livinglot | ⇨ TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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⇨ 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!

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Option A: Doing your work

Ferlwin isn't so much a performer as she is a caretaker of the grounds, having traded three years and three days of service in advance to have an old wound that prevented her from free access to her magic. A year and a day for every session needed to remove the taint of iron. Yet that's not to say she won't put on a show.

Her appearance is eye-catching, her blond hair shimmers in the sun, but even without that, the small horns on her head and the floppy doe ears are hard to miss. Beyond that, the way her long skirt is split at the sides just above her knees, shows off a pair of legs that much resemble those of a deer, complete with hooves and tawny hair.

She stops by what is clearly a dying tree, pulls out a small, golden colored flute and begins to play a light but pretty tune. To anyone that can see magic, motes of light will start to float around the plant, weaving around it and healing it.

Anyone else will only see the plant as it perks back up and then begins to grow and thrive, seemingly 'dancing' to the tune.

Option B: Break time

The day had been long and Ferlwin was tired, so she had settled under a large tree to get some time to herself and do some thinking. She'd been here six months so far, and while they had indeed given her what they promised, she was still uneasy in this place.

She pulled out an apple from the bag she carried and took a bite while trying to work through her conflicting emotions. Perhaps she was over thinking things...

Option C: Wild Card
((ooc: Go ahead and toss me an idea.))

Edited (Added option C) 2016-10-01 01:13 (UTC)

[Greg has pockets-but Carly?

Carly does not. Whether that's always the case is up for debate. Her cards must surely come from somewhere right?

Right now though, she's a bird. Specifically a budgie sized hummingbird, sitting at one of the balloon dart games.

It's almost like the dart billed bird is planning to try its hand at this game too! HAH! Amazing.

~~with greg's luck though...~~]

[Vietnam enjoys a good game, but here she is, sitting on the balls of her feet, resting her face on her hand as she gives this riddle chest some thought. Problem is, she may enjoy games, but she's not exactly the best at them like Gilgamesh is. Or at least, she needs a bit more time.

Hearing a voice above her, she turns her head to look upwards at the owner. Who is this now? Ah, she's seen him before. Part of the treasury, right?

LITTLE ONE, THOUGH. Well he's not wrong.]

I am not in dire need of help yet, but you are wanting a share of the prize, no?

Edited 2016-09-30 23:34 (UTC)

"Huh? Did I say something wrong?"

But she failed again, so clearly he isn't wrong (by Tamaki logic, anyway).

"Is it really that hard?" He gestures at the game, and the still-standing target.

[The trees of the forest are quite nice to take a walk through, when one doesn't intend to leave. In fact, it's nearly impossible to get lost! Whenever you need to leave, the exit is right there-probably the best thing about the woods in her opinion, now that she's not thinking of them as a barrier.

It makes for a good place to practice things as well-anything from weird fire magic, to being a bird, to both! ~~Ever see a bird on fire?~~

...She's fortunately not on fire right now though. Actually she's considering taking a break; hummingbirds use a lot of energy just flapping around, and adding fire to the mix can be catastrophic she's finding. Which means she happens to be perched right near where Pidge is wandering and chatting to herself.

'Just came from'? Oh dear.

The hummingbird chirps.] Um-! Are you maybe trying to leave? [she asks, continuing on before Pidge can even answer.] I mean, if you paid properly to get in that should be fine!! But if you maybe spent a little more than you had...

[Are you sure about wishing to speak with someone more substantial, Sam? Because the woman of comparable age behind you might be a little...

Otherworldly.

Or 'very', really, but then again so is just about everything in this place. Carly for her part isn't totally sure how to deal with someone who wants to leave immediately though. Heck, she's been doing nothing BUT renewing contracts here! It's a nice place. (Her shadow agrees.)]

Ah...if you need to leave, normally people just go through the front gate... [she starts to stammer, before a bit of fluster takes over her voice.] But..!! If you just got here, don't you at least want to have some fun first..!? That's what it's here for, after all..!!

[ Masamune has been trying so hard.

One, to figure this riddle out. Two, to ignore the really obvious uhm, carnival resident, he guesses(?) that's hanging around. He's hyper aware of it, mostly because he had been observing that tail (it was the first dragonlike thing he saw, okay, it was going to catch his attention no matter what) a distance very intently earlier this evening before moving along. He doesn't even actually know what the individual looks like—he never got past the western wings-display.

