Intro Log: Better Off Dead

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for November
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: November 10th-12th
Warnings: Content warning for body horror in both items and animals this month!

Good morning and welcome to Hadriel! The forecast is cloudy with a chance of cold rain, and the weather is a bit too chilly for your tastes. That's alright though- you've got bigger things to worry about. Like the fact that you're waking up alone on the ground of what looks like a colosseum, and that you're surrounded by scattered jewelry. These various pendants, brooches, and chokers all feel- fleshy and slightly warm to the touch, though they'll cool off and firm up the longer you might be holding them.

But what kind of sick and twisted person would do something like this?

Well, the same kind of person who would apparently throw you in here with not only messed-up body jewelry, but also messed-up body monsters. You may hear them approach, thumping on the ground and growling as they come closer to you... but there's not much to be afraid of, really.

The monsters that surround you this month are grossly deformed, appearing as if someone tried to inexpertly combine multiple monsters together to make them more fearsome- the head of a hellhound is too big and it can't lift it, so it drags along the ground, the bear has too many legs to walk properly and falls on itself, improperly-spliced chimeras have dead heads that loll lifelessly about their necks- so on and so forth. It may be a better idea to put these creatures out of your misery before you go- if you're able to, that is.

But at least you can find your freedom relatively easily- if you could 'living in Hadriel' as freedom, I suppose. Once you escape from the colosseum, 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 November 10th-12th.
► 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]

The events of the past month may or may not have cause a brief snag in Hadriel's regularly scheduled monthly dance night. Once more, however, things are back as they should be: You might have seen the invitations posted around the north, east, and west islands; or maybe it was mentioned somewhere on the network. For those looking to relax or just see what the hubub is about, the Speakeasy on the southern island is the place to go.

The lounge is stocked with a variety of self-served food and refreshments -- some alcoholic, some not. If you're at a loss, just ask a bartender to make you some special cocktail with a stronger kick. There's also beer, wine, mead, and even absinthe if you fancy.

In addition to the jukebox, thousands of tunes play from the sound system at the stage, as brilliant neon lights flash over a glowing dancefloor of myriad hues. Energy pulsates in the air, but one could also find relaxation in a cozy booth. While you shouldn't expect a bar menu of poutine and prime ribs (so sohrey), it should be enough to get your snack on while you booze up.

You can dance, sing, or balk at the Speakeasy's proprietor dolled up in a particularly flashy short, green sequin cocktail dress while belting out an equally colorful songs about how shitty the gods are.

For a more quiet evening, the Game Room holds a variety of recreational activities. There are casino games, a variety of board games such as checkers, chess, and Battleship, as well as an arcade machine with many two player options and several selections to choose from. You should have your evening cut out for you.

[ooc: This is the (mostly) 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]

Someone lost a bet.

Although it probably isn't obvious at first. After all, it isn't the first time Rey has been seen in something fancy. But the green dress is... something else. The shimmering fabric snug against her muscular frame, highlighting the strength of her shoulders, arms, and legs. For someone who's built with the strength of the most resilient diamond, her present colors shine like a brilliant gem.

As agreed upon losing her end of a failed bet with Atem some time ago, Rey starts up a lively beat on the stage. The neon lights flash, blinding her from anyone who might be looking. The music blares, deafening any comments and jeers. Despite being way out of her element, the lively song is somehow appropriate and Rey-like. When she begins, it's not too difficult to fathom why.

"Hey! This one is dedicated to all of you motherfuckers out there who's sick of bitches riding them.
"So next time the gods are whining,
"Stand up on your tippy-toes and say,
"'Hope, Love, could you both FUCK OFF!'"

Yup. This is happening. And she event gets a little into it, too, her singing voice surprisingly not all unpleasant to listen to.

"We don't want your life,
"We don't owe you shit,
"And we hate your gripes--
"Fuck off! You can suck my dick!
"Motherfucking shithead bitch!"

What, were you expecting something wholesome and family friendly?

You've come to the wrong Speakeasy, you sorry sods.

"And that might be loud,
"But I don't need feels from a dumb pink cloud--
"FUCK OFF.
"And Hope is a prick,
"And I hope he chokes on Sorrow's dick!
"You can fuck--
"Oh-oh, oh-oh!
"I'm gonna live forever, oh-oh, oh-oh!
"I hope you get fucked up by robots!

