introductory mingle: carnivale

[riverviewmod]

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

navigation

Comments

I mean it's not like I've ever pretended otherwise

[couldkillthedevil]

Oho, so that's what this is about. 'Respecting their culture'. Sure.

[Her shoulder rose up into a shrug when she felt him nip and suck at her earlobe, an automatic reaction that had her dragging her bottom lip between her teeth to stop herself from making any noise.]

Nngh— I've seen... I'm seeing plenty of what this city offers. An eyeful of whatever's in there isn't what I'd call necessary.

[Still, she might've sounded a bit distracted. Maybe a bit flustered.]

So, what you're saying is that you're my level of loser...

[hellicious]

When in Rome... or in this case, Quarantine.

[The words were a purr against her ear, low and husky as his hand slid up along her back, still dancing with her slowly and surely towards the entrance. Lucifer was more than capable of multitasking, when he wanted to be.]

What could it hurt, mm? A little time. A little scandal. You might even enjoy yourself.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ explains why we get along

[couldkillthedevil]

[Oh, she knew that. Don't think she didn't know what he was attempting to do.]

Oh, my God. Fine, fine. I'll walk around your sex club. But I decide when I leave. Which means none of this dancing me further towards the door while whispering in my ear stuff to try and convince me otherwise. Deal?

[hellicious]

[Ooh, she was tempting him. With a deal, no less. Still, he couldn't really help himself. Before he agreed to anything, the hand at her back pulled her in and he tipped his head to the side, lowering his head to steal a kiss from her. A lingering, lip-sucking kiss that had him straightening with a smug look on his face and his tongue dancing over his own lips to keep her taste for a little while longer.]

Fine -- as long as you actually look around it. No popping your head in or taking a few steps in then calling it done. I don't want you to not enjoy it, but I do want you to give it a try.

[couldkillthedevil]

[A roll of her eyes, even through the light flush over her cheeks at that kiss.]

Yeah, yeah, fine, fine. I'll actually look around and give it a chance if you give it a rest.

[And there she went, following the half-naked crowd up to the door so she could present her ID to the bouncer.]

[hellicious]

[She walked up like she was facing a firing squad and he had to laugh at the idea that she seemed more terrified over a club than a bad guy with a gun. Still, he was right behind her, staying close so that if she felt uncomfortable, she had an easy buffer. And it helped any wandering eyes or hands to see that he was already claimed.]

Give what a rest? I'm not allowed to enjoy your company?

[couldkillthedevil]

The whole speech about being ashamed of sex, for one thing.

[She handed her ID to the bouncer who gave her (and Lucifer too, honestly) a once over before moving aside to let them in. Automatically, she feels overdressed (in more ways than one), her outfit probably fitting the bill of a 'frumpy cop getup' he usually urges her against. But she hadn't exactly been planning to be here, now did she?

With a huff, she turns to look at him, an almost comical contrast between her put off look and the colorful naked party going on around her.]

Well? Where first?

[hellicious]

Please. You are ashamed of it. Or, you seem like you are. We're in a festival about fun and life and there's a brigade of nudes around and you're all but whispering the word 'sex'.

[Lucifer wasn't dressed to fit in with the rest of them, but he liked his suits. This one was a lighter grey with a light blue shirt and he'd snagged something from a stand earlier to tuck in his pocket that he could bring out if the need arose. Smiling, he gestured widely across the room.]

Your choice, love. Anything catch your eye?

[couldkillthedevil]

I'm not whispering the word sex. [Said with a raised voice, just for his benefit.] Just because I don't care to flaunt it doesn't mean I'm ashamed or some kind of prude.

[At his suggestion, she sighed and glanced around at her options. The booth about asphyxiation doesn't really do it for her, nor does the stand on dressing up like furry animals. She ends up walking past both of them and goes to explore more of her options, figuring he'd be following behind without really checking if he was or not. The exotic dancers smile at her as she passes them by, though she doesn't pay them too much attention either.]

[hellicious]

[He follows close enough to be her shadow, a tall, dark presence at her back that says more than words ever could. This lady was taken, thank you. Asphyxiation didn't seem up her alley, and as she walked past it, he breathed a small sigh of relief. Kink was one thing, but anything that might wind up harming her would never actually sit well with him. A small pout as she walked past the furry station. Her with a little kitty tail would be adorable, but... well. Maybe that was for the best.]

You're into punishment, yes? There's a whole section down that way with paddles and crops and whips.

[couldkillthedevil]

Someone's subtle.

[But she takes the suggestion in stride, heading in the way he directed her. It was part of the deal, after all. That, and she's admittedly curious by the elaborate display of said whips and chains. She picks up some pamphlet about proper BDSM and sub and dom dynamics, raising a brow at some of the glossy images therein.]

