[log] The Council of Norfinbury [day 67, semi-closed]

[gtfoourgalaxy]

Characters: Everyone who attends the town hall meeting on Day 67 at Building 28, as well as people who phone in. This is a lot of people.
Location Building 28
Date: Day 67, all day for mingle, around midday for meeting
Summary: Snowbos meet up to talk snowplans.
Warnings: Snowplans may result in swearing. House and Jack are present, with all that implies.



[This is your general mingle log for the day! Start toplevels at your pleasure. Below there will be a toplevel for the actual Council of Snowhell.]

Comments

THE COUNCIL OF SNOWHELL

[gtfoourgalaxy]

[OOC: This is the one where Shepard asks everyone to sit down nicely, whip out their tablets for people who want to phone in, and Talk about Their Snowfeelings Plans. I'm thinking it's best if we do this without tagging order, in quicklog/network spam format, so everyone can participate. Dive in!]


So.

[Shepard has rounded everyone into the greenhouse, where they can all have a nice view of all the horrible snowstorm shit going on outside to remind them what's at stake in this meeting. She steps up to briefly address the room.]

I'm not gonna give you all a big speech. Honestly, alternate realities, AIs, time travel - all of that's a bit beyond me. Right now, we're here to talk about making this place a little more bearable while we figure out how to get out. So let's hear some ideas about that.

I'm thinking our first priority needs to be to make sure we got steady supply routes between key locations. Possibly a base camp. Al and Steph have mentioned the school and the houses around the east convenience store as places with good potential - you wanna tell us a bit more about that?

[spoileralert]

Hmm? Oh.

[ Steph wasn't expecting to present to the rest of the class, but she rises (literally) to the occasion. Standing, she waves at the crowd. ]

Hey. So, there are a pair of buildings really close to the eastern convenience store that would be a good place to set up a pair of headquarters, so we can move between them. I know there's been mention of the need to keep moving. I don't know much about that, but from this experience [ She waves, indicating the group. ] it's a good idea to have more than one home base if only so we can actually fit everyone in them. Alternately, there's here, which is close enough to the school for supply runs, and the house next door. It depends what our plans are which would be better - on the one hand, the school, on the other, the ice tunnels.

So, could someone update us all on what people are doing and planning, and we can work from there?

Video | @Summoner | OTA

[ninjainviolet]

[ Have one thoughtful-looking ninja on your screen, Commander (and everyone) ]

Umm...I was wondering. I've seen the maps people have been making, but has anyone thought to Number the houses we enter? It might make everything a lot easier.

ota!

[phaseshifter]

[ Sad as it is to admit it, as far as Angel remembers this is the closest thing to a party that she's ever attended in her life.

There are so many people! So many. Angel isn't shy despite her isolated upbringing, but meeting up with so many new people at once is still really intimidating - particularly now that she's become so used to having Rhys around. He is here, kind of, but only via a tablet attached to Dumpy. It only half-counts.

Of course, her dad's here too. But since he's been brought along as a prisoner as opposed to an active participant, she's pretty sure he doesn't count at all.

So it's up to her to mingle it up all by her lonesome! Meaning she'll approach anyone who looks open to it. People she recognises get a hug; people she's unfamiliar with get an oddly-dressed shortass offering them an excited handshake. ]

Hi! Did you realise so many people were coming? Isn't this neat?

[forfeits]

I knew there would be a lot, but --

[ he accepts the hug, even if it is a bit weird. Al is the affectionate one, whereas Ed? he's just happy with a distant handshake and an awkward wave. sometimes. but he looks around the room, surveying just now many people have actually turned up to this. ]

It's pretty neat. Easy to forget just how many people are around this place when it's just tablet screens, huh? It's nice. Well, most of it. [ because Handsome Jack is there, and albeit as a prisoner, it still means there's much to discuss. ]

open!

[tofu_idol]

[Rise has known all along that she's not going to have much to contribute when it comes to the main purpose of the meeting. She hasn't been here anything close to long enough to know much about Norfinbury that others haven't already figured out for themselves and for that, she's much more observer than anything else.

Of course, just because she's observer doesn't mean she's fading into the background. She might be used to having things done for her but that doesn't mean she can't pitch in to the best of her abilities here.

And after all, it's almost second nature by now for her to be keeping tabs on everyone around her, even if she lacks the power that's helped her in other worlds before now. She's still gathering what information she can, even where she seeks a friendly face or two to talk to.]

Let's hope this doesn't take too long. I'm not sure how comfortable it'll be if we're all stuck here overnight.

