point the guy in a wolf mask espies Tyler strumming on his banjo - he looks down at it, and then up at the strummer, and then back at the banjo. Then he turns and walks to the bar.

Sark is offered a present of his own! He 'ooos and clasps the box to his burlap chest with those floppy hands (that do indeed, NOT have thumbs). He does a very discreet whirl around through the service doors to set it aside where other critters will not be able to steal it, then reappears on the floor, craning his head to check on the clusters of people, as if he might see something needing his attention from a distance. When the 'coast' looks clear, he leans back into the kitchen and chirps to someone in there "yeah, get him prepped and come on out."

Archimedes continues standing near the bar, sipping on his Sunrise mocktail. He continues scanning until he spots Lan approaching dressed as Aquaman. The former chemistry professor turned Transylvanian Count's eyes widen, then he grins and calls out, "Hey Lan! How are you doing?"

Tyler nods to Ji-a and seems to answer her refusal with a suggestion, "So... club soda and cranberry juice, Got it." Turning towards the Goblin King, he nods and says he'll grab some munchies for them.

Tyler nods to Ji-a and seems to answer her refusal with a suggestion, "So... club soda and cranberry juice, Got it." Turning towards the Goblin King, he nods and says he'll grab some munchies for them. The six-foot frog stands from the fireside table and heads over to the bar to find himself something to drink and see if there might be something edible that could be collected onto a plate for his table mates. While moving through the crowd, he glances over towards the Wolf Head and then to Lan and smiles at the guy's costume.

Wolf-Head orders a dark and stormy with a double shot of rum... with a straw. The straw slides into the opening in the mouth of the wolf-mask, as he sips his drink.

Lavender sees Ashe take a table and seems to want to be alone. The bar has space, but she does not know them. Then there are others by the Fireplace. Hmm, she knows them, but they may be waiting for someone else. The corner booth as some one she doesn't know. Choices... which leads to choice paralysis. But then... she sees a target! She flounces over to the bar again, sitting down her drink and then pulls her wand back out...

Since the offered 'graveyard shift' dinner is a full, four course affair, 'Kermit' decides to just get a few orders of the Hand Looped Pretzels for those at his table to munch on. Since it will take a second, he slides into a seat at the bar while the drinks and munchies are made.

Sark almost gets hit in his burlap butt by the service door when whoever he was chirping at leans out to tell him they are ready to. He nods his floppy head at that and guestures for them to come in, while he starts striding for the middle of the room, "Worms and Critters. My troublemakers for the evening, before you go, MEESTER Oogy Boogy has to offer you something you can take home and share. Jack says we should all share this 'Christmas Spirit' thing so lets for once do what he says, right? We caught THE Christmas Spirit just for you!"

With those words, a few of the staff dressed as the little goblins from the movie wheel out a huge shrouded dessert cart, that has a giant cake shaped like Santa Claus...but the Head and the Feet look rather real, like there might be someone sitting IN the cart a la the old magician's trick. 'Santa' is currently looking around wide-eyed, "What are you doing? Let me go!"

OogySark laughs and adds, "I need a volunteer to help me make that first lucious, DELICIOUS cut. Who's interested??"

Lavender grins as she eyes Count Archimedes. The vampire is just a few feet away. This is very unlike the lavender one, as she reaches into her pocket with her left hand, the wand in her right. She dances around and sings, ~ Sparkle, Sparkle, Little Star, How I wonder what you are, Up above the world so high, Like a Diamond in the sky... And as she sings, she sprinkles a handful of glitter /all over/ Archimedes from the head down so to goes all over him! "Poof! You've been pixie dusted! Now you are a real Vampire!" She giggles and moves back to admire her work!

Ashe deposits her drinks on her gear table and perches in her seat with her stretched out legs crossed at the knee, the basic instinct completely unintentional. Flexing her fingers, she picks up her mead and gulps half the glass before putting it down and chasing it with bourbon. "Interesting." she says to herself, as she begins brooding properly. She doesn't really know anyone here, and is fine with being a rock and island unto herself. Just then she sees Oogy Boogy return with his pronouncement, and waits to see which brave soul comes forth.

Ever-ready to torment people, real or just for show, Dasia raises a Sexy Ghost Dog hand. "Anything for Oogy Boogy," she sing-songs, already rising from her table in the corner to make her way over to chop-chop the Sandy Claws...

Oh, there's a glitter bomb being set off? That is Phil's cue to evacuate the area for a while, before it has a chance to drift over and get all over /his/ outfit. (If it turns Archimedes into a sparklepire, what does it turn Phil into? Probably nothing good.)

