lostcarnival | ⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 1

Entry tags:

⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 1

Who: Anyone, anywhere in Portland.
When: October 1st - 7th, 2017
Where: Portland area, in the new reality.
What: Memories begin returning to the displaced as the fall gets chillier. How the hell did we end up here, again? Also, apparently, the fair is in town.
Warnings: Individually marked!

PORTLAND BY NIGHT↴

Memory regains will come into effect at the beginning of October, to whatever degree you've decided upon, and may be regained at whatever pace you desire from then on. For those with their full carnival memories, it will be like waking up in the body of someone else - for those with half and half, it will be like rapidly recalling sets of memories from a totally different life. Those with full amnesia will simply feel as if this is how it's always been.

Unfortunately for you, memories aren't the only thing you have to deal with. The supernatural community of Portland is bustling all of a sudden - could your presence and these events somehow be related?

► THE OUTER CIRCLE: As of the start of the month, the Portland Circle of Enlightenment will find itself starting to get swarmed with members from other chapters. Most notably, it would seem that a small cabal of top mages from the North American Enlightenment Council will be making their home in Portland's HQ. For anyone but the highest of ranks, the purpose behind their visit will be unclear, but it seems like something is definitely up on a metaphysical level. The Circle will be buzzing with rumours of unique planar activity and threatening omens. It seems that it all started with an unusual flare of activity in the planetary ley-lines, starting approximately a week ago. However, even if you would usually be the type to keep tabs on such things, you will find that you oddly have no memory of observing this phenomenon yourself.

► THE ANIMAL FAIR: Good news, the fair is in town! Or, at least, it would be good news... if this was a regular fair. Instead, what's being observed is a bunch of nearly identical flyers, spread all around Portland - each of which bears only the words "THE ANIMAL FAIR", a seemingly bloody paw-print of unknown origin, and the directions to a vague forested location outside of the city. It's dated for October 7th, and all instances of its posting having been discovered with a scattering of rose petals, crow feathers, and pre-burnt matches laying on the ground around them. Most are taking this to be some kind of bizarre viral marketing campaign, but others may know better.

► THE EARTH SPIRIT: If you have connections to The Pack or any of its many variations, you'll probably hear whispers of something very odd that occurred last week - according to the elders, it sounds as if the Earth Spirit, the magical and spiritual center of the planet, has suddenly taken a wound. It's not clear why or how, but there is a fair bit of concern among spiritual types, as it is werebeast belief and nebulous magical fact that the magical forces within the earth are the source of all magic here, as well as the source of life. While many werebeasts claim to have felt the Spirit succumb, you strangely have no memory of such an event occurring. Though things do feel strange, if you know how to tap into the Spirit yourself.

► THE WAR CRY: Though Anath's rain of terror across North America lasted for the first fifteen years or so of the Severing, most independent demons have had enough time to start taking the arch-demon's relative inactivity for granted. For that first while, the warrior queen had seemed determine to rebuild an army on earth by forcing her scattered brethren into service - only for her to gradually settle down in a fortress somewhere in Texas and dig in her heels. Of course, this was too good to last - it sounds as if she and her demonic legion have begun tearing their way up the west coast, their goals remaining a mystery. Their destination, however, is almost certainly Portland.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Various Locations of Portland]

[Carly is a journalist-maybe not for the most renowned source of news, but for those really in the know, for those who really keep their eyes in the supernatural? She's one of your better sources, at least most of the time. There is not much that escapes her notice, not unless it's really trying to keep on the downlow, but that's not for lack of effort on her part.

So when those posters begin making their appearance, when demons in her area seem a little shaken, and roses coat the local 'Sanctuary' on top of the Circle's 'hushhush' state? She's running. Carly drives back and forth, her bike getting as much of a work-out as her, pretty much. (How did she afford this again? It was probably Aslla, and she probably didn't get it legally. Aslla tended to 'help' in that regard after all.)

There are many places Carly can be seen as a result, and not necessarily while being sneaky. Once the helmet is off it's nothing but transition glasses and a loose ponytail 'hiding'-or more probably, 'framing' the mark Aslla Piscu left after they forged their contract, but it's hardly what stands out most about her outfit. She has a recorder and camera ready, but for the most part it's the keyboard and tablet seeing use, whether because she's taken a break at some cafe or library, or otherwise.]

[Apartment (Hers)]

[When all is said and done however, whether during the daylight or the evening, Carly eventually needs some shut-eye. The bike pulls into the building's small parkinglot, and after fishing out her keys, she's ready to 'change' back into someone more regular. Most residents of the building should be familiar with Carly's 'home'-gear. Lighter jeans with some form of shirt and vest if it's still daylight enough to have errands to run-an older t-shirt and pj pants if not. But Carly is Carly, whatever she's wearing...and this week? She might be a little too tired. Actually she might even be trying to get into the wrong apartment if it's late enough- (Yikes!)]

