⨂ Eustace's Bach--er, Camping Party ⨂

[pactmarshal]

Who: Eustace & all his male CR
Which: Semi-closed log, forward-dated to the weekend before the wedding (November 26-27)
Where: Out in a cosy clearing of the Wildlands
What: Eustace can't make up his goddamn mind, so he invites all the men he knows to his bachelor party. He intends for it to be a relaxed hangout, but...well. We'll see.
Warnings: Alcohol, underage drinking, ghosts, more to be added if they come up

» invitation
At some point in early November, all those named by Eustace (aka, every man Eustace has had CR with) will receive a short message from Trahearne over the journals:

Hello. If you aren't aware yet, Eustace will be getting married this winter. He has invited you and several others to join him in a pre-celebration of the occasion called a "bachelor party." This will be held on Saturday, 11/26 at a location in the Wildlands (see attached map). Please bring food and drink and anything else you will need for camping.

No need to reply. If you are unable to attend for any reason, feel free to ignore this message. If you will be coming, we will see you there.

For those who are reluctant, or want to go but can't find a good excuse, some of Eustace's dogs will appear at those characters' houses without warning to dognap them. The flower dogs can make use of vines for those who really want their characters to suffer for this party.

While any of the dogs may come to grab people, only the male dogs will stay for the party, of course. There will be 5 dogs in attendance total--4 corgis and 1 flower dog.


» campgrounds

In the weeks beforehand, Trahearne and Beat went and scouted out a suitable little place for the shindig: A clearing in the woods flanked by a small cabin. The cabin sits nestled among the trees at the edge of the clearing. The clearing itself is sizeable--there's a place for chopping firewood, a ring of stones in the middle suggesting its use as a bonfire spot, and a grill built into the ground nearer the cabin.

The ground here is soft, but not muddy--perfectly suitable to sleep on. Beat and Trahearne made sure to clear away excess leaves from the ground to make things more comfortable.

The woods around the clearing are not thick, but they are still wilderness. There is abundant, if mundane flora to be found, and smaller critters that happily scamper around in the daylight. Who knows what lurks beyond in the nighttime... Better keep those fires going to keep the bad things away.

» cabin

The small cabin at the edge of the clearing is just that--small. It is comprised of only two rooms. The front room is a sitting room with a small kitchen, kept warm by a wood stove. Visitors to the cabin are free to make themselves comfortable in front of the fire on the couch big enough for three, or the large sitting chair by the window. The dining table only seats two, and it sits snug against the back of the couch.

The back room is home to the bedroom. Here, the visitors will find two bunk beds--enough sleeping room for four (or more if you wanna share i'm not judging). All the beds are made and equipped with soft, clean blankets and pillows. It seems whoever was here first was anticipating the party.

There is also another door in the bedroom, which leads to a closet. The particularly nosy will find all sorts of things useful for a cabin stay inside: extra pillows, blankets, tools for maintenance, an extra grill... You name it! Within reason!

On the outside, there is a stockpile of wood for the wood stove, and an outhouse. Just the one.

» nighttime

This is an overnight party, by the way. And when night falls, that's when the real fun begins.

As mentioned before, there is more than enough space in the clearing to create a big bonfire. But be careful--it's dry and windy. Take care not to unwittingly set any of the trees on fire. The ground is comfortable enough to sleep on (especially for those seasoned travelers), but for those who don't want to rough it completely, there are tents and sleeping bags.

The cabin is for those who don't like or can't sleep outside. It is comfortable and warm, yes, especially with all those others in the same room... But there's a catch. It's haunted. The ghost that inhabits the cabin isn't malicious, thankfully. It's friendly, in fact. Perhaps a little too friendly. Those sleeping in the cabin may find themselves poked and prodded into awakening at odd hours. Besides that, it's harmless. Promise.

Treat this as a mingle log! The setting description above is just the stage--feel free to come up with games, have your characters bring things to add to the mix, play around with the things mentioned above. It can be as chill...or not as chill as you want.

Comments

Eustace

[flamekthunder]

[GENERAL BUG EUSTACE THREAD HERE.

