songerein | { haunted carnival | test drive #08

Entry tags:

{ haunted carnival | test drive #08 - october 2022 }

HAUNTED CARNIVAL

Full details on everything can be found here, but an important reminder that this event log doubles as our Test Drive Meme and information can be found in this section.

This means any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in October and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of October 25 through 31 (this log is forward dated to the 25th). However, outside characters can only thread within this log, so for those seriously considering the game, you are welcome to use non-festival prompts for your toplevels. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count October as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual as people randomly disappear already, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Tuesday, October 25th and Applications will open on November 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until January.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view; updated 10/28)

American McGee's Alice - Alice Liddell
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Azula
BlazBlue - Noel Vermillion
Case Study of Vanitas - Vanitas
Dangan Ronpa - Chiaki Nanami
Devil May Cry - Lady
Final Fantasy VII - Cloud Strife
Genshin Impact - Albedo
Genshin Impact - Eula Lawrence
Genshin Impact - Kaeya
Genshin Impact - Razor
Great Ace Attorney - Ryunosuke Naruhodo
Helluva Boss - Blitzø
Helluva Boss - Octavia
Jujutsu Kaisen - Fushiguro Megumi
Kaze Hikaru - Okita Souji
Library of Ruina - Angela
Mikagura School Suite - Yuto Akama
My Hero Academia - Bakugo Katsuki
Octopath Traveler - Ophilia
Original Character - Kate Galloway (Jigoku CRAU)
Original Character - Marie Daenthelm
Original Character - Pauline Bonheur
Persona 3 - Ken Amada
Promare - Lio Fotia
Shadow Hearts: Covenant - Yuri Hyuga
Tales of Berseria - Magilou
Tales of Berseria - Rokurou Rangetsu
Tales of Berseria - Velvet Crowe
Tales of Hearts - Chalcedony Akerman
Tales of Hearts - Hisui Hearts (Aefenglom CRAU)
Tales of the Rays - Baldr
Touken Ranbu - Hizen Tadahiro
Touken Ranbu - Ichimonji Norimune
Transformers IDW - Soundwave
Your Wings and Mine - Shealtiel

I. CARNIVAL FUN

The moment a guest enters the carnival grounds, there is a high chance (read: optional) they will find themselves changed in some way to fit the spooky, haunted atmosphere. Instead of just wearing a vampire costume, the character will actually turn into one. Of course, how much of a transformation varies between complete to partial changes. It should be noted that this is only a cosmetic and ability change—no matter what someone changes into, they won't have any personality changes…unless one of the carnival attendants cast a small enchantment to make it so. Of course this is by chance as well (read: optional).

A. Haunted Food. While there is some standard fare carnival food around, the Haunted Carnival has some unique items with even more interesting effects:

Caramel Apples: Tart green apples dipped in caramel and decorated with chocolate to look like they’re covered in spiders and spider webs. Eating one of these will have the dreamer feeling crafty and industrious, just like spiders themselves often are. Also, the idea of eating bugs (or even other spiders?!) suddenly seems strangely appealing…
Cherry Blood Popcorn: Popcorn drenched in cherry syrup and decorated with candy bones. The combination of sugar and dreamotion energy leaves the eater feeling giddy and cheerful, somewhat in contrast to the gruesome appearance of the treat itself.
Funnel "Brain" Cakes: Funnel cakes colored to look like brains when served. Comes in regular or zombie brain varieties. Eating one makes you feel lethargic and hungry, like the only thing that matters is your next snack fix, but you’re not willing to do much more than shamble toward it.
Mummies in a Blanket: Small hot dogs wrapped in biscuit dough and decorated to look like mummies. After eating this, you may or may not want to wrap yourself into a blanket and take a nap—ideally somewhere dark and spooky.

B. FUN AND GAMES. Mixed in with the food vendors are several booths advertising a variety of carnival games, including but not limited to the ones below.. The prizes you win may or may not be cursed. Best of luck!