"'Cause the night is young,
"And I'll dig your grave 'til the job is done!
"FUCK. OFF."

When the song eventually ends, she does a shameless bow and slides off the flickering stage over the glowing dance floor.

[outofthefire]

[Laura is cracking up after the first verse of the song. by the end, she's doubled over, clutching her sides, laughter tears leaking out of her eyes. that was beautiful. best song ever. and she applauds wildly for Rey as she leaves the stage, going over to the other woman as she finishes wiping the laughter tears out of her eyes]

Bravo! That was amazing. Did you write the lyrics yourself?

[circumitus]

[Rey didn't think it would be that funny, but she is pleased to see that it got a laugh and a smile out of someone.]

Only a little bit. The rest just sort of wrote themselves.

[Le shrug.]

[outofthefire]

[are you kidding, that was fucking awesome. two very enthusiastic thumbs up. five stars. et cetera]

Well, however it happened, it was great. You've got a good voice, y'know?

[you are not dampening her enthusiasm. so there]

[circumitus]

Oh, hah. Thanks?

[She's not used to compliments, especially about things that she's good at that isn't killing. And Rey might... sing a lot in her alone time, because she might also be a fan of operas and musicals.]

[outofthefire]

Your welcome. And I gotta ask, where'd you get that dress? I've never seen anything like it in the shops.

[then that's something that's going to have to be worked on. and there's nothing wrong with musicals. opera, on the other hand..,]

[circumitus]

[She ducks her head to hide her flushed face as if realizing that she's wearing that dress for the first time.] Ah. Not sure, to be perfectly honest. Might've had it lying around for a while.

[Don't diss opera in Rey's presence, man. She will cut a bitch to defend its honor.]

[outofthefire]

[awww, that's adorable!] Well, wherever you got it, I like it.

[start her slowly. maybe with "Carmen." she'd appreciate that one]

[circumitus]

[Shhh, she's not adorable! She's a strong independent and hardened killing machine who don't need no man.]

Um, thanks... again? [Shit.] Was on the losing end of a bet. That's... what all this is. Ha...

[Rey was not very into the French stuff, but she's branched out enough to know that Laura would probably like that one.]

[hasitsthorns]

Well, it isn't what Rose would have chosen but... It sure is something. Once Rey is done, the blond has to clap and gives a whoop of approval.

"Nice. Liked the energy. Really felt the fuck off from the depths of the soul."

[circumitus]

Despite wanting to slide down into the cellar and hide for a bit, Rey stops when she hears Rose. Since they islands split, it's rare to see the other woman around here, so it would be rude to peace out without saying hello.

"You think?" She smirks. "Think it felt good to get some of that shit out of my system."

There's been a lot pent up recently.

[hasitsthorns]

I mean, hey, if she wants to mic drop and peace out then Rose honestly couldn't fault her for that one. It'd be an epic power move worthy of respect. Still, she seems glad to have the other woman's attention for the moment.

"I bet. Nothing like a good screaming song to get the blood going, honestly. Music's cathartic. There's a reason I love it so much."

A lot of reasons, but of course she doesn't need to get into all of that with Rey.

[circumitus]

It was tempting, for sure.

"Never really dabbled into the... participating side of it. In public, anyway."

Because Rey sings, but hell if she does so in a way that many people have actually heard her. Which isn't to say that she has a terrible voice, as she had just demonstrated. The attention never suited her.

[hasitsthorns]

It wasn't the attention that Rose had ever loved music for. No, she had the attention of the only one that mattered at that time and that's maybe why she came to enjoy as much as she did. It mattered to both of them in their own ways, but... It was born of circumstance rather than her own desires.

"Nah? You should do it more often! Karaoke night would be a lot more lively, I'm sure. We could even sing a duet sometime.

[circumitus]

The suggestion gives Rey pause.

"A... duet? As in, sing with someone else?"

She managed to muster the bravado this time because she'd convinced herself that she 'had to', and even then it cost a lot of willpower not to flee the stage. Would a duet really make that any easier?

Well, Rey sure as hell doesn't know.

[hasitsthorns]

"Yeah! Duets are awesome. Some songs are made for them, some you just trade off singing your favorite parts or like what sounds best... It can be really fun, honestly, to mix and match. And it makes it a little less scary, I think, to have a friend or someone up there with ya'."

