madduck: (mad duck)
mukkuru ([personal profile] madduck) wrote in [community profile] fourside2025-09-01 12:35 am
Entry tags:

[3.8★] "Too much water" — Yelp Reviewer

 
THE OCEANARIUM
It's like a fish tank, but bigger.

The sea is a vast expanse of water that covers 70% of our planet Earth. It is also home to various marine life that dwell within the very depths. Then one day, someone decided to bring the ocean to the surface for Reasons. So now everyone gets the chance to see all sorts of seafaring creatures — man-eating sharks, living fossils, and whatever horrors found deep in the ocean trenches all safely confined inside these oversized aquariums.

Somehow, your character got their hands on some tickets. So why not dive right in and spend some of that free time to hang out with the fishes? Learn something about the ocean, pet a cute penguin, or even plot to free a killer whale. It'll be an experience they won't forget.

➤ What is this?

This is just an open RP post with a sandbox-like setting. While there's some scenarios premade for your roleplaying needs, you can mess around with it as much or as little as you want. Feel free to use it for voicetesting, create cross-canon shenanigans, or develop a ship even further. You can carry the story over to your musebox if you'd like too. And you can re-use this post as many times as you'd like (until it hits the comment limit.) So bring your blorbos, your originals, your AUs, your friends and your friends' friends along for the fun!

➤ How to play:
  • Comment with your character's name and series in the subject.
  • Follow it up with a starter, and state your preferences too.
  • Label any warnings when necessary.
  • Reply to other characters!
  • Most importantly, just don't worry and have fun!
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Upon arrival, the attendant greets you as she collects your ticket. She hands over a brochure of the park containing a map, and descriptions of each featured exhibit that you can access. Afterwards she explains some guidelines for you to follow while within the park premises:

  • No smoking.
  • Don't leave your children unattended.
  • Don't tap or slam against the glass.
  • Please keep your valuables with you.
  • Don't bring food or drinks inside any of the exhibit rooms.
  • Use of flash photography is strictly prohibited.
  • Ignore the noises coming from the backrooms.
  • Keep a safe distance from the pools, otherwise you will get wet.

Once she's done, she slaps a wristband over your arm and gestures to make your way into the main lobby where all of the other visitors are gathered. From here you may begin exploring around the facility on your own, with your partner, or tag along with a tour guide as they show you the way. There's a lot of places to be, and plenty of fish to see!

A Watery Wonderland
Location: Sea-Through Tunnel
 

The Sea-Through Tunnel is the main attraction of the Oceanarium, and the highlight in most advertisements you find about this place. And you now understand why after seeing it up-close.

It is a long glass tunnel that passes through the large indoor aquarium, giving you a glimpse of the wonders of the sea. And like an aquarium, the exhibit presents a near-perfect replication of the seabed and the various kinds of marine life found exclusively under the sea. Though it comes with a few bits and bobs you expect from any fish tank like a shipwrecked galleon or a treasure chest. If you peruse through the brochure, you take note of the description of the tunnel as follows:

...The Oceanarium™ has even transplanted seaweed, anemones, giant clams and all from the Pacific and Atlantic depths to really nail in the accuracy of their natural habitat. It's the best place to find sharks, stingrays and other fascinating seafaring creatures from behind the glass without having to dive deep into the ocean itself. So you don't have to worry about that pesky thalassophobia kicking in!

Apparently this exhibit is also popular among families and young couples according to the guide that you overheard. They explained how with the vivid blue water, the colorful coral covering the surface, and an assortment of marine life swimming by, certainly all of these make for a perfect backdrop for any special occasion.

"First meetings, reunions, confessions, wedding proposals, you name it!" the tour guide enthused, "What could be more memorable than having a heartfelt moment or two take place underwater and being surrounded by thousands of fish?"

