webboysurf

Web's Domain Test

Character Creation

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The following character creation steps are meant to serve as a framework to build your Edgerunner, and are loosely based on the tabletop and video game systems for the Cyberpunk setting. You will be required to pick a role, your secondary attribute, and your primary enhancement. Afterwards, the rest of the sheet focuses on fleshing out your character and their goals.

Step 1: Pick your Role

Your role is a basic idea of the type of niche you fit into within a crew. Crews(both longstanding ones or one-and-done teams) may have multiple Edgerunners in the same role. It is rare for a crew to be comprised of only one role.

Solo - When things go down, Solos are the ones to make sure the job gets done. Grab some iron, tighten the grip on your blade, and make sure your side walks away. Solos come in all shapes and sizes, from one-man armies to corporate-sponsored assassins. You primarily rely on either your sheer toughness OR your cat-like reflexes in order to get the job done.
Primary Attribute: Body OR Reflexes
_{Examples: Maxtac officers, Corporate Security, "Arasaka Ninjas", ex-NUSA snipers}

Techie - Most people hire different professionals to fix their car, rewire their home, or patch them up when they are injured. For Edgerunners, Techies usually have to know a little bit of everything to get the job done. Techies often have a specialization... but when shit breaks, they're the best you've got to get things back up and running. After all... when everyone is chromed up, medicine and mechanics are one and the same. You primarily rely on your technical skills to get the job done.
Primary Attribute: Technique
_{Examples: Nomads, Mechanics, Ripperdocs, Arms Manufacturers}

Netrunner - The threat of a Netrunner makes even the coldest merc tense up. When everyone has chrome linked up to their brain, Netrunners can strike anyone from the comfort of their bathtub. Some operate "in the flesh" alongside a crew, while others prefer their own at-home setups. The later doesn't make them safe... as one misstep in the NET can see Netrunner's flatlined in a heartbeat. You primarily rely on your quick thinking to get the job done.
Primary Attribute: Intelligence
_{Example: Data Delvers, Quickhack Mercs, Chairjockeys, Corporate Infrastructure Protection}

Fixers - It's not what you know, it's if you can convince someone else to do it for you. Not all Fixers are the big movers and shakers in Night City. Fixer in the context of a role more relates to being able to make friends and influence people, or knowing how to get exactly what you need to complete a job. Fixers often times run a crew... because at the end of the day, they're the ones who have to clean up when the job is over. You primarily rely on your charisma and your ability to act calmly under pressure to get the job done.
Primary Attribute: Cool
_{Examples: Arms Dealers, Medias, Corporate Middle-Managers and Executives, Rockerboys}

Step 2: Pick your Secondary Attribute

Every Edgerunner is a little multi-faceted in this line of work... especially if they have plans to make it to the big leagues. You should have a primary attribute determined by your Role, with a more detailed explanation listed below. In addition to this primary attribute, you may pick a second attribute to reflect your dynamic skillset. Perhaps your Solo is beefy, but has a knack for talking himself out of bad situations. Maybe your Techie is a bare-knuckle boxer in their free time, or your Netrunner has gotten really good at patching up bullet wounds.

Listed below are the five attributes:

Body: You are a big mean fighting machine. You are stronger and sturdier than most everyone else. You don't need fancy tricks or skills to get a job done. You are built to storm in head-first and put people down. You are capable of great feats of strength.

Reflexes: Reflexes is all about having an above-average reaction time and coordination. You might be quick on your feet, or quick to draw a weapon when shit goes down. You are primarily built to flatline your foes before they get a chance to land a good hit on you. You are also more adept at capitalizing on moments of hesitation or weakness to turn the tide of a situation.

Technique: Technique is all about your working knowledge and experience. You've worked on enough bodies or machines to be able to diagnose issues and fix them quickly. You might be more skilled at working with explosives. After all, anyone on the street could search the NET for how to upgrade their iron, but technique is about handling all your equipment effectively so you don't lose a finger in the process.

Intelligence: Intelligence is all about being able to problem solve. It is the primary attribute for Netrunning, as delving into the Net requires you to multitask and think outside of the box. You process information faster than most, and are most likely a little more knowledgable on the mechanics of how the world works. You are also more liable to know where to look for information your crew needs.

Cool: Cool is all about acting, well, cool under pressure. Cool can manifest in being a smooth talker to get people to act in your best interest. It might manifest in being able to slip past your enemies undetected, or being able to finish a difficult task when the bullets start flying. You've got icewater in your veins. Every gig is a performance for you. Why not put on a good show?

