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- dceu: clark kent,
- dceu: diana prince,
- justified: tim gutterson,
- marvel comics: wade wilson,
- npc: ball,
- red vs. blue: agent washington,
- the 100: clarke griffin,
- the gifted: marcos diaz,
- the magicians: quentin coldwater,
- the vampire diaries: caroline forbes,
- the vampire diaries: klaus mikaelson,
- titans: jason todd,
- uncharted: nathan drake
EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: March 13-14
WHAT: A charity event
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Please see the OOC Planning Post for further details!
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.
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.'
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.
nathan drake / semi-open
silent auction // tim.
white auction // diana.
[ooc; if you want some sort of wildcard, just hmu on plurk first at
silent auction
Not used to these displays of wealth and philanthropy?
( Ties are made to sit, lay and be admired. Or, respected. Or, respectful. Not fidgeted with. Klaus isn't really a fidgeter. )
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[ 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.
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( He too gestures, but with his glass in hand to indicate everyone around them. )
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Yeah.
[ He says simply, taking a measured sip of his drink. Nate's free hand reaches toward his neck once more, tugging at the collar of his shirt just enough to show fresh scar tissue cutting over his jugular. ]
She nearly ripped my throat out with her teeth after chasing me halfway across town, so you could say we're familiar.
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I take it, I don't have to go all the way to threatening you to keep her vampirism under wraps? I know there was the public post, but not everyone seemed to catch it. And, some secrets really are meant to be kept, are they not?
( Or else they wouldn't be secrets. )
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...okay, firstly, it kind of sounds like you did just threaten me. Secondly, you're the only one who explicitly said that she's a vampire, so thanks for the confirmation. Third: you made it pretty clear from the get-go that you knew her well enough to have a handle on her habits, which suggests you were already aware she was a vampire - so no big secret between knowing parties, right?
[ Some secrets really are meant to be kept rings a little ironic here when Nate remembers him volunteering one freely back in the beyul, unless that was just a tactic to engender trust, but what does he know? Everyone just thinks he's a meathead who hates wearing monkey suits. ]
Lastly, if I was gonna share that information, don't you think I would've done it over a month ago when I was still covered in blood, for maximum visual impact? [ He pauses, seemingly finished, and thinks better of it as he puts his glass on the tray of a passing server. ] Actually, one more thing: where the Hell do you get off threatening a victim, accident or not? 'Cause if I didn't know any better, it makes it sound like you've got something to hide too.
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But then she hears, "an evening of adventure" announced as the date for the next bachelor, and she finishes up her casual conversation to see who has offered such a thing.
When she sees Nate, she almost starts laughing. But that would be rude, so instead she just catches his eye smiles widely, and when the auctioneer asks for an opening bid she steps forward, dress flowing behind her slightly, and raises her hand.]
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Jesus.
[ He murmurs under his breath in something like mild confusion, before someone else raises the bid within seconds and Nate shifts onstage, starting to feel the heat. ]
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Then someone raises the bid almost immediately, and some not-so-deeply-buried competitive instinct stirs.
Diana cuts a quick glance to the side, trying to see who bid as she raises her hand again to put herself back on top.]
Silent Auction
He's seen several of the other Displaced floating around, but Nate was someone he only knew from a distance. Because despite having struck up conversations with several people in the safehouse, and online, Quentin in person is on the shy side. He's only really approached the faces he knows, and he does know Nate from Red Wings, but it still takes a strange amount of courage for him to get together. Go figure.
Maybe it's because on the network he seemed super Indiana Jones all of a sudden and Quentin gets stars in his eyes easily for that type. Eventually he tells himself to do it already and he does, crossing the room and offering the tray of appetizers.]
Hi. I'm Quentin. [He manages not to add we've spoken before because it always proves he's certain no one remembers him.] Seen anything cool? With the relics I mean.
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[ 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?
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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.
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I dunno. A lot of them look traditionally ancient, and I haven't seen any strange properties yet.
