![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
larkers) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
meadowlarklogs2019-06-09 06:08 pm
- !arrival log,
- blade runner: kd6-3.7,
- dceu: diana prince,
- detroit become human: markus,
- detroit become human: north,
- devil may cry: v,
- doctor who-verse: ianto jones,
- gangsta: alex benedetto,
- kingdom hearts: riku,
- kingdom hearts: sora,
- legacies: hope mikaelson,
- mcu: daisy johnson,
- mcu: peggy carter,
- npc: gaby,
- overwatch: soldier 76 (jack morrison),
- persona: goro akechi,
- star wars: cassian andor,
- star wars: jyn erso,
- starfighter: cain,
- stargate atlantis: elizabeth weir,
- stargate atlantis: john sheppard,
- stargate atlantis: rodney mckay,
- the 100: clarke griffin,
- the expanse: james holden,
- the gifted: marcos diaz,
- the man from uncle: gaby teller,
- the vampire diaries: caroline forbes
ARRIVAL LOG 011
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: November 5
WHAT: The eleventh arrival
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Coercion, loss of autonomy. Further notes at end of log.
Awareness comes to you in blurred snatches, cloudy fragments of sound and light, color, sensation. Hazy and difficult to grasp on to, but slowly aligning into focus. A series of regular, rhythmic beeps. A medicinal, astringent smell. The sensation of movement, a low hum and accompanying vibration under you. Your eyes are heavy, hard to keep open, but in the glimpses between slow, dark blinks you see four people in black body armor seated opposite you, as well as a man in dark gray scrubs.
You realize there are others next to you. All of you in white scrubs, hair recently cut but at various stages of growth, restrained by straps across your chests, arms, feet, holding you to the bench under you. To your left, an armored interior door, two more people visible, the movement of streets passing through a windshield. You try to open your mouth to speak, but it's as if your tongue is coated in tar, and you manage nothing more than an empty parting of lips.
The vehicle stops. The guard opposite you stands and comes to unbuckle you from the bench, helping you to your feet. Your limbs feel wooden and heavy, slow to move. One guard opens the back of the vehicle, and false, colored light, illuminating the streets in the distance will first alert your senses of being somewhere else, combined with air that's only cooled with the setting of the sun. The nurse moves to stand at the back, checking each passenger over one by one just before they're helped out of the vehicle, quick and methodical. He doesn't climb out after you, moving to sit as the last passenger is unloaded. The guards keep their heads down. Their actions are quick, firm, but not entirely unkind.
"Stay here," one of the guards barks, right before looking to the guard to their left. "You've got the honors of passing on the message from the boss?" he asks. The woman nods, and then steps just in front of him. "Now listen up, everyone! This is way warmer than I'd ever go for, but he's got a soft spot for you." She offers a twisted smile, as if she isn't keen to play messenger. "Hello, everyone. You're likely wondering how you got here." She pauses to roll her eyes at the joke – because it is a joke, albeit a bad one (in her opinion). "That's not something I can share right now. There are too many hands invested in this pie. But I need you all to stick to the festival, and not go looking for trouble. Don't hurt anyone. Don't look for a police officer. Have fun out there until it's time to process you. I don't actually know how that goes, but the ones like you? They've got it down to a science." She pauses here, looking puzzled. She's read this message in advance, but there are still aspects of it that stand out. Oh, they were warned about the others. To avoid them at all costs, because they'd be looking. "And sorry for the scrubs – I know they aren't great for a party, but they make you stand out. Have a good time. Just don't get arrested out there. I can only pull out my Beijing contacts so many times." This message is read entirely off her neural implant – not that the people dressed in scrubs in front of her would realize that.
After she's done, the last of the guards turn to climb back into the vehicle and close the doors. The engine powers up again, and then the bus is gone.
You're left alone in an alley, with no idea of where you are or why you've been brought here.
