Mojitos Bar onboard announces a huge Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday night, which promises to be quite the event.

People have, however, started to notice that the ship hasn't pulled into a port for some weeks now. Nobody quite knows where the Odyssey is anymore either. Updates from the captain have been few and far between. Land hasn't been sighted in over two weeks now. The helicopter is leaving the ship at least twice a week and coming back with provisions. There is no word about where or when landfall will next be made. All that people know is that the weather is better and that currently the ship is being followed by a pod of dolphins.

The Odyssey leaves Stockholm in a hurry, without a proper resident and crew check. The captain decides that, under the circumstances, they just need to get the hell out of there.

Some people may have been left behind and if there are, there is no intent for the ship or the ship's helicopter to go back for them. Stockholm is not safe. The captain puts out a notice that those people left behind will only be able to reboard the Odyssey if they can get themselves to another location (well away from Stockholm) and contact the ship from there.

The captain is aware that people may have boarded the Odyssey who do not belong there. An announcement is made that all people without the due authority to be onboard will be able to remain onboard until the ship next docks. During that time, unauthorised persons may negotiate to purchase one or more of the apartments, or they may apply for jobs. Any unauthorised person who has procured either an apartment or a job by the time the ship next docks will be allowed to stay on board accordingly. In the meantime, any unauthorised person on board ship ho makes themselves known to crew will be given lodgings in junior staff cabins.

The Odyssey docks in Stockholm. The weather is still bitterly cold, but the sea here isn't ice and the skies are clear and blue. There is far more daylight than there had been further north as well.

The captain announces that Stockholm is Plague-free and that the mayor of the city has invited the denizens of the Odyssey to disembark and come and stay for a few days to experience the beauty of the place. The captain and a limited crew want to look over the hull to ensure that there hasn't been any real damage done by the trip through the ice and therefore everyone - staff and guests - are encouraged to stay in the city. The mayor has arranged for everyone to be put up in a variety of hotels scattered throughout the streets.

For the first 24 hours or so, everything is calm and quiet. On the third day, the captain sends out word that the ship is ready to move on. Only for the mayor to start coming up with reasons why people can't leave yet. Any character who tries to check out of their hotel, or get back on board the ship, will find that there is some citizen of Stockholm that tries to stop them. Anyone who tries to leave town to go inland will likewise be stopped.

Then, during the night, all hell breaks loose. It appears that the Odyssey isn't the first boat whose people have disembarked only to find that they can't leave Stockholm. Only this time, the Odyssey is big enough that those people who have been trapped before - they see a way out and they're willing to fight for it.

A pitched battle ensues, with fighting in the streets. Hotels and buildings are set alight and nobody knows what side anyone is on. There is only one fact - it's get back to the Odyssey or die trying.

The Odyssey leaves port in the early morning. Or, at least, tries to. The seas around Finland and down into the Baltic have frozen. Eventually, the Odyssey does get under way, however going is slow. Out in front of the ship is another ship - an icebreaker, cutting a path for them through the frozen waters.

The journey south will take much longer than it would have in summer and it will be noisier - much noisier. The path through the ice is narrow and already refreezing. The fractured slabs of ice scrape hard up against the sides of the Odyssey. It can be heard from the stores, bars and apartments above, day and night, without pause. For those in the staff quarters, the sound is much, much louder.

The decks of the Odyssey are covered in the snow which continues to fall. The captain has warned guests and residents against spending time on deck due to the snow and ice, though has not gone so far as to prohibit access to the outside. Staff of the Odyssey are given extra work - sweeping the snow from the public decks on a daily basis. Residents can request a member of staff to come and clear their own private balcony, or they can arrange this themselves.

As the sun sets on New Year’s Eve, the party starts at the cabin in the woods, reserved for Alex’s close friends and family. There’s food spread throughout the kitchen, horderves enough to make a meal for anyone that wants to, and more to drink than they can possibly ever go through-- Champagne, of course, but also wine, beer, and liquor for anyone that wants to make their own cocktail. There’s also sodas and sparkling cider, for those that choose not to partake.

On the tables are hats, crowns, noisemakers, and glasses; all the wild embellishments needed to welcome in the new year. Music plays throughout the house, including the lower level where the hot tub steams beneath the covered porch. There’s games on the tables for anyone that’s interested.

