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

Just for you to not think about work. That's all.

( he would honestly watch the notebook eight times a day if it meant she let herself relax and not pay attention to work for a little while. )

And maybe a good cuddle or two.

Good point. But it's actually always been me who hit on him first. In his head he doesn't think that, but it's true. ( They were high the first time, but he and Margo brought Eliot to bed. He definitely kissed him first and many times afterward in Fillory. He asked him to be together before being rejected. Quentin's been pretty upfront all things considered, but he understands, honestly. ) It took him awhile to get that I'm bi. Apparently I present very straight.

( It's funny, because Quentin never really had a moment of gay panic, so to speak. He knew he was attracted to men. He was shy enough with girls that it just didn't happen with guys either. But it didn't occur to him to really talk much about what seemed obvious to him. Maybe that had been a mistake when being with someone so gunshy. )

He thinks I died for him. It weighs him down. But I'd rather we both live for each other instead. ( Klaus is the only person he's talked about his death with, so he doesn't flinch away from the subject. If anything it's a relief to talk to someone who understands, who is also in that position, who doesn't have as much baggage attached. )

After a thousand years, if someone can surprise you or throw you off what you're used to, that could be an exciting thing, right? ( Quentin smiles at him. It's weird, feeling so in tune with a relative stranger, but he bonds quickly. )

That's right. Damon Salvatore once darkened this city with his presence.

( Nothing brings a conversation down like Damon Salvatore.

As for that... It happened. And he tried fighting against his family's fate for the better part of a year. )

Yes. If only to defy it, or ensure it.

Could he not trust you knew what you wanted? Or, is it that how we present ourselves, even without realizing it sometimes keeps others at bay. ( He's asking the 'ourselves,' but offering it in Quentin's direction. ) I myself have always known how I come off. At times, I even exuded that which I wanted. And wanted to.

( Perhaps. Klaus has never been afraid of speaking his feelings, especially how passionately they are. Except, when it comes to the people he cares deeply for. It takes him a long time to say anything. He says what he needs to with looks, with grand gestures, with conversation, and sometimes with cutting them off completely. Or, giving them reason to hate him. )

Then express that. But, also, make sure you practice what exactly you preach. You must show him. ( But, he chews on that for a second. ) If he truly believes you perished and for him, he may feel the guilt that comes with it. You could try to dissuade it. Focus on what you have here, your lives together, your bartending, your waiting - I am sure you have a semblance of a sex life. That is a large part of what can make a relationship, what can - make you feel alive.

( Klaus smiles at that, however, nodding. )

In certain cases, Quentin. In this case, you aren't off. That may be the case here. ( And since they're in such a deep conversation all ready. ) I very rarely am surprised or thrown, truthfully. Is it obvious this may be? Exciting?

Nah, it's very classically beautiful.

[ and in this cyberpunk hellscape, they need some classical beauty and caroline forbes is it. ]

But if all else fails, I will buy something myself.

[ get that $$$ even if it is her $$$ ]

[He wants her to find this person, but he's going to make her jump through at least five hoops before she continues her search. Despite her desire to win this so-called game, she knows that soon enough it will become tiresome. But she'll make herself see it through; any information is usually better than no information, and she doesn't get the sense that Ball would lie to her.

The way he phrases his answer doesn't escape her--he wants this to be a yes-or-no exchange, but he's offering more. Is it on purpose? She doesn't know Ball well enough to tell.]

I have faith that I will. [Antiope had always called her like a hound on the hunt when she'd caught the scent of something she wanted. There's no denying she wants to find this mysterious artist.]

Are these shrines their first public display?

[ This tray is now his tray. ]

Not everyone knows what to look for, [ Ball offers. ] But you see, I've been looking for a while. [ He offers a wide smile with a mischievous glint in his eyes. ]

Should I be more blunt about it? We don't have to talk in code here! I have enough money to keep any busybodies away. And I do rather enjoy what you've been given to hand out to us.

Edited 2020-03-19 23:23 (UTC)

Now that — that's a good one!

[ He nods his head, delighted. ]

Here's where I could give you a lot of words and nonsense about it all. I know, I know. But no, they aren't displayed under their identity here. You wouldn't be able to pick out their art by similar techniques and the like as a result, because ... hmm, their art is their alter ego. Or their real ego? Is that how you put it?

[ Ball's head turns, shaking. He's still pleased. ]

But the way they make their art known — that's been there for a while. Not all of it done by way of worship, though.

[ well, that at least solidifies it for him.

