Moony nodded at everyone in turn. So it was settled, then. They would put on some sort of carnival show... ----But before that there was something she wanted to clarify. "One night only, actually, more like one full day should suffice. We shall serve as part of a big party banzana which should serve to close out the last day. I'd grow sick of it otherwise. The crowds...the noise...the people...." Moony shuddered. "Three days. We have three days for our preparation. Time enough to serve, I suppose. Gather your materials, or practice your talents, and bring your documented receipt for reimbursement after-hand. In the meantime, I will see to finding a suitable location within the festival grounds and set to laying some foundational groundwork. I will private message you the details anon, so not to worry. Ah----should you need to commission me for any machinery, automaton, or something of the sort, simply send me a private message me as well. It shall be ready and waiting upon our next meeting at the place in question." Moony nodded. "Oh, and @Comet , in the meantime since you have thankfully expressed interest in managing the staff on the day-of, would you mind very much if I assigned you as executive of advertisement during this period of preparation? We shall be up a creek without a paddle besides if anyone fails to even understand what it is we are up to, though I hardly do myself I must confess. You shall have the full authority on the matter and my aide should you need it. Perhaps your first order of business could be coming up with a name.... we desperately need one after all..." Moony sipped her tea. It'd grown a bit quiet, so she figured that was the end of the motions. So, clapping her hands, Moony ended the lengthy meeting. "Though I am sure we all had our hidden and not so hidden doubts, I believe we at last have suitably come together with an actionable plan. If there are no further comments, this meeting is adjourned. I shall see you in three days on site if not sooner." ***** Upon adjourning, everyone seemed to scramble out, probably eager to get out of the stuffy room. Hopefully they also got to work, three days was both a lot and a little time for the enterprise depending on how they spent it. Moony certainly wasted no time. There was much that depended on her in establishing the foundational structure of the "park". Three days later... ***** Moony was standing in a colorfully graveled square. Well she was standing, but she wasn't. On the other hand, she wasn't quite mounted on anything either. She was standing upon something that anyone of Earth might find familiar, only she had given it her own Clockwork spin. It was a----- Gain-Way (Vehicle, or rather, a platform flanked by two wheels. One rides by standing upon it and grasping the handlebars. A design based upon the trusty steed of Sir Blart of Mall.) "Wonderful, we are all here, well what do you think of our little amusement park?" Around the party were little mechanical fat imps carrying out the final preparations. They had a very mascot-like feel to them---- Mini-on (Fat, flying mechanical imps about the size of a basketball. Multi-purpose automatons that can serve in a variety of roles. They are capable of simple speech.) As they went to and fro carrying things and checking that everything was to the specifications Moony had received, one of them crashed into a pole, sparked and seizured, and shut down. Moony cleared her throat. "Nevermind that one, the 'mini-ons' are still a working concept but, I promise you, they are ready to serve each of your needs as park staff. Should one break down, I only ask that you bring me their 'memory-heart' which should look like a little black box. Anyhow with all present, I am sure that you are each eager to explore your stations, but before that, for the purposes of the budget, please provide your receipt and issue your report of the last three days. This time around, I am happy to begin..." Moony nodded and took a deep breath. "Over the last three days I worked with our contractor to find a suitable location within the grander festival for our little carnival-amusement park based upon a floor-plan that I provided based upon your individual pitches. There is a main-stage, a side stage, a few