Alex bounces around the party in jeans and a half-buttoned dress shirt, a sparkly gold hat on his head. He’s made sure there’s a bed for each of his guests, even if that means he sleeps on the couch himself. Come morning, there’s coffee and a continental breakfast before everyone heads back to the ship.

The Odyssey docks in Lapland, northern Finland and Santa’ legendary homeland. The captain tells all on board that the ship will be here through New Years, with an anticipated departure date in early January.

It truly is going to be a white Christmas - snow-covered forests stretch for miles, like something out of a fairytale, and the region pulls out all the stops for Christmas! Houses and stores are mostly log cabins that look like something out of a storybook and there is only a small local population. The locals like to joke that they’re outnumbered by the reindeer.

There’s lots to do both on and off the Odyssey. In town there’s storytelling round crackling fires, husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides through the woods - or for those that prefer faster and more modern, winter sports like snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding are available.

The Crown restaurant onboard is throwing a grand Christmas dinner both 24th and 25th, open to all residents and staff (at least, those who aren’t working). Tables have been mixed up, so guests and staff can mingle.

Parties are a regular happening all through the festive period at the many bars and clubs onboard, culminating in New Year’s Eve.

Watch out though - daylight is in short supply this far north! Dawn is around 10am and sunset at around 2pm.

The knighting ceremony for Sebastian Ellison takes place not long after the boat leaves for open waters. The ceremony itself is done on a raised stage in the middle of the Atrium of the ship. It's a formal sort of thing, Prince Andrew presides, done up in his military dress blues, with a small crown tucked into his red locks. His brother and sister are with him, seated on the stage.

There are seats for those invited facing the stage, but anyone who wishes to attend can, and people lean against the railings of the open foyer of the boat to watch the process.

There's a reception afterwards in celebration of the newly minted Sir Ellison, but it's invite only and at the Royal Club. The list is limited to close family friends and guests of political or financial note. Drinks and food will be provided.

BACK TO THE ODYSSEY!

When the Odyssey returns to the island, she is fully refurbished. All the apartments and public spaces (even the staff cabins) have been repainted and have new carpets, drapes, even furniture where needed. The beds are more comfortable, the sofas well sprung - even the linens have been changed and are all the best quality.

The Odyssey is also fully decorated for the holidays. A huge Christmas tree stands in the Atrium, several stories high. Ribbons and bows, glitter and twinkling lights, baubles and garlands are everywhere. But there are also signs that the decorations have been designed to encompass a variety of holidays - both religious and nonreligious. There’s something for everyone. The stores onboard have also all been restocked with the latest fashions and merchandise - and with a clear holiday bent.

There’s also a lot going on onboard. Almost every night there is some kind of holiday party or celebration in one or more of the bars. The restaurants have all brought out seasonal menus. Everyone seems to have stepped things up a gear.

The captain announces that there will be an extended time until the next port. The next two weeks will be spent at sea, for another Transatlantic crossing. Given the time of year, passengers are warned that there may be rough seas, but no dangerous weather is predicted. People are warned that outside will be very cold and icy at night and warned to be careful. It is not recommended that anyone goes on deck after sun down. During the hours of daylight, anyone going on deck will experience strong, bitingly cold winds.

As promised, the night of Halloween the party at Ethan's house begins. There's food catered from the local village, drinks with official bartenders as well. The lower floor of the house he's been giving on the island has been decorated, each room with a slightly different them. The great room has pumpkins and orange everywhere, the back room that was probably a dining room before he had furniture moved out is a dancefloor done up in blacklights with a DJ dressed as a skeleton glowing under it.

Anyone who has heard about it is invited, and needless to say, just about everyone has heard about it. Ethan's easy to find in the center of it, bouncing from guest to guest.

The party goes on well into the early hours of the morning and for those who stick around, there's a breakfast buffet that gets rolled out somewhere around sunrise as the party finally starts to wrap.

ISLAND ADVENTURE!

Off the coast of Massachusetts is an island that is the property of the Odyssey. It's an island that has been completely focused on the resort there for it's elite clientele. It's a temperate island, and fully embraces the seasons and holidays – which is the reason for this trip. The Odyssey is throwing a huge long celebration of Halloween as well as El Dia De Los Muertos, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The island is decked out for the occasion, and all passengers aboard the Odyssey are to be housed on the resort while repairs and maintenance is being done to the ship.

