⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

[ringleaders]

Who: EVERYONE!
When: NOW!
Where: Around the carnival grounds, and in the Cookhouse.
What: Carnival worker orientation, Ringmaster style.
Warnings: Alcohol consumption, maybe drugs. Other things?

BRAVE NEW WORLD↴ ► THE NEW: It doesn't matter when you entered the tent to discuss your new contract with the Ringmaster, you exit it beneath a blanket of stars. Pointedly alien stars at that - currently the carnival grounds are being treated to a show of shooting stars, and what appear to be unnaturally large and living green moons hanging just a bit too close. The carnival was bustling when you entered, but now it's in the latter stages of being shut down for the night. If you manage to find a clock, it states that it's around 8PM. Workers from during the day will be passing through the grounds, attending to various pieces of business. None of them will seem very surprised or concerned by the goings on, though some may be sympathetic enough to pause and answer your questions. If you put some effort into finding out how it became nighttime, you may discover that it's been anywhere from a few hours to 7 days since you originally signed your contract. Someone may explain to you that it was probably some kind of time bubble, meant to keep you out of the way until the Ringmaster had time to deal with you. Every few minutes another new person will pop out of the tent, looking just as confused and under the impression that they had only just finished discussing things with the Ringmaster. Weird. She passed you a note before you left. Opening it up, you'll see you've been assigned a trailer number, and been given the instructions to drop off any excess belongings and do what you can to get settled in. You have until exactly 9:36PM to do so, because that's when you'll be expected to attend what is listed only as "WORKER'S ORIENTATION". This is, perhaps, more abrupt than you were expecting - but what can you do? You're here for the long haul. ► THE OLD: If you've ever seen a mass recruitment before, then this is no surprise. People enter the tent when they're recruited, and then sometimes how up again days later when the Ringmaster is ready for them. She isn't a big fan of wasting her time on individual orientations when she's expecting a crowd. Maybe you're too jaded to all of this to care much, but you'll see the newbies wandering around, probably confused and maybe a bit lost. Maybe you're the kind whose is sympathetic enough to pause your role in clean up and give them some directions, and maybe a word of confidence. Maybe you'll just jeer at them, because you're some kind of asshole. Either way, you expect you'll have the chance to see them later tonight. Whether by world of mouth, radio, or written note, supervisors will be passing out the following message: all workers are to report to the Cookhouse at 9:36PM sharp for "orientation." If you are at all familiar with how things go around here, you probably have a good idea of what this implies. Mandatory Karaoke Night. MANDATORY KARAOKE NIGHT!!!↴ At 9:36PM, the main dining hall of the Cookhouse will be found heavily decorator with various coloured lights and at least one disco ball made of what is ostensibly high karat gems. There are a bunch of cushions and additional seating set up along with the usual tables, and at the head of the call there is a state set up - a karaoke stage. For veteran workers, this is no surprise. Karaoke nights are fairly frequent as activities go, even if they are not usually mandatory. Some of you probably have signature songs already prepared. The karaoke machine is set up with mostly karaoke tracks that would be popular in the 90's and 00's on the average modern earth, with a few that are more recent. It also has some other random stuff from other worlds that people rarely sing because they are confusing and in languages no one understands. Here is a big karaoke list for your inspiration! The more stereotypically karaoke the better. Beyond that, there is plenty of food and snacks that were prepared by the cooks earlier, as well as a bar set up for alcohol and other vices. The selection is, as most things in the carnival, eclectic. Music will be played in between if nobody is singing, and otherwise veterans are encouraged to bring along their own fun and show the newbies a good time. The Ringmaster does ask that vets attempt to be courteous to their new coworkers. It's just being a good host.

Comments

[kagehira]

( Of course not! Never doubt the disguise skills of a tailor, right? Mika relaxes visibly, if only just a bit, with Vietnam's reassurance. )

Ah, yeah, I guess it's pretty easy to tell, huh? ( He seems pretty sheepish, but it's the natural conclusion to draw. ) I suppose ya work here too...?

