EVENT ★ WELCOME TO PERDITION'S REST

[futurologists]

ARRIVAL Recruits leave Oska at midday, with about 10 minutes of final warning given from over jewelcomms. Then the white mist rises as rifts open, and Oska is left behind. When they arrive in the new world, they’ll find themselves aboard a train, specifically seated in the coach traveling compartments. The other passengers -- humanoids with muted skin tones and bright eyes -- have already been notified of their arrival, so although there will be a good deal of curious staring, particularly from children, no one is going to be very alarmed at the strange, eclectic assortment of aliens that suddenly show up on board. It seems that, for once, recruits will enjoy a peaceful arrival. The dusty scenery flashes by placidly outside the windows, the rumble of wheels is constant and soothing, and there’s even a snack cart that makes its way around (the snacks aren’t free, though -- recruits are provided a modest sum of Qorral currency, and the locals are already interested in getting in on it). BAD COMPANY The first sign of trouble appears about two hours after arrival when there’s a faint BOOM and each of the train cars gives a little shudder. That would be the rear train car’s back wall being blown open. The other passengers know exactly what this means, and some lock themselves into traveling compartments while others haul out previously put away shotguns and pistols, ready to do what needs doing. And what needs doing is to fend off the troupe of bandits that have decided that this train looks ripe for the plucking. They board from the gaping hole they blew in the last car and begin shooting their way up the length of the train, robbing as they go, but they also circle out on their horses (mechanical and only vaguely horse-shaped four-legged contraptions that easily keep pace with the train) to provide an armed and unfriendly escort. They’ll shoot through the windows if anyone looks like a troublemaker, and are old hands at ducking to the other side of their horses to use them as cover from any return fire. The conductor and all present passengers would really appreciate a hand from any recruits who feel like stepping up. Those not quite ready to engage in a shootout can always keep the civilians locked into the compartments company. They, especially the children, might need some calming words (and the sage advice to keep away from the windows, and stop making faces at the bandits). The bandits put up a pretty good fight, but will eventually be driven away (hopefully without having snagged too many ill-gotten goods from the hardworking citizens of Perdition’s Rest), and peace falls back over the train. The passengers will be a bit frazzled afterward, though, and no one can quite ignore that whistling sound caused by the missing back wall of the final train car. It’s a long two more hours before they reach their destination. WELCOME TO PERDITION’S REST A dusty wooden sign swings on rusted hinges overhead as the train pulls into the station: PERDITION'S REST. The engine finally stills with one puff of smoke, and as the passengers begin to disembark, recruits will find a small group awaits them. The Mayor, his aide, and the sheriff are gathered just outside the train station, and once everyone is more or less off the train and conveniently gathered, the Mayor will clear his throat for attention. "I'm guessing y'all had a long ride here, didn't you?" He addresses the crowd calmly, with the kind of voice that doesn't need to be raised much to be heard. "Heard about them bandits.They ain’t gonna trouble you here in town, but best mind your wanderin’. I'm Mayor Mordecai Jones, and Perdition's Rest welcomes your company. You'll find our businesses hospitable and our services ready. We're a quiet place, keep mostly to ourselves and don't bother none. You'll do just fine here if you abide that." The aide waits quietly as the Mayor speaks, while the sheriff eyes the gathered bunch with a resigned wariness. She, and a few other locals who would be willing to speak up if asked, are of the opinion that they've gotten by just fine for 30 years without anyone's help, and they don't figure they need it now. But they'll tolerate the meddling, so long as everyone plays nice. Mayor Jones's speech draws to a close with a last note that trouble can be brought to him or to Sheriff Rosamund Holladay, and he, his aide, and Sheriff Holladay break the meeting without further ceremony and head away. Welcome to Perdition's Rest. It's recommended that you look around a little, familiarize yourself with the place, and find lodgings. It's going to be home for a while. OOC NOTES Welcome to Mission: Perdition's Rest! This mission will last for around three months, currently slated to end in mid-December. Depending on developments, this schedule is subject to change at our discretion. You can view the dossier here, which contains information that is ICly known to all characters, no matter their arrival time. You can find locations here. Please direct all questions pertaining to the mission to the dossier page to keep questions and responses in one place for easy player reference. General game questions should be directed to the FAQ. The Bounty Board will be updated this weekend, so keep an eye out! Remember you can also request bounty missions or submit player plots at any time.

