( open to all ) all the world's a stage

[dothelokimotion]

Who: Open to All
What: Party @ The Opherium
When: August
Where: Central City
Content Warnings: N/A



( i. here for your entertainment )

[ most people would see the strange arrivals as an imposition. and loki does to some degree. that being said, he’s more than willing to turn that problem into a business opportunity. show that he’s open and welcoming. throw in a little extra money to establish the theater as a prominent spot in this world. the doors are open, fees are reduced. and if you’re not interested in catching a play, you might want to stop by the steps where there are a few vendors selling cotton candy, ice-cream sandwiches and beer to passersby and there are a few street performers there to catch your attention, whether they’re juggling fire balls, doing magic tricks or simply playing a pianoforte on the steps of the opherium. ]

( ii. the curtain rises )

[ for this month, loki is running a bunch of shakespearean plays. hamlet, macbeth, the twelfth night . . . you name it, it’s probably running. during the intermissions, there’s an open bar for you to rub elbows with the other patrons, maybe discuss your favourite part of the play. enjoy the arts so to speak. if you catch the really late night shows, you might find that your favourite plays might . . . turn out a little differently. like the trees are real in macbeth. that the ghosts move through the audience, sending chills down your spine. but the experience is still worth it. or is it?

or perhaps, you might need some alone time after a show, wanting to catch the infamous view of the city from the opherium's balcony. the choice is yours. ]

( iii. something wicked this way comes )

[ the theater keeps up odd hours. its productions run late into the night. and sometimes, you might feel the urge to linger and explore. after all, it’s strange to hear that a god of mischief is running a theater these days. almost suspicious even! so you might be wandering the halls, ears and eyes peeled to hear anything that might be unusual.

and you might just get your wish. a ghostly murmur, the flicker of a shadow against the pane of glass, statues that seem to be unnerving with their gaze upon you . . . is there something really there or are you just imagining things? ]

Comments

Slade Wilson | Ryslig CRAU | OTA

[ikonsuit]

⸻ forte

[ Leave it to the world's deadliest assassin to draw in a crowd.

As per usual, his first goal upon entering this new space is to gather information, whatever form that takes. Sometimes it looks like a covert killer keeping his ear to the ground and his hands in his pockets. Sometimes it looks like a spooky angel playing piano in front of a crowd of people.

Chances are they already had eyes on him, mind you. Meta and monster aren't entirely synonymous. Some people, he's noticed, look as exaggerated as he does. Most don't. He's in the monster minority, which means it's better to abandon the pretense of normality and lean into the absurdity of being once again taken to a new place with new rules and new people.

Surely, it occurs to him that he may have enemies here, that he should keep out of the spotlight, but Slade's worst enemy has always been himself, and he's been dealing with himself for decades.

He can handle it.

Once he wraps up, he turns slightly on the piano's stool to face, well, whoever. ]

Requests open.

⸻ to be, or not to be

[ While he doesn't exactly believe in luck, Slade knows better than to say Macbeth in a crowded theater, let alone see it. So that rules that out. Hamlet, though, is a good one. He'll take Hamlet, even if the point is definitely lost on him. Swearing revenge after the loss of a family member is so familiar he has to ignore it.

He's sitting in the middle of the theatre, dorky opera binoculars held up to his eye(s)—which only work half as well as they should with the eyepatch covering two-thirds of his vision, but he holds them just the same. ]

There are no 'good guys' in this.

[ Some white guy in a tux is going to try and mansplain Shakespeare to you in whispered tones. Better brace yourself. ]

There is no good. There is no bad. People are never just one or the other. Hamlet thinks he's good, but he's not. Revenge is neither a moral or an amoral thing. It's colorless. Agender.

[ Please hush him. ]

⸻ ghosting

[ After crashing on the couch of a vampire in the most haunted side of the Ryslig peninsula, Slade isn't afraid of no ghost. Even if the statues turn to watch him on his way to the bathroom and back, he isn't curious enough, or motivated enough, to investigate. There are bigger things in this world, like making money, killing Titans, and finding his found family team.

So, instead of looking for ghosts, he stands out on the balcony and looks out at the city. For a better view, he flaps his wings and flies higher into the air, which is just something he can do now, apparently. He lands on the roof beside a lump that looks like a gargoyle, but he isn't so high that he can't see what's going on down on the balcony. Should something catch his attention, he's ready to swoop like a dark angel. Or a weird goose. Whichever fits. ]

2

[robintohood]

[Jason nods, surprisingly not too bothered by the three-eyed man]

That's precisely the point and what really makes the whole thing tragic. It's not about the body count.

forte

[wallsofjericho]

[ Joe Wilson doesn't need to see the wings and horns to see the pianist as a borderline monster. At best, he's a deeply troubled man. At worst, an unrepentent killer who's near immoral.

At all times, he's Joey's dad.

When Slade turns to the audience, he'll find his son just regarding him for a long moment. ]

Requests open? How far open?

