⇨ CAMPING GROUNDS

[ringleaders]

Who: Everybody!
When: Day 64
Where: The Camping Grounds
What: While the Ringmaster attempts to purge the carnival of magical tracing spells and deal with the angry fire fae in her belly, everyone else is getting sent on an emergency camping trip with some unusual local fauna.
Warnings: Camping.

CRYPTIC CAMPGROUNDS↴ You're given about three hours to prepare, after the Ringmaster tells you her plans for the coming week. There is a vast selection of camping equipment at your disposal, and the means to take along enough food for the length of the stay. The wilderness of the planet you're left on is nearly idyllic, but some people just don't like the great outdoors. ► CRYPTOZOOLOGY: As it turns out, the carnival won't be alone here. There is a varied ecosystem of cryptids to be found as well, living in relative peace and mostly reacting to the newcomers with curiousity. More details can be found on the plotting post. You are free to NPC the cryptids as much as you need to, as long as you stick to the behaviours described. ► DREAMSHARING: There is a player plot going on which will allow characters to share dreams! These are specifically more dreams than nightmares, and the mushi-adept characters will be here to help. ► CHILLAX: There isn't any plot twist for this setting, so this is mostly an opportunity to decompress from the last plot and get ready for the future. The Ringmaster will show up occasionally to help with needed medical treatments and check on things, but won't stick around for long.

Comments

Tyki Mikk | OTA

[prazerbutterfly]

[Breakfast | Morning]

Anyone that knew Tyki Mikk well enough could say that he enjoyed sleeping in and lounging about whenever the mood and time presented itself. It's why it might be somewhat of a shock to note that Tyki often rose before the sun on performance week and worked hard throughout it. In a place like this without either of those factors present, he was free to get up whenever he chose to, late or early. The air was just so nice, refreshing and coarse in the morning just as much as it was in the evening, and he found himself rising a little earlier than expected for a pampered and spoiled noble.

Thanks to Rin's diligent lessons on cooking a decent breakfast, again influenced by being up at the crack of dawn with the cookhouse not open yet during performance week, Tyki had strove to at least pay attention to the basics and was in the mood to test out his progression. The luring smell of eggs and potatoes, seasoned with light salt and pepper instead of watery mush for once, might tantalize the nose of any passing stranger. He actually has an easier time at cooking over an open fire compared to a stove. He also hates how good he's gotten at peeling potatoes. It almost seems strange how neatly the campfire is placed, how controlled the fire is burning, or how evenly how everything is cooking. He's had years of practice after all of cooking outside in his hobo, his separate White Life, state with his travelling band of three friends. Of course, that's hard to see with the way he always plays the role of Lord Tyki Mikk.

So, whether it is the scent, the strange sight, or Tyki's cheerful grin etched on his face, there will be logs placed in a way that seems inviting. He'll even wave others over to come sample the breakfast, to fill the belly with food and the mind with conversation, "Come, come. Let me fix you a plate and give me your honest opinion!" It's not 5-star culinary degree but it is pretty good at this point. Also, there is coffee heated against the hot fire.

[Fishing/Swimming | All Day]

Apples were Tyki's favorite food besides fish. It's why after breakfast he'll make his way down to the water where he's set up his boat and two fishing poles. If there is something bigger lurking in the water, he doesn't seem all that bothered by it. Right now he wanted to relax with the ease of fishing. Other times, he'll dive right into the water for a bit of swim or a challenge of hand catching fish for a small workout. Unlike most in Victorian times, Tyki isn't wearing a shirt while in the water but his looser and more casual pants are rolled up to his knees. He hasn't really adapted to the swim trunks of the modern world just yet.

Without his performance water tank, he'll sometimes dip below the water for a long time. His Power to Choose helped in avoiding the water for a short time but occasionally he'll allow it to touch him, holding his breath for as long as he can in training for the more believable experience. It's refreshing and inviting.

Whether one catches him before he heads out into the water, as he's swimming or fishing, or catching him emerging from the water, he certainly doesn't mind the company.

[Stargazing | Evening]

All is peaceful at night, or as much as can be had with the carnival involved or the creatures lurking in the shadows. Before bed he'll clear the ground of rocks and obstacles and lay out a rather large blanket to comfortably lay on. It's times like this, when the world is quiet and company is scarce, when he actually misses his family. He often traveled alone when on a mission or an errand for his family.

