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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

[ 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.

[Never one to turn down food, Kyna grins and plucks one of the... whatevers from his plate. It's something tiny and unrecognizable and probably insanely expensive. There's no crickets, at least.]

Thanks. I like the bowtie.

[ It's a little savory cheese and veggie puff thing, no crickets in sight and clearly made with fancy ingredients most of the Displaced probably can't afford. Wash certainly can't.

He reaches up and touches the bow at his throat when Kyna mentions it, looking almost proud for a moment. She might be kidding, and he does feel ridiculous in this getup, but:]

I can't believe I actually managed to tie the damn thing myself. I've never worn anything like this.

[ Which is a natural segue into... ]

That suits you, though. Did you buy yours or rent it?

[ 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?

Sounds too Fifty Shades for me.

[Plus, that empathy bond thing means sex is right out for her. Yikes.]

This whole thing is bullshit, anyway.

[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.

[Oh, there he is. And he looks kind of miserable. Kyna loops her arm through his and offers him the glass of wine she snagged for him. Every little bit helps, right? She's definitely not worried about what this might be dredging up for him.]

Yeah, these people suck. You okay?

[He accepts the wine with ease. He's not looking to drink too much considering the reason he came here, but a glass or two? He definitely won't turn that down.]

I am fine. I'm simply used to being more invisible.

[Then, as a dry afterthought.]

But the clothing is unbearable. Why do humans insist on being so uncomfortable all the time?

[Right. The clothes, which she has been trying very hard not to check him out in all night. Those clothes. And now that he's brought them up, her response pops out before she can think better.]

You look great in them.

[Good going.]

[Fenris had been taking a sip — it's a big sip, but he doesn't gulp if only to at least pretend to care about how he presents himself, when Kyna pays him that compliment. He pulls the glass from his lips and clears his throat, lips pulling into the smallest smile.

He gives her a playful little tug with their looped arms.]

And you look absolutely ravishing.

[It's so over the top that he has to be teasing her, but her heart still does a pleasant little flutter. God, she's so stupid.]

I have to be if I'm your date, right? [And then she winks.] Does this mean you want to ravish me?

[Maybe the line between 'teasing' and not blurred a while ago, he doesn't know. He tries not to think about it. That's how he's still able to give her a small chuckle instead of panicking or asking himself a million questions.]

If only we weren't in a room full of people right now.

[And if the empathy bond weren't a thing. And if he weren't feeling all sorts of confusing things whenever he did fail to not think about it.]

(no subject)

evocation - 2020-03-07 06:31 (UTC) - Expand

[ Catra for her part is dressed in a suit, the tie hanging undone around her unbuttoned collar, giving her an air of well-dressed nonchalance. She grins at the comment, her sharp little canine teeth glinting slightly even in the low light. ]

I can't decide if it's better or worse than the mask party. Don't these people have anything better to do? At least watching them make idiots of themselves is entertaining, haha.

They're so embarrassing.

[Kyna gestures to a pair in the corner who are fawning over each other with niceties.]

How much do you want to bet they all hate each other?

Oh, one hundred percent.

[ She gives a little gremlin-esque chuckle. ]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually miss the Fright Zone. Sure, everything was open hostility all the time, but at least you knew who hated you.

[Kyna blinks, then glances up at Catra.]

Wait, what's the Fright Zone? It sounds like a shitty haunted house.

Wow, rude. That's my home you're talking about.

[She can't help it—she bursts out laughing, mostly at herself.]

God, sorry. Look, I bet it's still way better than Jersey.

[ Eyebrow raise. ]

... Well, that sounds like a shitty t-shirt.

( He doesn't recognize Kyna from the safe house and while he limits his longterm interactions with people who aren't displaced, the way she treats fine wine gives him pause. He's nothing if not a man who gives commentary when he feels it's warranted. )

Is it nervousness, or being around perceived wealth or charity causing you to down your glass. I asked. It's aged and from what I can surmise, quite a fine wine.

[Kyna doesn't see him approach, but when he speaks up, she downs the rest of her glass almost out of spite.]

Do you think I can put up with these assholes all night sober?

I wouldn't know what to think as we don't actually know one another. But, we can change that.

( He accepts two passing glasses of wine from Quentin with a nod before turning back to Kyna. )

Klaus Mikaelson. I provided the ancient manuscript with vaguely erotic etchings in the corners.

Kyna.

[She wrinkles her nose.]

Where did you even find that?

There are tunnels beneath the city. Caves of endless wonder.

( Very casual. Fishing. Did you appear down in those caves? Did you go on a planned, or unplanned trip, Kyna? Are you like him? )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

kyna medina | open

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first night!!!

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night one —

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