meadowlarklogs | EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

Entry tags:

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

WHO: Everyone
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: March 13-14
WHAT: A charity event
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Please see the OOC Planning Post for further details!

> THE FOUNDATION GALA & SILENT AUCTION

In early February, invitations begin to be dispersed to power players in various industries across New Amsterdam and other global megacities. From famous artistes (one of whom sadly never confirms his appearance) to CoolTalk influencers, banking moguls and scientific pioneers, anyone who is anyone receives a personalized, couriered invitation to a very exclusive event — a silent auction, co-hosted by Joseph Lynch and the New Amsterdam Events Committee, with all proceeds benefiting the newly minted Outer Worlds Foundation. Established after the first gubernatorial debate by Lynch and his campaign, the Trust aims to honor those whose sacrifices have paved the way for humanity's exploration of space by funding environmentally-savvy research initiatives and providing support to organizations devoted to providing a better quality of life for all those who work and live on the colonies.

Of course, even charities are rarely all that they seem. Political journalists and bloggers have long speculated that Lynch plans to capitalize on the social unrest stemming from the recent Mars colony uprisings, and with frontrunner Katelin Jovavich's recent debate missteps on this topic, the rumor mill has been hard at work pointing out just how timely a charitable trust like this one must be. Positioning himself as a champion of the underappreciated (read: exploited) citizens sent out to toil for the advancement of the elite is a savvy political move, and one that proves difficult to dismiss in the polls.

With such a politically-charged opportunity and the promise of plenty of media coverage, the event itself becomes a must-do on the social agenda of many of New Amsterdam's most recognizable names. Elin Zepatka and her philanthropic organizations are quick to lend their credo to the event, along with a selection of art pieces from her personal collection. (Rumor has it they're being donated to avoid having to catalogue their worth in her upcoming divorce.) Also on the guest list? Beyond host and gubernatorial candidate Joseph Lynch, his opposition Simone Durcell will be making an appearance. (Jovavich, notably, is not.) Employees from Ibis and Caudata Tech will also be on hand, the latter especially as a subsidiary under Durcell's management, despite corporate boards still throwing in with the front-runner. Most interestingly, however, is the fleeting promise of spotting reclusive Matek Kattan. The Displaced may remember this name from the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, when Pulsar subsidiary Tempo's newest VP of Marketing pitched in to run community meal programs. Clearly, charity outreach is just another ball this mystery man is capable of juggling.

The auction itself remains as exclusive as the invitations. With the large number of VIP attendees and the stressful year New Amsterdam has had, security remains a high priority throughout. Those without an invitation will find it difficult, if not impossible, to "sneak" their way in. However, with the influx of notoriously particular VIP attendees, the expectations also remain high. To meet them, companies involved in the auction begin to take on temporary workers, offering short-term job opportunities in everything from catering to janitorial work to even checking coats and bussing empty glasses. For those that are willing to undergo background checks and sign non-disclosure contracts, this is a lucrative opportunity to make high hourly rates — and potentially get their foot in the door for long-term employment if they impress the right person!

Of course, it wouldn't be a New Amsterdam event if the Displaced weren't given a particularly special way to participate. As a last-minute addition to the program, Caroline has worked with the New Amsterdam Events Committee to allow urban explorers and treasure hunters to submit rare, previously unseen artifacts from various areas of the globe up for auction. Members of the Displaced who have brought back items and artifacts from their voluntary (or involuntary) treks around the world may want to take this opportunity to make a few credits — or make a name for themselves as charitable members of the community, which may just earn them attention considered far more valuable than a few credits to their name. To sweeten the deal, each member of the Displaced that opts to present an item for sale at the auction will be provided an invitation for themselves and a plus-one of their choice.

