ringleaders: (firebreather)
Lost Carnival Mods ([personal profile] ringleaders) wrote in [community profile] livinglot2016-09-29 10:38 am

⇨ TEST DRIVE MEME #1

WELCOME TO THE SHOW!

Or, more specifically, Lost Carnival's first test drive meme! 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 read the full premise here.
  • Reserves open October 5th at 12:01AM EST.
  • Applications open October 7th at 12:01AM EST.
  • You can apply as a newcomer or as a "veteran" character who has been in the carnival for up to three years.
  • TDM threads can be used as game canon after the fact if both characters are accepted and the players agree to it.
  • If you are interested in additional IC and OOC plot responsibilities, consider applying for a Supervisor position.
  • Supervisor applications will start being processed a few days after apps open, and will be selected on a competitive basis. If you want a supervisor position, it is best to submit your application as close to the beginning of the application cycle as possible. If you don't get chosen for your desired supervisor position, you will be given time to rework your application to be a regular veteran, or to apply for a supervisor position that is not yet taken.
  • Lost Carnival could use some additional moderation assistance! If you are interested, please let us know here.

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. Visitors to the carnival comes from many different worlds today, as the ringmaster casts out her recruitment lures. 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 (pictured above) 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.

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.

NOT YOUR WHEELHOUSE (NEW): Sometimes, even magical ferris wheels get stuck. The carnival's particular wheel is enchanted to create a particular out of this world experience - as you pass along the top, you feel as if they are so close to the sky that you can interact with the stars like baubles hanging above your head. Of course, the novelty probably wears off when the wheel is broken and you've been stuck enjoying the light show with some stranger for the last half hour. How are you going to pass the time?

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.

WILL O' WISPS: The ringmaster's will o' wisps have gotten free, and she's asked that everyone keep and eye out and help her reclaim them regardless of their official jobs. Wisps are small creatures that burn both hot and cold and comes in a few different variations of the same basic theme. Handling them physically (or psionically, or magically, for that matter) is difficult due to their near intangible nature. Touching and being around them can result in confusion and a sensation similar to being comfortably drunk.

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!

RIDDLE GAME: For a bit of fun, the ringmaster has left a variety of locked chests around the worker areas of the carnival, each with instructions and a riddle written on their lids. The chest will accept three guesses from each worker before refusing to respond to them any further. If you guess the right answer, the chest will open and you will be rewarded with some manner of fun magical knick knack. If you've run out of guesses, maybe you can conspire with someone else and promise to split the prize?

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!
toogoodtoopure: ([81])

[personal profile] toogoodtoopure 2016-10-02 08:49 am (UTC)(link)
[He'll likely never reach 5'8". The Mutou curse.]

Ah, thank you.

[Though, it doesn't really seem like they have much luck finding it. The shrug gets her a shake of the head and a nonchalant wave of his hand.]

It's fine, don't worry about it. These kinds of games aren't my usual thing anyway.
kagehira: (pic10522830)

[personal profile] kagehira 2016-10-02 09:11 am (UTC)(link)
Naw, I ain't a part of the staff, but it's no good to be wanderin' around backstage, an' yer parents can't find ya if they can't see ya.

( It can get real busy real fast once the preparations begin, plus it's hardly a visible area for her guardian to pick her up from once they realize she's missing. It doesn't take him long, however, to notice the cute little orange creature on her head. His eyes widen, absolutely starry at the sight of it — naturally, he forgets about the topic at hand for a moment. )

Huh?! Who's that li'l fella? Aah, he's so cute!

( And by now he's close enough that she can probably see that he's got a bright stuffed animal of his own, carried in a bag at his side. )
kagehira: (pic10534959)

[personal profile] kagehira 2016-10-02 12:13 pm (UTC)(link)
( Such a thoughtful expression... certainly thoughtful enough for Mika to read it as sincere. He seems to hesitate to consider the words because of it, but even so, as soon as they've worked their way through his empty head his brows draw together in an look that seems almost offended. )

Hey, if ya were just gonna try an' play a trick on me, ya didn't have to go outta yer way.

