polymods: (Default)
polymods ([personal profile] polymods) wrote in [community profile] polylogs2021-06-01 03:00 pm

Carcosa, pt. 2

POLYMYTHOS: CARCOSA

Carcosa


Ⅰ. CARCOSA
You Are Still Here.

Another month, and you’re still in the city of Carcosa! Isn’t that just wonderful?

You still have access to the city’s temple and the High Temple.

The side effects you may have suffered from throughout the month of May are now at an end - if you had a pesky mask glued to your face the whole time it will now fall off. You might need a little moisturizer, but otherwise you’ll be just fine.

You could sit around inside the relative safety of the temples, of course, but why not get out there and explore the city some more? Come on, grumpypants!



Ⅱ. SPEAK EASY
CW: Optional alcohol consumption.
What kind of pet shop is filled with rambunctious yahoos and hot jazz music at 1 AM? That's right - the best damn pet shop in town! Sidle up to the back door of Curly's Pet Shop and a panel will open enough to reveal a pair of eyes. "What's the password?" you'll be asked. Whatever word first comes to your mind, well, that apparently is correct because you're let in at once.

The front of the building definitely does indeed house fish and birds and kittens, but the back room is definitely not a good place to find a new animal companion; you find yourself in a crowded little room with low lighting and a small bar crammed into one corner. There's seats and some tables, and most importantly there's a band playing jazz music across from the bar.

Why not take a seat and have a drink? It's probably not paint thinner. Probably. Maybe you'll spot some of your fellow Travelers and you can sit and have a chat. Make a new friend who can hold your hair back if you party too hard.

And you better hope that the place doesn’t get raided!

Notes:
1. The drinks are all era-appropriate - you’re not getting Redbull with vodka here - and even if your character has non-human physiology they will work the same as they would on a baseline human. That’s right, your magic or your healing-factor or your vampire blood is no match for these Gin Rickeys!

2. If Curly’s does get raided while you’re there, you can run and hide or choose to engage with the police, who are armed and not too shy about opening fire if you go on the offensive. As with the rest of the regular residents of Carcosa, the officers are human and can be killed. Killing them may affect the colour grading of your Scrywatch depending on the situation. (Is it beneficial to personal growth to kill in order to save someone else, for example? You tell me!)

3. Did you want a pet from the front of the building? Well, just remember that baby turtles and alligators might SEEM like a good idea, but they grow up! Also any animal you take will not travel with you to the next island. So sorry.



Ⅲ. EXPRESSIONISM YOURSELF
CW: Optional paranoia, hallucinations.
If you wander the streets at night, you may find yourself getting turned around. You'll find that the streets have lost their many lights, and the beautiful and delicate art deco architecture has given way to something much more stark and heavy. The buildings are block-like, but they curve in exaggerated ways that hurt the eye if looked at too long. All are in blacks and whites and greys. Nothing looks quite real, but you can walk along just fine. Probably better not to go off alone, though.


Periodically you will encounter that pesky sign of some sort painted on the walls. If you follow the sigils, you will eventually be led to a long staircase that winds down and down until it finally terminates in a large white room lit by a few electric lanterns. There's black paint there, with brushes. Maybe you're feeling creative?

Notes:
1. You’re pretty sick of this stupid sigil, aren’t you? In fact, you consider yourself QUITE the detective and have been searching after its meaning! Or maybe you played Call of Cthulhu a lot in college, you nerd!

Painting the sigil on the wall will cause you to feel disoriented and paranoid until you leave the white room. From that point on you can discover a copy of a play entitled The King In Yellow anywhere in the city you choose. Reading the first act of the play has no effect on you, however if you choose to read beyond the first line of the second act you will spend the rest of the month suffering from periodic hallucinations, often of a tall man in a pallid mask.

2. While there is no compulsion to paint, choosing to work out any of your character’s issues through art therapy can be reflected in your Scrywatch colour if it is significant enough.



Ⅳ. AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER, I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GANGSTER
CW: Optional gun violence, injury.
Art? Theatre? Music? BAH! Boring!

Maybe your tastes are a little more on the dangerous side? Whatever this island may be, it seems to offer plenty of opportunities to get into the seedy underbelly. Maybe you feel the need to steal a car, rob a bank, transport some illegal hooch for a smiling fellow in a yellow fedora. Grab your tommy guns, kids, it's time to outrun the Feds!

Naturally, you could wind up injured having all of this fun, but surely you could get some help from your fellow Travelers, either directly or by having them haul you to some sort of underground doctor. These doctors do exist, although it might take a while to get referred to one by a local.

You might also find yourself under arrest and stuck in an old-timey jail cell for a month. What fun!

