Elanthian Vogue/Koaratos 5121 EXTRA!

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Elanthian Vogue: Koaratos 5121 EXTRA!

Author:

Editor: Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

Editor's Thoughts

Back in 5118, we introduced the concept of Elanthian Vogue EXTRA as an additional publication to our regular editions and supplementaries. In these "extras" we take an in-depth look at a particular aspect of the Elanthian fashion scene.

This time last year, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the delightful Seomanthe Bartley to discuss FashionFest 5120 and the 25th Bardfest. I can’t believe it's been a year but, here we are, eagerly awaiting Revelia Carnivale! The lovely ladies behind the planning and organisation of this highly anticipated new festival agreed to meet with me to give us a tantalising hint of what we can expect later this month.

"I am administration and advertising." ~ Traiva

"This team could rebuild Elanthia if necessary." ~ Katara

"I canna wait for it." ~ Seomanthe

The arrival of summer also sees the return of our annual celebration of style and fashion. This year, rather than a separate event, we are excited to join in with the Revelia festivities to focus on carnival costumery. For those interested in design and couture, look out for the Elanthian Elegance cocktail party and, of course, the return of the showcase where everyone gets the chance to "strut their stuff" on the catwalk.

As a thank you to our regular readers, whisper the word EXTRA to me during the revelries (Koaratos 14 – Koaratos 18) and you will receive a free gift!

Editor

Rumor of a Revelia Rendezvous

Performance and Costume

The Aspen Grove Gazebo in the Rumor Woods was the perfect setting for a girly get-together; comfortable and out of the way. After effusive greetings with lots of hugs, wing fluttering, and giggling, our little group finally settled on the pillows around the warm brazier and armed ourselves with some delicious lightly fruited tea. With me were the Lady of the Manor, Katara Stormwild representing the Silvergate Inn, Lady Traiva Verethundi, Chatelaine of House Paupers, and Seomanthe Bartley of Argent Aspis.

It seemed appropriate to start with what brought these three amazing ladies together in the first place to organize something; all fingers pointed to Traiva and the blame was squarely placed on her shoulders. She took it all in good humor.

"I could not let Elanthia go without something for the performing arts when Aspis decided to stop hosting Bardfest."

You see Lady Traiva Verethundi the Incantress.
She appears to be an Aelotoi of the Mrae'ni Clan.
She is petite in stature and has an hourglass figure.  She appears to be in the prime of life.  She has smoldering, viridian-flecked dark hazel eyes and rose-tinted ivory skin.  She has hip length, softly curled deep cordovan hair drawn back into a ponytail dripping with spiral curls and bedecked with a slender black-frosted gold tine.  She has a heart-shaped face and high cheekbones.  She has a pair of jade-veined elongated emerald wings with some clouded smoky quartz ornaments stippled with gold motes affixed to their tops.
She has some black opal teardrop earrings in the ridges of both her ears, a knotwork and dragonfly tattoo on her neck, and a wispy dancer tattoo on her foot.
She is wearing an onyx-strung webbed gold choker, a sheer golden silk corset laced with black silk ribbons, a coiling hammered golvern armband tipped with flame-shaped luminous smoky glimaerstones, a trio of gilded black glaes bangles, an emerald-set gold wedding ring, a fringed black silk chiffon wrap-skirt, and some high heeled sandals strapped with delicate gold chains.

"I thought I was goin to retire, but Nooo."

You see Seomanthe Bartley the Defender of Wehnimer's Landing.
She appears to be a Human from Bourth.
She is tall and has a delicately lithe build.  She appears to be advanced in years.  She has rich, pensive green-gold eyes and pallid, densely freckled ivory skin.  She has short, copper-sheened sable hair woven into a riotous mass of incredibly thin braids that are sporadically peppered with white-tipped beads and dusky nighthawk plumules.  She has tiny laugh lines radiating from the outer corners of her eyes.
She has a small dark shard-shaped mark on her neck, an ornery orange pixie tattoo on her ankle, and a tattoo of a fan of brilliant white hawk feathers behind her right ear.
She is wearing a plaited gold bridal necklace, a shimmering rainbow pelisse, a pure silver Aspis pin, a bleached sandalwood ayr inlaid with thin strips of ivory slung over her shoulder, a grey suede harness with a rainbow damask flap closure slung over her other shoulder, a wide-bottomed ashen suede satchel, a deep plum pinstriped grey waistcoat over a fitted white linen shirt with unbuttoned sleeves, some opalescent myklian scale armor, a black-washed simple faewood wristcuff, some lace-palmed black half-gloves, an enameled rainbow-hued signet, a dual-scabbard elegant grey swordbelt, a simple black velvet lapidary pouch, a small rainbow-beaded coin purse, a hip-slung ashen leather kit, some loose pale linen knee-breeches with notched hems, and some colorful socks and suede clogs.

