The OFFICIAL THREAD: The Ascalon Royal Family Masquerade Ball, Community Event

Hosted by the honorable Deux Du Machina, 3rd Lord of the Gates of Kryta, 8th Seat Elder Black Magika Sorcerer.

The Ascalon Royal Family Masquerade Ball is a long forgotten formal event, engraved into history years before the searing. The Ascalon Royal Family led by King Adelbern was once a prosperous kingdom, and the ball was the yearly celebration to celebrate the wealthy and beauty that was Ascalon. But alas, The Searing as it has come to be known shattered the hearts of men in the kingdom of Ascalon. The ball for the past 4 years has been forgotten. Deux Du Machina, in his travels, stumbled upon an old text depicting a dance festival of epic proportions in the kingdom of Ascalon of old. Intrigued, he did further research. After painstaking tasks, Deux begged the wealthiest of the lords of Ascalon and surrounding kingdom of Kryta to donate what they saw fit to bring back this beautiful festival. The time of the Ascalon Royal Family Masquerade Ball have returned, and the hearts of men shall once again be warm and lively! Let the festivities commence!


The theme of this years Ascalon Royal Family Masquerade Ball is… Change.

Yes, Change. Why change you ask? Think of what our world of Tyria has gone through in these last 4 years… think long and hard. Change has happened! First, The Searing ripped the Kingdom of Ascalon apart, then the Stone Summit ripped the Kingdom of Deldrimor apart, and finally the ancient and undead Kingdom of Orr sought to uprise and destroy the Kingdom of Kryta. Across the seas, our friends the Kurzicks and the Luxons rage war against one another daily. Shiro, the evil undead Lich, Abaddon’s uprising, the undead armies, the Charr, Kormir, the gods, Heroes, Champions, and Mhenlo and Cynn… many changes have occurred in these years, and those changes have formed what we know the world of Tyria to be today. We should embrace these changes, and push on into the future, the future that is so bright and always changing! May the gods’ blessings be with you each and everyday that these wonderful changes occur, and may you all change the world!



This grand event shall be split into sections, for the most enjoyment.

Serenity Temple shall be the host of this glorious event! The event is to take place May 5th, 2007 starting at 3PM EST (19:00/7PM GMT). The event will end 4 hours later on May 5th, 2007 at 7PM EST (May 5th, 2007 at 23:00/11PM GMT).


The event Schedule is as follows: All times listed in GMT Below:

• 19:00/7PM: Opening Ceremony with speech welcoming guests, introducing the staff, speech discussing theme.
  
• 19:45/7:45PM: Dancing and drink/food sales will begin. Rock-Paper-Scissors gambling tables will open. Recommended you turn off emotes unless you are playing. Please keep this orderly so we can have some winners! 
  
• 20:30/8:30PM: First round of quiz questions. First to answer wins a random prize.
  
• 20:45/8:45PM: The Bad Badger Costume Contest will begin. This event is dedicated to a member of the community who has passed away recently, Bad Badger, father of Raven Evo. He will be missed.
  Center amphitheatre must be cleared of guests and contestants will enter the center one by one to be judged. Each judge will rate on a scale of 1-10 (10 being best costume, 1 being terrible and not inventive). 50 Contestants will be judged, 1st-5th place will receive prizes.
• 21:30/9:30PM: Second round of random quizzes. First to answer wins a random prize.
  
• 22:00/10:00PM: Scavenger Hunt will begin! First clue will be given out at this time. Even will run 30 minutes from start.
  
• 22:30/10:30PM: Final short round of quizzes, random distribution of sweets and alcohol for no fee if any remain. Final round of quizzes for last remaining prizes. Closing speeches, special thanks to donors, announcement of winner of Scavenger Hunt and announcement of grand prize! Closing statements from Deux Du Machina, host of the ball, and a wish for pleasant dreams and a big thanks for support.
  
• 23:00/11PM: Lights go out, clearing of district, log off.  Goodnight folks.

For Time clarfication for your particular area, try these!

http://www.timeanddate.com/
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

If you do not have Serenity Temple but still wish to attend the event, runners have been hired to shuttle you from Ascalon City to Serenity Temple, no deaths guaranteed! The runners will be paid for their services and their names posted. Please PM any one of them. They will also have designated points at which they will stand in Ascalon International District 1. Go to any of the spots and self invite to their group. They will accept you with the understanding that once the group is full or 10 minutes have passed, they will head to the ball for you. Tipping is appreciated, they work hard for you! 


DRINKS AND SWEETS: A small fee will be charged for food and drink.