Picking up his drink, he offers a quick salute to the others, then goes wandering again for a bit, eventually gesturing toward Ashe as he passes by her table. "The drink, or something else?" he asks.

After a time, the pretzels are done and placed before 'Kermit' (Tyler) and he then places the order for the two drinks, "Just some club soda, cranberry juice and lemon." The bartender gives him a look, recognizes that it's a virgin variation of a common drink and just leaves out the vodka. Quick as a wink, the drinks are done and the frog does his best to carry things back to the fireside table.

Lan lifts a brow at the wolf-mask's silent stare, the corner of his mouth twitching with quiet amusement. He raises his glass slightly in the wolf's direction. "Guess we're all the strong, silent type tonight," he murmurs, voice rough like surf against stone. "Fair enough. Ocean's louder than all of us put together anyway." Then Sark's booming voice cuts through the chatter, and Lan glances over his shoulder toward the dessert cart and the struggling Santa. His grin widens, slow and sharkish. "Every time I hit land, someone's serving man for dinner," he rumbles, half to himself, half to the bar. "Must be a surface-world thing." He tips his glass toward Archimedes, who's now glittered head to toe. "Careful, Count," he adds with a deep chuckle. "They call glitter "You sparkle on a molecular level-no filter, just physics and audacity."

Ji-a's phone goes off, which she apparently hid within her pink blaster! Hidden compartments are cool. She retrieves it and answers, speaking in Korean to whoever is calling. She then looks to Andrei, "Sorry, I need to go." She plants a quick peck of a kiss on his cheek, and starts to make her way out. She passes by Tyler in the process. "I have to go, but it was nice learning... who the Frog Man is." Um, Kermit, Ji-a. He's Kermit... but she's trying!

Archimedes tilts his head as the answer he receives regarding Lavender's well-being and the location of her significant other is a totally derivative and therefore non-infringing version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star that coincides with her going to straight to his face with a handful of shiny glitter as he squeezes his eyes shut and tilts his head forward. When he looks back up, his eyes widen and his jaw hangs open. Archimedes spends a moment blinking, at which point he reaches up, unclasps his cape, and then offers it to Lan, "Can you hold this for a moment?" Barring this, he'll deposit it on the bar. Next to leave his body is the tuxedo code, which gets purposefully and quickly folded, finally the waistcoat joins it.

Archimedes reaches up, undoes the bowtie and then undoes the next five or six buttons of his shirt with very nimble fingers. He takes a deep breath, squints at Lavender, and holds his shirt open, "Finish it."

Ashe looks startled and confused for a moment. "Oh, just haven't had mead before, can never seem to find the stuff.", she replies to Phil. "Don't mind me, it's my first horror-steampunk bar experience."

When there does seem to be a volunteer, OogySark draws out a large broad cake knife from the table and whirls it on one finger with a flourish, before laying it on his arm and offering it to DasiaGhostDog with a flourish. He leans in close to murmur something into her ear, then steps back once she's taken the knife, to guesture to the 'Sandy Claws' ready for slicing, "Once we have the first cut, everyone is entitled to a piece of their own. Ask your server for a box to take it home with you, because you wont want to miss out!"

Ji-a has left.

"Everyone has to start somewhere," the man replies. "I hear you get used to it pretty quick. Hi, I'm Phil and I'm kind of an asshole." See? At least he's a self-aware one, cold comfort that that may be.

Cristobal reaches up and takes off the Wolf-head mask. He sets it down on the bar, and runs his fingers through his hair, trying to put some volume back in them.

Standing at six foot two, this fair-skinned man cuts a smooth figure. A pair of deep blue and green eyes, as deep as the wine-dark sea, thick eyebrows, and long, lush lashes are on his smooth face. His hair is so dark brown as to be almost black, tousled on top and parted down the right side of his scalp, trimmed short and neat on the sides and back.

Lan catches the bundle of fabric Archimedes offers, one brow rising as the man starts unbuttoning like it's Mardi Gras instead of Halloween. He sets the cape and coat carefully on the bar, smirking faintly. "Careful, Count," he says, voice low and edged with amusement. "The last man who told a woman to 'finish it' in front of me ended up married or buried. Sometimes both."

The room stirs with Sark's theatrics and the arrival of the knife, the air thick with that eerie, expectant energy. Lan glances over, the light from the stage flickering across his damp armor. "Only place I've seen more ceremony with a blade was in Atlantis," he mutters, half to himself, half to the wolf-headed drinker beside him. Then, a grin. "Least theirs didn't come with frosting."