Of course, it's up to her. If it took that much to get singing in the first place then Rose doesn't want to push her into uncomfortable territory.

[circumitus]

She really shouldn't even be thinking about this. After all, it was a miracle she managed to stay up on stage for as long as she had. But...

"Sure, why not. If you have something good in mind."

What the hell is she saying?

[offloaded]

DiMA does not drink, but he has been visiting the Speakeasy in the evenings with noticeable regularity. Just sitting, quiet and peaceful with a gentle expression, seemingly people-watching.

If folks think it's weird or creepy that there's a visibly mechanical man hanging out in their midst not partaking in anything for the obvious reasons, no one's said anything to him. No one's asked him to leave, so he keeps doing it. And it's not just to be around humans who don't hate him, no. He comes with the hope for an evening when Nick comes home and rather than goes up to his room on the second floor, will come over to spend some time with him instead. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. That's fine. DiMA is patient, and he returns frequently.

He's braced for someone to tire of these antics and ask him to get the hell out. What he didn't expect, however, was rage-fueled karaoke by the proprietor of the place herself. DiMA blinks at the crudeness of the lyrics, visibly startled, and the expression remains as he watches her step off the stage.

What a way this would be to meet her properly, hmm? But she's passing him, it'd be rude to just stare in shock.

"Ah... you have a lovely singing voice."

[circumitus]

Enough people come here not to eat or drink that it's never been a prerequisite of being here. Sometimes it's just a good gathering place, or somewhere to blow steam, be it in the Game Room upstairs or on the dancefloor.

Rey's just made use of the stage, and starts to leave when she's stopped by a voice that rings familiar, and a face even more so.

Nick...?

No, not Nick. Rey had been aware of DiMA's existence for some time now, long before he even showed up. Probably the only one in the city who is. So she gapes a moment, the synthetic's appearance altered from what she saw in Nick's dream. But that face, that voice, and those materials makes him stand out.

"Um," is all that comes out at first, as she blinks slowly at the machine man. "And you're Nick's..."

Brother. That's what he called himself in the dream. It's the word Nick reluctantly used when telling Rey that he's here.

[offloaded]

It's impossible to tell here whether people are just shocked by his appearance, or shocked by his resemblance to Nick, or both. DiMA doesn't presume anything, simply waits for the woman to say something more, and then deduces it's both. He nods once, and though his voice is similar to Nick's has has no Boston accent, and speaks slowly and evenly.

"My name is DiMA," he offers her, expression shifting to a gentle smile. "Nick Valentine is my brother."

It isn't entirely accurate to finish her thought and say he's Nick's brother. DiMA is fairly certain Nick doesn't consider him to be here, at least not yet. That does hurt. Back home, he'd come around...

[circumitus]

Right, he said they weren't given names back then... but it sounds like there was plenty of time for that to change, just like Nick.

"Figured that out." Rey has since stopped from her retreat, feeling awkward both in her state of dress and circumstances. This really isn't how she had intended for their first conversation to start... "That a name you gave yourself, or was it someone else?"

The Institute that Nick had described, and what Rey herself has seen, did not seem the sort of designate real names.

[offloaded]

DiMA doesn't seem awkward at all, and hopes that will put her at ease. Everyone who's known Nick enough to recognize his face has been very kind to him and he has no reason to assume this stranger will be any different.

"A bit of both. I went a long time without a name, until I met another recently escaped synth who had named himself after a scientist -- Faraday. He said I needed a name, and I liked DiMA best of his suggestions. What is your name?"

[circumitus]

Rey shifts, hooking a hand behind her neck.

"Guess that must've happened after you two... got out." She's wondered how it actually happened for some time, since she sure as hell had no part in the prototypes' escape like the one that played out in Nick's dream. It sounds like there were others who sought freedom as well, though. Not just replaced. "It's Rey. Showed up here the same time as Nick."

She doesn't know if the two have talked much yet, or if DiMA is aware of Rey's relationship with his synth brother. For now, she'd rather tread carefully if she can.

[offloaded]

"Ah... yes. Quite some time, after. I'm afraid I did not know what to do, without Nick. He was the entire reason behind escape, you see." That isn't saying too much, he doesn't think, as it's still about him. Not discussing Nick's experience, only his own perspective. DiMA's component-topped head tilts, expression curious. "It sounds as if he's told you a bit, Rey."