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

I can't believe you left me talkin' to that woman for so long, [ Tim mutters in an enraged monotone. ] I swear she was tryin' to contract me as her sub or some shit. She would've put me on a leash if you hadn't finally ambled over. [ And he stops quite abruptly near a number of other attendees, turning to face him, and heaving a sigh of relief. His anger isn't genuine, it's mostly just residual panic. He's usually better at this shit, but the D-word isn't usually hanging over him like it is tonight.

All too late, he lets go of Klaus' arm, flexing his fingers a few times. ] Thanks for the save.

( The most she'd done was talk Tim's ear off about this and that, Klaus presumes. But, seeing as his hearing is not what it used to be and he merely observed, he'll take Tim's exasperation for what it is. Warranted. )

Ambled. Really. I could've left you to your own devices and your awaiting leash.

( It's more deadpanned, as they both know Tim was not this bothered. Not to the extent that his voice indicates. )

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention you looked like you needed an out. ( Remember that lesser men have lost tongues in their time for speaking in such a tone. He doesn't say it out loud. Maybe his eyes say it. But, there's something with him and Tim that causes him to edit himself. If only slightly Tim is not aware of his past, his indiscretions, or his demons. Now is not the time to dredge them up. ) Other than your first foray into kink, how is the gala? Enjoying yourself? You know, it's around this time of night people tend to loosen up. There's no need to be jumpy - or jittery. You can relax, Timothy. See this for what it is. A shameless excuse to hobnob and make each other feel more important. You see, Caroline thinks this is charitable, that these donations are going somewhere that matters. It's all I can do not to tell her this is merely a game of Monopoly. And Mr. Moneybags - Or, Pennybags - at any rate, he is the one reaping these rewards.

[ He kind of wants to be holding Klaus's arm again, if only to make sure he doesn't lose him. There's a weird kind of relief that hits him whenever Klaus is around, like nothing terribly bad can happen when he's here. It's a stupid thing to think and he's pissed at himself about it, but it's still here anyway, at the back of his head. Klaus is here, you're okay.

Tim almost physically shakes himself out of that. ] That's a pretty pessimistic way of thinkin' about it, [ he points out, even though he agrees. This is all very transparently for show. Anyway. ] I told you I'm not much good at parties.

( While it's not a stupid thing to think, it is quite a wrong procedure of thinking, but Tim isn't living with almost any of the facts that would make him recoil like so. If he were to ever learn of what Klaus had been, could be, what he was capable of? He wouldn't want to be on his arm now, would he? )

And I thought you were being modest. Or, overdramatic. Nervous for your first foray into New Amsterdam high society and those cosplaying as such. ( But he looks back. ) Forgive me, I thought you may enjoy a night like tonight, even if you didn't completely feel comfortable. If you're having second thoughts...

I'm not, [ Tim says, so immediately that he almost cuts over him. If he left now he'd only be pissed at himself, and a little mad at Klaus for letting him go too. This isn't his wheelhouse, but it doesn't mean he can't be in it. Just for tonight. ] I just never know what to do at things like this. My smalltalk reservoir's all dried up.

I refuse to believe that a decorated sniper who's found himself in a year the likes of which I repeatedly forget the number of hasn't anything relevant or interesting to say. Not to mention, the trick to small talk being made is to listen, to nod, and to ask a question in response to whatever it is was discussed. It shows you're listening. It builds trust. And, if you don't care anything about what they're going on about, then you change the subject, be it regarding your surroundings, the weather, how fetching they look in their white suit, and just like that, the topic moves forward. And small talk is made.

[ Tim's eyes narrow a little, although he's just shy of smiling to boot. He definitely caught that, but he's also definitely not going to point it out. It does make him feel better, though. ] I don't really have a lot of stories worth tellin'. I'd have to make somethin' up, [ he says, by way of explanation. He has stories, but they're not his or he doesn't want to live them over. Talking about people back home just makes him miss home, which isn't helpful either. ] Alright, how about this. Dry run.

