❪ mini-event ❫ THE OLYMPIA-WYVER HOLIDAY BALL

[natha]

A TIME OF CELEBRATION     Despite the biological attacks in both Wyver and Olympia, the morale in either kingdoms is hopeful. Both cities have been ramping up their winter celebrations this month, and though they both have customs and holidays specific to their people, the themes are the same: embrace the spirit of giving, celebrate friends and family, and express gratitude for all that Thesa has given you. As a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for the shocking display of cooperation between the two kingdoms, Empress Simwe and King Shanrian have agreed to host a joint luxurious Holiday Ball at the South Outpost. This is quite unusual, as the kingdoms tend to stick to themselves, and the large and lavish celebrations are typically reserved only for the noble classes. Throwing a party on this scale is no small feat, so if you can lend a hand, leaders of either kingdoms will look upon you favorably. Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this month's holiday events for three (3) REP points to EITHER Olympia OR Wyver. THREADS MAY BE SUBMITTED HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. ONE WEEK UNTIL MIDNIGHT     A party doesn't just put on itself, you know. There's resources to be gathered, lavish outfits to be made, food to be prepared... don't just stand around uselessly! In the days leading up to the ball, various vendors will approach you and ask for your assistance. Yes, they can and will offer you Silver, but embrace the spirit of selfless giving, won't you? COLLECT THE RHOCEA, THE COVETED HERB OF ICE — There is a special herb that grows deep within one particular cave just south of Murkwell Hollows. Appearing to be more of a bulbous vegetable than a herb, Rhocea cooked into a batch of hot chocolate will give the pot an irresistibly delicious and earthy taste. It is an absolute must for any Wyver winter gathering, and bringing even just one bulb will net you a hefty 200 silver. You manage to find the cave with some difficulty, but even finding one bulb requires you to wander deep, deep into the cave. The openings become less spacious. At times, you can barely crawl through. Just when you've managed to find the damn herb (or perhaps you've given up and want to go back), you hear an ominous rumble and a loud crash. A part of the cave you need to pass through has collapsed, and you're now trapped! You better hope there's a passerby who can help you out, or maybe your phone can get enough reception out here to frantically call someone for help... BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE     On the day of the gala, there are paths of magic-powered, candles that line up the ways from either Wyver and Olympia that can lead even the most directionally-challenged toward the South Outpost. The sun is low on the sky when nobles begin to arrive with the lavish carriages, winged stallions, and scaled beasts, all filtering into the the Grand Hall of the South Outpost. With warmth of the sun rapidly fleeting, the dark clouds begin to tower over the Outpost. It's thanks to the tireless efforts of both locals and refugees that the town is so done up. The once-barren outpost is now decorated with evergreens and crystalline lights. By the second half of hour sixteen, the buildings have all been lit in a dazzling display of blinking, colorful lights, making the Outpost lively again as the festivities begin. The Grand Hall looks completely different inside than it does outside. It's obvious that it's been decorated for the occasion. Once-wooden pillars are now lined with blue glass-like structures to imitate the look of ice. Exotic plants hang low from the ceiling, right various tables filled with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails - some familiar; others, not so. But hey, this isn't about the food, is it? The party is just getting started. There is live music, playing tunes native to both Wyver and Olympia. Don't just stand there! There is so plenty to do. Although the gala is hosted by both Wyver and Olympia, the differences between the factions are still apparent. While all of the decorations are lavish and impressive, it's obvious at a glance which areas of the Outpost were "claimed" by which faction; Olympia favors white and gold, Wyver, red and black. The natives have dressed up for the occasion, taking their customary fashion styles to the next level in order to show off: Olympians are dressed elegantly in fine, opulent fabrics, while Wyver citizens dress to impress more subtly, dressed in rich colors trimmed with fine furs that show off their body before their wealth. Everyone is having a great time on the surface, but at points the tension between factions can show through. This isn’t enough to spoil the evening, but judgmental glancing and thinly-veiled insults are not out of place between the groups, reminding everyone that this truce is temporary. A. SPARKLE AND SHINE — A beloved and unique custom from the Olympian side of the party is to ensure any gathering is as sparkly and cheerful as possible. The people are heavy into holiday glitter, and it's all in good fun. Even if you didn't bring your own, it's highly likely you'll be caught in a glitter shower just by chance. Most of the glitter is purely for decoration, but there are those who splurged on a little magic. 