Would you like to win a double pass to The Goblin Ball 2015 and two decks of Tarot Cards featuring your own design, presented in limited edition collector boxes? 

Total Prize value $320

Dark Realm Events is looking for the next Goblin Artist to help design the official Goblin Ball Tarot Cards. These tarot cards will be sold at events hosted by Dark Realm. Dark realm is a company that prides itself on creating evenings of mythological and mystical immersion and this is your chance to become part of the magic.

The Goblin Ball Tarot Design Competition is open to all fantasy artists and enthusiasts alike. See the below guidelines to enter and if you have any questions we will use them to create a FAQ section below.

Submit your designs after reading the details below to AskUs@TheGoblinBall.com

1. We are looking for a design that incorporates the four elemental kingdoms of The Goblin Ball 2013 - 2016. This includes The Ice Kingdom, Ember Rule, Terra Bayou and Starlantis.
   
2. Full color entries only please however work in progress or detailed sketches are accepted. Completed artwork will need to be submitted for final judging.
   
3. Information of the four realms can be found here.
   
4. Artists designs can be in the format of illustration, painting, portraiture or photography. Any visual art medium is acceptable. Get creative!
   
5. The design should leave space for The Goblin Ball logo to be added. See below for the placeholder logo. Feel free to add it into your design.
   
6. High resolution files only as all details of the artwork may appear on the card face
   
7. Your artwork should be able to be resized to fit the size of 70mm x 121mm (or 2.75" x 4.75” when printing)
   

The Tarot Suit
The Tarot suit that the cards will be used for is the Rider Waite suit. More details about the history of the Rider Waite Tarot here.

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

The most exciting sale is here!!

Get in fast to get 2 high resolution digital images from the fabulous Goblin Ball for the PRICE OF ONE! 
MADNESS!!
But get in quick, sale ends on the 19th!

Just head to this link: 
http://www.ellenduffy.com/p951120886
Select which photos you want, and select package 
‘Buy One Get One FREE’!

Support your local artists! All proceeds going to Ellen Duffy finally having an photography exhibition at the end of the year, huzzah!


Remember by purchasing photo's of your Goblin Ball experience also helps The Goblin Ball with enticing photographers the calibre of Ellen Duffy back to the next event! We can't wait to bring her back next year!


Click the photo below to take advantage of this phenomenal deal!

The Goblin Ball is brought to life in the imagination of our guests. With the calibre of artists who attend The Goblin Ball (come on! You are ALL artists! Look at your outrageous costumes!) we are always surprised and honored to have people who are willing to play!

From amazing art, to short stories we are always excited and honored to be the recipient of such wonderful creations! The Ice Guardian (played by the menacing, yet calm Charley Noates) has sent us an account of what happened when he returned to The Ice Kingdom.

The Ice Guardian spent the evening bestowing passive aggressive offerings of Chili Chocolate to our Fire Gods. Did you know chocolate cancels out the burning fire of chili. Extremely thoughtful yet disturbing and completely appropriate.

Here is his account of what happened to the Ice Guardian following The Goblin Ball.

The Snow Guardian took a deep breath as he entered the Ice Palace. While he always strove to maintain a calm and detached demeanor the recent trip to the Ember Rule had taxed his endurance. Returning to his birthplace of ice and snow restored his strength and calmed his thoughts.

Nodding curtly to the palace guards as he walked, he thought over the recent events. The escape of Princess Pintina from the Ice Kingdom, her theft of the Snow Apples and her defection to the Ember Rule. It was with these matters in mind that he strode towards the quarters of his ruler and creator, the Ice Queen herself.

As he entered she was seated upon a chair that could almost be a throne unto itself, wide and high-backed, crafted from purest diamond ice and softest snowsilks, turning over what appeared to be a sky blue rose in her hands . Her gaze looked him over and, as ever, he felt the full force of her assessment fall upon him. He closed the doors behind him before he approached and knelt in respect and reverence. 