Drinks: Alcoholic beverages will come at a cost of 25 gold pieces per customer, limit 5 per customer for the duration of the ball. Please, please, PLEASE! Do NOT switch users and accounts just to get more ale, this is a mutual respect issue. If we have ale thieves taking more then their share, other guests may not be able to purchase. At the END of the ceremony, alcohol will be sold for 50g each until they are gone. All proceeds will go towards a charity fund. Limit as end of ceremony is 20 per customer unless otherwise stated after closing ceremonies.

Food: Sugary delights will be 35 gold pieces per unit, limit 5 per customer for the duration of the ball. Please abide by the above policy and requests as this is only fair, again, to the rest of the guests! Thanks! 


Party Items: These items which include snowmen, ghosts in the box, squash serum, yuletide tonics, and other assorted goodies will be randomly distributed and may NOT be requested. At the END of the closing ceremony, these items may be purchased in packs of 4 for 100 gold pieces or for 30 gold pieces per unit, limit 8 per customer. Again, all proceeds will go to a charitable fund.




What is the grand prize for the scavenger hunt you ask? This time friends, it will be a surprise! I promise, well worth your time! Scavenger hunt contestants 1st-10th place will receive some form of prize, based on their position. 1st Place prize value is > or = 500 Platinum. Second and Third prize value > or = 50k. Fourth and Fifth prize value > or = 25k, 6th-10th place prize value > or = 5k.




Positions Needed/Filled: For all positions herein, please apply via email, and only apply if you can get the need references, it will remove confusion. If you have donated items, gold, or weapons amounting to over a 30k value, you are no longer required to have references (except riddle master) Once the whole list has been filled, I will hold a meeting with my staff to discuss plans and operations. I will announce a time of the meeting for the staff. All staff members are incouraged to temorarily leave their guilds and join my event only guild that I created, so you have the official event staff cape.

How to send a reference!

• To send a reference, simply have someone who trusts you send an official reference on your behalf via Forum Private Message or Email.
  
• The Subject line MUST read as follows: Reference for (Your name here) for the position of (position being applied for). The referrer can then type whatever they feel in the body of the email/PM. Please be honest with references. It would be a VERY BAD PUBLIC IMAGE to scam during this event.
• My personal Email: [email protected]

Caterers (International District 1, the Primaries) Payment =10k for the event. Criteria has changed. 3 References needed for position, via email or Private message on either forum. Forum moderators count as all 3 references, thus, a reference from a Moderator is all you need.

1. Maina Kitty (Hailing from GWO)
2. Kagie
3. nirvanadude007
4. Dante Devil Trigger (may be moved to district 2 depending on traffic)

Backup Caterers (International Districts 2, 3, 4)

1. Furia Di Midnights (ID2)
2. Cexi Dervish (ID2)
3. (ID2)
4. OPEN (ID3)
5. OPEN (ID3)
6. OPEN (ID3)
7. OPEN (ID4)

Costume Judgment (International District 1 Only) Payment is 8k for the event.

1. Fullmana Alchemist
2. Patrick Stealthwind
3. Buttermilk

Rock-Paper-Scissors Gambling “Tables” (International District 1) Payment is 5k for the event.
Criteria has changed. 3 References needed for position, via email or Private message on either forum. Forum moderators count as all 3 references, thus, a reference from a Moderator is all you need. Fused intoa 2 man team per district.

1. ume kurosaki
2. Deus Armarum

Rock-Paper-Scissors Gambling “Tables” (International Districts 2,3,4)

1. Faithful Bishop (ID2)
2. Mistress Savra (ID2)
3. OPEN (ID3)
4. OPEN (ID3)
5. OPEN (ID4)
6. OPEN (ID4)
7. OPEN?? (ID5??)

OFFICIAL Runners from Ascalon City ID1 to Serenity Temple RUNNERS SLOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. Thanks for your interest!

(This position is not an official event position, but is actually prevent. Runners must be available 5 hours before the ball. You will be stationed in Ascalon City International District 1 for 4 hours, running all those who need a run to Serenity Temple. Please only apply for this position if you are a fast fast runner, and know the lay of the lands near Ascalon, mainly the most time efficient route to the temple. Pay is 20k for the 4 hours, except runner #4 who will be paid 30k for 4 hours. I will meet with each runner to discuss their standing post.

Runner #1 will be located next to the Rare Material Trader in Ascalon City, International District 1.

Runner #2 will be located inbetween the two Armor Crafters in Ascalon City, International District 1.

Runner #3 will be located next to the Skill Trainer in Ascalon City, International District 1.

Runner#4 will be a special fast track runner, running from LA to Serenity Temple. No stops except Ascalon City and Serenity Temple though.