very small rides of my devilment, the crown-jewel of which is the merry-go-round, and a main central resting area fit for stalls and food. We are standing in that area at this very moment, The Square.... which also serves to sell audience participation tickets and process our suitably reasonable main entry fee." Overall, the mini park was about the size of a square'd football field, because that's how people from the U.S. measure things. Maybe a baseball field would be better...anyhow... "I have also set to the basic workings of your stations, there will need to be some minor housekeeping done by each of you in preparation, but it shouldn't take more than a hour----well enough to be ready for our opening tomorrow. The rest, I fear, would bore you, so that is the rough equivalent of everything each and every one of you needs to know." Moony huffed in satisfaction and waited for whomever wished to report next. After this round, the party would get to roleplay the grand opening and from there hopefully collect their event prize tickets from the GM. @Backfire @Comet @Xavier Weissman @Vivian Cruz
Vivian who was now dressed much more provocatively addressed Moony first. She looked more akin to a female djinn. Her purple garments were mostly see through. You could see the long slender legs through the violet film of the material but leaving enough to the imagination. She wore a belly circlet that seemed to chime with small symbols as she moved with her hypnotic swaying hips. She wore an excessively tight top, her cleavage showing ten fold as her boobs almost seemed to burst from the top as to the tightness of the dark satin purple top. Around her arms were simple, flowing sleeves, elegant and long but showing her hands and stiletto purple nails. Her hair was back and worn as normal, long purple dresses almost looked like satin as it blew in the small breeze accented by dark raven eyeshadow, purple eyeliner to make her eyes pop and stand out with the azure color. Lips turned beneath a silken overlay over her mouth thus completing her sexy ensemble. As she made her way to Moony, she had over her report and what she had needed for her small little tent. Fortune Teller Vivian had the scent of patchouli all around her, it was enough to make notice but not overwhelming to the senses. It gave off an exotic scent and one she adored for this sort of thing. She would be luring the men to her tent and her mysterious and charming eyes. "I will be at my tent should anyone need me preparing for the festivities. If things are not too busy where I am at, I shall just dance around luring others to our stations so everyone get's a nice piece of the event. " Vivian moved like the flow and grace of water as she moved with a sauntering gait. Those hips moved like a sway and she found her tent to be rather appealing. She chuckled to herself and leaned in with a smirk as she began to dance around it fixing what she needed to be done and making everything and everyone welcome. The small mini-on rolled by her tent and she found it to be one of the most adorable little things ever. She gave it a small pat on the head, lifted the veil from around her mouth and gave it a juicy kiss leaving her lipstick upon the automaton. Shooing it away afterwards, she had much more to do before the night's festivities began.
Backfire approached @Moonbunny dressed in a clown onesie complete with a hat and nose, she had forgone the makeup. "Yo! How's the outfit?" Backfire hopped a bit while checking how her outfit, fit. She liked it. "I'm just going to be shooting off fireworks so I don't really know what to do with the space. I figure everyone will probably be looking up, and also I probably shouldn't do the fireworks inside. But anyway, check it out." Backfire opened her palm. "Firework." A tiny explosion of colorful light went off a few inches above her palm. "Cool huh? The real ones will be a lot bigger, but that's the general idea. Haha, can't have a carnival without some fireworks right?! Where's @Comet ? She's the manager isn't she? Maybe I should I ask her, I didn't know if I should go first or last. What are the other people doing anyway? I thought I saw @Vivian Cruz dressed up like some sexy genie or something. What are you doing for this?"
