lostcarnival | ⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

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⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

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.

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I don't know. [The spirit looks suddenly uncertain of that.] I only awoke a few evenings ago. Even so, well met Strange and...

[The Syrlyas look at each other, and the real one's shoulders raise in sudden panic. He can't introduce himself as his name, but there's a lot of friend's names that would be too awkward to adopt.]

I am--[Uuuuuuhh] Siobhan.

[That's the next Sylvan name he thinks of... until he remembers that's the name of Strange's daemon. He turns his face away, mentally cursing himself.]

Siobhan. Ah, I apologize but I cannot stay for long. I have something of utmost importance to attend to, but perhaps if you are still in the Grove when I return?

[ Strange looks absolutely delighted as Syrlya mentioned he only awoke a few evenings ago. He knew that Syrlya was something like five, with him awaking a few evenings ago, does he mean budding or blooming or whatever Sylvari do? Is he talking to a baby version of his trailermate?

His delight only grows when the real Syrlya introduces himself as Siobhan. This means that Strange is just smiling like an idiot at the book Syrlya's question, without any idea as to how silly he looks. ]

We might be, [ Strange answers. ] Though, pardon my nosiness, but what are you attending to?

[Syrlya presses his forehead to the book, as if that'll spare him further mortification.

The book Syrlya looks briefly hesitant, shifting on his feet. It's kind of a personal matter, but...] I promised a friend that I would help retrieve his Beloved from the Nightmare Court. I am to meet him at their encampment immediately.

[Syrlya looks up at that, sobering immediately. Oh, he knows exactly what this is.]

Edited 2018-05-06 23:42 (UTC)

[ As Syrlya sobers, Strange tenses. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that losing someone's beloved is a bit of a sore spot for the man who lost his wife and then pretty much went crazy to get her back.

Besides, they need to play along with the narrative until they find a way out. What if this is it? ]

Do you want any help? [ he asks, not even bothering to ask Syrlya if he'll help or think hey, if this is Syrlya's life he'll know how good or how bad this event goes. Nope, someone's love is in danger, Strange wants to help fix this no matter what. ]

[Syrlya lifts his head, staring at Strange in disbelief. Oh, for the love of--]

Well... we are using a bit of trickery to slip in through their ranks. Bringing others may disrupt our cover.

[Syrlya sighs, lowering the book as he steps beside Strange.] It's all right. I am an accomplished Mesmer... getting in undetected will be no trouble for us. But the Court is dangerous for a Sapling.

[Because this probably is the story they have to tell. Really, though, these books could do with an off switch.]

... Very well. I am sure Tiachren would appreciate all the help he can get. I can lead the way.

[ There we go, perfect. Strange has no idea about some of the specifics (slip in through their ranks? Was the Nightmare Court an army?). But Syrlya's agreed to help so that's what they're going to do! And really, if baby Syrlya managed to survive this encounter, then Strange is certain he'll survive it again. ]

I'm an Elementalist myself, [ Strange pipes up. Is that the term Syrlya used when they sparred all those months ago? Maybe? He's not entirely sure. ] So you needn't worry about either of us. But yes, lead on and we'll follow.

[ He'll let book-Syrlya lead the way before Strange falls back in step with real-Syrlya...who he's fairly certain might be a little displeased with the way these things are going. ]

[It seems to be, as the illusion doesn't look confused at the revelation before turning and gesturing them along.

Syrlya keeps just enough space between them and the spirit up ahead that he can keep their conversation private as he lowers his voice and looks sidelong at Strange.] This story doesn't end well.

[Before he gets his hopes up that they're about to play hero.]

[ Strange is fully expecting the start of a lecture from Syrlya and is already mentally preparing some of the counterpoints to bring up in said lecture. As such, he's a bit taken aback by Syrlya's statement. That bright smile fades into a small frown. Still, Strange can't help but ask, ]

His beloved. Does she survive?

[ At least give Syrlya's friend that much. Come on, universe. ]

Edited 2018-05-07 03:12 (UTC)

[Syrlya pauses at first, simply watching Strange with his lips pressed tight in careful control.

Then he looks ahead, to the back of the illusion.] It would have been a greater kindness had she simply died in their captivity.

[How assuring. He doesn't get long to dwell on it, because turning back makes him realize as they walk that the scene is modifying itself--the Grove giving way to a sandy beach that stretches east, but their path lies going away from it and back into the grassy plateaus of the forest.

He blinks, glancing around quickly.]

[ Well. That answers that. Strange is about to say something else, about to protest that there must be a way to change the story (even though he knows there isn't) before the scene starts to shift and the beach turns into a forest.