[And yet even as she says it, she's trying to consider the logistics, just in case.]

[rubikscomplex]

Catch, Mini-skirt.

[It's the only warning Rise will receive before she'll find a pair of men's slacks - size small - tossed at her head. They're coming from the scruffy man who's standing nearby, leaning on a cane.]

OTA

[rubikscomplex]

[House is, perhaps, at one of his most presentable moments in Snowhell. He hadn't really intended for it to work out that way, but here they are with him finally getting a shower to himself and shaving fully a few days before, he only has a few day's growth on his face and he looks clean... ish. It doesn't make him particularly social, but he'd wanted to be here to get the lay of the land and be able to interject - if necessary - without someone being able to just shut down a tablet to make him go away. He's not sure he'll have much to contribute, but better not to risk it.

As it is, he's commandeered one of the chairs in the house and dragged it over to a corner to watch the crowded field. He's got a very fluffy scarf, some pink gloves, and a knit cap on, looking his snowbo best. He's also pretending to read while listening and waiting for the main meeting to begin. If the sight of a middle-aged man studying a book with an elf-boy in a star ship on the cover intrigues you, he's there for bothering.

A cane is hooked on the back of the chair, and he's got his feet propped up on his backpack. If anyone approaches, he will glance up before returning to the book and flipping a page.]

This is a total rip-off of Star Wars, just with some elves, a troll, and werewolf instead of Luke and the gang.

[luckystarlimit]

[The reference is as good as meaningless to Cissnei but the sight of a familiar and somewhat friendly face is a tonic after days of travelling with a rather sullen Sephiroth. Cissnei understands why, and even as she's mingling she has half an eye towards where Sephiroth is and what he's doing, but she can't deny it's not a relief to be around other people. That she doesn't feel quite the same need to be on sharpest alert throughout is a bonus.

So she ignores that comment in favour of reaching to pet the scarf. For her part, she's cleaner than she might have expected to be thanks to lucky finds and an overnight stay in a place with actual hot water; currently she has ear-muffs resting around her neck like headphones while the floppy, off-white knitted hat she found days back remains atop her head while she tries to warm up; beyond that, she's still in the familiar suit.]

Very fetching. Too bad we don't have a fireplace for you to sit by.

[Because he looks very much the part of someone at Icicle Inn who might be warming themselves by the fire right now.]

ota

[silverfuller]

[Haurchefant is surrounded by people and as such is a man in his element. His hawkish features are lit up in an expression of joy just at seeing the crowd.]

People coming together to overcome adversity! Splendid!

I do dearly hope we make progress this day.

[He moves with a spring his step. Astute observers might notice that he is pacing between the door and the closest window and constantly looking outside, his armor rattling about him. He is listening to what everyone is saying but his focus remains on the snow.]

[tofu_idol]

With this many people here, I'm not sure why we wouldn't.

[Of course, Rise knows it's not always that simple, but there's no harm in staying optimistic while she still can.

More to the point, it occurs to her that she's speaking to a familiar face and that makes this just a little easier.]

Lord Haurchefant, right? It's nice to finally meet you face to face.

open

[luckystarlimit]

[For all she's normally not one for crowds, Cissnei can't deny a certain feeling of relief as she and Sephiroth arrive for the meeting. She doesn't regret her decision to stand by her travel companion, but she won't deny the last days since they parted ways from Zack and his group have been trying.

She understands Sephiroth has a lot to think over. But for all she's been pushing them both forward, she's glad now of a chance to be around other people, people she isn't somewhat expected to act as morality chain for even if her designation for Sephiroth is largely self-imposed.

She stays quiet for the most part, even so; those she's spoken to before will get soft smiles of acknowledgement but she's slipping into the mindset of a Turk on duty, now, absorbing as much as she can - and all set to take notes, if the notebook and pen in her hands is any indication.

Of course, she hasn't forgotten her duty altogether; even when she's mingling, she's rarely in a spot where she doesn't have line of sight to Sephiroth just in case. But it's a subtle thing that slips beneath the demeanour of someone happy to be in a crowd without being its focus, for all she won't ignore company. Indeed, anyone who does approach gets a nod of acknowledgement as she looks up.]

Guess we picked a good time to head this way. Not sure what to expect from this but I'm sure something good will come of it.

[youarethebandits]

[And here is Handsome Jack, tied up and under close scrutiny of Captain America. He is wearing a carefully maintained look of disinterest and boredom while paying close attention to what's actually going on around him.

No matter what the bandit council decides to do with him, it won't be good, but at least he can get as much information as he can while he's here.]

