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Posted in Io, The Blind Oracle: Tarot Posted 6 years ago


Although it was not the most flashy attraction in the carnival grounds, the humble tent of Io the Oracle never failed to draw a crowd past its dark veils. Wispy strands of incense smoke and the comforting warmth of burning candles were the first to greet the curious bunch, but their excited mumbles fell into a sudden hush as the owner made his debut.

Flowing robes draped over the young man as he nodded calmly, gesturing for everyone to sit with him, “My name is Io, and I know who each of you are, and why you are here…” As he spoke, he pulled out a deck of tarot cards from his large sleeve, spreading them across the table before him, “It varies between you… Some seek answers, some seek entertainment. One of you is here because you took a wrong turn on your way to concessions and are too embarrassed to leave now,” he smiled faintly, holding his hand towards the exit, “We won’t keep you here longer, it’s alright.”

As the patron scurried out, Io returned his attention to the crowd before him, “What I offer you here is no mere reading. Instead, I would like to teach you about divination, and help you find your own destiny, free of charge…” Reaching out, he ran the tips of his fingers over the crystal ball before him, “Of course, I also offer personal readings for a small fee, if that is what you desire. But that is for another time. Let us begin, shall we?”

Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
Better luck next time, Lin. smiles faintly
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
The arcana are the means by which all is revealed... nods and flips over the first card



The Sun, in the upright position. Very good. You brim with energy, burst with happiness.

flips over the second card



Ah, the Hermit. After burning so bright, you seek solitude for introspection. Lin shrugs acceptingly

flips over the third card and inhales, crossing his arms



The Wheel of Fortune... Lin lets out a gasp, but then frowns as Io continues ...facing down. Reverse arcana represent negative energy. You will suffer grave misfortune, Lin. Lady luck has abandoned you.

flips over another card... and freezes

"What is it?" Lin tilts his head curiously.

rears head up with a frown



The World... reversed. It would appear fate is not pleased. It has been divined by the crowd that surrounds us. You shall lose everything, Lin. There is no escaping such an end.

"Huhwha?! That... wow, I've never lost so badly at this game before! Maybe lady luck really has ditched me..."
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
It would seem we are ready to begin. nods

Let us see what the cards reveal. We shall start with Lin...
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
Trust in oneself is good. slight nod

When the trickle of participants comes to an end, I shall reveal the cards and their meaning.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
@Bone Wench: Fate has decided your roll shall be included.

@Raxton: You may also participate if you so desire it.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
squirms ever so slightly

...Please focus on the game, Lin.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
It would seem as if they are encouraging your use of nicknames, Lin...
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
@Unicorn: Deaa is correct. There is no limit to your participation. nods slightly
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
@Rallaa: I suppose it was part of the cosmic plan, considering how often I encounter it.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
Indeed. While it was a chance you have stumbled upon our game, fate welcomes you for yet more participation this evening.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
@Cookie: Indeed. Fate is unknowing until it is upon us.

The arcana have been randomly shuffled. Your numbers shall call out to them. Reveal the six cards Lin and I will choose.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
@Kent: Yes you may. smiles faintly

The numbers shown to appear most often will determine what fate has in store for Lin and I.
Posted in A Circus This Way Comes Posted 6 years ago
Lin seemed to swallow hard as a bead of sweat rolled down from his brow to drip off his chin. Leaning forward, he braced his elbows on the table to fold his hands and stare at the cards below. There were many arcana still to be flipped as was the nature of the game, but only...

"Lin," Io began, softspoken voice suddenly all-encompassing. "Your final choice. What will it be?"

Lin shook his head to clear any doubts he may have had and thrust a hand towards the last arcana whose voice he swore was calling out to him. He slammed two fingers down on the card as if there was an invisible power fighting against what physical force he could muster. As if the arcana itself were alive and could have escaped his grip if he wasn't strong, confident.

"I have made my decision," he declared, tone perfectly crisp. A smirk flashed across his expression.

The blindfolded boy let a small smile play across his lips, "Where fate is concerned, there are no regrets. Are you certain this is the path you wish to tread?"

After a considerable pause, Lin gave his answer. "I am..." His words seemed to trail off as he began to lift the card he chose. A crowd of passengers had formed around the two performers as their hypnotizing game of chance went on, and now all eyes were on the pick that would determine its outcome.

"Afraid you all will have to attend our show if you'd like to see more," he continued with a wink. He flicked his wrist and the card he had begun to lift vanished from view. "This train is due for the scene of our biggest audience yet, and we hope to see you among them!"

He caught some sounds of surprise and carried the momentum, waving his hands over the table in an intersecting motion. As he did, each card he passed would flicker out of existence. When they were gone without a trace, he stepped up onto the now accommodating table with the grace of a gazelle and took a bow at the round of applause.

"Thank you, thank you! Remember the name for we are Cirque ad Infinitum, and will surely delight should you deign to spend your most precious time at our humble abode," he waved an empty hand around his back and revealed Io's deck of cards which he slid into the boy's waiting hand without skipping a beat.

"Look for the big top in Voltra City. We welcome you with an experience you will never forget!"