childrenofbahamutlogs | Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

WELCOME, ONE AND ALL

The modest, high-roofed meeting hall is all done up in fresh cut flowers and gold ribbon. A sign reads:

above the door threshold.

Inside, chairs and tables are set up in front of a speaking podium. Many tables also line the back of the room with an assortment of delicious refreshments. There are placemats and tableware for all to utilize along with spares stacked in the room.

There are finger sandwiches, fresh cut fruit, vegetables, salads, and a variety of roasted meats. It’s nothing fancy but rather a classic farmer’s potluck-style arrangement. It highlights the simple, earnest living of many locals in the town of Town.

You are welcome to come in, grab a plate, and serve yourself whatever refreshments you desire!

CONVERSATION CARDS

Shetland Set by Kammen & Swan

1:03 / 5:35

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Described often as folk music with some pop ambition, Kammen and Swan play songs featuring fiddle, piano, voice and percussion instruments from Celtic countries around the world.

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Once you've gotten some food and pocketed some condiments for home, you may notice something else sitting at the table before you.

There are conversation cards for anyone who is at a loss of how to break the ice with their fellow offworlders or locals alike. There are one stack for each each table so plenty of topics to potentially discuss.

While you're more than free to come up with your own, you can also request a card here from the moderators. These ones might be more peculiar than the average conversation card, but that could be what some who might be especially averse to socializing need!

ASK CHARLIE

Arrivals are given a few hours to eat, mingle, and get to know each other before Charlie takes up post at the podium and clears his throat.

"Hello everyone! I appreciate you coming. I hope you all have been enjoying the food, please let me know if there are any accommodations you may need or if nothing is to your taste."

Anyway, I... Well! I wanted to take a few minutes to answer some questions. Both from our local residents and those of you who are visiting from other worlds. I know I have spoken to most everyone already, but I’m sure you have extra questions that you’d like answered. I will do my utmost to make sure I give you suitable answers, though much of this situation is still a mystery to myself as well. That said, I hope we can join hands and find our way together to ensure everyone gets back to where they need- or want to be."

He gives a clearly nervous smile, obviously not used to speaking to a crowd.

"So please, one at a time, feel free to raise your hands and I will call on each of you to address your inquiries or concerns." He gives a small bow before preparing himself for what the new residents have to offer.

Notes

⁂ Welcome to the first Town Town Hall Meeting! Get to eat good food, have fun conversation, and ask Charlie any questions you might have directly! So as to not overload Owen, please limit it to one question per character for now!

⁂ A reminder that the quest board is active as of this log! Get to questing as you settle in to Town and help the locals out to increase your reputation.

⁂ We have an OOC Intro / Plotting Post for the game opening available here! Going forward, plotting posts and game events will go hand-in-hand but for now we wanted to allow a space for people to introduce themselves!

⁂ If you have any questions, suggestions, or other feedback then you can feel free to let us know here!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

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There's a lot of good, riveting discussion happening here. Ardyn's been taking it all in. Well, as much as he can a few glasses of (some stolen) mead in.

"While geopolitical questions are all well and good, I have something else that's been on my mind since we first met." Maybe Charlie remembers, maybe he doesn't. Ardyn's a little bit hard to forget with his atrocious vibes and whack fashion sense, sure, but Charlie seems like a busy god. He takes a sip from his cup as he seemingly considers how to phrase his query.

"Do tell: Are you seeing anyone?"

"Oh yes of course! Great question I-"

"I... I BEG YOUR PARDON???"

"Hm," he hums before taking another sip of mead. He is trying to be sparing with what's available. For now.

He looks Charlie up and down with that intense, unnerving golden gaze of his.

"I take it that's a 'no,' then?" He keeps his eyes set on the god's face now. "Though I can't imagine why with such adorable charm." Sorry, Charlie, you're making this far too easy.

Cor has largely been content to let others ask the questions. That's not his role. At least not until Charlie says or does something liable to be problematic for his king. But there's a mention of militia and help to come in soon in that regard.

He doesn't raise his hand, not really. Though that is potentially understandable given the way it seems his left shoulder has been wrapped and the arm in a sling to ensure it remains immobile. Instead, the man stands, that icy gaze landing on the green-haired girl with a curt nod.

But in the time it takes him to get to his feet, old, tired, and unbalanced as he is the most infuriating man in the room takes the opportunity to derail everything. Cor's expression hardens and he is scowling at Ardyn even as he moves towards the man. Something that probably only makes the redhead more thrilled about being disruptive. Bothering their host and pissing of an old lion he does so love to taunt.