( As willing as Mika is to accept candy from a stranger, so to speak, even he knows how time works. )

Even someone as dumb as me knows ya can't stop time, an' if I don't get outta here soon, Mentor's definitely gonna give me a scoldin'.
stormcalling: (It hides)

[personal profile] stormcalling 2016-10-02 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[Finally her annoyance shows himself. She may have wandered off if he kept her waiting any longer. What may have been a form of surprise manifests in one quirked brow and another flick of her tail. Idly she considers going over and headbutting him but pride in her horns keeps her from acting. As he calls himself great she can't help but snicker at it. It vaguely reminds her, in essence, of quite a few people she had run into during her life. The amusement overrides any questions or concerns she has over her draconic company. To her he was ultimately a person not unlike anyone else. Maybe more annoying.]

If you want my exact age I have no idea. [a tiny shrug] Allow me to put it this way, even if you were of my race I could easily be a grandmother to one so young. As for what I've seen I will sum it up as plenty of worlds and people.
masterballer: (Default)

[personal profile] masterballer 2016-10-02 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Tch.

[He walks off a little ways, tossing the ball up and catching it in his palm.]

Kids and their stories. You need to work harder on making them believable.
veinglory: (Awwww!)

[personal profile] veinglory 2016-10-02 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
A large sigh was heaved as he slipped onto his butt on the grass. Once he got there, he cradled his head in his hands.

"Oh Gottlieb, you've gotten yourself into a real mess now."

Looking back up at Pidge he gave her a mopey frown, "Do you think... others will come looking for us?"
veinglory: (Oooh rock me Amadeus!)

[personal profile] veinglory 2016-10-02 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Harmless should be Gottlieb's middle name. The wink makes him give a joyful little squeal of a sound. Someone's easily swayed by a pretty face.]

Ah, I don't know! I certainly could give it a try! I feel a sudden burst of confidence!
veinglory: (Awwww!)

[personal profile] veinglory 2016-10-02 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Anytime he thinks there will be a slip up, the loud gentleman makes a frightened gasp, covering his eyes for a moment before peeking and realizing everything is okay.]

Oh, dear... I thought for sure they were in trouble!
stormcalling: (Crying all your lullabies)

[personal profile] stormcalling 2016-10-02 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[She can appreciate thinking aloud. Valamia is reaching up, idly snapping a small part of a different branch from each tree. She would mark them another way but now with two different methods she hopes it will be easier to keep track of where they're going.]

A bored Mage could probably pull something like this off. In which case that would mean we need to find them and well...I can't imagine that would be easy given our situation.
stormcalling: (We'll be gradually torn apart)

[personal profile] stormcalling 2016-10-02 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[She instantly shakes her head. The problem was that he was both right and wrong. Without knowing exactly how to explain it she decides to lean towards what she hopes would lead to the safer place.]

I can't quite go back to my home. There is a place I'm staying at that I am fond of. I have the feeling wandering through a forest won't get me back there.

[Given that she can't teleport home she doesn't have too much faith but she's going to hope.]
zebrarhyme_everytime: (oh my)

No need to worry!

[personal profile] zebrarhyme_everytime 2016-10-02 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[Few things have startled Zecora in a long time, but this does -- her head jerks up as she turns to look at the human girl. Hearing that come out of the mouth of a non-equine is stranger than if one of them had come up to her speaking the zebra tongue.]

You are not mistaken in the dark.
I do have a cutie mark.
But tell me this is no strange game--
How do you know it is called that name?
zebrarhyme_everytime: (reading is fundamental)

[personal profile] zebrarhyme_everytime 2016-10-02 03:15 pm (UTC)(link)
For bigger changes, there is no lack.
Try to touch my flank or back.

[Zecora won't lie and claim everything is just fine; how can she, when she knows the truth? But 'bigger' doesn't mean 'worse' in her eyes, or rather, it doesn't have to.]
zebrarhyme_everytime: (a friendly chat)

[personal profile] zebrarhyme_everytime 2016-10-02 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
The truth is simply what you see.
You must accept reality.
I do not say you should not try
To return where your duties lie.
But until you can find that way
Do not live miserable, every day.
zebrarhyme_everytime: (cheerful)

[personal profile] zebrarhyme_everytime 2016-10-02 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I am glad you enjoy your stay
And do not hate every day.
Not everypony is so wise
To try to see with clearer eyes.
kitchenfistfirechaosstyle: (the satisfied chef)

[personal profile] kitchenfistfirechaosstyle 2016-10-02 03:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Champloo has the awesome power of cooking at his disposal, plus the blatant ability of the wise old mentor to appear where he is needed!]

