lostcarnival | ⇨ WISMUTH

Entry tags:

⇨ WISMUTH

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.

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To be fair, grade 9 for most is High-school...not 'Third Year Middle School'. But all the same-it's difficult to see with the glamor, but his ears just folded a little anxiously.

She can expect to be even More confused when she finds out a teenager is the 'deputy' to the Warden, however.

"Patrol is one of the Carnival's form of 'military', you could say; while the Nightrunners act as a more preventive, and outer measure, those under the Warden are an active, and defensive measure. Patrol in particular," Gongenzaka explains, "Are meant to walk the perimeter and paths of the Carnival, to keep watch for possible dangers. In most locations...this is simple. We step in if a fight may be breaking out, or if it appears one is being harassed, and so on... Such is the basic state of things. There is a schedule of shifts for when each of us is to patrol, and where, and it is left at that. ...However,"

"...This is not quite the case in more dangerous situations. Depending on where we have arrived, and what may come, those under the Warden also act as more obvious defense, more obvious combatants, against threats to the Carnival and its employees. The Nightrider employs some among us as mercenaries for this purpose as well...but mercenaries are sent onward, beyond the carnival, for direct combat as well."

He coughs. "Which is...not to say we couldn't be sent as well, it is more... ...Patrol and similar, these are full time, rather than 'part time' and 'on call' tasks." In other words, they're a little more....

On The Scene.

She's listening to what he's describing and surprisingly, it's getting her to relax a little more. That unnerving smile of hers became a little more genuine and friendly once she realizes that their little patrol is more like a military one and that surprisingly pleases her.

A lot.

For a soldier like her, that's actually comforting.

"Zhen it sounds like I vill feel right at home once I am settled und given a schedule. Zhat is somewhat of a relief!" Rip's definitely pleased.

"Vat about ranks vithin zhe patrol? Surely zhere are zome if it iz zhe Carnival's military."

"Military at that point is only a comparison," he corrects, shaking his head. "Rankings beyond that... ...there are only so many of us, and with how many come and go due to the completion of contracts or otherwise, the image of a rank is more or less equivalent to what the Warden personally has decided. At this point, Patrol is Patrol, Bouncers are Bouncers," Gongenzaka continues. "And both divisions report to the Warden, and from there-depending on what has happened to the Warden, either the Nightrider, or even the Ringmaster herself." Though who knows-maybe it'd be Deputy, then Nightrider, then Ringmaster...

He's...Still not entirely comfortable going by 'deputy', see. He practically was presented with that just that day, if not the day prior. "The fact is....it is key to have in mind that it is a Faerie carnival-while many things mirror what a human organization would contain, many things are far, far from that..!" In other words, it's less a militant military and more 'these are the people who can Fight Things'.

Unfortunately, for the comfort level. "The most which I, the man Gongenzaka, can recommend, is to do your work, and do so well-with trust, comes responsibility." And with responsibility, comes...Fighting, really. The chances of being filled in on certain details more often.

Not that there has really been a time to see that sort of thing.

Even if it was just a comparison, she's still pleased with it and considering the rest. To her, it just sounded like they were the unit of individuals that were designated to fight and protect.

The way it was loosely set up was a bit of a disappointment, but, she'll deal with it. He did just remind her it was a carnival after all run by..Faeries of all things. She was still trying to get used to that fact but, considering her own Unit and what it had within its ranks..

"Zo, in ozher vords, Ve are more a group of gazhered fighters zhat are better suited zhan ozhers for zhe task to protect und defend. Honestly, zhat isn't too far off from vat I haf experience vith. Just...lacking zhe structure I am used to. "

See, she's getting it? Though, Rip was more used to attack and destroy then protect and defend. But, as long as she got to cause chaos on a battlefield at some point, she'll be happy!

"I don't zhink I vill haf a problem sticking to my vork. But, vat about you? How long haf you been vith zhe patrol?"

"Correct!" There they are, she's got it! And hey, if he can manage well enough with Zangetsu, he can manage perfectly fine with Rip. Probably.

Maybe. They'll find out. He's at least getting the image that she herself was military, which...well, that makes sense, and is probably more organization/experience than the rest of them ever had.

With the Carnival though, she'd definitely see chaos eventually....

"I, the man Gongenzaka, was brought in and hired for patrol at the start of my contract; so I have been active for one full year, almost-plans for a second contract have already been made, so I, the man Gongenzaka, will hopefully remain for a little longer as well..!" he jokes-after all, there...are reasons and incidents.

Like Death. That could happen.

Chances were, Rip had more experience than most when it came to fighting and military organization given her age. Not that she looked any older than her 20s anyway...But, looks were definitely deceiving as everyone will find out with her.

But, when she heard he was intending on staying on for longer than a year, she gave him a strange look.