"I think I was drafted...maybe...it's all a blur of Traiva and bourbon."

You see Lady of Manor Katara Stormwild the Officer of Silvergate Inn.
She appears to be a Sylvankind.
She appears to be very young.  She has long-lashed, haunting gold-flecked emerald green eyes and silky, faintly blushed lily white skin.  She has long, lustrous golden blonde hair cascading past her shoulders with graduated pale to dark rose tones at the ends.  She has a delicate face, a button nose and gracefully arched, upswept ears that end in delicately tapered points.  She has a petite figure with a subtle, hourglass shape.  She has full, lush, naturally red lips.  A dark rose stormcloud diamond is positioned between her eyes, which casts a sparkling pink sheen across her face.
She has a series of brilliant pink diamond roses embraced by emerald leaves set along the slender tips of her pointed ears, and an entangled rosevines tattoo with dark pink blossoms of varying sizes on her ankle.
A tiny quartet of silver-winged faeries dart to and fro across her form, peeking into containers and giggling as they disappear in a flurry of multicolored lights.
She is wearing a pair of pink diamond earbobs, a lustrous platinum choker dangling a brilliant diamond rose, a winged green seed amulet, a delicate organza wrap with an iridescent sheen, a pale rose silk bodice with a sheer chiffon back, some corset-style leathers with curvaceous bodice contours, a crystalline bracer etched with archaic runic designs, a diamond-set platinum signet ring, a delicate crystalline chatelaine, a silk-corded crystal orb, an exquisite hand-painted case, a handwoven silk kitten tote, a regal rose-hued skirt of rich satin over lace petticoats, and a pair of glittering elesine ankle-boots with crystalline stiletto heels.

Recalling our interview this time last year, I asked Seomanthe to remind our readers why Aspis had decided to discontinue Bardfest.

"We-ll...Twenny five years is a pretty good run for such a thing, we were kinda already thinkin about it around the 20th.  The Fest'd always had a yanno dedicated group of folks who either planned or performed."

Katara then tells me she was thinking along the same lines as Traiva in terms of Elanthia needing something akin to Bardfest to continue the tradition. When Traiva had mentioned the prospects of Revelia, she was all in!

"It's on account she's full of great ideas! Traiva ‘n’ me been workin together to celebrate Cholen's Eve a coupla years anyhow with the Topsy Turvy Masque coordinatin’ with the Bardfest.  So, she was sayin I think yanno, she didn't want to pull the plug on that party, but rather make it bigger and better." ~ Seomanthe

It's evident that the three ladies get on very well. There is a lot of gentle teasing but they’re very supportive and open to each other's ideas.

"I had ideas, but with Seo's and Katara's brains also in it, it is becoming much bigger and better than I could have imagined." ~ Traiva

As Katara succinctly puts it:

"And now we have this amazing fest just weeks away!"

But what is Revelia Carnivale, I hear you ask! Good question and one I posed to the trio. This time all eyes – and fingers – turned to Katara, since she already had the floor so to speak. The Lady of the Manor explained that Cholen is able to move between realms of all sorts, as could Jastev and Tilamaire. The story goes that Cholen came upon Revelia, a far-off realm unattainable by the average Elanthian. He chose to share their traditional festival of art, song and beauty with Elanthia, even if it was for only a scant few days. Apparently, this was all revealed in a dream!

"Arkati speak, mortals answer.” ~ Traiva

"Also though we totally made it all up but don't tell anyone." ~ Seomanthe

"Traiva was our unifying force and Seo our inspiration for organization of such a significant fest.  I am just here to add the good looks." ~ Katara

And what of The Ninefold Tales that I'd heard rumors about? All three were careful not to reveal too much about this but did give me a few hints; hopefully just enough to intrigue our readers. It seems that the aforementioned Arkati have muses (three a-piece) and, to honor them – since the festival is all about art in all its forms – they have chosen to bestow graces on various revellers. Seomanthe's impish grin came into play as she elaborated a little for me.

"Well acourse they have to have muses, to share all the tales of the revels and encourage people to get into the spirit.  Each one will be called after different facets of the Arkati patrons of the fest.  So, for instance, my favorite one's named Trouble, a Muse of Cholen.  Hopefully the Muses who are picked from the crowds will help spread the spirit of the party throughout the fest."

Getting down to the nitty-gritty, it was time to find out how the preparations were going.

"Busy, frazzled, putting on two different shoes one morning." ~ Katara

Groups around Elanthia have been invited to sponsor events, or raffles to celebrate art, music, and prophecy, with a parade of floats to kick it all off. It sounded like a scheduling nightmare to me but Traiva's organisation skills are renowned for being second to none and she draws on the many strengths and experience of her colleagues.