"My Snow Guardian," she said, her voice soft yet chilling at the same time, "my keeper of secrets and whisperer of honeyed words. You have returned from the Ember rule, from the care of my warm sister unharmed." She paused as she looked him over, her eyes catching momentarily on his hands, still mildly misshapen from where the Fire God had gripped them. "Mostly unharmed, it seems." Her eyes grew harsh again and her lips pursed. "But I did not summon you. Why have you come before me?"

The Snow Guardian took a breath. He knew that he was about to tread on dangerously thin ice, and to speak poorly would result in nothing less than his very literal destruction. "Majesty, I have served as your loyal subject for many centuries now, and been your eyes and ears among the last two Goblin Balls. It is for this reason I need to ask you a question, simple in its asking but terrible in its implications."

"As you know," he began, "when Princess Pintina escaped from the custody of our kingdom she took with her Snow Apples stolen from your own garden. These apples are an incredible source of Ice Kingdom magical power, and our kingdom is lessened by their loss."

He saw her eyes narrow upon him, but carried on, knowing he was already past the point of no return. "And while at the Ball in the Ember Rule I witnessed the same Princess, now turned to the energies of fire instead of frost, steal the Heart of the Fire God."

"Many would think that Pintina is opportunistic, seeking to move from Kingdom to Kingdom until she finds a place of sufficient power or opulence. Some would assume that Pintina is working to usurp the powers of the various Kingdoms, that she first stole Snow Apples and then the Heart, and next would seek to steal the items of power from Terra Bayou and Starlantis. "

He raised an eyebrow and continued to speak carefully. "But I have considered a third option. That these actions are the results of a higher plan. A plan that, like the mind which conceived it, is cold, calculating and ruthless. A plan that moves with the patience and unstoppable certainty of a glacier."

The Snow Guardian stood and looked his queen directly in her eyes. "Majesty, my question is this: Is Pintina actually still loyal to you, and working under your instructions to steal the items of power from the other realms?"

One would not think it possible for the air in an Ice Palace to grow cold....

The Goblin Ball 2014. What can we say? So many astonishing guests and so many amazing adventures were had on the evening of the 14th of July 2014. The realm of Ember Rule was a far cry from the Ice Kingdom and everything was so different. We offer a reflection on our past and give hint to the future of THe Goblin Ball in 2015.
Photos in this post are on behalf of Ellen Duffy Photography who provided the photoshoot for the evening! Be sure to check your shots here!

The Goblin Ball: Ember Rule was phenomenal all thanks to our guests and the artists involved. Lizzie Sharp provided the makeup crew who created the creatures who inhabited the event and the photographers made all of our guests feel special.

Guests were welcomed to a Goblin Marketplace that had several amazing artisan stalls including Nightshade FX and Roseberry bay soaps.

Pintina arrived, forcefully returned to face a family of Gods who were quick to forgive. Guests were invited to choose her fate - Bless or Damn. In the end Pintina was presented at the end of the Walk of The Gods and Blessed with Demi Goddess status.

Through the evening Animata String Quartet played renditions of songs from Game of Thrones to Labyrinth allowing our guests to be immersed in the romance of the evening. Lamplight Circus and Lee from Melbourne Magic festival provided the wandering entertainment  and Shimmy Bliss once again proved hypnotic. Omega kept the Gods inferno pumping with song requests in a red lit room of DOOM!

The Quests were more popular than we had intended with over 200 quests being completed before 10pm. Next year we will grow this side of our guest experience and maybe making things a little harder and more immersive!

By the end of the evening as guests had grown weary of photoshoots and adventures we closed the doors at 12. Pintina had double crossed Ember Rule by stealing the heart of the God and left  a clue beckoning us to follow her to Terra Bayou.

Next years adventures will surely be interesting as we explore The Power of Voodoo!