Close Encounters of the Penguin Kind
Location: The Cold Spot
 

Another popular attraction in the Oceanarium is The Cold Spot, showcasing images and dioramas of wildlife that survive within polar habitats. And to really add to the experience, the temperature in the room is a bit lower than usual. So as the name implies, it does get a little chilly inside.

Though what draws people the most is the large penguin enclosure within the exhibit. It's where guests get to see these dapper-looking birds clumsily waddle around on the snow-covered surface or diving gracefully into the waters of the indoor pool. Many of them are seen idling by either at their nests, the fake rocks, or at the edge of the pool with little concern of their spectators standing behind the glass barrier with fascination and glee.

If you're hoping to get a close look of these birds, then lucky for you! For a phenomenally nominal fee, you can feed and pet them at your leisure within the exhibit.* Watch as these little guys will start swarming around you to observe and hope to get some fish out of your hands.

Then you notice some smaller text at the bottom of the Cold Spot's description.

* – The Oceanarium™ will not be held responsible for the animals' behavior, and any injuries or losses gained from them will not be compensated for as per agreement in the terms and conditions written in your waiver. Please take caution when interacting with these animals.

Other than that, if you're not up to paying for meeting penguins, there are a couple of penguin statues and a photo stand-in of a penguin with its face cut-out so you can pretend to be one just for laughs.

Operation: Free Willy
Location: Aquatheater
 

Built for family-friendly entertainment, this area is an enriching experience for both you and our finned friends in captivity. The Aquatheater is made to hold more than a hundred guests to view over the stage – a large oval pool where our handlers hold the highly-anticipated marine show featuring our highly trained cetaceans and pinnipeds performing the most captivating acts of acrobatics in and over water.

But as it turns out, there was more to it than meets the eye.

Maybe it's something you caught word of before entering the facility, but you heard rumors that there were plans from the staff behind the scenes about getting rid of one of their poorest performers in the bunch. The Oceanarium has a bit of a seedy reputation regarding the welfare of these seafaring mammals, and have even called into question how they handled them in captivity. You don't know what they'll do to that poor creature, and wouldn't want to think the worst of it to happen. Frankly it's not your business to pry, yet you feel you have to do something if any of that is true.

Now driven to save the creature, you and your partner sneak into the backrooms and make an attempt to set it free.

Submerged in Shadow
Location: The Abyssal Zone
 

You figured there's a good reason why this exhibit is called The Abyssal Zone, as it is almost pitch black inside upon entering. This makes it impossible to read the brochure in such darkness. And the only sources of light that you could find are the tiny LED lights embedded on the floor to illuminate your path, and the soft eerie blue glow coming from the fish tanks.

Apparently all of the specimens featured here are mostly found within the deepest trenches of the ocean and are highly sensitive to bright lights. That would explain why the attendant from earlier discouraged you to use flash photography. The tour guide mentions how a handful of them are species that have been around since the prehistoric era. They even proudly boast that the Oceanarium seems to be the only marine park that has the rare "Deep Sea Pucker-Faced Lanternfish" in captivity, thought to have been extinct during the Paleocene era. Seeing how these species of fish managed to survive for over millions of years makes you wonder what else could be lurking beneath the depths.

You then take notice of a few fish that seem to be glowing by themselves. One of them at a distance looked rather... humanoid in shape based on the silhouette. Though maybe you're just seeing things.

"...Oh and did you know?" you hear the guide continue, "Some of these fishes are able to produce their own light naturally – mostly to lure in their prey."

Somehow, you're getting the sense that you're being watched by whatever it is behind the glass.

Deep Fear
Location: Basement-Level Research Laboratory
 

⚠️ Content Warning ⚠️
Slight body horror.

Something's wrong.

Your body swiftly jumps and aches as your nerves begin to connect to your sudden awareness. It's like you are weighted down with lead for muscles, your limbs are uncooperative at every attempt. Not only that, but there's an odd sensation coming from your hands and feet like they felt stuck together. And for some reason, it's become a chore to breathe through your throat as you rasp loudly. And as you awake, bright lights glare before your eyes and you immediately shield them away with your hand. And that's the first oddity you've discovered – the skin between your digits are stitched together, webbed like fins of a fish. The second is finding yourself atop an operating table.

