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livinglot2016-09-29 10:38 am
ringleaders) wrote in livinglot2016-09-29 10:38 am
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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:
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! |
Lord Shen | Kung Fu Panda 2 | Veteran | OTA
[ If you've never seen a peacock throwing knives before, you're in for a treat, because Lord Shen is arguably the finest knife-wielding peacock there ever was. After silently entering the arena beneath a spotlight, a large and regal white bird trailing his long tail-feathers like the train of a robe, he comes to stand in the middle of the ring. After a few seconds of anticipation and at least a little confusion from the audience, music begins to play and the bird begins to move.
He stretches his great wings one after the other, allowing the light to catch and stream through the white feathers, then begins to strut around the arena with them tucked against his back once more, strolling casually. Targets in the shape of various creatures ( including man ) spring up on cue to some music and that's when the real fun begins. In a flurry of graceful movements, Lord Shen flicks his wings and looses several blades of obsidian previously unseen among his pale feathers. They take off the heads or burrow in the hearts of every target that rises or otherwise swoops from the sky. He flips and the fan of his white, red, and black tail spray enough blades to take out a whole line of enemies. The audience who realize a miss could have meant blades in the crowd gasp.
Finally, once the music is over and the targets lay in splinters, the arena darkens to a single spotlight on Shen once more. While doing his best to disguise his panting, the bird looks up among the audience and speaks in a quavery voice: ]
I need... a volunteer.
( Riddle Game )
[ Shen, being something of an intellectual among his kind, always enjoyed puzzles and riddles, but his time in the carnival had made him more than a little obsessive about them; probably to do with all the experimenting he'd been doing with fae magic. The riches within the chests don't interest Lord Shen so much as the problem does.
Nevertheless, there are unmistakable claw marks all over the chest he's circling now. Perhaps you saw him put them there or just heard his tempestuous screaming, but either way, you're close enough now that you've been spotted. ]
You! [ Cries the peacock that's nearly the size of a man, a little hoarse and with his red eyes wide. ] Come here, now!
[ It's all he can do to stay still right now, lifting his head with regal expectation. Of course, should he be ignored or run from, his composure stands fit to snap. ]
( Break Time )
[ Relaxing for Lord Shen usually includes practicing with his guandao, swinging it around him in slow arcs or using as a fulcrum when he plants it in the ground and flips over it. It's a fine show to see, but doesn't really seem to make him very approachable.
He goes on slow walks around the camp grounds, conversing with those that approach him or otherwise beckoning them to come to him ( Lord Shen moves for no one but the Ringleader ). It is a rare occasion of sociability for him, though his geniality is up for debate.
If not that, he is probably inside of his trailer reading, drinking tea, and not in the mood to be bothered. Do so only if you dare
or are unfortunate enough to be his roommate. ](( I am playing Shen as a Showman/Mercenary with the potential to be the Nightrider, depending on how this all goes. ))
Riddle Game
Whaddya need, Boss?
no subject
Yes, ehm... [ He's always had a difficult time pronouncing this one's name. This time, he chooses not to try. ] Have you any experience with riddles, my boy?
no subject
Everyone's got experience with riddles after working here long enough.
[He walks closer, making a show of peering at the chest. He's wondering if the peacock will actually ask him for help at all. Or if he'll just try to order it.]
no subject
Of course...
[ Comes the reedy whisper. With his mismatched eyes, the Psionic bears a rather unfortunate resemblance to one of Shen's former generals. No more is that impression set in his mind than when the other points out his flaw. He wonders if this will end the same way as it had with the wolf; with a load of Shen's knives buried in his chest.
For now, he joins the troll at the chest, crest slicked back over his head with his annoyance for the both of them. ]
Well? What do you think?
[ He's asking for an opinion, not help - these things are very different in Shen's mind. Little does he know, the riddle is an old and simple one, just not one he's familiar with or particularly equipped to answer:
When is a door not a door? ]
no subject
Probably asking when a door can't be passed through... Or maybe a thing you can pass through that isn't a traditional door.
But doors can keep people out or let them in, so when is a door not a passageway.
When it's... a window?
no subject
Yes, I tried that. I also tried when it's locked. Now you've two more chances and I have one.
[ If nothing else, he feels partially consoled that someone else had the same thought. The downside is that there are very few Lord Shen would feel pleased to be compared to.