Just Who were these Ringmasters who ran around the venue?
You may have seen the 5 Ringmasters running around the venue and sometimes talked to a few. But what were their roles on the evening?
The Ringmasters are actually the production crew who have been working hard (sometimes up to a full 12 months before) to make sure the event runs as best as it can.
The story line of the Ringmasters isn't something that was accidental. The Ringmasters are here by appointment of Jaggies - a mysterious figure who may be revealed in an event or two - but all you need to do is remember to seek them for help and fun on the evening.
The Ringmasters were all amazed by everyones efforts on the evening and we can't wait to see you again next year!

Pintina
Congratulations, thanks to our guests Pintina survived another Goblin Ball. Last year the brat Princess schemed and harassed our guests to make sure they felt uncomfortable. This year with the possibility of being granted Demigoddess status, Pintina grew up a little and with some handy positive PA from the Acolytes from the realm of Ember Rule Pintina reached that goal - only to double cross Ember Rule at the final moment replacing the Gods heart with a Voodoo doll. This could only mean we must follow her to Ember Rule and experience the Power of Voodoo in 2015!


The Acolytes
Our VERY valuable volunteers for the evening were wonderful in supplying help to the guests who were a little lost to find their way! Even the Guards of Ember Rule who provided Fire twirling and Belly dancing made quite the impression. Next year who can we expect to help our guests through Terra Bayou?

The Quest Masters worked tirelessly at taking our guests on adventures and making sure their motives where known.

Hasina made sure her love of Pintina won over the crowd and successfully won over the hearts of the guests.  Would the fact that Pintina double crossed Ember Rule sway her devotion?

Amak from The Ice Kingdom was unsuccessful and grew in anger toward Ember Rule. We wonder if he will attempt to travel to Terra Bayou to gain revenge. 

Bodhisattva was key in gathering guests runes to expose the future and she was able to use this information to expose that Maude was intending to steal the Gods heart - but did she know more than what she was letting on?

Maude - framed or foe? Next year as we travel to Terra Bayou we may see more of what he was attempting to do with the God's heart.

Paiva the Fire Goddess was awaiting the return of not only her God but also of Pintina. When Ebon came with the promise of forgiveness the were able to accept Pintina into her rightful place of Demi Goddess. 
Do they have forgiveness in their heart (the one left between them) to see past Pintina's shortcomings to allow her to reclaim her place in the family at a later stage or has Pintina escaped with the blessings, and the heart?

The Walk of the Gods at 10pm was amazing! There were so many fantastic costumes however Tracy and David (who came as a tree!) were the ones who the Gods bestowed the Title of Gods Honored. They took home a skull from Nightshade FX and double passes to next years trip to Terra Bayou. (Photos of the Tree Sentinel to come!)

So where do we go from here?

Terra Bayou is a world of New Orleans inspired Voodoo where we can be sure to see our Demigoddess Pintina explore and attempt to complete her next ulterior motive, but what could it possibly be?

Next year we bring an authentic New Orleans flavor to the Goblin Ball that includes Voodoo, southern charm and a little touch of death. Lets just say it won't be such a walk in Ember Rule for our dear Pintina. The Swampland of Terra Bayou awaits. Will you be invited to walk the Grand Mardi Gras for the Barons of Terra Bayou?

For updates and news be sure to follow The Goblin Ball on facebook and join The Power of Voodoo event!

We love feedback and it's all been wonderful however if you would like to give inclusions for next year feel free to submit them at The Goblin Ball page and we will do our best to consider your requests.

The Goblin Marketplace is a space for many collectables and trinkets to grab at a special price. We have some amazing Goblin remains from Nightshade FX and some curios that you can only purchase on the night.

We also have vendors who are looking to share their wicked wares and maybe have you leave with a luxury item or two.

We caught up with Mary from Roseberry Bay soaps and asked her a few questions about what makes her magical trinkets so attractive! At a price range starting from $5 there is always the possibility you can leave with a trinket from the market.

How long have you been making soaps and why did you start?

