Paying tribute to the ages

[elevator_attendant]

[In a very populated corner of the forum area, an intricate Japanese stall has been set up, containing small treats, along with a great deal of masks. Behind the stand is a small Mikoshi shrine, the entrance concealed by a blue fabric, inlaid with gold trimmings. Standing in front of these Japanese structures is a man, well-dressed in a blue suit and tie. His wardrobe clashes with the scenery, as he looks like someone who stepped out of an american hotel, circa 1930’s.

He speaks up in a very calm voice, but loud enough for all to hear.]

“Jidai Matsuri. For those not versed in Japanese culture, the festival, originating from Kyoto, is a time to celebrate the ages. Many other festivals are held during October, but this seems to be the one my master has fondness for.”

[A pause, while Theodore gestures to the Japanese stall behind him.]

“In honor of Japanese cultures, I’ve decided to bring something not often seen here to the Nexus. To excite or enlighten those who wish to learn more about the world and themselves.”

[He steps behind the mask stand, gesturing to the different character faces that line the stand walls. It’s very hard to count how many masks are there, but each one seems different then the next.]

“Masks are a common part of Japanese summer festivals, but my master finds them to be fascinating all-year round and feels that many other people can appreciate the beauty in such works of art. Thus, I have been tasked with sharing these wonderful gifts to you, the travelers of the Nexus. Donations are appreciated, but not necessary.”

[He plucks a mask off the wall, one that resembles Hello Kitty. No, he will not be putting it on, rather showing it off to any nearby person instead.]

“Feel free to find one that matches your personality. I can assure you that you will not walk away empty handed. If you require assistance, I will be here to answer any questions you may have.”

((The masks are enchanted (but not in a terrible lol way), and if your character chooses one, they will be able to recall a memory from their past (good/bad/sad/angry, you name it) or perhaps a very vague vision of the future. If you would not like your character to experience this, feel free to leave a note, and Theo will present your character with something normal. Enjoy!))

Comments

[sumarusfinest]

"Saaa....It's been quite a long time since I've gone to a festival." Theo can feel the presence of the Persona user before the police officer actually approaches. In his world, everyone was introduced to the Master of the Velvet Room.

Katsuya doesn't recognize the man standing out in front of the shrine, but he feels similar to Belladona and the other residents. There's a knowing sort of look he gives before he approaches.

"Did your master send you here for reconnaissance? I must admit I've never seen Igor nor a Velvet Room inside the nexus."

[elevator_attendant]

"Perhaps you should rekindle the memory, if only just for a little while."

[Theo, like the gentleman he is, bows a little to Katsuya. He's picked up on the Persona user's unique soul and immediately shows a great deal of respect to the man. He steps aside to allow Katsuya the privilege of looking at the different festival wares.]

"The Master has shown a recent interest in connecting with the Nexus. You could say that, indeed, I am an envoy sent to observe the Nexus and it's travelers. We cannot directly interfere with the affairs of man, but are interested in the crossroad where souls meet."

http://tinyurl.com/o68ex3z I need this mask for all the feels

[sumarusfinest]

"I...trust there hasn't been any trouble?" One thing all persona worlds have in common, it's pesky gods throwing temper tantrums and threatening to ruin billions of lives over it. They just can't seem to leave mankind alone.

"Or rather, if trouble does arise, he knows where to find me." The duty of all Persona users. Of all those who partake of the velvet Room's offerings.

It's difficult to feel tension inside the shrine, however. The shrine reminds him somewhat of Araya, and of all the festivals he used to take his brother to. The Paradox, Tatsuya Suou.

I was thinking the same thing/mask :D

[elevator_attendant]

"There has been other battles involving Persona users, in different times than yours. But for now, man has claimed victory over any major divine entities. All is at peace."

[Theo makes sure to stay out of Katsuya's way while he explores the shrine and stand, uncertain if he should suggest anything to the Persona-user quite yet. Katsuya will notice the entire area feels very similar to the interior of the Velvet Room, which would make sense given the patrons of the Velvet Room have created this small space in the Nexus.]

"Of course. The Master knows you went through some trouble recently with demons. Alas, I do not have any information on that incident." [He gives Katsuya a curious look, before walking over to a row of masks.] "When was the last time you stepped into the Velvet Room, Suou Katsuya?"

You were there for the demon showdown? Yaaaay~

[sumarusfinest]

Theo needn't be so nervous around the police officer. Katsuya is only a side character one visitor of many to the Velvet Room, though Sumaru's did see much more use than other incarnations of the locale.