A sharp chill takes over you completely.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary before you got here. But whatever reason you have for visiting the Oceanarium, someone had their sights on you and knocked you unconscious when no one's watching. And now you've found yourself in a strange yet horrifying predicament. Everything about you has changed, and you dread how your life will be like from this point onwards. It's become certain that you've regretted ever coming to the park in the first place.

There's no time to think about this any further. There's only one goal in mind right now – You have to get out of here. And you can only hope and pray the people running this place don't catch you if you're spotted.

Relaxed, Refreshed & Resurfaced
Location: Gift Shop & Café
 

Had enough excitement for today? It sure seems like it.

Well, your time here in the Oceanarium is finally over. Maybe you got to learn a thing or two about the sea, that you found some appreciation towards our fishy friends. Or maybe you've just decided for yourself that you're going to stay far away from the ocean permanently. Either one of these is a valid response really. Just don't let the staff know about the latter part.

But before you leave, the tour guide encourages everyone to stop by at the gift shop and bring home a souvenir or two for you and your friends. There's Oceanarium-themed keychains, fridge magnets, bottle openers, t-shirts, baseball caps, and even plush toys of critters such as penguins, dolphins, octopi, a legally distinct clownfish, or the pucker-faced lanternfish that you can have as a new companion on your way back out.

Alternatively you can sit back, relax, and grab some bubble tea or try out some fish and chips at the indoor café. Of course there's more options you can choose from in the menu, with some food items specially catered towards those who are either vegan, vegetarian, have specific allergies, or just a really picky eater.

Wildcard!
Location: Anywhere
 

If you're not feeling any of these prompts, or have some other ideas in mind, then go wild!

You can mix and match scenarios or come up with your own. Swap roles where you play the villain and your partner would be the hero or the other way around. You can even expand the setting with new locations, or AU it up and rebuild it into your own version of the setting if you'd like. There's no limits to what your imagination can create. It's free real estate here, and the world is your oyster! (No pun intended.)

 
corruptcarnie: (who's the chick?)

Eddy's Brother (Bro) | Ed, Edd n Eddy | body horror, poaching, sexism, crimes, and skeeviness | OTA

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-09 03:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Arrival

[Hey, Bro's never been the sort to pass up on free stuff, tickets to events he otherwise wouldn't care about included. If they were highly sought after, he could resell them, but... he couldn't really find anything else about these, except from other people who also got them. Weird. Must be too niche, or just starting out and trying to promote a new business? He might as well check it out! As he wandered through the aquarium, He'll smile politely at the attendant (and probably not-so-discreetly ogle her as she walks off), but as soon as she's out of earshot and busy with someone else, he'll snort derisively while reading the rules.]

Tch, tryin' to tell me what to do... sure is easy on the eyes, though.

[He can't even smoke in this place? Why, is he gonna poison the fish through glass? Pathetic.]

Free Willy [except it's poaching, sorry, Bro's a jerk]

[Now, telling him to ignore something just makes him want to check it out even more, you know? He'll definitely ask around (but not too many people—he doesn't want eyes on him, maybe just one or two sources he can wait until they're out of sight), so he has some vague idea of what he mnight find, then investigate himself... but not with any noble goals, no.

He'd just think a stuffed killer whale would make a sick addition to his home!

Is he going to run into anyone else snooping around in there? He could either knock them out or... make him do all the dirty work for him.]


Deep Fear

H-hey... cut the lights!

[Not the usual cool (well, not that cool, he's pretty volatile, but—), calm, and collected Bro at all! Despite the commanding tone he defaults to, his voice is shaking. He's gritting his teeth, gaze darting around, trying to figure out where he is or—]

Oh, what the—why're my...

