Intro Log: DIY Survival

[hadrielmods]

What: The intro log for July
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: July 10th-14th
Warnings: Who's that Pokémon?

You wake up on an alien planet. All around you are things that might be familiar- rocky ground, stone columns of a colosseum, overcast and dreary clouds above- but there's a lingering doubt in the back of your mind that you're not where you should be. Nearby, there are a dozen or so other people going through the same thing, so maybe you can stop and say hello... or, if you're more of an antisocial type, you might sneak away before anyone takes special notices of you.

Be careful of sneaking too far though, because you may run across an unfriendly Kabutops! From the Pokémon franchise, Kabutops is a prehistoric creature with scythes for hands that can cut through the water (and human flesh) like it's nothing. Its skin is rough and difficult to penetrate with basic weapons, and contrary to what anyone canon-savvy may expect, they are impossible to tame- so you might try to run while you can.

If you manage to escape from the pointy dinosaurs, you may find some hip new ways to accessorize! Strewn about the ground with the new arrivals are an assortment of bedazzlers in various states of functioning! They may only have two stars on Amazon, but Bedazzlers are a cultural landmark, easily used to bling up your lifestyle! Alongside the various equipment are, of course, various studs, gems, sequins, rhinestones, and anything else that you could possibly attach to some clothing or hand towels or curtains or underwear with a Bedazzler kit. Happy crafting!

If you've finished collecting all you need for your new home decoration, you can explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers July 10th-14th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

Speakeasy mingle. | OTA

[circumitus]

It's healthy to celebrate milestones, right?

Of course it is!

That is why, just a couple days after the Door invites the newest victims gracious guests to the city, there will be signs posted around the north, east, and west islands: "The Speakeasy Partyversary!" with a few "???" underneath.

No RSVP required, just haul your butt in one of those cute boats to the southmost island to a bar that now reflects somewhat ironically on the proprietor herself: Walls are covered in red curtains with bizarre artsy pieces resembling shapes reminiscent to a spiral flame, or close enough to it. The dance floor just before the stage bears the same hot theme with red, orange, and yellow lights from above giving the floor below a little more life. More fiery shapes light up the walls in reds and yellows as well.

Some tables are adorned at the center with mini cauldrons, as well as a new indoor firepit installed, for those wanting to seek shelter from the chilly island weather -- and yes, it's real and it's hot, so don't touch unless you're immune to fire. Or that's your thing. We won't judge.

In addition, there is a drink special this time: Some sort of flaming cocktail. What is it? Who knows. Rey made the concoction herself using some ingredients she had improvised with, and somehow managed to maintain some sort of drinkable fire. It has a dry scent and a taste of myriad spices mixed with brandy. Just be careful not to drink too fast -- the cocktail has a mysterious psychedelic effect that will cause mild hallucinations. Nothing life-threatening, for sure.

As usual, the lounge is supplied with much more food and refreshments -- some alcoholic, some not. Just don't go asking for burgers and nachos, or you might be punched.

Otherwise, dance, belt out some pop song that half the city population has probably never heard of and wants you to stop. Have a drink, where the bar has an array of self-serve liquors and other refreshments, as well as a bartender to make you some special cocktail with a stronger kick. There's also beer, wine, absinthe, and even mead if you fancy.

For an oddly more quiet evening, the Game Room holds a wide variety of recreational activities to maybe keep you engaged enough. Between the casino style activities, you can find board games such as checkers, chess, and Battleship, and even an arcade machine with many two player options and several games.

What a nice time to be burning daylight.

[ooc: This is the monthly Welcome Dance Night! Consider this an open mingle thread for both old and new folks alike. Tag in, tag out, hit up your friends or rivals or meet new people. Assume that this is set around the 12th.]

rey. | OTA

[circumitus]

Who wants some of that bizarre flaming brandy? Rey's probably the one most comfortable with making it, adding some caveats that it might pack a punch and even trip someone out if they're not careful. If anyone asks, she'll just say something along the lines of, "Just a classic with a personal touch."

Any attempts to get more information, any secret ingredient or method, will be quickly dismissed. Can't risk the chance someone would steal her trade secrets, right?

Whatever she did, it might explain some of the mild hallucinations after finishing a drink of the spicy flaming brandy. You won't be wanting to jump off buildings thinking you can fly, but you might see colors a different way than before, or be visited by a tophat-wearing polka dotted giant alcohol cat sharing Sanskrit proverbs.

For most of the night, this is where Rey will be -- down in the Speakeasy with the music, the 'fire' and the lights, even when she takes breaks to settle into a booth with a drink of her own. There's something oddly comforting about the atmosphere overall. Like this is where she should be.

[abyssalarcana]

It's on a night not long after Rey has added this to her collection of drinks that Caedra swings through the bar and spots someone walking away with a very familiar flaming drink.

The surprise draws a short laugh from her, and she trots to the counter, clearly very enthusiastic about something.

"Rey! You shouldn't have," she teases once she spots the constructed woman. "You brought my drink here. How thoughtful."

[circumitus]

By the time Caedra enters the bar, Rey is making herself a drink as well. She needs something to unwind after spending the last few weeks in total sobriety due to avoiding Love's influence; now she can indulge in whatever the hell she pleases.

While she shouldn't be surprised by Caedra's usual blast attitude, there is something irritating about it considering the last time they spoke. The muscles in Rey's face tighten for a moment before she takes a sip of bourbon from a rocks glass.

"Was feeling inspired. It's not exactly the same as Chicago's, but it has a similar effect." Rey's demeanor remains impassive as it ever can be as she downs her glass in one swallow. "Take it you want one, if it's apparently your favorite now?"

[abyssalarcana]

"Well, it's my favorite of what your nonmagical capabilities seem to produce," she replies with a smirk as she hops onto a seat and reaches for the little glass full of fire. And no, she can tell from the scent alone that it's not exactly the same, but they all have to make do here with what they can find. It seems acceptably close enough, especially as she has a sip, enjoying the tickle of drinkable fire against her face.

"Those - what did you call them... Grinders? What's the most unusual modification you've ever heard of one having?" she asks, thinking back on the dream. So many people seemed to use themselves for fashion statements, which she can appreciate but hopefully some of them are a little more creative than that. Rey had mentioned most of the normal uses. She'd like to hear an abnormal one.

cw: mentions of body mutilation.

[circumitus]

Such a compliment should be flattering, for how much it's worth. Coming from Caedra, that worth is questionable at best.

She just shrugs, sliding over the burning glass towards the other woman as she thinks. Upon first taste, the spices are certainly more defined, given that Rey was working through trial and error and didn't want to waste good brandy. But the liquid is much darker, almost a red-black underneath the blue flame. Moreover, it's bite is by far stronger than the underground bar in Chicago, even someone like Caedra would no doubt notice.

"Have seen people do a combination of pretty weird shit. Ocular tattoos, for one thing -- some ink their scleras in order to make their eyes look sort of like yours." She tips her glass towards Caedra, indicating her pitch black eyes. They never bothered Rey before, and that's probably why. "You can take out your eye entirely for a cybernetic implant. Mn, what else... Have seen metal horns, claws, tail. One of the most messed up things this one guy did was go so far to have himself surgically castrated, then replaced his junk with a robot cock, no joke."

Most of the time, Rey doesn't get people. But that almost makes sense.

[abyssalarcana]

It's also not even necessarily true. It's a good drink, though, she will admit that much - and the stronger bite? An upgrade, in her opinion. It singes as it goes down her throat, as if the fire was as dangerous as it looks. Makes everything feel a little more alive, she decides. More vivid.

Rey's descriptions of the cosmetic changes don't seem to interest her, but they fly on past as footnotes in the description anyway, because clearly - here we are. Clearly, that was what Rey wanted to tell her. Eyes wide and lips parted, Caedra pauses for a moment before laughing.

"Really! Oh, I can't imagine - he must have had such a tiny one before, poor thing. Ooh, I bet it vibrates now though! Or, or - oh there are so many things he could do with that. Questionable choice, but! The benefits!"

She snickers between words and sips of her drink, picturing the desperation the poor guy must have felt to wish to undertake such an operation. Ballsy.

"What, was he talking to you about this or something? How did you even find out?"

[fogsong]

It's when Rey takes a moment to herself, after she settles into a booth, that Sharon slides in. She doesn't bother to ask, can't be bothered with something like that right now. She looks the other woman in the face, her expression somewhat lacking. If she's honest, she's still in a haze, uncertain of reality even knowing what she does.

She takes a moment to glance around her before she finally speaks,"It looks like it's been upgraded."

Fire. It's not exactly the theme she'd go for, especially not in her current state, but she remembers what it used to look like. What it all used to look like. Everything's been upgraded or changed and she feels as if... Nothing is quite right.

[circumitus]

"What--"

Rey starts, ready for a string of expletives at the first asshole to invade her brief moment of solitude. She wants to eat her chips in peace, dammit.

But when she sees that it's Sharon, she just blinks. "Um, yeah, it has. Felt like doing something a little special this time."

She would say something like 'you're back... again', but that much is pretty damn obvious.

[fogsong]

"It's not bad."

There is no denying that she's edging a little more on the awkward than she used to, uncertain of herself and exactly where she may stand in this new world, if her memories of everything are even right. There are flashes, brief moments. Like... didn't this woman save her life?

She drops her eyes to the table,"Seems like there's been a lot of changes, to be honest."

"Did I miss anything fun?" Other than the clear jump from cave to this fun island life that Sharon is actually not sure if she's down for. At least she can still feel the familiar call of Silent Hill.

[circumitus]

So, this isn't just a case of Sharon having gone into hiding and playing discreet again. Rey really should check the network roster more, but the fact that it only feeds the dread and anxiety has forced her to step away from that habit.

Before she can answer that question, though, Rey just has one of her own.

"What's the most recent think you remember happening?"

[fogsong]

The question causes her brows to tighten down and a frown to settle on her lips. She remembers things but the orders are all wrong in her head, like someone has taken them all from her head and mixed them with the others in her life. She remembers the carousel before she'd come here and then she remembers being buried alive and there were strange parties and monsters and burnings but none of it works together to form anything coherent.

"I remember... Sorrow was dead. Delight was a traitor. The Null did... something. It snowed or..." She shakes her head. Hold on. That was earlier in her time,"Let's just settle on the fact I remember a fucking cave and everything else..."

A shrug of her shoulders and a bitter shake of her head. She's bothered by all this, the lack of coherency in her memories, the holes.

[smoketendrils]

Of course he's going to order the flaming brandy. He had no problem trying that horrendous Marquet alcohol, and this doesn't look like it came from milking the bloody anal glands of some kind of beast. At least he hopes not.

"I hope it's not all presentation," he holds up a hand to take one- even with her warning about it packing a punch, it could easily just be show to make it seem more dangerous. He's not used to these places not being paying establishments, so it feels like a sales pitch to him. "Though it is a grand presentation."

[circumitus]

Unlike Caedra, Rey actually doesn't want to give some poor hapless passersby an unexpected psychedelic trip once she has another drink prepped and burning. She's mostly just practicing with this now, seeing how it works. As she's mostly immune to the substance's effects, it's not like she can test for herself.

"Not at all." She pauses, trying to think of a non-sketchy way of phrasing this. "Um, it might make you see things, though. Last person was talking about colors."

[smoketendrils]

"But does it make everything go numb?" At the time, it was a nice feeling, but he will, under no circumstances, do that again, and he definitely won't be babbling like an idiot in front of these fine strangers.

"Because colors, I can do. That I have no desire to experience again." He hesitates before taking it, feeling like taking a burning alcoholic beverage when one might have stray gunpowder somewhere on their person is a bad idea and he cautiously tries to blow the flame out before bringing it too close.

[circumitus]

That question is almost insulting. "Um, no. No more than alcohol usually makes you go numb."

Hopefully. Samandrine seems to have some temporary paralysis effects on its own, but with the mixture Rey managed to concoct, it's just psychedelic colors. Caedra even said she would have enjoyed it if she was expecting it ahead of time.

Rey couldn't care less about whether or not Caedra was having a good time, but on totally unassuming patrons? That's no way to run an establishment.

"Ever heard of 'the Green Fairy'?" Rey asks. This is totally relevant.

[synthedick]

It's late by the time Nick wanders in. Between helping people get out of the Colosseum in one piece and the boat ride over, he's in later and later these nights. Though he doesn't sleep, he does like to come home -- he likes that feeling of normalcy, of routine a human might have, despite his very nature. It's ingrained into him, perhaps carried over from the original Nick, or maybe born from his years among the people of Diamond City. Either way, he likes to go home.

Unfortunately, home hasn't been much of one lately, especially when the house is mostly empty these days. Given the Colosseum is on the same island as the old house, Nick could just stay there at night; however, he prefers to head back to the Speakeasy, where Rey has been staying herself -- and letting him stay. It's lonely at the old place without her and the pets, particularly Tripod. The move didn't faze the cat at all -- he seems to have taken to the bar life in stride, as he does just about everything else. Nick supposes that given how the scrawny feline kicks up the Geiger counter every time he starts purring, moving from one dwelling to another is the least of his worries.

Relocating was a single trip for Tripod, but Nick has had to make a few to get everything moved into the Speakeasy, coming back to the building each time with one or two more things from their former house. He brought the terminal, setting it up in the space above the bar, giving himself a little office; then came some assorted knickknacks, some of his papers. Other trips brought food for Wellingham and Tripod, and some assorted furniture he could fit on the boat. This time, it's the last of what was at the house: his plant Charlie and the cane Rey made him tucked under his arm.

He doesn't mind coming back late tonight, as the lack of people in the Speakeasy means he can just slip upstairs without too many questions asked about what he's doing with that plant. It also gives him a chance to talk to Rey as she closes up. "You get any of the newcomers in here tonight?"

[circumitus]

More often than not, Rey finds herself crashing on the bed upstairs rather than trekking back to her home on the western island. After a day's work, the last thing she wants to do is get on a boat.

When things begin to quiet down, she releases herself of her responsibilities and starts to head upstairs to the game area. She just about is ready to pass out in a booth before making it to the bed when she finds Nick coming in with the most expected question.

"A couple," she says, her voice dragging in a weary drawl. How long has she been up for to get even something like herself this tired?

Too long.

[synthedick]

Nick hmms in response, setting the plant on the table, turning the cane over in his hand. He doesn't need it anymore, but he keeps it around, insisting it's just in case rather than for sentimental value.

"You should try getting some sleep tonight," he says, not bothering to hide the concern from his voice. "You sound more beat than normal."

[circumitus]

It's actually rather sweet that Nick's held onto that cane. Sure, he doesn't need it, but it's still something that Rey not only gave to him, she made it. The fact that he values it even now is heartening, to say the least.

Yet she sighs, rubbing her temples. "Sleep hasn't exactly been agreeing with me lately."

Not when she's had so much on her mind.

And at that, Rey pauses, lowering her hands to the table.

"Actually, there's... something I'd been meaning to talk to you about."

Poison | OTA

[writtendestiny]

[Poison doesn't do much while she's here, but she does watch. The small, bird-boned girl sits by the fire pit, cradling a drink in her hands, observing everyone who passes by her with a sullen intensity in dark violet eyes framed with straight black hair. The fire casts wobbly, sharp-soft shadows over her face, making her look one moment a worn adult, and the next far too young to be here with any kind of beverage.

She's holding a glass of beer, if you get close enough to make it out, but her real interests here are the warmth and the people (and maybe, later, the drinks that are being set on fire at the bar). Most of the time, she doesn't smile at the people who catch her eye, though it doesn't look deliberate so much as she simply doesn't think to do it.

If you're not put off by the overall vibe she gives off, moving closer to her provokes a surprised blink and a small, reserved almost-smile. Did she even realise she was staring so hard at you in the first place, you might wonder. Perhaps not.

Should you venture to sit with her, she'll glance your way and lift her drink in a small toast.]

To your health.

[dedikated]

( The girl is hard to forget, really, with those eyes and those scars, and beyond all the effects of the city she was in before Hadriel, maybe she does look a little too young to be in here, but who is Kate to judge? She's been drowning her feelings in alcohol for twenty years now.

So, instead, she sits down next to her and gestures for a shot and a pint of something strong, tilting her head at the toast before she raises the small glass and knocks it back. )

Cheers.

[writtendestiny]

[The eyes are usually what people remember. It's not often you see that kind of shocking shade of violet, even back where Poison comes from. The girl nods to the glass raised to her, and sips on her own drink.]

Nice to see you again.

[Did she ever ask for the woman's name? She isn't sure, but she can't remember if now, if she did. Rather than ask it, she follows the movement of the small glass and nods to it when it's lowered.]

What was that?

[dedikated]

( Probably not, and Kate isn't the best at freely volunteering information, particularly when she's taken by more important things. Explaining Hadriel. Making sure someone isn't in need of immediate medical attention.

Or answering the question asked. )

B52, or somethin' like it.

( Can you really call anything here the actual name of the drink when it's all created from the things the Speakeasy obtains from the city, from the orchard, most of which is entirely unfamiliar to her. )

[writtendestiny]

[She snickers softly, though she isn't sure why she does it. Maybe it's the drink.]

B52? They haven't thought of any better names in here?

[She's heard of drinks being called funny things that have nothing to do with what they're actually made of, so why not do that here? Unless the bar owner is the type of practical person who prefers to name things by chemical compounds, or the number of times they had to experiment with it to get it right.]

That just feels underwhelming.