NERF Gun Shooting Gallery: Use dreamotion to shoot foam darts from a gun at various ghostly and ghouly targets lined up on a platform. Advanced players may want to try their hand at making the guns shoot other objects. Water? Fire? Glitter bombs? The only limit is one’s imagination.
Ring Toss: A series of witch hats are lined up, and the objective is to toss rings on the hats for points. Did something just peek up from under one of the hats? It’s probably nothing to worry about.
Potion Bottles: A variation of the milk bottles game wherein you throw balls to knock over flasks and beakers filled with strangely-colored liquid. In most cases, the spilled potion is totally harmless. Once in a while, however, it may have some interesting effects on the player and/or the booth itself.
Slime Pit: There’s a giant pit of slime with a sign next to it: prizes within for those willing to get a bit messy! Said prizes range from giant candy bars to random silly toys to skeletal limbs…? Oh that belongs to the skeleton having fun in the pit, they might want it back.

II. ATTRACTIONS

A. Hall of Mirrors. A classic maze of mirrors that are usually filled with special effects to make one's reflection look distorted. In the beginning the distortions are more humorous, making one look super skinny or extremely curvy. However, the deeper one goes, the reflections begin to look a bit…strange. The mirrors begin to reflect the "worst" side of an individual, but in a more embarrassing manner. When they first wake up in the morning, having a bad hair day, dressed poorly, being lazy on the couch—mostly benign things that would be embarrassing to show others. But there are some that may reveal one's darker self they wish to hide from others and are forced to face—especially when the reflections will step out and follow the original until the end of the maze. They won't do anything, just follow silently like a shadow, but even that may be taxing for anyone, especially if others see. The reflection must either be pushed back into an empty mirror, or it will disappear on its own when exiting the building.

B. Wild Carousel. The creatures on this carousel are not just colorful painted steeds but are more frightening in nature and looking more undead than living. Skeletal horses, direwolves, fanged deer with bloody horns. What makes this ride truly terrifying, however, is that the creatures are alive, restrained only by the pole stuck through them. But there are times when they manage to break free, causing havoc as they run through the park. The only good news is they don't attack, instead aiming for the carnival food as if hungry. Either hang on or help capture them back!

C. Cirque du Souleil. Near the center of the carnival is a large circus tent, and it boasts a variety of shows that are death defying, terrorific, and guaranteed to make everyone scream in fright and awe. The usual acts are available to see: acrobatics, musical performances, theatrical skits, and using ghostly steeds to ride through the large arena. But what makes this circus unique is that all the performers are capable of separating their soul from their physical body, similar to astral projecting or dreamwalking outside of dreams and being visible to all. And now they're asking for volunteer pairs to either participate in a more simple act such as an acrobatic stunt on the swings or tight rope…or eat a special candy that will allow them to have an out of body experience via dreamwalking outside. The only "flaw" is their dreamwalking form will tend to float up to the top of the tent, so their partner who hasn't eaten the candy has to tether them via dreamotion to get through some simple obstacles. No worries, the professionals will help return the soul if they get lost.

D. Spinning Bumper Cups. A combination of the classic bumper cars and spinning cups rides, this attraction has its riders in skull shaped bumper cars that will randomly spin. Riders have the ability to fire off "pumpkin bombs" at the others, which will splatter pumpkin goop to slow down their car. It will also make the car spin for a few rotations. Dreamotion will also help boost the speed, stabilize a spinning car faster, and make the pumpkin bombs more explosive. Just be careful—the barrier around the arena is made of bones and therefore quite brittle. It's not unusual to see a car spin out and lose control driving through the carnival grounds. Stop the runaway car and bring it back! Or shoot people with pumpkin bombs.

E. Ferris Wheel. Ah, the ferris wheel, a gentle ride that elevates one high in the air to allow them to see the sights below, in this case the entire carnival grounds and the surrounding areas like the bordering forests, the Observatory, and the edge of Reverein. However, as with everything in this carnival, the ride is not always so gentle. There are times when the entire ride accelerates to a faster pace, causing the (fortunately) enclosed cabins to rock dangerously as it rotates around. There are times when it keeps going, not letting anyone off until three rotations. And then there are times when the top half of the cabin disappears, exposing the riders to the cooler winds. Fortunately handle bars will appear they can hold onto, but no seat belts. Enjoy the view?

