Chapter 46: Speed build – Part 3

Having had another restful slumber, I wasted little time preparing everything for the final construction on carnival island. Itching to finally have the project done and get on with other activities; to see the fruits of my labor more so.

Quickly consuming a small breakfast of jam on toast and a variety of fruits. I move on with my day. With haste I head into the nether, using loose recollections of the area I eventually find a sizable deposit of soul sand; which was promptly harvested clean.

Utilizing this soul sand and clay, I produce a chest full of clay soldiers. With the actual units in hand, I prepare the items for empowerment. The range of these items is pretty massive, but simple. Not punishing my mental state by listing them off. They range from paper, bricks, clay all the way to emerald, gold, and iron blocks. Pretty much most if not all vanilla singular items.

Using the resources, I have at home I easily produce 2/3 of the required items in large quantities, which I packaged in a large quantity of golden bags for transport. Heading into town, I sell a large supply of materials to a variety of vendors, amassing sufficient wealth to immediately buy the final 1/3 of the items in large enough quantities. A few exceptions were made, for example, ghast tears – no chance. I need them more than the clay soldiers that’s for sure.

Flying over to carnival island, am pleasantly surprised to find a large number of people. Based on the appearances of them, mostly builders with some logistics works and being as a few desks have been hastily erected, planners. As much as I would like to dig around and see what they are doing I have a job to do for now.

Immediately heading over to the clay soldier’s area, I create a staircase heading into the hollow cavity of the mini-island. I place a small booth above the staircase, effectively sealing it behind lock and key. Within the cavity, I set up a large number of chests containing all the items I have amassed. I also create a barrel full of clay soldiers and a chest will a selection of dyes to dye the soldiers.

Taking a small handful of clay soldiers, I place them down and dye them with bonemeal, turning them white – civilians. I give each of them some wood, to which they erect a variety of mini-houses in 2 main sizes… with some variations that weren’t in the mod.

I leave a chest with a large quantity of wood, leaving them to it. Next, around the rim of the island, I erect a large wooden barrier 4 blocks high. To which I create a small, sketch looking glass dome. The only entrance is the front of the island, holding the bridge and booth. This is all to give them more options to restrict thievery.

Finally, along the walls, I create small platforms with stairs ending in a large number of seats; spectator seats. With that, people can either become players or spectators. Once you enter, you use your points to buy the items you need for your soldiers. After the match, you return the items and soldiers to leave. Easy to document, easy to manage.

I took inspiration from a variety of games I have played in the past and common sense. The final task for this area will be informing the Mayor how it and how it should logistically function. I will likely leave it up to him to mess around with and change it how he sees fit.

Setting that final task aside I walk home ‘mindlessly pondering my next task.’ I want to eventually make an actual park with roller coasters but for now, I simply want a rail showing everyone the entirety of the island. It’s the view and less so the excitement.

I am aware of a truly versatile and wonderful mod called ‘create.’ At first I strongly considered it an option, and in fact, I will use it in the future for other structures. My only issue, it’s a pretty complex mod and I don’t actually need it for the simple issue I need right now.

Coming upon my island, I take wood, iron, Redstone, and gold. To which I make a large number of rails, Redstone torches, and all other items I will need for a simple rail system. I plan to make the rail from a combination of wood and stone brick. Before immediately heading out I play with my pets for a time.

Running around so much, depriving myself of sleep. It's fun don’t get me wrong but I am shattered. Playing with my dumb but lovable Sling and the prankster and terrorizer Chic; heals my heart. Next, I take a short while to read one of the books I have gathered. Noting an oddly peaceful past. Not many major wars, mostly large skirmishes. Which either means a great war is brewing or something else is at play preventing war. Both mean I lack information on which I should improve upon.

Having given my mind a break, frustration creeps up my spine; telling me to get back to work. When did I become a workaholic? “Sigh” let's get this damn thing done I suppose. Heading back to the island, to which I have planted a Telepad within its core; for convenience of course. Rising to the surface, I spot even more people running around, constructing buildings, measuring, and just talking. It seems some people are moving into the carnival games area.

I also spot a few shipments of food being delivered to one of the stalls, finally, they are opening a food stall.

Heading to the edge of the island, close to the entrance. I create a bay, so to speak; mostly just an open wooden tunnel with space for the rail, storage, and a booth for someone to administer the ride.

From there I create a brick path running around the island, first ascending, creating a semi-circle around half the island before cutting over the middle. Looping in the middle, it returns back to the edge, descending below the island at the third quarter, going under the whole item it rises back towards the same booth.

