⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 47 - Day 58 ish
Where: The Athenaeum
What: The carnival arrives at book world. First week, they'll be performing for magical manifestations of book characters. Second week, it's time to hunt (for books, in the library.) Around Day 58 some stuff will occur.
Warnings: Reading is mandatory.

FAERIE TALES↴ Though the carnival will be performing for its guests in the first week, they are welcome to search the Athenaeum while they are off duty during that time. The manifestations of story characters will be out in full force during performance week, with animals, people, objects, and even locations growing out from various tales. Most are distracting at worst, and will be curious to check out the carnival. Some, however, can be as dangerous as they were in their stories of origin. You know what to do. ► IT'S TIME TO ROLEPLAY: The best way to deal with book ghosts is to follow their narrative to its logical conclusion - turn the tables, work the story so it ends in your favour! Naturalistic and narratively satisfying plotting will have the manifestations following your lead. However, push too hard and introduce too many plot holes, inconsistencies, or illogical plot twists, and they will reject your reality utterly, becoming quite aggressive in the process. You can also use your natural abilities and powers to fight them in a traditional sense, but in the Ringmaster's experience, it's best to fight reality benders by bending reality right back at them. If you aren't careful, it's possible to be dragged fully into a story's reality, and then things get really messed up. ► IT'S ALSO TIME TO READ: The carnival came here for a purpose, and that purpose is to research. Specifically, the Ringmaster is looking for information on the Queen's Miracles - the set of ancient fae artifacts that the Blue Rose is one of. The carnival needs these artifacts to defend itself, but nobody knows where they've been for thousands of years. That's what the books are for. However, nothing is stopping you from pursuing knowledge for personal reasons. The halls are open to your perusal, and only your heart can guide you to the book you truly seek. Check the plot post to see what's allowed, and sign up to find plot info or other important game information below.

Comments

[criticallyfucked]

Well, Joker, that's what happens when you put Foster van Denend in a position of control--over anything or anyone.

(Un)fortunately, Joker's sense of humour about the whole thing is keeping him soundly in his place--the laugh, the gratuitous tone, the fluttering of his eyelashes.

But really, Foster knows about as much about Japan as Joker does, especially Japan in a... fairy tale period of time. 'Japan,' where he's from, is pretty much synonymous with sushi, cartoons for children, and the only decent vegetarian carryout that isn't pizza.

"If we can track him to his home, we'll surprise him in his sleep," Foster declares; then, lest anyone forget this is a fairy-tale, he adds, "Such a cruel and greedy beast has no honour, and so shall receive none in return."

If it weren't for the wide, decidedly messy smile on his face, one might actually believe he takes this sentiment seriously.

The ghostly seems pretty willing to believe, at least, because she wipes her eyes on the hem of her sleeve and nods to them before turning to begin the walk back to the smoking ruins of her village home.

Foster gives Joker a glance, still smiling--then glances back at his own hind end?

Walk, or ride?

[pipers_son]

Ah, what utterly knight-like words to spew out! ...Now if only that utterly warped smile really sold it. At least book people aren't discerning when it comes to the play being put on before them, and Joker allows the woman to turn away from them as he watches Foster. Somehow, that he's still smiling like that at him should be a concern, and, anyway, he should probably stay on foot just to sell the whole thing...

But on the other hand, that's sure him flapping up into the air to settle himself neat as you please, side-saddle, on Foster's back. What's sacrificing a little personal space between two almost complete strangers masquerading as coworkers? They shared a hot tub once, it's fine.

In all honesty, however, as Joker leans against Foster's back, it's more that he wants to clear something up. And that something is... "So, uh," he says, making sure to keep his voice quiet. "Ya know anythin' about this sort of place?"

How boned are they in making up things for Japan is what he wants to know.

[criticallyfucked]

Foster has regained control of a lot of things--like his salivation and swallowing--but his face is still something of a diceroll.

It does mean something that he's visibly pleased by Joker's decision to actually treat him like the beast he is, though. And he sets off after the woman at a steady walk, courteously jostling the man as little as possible in the process.

The question, however--

"I don't know shit about fuck," Foster replies with the kind of perverse confidence that comes with confessions of absolute worthlessness and incompetence. "I usually don't!"

[pipers_son]

Foster, don't make this weird. He knows that's a tall order to ask, because he has heard you say some weird shit to the Ringmaster over the radio, buddy, but, still. Do not make this weird.

Still, that's sure an answer, and Joker pauses for a second to take it in. Confidence for that sort of thing... Well, whatever. He shrugs. "Then I suppose we'll have ta keep bullshittin' with enough confidence," he says idly. "Got a plan or shall we wing it?"

Ha ha. It's funny because. Wings. He has them.