F. Other Rides. There are plenty of rides and attractions at the carnival, too many to list all of them here. A roller coaster, tower drop, gravitron, bungee jumps, pendulum ship—whatever one might think exists, it's there in all its twisted nightmare glory. One thing they all have in common is the more fear and thrill and screams generated, the faster they go. Just hope the ride doesn't stall and get stuck…

III. HAUNTING CLUES

Although the main purpose for these prompts is to find the clues, anyone is free to use them for general use and not focus on getting the clue. For those who do participate, we'll be asking for thread during our Activity Check! Those who are TDMing regardless of application can also have their threads counted by commenting to this thread and following the directions.

#1. Haunted Dollhouse. There is a special building called the Haunted Dollhouse. It's similar to a haunted house, however this attraction is filled with moving porcelain dolls that will try to scare and chase those who enter (it's quite likely some members of the newly added Porcelain Town have volunteered to help). Sometimes, those who enter are cursed into a doll and are now vulnerable. They are also not always able to move on their own will. This is not great as sometimes the dolls kind of…malfunction and will actually become aggressive. The weapons they wield are also not props, so that's a problem. However, they are small and can only inflict minor wounds and can be easily taken out.

The main clue here is "Villains!' I shrieked. 'Dissemble no more! I admit the deed! Tear up the planks! Here, here! It is the beating of his hideous heart!" To help both those who have turned into dolls as well as get the clue, everyone has to find the right place where some candied hearts are hidden. Fortunately the "blood trail" (it's raspberry syrup) will help lead them to the right place.

#2. Abandoned House. A little away from the main attractions there is a run down house surrounded by trees…and a lot of ravens. A raven with red eyes will guide those who dare or wish to face a lost loved one to the house. Inside it's just filled with faceless busts and empty paintings, but soon they are filled with the images of those lost ones. It could be a person, pet, thing, but they are there, just staring. Only the eyes and mouths move, and what the person hears are their insecurities and fears related to how they lost whatever they see. Anyone else will either see the original blanks or their own personalized images.

The main clue is "And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting // On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door // Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning // Shall be lifted – nevermore". To get out of this house, they have to first look for the bust that has the red eyed raven on it. This will be tricky as there will be many ravens with different colored eyes. Once they do, there will be a small picture frame. They must manifest one or more of the images they are seeing and capture it into the frame. This is simply done by waving it like a net, but the manifestation can move around. This can be as easy or difficult as a player wants, and how affected the character is from what they see and hear can also be a factor. The more affected they are, the easier it is to manifest but difficult to capture. The less affected, it will be more difficult to manifest as they have to tap into that raw fear, but will be easier to capture.

#3. Hay Bale Maze. Just outside of the circus tent is a large hay bale maze with the hay…looking as if it's seen much better days. It's filled with spooks that like to jump scare maze goers or bodiless limbs that reach out to grab, but aside from that it's harmless. Except for one particular figure.

The main clue is "Who dares?" he demanded hoarsely of the courtiers who stood near him --"who dares insult us with this blasphemous mockery? Seize him and unmask him --that we may know whom we have to hang at sunrise, from the battlements!" There is a red clad figure wearing a skull mask. He will randomly bust through the hay walls and engage maze goers into a fight. Those who are incapable will flee in terror while the figure will chase, which will be a pretty good clue as to where he is. Once engaged, any weapon and dreamotion can be used at their disposal and the challenge is to just simply best him in a fight (not to the death). Striking the figure even once will earn a victory and the skull mask will be granted.

#4. Musical Catacombs. For a bit more lighthearted fun, there is an underground catacombs that is filled with tombs. Some of them have actual skeletons and ghosts sleeping in them, but they won't harm anyone if bothered. Just be a bit cranky, maybe throw a bone. At someone's head. Down here it's quite lively, filled with music, dancing, and a lot of alcohol. Minors will only get sparkling juice.