It's nostalgic even being in a place that feels like this. Helios stirs within the expanse of Katsuya's soul, as if knowing it is home in a place quite similar to this.

"..He is aware." The mention of the Nexus wide demon invasion makes the officer stiffen with tension. "I hadn't attempted to garner an audience with Philemon about such affairs yet. I was afraid the Crawling Chaos might have set his sights on the Nexus. but if Igor has no information....I would assume it was not the case." He seems to feel guilty about the entire affair yet.

"..Three years, now." He knows the very last day he was there. Down to the time. It was the day he became entirely alone. "And longer still since I've spoken to Philemon directly."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I admit I'm not versed in much of the lore of other worlds, but the idea of a festival to "celebrate the ages" is an intriguing one. What does such a festival entail?"

The voice belongs to a woman who appears to have stepped out of the Renaissance age of Earth - or, rather, some version of it. She appears to be a fighter of some kind, rather than a lady of a more "normal" trade. A leather corset and armor rest atop a linen shirt and pants. A rapier hangs from her belt, along with a gauche, a slingshot, some daggers, and a great many pouches, and there's even a few more daggers laced into her tall leather boots. It seems she's prepared for almost any situation the Nexus could throw at her, though her curiosity should lead the man with the masks to, rightfully, believe that she hadn't expected to see something like this on her stroll through the Forum today.

[elevator_attendant]

[Theo nods as Amelia approaches the mask stall, more than happy to answer her questions. The armor and weaponry she wields is very interesting to him, but he isn't the type of person to directly ask someone about where they came from, or why one woman is carrying so much gear. He will try to learn more about Amelia through natural conversation.

Instead, he focuses on the lady's question, as it would be rude of him to not provide her with more information.]

"I'd be happy to tell you more. The festival was established in 1895, to celebrate the relocation of the Japanese capitol from Kyoto to Tokyo. During the festival, people pay tribute to the past by dressing up like their ancestors, going back all the way to 1868. Many people play traditional instruments, and often enough, famous armor and weapons are on display from past warlords. It is an event to show respect to time and to not forget the history and culture of Japan."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Interesting." And it really is, even if her tone doesn't give that away on the first pass. She looks over all the masks carefully, a bit taken aback by their generally bright coloring. Nothing is this bright or colorful where she comes from.

"The masks represent the ancestors the people are honoring then?" She raises an eyebrow at the man as she turns to him from the masks. "If not, what are they supposed to represent?"

[elevator_attendant]

"Yes. History can be a fascinating thing to study and learn about." [Theo moves aside, allowing her a clear view of the different masks that line the walls of the stand. Her question causes him to smile, as he removes a mask shaped to look like a golden butterfly from the wall.]

"Masks are used for many things and have an endless amount of meaning to them. Some are used for the purpose you mentioned, to allow others to honor the past and some masks are merely worn for amusement." [He replaces the butterfly mask on the wall carefully.] "Have you found a mask that calls out to you, dear lady? Feel free to search around as long as you like."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Her eyes wander over all of the masks at the stand. "There are so many to choose from - it's hard to pick just one." She says that, but her actions say otherwise. Soon after the words leave her lips, she carefully reaches toward a mask that could easily be described as steampunk. Its base is leather, but its surface has been covered in golden embroidery and delicate brass gears. She doesn't actually touch it - her fingers stop a few inches back and she looks up at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"May I?"

[heirtothearcane]

The colourful, oriental attraction is quick to draw Viatorus in close enough for him to admire from a distance. Beautiful as it is, he's happy enough where he is... until the man speaks.

Culture, masks and worldly enlightenment. How could he resist?

"Jidai Matsuri?" He repeats softly as he steps closer cautiously. It's mostly said to help him remember it and to prevent him from butchering the pronunciation later. "When you say 'celebrating the ages', do you mean... history?"

[elevator_attendant]

"Ah, yes. A celebration that shows appreciation to the past and the history of Japan. Many people dress up for the occasion. Hence why I have so many masks here today."

[Theo gestures Viatorus closer with one hand.] "Please, come closer if you like. What I've brought here will cause no harm to you. Feel free to look around at your own leisure."

[heirtothearcane]

He'll creep closer again. Close enough to nearly touch, though he folds his hands politely behind his back to resist touching everything. "But it's different from a memorial celebration? Do they dress up for different time periods or do they dress up as anything... anything Japanese?"

