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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[ Genji laughs a little, twirling the water gun around in one finger as he approaches the young man. ] Why hello, Eichi-kun! Are you enjoying yourself?

[ He certainly is drenched. Genji almost feels like he's cheating, being vacuum sealed away in his prosthesis like this. ] Now that I am not sure, I think everyone here is rather soaked to the bone. [ Except you, Genji, you nerd. ]

A festival of music is an ideal scenario for me, so naturally I'm having a lot of fun. It's not often that I'm able to get out and do things like this, but in this city, there's been one every month. It's so freeing. ♪

[Even if he was transformed into his bratty (slightly) younger self for a while, too. He flicks some of the extra water from his fingers at Genji, though he doesn't expect it to do much.]

And what about you, Genji-san?

[ The water flicks across his helmet and lets off a nice little shimmer. He's smiling behind his mask and puts a hand on his hip. ] I am sure it is. I did catch your performance and it was quite impressive! You are very talented.

[ He was never really one for singing and the arts; he had a fairly decent voice before, but now there was too much scar tissue and synthetic muscle around his vocal chords for him to carry a tune. ] And I am just going with the flow, as they say. I haven't seen a parade in many years.

Thank you, Genji-san. It makes me happy to hear that you were able to enjoy it. Reaper-san seemed far less enthused, though I suppose it's because it wasn't to his taste at all. Next time, perhaps I'll sing something a little edgier.

[He chuckles, admiring the little droplets he's created with a smile.] I was beginning to wonder if you were still here. A few of my friends and acquaintances have vanished, so it's getting a little lonely for me. I was too wrapped up in my own head because of that chalice to do much of anything with anyone, either.

[ The hand around his little toy water gun definitely flinches at the mention of 'Reaper.' He was really getting tired of not being able to control his reactions when people just so casually brought him up, especially when he just can't trust him. And what was he doing talking to Eichi? If he hurts—

Not the time to mentally be lashing out at nothing. ] Ah. [ It's kind of a hoarse little static-y croak, but oh well. ] Perhaps so.

[ He clears his throat. ] I was— not myself for a while as well. I do not think we ran into each other. [ Thankfully!! ] But I have noticed some people have seemingly vanished as well...

[Ah, he notices that, but he doesn't quite understand why, after what Reaper had told him in the hospital. It makes him curious, so the thought doesn't leave his mind quite yet, even with the slight shift in topic.]

It seems many of us were affected by this. I worked so hard at my career that I wound up in the hospital, and when Reaper-san visited me, he seemed very different as well. He wasn't wearing his mask, you know, and was a little more kind than I would have expected, so it was surprising.

He had mentioned you, actually. I wasn't aware that the two of you were friends until that moment. ♪

[ He does remember that, a Commander Reyes as he was talking to his younger self. His old self that didn't know what the future would bring. Genji still can't reconcile the man in his memories with the Reaper of now.

So much so that the poor little plastic gun lets out a crack as Genji's grip tightens too much. It dribbles the rest of the water onto the ground and Genji looks to his hand, then back at Eichi. Oops. ] I do not think 'friends' is quite the term I would use, but— yes, I do know him.

[ Obviously. ] Before, when he was like how he was when he saw you in the hospital. I do not— recognize him as he his now.

[Eichi jolts a little at the crack, staring down at the gun and then back at Genji. Oh. Well, that tells him a few things that his polite speech doesn't.]

In other words, you knew that Reyes-san rather than the Reaper-san now. He insisted that I called him the former even when it was a name I'd never heard before. [So it wasn't just that he was taking a casual break and in a good mood... He had figured, and yet, it was good to know for sure. Reaper was a little hard to get answers out of.]

Did something happen?

That is correct. [ He stuff the poor broken toy into his bag and huffs. Genji is usually so in control of himself; he hates being thrown for a loop.

He shakes his head. ] Something did happen but I am not sure exactly what. Something that changed him into someone I no longer recognize.

[ Genji wipes at some of the water on his visor. ] Ah, I apologize, you came to have fun and not hear about the sordid tales of old soldiers.

Those soldiers are friends of mine, so it's not that I mind. Rather, I was the one who asked, wasn't I?

[But it seems Genji doesn't exactly want to focus on this, either. He doesn't know what happened, but he clearly views him differently? Hm.] But I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Genji-san. I misunderstood your relationship, so I'm sorry about that. [Note: not friends.]

[ Genji lets out a static-y sigh and nods. ] I do not blame you for being curious. It is a confusing situation all around.

[ But he shakes his head when Eichi apologizes. ] You didn't make me uncomfortable Eichi-kun, only surprised. You have nothing to apologize for. [ He crosses his arms loosely. ] Like I said, it is confusing. I— believed the man Reaper was to be dead for many years. [ He supposes, in a way, he still is. ] So you can understand why this is difficult.

