PLAYER EVENT: GENESSIA CARNIVAL

[lazuline]

Genessia Carnival The week of the carnival has arrived! With the combined effort of paid workers, volunteers, Azura, and those Azura decided were going to help her (Looking at you Fam), the setup has gone without a hitch. Those who come by the large park in Genessia City during the morning and afternoon of the 16th will see the carnival in various stages of completion. It isn't the sun starts to set and the sky begins to burn the colors of pink and orange with a topping of blue that the lights on the carnival tents and other structures come to life. THE CARNIVAL IS ON. It's clear that the carnival takes up almost all of the park; it's setup done so that the rides, attractions, booths and other assorted portions of the carnival are setup around ponds and lakes and take advantage of paths in the park. At the entrance are a myriad of food stalls, while the bigger rides are further in the back. In between are smaller attractions like games, but more importantly this is where all of the booths for the residents are set up. Several rows deep, the offerings here are wildly different and each engaging in its own way. Lastly, the larger attractions of the Carnival are organized in the large central portion of the carnival where a large area has been cleared and sectioned off in 4 large rectangles to house each with plenty of room. Carnival Fare Food And Drink - There are so many smells that sometimes your nose might be confused. From the scent of roasting meat, to the smell of sugary sweet cotton candy, the myriad of scents mingle throughout the whole carnival. There's an entire section of picnic tables for carnival goers to take a load off and eat their fill. The admission ticket even paid for complimentary drinks! However, there are plenty of stalls that are offering much more interesting options, including alcohol (for adults only!). Food ranges in price of course, and unfortunately there are a few stalls that might be overpricing their food... Rides and Attractions - The carnival isn't complete without classic carnival rides. There's a ferris wheel, teacups, several different merry-go-rounds, as well as a SUPER ROMANTIC Tunnel of Love. For the more adventurous there's even a few smaller sized roller coasters as well as an interesting looking magically powered water slide that's powered by a couple of local wizards and a "Doctor". One of the most popular rides seems to be the bumper cars, where each car has the chance to change shape on impact. Lastly for those who are brave enough there's a 2 story haunted house of mirrors full of jump scares and atmospheric music. Games and Stalls - THIS is where all of those stalls that were signed up for are. Of course, they make up the bulk of stalls, though the ones that are food oriented border the area mentioned earlier. Other booths such as shooting ranges, pingpong ball toss, fortune tellers, toy building booths and even a couple of booths where you can fish up your own little fish pet are here. Careful though, some of these booths are lowkey ripoffs, since they were largely built by volunteers. Should you get scammed it's wise to try and find security rather than handle it yourselves. Main Attractions Randomized Plays - These plays are held nightly, but they're not your traditional plays. Participants are chosen from the audience who paid admission! On top of that, the roles are randomly assigned. You never really know what you're going to get, so in the end the plays come out a lot like improv. They're also largely hilarious, unintentionally or otherwise as often the two plays wind up intermingled! Once, Rumtumtugger wound up playing the part of Belle, while Gaston had to do a solo song all on his own... In the end, it'll be up to you what role your character plays, but it's never quite what's expected. Behind the scenes must be a riot no matter what! Obstacle Course - One attraction at the center of the carnival seems to weave around the other three, and out into the grounds itself. It's a complicated series of obstacles, from a pit of inky, oily water, to slippery bridges and swinging portions that need to be dodged. Portions of the course are even quite vertical, offering a strenuous climb as part of the challenge. This course is not for the faint of heart, and many will find themselves having to give up halfway through, or even being disqualified by being knocked out of the course. Those who choose to work together might make it farther but in the end only one can win. Be prepared for betrayal if you take that route... Eating Competition - There's not just one eating competition during the week of the carnival. Instead, several are held throughout the week. Hotdogs are first, followed by pancakes, then burgers. After that, towards the final three days of the carnival the bigger competitions start. Hotdogs - how many can you eat in 5 minutes? Pancakes - how many can you eat in 5 minutes? Burgers - how many can you eat in 8 minutes? Whole Chickens - You have 3, can you eat them all in 12 minutes? Whole Turkey - You have an entire turkey, how much can you eat in 10 minutes? 6 Tier Chocolate Cake - Finish the whole cake to win. (Hour Time Limit) Those who have supernatural abilities are given an extra challenge to make things fair. For those who eat themselves sick there is a medical tent nearby, and of course plenty of room for a crowd of spectators. Jousting Competition - The colorful, campy and overall cheesy look of this jousting competition almost looks like a childish version of the competition. However, the prizes are real. Instead of the prize for the winning "knight" the winner of each match will be able to earn a fair sum of redbills! It's enough to cover the entry fee paid for the competition and then a couple hundred on top of that. Each participant chooses their weapon, but they all have different strange additional abilities depending on their color... Yellow - sparkles on impact Red - screams upon impact Green - slimes whatever it hits Blue - freezes what it touches for 3 seconds For this competition special abilities beyond that of a normal human are dampened by special units hidden in the ring. Disabling them would of course, wind up in the participant being disqualified.