> THE WHITE DAY AUCTION

As media coverage begins to speculate on the who's who on the guest list (and what they might donate for the cause), another event is organized to follow shortly after. Not satisfied with extending the olive branch of charitable goodwill to the upper echelons, Caroline and the NAEC begin to draft up an opportunity for all those affected by the recent crises in New Amsterdam and abroad to give back to their community, taking advantage of the upcoming White Day holiday to promote a special, seasonally-appropriate opportunity for giving (and getting) back.

The White Day Auction, as it's formally billed, isn't a new concept. Matchmaking parties and speed dating events have long been part of the New Amsterdam social scene, and while they typically are held in the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the upcoming pressure to "give triple" (still referred to as sanbai in New Tokyo) means finding a suitable gift is still high on the to-do list for many of the city's population. For those that don't have a significant other... advertising alone would make it clear that securing a potential plus one for any auction winnings should be top priority.

To entice attendance, the event just so happens to be in a rather exclusive location — a mansion in the more upscale area of town, typically reserved for events like the recent masquerade ball to kick off Carnivale season. It's the perfect backdrop for CoolTalk selfies, making the first move on a certain someone, or impressing your date with your nouveau riche ensemble.

To ensure all are welcome and able to attend, admission is reasonably priced, and while attendees are encouraged to dress to suit the theme, there are no masks or other requirements to attend the event.

◉ In the east wing of the mansion, those with money to burn can explore the well-advertised Sanbai Selection. Here, potential purchasers can peruse a variety of couples' packages, all donated by local businesses and the occasional affluent individual. There are varying options here, with everything from the classic "dinner and a VR movie" arrangement to a full day's VIP experience at Riverstone's Dream River theme park, to even the more scandalous "Red Room Experience", offered by one of the Red Light District's most well-known brothels. Whether they offer a hard-to-beat discount — like two-for-one couples' massages or a prix-fixe menu at a recent Restaurant Week winning venue — or a rare experience, each of these opportunities are exclusive to White Day attendees. Many of the more popular options will be available for multiple purchasers to collect at lower prices, while some of the most exclusive and sought-after are sure to go quickly.

◉ For those who may not have a date, a bachelor's auction will be hosted later in the evening. Sponsored by one of New Amsterdam's newest craft breweries, the New Amsterdam Bachelor(ette) Auction offers a chance for those who may not have the funds to donate to offer up something else for charity. For those ready to bid, winning a date with one of these potential bachelors (or bachelorettes!) up for auction will grant access to a unique date experience, each tailored to the man or woman on offer's skills and interests. Dancing lessons, self-defense classes, art history lessons — there's a wide variety of options on the table! The Displaced are highly encouraged to sign up as potential bachelor(ette)s, or to bid on each other.

◉ In addition to the various auction opportunities, the evening offers a variety of opportunities for charitable giving! Attendees can visit the multiple full bars staffed by local culinary school students, purchase some of the winning food items from New Amsterdam Restaurant Week participants at reasonable prices, and pick up last minute gift ideas from pop-up shops — with all proceeds donated to the Foundation! Banners and signage all thank attendees for giving, and every so often, video messages from Joseph Lynch on VR screens profess his deep gratitude for the city's endless generosity, with a reminder that 'together, anything is possible.'

> OOC NOTES

Welcome to the party! Just a few reminders:

▸ Players are welcome to have their characters sign up for any kind of short-term job opportunity. No special arrangements are required! If your character decides midway through the night to abandon their duties and try to mingle... well, they'll just have to hope their boss doesn't spot them first!

▸ There will be opportunities for NPC interactions during the silent auction, hosted by the mod team. Keep an eye out!

▸ Feel free to go wild with couples' package options. While most of the companies participating would be from within New Amsterdam, who knows what kind of global opportunities lay out there. If you want to utilize this offer to make connections with a new destination, check in with Plot Engagement!

▸ For Displaced opting to sign up as a Bachelor or Bachelorette, please remember that no intimacy is required. Characters can, of course, voluntarily provide things like massages or dancing lessons, but no characters should feel obligated to be anything more than professionally friendly with their bidder.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[He isn't alone in that, she's certain. She's seen a lot of other displaced here who have the same look about them--as if they aren't sure where to look, how to stand, what to say. Being at events like this definitely involves a huge learning curve, and she remembers it well.]

