You had no idea! Nancy is possibly the most famous entertainer in Crystania. The Gearwork Goose has even been allowed to have individual cryslights. It's impossible to get in to see her without a ticket, and they're sold out months in advance, especially on the monthly nights dedicated exclusively to her all-male fan club, the Nancy Boys.

Hmmm, you have the pass, but no females admitted? Well, that's just wrong, but it is what it is. Fortunately, the concierge gave you a heads-up on your attire and you have a pass that admits up to six. You've filled in the other half of your team on both the ball and Tanaka's news, so you're all spiffed up in your best male disguises tonight and heading out for the underground steamcars and the route to the Goose.

It just never goes easily for adventurers, though, does it? All of Crystania is on high alert with the dedication and wedding tomorrow, and guards are everywhere to inspect the crowds. With Nancy's popularity, you'll be fine dressed as you are for the theatre, but first you have to get past a heavily armed and very dedicated rabbit patrolling the steamcar gates. It appears a special pass is needed for the routes tonight, and you don't have that. Evidently, neither Djoni nor Tanaka knew. Oh, bother!

There's a stack of barrels piled not far from the entrance, and you could make quite a diversion if you snuck over and rolled them off somehow. It could be one way, but it might also bring more guards than you want. Behind you, you hear the fake pirate talk of a group of motley musicians who look like a band. Surely you're fanboy enough to join them, and go through on the pass one of them is waving. All bands love fans. Still, dressed as pirates? That might cause a stir nearer to the Gearwork Goose.

Of course, there is the option of talking directly to the rabbit, and trying to negotiate. That would be simplest, but that rabbit does look deadly serious, and very officious, not to mention a bit worried.

Sugarcandy Mountaineers, Wicked Prancing Ponies, Silver Legends

You approach the imposing lapine and greet him.

"Pass, please," he intones, fairly bored by the request, but also very inflexible.

You explain that, in your excitement to actually see Nancy, you left it at your hotel. He regards you carefully, and notices that you're all properly dressed. You try to look as star-struck as possible.

"Very talented human," he allows, "very pretty from what I've been told. Her headfur is nice, I can see that. She doesn't beat Lapine Gearpuck for me, though."

Seizing the opening, you quickly ask about Lapine Gearpuck, and he explains what seems like a hockey game to you. His brow furrows as he does, though, and ask what's troubling him.

"Too many tourists right now," he explains, "and we have an exhibition game for the wedding reception. The whole league is worried about the reptiles from the southern district. Those Clockigators can be deadly unless they're the ones who are supposed to be there as our guests. We just need a better way to differentiate."

You seize the opening and offer to help.

He considers, then gives what amounts to a rabbit grin. "Well, if you could, I'd be very grateful. Here's what we know:

"Now, what can you tell me about the clockigators so we can admit the right ones only? I'll overlook your forgotten pass for the help."

for your posting pleasure

Is this for everyone or...? :/ Because I'm only seeing 3 teams' names up there...

League of Whovians, Cosmic Moon, Raider's Folly, Wild Cards, Foggiest Notions, Mischievous Misfits, The Fellowship, Stone Cold Rogues, Fallen Angels, Starbound

It worked! You went right through and the group didn't even seem to mind you tagging along as fans. You're now stuffed beside them as their "groupies," and, like most bands you've known, they're very self-involved. They call themselves the Jive Five. What kind of a name is that when you're dressed like pirates?

Anyway, the conductor regards them with suspicion, and you even more, since you don't seem to have anything to say to support your claim to fandom. Maybe if you listened to their chatter. They're going on and one about their last "individual judging ratings," and arguing whether Captain LaFoof should continue to be the lead singer. Evidently, he is right now, but they have two tenors, one baritone, and one bass all ready to step in at a moment's notice. If you could figure out who sings what, and how they ranked individually, you could contribute something useful and look less likely to be grabbed by the conductor and questioned.

From the chatter you learn:

Okay, you now know enough, and you should be able to tell who sings exactly what part, how they ranked, and whether LaFoof is the best lead singer.

(OCC: This is the puzzle and HA part of this chapter block. Since you got a week's notice on the HAs, they should be posted the same time the puzzle are, but 11:59 Subeta time on July 28th. You should all be dressed in "steampunk male fanboy" attire, and carrying a flower for Nancy. One of you should have the dark rose. Please submit puzzle solutions to me. You may, regardless of option, submit for one check before final answer, and I will tell you if you are correct. Fairie hints lessen the bonus for those of you with the band. Good luck, brave souls.)

Go check out Lodge - I think I gots this already :)

Dear gods, this looks tough. Thinks a moment, and then grins Whee! I'm off to puzzle!

Do we have to figure out what part the Captain sings?

(OOC: Yes, but that is clearly stated as one of the clues.)

: Any chance that's Chase moonlighting as the freaky steampunk railroad 'copper'? If so then we could legitimately refer to him as a real 'dick.' ( bah-dum-pah! )

( Sorry, I have a real hate of Chase and recent events with him and RedCalypso have just reboiled my anger, so I thought I would make a funny to help me deal with it. )

Odd I didn't get a ping, but heads up guys on the next step!:)

(OOC: Yes,i'm here to help out.IDK where anyone else is though dear)

Hey it's no problem!:) I figured I'd ping the group now to get started since everything isn't due until Monday. I posted your saved HA there as well and another option for the background.

(OOC:ok cool,i agree with what you got on the forum too dear.What a very sttttaaaa-range little rabbit.LOL ) Oh good we got til monday anyway.:)

For solidarity, Reaper suggested everyone carry a rose, her using the dark one. Despite Raven, Paddy and Reaper trying to explain to Die that his "rose" was not actually a rose, Die replied, "if I'm bringing a flower then I'm bringing a damn flower. The mother of all flowers." He also suggested that there is a rose on somewhere not visible, but none of the girls were willing to check on that...

-pokes- One image tag is missing it's front thingy. Don't mind me - I'll be over here in the "already noticed it now shut your face Reaper" corner ❤️

no its not:P hehe not now any way

I amended my post haha :P Alright, I'm actually out this time - thanks for taking care of this stuff all the time ❤️

Adjutant Minchford J. Bigsby is no relation to Chase, but was appalled when I explained Chase's behavior. He has offered to aim a puck at him in gallant defense of .

Yes, Kitcher is not a boy, and one of our judges can't wait to see who actually did create a disguise in order to masquerade as a fanboy, and who conveniently had a sex change, which really isn't the task given. Right now, his money's on auto-changing the base. :D

The Whovians bring flowers for Nancy -

: Kitchie was 'forced' by the situation to apply some judiciously-placed gaffer's tape ( duct tape ). Donner took pleasure in applying the tape, but later regretted his participation as his mates mood worsened throughout the procedure. You will have to wait to see what Donner is currently wearing...but they are a 'matched set.'

so are we not supposed to change the HA base to male for this? Will points be deducted if we do? Or is it more of a "do the best job possible to disguise the fact that you have boobs" task where bonus points will be awarded to those who don't change the HA base? And if we do a really super job of it...how will the judges even know which base is used?