⇨ TEST DRIVE MEME: HEARTSTONE MANOR

[ringleaders]

WELCOME TO THE SHOW!↴ CHECK OUT THIS MONTH'S FOURTH WALL EVENT! MORE INFORMATION BENEATH THE CUT. In the meantime, this is an opportunity to try out your characters in the setting before you apply, or to put together samples for characters you've never played before. There are going to be options for both new arrivals and veteran characters. Before we get started, let's lay down some details: You can (and should) read the full premise here. Reserves and Applications are currently OPEN. You can apply as a newcomer or as a "veteran" character who has been in the carnival for up to three years. In the case of veteran characters, you will need to come up with an explanation of why they haven't been around the carnival recently. TDM threads can be used as game canon after the fact if both characters are accepted, the players agree to it, and it makes any sense contextually. If you are interested in additional IC and OOC plot responsibilities, consider applying for a Supervisor position. Head Cook, Treasurer, and Doctor are currently open. Otherwise, we're pretty much down for anything, roles wise. NEW RECRUITS↴ You gotta start somewhere, right? These prompts are for characters who are arriving in the carnival for the first time, and who are destined to sign a contract. How they go about that is up to you, but in the meantime they can enjoy the sights and sounds of something truly out of this world. Will you become her most recent hire? ► ADMISSION FEES: After crossing into the carnival's realm and passing through the trees, most visitors will find themselves at the front gate - though not all choose to enter that way. If they enter legitimately, however, they will have to pass by a clerk who will trade admission and tickets for various attractions and rides in exchange for "anything of value." What is of value may seem highly subjective, and so some may struggle to produce payment at first, though in actuality the carnival will take anything from mundane currency to items of purely sentimental value. ► MIRROR MAZE: The mirror maze is a big attraction in the carnival, and stretches much further on the inside than it looks like it will on the outside. It's hard to get through, and what's more, after you've been in there for a while your reflections will start gaining a mind of their own - mostly in order to taunt and distract you with personal information. They don't know everything you know, but they know more than they should, and their mind games can be pretty hit or miss. ► GAMER'S CIRCLE: Almost all of the game booths are organized in a large ring around the Cookhouse, called Gamer's Circle. Your can play just about any carnival game you can imagine here, for a variety of prizes sometimes traditional, exotic, or outright magical. Dart tossing? Got it. That game with the water guns? Got it. Most of these booths are currently manned by humanoid spirits who look like they are made of smoke. If they can trick you into earning debt, they will. ► TUNNEL OF "LOVE": A brand new attraction in the carnival, the Tunnel of Love is mostly what you'd expect from such a ride - two people sit in a boat together which journeys through some glitter filled caves, complete with mood music. Unfortunately, there is also something else in there with you... in the form a moody kraken living in the waters, who has very particular opinions about shipping, and may either stubbornly interfere with any attempted intimacy, or may politely encourage it. Or they may just generally be a dick if they're in no mood for either. The Ringmaster insists it is a romance expert. ► TRYING TO LEAF: No matter where you came from, you seemingly emerged from a forest. Obviously, to get back home you should be able to go back in the same direction, right? It turns out you can't. Worse, trying too hard to get through the wood will result in you getting lost, or turned back to the carnival. The trees here are not normal, and are varying levels of alien, including things like trees with glowing fruit or orange flowers that constantly burn like candles. ► WILD CARD: Anything else you can imagine in this setting! There are a lot of possibilities and you're free to explore them. Check out the rest of the game info or the locations page for additional inspiration. Want to make a starter with your character experiencing their first theoretical change? Go for it! VETERAN WORKERS↴ These prompts are tailored to the carnival's existing employees, the veterans. Odds are they've been here from somewhere between a few months and three years already, and know their way around the block. For them, this is just business as usual - and depending on their attitude towards their job, they may or may not contribute to a few people accidentally getting themselves a contract. Whatever you do, though, don't warn visitors away from the carnival - the ringmaster hates losing business like that. ► DO YOUR WORK: This one's pretty simple - just have your character doing whatever you'd like to have their job be! There is a big list of ideas over here, and you could use this to try things out with a character you intend to be a new arrival, as well. ► BREAK TIME: Whatever you were doing, it's break time! It's time for you to relax however you see fit. Do you enjoy some of the carnival attractions yourself, or is that old by now? Do you hang out in the Cookhouse to get a snack? Do you take a nap? Yolo, baby! ► DUNK TANK: Sometimes acting like a dick will earn you the gentle reprimand of being sent to work in the Dunk Tank for the afternoon - you know that game where people throw balls at a target, and if they hit it you get dropped into the water? It's like that, only sometimes there are daunting (but harmless) critters in the water, or some other strange magical affects to spice things up. Hopefully, the visitors will have bad aim. ► WILD CARD: Anything else you can imagine in this setting! There are a lot of possibilities and you're free to explore them. Check out the rest of the game info or the locations page for additional inspiration. Want to do a performance? Hang out in the Backyard? Choose whatever appeals!