Around the corner of the alley, there are many food stalls selling foods in mason jars, as well as a stage off in the distance with people in colorful outfits moving in unison. It seems that you've arrived at some kind of festival, and believe it or not, this is low-key compared to some of the last.
◉ Though entirely capable of independent action and thought, new characters will find themselves completely, unquestioningly compliant to any verbal statement which could be taken as a command or request – and that includes the lengthy message passed on from the mysterious patron.
The message from El comes the same as usual: insistent, not waiting for any active attempt to open it. Scrolling within your vision as if being written while you're reading it.
Well, everyone, it's time for another round of saving your newly arrived displaced kidnapees. This time they're not blending in at all. It's white scrubs all the way. Probably doesn't really go with a harvest festival – is that some corn-in-the-cob in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Anyway, have fun out there.
The New Amsterdam Annual Harvest Festival begins with a parade bright and early in the morning. Rather than being dressed up with large holographic displays with AR functions that interact with everyone's neural implants, this parade is au naturale. The floats themselves are handmade with careful craftsmanship and designs, especially given the lack of wood available in this world. Everything is bright and colorful. Between each float, there are large dancing troupes dressed in lavish costumes full of colors. Some of the dances featured are unique to this world and its future, while others pay homage to harvest festivals of the past, hailing from regions of Japan, Korea, China, India, Nigeria and the Philippines. The garb itself is unique to these regions – relics of a previous world, celebrating the harvest and promise of what may come in the future.
Unlike many New Amsterdam events, there is very little room for technology and heavy advertisements. While numerous subsidiaries provide donations for the harvest festival, they do so with the understanding that their involvement will be obscured. The harvest festival is meant to act as a way of celebrating the natural way of the world, and of stepping away from technology for a time. That said, there is little emphasis on any artificial intelligence or mentions of the Xelkoven War – it seems as if this celebration is meant as more of a pure revelry of what the Earth used to provide, rather than what humans managed to avoid.
Once the parade is done, there is a large festival in progress. Every worker at the harvest festival is there because they believe in this celebration, and thus they volunteered to be involved. Anyone who wants to be there because they chose to volunteer can. As for the native volunteers – a large number of them will be sporting numerous tattoos of unique symbols that have been seen around the city (most notably the Insomniac's Ball and the shrines to the Displaced). They'll look at any of the Displaced that they recognize with admiration, but won't be quick to engage with them.
The harvest festival is just a one-day event, but it's jam packed full of things to do!
> HARVESTS
While the hydroponic farms around New Amsterdam are always working to keep the citizens fed, they celebrate their harvests once a year at the harvest festival. Many of these farms come together and sell their vegetables in mason jars and even create various sauces for citizens to purchase. Want some delicious spaghetti sauce that's ready to go? What about taco sauce or something to make quick tikka masala? These food stalls have everything ready to go – and they're all too eager to share what they've made. The stalls all offer discounts to anyone who buys their jars in bulk, hoping that they can happily impart their delicious and natural foods to the citizens of New Amsterdam. While hydroponic farms on a whole are "less natural" in how they grow food, these jars of food are less processed. What's in there is, for the most part, pickled or cooked down into a sauce, making it so that New Amsterdam citizens can enjoy a flavorful meal.
> CHARITY
In a continuation of the mindset during Halloween, the harvest festival doubles as a site for charitable activity around the city. Gaby will ask Morningstar's people to set up a booth to collect any clothing donations, and it'll be obvious that while this booth is not noticeably linked to Morningstar, it's set up every year in hopes of gathering these clothing donations for people in need. The Morningstar booth isn't the only of its kind, and many of the food stalls with mason jars will also have a box for people to donate goods should they want to help people in need. Unlike every other New Amsterdam festival, there are no food trucks. Instead, there is an all-day buffet that constantly rotates out food so that people who are hungry can have a full meal as the day goes on. Everything is free. However, this buffet includes no alcohol – as if to counterbalance the drunken revelry during the Halloween celebrations, there is none on the premises here.
