epidemiology | EVENT ★ WELCOME TO PERDITION'S REST

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EVENT ★ WELCOME TO PERDITION'S REST

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No it's fine...[He waves his arms, noting that yeah you don't really need to bow for something you're not up to believing.] It's also keeping in mind that the world may not be as black and white as you think. [Back in his world.. while pirates are "bad" there are "good" pirates.. just as there are "good" marines and "bad" ones. It's pretty much a gray area and not think "good guys are good, and bad guys are bad".]

There are "good" pirates as there are "bad".. and not all marines are "good" either even though they serve to take down the pirates. The laws they have are restricted and it's not exactly a free for all.

Just like how some steal.. some don't. The Marines back in my world? While they are seen as "good", they're run by the World Government. The organization I'm in.. our job is to take them down because they're seen as "corrupt". We want peace and quality amongst people as much as a lot of people there but.. it's difficult when there's a lot of factors into play.

It's not a storybook, I'll tell you now. It's a real thing that happens. Some people from my universe actually think of it as such but a number of pirates do dream to obtain this "One Piece" and go off to adventures to see the world.

[Hopefully your brain isn't imploding, Momo. It's a lot of explanation and it's ... just more complicated than seeing it as cops and robbers, or some silly kids story like she said. It just has that light and idealism behind it so he's more than aware of how idealistic it may seem.]

No, I'm aware it's not so black and white. Even back home, there are some controversial issues regarding villains and heroes, but even then that's why rules exist. If a pirate is simply 'someone who steals', then how does this affect the rest who don't? What makes the fact that they go on adventures illegal?

[That's the part she doesn't get. Was it because pirates, even as adventurers, trespass international borders? Is it because they take the law in their own hands?]

So, you're somewhat more like a secret agent to take down the corrupt officials? Or are you an investigator?

[She's curious, and this was... a really deep topic when they're talking about hats, but curiosity is not easy to satisfy.]

An investigator... based on what I've been doing. [To Sabo, he's not really secretive much about his status as Chief of Staff of the Revolutionaries.. but he's not exactly loud about it either. He just talks abobut it when he feels the need to, that's it. In her case.. there's not much gain from mentioning his reputation as they're from different worlds.]

I've never thought about it too much, and you're right on pirates being "bad". Though like you also said the topic of what's good or bad is pretty gray. Luffy is aware he's seen as "bad" and he knows this as a pirate, but he really does his own thing and gets renowned and famous in my world by taking down anyone who's in his way of his goal of being the Pirate King. To become one.. one would need to become strong. To be strong.. he wants to earn the right on his own, by taking down forces who say otherwise. To be able to save his friends.. his family from the likes of others.

[He takes off the hat for a moment, taking a gander at the familiarity of the hat and remembering the other pirate - the other brother and friend to him when mentioning the next line.] It wasn't about stealing treasure... other than obtaining the "One Piece" that Gol D Roger had provoked others to reach that dream. It was purely freedom to venture out to new areas. The Marines had set boundaries and rules of the Grand Line because the pirates you know of do... bad things. They steal, they venture, they do anything that was considered unruly. But again.. it's not all bad. It just might have been restrictive due to how the world was, rather than just "being bad and stealing things and hurting people". The ones who do.. yeah they make a bad reputation of pirates, but as you said that's just what pirates are. It's a matter of seeing the person behind it, is what I wanted to say.

The Marines.. at least the lower ones just follow the rules of the higher ups.. and you don't really know the intentions of them either. They are also a pretty tight organization as they have a few rats here and there trying to take advantage of that role of "good guy".

[For a conversation to start with hats with something this controversal.. well... he sure had it coming. Sabo is pretty passionate when it comes to the topic at hand, but he is also aware of the roles everyone plays in his world. He's just usually the type to see the intention... the person behind such roles instead of looking at his brother of just being a pirate.. or someone such as himself being a "noble" before he met his brothers. Breaking the judgement from charaacter and seeing beyond prejudice is something he takes into heart.]

