[WoR] World Fair 2023: I've Been Bamboozled!

Not every game is fair at the...fair. Sometimes you can encounter a rigged game, or an intentionally faulty product for sale. How does your Reosean handle such inconveniences? Do they argue? Walk away in shame? Draw or write about your Reosean experiencing some of the UNfairness at the fair.

Individual Submission by Mechanic-Drone

Using: 

Kumara 15658 | [S-T3] Cereos 7928 | Sono 16114

“Oh come on, that is some bullshit!” 

A large group of fair goers were gathered around a game stall, with a less than happy participant taking out their anger on the game host.

“You know as much as I do that I hit the bullseye! Everyone here saw it!” His angered voice carried far and wide, bringing in more and more to watch the spectacle. 

“I’m sorry sir but you did not in fact hit the target. Better luck next time!” The game host had an animated voice that seemed both patronizing and dismissive all at once.

With a huff the angry looser cried out in rage before stomping off, visibly fuming. All the yelling and screaming had gotten many’s attention, including a trio of pullers.

“What was that guy’s problem?” The largest of the group, Cereos, asked as he watched the angry stranger storming further and further away.

“Seems like someone is a sore loser…” The other male of the trio spoke up, though his tone held no animosity he couldn’t help but crack a smile at the spectacle the guy had made.

“I wonder what he was even playing to get so mad…” Lastly, Kumara, spoke up as she looked in the direction he had stormed off from. 

Through the crowd the three spotted the game that had caused the stir. It appeared to be a simple ball game, just throw the ball and hit the target to win. What could be so frustrating about that? As the group watched curiously, another patron strolled up to give the game a go. As soon as he was ready to begin the game host pressed a button, causing the target to begin to violently move around with no rhythm or pattern behind it. 

“Ah, that’s why…” Kumara muttered as she watched the poor player miss each shot, none even getting near the target.

After a brief moment of silence watching the vayron play and lose miserably Cereos piped up, “We should try it.” He spoke with a determined voice but the other two seemed less than convinced.

“I mean that guy said he hit it and still didn’t win so what makes you think we’ll be able to?” Sono grumbled, clearly not optimistic about the idea.

“Bah he was probably just a bad aim and had to lie to feel better!” Cereos let out a deafening laugh as he walked towards the stall, “Besides it looks like up to three people can play at once so it’s perfect!” As he spoke he gestured towards the sign above with the rules. They all seemed standard, stand behind the line, you must hit it directly to count, blah blah blah.

Kumara followed after Cereos, “I suppose it could be fun, so long as it isn’t too expensive to play.” Her soft voice was overshadowed as the game host leaned toward the group with a sly grin on his face. 

“You three wanting to try this game out?” His voice was sleazy and silver tongued, making him both charming and creepy at the same time. 

“Yeah I’ll pay here for me and my friends!” Cereos bolstered before handing a large chunk of change to the game host. 

As he took the money he gave each member a ball before he turned around, ready to begin, “On your marks… Get set… GO!”

As he yelled go the target once again began to dart around at what felt like the speed of sound. All three tried helplessly to hit the target, but the balls provided were much lighter than they looked, making them slow and hard to throw accurately. Within the blind of an eye the group was out of balls and not a single one had come close to the target.

“What gives, these balls are impossible to throw. They’re so light you can only throw em’ like five feet!” Sono protested as the game ended, his frustration apparent.

Kumara and Cereos both frowned, now realizing they never even had a chance to win. They had effectively paid to play a losing game. Though the other two kept their mouths’ shut, not wanting to cause a ruckus.

“Come on Sono, let's go do something else.”

[701 Words]