> FERTILITY
In the past, harvest festivals have almost always been linked to fertility. While fertility is less of a concern in 2511 – thanks to the rigid population control – there is a sense of hope that Earth itself, as well as the terraforming colonies, will eventually give way to a future where these mandates aren't as necessary. For now, the harvest festival celebrates the idea of fertility, as well as allowing the Earth to replenish itself. Fertility is an aspect in that, after all. One section of the festival's stalls is dedicated to this ideal, and has a unique tradition brought over from Japan. Each of the stalls feature large phallic structures on the top, and like the parade floats, these are newly made every year from scratch. In addition, the food stalls also partake in an all-natural popsicle contest (after all, it wouldn't be a New Amsterdam festival without some kind of food contest). These popsicles come in all different flavors – from strawberry to pickle brine – and are all slender and phallic in their presentation.
> DANCING
Throughout the day, music will always be playing while some form of dancing goes on on the main stage. Most of the day, this dancing is thanks to the dance troupes that come in and perform, even though they've already done it at length on the parade routes. Many of the volunteers will be put in charge of keeping these dancers fed and hydrated so that they can keep at it – though they're always happy for the opportunity that the festival offers them. When these staged shows aren't happening, they have interludes where festival-goers can come on stage and learn more simplified versions of the different dances from the Earth's cultural history. Once it's dusk, there is a two-hour long dance contest where these troupes compete with one another, putting on a unique show that they've prepared for the event.
> WRESTLING
The other event that goes on all day is an event borrowed from Korea: ssireum. Multiple people enter this wrestling contest, and thanks to the amateur-nature of it, there is little concern about who wrestles with one another (outside of age, of course). The sport itself involves two opponents holding on to each other's red and blue band called a satba. Throughout the contest, they try to put the other person down, making it so that their upper body touches the mat. There are rules set up to ensure that no one brings any real harm to their opponent, and since it's wrestling, there is no room for any dirty tricks like punching, kicking, biting or anything similar. When it's over, the person who's wracked up the most wins throughout the day is given a sash that declares them "The Most Powerful."
Located under an abandoned hover-bike garage, access to the safehouse is a hatch in the floor beside a rusted set of metal shelves that used to hold tools and supplies. The immediate area is similarly abandoned: full of rundown and dilapidated warehouses and forgotten businesses, where numerous people squat in hopes of having some stability because they can't afford a place themselves. A dark haired woman called Gaby is ready to greet the new arrivals and get them settled in, brusque and no-nonsense – she'll be open for in depth questions later, but will advise everyone to ask the people who brought them in for the beginning bits of information.
◉ The safehouse is a large space with multiple rooms for storage, with the largest of the rooms filled with rows of basic cots set up to sleep a large amount of people. Basic, but outfitted with everything necessary for daily life. A few doors lead to back rooms for storage, medical care and a large communal bathroom, and past the long rows of cots there is a communal kitchen, fully stocked, and an eating area. Privacy is at a minimum.
◉ New characters will be asked to pick their beds, and provided with a change of (second-hand, mismatched and somewhat threadbare) clothes and basic toiletries.
◉ There is a mini-bar set up in the kitchen. The quality of the alcohol inside is akin to what someone might get from the well, but it's well-stocked.
◉ Gaby will make it clear to all new arrivals that if they have any requests or queries, they should contact her or El.
◉ The drugs making new characters compliant will remain in their systems for a few hours after their arrival at the safehouse before finally beginning to fade. They will be gone entirely after a night's rest. In the meantime, they may want to be careful of what others say to them.
◉ New characters will be given rudimentary access to the network on arrival in the safehouse, but will not have their ID set up yet. They will be able to make posts and replies, but their messages will be anonymous and they do not have inboxes yet.
◉ New characters will not be allowed to leave the safehouse until NOVEMBER 09 (JUNE 17). These 4 days are for them to adjust, learn about the world they've arrived in from their fellows, and for El to speak with them and work on setting up their IDs.