Comments

Madame Topaz's Love Fortunes

[sailor_v]

[There's no way Minako was going to miss this opportunity to practice her own brand of fortune telling. She's got her special deck of tarot cards set on a velvet cloth of deep purple with a tall tent of a matching hue. Incense of vanilla and jasmine lingers here, since she thought that would make things way more mystical, and Minako herself?]

[Honestly she just looks adorable.]

[She's draped herself in colorful costume jewelry with a veil drawn across the lower half of her face, bright blue eyes twinkling with excitement beneath her fringe of blonde bangs peeking out from her fortune teller's hood. Fifteen and full of optimism for everyone's romantic futures, she beckons to everyone who makes eye contact with her.]

You! I sense great romance in your future! Let me deal the cards and read your fate!

[OOC: These fortunes are cursed, though Minako is unaware. The last card she draws will determine what curses your character. You can either choose this curse yourself, or let it be chosen randomly. Let me know which you prefer! The curse can be broken if the character is kissed by someone who loves them, or in one week when the source of the curse is discovered and defeated.]

[orlokbutterfly]

[Gale was taking the time to wander around the carnival while his own drink stall was being watched over by someone else. Last thing he'd expected was to hear him be beckoned by a fortune teller.

...wait, romance? Him?

He hesitates before he shrugs, wandering over.]

Alright, I'll bite. Never had a fortune read before, so why not.

[He was skeptical, but nothing ventured...]

[sailor_v]

Welcome, Guardian Reinhardt! Make yourself comfortable, and leave everything to Madame Topaz!

[She beams. Considering how much time she spends in Nova City, what with the arcade and moonlighting secretly as Sailor Venus, she at least recognizes him. He was in the date auction last winter too! She shuffles the cards and allows him to cut the deck before dealing out three cards.]

To know your future, we must first examine your past and your present.

[She turns over each card: The Emperor, the Three of Pentacles, and Death reversed. Minako tries to remember what they mean. At least the major arcana are easy enough, it's that middle card she struggles with. To make up for it she looks extra pensive, circling her hands above the cards as if to sweep aside what clouds her psychic powers.]

I sense that a paternal figure in your past prevented you from experiencing true love the way it was meant to be felt. He twisted your views, or tried to protect you from romance because he thought it would hurt you. But now...

[She moves to the Three of Pentacles. It means cooperation and teamwork, so...]

I sense a strong bond between you and one of your deputies. Something more than just team camaraderie. Maybe you have strong feelings for them, or vice versa. Either way? Someone is totally crushing on you.

But this worries me...

[She taps the Death card and frowns.]

I think it's a warning that you need to change, or shake off any old pessimism that's still lingering. Usually if it's upright, it means a change is going to happen. If it's reversed, it means things are going to stagnate if you don't take action. You'll have to be bold and take the initiative! Luckily, I don't think that's something you have a problem with.

[maidaein]

Fortunes?

[ Micaiah's eyes twinkle with curiosity. Though she doubts she has anything like 'love' in her future, she is most certainly wants to know what it's like being on the other side of having her fortune told.

So, with a slightly dainty step, the displaced queen sits down opposite of Minako. ]

I've told fortunes, but I wonder if you can read mine?

[[Hmmm, dunno how each tarot responds to a curse so I'm going to go random and let Miccy be cursed by the Hanged Man.]]

[sailor_v]

Wow, for real?!

[She wants to beg for a fortune, but she has to remember: she's doing this for charity, she's not supposed to make the donors work for her. Darn! Maybe some other time.]

You got it! Let's see what we've got here...

[Minako deals out three cards, then flips each one over to reveal the Two of Wands, the Nine of Pentacles, and The Hanged Man.]

Let's see, hm hm hm~ Oh ho ho, what's this? It seems you had to make a choice in your past. Maybe between love and responsibility? Or two lovers, even? I'm dying to know, but I don't get that much detail in these readings!