Comments

a.

[daimeinashi]

[Sai is investigating all of the shops, more or less. It never hurts to have information, and recon is one of Sai's areas of expertise.

That said, the "disguises" in this store are completely useless. No shinobi worth their salt would ever fall for something this juvenile.

So Sai's about to leave, when this guy suddenly "bwah"s at him, and Sai simply stares. Blinks once. Then asks:]

What are you doing?

[ryusoken]

Uh...trying on this amazing disguise! What do you think? [He poses, standing up straight. He tacks two of his fingers onto the glasses he's wearing.]

I'd say I don't look too bad myself.

[Because these are the most amazing kind of things to mix in with the crowd.]

What do you think?

[Besides if they're going to be here for awhile... why not explore and have fun!]

[daimeinashi]

Inefficient.

[Sorry Sabo, Sai has literally 0 sense of tact.]

It only conceals a few of your features from the front. Your profile is still clearly recognizable.

[ryusoken]

You're no fun.

[Party pooper. He takes it off, and takes a look at Sai.]

I definitely haven't seen you before. You new?

[daimeinashi]

"Fun"? [What is this "fun" of which you speak, Sabo.] I thought the purpose was to disguise yourself effectively.

But you are correct. I only arrived today.

[ryusoken]

You're taking disguises a bit too seriously. Back in Dressrosa.. I had a pretty good disguise covering my identity. [It had a golden helmet, sunglasses and a long wait mustache beard to boot, but we don't talk about that.]

It's nice to meet you then. The name's Sabo. [He makes a bright smile at the ninja.]

[daimeinashi]

[Honestly, most ninjas could just use transformation jutsu when they wanted to conceal their identity, but doing it properly the mundane way is important too, for when you need to conserve your chakra.]

There is no reason for carelessness in selecting a disguise. Even one that conceals your identity is useless if it draws too much attention, which could jeopardize the success of your mission.

[ryusoken]

[Not his fault his younger brother picked the most ridiculous of disguises!! He went along with it, and quite proudly too.]

The mission I had was a success, so does it matter? I don't think so. [He shakes his head.]

Besides we're not really undercover, so it'd be best to just relax a bit. [He tosses the disguise back into the pile.]

I still don't know your name... [Sabo, where are your manners?]

[daimeinashi]

[Who needs manners, not these guys.]

Of course it matters. Any particular mission being successful is no reason to become complacent. But it is true that concealing our identities is not currently an issue in this mission.

[...]

It's Sai.

[ryusoken]

Sai, huh? [Whatever you just said, he ain't listening.]

[He tips his hat over that it covers his eyes.] I'll be sure to remember that name.

[Sabo then skids over to the next section closest to the exit.] Do you know where you could buy some new clothes? [Calling out to him.]

[daimeinashi]

[In the absence of much else to do, Sai follows after him.]

There were some for sale in a store I passed by to the west. "Cactus Needle and Thread" was the name, I believe.

[ryusoken]

[Oh, you stalker... He stops, looking behind Sai in a blank expression.]

I see. [He shuffles his feet a little to distance a bit further from him.] Do you mind?

[daimeinashi]

[Sai's expression is more or less equally blank, mingled with confusion--though he doesn't step forward again.]

Is there a problem?

[ryusoken]

Nothing it's just... [He looks to his feet, and then back at him. Wondering if he even had anything better to do.

Though he says this instead:] Did you have business there too?

[daimeinashi]

Not particularly. I was investigating all of the stores, though. It's important to be familiar with your surroundings.

[Continues to be an overserious freak, sorry dude.]

[ryusoken]

Fair. [He can be serious too, Sai.]

Well... do you have any friends around here? Because I have my brother and his crew to look for after getting some clothes. I'm sure they'd need some help. [Implying that he's also pretty busy, sure. What will you do, Sai?]

[daimeinashi]

[Friends..........

how dare u throw the f-word at him, man. Suddenly he's peering at Sabo with Intense Interest, as if trying to figure out what Sabo's getting at.]

Neither of my teammates are here at present, nor anyone else from my village. Why do you ask, exactly?

[He hasn't quite picked up on the "get lost" cues yet oooooops.]

[ryusoken]

Just curious is all... It's good to have friends. [I mean, he does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. However Sabo, he former is a flat out lie. You know better than to act like that.