Comments

Solas | Dragon Age | New Arrival

[lonesomewanderer]

[Gamer’s Circle/Around]

[ He felt as if he was walking in a dream. Not that the action in and of itself was unusual for him. He may appear as if he’s walked out of a dream himself with his already pointed ears and wolf pelt attached to gilded armor. Normally he would have preferred to travel more inconspicuously, but stumbling upon this place had not afforded him such luxury.

The smoke-like appearance of the booth runners didn’t seem to bother him. In fact, he appears used to it in a strange way as he observes them. Spirits of the Fade of some sort? Though he’s never seen a gathering such as this if that was what he had stumbled upon.

The question he had was did this look the same for everyone around him. The Fade often shifted to suit those that were standing in it, meeting perceptions and expectations with ease. When someone who appears to be more ‘solid’ like him is near, he watches them out of the corner of his eyes and asks, ] What do you see, when you gaze at our surroundings?

[Mirror maze]

[ Curiosity led him here. He stepped through into the maze to see where it might lead in his attempt to learn more about this place and finds himself having more difficulty leaving it than he would care to admit.

It doesn’t help that there’s something amiss. Spirits, magic, some combination of the two were at play here. There’s a distant howl of a wolf and he can see the flickering movements of one in the mirrors, just out sight as if they were stalking him. It has been a long time since he’s been made to feel like prey and his jaw sets tight and firm as he glares at the mirror before him. ]

I am not here to play your games, spirit. [ Because it must be a spirit of some kind. He’s still trying to fit this strange carnival into his view of the world, of what he knows. Something was here that needed to be dealt with, for whatever reason it had chosen to hold this place under its power. ]

gamer's circle!

[hurtcomfort]

A fair, [ Cole answers, as if it's obvious. Don't mind him, just appearing right out of nowhere, in his normal Cole fashion. But there's just a trace of hope in his voice as he looks over at Solas.

This is him. He's here, he feels real, he thinks real, he is real. And Cole is just so happy. ]

It's not right, though. Fairs are supposed to be fun.

[ Cole's only been with the carnival less than a week. But man, he has quickly figured out that one of the mechanics of dwrp is to break the shit out of your characters. ]

[lonesomewanderer]

[ Fortunately for Cole, Solas is used to spirits suddenly appearing beside him. Particularly when he thinks he is wandering the Fade. It's been far too long since he's seen the spirit and his expression softens slightly as he glances over at him, making sure the voice matches who he expects. ]

No, nothing appears as it seems, [ he muses carefully and turns his attention back to the games being played. ]

Have you been here before, Cole?

[hurtcomfort]

Including the place itself, [ he replies. Solas thinks this is the Fade. Cole knows that it isn't. The Fade feels different: this is much more solid, at least to him. After all, he's still Cole here, not the hazy gauzy spirit that he knows he will eventually be.

But, Solas asked a question. So Cole shall answer it. ]

I am here, [ Cole answers, as if that makes sense. He hasn't been here before. But he's currently here and has been here for a week and will probably stay here for much longer. ] But I've been here for a little bit. Not before, just now.

[lonesomewanderer]

You sound as if you know its true nature, [ said oh-so-casually. Solas made be an expert in the Fade, but he was not a spirit himself. Cole's perspective was invaluable.

Though his answer is worrying depending on what he says in response to Solas' next question. ]

By choice? [ Solas has yet to sign a contract though he would when presented with one. It would be too tempting. But if the spirits here were bound, forced to be here against their will--

That would be another matter entirely. ]

[hurtcomfort]

By necessity. The other choice was worse.