[ He is going to try and handle this civilly. After years of dealing with his father and everything that follows in his wake, Joe has every reason to suspect that Slade is involved in the chaos outside and to request that he put a stop to it. Civilly. ]

[ OOC note: All ASL will be presented as italicized dialogue, bold will be used for emphasis. ]

Jason Todd | DC Animated Movies

[robintohood]

Shall drink down all unkindness

[It's been a long week to say the least so a night or two spent just to enjoy the arts is a good respite for Jason. He's in a suit and at the bar during intermission just to get some water. He still wants to keep his senses sharp in case trouble pops up]

All the world's a stage

[You could also probably catch him at the balcony taking in the view of the city. While he's there, he's frowning a little. It was only a couple of months ago that he took in a similar view. However, now it feels more ominous with all the riots and mobs breaking out]

2

[definecat]

Suddenly there's a light weight on Jason's shoulder as Sleeper hops up to share the view. The place doesn't look all that great from here, and they worry about it.

"If I thought it would work, I'd consider trying to tamper with the city's water supply or something. Give the whole population some chill pills." they suggest, trying for a little levity.

[slowmotionbuscrash]

[ Tommy is also at the bar, barely passably dressed like an escapee from Miami Vice but with a sleeveless hoodie under the white blazer. The blazer, of course, has the sleeves rolled up. ]

I'll have a Rockstar and rum, and whatever Jersey Shore Dallas Winston wants is on me.

loki odinson | mcu

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki, the owner of the theater is around, overseeing the little things and making sure no harm comes to his beloved place. mostly, he can be spotted here and there, dressed in a black suit with a long green scarf over his shoulders. he seems to mostly preoccupied with the cotton candy machine, eyeing the finely spun sugar curiously, trying to understand how it works.

otherwise, he can found near the bar, looking somewhat perplexed. ]

No, there are no ghosts in the theater.

[definecat]

At the bar, the tall man in black and green might be surprised to see something that mostly resembles a cat leaping up to sit on the edge of the bar, tail flicking as they wait to see if there's a chance to get service.

"I thought all the best theaters had phantoms?" they offer, mildly.

[bestbrotherever]

[Are onlookers seeing double? Because there's now another him standing behind him. He's even dressed identically (thanks to an illusion wardrobe, natch).]

Are you certain? Given how many times you are said to have died...

[qualityfriend]

[Dana's not dressed for the theater, but she's eyeing it longingly. Instead she's in line for the cotton candy machine outside.]

Yeah, it's childish, but hey, sometimes you just want a taste of childhood.

[thecoolerloki]

[As always, this Loki is completely ignoring any set dress code, still in his little hoodie ensemble. He tilts his head towards the cotton candy machine.]

Are you going to have any or do you plan on merely standing there for the whole evening?

ok this one now

[meforsaken]

[There's something scarier than a ghost haunting this theater. It's a Loki, walking around barefoot and waving a familiar scepter around. He doesn't seem to be paying anyone any mind, though he did just enjoy a show and is now enjoying a couple of beers at the bar.

While the staff here is obviously used to multiple Lokis existing, this one... seems to be causing a bit of a stir.]

cotton candy;

[choicely]

[ Yennefer wouldn't normally be found in this type of establishment of her own volition, but more often than not, Jaskier hears the word theater in any context and feels compelled to investigate any potential competition for himself.

She's here in accompaniment of him, but inevitably, their paths diverge and she finds herself wandering over to the machine where something fine and pink winds in on itself. Several others are walking away from it with the woven, cotton-looking substance jammed on a stick, making it possible for them to eat directly. Yennefer, meanwhile, feels no compulsion to shroud her curiosity, looking into the machine with a brief narrowing of her gaze. ]

What is that, exactly?

[unkindled_madness]

[After encountering the other other Loki in Sunset Falls, Sephiroth just watches, for a little bit, to see how this Loki behaves in the theatre. Once he's fairly certain, he approaches.

Is the cotton candy machine really that interesting?]

...distracting yourself?

[hevenly]

[ Angela walks up behind Loki as he stands before the cotton candy machine. Her footsteps are audible, though she does not speak for a moment, content to just watch him watching the spun sugar.

Finally, ] Do you plan on partaking in the treat, brother, or simply watching it be made?

[worldsaway]

Oh, I've seen these before.

[Thor remarks keenly, approaching from behind. He is drawn both by the sugar smell and because he mostly glues himself to Loki whenever they've been apart for more than a few minutes.]

What are you waiting for? [He asks, not waiting before he sticks his open hand into the cotton candy machine and allows the sugar to engulf his hand.]

It's a bit hot.

bar

[doctopoda]

Careful. They'll drop something on you, talking like that.

[Suffice to say, it has been quite some time since Otto went to a theatre. But he remembers when this one opened, and he's finally feeling up to...well, at least going to see what options are available in terms of theatre seating that accommodates tentacles.]