Step 3: Pick your Primary Enhancement

Every Edgerunner starts with a singular cybernetic enhancement or piece of specialized equipment that separates them from the pack. You can see examples of in-universe cybernetic enhancements here. Of course, your Primary Enhancement might be also be a kitted out weapon or vehicle that has been tuned just right. Or it could be any other item or program that is a major staple in their arsenal. This Primary Enhancement is what your Edgerunner probably relies upon the most in a gig, so choose wisely.

This doesn't mean your character can't have other cybernetics or gear, or that you can't chrome up further down the line. After all, you have to spend your eddies on something down the line.

If you have any questions or need help picking one, feel free to reach out to the GM team or brainstorm with your fellow players.

Step 4: Finish your Sheet

Lastly, please fill out the rest of your character sheet.

Skills: What training and skills does your Edgerunner have? Do they have any specialities? These will most likely relate to your character's Role and Attributes. You should have somewhere between 3-5 "skills" and specializations for your Edgerunner, depending on your versatility.

Flaws: Every Edgerunner has some sort of weakness. This could be rooted in their physiology or psychology. No Edgerunner is perfect, and their shorcomings are just another reason why a gig is bound to fall apart. You should pick at least 2 flaws for your character

Goal(s): What truly drives your Edgerunner to risk their life day in and day out? Are they just in it for the money? Have they been wronged and are seeking to eventually get revenge? Are they just looking for fame? Goals may change over timez, but your character should be striving for something, even if it is ephemeral or vapid.

Chooms and/or Rivals: Your Edgerunner probably has friends, family, or lovers in Night City that they may want to interact with in-between gigs... or people your Edgerunner has worked with that you might be able to ask for a favor. On the other side of that coin, your Edgerunner may have made some enemies. Rivals may intervene in your Edgerunner's downtime or even during a gig to complicate things further. You should create 1-2 Chooms and 0-1 Rivals

History: This section is about what you would expect. Where is your Edgerunner from, what have they been up to before now, and how did they get into this line of work? This should be a few paragraphs, and should interweave all the other aspects of this sheet. Why do they fit their current Role, how and why did they get their Primary Enhancement? How do their Chooms and Rivals fit into everything? How much progress have they made towards their Goal(s)?

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#d18f75 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

Tess hung on Roxxy's every word, and it was deeply embarassing. Her eyes mainly settled on some space behind the bar, with an occasional glance to her right to meet the woman's gaze. Her eyes would then quickly sweep away, an ever-present red flushing her cheeks. Part of her wanted to just crawl under the bar and hide. But as Roxxy spoke up about her cabin, Tess' response was quick. "Mine came pre-furnished. Can't say anything about the others. We can always check and see if yours is, Roxxy."

Tess' eyes glanced over at that, eyeing the woman's reaction. Roxxy seemed much more collected than she was, but there seemed to be a slight annoyance in her eyes. While Roxxy turned her attention to Forest, Tess' brain worked to understand the shift. It wasn't directed at her, not fully. She was flirting with Tess, not Forest. Maybe, just maybe, she wanted to talk alone? It was unclear.

The conversation shifted, another man approached and passed a compliment to Forest. A bump in the bar set Tess' internal alarm blaring. It was a hard knock, the kind that came from significant force. Tess turned her gaze to the left, where folks had done shots before. Sitting on top of the bar was the brunette from earlier, with another man she hadn't seen. The man had gotten down on his knees, his head moving low. Tess quickly shot a look to Roxxy and the others, noting a general disgust at the behavior. Tess' expression was no different. She instinctively grabbed a napkin from the bar, sliding it under her collar to dab up some sweat. Tess crossed her legs, desperately trying to drive out a rather intrusive set of questions the scene had prompted. Her eyes remained locked on the couple as they dragged themselves away from the bar. Is that what-

"Ok, well, I don't know about you two, but that is sort of throwing me for a loop, so perhaps we can continue this conversation elsewhere?"

What?

Tess' mind ricocheted back to the moment at hand, her brain processing Roxxy's suggestion. The question seemed rather open. Tess' eyes shifted between Roxxy, Forest, and the stranger. "Oh... uh, yeah... please, let's." Tess hesitated, her eyes shifting to the two men. She didn't like the idea of being isolated with them, no matter how harmless Forest seemed. "Just the two of us." Her words were less of a sultry request, and far more of a plea for safety. Parties were a lot different than what she had read about, and she craved for quieter comforts.

"We can check out your cabin, and make sure you have a bed for tonight." Tess offered with a warm smile. Her eyes flicked off in the direction of the couple from earlier, before settling back on Roxxy.

"If you want."

