#ₒ ♤ Aventurine || The Gambler

[my-fortified-wager]

“…Oh? I did not think I would have the good fortune to be graced by your presence, Mr Aventurine.”

That was not a friendly voice. Neither was it a familiar face, but a gigantic machine.

👁️ idv-hsr-sunday

Looking up to the source of the voice, the gambler found himself… utterly perplexed. Yes, in a place like this, anything was possible. But, a gigantic machine like this seemed… a bit much.

“… and it seems I myself have the misfortune of meeting a masked acquaintance. Who are you?”

Gone were his usual whims and joys, replaced with stone cold doubt. He simply stared with a sense of hesitance, and the feeling of being in danger. It was nothing new, but highly unpreferred.

[my-fortified-wager]

Aventurine was resting on a couch near a window that shows the full moon on the sky. The floor was empty — a perfect place for some alone time honestly… until a woman with a short blue hair and blue … butterfly wings, suddenly sat on the opposite side of Aventurine with her legs crossed together and smiling.

“Greetings~ would you care to have a small chat with me, clover boy~”

@ask-the-chief-heads

The young man paused as he glanced down at the blue haired lady curiously. Then, he busted out into roaring laughter, unable to contain the sudden amusement.

“…bwahaha! Clover boy? My, that’s certainly a new one…”

Carefully tilting his head aside, he viewed this new stranger through his rose covered lens. Then, chuckling, he responded.

“Sure, why not. Whatever could you have to talk about with little old me, miss?”

[my-fortified-wager]

// video created for me by @nice-chiaki

[my-fortified-wager]

SENDS 2 BILLION FIREWORKS IN YOU GUYS DIRECTION 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

“… whAT IN THE SWEET BABY JESUS IS THAT-“

Topaz ducks in panic, watching as the fireworks fly past her… striking the hunter variant of her coworker in the back, blowing him up and stunning him.

“….oh!”

———

Pausing, Aventurine blinked slowly. Looking into the dream’s sky, he blinked again. Grumbling, he rubbed his back with a wince.

“… why does my back hurt? I didn’t even DO anything??”

[my-fortified-wager]

How’s your stay in the manor been? Met any interesting folks?

“It’s a high risk high reward system, darlin’! I’ve explored many of these hidden halls, learned many secrets and even more. Of course, I’ve seen many different people from different walks of life. And I feel so lucky to walk the same roads they walk now.”

Tapping his fingers against his lips, he hummed softly as he thought about it.

“Interesting people… I’ve seen a few. Of course, I feel like I’ve divulged enough intel… so, why not give me some of yours first, friend?”

[my-fortified-wager]

Any favorites in the manor so far?

A brief mention of touching/dissecting eyes under the cut and brief thoughts/remarks of nihilism and questioning reality.

Favorites? Well, that was an interesting question indeed.

“Hmm… well, there was that kind doctor who escorted me upon my arrival. His name was… Daniel Dickens, I believe? Strong fascination with my eyes too. Running his fingers along the sides of my eye sockets, deeply complimenting every colored ring in my eyes…”

Placing his hands along the rims of his eyesockets, he paused. He blinked slowly, once, twice, and a third time.

“He asked me if he could have one of them. To see what laid behind such odd pupils. I considered it, for a moment. Everything reaches the same conclusion in the end, so the middle man in and of itself is pointless, no?”

…

“Oh, and then there is that odd fellow. I believe his name was… Luca? He is an eccentric fellow, a man of integrity and passion, whose luck has fallen hard. Yet, despite it all, he rises above it all.”

Placing a hand on his chin, he mumbled to himself. Squinting his eyes, he spoke softly.

“Of course, there is the doctor, and my dearest colleagues. While they are not here with me in this manor… I can’t help but miss them dearly. So, I feel drawn to those of remind me of them.”

[my-fortified-wager]

Is there any particular game modes you enjoy?

Humming softly as he swirled the champagne glass, he raised his arm, resting behind the back of the couch. Staring down at the drink, he chuckled a bit.

“I quite do enjoy that card game… what did they call it? Was it blackjack? I do enjoy the thrill of the game, the luck of the draw and the best of bets. Although, when I lose the bet and draw the highest amount of cards… that’s when things become interesting.”

A silvery smile formed on his face as a green and golden mask reflected in the surface of the champagne.

“A black fog clouds my vision, and I feel… almost as if I were floating above the ground. And everyone else, when they see me… they run. And it baffles me, I don’t understand why.”

Scowling, he shook his head, before looking at his hands. His normally black glove covered hands glistened in the moonlight, golden claws shining in the light. His hands shook slightly as his eyes darted away. To anywhere but there.