I started making soaps about 5 years ago. I had always seen these beautiful creations at markets and only ever bought handcrafted soaps as I thought they were better than those that you could buy at the supermarket. One day I decided that, as I was creative and loved a challenge, I would give making my own soaps a go - and then I was hooked! I love the fact that I can say what ingredients go into each soap, that I can dictate how they look and how they smell.

Why did you decide to travel all the way to The Goblin Ball to sell your wares?

I decided to try my wares at the Goblin Ball as it seemed to me to be a unique marketplace which will be filled with creative and enthusiastic people. People who will understand my creative processes and appreciate the hard work and soul that goes into each soap I make.

Your soaps and lotions have an amazing blend of ingredients. What goes into such a delightful potion?

Any good soap should have a mix of good quality oils and butters. I don't use Palm Oil in any of my soaps as I care for the world I live in and don't think that it is a necessity. The majority of commercial soaps aren't in fact soaps at all! They, like shower gels, are detergents ... full of harsh chemicals and artificial components that aren't good for the environment or for our skins. I believe that we should only use the purest of ingredients on our largest organ (our skin) so most of my soaps are made using Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Cocoa, Shea or Macadamia Nut Butter. I also always add either fresh goats milk or coconut cream for luscious creamy lather.

You have such a large collection of magical soaps and goods, what is your favourite delight and what makes you inspired?

My absolute favourite soap for the Goblin Market is the Ember Rule soap. This is fragranced with Sweet Orange and Chilli Pepper fragrance oil which has a sweet and spicy bite which, to me encapsulates the two sides of the Goblin Realm. I also love the colours - yellow, orange, black and white to me speak of flames and heat.

The Goblin Ball is a weird and wonderful event with so many amazing guests. What are you looking forward to on the eve of The Goblin Ball?

The thing I am looking forward to most of all on the night, is seeing everyone in their amazing costumes. I was supposed to attend last year but had to pull out at the last moment as I was ill. The photos I've seen of the night drove home to me the dedication and passion that those attending have - and I'm excited to see everyone in the flesh.

At The Goblin Ball some of our guests have decided they will be playing characters for the evening. This helps add to the magical nature of the evening and if you would like to do the same, feel free to imagine your own character. This is an amazing way to interact with other guests and also can help create memorable moments not only for yourself but also for other guests. If you would like to see how to prepare for the ball you can click here for more inspiration.

Darko the Ringmaster decided to catch up with one of the Guests Queen Thela of Selene to explore what her character was doing at The Goblin Ball and what other guests could expect when interacting with her on the evening.

Thank you for agreeing to answer some questions Queen Theia of Selene. Maybe you could begin by telling us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

It’s a pleasure to make time for the Ringmaster of the Goblin Ball. I am Queen of the Moon and Regent of the night sky. I obtained my titles an era ago after a war I waged against the God of Darkness whom, at that time, ruled over the night. I sacrificed the bulk of my powers in order to create the moon, illuminate the night sky and defeat him. I have watched over the darkness as his predecessor ever since. 

My kingdom, Selene, is situated on the dark side of the Moon and as such exists in an eternal night. Any citizen here will tell you the light side of the Moon is forbidden by our oldest and strictest laws. Selene is a place of old magic, from the days before magic had color or law. We don’t abide by the commonly accepted social definitions of right and wrong and it often shocks people to learn we allow the use of most forbidden magic here. 

We believe the intent not the medium of application is what is important. I’ve seen white magic used for great evil in my time, and black magic used to for a greater good. Everyone here has sworn fidelity in exchange for the ability to be who they really are in freedom. Some are admittedly monsters, but there are advantages to having monsters in our ranks. This makes us formidable. As we need to be, to keep the real horrors of the night in check.

At the Goblin Ball this year we expect to see many royals from all corners of The Goblin Realm. What brings you to The Goblin Ball?

