❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM. -- the overflow.

[natha]

ORIGINAL POST

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

[pricechecked]

No. [He's just... kind of a hobo? Right now? And he used all his money on the train fare. He can't afford to just skip all this food out here for the taking. If he has to brandish his axe to take food, it's going to get really complicated really fast.] It's rations.

[veneries]

[ ... ]

Anticipating a sudden betrayal by the Natha, then. To leave us here without food or resources. [Look, he doesn't sound like he's mocking you with that lovely calm tone and sweet smile, but he totally is. Crazy hobo man.]

[pricechecked]

I don't expect or want their charity. [He doesn't really know where Willem even got that idea from, but given Victarion wasn't exactly explaining himself well, that was to be expected. He still found it annoying.] Where are you from? Do you know of the Ironborn?

[It feels like a stupid question to ask, but he'd caught on to the fact that people legitimately didn't know what the Ironborn were because they were, surprise of all surprises, not from Westeros.]

[veneries]

The ironborn? [He's actually surprised- his sweet tone gone completely for a moment.]

You're of Westeros?

[pricechecked]

[He nods.]

I am Victarion Greyjoy, Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet. [But... Willem is of Westeros, though.] What house do you belong to?

[veneries]

[Fucking hell.

The man knew him as Ramsay, and furthermore- knew him as Ramsay Bolton, the name they'd shared in the simulation. He absolutely can't be allowed to live.

But it's sweet Willem who responds, only cowed a little by the sudden revelation that this is a lord.] I'm- of no house, my Lord. I'm the son of a miller, of the Riverlands, close to the Twins. My name is Willem.

[pricechecked]

[Ahh. The Freys. They were not his friends, but they weren't strictly his enemies either. Their betrayal of the Starks had robbed Victarion of the chance of killing the Young Wolf, since the boy king seemed to plan to attack Moat Caitlin. Their way of dealing with the Starks had been treacherous and worthy of condemnation. Were Willem a Frey proper, he might well kill him where he stood. But this was just a meaningless commoner. He might have noticed the way Willem said my Lord, but the commoners of the Iron Islands were of a different ilk than on the mainland.]

The Natha saved a peasant? For what purpose? [He's not even asking Willem this because, again, commoner.] What a queer people.

[veneries]

[Under the smile he grits his teeth at the way the man dismissed him. Acting as Willem or not- he'll have no man think so little of him.

But the man seems to have believed him, unless he's a better actor than Ramsay's taken him for. Already Ramsay's unimportant in his eyes, not remotely an equal.]

I couldn't say, my lord. I'm a fair hunter, good with a knife and bow. Whatever their reasons, I'm grateful to them.

[pricechecked]

Are you now? [He gives Willem a once over, recalling their time in the fake reality. He'd been clever, if he recalled. And devious as well, given his thoughts on the weapons they had found. Maybe he wasn't such a useless find after all...]

You ever manned a river boat, lad? [Riverlanders weren't typically proper sailors, but if he could handle himself on the river, that would be a start.]

[veneries]

[He could laugh at this man seeing an opportunity for his own gain and taking it so quickly. A man like this, Ramsay could use.]

I'm no sailor. [He's hardly ever been on boats that he's had to manage himself.] But I've seen other men from the village handle them. It can't be that hard. Why do you ask?

[pricechecked]

[Victarion gives a bit of a derisive snort. He still had much to learn...

Still, the boy had potential and he was no thrall. A common man could do well in the Iron Isles, if they attached themselves to the right captain. Birth oft mattered less than talent and Willem might just have that. So Victarion turns and indicates one of the ships out at sea.]

In time, I mean to take one of those. You'd have a spot on that ship. I could always use a sharp blade and mind about.

[veneries]

[He looks out to sea, feigns being impressed. (Boats. What did people need with boats? Everything worth taking was on land.)

But what was it the Ironborn were known for? Oh yes- murdering and raping and looting- that part sounded appealing.]

I'll- consider it, my lord. I've never been on the sea before.

[pricechecked]

['Consider it', he says. Willem would be a fool not to. There's no greater honor than to be even just an oarsman for the Iron Fleet. That was how Victarion saw it, anyway. He might yet have potential. He recalled the tales of how the Riverlands all the way to the Narrow Sea was once the dominion of the Ironmen. There might yet be a drop of Iron in his blood.]

Best to get acquainted. You'll need sea legs when it comes time to kill.

[veneries]

[Perhaps it was just that he'd never paid enough attention to the Iron Islands, but try as he might, he couldn't recall a Victarion from the names of the Greyjoys. He might be a cousin, perhaps?

It's something he'll get out of Reek.

He looks out at the sea again.] Is there much out there to kill, my lord? I heard a man was fighting fish earlier. [Perhaps a little impertinent, but he can't see much there worth fighting for right now.]

[pricechecked]

A pity you had no maester to teach you. [Just kidding, maesters are the worst.] We are raiders. When there is something we want, we take it. That's the Iron Price. Where lesser men scrape the earth to earn petty wages, we take as we please with hardened steel and Ironborn might. Upon these seas, there might yet be a hundred harbors to pillage and claim.

[So fight? Oh yes, there's plenty out there to fight. People had an uncommonly vested interest in protecting their belongings.]

[veneries]

[He's reminded of what he'd said to Reek- that the Kraken was a powerful creature in the sea, but all but useless on land. Listening to Victarion, he can imagine the Ironborn would wreak terror on the villages the visit to plunder.]

What will you do with all that plunder here? There aren't any Iron Islands to return to with it all.

[pricechecked]

We make our own lands. The Riverlands were ours, once. We had no need to drag our plunder back to the Isles.

[The Iron Isles were special, aye. But Victarion was still practical enough to not worry so much about not having a home to go to. He would have a new one... here. There was time enough for that.]

[veneries]

[He seems a man who's likely to do all he can to achieve that too. Good to have on his side if he needs someone taken care of, if he can find the right leverage.

A corner of his mouth turns up in something like a wry smile.]

Maybe the people of this land will come to fear the Ironborn as the people of Westeros did. [Will flattery work? Who knows.] All I'm sure of is that if I don't have to be a miller here, I won't be.

[pricechecked]

[Victarion snorts in amusement.]

No one would choose to be a miller had they the choice. [And he'll certainly credit this peasant for aspiring to more than that.]