⇨ TEST DRIVE MEME #1

[ringleaders]

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!

Comments

Greg Universe | Steven Universe | Newbie

[fragileandsoft]

ADMISSION
"Uh... is this gonna cover two tickets?" Greg fishes out a twenty. "Iiiiii guess you guys do a lot of travel, gotta keep it broad for that exchange rate, huh?" He shoots the clerk a grin, even though this place is already starting to give him the spooks. The look of the place goes way past aesthetic, he can tell that much, but it seems like a fun time. So long as he survives the deadeyed stare of the clerk.

Clearing his throat, he digs into his pockets again. "Oh, we'll need game tickets too, huh. You accept pocket lint? ...B-bad joke, sorry, no, I'm good for it, seriously. Keep the change. If there's change. Does the whole place run on this system?"

GAMER'S CIRCLE

"Allllright, I got a mouth full of corndog and a pocket full of tickets!"

Everything feels a little less scary after eating a bunch of fried food. Well, until later. For now, Greg's feeling revitalized in the face of spookiness, and sizing up the balloon dart throw. He's spent enough time around Funland to know he's about to lose more than he'll win, but that's half the fun, right?

ADMISSION - STEVEN IS HERE

[starseedling]

Steven is just kind of excitedly standing behind Greg, while Lion stands less excitedly behind him. Steven pokes his head into the conversation, jerking a thumb back at his animal companion, who immediately yawns.

"Does Lion need a ticket?" he asks. "He probably won't go on any rides. ...Probably." He turns around and looks at Lion. "Do you want to go on rides, Lion?"

Lion's response is indeterminate.

[fragileandsoft]

"Do they allow in lions that aren't part of the show?"

The clerk makes a small noise, but when Greg glances back over, their face is impassive as Lion's. He shrugs, and continues fishing out his wallet. "Well, a deposit can't hurt. Maybe give him an armband so people know he didn't break out."

Greg elbows his son, flashing a grin. "If this place is as flashy as it looks, I bet they have a lion in every color!"

[starseedling]

Well, they aren't saying no to Lion, so Steven is willing to take it. They allow Lion in Funland, after all, so it makes perfect sense. He reaches back, patting Lion's mane, which Lion leans into a little as his only visible reaction.

"Wow," he muses. "I've never seen different coloured lions, before. I mean... I don't think I've ever actually seen a normal lion before. Lion was kind of a big first, for me!"

First pet. First... lion. It's not a first a lot of kids have.

[fragileandsoft]

"Ahh, well." Greg tucks his hands in his pockets as they're finally admitted entry, and gives the feline a good once-over. "Even if they've got others here, Lion's one of a kind."

He ruffles Steven's hair. "But this is gonna be a first for you too! Funland advanced. Where to first of your firsts, kiddo?"

[starseedling]

Steven grins as his hair gets ruffled, and Lion follows in tow looking sort of unimpressed. That's basically the standard, though.

"Oh, man, I dunno...!" he starts, looking around. It's even bigger inside than he'd expected, at the entrance. He pauses, with his arms out to his sides. "Look at this place! Maybe we should walk around a bit before we decide?"

GAMER'S CIRCLE

[cuckooed]

Her fried food is the best fried food, isn't it?

Actually, Koel is currently walking around, a small purse of churros hanging from her neck. Just because she's in a higher position, doesn't mean she can't slum with the rest of the workers. Its what she does.

"How about a hot churro to compliment it?" She waves her hand over it, as if to fan it off. Of course, her magic helps with making the churros look and smell amazing. Because naturally, they are. Greg just doesn't know it yet. "Guaranteed fresh, of course."

[fragileandsoft]

It's a smart move, one way or another. A smell like that can bring in customers in droves, but why stick around in one place when there's suckers like Greg all over?

"You do make a compelling pitch," he muses, as though he's not already completely sold on the smell of sugar and dough. "Tell ya what. Double the price, and throw in a second one for free, you've got yourself a deal."

[cuckooed]

A small smile comes on Koel's face. Oh, she's been going around. Its surprising how many people have basically thrown themselves into the carnival, unaware that the method of payment wasn't strictly money.

"Of course." Lifting up two churros with ease - even with her talon-like nails (press-ons, no doubt) and long dainty fingers - she presents them to him. "Will that apply to drinks, as well? The drink seller is coming in a moment - I can give them a heads-up to come to you."

[fragileandsoft]

"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.

[cuckooed]

"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?"