And what do you think? Do you think you'll attend another?

[Were it not for her job and a particular lead she's currently following on the true artist of the shrines, she would prefer not to.

She reaches out to pluck a tiny quiche from the tray, and is surprised at how delicious it is. She doesn't think there's a single insect in it. Diana shrugs slightly at that, but can't help but smile.]

I've just had a lot of practice. [Her smile turns a bit teasing, and she reaches out to straighten his bowtie just so.] Getting to dress up helps.

[Talking to someone else is helping; at least, it's getting her mind off having to stand on the stage and listen to people bid on spending an evening with her. And that's part of why she'd chosen the "date" she had--it's niche enough, she thinks, to bring in the bids she and her employers at the gallery are actually looking for.

But he's right. It could be fun. She's hoping it will be, honestly.]

A private wine tasting and tour of the art gallery where I work.

[She's already planned out every step of the tour, and is certain that with the right patron, it will bring a needed amount of prestige to Lilly & Moki's.]

What about you?

Hi GW!

These philanthropists would vary in their responses, but if Kal did some research before approaching them, he'd be able to find some history of them doing their best to lead charitable action in New Amsterdam, especially following a lot of the tragedies. Zepatka and Lynch in particular led a lot of charitable movements during Christmas time and were involved with the Community Tables during Kal's arrival (during the Lunar New Year celebrations)!

Let us know if that helps you adjust his approach and response!

Edited (clarification on pronouns! ) 2020-03-06 05:41 (UTC)

a. night two ( open to all )

[Needless to say, Clarke grew up in a socialist society. It was socialist by necessity: privilege was given out via political power and where someone lived, rather than because they had more stuff than someone else. People who had that privilege believed they could do just about anything. A great deal of Clarke's pushiness comes from that.

It's also needless to say that she wonders about truly "philanthropic acts" when people are forced to squat, forced to look for charitable goods, when there should be enough in this world to offer people jobs and a place to live. It bothers her. And, in many ways, she doesn't feel like she should be the one to break or challenge this system. It's not her fight. She's learned where she stands in all of this. But it does bother her.

Clarke doesn't come the first night. Frankly, even if she had something to sell or something to purchase, an auction isn't something that interests her.

No, the second night is when she arrives, Bellamy in tow. Clarke is wearing a long black dress that she's rented out from a boutique, along with simple gold jewelry and a small purse to go with it. She's comfortable enough, but here to be as supportive as she can.

Things she'll be doing:

a. betting on some of the Displaced up for auction. Clarke won't be angling to win, of course.

b. Mingling! Clarke will stop in and say hello to anyone she knows, though she'll always be casting a wary glance in Bellamy's direction.

c. Trying to promote Red Wings even a tiny bit! It's a small business, and she can pose as a young and ambitious entrepreneur. The problem is that Clarke is very bad at capitalism. Once someone starts talking profit margins and how much they'll grow, her forehead will wrinkle in uncertainty. Save her from her own demise?

Otherwise, Clarke will be around! As much as Clarke is opinionated, her issues with this world's economic structure won't come out here. It's not really her place.]

b. social structures ( closed to Bellamy )

[Clarke doesn't think to bring Bellamy because she thinks it'll open his eyes about this world. No, she thinks to bring Bellamy to give him a crash course in understanding how utterly different it is. Working with money at all is strange. Working with money where people can "donate" and it still doesn't solve any of the societal ills? It's a definite shock to the system. Plus, it's good to make him get out.

She rents Bellamy's suit from the same boutique where she gets her dress. It's a simple suit, but with a pocket square. When dressed in it, he almost looks like he belongs as a part of this … society. His shorter hair (and lack of facial scruff) means that he looks younger to her. It stands out. Needless to say, they had to watch a lot of videos on how to tie a tie in the days prior to the event.

