⇨ 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

[dontpokethat]

Usually, when people try to compliment Ginko, it ranges from weird and uncomfortable to... well, appreciated, however quietly. Joker, however, seems to have a unique talent for finding a specific, narrow range of comments, of sentiments and phrases, that manage to push that appreciation a step further.

The downside of this, of course, is that Ginko isn't sure how to handle that next step. It's hard to imagine that there's anything particularly interesting about hearing him ramble about the animals; as fascinating as they are, Ginko himself isn't any kind of showman. At least, when guests tour the menagerie, the animals are right in front of them, creating interest on their own simply by virtue of their existence. But Joker seems... sincere about it. At the very least, he believes it.

Which... Ginko is very, very happy to hear, enough so that it surprises even him. But he also doesn't really know what to say about it.

He looks away and clears his throat, pressing his lips together. "I... I'm glad you think so, but I don't know how many people would agree. Now, I wouldn't say telling them nothing is the way to go - but wouldn't it be enough to make sure they know we have creatures they won't see anywhere else? They can go to the carnival to find out the details for themself."

[pipers_son]

Aaah, no smile. It's not that Joker was expecting one, of course. He already knows that he's not one of the things or people that get that kind of expression on Ginko's face. Maybe Feathers could, which is a nice thought and one he should experiment with, but Feathers isn't him. Still, that hadn't stopped him from hoping a little bit. At least the reaction is a good one, and Joker laughs a little bit as Ginko turns his head away to mask his own strange little pang of longing. At least he'll always have Antlers, who he extends his hand to next. Time for a good boy's turn.

"Yeah, but everyone always says that when it comes ta circuses. It's the easiest thing ta say in the book." He's run one, he should know. It was easy enough in England, everyone staying in their little spaces, unable to travel, unable to see things so easily like he's seen in some worlds, and with whispers of new exotic things on nobility's lips. Of course, when it comes to the carnival the Ringmaster runs, they're actually saying the truth, but no one can know that before going.

"Give 'em somethin' solid, the best tidbit ya can, and that's the sort of thing that comes best from the people who know best." Glancing up away from Ginko, he smiles. "Don't ya think?"

[dontpokethat]

Antlers bumps his head affectionately into Joker's palm, and Ginko recovers enough to look back at him after a moment - though now his face feels a little warm. This is so stupid, just gonna ignore it and keep talking.

"I guess so, but-- I'm not sure what I could say that would interest them, and that they'd believe. I can't exactly tell them we've got a dragon and expect them to assume I'm telling the truth, right?" He snorts and tilts his head toward Joker a little. "I don't think I've got the knack for treading that line the way you do."

[pipers_son]

"Well, of course-!" Joker laughs, using his wooden fingers to their best affect for the best scritches a dog could ask for. "That's why ya don't give the name away! Just say that it's an animal big as a house, and we got an animal in a mystery box that they'll never guess what it is~." Calling it a box of hands would just concern people....

...Or, wait, maybe that would be perfect. That's actually perfect sideshow fodder, just as long as they don't mention the whole moving and probably living thing.

Still, is it just him, or does Ginko's face have a little more color to it than usual...? In this place, Joker doesn't immediately for the obvious. After all, even he's noticed how much... brighter everything is here. Still, still... "Have ya just been walkin' these too around all day then?" he asks suddenly. "Not gotten anythin' ta eat?"

[dontpokethat]

"That... does sound like a good plan. See, this is why you're in charge of stuff like this and I'm not."

In-depth explanations of the behavior and life cycles of magical or semi-magical organisms, he can do. Piquing people's interest enough for them to come see a carnival? That's... not really his specialty. Or something he knows how to do at all.

The shift in topic seems to catch him a little bit off-guard, but it doesn't take him too long to adjust. He looks up at the sky, his mouth twisting as he checks the position of the sun, since he... doesn't actually own a watch or anything. "I had breakfast, but that was... a few hours ago, actually. These guys have kept me pretty busy."

[pipers_son]

"Yeah, that's just like ya." Did he mean for the words to come out that fond? He didn't, he thinks, but there they are, warm as a summer sun. Joker realizes it in a split second, and keeps talking as if that will mask the moment.

"Well, since I've got some time on my hands, why don't we go find somewhere? Just you, me..." Standing up, he gestures to all three creatures with a wide grin and softly shaking shoulders. "An entire zoo..."