[phaseshifter]

Hey.

[ Today on Angel's List of Bad Decisions: talking to father dearest. Or whispering, rather. Because nothing she might have to say is anything to do with any busybodies who've apparently appointed themselves Jack's keeper. It's awful, being a prisoner and having people listen in to everything you say and do. Angel knows that better than most.

Basically, NICE JOB MAKING JACK SEEM LIKE A VICTIM, GUYS ]

You nervous?

[spoileralert]

[ Steph, now wearing only her Spoiler getup and a scarf, can be found in any given location inside the house mingling and saying hello to people. She's never been secretive about her identity, and doesn't hesitate to introduce herself as both Spoiler and Stephanie Brown. After all, there are more important things happening than one girl's secret identity. ]

Wow, it's actually pretty warm in here. It's almost pleasant.

[starsandtights]

[Steve's sort of poking around, seeing who's here, having left Jack with... someone responsible, presumably. He perks up when he hears a familiar voice.]

Steph? Hey!...

[Steve trails off when he spots her, blinking a few times.]

Nice, uh. Cape. And... catsuit. Looks very. Active.

[It looks like something Natasha might wear, except with Clint's colors. And Thor's cape.]

ota

[headjacked]

[ There is a small robot flitting around the room excitedly, occasionally dive-bombing the attendees and sometimes bopping people in the head. Never hard, but enough to be jarring and/or annoying, depending on how endearing this tiny floating shitiot is to the individual.

A tablet is attached to the Dumpster, broadcasting Rhys back at Mandated Bedrest house. He looks awful, frankly, with a severely messed up shoulder and angry bruises on his head and neck. He also looks like he is having trouble staying awake, though whenever Dumpy hits someone, he jolts up and mumbles a throaty "sorry". ]

( ota )

[meteors]

[ attending the meeting had been largely, if not entirely, cissnei’s idea— one which sephiroth had felt neither way about. now that they’re here though, in a building full of people, he’s realizing his mistake. on gaia, he’d dealt with hundreds of people on a regular schedule, had commanded them as had been part of his job by being shinra’s finest soldier. it had been second nature to him, simply part of his job.

that though… that was all in the past now, part of something he no longer knew whether or not he really belonged to. or if he ever had.


after his conversation with zack, everything has changed, after all.

anyone who approaches or simply notices sephiroth will find him either giving them his best come any closer and you’ll regret it glare, made even more unkind by the strangeness that are his cat-like glowing eyes. should you still say something, he’ll interrupt with a curt; ]

Don’t.

[ yeah.

….and when he’s not putting off the very aura of someone dangerous, he’s… lost in thought, something very uncharacteristic for him.

but what’s he to do? he has much to think about, and little of it has anything to do with the meeting. ]

[phaseshifter]

[ As someone with amarked aversion to loneliness, Angel is making a very special point of approaching anyone who seems to be by themselves so she can say hello. Unfortunately for Sephiroth, he kind of stands out. You know, what with his... everything. Meaning that Angel completely ignores all the GO AWAY vibes he's sending out in favour of scootling her way over with a hand outstretched. ]

Hell-- oh.

[ Well. The "don't" succeeds where the glowering didn't and stops her dead. Her hand hovers for a moment, then decides that handshakes are probably out of the question and it would be better off nervously plucking at the hem of her sweater. ]

Um. Sorry.

[ Wait, did that count as talking? Shoot. ]

Sorry for, uh, bothering you, I mean. Including... right now. I'll stop. Immediately. Darn it.

[ And she does.

For like ten whole seconds. ]

I was just - umm...

[ Shutting up once again, she mutely gestures between Sephiroth's glowy eyes and her own. LOOK. THEY MATCH. NEATO. ]

[blessedmaiden]

[Rydia isn't being really social, she has been rather quiet since the 'incident' with the funeral house and even know things don't really seem to change even if she's always ready to offer a smile to whoever looks in her direction. Her clothes are still covere in black stains but she doesn't seem to mind it at this point, washing her coat more than she tried to do would have been just unpleasant considering she barely has anything else to cover the upper part of her body so... she's okay with it.

The woman is in a corner, listening carefully to everyone and just enjoying the company of so many people even if she's not actively seeking for conversation. If it wasn't so dangerous to gather so many people (probably most of them with their beacon on) in a single place she'd suggest to stay in such a large group all the time.]

As silly as this may sound... we should probably do this more often.

@dissect ; audio ; conference calls are the way to socialize

[circumsutus]

[For the first time ever, here's @dissect (aka "Dr. Stitches") using something other than text on the network.