Cor halts before getting too close to the other man, the distance, Ardyn will certainly note, is precisely the length of an outstretched arm holding a katana. One that currently rests on his hip, his good hand on the hilt and there's a soft click as he draws the blade no more than an inch. A threat but not an act of violence. Hopefully it won't come to that.

"Enough." One word barked like a command. "You are no better informed than the rest of us and we both know you will do whatever it takes to return to your fate." A slight growl colors his voice with the last words. "So be silent."

To add insult to injury, Cor then turns his attention to their host. It's a gesture which assumes Ardyn's compliance but not one so bold as to assume his passivity. One does not turn their back on a wild beast, even one that is under the yoke of another.

"Charlie. Who have you reached out to regarding our safety? I'm sure I am not alone in having experience on the battlefield nor in the training of others. If it would indebt us to a neighboring power I see no need to rely on such assistance." Especially if they truly are in a place where they are not beholden to any of the existing rulers of this land.

Cor's rebuke to cut Ardyn off is not unnoticed- in fact, it's quickly followed up by a female voice from the back of the crowd.

“Heeeeey, what the hell!?”

She's also a redhead- actually she’s red all over, a red Tiefling, with insolent green eyes seemingly seeing Cor's age and authoritative voice as a challenge. Seemingly, a young hotheaded adventurer whose first reaction to what she would call “cop behaviour” is to boo. A part of her is that, but clearly she did not make it here on that alone, and that shows in the way her irritated gaze quickly cools into focus, she straightens up, and continues.

“Excuse me, but the rest of us have been taking turns just fine.” Her voice carries clear like a bell over the assembled seats. “It’s quite rude, and fighting with each other right now is the opposite of what’s helpful for Charlie.”

(She also absolutely flunked her Insight check, rolling a 3, so she fails to pick up that Cor and Ardyn have any history at all; she just thinks Cor is like that as a person and now has to follow through with the fact that she booed. But seriously, what’s he got against that other guy? Ardyn seems like, uh, a perfectly fine guy...?)

Well there's the whole question of his relationship status which has him flustered but now there's Cor looking like he's about to draw a sword. The the Tiefling cuts in.

For an instant, Charlie has an air of... odd authority, his expression hardens, and there is a palpable feeling of pressure will be felt by not only the three here, but everyone. The ghostly wisps of feathers and fur threaten to solidify around the edges of his face and hands.

"Enough. Violence or the threat of violence will not be tolerated. Everyone's voice will be heard." Those who were not mentally prepared will find themselves compelled to calm. As quickly as the feeling comes, it dissipates. Charlie looks tired.

"Now, to answer the questions. I am not, nor have I ever been in a romantic relationship. I do ask you to save such inquiries for later as to respect everyone's time." he huffs. "And the help I reached out to is one man who can assist in training those who have an inclination to learn. He is a personal friend, and no debt will be incurred."

He would be a liar if he said it didn't excite him just a little to get such attention. From Cor, of all people! Of course, he knew the man was here too. He just hadn't reached out yet because he anticipated they'd cross paths eventually. And why rush a good thing? Hethought they had a good thing back home, at least. Though if Cor remembers things as he did, he'd be surprised considering everyone else seems pulled from such odd points in time.

"Our fate," is all he gently corrects, at first, low enough for only them to hear since then- Absinthe is intervening. Oh, that's some unexpected extra fun. "I agree with the young lady here," he says, louder, and tipping his head towards her. "There's no need to cause a fuss, Cor. I'm just trying to get to know our gracious host a bit more."

Who now shows a little bit of a backbone for the first time this evening. So, he does have the capability when necessary to put his foot down. That's good to know. Ardyn isn't prepared for the sudden compelled calm, but he also is a man who is notoriously difficult to calm (and I rolled a 16 about it) so he plays along. "That's the first step to forging a good relationship, isn't it?" he asks, giving Charlie a wink.

"But I've learned all that I wanted to for now! I shan't hold up anyone else's time." A dismissive wave of his free hand as he steps aside.

That taunt, because that is what it is, has Cor's posture stiffening, his jaw clenches. But Charlie speaks with far more authority than he'd thought the man had in him and Cor turns to face him fully, allowing his gaze to leave Ardyn however unwise it may feel. Though, strangely, he is not wound quite so tightly now, the tension in his shoulders a matter of familiarity rather than hypervigilance.