Although they walk in together with her hand in the crook of Bellamy's arm, there's little that's romantic between the two of them. She leans in close and adds,] See that man over there? He's running for governor. He's the only one promising charity to his people in this city. [Of course, she's referring to Joseph Lynch. He's practically unreachable, but it's another crash course on how this world works.]

Ha.

[ It's sarcastic from the get-go, the look on Nate's face one of amusement and vague disbelief simply because he's hard-pressed to believe he looks uncomfortable with the circumstances over the attire he's been forced to wear. His hand falls to his side and he gestures at the crowd with the one holding his own glass of bubbly. ]

If you believe it's actually philanthropy and not a thinly-veiled political strategy. [ His gaze rolls to Klaus askance. ] I've been to auctions like this before. People don't get this rich by playing fair.

I think he would refine toward Zepatka and Lynch in particular then, and do his best to thank them for the way they have helped the community, complimenting their philanthropy, and find if they have any projects oncoming that could make use of his talents.

Great! Glad the clarification helped, and let us know if you need more information.

What would he let them know via the reading of his (verbal) resume about his skill set?

Kal chuckles, politely and because that was an interesting joke ish.

[ He grins, hmming to thatr, unsure but willing to extend a branch and see what happens. ]

I am new to the area, yes. Working on figuring out how best to lend a helping hand, or plant a few flowers. [ The last comment comes with a subtle gesture toward the man's cufflinks. ]

They would find that he is recorded as being a hard worker, working all the way as a construction worker and bartender, as well as other odd jobs like security and retail.

And that, since, he has worked his way around the city, doing his best to help out as a volunteer in events, cultural festivals, and city celebrations. His current work would, of course, be listed as the Red Wings bar.

Edited (updated for my bad) 2020-03-07 01:09 (UTC)

They would recommend that he go through a number of PRESERVE's training courses to help the city in a crisis, especially since PRESERVE has taken up a more permanent posting in New Amsterdam because of the innumerable crises over the past year.

He'll also be fed a line about signing up for their newsletters, but these newsletters are ways to find out about more functions and charitable events before they're publicly known!

As an additional note, Lynch would mention that he's aware of the Red Wings bar opening, and expresses his surprise that the property remained unoccupied for so long. In addition, he wishes Kal the best in helping the new business flourish.

night one

[Kate had to sign up to work the event to get in, so she spends the first couple of hours in a ridiculous uniform with a button up shirt, vest, and stupid little bowtie handing out champagne. It's pretty obvious, though, that Kate isn't really focusing on her job. She gets scolded a couple of times for not paying attention, or for not hopping to replace someone's empty glass quickly enough. It sucks, and she hates it.

Later, though, when she's certain her boss is too busy to pay attention, Kate sneaks in back, grabs her bag, and changes into a long, lacy black gown. This part is much easier—she's been attending galas like this since before she could walk, so as much as she hates to admit it, it's easy for her to fit in. And hey, if anyone recognizes her, she can just fake that sort of overwrought rich girl offense that instantly scares most people off.

God, she feels gross. But hey, time to mingle and hope her sucking up doesn't make anyone she knows judge the hell out of her.]

night two - up for auction

[Kate signs herself up for the auction, because it's the easiest way to get in the second night without trying to ditch an employer. Unfortunately, she couldn't afford two wastefully expensive ensembles, so she's wearing the same dress. That's kind of a faux pas and she knows it, but she's pulled her hair back into a complicated updo and she's done her makeup differently, so hopefully it looks like some kind of intentional choice. Back home, she would have done it as a statement against wasteful spending, but she's not going to risk that right now. Better to look like she approves of all this ridiculousness.