Mm. It is a shocking thing, isn't it? And reborn from the ashes not just physically, but with the insistence that his mind is different as well, that he's not who he once was— I can see what sort of situation this must be.

[He thinks he gets the gist of it, at least.] Friendships that ended poorly or went wrong, people who changed compared to what they thought they were... I can understand that sort of thing as well. I wish I could offer something to help, but even I'm a little stuck by it.

[ It is hard to mourn someone who still exists; Genji feels like he understands what his brother must be going through a little better. ] It isn't something I have had to deal with before, that is for certain.

[ Even though he's aware he's done the 'actually I'm not dead' reveal himself. At least, he hopes, he changed for the better. ] And I am not sure what there is to do, especially when we are here. [ It would be different if they were back home, he would insist on detaining him and demanding answers. The major thing he doesn't like about being in this quarantine is the sort of almost helplessness he feels. ] I think, for now, it is just best to be patient.

He isn't the type of person who's so easy to speak to, or I would suggest speaking over tea. As it is... I suppose that may be for the best.

[He folds his arms.] I'll stop pestering you about things like this, then, Genji-san. Fufu, I'm sorry, but I can't hold back when it comes to my curiosity. The both of you are friends of mine, after all. At least I think so.

It seems fair to trade this information, so here's a secret. The person who I performed with today is someone from my home that used to be in the same unit as me. I used him ruthlessly and didn't properly understand the meaning of friendship, and by the time I realized what I had done, it was too late. He left me alone on the stage, joined another group, and I've been doing my best to avoid him ever since.

It seems that things like this don't always work out.

[ And there is a still petulant and frustrated part of Genji that almost doesn't want to talk to him. He had grieved the man for years and it was all uprooted and tangled now. ] You aren't a pest; as I said, there is no harm in asking questions. The only thing I want of you is to be careful and to be safe. [ He could trust that Commander Reyes wouldn't harm a young man who was ill, but Reyes was not an internationally known terrorist with a high body count.

Genji listens to Eichi's story and he can't help but feel a pang of understanding. ] No, they do not. But there is always a chance to change and make things better, I have found.

[ He pauses for a beat. Eichi shared that with him, he might as well return it. ] I was much the same, when I was your age. I was reckless and arrogant and hurt people I cared about. [ Genji taps at the kanji on his chest plate ] But I have spent the last decade atoning, since I received this body.

...That's where we differ, isn't it? I've had this body from the beginning. In order to get to where I am today, I did what I had to. I made foolish mistakes, hurt people and pushed myself too hard. I suppose if I'm "atoning" at all, it is in the solitude at the top, on the throne.

[But he still doesn't think what he did was ultimately wrong, which is another huge different.] I heard from Reaper-san that your opinion on your body must have changed quite a bit. You're truly someone admirable, Genji-san.

You are a very wise young man, Eichi-kun. [ If he'd been half as self aware at that age, things might be a little different. ] I have faith that your solitude will not last forever.

[ Ah, that. The thought of Reaper talking about him from back then is... an odd one. He isn't sure what to think of it. (He's still mad about him telling his brother things that were not his place to speak of.) ] Ah, yes. It took me quite some time to get used to this body. [ The wind blows the head scarf over his shoulder and he grabs it easily. ] I was quite miserable when we knew each other. But I am whole now.

I hope so. Thank you.

[He really does hope it doesn't last forever... He doesn't have much time to live, after all. He drops his arms to his sides.]

Not everyone can grow to where you are now. It's an inspiration to someone like me, you know? Fufu... But it also makes it quite difficult to win water gun fights.

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. ]

Fufu, you are Hanzo-san's brother, after all.

[He won't tease him about the gray, not now, at least. But he does take his time in pulling out a little water gun from his bag of assorted... things hung over his arm. He makes a show of it, lifting his left hand to point the water gun directly at Genji's face as his chin lifts up. His eyes are glinting.]

This is some sort of justice, isn't it? Is this when I should say something like "stick them up?"

[He doesn't wait for an answer, squirting him straight in the face. He's got good aim for a sick idol boy.]

[ That gets a snort out of him. ] I will have to show you what we looked like a long time ago one day, you would hardly recognize us.

[ Genji puts his hand up, about to quip back before Eichi fires his little gun. Some definitely gets in his mouth and he sputters out a laugh, reaching up to wipe at his face. ] Ah! You win, I surrender! [ At least he can't really taste the lukewarm water gun water, ew.

He wipes at an eye with the pad of one of his fingers. ] Would you still want to learn archery? You already have good aim, Eichi-kun.

Now that I'm no longer stuck in my own head thanks to that chalice, I'd be glad to learn. As much as I want to continue my life of an idol here, I'd also like to be able to protect myself to a point, or offer something if I'd like to go beyond the walls.

[He didn't think it was possible, but if it is... Of course he does! He squirts a little bit at Genji's cheek, for emphasis.] Now that I have this healing ability, as well, it gives me even more reason to, doesn't it?

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introductory mingle: carnivale

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