⇨ 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

Renzou Shima | OTA | New arrival

[worldlyafflictions]

[Carnival Grounds]
[Although Shima had given himself a quick tour after settling his contract with the Ringmaster, there's still plenty of things to get more familiar with, as well as the sudden availability of a whole other world to explore, depending if he can get anyone who isn't busy with performances or other business to accompany him. He'll be more hesitant around people who are on the farther side of inhuman, or who aren't wearing their glamours, but if they seem friendly enough he'll eventually approach with:]

Hi--'scuse me! If you're going on break soon or ya aren't busy, ya happen ta be in the mood ta show a new guy around?

((Feel free to tag from my TDM prompt options as well.))

This tag in is brought to you by 'who approaches a 9 foot shisa beast'

[betheman]

[Whoever it was Shima approached................ .......Apparently they decided they were Quite Busy, that or they just didn't hear Shima at all. Not surprising-in an active carnival, it can be hard to hear someone until they're practically breathing in your ear.

That or just Loud and Gruff, like someone trotting up from behind. Gongenzaka's ears are more sensitive than some human's, after all-so he heard That.] Hmm? You are another new employee, then? [He asks, only to blink rapidly when he realizes who's speaking.] ...AUH!!

S-SHIMA!? [IT'S YOU!!! WHERE'S YOUR EYE]

[worldlyafflictions]

[Making a startled noise in the back of his throat and looking up (and up) at uh... whatever.. is addressing him.]

T... that's me??

[Looks toward whoever he was trying to get the attention of just now but they've already bustled away so he has no one to hide behind.]

Uh. I am new though!

[betheman]

Hauh..? [Wait.... ...New?] N...New? But you were here a number of months ago, were you not? How...

[He's...just a bit confused. No one told him about this memory loss risk. No one gave him the Warning, that is Unfair guys-

Fortunately, he's normally quick to catch on.] ....You...truly are here for the 'first time' in your eyes?

[pipers_son]

[Besides the antlers and mismatched wing, Joker is admittedly a little more human than some at the carnival end up being. Sure, his bright pink eyes are one thing, and his long ears filled with dozens of earrings are another... Although at least he came with the missing arm.]

[But he's friendly enough as he bounces throughout the carnival, pausing at the sound of someone new's voice.]

Well, I think I could spare a moment for ya~. What's yer name, then?

[worldlyafflictions]

[Wow thank goodness someone relatively normal!]

Everybody at home just calls me Shima~ Nice ta meet ya! How's it been working here?

[pipers_son]

Joker, s'a pleasure~. [As it usually can be, at any rate.] Well, it has its... ups and downs, ta say the least.

Ha, you'll have ta be a little more specific. [For example, free days vs days where a stop tries to outright murder them]

[atouts]

[ Childermass certainly falls closer to the human side of appearances even without a glamour. The only obvious oddity is his feathery sideburns — downy black feathers in place of hair — and perhaps being a touch too pale than might be considered healthy. Still, he also doesn't seem friendly at all, dressed severely in black and white, though due to the world the carnival is attached to it's at least more serious businessman than 1800s Englishman for now, and wearing, well, a general lack of any readable expression.

Up until Shima approaches, anyway, then he'll at least quirk an eyebrow curiously. Here's a face he's seen before, if only in passing... and also someone he was expecting to run into eventually. ]

I do not take breaks. [ Yeah, fun first impression there. ] But seeing how you'll be working for me part-time, Mr. Shima, showing you around is something I should be doing in any case.

[worldlyafflictions]

[Shima's starting to get used to his bosses being Sickly Pale tbh.]

Ah--does that make ya Mr. Acquisitioner? Sounds like ya take your job seriously!

[Despite his accent he's speaking politely, though whether that respect seems sincere or not is perhaps more questionable.]

[atouts]

[ At least Shima doesn't have to worry about this one coughing up blood everywhere or something, so that's a plus, right? ]

It would, though I prefer Mr. Childermass over Mr. Acquisitioner. [ And luckily, Mr. Childermass doesn't really care if people are polite or sincere, one way or another. ] And yes, I do and I expect those working for me to do the same.

carnival grounds

[whattaprick]

[ As the Nightrider, Lambert doesn't really get involved in performances. Though actively protecting the Carnival from stray visitors isn't really his responsibility either, he does like wandering the grounds during performance week, making sure things are in order (at least as far as he can tell). It's a reassurance he could particularly use after the stress of the Rose business.

Hearing a voice he hasn't heard in months addressing him out of the blue? That upsets that equilibrium pretty quickly. Lambert spins on his heel, tail swinging out behind him, and a clawed hand shoots out to try to grab Shima by the shirt and haul him up to eye level. Whether he's successful or not, either way, Lambert's snarling into his face with too-hot breath. ]

Where the fuck have you been, Shima?

[ The trouble with approaching random individuals at the Carnival, Shima, is this: you never know when that random individual might be your former boss. ]

[worldlyafflictions]

[He yelps as he's dragged up, one hand going back to the K'rik hanging from his belt and the other set between them in a one-handed seal, just out of an instinctive self-preservation though it's technically already too slow.

--But hey, lucky him, he's being addressed by name!]

E-eh?! Been--I've been at home?? Why am I being yelled at?!

[whattaprick]

[ Lambert uses his other hands to swat at Shima's fingers, almost thoughtlessly, like it's not something worth his attention. He's seen what Shima can do with that demon, and he isn't interested in dealing with it now. ]

You disappeared after Portland. [ He says it accusingly, like Shima's done him a great personal offense. And maybe he has! ] I figured you ran out on your contract.