Lavender cackles as Archimedes goes all Mortal Kombat! She takes two fistfuls of glitter from her pockets, and COATS his chest and back so he is now ALL THE GLITTER! "It is done! You are THE GLITTER BOMB!" HAHAHAHAHA!

Tyler flinches when he sees glitter being thrown around like confetti. "I think that's my cue to head back home..." he looks to Andrei, "I got a bit of a drive to go. You need a lift somewhere?" He stands from the table and adjusts the strap of the banjo he has slung across his chest and looks around to try and catch Sark's eyes to give him a wave of thanks for throwing the party.

Ashe replies "Ashe, also an asshole, and no kind of." She takes another sip of bourbon as her eyes follow Ji-a leaving. "God damn.", she whispers with quiet appreciation.

Archimedes laughs, looking down and nodding as the glitter catches in the light. He nods his head to Lavender, then asks, "How are you doing really, now?" He then looks to Lan with that same smile, "Hey, I think this is fate telling me that I should take my costume in a somewhat unexpected direction." He then turns, calling out as the bartender passes, "Can I get some water, please?" He looks back to Lan and then asks, "Are you good at art? Can you manage a drawing of a heart and a arrow?"

"Woman after my own black heart," Phil murmurs, setting down his glass and helping himself to a seat somewhere nearby. "So what do you make of the floor show?" he asks, gesturing toward Oogie Boogie and his would-be victim.

Phil sits down at the Small Gear Table.

Dasia/SexyGhostDog takes the offered blade and makes a show of inspecting it. Very theatric. Very demure. She casually drags the tip from close (perhaps dangerously close) to Sandy Claw's neck, but she trails it up towards the top of his comically rotund form, right about where his heart ought to be. She gives a glance to Aquaman at the mention of Atlantis. "Oh, there's plenty of ceremony to be had at Scheherazade's, but not as much Babylonian as you'd think." Just... casual about it. She doesn't even bother to look back at Sany Claws when she simply slides the knife home, down to the hilt. She even gives it another theatric flair - a TWIST, and a ripping noise coming from the spooky material making up the cake. She glances at Sandy. "Ever think you'd be getting Troi'd?" she inquires.

Lan smirks and thinks he sees where this is going and cracks his knuckles, "I need a pencil eraser, a tooth pick, and a cheery with the stem." He waits for Archie to get what he needs.

Archimedes pulls a sharpie out of his pocket, "No the hell you don't.

Finally all the chaos and hullaballoo grabs Jareth's attention and he stands from his table and goes over to the cutting, trying to see what all is happening. (I've been ignoring this. What is Sandy Claws and what all has been cut?)

Lavender giggles, "Hey, I'm having the best time I can tonight. Storm is off doing /another/ big client party of course. Thanks for being a good sport!" She dusts her hands off of glitter...but it's never going away really... and picks up her drink. "The Bartender here is amazing. Be sure to get something good!"

Cristobal looks over at the Sandy Claws, his drink in his head, that silly wolf mask turnec under one arm. He's watching politely.

Lan awwsss, "The cherry was for you to approach her and take from your mouth..." He slightly pouts and reaches out to take the Sharpie, "How big Count?"

Sark claps his flippered hands together as Ghost Dog Dasia drives the cake knife home and twists, and is rewarded for her efforts wtih a sudden gloop of thick red goo that MUST be some kind of cherry filling, because that couldnt be blood, right? Of course, 'Sandy Claws' looks horrified and wails, "Dont EAT me! Ahhhh..." and lets his head thunk back, either dead or passed out from shock. Or a good actor, either one. From the wings, a couple of employees have discreetly gotten closer with a cart of dessert plates and small take home boxes for those that want some of the 'Spirit'.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Zoe rolls Perception + Empathy vs 6 for 3 successes. 3 5 +6 +8 +9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Ink rolls Perception + Empathy vs 6 for 3 successes. 5 +7 +10 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Lavender rolls Perception + Empathy vs 6 for 1 successes. 1 1 2 +7 7 9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Archimedes smirks, shaking his head to Lan and speaking loud enough to include Lavender in on the joke, "Oh no, she doesn't go in for speccy gits with advanced degrees. She likes them planning parties." He then turns back to Lavender and grins, "I was a little surprised, but of course. Nothing is permanent. I'm glad you're out here having fun!" He then adds after a moment, "Your costume is great!" He then adds, "You remember Lan from the get together at the House, right?" He then looks back, "Alright. Sharpie. Left pec. Heart with an arrow, and in the middle, write 'Bella' in the best handwriting you can. I'm leaning into the costume change."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Andrei rolls Perception + Empathy vs 5 for 4 successes. 2 4 +8 +9 +10 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Archimedes rolls Perception vs 6 for 0 successes. 2 4 5 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Ashe replies to Phil, "Also nice, not quite sure what to make of her though. I don't know what they're doing though. These people all seem to know each other."