---

Location: The Bar
Interactions: Roxxy @PatientBean
Mentions: Forest, Elias, and the Degenerates

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

As Andy removed his hand from her waste, a realization slowly began to dawn on him. Perhaps a little too slowly.

"Pick someone else."

Nate stumbled backwards as he was forcefully separated from Andy, a stranger guiding his dance partner away. He felt his right foot catch under his left in the sudden movement, and the world spun as he ended up sprawled on his back. His legs didn't ache, but he instead felt a strange tingling sensation in them. Was he exhausted? It was always hard to tell, as he never truly felt the usual aches and pains that others did when they wore their body to the bone. As he looked up at the night sky, he felt a small wave of embarassment wash over him as he processed the situation.

"I'm sorry, Nate."

Nate sat up from his prone position, lifting a knee to lean on as he gave Andy and the stranger a glance. He always had a way of ending up in these situations, and was a little thanful it didn't end as violently as it usually did. A little indignation rose in Nate's chest, though, as he eyed the stranger. There were more polite ways of handling a situation like this, especially since Andy failed to mention waiting for a boyfriend. The smart move would be to dust himself off and walk away.

"Guess they don't teach manners here," Nate called out, loud enough to make his opinion known to Mason. "Dick," was muttered under his breath, however. He made a brief note of the name she had said before. Mason. He'd have to ask for his full name later.

As Nate rose to his feet and began to head to the bar, he noticed a lot of the attention seemed to shift towards a couple who was walking away from the bar. He was familiar with that hurried pace, and flashed a small grin: at least someone was getting lucky tonight. He fished out his box of cigarettes, slightly squished in his hapless fall. He lit it, taking a long drag as he walked towards the bar. His eyes shifted towards a man working tirelessly behind the bar as if he worked there. Without fanfare, Nate swooped in and plucked one of the shots, knocking it back with ease. His eyes returned to the bartender, watching him move effortlessly to pour a glass over his shoulder. "Damn... where did you learn to serve like that?" Nate's question was met with a grin as he stepped to the side, leaning against the bar to speak with Bax.

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Location: Bar
Interactions: Andy @Mjolnir, Mason @Sir Sparky, Bax @Hound55
Mentions: Blair and Ace (offhand)

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#d18f75 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

Tess shook Roxxy's hand, committing the name to memory. She felt the callouses on her hands, a clear sign of hard work and labour. 'A pleasure,' she had said. Tess hoped her already bright cheeks hid any indications of the sudden warmth burning beneath them as she spoke. Especially not as Roxxy continued. "Have you been here long or are you a new arrival like I am? Hoping the former so I could get a tour, but even if not I wouldn't mind getting lost if you don't." It took Tess a moment to process Roxxy's words, not reading the subtext immediately as she began to murmur out a response.

"I haven't been-"

"Hi, I'm Forest. Drink?" A man slid up next to the two, dragging Tess' attention away for a moment. That didn't keep her from eyeing Roxxy as she gulped down the rest of her drink, her eyes fixed on those soft lips a moment too long. Her eyes darted away when she was directly addressed. She nodded at the offer of a drink, sliding it next to Roxxy's for the man to pour another drink. He seemed friendly, perhaps a little harmless. He had the build of the farmer boys back home, which brought a bit of measured relief. As Roxxy smoothly continued the conversation, Tess' mind shifted back to Roxxy's earlier words.

Why would she want to get lost? That didn't make sense... and the camp did not seem large enough to get lost in based on the kiosk and map she saw. It was also dark, so they wouldn't be able to see much if they did walk around. It was more like Roxxy was just trying to get her alone. Was this a trap? She must be-

"Oh... OH!" Tess slammed her mouth shut the moment she realized she had made the sound out loud. Her eyes shifted to Roxxy, sweat beading down her neck a little more intensely as she studied the woman's movements. An involuntary smile formed on her lips as their eyes met. But as the conversation lulled for a moment, Tess moved a hand up to tuck a few stray hairs back behind her ear. She spoke up, her words sounding a little rushed and flustered. "Yeah, I guess I was expecting something pretty magical here. Met some kids when I was younger who could do weird stuff. But I only just got here today, so I don't know the place too well." Tess' gaze remained on Forest, trying not to look at Roxxy while answering her request from earlier. She was afraid she would self combust if she let her eyes wander. "I saw some maps earlier if you two need help finding a place to stay."

---

Location: The Bar
Interactions: Roxxy @PatientBean, Forest @NoriWasHere
Mentions: None

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^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

A wide grin flashed across Nate's face, issuing his challenge, "Hey, I'll gladly join if you can keep up." His posture shifted as his other hand remained loosely in the air, quickly falling into his dance of choice: salsa. His eyes shifted down to their feet, being careful and conscious of his movements and hers. It was an easy couples dance, especially as he started with a simple back and forth motion to get them on beat. A lot of the movement came from the legs and hips. "Step, break, step... step, break, step..." His voice was just loud enough to cut through the music, his head nodding to the beat as he counted their rhythm. After a moment, his eyes shifted from their legs and back up towards Andy. "Took a few classes in high school, and got hooked on salsa nights at a local club."

Nate wasn't sure why he felt the need to offer the explanation, beside doing everything he could to avoid the proverbial elephant in the room. He instead focused on the dancing, doing his best to lead his partner as his movements got a little more fluid. His eyes remained trained on Andy, gauging if she was ready. There was only one way to find out, though. "Alright, let's try a turn. Just follow my lead." On the 3rd beat, Nate raised their joined hands up. He lifted Andy's hand above her head, guiding it softly in a circle to prompt her spinning motion. It was sloppy and a bit unstable, but Nate smiled and laughed as he lifted his other hand to her waist to keep her steady. As the turn ended, he removed his hand from her waist and attempted to continue their stepping rhythm. "Not bad... not bad."

---

Location: Dancefloor
Interactions: Andy @Mjolnir
Mentions: None

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#d18f75 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

The good thing about alcohol is that it did a good job at disguising Tess' flustered blush. She had noticed that her hands had nearly grazed those of a young woman in a denim jacket, something that seemed a bit more up her alley than the formal clothes she had chosen. A leather-clad blonde strolled up to the bar and began combining various liquors with a precision that made her head spin. Was Tess supposed to be combining beverages? Was she doing this wrong? Is that why the woman next to her seemed put off by the bottle of vodka she had touched?

To another side of her, lining up a series of shots, was a stunning woman wearing what felt like nothing at all. Traces of burning vodka clung to her throat as Tess' eyes briefly flicked over Blair's figure. She spluttered a brief cough, snapping her eyes shut as the burn rose up into her nostrils. Sweat beaded on the nape of her neck, a display of both the pleasant weather and her growing discomfort. She was hoping for more warriors, but was instead caught up in some kind of feast or ceremony she was ill-prepared for.

Tess was in way over her head.

She had hoped for combat, or for an expansion of her training. Most of those present seemed far more suited to a type of wrestling she was entirely unprepared for. As the coughing subsided, Tess fetched the bottle of vodka again, pouring herself another shot. If she was lucky, her chosen poison would subdue her quick to get her out of this pleasant nightmare. But she felt no other strange signs of disorientation yet: it was just vodka after all.

More and more people crowded near her, reaching for the shots Blair had prepared. Feeling a bit closed in, Tess opted to slowly back out of the crowd and made her way toward the other end of the bar. Her eyes settled on the blonde stranger again, who was settling in with her drink. Despite the dry feeling in her mouth, Tess figured it was best to brave some socializing. You had better odds surviving if you had friends at your side, after all.

Tess approached Roxxy, still gripping tight her empty cup in one hand. Her other hand rested upon an adjacent stool, already beginning to pull it back. "It's warm tonight." Despite it clearly being a sentence, the slightly raised pitch at the end made it sound almost like a question. Tess sat and faced the same direction as Roxxy, her eyes shifting over towards the rest of the folks at the bar. She set down the empty cup on the table and wiped a bit of sweat off her neck with her sleeve.

Why was she sweating so much?

---

Location: The Bar
Interactions: Roxxy @PatientBean
Mentions: Veronica, Roxxy, Blair, the rest of the bar crew

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

"I mean… technically we are pagan. But no. No cults,"

Thank God… or, well, gods? Nate was exceptionally relieved to learn that he was not, in fact, in a cult. It’s not like this beautiful woman who clearly had some authority over the camp would lie to him about something like that. She was far too charming for that. Before he knew it, though, Andy’s demeanor shifted as she seemed to process what Nate’s situation was. He hadn’t quite noticed the fact that he was barely swaying. Her slowed pace revealed that he had slowed his own movements. He had killed the mood quite a bit, which was not the kind of reputation he wanted to muster.

"You weren’t told anything before you came here… Were you?"

That question cut deep to Nate’s core, and his smile faltered. He had plenty of questions, and even more questions about what to even ask. The mere fact that any of this was actually real was already world-shattering. She seemed to almost be inviting questions, willing to provide him with clarification and answers. Andy seemed to be pretty familiar with the place. It would be easy to sit down and hash everything out.