Quentin Beck | Marvel Comics | OTA

[makeanentrance]

[Beck has been working at the Opherium for the past couple of months in a behind the scenes capacity. He took care of any special effects that Loki didn't bring to magical reality, oversaw pyrotechnics and supervised some of the make-up. He was happy to help out in other areas as well and would often watch from the wings, observing both the stage and the audience. He could also be found outside by the steps, watching the street performers and grabbing some cotton candy and can be approached by acquaintances and strangers alike.]

[unkindled_madness]

[Sephiroth came here to check up on Loki, rather than take in the shows, but he lingers, because he said he would. He steps outside to have a glance at the sky.

He's seen the man nearby a few times before, but never spoken to him. Perhaps he should be more familiar with the place.]

...you're one of Loki's staff?

steps

[doctopoda]

[Otto is pretty obvious in any given crowd, but once he notices Beck, he'll smile and come on over.]

Ah, Beck. How are you?

steph brown | dcu (preboot)

[eggplanting]

[It feels sort of — weird, to make a trip to the theatre with everything happening around them. But Jason had told her about the place, asked if she'd wanted to come, and for all that she pushes herself, she knows that sometimes a break is necessary. And while she's studied a few of Shakespeare's plays in high school, she's never had a chance to actually see them performed.

(Turns out they're pretty cool, actually. Even if some of the language is lost on her.)

Fancy clothes aren't really her forte, but she has a nice pair of jeans and a button down t-shirt, and she can braid her hair back nice, so she doesn't feel too out of place, mingling at the bar, or watching the street performers outside.

At the end of the evening, she ends up on the balcony, sitting on the parapet with her legs dangling over the edge as she takes in the view. It's making her a little homesick for Gotham, but there isn't much she can do about that. It was still nice to get out for a while and not think about all the messes in the city.]

[robintohood]

[Spending an evening taking in theater instead of dealing with angry mobs for once has been a good respite for Jason. For a few hours he could almost forget the mess outside of the theater. He doesn't even mind dressing up a little for the occasion. He's got a red dress shirt and black dress pants on. He sticks to his usual black combat boots for comfort though.

After the production, Jason goes out to the balcony to get some fresh air and take in the view. He's surprised to see Steph there. Judging by how she's dressed and sitting, he guesses he's not the only Gotham vigilante who wanted a break.

He walks over to her]

It's not bad up here.

[meforsaken]

[It turns out Steph actually blends in pretty well, as the next person to approach the bar stands out in a way beyond just wearing jeans. The man is 6'3, dressed in clothes all torn at ends, and barefoot. The horns on his head might resemble the theater's manager, but the messy hair and missing teeth make it clear they're not the same person.]

Barkeep! I demand your craftiest IPA!

[As if suddenly realizing there's other people here, Loki turns to grin at Stephanie.]

Twelfth Night's just the best, yeah?

Mayuko Shiraki | Fruits Basket (CFUD PG)

[welcome_summer]

[Mayuko has been slowly but steadily building up her wardrobe over the past month. The mood of Central City has only gotten worst, and she worries that her "normal civilian" front is getting more worn by the day. But news of the theatre productions encouraged her to venture to the boutiques, for a good dress or two and the assorted accompaniments.

For a couple of nights, she attends the performances. She leans into the Tuscan-sun vibes for Much Ado About Nothing, while a late-night version of Macbeth gets something more classic.

For either intermission, she can be found at the bar, enjoying a fruity mocktail the first night or marveling at the "realistic effects" the second (sorry if you were her neighbor for that one, you probably lost the circulation in your arm when the ghosts started walking around).]

kyle rayner | dc comics

[torchbearer]

( i. sketch work — kyle )

[ this was a nice looking place. much nicer than he expected. something about it tugs at his sensibilities, so kyle grabs his handy drawing pad and settles himself on the steps. at first, he sketches layouts, buildings, statues, but eventually his mind wanders and he starts drawing caricatures of people. probably you.

if you catch him at least, he'll shrug sheepishly. ]

At least I got your good side?

( ii. patrolling — green lantern )

[ it's not to draw parallels between new york and central city. granted, new york is larger, smellier, louder, more hectic . . . the list could go on. but something about the way the city is laid out feels nostalgic and familiar and he can't help flying around, making sure everyone's having a good night. or breaking up a few fights for those who aren't. even if they seem to get his name wrong. ]

It's Green Lantern. Not Green Wristwatch. No, the symbol is not confusing!

( iii. wildcard )

[ got a different prompt you’d like to do? ping me on timmtams / pm this journal ]

[grivences]

[ Robin's still getting her bearings around here. While she's grateful to the rest of the Hawkins crew for letting her stay with them, she spends a fair chunk of her time out on her own, exploring the city and researching the Confluences. If no one else is going to try to find a way home, then she'll make it her job.

She's sitting on the steps, reading a library book and sipping some cool new drink called bubble tea, when she notices a guy with a sketch pad who keeps looking her way. Curious, and not sure whether she should be freaked out, she stares back, daring him to show her what he's drawing. ]

You'd better have. I don't think my bad side is fit for public consumption.