meadowlarklogs | 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

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?

[ there's a hint of a smile, but it looks less genuine and more scheming. (it's the problem with his face.) ]

I am Loki. You have one of those here, don't you? [ a dramatic sigh. but! ] But that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Unless you wanted more of a riddle?

[ a tease. flirting? maybe. ]

[ Scheming is fine. Frankly, all of the Displaced have rather interesting faces, especially in contrast to those of this world!

(Not that he knows the terminology "Displaced." He's not privy to such things.) ]

You want to know about my Loki? Who said I ever had one of those? Not me, I'm sure. I mostly remarked upon your Lokihood, didn't I?

[ there's a hint of curiosity that crosses his expression, and he purses his lips together with a little hm. ]

Well, they sort of come hand in hand. [ and his voice gets a little quieter, which could fall back into background noise. ] I did see the ruins in New Oslo. While not familiar, it was expected.

You'll have to forgive me — while I'm quite aware of your success, I don't know what lied within. [ He inches closer, which only makes the difference in their heights all the more noticeable. Ball isn't a tall dude. ]

Care to tell me more? [ One thing is certain: he's telling the truth. Ball looks at Loki a bit like an eager puppy. ]

[ and where Ball isn't tall, Loki seems quite heightier in comparison. he has to partially tip over to the side to ensure that their conversation stays somewhat private. there's not much concern about the obvious: everyone has their secrets at these things. ]

That is what I promised, isn't it? But before I pass on the gossip, there's something that I have to ask you.

[ his expression remains rather cool, easy. ]

Do you know who followed us?

[ His mouth thins, corners going tight with distaste. Thinking of them is dangerous, much less speaking of them. Ball had done it freely at their risky little breakfast all those months ago.

He knows better than to do it now. ]

"Follow" isn't the word I'd use, [ he offers. He doesn't say more, but he assume Loki can guess the meaning of that. ]

[ 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.

[ 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.

There are other gears in play here.

[ it's easy to catch, and easy (for him) to look like he still has his composure. there are players above him—and that's unnerving in a way—he dislikes his loss of choice, and especially his loss of control. there's no comment on Ball's loss of composure, he absolutely knows better than that.

it's answer enough, anyway. ]

Well, call it a wrench, I suppose. How do you feel, now that something of that is accomplished? A boost of faith, perhaps?

I'm not the one in need of a boost, [ he says, a smirk creeping onto his lips. ] But it's good to see what's been lost awakened. Even if They sleep, their chosen once were here, and you're proof of them coming again.

[ Even if that evidence comes with a wealth of problems. ]

[ there's a tilt of his head as he lets that one sink in just a little bit. his arms hang loosely around his waist. ]

Proof is a little in the eye of the beholder at this point, isn't it?

[ his fingers tap against his hip. ]

Though I'm aware of the nature of such things. That brings up another question, if you would ... [ a pause, for dramatic effect. ] These ... beings of yours, have they any sort of prophecy? Call it curiosity. I won't be disappointed either way.

You aren't the first to ask me about that. [ A beat. ] Even tonight! Where have your minds been lately?

[ It's a rhetorical question, obviously. Ball doesn't expect Loki to answer.

Evidence? Well, he keeps going: ]

But no. As far as I know, communication was ... more direct. There are some pieces of evidence depicting it. They left room for action, for ways of impacting the world. They didn't act upon the world, but acted via ... [ Pointed look at Loki. ] avatars. Of a sort! No one was forced to do any such thing. Mind you, humanity has a way of twisting such things, but ... that's all up for debate. Even among my group.

[ there's a little shrug at the rhetorical question, as if the vagueness of the gesture is enough. it's curious, actually, but not surprising. ]

I suppose I'll satisfy myself without quill and ink. Er—it's joke from where I come from. Will you humor me for a moment?

[ and he lowers his voice and tilts his head in Ball's direction. ]

What, then, makes them divine? Working through others seems ... well, like they're without impact alone.

[ His features contort with surprise. It's a hard question to answer, especially when it's simply how things are. ]

Haven't you seen proof of them in the world? In what powers they've granted, in what structures they helped make possible? You've seen more than me, and you know of the ... symbolism, of what it could mean to a certain eye. [ Like Ball's, for instance. ]

They simply are, Loki. And we were fools to let them slip away and slumber. [ If that's what happened at all. That, too, is just as debatable.

But they are, decidedly gone. So, he doesn't correct himself. ]

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

no subject