This happened before, in one of the other stories, so Strange realizes that this might be the scene moving forward a bit. But also? He's got no idea what the hell this beach is. ]

Where are we now? [ he mutters to Syrlya. ]

Sandycove Beach. The Nightmare Court had a small encampment in the caverns near it. [He's not sure if it's still there, it's been a while. But the Wardens always had difficulty breaching it through all the aggressive wildlife.

The book spirit waves to the figure ahead--another shorter Sylvari of pale green whose armor might as well make him the very image of a noble knight. He looks pleased to see him.] Well met, Valiant. I... see you have brought friends?

[The knight regards them curiously. Syrlya steps forward to quickly smooth out the conversation first.] That's right. We were told that you Beloved was currently in danger and offered our force to the cause. Myself and Strange--[He gestures to him, glancing around briefly.] ... will slip in under a veil, so as not to disrupt your subterfuge.

I see... thank you, friends. I welcome any assistance in saving my precious Ysvelta. She must be so frightened. If they've hurt her, I swear...

Edited 2018-05-07 18:31 (UTC)

[ Strange nods as Syrlya gestures to him. However, his bright mood that he had earlier is pretty much soured. If this ends a certain way, then what can they do? Just go along with the story until the end? Play their part as pieces?

He's not so sure he likes that. But what else can he do? ]

We'll do the best we can, [ Strange responds, turning his attention towards the green Sylvari. ] And best of luck trying to save Ysvelta.

[The knight nods, relieved, and gestures them forward as he leads to the Nightmare camp. Syrlya hangs back a moment, reaching for Strange if he tries to go ahead before waving his hand to hide them under invisibility.

After a moment of deliberation, he just shoves the book at Strange.] Here, hold this. I need my hands free to use my blade.

[ And a book is shoved at him. Strange looks at the book, then looks at Syrlya with a 'what the hell am I supposed to do with this' sort of expression. ]

Some of my magic requires both hands as well, [ he points out. But it's whining for the sake of whining: Strange knows that given the circumstances, it would be easier for Strange to bullshit one-handed magic that it would be for Syrlya to bullshit one-handed swordplay.

And so, at least for the moment, Strange holds the book at his side. ]

[Syrlya only rolls his eyes in response before gesturing Strange to follow him into the camp. They're lagging a little behind the spirits, but it doesn't matter when they're invisible to everyone.

They'll be undisturbed getting into the entrance, and it's immediately clear the Nightmare Court is nothing like the Grove. The structures are dark, thorny and harsh and rotten to touch and see. The Sylvari themselves look the same, if in more sinister dress and armor. It's unwelcoming, uncomfortable, and cold. Around the edges are cages of thorns, dried with blood and with spirits of the miserable and broken cowering in them. Also, there's a lot of dog-sized spiders.

Syrlya keeps his head high, but the disgust as he looks at the scene is still evident. He remembersthe path, though, even without following book Syrlya as the Courtier spirits whisper while they pass.

It's up a ramp that curves around a wall, obscuring the end from view.]

[ He follows Syrlya but obviously lets him lead the way. The Nightmare Court is a place of sick fascination for Strange. Everything here looks dark and rotted, but it still has some of that level of wonder that he's never seen before. This is a disgusting, unwelcoming place. But it's a disgusting, unwelcoming place that he's never seen before, and Strange wants to take in as much as he can.

Though, the dried blood on the cages of thorns and the huge fuckoff spiders do make him wince. Briefly, Strange wonders when huge spiders became a thing. The Manor had them, the Space Olympics had a few, he's pretty certain that the game in the Mainframe had them as well...his world better be spider-free when they return, Strange doesn't want to deal with that.

He follows Syrlya up the ramp, taking care to stay close while still examining this place as much as possible. ]

[Staying close is ideal, and as long as he does Syrlya doesn't speak up. Even as a spiritual recreation, disrupting the Nightmare Court is... unideal. Nevermind that they're doing exactly that anyway.

As they reach the end of the ramp, the knight is already approaching Ysvelta, a Sylvari of wispy leaves and ocean blue hues. He rushes forward to embrace her in a surge of excitement.] My beloved Ysvelta! Thank the Pale Tree, you're all right. Quickly, come with me. We have to get out of here!

[Ysvelta looks at him with an expression full of love, yet distant... and then shakes her head.] No, Tiachren. I cannot go with you.

[The book Syrlya is standing a respectful distance from them, but that declaration causes him to double take and he looks just as surprised as Tiachren. What? What?

It's only more baffling when Ysvelta takes a step back, holding her hand out to Tiachren.] Come, take my hand, and we will both stay. We will thrive in the garden of Nightmare.

[ Is she enthralled? She has to be enthralled, why else would she want to stay in this place? If she's enthralled, Strange knows he can break it...he just needs to get close enough to see the magic and cast his spell.