... I see. So simply put, these pirates are largely adventurers that are caught by the flow of a negative view of the trade. Certainly, traveling to areas that are restricted by the government is already a crime in itself, but they don't do it out of desire to harm others, but instead get involved in keeping the peace whilst trying to get this "One Piece".

Why is this "One Piece" so important that they would risk being seen as criminals? Surely, there should be legal ways for this to discovered. Archaeology isn't an uncommon practice, and if they get the preferred license for it, wouldn't it solve a lot of issues?

[She pauses, and frowns, because that didn't sound quite right either. No, there must be a reason this was something that is actively being discouraged, rather than simply being a hidden treasure.]

... Is this "One Piece" stolen?

[She doesn't tackle the topic of Marines just yet, as this was a separate issue altogether, and maybe one she'd willingly talk about later. For now, the subject of pirates as 'good' is more interesting for her.]

Edited 2016-10-11 02:02 (UTC)

Taking out what's necessarily... "wrong", yes. Like I said it's complicated, and not every pirate works like that. It's only people like Luffy who do that and it will be seen as "bad" because going against the Marines are already an offense in their system.

The pirates.. they are at arms trying to fighting one another for the "One Piece" and it's not always the case of just "good" being there. A lot of pirates have thrown away this dream and just did whatever they feel like doing. These included the inherently bad ones that whether you're a marine or another pirate... so yes they have this reputation of being bad. This includes being one of power.. which the Marines would rather not see pirates doing.

[All this coming from a man who is also seen as "bad" but under criminal status. He has a reason his organization is like that. He turns at the thought with Momo's question.]

According to what I've read and been told.... Gol D Roger, the owner of this "One Piece" is free for the taking.. so it's more of his legacy that it'd be found. "Lost" would a better word. It's his word that he provoked and created an era where pirates roamed trying to achieve this dream, but it's also since then you also see other pirates just trying to get wealth, fame and power over the Grand Line for their own ambitions.

As for your other question.. there is a matter of archaeology and discovery...there's no rule for claiming another one's treasure as long as they said it was free for the taking. Though stealing treasure in any world for good or bad intention are common practices you would see there.

[Legal? License? None of those really exist for pirates. So many questions though. He tries and be careful and listens to them while... trying to inform Momo as best as possible from what he knows.]

"One Piece" is known as the treasure to find.. and it was Gol D Roger's legacy in the Great Pirate Era.. obtaining would gain you a lot of fame and status ...almost as much as the Great Pirate himself.

Ah, true enough. If the government already sees pirates as bad, then being one would be a direct opposition immediately.

[So, from there, it was already a mess.]

It... certainly sounds a lot more complicated than I imagined, but I suppose they work similarly to vigilantes in my world. People who also do their best to protect others, but they do it out of the law, so they are as good as criminals in some cases. Of course, intention and action aren't always directly related but...

[This is fascinating, at least, to her, because of how differently they see and perceive the same thing. Perhaps, also, because of how she can see it transcend to a different field altogether.]

What kind of treasure is "One Piece" exactly...?

That's the mystery. No one really knows. It's that part of the "story" that makes it seem believable to some, but a myth to others. Most of Gol D. Roger's crew scattered and possibly died or passed away before the current era.

The New Age.. it brought on a lot of notable pirates such as the Worst Generation and other important figures into this time period. It's a wonder of how the world works, and how time passes on, leaving the old era behind. Bits and pieces disappear or are left buried, but a part of it still lives on.. such as the "One Piece".

[He closes his eyes, remembering having read these stories at some point of the Revolutionary life... the fact that he's living during this time is amazing in itself. He's hoping she feels the same being told this.]

Then-- how about yourself?

[She starts, and perhaps that was the end of the discussion in her eyes. She does seem still vastly curious, the expression on her face just barely concealed interest in the grand scheme of things, but she thinks what she's learned at the moment was enough of a taste of the many things she could still learn of his world; Of other worlds as well.]

