❪ 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

name tag -- surprise!!

[congratulating]

[ Kirei gives a small shrug at the secrets revealed and Joshua's disparaging remark about what secrets have been chosen. His own reveal after his name vanishes -- he has never loved anyone, he murdered an acquaintance for her power, and wonders if there are any mapo tofu in this new world. ]

I cannot say that mine are any better. [ His head tilts to look over the words. ] I would ask you about the rules that you have set for yourself, but if you are a known liar, we can skip that and avoid wasted time between us.

[ A smile. ] Unless you are feeling generous and willing to answer such a question?

[fatgun]

[Oh, murdering acquaintances, #relatable. Joshua raises an eyebrow at those secrets, mostly because the last one doesn't seem much like a secret at all, and shrugs at the stellar assessment of his character. Yeah, yeah, so he lies a little, big deal.]

I'd say they weren't really for me, but that would already be a lie, hee hee. [He thinks for a brief pause - "I maintain a sports team" only barely held up before and he's already bored of it, so-] I interfered in a gamble I said I wouldn't stick my nose in because I hate to lose. Satisfied?

[congratulating]

More or less satisfied.

[ His arms slide behind his back as he holds his hands at the wrists. ] There is nothing wrong with wanting to win. There is nothing wrong with hating to lose. From what you've told me, there isn't anything that you did that was "wrong." You simply did not want to fail and so you broke your rule of not interfering to do so.

[ A smile. ] Indeed, it is as you said before... there are worst sins and secrets. [ Who said anything about sins? This guy. ]

[fatgun]

["More or less," eh... good enough. Joshua considers him, eyebrow still raised - he isn't expecting this little speech, especially since he thought it was obvious he doesn't think he did anything wrong. But, well, alright.]

Sure, I guess. I wasn't thinking about it that deeply, but lucky me, having you here to explain.

[congratulating]

I apologize. It would seem I am speaking to the choir, as it were.

[ HA-HA. He's hilarious. ]

I suppose that you are one that just does what feels right, then? The consequences do not matter so long as the end result is a positive one to you? [ The way that he speaks isn't in a damning manner; he doesn't seem to mind if this is how Joshua thinks yet doesn't appear bored with the answers he is given either. ]

[fatgun]

Hmm, no. [Well—] "Right" and "wrong" are subjective, aren't they? Everyone is too different to agree one hundred percent on what makes something "good" or "bad," to say nothing of morality...

[He shrugs, gaze dropping to that nametag for a brief moment again- for someone who murders for power, there's an awful lot of right and wrong talk going on here.]

I'm not very interested in hokey sayings like "the end justifies the means!"

[congratulating]

So long as you have knowledge and common sense, a person knows what "good" and "evil" are. That has nothing to do with morality as it has to do with the self.

[ He smiles in a pleasant manner. ]

To say that everyone has too different a view is true, but again, a person knows what the difference between the two extremes... unless they are a fool. [ His eyes close. ] You broke your own rules to win a gamble because you didn't want to lose. Yet you're not one to believe in the end justifies the means, but you still don't think or look deeply on what actions you have taken.

[ He opens his eyes. ]

You may not be interested in hokey sayings like that, but you are living it.

[fatgun]

No, I don't think so. [Short and to the point; he hears all this, and mmm... doesn't resonate.] People only say the end justifies the means when they feel something like regret for what they've done.

[He's taken to casually inspecting his nails at this point, no offense. He doesn't want to look up for this long.]

You're awfully set on telling me what I have and haven't done. That's one hell of a hobby.

[congratulating]

Do they only say it then?

[ He tilts his head a little, even if it's not seen. ]

Only because the person is mildly interesting to me, and doesn't think about what he's done. [ A small shrug. ] As I said, only people who don't know the difference between "good" and "evil" are fools. However, "right" and "wrong" are not synonymous with "good" and "evil."

It is a priest's job to attempt to act as shepherd to the lost. And for whatever reason, you've made yourself into a fool.

[fatgun]

You're kind of one note, aren't you? I don't remember saying anything about good and evil.

[But, look, he'll look up from his nails for at least a couple seconds. Progress.]

Hee hee, I don't need a priest. You're far too late for that.

[congratulating]

No, just "good" and "bad." I changed out one word, but are you really arguing about that now we're into the discussion?