Ball knows about it somewhat—which isn't terribly surprising. Loki's expression doesn't change, and remains the same. he doesn't even pull the rookie "glance over the shoulder" bit. ]

Ah—it was a rather cheeky joke, if I say so myself. [ of course he catches the meaning, and he turns the words around into something else, still sounding casual. ] But on to the juicier, I suppose.

I fell for someone else, a woman named Alice, but like I said he didn't really go through with the dibs in school. She and I were complicated and dramatic and then I married a woman named Arielle. ( His smile is sweet and sad, equal parts, with Ari. And sad and pained with Alice. Neither situation ended well, but he still had love in his heart for them and always would. ) El, Ari and I were a thruple though. But he got it in his head he was a hanger-on not like, my main choice. I think he gets it now though. But if Alice ever shows up, uh, there might be some mild drama.

( Quentin would like to see Alice again, obviously, but he wouldn't wish her here. She'd hate to be stuck in a place like this with no way out and no magic. And it would hurt her, seeing Eliot and him together. He is more concerned that Eliot would be jealous and insecure, but they could work it out. He knows that. ) But that's one thing the empathy is good for. There's no doubting the way anyone feels when you can just touch them and know.

( Some people here might not enjoy that in a relationship, or in a budding one, but for Eliot and Quentin it's been extremely helpful. Quentin nodded with what Klaus was saying, to show that living here was better, to make the best of this place, and he really was. He glances over at Eliot one more time but knows he can't simply stare at him all night, and besides, he is trying not to blush at Klaus' reference to their sex life. Yes he's a grown man who blushes. It happens.)

It totally would be exciting. ( He grins over at him. ) This is our second chance at life, I would say chase the things that make you feel alive too. Especially if they're cute brash guys who look good in a suit.

[Quentin has seen smiles and mischief like that before and it is very Cheshire Cat-style. The cat who caught the canary, so to speak. He would like to drop the act and not speak in code, fascinated now that this fancy random guy would know anything about it, but who knows what Ball could be referring to. He could think they were all working for a gang.]

I think you probably have to be blunter, yeah. People can't be too careful here.

[Especially not them, being a secret of sorts still. Quentin isn't trying to pull his tray away though, now fully engaged with the stranger.]

A thruple.

( Some modern turn of phrase? The three of them shared something together, most likely including Quentin's son it sounded like. )

Then you fall on the side of the, our bond is a benefit and not a hinderance, argument. ( He takes that in, too. Klaus is too prideful and too secretive to involve his own empathy, even if it helped read others. Klaus believes he's a good reader in the first place. He reads people well. And that aside, when he had power, he could always tell when someone is lying. That is surely something he misses. )

And if my past hadn't included cute, brash guys.

[ Ball does his best to regain his composure. During the EMP, it was easy to feel in control. The garden around them allowed him to ignore the world. The set pieces were exactly what he needed. He had control.

Here, he lacks it. He's exposed. There's a risk in talking so openly, but he's doing it just the same. ]

I'm sure someone like you has the memory of an elephant. I wouldn't use that for you, exactly, but if you dig deep and recall what I said before, I think you'll know what I mean. I could give you a little reward if you recall it—if you need incentive! [ Finally, finally he manages some of his bluster.

If Loki's paying attention, he may be able to guess that Ball is afraid. ]

I'm afraid I can't give much more of an offering. Allegiances and all.

[ Ball's eyebrows raise, and he turns his wrists over, ensuring that Quentin sees his cuff links with the sacred geometry on them. ]

Do you need more?

[ Bucky got an invitation by submitting an artifact for sale— he needs the money, and he figures it'll put the right kind of foot forward at this sort of event. He's been to enough vaguely evil fancy parties to know how to behave himself, but he can't pull off the Tony Stark swagger that comes from being born into ridiculous wealth. But he can advertise his services and skills as someone who can find things that are hard to get. And that isn't a lie, exactly, so it makes a better cover. And maybe he'll figure out what sort of things the people gathered here are willing to pay for.

He sees Kate while she's handing out drinks and brightly colored canapés to a man wearing way too many diamonds. He interrupts. ]

You think I could get some more champagne?

[ Bucky is wearing a simple suit— black jacket, black shirt. It's well-cut and fits nicely but is otherwise unobtrusive. The only odd thing about it is the single dark glove he wears over his left hand. ]

Hey. Nate.

[ He remembers him. How could he not, when the guy so kindly accused him of being "like Indiana Jones," and that's not a compliment Nate takes lightly, if he takes it at all. Usually it's said with derision, and the kneejerk reaction to it is more annoyance than anything else.