"Last." she approached Backfire and smiled. "Everyone will get excited for the ending and there will be a huge crowd if you wait a while. You could do some tricks here and there to keep people around, though. What do you think?" the idea seemed plausible if Backfire would be willing to cooperate. A wildness loomed about the pyromaniac that she both felt unsure of and enjoyed all at once. "And you look cute, Backfire." In preparation Comet wore nothing special. A flattering dress, a length only video games allow, rested comfortably along her prominent curves while highlighting a sickly paleness. Blue eyes often maintaining an often ignored dullness now shimmered brighter than the night's stars. Truly, money had a special effect on the pink-haired woman. With a quick movement she was able to pin her long locks up into a neater look for further grabbing attention; which required effort and some sense of professionalism or else potential customers may be swayed to ignore the carnival, created with hard work of the group. Comet twisted to and fro in attempts to catch Vivian but failed to succeed. She planned to visit everyone's attraction before settling down to manage The Square's location. Mapping out the carnival would be a smart investment of time, she believed, before tackling opening day. Housekeeping would take Comet more than an hour. Going over the carnival time and time again gave her a pleasure compared to no other - and one not many could or would understand. Perfectionism haunted her actions and thoughts and creations. Opening to the outside simply could not be done without the area dubbed ready by a finicky Comet who now fidgeted in her spot in a further growing anxiousness. @Xavier Weissman
The next day... 10 minutes until opening. Moony was in a last minute neurotic mess as she murmured orders to the fat imp automatons. The park was opening in 10 minutes and there was still so much to do. Moony wasn't much of a procrastinator, but she also hadn't foreseen falling asleep on a park bench late last afternoon. Apparently she had overworked herself, she'd only intended for a 10 minute's sit. Popping awake and nearly falling off the bench, she'd looked like a stunned groundhog. Horror followed soon after. "...will i make it...?" Frantically looking about left and right and left right once more Moony glided through the park on her rollerskates in a subdued panic. She was double, triple, and quadruple checking everything. A fat imp came into view and hovered beside her: "Master! Master! Opening! Opening!" "---Hush you! I know already! Man your position!" Heading towards the gate, Moony equipped a large pair of fancy scissors and holding them away from herself so she wouldn't risk tripping and falling on them, the harried princess skidded to a stop just before it. "G...Good morning @Comet...." Moony was completely winded. "Shall we... get to it... then...?" Skating a little further still Moony came across the front gate which was currently blocked by dainty red tape tied in a bow. In front it, was quite a crowd.... Ugh.... Accidentally making eye contact, Moony stood there stunned as she felt herself break into a cold sweat. Steeling her nerve, she gave a proper courtsey and rising with a twitchy smile, snapped her fingers. Suddenly there was music. With a wink, Moony used the scissors to slice ribbon and move off to the side with a retreating bow. There was no opening speech, no real welcome, so overall it was a rather mysterious and a ever so slightly awkward opening. A fat imp came to Moony's rescue. And then another. And then another until there was a chorus. "Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to Dark Harvest Park! Come in! Come in! Welcooooommmeee!" That did it, a few children broke the line to storm off after the fat imps as they danced and dispersed. That brought the parents, and they began the flood. The long day had begun!
Vivian had been prepared since the crack of dawn. Standing at her small tent which was enough to fit two people within and to keep things private. Under the silk veil her mouth twitched with a smile as she welcomed, mostly the men who were gawking at her, a warm welcome. "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! I take a fancy that most of you perhaps never had your fortunes read before. Especially from a woman such as myself. Now, I will be sure to get to everyone who wishes to have their fortunes read. Either through palm reading, a crystal ball or perhaps a more physical reading." Her dark purple eyebrows danced and wiggled as she looked at a few of the more singles in the crowd. She cleared her throat and looked towards the crowd. "Please make a line and have your GP ready for the transaction. We have a long and wonderful day! So step up, step up and we shall get things started!" Mysterious Geni Vivian looked at the large crowd she was amassing at the moment. Of course the men would be wagging their tongues about even after she offered something more physical in her readings. It was like leading cow to the slaughter, these people would pay any amount of money if a hot girl with some nice tits and ass would even look at them in a sexual way. But hell, if it meant bringing in the crowd...then Vivian would flaunt herself to get the biggest and bestest outcome. The first set seemed like a couple. Vivian smiled although through her veil it was hard to see the lining of her lips, it had showed in the rest of her expression especially the heavy dark eyes. "A couple! How...romantic. What is it that Lady Vivian can do for you two?" The couple explained their small dilemma. They were a couple inside the game but not outside, and they were wanting to know if they would have an equally pleasing life outside the game together. Vivian took both of their right hands, and studied the lines. She nodded to herself and shook her head, making noises as she searched canvas of their fleshy palms. "Hmmm, yes, I see I see...Indeed. Well then, after taking a look at your life lines on your palms I can sense a strong connection between you two. Yes, you will have a very happy life and let me tell you why. If you look at this line closely on your girlfriend, you will notice how it stretches across her palm and then if you connect yours it continues on. See? You two are a match made for Hea--...Well, ya know." Vivian smiled at the couple, an outcome they wanted to hear. Though the Geni Woman could have fooled anyone into that life line trick. For all she knew, their life together would be shit. Who cares? She got paid and that's all she needed. "Next!~"
In response to @Moonbunny she huffed and crossed both arms over her chest, disappointed. A later arrival than expected by the blonde almost sent Comet's heart into a panic. Though once everyone arrived and she counted over a few times while scanning the carnival for imperfections her heart would ease itself into a pure excitement. A rapid pace set the motion of her legs to a quick one. Consistent inspections, over and over and then once more, occupied the pink-haired woman's time. As did management: ensuring those who were apprehensive joined in, accepting and carefully placing payment for the vivid experience, while further advertising the hard work that brought together a decent festival. Not as grand as a over-the-top park that Comet seemed more accustomed to but grand in its own special way. A special sense of satisfaction can be felt for one's creations, she thought, and everything's not too shabby. With both hands on her hips and a triumphant smile she continued the circling around, assisting, and shivering with delight when a customer handed over their precious gold. NPC or not Comet could be seen delighted. Rosy cheeks glowed and blue eyes shimmered as much as they could behind a settled fog. All seemed well to the young woman who would dance or sing or brag about the "beloved carnival of many" to attract attention. Insecurity attempted to fight greed and ambition but failed miserably in the end; leaving with a scowl, plotting to soon come back. Perhaps now or later insecurity would come back but a strong belief to enjoy the moment - to try as hard as possible to accomplish set goals - filled a rare feeling of the void space within her cold heart and stubborn brain. The one thing struck as noticeably annoying at first happened to be the awkward introduction. But, after everything had been said and done the festival took off in a positive direction. With what little hope could ever be found in Comet she instead reveled in Moonbunny's and Vivian's confidence. @Backfire
"Last huh? GOING OUT WITH A BANG! I LIKE IT!" Backfire looked down at her clown outfit. "Yeah.... this didn't turn out half bad. Kind of like it... Okay then! TIME TO GET SOME PRACTICE IN! SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!" Backfire left back to her designated area. I wonder how big I can make a firework? **** The day of the show, Backfire woke up early. She had been too excited to sleep and had also thoroughly decided to pour everything she could into her fireworks show. If you're going to do something, might as well do it big that way people can come asking about you later, Backfire thought as she suited up into her clown outfit. Secretly, Backfire loved her clown outfit. She thought it was fun, functional thanks to the roominess, and also utterly hilarious. I have to take this thing into battle... Backfire stifled her giggles as she looked at herself in the mirror. As she was the final performer, Backfire had ample time before nightfall and decided to check out the festival. Tarrying around the festival, Backfire observed NPC and PCs enjoying the festivities. The food stalls were filled with various treats, and groups of children ran through the crowd laughing. As she watched, it donned on Backfire that some of these people weren't entirely 'real.' She thought back on the argument she had, had when someone had been willing to pay her to kill one of these NPCs. Watching the kids run around only reinforced what she had already believed, Whether these people had physical bodies or not, they were people. Sometimes they would die and sometimes she would be the cause of that. She was okay with that as long as the NPCs knew that this was what they had signed up for. Besides, whether sooner or later death was inevitable, even if not for player's in game, it was for their real bodies. Warriors died, that was the nature of war and she had