[She giggles before moving to the middle card.]

Oh, but the Nine of Pentacles...you chose to remain independent and focus on your own success and strength. That's pretty noble. So your future here shows that you might regret this decision, but...you shouldn't. Whatever was in the past, let go of it, and find a new path that will lead to a happiness that's 100% your own.

[She sits back and folds her arms, looking pleased with herself.]

And that's Madame Topaz's vision of your romantic future!

[OOC: I don't know if you wanted to choose your own curse or not. But if you want a curse based on the Hanged Man, Micaiah is cursed with ULTRA ALTRUISM. If she sees someone going to buy groceries, no need, she'll buy it for them! And help carry it home! If someone is accused of a crime, she'll lie and say it was her fault, she's the culprit. Self-sacrifice to the extreme!]

[winterblossom]

[It's nice to see Minako in her element, doing something she's passionate about. Since Ai has some time between promotional events, he decides to swing by her booth with a sample of refreshments. Both because he doesn't want her to miss out on the fun, and because he doesn't know if he can come to her booth empty handed... What's the proper protocol here?]

You look like you've been busy, Minako. Have you taken a break for yourself yet?

[sailor_v]

Ai!

[Whatever mystical persona she was trying to develop, it goes right out the window. She stands to her feet abruptly, beaming from ear to ear.]

Hee hee, not yet! I'm just getting started--

[Once she spots the food he's got, her stomach leaps to angry protest, grumbling and snarling. But she just ate lunch! She checks her watch, then visibly jolts when she realizes how many hours have already gone by. The sun is probably close to setting!]

I...guess time dies when you're having too much fun, hee hee!

[Wrong. She rubs the back of her neck sheepishly.]

Do you want to go grab a bite to eat?

Re: Madame Topaz's Love Fortunes

[sengokupocky]

[ Of course, Rika has to go along with her boss's fortune telling. Minako is so enthusiastic about it. It's infectious and adorable.]

Sure. Sounds like fun, Madame Topaz-chan.

[ She doesn't expect anything from this beyond entertainment.]

[sailor_v]

[Entertainment is something Minako can definitely deliver...and so much more! She's extra excited to see that Rika seems to be as into it as Minako is.]

Make yourself comfortable and cut the cards!

[Once Rika does so, Minako flips out the top three cards, revealing the Eight of Wands, the Seven of Pentacles, and...the Reversed Tower?! Geez, that card is nothing but trouble. Minako looks thoughtful for a moment, trying to decide how to interpret what she's got.]

It looks like there was a point in your past where you decided to make a complete and total change in your life. There were obstacles in your way, so you did what you had to do to take charge and knock them aside! It's led you to where you are today.

[She gives the Seven card a little nudge.]

Maybe you're starting to feel a little tired or overwhelmed from all that change. This card says you should take a break before tackling your goals again.

[Minako chuckles and winks.]

Maybe your boss will give you some time off, if that's what you need! But this last card is kind of weird. If it were upright, it'd probably mean that you'd find a love that liberates you. Reversed, though... I think it means you've still got some roadblocks that are standing in your way. Coupled with the Seven of Pentacles, I'd interpret this to mean you should hang in there and not give up. It'll get rough, but eventually you'll find the person that'll take your hands and give you a chance to catch your breath. Or maybe they'll just walk that road beside you for a while so you don't have to do it on your own.

[sleepingbagsensei]

[How was he spotted from the crowd? He already had some good intel on her, chasing boy crazy with a good arm. He leered towards her with a bored look.]

Forget it.

[That said, he was ready to walk away.]

[sailor_v]

[Minako scowls at his back, cheeks puffed.]

Well you don't have to be so rude about it...

[Maybe the next person, then. She shuffles her cards and waits.]

Re: Madame Topaz's Love Fortunes

[draconixaviarix]

[Holy guacamole batman! Predict futures? This dragon was sold. She hopped to the stalls and watches her]

My fate? I would love to know my fate~ Is it specific to romance or anything else..?

[Hana was ready to give this person mONEY]

[sailor_v]

Definitely romance!

[Minako's arm shoots into the air with unbridled enthusiasm.]

But maybe there will be some extra things too. We won't know until we look at the cards, right? Go ahead and sit down, let's see what we've got in store for you!

[She shuffles the cards, letting Hana divide the deck before placing three of them upon the table: The Moon, the Queen of Cups, and finally the Hierophant. Minako seems delighted at the last card, so it must be a pretty good future!]