It's difficult to manage a proper salute when his left arm is immobilized against his chest as it is but he does his best to press his right fist over his heart and bow to Charlie in a show of respect and apology both. "I understand, Charlie. My apologies." When he stands the fine edge of anger that was simmering beneath the surface has calmed and it is only with genuine professional concern that he continues. "I ask that you exercise caution if allowing this man close to you."

Cor turns slightly to cast a glance over his shoulder to the girl that had spoken up. "Any of you. He is the silver-tongued devil on the shoulder of the most important men in our world, ones that have driven that world to ruin. It is more complicated than that, I will grant you, but he has played his part far too well. Something even he will not deny, I think." He has no idea what Ardyn's game will be here but what he does know is that it will be a game and it will involve manipulating those around him to his own selfish ends.

"As for your associate, Charlie, I look forward to working with him." Then Cor turns on his heel to return to his seat beside Regis, pausing only briefly to add. "And thank you, again, for your aid yesterday."

Absinthe will just autofail this saving throw, because she isn’t that high level and Charlie is a god, and more importantly, Charlie is shaped like a friend. (And most importantly, she imagines Cor is in bigger trouble than her and that’s kind of fun to-)

-uh-

Absinthe’s eyes unfocus as her petty anger evaporates, and she stares at the group now with the scrunched-up squint of someone trying to re-orient herself. On the one hand, there are clear-eyed thoughts that remain, alright, I’m gonna commit to this argument, I think he’s out of line and I have many points to argue about- but on the other hand, Charlie is here now and he’s real mad and that makes the social dynamics very awkward.

She very much continues to think about it until Cor bows to Charlie, and it doesn’t take a very high Insight to see the switch fip in her mind- looking at Cor specifically and then her expression clearing up- and the Tiefling dips her head, smiling in an embarrassed sort of manner, and waves her hand in an “okay, I’m good too” gesture. She heard an apology, she’s good.

Charlie’s calming spell thankfully keeps her from getting angry a second time when Cor continues to speak of Ardyn. Instead this time Absinthe will be quietly asking the people seated near her afterwards- “do those two have history or something?” And, just because Ardyn had opened with talk of romance, “are they exes?”

Edited (forgot an icon sorry) 2024-10-06 06:42 (UTC)

"Cor Leonis speaks true."

Regis' voice cuts through all of the preamble like a scalding knife. The old king has been silent up to this point, but seeing how easily charmed the others are by Ardyn's nonsense irritates him to the core. He places his hand on Cor's shoulder, taking care not to disturb the injuries that are hidden beneath layers of clothing and bandages. He worked hard to make sure Cor didn't die right away when he arrived here, but Charlie's magic saved him. Charlie has earned his respect for this, but he will not let his dear marshal become the villain in this situation.

"You do well to keep your eyes on that red-headed jezebel." The malice in his tone is evident. As he looks at Ardyn, his expression is one of loathing. "This man has a litany of crimes to his name, some of which but not limited to murder, torture, and genocide."

He tears his gaze away from Ardyn, his cold green eyes fixed on the crowd.

"Therefore, I recommend caution. Not every person summoned here is an ally."

[OOOHH HE KILLED A BUNCH OF PEOPLE, okay she gets it now]

He takes in all the information. He's not unfamiliar with Ardyn's type. Far from it. He knows it better than he would ever prefer.

"I will take this information on board, but I request that all of you please treat your time here as a blank slate. What you do here is what will shape my true opinions. That said, I hope I am absolutely clear when I say that I am not a fool. Any serious crimes committed here will be dealt with by myself, should you be lucky. I am not a tyrant and the rest of the people of this continent have their own rules and laws, and I can only do so much for you if you get into trouble with one of the city-states." He clears his throat. "Furthermore, they may not want to provide us help or access if we are ill-behaved. What one individual does affects us all. I implore you all to consider yourself a community here. We must help each other if we are to get through this."

He casts Absinthe a reassuring smile, appreciating that she was trying to help at the very least.

"At the end of the day, I want to be a resource to you all, not a disciplinary. I want to come to know everyone and be able to offer you whatever help I can in your time here."

The insult of 'red-headed jezebel' sees Ardyn actually snort in amusement. It's not wrong but it's still a funny way to describe what he's trying to accomplish. "I never did and don't deny Cor Leonis' claims," the man responds. "Though it is difficult to turn over a new leaf, as proposed, if everyone's so caught up on who I was back home."

The first - and worst - crime he's committed here in Town, in most people's opinion, is against fashion. His second is now (probably) sexual harassment of the local deity. Considering everything, he really is behaving for the time being. After all, he knows he won't gain any favor first by coming out the gate too strong.