So, when he finally has to acknowledge this presence, he sets a gloved hand down on the top of the still closed chest and laughs good-naturedly at the question. He even offers a smile before he sighs but doesn't lift his head to pull his attention away from the chest. ]

No. Someone else does, though, I'm sure.

[ he goes back to scribbling on the scrap paper, scattering his thoughts over it in hopes of getting in the right track before trying again.

go away. ]

[Gilgamesh, lingering on the sidelines of this affair, just waggles his eyebrows suggestively... and starts subtly inching towards said cask of brew, clearly meaning to swipe it.]

Ah, but a "good" deal isn't really sufficient, is it? Especially considering the once in a lifetime opportunity you've stumbled upon.

"Nah, only got so many hands 'til I find the kiddo. It'll be enough trying not to eat these first." He's well aware he's making an easy target of himself for sales, but what's the point of a carnival if not overpriced food?

Greg rummages for his wallet. Boy, having money to pay for things with sure is great. Though, speaking of... "What's the charge? Or do you do the, uh. Vague price, like the guy up front." That little tip off up front hasn't clued him in, so much as dredged up old budgeting anxieties.

Whoa! It talked!

[Tamaki jerks back, looking stunned.]

D-do it again!

[Well, isn't that a sight?

Gilgamesh was a carnivore by nature, so he doesn't take any offense at watching this little exchange of survival of the fittest. If anything, he seems amused, cocking his head and watching the life slowly fade from the animal. Once the deed is done, he strolls right up and offers quite casually:]

Did you mean to cook that?

[More specifically did you mean to share that? If it's already dead, they may as well make the most use of it.]

[Meanwhile there's an on-looker during the game that can't help but be impressed by the little girls aim. Reminds her of several things. Aramat even claps.]

Wonderful aim you have there.

[Okay that's cool, she's flirty. And not in an overly terrifying way either. That's cool. Po grinned.] Well, between you and me, I've been knocked on my butt before. There's plenty to go round.

Oh yeah, dad taught me everything I know. I'll make you some, now that I know dad's secret ingredient noodle soup. [He chuckled.] Well, provided I find a wok and a few ingredients.

Uh, the Valley of Peace? Ever heard of it?

[As if to answer:]

Who would not?

[Where did that voice come from? It clearly wasn't hers... but it clearly belonged to someone nearby. Valamia will hear the sound of footsteps approaching, or rather claws clicking about. It's more than a little ominous and the culprit in question probably intended it that way.]

Who would not, other than a pitiful simpleton who could not even solve the simplest of riddles? Surely not you.

[That escalated to outright mockery pretty quickly. This was not a friend lurking amongst the mirrors.]

An alien? [Oh, that's not a ghost. Tamaki's okay with that.] Ah, so are you an alien too?

[Is that too personal a question? Tamaki isn't sure. He's never met an alien's kid before.]

"Oh? You brought a child?"

A child.

Koel looks down at this. Hoping he doesn't quite see the troubled glint in her eye even as the smile stays on her face. Hoping he just thinks she was looking at her churros to re-count them.

She could warn him, what could become of him. Perhaps even give him some power over how the end of the night may go for him. She could if so many people weren't around. Ah, damn. That poor child. Could be a boy, like Kenny and Eddie. Or a girl, like Ashley.

The humanity in her tugs.

"...I hope they're enjoying themselves, at least?" She looks back up, hoping the sparkle of worry whas been replaced by a sparkle of warmth. "It depends. How do you plan on paying?"

Edited 2016-09-30 23:33 (UTC)

[...the subject. Really. Truly. Gilgamesh has encountered his fair share of strange carnies, but he has yet to be referred to as a subject. It causes him to bristle on instinct and glare with red, red eyes at this "NONA1". Gilgamesh has lost much here, but he certainly has not lost his sense of pride.]

A simple coin toss. You call heads or tails, the coin lands heads or tails, and you are rewarded accordingly.

[Or punished, as it turns out. He just doesn't mention that part.]

As for a wager, anything of value will do. The richer, the better.

[What a strange outfit. Is there a costume party happening or something? Or maybe he works for the carnival.]

Ah, yes. It's getting late and my parents are probably worried...

[He doesn't know about being stuck here yet, obviously.]

If you could direct me to the nearest train station, I would be really grateful.

[Gilgamesh preens in response, in a transparent show of modesty. Everything about the gesture oozes nastiness.]