Andrei walks to Dasia and the cake. "Are we all taking turns cutting? May I have a shot at this saint who stumbled into our lair and is trapped with nothing to help him?"

Cristobal listens to that story, and grins, before he decides to take it for what it is. "As I recall in the book it was a heavy steel bucket that struck the beau on the head and killed him," he finally says, "Though the truly thrilling part was Carrie walking down the street in a rage, burning down everything around her and stripping the bolts on all the fire hydrants so that nobody could put out the flames.

Lavender nodnods to Archimedes, "Well, I go for the guys with a cute puppy. And then it worked out so far!" There is no ring yet, but its all but there it seems." She offers to Lan, "Good to see you again! How is it going setting up the shop? You said you were opening a book store, right?"

Dasia the Sexy Ghost Dog makes a shot of poking the Sandy Claws in the head. When he does not respond, she shrugs. "I'm just here to be a little hellion and torment people. Now that he's zonked out, I guess other people can have a go." She flips the knife around, offering it handle-first to whomst-ever wants to cut and scoop out their orn bit of filling.

As Lan listens, he watches the exchange between the two lover birds and smiles softly. As he drops out of character for a moment he says softly maybe only for Archie to hear, "You both are lucky to have one another." As he pulls off the cap, Lan has written ALOT of Spencerian Cursive as a bookstore owner. He has no issue with it on the man's chest. He takes a step back and admires his work before putting the cap back on and extends it to Archimedes to take back before picking up his tea.

As Lavender addresses him, he turns and raises his tea cup to her, "I have my last shipment arriving tonight. All my rare books, components, and POS system will be arriving this evening. When we have the grand opening, I hope you will come." He smiles softly before falling back into his Aquaman persona.

Sark giggles again when Andrei steps up to ask about cutting his own piece off and considers for a moment, before offering, "I don't see why we cant do that, just dont be too greedy since we have to have enough for everyone, yes? I am afraid I dont have a SECOND Sandy Claws back there waiting to be cut up, hee hee!" He nods at Dasia to offer the knife to Andrei, flopping his own hands at him with some semblance of a flourish.

Andrei takes the knife then from Sark, even as he turns his head to listen a bit from others. And then, he looks at the cut cake. "Sometimes, the simplest is best..." And it might be the most brutal, but now...it goes just below the belt, slicing down the center to between the legs. "Surely a saint can be a eunuch, right?"

Archimedes blinks, looking down at the tattoo and nodding his head, "Good work!" He looks towards Lavender for a moment and then back to Lan, shaking his head and repeating what he said before, "We're not together. She's with someone else and I'm not with anyone." He accepts the sharpie back and nods his head. When the water arrives, Archimedes simply pours a little into his hand and reaches up, rubbing his head furiously to wetten his hair gel and tousle it as fasionably as he can. He then looks between Lavender and Lan, then asks, "What do you think?" He then clears his throat and takes on an affected and badly acted pained expression, "We're not like... other vampires." He then blinks, "That work?"

As he ahhhh softly, he bows and says, "Well 'Eddy', you do this glittery Lost Boys proud." He moves to grab his trident and looks over at Sandy Claws on stage. He turns his attention to Sark and cocks his head watching in silence this time.

Sark takes a moment and steps back as the cake starts getting seriously divided up, pausing every few moments or so to encourage families with little ones to make sure they grab a present on their way out the door. For just a moment, Mr Oogy Boogie lets his guard down and actually leans on an empty chair, taking a few seconds to get some of that energy back while he watches the chaos.

Lavender nods with Archimedes words, "I'm sure you will meet Storm one day. I'll bring him with me to your book store once it is open." All good times!

Lan listens as Arachnix speaks, the trident resting against his knee now, his drink half-forgotten on the bar. The lines of her words pull at something behind his eyes - that long, silent place where memory turns to tide. He nods once, slow. "Empty chairs, empty tables," he echoes softly. "Ocean's got wrecks like that too. Some folks call it tragedy. I call it proof we lived hard enough to leave something behind." There's no sermon in his voice, just the salt-rough truth of a man who's watched storms take and give back in equal measure. He lifts his glass in a small, wordless salute before finishing the drink, setting it down with a quiet thud. "Here's to ghosts that learned to sing," he adds, the faintest smile curving his mouth before he looks toward the door, the night already pulling him back out to sea. His backside begins to ring a Celtic Witchy like tune, and jumps pulling a cellphone from his belt at the small of his back. He hits a button and says, "Thanks for calling the Fog and Fable, how can I help you?" Lan stands and excuses himself with a silent single finger as he moves to the corner speaking into his phone.