But as Nate’s gaze turned back towards the other dancers and the people at the bar, his smile returned. ”No, I wasn’t.” A deep chuckle filled the brief pause as Nate shook his head. ”But it’s New Years Eve, and the last thing I think either of us want is to sit down and go over all this stuff.” He began to sway a little again as his mood began to brighten, finding the rhythm of the song quickly. His words were filled with levity once again, a strange sense of safety washing over him. He was where he belonged… or perhaps where someone else wanted him to be. Best not to dwell on that further. No, he had better things to worry about. ”See, I’ve already got a pretty full itinerary. I’m going to dance my ass off with some fine company, maybe do some shots, try to awkwardly make out with someone I don’t know, and end up passed out in a bush. And I would hate to cancel those plans, you know?” He let out a breathless laugh as he finished detailing his plans, almost as if he knew how the night would end. Or, more worryingly, that this is how nights like this usually ended for him. If it was the latter, he seemed unbothered by such a fate.

While Nate got back into dancing, he extended a hand out towards Andy. He didn’t bother with a dorky move this time, as the odds were it wouldn’t land as well a second time. He bore an honest, toothy grin. ”So before I go down a few sickeningly sweet cocktails… would you like to dance a bit longer?”

---

Location: Dancefloor
Interactions: Andy @Mjolnir
Mentions: None

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#d18f75 ....|..... outfit .....|..... The Woods --> Cabin #3 --> Party}

There is a subtle chaos to the natural world that is often ignored. Some animals crave order and routine, marching in lines as part of their daily existence. But there is always chaos in the search, be it for food or shelter. Things skitter in the woods, craving and clawing for their basic needs. It is a soothing, predictable disorder. Tess felt at peace with the routine, marching carefully through the snow to her destination. The soft padding of old paws diligently followed her movements, the pair moving ever closer to their destination. With a sharp whistle, the two came to a complete stop. She had counted their paces, her measured steps helping gauge the distance they had travelled. She reached into her waxed canvas jacket, removing an old folded map. She fumbled with it through thick gloves, crouching down to settle on the balls of her feet. Her old Pointer slowly moved in, nuzzling his snout against her leg. She reached down to scratch between his ears with her left hand, and brushed some accumulated snow off of his fur. Her eyes remained fixed on the map, clicking her tongue softly as she got a pretty good idea of where they were located. She dipped a hand into her pocket to produce a compass, noting the directions, before letting out a loud exhale. “Alright, Butchie… Not too far now, I promise.”

The old dog lazily lifted his head up to acknowledge Tess, who was already returning the map and compass to their safe places on her person. She reached a hand over towards the shoulder straps of her framed hiking backpack, which was stuffed to the brim. A small tube and valve fed from part of the bag over her shoulder, which she brought to her lips to take a few sips of water. She eyed her old dog, who seemed perfectly content as he shifted into an upright sitting position next to her. She gave him another few scratches behind the ears, which prompted the dog to suddenly stand and shake his entire body. Melted snowflakes sprayed the area from the move, and Tess let out a small giggle. Butcher knew what he was doing, and it was clear he was looking forward to resting in front of a fire more than she was. So, Tess rose up to her feet once again and continued the journey. The bright rays of the mid-day sun shone brightly overhead.

---

The letter had been surprisingly clear on what she needed to do when she arrived. She wasn’t particularly familiar with the mechanics of a thumb-print, and it took a few tries until she understood what exactly she needed to do. The gates creaked open in the late afternoon, and Tess entered without much fanfare. She noticed a few signs and a map, and quickly scanned it. The letter had mentioned Cabin #3, distinctly noting that it would ‘remind her of home.’ So, Tess and Butcher decided to go the long way around. Opting to keep her distance from any assorted campers who seemed to be preparing for some festivities, she slipped back into the tree-cover and make her way around the north end of the camp, until her eyes locked on her destination. Tess’ heart rate quickened as she gazed upon a near-perfect recreation of her cabin in Montana, nestled cozily in a clearing of trees. She was a little perturbed, but it also seemed to be an affirmation. This is where she belonged.