1. OPEN
2. IGN= Sai Kiraku
3. Sk8tborderx
4. Lastthingusee

Additionally, these coming weeks leading up to the event, many people are requesting runs. So, a few independent runners are in contact with me about positions!
HERE THEY ARE!

1. Nash Vegas
2. Fury Incarnate

Scavenger Hunt Item Checkers: International District 1 Payment is 5k for the event. Criteria has changed. 3 References needed for position, via email or Private message on either forum. Forum moderators count as all 3 references, thus, a reference from a Moderator is all you need.

1. FlameoutAlchemist
2. Seryndipity
3. Goddess Wills
4. Rasmus Gorgon

Scavenger Hunt Item Checkers: International District 2, 3, 4 NEED TO FILL THESE PLEASE!! Thanks!

1. OPEN (ID2)
2. OPEN (ID2)
3. OPEN (ID2)
4. OPEN (ID3)
5. OPEN (ID3)
6. OPEN (ID3)
7. OPEN (ID4)

Riddle Master!
The riddle master position, after much debate, will now be taken over by myself. Simply too much of a security risk here, no matter how trustworthy the person. One word could ruin the competition, even if it wasn't intentional. Thus...

1. Deux Du Machina.

Voice of the Royal Family!

1. Mr. G

Royal Family Photographer

1. Eroth
2. His Assistant (OPEN)


Rules. (These are set in place so we can have fun and things go very smoothly. Because I do not have GM powers or anything of the sort, I cannot directly inforce these, so it is my hopes we will have a mutual respect and act civil. The less drama, the more fun!

1. If Deux Du Machina asks for the district to cease all public chat, it is for an announcement. It will be in your best interest to cease typing in public so that he can have “the floor.”
   
2. Respect each other, don’t be mean to those less fortunate then yourself. Making fun of someone for being excited about a green you may find worthless isn’t the right thing to do. Treat others with kindness and humility.
   
3. Do not spam emotes or text. It clutters public chat, and makes it so hard for proper communication if necessary. This goes back to mutual respect. 
   
4. Please do not take more alcohol/sweets then the limit. Limits are as follows: 5 alcohols and 5 sweets per guest for the duration of the ball, purchasable anytime. You are welcome to bring your own to compensate. I am not throwing this event to give you a cheap way to get Ale Hound title or Confectionaries title… please do not abuse my generousity.
   
5. Have a WONDERFUL EVENING filled with fun, excitement, dancing, and much more!

Current Donations List: (minus amounts) If I have missed you in this list, please please send me a PM with what you donated and your ingame name as well, so I can add you. I apologize, it is just a lot of book keeping. Thanks!

1. BlackMass
2. Mirka
3. Darcy
4. Chrono Re delle Ere
5. Aussie Boy
6. Albinobird
7. FlameoutAlchemist
8. Goney
9. Holababe
10. Stan The WHitecrow
11. Olivia
12. R Langdon
13. AutumnOffering
14. Sihaya Syme
15. zeeZer
16. Master Halbarad
17. Patrick Stealthwind
18. milkflopance
19. Faceless Pyrus
20. Brewmaster
21. ume kurosaki
22. halcyonbiscuit
23. Edwinna Elbert
24. Ranger Khann
25. wick
26. Charr Supporter
27. Mike Dallas
28. dark shadow
29. Aciliadoro Khama
30. Grenth, the god of Death and peaceful rest himself.
31. Chunks (with a massive donation of 1000k.)
32. Rainbird
33. Sk8tborderx (aka Woot Im A Rit)
34. Psy Of The Man (aka Mordin of Ascalon)
35. Seryndipity (aka Celestial Gravel)
36. Vincalis Ktath
37. Kat
38. Rue Bemeria
39. Tyus Hoc
40. Eva Delecroix

Donations are still being accepted in the form of sweets, alcohol, party items such as snowmen and Halloween serums, ghosts, lunar fortunes, etc etc. Gold is also being accepted until further notice, as it is funding ale purchases as well as sweets. SHARDS NEEDED!! OBSIDIAN SHARDS! JEWELS ALSO NEEDED DESPERATELY! (Rubies and Sapphires!) Thanks!

Updates will be found in this thread, so keep you eyes peeled for them as they arise!

Thanks!

Rahja

Thread updated guys and gals! This is recent and most up to date. If you notice issues, please please email me or PM me here on the forums as to the error or missing information. Thanks!

Huzzah! This looks to be great! I can assure you my guild will be attending, Although I would Still Like to apply for the possition of Herald or annoucner (To go around tyria and beyond annoucning the ball, or to welcome guests at there request "Lord Leo of Dofa") Sorry got a bit romantic there.....Gotta have a bit of drama eh?