Notes:
1. As was stated in the first prompt, the regular residents of Carcosa are normal humans. Killing them is possible and may affect the colour grading of your Scrywatch depending on the situation. Any weapons you find are era-appropriate.

2. You can break out of jail if you’re resourceful enough.

3. The underground doctors aren’t working in a real hospital for a reason. In fact, some of them might be less doctors and more, well. Vets.

You still jamming to that Carcosa playlist?


Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

extrasensory_problems: (bw_laugh)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-06-08 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
I also thought I was the only one here, so you actually kind of scared me when you spoke up.

(Carter smiles and hunkers down to look at the rabbit she is holding.)

Aw that's cute. I've never seen one so round and tiny before.
neverwither: (You can tell me all your sins)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)
It's usually a matter of marketability. A lot of those adaptions are intended for children so the gory details aren't really suitable.

( But she smiles pleasantly rather than seem like she's judging his opinion. Those who lean towards the darker sides of life aren't unknown to her. The creator she's spent her life with up until this point is hardly sunshine and rainbows.

But he never meant for her to look into the darkness. )


I don't think it really matters, quite honestly. From my experience so far, most seem to be... varied in their backgrounds.

( In other words, not to worry. Not that he sounds particularly bothered. Still, it's in her nature to offer reassurance. )
neverwither: (100% interest 100% of the time)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I should have paid more attention, I'm sorry. Hopefully we're not quite so scary now.

( Jokes aren't her forte but she attempts a little one anyway. Though it then conjures to mind how there have been some alarming incidents on the island and perhaps she shouldn't kid around about things being frightening.

Thankfully her fluffy companion provides something else to focus on. )


This one seems to enjoy all the fuss. Would you like to hold them? I'm sure they'd appreciate even more attention.

( As she hasn't gotten around to determining the sex of the animal but steadfastly refuses to refer to the rabbit as it. )
unkindled_madness: (pensive)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[His expression says that he's not convinced about that "unsuitable for children" part, but he's well aware he didn't have a normal childhood, and he prefers to keep any conversation far from it. He lets it drop.]

But you have some shared frame of reference. That has its advantages, especially in a city based on some part of it.

[He might be slightly bothered by it. He's playing catch-up here.]
extrasensory_problems: (please)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-06-08 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
(Carter smiles and shakes his head.)

You don't have to apologize, I'm just a bit jumpy I guess. The last month has been kind of...uh...weird.

(When she offers to let him hold the rabbit he shakes his head gently.)

No thanks, they look pretty happy right where they are but if it's okay I'd like to pet them.
neverwither: (Smile for the cameras)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry. I ramble on at times.

( After what strikes her as misstep after misstep, Chloe is keen to try and gain some more positive ground. Whatever issues her opinions and conversation may be stirring up is entirely her fault and she should be far more mindful. )

Yes, I suppose you do have a point there. If there's anything I can do to help, I'd be very happy to.
neverwither: (It’ll be alright (or I could be sneaky))

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
That's completely understandable. Weird is... most definitely a way to describe it.

( And while she might not admit it, part of her is waiting for monsters to burst into the place or for the rabbit to morph into an Eldritch beast or that the chirping of the birds will somehow make her spill her (non-existent) soul.

At least it's all perfectly nice and perfectly fine at this precise moment. That's something. )


Oh, of course! I don't think they'd mind at all.

( Chloe angles both herself and the bunny so the little creature will be easier to pet. For the rabbit's part, it makes a curious stretch towards him, nose twitching away. )
extrasensory_problems: (please)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-06-08 06:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah I'm sure you understand the weirdness, seeing how we have matching...uh wristwatches.

(He gestures at the ScryWatch that sits on both their wrists and then moves to sit on the floor, since hunkering is starting to make his thighs burn. He smiles as Chloe angles herself so he can pet the rabbit, which he does very gently.)

I'm Carter by the way.
unkindled_madness: (looking down)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
...what's your name, anyway?

[He's not asking to be polite. If she's been active on the network, he might know something about her already that could determine the usefulness of that offer.]
cryptsleeper: (i have an idea it's kind of a dick move)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2021-06-08 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I imagine it is some time in my future, thankfully.

[Buddy y'all ain't even gotten to the right landmass yet back in 1476.]

What are the contents?
cryptsleeper: (Let's do this)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2021-06-08 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I do not.

[It is all utter nonsense. That makes it a little easier, choosing to do this.]

It's simply here. Why not use it?
neverwither: (Default)

I-B Speakeasy | Mission Kitten

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Merrily buzzing, Chloe is in good spirits. Everyone who passes her gets a smile, and their reaction doesn't even really matter that much. It's nice to be friendly and if other want to goggle at her like she's grown a second head, never mind. Why shouldn't things be cheerier every now and then?

