Fantasy Faire 2025: Izumo

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STORYLINE: High in the misty mountains of Japan, there was an enchanted city time forgot. Rabbits could talk, guardian foo dogs turned their stone heads as you passed, and a neko named Soramaru soared through the clouds with the help of his magical umbrella. His only companion was his mischievous flying cat, Mikeneko.

Long ago, Soramaru had discovered the perfect way to make sure Mikeneko followed him: he tied a tiny bell to the end of a long ribbon connected to his wrist. The bell jingled, the ribbon danced, and the cat simply couldn't resist. The two were inseparable.

But it was not all game and games in the clouds. One afternoon, their cupboards were bare.

Soramaru sighed, “We’ll just have to get creative, Mikeneko. Why don’t we try fishing in the forbidden pool? They say it’s dangerous. No one dares to fish there. But that just means the fish will be huge and fat!”

Mikeneko’s eyes shimmered, and his fluffy tail swayed with excitement.

Soramaru peeked over the edge of the cliffside walkway to the sparkling blue waters far below. He licked his lips, snapped open his umbrella, and leapt over the ledge, drifting gently down through the mists. Behind him the tiny bell jingled softly in the wind.

Mikeneko hesitated at first, but the waving ribbon and its shiny bell soon had him chasing after it like a kitten for a toy.

Once below, Soramaru crouched by the water’s edge, hands hovering just above the surface, waiting for a fish to come too close.

But then, the water began to boil.

He slipped on the rocks and fell backward as a gigantic dragon rose from the pool! Then another, and another until there were eight heads snarling above him. The nearest one snapped its long sharp teeth at him.

Soramaru yelped and flung open his umbrella. With a rush of wind, he was quickly swept up like a dandelion seed with Little Mikeneko trailing close behind.

Back in the hidden city, safe among the pines and temple eaves, Soramaru sighed again.
They were still hungry.

He thought and thought, and then he had an idea!

“I’ll fish from above,” he laughed. “With a really, really long string! And I’ll ask nicely first this time, maybe offer a rice ball for the dragons too. Sounds good?”

Mikeneko listened carefully, then nodded his fluffy head.

Yes. That was a much better idea indeed.

The final days are upon us at Fantasy Faire 2025. So much to see and do, the time flies by so quickly. Today's post takes place at the Izumo sim by Gabriel. It's beautifuly crafted like an ancient hidden Japanese city, but also had a magical pool and oceanside ritual. (see pictures below). There is a sim hunt to find all the White Rabbits. He's tricky to find!

My image and story were inspired by items available at the Faire.  ...From Onedays, is the elegant Xia Lian kimono. It comes in several color styles, (I loved the PBR textures for the black ones, but white worked better for this image).  ...My adorable animesh companion is the Norwegian Forest Cat Calico by CKit Falconry. It has am amusing variety of animations, and you buy fun bonus items too. I look forward to see more for the cat!   ...The Rain Umbrella by Naminoke is Purrrfect for the feline kind. The little purple fish on it are animated and swim all around the umbrella. It also has a cool rain sound effect.   ...Also by Naminoke is the Abysinian Chesha mask. It's unrigged, so you can resize and add it anywhere.   ...The cute lore for the cat is the Shizuka RB cuffs that come with several wind blown poses. It's just cool. Cats agree. *jingle jingle*.  ...My Claws are by L'Emporio&PL, Werecat eyes By Snow, simple white bento tail by BareRose, and whiskers resized to fit a human head by Kinzart. Mary Poppins like pose by What Next.

On him, Soramaru:

Outfit: ONEDAYs Xia Lian, XIA LIAN, Legacy M [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Izumo)(279L)

Pet: CKit Falconry Norwegian Forest Cat Calico [animesh](Fantasy Faire: Harmonious Glade)(500L)
Mask: NAMINOKE *N*abysinian chesha men himo [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(280L)

Umbrella: NAMINOKE *N*Rain Umbrella_s-hanabi [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(200L)
Wrist cuffs: AIR Shizuka RB_purple [mesh](300L)

Hair: Wasabi Pills Draco Windblown Mesh Hair [mesh](250L)

Claws: L'Emporio&PL Oblio Vampire Claws male [mesh](350L)
Claws: L'Emporio&PL Damned Claws For Feet-B. Jake V2.0.BENTO-V2 [mesh](340L)

Eyes: By Snow Werecat Eyes (100L)

Tail: BareRose ::: B@R ::: White B-Tail [BENTO] (100L)

Whiskers: Kinzart KZK Frostbite Cat (past gift)

Ears: Aii SAVE THE EARS! Bento Fox Ears Snow [BENTO](past gift)

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)
Pose: {what next} Rainy Days - Couples 3 (50L)

Location:

Fantasy Faire 2025: Izumo by Gabriel


BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Fantasy Faire 2025: Holi

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STORYLINE: Deep beneath the Fairelands, in the dark waterways under the ancient city of Holi, slept the long lost brother of Krishna and Shesha. Early in their boyish adventures fighting demons on Earth, he had been struck down by the Unweaver and fell into a slumber that lasted over two thousand years.