no qualms about it. As she stood in contemplation a group of children rushed to her. "Hey! Hey! Do us a trick!" Backfire looked down and grinned. Bending down to the children's height, she made sparks flicker in her palm. "GONNA BE MUCH BIGGER DURING THE SHOW! BE SURE TO COME OUT! TELL EVERYONE HAHAHA! Now get out of hear kids, ya bother me." The kids rushed off with happy squeals. Backfire stretched herself out a bit. As she was stretching some local village teenagers sauntered over. "Well, looky here! What kind of an idiot dresses like a clown at Halloween? Shouldn't you be a witch or something? HAH!" Another teen followed the first's lead. "Yeah, idiot! If you're a clown, aren't you supposed to make us laugh? Well?! MAKE US LAUGH CLOWN!" Backfire eyed them for a second. The teens waited for her to do something. Then suddenly... "HAHAHA! YOU'RE RIGHT! I'M A CLOWN AFTER ALL!" Backfire tip-toed to the second teen and throw her arm around him. "HAHAHA! YOU'RE A PRETTY FUNNY GUY!" She then pulled him in close and whispered into his ear. "Listen to me you little shit, I will raid your grandparent's house, steal their food, then sell them both into slavery. If they're already dead, I will dig them up and fashion their bones into some bitchin' some drumsticks that I'll use to drum out beats on your decapitated head. Do you know who I am? I make a living blowing living things into chunky mush that I then use to hunt bears and catch fish? Is that how you want to end up? A fleshy chunk of bait on my fishing hook? I swear to God, I will eat your family." Backfire made a clownish-crossed eyed face at the other teens and honked her nose. She then turned back to her captive. "Now, if I were you, I'd run as fast as my fat baby ass could and pray to the god of your choosing that I never see you again. Because if I do, I'm turning you into breakfast bacon. And I like my bacon crispy, kid." Backfire pushed the captive teen towards his friends then roared while letting a spire of flame spew from her mouth. Terrified, the teenagers ran tripping over each other. Oh wow, I can shoot fire out of my mouth? *** Night fell over the festival and as the stars came out the stalls began to light up. I guess it's about time. Backfire headed back to her position for her part in the show. She was ready, clown suit on fleek. All that was left was to wait for her turn. As the minutes crept along, Backfire started to feel a bit of nervousness. What if she tripped? What if someone heckled her? Would she have to take that person hostage? Beat them up a little and pretend it was part of the show? Hmm... no, that probably wouldn't happen. As she went over her lines, she heard her signal. Now or never... Backfire rose and rushed to the stage. There was a large crowd of families, adventurers, and children. People from all walks of life had come to watch the show. This better be one hell of a reward... "WELCOME TO TONIGHT'S FINAL ACT! I AM THE MAGICAL CLOWN CALLED THE FUNNISHER, WHO HAS TRAVELED FAR TO BRING HORRENDOUSLY DANGEROUS, YET EXCEPTIONALLY ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT TO YOU ALL! AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO! The lights cut out on the stage, and Backfire opened her palm showing the audience the sparks dancing in a myriad of colors. ”Sparkle Sparkle Make people happy! Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle Firework!” With each line of the incantation, the sparks grew while jumping both excitedly and more erratically. As she finished the incantation, Backfire grinned, her face illuminated by the brightly colored sparks, and winked. Then in a smooth motion, Backfire tossed the sparks upwards. They ascended quickly like bottle rockets leaving rainbow trails as they made their way into the sky where they eventually fizzled out. The crowd looked confused, then five seconds later... BOOM! Some of the crowd cried out surprised, others laughed, while many simply oohed and awed. The fireworks were spectacular, larger than most of the town. People would have seen them for miles outside the city's walls. The sparks manifested in every color imaginable dancing through the air to make pumpkins, and seasonal delicacies, while others simply bloomed like traditional fireworks only, thanks to magic, shifting colors in real time. As Backfire maintained the spell, beads of sweat began to accumulate on her brow. Just gotta pour as much as I can into it. It's an endurance race. After 45 minutes, the show died down. One big one for the finale. Backfire pooled a large mass of energy and then unleashed it into the sky. The firework exploded in a size that would have covered multiple square blocks in brilliance. The lights then joined together to make one singular large eye reminiscent of the one at the entrance gate. After a few moments, the eye dissipated into lettering, "Happy Dark Harvest." With that, the festival had ended. Everyone had played their part well. Each individual's show had been a smashing success. Backfire watched as the crowd cheered. With a bow, she left the stage. This had been fun, and honestly, the applause and cheering weren't half bad. Backfire wiped a bit of sweat on her clown suit's sleeve. "Hehe... Happy Dark Harvest."
