The evening is dark and mysterious, through dangers untold you have made your way to The Goblin Ball. You push your way into the Grand Ballroom, the energy is hectic and the New Orleans Jazz is flowing like sweet bourbon. Once by your side, you turn around to find your love has vanished. Where could they be? Male or female the song spell is strong and hard to resist.

Seriphone the siren has called from the swamplands to draw your one true love to their fate. Do you dare follow and risk being lost in the sirens spell or do you count your losses and find another?

Jas Tavares journeys from Dallas, Texas to bring the bewitching voice of Seriphone the Swamp Siren to life. Oozing a bluesy acapella to entice strangers to the lair of the underworld, Seriphone wanders the world of The Goblin Ball performing for those who dare risk their life. Darko The Ringmaster asks this wandering songstress what guests can expect from this talented creature.

Jas, you are not a stranger to performing and also have had your regular brushes with fame. Share with us some of the most notable moments of your singing career.
Oh I have so many it's hard to chose one, but I do have to say my first real performance is my most memorable. I was still in high school and I had been given a solo performance and hadn't even auditioned. The whole school was there. The moment I walked out and onto that stage, an eruption of cheers rang through the entire performance hall, I had to wait a few minutes to actually begin. I sang at last and, it was dead silent. The moment the song was over, I had my first standing ovation. I was elated. And from then on, I sang at every single event; from foot ball games, baseball games, I played rolls in musicals I hadn't even auditioned for and at the end of the year I was awarded the golden voice award at our prom and it was the most amazing feeling.

I've auditioned for American idol which was the 2nd season, I was given an amazing opportunity to audition for the glee project and sing for some of our radio stations out door concerts, I've even been in documentaries. It's truly been a wonder experience for me. I'm very lucky

As a Ringmaster wandering the worlds of The Goblin Ball, I’m not completely familiar with Swamp Sirens. Tell me about what Seriphone plans on doing for the evening of The Goblin Ball?
Seriphone is after one this and one thing only, the beating heart of love, she needs it to live and to make her grotto the way it truly is. She will do anything to get a heart beating passion. Anything. I will sing to those who seek true love, only to snatch the life force when they are most vulnerable. I will swap a song for a trinket or two, however those without an acceptable offering should beware, a beating heart is the best price. Those without an offering better block their ears.

So Seriphone is not all that friendly?
Seriphone isn't so much evil. her intentions are good, BUT she is tainted, she gets what she wants by ANY means, so yes with that lust for a heart is manipulative and conniving. She's luring people and convincing them she is just wanting what is best, in reality, she has a few tricks up her sleeve and maybe has ulterior motives, but I don't want to give too much away.

Do you have any advice for strangers who seek to explore your territory?
For those who follow her and do her bidding, she has an interesting reward that may just make you want to jump to her aid. You're in for quite a treat. But be warned. Seriphone is a sneaky siren.

Jas Tavares will be appearing at The Goblin Ball as wandering songstress in the Grand Ballroom from 7pm - 12am performing on the spot songs of the swamp. Providing entertainment and enchantment this Siren is not to be missed. Trade a trinket or two for a song on the night and leave with your life in tact.

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 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.

With The Goblin Ball almost two weeks away we thought we would let you guys in on a few secrets! On the eve of The Goblin Ball, creatures and royalty will be traveling from distant lands to pursue plans and party the night away. A magical night is planned for even the most mortal of creatures.

So if you are planning a night of drunken revelry or a chance to meet some like minded magical mates, The Goblin Ball will be a night where you can explore and take advantage of all the mysterious areas of entertainment.

In The Beginning…
Once upon a time there was a distant land called Ember Rule. The Acolytes of the land were nervous as rumors quickly spread from afar. Was the Fire God dead at the hands of the Ice Princess? Could the dastardly deed executed in The Ice Kingdom mean their most admired leader was nothing more than ashes? What could this mean for Ember Rule and was there any chance that these rumors were nothing but false words spread to cause unrest? The arrival of Princess Pintina is eagerly awaited as questions need to be answered.