[WILDCARD]

[Carly's a warlock, and Aslla her demon in her shadow-and where Carly knows nothing, Aslla knows Everything-so hit me up if you have an idea!]

[ Shima — more likely known as just Renzo or Renzophan to the general supernatural Portland populace — is out taking a look around his brand new stomping grounds. He still remembers the carnival, so his life as a demon is a mystery beyond what he could scrounge together by turning over his apartment. He's rich, he owns a nightclub, he works for a bigger, scarier demon? Probably? He's not a hundred percent clear on that, so...

In any case! He's out and about, having dressed down from his supposedly typical suits and other generally expensive attire as if trying to fit in with the crowds. His range of wandering is far and wide, since apparently being demonic needs not actually getting tired from just... walking.

He is going to stop when he spots an extremely familiar face at a cafe, though, slowing to a halt outside of it to stare for about thirty seconds before daring to go in and immediately take the other seat at her table. Sup, Carly, there's a demon suddenly sitting down across from you (provided she can see through his human disguise; if not, it's just some random dude). ]

Psst, hey, Carly! [ He leans across the aforementioned table, keeping his voice low. ] Man, I'm glad I've finally found someone. Have you seen anyone else yet?

[ Well, this should go... poorly. Probably poorly. ]

[She's probably written an article or two on 'Renzo'. If not in the context of the usual, then at least for some dollar store gossip magazine to pay the bills.

But Renzo sitting across from her? That's a shock. She's about to try playing along, honestly. How does he know her name??? WHO KNOWS, WHO CARES, THIS IS A BIGGGGGG CHANCE.

Something stops her though. Some strange needling sensation in the back of her mind has her instead freeze up long enough to be worried, even, as she blinks it off.]

...How...

[She has to ask.]

...How did you....know my name...

[ Congratulations, Carly, you win the role of "first person from the carnival he's encountered since waking up a demon". That she may not know him doesn't cross his mind, because it's Carly. Of course she knows him! And so the question just gets an annoyed look out of him. ]

What d'ya mean how? You told me your name.

[And here comes the greater alarm bell. Now she's honestly worried. Even growing nervous. Did....

DID ASLLA POSSESS HER AGAIN!?

...Apparently not, though it takes the demon a moment to respond. Not only did he not, but for some reason he's certain that this other demon is trying to pull some sort of trick to get her assistance...or at least, that's what he claims. (The reality, of course, is that Aslla recognized Shima very quickly-and he's not in the mood to have his 'authority' undermined.)

Carly purses her lips, and frowns.] ....We've never spoken, [she says firmly.] ...I don't know why you're speaking to me now, 'Renzo', but I don't like playing games with demons.

You've gotta be kidding me. You know my name! How could you know my name if we've never met, huh?

[ Totally ignoring the fact that people are aware of the supernatural to an extent and may possibly keep track of demons. In his defense, he doesn't even know about those facts, though, so he's just getting confused currently, frowning right back at Carly. ]

Edited 2017-06-09 00:39 (UTC)

[Carly's expression is Not Amused.] There are a few who know your name...As if you can play around at clubs as much as you, without your name being known..! [She continues.] What do you want from me, Renzo? I don't think it's an interview, somehow.

An interview? [ He just squints. Why would it be an interview? ] Of course it's not! C'mon, I'm being serious here! You really don't remember ever meeting me?

[ Just like how he sure doesn't remember ever being a demon or owning a club. Hmm. ]

[She will be rather blunt with this. Maybe even insulted.

The shadow chuckles.] I don't go clubbing.

[Jack was just declaring his finishing blow to an opponent in a game of cards (regular cards) when, by random chance, he raised his head to see Carly walk past. He only catches a glimpse of her--merely her profile and the length of her hair--but the wave of deja vu that overcomes him leaves him speechless mid-sentence.

As far as he knows, she hadn't seen him--to focused on something else, with something else.]

... [He can't quit bring a name to mind, but there is something eerily familiar about this girl, something that twists in his gut and tells him to not miss this chance. Jack only turns his attention back to his opponent to finish his winning move, assuring the crumpled man that he's lost before he hurries off.

She just turned a corner.

Jack follows, but the sea of people blot out all individuality, and even as he pushes his way through to get close and search, he can't find her.]

C...Carly! [It's the first name that comes to mind in a small moment of panic, and he doesn't even know if it's right. He's never known anyone named Carly.]

[While Jack has an inkling of sensations, Carly lacks them all. She's quite oblivious to being followed-not like her shadow, however. Aslla Piscu recognizes Jack with ease, and though he keeps quiet initially, he hurriedly ramps up some alarm bells for his host. He does NOT want to deal with this, not now, not EVER-

And bugger it all, he called her name! The woman turns on reflex of course-and immediately frowns, studying the other.] ...Yes..?