There are snacks laid out, from ramen to chips, bagged popcorn, and other small junk food items from Wismuth. Jackalope jerky has also been smoking all day in the set up a little bit north from basic wood, long poles, and a tarp to smoke.

"I could get use to this," is the only thing he'll really say on occasion and mostly because he doesn't want to actually get use to it.

[Wildcard]

Want something else or have another prompt in mind? Come talk to me or hit me up on plurk or discord. Tyki can be found all around from lurking as himself or a cat, to dropping off dead fish to certain people, to taking Butcher for a ride, or generally taking a nap anywhere. I'm open as usual to just about anything!

evening!

[kingsroads]

It's at this point that Strange realizes well shit. He doesn't have a tent. So, he's been wandering around, looking at the various tents, trying to find someone who he can bum a blanket off of and who he can share a space with. For all of Strange's poncey upper classness, he has slept on some terrible surfaces before, most notably in the peninsula. And he's still tired enough that he thinks if he closes his eyes, he'll fall asleep.

The smell of jerky and smoked meat distracts him slightly as he wanders over towards Tyki. It's easy to spot Strange thanks to his new party trick called 'the ends of his hair are now permanently on fire'. It's less easy for Strange to spot Tyki, and he only realizes that Tyki's with the jerky smell until he's a few feet from the man.

"Ah," Strange simply remarks, as if he's surprised to see Tyki out here. "Hello there, Mister Mykk. Mind if I join you?" And without waiting for an answer, Strange sits down on the blanket as well, though he isn't laying down on it just yet.

There's something a bit different about Strange's posture. He sits up a little straighter, holds himself a little tenser, and seems like he's not relaxing as much as everybody else here. He's also wearing shorts and a loose cotton shirt, but that's mostly because Childermass is a shit and, to the best of Strange's knowledge, didn't bring him any trousers.

[prazerbutterfly]

Don't worry, Strange. Tyki's barely holds anger or annoyance for long and he's more than willing to offer him a place to stay. He'll just have to contend with Rhys being in the tent as well. The poor baby was likely holded up inside afraid of bugs and other noises in the dark. Thankfully they have a big tent since Tyki enjoyed his comfort.

He's rather content right now especially on those first two nights, given he took a bite out of that golden apple the Ringmaster gave him, and when Strange approaches his Tease don't even buzz to alert him. They are use to Strange by now and he wasn't one to sneak up on someone. Except this time, he barely notices him and he makes note of that.

He pats the blanket regardless before it is set on his own stomach and he'll look at him with a raised brow at his hair. It's hard not to notice, just as much as it was hard for someone like Tyki not to read body language. "No, always welcomed, Mister Strange. Fire magic gone wrong?" He asks even if he's sure he knows a hint of why that is present. Tyki did gain manticore wings after his run in with the Prince.

[kingsroads]

Strange shakes his head, before looking up at the stars. "A parting gift from Ignatius. I've no idea how to turn it off or dim it, so if I'm ruining any stargazing, simply tell me and I'll move elsewhere."

Thankfully, his entire head isn't on fire, just the tips of his hair. Thanks to Strange's curls, the effect is more like Christmas lights instead of a straight line of fire, but it's still noticeable enough to partly be annoying.

"I don't think I mind it," Strange continues, with a frown, "though I'm afraid this means I won't be able to wear hats again."

[prazerbutterfly]

"There will always be stars, Mister Strange. I cannot say the same for you with your track record. You are free to stay as long as you like. I never mind your company." Despite everything, Tyki was a little annoyed to hear him offer himself like that over the radio. Tyki just never felt a need to hold any sort of anger towards a friend for long. "it's alright to relax."

He looks down at his attire. It's an interesting choice in clothes, "No, certainly not. Yet with such a fashion statement you likely don't need a hat anyways."

[kingsroads]

A small smile plays on Strange's face, as he clarifies, "But I like hats."

Despite the fact that he rarely wears them, of course. There's not much opportunity at the carnival to wear a good top hat or one of the ridiculous floppy riding hats he owns.

"As for my clothes, I'm afraid I didn't get the chance to grab what I want to wear, what with being indisposed and all that." What with being dead. "I don't have a place to sleep either."

Normally he'd just force himself into Lambert's tent, but considering everything with regards to Ignatius...Strange doesn't really want to stay with Lambert at the moment.

[prazerbutterfly]

He laughs softly even if the pup, which is Rhys, is sleeping right now. "So do I! I still have mine but I hardly ever get to wear it here." It had gotten a little damaged but it was still in working condition after Nui repaired it for him.