Butcher sprang forward, rushing towards the back door of the cabin. Tess followed quickly, clicking her tongue in chastizement as her dog had begun to scratch softly at the back door. She stepped up to it, placing a hand on the worn brass knob, and gave it a turn. It was unlocked, and the two entered into the cramped cabin. The interior was similar to what she knew, but the furniture seemed far less worn in and much more expertly crafted. Small logs were already stacked up in the fireplace, and a stuffed deer head was mounted above it. The adjoining kitchen was small, but much better stocked with food and appliances than hers ever was. As soon as Tess set her bag down, she noticed that two metal bowls were already sitting on the ground in the kitchen. She scrounged up some kibble and filled another bowl with water. Butcher’s tale wagged as he ate and drank to his heart’s content, letting out a pleased guttural growl. Past the kitchen, the cabin had clearly lost some of the familiarity she was used to. Her old room was gone, and it appeared that the only remaining bedroom seemed to engulf the space that the two rooms had once occupied. Her new bed was far roomier and nicer, and the spacious walk-in closet seemed to be filled with clothes her father could never afford to buy her. Of course, the clothes were not designer… but they were less practical than the rugged hunting clothes she was used to. She eyed the outfits, her mind drifting back to the signs of some sort of social event. Tess plopped down on the larger quilt comforter neatly tucked into the bed, and took a deep breath.

It smelled like home.

---

A beam of moonlight had managed to pierce the cabin’s blinds and slowly rouse Tess from a delightful uncomfortable nap. She had only meant to sit down, leaving her sore legs dangling in mid-air off the side. She heard the loud snoring of a certain canine in the living room, certainly curled up on the couch like he always was. Tess heard the faint sounds of revelry from outside, carrying on the wind. She was most certainly late, but that mattered little to her. She stumbled into the simplistic bathroom, stripping out of her dirty clothes while she turned on the shower. She was surprised to see that she actually had a bathtub/shower combination for once, instead of the small shower stall she had grown up with. She tied up her long brown hair in a towel to keep it from getting wet, and did her best to let the aches and stress of the last few months wash away down the drain. She kept eyeing the bathroom door through a gap in the shower curtain, half-expecting the door to creak open on its own. She did not know precisely what she was walking into, despite the letter’s assurances that they were ‘in a similar situation’ to her.

Once Tess was confident she had sufficiently washed away the stench of her recent hike, She quickly went about combing through the closet for an outfit. There were a few dresses that she certainly did not feel comfortable with, and skirts were a little too loose for her taste. She eventually settled on a pair of high-waisted white slacks and a silk black blouse. It seemed much warmer in the camp than it did outside, most certainly some sort of magical ward befitting a place like this. She eyed a few pairs of heels and slippers, shaking her head at the thought. She eventually settled on a pair of black loafers. Makeup was something she had never even considered as she finished getting ready, untangling her hair and letting it hang down. She looked at herself briefly in the mirror, nearly blown away by the person staring back. A small smile crossed her lips.

She didn’t want to jinx it… but there was a chance this could be fun.

---

"Shots!"

Tess stepped out from the darkness and into the bar area, slipping between groups of strangers as best as she could. She towered over most of those assembled at the bar, sticking out like a sore thumb. She hadn’t exactly gotten the memo on how little she was supposed to be wearing to a party like this, and did her best to avoid staring too closely at anyone in particular. Everyone gathered was unnaturally attractive in a way that brought color to her cheeks. She slipped towards an empty spot of the bar, noticing a couple individuals approaching with a pleasant demeanour about them. Another man had arrived separately, with a simple inquiry.
"Anything good over here?"

The call for “shots” clearly had the sort of intonation of a challenge, reminding her faintly of the calls she and her father would make before launching arrows at moving targets. As her gaze turned to the assorted liquors and beers, Tess almost instinctively began to rifle through them. Whiskey seemed like a sipping beverage, not something one should ‘shoot’ in one go. Beer was out, gin seemed a little unsavory. Tess’ eyes rested upon an older looking bottle with cyrillic writing. She swished the clear liquid inside, before shrugging and twisting off the cap with a flick. She fetched a simple plastic cup, pouring a bit of vodka in it before setting the bottle back down on the bar. She motioned towards it vaguely while cradling her drink in preparation. "If you aren't afraid of a a burn, it'll get the job done." She turned her head towards the others, settling the rim of the cup between her lips as she let the scent of alcohol burn her nostrils. She waited until others knocked back their drinks before she would drink hers.

After all, drinking alone was boring.

---

Location: The Bar
Interactions: Azariah @Blizz
Mentions: Lochlan, Azariah, rest of the bar crew

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

"Sure, it’s an open dance floor,"

Nate never understood that weird feeling he'd always get in his stomach when it was clear he was missing something. He imagined this is what his dad meant when he told him to 'listen to your gut,' but that means so very little when said gut doesn't actually say anything. No, instead, a small alarm blared deep in Nate's core with no indication on why or how. And, as always, he ignored it. He didn't quite notice the sideways glance, or the way the woman across from him seemed hesitant but friendly.

She offered a hand. "I’m Andy."