( Even though she doesn't look funky like SOME of the staff here, even so... please work here. )

[hoasen]

[EXACTLY, she's a pro. Maybe not designer-cool like Kashuu, but her practical skills are second to none! Now that he looks relieved, she's also feeling better.]

Yes, they are asking us to come assist you too, as senior members of staff. [Clue: She probably looks funky because of being "senior staff".]

And I do! I am a tailor here. What job did are you assigned?

[kagehira]

( It's fine, Vietnam will just pay her dues in having to explain double once her disguise is over. She can't hide those paws of hers forever! He offers up a smile at her confirmation though. )

Are they? Nnah, it's kinda embarrasin' if they're invitin' all our seniors to watch us fumble around though... ( He's actually pouting a little? Help him, now he gets to fumble around with his useless shyness and empty scarecrow head in a room full of funky looking strangers. ) Me? I'm supposed to be a showman — they even hire tailors an' such here though, huh?

( That catches his curiosity a little, and it's easy to tell he's interested. )

[hoasen]

[That's true, those toe beans are waiting! At least she has a story weaved up. Well, she actually doesn't, but she believes she does.

And he's pleasant...now she's feeling guilty!]

O-oh...why would you fumble? Do not worry, I am sure someone will make an embarrassment of themselves, and it will be fun being together with other comrades. [Or she hopes.] A showman! You'll be a performer? Goodness, I will support you all I can! I will be making your clothes, after all. And any clothes, if need be.

[kagehira]

Hmm...~ If... if ya say so. ( HE'S OBVIOUSLY NOT TOO SURE OF THIS, but he guesses he can take her word for it. (Kind of.) ) I'm kinda shy, yanno? So bein' in a room with a bunch a' people who know what they're doin'... I dunno what I'll do if they look at me too much.

( He can feel himself going just at the thought, but no... Snaps fingers this is what he gets for his social job. At least this lady is nice! Very nice? It's really a relief, and already, Mika is feeling like he can trust her. )

Really? Thank ya kindly~ I'll do my best to put on a good show for ya! Ah, do ya mind if I ask about yer work a li'l? ( Give him a minute, and — ) Ya don't, by chance, happen to have any spare fabric when ya make the costumes, do ya?

( Because now he has all these stuffed animals... and NOTHING to make clothes for them with! A tragedy. A travesty. Please assist him with this unknown plight. )

[hoasen]

I'm sure--ah, I see! [She pats her own chest.] I am shy too. If anything, we can stay in a corner by ourselves. [It's determination that gets more going...well, anywhere.] You need not worry about your appearance, however, if that is one of your concerns. [He's a good looking guy, he'll be fine.

It's great to know that one of these new people is going to be a friend already? GO THEM.]

Yes, I am looking forward to it! [She'll buy the glowsticks and everything.] And of course, you can ask me for spare fabric any time. What would you need them for? [IF ONLY SHE KNEW.]

[kagehira]

We can do that? I dunno... It doesn't seem like I'd learn much about things here if I'm all tucked away an' such. ( LISTEN.... this is a shocking new possibility. He's liking the sound of it, even though he wonders if that kind of thing is allowed. Such a tempting offer though. ) Nnah, well it's just kinda embarrassin' yanno? Not to mention, I'd feel real bad if someone got grossed out lookin' at my eyes, an' it ruined the mood for 'em.

( You say his looks are good, but have you SEEN these eyes! They don't match! Terrible! Perhaps more frightening even than paws and dragon tails! In any case, Mika seems pretty genuinely bothered by them, and he actually averts his gaze during that part of the conversation. )

Ah, that's real kind of ya though! Yer real nice, ya know that? ( At least a smile creeps back up for this. ) Well, back at my school, I was a part a' the handicraft club, ya see? I'm no good at makin' things myself, but Mentor'd often sew clothes for the dolls I fixed up, an' they were real cute. I was thinkin' maybe since he's not here, it'd be a chance to improve my sewin' an' impress him when I got back.