But his feverish nightmare was finally broken by the sound of laughter. Rising from the shadows, he found people tossing colorful powder and chasing each other through the streets, their joy and mischief lasting from day into night.

Ah, the Celebration of Spring. With every burst of laughter, warmth returned to his old coils. Delighted, he shed his slumber like old snake skin and joined the celebration.

Suddenly, a boom roared above. He looked up, awestruck, as a shimmering lotus flower rained light over the crowd. It filled him with wonder and hope. If humans were capable of such marvels, maybe with their help the Unweaver, his old nemesis, could be defeated after all.

IT'S FANTASY FAIRE TIME! Or what I like to call, "the Super Bowl of virtual worlds." It's not to be missed!  This year the sim designers have outdone themselves, with stunning sim designs using PBR for new levels of realism. I feel like I'm inside a slick video game. And all for a good cause, raising money for The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Check out the Fantasy Faire website for daily blog posts, a calendar of events, roleplays, jail and bails, live performances, Faire radio, tabletop games, LitFest, shopping guides, the interactive Hud based Quest game, and more: FantasyFaireSL website.

This post was inspired by the Holi sim and Hindu mythology.    ...For the Holi Naga, I used the wonderful Pandora blue skin by Aki, Entu. It comes with dot tattoos and 2 stripe patterns for face and body. The ear texture is a free gift. Other blue and purple skins are available.   ...The intricate halo is a wearable prop by AIR. It comes with a modify hud.   ...The floating Orbs are by The Little Bat. They come in left and right, and both trigger a hold pose and animation. A texture hud lets you change its color.   ...The Sunscale Naga tattoo is by AERTH and comes with material shine applier, and textures to match the amazing Aii Sunscale Naga tail.   ...Speaking of, the Aii Sunscale snake tail (see in pictures below) is stunning! Easily the best Naga/Lamia tail in SL. Like all Aii products it had a wealth of texture options and ability to hide or show various parts. It has PBR and shimmers beautifully in the lights. The tail uses a clever combination of Leg bones and Tail bones to animate the tail. It comes with an AO hud to display and animate the tail properly.   ...Bonus, when I need a static tail, (shown below), I use the Lamia by deviousMind.   ...Additional fun tattoos for the face are by Star Quake with a forehead fade and eye makeup Dessen by Faeble.   ...The haunting eyes are Magici by Patrichor. These eyes replace your normal ones, and have several rig options to fit every humanoid head. The texture hud allows a crazy amount of options, from single color to fades, shadow, highlights, animations, pupil, iris, etc. It's a lot of fun to play with and perfect for all fantasy creatures.   ...{anc} has many of the best atmospheric effects, the Holi smoke clouds, confetti, and fireworks just more examples of excellent mood setters. I especially love the fireworks. It's a mesh object with animated textures. A steal of a deal if you ask me! And money goes to Relay for Life.

Like all Fallen God creations, the Holi is extremely detailed with much thought invested into it, personality, a strong theme, and it's fun to explore. As you explore, you may spot some NPCs that are part of the Holi Helping Hands region Hunt. To start, go to Houses of Color 1 and 2. There are also gifts for your own colorful powder to throw at the landing. Plus a special sale going on this weekend at Fallen Gods' store at Holi. 

On Him, Holi Naga:

Skin Face: [Aki] Entu FACE EVOX - OCEAN [BOM] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(750L)

Skin Body: [Aki] Entu Legacy Male Toned - OCEAN [BOM] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(400L)

Ears: [Aki] EVOX Ears [mesh] (Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(gift)

Halo: Air Holi halo_CM [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(150L)

Orb, pose: The Little Bat !TLB Summoning Orb [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(150L)

Scale Tattoos: AERTH Sunscale Naga tattoos Lightclay [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(550L)

Tail: Aii Sunscale Naga [Bento][mesh](Fantasy Faire: Galerie Gaillard)(3,000L)

Face Tattoo: Star Quake [sQ] Xerath Face Fades_plain [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Eyes: Petrichor :[P]:- Vaera Eyes Magici, EvoX Rig [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Mire of Whispers)(399L)

Makeup: Faeble Dessen 16, EvoX [BOM](Fantasy Faire: Yuum Baalal Grotto)(399L)

Hair: barberyumyum L19(02) style1 [mesh](300L)

Outfit: BareRose ::: B@R ::: Mahakala C2 [mesh] (190L) 

Arm band: Fallen Gods SOLARIS male, Arm Snake [mesh]

Arm band: NOCHE Roman gold cuffs, Legacy [mesh]

Claws: V/. VoluptasVirtualis ChrysalisGrasp, Legacy [mesh](400L)

Static Tail: deviousMind !dM Lamia - NagaTail, GARTER CITRINE [mesh]

Lipstick: TOP1SALON HD RGB LIPSTICK, EvoX (HD Applier)

Shine: BLAXIUM Sun is Up Body Shine, Legacy (Applier)

Tattoo arms: CURELESS [+] Dragon Halfbreeds / HalfbreedScales Blood, Fatpack [BOM](1499L)

Shoulder tattoo: {Soleil et Lune} Auralia Scales EvoX - Silver/Tint [BOM]

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: yzk mens pose 6

Setting:

Smoke: {anc} smoke / Holi smoke [mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(999L)

Fireworks: {anc} Firework "diadem" (Holi pink) [animated mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Fireworks: {anc} Firework "diadem" (Holi yellow) [animated mesh](Fantasy Faire: Holi)(199L)

Confetti: {anc} paper confetti 2Li (allcolor) [animated mesh]

Location: 

Fantasy Faire: Holi - by Fallen Gods

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret, 4

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STORYLINE: The velvet shadows of Le Rouge Noir clung to him like a lover’s perfume—thick, intoxicating, and sweet with secrets. Darius Laurent slipped through the staff entrance like he owned the place, his polished shoes making no sound against the timeworn boards. A single ghost light flickered center stage, casting long shadows that danced like phantoms through the corridor. 

He looked every inch the well-traveled shipping magnate: his suit, jet-black and tailored to a predatory elegance; his silk shirt glimmered with a subtle damask pattern, black on black. Gold glinted from his cufflinks, his buttons, the chain at his waist. Refined. Respected. Feared—by those who knew better. 

His cane tapped rhythmically with each step, the weight of its hidden blade familiar in his grasp. The golden mechanical arms affixed to his shoulders gleamed faintly under the gas lamps. They were beautiful—sculpted, baroque—but merciless. Artifacts of precision and pain. They made him strong again, after she had taken everything. 

He passed by the dressing rooms, inhaling the scent of powder, sweat, and something sweeter still. 

Gardenia. 

His pulse quickened. A smile curled his lips. 

Gardenia, lush and overpowering, was the perfect scent for masking other smells. Cyanide, for instance. 

Lady Dupree was the new star now. Her name shone on the marquee in blaring letters. The one everyone whispered about, not that other girl. He hadn’t meant to kill Giselle, -- she was merely in the wrong spotlight at the wrong time. Dupree was the prize. Dupree reminded him of *her.* 

Lady DuBois. 

The one who fought back. He’d taken her vision first before she could see his face. Even blinded, she had clawed and screamed and bled him nearly to death. He bore her legacy still: a single eye beneath a gold-rimmed patch, and two ruined arms, now replaced with gilded horrors. 

He slipped deeper into the backstage halls. 

Then—voices. 

“Have you found your killer?” asked a voice. 

Darius froze, just beyond the heavy curtain separating backstage from the dressing rooms. 

A woman’s voice answered, low and sure. “Yes. Darius Laurent.” 

His breath caught. What? 

Was this a rehearsal? A new play? 

“I followed a detective from out town investigating the Cabaret Killer,” the voice continued. “My perfume—it was poisoned.” 

His jaw tensed. He leaned closer, peering through the seam in the curtain. The Master of Ceremonies stood alone, painted face impassive, speaking to thin air. 

Madness? Or theater? 

“…and other girls from clubs like this. Always in strange, untraceable ways…” 

Darius’s stomach twisted. Was this some joke? Some twisted reckoning? 

No. No, not tonight. 

He turned away. He needed focus. He needed her. 

Lady Dupree’s dressing room waited at the end of the corridor with the door cracked like a temptation. 

He pushed it open. 

She was waiting for him. Her eyes widened—not in surprise, but in recognition. 

“You,” she said. 

She pulled the trigger. 

The gunshot punched into his arm—his mechanical limb flared with sparks, gears shrieking. He roared, half in pain, half in triumph. He was not mistaken! He didn’t know how it was possible, and he didn’t care. His Lady of the past and this male counterfeit “Lady” were the same. One never forgets their first kill, even if they look different now.

He lunged. 

The blade hissed from his cane. Steel met air. A gunshot missed. They crashed into shattered mirrors, through silk costumes and broken powder compacts. Their reflections fractured and warped in glass and memory. 

“You should have stayed dead,” he growled. 

“Should’ve killed you the first time,” Dupree spat. 

“Stop this!” another voice cried. “I accept the deal!” 

He turned— 

And saw the Master of Ceremonies at the threshold, arms folded behind his back like some wicked butler. 

And behind him… 

Darius’s blood turned to ice. 

It was not a man. Not a ghost. A thing. Cloaked in decay, made of shadow and gore. Its face was not a face at all, and it’s tendrils of darkness wrapped around the MC’s limbs like the strings of a marionette. 

He stumbled, suddenly winded. Cold. Something was wrong. 

“What—” he gasped, looking down. 

His mechanical hand trembled. His legs buckled. His chest constricted like hands closing around his ribs. 

Something was inside him. 

A presence. 

A voice. Inside his skull. A breath that wasn’t his. 

“With my second life, I shall use it to have my revenge,” said Giselle. 

He howled, but no one heard. 

He tried to run, but couldn’t move. 

Then—Dupree’s scream tore through the air. A scream drenched in a decade of suffering. 

She drove the his own blade into his heart. 

Agony bloomed white-hot. He felt the mechanics seize. The world froze. 

And then… 

Nothing. 

Not even darkness....

BOOM! How was that? Spooky! hahaha. There's an epilogue too with what happens to the girls, the MC, and even the pirates but maybe it's ok to stop there? I got a little carried away. lol. 

 ... Engine Room is ending this weekend. Don't miss all the cool items and gifts too! I included a few in this post. ...This image and story was inspired by a crazy banger of a song I found while brainstorming this series, This Way to the Egress by Saint (see link below). ...Darius's outfit is an amazing detailed outfit by JEYS with metal details for tie, fob, brooches, tie, straps, and spider-like metal arms. The textures are fantastic. ...The doll is an Animesh wearable pet TikTok Man by Whats Lost Spirits. (You can also rez it.) Touch the TikTok man to bring up a menu with many animations you can trigger, including dances.   ... The staff is a gift by Dirty Rat, part of the display for the Plague Doctor display case. It includes several hold poses.  ....The eyepatch by GRAAL is another brilliant gift at the event. It unrigged so you can adjust it to fit.    .... Darius's skin is the Maverick by Skin Arcana. I found it works great on more current Lelukta mesh heads like Camden. It comes with and without brows, and tones to match Velour  picasso body colors.   ...Have I used the Hellbourne Thaumaturgy eyes enough? I love them. That's why! I couldn't show it, but they include an animated lens that fits ontop of the eye  ...The #200 hair is another great style by Ginko that works great on both men and women. ...In the background, setting the tone of secret society is The Last Throne by Ionic. Its theme is well suited for Game of Thrones role-plays with House Banners and a stone throne you can buy separately.

On him, Darius Laurent:

Skin: Skin Arcana Maverick, Peach, Evox [BOM](Engine Room)(450L)
Suit: JEYS Ventus, MSuit A, Legacy M[mesh](Engine Room)(299L)

Shirt: JEYS Ventus, shirt, Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)
Pant: JEYS Ventus, pants Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)  
Hands: JEYS Ventus, Ironhand, Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(299L)
Staff, pose: Dirty Rat Plaque Staff [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)

Eyepatch: GRAAL STORE Revolver Eyepatch, unrigged [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)

Eyes: Hellbourne :H: Thaumaturgy Eyes, White [mesh](Engine Room)(275L)

Hair: Ginko Hair #200 Hair - Unrigged [mesh](520L)

Head, beard: LeLUTKA CAMDEN Evolution [mesh](3990L)

Pose: Del May DM Yo-yo

Setting:

Doll: Whats Lost Spirits WLS TICTOK MAN 4.0 [Animesh](Engine Room)(700L)

Set: ionic : The Last Throne, 95li [mesh](Engine Room)(1250L)

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret, 3

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STORYLINE: In life, Giselle had danced for their applause. She had bathed in the warmth of stage lights and the shimmer of champagne dreams, believing—desperately—that their adoration was real. But now, as a ghost trailing through the damp alleys of the docklands, she saw the truth for what it was: brittle, cold, and gilded in lies.

She had only ever been a distraction. A beautiful puppet in pearls and powder.

Her search for love had led her to Gwendal.

Oh, Gwendal, ...the handsome towering brute with sea-soaked stories and rough hands that once handed her ruby earrings and silk gowns. In his shadowy world, he'd called her "his shining star."

But now, that world reeked of gunpowder that could explode at any moment.

