⇨ GREYSOL

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 155 - Day 169
Where: Greysol
What: The carnival resumes its tour, this time heading to Greysol, a city tied deeply into the fabric of the multiverse. Here, everyone has an animal companion from birth that is the second half of their soul - and thanks to the Ringmaster, so do you. (Remember, joysweeper is our guest event runner for this location, and location specific questions should go to them.)
Warnings: Individually marked!

THE CITY OF GREYSOL↴ The carnival arrives in a manicured park in the center of a big city that sprawls out along where the river reaches the ocean. It’s spring, early enough that nights are chilly, warm enough in the days that people and their souls savor the weather, and sometimes shelter together from the rain. Greysol was designed from the bottom up to accommodate the human-dæmon bond. Go out and see! ► THE SHAPE OF YOUR SOUL: The dæmon-forming spell kicks in at about four in the morning. Most characters will wake up with their souls in some small form, curled against them. Even if they were awake, they became dazed and unfocused while their souls were being drawn out of their bodies and have little memory of how it happened. Until that evening every character's dæmon is able to change shapes, and children and some teens will continue to do so. Most will settle on their permanent forms by evening. Characters without dæmons will just look on, and the few who are thousand-pound bears have to handle being really big. ► IT’S GOOD TO SETTLE: Elaine Tavis Aracari, sixteen-year-old daughter of two actors and a moving pictures sensation herself, just ‘settled’ - her dæmon Tavis stopped changing shape - as a stunning blue peacock. Settling is a major coming of age milestone and celebrated as such in different ways all over the world. She and her family are throwing a massive party in the central park and inviting the public to join in! Enjoy easy access to free catering, live music and showings of moving pictures, and displays of mostly trivial magic. There are also form readers from across the country setting up booths, happy to accept a small fee to inspect your dæmon’s settled or most favored forms and tell you what they mean. Is there anything to these analyses? Eh, maybe, but they’re flattering and fun. ► WITCHING HOURS: Characters who are clearly witches for this event will often be assumed to be in town for a lover, and people, witches and not, may want to know who that is. Humans usually regard them with wary respect and interest. Real witches living with their human families or on business quickly suspect that something’s up, but without clear and present danger take a relaxed wait-and-see attitude. Wait for long enough and any possible decision will come around again, they believe. There isn’t time to learn much witch magic, but witches, real and carnival-made, have an inherent power: the ability to fly using branches of “cloudpine”, an attractive soft-needled tree common in the park. Witches usually ride large branches as if they’re steeds but can use even short sprays, and you’ll probably see the few witches in the city coming to the park to do so. Why not try? ► BEAR PUN: Human-panserbjørn relations have historically been troubled, but have warmed in the past century. It’s the 65th anniversary of the breaking of the Siege of Bertin, a much-mythologized time when Spectres flooded Greysol and a company of panserbjørn arrived and directed efforts to get the survivors out of the city. A statue is being erected and many florid accounts of the story are being told. If you’re in a panserbjørn shape for the duration of the visit you will probably get thanked and celebrated by people trying to hide their nervousness of you. Expect someone to ask if your dæmon would be a human - it’s a common supposition. ► KERNER ISLAND: From the harbor you can see a wooded island. Although there are no rocks to speak of it sports a tall lighthouse, and nearly all boat traffic avoids it carefully. On a clear day someone with binoculars or a particularly sharp-eyed soul can see loads of trash, birds and various other animals that don’t seem local, and… children? Adults and settled teenagers will see tall vague shapes moving about too. When asked about it the most important thing adults will tell other adults is don’t go there. They’ll hold their dæmons close and tell you that on that island are things that eat souls. They may also admit with mixed pride and shame that it’s been a source of wealth and innovation for the city. There’s a facility there that can open windows into other worlds, and the children who can reach it can cross through and bring things back. Many of the children are recruited by research and development teams on the lookout for items they can use, but there are also kids out to have adventures or who’ve run away. More on this later.

Comments

[pipers_son]

Oh, but all means~. And if ya need a hand, just let me know!

[If the wink isn't obvious enough, then Aurora certainly is.] He's a cad but a good one.

