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

Oh I assumed you meant you hadn't been with cute brash guys before, the way you were talking.

( It didn't occur to him for a moment that Klaus hadn't been open to men in his past, the ease of which he talks about relationships between men and his very long life seem to insinuate he's fine with it. Quentin raises an eyebrow at him. )

Besides, it doesn't need to be the first time to be nervous about someone special. The first date I had with Ari, I couldn't stop sweating.

Less men than women, if that is what you're wondering. Or asking.

( Quentin's not wrong about the next part. The name he drops, that gives Klaus pause. )

Ari?

Eliot's the only guy I've been with, but when I realized I wanted to be with him, it wasn't like an identity crisis. I guess I'm on the bandwagon of gender doesn't really matter if your heart's already in it. It doesn't apply to everyone.

( Quentin is in a group of very bendy people. Sexuality isn't really something that comes up as a problem. He wouldn't be surprised if any and all of them would sleep with whoever they felt like. Maybe it was their age or maybe they had bigger things to worry about than what made them happy in a romance. He glances over to Klaus and smiles. )

My late wife, Arielle. She found my nervous sweats endearing. Obviously I had to lock her down as soon as possible.

( Quentin is right. It wouldn't apply to Klaus. Not really. It's been beautiful, complicated, and maddening ladies he'd like to keep protected and show the entire world to.

Klaus would and could understand that. After all, it is about who someone would want to be with. And if that someone is Tim Gutterson currently? )

Your... nervous sweats.

( Quentin laughs, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck. )

Yeah, I get easily nervous. I also ramble, blush, stutter sometimes too, it's honestly amazing I've managed to get anyone to date me at this point. ( Self-mocking is one of the things he does best. )

You seem like the effortlessly cool person though. Sure of yourself, calm, not second-guessing everything that comes out of your mouth. I mean, I think the guy likes you. His body language seemed really open and interested.

( Quentin may have been reading into it because he wants Klaus to get something happy, but really, Klaus is handsome and interesting. It seems an easy bet that someone would be into that. )

There is someone for most. You included. You're perfectly acceptable company. One might even call you, nice to be around.

( one being him. )

He fancies me. He has since the first time we met, over inappropriate ideas and bought drinks. It was Carnivalentine's. And, you needn't presume what goes on in my head. Though, I will admit to not second guessing what I say. After all, whatever I do, or say, I can't take back. I can only move forward. Move through. Is that how you think? Second guessing your every thought and word?

( Quentin's taken aback by that, which he shouldn't, because Klaus has to at least find him pleasant company enough to talk with him regularly, but it's still surprising somehow. And he blushes, flattered, giving a quick laugh and pointing at his own cheeks. No sense in hiding it. )

See. Blushing happens. Thank you. So he told you? Good. At least you know the option's there.

( God that sounds so nice. The ability to just move forward and move through. The question hits right at that and he nods; no real sense in pretending otherwise. )

I second guess a lot, yeah. I'm better than I used to be. I obsess a lot over mistakes. I don't think I would change any of them now, the butterfly effect is very real in my world so they probably all had to happen.

I see. And, no, it hasn't been openly discussed.

( klaus still gets to know. )

And why would you. Had I changed anything, I wouldn't have Hope. Clarke asked me much the same thing, albeit in a more patronizing way. She expects me to have changed. To have learned. But, learning is not the same as foolishly believing making different choices would bring better outcomes.

Life may literally be too short when it comes to us, so trying something out with someone worth it? Very worth the carpe diem I'd say.

( Quentin's not wasting a second, really. He's been living all of it. He wouldn't say he's smelling the roses or that life has new meaning to him now that it's gone, but he also isn't lying in bed numb and disjointed. That's why he's here, investigating, rather than staring at a wall somewhere having an existential crisis.

At the comment about Clarke, he shrugs.)

Someone can learn and change but only after they've had the experiences and made mistakes. I messed up and I wish I hadn't, but because I did, I became the person who can look back on it and make better choices. ( After a beat, he smiles wryly. ) Hopefully. I'll probably still mess up.

( He has a soft spot for Clarke though, and they only just met, but something about her really speaks to him. ) I think Clarke's still caught up in some personal regrets and thinks moving past them is the same as forgetting them.

You say literally too short. I lived for over a thousand years, Quentin, and only when I took it into my own hands did my life end.

( But, he's not taking away from what he says. )

How was it you messed up?

( Did he mean, he'd died? That is several steps above 'messing up'. )

I think you're correct.

I mean right now it's short. I don't think you're going to get another thousand years here.

( That may not be the case, for all he knows Klaus may have lost some vampire qualities but has kept his long life span. He doesn't know the extent of what his powers have changed to. But it seems safe to assume they're not exactly in the most safe or steady of positions here. Since people disappear too. He would hate that to happen to the people he cares about, but especially someone like Klaus, who has death waiting for him the same as Quentin.)

Me? Oh where to start. ( His smile is wry. ) On a personal level I wronged my ex-girlfriend in several different ways, which I regret. I also killed a god which seemed necessary at the time but it did lead to my death, so butterfly effects and all.

( Quentin's still remarkably calm about all of it, honestly, but he doesn't know if it's numbness or he doesn't know how to react to any of it or if he really has already made it to acceptance. He's certainly keeping himself distracted which is helpful. )

Alice, my ex, she's a lot like Clarke that way. She puts a lot of pressure on herself to have all the answers and get it all right.

Perhaps not.

( Not like this. He doesn't know. Is he losing years? His healing remains but has slowed. Likewise his energy level and resilience. )

Was that god attempting to end yours or your ex-girlfriend's lives? Eliot's?

( Is dying messing up when it saves people you love? Klaus wouldn't see his sacrifice as messing up. He would see it as the necessary decision he made to give his daughter a future. )

Take it from me, my boy. There is not one that gets everything right. It's never all or nothing. There was a time I believed I knew all, or perhaps, I knew what was best. Sometimes, I still believe it. In the certain contexts.

He was going to destroy Fillory, the planet I was at the time king of, because it bored him. ( Quentin rolls his eyes.) He didn't care about all the people who would die. So I can't say that I really regret it in terms of, it was him or Fillory.

( He probably should feel worse about killing anyone at all, but they got used to fighting to the death when it had to happen. The Beast. Their enemies. At a certain point, it's live or die. )

But killing him led to the old gods taking magic away. And our quest to get magic back led us to letting loose a monster. And that monster possessed Eliot and I died trapping him again. ( Quentin's relieved all over again that he's talking to someone who understands. Who knows what it is to have nothing on the other end of this. )

I ... generally don't think I know best about anything. Unless it's about nerd stuff or storytelling. ( He smiles at Klaus, dark eyes warm. ) You do seem wise though. I'd definitely trust your judgment over mine.

( Well, is that not an answer, Quentin? )

Take proper care that it is indeed my judgment that drives me. I tend to develop a one track mind. It's funny, speaking of myself like this, being honest and taking a look in the mirror. I have my flaws, and they are many, but all I wanted with this - is to get my second chance at being a father.

( Quentin shrugs, moving his tray from one hand to the other.)

Being a parent makes you rethink a lot of things about yourself. I know for a fact the best version of myself was Teddy's father. And I was a pretty good grandparent too.

( He looks over at Klaus with a raised eyebrow, smiling. )

I don't know, you've seemed pretty honest and open with me since we first met. Whatever changes being around her has made on you, it's led you to being a good guy to talk with, take it from a stranger.

I don't believe that we are strangers, anymore, Quentin. I believe we're nearing a friendship. ( Of sorts. No reason to quantify or diminish it. )

( Quentin's smile to that is the slow dawn of a bright sun and he looks like Klaus just gave him a gift. Because he did. Friendship to Quentin is special and important and it makes his chest warm. He's used to claiming people as friends and always being nervous they don't want it, but it means a lot to him to have what he's already felt be confirmed. Even if it's nearing and not quite there yet. )

I'm trying so hard to be cool right now and not be overly eager, how am I doing?

( He laughs because on the whole he's managing, but there's joy in him that's impossible to hide. )

If you just wanted someone to continue to go on drunken adventures with, I'm always up for it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

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