There is a main resort with spacious rooms, and of course private homes. Royalty will be put up in private homes, as well as celebrities, with the highest net worth being put into homes before those with lower income. Once the homes are filled the rest stay at the resort hotel. There is a small nine hole golf course behind the hotel. People can request to room with one another if they wish, though any ship staff/guest requests will be denied.

There is a large famously haunted lighthouse on the island located on top of the cliffs on the east side of the 11 mile expanse. There is a lake to the south, woodland trails crisscrossing the island, and the fall colors are in beautiful bloom. There is a small array of shops in a quaint little village on the west end which houses employees. There is a pub in the village, and an upscale bar at the resort. There is a full library in the village as well as a theater that accommodates both films and stage productions. The island is well cared for and put together, with a more rustic feel than the ship.

For the time being, it's vacation time for those who work on The Odyssey, island staff will be working the event. Ship staff will be housed at the village in an apartment building, which has decent accommodations, nicer than that of the ship. Everyone onboard has been asked to leave the ship for the island, no exceptions. The Odyssey will not be at the island while repairs are made.

Get ready for celebrations and a fun island adventure!

As the ship departs from Charleston, SC, the captain informs all guests that their next stop will be Boston, Massachusetts.



Steeped in history, Boston offers a wide array of recreational activities for guests and crew alike, including walking tours of historic Boston streets, a plethora of concert venues, and baseball games at the still-operational Fenway Park.



Also offered during the port stay in Boston is a constantly-running shuttle from Boston to Salem, Massachusetts. Similarly rich with historical significance, Salem offers something that Boston does not - a heavy occult and supernatural presence. Odyssey members can expect historical tours of Salem with a supernatural twist.

As The Odyssey arrives in Massachusetts, guests and crew will experience first hand the turning of the leaves as Autumn takes hold.

The lights are bright, and it's a party that Gatsby would be proud of. The drinks flow all day and night, there are rotating bands, jazz, and there are vendors selling costume pieces. It's a party that Charleston and the Odyssey are sharing, with shows and entertainment both on and off the ship.



Along with flowing fountains of champagne and enough liquor to stock several bars, the party also showcases staff and guests alike a true taste of Charleston. Tables around the party are covered in low country boil offers and encourage guests to get their hands dirty and enjoy like locals would.



The venue belongs to some of Charleston's oldest money, and transports those in attendance to a magical, lush garden party bathed in the soft, ambient glow of thousands of string lights.

With the recent turmoil The Odyssey experienced, a heavy restocking was needed and as instructed by the captain, the crew positioned the ship to dock at Charleston, South Carolina.

One of the safer cities in the American south where the Plague is concerned, Charleston boasts a combination of modern world-class restaurants and night-life, and old Southern charm. Historical tours, both haunted and traditional, can be found at almost every turn in Charleston's beautiful city center.

All residents are invited to attend a traditional low country boil hosted by the crew before the ship leaves port on the next leg of its trip. The party will center around a mass of slow-cooked pork barbecue and boiled shrimp and crawfish, Southern style.

The celebration includes costumes, with a 1920s sort of vibe happening but not required - however highly encouraged! There will be live music all night from local talents.

Mid-day, a helicopter arrives on The Odyssey. This isn’t unusual, supplies are often helicoptered in - only this time it isn’t full of supplies. It’s full of armed men and women. Pirates. They take the crew by surprise and very quickly take control of The Odyssey. They want one thing more than anything - ransom from anyone who is willing to pay to get the rich bastards, royalty and celebrities back - and they’re good at their jobs. Three places are hit at the same time, The Bridge/Security, The School/Daycare, and The Royal Club. They announce straight away that they have control of the children onboard, to cut down on resistance. Within a half hour, the ship is crawling with pirates, starting to put people in groups together, mainly separating out the rich and lucrative and the riff raff.

The Odyssey sets sail north, toward its next destination, Puerto Rico! An announcement is made to all members on board as the ship leaves port.

Come one, come all to the first annual Odyssey Olympics! A series of games and sports are set up across the ship in a week long event! Any and all persons on board are welcome to participate. The winners of each competition will have a variety of prizes to choose from including all expense paid day trips to the spa, an adventure excursion to be turned in at a port of their choosing, a shopping spree, and many more!

In addition to the games, each restaurant and shop on the ship has joined in with the Olympic games, offering daily specials adhering to the theme. Events include but are not limited to: shuffleboard, races, swimming/diving, mini golf, chess, basketball, dance competition & an arcade gaming competition.