"There's goin to be a coupla different areas there with stuff for folks as want to host events, like a storytellin circle, an' a little festive dancin area, and so on." ~ Seomanthe

The plan is to apparently set up "Party Central" around the old well in Landing for most of the festivities with the signature event being the Revelia Carnivale Concert. Performers of all types are invited to participate and the ladies wanted to emphasise that it will be different to Bardfest with the opportunity to include puppet shows, drama, and other artforms, with no judging restrictions.

See the included pamphlet for more information or for the signup sheet if you are interested in performing.

Topsy Turvy and Wizbanged Wozzers!

As well as the Concert, there will also be a big party. Or as Traiva liked to say, "-VERY- big" party. The Topsy Turvy Masque is an event House Paupers started at the 20th Bardfest, to celebrate Cholen and Bardfest and they are continuing the tradition.

"Cholen is known for cross-dressing, so we encourage people to celebrate!" ~ Traiva

"I dressed as a man to it...I had the best time." ~ Katara

The ladies shared a few highlights from last year to show our readers what fun can be had by all!

You see Seomanthe Bartley the Gallant. 
She appears to be a Human from Bourth. 
She is tall and has a delicately lithe build. She appears to be advanced in years. She has rich, pensive green-gold eyes and pallid, densely freckled ivory skin. She has plaited, white-tipped vibrant blue hair twisted into a crown overflowing with a riot of curls. She has tiny laugh lines radiating from the outer corners of her eyes. She has a grizzled fake fur beard. 
She has a small dark shard-shaped mark on her neck, an ornery orange pixie tattoo on her ankle, and a tattoo of a fan of brilliant white hawk feathers behind her right ear. 
She is wearing a tall navy blue silk hat, a gold-striped peacock blue frock coat with wide lapels, a square-cut linen shirt with a pleated front bib, pair of navy blue linen trousers with crisp front pleats, and a pair of dark blue leather shoes.

You see Richaard Zephyr.
He appears to be a Human from Selanthia.
He is taller than average and has a strong, robust physique.  He appears to have come of age.  He has a shimmer of errisian green on his eyelids, beautifully urglaes black-outlined piercing pale brown eyes, rose quartz cheeks, glossy claret full lips, and smoothly tanned skin.  He has flamboyant, lustrous pale jade hair elaborately curled and pinned up in three tiers.  He has a light hint of facial hair growing on his face that is well groomed.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a black and green masquerade mask adorned with raven feathers, a rose-inlaid ruby heart medallion, a pure silver Aspis pin, a delicate pewter barrette, a strapless gown of iridescent green-black raven feathers, a green silk purse, a rolaren-clasped bag, a felt-lined narrow gem bag, a pair of black rose lace stockings, and some onyx-trimmed green velvet slippers.

You see Akenna Laeraun the Mage.
She appears to be a Half-Elf.
She is of a slight height, has a balletic body, and has honey-freckled, creamy white skin.  She has long, deep sienna hair plaited into a simple braid and secured with a leather hair tie.
Her face is completely obscured by a red-dappled grey fox mask.
She has rings of cobalt and aquamarine sigils inked on her left palm.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a layered grey matte silk cravat, a flare-tailed grey suede jacket with a blackened red dog rose on the lapel, a hip-length storm grey vest over a crimson satin shirt, a pair of brass-fastened crimson wool breeches, and a pair of grey brushed suede boots.

You see Lord Kothos Blud the Brother.
He appears to be a Half-Elf.
He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered slender frame.  He appears to be in the spring of life.  He has copper-ringed seaglass green eyes and soft, creamy white skin.  He has hip-length, cascading white blonde hair worn in a mass of unruly curls.  He has a deep bronze-scaled serpent's head mask with slanted eyes fully covering his face and a broad chest.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a dark blackish-purple mournbloom tucked behind one ear, an elaborate multi-tiered necklace of purple thunderstone beads, a billowing violet-black gown skirted in deeply-pleated drapes of variegated indigo, some pale silk stockings wrapped in black velvet vines under some bronze silk pointy-toed slippers inset with onyx thorns.

All this talk of the Topsy Turvy Masque reminded Seomanthe about one of its highlights, which involves handing out woven items to the attendees or, as she delightedly refers to it, "wizbanged wozzers." You'll have to come along to find out what THAT's all about.

Carnivale Costumery and the Marvellous Muses

As well as the amazing display of outfits seen during the Topsy Turvy Masque, the other main fashion event on the calendar (as Fashion! 5121) will be a showcase of carnival costumery and an auction of five muse-themed outfits* designed and created by The Looking Glass. Everyone is invited to participate in the showcase and entries will be judged on interpretation and presentation of the chosen theme. There will be prizes for all entrants and the overall winner will be presented with the coveted Chalat Award.