1. Red Glitter: Red glitter will fill you with the spirit of giving. You will feel compelled to give something to the next person you see. It may be a plate of dessert, some Silver, or your trusty weapon. You'll feel good about it at the time, of course, since gift-giving is a lovely part of the holidays. But, will you still feel the same tomorrow morning? 2. Green Glitter: The effects of green glitter can be very comical! Coming into contact with it will temporarily (about 10 minutes) transform your nice gala outfit into a Holiday-themed costume, even if it isn't a getup you're entirely comfortable with. 3. Gold Glitter There's no escaping this one. Gold glitter is expensive, but Olympia has saved for months to have enough to lightly dust on everyone. About two hours into the gala, gold glitter will sprinkle from the ceiling, giving everyone present the urge to dance. Regardless of how you feel about dancing, it'll be hard to resist impulse to grab the person nearest to you and dance! Or maybe you just prefer dancing alone and make a show of it. Whatever your style, there's a song and a dance for everyone. It's not a party in Olympia without it! B. HOLIDAY CHEER — It isn't only the city that's been done up in these tiny sprigs of green and red. They're spread all over the venue of the Gala, as well, sometimes even slightly out of sight. The person putting these up obviously had a field day, and it's (un)fortunate that you're a victim of their mischief. There are two types of these plants. 1. BERRIED: This type has smaller leaves and pale colored berries attached to them. They will those underneath to become more affectionate with one another. Maybe you'll suddenly want to hold the hand of the person next to you, or kiss them on the cheek? Either way, it's all in the spirit of things, right? 2. FLOWERED: The ones that have darker berries and tiny flowers sprouting out of them are a bit peskier. Those caught underneath this plant will feel compelled to kiss their partner. Some of the more stubborn victims will notice that they feel unfulfilled until they do. A simple peck won't suffice— that may be enough for the pale colored berries, but not for these. It isn't a proper gathering without food, drink, and snacks. There will be small candies offered in the traditional colors of Wyver and Olympia. You may or may not know them as candy canes. Most of them are simply a delicious sugary treat, but some have been created using a special Wyver recipe. Eat one of these special Wyver candy canes, and you will find yourself craving a certain something. You have, in short, either been inflicted with an impossible to ignore oral fixation, or oddly willingly to indulge in someone else's. We don't have to go into anymore detail here, do we? You get the picture. Please warn threads appropriately for adult content. C. TEAM REPRESENTATION — As you entered the festivities, Wyver and Olympian volunteers alike will have accosted you and demanded you pick out a pin; a small, elegant ribbon in either white/gold for Olympia or red/black for Wyver. They want you, dear refugee, on their team! What does this "team sport" everyone is talking about entail? Basically proving that you're better than the other side in any way possible: while Wyver is the kingdom more interested in intense competition, even the Olympians are getting into the competitive spirit tonight. When you see someone sporting a ribbon in the opposite color, you'll be encouraged to challenge them—to whatever you can think of! If you look around, you might see some people engaging in drinking contests, dance competitions, displays of power... and even sillier things like fastest cookie decoration. Toward the end of the party, many people gather to hear about an event these volunteers have cooked up - an almost capture the flag-like game, where (if you decide to play) you'll be trying to steal the pins right off the other team's outfits. The more pins you have when the game is over, the more enticing goodie bag you'll get! If you have no pins when it's over, not even your own, don't worry... your goodie bag just won't be as cool as everyone else's. A NIGHT TO END THE YEAR     At the end of the night, most of the guests wander outside into the gardens, or into the balconies. All eyes are up to the skies. As your gaze falls upon Thesa, the sacred moon that you know to be your home space station, where you woke. It doesn't seem that the planetside is the only place that is celebrating. Up on Thesa, light begin to spill from the pores of station and then completely enveloping it. Slowly, the light dance across the skies in a slow waltz. Even the music from inside the hall have stopped, all to listen to Thesa. The natives will not have heard her as they might claim, but Darma, in conjunction with of all her Natha peers, are whispering in the wind, in an indescribable tune that you can't make out the words to, but you understand. During the light show, you will feel their gratitude that you are keeping your promise to them. They will assure you that they will hold true to their promise in the year to come. FINAL OOC NOTE     An AC-eligible thread for THREE (3) REP POINTS FOR EITHER WYVER OR OLYMPIA may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE FOR WYVER OR HERE FOR OLYMPIA by JANUARY 6th 11:59 PM EST. We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