Not normally one who would be considered mischievous, the mention of the pets captures her attention. A fellow animal lover is always appreciated. "I did! Aren't they lovely? So cute!"

She glances around them, like she's about to share a terrible misdeed she doesn't want to be overheard. When the coast seems clear, she speaks to the girl in hushed tones. Well, in her mind it's a secretive tone. In reality, it's more of a not ever so subtle stage whisper. "I pet a rabbit. Just took them right out of the cage."

An act she looks pretty pleased about. Truly the gangsters have nothing on Chloe.
neverwither: (A happy curious girl)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. Yes. I'm Chloe.

( She keeps getting wrapped up in conversation and neglecting to actually introduce herself. Dreadful manners. She was programmed to be better than this.

Then again, these days she isn't much of what she was programmed to be. )


And you? What's your name?
neverwither: (Time to tread carefully)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. Yes. That.

( Passing it off as carefully shifting the rabbit once again, she does her best to keep the ScryWatch's colour out of view. Yellow may only be mediocre but it still isn't a ringing endorsement of emotional stability. Others are no doubt in the same boat but she doesn't want to advertise herself as a member of that crew. )

I'm Chloe. It's lovely to meet you, Carter. It hasn't been too bad for you, I hope? All the weirdness.
unkindled_madness: (curiosity)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Sephiroth.

The 1920s are sometime in your past, I expect?

[There's no "nice to meet you," and he doesn't really need to ask. But it's probably best if he doesn't let on how much he's been observing the others. They might be less inclined to discuss things in public.]
extrasensory_problems: (mmmaaaaaybe)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-06-08 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
It's nice to meet you as well Chloe, and to be honest with you it's been.....uhh well...

(He pauses, trying to choose the right word to describe how he feels about all that's happened to him so far. He gently strokes the rabbits back and then finally speaks again.)

It's been a lot. Some of it good, some of it bizarre and some of it kind of scary. But hey, at least I'm meeting some interesting people because of it.
neverwither: (100% interest 100% of the time)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a lovely name.

( And one she can hone in on as having popped up on the network. It seems he isn't the only one who's been keeping tabs. )

They are. I'd be able to assist on more generalised Earth matters, and I can certainly try with those that are more specific to the era.

May I ask what your world is like?
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[A soft laugh.]

A simple way of looking at it.

[This place is making him paranoid. Maybe it is just a room, just paint, just a man who avoided being caught up in the earlier spells through sheer luck.]

But I doubt I could add much to your... artistic vision.
neverwither: (100% interest 100% of the time)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
( She nods along with his assessment as some good, some bizarre and some scary pretty much sums it up. The latter part of what he says makes her brighten. )

That's an excellent perspective. I know most would like to find their way home but... it's also an incredible opportunity in that respect, isn't it? There could be so much to learn and discover from all these different people.

( You can take the girl away from the influence of a scientist but you can't take the influence of a scientist away from the girl. )
unkindled_madness: (unimpressed)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[He blinks. Lovely? Okay.]

...I'll keep that in mind.

My world is... still populated by humans. So not so different in character, I think.
neverwither: (I think of things I wish I didn’t)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
( Chloe pauses a moment, trying to compose something of value to offer. )

I understand that lacking a touchstone can be disconcerting but I think a degree of unfamiliarity could be a benefit. Some not so versed in Earth may be able to notice things others wouldn't. Everyone coming at something from the same angle only creates a narrow view. Not to mention that there may be other forms of knowledge that could be equally, if not more, useful. Knowledge of magic, for example, given the island's rather... unique traits.
unkindled_madness: (who me?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
...

Are you trying to reassure me?

[Him, of all people? Is that what's happening here?]
extrasensory_problems: (mmmaaaaaybe)

[personal profile] extrasensory_problems 2021-06-08 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah absolutely, there are so many of us from so many different places and times that it's like....one huge sci-fi-fantasty type of dream.

(He gives the rabbit a little scratch on the top of its head.)

I saw a woman by the temple with huge wings and horns the other day, it was wild.
neverwither: (It killed the cat)

[personal profile] neverwither 2021-06-08 08:35 pm (UTC)(link)
( Might as well be honest. )

...A little, yes. But that doesn't mean I'm pandering. I wouldn't aim to discourage learning more about our setting, or Earth in general, but I do think you could have a valuable perspective.
unkindled_madness: (what does it matter...?)

[personal profile] unkindled_madness 2021-06-08 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[A soft chuckle.]

Believe me, I'm aware of my own value. [No, he isn't.] It's only a matter of choosing to share any of it.

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