[There is a pause.] ...Who are...

Demon, [the shadow hisses, his panic mixing quite well with his confusion. Jack Atlas??? A Demon!? What a laugh, and yet the feeling of the aura near to them is clear, and his eyes can see through the glamor in full. What nonsense, and yet...

And yet...] It's a demon..! [he hisses to his host, and Carly's eyes narrow.]

...How did you get my name? [She now asks, far more coolly.]

[It's not that Jack doesn't hear Aslla's hissing, but with the crowd around them, he doesn't want to out himself by responding. He's here to talk with the girl anyway, though the fact that she's contracted a being like that for power is unexpected.]

...I don't know. It just came to me. [He openly admits, after a moment's hesitation.] I must know you somehow.

...Somehow that feels like a lie... [Demons areeee good at that after all. Carly frowns a bit-if she squints, she can see the edges of a glamor fading, and that definitely confirms whatever Aslla was saying. Stiffening her stance even further, the frown deepens.] But we've definitely never met..!

[Jack's not particularly adept at lying, at least not through his own mouth. It wouldn't surprise him if a human didn't trust the word of a demon, but this one's essentially made a contract with one.]

It's the truth! I don't know how, but it's true.

[There's a pause, just before Jack reaches his decision.] I need to know--let me duel you!

That doesn't tell me mu-

...Duel..!? As in like a shoot-out or something..!? [She yelps in panic, her shadow widening their eyes a moment.

Wait, wait...I think he might suggest something else, be calm, Carly...]

What?! Killing you wouldn't solve anything!

[Jack gestures with one hand, dramatic as usual.]

I'm talking about a game! [He catches a glimpse of her helmet just then, and it clicks.] No, a race.

Then don't say duel, say-!

[She doesn't quite finish that, as her shadow's eyes widen with glee. RACE HIM!! he demands, likely speaking to Carly alone. PUMMEL HIM!!

Goodness he's eager. With a slight glance to her feet, she thus nods.] ...A race then. What do you get if you win, though?

Don't question my semantics!

[Jack points at her, entire arm outstretched.] If I win, then you have to answer my questions truthfully!

HEHH!? [Ohhh whatever. Aslla is just as riled at this point, and even though she's wrinkling her nose-

'What do I get then??' she's wondering, and of course, Aslla immediately answers with SOUL ASK FOR HIS SOUL ASK FOR-

'THAT'S TOO STEEP!' He can't really argue in that case, but-

'Ugh, fine, ask him for his word on a Favor...' Well. Mental conversations aside.] ...Alright. I'll answer your questions.

But if I win, then you owe me a favor!

A favour? [Jack makes a wry face, betraying his skepticism. A favour could be a lot of things, but then something tells him, deep within his gut, that he needn't worry about a favour from Carly.]

I agree!

[He turns and starts to walk back the way he came.] Meet me at the corner of □□□□ and □□□□□□ Street, and don't forget to bring your bike.

Right! If I need anything, you'll help for that thing! [It works!

And as Jack takes the deal, she nods determinedly...before frowning at her shadow once Jack is gone.] ...Honestly, what was that about...

No time to 'dicker' about it, Carly-go! Face him, and win!!

Hahhhhh...

[Well ALRIGHT. She'll be at the corner then, on her bike, helm on.]

[Jack rolls up just after her, revving his engine. His own bike is on two wheels, and painted entirely in white and chrome. There's a small logo painted on the side of a red dragon (or perhaps a demon) breathing fire.

His helmet obscures his face, and if Carly can see through his glamour, she'll notice his horns actually stick out through a set of holes at the top.]

So you made it. We'll race this route. [He pulls out a map of the city and holds it out for Carly. There's a simple course drawn out in red marker.]

[That...is fucking adorable, honestly. She opts not to talk of adorable helmets for now however, focusing instead upon the map.] Of course I came, [she replies, briefly lifting her visor to get a better look. Seems a simple enough route...] You would have just tracked me down otherwise, probably...

[Well, she gets on her bike again, nodding.] Ready?

[Jack turns to face the road, his tail raising behind him as he leans forward on the handle bar of his bike.]

On my signal. 3! 2! 1!

[He throws his hand out, and with it flames flash before them. He steps on the gas.] Go!

[The trick, Carly finds, is not blowing out your dang engine in the first five seconds. It's a bit like pacing oneself-while going at a fair clip, of course. Carly roars into motion, but she doesn't immediately angle to pass Jack. No, if anything, she focuses on keeping near...

Waiting to strike...]

"CARLY CARMINE" | OTA (Date Variable)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject