❪ 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

[cykedelic]

[ It's curious to watch though, the displeasure that he has towards the sticker before he actually covers himself. ]

So it would seem... [ She trails off for a moment, thinking about it. ] Though I actually exercise more than enough to burn off the calories. What are you planning to do about your list?

[vorrutyer]

[ Ah. Damn. He'd hoped that would distract her. ]

Planning to do?

[cykedelic]

Well, I can exercise to get rid of the extra calories or something else. It doesn't bother me. Yet, it seems like your list bothers you.

[ Definitely not distracted from this. ]

[vorrutyer]

Quite right.

[ His smile goes particularly thin. ]

I'll sue for slander. Or would it be libel? Regardless. I'll give you a ring, shall I? I assume you'll happily represent my interests in court.

[cykedelic]

[ Her mouth twitches. ]

I only represent clients I believe in. With you, Monsieur, that wouldn't really be the case. You've already proven yourself to be a jerk, after all.

[vorrutyer]

A lost cause. Alas.

[ He presses his hands to his heart. ]

Then I suppose I'll go and change my ways. Become a noble and upstanding citizen. Thank you, Mademoiselle Cykes - and anonymous sticker-maker! - for showing me the true way.

[cykedelic]

[ She blinks, because that came out of no where. ]

When I see it, I'll believe it chump. Evidence is always key. You can start by apologising for calling me ill groomed.

[vorrutyer]

[ He nods slowly, solemnly - and then drops to one knee. And then drops further, to all fours, and with a trembling hand he reaches out to gently touch her foot. ]

My God. Please forgive me.

[cykedelic]

[ He's... actually doing it?!?!?!

People definitely stop in the street as he drops to one knee, then start chatting amongst themselves as he gets on all fours. A simple apology would have sufficed?! ]

Oh my god... What are you doing?!

[vorrutyer]

I'm begging your forgiveness.

[ Gently, with all appearance of sincerity, he leans down and literally kisses her foot. Oh, the lengths he'll go to to mock someone. ]

Please forgive me. Please forgive me for pointing out how ridiculous you look. Please, please.

[cykedelic]

That... That's not how you're supposed to ask for someone's forgiveness... [ There's a long pause, then: ] Is it?

[ But then he's leaning and kissing her foot, and even if does almost seem like a moment from a fairytale where someone kisses the princess' foot, this is anything but one of those moments.

Especially as his phrasing could do with a little more work. She frowns, and even if someone in the street is asking if this is some kind of show, another asking if they're doing some kind of s&m thing, she tries to carry on. ]

If you're trying to say you're sorry, insinuating my style is still ridiculous isn't helping, y'know?

[vorrutyer]

[ Byerly doesn't respond to her. Instead, he lifts his head and in a strong, clear voice, calls out to the last of those bystanders: ]

It's absolutely an S&M thing. She's a professional dominatrix. Watch, she's about to kick me.

[cykedelic]

[ R I P.

She'd managed to ignore all of that before given that she'd assumed he wouldn't have heard it, but keeping a straight face now is impossible. She kicks him out of reflex, trying to get him to be quiet. It's nothing too harsh of course, but enough that it should tap his face to the side a bit. ]

Stop that. They're going to believe you!

[vorrutyer]

Oh, mistress!

[ He sighs extravagantly, pressing a mock-rapturous hand to the side of his face. Even though that did hurt a bit. Ow. ]

Harder, please, harder!

[cykedelic]

Please don't tell me this is what you're actually into...?!

[ There's no way she's kicking him again now. In fact, she tries to step back, her right foot moving first. ]

[vorrutyer]

Oh, I'm into a lot of things.

[ His voice is mild and cheerful as he gets back to his feet, brushing off the dirt off his knees. ]

Unfortunately, change isn't one of them. Sorry. I've been thinking, and I think I'm actually going to continue my wicked ways. But you're welcome to continue to try to convert me.

[cykedelic]

[ A cringe is all she can respond with, glad that there's at least distance between them again. The only problem is, the idea of a challenge that difficult is hard to pass up, it's why she ends up gritting her teeth. ]

Grr! One day I'll make you eat those words and you really will want to kiss my feet!

[vorrutyer]

[ He twitches his cuffs back into place, straightens his collar and his vest, and smooths back his hair. ]

Dear child, haven't you ever heard the saying that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar? Although in your case, I suppose it's more like hot sauce.

[cykedelic]

I'm not a child. [ It's one thing when Phoenix says it, he acts enough like a dad that he can get away with it but a stranger? No Siree. ] And I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll prove you wrong anyway.

[ Does she even know how to act super sweet to get what she wants? No. The answer is no. ]

I'll even bet on it.

[vorrutyer]

My, my. It's wagers upon wagers upon wagers with you. And what are the stakes this time?

[cykedelic]

Well, it makes things more interesting, doesn't it? [ She looks thoughtful. ] I mean, it depends how much you want to wager?

[vorrutyer]

[ He frowns thoughtfully, then says: ]

If I win...you cut off your ponytail.

[cykedelic]

I... [ Oh my god?! Who bets on a girl's hair????????? ] Fine. That's fine. Then if I win... you have to wear a dress for a week.

[ Her hair is going to take forever to grow back, so of course he needs something awful in return. ]

[vorrutyer]

[ His eyebrows actually lift in skepticism. ]

Look, Madam Cykes, I don't want to help you out more than I must. But I'm a notorious pervert. I'd enjoy that.

[cykedelic]

[ Her hand just. Presses against her face. ]

I'm really going to have my work cut out for me, aren't I? Then... you'll be responsible for cleaning my house for a week?