[ Kirei breathes out a small laugh. ]

I shall accept that as a lie. I don't believe that any normal person is far too late. So, you have lied and cheated and broke your own rules. Your life is still worth saving. Is that not why you are here on this alien world now?

[fatgun]

[let him have his semantics, evil and bad are totes different??]

I don't think you're qualified to tell me if I'm lying or not, either! But I've already lost this life once, and no one tried to save me back then. Besides, Mother and Father always told me not to trust strangers.

[Okay, like... 2/3 of that is serious. No points for guessing.]

[congratulating]

[ Ehhh! Ehhhh!! ]

Perhaps not. [ Teenagers are very rough on Kirei. Yet he finds himself surrounded by them?? It's his own fault, really, but -- ] If that is true, I apologize for the failure of those that could not save you. However, you are here. You are a refugee with the rest of us, and as a priest, I may be a stranger now ... but I am someone who will attempt to save you should you ever be in need.

[fatgun]

[ew

Or: Joshua doesn't know what to do with this and so he doesn't like it. Above all else he is tired, and now more than ever, without Shibuya, what is the point of keeping it together?

Also this guy's, like, old? Why are old men so nosy.] You do remember that your sticker already labeled you a murderer, don't you?

[congratulating]

It does.

[ What of it??? ]

I killed someone that was an acquaintance of mine for her power. It was power that would force her into a violent, cruel battle where she would have to kill innocent people in order to win. There was nothing that I could do for her beyond ensure that she died without any of those innocents' blood on her hands. [ A beat. ] But what I did was evil.

[fatgun]

[ha ha holy shit he didn't even ask]

Wow. Okay then. I'm only saying, when my parents told me not to trust strangers, murderers were probably implied.

[congratulating]

[ Whatever, man. ]

Do you intend on making me a murderer, again, Joshua? [ Kirei looks regretful for a second before he clarifies. SLOW DOWN THERE, MURDER HAPPY PRIEST. ] To me, if I do nothing for someone when I can... it is the same as killing them.

[ A shrug. ] You need not trust me, but that will not stop me from attempting to save you. If you are in trouble, I will do something. That is all. [ Plain and simple. ]

[fatgun]

[Nosy... he sighs, apparently very disappointed by this insistence on helping him. Whhhyyy.]

If you really want to, I most likely won't be in any shape to stop you...

[congratulating]

Then, it's agreed.

[ He reaches out to pat the top of Joshua's head. A small laugh follows. ]

Well, then, I hope that the next time that we meet won't be when you are in trouble, however. [ He smiles yet again. ] I gave this offering once to a young man... that he could come to the Church whenever he needed help. It seemed like every day he was coming injured or with the injured. I shall pray that your experiences are less so.

[fatgun]

[No one has ever patted his head before in the history of his entire existence, what's going on? He sort of stiffens, too surprised to lean away before the moment is already gone, then hastily lifts a hand to flip the ends of his hair a little, like that never happened.

aaaa]

Lucky for you, I don't do rushing into danger. You'll never see me.

[except for starting a one-man cult with his roommate but like, details he doesn't need to know yet]

[congratulating]

That's fine.

[ He continues to smile in a calm, almost neutral way. There is another laugh about how Joshua does not even move away, too surprised to do anything. ]

I would rather that you live this life as pleasantly as you can. If what you said is true that your first life was one where no one saved you, I hope you will live this life without needing to be saved, that you can live happily. But we already have a deal if it turns out that cannot be the case.

So, rejoice, young man.

[fatgun]

[It's been [redacted] years since he was this genuinely uncomfortable, but congrats, patting his head and getting on his case for this long sure did the trick. Y...ay...]

I'll think about it.

[congratulating]

Please do.

[ He rests his hand over his chest as he bows slightly to him. ] In any case, I've taken up enough of your time. I hope that the next time that we speak will be better. I hope to hear good things of how your life is going, Joshua.

[ ALSO HE AGREED TO HELP OUT WITH THAT CULT WITH YOUR ROOMMATE. SO LITERALLY SEE YOU LATER, NERD. ]

[fatgun]

[on this day, Joshua wondered how inconvenient it would be to board up the door to his own house............]

It'll be peachy. Bye, now.