[ 009 ]

[defies_reason]

Am I mistaken, or have we had a bit less down-time lately, between the curses?

As I've seen significantly less people chained together today, I suppose I'd best take the opportunity to address the Network.

My bar, the Wolf's Den, is currently hiring; preference will be given to those with experience, but I'm willing to give newcomers a chance, provided you are competent.

And-- needless to say, if you've an objection to our clientele, then you need not apply.

Comments

private;

[mortemscintilla]

[ He doesn't bother with any of 'Li's affectations this time. A lie is only as good as its use, after all. ]

I suppose the change in curses is the price Citizens pay for complacency.

private;

[defies_reason]

[Oh, but you had such a bumbling, boyish charm going for you, Li.]

Do you think so? I believe last month I saw more efforts to escape the City than during the rest of my stay, combined. I'm not convinced complacency is what's being punished.

private;

[mortemscintilla]

[ There's a certain amount of condescension that goes with 'Li's act. Consider it a compliment that he's approaching you with a degree of honesty. (Although, as ever, real honesty is a quality he remains allergic to.) ]

If you look back at past Network entries, you'll notice a trend. Almost every other year, there's some form of rebellion or break-out. To little success. Followed by a healthy dose of whining. [ Dryly, ] Maybe this is the Deities way of reminding people that their existence can be made much harder.

[whitetwoguns]

You know, now that you mention it. Sure does feel like down time. Maybe we're finally getting a break.

[valentineluke]

Not seeking employment, I offer entertainment. Circus Carnivore's Night Show has a number of side acts perfectly suited for small venues.

Voice

[rianofski]

Yes, a great deal less time, it seems. The curses have lasted longer, as well. It's troubling.

[vengefully]

Less down time? I've noticed as much too.

[moonlitrequiem]

I have been absent this past month, therefore I'm not sure what you mean. There have been more curses?

[synanthrope]

The deities are making mistakes.

[intheblanks]

It's a break in the usual pattern. Maybe we were getting too comfortable.

The Wolf's Den?

[From the name and mention of clientele he's wondering if you have a fuzzy time of the month.]

[defies_reason]

I'd hardly call this place comfortable.

[But one does what one can. Privately, he agrees, he thinks.]

A small joke. In my own world I owned the Fox Hole, this seemed like a step up.

[defies_reason]

What makes you say that, Ms. Wallace?

[defies_reason]

It was my understanding that they generally don't fall back to back, unless it's over a weekend.

[defies_reason]

And what do you make of it?

Voice

[defies_reason]

It still amazes me that anything is ever done, in the rare moments between disasters. Moreso now than ever.

private;

[defies_reason]

To forestall further attempts?

[defies_reason]

That seems somehow unlikely.

[defies_reason]

Come, now, wouldn't sword-swallowers in the lounge be a bit obvious?

[intheblanks]

Enough people do.

[Ah, and that sounds like a titty bar.]

Right. Expand the business any more and you might have to break out the big cats.

private;

[mortemscintilla]

Or as a reassertion of their powers.

Like cracking a whip, if you will.

[valentineluke]

Amusing as that may be, those type of performers require a certain amount of safety space between themselves and the audience. Attendance cut down to a third beforehand would make for enough room - but I doubt you want to do 'private parties' so soon.

Carnivore's acts are varied and wide ranging. I was thinking more along the lines of neo-burlesque.

[moonlitrequiem]

That is what they are doing now? Because, yes, that's how it was before.

[Which made them highly predictable in longevity. Would deities that seemed to favor chaos be comfortable with that set up for long? Not likely, but Yin was incapable of putting all of that together.

[vengefully]

Maybe the deities are trying to change the pattern.

video;

[candothat]

Why would anyone take issue with your clientele?

[They seem like perfectly decent people. Some of them even buy him drinks!]

[synanthrope]

They say so. On the Network.