[ Which Cole...isn't entirely pleased about. But this isn't being bound. Not really. Besides, he is acutely aware of the fact that it could be worse and also acutely aware of the fact that the carnival needed his help. ]

I don't mind, though. The sky has been fixed and the hurt here shines through.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ He nods slowly, understanding partially what Cole meant. Not bound then and there always was another choice far worse. That was often the way of things, as Solas had long since learned. ]

Is this where you are needed most? [ he asks, watching Cole closely.

A spirit of compassion, true to its purpose. Solas could not fault him if he had found where he thought he was best suited. ]

[hurtcomfort]

I believe so, [ Cole explains, as he casts his glance back to the carnival. ] At least, it is where I am needed.

[ It's hard to see where he's needed most. But Cole can tell that he's definitely needed here, so might as well embrace that fact and stay. That's helping. That's filling his purpose. Which really, for Cole is the best thing that could possibly happen. ]

[lonesomewanderer]

[ He nods, understanding that distinction. As if Cole could resist following his true nature. Truth be told, it was pleasant seeing one of the very few familiar faces that would not immediately scorn him, no matter how well deserved it would have been. ]

What do I need to know of this place? [ Because it's different here. He and Cole were coming from the same realm of understanding and he trusts the spirit to tell him what's important. ]

gamer's circle

[anti_nonsense]

Hm? [Rita, a mostly human-looking girl save for the feathery wings behind her, stops and glances at the man who just spoke.] What do I see...? [Weird question. She gives him a doubtful look, like she's trying to figure out if he's a complete weirdo or not.]

I don't know, a bunch of tacky lights and signs? People and spirits wasting their time with a bunch of crappy games?

[It's a good thing most of Rita's work at the carnival is backstage, because she really doesn't do a good job of selling the experience to visitors.]

[lonesomewanderer]

[ Solas appreciates honesty in a time of confusion. There's a twitch in his expression, one hinting at amusement, as he glances over at her. Wings? Possibly another spirit then though he has met very few that wanted to alter themselves from how mortals appear. ]

It is the first I have seen a gathering such as this. I do not feel a tear in the Veil, [ or any other indication that so many people would be wandering around in the Fade, leaving so many spirits unchanged.

He gives her a more appraising look before asking, ] Spirit or human?

[ Because while young, maybe she knows enough to give herself wings while dreaming. ]

[anti_nonsense]

[The Veil...? What the heck is he talking about? But more importantly... Rita looks surprised at that question. No one's ever asked her if she was a spirit before.]

Uh, human, obviously. [She folds her arms, but then glances back to her wings... Right. Maybe it's not so clear-cut anymore. So she qualifies that statement with:] Mostly.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ He gives the wings another look and raises a brow. Sorry Rita, he's about to talk some more crazy bs again, as is the way of his people. ]

You are a mage of some talent then, [ another assumption on his part, but at least it's a slightly positive one. ] I see few that walk the Fade so aware.

[ Particularly human ones. ]

[anti_nonsense]

I am. [She doesn’t hesitate to agree. Rita’s not known for her humility.]

But what does that have to do with anything? The Fade, a Veil... what the heck are you even talking about?

[Actually... hasn’t she heard something about a Fade before? When was that...?]

[lonesomewanderer]

You do not know? [ He stares at her for a long moment as if searching her for any sign of dishonesty. How could a mage not know of the Fade in which they walked or the Veil that kept the waking and dreaming world separated?

Either he knew far less of this situation than he realized or he was being played for a fool. ]

The Fade is a realm of magic, where spirits walk. Mages have a stronger connection to it and can walk it freely while dreaming. The Veil keeps it apart from the rest. [ Another searching look as he repeats, ] You do not know of it?

[anti_nonsense]

No... [She furrows her brow as she tries to understand what he's saying. A realm of magic and spirits, accessible through dreaming? That sounds kind of absurd, but... also, pretty interesting. If he's telling the truth, it may even relevant to her research... but first, she should clear things up.]

This isn't the Fade. It's a realm of magic, sure, but... of fae magic, not spirit magic.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ A slight frown as he takes another look at those strange people running the booths. The magic here felt different, off in a way he could not quite describe. If it was another brand entirely then that would explain it. ]

Fae? They do not appear dissimilar to spirits. What is the name of this realm? [ Because they had to be somewhere. ]

mirror maze

[atouts]

It would seem they disagree with you, sir.