[He's some kinda fish person now?! They made him into some sideshow freak? These guys are sicker than modern carnies. He knew there was something fishy about this place (besides the obvious).... ugh, could any of this be reversed?!

Doesn't matter, he's gotta get off this operating table—he's not still open or anything, right? Man, he hoped he wasn't spilling guts or anythi—he's good, he's all stitched up, for better or worse. He tried his hardest not to think about missing any internal organs (think they sold them to afford all this stuff?!) and did his best to quietly leave... everything felt so heavy... ugh, did his stupid webbed feet make some duck-like slapping sounds? He cursed under his breath and looked for those shoe covers surgeons have. Maybe he can sneak some on and try to muffle the sound for his escape... stupid feet.]
Edited 2025-09-09 15:29 (UTC)
lostglove: (Default)

as i live and breathe its Bro!!! also free willy

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-10 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
[it doesn't take more than a couple of comments to bring him nosey-ing into the back, knife held aloft as he creeps in the back, in the shadows, and though he hadn't expected anyone else, he does see another man, and he frowns]

You're not allowed back here.
corruptcarnie: (what you want it back?)

[Yup! I finally saw the movie and I'm watching the 5th-6th season episodes they didn't air here ^^]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-10 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
[A knife, huh? Looks like someone else is moseying in on his territory...]

Funny, I could say the same to you. Y'don't look like staff...

[He was planning on using some tarp (usually used for patching tents at Mondo a-Go Go, but very versatile, so he keeps it on him) to run under the whale and around, but... let's see what this guy does first.]
lostglove: (pic#17999541)

god its been 100 years i'm so happy for you

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-11 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
I'm the shark tamer, didn't you hear? [delivered flatter than what some people feel the Earth is like. he wonders if this guy is also going to try to go for the fish-- who knew marine animals were so popular for cash]
corruptcarnie: (bully)

[Aww, thanks! Love seeing the kids in a new setting, even if how badly Eddy treats his pals is sad.]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-11 07:25 am (UTC)(link)
((But it's all building up to Big Picture Show, so I respect it!!! ♥))

Nope...

[Oh, this is going to be good...

If he is staff, he doesn't look it. If he isn't, maybe they can work together? Temporarily anyway...]


Where's your uniform, Mr. Tamer? [Slyly.]
lostglove: (pic#17999539)

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-12 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
Where's yours? You don't look like a busboy, either.

[he doesn't lower the knife, by the way. he doesn't look too worried]
corruptcarnie: (what you want it back?)

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-12 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Bro's just going to smile sharply at Bucky, before strolling over to the side of the enclosure. He's not acting too bothered, either, but he also won't be giving Bucky his back.]

Y'know, they used to hunt these things in groups, with harpoons...

[If Bucky isn't running, he could offer to work together, then! He'll bring out the tarp.]

Tarp's got a lot of uses, it's good for shelter, collecting water...

It can also keep a whale nice and moist while helping you lift it.

[Well, Bucky? How about working together?]
lostglove: (pic#18010319)

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-12 07:02 am (UTC)(link)
And where do you plan on lifting it to?

[follows his line of sight, and movement, with just his gaze, keeps his back aimed for the exit as well

a tarp is a little old school amateur, but he won't mention that]


corruptcarnie: (got your foot!)

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-12 07:54 am (UTC)(link)
[Neither of them trusts the other as far as he can throw him, huh? The repeated questions without volunteering any information makes Bro's mask slip, briefly, as he frowns, before putting on another easygoing smile and gesturing casually over his shoulder.]

Oh, I got a car out back. [He's not telling him more than he needs to know!]

[... to be fair, Bro is an amateur! All his tools are going to be cheap!]

What were you plannin' on doing with that tiny knife?

[A question for a question! Whales have thick skin and lots of blubber.]
lostglove: (Default)

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-13 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
Not carve it up, that's for sure.

