Actor’s Mask

𓏴 ࣪ `` Once you're in. . . you can never leave. " : Modern / Backrooms au

—— [Liminal Columbina Themed] ﹔:: ꒰16+ ੭ ֹ -# unless with special permission

۫ ⊹ ﹐*HSR . GENSHIN . OCS availiable. , Fun + welcoming staff ! .

Reality. Such an odd concept. What we think we know so well, we know so little about. What we think we’ve studied, we have not… a place so familiar and unfamiliar at the same time… and an explanation of how one could possibly get there.

An illness has claimed the imaginary tree as the sea of quanta roars beneath it, fighting to finally secure victory in the endless battle the two forces have waged for countless eons. The realities, the past and present, all mix as a new reality grows like a parasite in the tree. This reality, filled with forgotten memories of the past, present, and future, has slowly seeped into pre-existing ones, causing unexplainable occurrences. Disappearances of people, objects, and even places have leaked into realities that were once fine. But each object always ends up in the same place.

A place never before seen, yet far too familiar.

The Backrooms

Visiting Belobog was entertaining, to say the least.

Jade of Credit did not visit planets herself often unless she deemed it could be worth an investment. No, the Interastral Peace Corporation had already attempted once to add Jarilo-VI to their market, and they had failed. Jade was not one to waste her effort on a place with such a high risk and low reward. Whatever she gave, she received the same back with interest.

No, that was not what she was here for. Jelena had already gave her shot. Instead, she was here to sate her curiosity, the never-ending hunger of a viper who only took.

So many planets and people went extinct, and Jade wouldn’t deny she was well aware the IPC often had a hand in it— that she often had a hand in it. Emotions, love, grief, were useless things, and she carried none for the trades she made, when those who contracted with her begged at her feet long after.

Ah, Belobog. The home of, what she was told, two Masked Fools, via the information of the ever obedient Topaz. The followers of Elation were articles of intrigue to the Stoneheart; having already met one, albeit chaotic, Fool on Penacony. Despite their name, the Fools did not quite seem to be fools at all. Yet Jade knew that followers of Paths could be vastly different from one another; alas, why she was interested in perhaps making an exchange with one.

She strode through the Administrative District of the city, the click of her heels and cane muffled by the thin layer of snow. A small amount of citizens watched her warily — being recognized by even a handful in such an out of loop planet was a welcome surprise. As Jade walked, she mulled over her multiple options to locate the ever-elusive Fools. She could contact the Supreme Guardian, or perhaps ask around. Jelena had already forwarded her a map of the overworld and underground, so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure her way around.

Jade allowed a small smirk to curl on her lips. She could not — would not leave until she received what she wished. She would sink her fangs into this opportunity, drawing out every profit with her venom.

— @jade-of-credit

(( I hope this is a satisfactory starter!! I read through the lore and tried to compile something well enough :3 if you want me to change anything, let me know!!! your oc is super cool by the way c:

Ever unaware, Blythe was currently performing a street show near the stairs to the trolleys going Underground, face currently unmasked as they gave the children a bright smile alongside their flashy magic tricks.

A few adults and teenagers had also paused to watch the contained spectacle, laughter ringing through the air as the Fool happily interacted with their young audience; though, their enthusiasm faltered a bit as they caught eye of the viper amongst the ever-growing crowd.

Stoneheart.

Very quickly, Blythe cleared their throat and did one last trick. " Aaalright, everyone! I'm afraid that's all I can show you today! I might run out of tricks if i keep going... " They laughed momentarily at the disappointment before giving out some of the treats they acquired. " Remember: ask your parents before eating these first!! Run along now! "

Waving them goodbye, the redheaded Fool quickly packed up their things and walked into the crowd, disappearing in it.

" You have a lot of nerve coming here, Stoneheart. "

Jade didn’t turn instantly. She didn’t respond instantly. She drew out her time, eyes trained on the scattering children before she finally pivoted, eyes landing on the masked figure. Her eyes narrowed, her smile sharpened. It seemed she wouldn’t have to rely on other resources to locate a Fool. Since, of course, only fools would wander straight into a viper’s trap.