He hops atop the chest, clicking his cruel talons thoughtfully upon the engraving. ]
Have you managed to open one of them yet?
no subject
[He frowns, staring hard at the chest as he keeps thinking. These kind's of riddles were usually tricks, plays on words. So what was another word for a door? A passage, an entrance, an exit? When was a door not an entrance, or when was an entrance not a door, that could be another way to think of it. Well when it was stuck, if it couldn't close, if it opened to something that wasn't a room.]
Riddles are all tricks right? Just a weird way of wording things? So what if the door didn't close or open? Can you think of anything like that, besides it being locked?
Do Your Work
At the call for volunteers Kerubim did nothing to hide his enthusiasm, leaning out of his seat with his arms raised. He glanced around at the number of other people vying for the opportunity nervously. Was he going to let this chance pas him by?
You bet not. Taking matters into his own hands, he climbed onto the dividing wall and leapt onto the stage and showing off his most charming smile.]
A volunteer? Look no further than Kerubim Crepin, master adventurer!
no subject
victimvolunteer from the audience when one very eagerly presents himself, jumping into the ring. A part of him appreciates the enthusiasm while another is disappointed that he's lost the opportunity to summon forth someone much more reluctant. Of course, his greeting is nothing but genial. ]Ah, but it is a pleasure to meet such courage! I am Lord Shen.
[ The peacock fans his wings, bending slightly at the knees to give the semblance of a bow even if his neck remains perfectly straight and his eyes continue to meet Kerubim's. That bit of showmanship done, he tucks one wing behind his back and opens the other in a beckoning gesture. Should the other come close enough, Shen will favor him with its weight, smiling as well as a beak can. ]
Now Master Crepin, you have my curiosity. A master adventurer such as yourself surely has many experiences to share, after all.
[ In the shadows behind them, there is the sound of movement, of footsteps and the rolling of something heavy. ]
Unfortunately, time is not our own right now, so I'll have to limit myself to one question. What's the most you've ever lost on a wager?
no subject
Shen's question hit him like a jab to the heart, and he faltered. The smile slipped dropped from his face in an instant, struck by the memory of how his gambling addiction had nearly ruined his life, and the months he spent recovering from it. The most he'd ever lost in a wager? More than he'd ever thought possible. When he replied his voice was uncharacteristically quiet.]
Everything I ever cared about.
no subject
Shen, too, had lost everything he'd ever cared about. Twice. His ambition and his fear had cost him his parents as well as his kingdom, and upon trying to reclaim the latter, he had failed.
His beak opens and shuts, the colorful crest on his head falling some. Goodness, but this was rather awkward, wasn't it?
Fortunately, he recovers quickly, folding his wing more tightly around the other and craning his head closer so that they are eye to eye. ]
But that's not true, Master Crepin. You have your life, don't you?
[ He speaks softly, knowing it is likely as cold a consolation as it had been to him. ]
You have your health. Would you be willing to wager that much on me now? Having seen what I can do, could you trust me to take you as close to death as you ever have been?
no subject
Ha! I risk my life every day fighting monsters, hunting for treasures, rescuing the weak and helpless. Why should now be any different?
BREAK TIME one prophecy obsessed bird to another-
[Scout that she is, the most fighting Carly ever really saw was during the Vampire War; a war that Shen no doubt had his own role in, as a mercenary. How well he took the whole matter of the Nightrider's scouts and mercs being followed back home by vampires is a mystery to her however.
Actually there's a lot about Shen that's sort of a mystery. But boy is watching him practice with that sword neat! Even her shadow is watching right now, and its 'eyes' track the blade with far greater skill than Carly's own.]
birbs of a feather... might be awful together
The past was in the past, and he had to look forward. Among tragedy, there was always opportunity, and Shen was nothing if not ambitious. The current Nightrider's folly meant the position was more or less open in his mind; all he would have to do is make the Ringmaster see that as well. But while there was no doubt a part of him that hungered for power, another still wondered if it was wise to seek authority in a place where too good of a job could mean more years in service than he intended to offer. It still did not cross his mind that he could fail to accomplish whatever he set out to do.
His mind was working as his body went through its practiced motions. That he had an audience was doubtless in his mind; doing his exercises in public was a necessity in terms of space as well as his desire for attention. Drawing close to an hour of performing now, it was time to take a break. His mind would still be working but the flesh, alas, called for a few minutes of respite and perhaps a spot of tea.
Working through the finale was a show of twirling his bladed weapon from wing to wing, spinning as he went. Faster and faster around went Shen, narrowly missing his wingtips and his body with the keen edge. A whispered word and his tail-feathers threw sparks behind him as he cut the air in a deadly horizontal arc before him. Leaping into the air with a triumphant cry, he throws the crooked blade forward for his talons to catch and mercilessly plunges it into the earth.