GAMER'S CIRCLE!

[fortuneglass]

[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...]

[fragileandsoft]

[Greg's not sure he's ever gotten this close to a humming bird before, let alone one sitting still. He gives it a curious look over.]

Don't tell me they're charging you for tickets too. You got your darts built right in!

[Obviously he's joking around, but he would not be too surprised if the bird talked back. He's seen too much.]

[fortuneglass]

[As a matter of fact-]

I get an employee discount actually~! [Yes, yes she does.]

I think it would be cheating if I used my beak anyway...

[fragileandsoft]

[...

...Okay, not TOO surprised, but still a little. Greg can't help but stare.]

I... guess that makes sense?

[He rubs at his neck, caught off guard.]

What do, uh. What do birds get hired for?

[All he's coming up with right now is chasing off poopers from the tent, but he's 99% sure that's both wrong and rude.]

[fortuneglass]

Mhmm, of course it d- [WoaaaAAAAAH let's backtrack a minute there buddy- The feathers ruffle, and if hummingbirds can squawk, she's doing it.] I- I'm not a bird all the time!! And it's really helpful too, when you have to find new venues for this place!!

admission

[toogoodtoopure]

[Having just paid his own admission fee, and stopping for a moment with his hands in his pockets to check that he didn't drop anything, Yuugi is about to leave before he overhears Greg's conversation with the clerk. Without much of a pause, he pulls his wallet back out and comes over, already in the process of pulling some money out.]

You needed some to cover the game tickets, right?

[fragileandsoft]

Wh--oh! No, no no.

[ He waves his hand, slightly distressed by the kind offer. ]

I was just kidding around, it's fine, seriously. [ He's already got his own wallet out to show. After finally getting himself some money, there's no way he could ever accept taking money from kids. ]

Thanks a lot for the offer, though. Really good of you.

[toogoodtoopure]

[It doesn't really seem like something to joke about, but Yuugi lets it slide even as he frowns slightly. Okay. That sounds fake but okay. With a small nod, he puts his wallet back into his pocket beside his deck holster.]

If you're sure. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on this, it looks like a blast.

[He smiles slightly, looking a little sheepish and waving a hand nonchalantly at the thanks.]

No worries. My grandpa always said you should help out where you can.

[fragileandsoft]

[ After spending about 99% of his life poor, Greg's gotten in the habit of making light of his misfortune. He hasn't quite unlearned it yet. The clerk certainly doesn't look at all amused, but at least he gets his tickets without further fuss. ]

Your grandpa sounds like a bright guy. Any help you'd hope for is worth giving, yeah?

[toogoodtoopure]

Pretty much, although most of the time I hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

[Considering the amount of people he has reached out to only to be pushed away out of stubbornness or some misguided attempt at the puzzle's power, Yuugi has taken to living by that. Maybe, though, without the millennium items around, he can actually make some headway with thinking the opposite. Shouldering his backpack, he takes hold of both straps and turns to Greg, tilting his head.]

I don't think I've seen you around before, mister.

GAMER'S CIRCLE

[dontpokethat]

Hopefully Greg wasn't hoping to get to those games too quickly, because at that moment a somewhat frustrated-sounding voice calls out from a few yards away.

"Excuse me, sorry-- would you mind holding on for a moment? Sorry for the inconvenience, but we've got something of a problem."

[fragileandsoft]

Having his moment interrupted deflates Greg down a bit. He was getting all hyped up and ready to blow tickets on a cheap prize, but the mood doesn't hold when someone in a bad mood is asking you to wait.

Greg looks over to the voice, concerned. "Oh, uh. Sorry. Did I do something, or...?"

[dontpokethat]

"No, no. You haven't done anything wrong, it's just..." Ginko makes his way over, glancing at the bottoms of each of the booths as if he's looking for something. When he reaches Greg, he looks up with a sigh - but he keeps looking at the ground occasionally, even while talking.

"One of the animals has gotten out; I'm pretty sure it's around here somewhere, but it could be a problem if it gets startled before I can find it. Have you seen anything strange around here?"

[fragileandsoft]

"Uhh."

Greg rubs at his beard, feeling a bit put on the spot. "I'm not... super sure what counts as strange around here..." You can't fault him for that, Ginko.

He casts a glance around as well. If this guy is looking under booths, it's probably not anything dangerous like a bear, or a... fairy bear? But a runaway animal is no small matter either way. "But I don't remember seeing any animals or anything."