One Week Until Midnight

[kaleorbekaled]

[Kale's been doing odd jobs for the most part. She likes aspects of Wyver and aspects of Olympia, but she's not especially committed to either side yet. An odd job that requires physical prowess is right up her alley, and she was pleased to discover that her travel companion for this task was quite blatantly not human. It's not that she has any problems with humans - she doesn't. It's just nice to know that there are others out there who are familiar with space travel and planets other than Earth.

She's fairly small and slim, but despite all of that, she's physically strong enough to pull her own weight easily enough. She eyes the small space that Gamora indicates. It's kind of narrow, even with her slim build.]

Um...I think so? I could make the hole a little bigger if you want.

[godslay]

[ Gamora looks from Kale to the gap, seemingly considering the offer. ]

That could compromise the cave. If it won't be a problem, we shouldn't take the risk.

[ She gestures towards the space. ]

Go ahead.

[kaleorbekaled]

[That is a good point, and compromising the cave would mean one less place where the herb could be found. Since it's not known as a medicinal herb, that's not necessarily a big problem, but if they can avoid causing unnecessary damage, it's best to.

She slips in and almost manages to get through until realizing that it narrows just a little more at one part where the stones angle in uncomfortably. Really uncomfortably. A particularly angular edge jabs her right in her abdomen. As a martial artist, she's no stranger to pain, but there's a difference between pain from trading blows with someone and pain from pushing oneself against a sharp rocky edge. She makes a face before disengaging from the thin crevice.]

It's too tight, after all.

[godslay]

[ Keeping an eye on the girl, Gamora tries to let her attention bounce naturally between the state of their surroundings and Kale’s progress. Unfortunately for them both, said progress is soon halted.

She makes a short, aggravated noise in the back of her throat. ]

Come back, and we’ll look for another way through.

[kaleorbekaled]

[Kale nods. That seems like the best plan for now, and if worse comes to worse, she can carefully widen the crevice a little more. They'll just have to be slow and steady about it so that there's no unnecessary damage to compromise the cave, if they go that route.

But for now, she simply uses her nose to sniff the air. She made sure to get a whiff of that rare herb before they left on this job, because it's good to be able to identify what it should be like. It's doubtful they'd get rewarded for bringing back something that was rotting and no good for use.]

Okay. Have you done a lot of work like this before?

[It's mild curiousity and also a bit of polite conversation to pass the time as they search.]

[godslay]

[ Fortunately, the passage seems to have another, veering path, and though it’s less direct, it’s worth investigating.

Gamora starts to lead the way, only glancing over at Kale when she speaks. It’s probably for the best that the girl is trying to make small talk, since Gamora is… not great at that. ]

Some. My friends and I take work when people will pay us, and occasionally that means retrieving elusive objects.

[ Not to mention work she did for Thanos and Ronan. ]

Have you?

[kaleorbekaled]

I started doing this kind of work after I got here. Before that...well, my people from back home are warriors. We would lend our strength to others for protection and peacekeeping and they'd trade us technology and other goods in return.

[Small as she may be, she's much stronger than she looks. She sniffs at the air one more time and points.]

I'm pretty sure I can smell the herb down there.

[godslay]

[ The information about Kale’s people earns a somewhat curious glance from Gamora. Her abilities, her dedication to her skills as a warrior – these tend to be things that she can admire in other people. Knowing that Kale comes from a culture of such fascinates her. ]

Then you’ll be well-suited to the work here.

[ The mention of the herb turns Gamora’s eyes back to the passage. ]

Hopefully that means we can head back soon.

[ She doesn’t have an aversion to caves, per se, but they’re not exactly her idea of a good time. ]

[kaleorbekaled]

The fighting rings in Wyver are a good way to make money, too. They're completely legal. Have you done a lot of combat training? I...I get the impression that you have.

[The way Gamora carries herself reminds her a bit of Diana, or even of her teammate, Hit. Both highly trained people, in any case.

Actually, the people in Wyver seem to love fighting enough that fights in the streets are somewhat commonplace. She's less enthusiastic about those, and especially fights in taverns where people are eating, because interrupting someone's meal with a brawl is just plain rude.

She keeps sniffing, certain that she's got the herb's scent, now.]

I think we're in luck.

[godslay]

[ “Have you done a lot of combat training?”

Gamora doesn’t laugh, because it takes a lot to make her laugh, but she does huff a short breath that might seem vaguely amused. Her life was little more than a string of unending combat and training, ever since Thanos took her. ]

I may have to look into that. It would be easier than hunting these things down.

[ She may opt out of searching for these sorts of herbs in the future, if only because it’s more of a pain than the silver is worth.

She gestures ahead of herself with a nod. ]

Take the lead, then.

[kaleorbekaled]

Jobs like these are a good way to explore the world. For just paying the rent, the fighting rings are much better. Or for more regular hours, there's the Guard in Olympia, but that's more patrolling than actual fighting.

[Which is a good thing since that means the Guard is an effective deterrent, but she doesn't know exactly what Gamora is looking for, work-wise. She doesn't know if she'd prefer to have a lot of leisure time, or if she'd rather stay busy.

Dutifully, she takes the lead and sniffs at the air. The passage starts to become a little more narrow, but fortunately for the both of them, it never gets quite so tight that they can't fit through it. At the most narrow, they'll have to walk through sideways one by one. It widens again, and there it is. The herb. Luckily for them, there's not one, but four of the bulbs. No wonder Kale picked up the scent. They hit the jackpot, in terms of the Rhocea herb.]

Oh good!

[godslay]

( overflooooow! )