#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]

"It has been quite the while, hmm? I'm glad to see you're still around, dear."

Taking his hat off, he smiled in turn. Placing it against his chest, he tilted his head curiously.

"I'm glad this place is treating you well, dear! I myself have taken up a habit of exploring, it's quite fun! If you have the time, why don't we explore together?"

“My my, well would you look at that? The caged bird really does sing!”

Leaning over the railing, a coin with a dove engraved on it fell from gloved fingers, landing in front of the singer and glistening in the sunlight. The blonde hummed, fully extending his hand to his teammate below.

“Miss Robin! It’s been a while. Honey darlin’, how have you been?”

[ ♠️ @my-fortified-wager | hii clown 🫶 ]

At first, her attention went to the coin that fell in front of her, going to pick it up, but, soon enough, upon recognizing from who that voice was, Robin looked up, the same soft smile of always appearing onto her face once again.

❝Mr. Aventurine! It has really been a long time...I wasn't expecting to see you in here too!❞

She exclaimed, first, her brother was there, and now, Aventurine too? This manor surely had more people that she already knew than she thought at first...

❝I could say i have been good, while i am still getting a hang of this place, it doesn't seem to be that bad...But what about you? How have things been?❞

@my-fortified-wager

[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]

Leaning over slowly, the man pushed himself off the ledge, landing gracefully on the floor beneath him with a hard ‘thud’ sound. Standing up straight, he clicked his heels together before elegantly bowing to Firefly.

“Your humble servant “Aventurine,” at your disposal. Miss Stellaron and that web stellaron hunter both talk fondly about you, Miss Firefly, if you were worried who I heard of you from.”

Then, the gambler stood up straight, chuckling. Taking off his hat and holding it to his chest, he hummed.

“You’re really important to both of them. I’m glad we had the opportunity to meet, even if it was just by chance.”

Carelessly throwing his legs over the nearby railing, the gambler snickered a moment before tossing a coin down. It soared through the sky for a brief moment, before knocking the young stellaron hunter on the head gently, before dissipating into golden dust before her eyes.

"Oh, hello down there, dollface! Oh, look who it is... little miss stellaron mecha, I've heard quite a bit about you... who thought I'd get to meet you in the flesh? Flesh? Metal? Fire? Whichever you prefer, haha!"

[ ♠️ @my-fortified-wager ]

[ Firefly aimlessly swatted at her head, confused to find nothing physically there, and even more confused to see what had hit her dissipate in front of her very eyes. Was that.. a coin? Were coins supposed to do that? If it were anywhere else? Probably not. But who knows, maybe this strange manor held mysterious disappearing coins. ]

“… Huh?”

[ With her surprise guest’s voice breaking her out of her confused thoughts, she slowly raised her head. With a squint, it became clear to her that she had no idea who this very flashy person was. Usually, this wouldn’t be too much of an issue… if it wasn’t for him apparently already having heard about her. Now that might be an issue. Fighting the urge to grimace, Firefly maintained her distance, only narrowing her eyes instead. ]

“… Flesh, flesh works fine.”

[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]

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Preservation // Aventurine ᵒ ♤ ₒ || ₒ ♤ ᵒ The Professor + The Evil Reptilian // Luchino Diruse ᵒ ♤ ₒ

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, love. How may I be of assistance?"

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Straight Bet // External Traits

Scale Hardening

Shedding Scales

Scaled Skin

Toxin Tolerance

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Cornerstone Deluxe // Character Orientation

Contain // Assist

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Roulette Shark // Deduction: Rumor

"I'm betting every last chip... it's all or nothing, "friends."

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Shot Loaded Right // Character Day

May 5th and May 6th

ₒ ♤ ᵒ Bingo! // Hunter - Identity Switch

The Ten Stonehearts: Aventurine of Stratagems

[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.”