Circumstances have forced my hand. There is trouble on Selene. We have tried to keep the situation contained, but the Moon is falling out of balance and I’m afraid the effects are beginning to be bleed over into other realms. Reports from my informants in Terra Bayou are particularly troubling. The sun that shines over their realm is dimming and that does not bode well. There is a reason why our creed is “Night falls over all kingdoms.”

Selene is not the only kingdom thrown out of balance. The Ice Apples are stolen, the Ice Kingdom is powerless, the Fire God is dead. I have been absent from court for over 100 years, but I cannot ignore the death of a God. Not when the last person to murder one was me.

I’m attending to reestablish my presence in these matters, to form alliances and gather information. I have a very particular purpose for attending the ball and I’m determined to obtain my objective. Everything depends on it and time is running out.

You have decided to to attend with other cohorts, who are they?

I think you will agree Ringmaster, protection for divinities and royalties alike at this event is paramount. Even though the Goblin Ball falls shortly after the full moon, when my powers are strongest, I am taking no chances. So far attending with me is the Commander of my Queensguard, Fenrir, and several representatives from the Order of the Dark Moon, which comprises of the most powerful magic-users in Selene: Scylla, the head sorceress of the order, Evienne Stormwalker and a trainee Lucille who has recently come to us from the Ice Kingdom. 
She made a personal request of me to permit her attend as part of the escort, which I permitted. I can understand and certainly reciprocate her desire to find out the truth of what happened in the Ice Kingdom. Other citizens of Selene and members of the Lunar Court are sure to attend, and we have operatives working to ensure our objectives from their respective factions. 
I am, of course, interested in receiving communication from other dignitaries before the night of the ball. I’m more than certain we are not the only one attending with our own agenda and I’m sure some of them would align with other’s.

As you are probably aware, last year there was a murder most foul and this year Princess Pintina is being brought to face the Fire Kingdom. Do you think you will help her profess her innocence or will you make sure she pays for her crime?

Her guilt or innocence... Hm. I suspect there is more to the story than that, but I can’t afford to devote my support and resources on the night purely to uncovering the truth of whether or not she is guilty or innocent in all senses of the word. My objective will be preventing her from becoming Demigoddess at any cost, and I will support any objective that supports that outcome. 

Put aside for a moment the murder of the Fire God, put aside the theft of the Ice Apples then what is left is the Princess herself. If her disposition is cruel then I will find a way to deny her divinity. 

Simple. I have more experience than most with cruel Gods. I also have other matters to investigate. How exactly a mortal Princess managed to murder a supposedly immortal God would be the most immediately pressing. If a God can be killed, what makes a God or Goddess in the first place? What is divinity? What bigger plot seems to be afoot here? How far are the troubles on Selene involved? This are the questions that trouble me, Ringmaster.

Is there anything you would like to tell the other guests about your attendance and what they can expect if they encounter you on the night?

We are happy to lend assistance to the objectives of others on the night in exchange for support and information for our own objectives. Other guests may hear rumors about why the light side of the moon is forbidden, a folklore about a 'monster' that lives there. The terrible things that happen on Selene during a New Moon and on Eclipses. 

The horrific deaths and the fact that the Queen doesn't age. Remember everything is connected and nothing is as it seems.

There you have it! Some interesting dynamics for the evening and Queen Thelia has learnt the mythology of The Goblin Ball! We can't wait to play with you all!

Tickets are selling fast so make sure to book yours ASAP!

The Melbourne Sword and Spear Association (MSSA) is a Melbourne based Western Martial Arts organization. The MSSA train with a wide range of tools, from spear to sword, dagger and shield, axe and even dual wield. 

Not teaching any specific style, or fighting according to any one particular Master, they use the old text in conjunction with modern knowledge to help optimize weapon use. MSSA currently meet at the 17th Essendon Scout hall every Saturday at 6 pm. 

The MSSA have members performing the role of Guards for the world of Ember Rule who will be more than willing to partake in the sharing of secrets of swordplay on the eve of The Goblin Ball. We caught up with Gypsy Taylor to answer a few questions on Sword play and what makes it so much fun!