Thankfully for the more squeamish people attending the meeting, he's using audio instead of showing off in full detail what he's doing.]

I've been working at the mass graves in the northwest. So far, it looks like they're here as a result of continued habitation by original residents after the snow started and the borders of the town closed up. The bodies I've examined so far appear to be human, with death coming --shit -- coming from both natural and violent causes.

[He's more interested in communicating information than socializing, and (as evidenced by certain subtle background noises, and the scrape of metal against bone accompanied by a muttered curse) still working on his current project.]

Any questions?

@greed; voice

[ossifragant]

[Greed's seen the mass graves before-- when they were first discovered and broadcasted to the network.

He's not squeamish in general, so...]

I imagine the snow makes it difficult to tell the time of death, but how well preserved are they?

Video, @Griever

[canyouhandlethismany]

[He's one of the people who is just calling the whole group from a distant place, Leon isn't really intereste in socializing, yet he wants to know what's going to be discussed by the group. And if possible he's going to stalk the whole meeting if someone else is broadcasting anything on the network. Sleeping? Eh, he can do that tomorrow.]

Leon here. I couldn't attend [he didn't want to] but I will be here if any important decision is taken.

I don't have many informations to offer, nor strong opinions to share. [Or, better, he's not really interested in sharing at the moment] If Anything I can let you know the resident spirits can actually interfere with your device and the beacon app to and turn it on but it's all I discovered in the past few days.

[gtfoourgalaxy]

Shepard here. Thanks for calling in. [That, first of all. Shepard is highly encouraged by the turnup, both in person and in video. She wants to maintain these connections.]

I've heard of beacons getting turned on unintentionally before. Or... something like it. [There's still no certainty about what happened to Angel with the candle.] First time I hear of any spirits being involved though. What do you mean by that?

Video; @determination

[despiteeverything]

[Originally, they'd called out of a mixture of curiosity and boredom, more than anything. But as the meeting started and proceeded, they realized there was something that was maybe a good idea to bring up! Nobody else had before now, certainly not to Frisk's satisfaction.]

If we're talking about stuff we know, I should talk about what I've been learning about monsters.

[Okay um. They haven't really done all that much to organize their notes or anything, and their notebook is in their backpack anyways and people are waiting. So they'll do their best with what they remember.]

The Admin called the monsters here "a-nom-ma-lies." Most everybody thinks they're dangerous and... and you should be careful until we learn more, but... we don't know too much about them yet. Some people said they're still growing? Some of 'em are starting to look like things from our homes and they didn't used to.

Um... some people have tried talking to them normally but that hasn't worked yet. That didn't... always work at home either, so that doesn't mean we should give up. One of them only talked in bye-nary? So maybe try different things.

[They take a deep breath. Because if there's anything that they want everybody to be aware of, it's this.]

The really important thing is that they're looking for something. That's what they keep saying when they... when they hurt people. If we can find what they're looking for, maybe we can give it to them without anybody getting hurt or dying.

[They're somber for a moment, but then their chin sets itself stubbornly, filling themselves with the determination they're so well-known for.]

And if anybody finds out anything more, you should tell me! I'm trying to put together a thing like for when new people get here. [So articulate. Much explanation. Wow.] Those... those guide things. I'm taking notes and everything!

Um, thanks!

[And now they'll sort of... verbally step back and let anybody take the floor. Or ask questions maybe. Is that a thing that happens right now?]

[giant_killer]

You have a bit of experience with this sort of thing, do you? From what I've read, we don't have much intel on these creatures at all. What other ways would you suggest, if speaking normally with them won't work?

@zd; video (Here but not here)

[swatsflies]

[He's phoning an short AWESOME friend to watch the conference. He might be a little bit flushed from playing in snow and their little circus act of getting a look over the wall.

Zell is going to be pretty quiet for a change. His travel companions from Team Sad Losers may respond from his tablet instead, or he'll ask questions after the meeting.]

((OOC: If your character wants to talk to him, feel free to so. But he may be distracted or tired.))

OTA

[whiteknightnecromancer]

Dorian was more interested in watching people than participating directly in the meeting. He was still available for one on one discussions though. He wasn't bothered by being jammed into a small building with a dozen strangers. The chances of being poisoned were low from what he could see.

So Dorian spent of his time standing in a corner, back from the action, with his pack between his feet and a friendly expression on his face.

OTA

[notaquaman]

[Nathan's found a place to park himself, leaning back on his hands with a bored-to-all-hell expression on his face. His backpack is perched between his legs. Out of nowhere, he lets out a loud, long, quite frankly rude and obnoxious, groan.]