[ Because 'spirits' are just as good a way to describe the independent illusions haunting the mirrors as anything else, so Childermass won't correct or argue on that point. He, himself, isn't exactly all that visible in here, either, having appeared in place between mirrors that hadn't really been there before, leaning oh so casually against the side of one, arms idly folded across his chest.

He's definitely one of the more normal-looking workers, the only real visible change the black feather sideburns drawn down his jawline. With those and how pale he is, at least he matches how black and white his clothing is, but it sure doesn't help much with standing out in a place like this.

Anyway, assuming he gets Solas' attention, he'll tilt his head a little to one side and raise his eyebrows, a curious look. ]

Having trouble finding the exit?

[lonesomewanderer]

[ Sir. That is a form of address he hasn't heard in a long time. At the sound of something other than howling, his eyes narrow and he scowls as he scans the surrounding mirrors and--

Another human with strange features like he's met earlier. More and more this place makes little sense. A realm of fae magic instead of spirit, he would have his work cut out learning the intricacies of it all. ]

I was, [ he admits and gestures toward Childermass. ] Though I have the impression you are standing before it. I did not anticipate this much enchantment in a maze.

[ And for it to be labeled an 'attraction' of 'entertainment.' ]

[atouts]

Let's just say the Ringmaster doesn't know quite when to quit when making these things.

[ Or maybe she does know exactly when considering how often some poor fool or another will break a mirror. Whoever this is seems more sensible than that.

Good for him.

In any case, he says that with a slight shrug and then gives short glance back over his shoulder. ]

Though this? Not the exit. Only an alcove. [ Which is true. If Solas would look past the man in black and white, he'll find a space with no mirror, but then nothing but wall behind it. He steps out of it after saying that, though, pushing away from the mirror he's leaning against to join him out in the hall.

This puts him in view of those same haunted mirrors, only they don't quite reflect him. Not exactly. They show an outline, at best. A shadow. ] But I can show you the way out, if you would like.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ Had he been waiting there, watching him? Somehow Solas had failed to notice him sooner. That combined with the man's odd appearance has him asking-- ]

Human or fae?

[ The latter would be of far more interest to him than the former though he's already seen at least one human with an abnormal appearance. Had the woman had a reflection? How much was a side effect of being surrounded by so much strange magic?

Either way, he's interested in a way out and he gestures for the other man to lead the way. ] That would be appreciated. I have spent enough of my time chasing shadows.

[atouts]

[ Well, that particular question earns a snort, but the only answer Solas gets is a simple— ]

I wonder. [ And nothing more than that. For whatever reason, he doesn't seem inclined to answer it, but he will nod in reply to waving him on ahead and move to do just that, turning down the hall and walking away through the mirrors. The shadows follow him, not entirely unlike the howls that had plagued Solas. ] The way out is really just remembering to take a left in the right spot.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ He makes a small sound that is both annoyed yet understanding of the vagueness. It was the same sort of answers he often gave to questions and would give to many if asked.

He nods at the explanation, watching the shadows as he follows Childermass. ] The enchantments here change depending on who navigates the maze?

[ And somehow knew more about him than he cared for them too or were playing off the wolf pelt that adorned his armor. ]

[atouts]

You know, most people never think to ask me about magic in a literal magical mirror maze.

[ Which is probably why Childermass hasn't pulled a vanishing act of his own on his idle check-up to see just who the maze was having a go at this time. Anyway, he takes a left, into a shorter hall, then another, though he keeps an easy pace so not to leave Solas behind. ]

But that's about right. It's different for everyone. Sometimes the mirrors are fairly abstract about it. [ He waves towards his own reflection, though it doesn't bother him much... until the shadows within burst into a flock of crows that scatter out of view across the mirrors almost immediately after he gestures towards them. At that, he frowns. ] But they're only ever looking for a reaction.

[lonesomewanderer]

[ The fact that no one has thought to ask much makes him wonder how many who stumble upon this Carnival realize just what they have walked into. This could quickly become a cruel trick.

He keeps pace with Childermass easily though his focus is on the mirrors around them. Shadows and crows. Symbols that might have meaning once he learns more about the other man. Lurking in one behind them, a strange black wolf with six red eyes appears to be stalking them, hunting. It's an image Solas pointedly ignores. ]

You speak as if they are sentient. Brought to have minds of their own by fae magic? [ If so he had a greater need to learn more about fae magic. ] Much of what they do seems to be for their own enjoyment.