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"The city has been overcome by what everyone is calling the 'Red Death.' The disease strikes even the most healthy suddenly, and death is swift. The streets are littered with dead bodies, and everyone is too afraid to even take care of the mess. All the nobility of the city have decided to hole themselves up in the estate of their Lord, Prince Prospero... all the nobility who make it across town before being struck ill, that is. Fortunately, many don't make it to the Prince's castle, and their purses have just been lying around waiting for a... good citizen... to come along and take care of them. I even got myself an invitation...

'Lord Frobenbauble,

You are cordially invited by Prince Prospero himself to a grand gala this evening at his estate. Within shall be merriment like no other, and without will be this 'Red Death.' Do be assured that no contagion will breach these walls and to this end, the Prince requests that all arrive well before midnight as the gates will be securely sealed by this time.
As always, let the peasants deal with these dark times. Come, drink, eat, be merry and safe from this pestilence.

Prince Prospero'

I'm definitely no noble, and they won't go letting me in the front gates, but I'll find my way in before midnight. Merry, drunk nobles -- just sounds like my kind of party. I think I'll masquerade as... a thief."