Hyahya! 'Pink and fuzzy' is not the worst thing I have been called. I trust the spices in your stew of life are blending harmoniously today?
kitchenfistfirechaosstyle: (fool of an ingredient!)

[personal profile] kitchenfistfirechaosstyle 2016-10-02 03:47 pm (UTC)(link)
The circus has been preparing these meals for many years now. I have no doubt it knows what to do when ingredients are low.

[Champloo says this without enthusiasm, because yes, he IS suggesting that they're about to have a whole bunch of people show up and get stuck working here.]

We would be wise to prepare the pantry.
moodstringer: (and all these freaks)

[personal profile] moodstringer 2016-10-02 03:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, you are that. But I meant it in a good way? [Nessa still isn't quite sure how to translate Champloo's unique way of speaking, and it shows. His question is a bit easier to decipher, though.]

I can't complain! You know it's a sight better than what I used to be expected to do, so.

[Yeah, he knows where she came from--there are still a few of them running around.]
hooffaceturn: (le sighing...)

[personal profile] hooffaceturn 2016-10-02 04:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[The rhyming does throw her off a bit but she's never met a zebra in person...er, pony, before. Only read about them.

Sunset's not surprised that she caught her off guard, and she gestures to herself.
]

Because I am, or...well, I used to be from Equestria. It's a bit of a long story.
moodstringer: (I'm just a problem)

[personal profile] moodstringer 2016-10-02 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe things're looking up then. We hit a rough patch, you know? Even if I was kinda in the thick of that. [Being that she'd been picked up at Vampire World and all.

She gets a little linefacey at the warning about the vegetables, though. Nessa doesn't want to be the performer put on a diet, you know?]


They're not gonna chase me, are they? I mean, the 'turning different colors' veg don't bother me nearly as much as the ones that take offense to being dinner.
sunflowerfields: (To me)

[personal profile] sunflowerfields 2016-10-02 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh... may I?

[It seems kind of... impolite to pet the horse, even though she gave permission. Gingerly, Hinawa reached out to stroke Zecora's flank.]
mistweaver: (sad panda)

[personal profile] mistweaver 2016-10-02 04:37 pm (UTC)(link)
That is my point! I cannot just...walk down to your corner of the Twisting Nether and be all "hello hello, may I speak to Pidge? I want to teach cooking!"

Though I would, if I could. And even I cannot devote my time to cooking or brewing, when I am there. There are many other things to do, I am afraid...

[Because when she's home, trying to fight off the demon invasion of her homeworld is top priority...]
mistweaver: (Default)

[personal profile] mistweaver 2016-10-02 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jou had to chuckle at that.] Eh, it is not the Pandaren way. After all, my people endured much under the Mogu Empire, and this is not nearly so bad as that.

Even if the Mogu were mostly before my time. And I am not a Pandarian Pandaren, I was born on the Wandering Isle. It is different there. Safer, I suppose one could say. But perhaps a little boring. It is why I left there, after all!
mistweaver: (I need to think...)

[personal profile] mistweaver 2016-10-02 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
That is also very true, sir. Are you a philosopher, then? [Because he sounds much like some of her teachers, there. So she has to ask! Jou gives his next questions a good deal of thought, one furry, handlike paw coming to rest on her chin.

But then she shakes her head.]


A rival, perhaps, but they are not affiliated with the Darkmoon Faire. They have a very specific motif? This one does not follow that. Plus some of their attractions here, I have not seen before.

[Because with how big they are, the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel are probably visible from here...]
mistweaver: (I need to think...)

[personal profile] mistweaver 2016-10-02 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, Stormwind and Lordaeron are countries! You said China was a country, right?

Azeroth is a planet. [Though really, she's probably just going to confuse him now.]

Oh, I have never been to the Spirit World. But I know shaman from my world have. And I know there are spirits from there who come visit our world. I think. I think that's what Yu'lon and Niuzao and Xuen and Chi-Ji are...

[And then Jou laughs, and nods.] Yes, the Darkmoon Faire is just like that. Like this carnival, too. Just people.
sweatysometimes: (-.-)

[personal profile] sweatysometimes 2016-10-02 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Twsiting Nether? What's the Twisting Nether?

[ Sounds pretty fascinating if you ask Pidge! There's more to find out here. ]

Same thing back home fro me. Too much to do. Friends to find, universe to save. All that stuff.