He'll just be chilling, sometimes helping grill things, playing with the dogs—basically just being his usual quiet self. He will also be camping out in the open. Tent, psh, he doesn't need it. Just his sleeping bag and his dogs...and Flamek within reach. Can never be too careful after all. Someone may need to tell him to go sleep later because old habits die hard and he would definitely stay up on watch duty.]

[lonelysmiles]

If it isn't the man of the hour! Enjoying your last few days of bachelorhood?

[flamekthunder]

[A light grin.]

I think those days are already long behind me.

[removal]

[ Phantom is not unused to camping outdoors. After all, he worked many years as a freelance assassin. What bothers him more is that there are other people around, far more than he is usually accustomed to. He pitches his tent at the very edge of the clearing, far away from the noise and the fire... but he doesn't seem like he'll sleep just yet, even after most people have settled down.

Instead, he appears by Eustace's tent, making sure to walk over visibly instead of using his stealth to vanish and startle him. Phantom is nocturnal and doesn't sleep much, so he doesn't look tired at all. ]

Do you have a moment? Let us go and look at the stars.

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace is. Also surprised by the number, but he's just accepted it and in many ways is a bit thoughtful about it. Hearing Phantom's approach and at the offer, this a bit of relief there. While in the end he had found everything fairly enjoyable, it was definitely louder and rowdier than he would have expected.]

Sure. I know of a decent spot not too far from here.

[Of course, at least one furry friend will want to tag along, the rest scattered about at the moment to bug any others still awake.]

[pactmarshal]

[ As the sun sets and Trahearne begins to glow, he seeks out Eustace. He approaches the lone wolf with a knowing smile.

This has turned out to be...a party. More than he's used to participating in, and he knows it's more than what Eustace was expecting. He knew, Eustace. He knew.

With a pointed look, he holds out one of the cold, freshly-opened beers to Eustace. ]

[flamekthunder]

[And with a bit of a wry look in return, he takes the beer...before eying Trahearne for a moment.]

Is this your doing?

[disdelusioned]

[Toward the end of the night, Diluc sits down next to Eustace.]

I don't think it should be left to the man of the hour to stay up for the night watch.

[Hello yes, same habit. He sees what you're doing there.]

[flamekthunder]

[It's a hard one to let go.]

Similarly, I feel a guest shouldn't have to either.

[And then a small dismissive wave of his hand.]

It's fine. I wouldn't be able to sleep for a while, anyway.

[refire]

Hey! I'm glad I made it! I came here with your sword!

[It's wrapped up in a pretty bow and tied together with flowers. How neat. ]

This is the right weapon, isn't it? It'd be awful if I came all this way only to get the wrong measurements.

[noblegarnet]

[While also playing with the dogs, fairly early on in the day:]

There are more people here than I'd expect for you.

[He's including himself.]

[stillarhino]

[At some point in the night, Eustace will hear rustling by a nearby tree. Prior to the party, Beat and Trahearne made sure that the campsite had been secure, but perhaps something had wandered back in.

Investigate?]

76

[steadypulse]

Campgrounds
[76 had already pulled himself up a log to sit on, stocking up the fire as two wolves sat just on either side of him. One of which a bit prickly in appearance with colorful petals, and the other having more lavender blooms with how much the pup had grown into a young wolf over he months. The other flower wolves were likely off somewhere with Blue, which was honestly fine; these were the only boys of the small pack.

They were watching others move about curiously, but not so much budging from their chosen spots.]

They don't bite. [Spoken to any caught looking their way passing by for this camping out bachelor party.]

Strong Drink
[He pulled a quart jar out of the leather backpack brought with him later into the day, sat right back by the fire, and poured the glittering galaxy-like liquid into a glass; also from said backpack. It smelled sweet, but also of strong alcohol as he let it swirl in the glass after a good pour. Faceguard of his mask was of, showing off a well trimmed beard, visor still hiding his eyes so he could take a sip.

There was that low hiss, a satisfied noise at the burn-]

If you want some, just as. Brought enough.

[Thought, admittedly, a few jars of the weaker stuff with the stronger held back mostly for himself. All the better to watch how others went about this.]

Cards
[After a few drinks perhaps, or even before, he'd managed to get up a table and was shuffling a deck of playing cards in bared and blackened hands. Claws not getting in the way of how smoothly they flowed in how he went about it.

