❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM.

[natha]

OVERFLOW

You have spent the last few days on Thesa Station, taking in the knowledge that your world is no more. Perhaps you’ve made some friends (or maybe an enemy or two). Either way, you aren’t expected to spend all of your time on the Station. El Nysa needs you, after all, and you promised you’d help the planet thrive. Are you ready? Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this log's prompts for Two (2) Olympia REP points HERE. TRAVEL LIGHT     You're really lucky, new refugee. Because of the efforts of those that came before you, your own descent into El Nysa will be quick and relatively painless. You get to reap the benefits of others' experience. Those that came before you are all well-versed in the art of teleportation now, and descending into El Nysa is simply a concentrated thought away. A teleporter has been placed in the common areas to help the new refugees descend, but for this first time, you're going to need a little guidance. You're going to need to take the hand of someone who has been on El Nysa for a while now and learn the ropes. Hold on tight, Refugee, and don't be afraid when the blinding light hits you. The actual journey will feel like a sudden whiplash— painless, but sudden, and maybe a little nauseating. Keeping your balance may be difficult, and it’s possible you might end up toppling onto your poor partner. Hopefully you’re at least thankful. You have landed in a back alley in the Residential District of Olympia. HOME SWEET HOME     Immediately, you notice that everything you've been told about El Nysa is true. There are people of all races here, and although no one bats an eye at your appearance as you enter the district, a member of the Royal Guard asks for your passport. They have a keen eye, and can tell that although you may be a new refugee to their city, they've never seen you before. Certain rumors of an outside force making preparations to do some major damage has them particularly on edge. It's a good thing the Orbiters made sure you have an Olympian passport ready to go. You present it, and with a small nod, the Guard says nothing more and slaps a patch on your chest; to your surprise, it reads: Hello! My name is ________________! I am in House #___! Are you my housemate? ... No matter how much you try, there's no removing this sticker. "It'll come off tomorrow," says the guardkeep. "Lots of refugees here, limited housing. It's an easy way to get to know the people you're living with. Though, if you ask me, why are we accepting so many foreigners when so many want to watch this city burn? Well, I don’t give the orders." If someone greets you, the message on the patch will magically change: Secretly, I _____, _____, and _____! What are yours? There's no telling how they'd known these things, but it likely has to do with Zasere. AGAIN. It may be a good idea to get situated in your new home and set down some ground rules with your roommates. There is also, of course, much of Olympia to explore. FLONA COVE     Word around the city is that one very cute and enthusiastic Olympian, You Watanabe, has been asking around earnestly for the nearest place to find some coastal fun. It didn't take long before a few locals pointed her in the direction of Flona Cove. Maybe it’s a good idea to check out the area. There are only a few more days left of summer, after all. Even if you're not the beach type, exploring a new area certainly can't hurt your understanding of El Nysa. Flona Cove is just a quick train ride away. BEACH PARTY: Chances are, you've heard about the beach party being organized by You Watanabe, whether it be from her directly or someone who knows her. A lot of careful planning has gone into it, and it looks like a great time, so why not check it out? Full speed ahead towards a great time! There's plenty of food for everyone, and plenty of watermelons that need splitting! 1. Various food vendors from around Flona Cove have agreed to offer free food for the new refugees, and they line the shoreline near the harbor, enthusiastically offering goodies such as seafood kabobs, ice cream, fresh fruit (including whole watermelons!), and hot dogs. You Watanabe herself has a grill where she’s cheerfully serving up her trademark "Niceoodles" yakisoba as well as other Japanese food like takoyaki and rice. What makes her noodles so nice? It’s obviously the cheerful smiley-face sun drawn on the omelette. In exchange, the chefs and vendors only ask that you spread the word, though most of them have buckets for donations if you want to help chip back in. After the party is all done, however, there seem to be plenty of dishes that need doing, all in a big pile. You herself is working on getting through the mountain of dishes, but maybe you could lend a hand? 2. It's just not a beach party without the traditional watermelon splitting! For those of you who don't come from modern Japan on Earth, it might be perplexing at first seeing the literal mountain of watermelons grown with the help of Keyleth, another recent Olympian. If the bat-like sticks and blindfolds next to them don’t explain the purpose, though, you might just sit back and watch as a brave competitor sets a watermelon on the sand, ties a blindfold around their eyes, and has people start yelling at them which way to go. They consider the shouts of the crowd, take a swing... and strike nothing but sand. Perhaps you can do better? There are beach activities galore. Now's the time to build the sandcastle of your dreams or play a game of beach volleyball. Maybe you're brave enough to surf the waves, or you’d just like to enjoy a swim. Mom friends who just want to lounge in the sun and read a book while working on their tan are welcome too, of course. BENEATH THE SURFACE: 1. Diving beneath the waters in Flona Cove yield a whole new world on its own. Rent a scuba suit and take a trip to explore the corals, and you may even be lucky enough to run into a playful school of dolphins. Be careful-- they tend to get carried away and will happily drag swimmers for a wild ride. 2. You might want a boat for this scuba adventure, unless you're a strong swimmer. Venture deeper into the ocean, farther away from the coast, and adventurers will find some interesting stuff. Two miles southwest of the harbor, deep, deep into the watery abyss, lies a shipwreck. Exploring through the various rooms of the ship yields a few knick-knacks here and there-- rusted spare parts, cracked tea sets... a surprisingly well-preserved pin-up painting of Koralle? The real treasure awaits for those who have the courage to swim beneath the ship's hull. Here, covered in algae and debris, lies the skeletal corpse of a winged, fanged, clawed beast. This is only a distant memory of its former glory, as nothing but bones are left, but something— something brilliant, catches your eye. Those hundreds of teeth are not bone, but a material so lustrous and pure, it nearly blinds. It will take some work, but with persistence and strength, it is possible to extract a tooth. Those that work in Simwe Institute or The Sanctuary may find it beneficial to take an extra for their boss— this is definitely something that is of interest to study. 3. Olympians love their luxury. There's nothing more luxurious than a secluded lagoon, the water at just the perfect temperature and pristine. This is one of the most sought-after spots for the natives, but when you come across it, it is completely peaceful and empty. For the tourists? Well, this place simply gets overlooked due to its distance from the main beaches. It's also relatively hidden. Soon you start feeling oddly friendly? Cupid’s Pool is also described by the people of Olympia as the touchy-feely pool. It has an inherent property that makes those who soak in it crave physical affection. Chances are you probably wanted to know this before you decided to take a dip, huh? (Please warn for threads appropriately) EARN SOME SILVER     1. While many of the locals came together to offer their hands to provide a bit of entertainment for the surge in tourism, that isn’t to state that they’re fully staffed. Have a few hours to spare? They're willing to pay for your help. Maybe you’re just the cooking champ they needed? The lifeguard who showed up just in time? Or the star salesman at their humble accessory shop so desired? 2. The man who approaches you is even offering more than most of the vendors down the street. Sure, the guy and his entourage look kind of shady, but money is money, isn't it? If you accept, he’ll shove a strange swimsuit or two your way and lead you to the dressing room. What kind of job is this? Modeling, he says. Hopefully you aren’t camera shy! Hey there, hot stuff. I like your look. Or maybe it's your... aura? Either way, I like what you're working with. How about you flaunt what you've got for some fat silver stacks? He also wants to be able to test your charm, and is willing to pay a whopping 400 silver in exchange. He may even ask you to go "talk" (did you hear him say "hit on"?) to a couple of people, and “sell” yourself. Whatever that means... Incidentally, he says he’ll give you a signal once you get a pass. Feels like forever, doesn’t it? 3. Once night begins to fall and the people gradually begin to clear out, you’ll notice something... odd. There are some shady looking people around, and maybe you’ve been hearing whispers all day about a certain "fight club." Initially, no one will tell you a time or location, but if you are persistent, your efforts will pay off. Perhaps in light of helping a vendor clear out their stall or assisting that one Olympian native in distress, they’re willing to tell you a few things about this exclusive club. They explain to you that it’s been a long-standing tradition of Olympia. Secret fight clubs. A place for people to stretch their wings and their fists. Moreover, the pay off seems to be pretty good! Though, they warn you that there are some aggressive competitors out there this time around. Things have been tough politically for a while now, and there is much unrest among the people. What better way to blow off some steam than to beat someone up and make a bit of bank! Fights are not to the death, simply until a knock out, but accidents (and "accidents") do happen. Finding the crowd of people will take some searching, even with directions. They meet along the northern coast of Flona, by following a path leading underground, well away from any civilization. Once you’re there, why not participate? You may find yourself facing off against a fellow refugee. OOC     An AC-eligible thread for 2 OLYMPIAN REP POINTS may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE by OCTOBER 15 11:59 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. 1 SILVER = 1 US DOLLAR. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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Vex'ahlia | Critical Role