Okay, so this first card symbolizes your past. I see a lot of magic and mystery, and definitely a surge of emotions! Were you in love with a wizard or something?

[Minako giggles. It's a fair question! But it could just mean that Hana herself has that kind of magical potential.]

Either way, you're the type of person who relies more on the impulses of the heart than the head. Now the middle card represents your status in the present time. You seem to be intuitive to the feelings of others, and bring peace to troubled hearts. It could also mean that there's someone out there who totally has a crush on you, but right now, they're just crushing on an ideal and don't know the real you just yet. Hopefully that'll change. Either way, this is a great card for the future!

[Minako nudges the Hierophant forward.]

You'll fall in love with someone who's patient, wise, and who loves traditional things. It might make them seem a little on the stodgy side, but they'll be a good match. Wisdom and heart combined are a pretty powerful duo, after all!

[OOC: For the Hierophant card, Hana will have an overabundance of wisdom in the form of telepathy. She'll know the secrets and trivial banal knowledge of anyone she speaks with. What they ate for breakfast, how many times they pooped this week, dirty little lies...Hana will know it all, whether she wants to or not!]

curse me up

[la_matrona]

I somehow doubt it.

[but she is intrigued nontheless. She pulls the hood more securely around her face and watches the young girl and her vibrant blonde hair]

I feel my fate is decided already. [and she's accepted it] But go ahead.

DOING IT!

[sailor_v]

Ah ah ah, no one's fate is set in stone! Nice costume, by the way.

[Minako shuffles the cards, then presents the deck to Imelda so she can cut it however she likes. After that she deals out three cards: The Chariot, the two of Cups, and upright Justice. She puts a hand to her veiled mouth, trying to figure out how to spin this into a romantic fortune.]

It looks like you had a successful relationship in your past, so obviously you're not looking for your first chance at love. The Chariot signals victory, so you must have done something right! As for your present...

[She turns her attention to the middle card.]

This makes sense, considering you got Justice for your romantic future. The Two of Cups indicates harmony when balancing the responsibilities you face and keeping a healthy relationship. If you had a quarrel, then you're probably close to solving that conflict. It's a good card to get!

Which leads to the last card: Justice! By staying truthful and keeping the facts in mind, you'll find that everything will balance out just fine. And that's my interpretation!

[OOC: For the Justice curse, Imelda can only speak the truth, no matter how blunt. Even if she subconsciously believes something to be true, if she's wrong, she won't be able to say it.]

[mynameisallen]

[Allen was mostly here to be supportive because he was sure that is what friends do. It was still an odd thing to still have to figure out when fighting was not as common thing as it was in the last two places he was in, one of them being home.]

Have you managed to get many people interested?

[He figured he might as well ask before offering up the food he was currently eating. Donuts to be precise.]

I can always advertise for you if not.

[sailor_v]

[Minako's expression relaxes back to her usual cheery self. A visit from a cute guy always makes her day!]

A couple! I blew them away with my super accurate fortunes.

[And if he's offering, she'll gladly take a donut.]

Thanks. You don't have to do any advertising for my sake, though! This is the perfect venue to rake in cash for your balancing and juggling acts, after all. And if you'd rather relax, then you should! Enjoy yourself! We don't get carnivals very often around here.

[brbgettingwrench]

Okay...

[It was not the first thing that would have crossed the girl's mind, but she couldn't help but bite and maybe do something different for a change.]

I'll bite. Tell me my fortune. I mean seems like fun.

[sailor_v]

One love fortune, coming right up, courtesy of Madame Topaz!

[She's getting better at shuffling the cards. Offering the deck to Winry to cut it however she likes, Minako deals out three cards: The Sun, the Nine of Pentacles, and the Reversed Emperor.]

All right, looks good! I'd say that in the past, you had a really fun romantic attachment to someone full of energy, ambition, and confidence. Maybe a little competitive too! Or maybe that's just the way you were as a kid. It's a nice start! The Nine of Pentacles is a card of independence, which means you're probably doing fine on your own right now. And that's great! Keep focusing on your goals and you'll definitely find success! And when there's success...

[She points dramatically to the Emperor.]

This guy is in your future! I predict that you'll either marry a prince, or just have to deal with an overbearing and grouchy father-in-law. Either way, you're definitely getting hitched!

[OOC: For the reversed Emperor, you can choose between Winry being overly critical of everyone and pointing out all of their flaws without hesitation, or she has to do everything any male figure tells her to do, even if it's an offhanded remark.]

