❪ 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

Comments

[vorrutyer]

[ A grin blossoms across Byerly's face, that comment enough to lift even his foul mood. ]

No, no, sir, you can't take it back now. Particularly since you're very correct - it would be a kindness beyond kindnesses. And yet this city has so far been cruel to me - I don't know if I want to bless it with the sight of my shapely backside.

[flashystyle]

And so you curse it with an outfit so beyond any excuses. I see how it is.

[Try as he may to fight, Dorian can't help a grin of his own. He places a hand on his hip in some attempt to look stern, but it's falling apart all too quickly.]

As much as I'd like to continue talking of your shapely backside-- which it is, don't get me wrong-- they don't come off. You'll have to streak through the streets if you want some level of anonymity here.

[vorrutyer]

[ With a mournful sigh: ]

Which would defeat the purpose, since I'd become instantly famous. My nude form has enough beauty, you see, that they'd never forget the image of my balls bouncing around as I jogged for shelter. Ah, well.

[ Byerly taps the nametag, which at the gesture shifts - from My name is Byerly Vorrutyer to the message Secretly, I rat out my friends for money, abandoned my family, and have been demoted nine times! There's only the slightest hesitation, just a split second, before his hand comes up smoothly to cover that message. As if nothing had happened, and nothing had gone wrong: ]

Though there's nothing wrong with a suit like this, you know. Crimson flatters my coloring.

[flashystyle]

Perhaps it should have accounted for misguided taste in color. You'd do better if it were a tie or neckerchief, but the whole thing? Awful.

[There's a brief, obvious moment of uncertainty as the tag changes, where Dorian thinks on reevaluating his company. He purses his lips, shifts his weight to another leg... but ultimately sighs with reluctance. It'd be hypocritical to judge, with what he admits next.]

Dorian Pavus, and I believe my tag was not the most flattering accessory either. Secretly, I... spiral into drinking and debauchery, fear I'll always be little more than a disgrace, and... set drapes ablaze at the most inconvenient of times. So... at least we are on the same page?

[vorrutyer]

[ Byerly's brows twitch down, and for just a moment his ironic expression rearranges itself into something more genuine. Something keen and focused and skeptical. Why did he admit to that? Is it a lie? Was it worse, or better? Is he trying to make himself seem like someone trustworthy, to slip past my guard...? His eyes search Dorian's for just a moment, sharp and curious, before they cloud over once again as he adopts his usual insolent, indolent expression. ]

My dear fellow, how shameless. You used my nametag as an excuse to brag about your own. Drinking and debauchery? Setting things on fire? A disgrace? You're just making yourself sound like someone worth knowing.

[flashystyle]

[Dorian just might recognize the questioning behind Byerly's eyes, as he's often found himself considering the same. But he makes no comment towards it, instead placing a hand to his chest in feigned disbelief. He graces him with a wry, but more genuine smile, as if you reaffirm his intentions are harmless.]

Here I am trying to make this world's finest new recruit more at ease, and you accuse of me of being self-centered. I simply can't help if you find yourself attracted to all of those things, among others.

[vorrutyer]

No, no. Not remotely an accusation. Call it...an approbation. To slip a little bit of a boast into a conversation while everyone else is caught unawares - that's actually quite a valuable skill.

[ His eyes crinkle very slightly at the corners. ]

But yes, I do find it all exceedingly alluring. Though I must ask - how do you define debauchery? So many people see it so many different ways.

[flashystyle]

Recognizing it for what it is also a valuable skill. You just might be sharper than you look.

[He takes a breath, but carries on with ease.]

As for how I would define it, well... I've been told drinking yourself into countless stupors, frequenting houses of ill repute to engage in activities unproductive to cultivating a name for myself in high society is... unwise, to say in the least. I can't really say I can argue with it, even with the circumstances... I'd really prefer to hear how you would define it, with your little record.

[vorrutyer]

With my little record.

[ His smile flattens for just a moment, but then returns. He sighs windily, tosses his head back dramatically, and says - ]

Well, just a few nights ago, a dear acquaintance of mine hosted a sex party that was based off the exploits of my famous ancestor, Pierre Le Sanguinaire Vorrutyer. As you might guess from his nom de guerre, Le Sanguinaire was famous for his handiness with the rack and with the stake and with the flaying-knives. I, being a direct descendent of Le Sanguinaire, was the guest of honor.

[ A beat, and then, before Dorian gets the wrong idea about By - ] It wasn't actual torture, incidentally. Just a lot of artfully-arranged handcuffs and people standing around awkwardly and drinking cocktails dyed to look like blood. A total drag and an abject failure of a party.

But who on earth told you that all is unwise? [ He gives a little flutter of his hand. ] Frankly, there's no way to deal with having a name in high society aside from undermining it. Say, what's your drink of choice? Wine? You look like a man who likes wine.

[flashystyle]

[He makes some attempt not to burst into laughter lest he interrupt this riveting recount, instead descending from quiet snickered into near splitting his sides. Thankfully, he's put enough thought into how it could be interpreted, and clears his throat once he regains his composure.]

I'm so very sorry, but that is perhaps both the best and worst recent memory to have before the world ends. The last I remember of my homeland's parties all consisted of stiff dances while locking eyes with a partner you shouldn't want, and all that awkwardness comes behind closed doors. But for it to be all out in the open? What a sight. I can't imagine.

[He wipes at the corner of his eye, settling back into a much more relaxed stance.]

I do enjoy a fine wine. Not the sort you load up with too much vinegar and still see fit to stock the shelves with it. Not so picky about ale. And you? You seem a man who likes brandy.

[vorrutyer]

Got it in one.

[ He presses a hand to his chest and bows. ]

Your eye is as keen as your facial hair well-trimmed, dear fellow.

[ Straightening up - ]

Though don't misinterpret Barrayar. Most of the nation has parties of your sort - dancing in gowns and tails on parquet floors, trying not to let hands brush breasts. I simply am a sworn and dedicated shame and disgrace, a scourge on propriety and decency. - Say, how would you feel about getting a wine and a brandy, respectively?

[flashystyle]

I suppose I can give you a tour of the finer establishments, now that I know we're two sides of the same coin. Don't expect I'll spend my own very often once you're on your feet however. I do have rent to pay.

[All but eager to grab a drink regardless of the time of day, Dorian clasps his hands together and starts towards the Entertainment District. Beyond it lie the Red Light, and judging by the confident in his steps, he knows this path quite well.]

So, tell me, are you going to be picking up anything similar to home? I'm afraid most of the refugees haven't built up any riches, so that lifestyle is beyond our reach.

[vorrutyer]

[ Byerly casts a flirtatious glance over at Dorian, fluttering his long lashes at the man. ]

No? Am I not worth buying an occasional drink for?

[ And then, a little bit less coquettishly, he goes on: ]

But I'm fortunately quite accustomed to an impoverished lifestyle. Disinherited, you know.

[ Well...sort of. Technically, he left the family of his own volition; he wasn't cut out. But he's well-accustomed to calling himself disinherited, since people quite easily believe that he'd be rejected by his parents. ]

[flashystyle]

[Dorian laughs with a dismissive wave of his hand, but he's horrible at masking his tells. The glance back is more than enough of a hint that he's definitely going to be wasting more coin on this man. Awful.]

Really? I couldn't tell, truly. [Sarcastic, of course. But it'd be a crime not to comment on this growing number of similarities, so with a reluctant sigh:] I had to leave my wonderous family life behind over a year ago. I've spent half that time camping. Bears get too familiar when they're hungry, you know.

[vorrutyer]

Continued here!