Welcome to Meadowlark, newbies! You're now free to post to the network and logs comms. To reiterate, your characters will have no IDs or inboxes, nor be allowed out of the safehouse until NOVEMBER 09 (JUNE 17). At that point it's expected they'll have gotten a good idea of their new situation from their fellow characters, and will have discussed their background and job potentials with El in order for their false IDs to be set up.
As a note: all new characters arrive after the parade ends.
If you have any questions or ideas about how you'd like to get your character involved in the world, please head over to the plot engagement post and drop us a comment! For questions specific to this log, there is a thread below.
Please check out our June calendar rundown for a look at things happening this month, as well as some additional notes from the mods.
As a note to the entirety of our playerbase, we are at 58 players, which is 2 players away from our game cap! This is very exciting for us as moderators, especially as we quickly head toward our one year anniversary! There is a very good chance that this will be our last "full" arrival log for a while, though we have plans (and ideas!) in mind for future months.
As a reminder, AC for new characters accepted in June will be 10 comments across 2-4 threads, while current characters will need to provide the full AC of 20 comments across 2-4 threads. AC will be posted on July 1 at 12 AM UTC and close on July 8 at 12 AM UTC. If you do not reply to AC, you will be considered idled and dropped from the game. We will not post a warning list.
no subject
If the Displaced try to engage them, will they be willing or evasive?
If they are willing, will they provide any explanation about the meaning/source of their tattoos if asked?
no subject
If they recognize the Displaced individual, they'll tell them that their tattoo is proof of god in this world. They'll be eager to point out how the different symbols come together in perfect geometric ways. Oh, and they'll be eager to talk to them in general. No evasion here!
If they don't the Displaced person, they'll just tell them that they're ancient geometric symbols and that they look cool. They saw them at a "cool party once."
no subject
no subject
Like today, a lot of tattoo artists use sacred geometry in their art, so no one would think it strange that they wanted a design revolving around that. The more interesting part would be the number of people with the tattoos, as well as their looks of awe and reverence at the Displaced.
In short, the tattoo artist isn't the lead (nor are they behind the shrines)! We don't want to send you off on a wild goose chase following that. If you want Rey to chase that lead, you can feel free to do so - but it will ultimately end in a dead end.
no subject
What if they asked, like, hey there are a lot of people with these tattoos is there a community or something? Can we follow on social media? And why did you choose this specific geometry, like where did they see it?
no subject
They would say that it's less of a community and more of a following or religious belief. This has to do with their faith. In a world that's so focused on technology, they believe in god and the natural order of things. That's what the geometric shapes ultimately mean: that these different shapes have been found to be naturally occurring around the world throughout history. That they can be found linked to so many ancient cultures is telling, especially since these cultures weren't communicative at the time.
Since Rey had Dream #001 (we linked to your thread due to the size of the log!) some of this would likely sound and feel familiar.
Finally: that's a no on social media! While not everyone is opposed to social media, it doesn't feel "right" for their faith.
no subject
no subject
They'll counter with a question about whether Rey and her companion have seen the shrines! Otherwise, there is the strong, strong sense that their belief is one that's counter to the overall culture of faith and religion in Meadowlark's present. They show their worship through occasions like the ball and the harvest festival, but otherwise are more word-of-mouth in how they express themselves. After all, being opposed to unnatural technology isn't exactly common.
no subject
Basically Rey says her companion took her around to the shrines and they were both very impressed. She asks (mostly to confirm a suspicion) if it's their art or if they know anyone who drew them up personally. And a firm assertion that they would love to learn more about the religion, basically, and participate. However possible. She would also share some of the faith of the Jedi and the Force to talk about some of her own naturalist beliefs as a way of connecting.
no subject
It's not their art, but they know some of the artists! They've set up a couple of the "less special" shrines themselves, with the simple candles and the less impressive style. They'll add that it's an honor to talk to one of the subjects, though they've generally been hands off and will continue to be. They'll also add that they've been very pleased by Markus' work - even naming him by name!