Lan has left.

Lavender watches as Lan takes off and smiles to Archimedes, "This is going to make a fun story to tell later. It's too bad Steele and Storm couldn't make it. I was also kinda wondering how Xiu would fair here. But public and nudity, even at a Halloween party, might not be the best choice."

Sark giggles to himself, overhearing Lavender's comment. He sidles up a little closer and offers in an amused Oogie tone, "I do not think that would have gone over well, no, indeed. Might have gotten some STARTLING reviews tomorrow."

Archimedes laughs and shakes his head, "I don't know how she does it. I'm feeling a draft with, what..." He looks down, raising an eyebrow, "Five buttons unbuttoned?" He then hmms, "She wouldn't be happy here, plus she'd be partying for two." He looks towards Sark directly now, giving a fanged grin, "That's a great costume, by the way."

Lavender blinks to Archimedes, "Two? Is she?... with child?" She feels suddenly out of the loop.

Sark twirls around once when Archimedes appreciates his outfit and giggles, deep and throaty, "I MIGHT have cheated a little with it, which is one reason you couldnt vote for me. I DO hope people had fun..." To Lavender's comment, he tilts his head and Oooos, "Miss Xiu? Oh yes, I think she is due in a few more months? Twins, was it?" He gives a look back to Archimedes as if he might confirm.

"Who's the lucky guy," Phil calls out, "and when's he gettin' back from the grocery store?" Mmm hmm, same old Phil.

Dasia helps pass out some more of the cake, eventually handing the duties off to people actually being paid to do it. then she's gathered her slice of Bloody Sandy Claws Innards and carries it back to the table, sliding into the booth and beginning the precarious proposition of eating the bright red foods, without getting any on the semi-transparent ghostly outfit. Truly, the spookiest thing about it - the danger of the stain.

Archimedes nods his head to Lavender, "Yes, due in just a few months." He then blinks, looking towards Sark, "Wait, twins? So she'd be partying for three?" He then blinks and adds, "I didn't know that." He then blinks, looking over to regard Phil as he then speaks under his breath, "I don't know how to answer that..." He then simply shakes his head and smiles to Cristobal, "Hey man. How're you doing tonight? It's good to see you!"

Lavender blinks again as Sark answers the question. She looks down and sits. "I.. had no idea." It should be a happy thing, but she's disappointed in herself more than anything. It isn't her business either, but she just saw her and knew nothing. She picks up her glass and downs her drink.

Cris gives a bit of a smirk. He shrugs his shoulders, and says, "I had this lovely plan in mind and of course it didn't survive in here a minute, so I'm improvising." He pats his wolf head on the... head, and then gives another easy shrug. "So basically, I'm good. You?"

Sark reaches out to place a flipper hand on Lavender's shoulder and drops his Oogy voice for a little bit to offer, "I wouldnt feel too bad. Remember what she can do and then its not so surprising that you didnt notice, yes?" With that said, he straightens up and surveys the floor for another moment before offering a wink to her and Archimedes, "Im going to go say hi to a few faces before I need to get this outfit off and find something to drink and eat, finally."

Ashe swipes some Zombie Fingers before she orders at the bar. "Dammit, suppose I shouldn't get too hammered. Black Currant Wine, since I'm such a wine drinker. I can pretend I'm a fancy girl."

Archimedes raises an eyebrow, considering Lavender for a moment, then shakes his head, "You know Xiu." He then looks back to Cris over a sip of his drink and then shakes his head, "It never does." With an easy shrug of his shoulders, "I'm well. Thank you! You remember Lavender from the Institute cleanup, right?" He takes a step to the side, gesturing to Lavender with an open hand while he takes the next sip of his drink.

Lavender nods to Sark, and Archimedes, "Thanks. I'll have to find something special for her.. them.. I already told her I need to speak to her about my recent epiphany." She takes in a deep breath and turns to who Archie is speaking with. "Hi there! I'm Lavender. I do not think we met officially, but I do remember you there at the cleanup. How are you?"

Phil sets his glass from earlier down on the bar, ordering a refill. "Don't worry, I'll call you a cab if you end up going back on that." A look around, as he takes in some bits of other conversation. "Epiphanies are good. How'd the cleanup go down?'

Ink has left.