"Nate," he answered simply, flashing a confident smile. He swayed himself into a position perpendicular to her, giving a quick look at the assorted guests. He was very much out of place... so why not roll with it? He started an arm wave with his left arm, letting the move roll through his body and ended it with a handshake with his right hand in the most corny way he could. "Nice to meet ya, Andy."

Nate ended the handshake quickly, opting to keep about an arm's distance from his dancing partner. Andy didn't seem to be particularly surprised by his arrival, which almost seemed to beg more questions. The gate did have his thumbprint already loaded. They had to know he would show up eventually. Best to keep a slight distance, in the event his gut was right about something... or Andy's dancing became even more chaotic. Of course, Nate did shift his dancing to try and match the more carefree movements his dance partner had moments before. He did a swaying spin, chuckling a bit to himself nervously at the absurdity of his situation. He spoke a bit softer, almost as if muttering his thoughts to himself, "If I knew it would be a party, I would have swung by sooner."

He finished his spin, locking eyes with Andy again. His fluid movements and wide smile were undercut by his shifting gaze. Every movement in the background jerked his head slightly, more akin to a cornered animal than a buzzed twenty-something at a party. Every few seconds, that intense gaze shifted back to Andy, a question burning in his throat. It took another moment or two before the question finally manifested, asking with a nervous smile, "I have to ask, though... this isn't, like, some kind of cult... right?" His dancing and movement slowed dramatically as he paused, reflecting on the question thoughtfully. He continued with a forced smile, waving his hand vaguely, "I mean, concrete walls, biometric data, the talk of being part-god, the general pagan vibe... what did I sign up for?”

---

Location: Dancefloor
Interactions: Andy @Mjolnir
Mentions: None

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Party}

Whatever this place was, it was a hell of a trip.

The food was divine, the warm environment in the dead of winter was clearly supernatural, and the cavalcade of faces who seemed unfazed by the entire situation left Nate’s head spinning. He looked desperately for some sort of trash bin, but settled for setting his empty plate on a random table. He removed the pack from his pocket, flicking it up and removing one. It hung loosely in his mouth, barely hooked at an awkward angle between his teeth. He lit it with an old zippo, and it took but a moment before that cooling sensation returned again. His eyes shifted to another outsider, another lost soul who seemed as out of place as he was. But it was clear she was at least making the steps to try and figure out where she was going. It was probably the right choice.

New Years Eve wasn’t the night for good choices.

Nate’s gaze followed Amorey as she bounced between folks near the bar, taking a long drag of his cigarette. A flash of red hair sent a slight chill down his spine, and he instinctively averted his gaze. He knew it wasn’t Her, but the last thing he wanted to think about was family or why exactly he was here. He deserved to cut loose a little. Nate unslung the duffel bag from his shoulders, letting it plop on the ground next to an empty table. The sweat trickling down his back made it evident the layers he had brought were no longer needed. He put the pack of cigarettes and lighter in his back pockets and started to remove his outer layers. The jacket was simple, but he was careful to work around the cigarette when removing his hoodie. He continued smoking all the while, smoke billowing out of his lips as a relieved sigh involuntarily slipped at the sudden relief. His oversized tank top felt a bit out of place for the evening, but it would have to do.

As Nate’s eyes shifted to a few lonely dancers in the nearby field, a small smile crept up his face. Dancing he could do. He didn’t even notice the pain in his feet and joints melt away, his body unconsciously bouncing to the rhythm all on its own. He took one last drag before extinguishing his Newport on his dirty plate. After a moment of swaying, he knew where he was heading. With each step, his knees and hips seemed to grow a little more fluid. His head bobbed and swayed as he broke away from the tables, letting the bass guide him. Before he knew it, he was halfway across the field, letting a twirl of lace be his guiding star. His entire body appeared to be a bit more fluid now, as his chest and hips seemed to sway along. He slid along slowly, making his presence obvious to Andy as he entered her vicinity. His voice was just loud enough to cut through the music, trained from years of mixers and nightclubs. ”Nice moves.” He waited for the young woman’s attention to shift in his direction before continuing. ”Mind if I join you?”

---

Location: Dancefloor
Interactions: Andy @Mjolnir
Mentions: (Noticed) Amorey, Evelyn

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#04ed42 ....|..... outfit .....|..... Lonely Road --> Camp Gates --> Party}

”Just my luck, huh?”

The sound of a hissing radiator cut through the quiet air of the early evening. This kind of biting cold was the worst kind of weather to get stuck in on New Years. Nathaniel Banes sighed as he slammed the door of the cab shut, slowly pacing around towards the trunk. His hand reflexively slipped into his jacket pocket, fingers coiling around a familiar plastic-wrapped box. It was a lot colder here than in Nevada, that much was clear. He was hoping to hold off for a little while longer, but he needed something to warm him up.

