The Night of Four Houses at #HESBall18

Story

Every 400 years, the Hand Eye Society’s four ancient Houses compete for a chance to curry favour with the mysterious powers of an eldritch artifact: The Instrument. Said to be able to grant wishes and wealth beyond reckoning, the spirit that dwells within is capable of great feats, but at a price… “Feed me, and you shall be rewarded.”

During the Night of Four Houses, players acquire points in the form of playing cards, while the House Champions engage in hourly duels for the rapt attention of the audience. Known to its initiates only as The Game, this arcane system has been the arbiter of power for millennia, as the inner factions of the Hand Eye Society vie for control over the secret levers of the world.

This weekend, The Instrument beckons you to discover its secrets. Play games, cheer on your Champion, and bring glory to your House. Will the song you hear be one of triumph or defeat?

Rules

Know Thy House

Receive your colour-coded bow tie at the door.
The bow tie indicates your House and card suit.

Know Thy Score

Convert playing cards matching your House suit to points at The Instrument.
The number on the card equals the number of points.

Know Thy Quest

Gain cards by playing games at the Ball, bargaining and trading with other players, or by completing Quests.
Quests are given out randomly by Agents wearing white bow ties and shadowy hoods.

Champion’s Duel

Improv performances and dramatic intrigue by the House Champions will take place on the hour in the Sun Room.
Points may also be won or lost here, so audience participation — although optional — is highly encouraged!

☞◉❖

Remember: It’s All Made Up and the Points Don’t Matter!
Feel free to make up your own gameplay rules
as long as they don’t violate our Safer Spaces Policy
or interfere with the enjoyment of other guests.
You can opt out by removing your bow tie.

Characters

House Champions

Queen Amiga

Queen Amiga represents the longstanding House of Amiga, who believe above all in maintaining a deep understanding of tradition and history. Members of the House of Amiga know that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them in the future. The House of Amiga are praised for their meticulous historical knowledge, but criticized for clinging to outdated, nostalgic traditions.

Card and Colour: Red Diamond ♦

Lord Tudifore

The champion of the House of Tudifore, a fantastical group of knights, rogues, witches and wizards. The House of Tudifore are a group of valiant heroes who have battled countless foes to preserve the peace and sanctity of the Hand Eye Society. Brave as they are, the House of Tudifore has been known to act quite recklessly, often throwing caution to the wind in the pursuit of their goals.

Card and Colour: Yellow Spade ♠

Lady Moonblossom

A Magical Girl whose charisma has allowed her a huge following in the House of Moonblossom. This House believes that friendship is a force that can move mountains, and the Hand Eye Society would be lost without their sense of loyalty and community. The House of Moonblossom sometimes struggles in helping everyone they meet, but that doesn’t mean they’ll ever stop trying.

Card and Colour: Blue Heart ♥

King Vivicus

Some say King Vivicus and his House are the most powerful in the Hand Eye Society, because their capacity for interdimensional travel grants them vast knowledge on all realms real and virtual. As capable as the House of Vivicus might be, their numbers are spread thin through the multiverse, and their arrogant attitudes sometimes make it difficult for them to work together.

Card and Colour: Green Club ♣

NPCs

The Agents

The Agents are neutral entities who help oversee the event, provide advice or assistance to Players, and add a colour commentary explaining the goings on of the Ball. You will know them by their colourless bow tie and mysterious demeanour.

Xen: Cardinal Fates

Appearing every 400 years as The Instrument does, Xen is the mediator of all disputes. There is a ritual called Cardinal Fates which he oversees, said to foretell the evening’s winner.

Credits

Project Lead

Alenn Predko

Tech

Lindy Wilkins

Nadine Lessio

Kit Burnham

Jane Hacker

Design and Narrative

Jesse Gazic

Jillian Wakarchuk

Jord Farrell

Sagan Yee