Hands up. Who else agrees this is the most boring party they've ever been to?

[He swings one of his arms up into the air. He came here because he saw a sign advertising it, and because he wasn't doing anything else anyway, and because there has to be a few laughs with this many people in one place, right? This is a gigantic ripoff.]

[whiteknightnecromancer]

Oh, I don't know. I can think of a few.

[The joys of a childhood where avoiding getting dirt on his clothes was the top priority.]

None since I was old enough to know how to sneak alcohol in though.

THE COUNCIL OF SNOWHELL PART II: ABOUT JACK

[starsandtights]

((OOC: I'm imagining this is part of the same big official meeting, after they finish discussing supply routes etc. Same rules apply, quicklog/network spam format etc.))

[Steve stands up and takes a step forward, clearing his throat.]

I assume you all saw my post from this morning. Jack kidnapped three people, causing injury to two of them by way of assault and as a direct consequence of their confinement. In the interest of public safety, we need to figure out what to do about this, bearing in mind that the usual methods of confinement or atonement are going to be pretty impractical under the circumstances. I'm welcoming any and all suggestions, after which I suggest we vote.

My own suggestion is that he remain under guard, bound most or all of the time, traveling with one or more able-bodied volunteers who can keep an eye on him. It's not ideal, but frankly I can't think of anything that is. I'd be willing to volunteer for this, if it comes to it.

[Steve takes a step back.]

Anyone who's got anything to say on the matter, go ahead and speak up, especially if you've got a proposal. That includes you, Jack.

[Steve sits down again, folding his arms.]

[whiteknightnecromancer]

[Dorian raises his hand.]

I'd suggest that the most important question is what manner of restitution the wronged parties want. They're the ones he's harmed and as I understand it, they are also the most familiar with him and what he might do.

[And with that, Dorian lowers his hand and leans back, visibly relinquishing the floor.]

ota!

[starsandtights]

[The meeting hasn't started yet, and Steve's sort of wandering around, having temporarily left Jack with... someone responsible, hopefully. Or at least left him where Steve can keep an eye on him from across the room. Steve's looking to see who's here, hoping to see some familiar faces and meet new people.]

Is it weird that I'm feeling claustrophobic with all these people? ...God help me, I'm going native already.

[ossifragant]

....Eh?

[Well that catches his attention.]

This is a lot more people than usually gather in one place, as far as I know; I've been here from the beginning and don't think something like this has been tried before.

When you're used to spending days by yourself or a small crowd, it makes sense, I think.

OTA

[boozegeoisie]

[Emmanellain is full glad to be able to see so many people! Sure, he's grateful to be traveling with his brother and having what company they do have, even if certain members aren't exactly the most.. friendly (looking at you, House!). This, however, is much preferred. There's people, all sorts of people, and he can talk and socialize like he was born to do!

Not to mention the beautiful maidens that have shown up! He's most assuredly taking in their beauty, because even in a time like this, even in a place like this, Emmanellain will never stop being Emmanellain.

Wasting no time to be social, Emmanellain is attempting to make some small talk! So this finely dressed giraffe of an elf will be approaching quite a few people. However, who he approaches changes what he's talking about, for guys it's:]

Do you think much will come of this meeting? I, myself, surely hope so, but it does leave one to wonder just what fruit this might yet bear, if aught at all.

[But for the girls:]

Ahh—full glad am I that a beautiful maiden such as yourself could survive the tormenting cold! Arrive safely to this meeting, no less! Would be a right shame indeed if such an ill fate befell someone as radiant as you, old girl!

SUP BUTTLORD

[phaseshifter]

[ Angel is a little distracted as Emmanellain approaches, since Dumpy seems to have decided that nyooming his way through the assembled crowd while playing a charming mixture of screams and Taylor Swift is a fantastic idea.

(He's not wrong. U go, lil screambot.)

Still - she recognises the voice and the old-girl-ing despite her eyes being firmly trained on Dumpy, and she turns towards him with an exasperated-but-genuine smile. ]

Emmanell-- uh.

Wow, you're. Taller than I figured. Rhys-tall.

[ grats on escaping a flirtscolding by being a fucking giant bro ]

video; @standardissue

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel is attending the conference via Cissnei's tablet. He's mostly here just to listen in, but if anyone wants to talk to him, go right ahead. Only his chest is visible, though, bundled in a Norfinbury coat. He's tilting his tablet just enough to keep his face off the screen.]