Giselle floated through the curling fog and found him: broad shoulders hunched, loading heavy crates stenciled with the words DYNAMITE onto a carriage. His Havana cigar crackling with flames, hot ash dripping recklessly on the volatile cargo.

Then *she* appeared.

A pirate woman, radiant in her cruelty with a smile like a dagger's curve.

“Giselle is dead,” she said, casually, as if remarking on the weather.

Gwendal froze, cigar almost falling from his lips. “Dead?” The word hit him like a rogue wave.

For a flicker of a moment, Giselle dared to believe he cared. But then, the duo kissed, passionately.

Giselle’s spectral form recoiled as if burned.

“Now what?” the pirate woman huffed, breaking their embrace. “She was our favorite gossip. Who’s going to tell us when the spice ships are docking? Or which crates have the opium?”

“We’ll find someone else,” Gwendal grunted, lifting another crate. “We always do.”

Giselle hovered above them in stunned horror. "I wasn’t his beloved? I was his unwitting spy?"

She turned, fury and heartbreak trailing behind her like smoke. She had no time for that fraud. Those pirates were loathsome con-artists, but they didn’t kill her.

Someone else did.

Was it someone who didn’t like her whispering secrets into dangerous ears?

Giselle raced back to Le Rouge Noir. Her time was bleeding away. The Master of Ceremony’s clock was ticking, each chime louder than the last.

Someone inside that velvet tomb had murdered her.

And soon… she would know who.

Argh, there be trouble afoot.   ...This post was inspired by the Aii Riftwind Mercenary complete outfit set. It comes with fits for men and women, and like other Aii creations, has an extensive texture hud with options to show and hide various elements.   ...Gwendal's ZAO 124 hair is unconventional for a pirate, but somehow that "bratty little sister" vibe side ponytail totally works.   ...His dark tribal makeup is Skara by Rubedo, and light brown animalistic eyes Kairos by Mana.   ... The pirates' guns are Furiosa Fortuna gun is by FOE. It includes pose options, textures, different sizes, and is a fully scripted weapon.  ...Akira as "Mats" is wearing Rosier's Rosetta Dress, paired with the Silvery K Steam Aether Boots.   ...The crates and sticks of dynamite is by Static.   ...And the very cool interactive Animesh Victorian Romance Horse & Carriag by Teegle, is totally drivable. Like other Teegle horses, it's fully animated as it waits patiently for you to board, occasionally giving you a side eye. The carriage comes in single color, or a fatpack to mix and match, and all versions let you change horse and tack textures. You can drive the carriage from the front sitting position, and carry passengers in the back. I love it. Its wonderful.

On Him, Gwendal:
Outfit: Aii Riftwind Mercenary set [mesh](Engine Room)(2,500L)

Makeup: Rubedo Skara, evox 06 [BOM](Engine Room)(240L)
Hair: ZAO 124 Hair m [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)

Gun, pose: FOE x Furiosa Fortuna [mesh](Engine Room)

Eyes: Mana Kairos Eyes, Clear [BOM](Engine Room)(399L) 

Cigar: Linden Labs Single Cigar Attachment, Male [mesh] (SL19B gift)

Eyepatch: C L A Vv. Simple Belted Eyepatch Black [mesh]

Head: LeLUTKA CAMDEN Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

On Her, Mathilde (aka Mats):

Guest appearance: Akira Voorhees of The SL Chatterbox blog.

Dress: Rosier Rosetta Dress, Reborn, FAT[mesh](Engine Room)(1,050L)

Boots: Silvery K Steam Aether, Boots, Fat_REBORN[mesh](Engine Room)

Gun, pose: FOE x Furiosa Fortuna [mesh](Engine Room)

Pose: Reve Obscura *!R.O!* Bad Things BENTO Couple Pose (100L)

Setting:

Vehicle: Teegle Victorian Romance Horse & Carriage [Animesh](Engine Room)(899L)

Crates: Static Boompowder Explosives[mesh](Engine Room)(350L)

Set: VARONIS Dayport Backdrop Scene [mesh](499L)

BONUS IMAGES: inworld raw shot, hi-res, midday sky.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret, 2

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STORYLINE: Giselle hovered above her own body, limbs sprawled across the dressing room floor like a broken marionette. A single black feather from her headpiece drifted down, catching in a pool of spilled perfume, while downstairs, Le Rouge Noir pulsed on with its gilded glamor and champagne lies, -- unmoved by her absence. Now a ghost, translucent and shimmering in the haze of cigarette smoke, Giselle watched *her.*

Lady Dupree. 