“I assumed Fools prioritized their own Elation over others. Though, I suppose Miss Sparkle might have given me an interesting first impression.” Jade hummed, eyes analyzing every shape of Blythe’s outfit, of their mask. It was a dangerous gaze — a predator sizing their prey. “I didn’t expect to be recognized so quickly. Perhaps Topaz left a bigger impression here than I originally thought… or, there’s something more.”

Jade took a step closer — enough to supply the feeling that she was closing in, but not enough to be entirely uncomfortable. “I am correct in presuming you are one of the two Fools residing on Jarilo-IV, no? My, you all are truly different. Ah, I wonder what the other is like… what an object of intrigue, this faction.”

Jade was gauging Blythe’s reactions. It was a little more difficult, considering a concealed face, but Jade had more than enough experience. Posture, tone, word choice, opinions… everything was useful — everything would verify exactly how to approach them. And Jade would never miss a single sign.

Their posture was rigid; much unlike someone meant to be a Masked Fool, not to mention having both feet on the ground. Even their gloved fists were clenched. They must truly dislike her, or who she works for, or what she stands for.

Elation had a tendency to draw rebellious spirits into THEIR gaze.

" Or the IPC has something against Masked Fools? After all, it seems you came looking for me and my brother with how you spoke. " While Blythe wishes they could remain anonymous, Jade had most likely already discovered both their identities.

“Sampo?” Jade tested the name. It sounded familiar. Ah, right, she had heard of him both from Jelena and a conversation she passed by. So, that was the other Fool… she filed that information away for later — this interaction was more important at the time being.

“I’m not here to pull Jarilo-IV into the IPC’s system, as much as I could. Jelena has already made her decision, and it would be upsetting to see me overturn her decision. And I don’t want the Nameless to be upset at us~” Jade hummed. In contrast to Blythe’s posture, she was relaxed, almost seeming to be relishing in Blythe’s irritation. Her cane was held comfortably in her left hand, her opposite hand on her hip. Her eyes finally settled on Blythe’s mask once again. “It’s positively frigid here, hmm?”

Topaz had already decided to have this planet be preserved on its own. And for the Amber Lord… Jade would allow it.

“Consider me here out of my own free will, not for the IPC. My own little… research on the Fools.” Jade smiled. A dangerous smile with no hint of actual joy. Just what kinds of exchanges, what kind of wishes, would the followers of Elation have?

For good reason.

" People who want to search into the Fools usually want something more than that... Why should I be inclined to believe you won't do anything tilting into the darker parts of your already dull moral compass? "

They held nothing back, crossing their arms as their judgemental gaze stared into her viper green eyes even through their mask. Blythe seemed smarter than the usual person, though, they seemed to have been taught a lot by Sampo. From what Jade knows, that scammer knows more about everything than he should.

“You wound me, Fool.” Jade placed a hand over her chest, her smile never wavering despite her words. She did not care who she destroyed — she did not care who withered under her hand, as long as it benefited her. She was selfish, a woman shrouded in lies — and she knew that. She reveled in it, because it allowed her to be immune to desperation. “Ah, but it would not be smart if I spilled all my intentions right this moment, would it? But do not worry, I am not here to harm your beloved planet.”

Jade noticed. She noticed, that despite this being a sheltered planet, an isolated planet — that Blythe seemed to know more than average. The they seemed to point the correct accusations without falsity. Intriguing, she thought. That made them that much more interesting. And her that much more intriguing eager to tear the follower of Elation apart.

“We could make a deal, if you’re that wary of me.” Jade extended one gloved hand, protected from frost. “After all, that’s what I’m here for, Mx…” She provided the opportunity for them to tell her their name. Whether she had already done her research and already knew, or she was simply unaware was indiscernible from her expression. Whether the fool would offer up that piece of themselves or not was up to them. She waited, alike a viper poised to strike.

