⨂ 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

[lonelysmiles]

I'm still sober 'nuff ta see what yo doin' dere. No need to -- hiccup! -- dress it up. [Alastor grins as he waggles a finger at 76.] I 'preciate it an' I'm not so fool ta turn it down. Hic! But jess so you know, I'm plannin' ta get up an' take a walk once I finish dis. [He gives the glass a little shake.] No sense overdoin' the giggle juice dis early.

[steadypulse]

Took you for a responsible drinker type- When you might partake. [It was said with a soft chuckle, a couple a sourdough buns being taken out as well and given something of a fire toasting briefly -thank you dreamotion blue fire- and was opening that steaming packet of pulled meat.

There was a whiff of devil pepper, added to the rub he'd given the piece of meat before it was slowly cooked. Bit of sage in there, and some cherry honey to hold the seasoning as a glaze as it had cooked. Generous sort of helping put between the pieces of toasted sourdough and plenty juicy it was a mighty fine sandwich with just being that simple.

Was offered out upon completion- along with a napkin.]

Be enough energy for that walk, too. Here, and hopefully you enjoy.

[lonelysmiles]

Old habit, my dear! Old habit! Hic! Was old 'nuff ta start drinkin' durin' Prohibition. Less yer at home where it's safe to knock a few too many back, you practice mod'ration at the -- hiccup! -- speakeasy ta not get caught!

[He'd only gone to one of those a handful of times. His "other hobby" was risky enough. He didn't need more reasons for the law to look his way.]

[Setting down his glass for the moment, he takes the sandwich. He gives it an appreciative sniff before taking a bite. Those fangs do an excellent job of cutting through it without issue. He takes his time chew and swallow before using the napkin to catch some of the excess juice.]

Delightful! An' this is some o' that honey glaze?

[steadypulse]

Some speakeasies still exist, too- even if it's more for the atmosphere and keeping that bit of history around.

[Not that he was much of a social drinker even on a good day- especially after the SEP. Sure, if meant he could knock back as many as he pleased for appearances sake because it didn't do anything for him. Reason he picked up the hobby in a world like this

Moonshine did a lot for him here, and he was glad of it. Kept his sleep dreamless, so no one wandered through things he didn't want them to see. Most of the time.

76 nodded as he sat back, re-wrapping that package of pulled venison.]

It is; cherry honey with devil pepper, sage, and a few other things to bring out everything good about the taste of venison if you ask me.

[lonelysmiles]

Really? Pro'bition lasted that long?

[Alastor takes another bite, humming with pleasure at the flavor.]

You'll hafta -- hic! -- show me your method.

[steadypulse]

Lasted thirteen years, a bit longer in some places. [He had stumbled across one hidden gem of a speakeasy that was well kept. 'Quiet' sort of place he had once enjoyed.

Now he knew quite a few different places back home that was goo to act drunk and... listen.]

Be glad to another day. Method I used before when we had barbeque sandwiches on the menu- did real well.

[lonelysmiles]

[Hang on. Give his drunk brain a few minutes to do the math.]

[And Alastor is going to start laughing somewhat hysterically, putting his free hand over his eyes as he leans his head back.]

Yer-yer -- hiccup! -- joking!

[steadypulse]

Nope.

[He even let that P-sound really pop when spoken, picking his drink right back up to take a sip-]

Way before my time, learned about it in history class.

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor is downright giggling which is doing nothing good for his hiccups. However, it's just so hysterical he can't help it.]

Figgers it'd -- HICCUP! -- expire when I did!

[steadypulse]

[There was a faint sort of huff, like some laugh that did and didn't want t escape finding some way out.]

If you wanted to go a little dark humored- probably gave a few people reason to drink, then.

[Something something celebratory or mourning.]

[lonelysmiles]

Mourning from what I'm guessin'. HIC! All o' Nawlins lissint ta me on the radio. Nobo'y knew 'bout my hobby!

[steadypulse]

[How it went sometimes- probably some celebrated and mourned at the news of his own death. Leave it to the UN and news story to spin him as some martyr before that empty coffin was ever buried.]

Definitely got a voice, and energy, that does well on radio.

[lonelysmiles]

Of course!

[He finishes off the last of both the sandwich and the moonshine. The food did help absorb the liquor, but Alastor also had a pretty fast metabolism.]

[He wobbles as he starts to get up. Like a newborn fawn finding its legs.]

[steadypulse]

[76 sat forward enough that he could easily offer up a sleeved arm- just for brace, out of reflex.]

Here, bit of help. Sure once you're on your feet you'll be alright- but getting there can be a trick.

[Old super soldier to old demon from hell.]

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor giggles a bit, reaching out to steady himself on the offered arm.]

It'd help if dis world didn' need ta move so much!

[He laughs at his own joke. However, he's definitely going to need that arm until he finds some semblance of balance.]

[steadypulse]

[76 was good at keeping himself steady, so it was he could lend an arm to help Alastor find his balance. Patient enough for it, too.]

It'll slow down eventually- so one'd hope at the rate things keep moving. Might convince it somehow.

[Someone didn't have issue rolling right along—]

Or find a stiller spot to focus on.

[lonelysmiles]

Ah, I know iz me an' not da world. Jess havin' a bit o' fun!

[He gives another giggle. It really is a good thing that 76 is helping him. Though given he's probably going to get tipsier as time goes on, might be a losing battle. Sorry, friend.]

[steadypulse]

Never gotten stuck in a solid place before I take it.

[No change of tone- well, there was a tinge of dry humor, but—]

Made that mistake myself here before. May not have been the world, but the ground sure did move.

[lonelysmiles]

But yer good an' steady now. Hic! Very helpful.

[He raises a hand to blearily study his claws.]

If I had my full--hiccup!--powa heah, I'd grant you a boon fer yer help.

[steadypulse]

Haven't had enough yet not to be.

[Yet. He was debating, put perhaps it wouldn't hurt a bit to just keep it at a level he could keep an eye on things. He chuckled, the sound soft but warm. Good humor.]

Thought can count enough, just glad to offer a steady hand for you.

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor hums for a moment in thought before he snaps and points at 76's face. (Might want to be careful or he's going to accidentally poke your eye out.)]

Yer like a less grouchy version of dear Husker!

[steadypulse]

[His head tipped back a bit from the sudden pointing(good thing for that visor huh-) and— well, he was still keeping rooted to be a stable brace despite it.]

Acquaintance of yours back home, I assume? First time I've been called less grouchy.

[A touch of dry amusement to his tone.]

[lonelysmiles]

One of my contractees!

[Alastor is positively giddy. A good thing he's been cut off...for now.]

[He leans towards 76 to whisper conspiratorially to him.]

Honestly, I tried to bring him and darling Niffty here, but the Well spat out my baubles. Very rude! Why should others get to summon what's theirs and I can't?

[steadypulse]

[Well, that was an answer. Demon thing?

76 hummed a little bit, because that was- well. He'd gotten a dragon through the Well when he went to test something. Living things clearly weren't out of the question, but—]

Might not be safe for other folks to come through a well, Wishing one or not.

[lonelysmiles]

[You know that whole thing about demons trying to make deals for your soul? It's true. And they do it to each other.]

Needta be more clear.

[He wants Husk and Niffty, dammit.]