If one would travel down to Moraby Drydocks this evening, one might find themselves witness to a sight quite fanciful. Nestled up to one of its much-less-dry docks was a Clipper of a most unusual design, its deck and masts and every other conceivable surface above the waterline was decorated in lights and streamers and all manner of festive ornamentation. Even from the brick and mortar, those that cast a glance its way was rewarded with a wondrous sight of balloons and fireworks.
This was the Stage Left, the ship of an up-and-coming traveling troupe of acrobats and fools. A step aboard its deck was a step into a fanciful world full of tricks and treats, brought (nearly) free of charge by a delightful crew of face-painted performers. Mostly Lalafell and Miqo'te, with the occasional Highlander or Roegadyn showing off feats of superhuman strength. All there to lift your spirits for a reasonable handful of gil from your obviously deep coffers in return. This evening was no different, slowly drawing in a crowd of curious common-folk with their lights, colors, and music.
Watching the gathering numbers from the sizable stern-side window of his personal quarters was the Captain and Ringmaster of the troupe who were tentatively referring to themselves as the "Ocean Opo-Opos" - one Hohoyoho Nonoyoho. He, like all those under him, wore a mask of face paint that made him seem quite friendly and approachable, which was certainly no lie. Its assortment of colors would've clashed with his normal ship captain's attire if it wasn't also just as flamboyant and colorful. All to appear appealing to the audiences he so loved.
His favorite performance these past suns, however, was something a bit more special. The stage was a yawning bridge connecting the two halves of Lower La Noscea. The audience was a group of Ul'dahn visitors transporting quite the most interesting cargo. Even constraint to just two of his helpful assistants, Hohoyoho had managed to amaze and befuddle, attract and distract, like he ever so much loved to do. The payment he had gotten for the job was just icing on the cake, though he had to admit that it was a tasty icing indeed. After all, all these shows - and his love of the latest advances in showmanship - couldn't run solely on the paltry coin that ticket prices brought in.
Well, they probably could, but Hohoyoho was more than happy to avoid seeking a more mature, fiscally responsible solution. As long as his clientele agreed to his terms - such as minimal harm to his "target audience" so that they might enjoy the show he and his put on for them - then the Lalalfell was more than happy to participate in dealings that seemed much more at home in the shadowed alleyways of his hometown of Ul'dah. Oh, and what a dealing - what a performance - it had been!
The Lalafell smiled his trademark Cheshire grin as he thought about it, slipping his over-exaggerated twirly mustache onto his face and affixed his monocle to its rightful home where - not many suns at all ago - an eye-patch had alighted itself. Tonight's performances, though of a more mundane nature, also required his full attention to ensure the entertainment of the populace. And, who knows, maybe there would be a calling again by those needing the skills of the Distractin' Captain and his Jolly Rogers.
After all, who'd ever expect the pirate to be a clown?
This was the Stage Left, the ship of an up-and-coming traveling troupe of acrobats and fools. A step aboard its deck was a step into a fanciful world full of tricks and treats, brought (nearly) free of charge by a delightful crew of face-painted performers. Mostly Lalafell and Miqo'te, with the occasional Highlander or Roegadyn showing off feats of superhuman strength. All there to lift your spirits for a reasonable handful of gil from your obviously deep coffers in return. This evening was no different, slowly drawing in a crowd of curious common-folk with their lights, colors, and music.
Watching the gathering numbers from the sizable stern-side window of his personal quarters was the Captain and Ringmaster of the troupe who were tentatively referring to themselves as the "Ocean Opo-Opos" - one Hohoyoho Nonoyoho. He, like all those under him, wore a mask of face paint that made him seem quite friendly and approachable, which was certainly no lie. Its assortment of colors would've clashed with his normal ship captain's attire if it wasn't also just as flamboyant and colorful. All to appear appealing to the audiences he so loved.
His favorite performance these past suns, however, was something a bit more special. The stage was a yawning bridge connecting the two halves of Lower La Noscea. The audience was a group of Ul'dahn visitors transporting quite the most interesting cargo. Even constraint to just two of his helpful assistants, Hohoyoho had managed to amaze and befuddle, attract and distract, like he ever so much loved to do. The payment he had gotten for the job was just icing on the cake, though he had to admit that it was a tasty icing indeed. After all, all these shows - and his love of the latest advances in showmanship - couldn't run solely on the paltry coin that ticket prices brought in.
Well, they probably could, but Hohoyoho was more than happy to avoid seeking a more mature, fiscally responsible solution. As long as his clientele agreed to his terms - such as minimal harm to his "target audience" so that they might enjoy the show he and his put on for them - then the Lalalfell was more than happy to participate in dealings that seemed much more at home in the shadowed alleyways of his hometown of Ul'dah. Oh, and what a dealing - what a performance - it had been!
The Lalafell smiled his trademark Cheshire grin as he thought about it, slipping his over-exaggerated twirly mustache onto his face and affixed his monocle to its rightful home where - not many suns at all ago - an eye-patch had alighted itself. Tonight's performances, though of a more mundane nature, also required his full attention to ensure the entertainment of the populace. And, who knows, maybe there would be a calling again by those needing the skills of the Distractin' Captain and his Jolly Rogers.
After all, who'd ever expect the pirate to be a clown?
~