"You're more than welcome to come to know me over dinner sometime," Ardyn offers about Charlie's desire to get to know people, just because he can. If he's going to be called a jezebel, why not lean into it a little? "I'll leave you to answering other inquiries for now, but feel free to call me!" A little wave of his hand as he walks away and looks for more potentially unattended mead to filch and disruptions to cause.

A blank slate? Regis squares his jaw and grits his teeth as this mild-mannered cleric effectively pardons Ardyn's crimes without hesitation. It is obscene, offensive in every sense of the word. He stares at Charlie in utter frustration, his expression becoming increasingly frigid as time passes.

"There is no such thing as a 'blank slate' when the fate of an entire world hangs at the balance because of one man." Regis responds with enough rage to make his point clear. "Just because the lives of Eos matter nothing to those who hail beyond the Stars, does not mean I will simply abandon them for the sake of some arbitrary peace."

If Charlie isn't a fool, why does he speak as one? Doesn't he realize what kind of evil was just brought into this world? Perhaps not, but Regis will make it abundantly clear that he will not forgive a villain like Ardyn. No, far too many people have died as a result of that conniving bastard, and many more may perish if Ardyn is not brought to justice.

"You preach about community and yet turn a blind eye to injustices I, and my esteemed colleagues, have witnessed by that man's hands." He rests his gaze briefly on Ardyn, not the least bit amused by his lackadaisical response.

"Mark my words, Izunia, there will be no peace until Eos is free of your taint."

Edited 2024-10-08 15:06 (UTC)

Hells. He had hoped to simply offer a word of warning to those that know nothing of the man and stop him from derailing things. Now they're going even further off track and... well- there's a reason Clarus is the one that stood at his King's side for council meetings and the like. Cor has neither the patience nor the mind to navigate political workings, his tactical skill applies to the battlefield, not a court room.

He lifts his good hand, resting it lightly on Regis' arm. The fingers squeeze slightly, a reminder to restrain himself. There is so much Regis doesn't know. He should have known better than to give cause for his old friend to speak up.

Those last words, though, have Cor's grip tightening even further. The taint is not Ardyn's to bear the weight of and freeing Eos of it also means the very thing Cor had died to ensure. Noctis' death. Cor lets out a measured breath, only a faint tension around his eyes giving away the pain that comes with considering what the freedom Regis speaks of cost.

"Your Majesty." His voice low, meant for Regis alone rather than projecting for that hall at large. For a moment he turns his head enough to catch the other man's gaze, a stern warning in those icy blue eyes. "Perhaps it would be best to discuss the specifics with Charlie in private." And for the two of them to discuss those specifics themselves first.

If there's only one person who could make him pause, it's Cor. Regis halts as Cor speaks, his gaze shifting to his longtime friend. Something is going on here, which he does not quite understand. This is why he's giving up his time for now. If these fools want to believe in Izunia's goodwill, so be it.

"I yield my time." He states for all the hear before giving Cor another glance. Explanations better be forthcoming later. Regis appears to be prepared to wage war.

"We will speak on this later, but know that I have no intention of allowing anyone to bring chaos or disorder to our community here, rest assured on all fronts." Charlie can feel the tension flowing through the room at the moment, breathing deep, he tries to calm the flow of it within himself. He knew this wouldn't be a cake walk, but he clearly has to do something to keep the peace between these men. Something he plans to address with all of them individually. At the very least, he can hope they will all behave themselves.

(Oh gasp, oh how scary! How can it be that there's a silver-tongued devil in their midst??

...but really, now, is that all? Such drama out of you three and it hasn't even been a month.)

Still, at least this meeting has been far from boring.

Emet-Selch watches in silence as the men air their grievances before all and sundry. 'Tis clear enough they've a history with one another, and a rather complicated one from the sound of it. No, he doesn't think Charlie's suggestion that they all "think of this as a blank slate" will go over so easily, not when time and experience has left so deep an impression.

Edited 2024-10-08 14:11 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Opening Log: Town Town Hall Meeting

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(Let me know if anyone would prefer I not threadjack, I'm willing to retcon and take this down!)

all good!!

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unfair that Ardyn got a 16 and Cor rolled a 4

ok am dipping out of this thread for now I think!

well, Regis is jumping into this fray

sorry I'm not here this is just a driveby gagtag

"OH HE KILLED A BUNCH OF PEOPLE" sent me

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here but not - just watching;