[moneytwin]

TRAVEL LIGHT

[ In spite of its size, Vex has been feeling increasingly claustrophobic on Thesa Station, the lack of sky and open air getting to her bit by bit as she's forced to idle high in the sky. In addition to that, she hasn't yet found anyone from her world, and the anxiety of knowing they're likely aboard and asleep and she has to go down by herself is making her a bit. Well.

Vexing. To deal with. As indicated by the expression on the person firmly escorting her to the nearest teleporter, the half-elf evidently giving the poor individual quite an earful every step of the way. Something about..trinkets? It's not entirely clear.

Either way, she's left near the platform, scowling to hide how upset she really is, then folds her arms across her chest, glancing about. ]

How is this supposed to work, exactly?

GONNA WANDER AROUND THE CITY

1) New Arrival
[ The sticker is hideous and Vex looks less than pleased to have it on her armor. But no amount of scratching at it seems to displace it, so the following text is visible for all to see:

Hello! My name is
Vex'ahlia!

I am in House #79!
Are you my housemate?

Putting aside her distaste, she absently touches her earring, before pressing lips into a thin line. Force of habit or not, being unable to call out on the connection puts a damper on locating any friends who are Awake. Eventually, she smooths back dark hair and flips her braid over her shoulder, before scanning about her and approaching the nearest, least-lost looking person. ]

Excuse me, darling, but do you know how to get to the residential district from here?

2) Window Shopping
[ Just because she's lacking coin right now doesn't mean she'll be lacking coin later, and Vex at least wants to get a better idea of the city she'll be making a home in. She skirts the Entertainment District for now, but there will be plenty of nights yet to indulge in that sort of experience. Half-elves don't get any second or third glances here, which is reassuring, but Vex won't truly relax until she knows the streets like the back of her hand. And honestly, who wouldn't want to check out the fashions around here?

And who knows? Maybe Gilmore's set up shop around here... ]


THE BEACH

[ Given everything else that's been happening lately in their lives, a party at the beach certainly sounds like a good place to relax! Vex in particular is happily stretched out in the skimpiest swimsuit she could find (in her favourite shade of teal, no less), soaking up any sunshine and happily chatting to anyone who comes into range.

She does rise to take an occasional dip in the water, happy to wade in up to her knees, but eventually Vex hops onto her broom so she can fly on out to where the divers and their boats are, skimming the surface with her toes as she goes. There's plenty of shoreline to be seen that is more easily accessed via the air - so who knows, she might even offer a ride or two. If you can make it worth her time. ]


WILDCARD
[ Come at me, brosis! Let's do a thing! :) ]


[ooc: Action or prose tags welcome! Want to plot something? Feel free to PM me on DW or plurk (farlichu)]

BEACH /wiggles eyebrows

[decisions]

[ percy is purely worth your time because he's percy, let's be real. and also because the last ride he took on this broom was less than pleasant. he's dressed in less suitable attire for the beach, but that's just fine with him, it's still less than he usually wears, shirt sleeves rolled up and trousers folded to his knees. too much sun and he's sure to burn, but just enough and he actually doesn't look like he could blend in if you pushed him back into a snow bank.

he's spent some of his morning wandering along the beach's coast line, helping lavellan with his sand castle, taking in the fresh air while he has it, so when he spies vex preparing to take off, he hustles and makes it to her side just before she takes off, one hand on her elbow gently, the other at her shoulder. he tips his head. ]

Room for one more before you go and take off? I'd like to get a good aerial view of the area if I could.

[moneytwin]

[ It's a shame he's not in that delightful pair of shorts from the boardwalk, but honestly, there's a great deal to be said for what you can't see, especially with arms like Percy's. Vex, naturally, is the absolute opposite of shy where her body is concerned, but is at least wearing a token sarong-style skirt for extra comfort while on the broom.

Which most definitely has space for Percy, like that's even a question he needs ask. Her smile is absolutely reflecting the sun when she turns to look at him, and she turns enough to pat the saddle as the broom's hover slowly eases down to a better height for him to join behind her. ]

Of course, Percy. We can go as high as you need. It's a great view from up there.

I took a peek earlier, it looks like there's a few inlets along the eastern coast; I haven't had a chance to properly check out the western side yet.

[decisions]

[ vex does look. very stunning in her chosen beachwear. enough that for a moment percy almost gets caught up staring. alright, no, he does stare, but only a bit, a sort of half-dreamy smile on his face.

wow.

maybe one day you can convince him to wear those shorts again. one day. but that day isn't today, especially not when he has to join vex on her broom. she pats the seat and he moves (maybe a bit too quickly) to join her, having a seat and automatically settling an arm around her waist. definitely for a bit of stabilization. that's all. percy's smile warms further, eyes dancing on the line of affection rather openly. ]

High enough to make out the terrain will do. I'm not looking to get too up close and personal just yet. [ and then a beat. ] To tell you the truth, I may also just be tired of having sand thrown into my face by those strange people over there attacking a fruit of some sort with a stick.

[moneytwin]

[ One day, when it's just the two of them, and a stretch of beach with no one to interrupt...Which could be today but probably isn't, let's be real, because Percy and Vex.

As it is, she definitely notices the staring, and can't help looking a little pleased with herself for it. Yes, she knows she's attractive, but it's nice to have that acknowledged sometimes. By specific people. As it is, she does inhale and hold her breath a moment as Percival settles behind her, fully aware of the arm around her waist and where his hand has come to rest. Just up close and personal with her, hmmm, Percy?

(..Down, girl. That way lies heartache you don't need on top of that crush you're carrying.)

And then she's laughing, kicking off the sand and directing Death From Above to carry them aloft. ]

Some contenders could certainly send those pieces of melon flying though. I'm pretty sure Pike was excited to have a go at that, too! [smile becomes a grin] Hang on, I'll see about a bit of speed to get us higher.

Travel

[rhygret]

[ Elves are cool. They're a neat player class in Bunkers and Badass, they have cat-like grace and in movies and novels there's always this sort of otherworldly quality to them that just makes them neat.

Neat only goes so far when you're getting your ears chattered off by one though, and no amount of fanboy can withstand his current company's...displeasure with her current surroundings. Rhys has no idea what to do with a restless elf who doesn't seem to want to let him get a word in edge-wise until finally, there's a question instead of a statement or complaint.

It takes Rhys a second to realize she's waiting on an answer. ]

--Wh? What? You mean the teleporter...?

[ Rhys runs a hand back through his hair. ]

You...stand on it, I guess. Is that okay?

[moneytwin]

[ Most elves are assholes, Rhys. Sorry to burst your beloved mental image of the other half of her parentage, but that's a simple solid fact. (Except for Velora, there is no elf more delightful in any world ever than Vex'ahlia's little sister.)

She certainly has that catlike grace he's read about, an elegance to her movement honed over years as a ranger and in learning the necessary social graces to fit in in Emon. But she doesn't know him, and it's not his fault he happens to be her designated escort as her ranting winds down. But really, is getting her bear back really so complicated a request?!]

Yes, yes, your teleporter. Not that this looks anything like the circles I've seen at the Lyceum.

[stand on it? She gives him a dubious look] Just..stand. That's it?

[rhygret]

[ Rhys would argue that bears are probably not a great idea on a space station, let alone a busy and bustling, populated city? Or any wildlife for that manner but especially bears (and you know, if he really thought about it, it'd be funny because by comparison to everything he's seen on Pandora bears are the kittens of carnivores.

But yes. Convincing her to take the teleporter, this is fun. Rhys nods and gestures, holding out a hand. ]

I mean...yeah? It's really not that difficult. You just hold on and we think about where we want to go and then we're just...there. It's pretty straightforward.

Do you not have teleporters where you come from? Came? From?

[ Since it's all gone and stuff now... ]

=>

[moneytwin]

[Overflow!

New Arrival

[winddaughter]

[It's kind of nice being able to float around through this crowd and not be one of those frazzled sorts, although Anemone thinks this group had a heck of a better time than hers did. This one didn't wake up to their pod jettisoned out of the Station and then have to trek to Olympia.

(Honestly if they did, Anemone would probably be judging the Orbiters.)

Moving through the crowd, she actually feels helpful, so she perks up at the question.]

Oh? You're basically in it. There's houses sort of sprawled out all over. [She gestures in a vague direction.] It's kind of a mess. [She tilts her head at the nametag. "Vex'ahlia."] "Vex" for short? [It's a guess, but there was that woman on the Network, asking about a bear.]

[moneytwin]

[ There's likely a lot of things that the Orbiters have to answer for, but at least their means of delivering new people to the surface is most definitely an improvement.

The girl who answers her gets a winning smile, albeit stiff around the edges; Vex does not like being in a strange city alone, but. She can cope. She can adapt. ]

All of this? Huh. [a glance about her, taking stock of things anew thanks to that tidbit of information. Then:] Hmm? Oh. Yes.

[ Helpfully (or perhaps, 'helpfully') her name tag chooses this moment to update.

Secretly, I like absconding with bears, piles of money, and stealing brooms!
What are yours?

She hasn't noticed. Yet. ]

[winddaughter]

[Charming. Anemone wonders how much of the woman is actually real, and how much of it is an act.

...She's got trust issues. Ones that she isn't entirely working on.]

I'm Anemone. We talked. [She slides her phone out of a pocket and wiggles it before putting it back.

She nearly doesn't mention the nametag. Bears kind of make sense. Money, alright. But...]

...Why would you steal a broom?