That woman—no, that *man* in disguise, her nemesis in satin gloves and fake eyelashes. They had fought for everything: applause, attention, the gold-ringed fingers of rich fools in velvet booths. The very name curled on Giselle’s ghostly tongue like bitter wine. That man—that fraud—had been her competition for nearly a decade. Always twirling in finer silks, always stealing glances from sugar daddies too drunk to care that “The Lady" was no lady at all. Every flirt, every wink, every applause had felt like a dagger between Giselle’s ribs.

So it made sense, didn’t it? That *he* would be the one to slip something in her drink. That *he* would finally outdo her... permanently.

But now… 

Now Lady Dupree was slumped over her cooling body, weeping into a handkerchief soaked in stage powder and tears, black eyeliner dripping like ink down her porcelain-painted cheeks. Her impeccable glamor crumbled. Her cries were raw, gasping. Not for attention. Not for performance. Dupree was clutching a tiny secret treasure, a locket with Giselle’s picture inside. 

Suddenly, her ghostly heart was snagged by something unexpected, -- guilt. 

She’s faking it, Giselle thought. She has to be. 

And yet, no one else wept. Not the dancers in their feathers and fake diamonds. Not the barkeep polishing glasses like souls weren’t slipping through the cracks. Not even René, the club owner with a heart made of debts and cigars. He’d only looked at the body once, grunted, and barked orders. 

“Put Lady onstage,” he said with all the empathy of a cash register. “She’s on in five.”

Even as The Lady clutched the hem of her sequined corset, begging for mercy, the stagehands dragged her into the wings. The spotlight did not wait for grief. 

Giselle shivered—though no cold could touch her now—the club roared with drunken laughter, the clink of glasses, the soft growl of a jazz saxophone. The Master of Ceremony’s sinister voice echoed in her head: 

"Three days, darling, to find who ended your curtain call."

She glanced down where her body had fallen and back at Dupree, now center stage beneath the cruel glare of gold. Her sobs had quieted. Her eyes were empty, her makeup smeared.

The band began to play the music of what had been Giselle's act as if her death wasn’t a tragedy, —just a messy inconvenience. 

Wow this was a complex challenge, I hope you all liked it. Lady Dupress was inspired by the Red Wine Burlesque set that includes fits for men. The bustle comes in rigged or unrigged, and the textures include many cool PBR textures including sequins.   ...The Lady's stage persona includes elements of both the bride and groom with the Stovepipe Hat and Wedding Veil by Grasshopper ST. Both come with texture huds. The Wedding Veil also comes with linked rigged or individual veils and individual unrigged options. Lace can be blend or mask ... The loose pulled back hairstyle into a braid is by Ginko Hair for girls and guys. (I love the white to black texture!)  ...And another win for fashionable gents and gals are the Pendle Boots by Seydr. There a several texture hud styles stuffed with color and lace options.  ...I combined the choker of Red Wine with the Random Matter's teardrop Xavia choker. It's unrigged and has texture options. ...The soulful eyes are Kairos Eyes by Mana with cat pupil and nice little glints.   ...The stage makeup Georgiana is by Eyecing. It includes several separate or combined makeup layers for white face paint, rouge, and moles in several key places.  Matching the damask pattern of the Red Wine corset are the BOM gloves by Miamai and stocking by Violent Seduction.  ...This stunning club setting is The Night Car Backdrop by FNY Designs, and Moon swing and poses by Fox City.

On her, Lady Dupree:

Outfit: MILKBATH Red Wine Burlesque, full set [mesh](Engine Room)(1200L)

Hair: Ginko Hair #189 Hair, Rigged, male [mesh](Engine Room)(465L)
Shoes: Seydr Pendle Boots, Legacy M [mesh](Engine Room)(750L) 
Hat: Grasshopper ST GHS Stovepipe Hat [mesh](Engine Room)(263L) 
Veil: Grasshopper ST GHS Wedding Veil [mesh](Engine Room)(300L) 

Necklace: Random Matter Xavia Choker [mesh](Engine Room)(200L)  

Eyes: Mana Kairos Eyes, Clear, 15 [BOM](Engine Room)(399L) 
Makeup: Eyecing Georgiana, fatpack  [BOM](Engine Room)(75L) 

Cane: Deadwool Goat cane - v1 [mesh](group gift)
Underwear: NOCHE. Latex Ayo Jockstrap, Legacy [mesh](249L)

Gloves: Miamai Latex Gloves_Black  [BOM] (220L)
Stockings: Violent Seduction Psyche Stockings, Black [BOM] 
Makeup: K R E E P Roaring 20s, EvoX [BOM](1L)

Makeup: SAXO Bleeding Eyes lel EVOX Unisex, tintable gift [BOM](1L)

Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Setting:

Moonswing, pose: FOXCITY Crescent Moon, with poses, Gold [mesh](370L)
Set FNY Designs The Night Car Backdrop [mesh](999L)

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shot, midday sky. 