[Laughing a little, he swats at her, but he doesn't waste much time on it.]

Still, that's an idea- although we could also do somethin' else. The people here are gonna know all about that sorta limit as well, so we could always set up some sorta thing- [There's a careless wave. Peridot or one of the others can figure it out.] -where she's slowly drawn away and ya gotta get out before she goes too far.

Somethin' like that, yeah?

[prazerbutterfly]

Right, right. You'll be the first person I think of when I need to be bound.

[He finds it amusing and that's enough for him.]

It wouldn't kill him to actually be in a little bit of danger and discomfort for once so it at least looks believable. Not everything can be cheated.

You have a good suggestion as usual, Joker. Something they can relate to would provide a more anxious crowd and all the more to be on the edge of their seats! I did want to implement a more realistic time limit. One can only breathe underwater for so long.

[pipers_son]

Well, it's my job, innit? [Still, he seems quite pleased at the reception, and Aurora has puffed up in her own content way.] Everyone's partners will have ta be involved one way or another, I think.

But this idea seemed suited ta yer particular act the best.

[Aurora hops a little closer along his antlers.] We'll have a set up ready for ya ta practice with soon, just give us a tick.

[prazerbutterfly]

I have no need to doubt any of your capabilities nor does it show I need to. I trust you enough until you show otherwise. [Because all humans were capable of betrayal. He knows this rather well depending on the circumstances.]

You were rather good at holding your breathe if my memory serves correct even before you could cheat.

We're patient enough, little miss. As a Supervisor, do you perform as well or did you use to?

[pipers_son]

[Until he shows otherwise, huh? For a moment, he wonders if Aurora will say something untoward, but the little magpie keeps quiet on that front. Probably for the better, really. Even birds can know when to not chirp.]

[At the question, however, Joker stops from wrapping up and shrugs lazily.]

Oh, all of the supervisors have done some ground work before gettin' ta where we are. It's how the Ringmaster knows we're reliable. Stick around, do good work, y'know. Usually I only get on stage if there's not enough performers for shows. [A smirk flickers across his face.] Any idea of what I used ta do?

[prazerbutterfly]

[Tyki won't actually hold a grudge against someone unless it includes something against his family but humans were humans. He did sympathize with a lot of what they did and he did understand their struggle. It's just humans had a way of turning at any moment.]

I also expect she wouldn't pick someone that doesn't want to stick around. [He looks Joker up and down only because he looked rather outlandish all the time.] I can't see a magician. Or a clown. Acrobat maybe. Showman maybe. Hmm, daredevil, maybe.

[pipers_son]

[It's true. Whether he's under the stage lights in his business best (which is always as colorful as he can get his suits to be, Costuming willing) or lounging around in whatever ridiculous outfits he's picked up from the along the carnival's stops, Joker tends to stand out. It's exactly how he likes it. Waiting patiently, he shifts from leg to leg, grinning, and barks out a laugh at the guesses.]

[Taking advantage of his brief laugh, Aurora teases from atop his head.] The only reason he's not a clown is because all his jokes are too bad for even them!

Oi, don't turn on me like this. [Another lazy swat that she avoids.] But yer right on that. Before Tamaki got here, I got used ta the silks for a while. These days, 'tho, I try ta keep my knife throwin' a little more sharpened.

[He snickers. What, he couldn't resist.]

[prazerbutterfly]

[Speaking of costumes/outfits/performance attire Tyki might just wear his usual thing unless instructed otherwise. Or he might strip down at least his outer jacket. He'll consider it later on when things become later rather than in planning.

He laughs softly at his companion's comment.] That bad of a joke, hmm?

At least he doesn't read like an open book compared to some certain people~

You'll have to show me one day. Just a taste. I don't have any fancy knife throwing skills but as I said before I am light on my feet.

[pipers_son]

Oh ho~.

Does that mean yer a bad card player, mate?

[At least now both stage manager and daemon are on complete agreement, a jaunty air to both of them.]

[prazerbutterfly]

No, I have an excellent poker face, Joker. In exchange for your skill set, I'd be more than happen to show you just as I was happy to show a few people I conned out of their money earlier.