I'm all for sane and consensual, but I don't think the whole pain aspect is my thing. Not like this, anyhow.

[hellicious]

No? Then like how? A spanking, perhaps?

[The idea of her over his knee, buttocks pink from a few slaps had him... well. He stepped in close enough behind her that she could likely tell just how it had him. Then there was the reverse image; him bent over her knees with her hand coming down on his backside and-- mf.]

Really, I'm open to hearing about any preferences. Or... ah, walking you through a few. Pain has many levels, love. From a love tap to some of the more extreme measures. I wouldn't expect you to dive in the deep end.

[couldkillthedevil]

[She's still glancing through the pamphlet when she feels him step in towards her. Feels him, hard and more than a little eager. It has her flustered just enough to edge away from him, tossing a withering look at him over her shoulder.]

I'm not foaming at the mouth for anything in particular, though I'm also not against taking my time in divulging those details.

[Meaning they've been dating for like two weeks, Luci. Relax.]

[hellicious]

[Look, Chloe, he had no basis for how this was supposed to go. They'd been naked already. It had been wonderful. And now he had thoughts about all the other wonderful things he wanted to do with her. Naked. Or partially naked. Or covered in whipped cream.

He bit his lower lip as he looked at her, not looking the slightest bit affected by that withering look, one brow quirking up.]

Would it be... something you'd be interesting in testing the waters of? Giving or receiving?

[couldkillthedevil]

[She's silent for one long moment, apparently having a stare-down with him in the middle of the exhibit before she sighs.]

I wouldn't be against experimenting. Or having a more in-depth conversation about it down the line.

[hellicious]

[He beamed at her, grabbing one of her hands and bringing it up to nip at one of her fingertips.]

I'll make you a debauched little thing in no time.

[couldkillthedevil]

Uh huh. You might be vastly overestimating your influence, but okay. I'll let you believe what you want.

[She'll be going in the other direction to explore some more, thanks.]

[hellicious]

[He'll be following gleefully after her.]

I'm quite game to being your guinea pig, love. Hot wax? Paddles? TENS wands?

[couldkillthedevil]

What's a— no, you know what? Never mind. I don't want to know.

[She passes a few more booths she's not particularly interested in before spotting a side-room that seemed to be louder and more rambunctious than the other parts of the club. Curious, she goes to investigate, noticing the exotic dancers on-stage and how some of them occasionally got down on the tables to let their patrons lick off some whipped cream or other tasty treat off of them.]

Right. That's sanitary.

[hellicious]

[Still following, he stepped up behind her when she peeked in the room, sliding a hand around her side to steady himself with her waist. Leaning down, he ran his tongue up the curve of her neck, flicking it at her earlobe before purring an answer to her.]

I don't think any of them mind, Detective. Besides, I would happily lick all manner of things off you, if you let me.

[couldkillthedevil]

[She jumps, if only because she isn't expecting that sudden hot, wet press of his tongue along her neck. She presses one hand against his chest to put some space between them.]

Trust me. I didn't need you to tell me that for me to know it— yeah, hi.

[That last part said to one of the dancers that had made his way towards her, giving her a nice welcoming flash of his more pertinent parts and a wink before urging her further inside.] No, I'm good, I'm good, really— I was just looking— Lucifer.

[hellicious]

I'd let you lick all manners of things of me, if you'd prefer. Nothing wrong with looking, love. That's what they're expecting, after all. This is a lovely visual display, and in some cases, an interactive one. We could find a table and play a lovely game of 'what can we cover with whipped cream'?

[Lucifer smiles at the dancer, watching him try to lure Chloe further in the room with that promising smile and also knowing that it wouldn't be anywhere near effective. Not with his Detective.]

[couldkillthedevil]

[His smile may not be effective, but the physically pulling her inside part sure is. She's looking like the human equivalent to a pissed off cat right about now, body tense and expression sour as she's tugged towards a table in the back -- at Lucifer's apparent suggestion, apparently.]

I don't care how 'interactive' it is. If you come anywhere near me with whipped cream, you'd better hope there's a hospital around here.

[hellicious]

Well then...

[Smiling, Lucifer moved to shrug out of his jacket, hanging it up on the hook provided near one of the empty tables, working on unbuttoning the waistcoat he wore, then the cuff links.]

You're welcome to bring it near me. Along with anything else that strikes your fancy.

[Yes, Chloe. Lucifer was getting naked in public. Again.]

[couldkillthedevil]

And he's naked.

[Said matter-of-factly as she sips at the glass of wine that'd been set in front of her. Nothing to do now but accept her fate, apparently. Or slip away in secret, if she can.]

You know, I'm not quite sure what you're doing here. You look more like you belong up there.