So what can we expect from a gathering of Melbourne Sword and Spear Association?

On any given training night, we do a short series of warm ups, some skills development with a different core focus each time, and we usually have time set aside for some partnered sparring.

What is your best advice for someone looking to get involved in learning the basics?

Quite simply come along and get involved. We don't expect anyone to know what their all-time favourite weapon is going to be at their first session. New students will spend some one-on-one time with one of our veteran students or a training officer to help them learn the basics and after a while, to help guide them to which ever style they like.

How much could I expect to invest in such an amazing hobby?

There is a basic annual fee of $30 which covers insurance and a weapons exemption for anyone who is looking at owning their own. For anyone looking to go up against another member of the group, say in a sparring match or a tournament, we do have basic requirements for armor, but there are multiple places that these can be sourced from so the cost of that can be kept as low as the student needs. Weapons and additional armor are completely up to the student. And for the real beginners, we have some basic share equipment, so no fear of missing out on any fun!

What is your personal favorite weapon?

My personal favourite is the cutlass or sabre. I have a soft spot for pirates, it's true, but I also love how light and quick they are compared to some of the heavier blades, and the fact that they are wielded with a single hand give me freedom to have an of-hand weapon like a dagger, or to have a shield as well.

Private lessons are also being given by trained officers. Your first session of the year is free! If you are interested in coming along to one of their sessions, or want to know more, find them on their web page, FaceBook or contact Justin the President on 0424 495 966

Q. I have replica weaponry / melee items. Is this okay?
Yes. As long as you don't draw your sword to another guest. Ornamental weaponry is allowed and encouraged.

Q. ARMOUR! I must protect myself from dragons and rogues! Can I bring my own sword too?
The short answer to armour and weaponry is yes however you must keep all weapons sheathed at all times. The Goblin Ball is a place to match wits not swords. Those found duelling will be dealt with accordingly.

This year we have a HUGE army of photographers at The Goblin Ball. 
Snapping guests are the likes of Matt from PMD studios, Kavita from Kapana photography, FreshPhotography and even GoreJess photography will be making an appearance. Ellen Duffy is not forgotten and has an amazing portfolio that even YOU could be added to!

Ellen Duffy is managing the photo shoot (photobooth) area in The Goblin Marketplace this year and making sure to capture people in their finery. She will also be wandering the event looking for some interesting characters to capture.

We thought we would catch up with Ellen Duffy from Ellen Duffy photography to work out how you can get the best photo from The Goblin Ball as a guest.

What so far has been your favorite event to photograph and what made it so exciting?

The most exciting that springs to mind would be the All Hallows Eve party in October last year, I’d never met more inspiring and creative people in Australia before that night. I started the night not knowing anyone and shyly bringing out my camera, then after a fantastic conversation with a white ice queen (who happened to be the organiser’s mother) following a glass of wine, I couldn’t put my camera down. I’d finally found a group of people that instead of having to disguise my weirdness, they embraced me the more strange I became! Every photo from that night popped for the crowd was as vibrantly electric and sparkly on the outside as they were on the inside. I follow them everywhere with my camera now!

You have an astounding studio portfolio too. Do you think this helps your event style in bringing an additional creativity?

I was trained in studio portraiture and weddings by two completely contrasting photographers which was an accidently fantastic happenstance and allowed me to one week focus on how to control every aspect of the light in a studio, to very quickly know how to set up a shot using one light during a wedding out on location, and having this balance in my photography is so important. I definitely prefer event photography to studio for I’m consistently excited by the challenge of each day- you never know what the lighting will be, how the patrons will accept you being there, what backgrounds you have to work with, etc. If anything I feel that my event work has helped me in the studio, for I have a lot less to worry about in the studio. It’s rather freeing being a control freak in a studio, then having the universe control you when you’re on location.  

If I saw you at the goblin ball, what should I do? Should I say hello or should I give you some crazy ideas?

