THE MASQUERADE MEME - 2025

[melplayspersonal]

  You’re invited to a Masquerade

One night only, let yourself escape
Make your way as black cats serenade
You’re invited to a Mysterious Masquerade!

 

 

THE MASQUERADE MEME

In the simplest of terms, a masquerade is a masked dance, and that’s what this meme is all about! Pop on a simple domino mask that goes around the eyes or go with a full brand-new ensemble, gather in a gigantic ballroom, and let the music take you away. Though this trope is a tale as old as time, there’s many ways to go about it! And you don't have to stay in the ballroom forever - sneak away to a balcony, a garden maze, etc! You know the usual rules – pop a character with any preferences or leave it blank, and go for it! Mix and match prompts or make your own!

Royal Regalia

The royal family is throwing one hell of a shindig in order to get their prince/princess to find a worthy bride/groom, or maybe the lucky one is already hitched and celebrations are underway! Has Cinderella been invited to this ball or did she stumble in by accident? Maybe you’ll meet your one true love without realizing the crown comes with the mask!

Supernatural Sides

Get a taste of the macabre when all the monsters show up for this mash! Perhaps it’s a Vampires Only party with you as the special exception. (Or their dinner!) Are the witches and warlocks gathered to perform a special spell once every hundred years? Or you thought this was an ordinary humans-all ball, just to discover your elaborate costumes are taking over your own personality!

Criminal Caper

Bring this party to modern times with this take on Ocean’s 11! You (and maybe your gang!) are here to steal something or someone precious, and everyone has a role to play. Observe the crowd, blend into the crowd, or be the major distraction. On the flip side, you may be the eager detective trying to finally get the cuffs on your target. There could be a huge UST blow-up if criminal and copper wind up in a dance – especially if they don’t recognize each other!

 

Comments

Pitaya Dragon Cookie | Cookie Run: Kingdom

[dragontongue]

[celebrateourvictory]

/struts on in here/

all righty, so we know we want these two to have a romantic dance at the very least. he will probably step on her foot at least once. any other deets you wanna hash out, or should we jump right into it? and do you want to write a starter, or shall I? no preference either way!

Hollyberry Cookie | Cookie Run Kingdom

[celebrateourvictory]

Daisy Duck | Ducktales 2017/general disney

[allfortheloveofyou]

Antoine D'Coolette | Archie Sonic

[mon_dieu]

Asterios / Berserker - Fate : Grand Order

[beefaroni]

Della Duck | Ducktales 2017

[sos_pilot]

Lena Sabrewing | Ducktales 2017

[in_her_shadow]

Webby Vanderquack | Ducktales 2017

[woo_oo]

Morgana McCawber | Ducktales 2017!AU

[lovebites_sodoi]

[dragontongue]

insert Jojo's meme here

WOW HEY, DON'T ASSUME THEY CAN'T DANCE (thy cannot ballroom dance). But yeah, the idea is that Pitaya crashes the party/sneaks in though they do have a nice and fancy suit and mask. Honestly, I sort of assume this was set up prooobably by Princess Cookie...

ANYWAY, I don't have many other plans other than Pitaya getting huffy and butting in/shoving themself into Hollyberry's personal space if they see her getting accosted by other people (guys and gals, lbh). Maybe some banter, a couple drinks... *maybe* a walk through the gardens?? IDK I'M JUST HERE TO VIBE.

If you've got time, you can write the starter just to set the scene/setting and I can follow your lead!!

lmk if you want any changes!

[celebrateourvictory]

[ The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Now, Hollyberry Cookie loved a good party. Raucous dancing, lots of hooting and hollering, and drinks galore! But that was a party. This was an affair. Two separate things. These sort of things were stiff, formal, and often quite dull. As much as Hollyberry would have loved to ditch it and go hit up a tavern, being the Queen Mother came with responsibilities. So she was suited up with a dress that felt way too tight on her dough, and wore two masks. One mask of paper and color, and the other of eloquence and grace.

But this particular celebration was rife with rumors - no one was sure who started them, but they spread like a wildfire and were just as difficult to put out. The whispers said that this whole thing was al elaborate way for Hollyberry to find a suitable partner, after decades of being alone. (The Royal Family, who were the ones behind this evening to begin with, would have vehemently objected otherwise. No one interfered in the Queen's love-life, and with good reason!) So while her highness was already a popular and beloved figure in her kingdom, the gossip brought out the sharks. If they could just snag a few minutes alone with her, surely they'd have a chance...!

Hollyberry wasn't aware of the rumors being fanned, though she was finding some nobles being particularly more pushy than usual. She forced herself to smile and entertain them, even when she longed to be miles away. What she wouldn't give for a drink and a brawl! ]

Dorian Storm | Critical Role | OTA

[makingmyway]

Regalia

[catchingtunes]

The caravan stops in a well-off town- famous for its vineyards and distilleries- to trade goods for the next leg of their journey. As it happens, the owner of one of the bigger estates is in need of more musicians for his eldest daughter's wedding; someone to add to the ceremony's orchestra, and to play before and between the main musical act at the lavish masquerade for the reception.

