lostcarnival | ⇨ SHABONDAMASHII

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 92 - Day 99
Where: Shabondamashii Bathhouse
What: With the Silver Mirror claimed and the animals of Eden relocated, it's time for the carnival to kick back and enjoy an interdimensional bathhouse and the surrounding festival city. Meanwhile, the scattered shards of the Mirror have an unexpected effect.
Warnings: Dark/Light halves acting weird.

THE BIG CLEANSE↴

As the carnival recovers, the Ringmaster has brought it to the gates of a famous interdimensional bathhouse to rest. She won't be joining you for most of it, though she will be checking in frequently and available by radio. She's fixed a large portion of the Silver Mirror after it shattered, but it seems like pieces are missing. She doesn't want to rest until the missing shards are dealt with, and the Mirror itself is locked away safely.

► YOUR OTHER HALF: The shards missing from the Silver Mirror didn't just disappear - after breaking apart in Eden, fragments of the object embedded themselves in the spirits of those not already touched by its powers, and those that had been the most fae-touched. That means, your characters. The effect of this, explained in more detail on the plotting post, is that some characters will be splitting into two versions of themselves: the Light, and the Dark. This doesn't mean good and evil, of course, it's far more complicated than that.

Splits can start happening at any time after arriving in Shabon, and initially characters won't know how to rejoin with their twins. Later on, it will become apparent that they need to reconnect via the shard of the Mirror they share... of course, in order to rejoin, you have to have both halves, and not all twins will be as eager to go back to the way things were before. This plot point is optional.

► SPA DAY: When you're not engaging in metaphysical division, you are free to enjoy the many luxuries that Shabon offers. Things will mostly have an east-Asian bend, like what you would see in the movie Spirited Away, but as long as it doesn't affect the setting much, you can honestly have whatever spa-type services available that you want. Food is served both in restaurants and 'buffet' style. There are also well paid sex workers here, if that is your thing, but make sure to tip well.

► FESTIVAL TOWN: The city surrounding Shabondamashii is largely meant to catch the business of interdimensional tourists. There are frequent parades and other events held, and the architecture is very closely packed. It's easy to get lost if you leave the bathhouse, but it's definitely worth it if you like party. You can pick out a few outfits for yourself and some fun nick nacks, but nothing that would normally require mod approval.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A change of clothes sounds novel to Beau, a big improvement. She's become used to washing the same outfit, and covering herself with a cloak when dirty or half-naked.

The fact that apparently the carnival doesn't pack up and move the carts, but somehow stays in place while the entire realm moves? Mindboggling, indicating alarming things about the Ringmaster and the sorts of being she throws down with. But in the mean time it means Beau can store stuff in her living space, just moving right in, while still traveling.

So it's in good spirits that Beau follows advice to go the wardrobe and get herself at least one spare outfit for day use.

The light show when she goes in - and the fact that it's coming from a person - draws her up short.

"Uhhh... Is that... normal, for you?"

Beacon of light that Carly is, she's utterly oblivious to whatever it is Beau is asking about. She simply continues hovering and giving off waves of light, blinking.

"...Is what normal?"

It's hard to remember this is 'weird', when so few new-comers arrive now.

This is... outside her experience with carnivals. The usual magic she saw with one was a little more... It's hard to think it, but more subdued. Hovering, she's seen that before, from some of the most powerful mages in the world. Glowing, she's seen that before - from objects, and illusions of people.

This? Kind of weird.

"You're glowing. Don't know if you noticed, but most people, don't glow? Just saying."

"Heh? ...Well of course I'm glowing, I'm made of light! ...Partly at least. Mostly?" she adds, frowning. "...Even Herbert's not really sure...well, anyway~"

It's nothing to worry about at all, it's fine. "What brings you to the ward- ahh...The Administration tent~?"

That's an answer Beau doesn't know what to make of. She squints for a minute as she stares at the shimmering lights.

"Wardrobe stuff. They told me to come here?"

Light lady's slip of the tongue - and the mannequin off to the side - both imply this is the right place.

"Oh!" Carly beams- it might not be her preferred and over-the top stuff, but the fact is fitting new people is always fun.

If only because of the mannequin. "Yes, yes-! You're new right? Which means you need a change of clothes, and linens, and such...personal stuff!" she adds, nodding rapidly.

"Just stand over here quickly," she tells the other, gesturing to a space in front of the mannequin.

Beau moves where gestured, but her confused and vaguely lost expression gets a little worse.

"You've got a specific measuring spot?" she wonders aloud. It's been a bit since she got a new outfit proper, besides just a cloak, but she's pretty sure that wasn't a thing.

"Sorrrrt offff...Ok Mannequin~" Carly abruptly cheers. "Go~"

The result is immediate. The mannequin springs to life, bowing and posing. "Oh Daaaahling~ It's been so long! Finally someone new~ Hold still for me please~"

Carly fortunately explains. "Just give it a moment- it'll get your basic measurements really quick~"

"What the fuck," Beau hisses, taking a half-step back from where she'd been directed before she catches herself. The mannequin isn't attacking, just talking.

She shoots Carly a quick glance, mostly keeping her eyes on the mannequin. "Is that thing alive?"

"Mn? Of course not!" she assures her, shaking her head. "It's an automaton!! Charmed, that's all. Just give it a few seconds~ We use it to track everyone's shape and measurements, so that basic things can be made on the fly...instead of calling you in for fittings each time. I just need to know what kinds of fabrics are comfortable, from there! ...Otherwise you won't like what you're wearing. So."

"So it's magic, but helpful? 'Cause I've seen moving things like that, but usually they attacked me right after," Beau says, trying to justify her startled reaction as she studies the mannequin further. It doesn't seem to be attacking, just posing in wait... She steps tentatively back into place.

"Exactly! ...Actually, one of our tailors thought they were used for kid's tea parties before being traded to the Caravan..." Carly notes, crossing her arms. "...Anyway..."

"Registering~" is all the helpful mannequin says.

"What kind of tea parties...?"

Beau shakes her head, otherwise staying put as the mannequin registers, and looks sidelong at Carly. "So, uh, we can make requests? And... that's part of the whole, room and board for the year, thing?"

"I sure wouldn't know. It could be anything!" Anyway.

Carly nods. "Of course!...Within limits, anyway. If the materials are particularly...unique, or precise, I might need you to cover the extra costs."

"So regular stuff's part of the deal, special stuff... What would I even pay you with, nobody's given me any money. Can we barter?"

Is she going to need to steal things at their next stop, maybe do some under the table sales, or start gambling? That could be fun, but it's a lot of work for a nice cloak.

"Ah..." Oh.

Carly blinks, and furrows her brows. "That's....a good question. I do have a giant material recycler I suppose..." she hums, crossing her arms. "...I suppose depending on what you need, we'll have to barter!"

⇨ SHABONDAMASHII

yeah, figure d90 or 91, back in the carnival? before the option to shop in shabon

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

let's revive this, i didn't get as overwhelmed w/ tags as i feared

laughs nice

it's got its pluses and minuses

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject