Madison Valley Role Play

I'd like to officially invite all of you folk to attend our Solstice Festival.

It will be held on December 21st, as your calendar tells it. There will be a great many market stalls, music and other entertainments from the early morning, contests including a running race and a riddling contest in the afternoon, and then a great feast after dark.

On the longest night of the year, let us set aside our differences and come together to celebrate and to look ahead through the darkness to the coming spring. I hope to see all of you there!

So, Christmas. It's everywhere. We don't have...religion in Panem so much, but I like the idea of a holiday where people get together and eat special food and celebrate each other. That's pretty universal.

What do you do for Christmas? Should we do something here? Like, among the refugees? A party, maybe?

[Katniss]

How are you feeling?

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN
WHAT: Braving Walmart at Christmas
WHEN: Tuesday morning
WHERE: Wal-mart
WARNINGS: TBD
STATUS: Open/Ongoing

( ~+~+~+~+~ )

I have read your Constitution, and about your Republic and how it functions. The library here is very extensive. I wonder, though. I wonder if it would do any good to read about my own country, what you would call history and I would call the future. Would it do any good? How even should I take it: as a storyteller's account with the usual embellishments, or a cautionary tale, or a true and accurate reflection of what is to become of my own family?

I do not know if it is a good idea to read such things.

Technology is easier to read about, and perhaps more useful. Another question. How might I learn to ride a car? There are no horses here and it would seem silly not to adopt your mode of travel.

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN
WHAT: Really, really trying to read a history of this place
WHERE: The library
WHEN: Wednesday morning
STATUS: OPEN/ONGOING
WARNINGS: TBD, likely none

( ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ )

[Filtered to Roland Deschain]

I'd like to ask for your assistance with something.

Sulfur. Saltpeter. Charcoal. Certainly not the simplest recipe I have ever seen, nor the most common ingredients, but not impossible, not with a little work.

Perhaps I shall be a better cook here than at home and show that librarian who seemed to think it unseemly that I asked for such information!

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN
WHAT: Contemplating what he's doing here
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Blockbuster
WARNINGS:: TBD
STATUS: Open/Ongoing

( ~+~+~+~+~+~ )

Whoa, this isn't even America anymore, man. At least not a civilized America because what exists between California and New York? Besides a whole bunch of corn.

It's nice to find new things that you're good at.

Shaun Mason, I claim my 20 dollars!

I don't think I'll ever get used to this town.

Could the two of you please explain to me what exactly a Gunslinger is?

I know from reading the network that the two of you have somehow irritated a lot of people, and I'd like a better understanding if you're willing to give it to me.

Because, from what I've read and what you've said, the two of you pretty much do a lot of the same things in your world that my friends and I do in ours; only we're called Hunters.

[Filtered to Cuthbert's potential festival planning committee - anyone who expressed interest]

I thought we might discuss our ideas for the winter's festival, and if there's any aspect in particular you might like to take charge of, you could say that too. I'd hear of what you'd like to see before I plan it out proper.

We'll need both an outside area for markets and entertainments, and a hall for the feast and the dances. I've looked at a few places, but again, if any of you know a place just right, mayhap you'll say.

[Filtered to Roland]

I know I said I wouldn't. But I thought on it and I'll not let Valen down; he's done much for me and he more than most deserves something to look forward to.

So, it's pretty obvious that a lot of us have wildly different opinions about what's appropriate to post on the network and what isn't. Obviously we can't please everyone, but maybe we could come to some sort of agreement on what should and shouldn't be posted on the network (at least without an Over 18 filter)?

These are my suggestions, but feel free to offer your own.

Please Filter the Following to People Over the Age of 18
1. Graphic talk of sex.
2. Requests for sex.
3. Complaints about lack of sex.

Anything else? This isn't telling anyone they can't talk about this stuff, just trying to make everyone a bit more comfortable.

Long days and pleasant nights to ya, especially to the new people who've come todash in the last week or so. I've not given greetings to the most of ya, and I'd like to change that.

I'm Roland Deschain, of Gilead, son of Steven and of the Line of Eld. As for what I do, in my home we say I deal in lead. At home, we're the defense against the world moving on, and if we can't stop it, we try at least to slow it, say true. We fight for the Affiliation, for the White, and against the forces of the Red. We offer aid and succor to those in need, and protect those who can't help themselves. It's noble work for a noble line, and we hold in our minds and in our hearts the faces of our fathers.

Those of ya from this world might have read the terrible books about me; books that take place when I'm a good bit older than I am now. It's not so strange, that these books exist, so it's not, for all the worlds are connected by the Tower and the Beams, but I'll not talk of it. It's like as not you've got such things in other worlds; I'll set my watch and warrant on it.

Now this world's made it clear to me and my ka-mate that our services aren't welcome, and I'll not rehash the argument, say sorry. But I'd greet each and every one of you, and offer what I can to ya as a Gunslinger of Gilead.

May we all be well-met in this place.

[Filtered to Cuthbert]

'Bert, I'm weary of this.

I try only to introduce myself to the new arrivals, and they'll not let me do so in peace.

So I was told this is where I can meet all other 'refugees' or whatever they call us.

I'm Chloe Sullivan. I got here yesterday.

You two have any plans for dinner tonight? I thought I'd grill and make us some dinner if you were interested.

Greetings to you all!

I'm looking to start planning for an event, a festival for the solstice. It's not to replace any Christmas celebrations for those of you that have them, so it's not, it's just an additional day for merriment and folk are quite welcome to celebrate one or both.

The plan so far is to have a proper market-fair with all sorts of goods to sell, and mayhap those of you buying late Christmas gifts might appreciate it! Entertainment as well, and contests – we might have races, and games of skill, and mayhap even a riddle contest! Then in the evening a great feast, and then dancing, with real music.

The reason why I'm mentioning it so terrible early is that an event on this scale needs proper planning and to be sure I've not so much experience of that part. I'd like to set up a planning committee of sorts, mayhap three or four people who'd like to help out and work with me to make it a success. I reckon a proper festival is just what our little community needs to bring cheer to the darkest point of winter.

Have any of you any interest?

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN
WHAT: Researching
WHERE: The library
WHEN: Saturday afternoon
WARNINGS: TBD
STATUS: Open/Ongoing

( ~+~+~+~+~ )

So if our help's not wanted in the way we offer, what can we do?

Teaching little boys to shoot is well enough, but I'm worth more than a mere shooting instructor and it's right frustrating to spend my day working with little ones who can't hit the target, say true!

If ya reject our offer, then tell us what ya can use us for.

[Cuthbert]

We'll not tell them of what's happening in private, so we won't, but it'd be good to have a purpose here we can own to.

The library here is an enormous disappointment. While there were some interesting plays to be read, the rest of their collection is sorely lacking.

They don't even have a copy of Celum Tincture, not to mention The Mating Habits of the Common Draccus.

Is it still the custom for muggles to set off fireworks at all hours of the night, then?

Okay, I am trying to make up this pamphlet for newbie arrivals and have some questions for all of you.

What was the most helpful thing someone told you upon arrival?
What was the least helpful thing told to you?
What information would you have liked to have known upon arrival that you didn't find out until later on?

Answers, go!

Who: Random and OPEN
What: Throwing rocks, missing home, holograms
When: Now
Where: By the barrier, on the edge of town
Warnings: Possible discussion of panic attacks
( Read more... )

Lissa, Georgia and I have taken your concerns into consideration and discussion. In response for a request of our intentions we're releasing a brief statement of issues we deemed important and will therefore address at the first Council meeting.

The issues follow as:
- Guardianship for those under 18
- The ban of magic
- Use of the hospital facilities
- New arrivals

1. Guardianship.

We propose that financially stable Refugees present become guardians for any new arrivals under 18 years of age. You'll also be given first priority if a member of your family arrives, financial status notwithstanding. In order for this to be effective we've determined that volunteers should step forward if you're willing and able to take on a child. You should tell us the age group you're comfortable with, if you're comfortable with magic users, and how many children you are able to care for. In addition, the children already present should be given a choice about coming under the guardianship of Refugees or staying with their assigned family.

2. Magic ban.

We're against the ban of magic as a whole and will appeal to the Council to remove it entirely.

3. The hospital.

We've agreed that our population should be permitted to use the hospital services, as the separation from hospital to clinic has split resources and left the city as a whole exposed to health concerns that effect us all, Refugee and local alike.

4. New arrivals.

Given the treatment by the city many of us receive upon arrival, we're requesting that one of our number be present during the initial welcoming phases with new arrivals. We need several volunteers to be on hand for this task as new arrivals appear in the city at any hour.

- Cesare Borgia, Lissa Dragomir, Georgia Mason

[Filtered; Georgia, Lissa.]
Volunteers to meet new arrivals:
Daryl Dixon - any
Karrin Murphy - morning
Molly Carpenter - night
Sookie Stackhouse - day
Roland Deschain - 4pm to 7
Katherine Pryde - any
Helena Wayne - Night
Tris Prior - any
Oliver Queen - day
Maria Deluca - any

Volunteers for guardians
Karrin Murphy - any age, 2 at most, magic +
Jo Harvelle - any age, 1 at most, magic +
Marius Black - any age, 2 at most, magic +
Clara Oswald - any age, 4 at most, magic +
Katherine Pryde - any age, 2 at most, magic +
Lucrezia Borgia - under 2 years
Alicia Florrick -

I'm not the speaker Cuthbert is, say true, but I think I need to gather my words and say a piece in defense of us. It's proper confusing to me, but it seems that some of you think that Cuthbert and I see ourselves as above you, which is not the least bit true. Aye, we come from a place not the least bit like this, and I know we've said some things that you've not liked, say sorry. But all we want is to use the talents we were born and trained to in order to provide some degree of security that doesn't seem to be forthcoming from the local peacekeepers. To protect you, to follow the White, to provide aid and succor if necessary - not to rule ya, say true.

I know also that in the reckoning of this place, I'm but a boy. But at home, I'm a gunslinger, tried and tested, and have all the responsibilities and duties of a man. I don't look through my eyes as a boy does, and I haven't for some time. I know most of ya don't know what a gunslinger is, or what we do. And I don't expect ye to. You're not from Gilead, so's the shame, just as we're not from here. I do realize that this isn't Gilead, and that we can't expect things to work the same here as they did there. It's a hard bit to swallow, but I'm trying, and I'm sure Cuthbert is, too. But ya can't just dismiss our experiences because this isn't Gilead. Our experiences make us, so they do, and how we react to things here is going to be based on how our tutors and how our fathers taught us. To act in another way would be to forget the faces of our fathers.

Aye, I've likely said too much, so I have. Words don't come so easy to me as they do to Cuthbert. But I hope some of what I said speaks true to ya, and explains us just a bit more.

~Roland Deschain, son of Steven

[Filtered to Roland Deschain and Oliver Queen]

I've been walking the potential patrol routes these past few nights to get an idea of things. Tonight I was followed by one of their lawmen - proper obvious about it he was, too!

'Course, I only walked then to one of those 24-hour stores and back. But what it tells us is that we'll need to be right careful.

Roland, if we go out for such purposes after dark, mayhap we could take the metal staircase on the outside of the building.

I realize we haven't actually met yet, but I've spent the last few hours reading over these forums and thought I should introduce myself. I'm Oliver Queen.

And it seems the two of you presented an idea recently that maybe we could discuss.

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN
WHAT: He's not allowed to use their shooting range, so he'll make his own.
WHEN: Saturday evening
WHERE: The Railroad Cut
WARNINGS: TBD
STATUS: Open/Ongoing

( ~+~+~+~+~+~ )

Giving offerings to vagrant dead.

I'm not sure I hold with that. It only encourages them not to move on, say true.

I'm taking over management of the Halloween party Molly was going to throw. Everyone's invited, no matter your age. We won't be serving alcohol, but feel free to dress up. Thomas and I have picked out some prizes for a costume contest. I know it's ridiculous but we'll have fun with it.

We're pooling together money to rent a hall for a few hours, if you can pitch into that it'd be welcome. $5 will be enough, I think. Otherwise, we've got it covered.

If anyone wants to volunteer to help me decorate I will personally appreciate it. Caroline is decorating, take any and all ideas and volunteer questions to her, please.

I'll say this publicly because it's important.

I've been reading the debates and trying not to comment on things because I know this world is not mine and I'm not a politician. We nominated three people to be our political voice and I believe that they will do their best to make this a better place for us and keep us safe. They can't do that if we get in their way.

Now then, I cannot and will not vote for gathering a protective force. I also will not advocate everyone keeping to themselves or their different worlds. We have to find a middle ground and find a way for all of us to work together.

I'm from a world where people separated into different factions and swore to be against things that they thought caused the downfall of society and humanity.

And do you know what happened? Less than two generations later, there is all out war in my world because the faction with all of the technology decided that the faction with the least material goods were getting too much food from the ones who enjoyed life and drugged the faction that had all of the weapons to slaughter the peace keepers and the ones that were expelled from any of the factions.

Oh and guess what? Most of the ones fighting in that war are people half of you and the damn council would consider to be children. I'm barely sixteen and I have had to kill my friends to keep them from killing me. I've watched families being slaughtered over the fact that they support one faction instead of another. I'm watching all of the debates on the network and it's not this place that scares me. It's the people that should be working together because we are all in the same damn situation.

I won't give you all of my information for the same reason I won't give the town's leaders all of my information. Because no matter how many people in power say it's harmless information gathering, it only takes one person to twist all of that and ruin everything by using it as a hit list.

This, I know from experience.

~Tris

[Filtered to Roland]

I'm proper weary of this place today, so I am. It's a fair terrible state of affairs when you try to take steps to protect folk and they'll not only deny it's needed but near as much as threaten you with punishment for the notion.

Sai Dixon's not going to be any help to us, either; I reckon he doesn't care to be.

'Course if trouble does come we'll stand for them anyway, in the name of the Affiliation and the White, but I'm this moment reserving the right to declare that we told them preparation would have been a fine idea, after.

Let's have a discussion.

Roland seems to have touched a nerve, so I'm officially asking everyone here:

1.) Do you feel unsafe? If so, who/what group are you worried about?
2.) If you do, why? Please mention whether or not this feeling is colored by previous experiences in your own timelines.
3.) What are some ideas you have for alleviating this problem, that you think could be implemented? We all have ideal solutions, but let's focus on pragmatics.

If you don't feel comfortable addressing some of these questions publically, feel free to either tell me privately in some way or say you don't feel comfortable. It's fine, but if you don't say anything at all, even to abstain from answering, we can't know your thoughts and consider them.

In terms of ideas, so far there's been Roland's suggestion of a protective force (which I object to, but I'm one vote). I'd also like to suggest the idea of escorting people, or setting up checks of some sort within the community for those who are interested.

[Filtered from the Council]

So I was about town today and I took a trip to the shooting range now that they think I'm old enough and they'll let me in. It's a proper interesting place, so it is. Anyhow after I was done shooting I got talking to a fellow who works there, turns out he's with the organization of local folk who want to stand with us, the MVCADR.

He reckons he'd do well holding a class for us folk. The ones of us who aren't exactly in need of a class, as it happens, only to demonstrate what we're capable of. It's only a few days, and we'd get proper...certified by the NRA and apparently what that means is that folk in this world would actually give us credit for our skill with firearms. It's a way for them to recognize the training we've put in back in our own worlds, so I reckon.

Would any of you folk already proficient but not certified by this America be interested in the notion? It's not suited to beginners, so it isn't, but I know there are more than a few of us well beyond that point.

[Filtered to Daryl]

Sai Dixon? I've taken note of all your efforts to protect folk from zombies and such, so I have, and I'm fair impressed by it. Might I ask what your view is on needing protection from the authorities here?

Cry your pardon, but who are the peacekeepers here? I'm of a mind that we should have someone to protect us from the council's doings, as they seem to have strayed far from the path of the White, say true.

I reckon most here don't trust the local police, aye?

I'd not put myself forward unless asked, so I wouldn't, but something, I think, should be done, something that can be agreed on by all.

I wish to clarify that I don't actually consider dying here to be a solution to any of the problems we face. I'd so hate for anyone to take seriously what I said in a rather fevered state.

To those concerned: I'm feeling a little better today. I still haven't witnessed any torture or other reprehensible behavior at the clinic, although I took the necessary steps to ensure I wouldn't be a victim in any case and I did manage to stay lucid enough that I haven't got any gaps this time.

I'm hoping to return home by midweek, and visitors will be welcome from then onward; please do telephone ahead

I'm not a fan of getting gifts from people I don't know. Technically, I don't even like it sometimes from people I do know. It can feel like you're being bought off for whatever reason and a pretty new phone, one thousand dollars and some shiny new apartment definitely goes into that category,

You can try to pretty up a kidnapping all you want but it's still a kidnapping. Which, sorry but I so met my quota on that already for this year.

Someone point me In the direction of Virginia and we'll just forget this ever happened.

Has anyone seen my spaceship? It's a silver RW6, the very newest model I stole it from I hope nobody's borrowed it for research.

Also, does this planet have a single computer terminal?

Don't get me wrong. It's great to see other humans. Really. And this is - bloody hell, this is Earth, isn't it, I'd just expected it to be a little less boring. Maybe I'm in the wrong place? How far away is Islington?

Have you ever had one of those moments when shooting something would feel really damn good, and yet you're not sure what the right thing is to shoot?

I'm Karrin Murphy Chicago Poli- Special Ivestigat-, formerly of the Chicago PD, and I've just finished talking with the authorities here. I hope I'm right in saying that their explanations sound totally full of shit worthless?

And I see you on the network, Dresden. This was you, wasn't it?

The city has got some unfair ideas of what a man's to do with himself. Find work, aye I'd find work if there's any to be had. Though skills such as mine aren't all that relative to the times and place. I'd wager there's not much in the way of tanners or stone quarries.

How's a man to find work?

That lady who only just arrived, Rose? She said that she was shot. That she died. So did Jeremy Gilbert, before he arrived here.

We're not all dead, that wouldn't make sense, but I do wonder. Do you suppose it works the other way? If someone died here, would they disappear and end up back home as if nothing had happened?

Okay, I've seen a lot of weird in my life, but this is- beyond weird. And I'm still not convinced that I'm not dead. But if I actually believed in an afterlife or any of that, this is really NOT what I would have pictured.

Anyway, hi, I'm Rose. Nice to meet you all?

WHO: Roland Deschain and OPEN!
WHAT: Shopping
WHERE: Walmart
WHEN: Thursday afternoon
STATUS: Open/Ongoing
WARNINGS: TBD, likely low

( ~+~+~+~+~+~ )

Humor my strange question a moment, won't ya?

The great machines that run on rails called trains, can anyone who has them in their world tell me - do they talk, like living folk?

I'm thinking that there needs to be somewhere around here that could use a governess for show that will fight to protect any of the underage refugees here who the Council deem need a guardian? I can list plenty of references for the job.

This place brings people todash from many other worlds, say true.

So mayhap someone has seen a young lady, about sixteen years of age, with golden hair? She's hard to miss, for no girl in any world has quite her beauty or soul, so they don't.

I dislike being ill for two reasons.

One, I feel like death and it's annoying as I'm not actually dying, just bordering between that and life. Apparently it's reason enough for my host mother to fret over my condition, and I'd really rather she wouldn't.

Two, I have entirely too much time to think. So while my mind is ravished with fever induced dreams and my lungs fail to produce a full breath of air, I wonder about inflation. My financial situation isn't anything worth discussing if Sebastian were here he'd see, but the prices between 1888 and 2013 are ridiculous.

I'm going to run out of money That in mind, living with a host is tolerable to a degree.

I have come across a job of sorts, mayhap.

There's a...camp, called Louis Ernst, north of town a bit, where young boys - Scouts, they call them - learn skills important to a young man's life. After a bit of research, I inquired after a job placement there, and they've told me they could use a 'counselor' for the target shooting merit badge. They wish to see me shoot, but I am certain that will not dissuade them, say true.

Does anyone know of this organization? We've nothing like it in Gilead, except the gunslingers themselves.

[Filtered to Cuthbert]

I've finished the second book, so I have. Jake...comes back alive!

But I lose two fingers on my right hand, Cuthbert. Two fingers. On my right hand.

Who: Roland and Leisha
What: Leisha's first lesson
Where: Cuthbert and Roland's apartment
When: Thread is backdated! To after Roland and Leisha discussed shooting lessons
Warnings: TBD

( Read more... )