[moneytwin]

[ A blink, then both eyebrows raise as her hand drops to the pouch containing her own phone device. ]

You're...oh! [smile is a bit warmer] Well. It's certainly good to put a face to the name.

[The question is a bit out of left field though, at least from where Vex is sitting. ]

Broom? [what] I don't know what you're referring to.

[definitely not the one on her back, nope]

[winddaughter]

[Having never known more of a broom's potential than, well, sweeping, she's still got nothing else for understanding.]

How about why you would "abscond with bears." [She grins. Sure, she could point out the name tag, but where's the fun in that?]

[moneytwin]

[Continued over here! ]

new arrival

[ruffboi]

[Well, when he spots an obviously new person, he doesn't necessarily connect her to the person he chatted with recently over omage. He just sees another refugee looking for a hand.]

Sure do. Happy to show you the way there.

[moneytwin]

[ She is at least that, and the relief on her face when he proves agreeable is not feigned. Vex is not comfortable here, especially not alone, and while she doesn't always put stock in the kindness of strangers, she's fairly certain she'll be okay here. There's nothing that strikes her as untrustworthy about Magnus. (Yet?) ]

Thank you, darling. The layout here isn't quite what I'm used to when it comes to a city, and both Westrunn and Emon kept most housing outside the walls.

[ if you weren't a noble. or decided to have a keep built outside, anyway.

Unnoticed, her sticker updates itself:

Secretly, I like absconding with bears, piles of money, and stealing brooms!
What are yours? ]

[ruffboi]

Yeah, of course. We're crawling with new folks. I wonder if they're a reason, or if they just started running out of room in the freezer? This way!

[He points ahead down the street vaguely in the direction of the residential area, and starts walking. Let's go! He'll also have a glance at her sticker while he's at it.]

Yours are all kind of stealing ones, huh? Well, I guess you could come by piles of money legitimately. Earn the money, and steal the bears and brooms for sport. I like it. Please don't rob me or anything, though! I don't have any.

[moneytwin]

That's..one way of putting it. [freezer? Better than thinking of it as a graveyard, she supposes. After all, it's not like their friends and loved ones are dead up there.

That she knows of.

...Shit.

Fortunately, Magnus's comment distracts from letting her thoughts veer off in a less than pleasant direction, and she blinks at him. ]

What? I'm not a thief. [that was her brother. she doesn't quite sound offended, but she doesn't understand where this line of commentary is coming from, until she looks down. Then SCOWLS.] ..Seriously? Oh please. [huff] Given the choice, I'd steal a baby bear out from under the noses of poachers again.

[ruffboi]

Aww. So you're more of a baby bear rescuer than a baby bear thief. Cute!

[Now, where did he have a conversation like this recently -- oh, that's right!]

Wait a second! Trinket? Is that your bear?

the beach;

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie is just coming up from a dive and shaking water from her ears when whoosh over her head jets - something, something big, and fast, a large seabird maybe? no - a broom? with someone on it?

she squints into the blazing sunlight. ]

You nearly took my head off!

[moneytwin]

[ That earns a laugh. ]

Unlikely, dear.

[ The 'bird' circles back, slowly directing her broom lower until she's dragging her toes through the water until she comes to a stop by Alisaie, with plenty of room to spare. She's not elezen, that much the younger girl can see, but if she'd ever seen her, she'd note a similarity to Hilda. ]

Unless you were planning to jump up and out like those dolphins. I think they've been making a game of trying that.

[adelphoi]

[ says you, that whoosh was a little too close for comfort, ahem ahem. either way, that's an interesting mount you've got there, miss, she's not done that one halloween event so she's never seen anything quite like it. ]

I'm not so certain I'd be able to jump quite that high.

[ not from the water, at least, however strong a swimmer she might be. ]

Did you magick this broom yourself?

[moneytwin]

[ Says her indeed, but hey, she doesn't have to pay out at the mogstation for it, so that's a win in her book. (she won't tell you how she got it, though.) ]

Neither can I. Though you can definitely cannon ball into the water well if you fly up high enough.

[ Definitely speaking from experience there. ]

Noooooo. [that gets drawled out, with a bit of a laugh] I'm distinctly lacking in the arcane arts. I leave that to better able people. But a very good friend of mine did install the saddle for me after.

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie cranes her neck to squint up into the sky, clearly debating the merits of a high cannonball, but alas, though she can breathe underwater, flying is not among her talents, and she has no chocobo here.

aaaaaaaanyway. ]

Fair enough. I've can't say I've ever seen its like before.

[ tho alphinaud had told her all about matoya's talking, self-sweeping broom familiars, this isn't quite the same. ]