They pointedly did not move to shake her hand, arms firmly crossed against their chest. Why would they even? All that talk of not harming their planet, it always started like that. It did start like that for them, nearly two decades ago.

The IPC was full of liars. Selfish, manipulative, egocentric liars. Jade was no different.

A person's eyes told everything.

Viper.

Blythe tilted their head—just the slightest—as they spoke in a tone dripping with barely restrained venom. " I'd like to know what kind of deal you have the audacity to offer me before I even think of accepting it. " Her calm only served to fuel their annoyance, but a voice in their head that sounded a bit too much like Sampo told them that people like her ain't worth it. The rich will do anything to stay rich, the powerful will do anything to stay in power.

Absolutely anything.

Visiting Belobog was entertaining, to say the least.

Jade of Credit did not visit planets herself often unless she deemed it could be worth an investment. No, the Interastral Peace Corporation had already attempted once to add Jarilo-VI to their market, and they had failed. Jade was not one to waste her effort on a place with such a high risk and low reward. Whatever she gave, she received the same back with interest.

No, that was not what she was here for. Jelena had already gave her shot. Instead, she was here to sate her curiosity, the never-ending hunger of a viper who only took.

So many planets and people went extinct, and Jade wouldn’t deny she was well aware the IPC often had a hand in it— that she often had a hand in it. Emotions, love, grief, were useless things, and she carried none for the trades she made, when those who contracted with her begged at her feet long after.

Ah, Belobog. The home of, what she was told, two Masked Fools, via the information of the ever obedient Topaz. The followers of Elation were articles of intrigue to the Stoneheart; having already met one, albeit chaotic, Fool on Penacony. Despite their name, the Fools did not quite seem to be fools at all. Yet Jade knew that followers of Paths could be vastly different from one another; alas, why she was interested in perhaps making an exchange with one.

She strode through the Administrative District of the city, the click of her heels and cane muffled by the thin layer of snow. A small amount of citizens watched her warily — being recognized by even a handful in such an out of loop planet was a welcome surprise. As Jade walked, she mulled over her multiple options to locate the ever-elusive Fools. She could contact the Supreme Guardian, or perhaps ask around. Jelena had already forwarded her a map of the overworld and underground, so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure her way around.

Jade allowed a small smirk to curl on her lips. She could not — would not leave until she received what she wished. She would sink her fangs into this opportunity, drawing out every profit with her venom.

— @jade-of-credit

(( I hope this is a satisfactory starter!! I read through the lore and tried to compile something well enough :3 if you want me to change anything, let me know!!! your oc is super cool by the way c:

Ever unaware, Blythe was currently performing a street show near the stairs to the trolleys going Underground, face currently unmasked as they gave the children a bright smile alongside their flashy magic tricks.

A few adults and teenagers had also paused to watch the contained spectacle, laughter ringing through the air as the Fool happily interacted with their young audience; though, their enthusiasm faltered a bit as they caught eye of the viper amongst the ever-growing crowd.

Stoneheart.

Very quickly, Blythe cleared their throat and did one last trick. " Aaalright, everyone! I'm afraid that's all I can show you today! I might run out of tricks if i keep going... " They laughed momentarily at the disappointment before giving out some of the treats they acquired. " Remember: ask your parents before eating these first!! Run along now! "

Waving them goodbye, the redheaded Fool quickly packed up their things and walked into the crowd, disappearing in it.

" You have a lot of nerve coming here, Stoneheart. "

Jade didn’t turn instantly. She didn’t respond instantly. She drew out her time, eyes trained on the scattering children before she finally pivoted, eyes landing on the masked figure. Her eyes narrowed, her smile sharpened. It seemed she wouldn’t have to rely on other resources to locate a Fool. Since, of course, only fools would wander straight into a viper’s trap.