[hoasen]

Then...perhaps we should just talk to the others? We can look around, you need not go up and sing. [And WHAT'S WRONG WITH THOSE EYES. Eyes that don't match are fine! They look lovely. Anyway, there's some here who have strange eyes themselves!] I think your eyes are beautiful.

[SEE. But she knows what it's like to be self critical. And now she's blushign!]

O-oh, I am just trying my best, it is the least I can do... Oh! I can help guide you, while you learn to make clothes...for dolls, I am guessing? It will be good practice.

[kagehira]

( It's the second part that really catches him off guard, clear from the way his brows shoot up, and even his mouth shapes an O. )

Huh? Ya think so? Umm, usually people are curious about 'em, or else they're spooked, but people don't often say they're pretty or nothin' like that... ( It would be rude to call an adult weird to her face but... Even so. He's thinking it. (Low voice) Weird. ) Thank ya~

( Gotta have good manners tho... )

Nnah? It wouldn't be too much trouble to do that much for me, would it? I don't mean to get in the way or anythin', but if ya have the time... I'd really appreciate it ♪

[hoasen]

[He looks so surprised! But why, she wonders! After all, he looks nice. What kind of people has he been meeting?!]

Really? I am surprised, because they are lovely. [LET HER AT THEM. AND SHE's...yeah actually she's weird.] You're welcome. Not that you need to thank me.

And it would not! After working I have spare time. So I am willing to share my time with you and help you with making such things.

[kagehira]

( THEY'RE HIS EYES, NOT JEWELLERY, VIETNAM! Under all of the compliments, Mika can feel his face heating up, all the way from his neck to the tips of his ears, though he tries not to show it so much. Mostly, he just thanks her again. ) That's real kind of ya to say~ ( He even scratches at the back of his neck a little.

Luckily, it's easier for him to perk up with her next answer. ) I appreciate it ♪ Is there anywhere in particular the tailors an' such go to make things?

( That'd make a familiar setting, and somewhere easy to find to head to in any case, though he won't be too disappointed otherwise. )

[hoasen]

[BUT THEY'RE EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN JEWELLRY!!!! And look...he's cute.] You're welcome, really!

And yes! We're usually all over the place depending on who needs us at the time, but behind the sets we could often be working as well.

[And also where she's always working, making sure the performers are all dressed up.]

[kagehira]

( He's doing his very best. What he really is, is relieved that there's such nice people here — he's probably said that before, but he's quite hopeful about it. )

Then it's fine if I come lookin' for ya after orientations an' such, yeah? Luckily, Ill probably be 'round there too~

( A+ reviews on the fashion sector of the carnival so far. Oh, but he almost forgot about the actual topic at hand, which he seems to remember with a start. )

Ah, yeah, but about the cookhouse. I've been through the whole place, but I can't find it, yanno?

[hoasen]

[And she'll introduce him to other nice people too! Once they get to the cookhouse. Which she should remember to lead him too, oops.]

Yes! That would make things easier for us, no? We should be around the same place most of the time.

[And she'll personally size him and everything for the best fitting clothes.]

Oh! That is right, we are meant to go to the cookhouse for orientation! This way, this way. [And she quickly tries to lead him.]

[kagehira]

( He follows along faithfully! It'd be rude to ask her for directions and then just... not take them, after all. )

Thank ya~ Do ya happen to know what orientation's gonna be like?

( Come to think of it, this isn't "orientation for performers," nor "orientation for wardrobe management," so it's hard for him to imagine a kind of orientation that can catch all of the different jobs that a carnival would go about employing. From the looks of a handful more out of place people wandering to and fro, it doesn't look like theirs any small number of people, either. But this lady, she must have gone through orientation when she arrived! )

[hoasen]

[And off they go! ON AN ADVENTURE. A fast one anyway.]

I'm...unsure, actually. Just do not be expected for anything, I don't know, normal.

[Not only is it a carnival with lots of different personalities and origins, but the Ringmaster herself is very eccentric. Pretty sure this is going to not be an orientation.

Well, one could hope.]