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

[dreamposts]

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.

Comments

[gentryofhermitage]

Yes, it is. Though due respect of the divine is necessary, I admit that after so long, even gods may tire of titles at times.

[He listens to Trahearne's own explanation, and he nods slowly as he does. Trahearne's experience is similar, but also uniquely his own as well. The first of his kind, leader of an army... Even without divinity, those are not easy burdens to bear.]

I see... your own people sound like a nation built upon community; much like a forest only stands because of the trees within it. [He can't help but draw connections to Trahearne's appearance.] However, when one is a part of. such a society, it can be difficult to stand on one's own. That is not to say that one is incapable of standing alone, but to do so requires no small amount of inner strength.

[He does offer a small chuckle at that observation, and offers a small shrug.]

Well, admittedly, it has taken me some time to get used to things as well. Perhaps, with time, you will also come to find your own way to handle this situation.

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne can't help but chuckle a bit at Zhongli's metaphor. It's funny when he thinks back on the early days, how they scrambled to keep everyone safe and to form a sense of identity among their people. But the younger generations have turned out to be so fiercely independent, often roaming the world alone for reasons often reserved for the other races. Maybe things were just different for the firstborn. And maybe, it's only now--totally stripped from his home and siblings--that he actually feels sylvari. It's strange.

He does nod, though, letting his thoughts pass and accepting Zhongli's advice. ]

May I ask, then, what you've been doing to make do? Have you taken up a new hobby or job or something else of the sort?

[ He says this with a friendly tilt of the head. ] Knowing what you've done might help me.

[gentryofhermitage]

Hmm. What I have been doing? Well, as this is my second month being here, I have done my best to settle in and get myself used to how this world operates. But I have also had quite an enriching experience observing the culture and way of life here. Not only has it been fascinating to learn more about the local population of dream-borne beings, but also observing an entire economy which relies upon the barter system has been quite refreshing. After all, while all Mora is currency, not all currency is necessarily Mora.

[He also likes the fact that he can just purchase things without worrying about the price tag once again. His broke ass is thriving here.]

But now that I have become more settled here, I have considered the notion of picking up a hobby. An old friend of mine suggested doing so when I arrived, though I have yet to settle on one in particular. But there is no need to rush on such a matter; after all, needlessly rushing headlong into new things may make us miss that which is truly enriching.

[pactmarshal]

[ It's not entirely like himself, then. Trahearne can't help the little smile on his face as he watches Zhongli speak--though he ultimately ended up going far beyond just observing, he understands. Watching how cultures across universes come together and interact has been fascinating, all things considered.

Though it seems his conversation partner is much more content to take things slow. Trahearne supposes that comes with being a god-like being, all things considered.

But one thing catches his attention immediately. ]

This is only your second month? You speak as though you've been here since the beginning. [ A curious hue colors his face. ] I get the feeling you've been managing much better than I have, and I've been here since the spring.

[ He's settled into a routine, but is it really the same as handling the situation? He's not sure. ]

But I think you and I have much in common. I've been fascinated by how life operates here as well, and I've taken quite a lot of notes since awakening here. It's part of the reason why I started the archives, too. [ Oh, there's a thought! ] You should drop by sometime if you've yet to.

[gentryofhermitage]

Oh? Is that so... well, I do know that when I arrived here, I was greeted by a few people who have been here for months, including an old friend of mine. I must admit that with their guidance, it was easier for me to grow accustomed to this place.

[Did it count as cheating if he had a little help? He doesn't think so, though he can see how that could make things harder for one who had to learn things all on their own.]

The archives? Well, I do believe I shall. I think it would do me some good to learn more about this realm. I must admit I am quite curious about it.

[pactmarshal]

[ It definitely isn't cheating. Trahearne's expression goes through various moods--first surprise, then a hint of envy, then relief. Even if he may not have any of his own friends from his own world here, he finds genuine happiness for those who do. Especially for people like him and Zhongli, where the transition to such freedom might not be so easy. ]

A friend's help is never unwelcome. You're lucky to have had such guidance. [ He means it! He tilts his head genially. ] You could even bring them along on your visit, if that strikes their fancy. Both of you might even have some valuable insights to add--there is still much about this realm we do not know, after all.

[ Always with work brain on... Here they are, standing in the middle of a Halloween carnival, and he's thinking about work. This man doesn't know how to take a vacation. ]

[gentryofhermitage]

[Funny enough, at the suggestion of bringing his friend to the archives, a wry look crosses Zhongli's face for a moment.]

Ah... well, I suppose I could convince him to join me. Though I worry about him being on his best behaviour; I would hate for him to cause a ruckus.

[Because Venti absolutely would cause a fuss, just for the heck of it. And he has a feeling that Childe might not be all that interested, even if he's more well-behaved. Though, perhaps Aether could be convinced... after a moment, he hums.]

Still, it could be useful either way. I will have to remember to pay a visit, whether on my own or with someone I know.

[pactmarshal]

[ Oh. Well...Trahearne supposes friends can come in all sorts of...attitudes. He was expecting Zhongli to have a friend similar to himself. But loud people are not forbidden from visiting the archives. Especially if they have valuable ideas to add! ]

--Yes, either way. I'd be delighted to see you, and this friend of yours if he happens to come along. If--

[ He's about to say more, but someone from the crowd jostles him, causing him to stumble slightly in place. Right. They are still at the carnival. Trahearne looks over sheepishly at his new friend. ]

I've completely forgotten where we are. This has been an enlightening conversation, Zhongli.

[gentryofhermitage]

[The jostle from the crowd catches Zhongli off guard as well, and he glances around at the surrounding crowds before turning back to Trahearne. He chuckles softly.]

As did I. There is something to be said about how time and space seem to fade into obscurity when one engages in good conversation with another.

[He offers him a small smile.]

I hope I have not taken up too much of your time.

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne's expression eases into a smile in turn, and he shakes his head. ]

Not at all. I confess, between looking for clues, I've not been doing much.

[ He feels...obligated to be here, for some reason. ]

On the contrary, I hope I've not taken too much of yours. I know I have a tendency to carry on in conversation.

[ Like he is now. ]

[gentryofhermitage]

Not at all. After all, a good conversation between familiars can be quite an enlightening experience.

[He really has enjoyed this conversation!]

That being said, I will be certain to stop by the archives and pay both it and you a visit. I am eager to learn what sort of things have already been compiled within.

wrap?! c:

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne brightens. He has, too! And not because he's netted more foot traffic for his "business," but because he's found someone just as interested in the pursuit of knowledge as he is. ]

I'm looking forward to it, Zhongli.

[ With a step back, he gives a polite nod. A kind and benevolent divine being... Songerein is full of interesting people. ]

Take care. Enjoy the rest of the festival.