[said calmly, though his gaze is just as suspicious on Bro. then he says]

You know you probably can't fit the tank in a car, right.
corruptcarnie: (let's play uncle)

[So cagey... ^^;;; ]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-13 08:40 am (UTC)(link)
Could'a fooled me. [He's amused! What else could Bucky be planning to do?] What's it for, then? Clearing barnacles?

Relax, I won't have to. The whale doesn't gotta fit inside anything. They're gonna fit it.
lostglove: (pic#18010319)

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-14 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
...What's gonna fit it? [he isn't imagining a whale as a car because he's the greatest gen or pre-boomer or whatever, and has no imagination, so]
corruptcarnie: (whatever)

[Sounds like Bucky's from the Greatest Generation!]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-14 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
[It might give older Gen X Bro a bit of a shock that this guy's older than his dad...]

Hey, I don't do free shows. [Firmly, getting quite annoyed.]

If you wanna see, how 'bout you gimme a hand?

I'll hold this end... you grab the other an' take it to the other side of the tank.

We just gotta run this under the big guy an' then, the motor'll do the work.

[Sorry, Bucky, a little longer before you see the whale trailer, first thing's first... weird contraptions! Bro doesn't have super strength, so his method involves tarp, rope, and the motor of his trailer, which he'll be happy to show Bucky if he'll help out!

(To be fair, Bro doesn't expect Bucky to be super strong either, so he won't know if this cobbled together pulley system is totally unnecessary...)]
lostglove: (Default)

yes that's the one!

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-14 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[he could fight Bro and waste time here, and kill his own curiosity--

or he could follow this harebrained scheme and see what happens. maybe it'll make his own extraction plan easier. probably not. he stows the knife at his hip, shrugging]


It couldn't hurt for this thing to get some fresh air. I'm sure it's bored.
corruptcarnie: (bully)

[Knewit was either Greatest or Silent! Aaand now rping the whalr, fff.]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-14 07:17 am (UTC)(link)
Knew you'd come around... [Bro smiled slyly, giving Bucky one end of the tarp.

One very confused whale is going to be watching what they do, keeping away at least initially, but still watching them curiously all the same.]
Edited 2025-09-14 07:23 (UTC)
lostglove: (pic#18010319)

just make the sounds or think about the whale from one piece

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-15 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
[he doesn't like the way Bro looks, or acts, the sleaze oozes off him, but he doesn't want this to get messy before he can figure out what's going on, where this whale is going to go

he takes the tarp one handed, raising an expectant brow at Bro]
corruptcarnie: (smug)

[I have not read One Piece, but there was an orca in Black Jack! Ballad of the Killer Whale]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-15 10:59 am (UTC)(link)
((... technically, a dolphin despite the name. Both are pretty curious, though! I do like reading about both, though!))

Perfect. Keep holding that, will you, big guy?

[Oh, boy, overly friendly nicknames, just what we're missing. Bro's heading to the other side of the tank, while the whale swims in a corner away from the tarp, until it sinks below the surface.

Curiosity getting the better of it, the whale dove to investigate it, only touching the unfamiliar addition to its tank at first with its nose and trying to push it, but didn't swim onto it.

It emerged a little later, blowing water... directly onto Bro, who swore and made a fist at the animal. Great going, Bro!

The whale retreated a little, but Bro tried to butter it up a little, which was very silly.]


Hey, relax...! I didn't mean to hurt ya... look, we're just gonna take you for a little ride, see...? C'mere... just get on the tarp...

[He's trying to tug the tarp so it moves under the whale now! It's a lot heavier under the weight of the water, Bro's definitely struggling with moving it... he might have to bait the whale, unless Bucky can get either of them to move...]
lostglove: (Default)

op will make you cry so its ok!!

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-16 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
[his eyes narrow again at the nickname....and the whale's reaction. of course it's curious, at first, and then rightly not fond of this scheme.