Whoever bids on her gets private archery lessons, because... Sure. There's no way in hell she's offering anything more "intimate" than that. And until the auction starts, she mingles again. Anyone savvy enough might notice that, more often than not, she looks mildly disgusted by the whole event.]

night one

[Kyna is only here because Fenris is here, and because she didn't want him to deal with this crap alone. She has never, ever been to anything like this. It's ridiculous and overwhelming, and she feels utterly out of place in her rented gown. Despite the lack of modesty of her plunging neckline, she's wearing long, opera length gloves to avoid risking any empathy bond shenanigans, and those feel weird, too.

As soon as she spots someone with a tray of wine glasses, she snags one, and takes a drink that's less a polite sip and more of a mini chug. She's going to have to get at least a little tipsy to get through this, and as soon as she sees someone she recognizes even vaguely from the safehouse, she sidles over. Complaining is a foolproof plan, too.]

Can you believe this shit?

night two

[The second night is... easier, mostly because Kyna has gotten her nerves out on night one, and the date auction gives her something silly to focus on. This is some reality tv style ridiculousness, in her opinion, and she finds it hilarious. Again, the name of the game is getting tipsy, but this time Kyna is also giggling at some of the things up for bid. A romantic massage? A goldmine. If she weren't so broke, she'd be bidding just for the fun of it.]

Oh my God, the "Red Room Experience" sounds like a fucking torture dungeon.

[Impeccable manners.]

[Bellamy hates the suit.

It's well made, sure. It's certainly the nicest thing he's ever worn, but he can't move freely in it, and the tie feels like it's choking him. He's doing his best to ignore it and fight the urge to loosen the knot. Somehow, Clarke pulls off her gown much more naturally.

Maybe part of it is that Bellamy hates... all of this. There was never this stark of a class divide on the Ark, but there were still subtle differences between those who had higher social standing and those who didn't. Everyone had access to the same resources, sure, but he and his mother were looked at differently than people like Wells and Jaha.

This is that cranked up to eleven, and try as he might, he can't stop thinking about Octavia. Maybe it's because, back on the Ark, he'd screwed everything up for the chance to let her experience a party, and she would have died for one like this before everything went wrong. Maybe it's because now that he knows she was here, every fiber of him is itching to find her.

But Clarke is right, and he needs to understand how this place works. As much as this sort of thing has never been his strong suit, he's still trying to live by Clarke's pragmatic lead, like he'd promised himself he would. Her presence is grounding as always. It's enough for him to focus, eyeing Lynch across the room.]

What's his definition of "charity"?

[ Drake is savvy enough to notice the expression that Kate is trying to hide, which is interesting considering he saw her backstage signing up for the auction. He makes his way over casually, a drink in his hand and an easy manner to him like he's right at home -- he's not, but he puts on a good act. The fact is he can't remember the last time he wore a suit like this... probably high school prom, and it's not the most comfortable thing. ]

Anywhere but here?

[ Wash is only here because he's working it, he can't pass up any opportunity for money and this gig is paying nearly a week's salary for him. He's got a tray of appetizers and is making the rounds offering it to bidders and gawkers alike when he spots Kyna snagging wine off a coworker's tray.

It's only been a few days since he moved out of the Safehouse but he hasn't spoken to her since New Oslo... does he approach now, when he's dressed up like a penguin and feeling about as comfortable?

Turns out he doesn't have to debate long whether or not to approach her, she comes over to him with glass in hand and expresses a similar sentiment to the one he's been feeling all night. His lips quirk up. ]

I've never seen anything like it, actually. I guess the party we showed up in is the closest thing.

[ Almost as an afterthought to what he's meant to be doing, he offers her his tray. ]

...they're actually really good, might make this easier to deal with.

[ Speaking of getting tipsy, enter Trevor Belmont... who's absolutely taking advantage of the open bar here, even if he has to go onstage later. He isn't worried, he's a very high functioning drunk. But the actual bidding on him won't be for awhile yet so he's also looking at the other offerings -- some really are ridiculous. The things he recognizes, anyway. What even is a "spa treatment"?

The woman next to him giggles and he peers over at the digital card she was reading. Oh.

He smirks. ]

That sort of thing appeals to a great many people. Not you, I take it?