[dontpokethat]

Something about that tone sinks into Ginko's chest, threatens to make his face go another shade pinker - though he couldn't for the life of him say why. Maybe he's just not used to people saying stuff like that like it's a good thing, instead of scolding him or making fun of him for working too much.

He snorts and crouches down momentarily to scoop Miu up; if they're heading out, he might as well make sure she can't take off again. "Sounds like a plan. Anywhere that's caught your eye yet?"

[pipers_son]

A certain brilliant triumph sparkles in his chest when Ginko picks Miu up, because it's an answer before the other man even speaks. Excellent. Perfect. "Not particularly, although I've seen plenty of- ah ha!" He taps his fingers together.

"Yer, ah, what is it... From the East... Japan, right? I got the name right?"

[dontpokethat]

"Yeah, that's right. And you're from England." See, Joker, he can do that too.

Jokes ("jokes") aside, though, he can guess where Joker is going with this. "Did you see somewhere with Japanese food?" Because that is actually a pretty appealing prospect.

[pipers_son]

They barely qualify as jokes, honestly, but that doesn't stop Joker from laughing a little even with how excited he looks.

"Yeah! At least, I think I got it right. I didn't look too much at the name, but the food inside looked like it fit the bill." His shoulders roll in an easy shrug. "Then again, who knows if they even call countries the same here." It means a bit of guessing, depending on the world, but Joker hasn't minded much. "It might take a bit of a ride ta get there, but I have enough money for that." Are animals even allowed on buses or subways? It's fine, he'll figure it out.

[dontpokethat]

Boy, that's encouraging. But the ambiguity of whether the place they're going is Japanese at all actually makes Ginko grin even more. "Looked like it, huh? Guess we'll find out for sure when we get there."

Lead the way, Joker. And, uh... yeah, he'll just hope the local public transit doesn't have a problem with dogs. Or owls.

[pipers_son]

Hey, the surprise makes it more fun, or something. At least, that's what Joker thinks as he cheerfully begins to lead the way with Feathers fluttering back up again. Look, a well trained bird! At least, that's what he's promising.

Fortunately, subways aren't too hard to find in a city like this, and Joker skips down with a cheerful hum. Feathers' whole body seems to bob with each step. "What kind of countries did ya know about back home, anyway? Besides yer own, I mean."

tmw your character is from an alternate history setting and you gotta Bullshit

[dontpokethat]

Antlers stays close by Ginko's heels as he follows Joker, while Miu, after wiggling all the way to the subway, seems to have settled down some by the time they start down the stairs. Honestly, thank goodness, places like this put Ginko on edge enough without her trying to break free.

"Ah, well... only a few, honestly. I'd hear bits and pieces about China, or Europe, or the Americas... We were pretty isolated, I guess." He snorts quietly. "Most of what I heard was from one friend of mine; he always wanted to talk about whatever new gadget he'd had imported."

[pipers_son]

"Ha, one of those! Well, they're always a delight, that sort of person." Or perhaps Joker is just biased with how much he likes to talk himself. Arriving down at the bottom of the stairs, he waits patiently for Ginko to come with him. "England was goin' all over, so I got ta hear about a few interestin' places... But it was mostly folks from India that we were hearin' about. Curry and stuff like that was really popular."

He suddenly comes to a pause, however, glancing at a sigh. Ah, animals only when brought in a bag.... Well, he'll figure that out.

[dontpokethat]

"They can be," Ginko agrees. Seems safe to say that much is true, even if he'd be hesitant to agree it's always the case. "I think I've heard of curry - haven't had it, though. It's supposed to be pretty spicy, right?"

Ginko also looks over the sign, raising his eyebrows. "...Did you bring any bags, because I didn't." Let alone one that could fit Antlers.

[pipers_son]

"Yeah, some of it can be pretty spicy, but there's stuff for all sorts, I think." He never got to have too much of the kind that was brought to England, although he's had some while traveling with the Carnival. He's not sure how much that counts.

Still, they have a more pressing matter, and Joker hums. "I don't suppose ya brought Miu's ball...?"

[dontpokethat]

Thinking back on it, Ginko is pretty sure there's been curry available at the Cookhouse before, for sure. Maybe sometime he should actually try it.

He shakes his head, frowning down at the little dog Pokemon in his arms. "Probably should have. There's gotta be somewhere around here that sells bags, right?"

Probably cheap shitty ones, but that works fine for temporary animal-carrying purposes, probably.

[pipers_son]

Ha. Somehow, Joker isn't particularly surprised. It seems, somehow, like the kind of thing that Ginko would end up leaving behind in his trailer. For now, he just waggles his fingers. "I'll find somethin', just wait here." If he can keep Feathers tucked away, and he already has an idea for Mui....

That just leaves their good dog Antlers. And there has to be a bag big enough for him.

[dontpokethat]

"Hm. Alright, I'll be here." The "don't do anything too ridiculous" is kind of implied in his tone, but it probably says something that he doesn't feel the need to express that concern out loud. It'll probably be fine, for a given definition of "fine".

He waits patiently by the sign until Joker returns, letting Miu down so she can shuffle around on her leash. Eventually, she scoots between Antlers' paws to nestle in there and stare expectantly at Ginko, while Antlers leans down to gently lick the top of her head.

[pipers_son]

What, isn't he trusted?

...Don't answer that.

Joker is only gone for perhaps five minutes, and, when he returns, it's with Feathers hidden away now in his Pokball, and a large totebag slung around his shoulder. He's grinning widely, even as he slips the bag of and tosses it to Ginko.

"Put Antlers in there." Crouching down, he grins brightly to Miu. "And you, pet, are comin' with me." Trust him, he knows what he's doing as he holds his hand out to her.

[dontpokethat]

Well, to be fair, if Ginko didn't trust Joker he would have expressed a lot more doubts about... whatever he's doing. He probably also would not be so willing to scoop Miu up and pass her to him once he's got hold of the tote bag.

"Careful that she doesn't make a break for it." If she did, he doubts she would go far, but this isn't the safest place for a tiny fluffy animal.

With Miu passed off, he sets the tote bag down on the ground and holds it open while he coaxes Antlers in. Antlers, for his part, looks extremely unsure of this entire situation, but eventually steps in - while still staring up at Ginko as if silently begging him not to do anything stupid.

Hopefully he doesn't consider being carried around in a bag to be too stupid.

[pipers_son]

It's fine. It's getting them where they need to go, so Antlers can wait out a bit of shenanigans, right?

Joker, in the meanwhile, cheerfully cradles Miu in his arm, undoing one of the top buttons of his vest in the meanwhile. With enough breathing room, he carefully tries to put the little bug-dog-but-really-a-bug into the front of it.

Assuming she allows it, it's going to look adorable.

[dontpokethat]

She's not super cooperative at first, though that's more general wiggling than a focused effort to escape. Eventually, though, she settles down enough and long enough to be tucked into Joker's vest, and...

"...Wow." Thanks to Ginko's personal mannerisms, it might be a little hard to tell from his tone what he thinks of that, but, spoilers: It's very very cute. Not just Miu's fluffy face poking out of Joker's vest, but also the fact that this was the solution Joker thought of, and just how pleased he seems with it.

Rather than dwell on that for any longer than the absolute minimum, Ginko scoops up the freshly-bagged Antlers and turns toward the subway platform, shooting an amused grin at Joker. "Nobody can say she isn't contained, anyway - just keep a hold on her leash, to be sure. You ready to go?"

[pipers_son]

"Yer appreciation of my genius and quick wit is duly noted~." With the leash wrapped around one hand, Joker grins, bopping Ginko lightly on the side of the arm. As long as the "dog" in question is contained, he feels like that follows the spirit of the law, although not the letter. It's fine, it's fine. Surely no one would complain about a sight so cute, would they?

At least, the person who allows them through only seems to roll their eyes in amusement, no doubt having seen far worse in a city as big as this. With no trouble gotten, Joker gladly goes to wait for the train and is one of the first through when one arrives with doors open.

"Ya should sit down, unless ya like carryin' Antlers around like that~."

[dontpokethat]

"Mm-hm." Ginko doesn't even bother to hide his smirk as bops Joker right back.

Once they're on the train, Joker's suggestion is, frankly, a welcome distraction from the sheer number of people he can still see heading for the doors. He figures it probably gets to be more crowded here sometimes, but this is, frankly, more than enough people for him already.

He nods and scoots into one of the seats, shifting Antlers onto his lap. "Yeah, that... sounds like a better plan. Not sure the bag could take it, either." This thing isn't really made to carry an animal this size, surprising nobody. "You going to sit down, too?"