"Exactly, vhy vould you do zhat? I vould zhink zhat once you finish zhe contract, you vould want to get out of here az zoon as possible." That's what she was intending.

If death was a possibility here, it might be best not to tell Rip that. She likes causing death. Not experiencing it.

"....You were not a willing contractor, I imagine..." This tends to be something that only the people unwilling to sign on ask about...the people who Make contracts have an idea already, even if it's not necessarily accurate.

Regardless.

"From where I, the man Gongenzaka, entered from, it was a 'pinch' moment-no time to properly think, or plan for what lay ahead. Coming within the Carnival, time changes. No time at all will pass from where I left-but in contrast, a year of training can be gained. There have certainly been drawbacks, and incidents that I, the man Gongenzaka, never wish to experience again...

"...But the exchange for time, and the opportunity to train, has more than paid for itself..!"

"Hardly. I broke zhings und ended up vith a contract." As in quite a few mirrors in the mirror maze and a certain someone had encouraged her. Rip wanted to strangle Tyki for that.

"Vell, zhat may be a good zhing for you but, I did not haf zhat issue. I vas preparing for a mission vhen I found myself at zhe carnival und trust me, I am very eager to get back to it."

She had been waiting decades for the opportunity this mission presented her with and she wasn't about to run away from it! However, hearing that there had ben incidents and drawbacks prompted her curiosity.

"Vat kind of incidents? How can zhere be drawbacks to gaining more experience?"

"Aauh....this seems to be how most 'unwillingly' come in..." He does, at least, look somewhat sympathetic. Regardless. "Hmmmm... ....Well.... ...there have at least been incidents where vacation has been allowed to 'update' oneself on their home life...One which I, the man Gongenzaka, shared a trailer with, did so in fact-though it had only been three days in the Carnival, they themselves spent a few months in their home, at least..!"

Of course, that might not be a great idea for Rip....oh well.

"The battles involved-recently...we seem to have attracted the ire of rather powerful figures in the Faerie courts. We have avoided them thus far, but if we encounter them..." Hooo. He shakes his head. "...Before that, it was merely a demonic-vampire war which caused much issue..."

HE DIED IN THAT. YAY.

She might be able to go home on 'vacation'? Well, that definitely appealed to her. Though if she knew what was waiting for her if she did...

Thankfully, she didn't. So the idea of being able to home even briefly definitely had an appeal to her. Now to see about earning said vacation..

"...Demonic-vampire var." The way she said that held a little too much amusement as she started laughing. Which may or may not give him a good look at her own vampiric fangs.

"Zhat is too rich! Oh, zhis is going to be more fun zhan I realized!"

"Auh..." Fortunately for Gongenzaka-he's used to other vampires existing. Extremely so, in fact.

His roommate is one. Specifically, she's the former nightrider turned vampire through the same species they fought off... ....decided it was too awesome, apparently.

Regardless, he blinks a few times before choking- "TH- J-Just because we fought them once, does not mean we will encounter them again..!! It is Higher Fae which we are to be watching for!!"

Except, he already said those were Even Stronger, so.... ...Probably even MORE Fun for Rip....

"Really~? Zhen tell me just how vell zhat little fight vent for zhe Carnival? I vould love to hear about zhe patrol und your nightrider's in action!"

She's leaning forward with interest. "Vat kind of destruction vas had? Obviously you managed to eizher vin or run away." As for higher fae, she wanted to hear about those too! And if they were stronger, then definitely more fun for her.

Another chance to try and prove herself and her prowess, Rip wouldn't be able to resist!

"Just... how many vampires are alzo part of zhe carnival?"

He has...a rather dry expression about that. "...........At the time I was still fairly new. I, the man Gongenzaka, perished protecting those in the Cookhouse," he explains curtly. "We as well lost our former Warden in that battle, and a number of employees tied off their contracts in the aftermath." So.... "We won... ...however, they pursued us, and numbers of us ran before that pursuit occurred." A lot of the carnival wasn't really there for Battle, suffice to say. (also did you just say you died-)

"Hmmnn....I, the man Gongenzaka, believe most have cured themselves by now," he hums, tapping his chin. "....Certainly, it was something which I myself did with relative speed, lest it cause trouble..." A vampire his size would probably cause 'trouble' yes. "For the moment, Mari is the only one I, the man Gongenzaka can recall....you will recognize her quite easily by her carnival changes," he adds, raising a brow. "She is tall, bears four arms, and innumerable eyes."

Upon hearing he died quickly, she pouted and continued to listen. So, that was the aftermath for them. Hardly a glorious one but, at least they managed to win even if pursuit happened.

Though, hearing that they cured their condition makes her sit up a little more and frown. Why would they just throw something like that away!? She had worked hard do the advantage it gave her!

"Vhy vould you vant to do zomething like zhat? I volunteered to become one back home! Zhe strength, zhe speed... vhy vould you give any of zhat up!" Explain this to her..explain what kind of idiot would give something like that up!

Well, at least she wasn't the only vampire then..."Ah, I zee.. und zhese changes from zhe carnival, do zhey happen to everyone?"

"Do not assume vampires from your realm are vampires from that one," he immediately cuts in, voice tense. "While I, the man Gongenzaka, have no doubts such benefits were the same between... ...The existence as a 'demonic vampire' was not so 'willing'. One became host to another being, a demon-and they would fight the blend with said demon for the remainder of their time..."

He sighs. "...Truthfully, there...was a time which I, the man Gongenzaka, spent as a vampire of a different sort... ...Perhaps more similar to your own case, if it was something you could volunteer for. It was....an odd situation," he admits, quiet. "....One which I, the man Gongenzaka, cannot entirely make sense of...."

...

He shouldn't get lost in thought over this, really. "Mm- changes certainly occur-but they vary immensely. Extreme changes in particular are the result of magical exposure-in my own case, it is my revival from that war, which caused my lower body to exist as it is!"

He wasn't the only one that tensed slightly. "Do not assume you know vat vampires from my vorld are like eizher." Or just what kind of vampire she was. Lets just say its a path he doesn't want to tread down and leave it at that.

Though, it still didn't sit well with her that someone would fight such a gift even if it was demonic in origin. Then again, Rip willingly gave up her mortality and humanity for it!

"I zee...Lets just say my case is unique und zhat I doubt your experience vas anyzhing like mine, even zhough I did volunteer."

...This was a conversation Rip was very much not willing to have. So, when he answered the other question she asked, she was more than happy to shift the conversation.

"Oh? Vell, no offense, but, I'd razher remain looking like myzelf as closely az possible. But, if changes to occur, I hope zhey are at least interesting ones. "

"With how positively you spoke of it after all, I, the man Gongenzaka, question how having your own will toyed and manipulated with would have been something you enjoyed," he replies, nodding. Volunteering implies that there wouldn't be anything like that either way after all... ....but then again, there was Mari...

Who probably just beat down any impulses with her own thing anyway. Hmm. "It is unfortunately inevitable," he laughs weakly, glad for the topic change himself. "Such is the side effect of being within the Carnival at all..! However, they will fade if you wish, once you leave your contract!"

"Zhat's not zhe reason for my...tension. " She waved it off as the final thing she was going to say and then focused on the rest of what he was saying once more.

"...Vell, at least zhey von't be permanent vhen zhe contract ends. I zhink I could live vith zhem vith zhat being the case." she actually smiles at that revelation and relaxes again. "but, I do vonder if zhey are as varied az you say, zhen just vat vill manifest for me vhen zhey finally do. "

"Tension?" WHOOPS he sure misread someone's tone. But, they're moving on. Moving on quite far away, and he shakes himself.

"Aaauh, it will be quite a mystery in that regard..! Though... ...I, the man Gongenzaka, can say this!" he realizes, blinking. "Often...a change will connect somehow to where we are, or what we have been doing...in particular, if a glamor of a more unique sort has been employed to allow us to better blend with the population. ...The inhuman population," he adds, nodding.

"Such as in... ...Atlantis-it was entirely under the sea, and thus, those of us there became fishlike."

Well, that makes sense. Or as much sense as anything else does around here. Rip nods slightly and considers the possibilities that opens up for changes.

"Zhen zhe changes can reflect more.. a persons abilities und personality? Und I'm assuming zhe glamor iz vat makes you look normal to zhe populace of zhis vorld?" She chuckled softly. "Honestly, if I had not caught zomething out of zhe corner of my eye, I vould not haf noticed your own unique changes in zhe slightest."

"Occasionally!" Honestly that's the best he can do. "As I, the man Gongenzaka, said... ...it will vary, after all."

He does find himself going a little red however, nodding. "A-Auh...specifically, it draws upon my original, human appearance..."

Someone's Been Changed Lots-

She can tell once she hears he was originally human.

"Oh? How zo? You might haf to explain since zhe only indication of human I haf of you iz zhis glamor."

"It is exactly as I, the man Gongenzaka, said-rather...what you see as my glamor, is how I, the man Gongenzaka, appeared before arriving within the Carnival. The only difference... ...would be clothing, truthfully."

"Oh? Zhen do all glamors vork like zhat vhen ve are out and about avay from vork?" Another interesting thing to note if it was true. Though, Rip doubted she would ever end up looking like something similar to him.

"Aaah, for the most part. Obviously, if one already looks too different from the surrounding population... ....mmmm, the Glamor would mask that then, as well..."

As with changes then...it is a variable.

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⇨ WISMUTH

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