• Costumes presented may be subject to slight changes and the names have been altered for the purposes of presentation.

You see Prophecy He appears to be a Dark Elf. He is very tall. He appears to be very young. He has hooded stormy grey eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, loose jet black hair streaked with silver. He has a narrow face, a classical nose and angular pointed ears. He is holding a deck of silver-edged cards in his right hand. He is wearing a beige-swept owl feather quill tucked behind one ear, a featureless mask framed by a fan of sepia tarot cards, a side-buckled black leather waistcoat over a slightly creased off-white linen shirt tied at the wrists, a soot black nubuck leather folio, some distressed smoke black leather pants, and a pair of black leather boots trimmed with silver bars.

You see Temptation She appears to be a Half-Elf. She is average height. She appears to be very young. She has sparkling amber eyes and ivory skin. She has waist length, tousled golden blonde hair. She has a generous mouth. She is holding a gently rounded maple lute with ebony rib spacers in her right hand. She is wearing a four-legged zoetic quill with a gold rachis and crimson vane, a dramatically flared coat formed from patches of crimson and marigold silk, an off-the-shoulder cream silk blouse, a layered orange and red silk kerchief skirt draped with golden bells, and some cream gold-shot silk dancing shoes.

You see Trouble He appears to be a Human. He is taller than average. He appears to be very young. He has wide-set golden eyes and tanned skin. He has short, unruly dark brown hair. He has a clean-shaven face, a classical nose and broad shoulders. He has an elongated gold clef symbol in his left ear. He is holding a harlequin glass juggling ball in his right hand. He is wearing a gold-lapelled crimson velour longcoat, an ivory white cambric poet's shirt with pin-tucked gathered sleeves, a wide metal band, a pair of crimson and ivory satin harlequin pants, and some matte black leather boots with curling toes.

You see Cavort She appears to be a Loenthra Elf. She is tall. She appears to be very young. She has almond-shaped blue eyes and alabaster skin. She has very long, flowing golden hair woven into a simple braid that is tied in place by a teal blue silk ribbon. She has a small nose and narrow pointed ears. She is holding a glass-fronted oak music box in her right hand. She is wearing a deeply hooded velveteen cloak colored a rich shadowy cobalt blue, a diaphanous teal silk saephua edged in copper fringe, a silver-edged jade green silk scarf, a bell-hemmed teal silk skirt, and some cobalt velvet dancing slippers beaded with jade coils.

You see Anonymity She appears to be a Human. She is average height. She appears to be very young. She has almond-shaped green eyes and golden brown skin. She has chin length, straight chestnut hair brushed smooth behind a white porcelain theatrical mask headpiece set low over the face. She has a heart-shaped face and a generous mouth. She is holding a gilt-dotted thin ebonwood baton in her right hand. She is wearing a high-collared jet black dupioni silk coat tailored with a dramatic flare, some short ecru lace gloves tied at the wrists with silken black bows, a halter-necked gown of ivory white silk printed with note-filled musical staves, a pair of black dupioni silk ruched-toe slippers.

Life is a Carnival - Creating a Carnivale Costume

In its broadest sense, carnival refers to a pageant, festival, or celebration and it can vary in content, form, and significance from one culture to another. But in Elanthia, "carnivale" refers specifically to the period of feasting and revelry during the month of Koaratos.

The story goes that it began in Revelia, and was brought to Elanthia by the three Arkati: Cholen, Jastev and Tilamaire. The Revelia Carnivale largely draws on the depictions of the nine muses representing these three Arkati but it has also been influenced by many of the known cultures around the world with contributions such as the Shi'hadara, or erithi theatre mask, body modifications or tattoos (albeit temporary in colored paint) as done in the homeland of the Tehir, or the highly ornamental wing decorations adopted by the Aelotoi. These are just a few examples!

Each group contribute significantly to the repertoire of carnival dress, while at the same time borrowing elements from one another. For instance, even though the emphasis on feathers in some masquerades has elven precedents, influences from imperial costumes are apparent as well with elaborate headdresses, along with the addition of rare but beautiful gems from around the world such as the saewehna and agates.

As well as parties and balls, a typical carnival includes a public procession of musicians, lavishly attired dancers and colorful masquerades, all transported on decorated floats. The costumes often combine assorted materials - fabrics, beads, feathers, ribbons, shells with accompanying clamour from horns, sparklers and confetti; all aimed at creating a dazzling spectacle.

The key is not to limit yourself – be creative, be flamboyant, be whatever you wish to be. The Revelia Carnivale festivities will last five days with many opportunities for you to enjoy and explore the life of carnival – whether that’s through performance or fashion – or both!

"Life is a carnival.  There will be crazy people and people will watch you fail.  You've just got to live your life like it's a show and send those people home with something to talk about!