[myfayevalentine]

*Faye has been feeling far from lucky in terms of romance, especially lately. But screw it, she might as well find out if she's doomed to be alone forever. Not that she believes any of this stuff, of course...*

Alright, then. Let's see what you got.

[sailor_v]

You got it!

[Minako sits proudly, back straight, her nimble fingers deftly shuffling the cards with a more practiced ease. After letting Faye cut the deck, she places three cards facedown on the table, then turns them over one by one. In order, she uncovers The Fool, The Three of Swords, and the Reversed Empress.]

Mm hm...mm hmmmmmm... Got it!

[She snaps her fingers, fully confident.]

In the past, you viewed love with ultimate optimism! And someone probably took advantage of that. A crummy first love experience, I'm guessing.

[Based on what she's seen of Faye at the auction, of course.]

Presently, it probably feels like you're being passed over for someone else, or that you have to compete for someone's affection. Basically, you're putting out more than you're getting. That's no good...

[She rubs her chin thoughtfully.]

Buuuut I see a nosy mother-in-law in your future, so if you hang in there long enough, you'll find your dream husband. And all the hardships you faced in the past will give you the confidence and patience to deal with annoying in-laws!

[ubiquitously]

[Uai pauses when he hears Minako address him, turning to look back at her and away from his current task. He's been so set on helping Azura with the carnival organization that he almost forgot to enjoy it.

Though, are love fortunes really what he needs? He's supposed in a really happy relationship back home... sans how he, you know, screwed it up by running away... If you don't think about how he's fated to die and leave his lover behind, or don't think about his crippling loneliness when they're apart, and how she must feel the same way...

Ah well. He can't deny the excited look on Minako's face.]

... Romance, huh? Fine, I'll bite.

[Uai's curse would be "gradually being covered in dark scales every time he thinks about Hana," as a symbolic gesture to how he fears he's turning into a monster without her. Either Reversed Hanged Man or Tower probably suit him best.]

[sailor_v]

Good choice! You're already taking a step in the right direction towards love.

[The cards flip noisily as she shuffles them together, stacking them up and allowing him to cut the deck as he sees fit. Then she flips over three cards all in a row before sitting back to study them. It seems he's got The Magician, The Hermit, and the Reversed Hanged Man.]

Wow, all major arcana! That's the first time that's happened. Now let's see here...

[They even got turned over in the right order. How weird is that?]

Okay, well, from what I can tell, you were probably a mischief maker in your youth. The kind of guy who'd pull a girl's hair to get her attention or maybe you were too busy being a delinquent to really think about romance too much. But you've changed a lot since then.

[Her finger points to the middle card.]

Now you've sought solitude and the clarity of mind that you think it brings. But little by little, you're realizing it's no good to stay that way forever. In fact, if you force yourself to stay alone and miserly, you'll turn into a bitter old man who never gave anything of himself to the world or the person he could have loved.

So knock it off!

[She sits back in her chair, looking proud of herself.]

That's my mystical warning. Heed it, and you'll find your true love!

[priceofmagic]

Romance..?

[Satou almost wants to call 'bullshit.' She doesn't deserve romance right now. There's a love triangle and boyfriend's funeral waiting for her back home...

But maybe this could be a way to communicate with Shugo? Or some spiritual someone might tell her how to grieve him properly.]

Um, sure. I-If you're sure... [She walks closer, nervous. There's a chance that she doesn't want to hear her romantic fate. What if she's meant to be alone, and that's what got Shugo killed?]

((Opting for her curse to be "forgotten/impossible to acknowledge," which is the price of her magic anyway. I looked up a few cards to help you out, and maybe Reversed Hermit (isolating curse/Satou's unwillingness to open up) or Reversed Judgment might suit the curse best.))

Re: Madame Topaz's Love Fortunes

[fondofapples]

Glancing around to see that she is alone, Regina steps behind a tent and casts a quick glamour on herself. It's nothing complicated, just enough to persuade an eye familiar with her form to move along. Her hair is longer and streaked with red, her figure taller and less curved, and she wears a cloak of red, hood pulled up around her face. If she caught sight of herself in a mirror, she might be annoyed to see she looks a great deal like Ruby Lucas, but for the moment, it will do.

She emerges once more from the shadow of the tent and this time when she's beckoned, she goes. Whom she loves is not at issue. It's only whether she'll lose Neil if she says so, and what will come of Robin either way.

[ooc: curse her as you will!]