It's messy, but it’s the foundation from which I will be building. I start by expanding the line on both sides with wood. Dotting Glowstone between; this is both for safety reasons, and to hold the Redstone torches.

I begin placing the rails, placing a powered rail every 6 blocks; which I immediately powered. This took a surprisingly long time but I eventually constructed the whole rail. After which I take the time to create small canopies at certain points and other decorative parts. I add a few decorative support beams attached to it where it goes close to the ground or support beams touching the bottom of the island.

It makes the whole structure seem more solid. I know it’s a slight death trap if someone is stupid enough to leave the minecart. Back at the booth, I take the time to decorate it and make it look rather grand. Placing spare minecarts on unattached rails for utility and decoration.

This all resulted in a rather cool, and slightly terrifying structure. I really need to find a way to remove fall damage in a set area. It’s a problem I am sure I will fix with a bit of inspiration. Satisfied with my work, I immediately test it. To which I thoroughly enjoyed the ride; a little slow but a great view. Sadly, being able to fly has desensitized me to great views but I still love moving through clouds.

That’s a good point I could create a skydiving area based on this island. Clouds at the bottom and freefall seem like a great bit of fun. I will do that immediately. Flying high I find a large supply of clouds. To which I attempt to harvest, finding my tools fly through it I hold my head in confusion. I am missing something.

Flying higher I find actually solid clouds, that’s what I need. I am stupid I was trying to harvest loose clouds. To which I harvest a great deal. Happy with my haul I select one of the extra islands. Creating a small platform leading off the edge and a sigh saying ‘jump, it is perfectly safe.’ I head to the bottom, creating a massive array of 2 thick clouds. Risen off the ground to not obstruct people below. I went extremely wide so it's physically impossible with anything other than a glide to pass. Surround it with wood and creating some stairs leading down, I am happy with it.

Having some spare clouds, I head up to the arena. I replace the fall pits with clouds so match the fluffiness of foam cubes I recall. It's much better.

Having had a great deal of fun chasing my fits of fancy I go hunting for the mayor. To which I am quickly disappointed, finding he is not in his normal office. Speaking the clerk warranted a shrug. He apparently stormed out shouting “Too much paperwork.” His poor apprentice is currently trying to sort through the low importance documents right now.

I spend the next while looking around, asking people if they have spotted the mayor. The best I could do really; eventually someone said they spotted him leave the town. It's too broad, may as well let him come back on his own. I will speak to him later.

Heading over to plan B, talk to the people he has employed to work on the island. Asking a random builder who was in charge I gruff voice replied; “Dem paper pushers, ya gonna want dat building over the way ‘pointing towards a hastily erected building’. Sifting through his thick accent proved useless so I just assumed he pointed me in the right direction and head to the building.

Entering I find a bustling group of people quickly writing on papers and filling them accordingly.

“Hey, just wondering who is in charge around here?” They glance up slightly from the terrifying quantity of paper flying around.

The man turns to the side and shouts “Carl! Some guys here for you!” a moment later I hear from a separate room “Coming, coming; calm down.”

That rather large portly man with a smirk quickly runs in, sweat streaming down his face from rushing around.

He looks at me, a moment of silence passes between us. After his surprise passes, he ushers me into his office.

Seeing the slight worry on his face, I get ready to speak but he beats me to it. “Hey trouble maker, couldn’t find the mayor? Yeah, me either, left me in the shitter for sure. You didn’t help; nether and blast it.” He seems to deflate for a moment before immediately regaining his admirably confident posture. Even if his face clearly shows his current mental state.

“Just here to see what's going on?” I reply, unsure how to respond to everything that’s happening.

He looks at me for a moment, then at the mountains of paperwork behind him, then at me again. Watching a smile of sadness creep onto his face. “Everything is going great… technically. We are making a lot of progress with this magnificent build you made. How you did it? I have no idea. Not my job to know I suppose. The problem, the mayor wanted to get it up and running immediately. Neglecting to check how much work is actually involved. So, we are rushing to get staff organized, get the features tested. Modify things for safety. And the worst of all, keep the administration and paperwork on point… at least until the opening face is over.” He looks at me a moment, a slight amount of hate entering his face. “So, get your damn ass out of here and stop adding things. Let me sort out what we got here already and stop making my life a nightmare.”

Not really knowing how to respond as he's pushing me out the door, clearly questioning if it is worth it to punch me. I quickly respond “Seal of the adjacent island with the clay figures, we can sort that later” before he slams the door in my face. “Rude,” still I admire his ruthless hard work.

As I walk away, I hear in the background, “Get back to work, damned eavesdroppers I ant getting any younger!” Chuckling as I walk away. I should have offered to help but I think this is more fun.