strixmod: (Default)
strixhaven university ([personal profile] strixmod) wrote in [community profile] strixhavenuniversity2022-09-23 02:12 pm
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Rush Week Party

RUSH PARTY
As students spill out of the Biblioplex's grand hall following the pledge ceremony, a new buzz of excitement rolls over the campus like a tidal wave. It's time for Felisa's Rush Week Party. A longstanding Strixhaven tradition, this party is held in a different location every year, and freshmen students are left to their own devices to find it. The hint Farrow received leads the freshman cohort to Witherbloom campus in the early evening. From there, the group makes their way towards Sedgemoor, where they find the upperclassmen congregating near a massive Treehouse, building a bonfire and slinging spells around to form a cordoned-off mud pit. No surprise ambush here, but the mud wrestling competition is absolutely real.

Though the party is centered around the residence of the Witherbloom seniors, Sedgemoor looms large in the distance. While the upperclassmen warn freshmen that Sedgemoor is home to crocodilian creatures, giant spiders, and brackish trudges, they also spend a good chunk of the evening joyfully recounting their many adventures there. According to Felisa, there are plenty of valuable herbs and spell components to be found in the swamp, along with the occasional bit of abandoned adventuring gear.

At the end of the evening, older students escort the freshmen back to central campus for their last night at the Inn before they move into their own homes tomorrow morning.
REFRESHMENTS
Meticulously crafted by one of Felisa's Prismari underlings, the spread of savory appetizers and sweets is impressive. There are cheesy lava buns, blackberry pies, and an assortment of craft cocktails available. The Spider's Kiss is a black cherry and vodka drink which leaves your mouth feeling numb for several minutes. The Witches' Brew roils like it's full of dry ice, although it never stops (you might even be burping up little puffs of fog). And, of course, there's a classic Zombie, which are made especially strong.
THE TREEHOUSE
The home of the Senior Witherbloom cohort, the Treehouse is a sprawling and gravity-defying construction which rests on the edge of Sedgemoor swamp. Tonight, it's lit by dozens of cantrip faerie lights, and the common spaces are open to partygoers. The bonfire is built in a central courtyard of sorts; all the upper levels of the house are illuminated by the blaze. Several rope ladders lead up into the living room and kitchen spaces, and a winding staircase wraps around the trunk of a particularly large tree, leading to the private rooms of the cohort. The interior is warm, cozy, and lit by floating lanterns which cast spooky flickering shadows on the walls. The living room features seating in the form of loose pillows and poufs, and hammocks which serve the purpose of chairs and sofas. The kitchen is large and well-stocked, and features a panoramic window which looks out onto the depths of Sedgemoor.

Witherbloom senior Dinah volunteers her bathroom for anyone who wants to shower off after mud wrestling. All she asks is you clean up after yourselves!
PLAYLIST


Special thanks to K for curating this playlist! You can also find it here if the embed isn't working.
LOCATIONS
For arrivals, outfits, and general attitudes.
Sedgemoor is quiet and still tonight, and the pool of warmth and light provided by the party bonfire feels safe and small.
Inside, students play spin-the-bottle and help themselves to the refreshments.
To participate in the mud wrestling competition, either post your character under the "ROUND 1" header, or reply to an open challenger. Once matches are made, each character must make a strength check. Higher check wins; ties roll off. If you win a Round 1 match-up, you may proceed to Round 2 and so forth.
These short scenes between NPCs can each be overheard by one freshman student. Just reply to the scene you want your character to have observed!
Wandering out into the swamp may result in curious finds or unfortunate encounters.
Questions, comments, concerns?
bielo: (ðŸĶī 001)

ROUND 2: Javenesh vs Bielobog

[personal profile] bielo 2022-09-23 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Bielo isn't sure if she's trying to show up her brother or avenge him. Either way, she's going for the eyes. (Rolled 19 STR.)
honeymaker: (🐝28)

ROUND 2: Orchid vs OPEN

[personal profile] honeymaker 2022-09-23 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Might as well see this through to the end.
underhandling: (ðŸ’ļ25)

ROUND 2: Orchid vs OPEN

[personal profile] underhandling 2022-09-24 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Ned has, unfortunately, been the type to fight the biggest guy in the room just for the fun of it and grins when he sees someone very tall. "Shall we??" He grins, not unfriendly, popping his neck a little and literally pouncing forward since that's the only way to approach [Rolled 18+0!]
honeymaker: (🐝78)

ROUND 2: Orchid vs Ned

[personal profile] honeymaker 2022-09-24 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Woah." Orchid's eyes widen as he beholds this giant halfling. "Yeah."

(Rolled 13)

He puts up a good fight, but this giant halfling sends him tumbling out of the ring and into The Pit.

The mud bubbles and it takes a moment before Orchid reemerges. "Rematch later?" asks the mud monster. A little gets into his mouth, but he doesn't mind.
underhandling: (ðŸ’ļ10)

ROUND 2: Orchid vs Ned

[personal profile] underhandling 2022-09-24 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Giddy with victory, Ned tries to reach out to help his fallen opponent up, but ends up just pulling on his pinkie a little bit. "Anytime, mate." He actually tips his hat. A little mud falls from his ears.
honeymaker: (🐝82)

ROUND 2: Orchid vs Ned

[personal profile] honeymaker 2022-09-24 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Orchid misreads this attempt as a handshake, and politely shakes Ned's hand with his pinkie.
grrgirl: (🗝ïļ014)

ROUND 2: Felisa vs Ashling

[personal profile] grrgirl 2022-09-25 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Ashling is more than a little drunk at this point, but cannot resist a scary girl.

[ROLLED A 4]
lunulata: (pic#15912175)

ROUND 2: Melwythorne vs Lunulata

[personal profile] lunulata 2022-09-25 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
Similarly noncompetitive, Lunulata is content to just be here bonding with his classmates. Still, there's something exciting about entering into combat with the dryad. He's never faced off with one before! He's certain he'll learn something from the experience. He offers Melwythorne a smile and a respectful nod before the match gets under way, though he has to tilt his head back to look up into the taller student's face.

Rolled 12 (8 + 4 STR)
Edited 2022-09-25 03:08 (UTC)
fullofstars: (212)

ROUND 2: Astra vs OPEN

[personal profile] fullofstars 2022-09-24 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
She's muddy! She's a winner! She's having a grand old time!
yrsa: (ðŸģ 116)

ROUND 2: Yrsa vs Eldith

[personal profile] yrsa 2022-09-25 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
Time for some future roomie bonding time! Yrsa's last bout against a dwarf was surprisingly fun, and they're looking rowdy and ready for a second match when they spot Eldith. "Hey! Let's do this!" (Rolled a 21.)
eldith: (smile [amused down])

ROUND 2: Yrsa vs Eldith

[personal profile] eldith 2022-09-29 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
Like, Yrsa, she's feeling pumped after the first round. "Yes!" She agrees without any hesitancy. "Gimme your best shot." (Rolled a 22.)