53 AI Eteran Fair

## The Start of the Fair

Years of peace and prosperity had slowly wrought a transformation among the working class of Etera. More people had steady jobs, fewer jobs were lost to rampaging monsters, and the many months without calamities had encouraged a consortium of merchants, activists, and nobles to join together to create a massive "Eteran Fair", to be hosted in Babel. The goals of these groups were varied - looking for customers, publicity, followers, and fame among them - but they were united by their sure belief that that a massive spectacle showcasing hundreds of talents, achievements, and even simple vanity projects was worth the cost.

Over several months they advertised the fair, setup vending arrangements, and obtained the permits needed for the various natural - and unnatural - substances to be used, consumed, provided, or manufactured at the Fairgrounds. The massive undertaking of creating the fairgrounds would normally have taken years with only mundane craftsmanship, but with a bit of magical help days of effort were accomplished in mere moments.

### The Setlaar Come to Visit

For the fair, there was an appearance by none other than the Setlaar, represented by two members of the Alinibal Court, Lady Bosu and Lord Hekko, who were accompanied by two of the adventurer-analogs, the Operators. At their event, they showcased the might, tech, and magical ability of the soldiers in a small variety of contests and spectacular feats. Several times they ran these activities, ending them each time with buffets of exotic foods and drink from all thirteen Setlaar states, as well as commemorative souvenirs. Fun was had by all, the Lord and Lady being accommodating hosts and entertaining presenters.

### Spectacles and Wonder

Many of the participants in the fair are showing off their artistic skills, showcasing the pinnacle of their respective crafts. Incredible baskets, some still freshly dripping from the underwater weaving in the pool nearby; rows of hand painted ceramic eggs, designed to look like monster eggs; and many other strange and wondrous things are on show. In some cases the artist is also the art; and these tireless performers put on the best performances of their lives. Some folks simply shared their knowledge of things uncommon; one participant has collected immense amounts of lore and trivia of the various Vestiges known to her, and shares that information freely!

At one stage, the consort of Tidal Empire dances through a display of finesse and grace that leaves onlookers awestruck; elsewhere, another woman has setup displays of self-authored travel guides detailing the dangers and attractions of many of the distant lands of Chronos. In some cases the artwork simply appears; while the organizers of the fair had intended to give every participant a suitable space, there was at least one case of a wandering monkey who carried a large stack of paintings and set them up in the common areas before vanishing. When the janitorial staff went to remove the unannounced additions, they were blown away by the quality of the artwork, and an emergency panel of judges ruled that "Monkey eating a banana: A series" was suitable to leave as placed, that all could enjoy the privilege of seeing the masterful works.

For some, the best art happens in realtime; at one staging area numerous small statues sit guard around the grassy clearing, while onlookers can marvel at the detailed tattoos being inked upon their peers. Throughout the fair grounds, refrains of music and the strumming of instruments can be heard. Original compositions and beautiful melodies somehow work into a harmonious whole. In one clearing, a woman rolls out canvas and, using her own magical light, begins to dance, swirling splashes of light across the canvas to make lasting artwork that captures only a small part of her performance but is beautiful nonetheless.

Kept somewhat away from the areas the children frequent were more... exotic... displays of interest. A local Tiefling noblewoman displayed her collection of skulls and taxidermied beasties, though a disagreement between learned observers as to the veracity of her claims and validity of her trophies was a frequent distraction.

### Feats of Skill and Talent

Among the exhibitions of art and wondrous creations are those whose contribution is their own form, showing off their technical skill and ability with various martial arts, weapon katas, and feats of strength, dexterity, or intellgience. Numerous records are set, broken, and broken again throughout the fair as an air of mostly-friendly competition swirls through the participants. Among the common showcases are strong men lifting immense weights, archers shooting through dozens of obstacles to hit the bullseye, and limber gymnasts contorting through impossible shapes.

Some show off their mastery of their inner energy flows, channeling their ki into amazing effects; while others take the phrase "the world is your stage" perhaps more literally than intended, leaping about the equipment set up for others and rushing about while frequently shouting "Parkour! Parkour!". Others take the opportunity to not only show off their knowledge, but pass on what they have learned to others. Demonstrations of proper stretching techniques and beginner level stretches are offered to anyone interested,

### Inventions Mundane and Extraordinary

Fits of genius are also on display at the fair, with inventors and tinkerers showing off literal manifestations of their intellect. Some of these devices are quite intricate and involved; one inventor shows off a mechanical crab in which a person can sit, while at another table a drone in the shape of the bird caws at passerby. Throughout the fair, children run excitedly between, well, *everywhere.* Many hold small toys that spin, whir, or flash with colored lights; a passing artificer has made entertainment at a level the children can appreciate.

At one tent a series of racks hold plants growing in dirt-free rows; produce is on display, and the efficiency of the vegetable growing method is comparable to a recorded demonstration of similar efficiencies in meatpacking technologies. Nearby, a gleaming metallic bench is presented, with its eager (too eager?) creator asking anyone with a wound, injury, or other ailment to lay back on the bench, whereupon they are cured! Meanwhile, a crocodile-folk spends his time pouring liquids, mixing drinks, potions, and concoctions for anyone who might be brave enough to try them. It takes some guts to drink something that looks like elemental fire, but at the fair are plenty willing to try!

## The End of the Fair

As the fair draws to a close, the annual strawberry festival interlaces with the closing ceremonies. On the final day of the fair, many visitors can be seen enjoying (freshly woven) baskets of fresh strawberries, eating fresh jam, fresh ice cream, and many other concoctions of strawberry delight. The fair had attracted visitors from all over, and while it had frequently been chaotic the many months of organization had paid off. As clean up began, many who had visited began asking when the next fair would be, but no date had yet been set.