The Radiant Masque as a Game Event

Arrival & Unveiling Hour

Guests enter the Glimmerhall and are immediately swept into a kaleidoscope of rainbow lights, glimmering masks, and the hum of excited conversation. PCs mingle with other attendees, learning the social customs of the Masque, sampling glowing cocktails, and noting both allies and rivals in the crowd. The atmosphere is warm, chaotic, and slightly intoxicating, offering the party their first chance to gather rumors, make introductions, and observe the Syndicate’s power in motion.

You step through the battered golden doors of the Solstice Casino and immediately feel the pulse of the Radiant Masque thrumming around you. The air shimmers with rainbow lights and drifting bioluminescent dust, painting every mask and gown in iridescent colors. Music hums through the hall like a living thing, and laughter, whispers, and the clink of glasses swirl in a heady mix that pulls you into the crowd. Guests pass by in extravagant masks, their movements choreographed yet wild, each one a statement of identity and daring. The scent of incense drifts across the room, mingling with sparks from the lanterns overhead. Somewhere above, Lyndi and Levi greet arriving revelers from the balcony, their golden silhouettes commanding attention. You feel simultaneously exposed and embraced; an outsider invited into a world where every glance, every gesture, and every secret carries weight.

The Parade of Faces

All attendees process through the Glimmerhall along the choreographed route, showcasing their masks, dance, and self-expression. PCs can participate, impressing onlookers, sending subtle messages through gestures, or keeping an eye on rival Syndicate members for signs of intrigue. The Parade culminates in the voluntary unmasking ritual, giving each character an opportunity to demonstrate vulnerability, forge connections, or send cryptic signals to NPCs.

Masked figures glide and twirl through the Glimmerhall, each step and gesture a deliberate expression of identity, desire, or defiance. Rainbow lights and bioluminescent dust swirl around them, turning the procession into a living tapestry of color, motion, and whispered secrets.

Structure of the Parade

The Parade has three mechanical segments:

• Procession Through the Glimmerhall – movement, observation, minor performance.

• Spotlight Performance Opportunities – optional, risk/reward performances.

• Final Unmasking Choice – symbolic reveal with social consequences.

The Ashyard – Burning of Names

Outside, the party moves to the Ashyard where the massive bonfire waits to consume the names, identities, or fears guests wish to release. PCs can choose to participate, either shedding parts of their past or symbolically discarding grievances, and may witness other characters’ confessions in an intensely emotional setting. This is a moment for roleplaying. A chance for players to decide what things their characters would like to let go or change about themselves. There is no mechanical benefits or skill checks to this part of the event. However, if a player role plays really well, reward them with a Solstice Syndicate contact. This would be someone who was moved by their gesture at the fire.

The Ember Court – Vow of Chosen Flame

At the bonfire, the PCs witness or join the sacred Vowfire ceremony, honoring chosen family, kinship, or personal oaths. Lanterns and bioluminescent flames bathe the area in warm light, and Ash Lantern members guide the ritual with gentle ceremony. This is primarily a roleplaying segment with a focus on Liam's parents' ceremony of renewed rites. But the players can also choose to create a vow with an NPC or another PC. Great roleplaying here can earn the players inspiration and Solistice Syndicate contacts.

Glimmer Bazaar & Free Celebration

In the final stretch of the Masque, PCs wander the bazaar, exploring vendor stalls filled with unique wares, potions, trinkets, and identity-enhancing items. They can interact with merchants, acquire rare items, all while continuing to socialize with Syndicate members and guests. The free time allows each PC to pursue personal hooks, build relationships, or gain favor within the faction, setting the stage for potential future invitations or offers of membership.

Identity and Self-Expression – The Masque is a celebration of who guests choose to be, rather than who they were forced to be. Masks, glowing attire, and ritualized performances allow characters to explore hidden facets of themselves, confront past traumas, and present aspirational identities to the world.

Queer Resilience and Chosen Family – Central to the Radiant Masque is the affirmation of nontraditional bonds, found family, and survival against social, environmental, and personal adversity. Vowfire ceremonies, parades, and intimate rituals highlight the power of solidarity and loyalty within marginalized communities.

Social Intrigue and Power Dynamics – Within the Syndicate’s glittering chaos, alliances, rivalries, and secret agendas run just beneath the surface. Every interaction, observation, and performance can shift influence, reputations, and factional favor.

Secrets and Revelation – From whispered gossip in shadow booths to messages encoded in performances, the Masque rewards curiosity, careful observation, and bold social moves. Unmasking, both literal and figurative, reinforces that hidden truths carry both risk and opportunity.

1. Levi: Calls on Liam Williams to repay that favor that he is owed.
2. Liora Ashclaw is at the gala and Gideon Surefoot is sure to notice her. Once she notices him, she won't be able to leave well enough alone.
3. Rolf Maddox is at the gala and will pick a fight with Jaxon once he sees him.
4. Wilt Ignatz Ware is at the gala. He wants to make Valiteen Merrick suffer: personally, slowly, and completely. He will pick a fight once he sees him at the gala. Wilt is also looking to get even with Jaxon who got him arrested on some petty charges a few years back. He will pick a fight once he sees him at the gala. Logan B. Crusher has been asked to deal with Wilt and will notice his presence at the gala.
5. Lyndi Herb Garnet is the golden bird of the Solstice Syndicate and everyone takes notice that they are present.