Right now he looks less 'intrepid adventurer' and more 'gala attendee,' but blending it is part of the process and it's something Nate has relative experience with, given the kinds of jobs he's pulled in the past. Quentin offers a tray and Nate glances between him and the canapés in amusement before picking one up with his fingers. ]

We talked over the- during the whole kidnapping-and-exploration fiasco, right? [ Nate pops the hors d'œuvre into his mouth, chews, and swallows before addding: ] Seen anything cool with what they do, or just in general?

Like a threesome, only as a long term domestic partnership.

( He and Eliot never technically got married, but maybe they will in this lifetime, if they feel like it. Quentin never thought he'd get as lucky to have two people who loved him, let alone that they'd all be a family together. It was an idyllic life. Removed from all of the drama, all of magic, the destiny on their shoulders, they had a very ordinary and long life together. It's impossible here ... but he'll take whatever version he can get.)

Oh, hm. Well for my relationship I think it's a benefit, yeah. ( He can see why it wouldn't be for everyone though. Quentin's always put his heart out on his sleeve. ) I'm kind of a mess on the inside. El knows that so it's okay, but I'd feel bad bringing anyone else into it. ( Quentin's been very good about keeping from skin contact for that reason; he's not ultimately concerned about others knowing his pain and agony, but generally worried that they'd then have to feel it.

He chuckles and elbows Klaus' arm playfully. ) Are you nervous? There's a first time for everything.

Surely, you don't think in a thousand years, he would be my first, do you?

( Not man, anyway. Relationship possibility? Something other than -- attraction. His attraction to men had been something fleeting. Lucien, as close friends and confidants - but they both cared for another. The same girl. Aurora. And there'd been Stefan. And a few others. Klaus could influence in a myriad of ways. He could politic with the best of them. )

[Oooh, well now he has his full and undivided attention. Which is not making this seem very subtle, all things considered, but Quentin's not really great at being a spy to begin with.]

I'm impressed you can pick us out in a crowd or do you already know who you're looking for?

[There's a difference between something signifying all of them as being different and someone having the intel that would already pinpoint individuals as being Displaced. Aand he's curious to know which it is.]

Oh I assumed you meant you hadn't been with cute brash guys before, the way you were talking.

( It didn't occur to him for a moment that Klaus hadn't been open to men in his past, the ease of which he talks about relationships between men and his very long life seem to insinuate he's fine with it. Quentin raises an eyebrow at him. )

Besides, it doesn't need to be the first time to be nervous about someone special. The first date I had with Ari, I couldn't stop sweating.

[This is far more information than she'd expected to get. She's still suspicious of why Ball is sharing so much with her, but isn't going to question it right now. Instead, she mulls over this information briefly before stashing it away in her mind for later dissection.]

Is their alter ego, then, fairly well-known in these circles?

[She lifts a hand to gesture around at the auction-goers around them.]

Less men than women, if that is what you're wondering. Or asking.

( Quentin's not wrong about the next part. The name he drops, that gives Klaus pause. )

Ari?

Some would say that we have very special surveillance for this purpose!

[ Some. He winks. He shakes his head soon after. ]

But not me. I keep tabs where I can, and I know about your recent adventures. It's easier to know who went along, and who's been here for a while, and all of that. So few of you are subtle about it.

[ Or is it that Ball is just a wordy fuck? Could be both! ]

To the people who want art extracted from walls. Assuming you're referring to the artist, of course. It's my fault I got us all mixed up.

[ He was too delighted, and then he made things complicated! ]

[Quentin means it as a complete compliment. Unabashedly and with genuine enthusiasm type of compliment. He is a fanboy at his core. And Nate also looks the part of Indiana Jones, so there's that. His smile is fast and surprised, because yes, he assumes people don't remember him, and he's flustered if they do. Pleased flustered.]

Yeah, that's right. You said we could talk after so you know, we both didn't die, hurray.

[This time at least. He doesn't usually get people to geek out over history or relics. Quentin's a history buff in the nerdy sense, someone who surrounds himself with books (usually, rip) and essays. If there was any paper to write on, he probably would already be keeping a new journal. So he did something similar through his neural implant. It's not the same, but it will make organizing these photos he's taking easier.]

Either/or. I'm not sure they do anything yet, but I also wouldn't be shocked if they did. [Few weird things shock him.] I'm personally trying to figure out if they're just relics to the earth in general, or something specific to like, us, the displaced.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 9 of 14

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

night one, nine million years later

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject