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

A good array. Our committee went all out for this even, didn't it? [ he remarks, looking at the tray before him. Ball takes a small bit of food, but holds the tray in place, making it so that Quentin can't exactly just leave. ]

Interesting base to hire from. You all seem to know each other!

[ Even if they have done nothing to give that away. ]

[Quentin didn't expect to be spoken to so he's a little startled, looking like a deer in the headlights for a moment, but smooths it over with a genuine smile. He likes people, generally, despite his shyness, and he has really only spoken to the people he knows tonight.]

Yes, sir, it seems like they went all out.

[He thinks it looks very swanky and nice honestly, but he actually feels more comfortable as the help than he would as a guest instead. Swanky is not his style. His eyebrows lift at that, and while Q is a terrible liar most of the time, he is very good at hiding his thoughts when he's put on the spot.]

Service workers who run in the same circles often do.

[He isn't great at making eye contact but he looks at the man.]

It's cool you noticed though, a lot of people don't at these things. [An innocent enough statement, if he wasn't probing similarly.]

[ 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)

[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.]

[ 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?

[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.]

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.

[Well that's just perfect. Not that surveillance would be a shock; in this sort of world it's expected. The technology is there so it might as well be a thing. Still. Ugh. Is it everywhere, or just at the safehouse? Not a question he's going to pose to this stranger at this moment.]

Why are you so interested in us? Not that I can disagree, I find the situation we're in extremely interesting, but I have an invested reason to be curious.

[Then again, even if Quentin wasn't one of the Displaced, he's definitely one of the guys who would be fascinated in them and trying to help them.]

I'm Quentin. And you are?

Around here, I'm Matek! Though not many people have had the chance to meet me before this. I'm not much for appearances.

[ His movement into the spotlight had been purposeful, as had been his positioning with Tempo. It's all about making himself available while he's worried.

It's a risk, but one he needs to take. ]

It's a pleasure, Quentin. I believe you know why I'm interested in you. [ His hand drifts to his chest. ] Though not all of you are so keen. What was it that Ojiro said? Ah, "how do I get it out of me"? As if being chosen for any great thing could be removed ...

You're not much for appearances, and yet here you are. Is there something about this event that appeals to you in particular?

[Quentin's the questioning type, he always has so many questions, but he's trying to be very careful about which ones he chooses to say out loud. The last thing he wants is to pester someone with potentially useful information with his long list of question marks. He smiles at that last bit and shakes his head.]

It's step three in the Hero's Journey. Refusal of the Call. A lot of people end up stuck in it and don't want to be special. But it's not always a choice.

[Quentin on the other hand very much wants to be special even now, a need he is aware of and is careful of since it makes him want to see things a certain way. He's trying to be less delusional these days.]

Are you a believer in destiny, Matek?

Do many people consider themselves on the Hero's Journey where you come from? [ he asks, genuinely curious. It's not off-putting in any way. If anything, he seems intrigued by it. ] After all, how many of you consider yourselves to be on your way to being a hero? Actions, to me, speak louder than words.

[ They don't claim their actions. Isn't that enough on its own? ]

As for destiny? [ He makes a thoughtful sound. ] How are we defining it?

[Quentin laughs quietly and shakes his head.] No, I just sort of live in books, legends, and myths. I love stories. [So everything he does is a story, is the start of one, the end of one, and it just so happens he literally existed within the world a book was written for. That's complicated though. Not for strangers.] I don't think anyone considers themselves on that path, the protagonist never does. The call to action is supposed to be refused because they don't see what's written in front of them.

[Definitely one of those in hindsight situations.] Destiny, in the terms I know, is that there are a predetermined set of events that happen in your life, those moments are already written in your book, but you still have to actively make choices, push
actions one way or the other. The ending could change, based on that.

[Quentin changed his own death, more than once, although he didn't outrace it for long. Just long enough.]

So theoretically, it could be destiny that some of us are in this city at this time with the power to potentially change outcomes.

Yes, yes, I see. [ He seems uncertain, though. Several things that Quentin said caught his ear, but he doesn't know how to address much of it. He'll stick with destiny, as it seems to be quite the flashy conversation topic! ]

Well, by that definition, destiny is a little boring, isn't it? Why does anything need to be any single way? And why would it be? What determines this destiny?

[ A pause. A wink. ]

Or who?

[Quentin has a tendency to talk circles around himself and pretty much everyone else too. He smiles at that estimation.]

Fate is boring. Fate is that no matter what you do, it's all pre-determined. Trying to get around it only causes it to happen. There's no hope, no choice. Destiny you still have some wiggle room.

[He's proven that himself more than once, but it's usually because they make it through the skin of their teeth. Quentin's amused; this guy either thinks he's much smarter than he is, or he's holding a lot of cards that haven't been shown yet in this verbal type of poker. Or both. Either way, he's fully engaged.]

Who, well, the powers that be. Gods, magic, cosmic energy, beings past our own understanding, existence itself. Theoretically.

[Quentin raises an eyebrow.]

Why do you think we're here? My people.

Better gods prefer to see what someone will do with what they've been handed. Assuming they have a choice in the matter themselves.

[ His fingers come up to his face, fingertips tapping against his chin. ]

Granted, I don't know if that means anything when it comes to all of you! Personally, I've thought of you as representatives of a certain god, chosen in one way or another. What we know about those choices is unclear, because no one wrote it down! Not really, anyway.

[ And Ball hasn't seen the inside of the ruins. ]

But even in that, let me tell you a secret—[ Here, his voice softens. ]—I figured you all out by talking to you. It's amazing how confidence can go a long way in getting the answers you want. Mind you, I did have some very exclusive knowledge, buuuut—[ He offers a boyish shrug. ]

Oh I don't disagree there could be some divine intervention and choosing going on here. There's some power at play, it's the only way any of this is possible.

[It's not as if normal humans made this happen, and since they're from multiple worlds and there is a literal god (Loki) here, it's someone on a higher level. Quentin isn't new to being a plaything of the divine, he's also not new to being irritated and frustrated about that. He just wants to understand, it's his prime directive. If he understands, maybe he can solve this for people, and find a way to stay.

His eyebrows furrow, looking a little confused.] I ... really doubt that's true. No offense meant. About the figuring me out part. [Quentin presents as eager, intelligent, and focused, but on the inside he's a mess. And the only reason he's been able to get past that at the moment is being desperate for knowledge. He moves the tray to his other arm.]

I think you want to give the knowledge but you don't know who to yet. You're getting our attention on purpose. [Quentin shrugs, not at all boyish although he's young still.] If it's not me, that's fine, I hope it'll get around eventually. Because all we know is through a limited lenses and we're getting all these clues without guidance.

I've given out a lot of knowledge, but you came to me with ideas. [ There's nothing in his voice that rebukes Quentin, exactly. But the "I don't disagree" makes it seem to him as if Quentin believes it's an exchange of information, of theorizing. Ball knows his faith. ] I've told you that destiny isn't a factor, unless you think a god making a choice means that it's destiny. The rest? Well, that's rather true, what I said. I don't know that I'm hiding anything except the obvious. Unless you think I know more than I'm letting on!

Which god do you think it is? [There are a lot of god options. Quentin hopes it's not the Christian God because he knows very little about that particular subject. He's familiar with others, but he assumes pretty much all of them are real, in one way or the other. Hell, Santa Claus is real, apparently. He's just rolling with it at this point.]

I think you know a lot. You've got that whole mysterious benefactor energy going for you. [The clothes, the suggestively knowing humor, the twinkle in his eye. That or the mad informant, not that he's going to say that one out loud.] I'm pretty new, I just want to know why we're here.

[There's something very earnest about Quentin, a trustworthy nature that he intentionally puts out.]

We've also been seeking new allies.

Well, I don't want to assign action to any particular god. That's not really fair! They're all a part of it. [ The question isn't fully understood from Quentin's perspective. Ball's response seems sincere, at least, rather than an attempt at obfuscating. ]

That said, I thought I was already your ally. Isn't that why I'm here? Should I declare it more boldly?

I'm hoping we don't have to deal with a whole host of gods with their own reasons for things.

[A useless hope since it's not as if he can change it. It's just that if a lot of gods exist and want everyone to do their bidding or have their own motivation, using humans as their little puppets, things can get bad fast. But he's not assuming anything.]

I'm new, like I said, so I don't think I've heard your name before, that's all. I'm trying not to assume things as an alien here.

[This is not the first time that Quentin gets the feeling he's out of his league in terms of someone knowing a helluva lot more than he does. Whoever this is gets this place and them possibly more than they do, so he can't outthink previous knowledge. Only try to get some of it himself.]

If you're already one of our allies, than thank you, I guess.

Ahhh, hmm. [ Ball does appear to be somewhat abashed at this understanding. ] I thought you were aware when you walked up. That explains a great deal. I'm Ball. In short. My apologies for not being more obvious. Given the conversation topic, I thought you knew!

[ Quentin has a fantastic poker face, so he doesn't react with the wide-eyed open-mouthed response he feels like to that, but his eyes are very bright and focused, and he's clearly delighted, his energy raising, his full attention even more razor sharp.]

Mr. Ball, I'm so glad to meet you. I've been wanting to find you since I was first told about you and your people.

[Yes, perhaps from their conversation he should have gotten that, but he also could have assumed this was someone who agreed with the ideas and had interest. Or someone from Ball's group, which was what he was starting to think, but Ball himself. Now he doesn't have to rely on Loki.]

To talk about exactly what we are now, so I probably should've known, but. [He didn't! Shrugs.] I was hoping you'd tell me more about what you already know, about the divine here, about the powers that be. The myths and stories that people don't usually believe, but may be true. I was told you're the one who would know.

That's a lot to cover in one conversation! [ For Ball, it's less a matter that he doesn't want to talk about it, and more that talking about it here is less than adequate. Besides, he leaves most of the chatter to those who make the shrines and help out at the various harvest festivals around town. He has to be careful about how much he exposes himself. ]

Unfortunately, I will say this. What myths we know vary, and that's because our gods interacted with people according to how they hoped to worship—not the other way around. That's why the sites of the four gates are so different. I do mean it when I say that they allowed humans to make their own decisions and use their power as they wished.

I know. Especially at, um, a public event. [Quentin understands, legit. He probably shouldn't be this open in the first place, considering, but he's also not losing this chance to talk to someone with information. For all he knows Ball will leave and he won't be able to contact him again.

He listens very closely, considering what he's saying.] Have they taken people from other worlds before, like that's happened recently with this group of Displaced? It's not like they're choosing native civilians here, they're opening parts of the multiverse for us. What do you think we're supposed to do?

There's certainly no record of it! Why would the they need to look elsewhere? There are plenty of people here. [ Simply put, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

He does reach out to pull Quentin closer. Though he holds on to his arm, he doesn't squeeze it tight, merely hoping to make sure there's very little distance between them. ]

No, your appearances seem to be linked to a ... collected effort of sorts! [He frees Quentin's arm and taps at his chest. Ball seems to know exactly where the glowing starts. Unsurprising? Sure. ] That's the key to it all. I'd say that's even more important than the particulars.

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