I love the idea. Consider it done. You are hereby the official Coat boy! LOLOLOL. JK, you are the royal court's voice. May your voice travel the depths of Tyria and through the skies.

Yeah, thsi thread didnt take off like I thought it would.

My guild will be attending. Id like to take a postition but I dont have the refrences here because I just got an account on Guru a couple of weeks ago and dont come on this site all to much.

Some questions, how many times can you go into an international district before it becomes permanent?

Also you have a problem with the times. It says the event runs from 3PM est till 7PM est. Meaning it ends at 7, when the first scheduled even starts.

Sounds like a lot of fun.

the event times are in GMT

WhiteDreads, this is the 2nd thread on the subject. The last thread had almost 5,000 views and pages of responses. It is indeed becoming quite the event.

Rahja, links have been updated on the homepage.

EST3PM = 7PM GMT. All times listed are GMT.

Thanks a bunch Inde, having that link really is raising a lot of people to the cause. Now if we can snag a date with Gaile, all will be set!

Btw Rahja my ign is Shots and Slashes. Consider me Mr. Media on the party date. and I'm not trying to steal your thunder (no [skill=text]Mind Shock[/skill] plz!!) but I'm gonna have to lay rules for pictures (I don't have a video program cause fraps is only 30 seconds so I would like an assisstant if anyone wants to (first come first serve). Pm me if you want the job.)

Pictures/Video recording rules
1.) If you would like a picture I need you line up near the merchant and I (shots and Slashes r/w) will call you over by adding you to my team. I will place you, you can strike a pose or just stand there and I will take a pic. Now if you feel so compelled as to get a pic of another character (only place where chara switching is allowed) you have to tell me so I can link your name to the first chara that I take a pic of

ex. *takes pic of Rahja*
*Rahja switches to Thief of Socks or w/e*
*Takes another pic and he tells me he is Rahja*
Then I post them in here after the party is done (it might take a few days but I will have them up soon after the party)

2.) PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS' PICTURES. I will ask you all to stay at least 15 steps away from the area that I am taking pics in and to be in a somewhat cohearent line. I would also like you to not bum rush into the pictures and get in the way of someone's photo. You do and I will report you to Rahja, of whom I'm guessing, will warn the servers to ignore you. I do not put up with stupididty or annoying people.

3.) All pictures will be free for this event, but once over I will be charging 25 gold per. That will contribute to the Charity. But if any of you feel generousity and want to give me a tip I will welcome it and contribute half to the charity.

Assisstant Media Helper
OPEN

I will be in district int 1 all the time so if you want a pic go there.

Going by the first thread, I would have expected more posts by now...

Anyways, it may be a good idea to set up a few runners from Lion's Arch to Yak's Bend, and from Yak's Bend to Ascalon City as well.

I will let you know as soon as I can if I am able to spend the time required for one of the positions.

This looks cool! I will definitly attend if I can! And maybe Gaile will see this and somehow help out? Sorta like with the Mursat rally thing. Maybe they could put in special npc's or something? Or maybe help inforce the rules. Keep up the good work Rahja the Thief.

Wow, this is absolutly amazing! Major kudos to you and all behind the ball. This will be the greatest player organized event ever!

may i apply for costume judge please?

e-mail Rahja with referances or donate 30k+ in gold or swag and you can.

If she just visited that would probably be enough.


BTW at the beginning and end of the end you should probably shoot a lot of fireworks to kick off the event.

Hi, awesome idea, thanks for organizing something like this! I would like to apply for a runner position, I have all of Ascalon mapped out and know the land well. Also, I have some things I would like to donate. PM me on the forum or ingame: Push Biscuit

Hello, This is Ranger Frog, I Applied for Runner. I'll run it as fast as i possibly can and I will practice as much as possible.

Hi! I saw this and I'm really interested. Can someone shuttle my Assassin from Asaclon City to Serenity, as it says on the first post.

Do I need to pay?

The person who has this information please PM me in the forum or try to Whisper me in-game. The character I want to participate with is my Assassin, Master Fast.

One more question, can someone give me the times in Pacific Time? I'm not good at the whole timezone thing, especially in DST. I have strict times that I can be on and might not be able to stay the entire time.

Oh yeah, I have 15 Candy Corn Tonics from Halloween and 2 Yuletide Tonics from Wintersday, I'll sell them to you for 500g for all, since it's a good cause. Sorry if I seem greedy, but I've had them forever and I kinda want to make some money off of them, even if it is a small amount.

This was in the old thread, but deserves to be reposted here.
If you need help figuring out what time this will be happening in your zone, follow one of these links:

http://www.timeanddate.com/
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Props to Aussie Boy for the original post.