The main clue is "'Ha! ha! ha! — he! he! he! — a very good joke, indeed — an excellent jest. We will have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo — he! he! he! — over our wine — he! he! he!' // 'The Amontillado!' I said." One of the games is a dancing game where the tombs will light up a certain color and participants have to properly hit the correct corresponding floor panel (basically a music rhythm/DDR themed game). Should they make a perfect score, one of the tombs will open and have a crusty wine bottle in it. It has competitor and co-op mode.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ COWARD.....let the spiders fall in your hair...

But ah, that's a rather ingenious application of Cryo, Albedo nods enthusiastically - or, you know, enthusiastically for Albedo, anyway. He starts for the tree, reach for its lower branches. ]

Perfect. Using that to collect our bounty, this should only take a few moments.

[ Hoisting himself further up into the tree, he begins to just. Vigorously shake the branches. SPIDERS AWAY. ]

[ NO?? HE WILL NOT?? kaeya can handle a spider or two, but he doesn't want like ten of them crawling all over him??

this all begins to feel very real, however, once albedo starts climbing the tree. kaeya had thought for a little while that perhaps he was simply joking around, that he would pull out of this at the last second, but then, when has he known albedo to be the joking type?

the spiders are coming..

kaeya hisses his displeasure as the buggies begin to rain down, clinking into the bowl. one misses, landing near to kaeya's foot, and he kicks it away quickly. ]

You should know that this is among the weirdest things I have ever done.

[ He is deadly serious...sorry, Kaeya.

Once he's satisfied with the number of spiders that have filled the bowl, Albedo hops down from the tree, brushing some spiders from his hair, before reaching for a bag at his side so he can begin scooping spideys out of the bowl before they can scurry away...and onto Kaeya. ]

Given the tales that surround you, I'll take that as a compliment.

[ ...This is far from the weirdest thing Albedo has ever done. Such is the life of a researcher... ]

[ look at him just casually brushing spiders from his hair?? he's such a little freak??

once kaeya's skin is done crawling, he might find this all very endearing, actually. albedo produces a bag, and begins to just.. casually scoop handfuls of spiders into it, like this is no big deal. albedo has nerves of steel..

he laughs, trying not to sound nervous. it doesn't work!! ]

I can't help but wonder just what you might've heard.

[ oops. a spider escapes, and crawls over kaeya's knuckles. with a yelp, he drops the bowl. ]

[ He doesn't have nerves of steel, he just isn't a guppy! Or he was never around other kids to get unsettled about spiders in the first place...they're just fuzzy little guys??? What is the big deal.

Albedo is able to scoop most of the hapless spiders into the bag before Kaeya drops the bowl, his yelp prompting a lift of the brows from the alchemist. A few scatter into the grass, but it's just as well - they have plenty to cook up now. He ties off the bag so none of those little fuckers can escape. ]

Would you perhaps rather I forgot what I heard?

[ Kaeya is free to interpret that as referring to the yelp just now or the various rumors about the Cavalry Captain that have reached even Albedo's ears. (It's all Timaeus. He's the gossip in the guild.) ]

[ wow kaeya isn't a guppy, you're just a little freak, albedo!! those fuzzy little guys have way too many legs, and they're small and they skitter where you can't see them.. they crawl over your laptop when you're in bed!! ]

.. if you wouldn't mind, yes.

[ about the yelp, thank you. the gossip, however.. he's a bit curious about that!! but for now.. ]

What next?

[ What next indeed... ]

Now, we should return to the festival. I saw some stalls with the appropriate herbs and dressings, as well as fire pits we can smoke them over. That is, if you're still up for trying them. You should see the fruits of your labors realized.

[ If so, it's time for a spider cooking montage! Terrible. ]

[ euygh.. ]

.. I did agree to it. I'm a man of my word.

[ most of the time. when it's convenient. it certainly isn't convenient now, but he can't have albedo thinking he's a guppy!! he'll man up and try the spiders. banishing the ice bowl into a shatter of snowflakes, kaeya strides away, gesturing. ]

Come on, then. Let's get it done.

[ spider cooking.. montage.. fantastic.. ]

[ Some very spooky music accompanies this montage.