Which means having to dress the part. Theo steps out from behind the folding screen in the spare room they've been given for the night: a form-fitting, charcoal black suit with gold piping clings over a dark red vest, a black cravat tucked underneath. A black domino mask trimmed with red and gold scrolling shades his squinting eyes as he frowns at the black hair ribbon in his hand, his free hand absently tugging at a cuff.

"Okay, no idea whether I should leave my hair down like this or something else... What do you think?"

Despite combing it out, the loose black waves spilling down to his shoulders still look salt-frayed and scruffy. Surely he looks like a mess, right?

it's perfect!! ♥♥♥ also i'm sorry i wrote you a novel fhjgnhf

[dragontongue]

[You know, one good thing about that dusty old disguise from Dragon City was that is allowed Pitaya to travel about the Hollyberry Kingdom much, much more frequently, and actually savor the sights, sounds, and spirits with far less screaming and running. It's fun to terrorize the little Cookies every now and again, but any time they decide to visit...or even fly overhead to grab a snack at the berry fields...sigh. It gets a little bothersome.

It's actually how they figured out that there was some grand party they were missing at the castle, which was a little obnoxious, but understandable...fancy things like that didn't interest them, no matter how good the food and drink was. However, it's not until someone mentions the Queen Mother was seeking a partner do they snap their head up and look indignant and insulted. Partner? She has one already!! It's them - the Lengendary Red Dragon!! Who on Earthbread could compete with that?! Huffing, they toss their stein to the ground and storm out, soar to the palace, break in through an unlocked balcony window in the north wing like they always do, and go thundering down the halls toward the grand ballroom...!

Only to be tripped and accosted by none other than Princess Cookie themself. After peeling themself off the polished marble floors, Pitaya barely has time to open their mouth before they are wrestled to the ground and told they aren't going anywhere "looking like that". Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?! And what is Jungleberry Cookie feeding this child?!

SEVERAL HIJINKS LATER...and at the cost of eight now very tuckered out maids and butlers alike, the dragon was miraculously bathed, dressed in a dashing suit and matching mask, and their hair not only brushed, but braided as well. And all within a half hour!! Never underestimate the will and determination of a Hollyberrian, servant or otherwise. Anyway, Princess managed to explain...some of what's going on, and even lead them into the grand hall (in a vice grip, so they didn't burst the doors off their hinges). However, their eyes are already scanning the sea of Cookies to find a very particular one, and they swiftly see her surround by...even more lecherous slugs than that ""dragon rider"" way back.

Picking Princess up very suddenly under their arm, Pitaya shoves her off onto...SOMEONE ("hold thisss") and IS SWIFTLY APPROACHING HOLLYBERRY'S LOCATION.]

[celebrateourvictory]

[ Goodness, some of these men and women were having a hard time hearing the word "no", even though she'd worded it a few dozen different ways. In addition, some of these questions and conversations were getting way too personal! What did she long for on cold, lonely nights when she was out adventuring? A stiff drink, of course!

Hollyberry wasn't dumb - there were just several factors blinding her to the fact she was being hit on. First, as Queen Mother, she had a tendency to see all Hollyberrians as her children. Second, her age - the Soul Jam had blessed her with eternal youth, so she didn't look like she was one of the oldest people in the building. Lastly was the fact she didn't really see herself as someone who people would want to flirt with.

Growing up dirt poor and on the hefty side, she didn't make for an attractive mate in the eyes of many a Cookie. By the time her name had become well-known all over Earthbread, as a hero and a Queen, it was too late for her mind to be changed - she wasn't attractive. Not that this ever bothered her, it was just a fact of life - the sky was blue, grass was green, and she wasn't conventionally appealing. Oh well! Who cares?

So with all of that combined, she had no idea why all of these snooty, drooling nobles were so desperate to get alone time with her. But she couldn't come out and SAY that. A queen must be civil, must be polite, must have tact. As her eyes darted around for some way out of the current dull conversation, she noted one Cookie in particular that was zooming straight for her like a jelly-bee to a candy flower. They even appeared to be shoving others out of the way, or at least shoulder-checking them.

... Wait a minute. Does she know that hair? She began to squint, but, surely, no, "they" wouldn't be caught dead here, right...? ]

G'raha Tia | FFXIV | OTA

[exexarch]

Regalia

[halfling_dad]

Orym feels very small as he follows beside Keyleth. This place is the grandest building he's ever seen and he isn't sure what he us supposed to do beyond keep an eye on the Tempest and watch for trouble.

[makingmyway]

Standing at the front of the ballroom with his family, Dorian can't help fidgeting slightly in the stiff suit he'd been made to wear. As much as he enjoys balls and masquerades, he wishes he was allowed to wear some of the more flowing outfits that he kept. But those were hidden in his closet for a reason.

