riverviewlogs | introductory mingle: carnivale

Entry tags:

introductory mingle: carnivale

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Carnivale Celebration
when: July 1st - July 9th
where: Anywhere around the city.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

carnivale

In the days leading up to July 1st, residents new and old will notice preparations beginning, a flurry of activity getting the city ready for the upcoming celebration: Carnivale. This holiday is in celebration of music, and the onset of summer and warmer weather. The celebrations are marked by street parties, an extensive program of live musical performances, with a large parade (and paid holiday!) capping it off on July 8th.

celebrating music, and summer

After a couple of months of low-key or even solemn celebrations, it's time for Riverview Quarantine to throw a good, old-fashioned party. Carnivale is a city-wide festival that pretty much everyone gets into, and many residents take the entire week off so they can enjoy all the festivities. With events ranging from impromptu street parties, free live musical performances, food stands, themed club nights, adult lounges with kink shows, and topped off with a massive party parade, the holiday has a lot to offer for anyone who likes to sing, dance, and show some skin!

i. street parties and food

One of the staples of the Carnivale festival is the spontaneous street parties and food trucks and carts. It's not unusual during the holiday to turn a corner and run into a group of people dressed in bright colors and sequins having an impromptu party with a few drinks, and then be invited to join right in! Carnivale is a celebration of music as well as summer, so most shops and stalls will be blasting danceable music into the streets to facilitate these little street parties - it's considered a sign of good luck for the owner of a business if an impromptu Carnivale celebration starts up in front of their door.

Considering the proliferation of street parties and people out and about to celebrate the warmer weather, local business owners also take to the streets. Food carts, stands, and trucks pop up on almost every street corner offering a wide variety of food from savory treats to sweet desserts. Many of the carts are offering one free item to anyone dressed up for Carnivale - anything shimmery, shiny, or brightly colored will do!

ii. live musical performances

One of the major roads in the city center has been completely roped off for the entire week, and all along this street, various temporary stages have been set up, each with a nice hefty sound system. Volunteers hand out printed flyers, and digital boards are set up here and there with schedules of various performances that are all free to attend, ranging from well-known popular music artists to new up-and-comers or independent artists who are looking to make a name for themselves. This event is very widely advertised around the city, and is accepting entries until the very last minute.

At couple of the acts might be familiar faces to some of the residents.

Eichi Tenshouin has signed up himself and his friend Tsumugi Aoba into the music festival as a first-time appearing idol unit called "Higanbana." Dressed in all white with splashes of color (blue, largely, with only their headsets being a red spider lily), they carry a very commanding and angelic image together. They'll have a routine that emphasizes their great harmony with each other, taking turns doing solo lines and joining together to show off each of their talents. Singing and dancing, they interact heavily with the audience and will encourage a lot of involvement with speaking between songs and gestures, winks, and so on. Basically, they intend to make this Riverview's very first prominent "idol performance".

For his performance, Otabek Altin will start with rock remixes of a few popular pop songs. He wants to make sure that it starts off with recognizable pieces for some people, and he certainly thinks it is something that could get people excited even if they don't know it. Then, it shifts into a few original songs. They are upbeat, rock songs that he put together with the intention to make people dance and move, since he is a DJ. He'll end his set with a slower piece he put together that is also an original. Through the entire performance, he's focused and quiet, though he may occasionally try and excite the crowd with a few words.

Any other player-characters who are musically inclined are more than welcome to assume their character was fit in for a performance, and can post up a top-level with a rundown of their performance to get bonus Activity Points for posting a mingle!

iii. carnivale parade

The other main attraction of Carnivale week comes on July 8th, which is a paid holiday for everyone in the city. The Carnivale Parade will be starting out by City Hall and winding through downtown in a lazy pattern so everyone in the city has a chance to see it. There will be all sorts of floats, dancers, marching bands, with all sorts of clubs, businesses, and other organizations represented. The theme is theatrical, big and showy, bright and colorful, sparkly and shiny, with loud music and lots of glitz and glamour. Observers can expect great music, excellent dancing and marching shows, neat vehicles provided by classic car clubs, the fire, police, and Perimeter Guard. They can also expect a lot of party favors, whether it's a sparkly plastic beaded necklace, a fan to take the edge off the heat, candy, popsicles, a temporary tattoo, or any number of other little treats or toys to be tossed into the crowd - some of them fit for kids and teens, others of a more 'adult' nature handed out a bit more discreetly to anyone who looks the part.