“It’s only ever happened to me once, though. Normally, I’m lucky enough to avoid having the highest amount. Usually, I’m the first to earn 21 points! But, when it did, things got bad. Golden coins rained from the sky, and torn string littered the floor. There was a rich feeling in the air. Like copper… or iron. And everyone else was gone. And I was alone.”

Then, pausing a moment, he raised the glass up, gently clinking it against his guest’s own. Smiling, he laughed.

“The dean of the manor visited me shortly after this particular game of blackjack. He told me that I was something special, some unique. A wild card ability. Then, he suggested a game mode he called… duos? I believe. He has me scheduled to experience it tonight, although he did mention I would be with one other teammate… odd. From what the other survivors have told me, shouldn’t there be eight of us?”

…

“I’ll let you know how I fare once it’s over, dollface.”

[my-fortified-wager]

do you ever wonder about your life? Hm… What’s a moment you cherish?

— 🦋

"I think it's only natural to wonder about the unknown. And wonder about what could have been, wondering if things could have been different."

Leaning his hand on his chin, the gambler sighed. His eyes glossed over as he gazed at the dream's starry night sky.

"A memory I cherish? Hmm... well, there was that hotel adventure with my... friend... it was terrifying within the moments but I... I really cherish being able to spend time with him like that."

...

"Don't tell him I said that though, that's embarrassing to admit."

[my-fortified-wager]

avENTURINE GET YO HUNTER SELF

"... get my what?"

He looks... both confused and concerned.

[my-fortified-wager]

The Emerald Masquerade

“We’ll meet again, some sunny day.”

Emerald Night Essence

Welcome to the Emerald Casino! Slots, drinks and games, this golden hour is your opportunity. Come and dance under emerald skies, let these last hours of your life be as blinding as your wildest dreams.

⊹₊⋆ S-Tier: The Crimson Balemoon ( ???? )

Do you fear death? Wear your mask, hide your fright, take a drink and dance the last few hours of this life away. These snakes will breathe their last breaths underneath death’s crimson balemoon.

⊹₊⋆ S-Tier: Royal Flush ( ???? )

In poker, the royal flush is the highest possible hand of value. Its existence is as fleeting as dawn’s dew, and yet, it is indispensable.

⊹₊⋆ A-Tier: White Night ( Firefly // @stellaron-girlies )

Invited to an exclusive masquerade ball by one’s late grandfather, these balls are a once in a lifetime opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. This should have been the best night of your life, but someone else had plans for this white night.

⊹₊⋆ A-Tier: Emerald Attendant ( Aventurine )

Attendants of the Emerald Casino are property of the casino. They are to be looked at, gawked out and danced with, to ensure the maximum entertainment and enjoyment of casino-goers.

I exist for your entertainment~ So please, rely on me like I am your own~

This character is a worker for the Emerald Casino, and the personal assistant to Authority of Will.

⊹₊⋆ A-Tier: Authority of Will ( Nagito // @idv-hope-addict )

Welcome to the Emerald Casino! I will be your host for the evening, and I am pleasured to coordinate this evening’s emerald ball. Go on, drink to your hearts content, and play your favorite games, for tonight will be a night to remember! Tonight is a night for glamour and stardom, and your satisfaction is priority number one.

This character is the manager and host of this year’s Emerald Masquerade event, and is killed at the beginning of the story.

⊹₊⋆ A-Tier: Masquerade Mask ( Angeline // @askthepianist )

I’ve always wanted to visit the Emerald Casino. But, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I would be personally invited to visit! So… why did it turn out like this? Why?

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Casino Slots ( Orpheus // @musedevoted )

Pull on the slots and test your luck! Will you get all 777s… or will your luck finally run out? Come and find out today! (Please play responsibly and with moderation)

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Casino Chips ( Alice // @musedevoted )

It’s all or nothing! Under this crimson night, grab all the chips you can stuff your grimy hands on and make your move. If you’re not careful, this move may be your last.

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Martini ( Sunday // @idv-hsr-sunday )

The Emerald Casino is one of the richest, most extravagant casinos in the entire country…! And the Emerald Masquerade… people have fought to have their spots! I know I did… We’re floating on a cloud of luxury and divinity… gambling our lives away and drinking carelessly, like fools. This martini may be the last drink I’ll ever have.

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Strawberry Mojito ( Theodore // @ask-the-chief-heads )

Bartenders of the Emerald Casino are employees of the casino. They are to be treated with the utmost respect, but remain kind, open and courteous.

There is no drink that isn’t within my ability to make! And if you’re not sure what you want, may I suggest the Emerald Coast? It’s our signature drink!

This character is a worker for the Emerald Casino, and the main bartender of the bar.