He startles a little when his brother lightly elbows him, and follows Cyrus' gaze to see that their Ashari allies have finally arrived. Standing a little straighter, he steps forward with his parents to greet the Voice of the Tempest and her Tempest Blades.

Royal Regalia sounds like a good take on it, hm?

[bladeofnymeia]

[Firoza's never seen such a magnificent palace.

She's new to the Royal Allagan Guard, and hasn't actually been in proximity to anyone of royal blood yet - her skills had earned her the mantle, but also kept her on the battlefield and in the training grounds. But she'd been invited by one of her higher-ups, insisting that the woman needed to relax for once, and who was she to turn down such an invitation?

Her attire is simple, yet elegant. Firoza doesn't think of drawing too much attention to herself or away from any of the nobles or other high-ranking officials who will be there. But she complies with the instruction to wear a mask, and feels a bit more comfortable. No one knows her anyway, but here, everyone is unknown. It's better. It's easier.

...She still lingers on the edges of the crowd, very obviously entranced by the elegance and opulence. Is she really allowed to be in such a place? Would they truly want her in full armor here some day, directly protecting the Royal Family? Could all this be real? It's hard to grapple with it.]

[exexarch]

A man in a simple, elegant suit, wearing a blue and gold mask approaches her, he had noticed she wasn't really mingling with the crowd.

He holds a hand out to her.]

A dance, my lady?

[bladeofnymeia]

Ah-

[She's not...okay yes she was caught a little off-guard, which is embarrassing. She's supposed to be aware of her surroundings at all times! Maybe Firoza is just too aware.

Still, she takes in the man before her...there is something familiar about him, but the simple attire (for a ball) and the mask are enough to make her doubt herself, just a bit.]

...Aye. Thank you.

[She'll take his hand.]

[dragontongue]

[The sad truth is that probably only a handful of the many people vying for Hollyberry's attention right now actually care about her as a person. They see beauty, they see power and fame, they see authority as a royal of the Hollyberrian court, even if much of the work is done by Jungleberry these days...and Princess being the rightful heir as well, though considering the more criminal side of the aristocracy (we know what you did, House Cranberry)...ahem. Best not say anything and move on. Every Kingdom has its dirty little secrets.

But Hollyberry is appealing, though probably not for the reasons she'd assume. She is beautiful, yes, but it's not by any sort of conventional standards...at least not to the dragon currently shoving their way through the crowd, and literally growling at those who don't clear out at the first push. Hollyberry's beauty stems from her power, her will, and her passion - bright and burning like a flame. Pitaya has never encountered anyone, no Cookie, who could so thoroughly stomp him time after time and then get absolutely shitfaced together after. Hollyberry Cookie is one of a kind, and she doesn't deserve to be labeled, or shoved into a box she doesn't fit into.

Nor does she deserve just anyone as her partner... She needs someone who can match all of that, which is them, and them alone.

They're in the final stretch, just a few more bodies to push past, but one particular heckler seems to not get the memo, scoffing at the disguised dragon and trying to force him back to "make up" for accidentally spilling juice on his fancy suit.]

I can asssure you...that will be the leassst of your worriesss...if you do not get out of my way.

[celebrateourvictory]

[ She only knows one person with that classic hissing verbal tic. Waves of joy and worry wash over her, colliding with each other, unsure which to feel more strongly about. She's happy to see them - she almost always is! - but this is not the environment for them. There's nothing here that would appeal to the dragon, and everything to piss them off. Which begs the question... what on Earthbread are they doing here?

Well, at least this means this ball got a lot less dull! Still, she'd better cut in before Pitaya cuts someone. She quickly and unabashedly excuses herself from her most current suitor - ]

Pardon me, I think I see an old friend! What sort of Cookie would I be if I didn't greet them?

[ - And, picking up a bit of this giant, floofy dress so she can get there faster... she can't exactly call out Pitaya's name, so she settles for the next best thing. ]

My good friend! How wonderful to see you! Don't tell me you're getting into trouble already!

[ ... seriously. don't tell her. what did you do now. ]

[makingmyway]

To be honest, Dorian had been a bit excited about the prospect of attending the wedding - not that he knew the wedding party all that well, but he honestly would take any excuse to buy new clothes and get to dress up a bit.

And perhaps he might have gotten a bit carried away with the outfit he had chosen, but it had been quite a while since he'd gotten to attend any kind of event as fancy as this, and he was determined to show off just a bit.

He was just finishing adjusting the cape on his shoulders when Theo steps out from behind the folding screen and speaks, and he can't help taking a moment to appreciate the look of the other man in the suit that fit well over his figure. The question has him humming softly in thought as he considers what might look best.

"Maybe pull it back in a loose ponytail? Something low, just above the collar."