Firstly, ALWAYS say hello. Even if you were a stranger I’d most likely say hello back then give you a cuddle (I feel people should hug first, talk later).  I’m very much always up for hearing crazy ideas but I come with a brain bursting full of them as well- with our powers combined we will create AWESOME!! Want me to photograph you hanging upside down whilst blowing bubbles out of the long pipe? I’m your girl. Want to interpretive dance with your friends and have me document it whilst I’m lying on the ground? Done. Never done acro yoga and want to give a go with your friends because you’ve had couple of drinks and you think the time is right? I’ll be there. Then I’ll photograph you falling over because that always entertains me.  

As a guest, what tips can you give me to be a good event model for the photographers on the evening?

Already as you’ve arrived you look SENSATIONAL and you’re picked what character you’d like to be for the evening, so EMBRACE IT! Always think, what would your character do? You in no way have to stand there with good posture and smile sweetly for the camera. Believe me, the more you let go and have a ball (see what I did there?) and stop caring about what anyone else thinks, the more fun you’ll have. If you’re not in the mood for a photo, feel free to tell me to leave in your fabulous character voice, and I will bow low and exit appropriately. But really, it was your fault for looking so good it made me want to stalk you with my camera.

What are you looking forward to most at the goblin ball?

I’m looking forward to seeing some of my cos play friends looking sensational, to helping people get out of their shell’s and have a laugh with me and my baby (my camera), to putting the camera down at some point and having a good dance (apparently my dance style looks like 1930’s crossed with old man dancing crossed with a minor fit), and to do my very best at creating some fabulous memories for you to look back when you’re old and showing your grandkids photos of how super cool you used to be.

We found this video while creeping through the underground. Let's see what they have to say. At The Goblin Ball we don't actually agree with this video. It's actually not that accurate but as Labyrinth enthusiasts go it misses a lot of the thoughts we know to make sense.

Firstly it covers the movie in over 8 minutes but you know - whatever gets you to chilly down.

Guests of The Goblin Ball are a special breed of creature. To help in making the evening magical some choose to come as their own characters adding an additional magic for those who come to party!

The Goblin Ball Characters Players event page has been created to help those who wish to play out a character for the evening find each other and plot an adventure. We have put together a quick reference for those who wish to know what story will be played out on the main stage for the evening and the chance to do your own creative work with your creature creation.

The Goblin Ball is a unique fantasy event in the way that it has its own mythology. The Goblin Realm includes four main realms that represent the four main elements. 

The Ice Kingdom, a land of frozen water from the heart of a cold cruel witch. Ember Rule is fueled from fire of the passionate love provided by a loving family who yearn for a reunion with their missing daughter. There amongst a world of Voodoo exists Terra Bayou, the swamps of an earth realm slowly dying but ruled by the Barons of the clay and plant. Above the tangible worlds floats the world of Starlantis, inhabited by psychics that drift in the ether.

In the earth year of 2013 The Goblin Ball was hosted in the Ice Kingdom to the bemusement of the creatures within. Known to the hosts of The Goblin Ball and under the instruction of the mysterious Jaggies, the Ring Masters busied themselves creating a distraction of grandeur. A murder had taken place the evening before in the Queens Garden. A body lay bare and the guests busied themselves helping to uncover the true perpetrator. 

As the evening drew to a close the guests grew wise and due to her repulsive countenance the Ice Princess Pintina was rightly arrested for her vile crime. 

Hark! Twists were uncovered! The body of the dead was that of the Fire God from Ember Rule, a neighboring realm and the brother of The Ice Queen! If things weren’t complicated enough the arrest was halted mid arrest when Amaryllis the old Hand Maiden of the Ice Queen provided additional scandal. 

It was revealed Pintina is the daughter of the Fire Gods. 

Kidnapped at birth and raised as the child of an Ice Witch, Is the evil in Pintinas heart able to melt, and if so - can her soul be redeemed with the elevation to demigoddess? Why did Pintina manage to smuggle out the last remaining Snow Apples from the Ice Kingdom? They were the source of the Ice Queens beauty - what purpose could they serve her?