"Well, I'm not sure if we're the same build but I do have an extra pair of pants or two. Plus, I respect you as a colleague so I would always open my house to you if this was home. Be it as it may, my tent does have room should you not receive any other offers."

He thumbs over his shoulder towards the 4-man tent, "The only one I am sharing with is Mister Rhys. He's new."

[kingsroads]

"I don't think I've met Rhys," Strange muses, as he looks over to the tent. He mulls it over for a second before deciding that he doesn't mind barging in on things and imposing on a relative stranger he's never met before! Sorry, Rhys.

"In that case, assuming he doesn't mind fire, I'd love to share a tent with the two of you." And if he does mind fire, well, Strange'll just bully someone else into sharing.

[prazerbutterfly]

"He's fun," to mess with. The poor boy was out of his league here and just as full of himself as Strange was.

Tyki's eyes lift towards Strange's hair and the way it sits there at the tips. Yeah, he can see how that might be a problem to some especially with the way things liked to be most flammable, "Even if he does mind, we might get a kick out of it anyways. I sort of imposed on him anyways, one more won't hurt. And if we must sleep back to back to avoid you lighting anything on fire, then so be it."

FISHING

[dressedtothe]

And it just so happens 9S is nearby! As usual, Pod 153 is hovering by his shoulder, though this time, his sword is floating at his back via a glowing ring of light, the blade covered in a scabbard. It's hard to see under his hair and visor, but there's a second mouth at the back of his head.

It's during one of the times that Tyki is underwater that he'll see Pod 153 bobbing in the water above him. Why? Hm, well, that just remains to be seen. The box bot doesn't seem to be doing anything, though, other than staying very very still, drifting along in the gentle current.

9S on the other hand is standing, leaning back against what seems to be a holographic hard light seat. He knows someone is underwater. He just doesn't think they're in any trouble.

Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiishiiiiiiiiiiiing

[prazerbutterfly]

Tyki could be a terror right now and drag one or two of them underwater with him. It's just he doesn't ever know how some people can or can't handle water. Tyki only really knew how to swim by chance, spending a lot of time in the water than out of it, and he was aware that it wasn't always a skill someone learned. A lot of nobles and lords didn't know how to swim.

It's why he emerges, somewhere near 9S itself, and casts his eyes on the Pod bobbing in the water. It seems to be taking to water well itself and he holds onto a fish in one of his hands, "Oh, hello Nines."

fishing!! <><

[dressedtothe]

Fortunate then, as 9S can't swim and the potential for drowning -- despite being an android -- is very real. Which is why Pod 153 has to fish his ass out whenever he ends up in deep water. He'll never forget the day that it was not Lambert, or Strange, who dunked him in the Carnival's lake, but Rita.

9S smiles and gives Tyki and little wave. "Hi Tyki."

Wait, he has a fish. Did he steal Pod 153's catch? Aw man!

"Having fun fishing?"

Is this how humans do it? Damn, were they doing it wrong all this time?

<>< <>< <>< <>< <><

[prazerbutterfly]

He wades there in the water to read the situation and decides to hold onto the fish rather than release it. He makes his way back over towards the boat drifting a little bit away since he never got it a proper anchor. With a grip of the side and a heft using his own muscles instead of his power, he pulls himself up and drops himself and the fish into the boat. It flops around for a while unable to breathe before it stills.

There are plenty of fish, Pod 153. You'll get another.

"Yes, it is very relaxing even when I don't throw myself into the water with them," he responds to which he gestures to the fishing poles at his side. "You seem to be enjoying yourself as well."

><> ><> ><>

[dressedtothe]

9S rubs the back of his head, brushing over the second mouth there. "Yeah, well... It's been a while."

The last time he went fishing seemed so long ago... not that long after he arrived. He had been fishing with Reira win Greysol and it was. Nice.

"Did you fish much back home?"

~~ <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< , , , ___/\______ <-- this is a dumb shark

[prazerbutterfly]

"Then come join me! There's plenty of bait and I have another fishing pole."

Because Tyki hasn't really clicked yet that Pod 153 over there is in fact fishing.

"Always when I had the opportunity. Sometimes with a pole, sometimes a spear, other times with my hands if I wanted a challenge. Most of the time with a pole."

CRONCH :E

[dressedtothe]

"Er. Fishing pole?"