[elevator_attendant]

"You are correct with your first assumption, good sir. The people of Japan dress up to resemble different time periods that have passed. A way to show respect and honor history."

[Theo notices that the man is resisting his curiosity, but says nothing.] "Do you see anything that catches your eye? Or do you have any other questions for me? I am happy to assist you in any way, sir."

[heirtothearcane]

"Oh," he laughs shyly and gives the man a soft smile. "I have a thousand questions." He lets his gaze wander over the masks, trying to pick out a few to remember. "My family uses masks, but not like this..."

"Is there a reason they're more common for summer festivals? And can I ask what that is?" The last question asked with an open palmed gesture to the shrine. "It's beautiful."

[notalldead]

"Hey, Theo. Neat spread y'all got here. Japanese stuff, huh?" Jesse looks over the masks, hands in his pockets and a smile on his face, seeming amused with the display. "I don't know nothin' about any kinda festival, but hell. Hook me up. An' what do y'all take as donation? Currency's kinda broad round these parts."

[elevator_attendant]

"Ah, good to see you once more Jesse. And yes, my Master has a fondness for Japanese cultures, which is why I'm here today. To share the knowledge and history of Japan."

[Theo thinks about the currency for a moment, then shakes his head no.] "I believe I was unable to provide you any literature the other day, which I still feel some regret about. If you find something you like, consider it to be a gift."

[notalldead]

"Yer Master? What's that about?" It sounds questionable but he's not going to launch right into openly calling it out just yet. Maybe it's a Japanese thing as well? He knows little to nothing about Glorious Nippon outside of what one of his soldiers declares as superior to their culture.

Jesse picks his fingers through the masks, wondering at various designs. He recognizes a few of the pop culture icons, but not many. "You might hafta help me narrow this down. Whaddya think suits a cowboy like me?"

[elevator_attendant]

"Oh, he is the person who gave me this job. To be an attendant and a resident of the Velvet Room." [Theo lacks the ability to really lie about where he's from, so it won't make this conversation anymore stranger than it already is.]

[When Jessie finds himself stumped, Theo does more in to help, glancing between the cowboy and the different masks. Hmmm. He has an expression on his face that show's he thought deep in thought.] "Tell me a bit more about yourself, Jesse. Basic facts will do, no need for a complicated history."

[notalldead]

"Velvet Room? Sounds like the title to a David Lynch movie, heh." He won't pry much more past that; no need to interrogate the guy when he's here on business.

At the prompt to talk about himself, he wonders a moment, tapping his lower lip. "...I like playin' music? I appreciate a fine cigar and straight whiskey. Ain't nothin' more valuable to me than my people, their safety, an' my hat." He grins.

[drehnifusbahi]

It's certainly an eye-catching display, one he's never seen the likes of before. That alone would be enough to draw his curiosity, but when he mentions the purpose of the masks and the festival they're part of...

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar. When you say 'celebrating the ages,' what exactly do you mean?"

Even before he gets an answer, though, out comes his coin purse so he can donate a few septims - he has more than enough of them, these days. He can easily spare a few.

[elevator_attendant]

[Theo catches sight of the man looking over the stall and gives him a warm smile. He steps forward, happy to answer the man's question, as if he's been trained to bestow knowledge to others.]

"The holiday refers to a major event that occurred in Japan, when the capitol moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Since then, people like to celebrate and pay tribute to people from the past, hence why the event is known as 'celebrating the ages'."

[Theo catches sight on the coins and gestures politely to a glass-blown bowl which rests next to the stall.] "Thank you for your kind donation, sir."

[drehnifusbahi]

He drops the coins into the glass bowl as directed, and listens intently. History has always been a particular interest of his.

"I see... and that's where the masks come into it? They represent the people being paid tribute?"

The masks that look like humans seem to be in the minority, but that means little. Given the presence of Khajiit and Argonians in his own world, it hardly seems impossible that other breeds of beast-folk could inhabit other worlds.

[elevator_attendant]

"Yes. They often represent people from the past. Or people just wear the masks for amusement purposes."

[He nods, gesturing to the masks hanging on the walls.] "Sometimes it's just fun to pretend to be someone or something else. I think most people can find enjoyment in such a festival."

[drehnifusbahi]

'Entertainment purposes'... that would certainly explain some of the odder ones. And perhaps there's a cultural element as well, references that he simply can't understand by virtue of not being from Japan himself.

"Perhaps," he agrees. "I imagine some people might find it freeing, as well." He examines the masks a bit more closely, though he doesn't touch any yet.