[ There's an unspoken emphasis on yet. ]
...D'you think we give off some kind of energy signature beyond the whole- [ Nate gestures at his (for once) clothed chest. ] Light show? If they're specific to us then it might be quantifiable.
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[Which is part of why he's here taking pictures and storing it away. He has no idea if he'll use them or if they'll all be useless, but academics don't always have reasons outside of 'because I need to know.' Quentin thinks it might be all related. It's too coincidental they're the ones who got them.]
Oh yeah, we'd have to. Because of the light show. [Quentin gestures at his own (always) clothed chest.] Something has to fundamentally be unique about our DNA at the moment to have that sort of response to someone else's touch. Magic, science, some blend of the two, whatever people want to call it, for us to do what we do, our energy has to be unique.
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That said, though, he's glad of Nate's company. Klaus has actual shit to do here for his job, Tim assumes, and he doesn't need Tim trailing around after him all that time either, but standing on his own is starting to make him feel like people are staring for the wrong reasons, so he melts a little when Nate's familiar voice pricks his ears. ]
Pretty much, [ he says, still a little unpleasantly poked by that word since he hasn't directly talked to Klaus about it yet. Kyna's blunt opinion notwithstanding, maybe this is just a friend thing. ] I'm a plus one. Are you sellin' stuff?
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White, though? Really? Blue seems more his color. ]
Yeah, picked up a few things and wanted an in to this shindig since it's full of, you know, respectable politicians.
[ The implication there being that they are very much not respectable in the slightest. He quirks a smile at him. ]
Need another drink?
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[ He jerks his head in the suggested direction, a sympathetic twist to his lips. Nate isn't a fan of champagne himself, though he's been introduced to some pretty good wines ever since he met people better-versed in them than himself. A lot of his liquor preference has been set in one direction strictly because of where he grew up.
He leads the way. ]
Why'd you come, anyway? This doesn't really seem like your scene.
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after the auction
A soft chiming breaks him from his tranquility, and he blinks and presses two fingers to his temple as he receives a message from Nate. Guess the party's over, then.
When Nate finds his way back to the apartment he and Wade share, he'll find the other man leaning up against the side of the building, bathed in the glow of an electric street lamp. There's a crooked smile on his face as he takes in Nate's rather disheveled appearance.]
'eyyy, the man of the hour returns! Get the numbers of any rich lonely widows while you were out there rubbin' shoulders? I hope yer plannin' to split those with me. Always had a thing for those Miss Havisham types, I gotta say. Plus I need the cash.
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If I found any wealthy widows, you think I'd tell you? Those are my hard-earned sugar baby dollars.
[ He shifts his duffel bag off one shoulder, bumping it against Wade's elbow with a smirk. ]
You coulda come, you know. I've got a plus one.
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[He grins at the elbow bump and offers the man a friendly shoulder-nudge in return, marveling at how strangely quick he's acclimated himself to Nate's presence in the short amount of time they'd spent as roommates. Was this how things usually went with cohabitation? He can't tell-- nearly all of his roomies back home had been, er... "involuntary participants."]
Thanks for the invite, but fancy-pants soirees like this just ain't really my style. Probably would've stuck out like a sore thumb. Speakin' of which, those my quiches in there? I've been hankerin' for some of that elite cuisine.
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[ Nate asks with no small amount of disbelief. Sure, he can pull off wearing a monkey suit for long enough to appear convincing, throw in a dash of some conversation that sounds just highbrow enough to get him past people's academic defenses, but he's never going to belong in a society shindig.
He shrugs his duffel off his shoulder, unzipping it and digging around for a moment. Nate withdraws a small plastic bag packed with miniature quiches. He pushes it into Wade's hands. ]
Bon appétit.
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Fortunately, the plastic bag currently being pushed at him distracts him from the sudden troublesome awareness of his own ugliness, and Wade blinks in surprise at how heavy it is. It's almost halfway full.]
Jesus, dude. You didn't have to clear the whole place out. What if there's a quiche shortage among the one percent or somethin'? They'd have to stoop to eating Wonder bread like the rest of us plebs.
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