[ He used to do this with Mark all the time. Different surroundings – the cold desert nights in Afghanistan and Iraq – and for different purposes – anything to punch through the silence – but the two of them would sit around pretending they were someplace else and some other people, meeting for the first time. They'd pick characters from movies or books or TV shows, even other guys in their unit, and act like them until the other person guessed who it was. Thinking about it now makes Tim feel old. Two kids playing make-believe in the sandbox. ]

Hi. [ He holds out a hand, safe in the knowledge that nothing untoward will pass between them if Klaus plays along and shakes his hand. There's a little smile really playing around his mouth now, and it's audible in his voice. ] Don't think we've met yet, but I saw you across the room and I thought I'd come over and introduce myself.

( A dry run, he says. But, Klaus gives him a raise of the eyebrow. He sees Tim's hand, grasping it in a firm shake. )

Klaus Mikaelson. You are correct. We haven't yet met. It's not often a stranger makes the effort of introducing themselves to me, having seen me from across a room. Was it the color of my tuxedo?

Yeah, it really caught my eye. [ It's making him inordinately happy that Klaus is playing along with this. A lot of people probably wouldn't. He lets go of his hand after returning the shake, already feeling less like he's being stared at from every possible angle. Probably just paranoia making him feel like that in the first place. ] I'm Timothy, by the way. It's a mononym. Like... Cher.

I'm used to being the one with the mononym as most just call me Klaus, but I can leave the mononyms to you. Cher, was it? ( He smirks. ) Are you planning to bid tonight, Timothy?

I am, actually, [ he lies, very smoothly. Timothy, mononym, is a whole different guy. ] I just came into a lot of money.

Hm. What better time well spent than an auction. Me, I'd buy something I could use right away, or something for my family. Even an expensive bottle of something. But, you, Timothy, go to an auction. Surely, one of the pieces has caught your eye. Which one does it happen to be?

Edited 2020-03-13 05:45 (UTC)

Y'know, actually, I don't know yet. Just gonna see where the mood takes me. I'm lookin' for pieces to use as a basis for my art. [ Tim nods, seriously. ] It's conceptual sculpturism, I don't know if you know about this particular art movement. It's very new. [ As in, about three seconds old. ]

Truly. Do go on.

( Tim knows one of Klaus' passions is art. He's never shown him his own pieces, nothing electronic he'd attempted. But, Tim knows what Klaus does for a living, and his affinity for the art there. Not his job, anyway. But, this is a rather fun game and a confident Tim is something else. In this second, he's forgotten other, more unpleasant encounters he's had tonight. Right now, he's speaking to Timothy. Just Timothy. )

[ He almost wants to laugh, but mostly because he actually, finally feels just fine, not worried about anything else, not second-guessing himself. He's fine. Perilously close to having a good time. ]

Basically... And this is actually kind of reductive, to make sculptural conceptualism [ – or was it the other way around? Whoops. Maybe Timothy is just that free and wild about his new art movement – ] basic, per se. But I'll do it for you because I like your suit. Basically, you take an object, and you conceptualise it as a sculpture. And once you have that conceptualisation in your mind, you transfer it into the real world, and you destroy it. With, like, pudding. Or glue. Or somethin'. It's a comment on the economy.

( He can't stop smirking, humoring him, nodding in the right spots. )

That does sound political. One might even call it revolutionary. And what do you call your movement? Most think it's in the technique, and it is. But, certain movements are not as known as others. Some do stand the test of time.

Obviously it's called Timothism, [ he says, with a little roll of his eyes, as if Klaus is missing some brain cells for not realising yet. ] It's already revolutionary in some circles.

Not any circles I move in, but, it is true. I am quite new to this city. I've yet to really grasp on to anything substantial.

( Are they standing closer to each other, or is it just Klaus? He can't look away and he wishes not to. The moment stands, charged, between them, an electricity Klaus hasn't felt in some time and even longer under these circumstances. He finally adds. )

In my art.

Oh.

[ Did Tim know that? He doesn't think so. He knows what Klaus does for a living, knows he likes it and he's good at it, but he doesn't think he knew Klaus was an artist in his own right. It isn't really that surprising. Of course, there's a chance Klaus is just making up his own character too, but it doesn't feel like that. ]

What kinda art do you do?

[ That's a reasonable question, right? That's real smalltalk, too. Tim doesn't know a goddamn thing about art, as these last few minutes have proven. ]

( He isn't This is pretend for Tim, finding his confidence. But this is Klaus. )

I prefer to paint. But, I sketch as well. Usually charcoals. And I have been known to carve. ( He did learn to whittle. ) It's no Timothism...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

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