9S glances at the fishing poles in question. They look kind of unassuming, but there has to be some trick to it, surely! 9S approaches, tilting his head this way and that as he examines it, cat ears twitching.

"Wait, how do you even fish with a stick?"

Delicious

[prazerbutterfly]

He tilts his head at 9S, remaining wet instead of using his powers to dry off like usual. It felt good on his skin and he didn't mind it soaking his pants. It's not like he was wearing much of anything else right now.

"Mister Nines, what do you use for fishing?" He says in a teasing voice. "Come now. You can't tell me you don't fish like humans do." Again, teasing knowing how much he loves them. "I'll show you."

At the water's edge.

[mylastchance]

The only reason he ends up spotting Tyki is because he's looking for a place to meditate. He knows he doesn't have to do it near the water, but he always prefers it, and looking for a pond or river was an easy way to get a feel for their new surroundings. When he finds the water, he steps forward gleefully, a smile on his face. When he sees Tyki, he steps back, cheerful demeanor vanish. He bites his lip, quiet for a moment before he forces himself to come forward again.

"I wanted to... Apologize, to you."

[prazerbutterfly]

Despite his ears wanting to slide back into his hair at Lauren's voice and appearance, they don't. He keeps them neutrally placed, raised gently with a light flick of the left one to even signify he heard him. He hasn't looked at him for more than two seconds, only having done so to identify who was speaking, and he rests his hands on his row boat like he might avoid and push off without further conversation.

"For what?" comes his complacent tone, giving no hint to whether he wants him to merely say it or if he's already let the encounter go.

[mylastchance]

He hesitates again, not only unsure of what to say, but not wanting to even say it.

"I messed up. With the Rose Queen." he finally says, looking away from Tyki and down to the ground.

"I'm sorry for messing up."

[prazerbutterfly]

Tyki's hands lift off the edge of the smoothed wood in order to stand up fully. His heel cranes into the dirt under his sole and he turns to face him with lidded eyes. He's content from the golden apple still and it is hard to be angry at anyone right now.

"Exactly how did you mess up with the Rose Queen?" he responds just as quickly as before. He won't take an apology without it meaning something. Even then, there is a point that needs to be made. Trust that needs to be re-earned.

[mylastchance]

"By attacking her." he continues, having no qualms expounding on his failures once they're out in the open.

"I panicked and I attacked her and I think it messed everything up, or whatever Joker was trying to do at least." He shakes his head, frustrated with it all over again. If he could hide from the mistake he would, but everyone knew how stupid he'd been now. At this point the only thing he could do was try to move forward by taking ownership and apologizing.

"I put everyone in danger."

[prazerbutterfly]

"Hasn't anyone taught you not to attack a fae, boy," he continues with some disdain for the situation. He was technically punished by being stuck underground for a while. Tyki himself wasn't going to dispense any sort of punishment himself. It's clear something extreme happened and he's sure he didn't get off scott free.

"Then you understand. That's a start." He waves a hand gently to the side in a harsh motion, "It doesn't matter if Joker was stalling nor what everyone else was doing. What matters is that you chose to act without any consideration for anyone else. Not where we were, who we were encountering, or who might be in the way." The last bit had annoyed him the most. Sure, Joker had put himself in front of the Rose Queen like an idiot but Lauren had boldly attacked regardless.

Swimming!

[moonfang]

Today, there's something in the water besides Tyki and the fish. Something man-sized and white, swimming like a crocodile with a long, reptilian tail.

The form dives into the lake, down far enough to obscure its form. Then, it surfaces!

... And it's Zangetsu, with one of those stupid furry fish in his mouth. Not just in his mouth, though -- held firmly in the second set of retractable jaws he'd retained from space. The jaws stick out of his otherwise closed mouth, their sharp, obsidian black teeth holding on to the wriggling fish. He speaks around his secondary jaws, making almost intelligible words.

"AHHFFF GHHHH AHHT."

Swimming!!

[prazerbutterfly]

There's something in the water and Tyki is very aware of that. Despite the fact that it is noticeably large he doesn't seem all that put off by it. He does enjoy a challenge and if it attacked it would give him excuse to retaliate.

He's already seen some of the lake monsters deeper in the water and most left him be. Tyki knows better than to stir a hornet's nest, monsters included.

Though a brow will raise at the way Zangetsu presents himself when he emerges from the water and he snorts at the sight of that secondary mouth and his garbled words make a spectacle out of the caught fish, "Eloquent as usual, Zan."