Leaning back in a chair slightly, even.]

Know any card games?

Strong Drink

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor is intrigued by what was just poured into the glass.]

Somehow I doubt calling that "moonshine" would be appropriate.

Strong Drink

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc doesn't answer right away, distaste for alcohol competing with professional curiosity. Eventually, the latter wins out.]

Just a taste, if you don't mind.

[Any more than that, and he's going to make a fool of himself for sure.]

I didn't realize you were a distiller.

invitation

[projections]

Hm, I thought things seemed rowdy here but you're actually behaving yourself.

Do you need more food at the party? I'll bring something because it seems rude to come without a gift.

Sender: Trahearne

[pactmarshal]

[ Ignoring the first statement. Who is this guy? Right--someone Eustace invited. ]

We will never say no to more food. It seems we have plenty, but I cannot speak for the appetites of others. I'm sure Eustace will appreciate it.

Alastor | Hazbin Hotel | OTA

[lonelysmiles]

Invitation

It's been a literal century since Alastor was last invited to a wedding much less a bachelor party. Alastor was literally buzzing with excitement as he picked up his pen to send back an RSVP.

I would be utterly delighted to attend! Thank you for the invitation!

Does everything need to be fully-cooked beforehand or will we be able to make use of a cookfire to add the finishing touches? Also, what's the earliest you're expecting arrivals?

It wouldn't do to show up too early when the host wasn't ready!

Campgrounds - Arrival

When Trahearne had said to "bring food", he really should've specified how much.

Alastor arrived carrying a giant cast iron pot of gumbo that he'd had simmering overnight and up until he left the treehouse. As if that wasn't enough, he had a couple of little shadows carrying a large basket crammed full of cornbread and buttermilk biscuits, another one stuffed with beignets, and a third (mercifully smaller) basket with a few bottles of whiskey, gin, and brandy that he'd picked up in town.

"Hope I'm not too early!" Alastor chirped, some bouncy big band jazz accompanying the spring in his step.

Campgrounds - Let the Good Times Roll!

One of the upsides (and downsides) of being connected to the radio waves was that if it was played on the radio, it was typically added to the massive music library in Alastor's head. And given Alastor didn't need batteries, that meant he could act as the party's walking, talking jukebox.

Though he will judge you on your tastes. Also, for the safety of everyone, "The Macarena" is on the ban list.

Nighttime - Around the Bonfire

Alastor had practiced moderation during the day because of a rather embarrassing weakness Angel had learned about on his arrival:

The terrible Radio Demon was a lightweight.

However, when the sun went down and the moon and the bonfire provided the only source of light, well, good enough reason to knock back a couple of drinks. He was drinking straight from one of the whiskey bottles he'd brought. He was certainly rather mellow if a bit giggly right now.

Nighttime - Music in the Dark

Alastor didn't really sleep much though the alcohol in his system made it tempting to lie back and sleep. However, he sat off to one side, taking a quiet moment to look up at the moon and stars.

Without thinking, he started humming to himself. One of his private little experiments with styles other than jazz that he played for no one. He kept it quiet, but if someone came close enough, they'd likely hear it.

Wildcard
Come at me!

invitation & arrival two prompts i am GREEDY

[pactmarshal]

Trahearne responded quite readily to Alastor's message:

There will be fires and a grill for you to use, so there are facilities available for cooking depending on what you plan on bringing. Come any time in the afternoon and stay as long as you like.

So he honestly was not expecting for Alastor to rock up with a meal to feed the entire party several times over. His eyes widened in shock when the sight greeted him.

"Alastor?" There was disbelief in his voice as he strides over to offer a hand to carry something. "Did you make all of this?"

let the good times roll

[stillarhino]

Considering there was no internet or network connectivity in Reverein, all Beat had to work with when it came to music was whatever he had saved on his phone prior to his arrival in the dream world. It wasn't a lot to work with, especially when it came to party tunes, but he made do with what he had.

It was while he tinkered with his phone to play something that he hears the music coming from Alastor. Immediately craning his attention away from the screen and toward the source of the noise, his knit together in confusion. Just where was that music coming from?