And make sure you wear your waterproof mascara - Carnivale floats have a tendency of spraying or spritzing water, both in an unspoken competition to see who can make the biggest water-refraction rainbow in the air, and to keep observers cool in the new summer heat.

iv. adult: lounges and kink exhibition

Thanks to the Carnivale tradition of showing as much skin as possible, some event organizers' minds have turned to topics of a more adult nature. In the evenings, residents may see clubs doing "lounge nights"; these adults-only events have bouncers IDing everyone at the door to ensure they're 18+. The themes may vary, from very specific niche themes like 'golden age superheroes' to broad themes like 'rainbows,' and each event is clearly marked as what it is - all-nude or clothing-optional, and can host events ranging from amateur to professional exotic dancing, food served off of nude bodies, anonymous masked hookups, or just provide a comfortable space where casual sex is encouraged with whoever happens to be around. Various legal substances can be found at these lounges, but nothing that would cause violation of consent, and every substance would be clearly labeled and have warnings to ensure that no one partakes unless they choose to. Please be sure to warn in the subject line for sexual content or drug use (since some mild party drugs are legal in Riverview).

For the weekend from July 7th-9th, there will be a kink exhibition in one of the large exhibition centers downtown, limited to characters 18+. The exhibition is a sexy adult informational convention featuring various kinks and fetishes. Whether you're into leather, latex, lace, or anything else, you'll be able to find the clothes, toys, guides, books, erotica, fiction, and a wide variety of other interesting stuff to explore. While the atmosphere is sex-positive and there are private and public (for the voyeurs and exhibitionists in the room) venues for having sex, it's definitely focused on exploration and information about different stuff to try.

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to meet new roommates, for the purpose of getting to know each other, or hit up one of the mod-posted prompts for each Communal Floor. Or if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set during Carnivale, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit: image i: Roger Patterson Jr.; image ii: Syd Mead; image iii: screencap from the movie Paprika; image iv: siamon89

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Pretty enough to be a demon, that is not the first time I have heard that, [ he answers with a soft, sultry laugh. ] Although not from so reputable a source.

I am not familiar with those names. [ No need for quite that kind of vampire fiction when they're real. ] If I were to go into the sun, I would burst into flame. [ Jean-Claude sounds rather pleasantly undramatic about that one. ] I am of the line of Belle Morte, which is, as you've noticed, [ he gestures a hand down toward himself, a sweep across his body, ] focused on physical beauty. In some centuries, I have been known as an incubus.

Would you prefer Kermit?

[Yes. That was it. Jean-Claude's new nickname was Kermit. You're welcome, Jean-Claude.

But that threat, because that's the only way to take that, had Spike's brows lifting.]

Someone you've marked? What, you run around tattooing all your snacks? Or do you just put a collar on them and get them to sit up and beg for Master? Don't tell me you do the whole Dracula-Renfield nonsense. Makes you more of a poncy git to copy that wanker.

I do not imagine my preferences will figure into your choice of epithet.

[ He's not falling into that trap.

Fortunately, Jean-Claude has an incredible abundance of patience, because he needs it for this conversation. ] Your habit of killing those you feed from is a practice only performed by the sadistic or the weak, in my line. We prefer to cultivate regular relationships, so we have secured food, and in return we offer our protection and patronage.

The novel based Renfield off of our slaves, not the other way around, although I do not tend to take any. [ Not lately, that is. He's gotten a little more moralistic. Thanks, Anita. ]

Is that so?

