To familiarize yourselves with the kinds of interactions between your character(s) and the members of the gangs--both their own and their rival. If you're a neutral party, familiarize yourself with how your character interacts with the gangs.

This chapter is basically so no one is struggling with their character's personality, existing relationships, etc. Don't start anything plot-related here; the first event will be a potential confrontation sort of like the opening act of the play, followed by the masquerade ball. Just roleplay existing relationships--friendships, rivalries, the sorts of things listed under the description of your role (though not limited to specifically those).

Separate chains only. Either tag who you want to RP with or write a starter, but none of that "Anyone for (character)?" stuff.

I plan to start the actual RP in a few days up to maybe a week, but definitely less than two weeks.