Now perched atop it, he feigns graceful indifference as he surveys his surroundings, silently soaking in his spectators. He is panting, however; though he manages not to do so open-mouthed, the fae mark on his chest rises and falls tellingly with his labored breathing. It's a red-black sun over where his heart should be, winding dark flecks around his neck like an amulet.
Meeting Carly's eyes eventually, he arches his brow-shaped feathers expectantly. ]
probably the worst lbr
The art of the blade is dazzling, and even when the bird lands, Carly is left in a trance.
...A little too long, perhaps-Shen has a good few seconds to wait before she snaps out of it.
And, rather predictably, panics.
How did she survive that war again??] A-AH- Hi-!Th-That was amazing! Amazing!! [And she really hopes she wasn't interrupting, because something tells her if she was it'll end bad!!] ...How did you even do all of that?
no subject
Oh, just a little dabbling here and there, for about thirty-five... forty years, I suppose.
[ The peacock returns smilingly, hopping gracefully from the hilt to land before her. He keeps his tail folded in mindful deference to the blade nearby; more than a few years of mishaps with nicked plumage had taught him that as well. ]
Carly, is it not?
no subject
She jumps when she's addressed by name-someone knowing hers, when she herself doesn't especially know the other beyond name in the first place, is not something she tends to expect. Her goals in life tend to be oriented around making sure others have their names known after all.
Not the other way around.] Ah-! Yes! Carly Nagisa! [And, well-since this is a more proper introduction...] Pleased to meet you!
Work - I'm so sorry
So when the bird talks...woah. that's never happened before. None of the other cursed animals talked. But okay. He'll go with it... Ranma hops up from his seat and pretty much uses people's heads to go down onto the center ring. He's carrying something. It's a kettle of water. A boiling hot kettle of water. Where did he get it? Who knows. What is he about to do with it. Well...he's going to try and pour it on Shen. ]
I'll volunteer, but I'm going to change you back first.
cackles
And that is what Shen immediately considers himself to be facing when he sees the kettle in Ranma's hand - an attack. He doesn't see the steam coming out of it yet, but a kettle is a weapon in its own right, if an unconventional one. It would certainly hurt him if the human were to throw it at him! And he's rapidly closing the distance.
Shen's instinctive response is to stand his ground and flare his tail up, giving Ranma and the audience the full and startling display of his many-eyed plumage. Black blades flash to his wingtips as he takes a defensive stance and shouts. ]
STAY BACK! BACK, I SAY! IF YOU THROW THAT AT ME, I ASSURE YOU, YOU WILL--
[ By the time Ranma gets within the proper distance to throw the water on him, Shen will have lost his nerve enough to fling the knives from one wing at him while trying to dart away. ]
no subject
He bends nearly in half backwards to avoid it. ]
Whoops. Hey watch where you're throwing those buddy. I'm just trying to help you out.
[ By giving chase with the kettle. It probably looks like some really demented clown show. One martial artist chasing another one around the ring while carrying an entire kettle of water. ]
Look, I get not wanting to change back in front of an audience and all. [ Because unlike him, most the curse barers ended up naked when they turned back into humans. He sort of gets why the guy is avoiding him ] Just go backstage. I'll change you back and then you can finish your show the way you're supposed to be.
Break time!
However, one thing she does know is brewing (both tea and beer!), and while the carnival, she notes, does its best to get excellent raw ingredients, putting it together can be a challenge.
And, well. Jou Shan both thinks the peacock is an attractive fellow, and has noted the tea he drinks isn't up to fabled Pandaren snuff. So she comes bearing gifts after his guandao practice, including a chilled cup of the tea brew she's fashioned.]
Do you fancy a drink, my lord? You have certainly been doing hard work!
of all the people to have a crush on
He's very proud of himself that he doesn't visibly recoil into a defensive position when he realizes the panda's path will end with him, but he keeps his blade tucked close to his side beneath his wing. He's given himself half a minute to regain his breath so he has it when he inevitably has to speak, letting his free wing hang out at his side to help dissipate some of the heat he'd made with his exercise.
Shen hefts his head and his brows appraisingly, looking down his beak at the offered drink, then meeting Jou Shan's eyes once more. ]
Is it poison?
[ He asks her softly, smiling. ]
Break Time
The plank *creeeeeaked* and then THUD, it fell over.]
OOOOH sorry, sorry, I'll just get that...
[Hark, the wild Dragon Warrior scrambling to clean up the mess which swiftly escalated as he knocked over crates with his butt.] I got it! Oh, hi...?