BONUS CLOSEUP: edit only for hat shadow & background.

Engine Room: Murder at the Cabaret

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The velvet curtains of Le Rouge Noir rippled in a wind that did not belong. Giselle blinked, her vision sharpening against the haze of cigar smoke and dim crimson lights. The club still pulsed with jazz, but the laughter, the music, the warmth of bodies—none of it touched her.

Then she saw, -- him.

The Master of Ceremony stood before her, his grin too wide, his haunted eyes gleamed like a cat’s in the dark. She saw now, for the first time, he was merely a puppet to a terrifying creature hovering behind him. Beneath the sheen of his silk suit, his skin cracked like old leather, shifting as if something monstrous animated him.

“Darling,” he purred, voice like velvet and decay, “I’m afraid you’re quite dead.”

Giselle staggered back. Her mind screamed that it couldn’t be true—she had just been dancing, drinking, alive.

“But,” the Master continued, stepping closer, the scent of brimstone curling from his lips, “I do love a good game. Solve your murder in three nights, and you may yet waltz out of here breathing.”

His grin widened, revealing teeth too sharp, too many.

“Fail…” He chuckled, low and terrible. “And you’ll dance for me forever.” 

It's time to go back to the past that never was, Engine Room has returned! This post was inspired by a story I wrote while on hiatus, and the awesome cabaret and burlesque themed items this round.   ...The spooky monster head Arges is by Lightwood. The eye is animated, and comes in several colors. It's meant to replace your normal head. However for my image idea, I combined it with the bento animated Ride of Delusion by Contraption, so its looks like a shadow spirit possession.  ...Talk about spooky, I felt like a ventriloquist doll in this amazing Caberet style makeup for men by Somnium. It has an old feel with parts of the makeup cracked. Comes with brow and mustache and without. This rare gem of a retro male makeup is a free gift at the Engine Room too! The beautiful and versatile tuxedo set by Somnium is great for many occasions. It includes bowtie, shirt, vest, tailcoat, pants and the hud includes 7 textures options for each area of the suit so you can mix and match colors, (including dusty and bloodsplatter).   ... The Hunter's Handbook by Static is very fun. It's wearable as a necklace, and then you can trigger a pose for it to be worn in your hand as if reading it. Its has fits for men and women, and an unrigged version. It comes in 3 colors.   The prosthetic hand is by Cabalpier. In PBR and nonPBR versions, with both style and texture options. It's unrigged so you can display it too!  ...I used the handy Contraption Dapper gloves which include an alpha to hide one hand's glove. ...The spooky haunted eyes are by Hallbourne. I love black sclera eyes for that extra spooky look.   ...The Burlesque club setting is by Paparazzi. (Thanks for your help on the set, Akira!)

On Him:
Monster head: Lightwood Arges Head Inferno Black Chains [mesh](Engine Room)(399L)

Makeup: SOMNIUM Maestro Makeup - Brows/Mustache, ears  [mesh](Engine Room)(gift)
Outfit: SOMNIUM Maestro's Aria set, Legacy (PBR)[mesh](Engine Room)(850L)

Eyes: Hellbourne :H: Thaumaturgy Eyes, White [mesh](Engine Room)(275L)
Book: Static Hunter's Handbook [Bento][mesh](Engine Room)(325L)
Hand: CABALPIER Dead Hand M6, Male (PBR)[mesh](Engine Room)(425L)

Pet: Contraption Ride of Delusion *rdeath [Bento](500L)
Gloves: Contraption Dapper Dandy's Gloves Legacy M [mesh](350L)

Shoes: Muho Zas Shoes, black, LegacyM [mesh](90L)
Hair: Volkstone Ryot ll Hairbase / Black [BOM](199L)
Head: LeLUTKA Kane Evolution [mesh](3990L)
Pose: Puppets World trust me m k f (35L)

Setting:
Set: Paparazzi BACKDROP - Burlesque [mesh](350L)

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shot, midday sky

Cyber Fair: Attack of the Cursed ANGEL

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The beeping started as a faint whisper in the background, a rhythmic pulse that barely registered against the cold hum of the underground bunker. The kidnappers, hardened men of the underworld, paused, their nerves fraying as the sound grew louder.

Then a flash. White-hot, like a snapshot searing into their retinas. The leader, a scarred brute named Korbin, cursed and reached for his weapon.

"What the hell was that?" one of his men muttered, his grip tightening on his rifle.