[His luck/poker face against Fae though: COMPLETELY USELESS.]

Now, now, Tyki. You mustn't get carried away. You might scare him off.

[pipers_son]

[And that's how he keeps ending up in these situations.]

[Joker's grin is only widening at that. Leave it to conmen to get the most out of a visit.]

I think I'll have ta see ya at work, then! Sounds like that could be a fun game.

[Aurora picks at his hair.] Just don't go gettin' robbed yerself.

[prazerbutterfly]

[He needs to learn, Joker.]

[His hands spread as he reveals a deck of cards and he lets them flow from one hand to the other in rapid succession.]

Would you like to be my victim or shall I pick someone else from the crowd?

[Morticia is just going to sigh rather heavily.]

[pipers_son]

I only like ta be swindled if I've been given dinner first. Might as well earn yer keep with Acquisitions, yeah?

[Besides, he likes saving what money and treasures he has for other world stops. If he's going to be here for a while, he needs to be at least a little smart.]

[prazerbutterfly]

Well, seeing as I have a bit of coin on me, I'll treat you to a nice dinner later. First, we have to find our victim.

[He would give it back given or take a piece after an incredible amount of teasing.]

[pipers_son]

Such a gentleman. No wonder ya charm people right outta things.

[Grinning, he glances around to where the gate is.]

I wonder what kinda marks you fancy, then?

[prazerbutterfly]

I do try, Joker. I have a lot of experience.

[Morticia huffs under her breath and keeps her eyes peel for the type that Tyki likes.]

They don't have to be young but they must be confident, maybe a little naive. The more they throw their weight around the more likely they are bound to get trapped. Wealthy is a plus as well.

[pipers_son]

Oh my~.

[And that's all he'll say. He promises, Morticia. At least, for right now. Instead, he'll encourage Aurora to flap up, where she gets a nice birds eye view of things. After a bit, there's some whistling from her, and she flaps off with Joker following.]

I think she's spotted someone this way!

[prazerbutterfly]

[They are both going to hell at this rate.

Morticia breaks off from Tyki a short distance to lead and Tyki will follow after Joker and Aurora with a bit of excitement in his grin.] How handy. That takes the leg work out of things!

[pipers_son]

[Joker's already been, it's fine]

[Speaking of, he grins back at Tyki.] There's definitely an advantage ta flight. My favorite part of this business~.

[Not that he can do it right now, in Greysol and disguised as they are, but Aurora drives the point home well enough.]

[The person she's picked is a pretty good target, too: fine clothes, a tell tale swag in his step. Aurora swoops back down to Joker's shoulder, and both of them glance over to see if this is to the conman's liking.]

[prazerbutterfly]

I understand what you mean. [He did perform with that kind of entrance after all and he used it when he could to navigate areas faster than just walking through walls.

When she stops and lands back onto Joker he'll tilt his head and examine the other. He's not intentionally staring. He's watching mannerisms, speech with others and satisfied with his newfound prey he'll glance over at Joker with that wide grin. It's then that he simply leans back onto a side table with chairs. His fingers snatch around Joker's wrist and he pulls him into the opposite chair just behind him at another table so they are side by side. He does want him to watch.

His body slouches, fingers relaxing against his deck of cards as they shuffle from one hand to another. He'll let his knuckles rap against the bag of coins to draw his attention .] Good day, sir. Care for a row of cards? I just found a large fortune and I thought I could entertain myself with a little wager. You see, I don't know if I should keep it so it is only fair that I at least make amends by possibly gambling it away. All you have to do is draw one card and I will draw the next. If yours is higher you win this stash of coin. If mine is higher, I win the same amount from you. You only have to play if you like the card you draw.

Naturally you cut and shuffle the deck of your own accord. What do you have to lose?

[pipers_son]

[Gosh, so forward, that Tyki Mikk! Still, Joker comes along with it, his own grin lazy underneath curious bright eyes. Aurora snuggles up against the collar of his shirt, eyes shining just as much.]

[As he's addressed, the man who's been unwittingly targeted pauses and steps a little closer in interest at the jangle of coins. Closer, now, it's clear to see his daemon is a slick greyhound, and she raises her snout to sniff at the whole set up suspiciously. With nothing out of sorts, she draws back in satisfaction.]

