⇨ WISMUTH

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: S2:D6-D11
Where: Wismuth and the Carnival Grounds
What: The carnival enjoys a few days in Wismuth, a coastal city on this planet's version of the American east. However, there are a few things very unique about this version of the planet...
Warnings: The usual, wholesome fun.

PILLAR OF CREATION↴ Upon arriving, things in Wismuth will seem pretty peaceful. It's a massive city, with no shortage of things going on, but things like violent crime and homelessness are at an all time low. You can wander the streets without much scrutiny, presumed to just be tourists, and most people here come across as helpful and friendly. ► VIBRANCY: The main thing that sets this planet apart is its vibrancy - AKA, the raw creative energy its filled with, flowing from its status as a Pillar of Creation. There is no literal pillar, but Wismuth and its planet is a place where Creation's energy comes through strongest. As a result, everything here feels somehow more real, more intense in a way that's hard to put a finger on. Life is abundant, and its bleeds through in every sensation. ► ATTRACTIONS: There are plenty of things to see while going around the city. First and foremost, there is a lovely beach area bordering the ocean, and a number of tourist aimed attractions built around it. There are giant malls, movie theaters, live stage performances, museums and all kinds of other points of cultural interest. Anything you can do in a big city you can do here, but better. ► ALLOWANCES: The Ringmaster will be giving everyone a reasonable amount of local currency for a few days on the town. You can't make any massive acquisitions with it, but it's more than enough to eat out, see some shows, go to the beach, and whatever you like. You can feel free to pick up some casual supplies, like mundane clothing and souvenirs. There will be more given out later, after the performance week. ► PERFORMANCE: Performance week is starting early this time, after only a couple days of exploration. When the carnival has already been on vacation for a month, the Ringmaster figures they may as well get right to it, and then do more touring afterwards. Members of the local populace will find themselves in the carnival once performances begin, dazzled by the other worldly sights. Magic doesn't seem to exist here, despite the fact that it will flow easier for people bringing it from other worlds.

Comments

Performance | I'm at least a little bit sorry

[scientificist]

Nearly back to his trailer on his way to fetch supplies, Herbert pauses at Julien's plea, a few feet away, and assesses the situation.

Then, by all appearances, he ignores it and continues on his way to his trailer. Not, perhaps, particularly a surprise, based on what Julien might have already noticed about Herbert.

What is surprising is when Herbert returns, labcoat on, striding with purpose towards the group as he removes a syringe from his jacket pocket. The kids are kids, and the adults are drunk, but Julien will probably notice that it's missing the actual sharp needle part.

"Step away!" he says, projecting as well as he can to be heard. "Have any of you, touched your mouths or consumed anything? You may have already contracted viral encephalitis!" He gestures the syringe with intent towards the group. "This bird is a carrier of the disease--were you not attending to his protests? For your own safety I have to insist you get off, and report to the Medical Tent if you begin to feel any symptoms including headaches, stiffness, or fever."

[espigeon]

It takes a moment for any of this to penetrate the consciousness of Julien's admirers. A young child notices the syringe early and takes off at a dead run. A couple of others start screaming and others back away less dramatically. Parents who'd been content to let them mess with the giant bird hustle in and pull them out, some in various states of outrage. Julien observes this, feeling like he should probably protest, but also: this is funny.

The adults are harder. Oh, some take the hint, or are pulled away by people who do, but alcohol has dimmed others who don't have more sober friends with them. A tall, skinny man stares at Herbert with a mouth held so open for so long he might as well have a video camera in there, uncomprehending.

Even more oblivious is a woman whose face is a crimson so bright with Wismuth's strange vivacity that it seems unreal. She's crying and has Julien around the neck, mumbling "I love youuuu, you're so soft" into his feathers. The hold is kind of tight but he's big and it's pretty hard to strangle him, so he absently brings a vast wing around and pats her back. He's rewarded with a burst of sobbing.

"This has happened before, but it's not usually this intense," he says out loud.