EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

[gasping]

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.

Comments

for Diana ( closed )

[amstrdm]

[ ooc: Branching off of this plot engagement thread, which will have a reply explaining things more clearly shortly! ]

[ Ah. Ah, she's so tall! So majestic! So ... specific in her markings that evening. Far too obvious in how she's dressed for whose eye she's sure to be trying to get.

(Ball knows who it is: he's the one who passed around the rumor to cause a little trouble. All in good fun, of course!)

When she has another failed conversation about the shrines—failed only in that they all agree that the artist must not be Kovacs, and that the true artist is bound to care about an event like this—Ball sweeps in, tapping her elbow lightly. He rocks back onto his heels before she can respond, an easy smile gracing his lips. ]

You look positively dashing. That is what I should say, yes? We match, after all. [ He turns his wrists to show her the cuff links with the similar symbolism. ] Unfortunately, they aren't too keen on matching. Perhaps I should've been clearer?

[monomachy]

[The evening has been... disappointing. Not discouraging--she's met quite a few people she's confident will find their way to Lilly&Moki, and she knows the owners will be pleased by the boost in patronage, and that means she'll be able to bring up the shrines' artist in conversation more conveniently. What's disappointing is that nobody seems really know who the mysterious person is, or if they're really at this event at all. But such is the nature of the rumormill, right? At least this is a starting point.

When this particular conversation has ended as a dud, she's just starting to scan the crowd for another promising group to join when she feels a light touch at her elbow. For a split second, she's surprised to see Ball--but she really shouldn't be. Of course he'd be at an event like this.

The smile she returns at the compliment is automatic, but not insincere; she'd taken great care with her outfit and jewelry, and appreciates his words. Her gaze dips to see his cufflinks, and she breathes a quiet ah of understanding as she catches his meaning.]

Clarity is always appreciated. I take it you're acquainted with them?

[It's a guess. But guessing has comprised most of her evening thus far.]

[amstrdm]

Very, very! [ Quite notable is the fact that Ball doesn't look around the event for a way to hint to Diana where she should be looking. Even if she did know, the person in question would give her the cold shoulder. Ball knows that. Diana will likely know that soon enough. ]

Both of us aren't keen on the spotlight. I prefer to allow people a certain comfort, a certain experience—though I had no choice but to be here, considering certain recent accomplishments. [ He flashes her a knowing smile after that. ]

As it is, let's make it a game. [ A beat. A cant of his head. ] You can ask me up to five yes or no questions about the person whose attention you hope to get. Think wisely. And don't waste it on pointing at anyone around the room. I have more intimate knowledge than that.

[monomachy]

[The fact that he doesn't look around is indeed noted, but she doesn't bring it up. Ball doesn't seem like the type to have such easy tells, and it would be foolish to assume he would be so obvious.

Instead, he offers her a game.

She returns his smile, and she can't hide the competitive edge in it. While Diana isn't usually one for games, her interest has been piqued, and her spirit demands she follow through on this investigation. And he's already given her a clue, which he probably realizes: that the artist doesn't like the limelight. It isn't much to go on, but she'll chalk it up to six pieces of information instead of five.]

I suppose one is never too old for games. [Though she's referring to herself, she doesn't actually know how much he knows. Belatedly, she hopes he doesn't take offense.

She tilts her own head, a mirror of his, considering. She has no guarantee he'll answer honestly, and it isn't as if she'd stoop to using the Lasso on him to make sure he remains true. It would be an affront to the gods to use it for something relatively small, in the grand scheme of things. No, she'll just have to take this leap of faith, and send a prayer up to the spirit of Zeus that she doesn't fall flat on her face.]

Did they attend tonight's auction as an invited guest?

[Not everyone was. The artist in question could be a plus one. But based on Ball's choice of rumor, she's fairly confident in the knowledge that they're here, and guest lists can be acquired. Either way, it may give her a starting point.]

[amstrdm]

Hmm, a fair beginning, [ he says, judging her question. Ball knows that one of the Displaced are behind this event — which is part of why he chose it as a rendezvous point. And why not? ]

But no. I wish it were as simple as that! I know that I want you to find them.

[monomachy]

[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?

[amstrdm]

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.

[monomachy]

[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.]

[amstrdm]

[ 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! ]