[Lucifer lifted his cigarette to take a quick puff, setting it back down as their server came over; one glass of scotch for Lucifer, one empty glass for Jean-Claude. The Devil looked entirely intrigued in his current companion, so while their server attempted to linger to watch two pretty men being pretty together, Lucifer waved her off with a quick thank you.]

Your... what, Grandmother of the... line? Was named Pretty Death? Well, that's quite a name to live up to, mm? And what about you? Handsome Arrhythmia?

[He couldn't really help it, Jean-Claude. He may be the Devil, but he was the Devil with a bit of a cheeky streak.]

What are these 'lines', mm? Same as Lilith's? Jesus's?

You're right. It won't.

[Too late.

He crooked a brow at the fancy pants vampire, deciding to give a little tit for tat in the whole 'this is my vampire lineage' nonsense they were having.]

We have something like that, only not. Addicts come to get a bit of a bite from us. They pay, we feed, they leave all happy with their brush with death and mortality. The only protection they have is safe passage under that roof and to and from it. After that transaction, they're anyone's nibbles.

[The fact that it seemed they had the same literature, despite their differences, had Spike laughing.]

Another difference, then. Only one I knew to have slaves like that was Drac himself. The whole gypsy vampire thing. Not like we haven't had human groupies over the years, but they're all stupid teenagers who romanticize 'the pale undead' and think it's all fluffy shirts and red wine.

[He gave a pointed look to Jean-Claude's shirt, smirking.]

They'd love you.

Link didn't like the implications of Ed's words there. He didn't like how he had been pulled from his world, a world where he was sorely needed, but now he was just trying to make the most of his situation. The idea of having to pass through multiple worlds just to make it back to his own wasn't something Link had considered, and he found it very troubling.

If Ed actually showed any discomfort, Link had missed it due to his own. "You'd rather stay here than get back to your world?" Maybe it wasn't as odd as Link thought it was. There were plenty of things here that couldn't be found in Hyrule. Perhaps Link wouldn't mind staying here if he hadn't had so much to worry about back home.

[ Jean-Claude is such a showman, she can't really be blamed; even now, he accepts his empty wine glass and twirls it by the stem idly, lounging back in his chair with one leg crossed over the other with all the poise of someone being photographed. Only he remains that way, indefinitely, his normal lounging position.

It is flattering to be the object of such concentrated attention by one as esteemed as the Devil himself, and Jean-Claude does enjoy being flattered. He doesn't quite preen, but he looks supremely comfortable. The joking does not bother him at all. ]

The line of who made whom; she who made me was made by Belle Morte. We inherit much of our abilities that way. Calling her Grandmémère is not a bad comparison. I have no such titles. [ He smiles with more than a hint of wickedness beneath it. ] I am simply Jean-Claude.

Don't be modest. It's far too close to a lie, and I do hate those. But tell me more about these... abilities, if you wouldn't mind. You said you fall in line with incubi? Does that mean you feed on sex? Or do you feed on blood during sex?

[He sipped at his scotch, then realized his questions might sound a bit invasive.]

Pardon the curiosity. I've a few ties to desires myself, so I find anything along those lines utterly fascinating.

Making the most of the situation was all anyone could do, at least here they offered to try to help get you back. Where he was before, for four years, that was a prison. There was no hope of going back just because you wanted to - and eventually you learned to accept that not everyone got the luxury of returning home. For Ed, that meant even when he left it was to find himself on a different world.

He never said that, Link. Although he also wouldn't argue with it, either. "It's not really about preference at this point. Finding myself back home means traveling through three portals if the rumors are correct. The chances of that are so slim, it's not worth dwelling on. I'd rather stay here than wind up who knows where else, instead though." At least here he already had friends, and a purpose.

There were probably a lot of questions Link could ask Genji, but it was a little hard to focus on them with crowds of people jostling around, having water pistol fights, and the general hoopla of the festivities.

"Not right now," Link admitted. He paused though and gave Genji a more scrutinizing look. "Why wear armor like that to a festival?"

Forgive me, but in truth, I am still no 'big fish' outside of my own arena. [ A point Jean-Claude has no trouble admitting, as this humility is his best defense against the Council. ]

The curiosity does not bother me; ask away. [ He opens his free hand in gesture. ] To answer your questions, yes to all. It is a skill exclusive to this line, and much coveted; some vampires can feed a second way, and for myself, that includes sex and lust itself. [ Jean-Claude nods back toward the crowd still milling about not far away, outside of the delineated bar tables. ]

[ Not you, he (narrowly) doesn't say. Probably better to keep that to himself. ]

It only got weird when he started trying to sell his eggs.

And what of your... meals, I suppose. If you're feeding off of sex and lust, what effect does that have on those being fed from?

[Jean-Claude seemed to be being honest with him, and Lucifer was incredibly interested. But it was more than that. He had things in mind, ideas brewing in that head of his, and as he was a wheeler and dealer, perhaps there was some good to knowing of someone with these particular talents. Lucifer did enjoy sex himself, and before deciding to limit himself to one person, he'd regularly thrown orgies and sex parties in his home. Sex was his relief, a way to think of something other than tormenting souls for billions of years. He liked to throw himself into it, and he was bloody good at it.]

That was a fair statement. From the way Ed phrased it, it didn't seem he had a choice in whether to return to his home world or not.

"Whatever happens, I hope it turns out well for you." Link's tone was solemn, but he had meant what he said. All of a sudden the festival didn't seem as light-hearted as it had before. It was more of a thin distraction from the reality of the situation.

Still, there wasn't much Link could do about it at the present time. "There are definitely worse places we could have ended up in."

[ He laughs, a chilling, sharper sound to display how unaffected he is by the posturing. ]

Yes, of course, we have those as well. The junkies, those who chase immortality, they are food for the undiscriminating. I am... more selective. To your earlier question: the mark is literal, a bite mark. Since you have said you will not be biting anyone, it should be clear enough to you.

Consider them mine, and do not interfere with them. [ The humor has wiped away, language dumbed down to make sure he understands. ] And I will count passively standing by while they are hurt as interference. Is that clear? [ He wants the expectations set out, so that Spike understands if he does something, there is retaliation coming. Jean-Claude will not make that first step, but he also won't tolerate disrespect of that sort either, and he is used to these exploits of standing nearby while those that are his are tortured. It is quite a demand to make, but he makes it without hesitation. ]

We all have to deal with the lot in life we are given. Nothing worth doing is easy in the first place, right?

[ But his last comment gets a little chuckle out of him. It is rather unfair of him to be all sealed away in his prosthesis like this. ] I suppose I can even the playing field a bit for you.

[ He reaches behind to his neck and undoes the airlock on his helmet, the lights turning off and the helm sliding up and the face plate sliding down. Thankfully the plastic bag around his shoulders is quite big so he's able to stuff it away easily.

He turns to look at Eichi and smiles. Genji hasn't taken his mask off around him yet, has he? The resemblance to his big brother is obvious and he's free to tease him about the gray at his temples. ] It's safe for this much of me to get wet, so go wild. [ His voice, without the modulation, is a little hoarse. ]

See, now that's where we're going to have a problem. I might agree not to get all touchy with another vamp's meal, but like bloody hell am I going to jump in and save some idiot from their own bad life choices. I wouldn't do it back home and there are very few, if any, that I'd lift a finger to help here. If you're 'marking' [Yes, more finger quotes] people too stupid to take care of themselves, don't expect me to keep their hearts beating just because you've sunk a fang in. Or something else. Not my business, mate.

[He'd be upfront about that, if nothing else. Spike was not an altruist. He didn't kow tow to anyone for anything short of his own desire for something. If he helped someone, it was because he got something out of it. If Jean-Claude wanted him to actively intervene, then he'd have to do more than threaten and bluster.]