Sabo does get really curious when Sai talks about the whereabouts of his peers though. He turns around to Sai, and peers at him.]

Teammates... were you a part of some organization?

[daimeinashi]

[A ninja must see through deception, but...this ninja can't figure out what your angle is atm, Sabo. So he makes just a noncommittal hum at that answer. Especially because, well...he's not entirely sure about that. He's interested in the concept, enough that he abandoned his orders to assassinate Sasuke, but...

Well, frankly, everything about it goes against his entire training. Being a person is still pretty jarring and unsettling when he has to figure this shit out all by himself now, without even his books.]

Yes. [He points to his headband.] I am a shinobi of Kohonagakure. Our missions are typically conducted in three-man squads.

[Though in Root he typically was given his own missions, but that's more information than this stranger needs right now.]

[ryusoken]

[Uh, that's because he has no angle... he wanted you to go away at first, but discussing part of your life (secretive as it may be) has piqued an impression on him, even if a little. As he listens intently at his words, he decided to poke one term he particularly wanted to express on.]

Shinobi? You mean.. ninja? [Yeah because they're cool to you, Sabo. As much as any other guy who marvels at these skilled warriors of deception and destruction.] Must be really great.

[A pause before he speaks of the latter talk.] The line of work I do is mission based as well. Which is probably why I ended up here too. [He smirks. Maybe he's not so bad after all.]

[daimeinashi]

[??? What does that even mean? Great how? What was great? Things Sai doesn't really have: personal feelings about being a ninja. It's literally all he's ever known. As someone never allowed to possess an identity beyond a weapon of Konoha, he has no idea how to conceptualize what being a shinobi is "like" for him.]

You are correct. But I'm afraid I do not follow. What do you mean by "must be really great"?

[He'll get back to asking about your line of work in a bit, because keeping an information imbalance imbalanced is def not his thing, but. He needs clarification ok.]

[ryusoken]

Um.. seeing someone who is one.. well it's really cool. [He stretches out his arms upward and then moving them wide apart downward until they're on opposite ends of him.]

You are being able to conceal yourself for one thing. [He covers his face to make a quick visualization.] And attacking when the moment is right! [As he darts his hands flat at Sai.] Also those cool.. weapon knife things...kunai? I think?

[He looks up, pondering and then back down at Sai. He smiles.]

I would love to see the kinds of abilities you do, or even some of the missions you embarked on. [ His eyes even sparkling a little at the shinobi's presence. Sabo would never think to meet a ninja, much less one who is probably clueless on how awesome they really are to him.]

[daimeinashi]

Cool? What does the temperature have to do with anything?

[sorry Sabo he is Really Not Up on...any slang, at all, ever.]

But you said you have also been on missions--waiting until an opportune moment before going on the offensive must be something you are familiar with as well.

[These are all??? Super basic skills?????? Is this guy trying to play him for information, is that what's happening? Sai isn't sure, and he feels a bit suspicious.

On the plus side, he doesn't, uh. "Show" Sabo a kunai by pointing it at his throat. Thank god for small favors. He is going to wait for an answer to his question, though. Information for information.]

[ryusoken]

No no, not that kind of cool. [Sabo clenches his fists in front of the other man, and then opens them out creating an expression of excitement.] Like an "awesome" cool.. "amazingly" cool. Like this "really impressed" definition of the matter.

[He crosses his arms, smirking at the other ninja as if he was up to something.]
Ninjas just.. make it really easy to hide and pretty cool because of their techniques though. All I do is just sneak around like any other human being. [He's merely curious on how shinobi work, rather than extracting information for use later. It's really appealing to him to know he's met one now.]

Oh but I can do this. [He holds up a hand, forming it into fire in front of the guy.] It's a little something I've acquired quite recently.

[daimeinashi]

Any respectable shinobi knows how to conceal themselves effectively without the use of their jutsu. To do otherwise is a waste of chakra.

[Ninjas sneak, bro. I mean sometimes they sneak on roofs and ceilings but most of the time they do the same shit as you're talking about here, bro.

Though he does raise an eyebrow as the guy literally turns his hands into fire. Things shinobi can do: breathe fire. Things shinobi generally cannot do: turn into it.]

...I suppose that would be "cool", too, inappropriate as it seems to say such a thing about fire.