[ Of course, in a moment or two, he'll remember that's not actually possible, but right now he's pretty pissy. ]

tdm prompt a: wismuth effect

[anti_nonsense]

[Rita, a mostly-human girl save for the large feathered wings and long tail, overhears the (clearly stupid) comment as she passes by and rolls her eyes. But when she glances at the sweet in question, she ends up stopping to do a double take. That... actually looks really good.]

What is that?

[worldlyafflictions]

Creamy cheese puffs--wanna try one~?

[He's already aggressively pleased that a girl has stopped to talk to him, it's practically beaming off him.]

[anti_nonsense]

[Seeing him light up, Rita frowns in contrast... but the allure of tasty pastries is too great even for this stick in the mud.]

Sure. Give one here.

[She draws a bit closer and holds out a hand.]

Don't think I've seen you around. You new? [He looks vaguely familiar, yet Rita's pretty sure he wasn't a worker here, last she checked.]

wildcard for the trailer on s2:d8

[genice]

( Victor's first instinct when he'd been able to find the trailer he'd been assigned was, of course, to set down his skate bag on the couch and proceed to look through every cabinet. In part it was to keep himself busy, taking an inventory he needed to familiarise with what the kitchenette came with, if there was toilet paper in the bathroom, if there were towels and how many; all the small details that added up to a larger picture. He didn't find tea, though he found a measuring cup and that the water coming through the tap was drinkable enough to his tongue.

When he hears someone coming up the steps and opening the door, Victor leans out from the cupboard closet to get an eye on who's arrived. He flashes a smile their way, lifting a hand in a partial wave. )

Hello! Would you happened to be assigned to this trailer too?

( For better or worse, the trailer doesn't look all that lived in, so... he's running with the assumption that anyone else coming in might likewise be new and assigned.

Or else Victor showed up in the wrong trailer, which would be amusing, and not impossible. Just unlikely. )

[worldlyafflictions]

[If Victor is worried this might be the trailer of one of the Carnival's fae-changed veterans... the head of hair atop the head that pokes through the door is perhaps a startlingly bright pink--but that's the limit of the unusual features belonging to the boy who steps in, and a closer look would tell Victor it's clearly dye, so he can count this trailer as an oasis of normality if he's so inclined. For now.]

Aah, so it's gonna be shared? Nice ta meet ya then--I'm Shima.

[He nods in greeting rather than full on bowing, busy taking in the size of the trailer, as if trying to decide if there's really enough room.]

[genice]

( Victor flashes his vibrant, pink haired roommate a grin. He looks younger than Victor, which doesn't say much. Everyone Victor competes against is younger than Victor. He's the old demographic there, but it's been years since he's had to cohabitat outside of chosen preference.

Still, he's more amused than anything else. )

Seems to be the usual way of things here. Nice to meet you, Shima! I'm Victor. Do you mind if I take the bottom bunk?

( Is this entirely because he doesn't want to have to climb to the top bunk, yes. Will he take it if the younger man wants the lower bunk? Well, yes. Still! )

wildcardddd

[exaomori]

[So, her conversation with Yukio got progessively worse after Shima bailed. Shura is still pissed at the entire thing, but even still, whens she passes a store with a certain shirt hanging in the window, she has to go in and investigate.

It's pure coincidence that she happens to spot Shima's pink hair out of the corner of her eye in the same store. There's no sign in her expression that she knows about the talks he's apparently had with Yukio when she motions to him, beckoning him to come over to her.]

Oi, Shima. You think this would fit Yukio?

[And she'll hold the shirt up for him. It's a little small, but maybe that's stylish for teens??]

[worldlyafflictions]

[He knows that she knows though--so he still balks slightly when he hears her voice unexpectedly. But he can't go running away in another world when the Carnival is the only way back home, and there's no way the Carnival is big enough that he can avoid Shura for a whole year, so he braces himself and wanders over--]

[worldlyafflictions]

[--only to nearly bust out laughing when he catches sight of the shirt.]

[exaomori]

[So he was hoping to dodge her for a while longer? That's fine. He needs some sense of self-preservation to make it as a good spy.]

Ah, it suits him, doesn't it? He needs ta wear something more suitable for a kid his age every once in a while.

[kingsroads]

[ Here's another person who knew Shima before. It's hard to forget dumb shenanigans in Pokemon world which, unfortunately for Shima, is the main thing Strange associates with him.

Strange is taking a break after his performance, lingering outside of the big top and drinking what looks to be a sugary sports drink of some kind. Strange looks human enough but as he turns to look at Shima, the kid'll probably want sunglasses. Strange's hair, wrists, and eyes are all mirrored and considering that the place he's resting in is slightly sunny, it means that he's just disco ball-ing it up a bit. ]

Oh! Welcome back! [ He's far too cheery as he continues talking, though Strange's voice has an underlying tone of 'yeah, I know, this sucks' he can't hide. ] Satan's palm tree is still roaming the forests, I'm afraid, so you'll want to be careful.

[worldlyafflictions]

[He looks subtly nonplussed for a moment--it really is weird to keep encountering people that recognize him, whom he's never met--and then he blinks and looks even more befuddled, nearly affronted; an act, as he decides to play along. Though really it's less of an act than it could be because what the heck is Satan's palm tree anyway?]

What, it hasn't been like.. planted somewhere safe or something? Isn't that what the zoo is for?