There is currently a mini party that has formed at Serenity Temple ID1. Donors have shown up and decided to camp. It might be fun to stop by, drop of your donations, or just chat with us. Anywho... mini event!

I'm going to go through my inventory and see if I have anything else to donate.

This sounds like it is going to be a fun event! I'm going to try to get my guild members to attend.

Thanks for the time converter. I'll try to be there for at least an hour.

Rahja, if you want my Tonics, I'll sell/give them to you, you just have to ask.

I just want to get rid of them right now...

You can have my few tonics I may have, plus anything else i can try to rummage up. Ill also be willing to run people with my warrior(laldonicus Nenth) or my ranger (stubron as a mule) ill test which is faster. Ill also be willing to judge costumes. Pm me- Lahldonicus Nenth
Edit: the time frame may make it diffucult for em to run, but i will try to make some runs, payment free.

Sounds like a great time! I'll be there.

Note to Mesmer in Need above me: You spelled your Warrior's name wrong the first time.

KANE

Put me down as a costume judge, plus I have some alcohol to donate.

I would be willing to run anyone to Serenity Temple...it would have to be free, because I'm just doing it on a mes and probably won't be the fastest ever. But, if you need a run, I'll get ya there eventually, and won't mind doing it for free. Whatever I can do to help for this amazing event. Just PM me at Nivek The Wise.

Hopefully I can be of a little help.

Some quick updates.

We are still short on ale, nogs, absinthe, and any other form of alcohol you can think of. Same applies for sweets.

I have yet to receive the pledged donation of 1 Million gold, so at this moment, gold donations are still more then accepted, and needed!

The main thing we still need is tons of ectos, jewels (rubies and sapphires), and obsidian shards! Without these, the prize output will be far far lower! Please, farm these for me and either A)> Donate them to the event or B)> Sell them to me at a nice discounted price! Only at 30 ectos, 2 shards, and 5 jewels atm.



On the other side of things, donations of greens have been spectacular. As of this moment, I have had to cut off weapon and magic item donations because you guys have literally filled up two fully upgraded storages on 2 seperate accounts. Very impressive and generous. I will be accepting greens, but only those of notable value (30k+) to be used as primary prizes.

I don't want to make it sound like I am getting picky, but space constraints have forced me to become more selective with donation acceptance. Many thanks to donators so far, and many more thanks to those who are planning to give soon.


As far as staff is concerned, I really am in need of Scavenger Hunt Item Checkers. This is the most important staff job right now, and they need to be filled. I need backup caterers as well! Judges spots have been filled for the most part, as have runners. Sorry to those that were not chosen, but it was first come first server. Rock-Paper-Scissors is in desperate need of players to play for the "house." Two new positions were opened today, the Royal Family's Voice and the Royal Family Photographer. Both positions were filled by the the best candidates in their fields, and are sure to bring smiles to the masses.

Any who... I need to relax now and have a strong drink, so I bid you all farewell for a few hours. Please, if you are interested in attending, in a staff position, or just have nice things to say about the event, post here. The more support we get for the event, the more likely ANET should be to help us out! :azn: :wink:

Cheers guys and gals!

Arg... Guru servers dying. Pardon the double post. But to make the most out of it. I also updated the first post with current lists of donors and some positions that have filled up.

Hey, I talked with you in game (Addra Bloodletter)
I'll be a caterer unless I'm needed for something else.

hey Rahja you ok? I can call on the alliance or guild to help if you need it. Just say the word and I'll see if I can hook ya up. Luxon endurance is just a few words away and it'll be behind you 100%..or as many people want to help.

Rahja - I will help with the Scavenge Hunt Item checking or the Rock Paper Scissors. (Will send you a PM soon)

I want to help BUT I don't know if I can go yet. If I do show up can I please do security and report abusers and spammers? Or a Newb helper?
I really don't know what you mean by referances but I guess I don't have any.Also I am really broke.
Please forgive me for being a little out of place but I want to help, I'm broke and I dont think I can unless its for free.
(Someone link me a map to this place please I can't find it)

i got a question about the rules. cant u just unclick the emotes tab so u dont see the emotes?

Hey, I sent you a message, but posting here as well that I am willing to run if you need me.

got an idea have you thought of advirtisement?

got anther idea.... im full of em. could do a radio station over shoutcast or like over vent. got a sound card that makes it sound as if ur playing the music on your pc.

Woot people like you still exist in our gamers world.

I've got alot of seasonal stuff to donate, I hope I make it to the ball!

Here's your 3rd Judge If you want me that is. I can make it, I've checked twice.