A white manor sat in the countryside of Peace Village by itself in the clearing of a forest. If one were to follow the dirt road leading to the manor, they would ordinary find it abandoned but in well condition. Today, however, it buzzed with the activity of wealthy men and women, all donning beautiful dresses and suits and masquerade masks. The women's hair were all well kept and the men all wore expressions of glee. They had no reason to be anything but gleeful for the special occasion—a grand ball being held for the rich and famous. The host of the party, Joan Blackheart, was a relatively unknown person to them all but made convincing arguments to get each and every attendant to come. Whenever questioned about her age, she merely waved it off as acute shortness.
All morning, Joan would wait for her guests at the front door of the manor, ensuring that each person wore a mask to protect their identity from any unforeseen consequences. After all, Joan had made it abundantly clear that the latter half of their party was to be an undignified one but an enriching experience nonetheless. Along with her usual white coat and matching skirt, Joan made sure to wear her own mask.
As each person entered the manor, she would greet them with a practiced phrase of, "Welcome. Enjoy you time here as if sin were never a thing." The occasional guest would chuckle at it, but they didn't really know what it meant until they entered the ball room. There, they would find various tables with meats and glasses of wine. There were paintings of various sins—greed, lust, gluttony, etc.—being glorified with pastels, no shame whatsoever. The masquerade masks only seemed to make the party look all the more fiendish.
While various people arrived, Joan hoped for groups from two particular factions: Laughing Coffin and Black Rose, mercenary guilds whom Joan deemed to have enough clout to attend the party. She sent them specific letters to gain their attention:
"To the guild of much respect,
You are formally invited to attend a masquerade ball in Peace Village and partake in the splendor only your type is worthy of. There will be food, drink, dancing, as well as a special event for those of you willing to spend a little coin. Formal dress only is allowed and you must wear a masquerade mask. Do be careful with whom you share your name with at the ball as it is not in the best interest of your public image. Additionally, absolutely no weapons are allowed.
With due respect,
Joan B."
As much money the wealthy girl had sunk into the event, she planned to reap the rewards whether her special guests arrived or not.
All morning, Joan would wait for her guests at the front door of the manor, ensuring that each person wore a mask to protect their identity from any unforeseen consequences. After all, Joan had made it abundantly clear that the latter half of their party was to be an undignified one but an enriching experience nonetheless. Along with her usual white coat and matching skirt, Joan made sure to wear her own mask.
As each person entered the manor, she would greet them with a practiced phrase of, "Welcome. Enjoy you time here as if sin were never a thing." The occasional guest would chuckle at it, but they didn't really know what it meant until they entered the ball room. There, they would find various tables with meats and glasses of wine. There were paintings of various sins—greed, lust, gluttony, etc.—being glorified with pastels, no shame whatsoever. The masquerade masks only seemed to make the party look all the more fiendish.
While various people arrived, Joan hoped for groups from two particular factions: Laughing Coffin and Black Rose, mercenary guilds whom Joan deemed to have enough clout to attend the party. She sent them specific letters to gain their attention:
"To the guild of much respect,
You are formally invited to attend a masquerade ball in Peace Village and partake in the splendor only your type is worthy of. There will be food, drink, dancing, as well as a special event for those of you willing to spend a little coin. Formal dress only is allowed and you must wear a masquerade mask. Do be careful with whom you share your name with at the ball as it is not in the best interest of your public image. Additionally, absolutely no weapons are allowed.
With due respect,
Joan B."
As much money the wealthy girl had sunk into the event, she planned to reap the rewards whether her special guests arrived or not.