"Nothing seems odd to me."

[A grin passes over his face, and he reaches for the deck.] Then I think we'll take you up on your offer, sir!

[prazerbutterfly]

[Tyki adapts, seizes opportunities and grasps what he wants. If it slips through his fingers he tries again if he really wants it or moves on for a better situation.

Morticia should scream danger to anyone that runs into her. Big cats usually righted themselves with positions of power, wealth and sophistication. She curls behind the chair and remains entirely calm as she watches the greyhound and makes no move to stop him. The trick isn't in the cards. They aren't marked, labeled, cut or anything as he'll find when he picks them up.

He's even rolling up his sleeves to give the man more of a relaxed feel so he knows he's not drawing cards from them or his gloves. He'll let him divide, cut shuffle as much as he wants before he extends his hand to take the deck back from him. His fingers slip over the cards as he sets it down on the middle of the table where they all can see. When his hand lifts he's already 'touched' the queen of hearts and brought it to the top of the deck.] Gentleman's draw. If you don't like the card you pick you don't have to play. If you do, you may count what I have to offer and set your own wager.

I just won't feel right taking this money I acquired unless I win or lose it far and square.

[pipers_son]

[By all means, the relaxed air is certainly helping the man himeslf, although perhaps it helps that Joker is also there and giving off an air of friendly teasing. His daemon seems more cautious, her ears flicked back in clear aggravation.]

[This does not seem to be stopping the gentleman at all.]

Come now, Octaviana! Relax. It's merely a spot of fun. The offer is even a rather generous one, don't you think?

Oh, definitely! [Joker laughs.] I'll tell ya that it's a lot more generous of an offer than I threatened ta give him, that's for sure~.

["Octaviana"'s ears twitch slightly but she nods in the end.] "If it's not a good one, then we are done, I think."

You fuss too much. Now let's see... [Reaching over, he draws a card, and his expression immediately lights up. Without seeming to think too hard, he shows his draw to Octaviana.] Now, won't you look at that? [Finally, he shows the queen to Tyki.] I think you may be losing that money, my friend.

[An assessment Octaviana seems to be agreeing with, considering how much she's lightened up: ears perked high and tail starting to wag.]

[prazerbutterfly]

[Morticia lifts her head in an air of curiosity and presses against Tyki's side in a way of drawing attention all together. He face quickly melts into a hard scowl and an almost threatening hiss breaks free from her maw. She's rounding on Tyki with a sharp snap of her tone.

He's a beautiful actress.] I told you we should've just taken the money and gone on our way. Think of what we could've bought with it!

[He stares at that Queen with a bit of a disappointed look and turns to Joker with a shrug.] Ladies. They just don't understand the way of a gentleman. I wouldn't have felt right.

Well, may as well get it over with. [His face is of pure apathy and somewhat mild disappointment. He'll reach out to touch the top of that deck with his fingers sliding over it. His power to choose activates silently as thumb and ring fingers draw a King of Spades to the top of the desk. He slides it off and turns it over, surprise hitting his face right on cue.] I... I don't believe it. [His fingers move fluidly, displaying the card.]

[pipers_son]

[Joker's laugh seems to tumble out of him.] Mate, I think she'd tell ya off even if ya won! Mine's the same.

[Aurora pecks at his ear playfully.] Stop doin' things that need me ta tell ya off, then.

[Their mark is laughing along with well, his good mood obvious from miles away. Clearly, so long as he's winning, he's willing to be playful and genial. His daemon's tail keeps wagging, patiently waiting for their presumed victory.]

[Which means of course when the card gets twisted around on display, the rate at which his expression falls is almost impressive. Besides Tyki, Joker leans across the table, craning his neck to see the card even as he knows damn well what the result is, and he gives a long impressed whistle.]

What!

Now if that ain't a kiss from Lady Luck!

[Octaviana the greyhound, who'd jolted forward at the reveal, starts to sink back in gloomy disappointment.] "I knew it. I knew this would happen. This is what gambling gets you."