Do you have any interest in finding this "One Piece"?

I do not. I intend on watching my younger brother Luffy reach that goal of obtaining the "One Piece" and becoming the status of Pirate King.

[He has once dreamt of becoming a pirate along with Luffy and Ace.. and did so for a really short time until his boat got shot by the Marines. Sabo smiles very contemplatively, reflecting onto such innocent times of dreams and the like, before he continues talking to Momo.]

This is my job.. my role.. as his older brother. My work is still with the Revolutionaries, but should he be in danger.. I will drop my duties and save him. I want him to live.. and be able to achieve his goal.

[She glances back at the hat that she had almost taken from him, something closer to a fashion accessory than something with sentimental value. It's amazing, really, how differently they can perceive the same thing.]

You're a good brother. I think, it would be very nice to see how far your brother would go as well. Is he... Is he also here?

[Because, really, it must be hard to only be the one here, not seeing someone continue to grow.]

[It's truly an item to marvel at for him.. even if she does see it as such a fashion accessory. No matter though.. he puts it back on, looks back at Momo, curling his mouth when she asks the question.]

Yes.. he is!

[His smile brightens.. hearing that Momo wants to see him!!!! He's pretty excited. He could honestly talk about him endlessly..the things he does, how he hangs around his crew, the food he eats, how he sleeps.. the list goes on. Instead... he kind of just takes Momo's hand, without any hesitation.]

I'll have you come meet him. He's pretty great.

[Wait, that's embarrassing.

Her cheeks turn red immediately, especially after he holds her hand, and gods-- that was definitely not what she expected from that. She's not exactly good at these kinds of things.]

W-wait, now? [Really? She's not ready for this!]

Yes!

[Because his brother is the best in the world... Someone everyone should meet at least once in their lives. He has no qualms about her after seeing how good of a person she is without question.]

I don't see why not. I'm on the way to meet up with him anyway. [And he says this without further consideration. Anytime is a good time honestly when it comes to Luffy.]

[How did this get to this?

She isn't opposed to meeting new people, not really. It's just, the combination of him holding her hand, and acting as if she was going to meet his parents (close enough, because that's his brother) seemed rather tactless and awfully close to how someone would eagerly show off their partner to them.

She's 99% sure that isn't the case, but he's very adamant.]

I erm-- that is, surely he's busy right now? Should we really?

[He is clueless as balls about what was implied.. he's actually more focused on .. well, Luffy!!! Luffy luffy luffy- LUFFY IS A GREAT GUY YOU GOTTA MEET HIM HE DOES A LOT OF THINGS AND IS OPEN and FRIENDLY you know, every single thing about the man is just so wonderful.. becoming the Pirate King!!! he would love to meet you, dear momo!!! sabo thinks so]

I'm sure he isn't busy!! He's never too busy to meet new people. Part of his adventure is making more nakama!! [it's his brother's favorite word did you know that]

[Sabo, pls...

She feels bad trying to turn him down when he's so excited, even if she is flustered and a bit embarrassed at how they look at the moment. In fact, the store clerk is already noticing, and that-- that won't do.

It's not as if she's opposed to it, but it definitely would save her the trouble not to cause more misunderstanding.]

All right, all right. Let's go then. I um... I hope I'm really not troubling you.

[Even if you're troubling her a lot.]

[He doesn't see how bad she feels....rather, she seems so shy.. or hesitant to meet new people but that's coming from him. He looks over at the store clerk, who's kind of on his watch staring at the two.. and then back to Momo.]

Of course not. It's not troubling me at all to introduce you to my younger brother.

[Sabo smiles, trying to lessen the nervousness with her. Nothing to be awkward about... aside from the third party.]

Off we go! [Leading and walking with his new friend outside.] To meet Luffy.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT ★ WELCOME TO PERDITION'S REST

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