This year The Goblin Ball is brought to the realm of Ember Rule. Acolytes await guests every whim and whisper. Gods and Goddesses aim to please with a kind blessing and a word of encouragement. The realm of Ember Rule is a world away from the harsh hostility of The Ice Kingdom.

The Ringmasters of The Goblin Ball have chosen Ember Rule for the human year 2014, but this year their motivation isn’t clear. The murderer has been identified and the perpetrator brought to answer for her crime, what could be transpiring?

This year The Ringmasters have caught rumors floating around that a mysterious guest is after the source of power from the realm of Ember Rule. The Gods heart is a hot commodity but would Pintina risk a penalty of death for the crime of stealing such a prize? And why have numerous market holders applied to bribe the guests with trinkets for assistance in their secretive tasks?

Amak a soldier from the Ice Kingdom is looking for Pintinas persecution. He wants your assistance with bringing her to justice, but does he wish to create a distraction to pass the blame should the opulent organ vanish?

Hasina the all forgiving high priestess of Ember Rule is looking to grant Pintina the power of Demigoddess status. Should she succeed is she looking to grab the heart and take the Fire Gods place on the throne?

Maude the Poppet Peddler of Terra Bayou. The world is crumbling and rotten from the inside out. Voodoo required the ultimate sacrifice, maybe he needs the heart to shine like a sun on the land to breathe new life.

Bodhisattva the Psychic from Starlantis could always use another star in the night sky. The heart of a god, shining in the middle of a new solar system should sit nicely with her realm. But why would she need one when the Psychics know all? Maybe that is the problem.

This year The Ringmasters of The Goblin Ball encourage you to seek the truth behind the motivations of our market holders and choose whether to bless or damn Princess Pintina.

The outcome could save a God and the world of Ember Rule, or leave the realm open to the same fate as the Ice Kingdom.

For those who wish to come in character and play with each other we have set up a separate event page where you can plot and plan on facebook. Hook up with other players and be sure to catch up on the evening to solve the mysteries!

The Goblin Ball Character Players is a page set up for guests. Guests support is minimal as it is set up to assist guests meet each other and plan their evil deeds.

Some tips to help create your evening

1. Respect Each Other
The Goblin Ball prides itself on being an all inclusive event regardless of race, gender, gender identity and sexual identity. Discrimination or bullying of any kind is not allowed.

2. Safety First
Make sure if you are meeting someone for the first time, do not arrange to meet outside of the event. Meet inside to make sure your safety is covered.

3. Preparation
Plan some fun activities, plan to work together on some of the quests for the evening and plan to bribe each other to get these jobs done! Maybe a little jewel can persuade an unexpecting guest to join your cause.

4. Character Interaction
Our creatures have gone through extensive training to help bring The Goblin Ball to life. Please be mindful of physical contact as our creatures are not allowed to engage in physical combat. Keep physical contact if needed during photo opportunities respectful and always feel free to ask for a hug.

5. The Storyline and Set Design
Bring your own motives and mythology and feel free to share them around. Words can be powerful and your mythology helps create the world we play in. Just be aware though - to avoid being arrested by Goblin Guards - please for your own safety keep off the thrones or set unless invited by a Ringmaster who would be happy to supervise your photographs if possible.

6. Use the Facebook Page
Guests are looking to play with each other and the easiest way to share your story before is to log on and post your story. Others may be swayed into joining your cause!

7. Have Fun
The Goblin Ball isn't to be taken too seriously. The best way to start a new adventure is to say "yes" to anyone who proposes a new idea or adventure. There are break out areas through the venue to allow you to converse and regroup. There are quests in the Marketplace to give you some jobs to complete! Choose wisely because once you choose a job you are aligned with that kingdom for the evening.


We hope this gives you some ideas on how to have an amazing time! Be sure to join The Goblin Ball Character Players for more fun!