Before anyone could answer, the distant chaos began. Gunfire echoed through the tunnels. The sharp cries of dying men pierced the stale air. The unmistakable sounds of destruction—shattering glass, collapsing walls, the screech of metal being torn apart—crept closer.

Korbin spun toward the android they had chained to the rusted chair in the center of the room. RED, their prize, their leverage, merely smiled. A synthetic face sculpted to perfection, eyes gleaming with something almost… amused.

"The Cursed Angel is coming," RED said, voice smooth as silk but laced with eerie certainty.

Korbin felt his stomach twist into knots. He had heard the stories. Whispers in the dark about an entity that moved like a ghost, struck like a demon, and left nothing but corpses in its wake.

"No," he growled, grabbing RED by the collar. "Tell me the truth! What's coming for us? Tell me before we all die!"

RED tilted its head, expression unreadable. Then, with almost reverent quiet, it spoke: "Its a symbiotic relationship, a Trinity. Kujo caged an ancient evil. The last of its kind. You see, starvation can bring even the strongest monster to its knees."

Before Korbin could demand more, the world exploded. The side of the bunker disintegrated in a burst of fire and debris. Dust choked the air, and through the settling smoke, an eerie glow seeped in—a burning light that silhouetted the towering figure standing in the wreckage.

The Cursed Angel stepped forward, slow, deliberate. His long regal cape billowed in the rush of hot air, his heavy exoskeleton boots crunching over the shattered remains of the bunker’s defenses. And then he snarled, the baring long, gleaming fangs.

Korbin’s blood ran cold.

RED’s voice cut through the chaos, steady as ever. "The Father acquires. The Son is the sacrifice. And the Holy Ghost is their protector." 

Korbin barely had time to scream.

This post is inspired by my very first cyberpunk blog post, and it started with an idea: Would vampires die out in the future as they don't change but human do. With technology, cyberizations and genetic engineering, would humans still be easy to hunt, and would they even still be compatible to the vampire's diet? 

 ...The halo on the Cursed Angel is by Rozoregalia. Touch it to shift between 3 colors, fullbright, and resizes.  ...The stunning red armor, Infermun Viel, is by Bison. It includes a sinister tall hood and scary robotic mask, and animated LED glows. It comes in several color themes, but red is my favorite. ... Adding to the magical vibe are the animated the Energy lines by Amadeus which swirl around the arms and shoulders. ...The face mask is by SOLE, and there are several texture versions available. ...Flying close by, is the Cursed Angel's helper, the Jellybot. I used the cool WWII texture for the bot. You can find it in the fatpack. The bot is Animesh and can fidget in place, or float around. ...The big plasma gun by RekTrevor is super cool. It shoots a massive blast with impressive details in smoke and spiraling sparks. It includes several animations for both men and woman, (draw, hold, reload, fire, stance) and you can change out the gun's textures too. ... The moody cybertatstic setting is by Zeroichi. I loved that it was mod and I could move around a few things for my pictures.

On him, the Cursed A.N.G.E.L.:

Top: BISON Infernum Viel, Chest, Legacy M, Red [mesh](Cyber Fair)(349L)

Gloves: BISON Infernum Viel, Gloves, Legacy M, Red [mesh](Cyber Fair)(220L)
Pants: BISON Infernum Viel, Legs, Legacy M, Red [mesh](Cyber Fair)(349L)
Special FX: Amadeus Energy lines, Arms aura [mesh](Cyber Fair)(199L)

Mask: SOLE SA Headset ARA2, White [mesh](Cyber Fair)(349L)
Pet: Positronic Network PN NODE001, JellyBot, WMII, fatpack [animesh](Cyber Fair)(450L)
Halo: ROZOREGALIA Ruda Halo (Nyoroyakunyoden)/B [mesh](Cyber Fair)(345L)

Weapon: REKTXTREVOR Sicarius Plasma Gun, Grey [mesh](Cyber Fair)(350L)
Cape: toksik Coronation Cape, M2, mod [mesh] (550L)

Hair: barberyumyum L19(02) style1 [mesh](Collabor88)(300L)

Skin: FallenGods Pure [xy] + Pure, Ivory [BOM](990L)

Head: TheMeshProject (BETA) Head(m) - Anime (Deluxe) [mesh]

Body: TheShops [BODY] Athletic Meshbody (Legacy)(m) (1.7.1) [mesh](5000L)

Pose: UZME Poses "HandGun #1" Set (190L)

Setting:

Set: ZEROICHI Chaotic Area Backdrop Ambient light (mod) [mesh](Cyber Fair)(560L)

BONUS IMAGE: inworld raw shot, midday sky