"Yo," he starts off candidly to get Alastor's attention. "How're you doin' that? With the music?"

Ferran

[noblegarnet]

[The young man with weird dark cracks along his jaw seems to be... not entirely pleased, when seen from afar.]

Honestly, why's it always camping...

[He has, however, brought snacks! Chocolate-dipped pretzels and spanakopita bites, to be exact. ... he may not have brought enough for everyone, but he can fix that, as it turns out. He'll have to hover over them in order to make everyone gets however much they want, so he'll probably not be moving around much until it seems like everyone's gotten a taste. And, unlike his distant look, when approached he'll do his best to put on a friendly face.

He stays away from the cabin and the grill, and he'll be leaving before the sun sets; even aside from being a city boy who much prefers his creature comforts, being anywhere near a campfire surrounded by alcohol sounds like the least appealing prospect he could imagine. But until then, he'll at least mingle somewhat and enjoy the dogs' company, throwing sticks and giving pets. Maybe he'll even glance in the direction of cards now and again.]

Re: Ferran

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc knows Ferran very distantly, in that they've both been in this place for awhile and therefore have seen each other around town. He didn't realize that Ferran was part of Eustace's social circle--although, in fairness, Diluc himself hardly is.

He's not fond of small talk, but in the spirit of the evening he's willing to at least make an attempt.]

Not a fan of camping?

Beat

[stillarhino]

i. bump in the night—

[Every once in a while, Beat's finds himself staring at the cabin a short distance away. When he and Trahearne had scouted the place, they found the structure to be abandoned yet stocked with a few amenities for the overnight stay. It was odd to say the least, but Beat think twice about it.

What he did think about though was the eerie feeling he got when they were there last. Now that they were here once more, he thought about it a lot more.]

Don't a lotta horror movies start with cabins that got no one in 'em in the middle of the woods?

ii. campfire—

a. [At different points throughout the day or night, Beat can be found sitting by the campfire, messing with his phone to play a few songs that were downloaded into the device. A lot of the music that he plays ranges from hip-hop to rock to rap, which may or may not be to your liking depending on your tastes.]

b. [Other times he can be found munching on a bag of chips as he tosses a ball out for Idris to fetch. Still having a lot of energy, the young corgi runs to chase after it before coming back for more. At times Idris would even run circles around Cadoc, as if coercing the older dog to play as well.

Should you choose to join Beat, he holds out the bag towards you.]

You want some?

iii. wildcard—

[Make up another scenario or plot with me at riyuji.]

campfire a!!

[pactmarshal]

[ After speaking with Eustace, just after the sun has set, Trahearne finds Beat by the fire. He's just finished his first bottle of beer and procured a second, but it's only after he has it opened and in his hand that he isn't really sure if he wants it... He'll just hang onto it. Just in case.

He comes to sit by the younger man, peering curiously at the device and the sounds emanating from it. ]

What is that?

Dorian Storm | OTA

[makingmyway]

Campgrounds

[ Quite frankly, Dorian hadn't meant to attend at all. Though he had seen the invitation, he had only met Eustace once, and while he had been happy for his pending marriage, he didn't think the single interaction was enough to justify his presence in something that would be celebrated among friends.

But while he had planned to skip out, someone else decided that wasn't good enough. He had just been minding his own business when he noticed a couple of familiar dogs, as well as an unfamiliar one, and once they spotted him they ran up and started trying to herd him somewhere else. When he tried to step around them, the unfamiliar dog had actual vines that ensnared him and dragged him along to the party.

So here he was, feeling just a bit out of place among the other men who probably knew each other better. He couldn't leave though, because every time he tried there would always be one of the dogs standing there, watching him.

So that's fun. ]

Nighttime

[ Fortunately it's not muddy, so Dorian is fine with sleeping outside. Despite his appearance, he's more than used to camping, and he doesn't entirely feel comfortable sharing a bed with people he didn't know. The tents and sleeping bag also help.

But it's still early in the evening, and as a bonfire is set up Dorian pulls out his lute and begins to play. Songs by the campfire are usually pretty enjoyable, after all. ]

Wildcard

(( Feel free to do something else with him! ))