Oh, me? Perhaps if you were willing to be so kind...

[And then there's this asshole...

Okita's at a distance when he calls to her and, right now, she has every intention of staying that way. In fact, maybe she'll be even further away in a moment. Maybe he'll just accept a polite refusal and let her go on her merry way...

...yeah, as if. She's too used to his type. She knows better.]

Ah, well...work first, play later. That's just how it is I'm afraid, so sorry, bye.

[yeah bye she's leaving]

Oof-

[The basketball hit the unsuspecting Rei in the arm, and he watches as it falls to the ground and bounces off. He stoops to go after it, then straightens back up and looks at Aomine's booth.

A basketball game? Rei stops to take a look, hesitant to try. He's not very good at basketball... but he does like a challenge.]

Hmph. Well. [He adjusts his glasses, trying to look more sure of himself than he actually is.] I suppose I can give it a try. I wouldn't mind winning a prize.

Gamers Circle

The dart game is an incredibly appealing option! A test of skill, of aim, of precision! All things Papyrus has in abundance!! It's just not the same when his only audience is an unfamiliar smoke monster. Maybe he should have gotten Sans to come with him after all...

No, no, what is he thinking? This is a break! A, well, not a vacation, but something brief and healing and recuperative so he can keep working all the harder! Papyrus aims and tosses, and nearly gets a bulls-eye.

"Yes!! Nyeh heh heh, did you see that?!"

Mirror Maze

If any attraction was going to draw Papyrus in, it was the mirror maze. A maze! A puzzle! Filled with with one of the most handsome of faces: Papyrus' own! There was no way he could say no.

And better yet, it turned out to be as deviously designed a puzzle as he could have hoped! It had been at least thirty minutes now, and he was still hopelessly lost in its confines, moving around far further than it had appeared! Maybe there was an underground level, and he hadn't noticed the ramps in...?

Maybe Undyne found a place like this, and didn't want to go back home.

It was like a thought, voiced by his own voice, but it seemed to come from outside his head.

Papyrus shivers and keeps moving, laughing it off with the same refusal to indulge in sadness that had kept him going all this time.

Wild Card: The Cookhouse

As any king would know, the start of good morale is in your stomach. Whether you have a stomach or not. So what more important place to visit in this convenient getaway than their very own culinary venue?

The problem is, well... Trying any of the food. This was no time to risk grease.

"Could I just have a glass of milk?"

[HEY HE'S NOT SO BAD HE'S PRETTY HUMBLE.

No. He's not. However, Vietnam isn't want to actually fear such actions only because of her beliefs in her ability.

So she pats the spot beside her.]

Then join me. I am a fair woman, if you say you wish to help, then I am willing to share.

Ha! With you? What sort of trivial game could you possibly offer me that's worth even one of my least? Speak swiftly, contractor, my patience for this event of games wears thin as it is.

[ I'm sorry, were you trying to tell him what he was going to do and how he was going to do it?

He's expecting an answer, quickly. Or he's moving on his way without another word. ]

[In general, Elizabeth's reflexes are particularly good—better than one would think, coming from a fourteen-year-old bundle of cheer and excitement. She's skilled at perception, she just doesn't say so. So when she's surprised by Aramat's clapping, Elizabeth is almost more embarrassed by this than she is by being caught "gambling" (or however one would like to put it). She jumps in place, a spooked and tipsy kitten on its toes, before looking over at the source of her praise with round eyes and a round mouth.]

Why thank you! [she squeaks, noticeably pink. Her mother would scold her harshly if she saw all that Elizabeth's been doing tonight, including how mindful of her surroundings she hasn't been. To think she was this engrossed in a carnival game...] That is, it's just... It's not very difficult! It's just that I want that rabbit so badly, so I thought I'd try, oh, this looks terrible, doesn't it, I promise I don't usually do this sort of thing. [Yet her aim is so good?! Her protests are coming clumsily.] It's just, um, yes, I just thought I'd try! That's all!

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Page 6 of 98

⇨ TEST DRIVE MEME #1

Ferlwin | Satyr OC | Veteran

GAMER'S CIRCLE!

riddle game!

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I SEE U TRYIN' TO LEAF...

ohshit early series sam.... (Gamer's Circle)

riddle game.

admission fees

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someone's gotta... petting zoo

c.

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mirror maze!

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will o' wisps...

i

Papyrus | Undertale | Newbie | prose or action both fine

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do your work.

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