But soon enough they have gathered the needed herbs, found a suitable fire pit, and smoked the spiders to Albedo's specifications. It does smell pretty good, but that's more thanks to the cardamom and lemongrass than the spiders.

Plucking one of the spider-leaf balls (this is what I picture it as, anyway) from the stick hanging over the fire, Albedo sets it on a plate and hands it to Kaeya. ]

Alright. This one is all yours, Captain.

[ With just the tiniest bit of cheek. He can tell Kaeya isn't exactly looking forward to this, but Albedo is impressed that he's going through with it regardless. ]

[ so incredibly spooky

the cooking of the spiders is a little horrifying, considering the little buggers are still alive as they're being brutally roasted. kaeya almost feels sorry for them. but that's the circle of life, baby. he almost considers sabotaging the whole thing to get out of this..

but soon enough he's faced with a spider ball on a plate. all wrapped up like this, the meal looks almost unassuming. he can almost forget it's spiders. almost. kaeya sucks in a sharp breath.

best to just.. get it overwith. ]

Why thank you, Chief Alchemist.

[ he just. pops the whole thing into his mouth. ]

[ That's the way to do it. With a soft, almost nostalgic sigh, Albedo picks up his own ball of spider and pops it into his mouth, savoring the flavor, texture, and crunch.

It's probably like...takoyaki but with plants and spiders. ]

Ah...not the best I've ever had, but I'll admit, the spiders here have a rich flavor all their own. Nothing like any I've tasted on Teyvat.

[ Yes, he has had enough spiders before to make this comparison. ]

[ kaeya's face runs a gamut of emotion.

the spices and lemongrass go a long way, that's for sure. the crunch isn't too bad. but the soft, squishy texture in the middle.. ah. he's not so much of a fan. kaeya grits his teeth and tenses, but he manages to swallow it down..

it feels like it's sticking in his throat. little hairy legs.. ]

Don't say I've never done anything for you.

[ I knew what the gif was gonna be before I even clicked it...

Albedo watches the display curious, eager to see Kaeya's verdict, which is left...still rather vague. His observation tells him that he...didn't hate it completely?? But he didn't seem to enjoy it, either... ]

Would you like another? There's plenty left?

[ They caught, like, a lot of spiders. ]

[ i knew u would.. uwu

ah, why does he have to ask that?? a good thing kaeya doesn't feel the need to be polite. he's fulfilled his duty and kept his word! and so he passes his plate back with a thin laugh. ]

Aheh.. no, thank you. You worked hard on them, hmm? Why don't you save them for leftovers?

[ they caught SO many spiders.. kaeya's still a little itchy. ]

Hm...they don't typically keep too well, but it can't hurt to hold onto a few for a late-night snack.

[ You know, later when he's up doing Science until god knows when and feels peckish. Only a spider will suffice, a perfect protein snack to keep his mind going! ]

If you're certain. I'll just have to treat you again another time.

[ With a soft smile, he starts to clean up the spider cooking apparatus he'd set up. ]

[ treat him again another time.. yes... certainly.......

kaeya sidesteps that offer deftly, an easy smile slanting his mouth. ]

Now, I believe you owe me a drink, yes?

[ kaeya hasn't forgotten!! ]

[ Don't worry, Kaeya, he won't forget. He will offer again. :)

He was definitely hoping that Kaeya would forget the other half of their deal, however. It's getting late!! All that spider hunting took it out of him...but he won't go back on his word. ]

Yes, that's right. Better we wash down that well-earned meal with a nice, warm drink.

[ no :( ]

A warm drink? No, my friend, you must sample the wine. I wonder..

[ kaeya taps his chin, sitting back in his seat. ]

Well, we'll find out. Are you ready?

[ time for another montage so albedo can carry his drunk ass home!! ]

[ Is one ever ready to go drinking with the Calvary Captain? He has a reputation for a reason, one that reached even Albedo's ears, for how out of the loop he is on Mondstadt gossip.

But he's a man of his word, so with a reserved smile, Albedo nods. ]

Lead the way.