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Bourbon ( Beth // @ask-idv-baker )

Parties were never my thing, but when a rich man offers you his spot… how could you refuse? Tonight could have been my night to make it big..! And now it might be my last night ever… At least I have my bourbon to comfort me.

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: King of Spades ( Vertias Ratio // @stellaron-girlies )

I paid a lot of money to be here. I’ve lost a lot to these halls, but I’ve gained more than you could possibly imagine! I am the king of aces! I am the GOD of this game!

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Queen of Hearts ( Mary // @ask-the-chief-heads )

A queen knows how to make use of her fools and pawns to snag a winning position. Likewise, I have taken every opportunity and used every advantage to get here today.

⊹₊⋆ B-Tier: Jack of Diamonds ( Makoto // @askthemanorresidents )

Casino Dealers of the Emerald Casino are employees of the casino. They are to oversee the games, make sure everyone plays fair and civil, while remaining impartial and transparent as they play with guests.

I’m average. I’m not terribly amazing at what I do, but, I’m decent enough to have a winning chance. Some call it being a jack of all trades. I just call it being average at the game. If you overestimate yourself, you’ll never win.

This character is a worker for the Emerald Casino, and one of the casino’s game dealers.

Rules and Additional Information //

This essence was inspired by a play about a murder mystery within a casino’s walls.

To reserve a spot in this essence, you can either contact me via the inbox or in the muns corner in discord! Unfortunately, I do NOT respond to private DMs on discord for these kinds of matters. So that everyone has a chance to participate, every mun is allowed up to two slots.

The two s tiers will be chosen via the spinning of a wheel from all the other roles below! These roles will be randomized!

The order of deaths will ALSO be randomly chosen via wheel!

Due to certain relationships between characters and the themes of the essence, I ask every muse to be an adult!

[my-fortified-wager]

Is there a hunter you find it especially hard to go agaisnt? Which one?

“I think his name is… Jack?”

Tapping his chin, Aventurine tilted his head. Then, spreading out his hand, he swung it in front of him.

“The one who attacks us with the fog… that’s not fair at all! And it hurts! He ruined my brand new coat with that hat trick. Bitchass.”

[my-fortified-wager]

What's your favorite food? And is there any you don't really like?

Blinking slowly, the gambler paused.

“I really like marshmallows. They’re soft, squishy, and delicious. And small. Jade doesn’t notice when I take a few.”

Then, rubbing his chin, he made a face of disgust.

“I hate the way pork smells and tastes. Oh, and I DESPISE cheese. I always try and tell Jade, it’s a texture thing, but nOoOo-“

[my-fortified-wager]

Have you played Uno

“I did once! … and then Jade banned me from ever playing it again.”

[my-fortified-wager]

Do you like your job? ^-^

Placing a finger on the edge of his lip, Aventurine tilted his head curiously.

“My job…? My job means a lot of things. The job I have here is pretty delightful, I love playing games and win big prizes~!”

Carefully, he laid on his back, clasping his hands over his chest while looking up at the dream’s night sky. It was never this mesmerizing in real life…

Damn. Sunday was making him jealous. Snap out of it, ten hearts.

“If you’re talking about my job with the IPC… I hate it. Don’t get me wrong, the pay is more than decent, some of my coworkers aren’t complete nutcases, and there’s nothing better than the thrill of the game.”

Sighing a bit, his eyes shifted towards a glowing star in the sky, a trembling hand following suite.

“But I fucking miss them. I miss my sister. My parents. Every time I hear other IPC workers talk about going home to their families, I feel the ache in my chest grow more… they talk so happily… so gleefully. Even the fool has a family. Even the emanator has found a place of refuge.”

“And… that planet… god, that fucking planet. God those poor people. Dying with everyone they loved. What the fuck is wrong with us? They were just people. They were people with families and friends and- god why did they-“

Clasping onto his shirt in panic, tears threatened to spill from glassy eyes.

“I want to go home. But they made sure I’d never have a home to return to. Property doesn’t get to feel dissatisfied.”

…

Covering his face with his hands, a shaky sob broke through the air. It seems he won’t have… anything else to add anytime soon.

[my-fortified-wager]

Idk if everyone asked you that already, but what's your favorite game kitten?

Placing a hand on his chin, he thought on the question… for about two seconds before answering.

“Blackjack still rains supreme in my heart! Although… I don’t think I’ll get to play it for a while. Damn.”

[my-fortified-wager]

Ohhhh Aventurineeeee. Do you like animals?

Perking up, an expression of curiosity formed on the man’s face. Gazing over the sweet dream’s horizon, he nodded slowly.

“I do, actually. I kind of wish I could hold Numby right about now… but Numby is in reality, and I am here in this sweet dream of Sunday’s. Why do you ask, doll?”