Bucky sighs. he doesn't drop his end, but he does walk up to the tank, pressing a hand to the glass]


You've got to calm it down, at least.
corruptcarnie: (whatever)

[I usually like crying!! ... but don't have the energy for long-runners anymore, fff]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-16 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
... calm it down, huh?

[He looed suspiciously at the whale. The whale seemed to like Bucky more than Bro, leaning closer to touch its nose to the glass, where Bucky placed his hand. He's calmer, less erratic and hostile than Bro, making a couple of clicks. It can even see through them and even see how fast their hearts beat. It might not necessarily understand Bro's lying, but his heartbeat certainly doesn't make the whale feel at ease!]

... think this whale'll like tuna?

[Bro's bringing out a half-eaten tuna sandwich.]
lostglove: (pic#18010320)

over 1000 chapters i do NOT blame you its been years since i was caught up

[personal profile] lostglove 2025-09-16 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
[as someone who'd also been caged for a long time, maybe they're kindred spirits. or maybe he's picked up some tricks from the many strange friends he's made over the years. either way, it does seem calmer. except when it sees Bro's face.

Bucky tries not to make a face at that.]


Well, it isn't a fish...so maybe.

(no subject)

[personal profile] lostglove - 2025-09-21 01:43 (UTC) - Expand
catsgothistongue: (Give it a rest already)

BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 👀👀👀 (Arrival)

[personal profile] catsgothistongue 2025-09-10 07:27 am (UTC)(link)
[The perving on of the attendant doesn't go unnoticed. Really shouldn't surprise Ranma, seems like no matter where he goes, there's always at least one guy thinking with the wrong head downstairs. Rolling his eyes, he takes a hard candy (think about the size and shape of a skittle or M&M) from the small bag of snacks he brought along to munch on and flicks it at Bro's cheek with enough speed like he shot it from a slingshot.]

Yo, eye the fish dude, not the chicks.
corruptcarnie: (run for cover)

[1/2; RANMA!!! I remember yours from bakerstreet or maybe dear_mun, we played a few times, hi! o/]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-10 07:56 am (UTC)(link)
OW! [For a moment, Bro's furious when he turns, eyes wide and wild with anger, but, when he hears Ranma talk, the... tension breaks, suddenly, and he laughs. He rubs his cheek—didn't damage the moneymaker, maybe just left a temporary mark with a funny story, so it's cool. He did briefly catch a glimpse of something round and brightly coloured, so he can put two and two together when he sees the bag of candy.]
corruptcarnie: (bully)

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-10 07:58 am (UTC)(link)

Hehe, if that's what you're into, suit yourself, punk. More into whales myself...

What'd you just shoot that candy with, anyway? Show me.

[No weapons, so Bro's now curious. He's always up for learning something new to add to his repertoire!]
catsgothistongue: (Having fun up there Gos?)

HIIIIIIIII, long time no see! <3 Who did you play?

[personal profile] catsgothistongue 2025-09-10 08:21 am (UTC)(link)
[The sudden laughter didn't put him off much, though the reaction wasn't one he was expecting either. Often whenever he pisses people off, deserved or unwarranted, they stay pissed. Regardless, Ranma remains impassive as the sleazeball addresses him, putting away the bag up his sleeve and crossing his arms behind his head.]

Nothing!

[Giving the biggest gremlin smile imaginable, because. Where's the lie, he did use nothing but his finger.]

If ya' play nice, maybe I'll show you. Maybe.

[Cause he ain't giving away pointers for free, not to creeps anyway.]
corruptcarnie: (pipsqueak)

[Mostly Pokemon characters: Buson (Attila), James, Trip, Lillie, etc., or obscure canons ;3; ]

[personal profile] corruptcarnie 2025-09-10 08:50 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'll play nice... [Slime dripping off every word, even as he strolls over, hands in his pockets, flashing a smile he hoped would be charming, if not exactly trustworthy.]

Urban Ranger's honour.

[Was this guy ever some sort of scout? Probably not!]