A huge, ship wide party takes place for the opening ceremonies, and at the end, there will be another for the closing. Fireworks, live music, and more!

The Odyssey finally docks in Salvador, Brazil. The captain lets everyone know that they will be in port for a week, to allow a thorough check of the ship following the storm - and also because their arrival has coincided with one of the many festivals that the town hosts throughout the year.

The city is teeming with people and the party vibe is definitely riding high - Salvador never sleeps during festival time and there are parties everywhere, music and dancing at all hours of the day and night.

For those that look more closely, however, there is a definite undercurrent. There is a high police presence and ambulances or medical stations sit on most blocks. If anyone cares to make enquiries, it'll become clear that the city has actually zoned itself off from the rest of Brazil. Anyone entering the city has to have passed quarantine checks first - meaning that all non-residents who have travelled for the festival had to spend two days in a quarantine camp before they were allowed in. The only reason that the Odyssey people didn't have to go through this is because it is well known that the liner is Plague-free.

The city officials are on the look out for any suggestion of the Plague, however, and there is a city-wide ordnance that anyone can be arrested and taken away without hesitation it there is any suggestion they could be sick. Characters may see drunken revellers being bundled forcibly into ambulances - or risk that themselves.

If anyone is arrested, they will be taken to spend two days in a quarantine camp - which has the same kind of facilities that you would expect to find in a refugee camp (in other words, not much - people are 'housed' in large white tents, sleeping in camp beds in rows, with little privacy. Food is basically communally served slop and washing facilities are basic with no hot water at all).

The storm passes as the sun comes up. The waves die down to more like normal.

Thankfully, the Odyssey seems to have got through the storm with little in the way of structural damage, although the crew is tasked with checking everything.

The restaurants, shops, public areas, apartments and cabins may have sustained more damage, however. This varies from place to place, depending on what was loose.

The Odyssey continues onward toward the coast of South America, though it will still be a couple of days before land is sighted again.

The occupants of the Odyssey haven't seen the sun since they left Cape Verde. Clouds cover the sky in all directions. Last night had been as dark as any, with no moon or stars and with the coast left far behind. There hadn't even been a sighting of another ship.

Today's dawn was hardly more than a lighting of the sky. All morning the clouds grew thicker and the winds picked up. The ocean that the liner was cutting through became increasingly active - staff cabins with windows would have more of a view of water than waterline, given the way the waves were growing.

The storm proper hit just before noon. Waves were now several stories high and crashing over the promenade and lower decks and the Odyssey herself was rolling from side to side. The captain sent out a message cautioning everyone to fasten down and secure anything loose and to stay either return to their cabins, if they were nearby, or stay where they were. The warning was to both residents and staff.

Mod note: The storm will last for as long as players want to, to react properly. The captain has suggested that people stay where they are, but that doesn't mean that your characters have to listen! Please note though that if your characters do go outside, it will be very dangerous - all decks will be wet, slippery and rolling to steep angles. Being swept overboard is a real possibility.

Inside, in communal areas and in rooms, anything that is not fastened down WILL move. For example, in the restaurants, tables may be fastened to the floor, but chairs, plates, cutlery, flowers, candles etc are all fair game.

During the day it is announced that the results of the survey have decided that the Odyssey will be heading toward Brazil. The ship is fully supplied, the stores stocked with new goods and the restaurants full of fresh food.

The Crown announces that tonight they are having a seafood special evening.

The Poolside grill is having a cookout starting at sundown.

The Odyssey leaves Cape Verde as the sun starts to dip toward the horizon. The weather is reasonably good, but as she gets out into the open ocean, the winds begin to pick up and the waves are slightly bigger than usual. The Odyssey is a large vessel and so is fairly stable still in the water, but the people who are at the Grill should probably watch for the pool waters slopping over the sides.

The last night of Odyssey’s time at Cape Verde a massive beach party is thrown. There’s a huge feast, games, live music, and the alcohol, it flows like water. The party starts in the early evening and rolls on til dawn.

For those who want to enjoy a bit more adventure, surfing lessons and a beach volleyball tournament are both being held in addition to the party.

As the party wraps up, a fireworks show is put on, lighting the sky in an array of bright colors. To go along with it, every resident onboard the ship is given sparklers to enjoy the fun on a smaller scale.