Strange leaves Syrlya's side, taking a few steps closer towards Ysvelta, staring straight at her in an attempt to use his third eye and spot any ambient magic around her. At least in the moment, he's forgotten about the fact that they're in a book and it's no use trying to change what happened. All he wants to do is make this right. ]

[Strange will certainly find magic on Ysvelta... and Tiachren, and book Syrlya, and literally everything around them. Because they're just in the scene of a magic book, and not actually present in reality. Unfortunately, his third eye isn't going to be terribly useful for discovering what's wrong with an illusion.

Syrlya tenses as Strange starts forward, but stops himself from surging forward with him and instead turns to look down the ramp briefly. For the moment, Strange is at least still under stealth--presuming he doesn't act out too combatively.

Tiachren continues to look pleading at Ysvelta, taking her hands while the book Syrlya stares on in growing horror.] These people are evil. You aren't one of them. Return to the Grove with me, and put this all behind you!

[But Ysvelta only shakes her head and pulls her hands away.] I cannot, love. The Nightmare Court has shown me the truth. Ventari's Tablet is false; the Pale Tree is lying to us. Don't you understand?

[ Strange can't help but frown as he sees magic everywhere. This is ridiculous, he was only looking at her and....oh wait, they're in a magic book right now. Shit. There goes that plan.

Strange remains where he is, tense and ready to act, as he listens to Tiachren and Ysvelta talk. And then they're going to get to something Strange doesn't recognize. He takes a few steps back towards Syrlya, frowning still, as he asks, ]

What's Ventari's Tablet?

[ Obviously it's important. But he doesn't know how important. ]

[Syrlya makes a motion to shush Strange, because his veil does not make them inaudible to others... but it's too late.

Ysvelta looks over Tiachren's shoulder, right at them, eyes narrowed.] Who is there? You brought others, Tiachren?

[Book Syrlya looks mortified at them, while Tiachren tries to assuage her.] No! My Love, please, return with me--

[He tries to grab her, but she pulls away.] You will not take me back! If you love me, Taichren, then meet me where our hearts began! You remember the place.

[And with that Ysvelta raises her hand, and magic that certainly looks like Syrlya's builds up by her hand. Ah, she's going to teleport away.

Syrlya doesn't step toward her. He steps back, already turning to the ramp and drawing his blade.] By the Mother, Strange--!

[ His bad. In his defense, he had no idea that Syrlya's veil didn't muffle sound as well as sight and never really thought to ask. ]

How was I supposed to know? [ Strange hisses, giving everyone a bit of an incredulous expression. Obviously this is not his fault despite the fact that it kind of is. Syrlya doesn't step towards Ysvelta but Strange does. Finally there's some magic he recognizes: unfortunately, it's the same sort of teleportation magic Syrlya uses.

Well, if Syrlya's not going to stop her, Strange is. He won't be able to reach her in time via smoke form, but maybe if he distracts her with his magic then she'll lose her concentration. With his free hand, Strange gestures in Ysvelta's direction and mutters a quick incantation. The ground near her feet starts to pull apart and fissure, like tiny little earthquakes. ]

[Well, the fissure is unexpected and Ysvelta stumbles back and trips over her feet, falling over.

But the reason Syrlya turns back to the ramp is because he knows what's coming--more Courtiers, drawn in by the noise and investigating. The stealth on both of them drops immediately, leaving the whole gaggle in full view.] What's going on up--

[The first Courtier doesn't get a chance to finish speaking before Syrlya runs them through the midsection.] We have to go!

[ Ha, victory! Strange looks briefly smug of himself as Ysvelta falls over...before he hears the sound of one of the Courtiers arriving and Syrlya stabbing him. Well. Change of plans. Because as much as Strange wants to help Ysvelta and Tiachren, he knows that it wouldn't be good if the real Syrlya were to die or be injured here. ]

Grab her! [ Strange calls out to Tiachren and book-Syrlya. The story's already changed as is, who's to say they can't change it for the better? Strange does an about face and gestures to the feet of the Courtiers. The fissures that were near Ysvelta's feet move through the ground, around Syrlya, but aiming towards the feet of the various Courtiers. ]

[Well, it's wholly unexpected but of course Tiachren is rushing for his love. book Syrlya looks conflicted between them, a deer in headlights expression on his face, until there's enough sounds of struggle that he rushes to Tiachren's aid.

Syrlya yanks his blade free. As Strange disrupts the ground beneath the Courtier's feet, Syrlya waves his hand and one of those purple clocks appears under their feet, with a print of some winged bug. Whatever it is, it causes the Courtiers to howl in pain, crumpling and falling over each other.]

We will have to fight our way out, to--[Syrlya cuts off as he ducks a fireball whizzing dangerously by his head. At the bottom of the visible ramp is a tall Sylvari, glaringly bright orange with two daggers in hand. Another Elementalist.]

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