❪ 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

[vorrutyer]

[ It's good, he reminds himself, to show a bit of vulnerability. It makes you seem sympathetic. People want to support and protect those they feel sympathy for. So it's all right, that moment of weakness. It was to his advantage to show it. Indeed - he tells himself, insists, that it was deliberate. Calculated.

Yeah, right. ]

You're too kind.

[ He bows slightly to Dorian, then slips inside. He picks a table closer to the side of the room, positions himself so he faces the door and can see anyone who comes in (ImpSec habit), and sits. His voice, when he speaks, is light again, with a faint veneer of irony and good cheer. As if he hadn't just been maudlin. ]

I trust your judgment completely. Order us something good, won't you?

[flashystyle]

Oh, I can already tell. You are going to be end of my wallet.

[And that isn't such a terrible thing after all this somber talk, he thinks. As a matter of fact, Dorian winks before sauntering off to the bartender. After a few indecisive glance back towards Byelerly, he winds up returning with both their respective glasses well over the halfway mark.]

Top of the shelf, off the rocks, very old... and also very expensive, so let's consider this a special occasion. Your... welcoming party?

[vorrutyer]

A party of two.

[ Byerly lowers his eyelashes flirtatiously at Dorian, holding the glass up for a toast. ]

To a new friendship.

[flashystyle]

[He raises his brows in surprise- probably because friendship is such a strong word for someone so reluctant. But hey, who is he to challenge a look like that? With a smirk, he leans forward to clink their glasses together.]

To not remembering our first impressions in the morning.

[vorrutyer]

Hm.

[ By smiles around the rim of his glass. ]

Then do you anticipate us being together in the morning?

[ And then a sip, and he's startled enough to lose just a bit of the flirtation for just a moment - ]

Good heavens, that's good.

[flashystyle]

Perhaps I was hoping, after all that talk of being alluring.

[Dorian laughs, leaning his chin into his hand as he watches his expression.]

Did you expect any less? With the drink and anticipations.

[vorrutyer]

Truthfully? I did expect a bit less. Not from you - this place just seems a bit...rustic, let us say.

[ Another sip, and another lift of his eyebrows. ]

It seems your taste is impeccable. [ With a warm little smile - ] You're someone to keep nearby.

[flashystyle]

Sometimes the more rustic things have the most flavor.

[Dorian laughs, taking his turn to sip from his glass.]

Someone to keep close... Are you certain? I could be useless beyond a few compliments and generosity.

[vorrutyer]

And a fair face. Don't forget your handsomeness.

[flashystyle]

Oh, that's true. I do have eye candy going for me.

However, before the wine starts talking for me, I do want to say beyond all that... I work for the Institute here. You seem just as handsome, but also a smart man, so if you need a good word put in for you after you settle in... I might be inclined to. Scout out your options, let me know. How about it?

[vorrutyer]

[ Ah? The Institute is a new name to him, one that hasn't crossed his radar yet. He flutters his hand in a go on sort of gesture, distracted from flirting by the only force more powerful than lust: curiosity. ]

And what is the Institute?

[flashystyle]

[Dorian doesn't set his glass down for anything, including lust, and yet he's placing it on the table so he doesn't interrupt himself with any sips.]

The Simwe Institute is a research facility funded by the crown and the wealthy. It has the biggest library you'll ever see in the city, a great number of laboratories, and engineering stations galore. We all work under a man named Evras, who's given me free range of testing my own projects on the side of cataloging new discoveries... If you want to know how advanced this place can get, it is most definitely where to start. You just need to talk yourself up a bit, since we aren't supposed to have come from another planet. That can't be too hard, especially between the both of us.

[vorrutyer]

Ah.

[ His smile turns a little wry. And then he touches a hand to his heart in sincere salute, saying: ]

My dear fellow, you are too kind by far. But when I was a child, I don't think I went three days without skipping my lessons. I'm afraid I simply don't have that sort of intelligence. [ Though, with a slight smile - ] Though that doesn't mean I'm not impressed by those who do.

[flashystyle]

[There's a brief falter in his smile, but his disappointment isn't long-lasting. How can it be, with By looking like that?]

If you do think your sort of intelligence is applicable, know that I would allow you all there is to see, even if you don't work there. It'll be our little secret, should you need to know something. [He winks, taking up his glass for another sip.] Flattery gets you everywhere. There's also the Shades Darker here regarding secrets, should you want to put how good you look to use. But there's quite a bit of hands on experience there.

[vorrutyer]

[ His smile turns a little guarded. Just a little. ]

Do I seem like the sort of person who's in search of secrets?

[flashystyle]

[He pauses, taking the moment to consider him again.]

You seem the sort of person who knows what to hold onto, should you come by them. Or perhaps I'm just terribly distracted by those eyes... The latter the most likely.

[vorrutyer]

You're a smooth-talker, aren't you?

[ And quite perceptive. And quick. His smile broadens again, and he shrugs. ]

You're not wrong, actually. I've always survived through...networking, let's say. Knowing how to get and exchange favors. [ He tilts his head slightly to the side, regarding Dorian. ] Everyone can always use a favor or two.

[flashystyle]

You know how to make people indebted to you. I understand. That's the only way to get what you want in most places... besides the sharp end of a dagger, but that's awfully messy.

[He keeps his gaze on him with a flirtatious smirk, despite the morbidity of his words.]

You have a talent for making others like you despite all that, at the very least. You'll do well here.

[vorrutyer]

[ It's a little too close to the truth. By's livelihood is gained through making people like him - or at least through making people tolerate him. Though not only by favors. By secrets, as well - trading them, selling them...Dorian is estimating him very highly, which is damned dangerous. People open their mouths around fools, even witty men; they close them around clever men with a purpose. If Dorian sees him as a clever man with a purpose, that's...not to his advantage.

Though, heavens, but the way the fellow looks at him flatters his ego. Flatters it immensely. ]

I've never cared for violence, myself. Can't stomach the sight of blood. Using my wits instead of brute force keeps my stomach settled.

[ He tilts his head to the side. ]

So do you like me, dear friend?

[flashystyle]

[Coming from a land built upon secrets built upon falsehoods, Dorian is priding himself on his judge of character. Both in the fact that he knows By is more perceptive than he wants people to think, and that he seems to have good taste in drink. It's all very tantalizing, knowing he won't have to keep his guard up for the evening, but that By will have a challenge ahead if he were to uncover anything he shouldn't.

He doesn't like to owe anyone. Inviting them is easier.]

I do like you, dear friend. Truthfully, I don't think I've become acquainted with anyone so quickly.

[vorrutyer]

Hm.

[ Byerly holds Dorian's gaze intently. His voice goes just a trifle soft. ]

And I, of course, like to do favors for my friends.

[ There is a tried and true way, after all, to divert questions that are a bit...uncomfortable. ]

[flashystyle]

Of course.

[Dorian leans forward in his chair, averting his gaze only to admire other features of By's face. Like the line of his jaw, or how his throat moves when he speaks.]

Tell me what you have in mind.

[vorrutyer]

[ His eyelashes lower. ]

To begin with...I think we should find a more private room. No?

[flashystyle]

And waste this good drink? Hm.

[Dorian raises his brows like this is truly the priority, but laughs shortly afterward and rises to his feet.]

There's rooms next door. Shall we?

[vorrutyer]

Hold on.

[ Byerly holds up a finger, his brows quirked in a come-on-now sort of expression. Then he tosses back the last of his drink, makes an appreciative noise, and then steps forward and grasps at Dorian's sleeve to tug him along. ]

I must say, I'm consistently impressed by your good taste.

[ He gestures towards himself. ]