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[idolpro]

Who: Idols and idol accessories
Where: Tokyo-F
When: Day 437

[ Idols will start their day today to find red envelopes, each with their idol names, presented to them on a table at their dorm's landing. Each envelope is supernaturally sealed, incapable of being opened except by their designated recipient. Inside each envelope is a gold zan-style hairpin with stripes of silver carved into its stem, and the tip is heavy with a weighty decoration—be it a dragon, phoenix, tiger, butterfly, flower(s), or anything else, they are all inlaid with bright, glowing tiger's eye gemstones.

As ornate as they look, these hairpins aren't just for decoration: upon the recipient touching the accessory, they'll find their clothes magically changing into fanciful Chinese or fantasy Chinese clothing—perhaps vibrant red, regardless of unit, or woven patterns and colors that reflect the idol's position. At the same time, the hairpin knits itself into the idol's hair (if capable, else it pins itself as a brooch) which has also magically been done up fancifully.

Down at the lobby there are more hints toward the holiday, if the red envelope didn't already make it obvious: red streamers and paper lanterns decorate the hotel, along with tiger decorations which vary from elegant wall scrolls to cute tiger plush pillows on the lobby seats. And, if it still isn't clear enough—perchance for those who aren't familiar with the culture at all—a red and gold banners hang from the wall, reading "HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY" and "LUNAR NEW YEAR" and "YEAR OF THE TIGER".

Near the kitchen, there are tables with spreads of Chinese foods from various regions, all available in an all-you-can-eat styled buffet. And, what's more—the food seems to be completely safe! They don't contain even a little bit of status effects. For once, here's a party with safe food.

There are additionally tables with gift bags, once again labeled with each idol's name. These are not supernaturally sealed, and in each bag are . . . well. . . tiger things, along with a note that reads,

300 points per item worn for the day! Max 1,200 points (head/hands/tail/feet

Oh, right, this is an idol show. And oh, surprise, the tiger appendages (optionally) have some sort of status effect thing going on:

• Feel more cuddly/desire cuddles
  
• Feel more mercurial/contrarian
  
• Feel more possessive/territorial
  
• Feel more hungry, both for food and for immaterial things (especially attention)
  
• Feel more brave
  
• Feel more light-hearted/more easily amused

At least they're all fairly mild in effect.

Last but not least, decoration wise, there's also an ominous poster near the elevators. . . Well, who's afraid of a sign, right? . . . Nevermind that if someone were to break a taboo, they'll find themself just slightly unluckier today, on the level of breaking their shoe/sandal laces and receiving the wrong order at the café.

Outside, though the weather is cold, the sun is auspiciously bright today, warmth radiating out the city to soften the chill. Moreover, there's an infectious energy on the streets, one that would surely make a person forget the temperature—long paper puppets, taking the form of dragons and lions and tigers, parade down the street, powered by ghostly dancers and backed up by the orchestra of a marching band and fan dancers. Floating lanterns guide them throughout the city, where they'll circle around the streets ceaselessly until evening.

At the stroke of midnight, idols will find their old clothes back in their closet and their hairpins no longer glowing, but they'll also find they're able to keep the clothing they received from the hairpins. They can also keep the tiger paraphernalia, which have lost their effects. ]

Comments

[1istheloneliest]

[wearing ears and a tail that somewhat clash with the rather ornate robe he's got on]

I've been here awhile and the whole holiday thing is still new to me pretty much every time. Nice though, so I don't mind it.

[doublefried]

A party every month with these guys! I've never partied this often either, honestly.

[1istheloneliest]

Growing up a child soldier means I didn't "party" until I was an adult so this is all I have for reference. [snorts] You seem like you could party plenty without burning out.

[doublefried]

Oh? I've got that kind of party energy?

[1istheloneliest]

Sometimes, sure. I can see you holding your own in a party setting if you're not in a mood to do your own thing instead.

[doublefried]

I can, indeed, hold my own in a party setting. Good eye.

[1istheloneliest]

I'm perceptive enough when I have to be, I think.

[it's about 50/50 odds tbh]

Anyways, we're in a party setting now so we should make the most of it, right?

[doublefried]

We should eat lots of free food.

[1istheloneliest]

[chuckles at that]

I'm always hungry so that sounds good to me. I don't recognize most of these dishes so I'm curious.

[doublefried]

It's traditional Chinese food! Huge variety of flavors.

[1istheloneliest]

Awesome, I haven't tried too many Chinese foods while I've been here. I'm not sure where to even start... The options are kind of intimidating. Something spicy maybe? Or savory? I like sweet too, but I'm not a dessert first guy.

[doublefried]

If you start with too spicy, you won't be able to taste anything else! Try something delicate first.

[1istheloneliest]

Hm, that's smart. I'm not sure what would be delicate flavor wise just by looking though. Any suggestions?

[doublefried]

Maybe something with... white fish?

[ he's not totally clear on which dish is what either tbh. ]

[1istheloneliest]

That works, I haven't had much in the way of seafood lately.

[he looks for a minute and takes an oval dish with a filet of some white fish floating in a golden broth and topped with a small pile of steamed greens]

How about you? I dunno your tastes yet.

[doublefried]

I liiiiike chicken! My favorite is yakitori but I bet we can find a close equivalent here.

[1istheloneliest]

But you're....

[gestures uselessly at W]

Y'know, a bird person. Isn't that weird for you? Though I guess there are plenty of birds that either other birds in nature.

[doublefried]

I'm a bird of prey! Chicken is delicious.

[1istheloneliest]

[a bark of laughter]

No argument there, chicken is in fact delicious.

[points at a plate of Hainan chicken and rice]

It's not fried, but that looks good. Or we can keep looking for something crispier.

[doublefried]

I like all textures of chicken.

[ REACHIN' FOR IT ]

[1istheloneliest]

[handing him the plate!]

Then I picked a winner on my first try.

[doublefried]

I like lots of food though, so the odds were pretty good.

[ NOM ]

[1istheloneliest]

C'mon, let me have my victory, even if it was a freebie.

[also going to start eating]

Oh this is good. Really good.

[doublefried]

It's still a victory! Even easy victories are victories!

[1istheloneliest]

Sure, but I think we both know there's more reward when there's a challenge. Not that I mind an easy win now and then.