misc. } { storage

[iluvroadrunner6]

A place for me to stick things I'm not ready to post yet.

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v. c'mon c'mon dance all night

[athenaschampion]

SUMMER

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Summer comes into Chicago with a swelter, with the temperatures climbing high and condensation fogging the windows of the occupied buildings from the air conditioning billowing inside. While an occasional summer storm will crackle through the air to cut some of the humidity and provide a brief reprieve, the temperatures will begin to climb again once the clouds have cleared. Take advantage of the pool bar, stay where it’s cool, and do your best to beat the heat by whatever means necessary. (There may even be some water pistols of varying caliber lying about if you want to have some more wet and wild fun.) Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen – the mini-mart is plenty stocked.

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Occasionally, residents may pick up tinny, plinky standards floating through the air as a self-service ice cream truck makes loops around the various Chicago locations. The timing throughout the days seems to be random, but the truck has a selection of overly sugared and brightly colored popsicles and ice creams to choose from. While the truck mostly carries the standard ice cream truck fare, but should they share an ice cream with a friend, you may find yourself catching glimpses of their summers past.

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As they move into peak summer season of July and August, the cooling evening breezes may taste a bit salty, and the area around the pier begins to transform. Long boardwalk slats begin to line the lake just above the beach, and snack stands and rides for all ages and sizes begin to appear for fun ways to spend your evenings. Enjoy some cotton candy or funnel cake, ride the rides, or make your way down to the corridors where games line either side. Play on your own, or team up with another resident and see how many games you can conquer in order to claim the grand prize.

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As you continue to wander further, towards the quieter end of the boardwalk, the boards begin to shift and change from uniform planks to an amalgamation of decks and ships all bound together and stretching as far as the eye can see. A glittering blue ocean sparkles up at you from all sides, as various people in standard sailor and pirate gear dashing between ships and shops lining the roads, hauling nets of fish off the side, or taking cargo on and off ship. Welcome to the Duchy of Ships, somewhere where you’ll be for a minute, as when you glance back you’ll find that the boardwalk and the rest of Chicago has disappeared. You are here are the grace of Captain Pete, and while she is not available for comment or conversation, you are encouraged to take time to explore.

You may also notice some people just stepping off the dock and into the water below. Should you do the same, you’ll find that your body adapts quickly to the new environment, forming flukes or legs as the resident shifts into a merfolk of your choice. Feel free to explore the depths below, including deep sea farming, or other vibrant sea communities. When you’re ready to return to Chicago, there are tunnels on the ocean floor that will end with you surfacing back in the lake.