The motions were automatic. He removed the box of Newports from his jacket, slipping a fingernail under the lip of the plastic wrapping. His left hand pried the rest off, and he deposited the remnants back in his pocket. He flipped open the lid, removing one of the menthols. He spun it around, returned it back into the box upside-down, and shook his head. He removed a separate cigarette and slipped it between his lips. He gave a look towards the driver, who was huddled in the driver’s seat. He doubled back towards the door, which the driver opened a crack. ”Bad luck, man. Bad luck.” Nate produced a neatly folded stack of cash from his pocket, quickly shoving it in the driver’s hands. ”Keep the change.” Nate retrieved his stuffed duffel bag from the trunk, hoisting the strap over his shoulders. He looked down at the old watch on his wrist, clicking his tongue as he saw the time.

It was going to be a long night.

---

There was always something comforting about the stars to Nathaniel. As sunset had begun to turn to night, he was always reminded of the lonely nights he spent walking the Strip. The stars were barely visible at times, but they always somehow shined a little brighter to him than the glowing neon and LED screens craving his attention. There were more stars out here, peeking through the trees. He had always had a knack for navigating the streets and making it where he needed to be.

The thing is, he usually didn’t have a destination in mind.

Perhaps part of him always knew he’d end up where he should be. It had to be a byproduct of always placing his fate in the hands of luck. Even now, lost and lonely, he felt an odd comfort. Though, if he was honest, it was probably the menthol working through his system. The smoke and condensation from his warm breath intermingled in the night air, swirling up like small signals. He trudged along, each step just as confident as the one before it.

After all, he was finally stepping in line, just like She wanted.

---

He wasn’t sure what to expect. Part of him expected to see some kind of guard shack with a dozing middle-aged man who would certainly be annoyed with his late arrival. Or perhaps a chorus of ethereal trumpets to announce his arrival, or maybe some other equally ridiculously significant welcome. The iron gate that did stand before him felt a little on theme, but the thumbprint next to it and concrete walls all around certainly didn’t. He squinted at the box, wondering if this was some sort of hypothermic fever hallucination. But as his frigid thumb slid over the scanner to confirm it was real, more questions than answers coursed through his mind. But he didn’t have anyone to ask quite yet. The sign of recent tracks indicated he wasn’t going to be the only new face around. Nate raised an eyebrow at the sharp click that startled the half-finished cigarette from his lips. He looked apathetically as it smoldered and died in the snow. He shrugged as the gate slowly swung open, and Nate entered into the camp.

He didn’t take further note of the tracks leading in, more taken aback by the slight change in atmosphere. It took his body a few moments to register the temperature difference, which was a warm surprise. He was too exhausted, too pained, and far too numb to parse through what this meant. He wasn’t even really sure if he wanted to know. Odds were, this wasn’t the kind of place he’d be sticking around. He just needed to play along until he got his groove back. Then he could re-evaluate his situation, and see if he could find a way back to Vegas if he was lucky… or perhaps he’d travel around. There were casinos everywhere these days, he could just pick a direction and get his fill.

But for now, he heard the faint sound of music and revelry calling.

Nathaniel plodded his way through along the road, a relief washing over him at the sounds of other people. Despite the aches in his soles, his pace quickened as he plodded up along the road, taking in the sights and sounds. His hand subconsciously slipped back into his jacket pocket, producing the box of cigarettes. He eyed the contents, noticing that about a third of the box was empty. He shrugged, stuffing it back into his pocket on his approach. There were quite a few people milling about, in various states of dress. He somehow felt over and under-dressed for the occasion, but making an impression felt like an activity for the next day. For now, Nate had more important things on his plate.

Nathaniel, duffel bag still slung over his shoulder, trudged through the outskirts of the party, he clocked a group of folks near the bar and some folks intermingling at tables, with a few others scattered in-between. But nothing caught his eye more than a half-picked table of snacks. He imagined this wouldn’t exactly qualify as a proper meal, but he would take whatever he could to settle his stomach. He grabbed a small plate, loaded it up with a couple skewers and a cookie, and stepped a few yards to the side. He did his best to keep from shovelling the food down his gullet, but looked far from dignified as he stuffed down some delicious food. If he was lucky, no one would notice until he was more decent... but he wasn't exactly a fan of those odds.

---

Location: Snack Table (adjacent)
Interactions: None (yet)
Mentions: Party-goers