In terms of offering more, they'd talk about there being seven deities in the world, all of whom were involved in its creation. There is the sense that they've been resting for some time, but the world was made in their image. Despite the large amount of evidence that these gods existed, the planet went in a more monotheistic direction (and is largely atheist or agnostic in its belief system now).
They'll be extremely appreciative of Rey sharing her religion. They'd like to talk about this some more, but they know they have to restrain themselves at this time.
As a note, we assume you're still working it out OOCly, but once you do - please let us know who the companion is!
no subject
Kylo will express interest in the nature of the shrine symbology and how it relates to individual gods; Rey will press for why they chose the Displaced as their icons and how they stay in contact with one another/how she or others in the shrines might come to find them if they want to learn more.
no subject
For Kylo Ren: There is no symbolism relating to the individual gods. They're seeking a more generalized image. There is nothing about the symbolism that leads to differentiation.
For Rey: Their arrival is proof of god. There is the sense that they appreciate what the Displaced have done (though they won't use that word for Rey and any of the Displaced, obviously) and accomplished since their arrival. As for contact, they'll express that they aren't that important - but they know that someone who is important will be reaching out to a choice few among Rey's group soon. (This is the same thing we're referring to in our reply to Leigh.)
no subject
Rey will ask about the triangles and the tree of life symbol from the dream, and whether or not something matching their description has any significance in their religion. Rey and Kylo will also ask after who this contact is and how they'll be reaching out; i.e., how will we know who they are, basically.
no subject
The triangles signify a linked consciousness, either with each other, the world or the gods themselves. The tree of life indicates positivity and unity, as well as an interconnected whole. Everyone is drawn to each other in some way.
They'll ask if Rey and Kylo Ren remember the ball from before - they won't reference which one, but given the tattoos, they can likely draw their conclusions that they mean the Insomniac's Ball. There were a few who managed to stand out there who will be contacted now. (These are the four who put in submissions for invites/attention from the ball holder back in January!)
no subject
no subject
They do put on the ball! Or—one of them does, and they all attend. Of course, around New Amsterdam, this ball is more of a rave and a time to get down and have fun. Most people wouldn't link it to any worship or religious event, which seems to be entirely the point. They're also always involved in the harvest festival. It's important to celebrate traditions of old, even those that never got as entrenched!
no subject
no subject
no subject
1. how did they know the displaced had come here?
1a. do any of them know how? (or have a belief as to how)
2. why do they feel that the displaced's arrival is evidence of their god?
2a. what is it about the displaced that they think is so magic/special? (rey will not ask explicitly but is trying to figure out--do these people know they have powers?)
3. if their gods were resting for a long time, what changed?
no subject
For the first set of questions (1-2 clustered), it really comes down to the Displaced showing up out of nowhere, grapevine whisperings within this "community" itself and the fact that they aren't subtle. Sure, they don't post themselves glowing on social media, but if someone's looking for proof of god, wouldn't the Displaced seem like an answer to that? There may be the sense that someone - out of reach of the person they're speaking to, but someone with a great deal of influence - may have reinforced this concept, but it's hard to say. Keep in mind that the Displaced were glowing and touching and using some of their powers all over the Insomniac's Ball. Plus, the shrines exhibit them using powers and healing people - so, Rey may be able to draw these conclusions without asking.
As for the third, we believe that's more of a lack of clarity on our parts! As far as they now, they're still resting as far as this community is concerned. Proof of god doesn't mean the gods are active. It just means that this "proof" transcends any natural boundary of imagination.
no subject
If Peggy was recognised (due to dream shenanigans and the resultant shrine artwork) and approached, would a volunteer show her a photograph of the artwork and/or the video clip in question if she asked why they believe they know her?
no subject
They would recognize her for sure, but they wouldn't have a file on hand to send over to her! They'd be deeply apologetic.
no subject
Thank you!
no subject