[ Usually he would lie, but it just seems a very bad idea to lie to the Devil when he has already caught even the slightest shading toward untruth. Jean-Claude does, after all, have a title-- Master of the City. So he had straightened up and become honest on a dime. Those survival instincts at work.

He just assumes that Lucifer is someone who can turn incredibly dangerous with the wrong prompting, like all very, very old vampires, and is following those rules. All drinks and smiles now, but it could turn ugly if he does something disrespectful. And he may count lying as such. It does him no damage to be forthcoming now, and may pay off later. ]

It has none, [ he assures him. ] I can instill arousal with a touch if I wish, can spark an orgy through contact alone, but it is not necessary to feed. What is important is that I do. I have been feeding all night, taking, hm, slow sips. It was an advantageous arrival.

Edited 2017-07-12 19:40 (UTC)

[ That gets a small little laugh out of him. ] I went to them too much when I was younger. And now, well. [ He gestures to his body. ] In my world, cyborgs make most people uncomfortable.

[ But this isn't about him talking about his circumstances, it's about chatting with a friend. ] That is understandable. It's easy to bite off more than you can chew, as they say.

So... what you're saying is that your feeding prompts desire itself? Oh, love... I must get your number.

[He pulled out his device, turning it on and switching it around for Jean-Claude to put in any relevant details.]

You can control it, yes? You wouldn't just stroll through an area and cause an orgy riot, would you?

[ Hmmm, things really are different if he responds this way. This is sensible, someone used to being on their own, not part of a power structure.

In the interests of getting what he wants, he deigns to be clear. ] I see. If that is your approach, I will accept it. [ It feels a bit like explaining the color of the sky to a grown man, but he goes on, ] It is very political, vampire society where I am from. It would not be unusual to ride the edge of an agreement, and exploit it. If you say, of course, I will not harm them, I would expect to find you orchestrating their torture through a proxy.

I am used to being careful with my words. But if we may have this agreement, bon, I will accept. [ Unless he has reason to revise it later. Jean-Claude doesn't trust him at all. ]

[ He waves his hand. ] Non, it would be quite inconvenient, to say the least. I get pulled in myself. And I am not interested in public displays.

That is perfectly within my power, however. What is it you are orchestrating? [ Jean-Claude flatly refuses to be used ever again, but he is not averse to anything that will give him more power. He puts in his number with evident curiosity, although he is not the most graceful with the phone. The technology is ahead of what he left. ]

Edited 2017-07-12 19:50 (UTC)

[She picks up his intentions there and appreciates it; open communication in a relationship regarding sex is important, after all, and is what she'd been trying to express she wanted from him earlier. But she can't help but quirk an eyebrow at him in question at his observation. Does he think she's just been going along with things this whole time? She may not have his level of experience or adventurousness, but she's not exactly a blushing virgin, Lucifer.]

And how's that?

If I'm going to torture someone, I'd rather do it myself. There's few of us enough here that as long as you don't go marking the whole bloody city, you can live in your corner and I in mine.

[A thought crossed his mind, something that had him frowning as he figured out the best way to bring it up. Well, when in Rome.]

Right, well, same goes to you, mate. Don't be pinching off my plate. I've got few enough people willing to cut a vein for me at the moment, so just... you keep to yours and I won't have to come knocking at your door, yeah?

[Because he was the big bad, after all. Fear him, Jean-Claude. Grr. Argh.]

[Tucking his phone back away, he gives a Gallic shrug of his shoulders.]

I used to own a club back where we're from, the Detective and I. During this little festival, I've found I miss playing for a crowd. I've been thinking of setting something up. There's plenty of bars and clubs here, but each has its own flavor. I haven't quite come across anything like mine yet. Someone that could perhaps enjoy themselves while prompting certain moods would be nice to be able to call, if all parties were interested.

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introductory mingle: carnivale

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