[ Time to be Kaeya's DD, for the first and surely not the last time... ]

[ time for another montage!!

kaeya, albedo will find, is indeed everything the rumors make him out to be, when it comes to drinking. the man loves his wine. he also loves his parties. this carnival is glad to supply both! he insists that albedo have one glass of wine, as per their agreement, and kaeya attempts to wheedle him into more, but to no avail. albedo won't be swayed, and kaeya knows when not to push. still, they have a good time! at least, kaeya thinks they do.

by the time the carnival is beginning to clear out, he's quite drunk, quick to laugh and nudge albedo with his elbow, ruffle his hair affectionately, as if they are now absolute best friends. which they are. when you drink with someone, it brings you closer together! right?

but soon enough the kiosks are closing up, and together they walk back toward the town, kaeya a little unsteady on his feet, though he drank an exorbitant amount - the fact that he's still standing at all is testament to his constitution. ]

And then — hehe — and then, he fell face first right into the mud..

[ yes, he's talking about diluc. ]

[ This was quite the mistake...

Well, okay, perhaps that's a little bit harsh. In an unfamiliar place such as this, even Albedo can appreciate familiar company, even if he and Kaeya have spent scarce time together. There was that time he talked him into going to the Angel's Share on his birthday...and really, this occasion isn't so different. Albedo enjoys a single glass of wine, while Kaeya enjoys...much more than that, and though his physical affection is a bit strange, Albedo doesn't protest. With Kaeya, it's simpler to just...go along with it.

Kind of like with Klee. Hmm...

As they head back to town, Albedo keeps an extra eye on Kaeya, lest he misstep and go tumbling over, just in case he needs to catch him. ]

Is that so? I would imagine Master Diluc must have been rather displeased.

[ And if Kaeya isn't careful, he might just join him in tripping into mud...it would be rather ironic, wouldn't it? ]

[ wouldn't it be ironic indeed..

except when kaeya does inevitably trip, he doesn't pitch forward, but to the side, knocking against albedo's shoulder. oops. he's still snickering, though, remembering diluc's face and hair all covered in mud. ]

Oh, he was.

[ another laugh, and kaeya wobbles on his feet, as they approach the treehouses. ]

But he was younger, then.. less grumpy. He didn't hold it against me for long.

[ Oh, he is a part of this now, whether he wants to be or not!!

Not that he really minds it. Albedo may not have many close friends, and is certainly not used to being leaned on in this way. Er...metaphorically or literally.

Keeping a close eye on him, Albedo walks just a pace or so ahead, so he can catch Kaeya in the event that he tumbles forward, which seems...very likely, at any moment. ]

Ah, I see...I've heard Master Diluc used to be quite the different person before he quit the Knights of Favonius. I'm glad it didn't cause undue strife between the two of you.

[ Unlike that time they all flew to the Golden Apple Archipelago together and Diluc and Kaeya just bitched at each other the whole time... ]

[ they sure did bitch the whole time!! and they'd do it again. ]

Oh, he was.

[ there's something a little sad in the way he says that, he's a little too drunk to hide it, but the sour taste of guilt touches his tongue. kaeya has always blamed himself for diluc's sudden, complete change. he should have been there for him, instead he betrayed him.

thankfully, a tree root promptly breaks kaeya from his reverie - he trips, stumbling hard into albedo, one hand snatching in his coat. ]

Ah - sorry, sorry!

[ The change in Kaeya's tone doesn't go unnoticed by Albedo, he's too keen an observer to miss it, but he doesn't have time to do much besides register it before Kaeya trips, and right into him this time, too. No side-stepping to avoid certain disaster now!

Fortunately for them both, Albedo's reflexes are sharp, and rather than let Kaeya stumble them both into a heap on the ground, Albedo catches him with one arm, using the other to brace Kaeya's shoulder before he can take them both out. ]

Oh - easy there, Captain. You don't want to be the one with mud on your face this time.

[ He's drawn to a halt to steady Kaeya, but even once he's done so, he doesn't let the other man go. He sort of has a suspicion that if he does...he might go careening right over again. ]

{ haunted carnival | test drive #08 - october 2022 }

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