“I assumed Fools prioritized their own Elation over others. Though, I suppose Miss Sparkle might have given me an interesting first impression.” Jade hummed, eyes analyzing every shape of Blythe’s outfit, of their mask. It was a dangerous gaze — a predator sizing their prey. “I didn’t expect to be recognized so quickly. Perhaps Topaz left a bigger impression here than I originally thought… or, there’s something more.”

Jade took a step closer — enough to supply the feeling that she was closing in, but not enough to be entirely uncomfortable. “I am correct in presuming you are one of the two Fools residing on Jarilo-IV, no? My, you all are truly different. Ah, I wonder what the other is like… what an object of intrigue, this faction.”

Jade was gauging Blythe’s reactions. It was a little more difficult, considering a concealed face, but Jade had more than enough experience. Posture, tone, word choice, opinions… everything was useful — everything would verify exactly how to approach them. And Jade would never miss a single sign.

Their posture was rigid; much unlike someone meant to be a Masked Fool, not to mention having both feet on the ground. Even their gloved fists were clenched. They must truly dislike her, or who she works for, or what she stands for.

Elation had a tendency to draw rebellious spirits into THEIR gaze.

" Or the IPC has something against Masked Fools? After all, it seems you came looking for me and my brother with how you spoke. " While Blythe wishes they could remain anonymous, Jade had most likely already discovered both their identities.

“Sampo?” Jade tested the name. It sounded familiar. Ah, right, she had heard of him both from Jelena and a conversation she passed by. So, that was the other Fool… she filed that information away for later — this interaction was more important at the time being.

“I’m not here to pull Jarilo-IV into the IPC’s system, as much as I could. Jelena has already made her decision, and it would be upsetting to see me overturn her decision. And I don’t want the Nameless to be upset at us~” Jade hummed. In contrast to Blythe’s posture, she was relaxed, almost seeming to be relishing in Blythe’s irritation. Her cane was held comfortably in her left hand, her opposite hand on her hip. Her eyes finally settled on Blythe’s mask once again. “It’s positively frigid here, hmm?”

Topaz had already decided to have this planet be preserved on its own. And for the Amber Lord… Jade would allow it.

“Consider me here out of my own free will, not for the IPC. My own little… research on the Fools.” Jade smiled. A dangerous smile with no hint of actual joy. Just what kinds of exchanges, what kind of wishes, would the followers of Elation have?

For good reason.

" People who want to search into the Fools usually want something more than that... Why should I be inclined to believe you won't do anything tilting into the darker parts of your already dull moral compass? "

They held nothing back, crossing their arms as their judgemental gaze stared into her viper green eyes even through their mask. Blythe seemed smarter than the usual person, though, they seemed to have been taught a lot by Sampo. From what Jade knows, that scammer knows more about everything than he should.

Visiting Belobog was entertaining, to say the least.

Jade of Credit did not visit planets herself often unless she deemed it could be worth an investment. No, the Interastral Peace Corporation had already attempted once to add Jarilo-VI to their market, and they had failed. Jade was not one to waste her effort on a place with such a high risk and low reward. Whatever she gave, she received the same back with interest.

No, that was not what she was here for. Jelena had already gave her shot. Instead, she was here to sate her curiosity, the never-ending hunger of a viper who only took.

So many planets and people went extinct, and Jade wouldn’t deny she was well aware the IPC often had a hand in it— that she often had a hand in it. Emotions, love, grief, were useless things, and she carried none for the trades she made, when those who contracted with her begged at her feet long after.

Ah, Belobog. The home of, what she was told, two Masked Fools, via the information of the ever obedient Topaz. The followers of Elation were articles of intrigue to the Stoneheart; having already met one, albeit chaotic, Fool on Penacony. Despite their name, the Fools did not quite seem to be fools at all. Yet Jade knew that followers of Paths could be vastly different from one another; alas, why she was interested in perhaps making an exchange with one.

She strode through the Administrative District of the city, the click of her heels and cane muffled by the thin layer of snow. A small amount of citizens watched her warily — being recognized by even a handful in such an out of loop planet was a welcome surprise. As Jade walked, she mulled over her multiple options to locate the ever-elusive Fools. She could contact the Supreme Guardian, or perhaps ask around. Jelena had already forwarded her a map of the overworld and underground, so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure her way around.