I meant here, Klaus.

[ as in, what's been done to them. what's changed them, in ways that even klaus cannot explain or repair. something's been done to them well beyond the ministrations of a cloned doctor with a discomforting smile. ]

We're different now. We all are.

[ she laughs, bright and cheerful, and squeezes his hand in hers; the laugh is a sound that turns a few heads for its ebullience, but when they turn in her direction, caroline only shrugs. the attention doesn't bother her. not right now. ]

Scandalous. I like the sound of that.

[ they didn't have to do anything. they could just sleep, maybe eat some snacks, watch a few movies. just relax. ]

We could start tonight, if you want? After all this is done? My boss said I can take a couple days off, since we hired a crew for clean-up.

[ in truth, caroline doesn't exactly remember most of the people she met with during her ripper spree. she'd been a little preoccupied, her brain a little fuzzy. but she recognizes the attitude just fine. ]

What? [ her hands splay out at her side, as if to say, do you have something to say to me? ] I work here, what's your excuse?

[ she'd meant to drink the glass herself, but the voice stops her, her whole body spinning on one very narrow heel as she turns to take in the interruption. she doesn't know him, but she's seen him — with klaus, of all people, interestingly enough, talking and walking and standing together just close enough to make caroline wonder just what exactly was going on.

not that she cared in that way. she wasn't jealous, not even in passing. regardless of how she might have felt about klaus mikaelson at one point in her life (here, in new amsterdam), that was a different klaus. one who treated her like a peer, instead of like a daughter.

now, being jealous of this man would be like being jealous of someone dating her own father. no, thank you. she'd rather not.

better to just hand off the champagne before her brain is filled with more things she doesn't want to think about. ]

Okay. [ if you need it so badly, here you go. ] I like your suit. Very Saturday Night Fever.

[ good save, caroline. ]

[ it's a wonder stephen strange gets anything specific from her thoughts. her mind has been running a mile a minute (a blur, if you will) for days, and though physical exhaustion creeps at the edges of her conscience, it's the mental marathon she's running that's beginning to wear her down.

she could use a break, to say the least, but the night's not over yet. she won't get a true rest until the weekend's come to a close. ]

It's a good turn-out, [ she acknowledges without looking; polite and warm, if not leaning a little too hard on the former. it's not until caroline takes another breath that she lets herself turn to acknowledge the person now and not just their words, and it's then that she exhales with surprise, a flutter of her lashes betraying her unease. ]

I'm not — I haven't done anything.

[ the last time she saw him, he paralyzed her. it's natural for her to be a little nervous. ]

Oh, flowers. Well. It seems that you've opened up quite a few gateways to managing that yourself, haven't you?

[ Ah, he loves double speak. Sometimes Ball feels like a double agent. The issue is that he's nothing of the sort. Barely trained for this. He does love word games, though. ]

I'm rather proud of that, by the way. I knew you could do it.

Well, I'm here, aren't I?

[ More specifically, he motions to his face. While most people didn't know what he looked like until recently, someone like Loki always had that in his back pocket. ]

No point in being subtle when you could've passed the memo along! Though you're not very for the straightforward messages, are you?

Jesus fuck, you're running a goddamned charity after that shit?

[ that's it.

that's what he has to say. ]

This is the most Gotham bullshit I've seen here.

[Fenris already had a special disdain for parties like these, with the wealthy noblemen and women in their ridiculous jewelry and hats. Granted, he has to admit the fashion sense is not nearly as ostentatious as what he's used to seeing, but he hates it all the same.

So far he's been spending a lot of time watching, listening, but at some point he makes his way back over to Kyna, glad she came along with him even if he was busy trying to gather information most of the time. Were he alone, or with anyone else, he wouldn't even conceive of taking a break, but...]

I hate this.

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Page 3 of 14

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

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clarke griffin ( night two )

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kate bishop | open

kyna medina | open

b!

night two

night one

night two

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first night!!!