A busy marketplace welcomes you…
As you enter the world of Ember Rule, as either a guest or a self made character you will be ushered into the Goblin Marketplace filled with many traders awaiting to eagerly take your money in trade of exclusive goods. Will you choose to take home a potion or magical lotion, maybe a horror replica or new costume is more your style? Perhaps you would like a psychic reading? We have many vendors who are happy to facilitate the removal of cash from your pouch. Don’t forget to cloak your cape!

The story begins…
In the Grand Ballroom the clock strikes 8pm. Pintina is ushered in from The Ice Kingdom after traveling one human year on the road (100 years for goblin kind). She has had a lot to think about before the faces she most scariest creature known to goblin-kind. Her birth mother. The Goblin Ball is officially launched and the revelry will continue till the clock strikes the magical hour of midnight.

Bribes welcome!
Did you come prepared to swap a few goodies? You may find that fellow revelers would be more than happy to help with a few bribes. Feel free to look into what you may want to trade with fellow guests in this post. We find the sweeter the deal, the more favorable the outcome. Who doesn’t love to leave a party with a few trinkets?

A Quest is presented…
The Goblin Ball is in full swing but you wish to assist to show your alliance with a certain realm. In the Goblin Marketplace Quest Masters await your assistance. 

• Amak the guard of The Ice Kingdom is calling for the head of Princess Pintina for the evil she has caused his Royalty. If you would like to wage war at The Goblin Ball Amak can help make those intentions known. 
  
• Hasina Ember Rule’s own High Priestess would love your help with pardoning Pintina and showing great forgiveness. Seek her if your heart is true and compassionate. 
  
• Bodhisattva the seer from Starlantis is seeking psychics to help with acquiring objects of knowledge to help expose a dark secret. If you feel guided by your inherent powers to assist, see Bodhisattva for purpose.
  
• Maude the Poppet Peddler from Terra Bayou is a purveyor of fine keys. If you see yourself as a rogue thief, he could use your assistance. 
  

Every good deed is rewarded with a prize, but will you be valiant or dastardly in your choice?

I’m ready for my closeup.
A selection of 6 professional photographers will be wandering The Goblin Ball ready to take photos of you and your friends.  The hardest choice you will have is who will be bestowed the honor to take your photo and who you would like to be seen with on the evening. The Gods, Acolytes and Quest Masters will be more than happy to oblige you with a pose or two. Ellen Duffy Photography will also be located in The Goblin Marketplace offering a photo shoot experience for those who wish to capture the moment with friends.

Play the song of my people.
The Gods inferno is a DJ room taking requests for the evening of The Goblin ball between the end of the opening show till the wind down of the evening (approx. 8.15pm - 11pm). Light trinkets will be handed out by Acolytes to those who wish to party in the red room including glow bands and finger lights. In The Grand Ballroom from 7 - 11.30 Animata String Quartet will play string renditions of modern tracks including a selection of songs from the movie Labyrinth. What a great opportunity to grab your loved one and waltz “As The World Falls Down”.

Take a walk 
The Walk of The Gods calls those in amazing garb. From 8 till 10pm costume scouts will walk The Goblin Ball handing out tickets to parade for the Gods at 10 pm. If you are lucky enough to be awarded the opportunity seek The Ringmaster Darko or O at 9.30 for instruction on what to do in the main hall. The parade commences at 10pm so be organized early for you may be awarded the prestigious title of best dressed for 2014.

Marvel at Entertainment most amazing.
In the Grand Ballroom we have wandering magicians, jugglers and dancers who dazzle and perform for your entertainment. The style is close up entertainment and you may find your friends lucky enough to be audience to some of The Goblin Balls most magical entertainment. Lamplight Circus, Magicians from the Magic Festival and Shimmy Bliss will all make an appearance at this years Ball.

The Evening draws to a close
Commencing from 11.30 the evenings drama draws to a close and the story ends. You are now welcomed to join in the official dance of The Goblin Ball, “Dance Magic” with all who made it possible and dance to other favorite tracks from fantasy movies until the clock strikes midnight.

We can't wait to have you as guests to Melbourne's very own Goblin Ball. Much fun is to be had for those who seek to party but also for those who wish to play a character. 
Book Now to avoid disappointment 

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.

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!