Jade allowed a small smirk to curl on her lips. She could not — would not leave until she received what she wished. She would sink her fangs into this opportunity, drawing out every profit with her venom.

— @jade-of-credit

(( I hope this is a satisfactory starter!! I read through the lore and tried to compile something well enough :3 if you want me to change anything, let me know!!! your oc is super cool by the way c:

Ever unaware, Blythe was currently performing a street show near the stairs to the trolleys going Underground, face currently unmasked as they gave the children a bright smile alongside their flashy magic tricks.

A few adults and teenagers had also paused to watch the contained spectacle, laughter ringing through the air as the Fool happily interacted with their young audience; though, their enthusiasm faltered a bit as they caught eye of the viper amongst the ever-growing crowd.

Stoneheart.

Very quickly, Blythe cleared their throat and did one last trick. " Aaalright, everyone! I'm afraid that's all I can show you today! I might run out of tricks if i keep going... " They laughed momentarily at the disappointment before giving out some of the treats they acquired. " Remember: ask your parents before eating these first!! Run along now! "

Waving them goodbye, the redheaded Fool quickly packed up their things and walked into the crowd, disappearing in it.

" You have a lot of nerve coming here, Stoneheart. "

Jade didn’t turn instantly. She didn’t respond instantly. She drew out her time, eyes trained on the scattering children before she finally pivoted, eyes landing on the masked figure. Her eyes narrowed, her smile sharpened. It seemed she wouldn’t have to rely on other resources to locate a Fool. Since, of course, only fools would wander straight into a viper’s trap.

“I assumed Fools prioritized their own Elation over others. Though, I suppose Miss Sparkle might have given me an interesting first impression.” Jade hummed, eyes analyzing every shape of Blythe’s outfit, of their mask. It was a dangerous gaze — a predator sizing their prey. “I didn’t expect to be recognized so quickly. Perhaps Topaz left a bigger impression here than I originally thought… or, there’s something more.”

Jade took a step closer — enough to supply the feeling that she was closing in, but not enough to be entirely uncomfortable. “I am correct in presuming you are one of the two Fools residing on Jarilo-IV, no? My, you all are truly different. Ah, I wonder what the other is like… what an object of intrigue, this faction.”

Jade was gauging Blythe’s reactions. It was a little more difficult, considering a concealed face, but Jade had more than enough experience. Posture, tone, word choice, opinions… everything was useful — everything would verify exactly how to approach them. And Jade would never miss a single sign.

Their posture was rigid; much unlike someone meant to be a Masked Fool, not to mention having both feet on the ground. Even their gloved fists were clenched. They must truly dislike her, or who she works for, or what she stands for.

Elation had a tendency to draw rebellious spirits into THEIR gaze.

" Or the IPC has something against Masked Fools? After all, it seems you came looking for me and my brother with how you spoke. " While Blythe wishes they could remain anonymous, Jade had most likely already discovered both their identities.

A voice from above Sunday rings before a masked face suddenly appears in his immediate vision, the painted glee on the porcelain staring him down as the owner of it laughed. " Hello! You're Mr. Sunday aren't you? Safe to say I was surprised to hear about it. "

The stranger jumped down from wherever they were hanging upside down(how did they do that?)and actually removed their mask, revealing a youthful face with a grin that matched their mask.

" I'm Blythe. Blythe Koski! "

@actorsmask

sunday doesn't quite jump, but his head turns around a surprising degree as he looks at– whoever this person is. huh. “ indeed i am, ” he says, pleasantly enough. “ a pleasure to meet you, mr... koski. ” has he heard that name?

Blythe hummed as they jumped across a few rocks, kicking snow where they stepped as they continued to talk. They seemed to be friendlier than most Fools...

Blythe laughed at their remark and started hanging from a tree, using a sickle to swing back and forth.