[KENOMA MINGLE] entertainment district

[zauneyete]

WHO: SILCO and any kenomies looking for a tour/bar run/mingle
WHAT: MINGLE LOG
WHERE: Achamoth Entertainment District
WHEN: Firaseri - two days after the gossip posts
WARNINGS: Drugs, Alcohol, General Debauchery -- let me know if anything new comes up, but it's the Entertainment District so standard warnings apply



↝ An Invitation

[ Whether the character is new or old, each retainer has been given a small invitation to hand to their aion. It is simple, and neat -- the words are clear. It has a date for two days after Ciel and Emet-Selch's addresses, and includes a time in the evening. For current Kenoma-aligned aions, it includes a bar to find -- those who are familiar with the tour Silco gave last time will recognize the bar as the same, one with a private loft. They can make their way there, if they know the way. If not, they'll be able to meet with the newer aions at the entrance to the citadel, where there's even the offer for a "tour" of the entertainment district, if they're not familiar with the entertainment district as a whole.

Retainers -- whether a character has one or not -- will slip the invitation to each Aion the day before, as a tacit offer. There's no name, and no identification as to who it is that's offering this. You'll just have to find out later. ]

↝ He's a Docent Tour Guide

[ When the sun just slips beneath the horizon, and twilight begins to take hold, that's the time at which the tour happens. Silco waits at the entrance, a cigar in hand, and right on the dot, he's out the door, to take any that want a guide down into the belly of the entertainment district. He offers one bit of advice, before they leave -- cover up your shards -- and as they step out and into the streets, if any characters don't follow the advice, they'll find fawning, exciteable Achamites, ready to offere them deals, sing their praises, or even throw gifts of jools or flowers at their feet.

The tour is thorough, and actually a touch on the long side. Characters are promised drinks at the destination, but as one winds through the streets, there are plenty of other bars to visit if anyone peels off. There are also solicitors for companionship from the brothels on the way, and some will even offer to follow an aion to the bar, if they so chose. The bloodsport arenas are rife with excitement, and the thundering roars of applause and boos is almost overhwelming when one passes by -- even through the walls -- and the drunken revelers stumbling out of the arenas are in contrast to the bloodied combatants that leave next.

On some corners, drugs are offered, and Silco will be able to provide a near...encyclopedic knowledge of them, if asked -- he will even share what he knows. Has he had them? No, has he bought them and subjected the effects and taken notes on them? Yes. Don't ask why -- or do and get a snarky answer, sure.

Whether the new aions (and old if they tag along) have any new drugs, companions, drinks, or have peeled off -- the tour group arrives at a bar, and are escorted in, almost expected, breathless from the staff. They know who broght them by, so it's easy to figure out that they're hosting Aions tonight. ]

↝ Pint of No Return

[ The bar itself is trendy, within Achamoth. There are high ceilings, live music, and while the main floor of the bar is filled with unwitting locals -- up the stairs and into the large loft is the center of the gathering. It's large enough to hold the Aions, with a private bartender, snacks, and the music is muted and soft up in the loft area.

Along with the drinks and snacks courtesy of the bar itself features an offering of the drugs available in Achamoth, and the staff had been nice enough to offer primer cards, with some of the effects. Most are... basic. Floaty highs, or ones that put one to sleep, or make one laugh for hours. Since it's an enclosed space, nothing is quite as... violent or exciting as some of the drugs available on the streets. Perhaps though, one used their jools, and brought one inside. There's no limit, feel free to do what one wishes -- after all, that's the theme of the Entertainment District, isn't it?

The music down below picks up at some point -- the music might just be glowing songs about the Regent. Think Christian Nu Rock, but it's themed about Achamoth's glorious leader. The crowd downstairs is boistrous -- almost indulgent and thrumming with excitement with adulation for their leader. It's normal, for things to get like this, and nobody with the bar staff seems a bit disturbed, in fact, some staff may be swaying along with the music -- it's clear who owns Achamoth, through and through, and it's the Regent.

And if an Aion notices, some of the patrons might be trying to sneak upstairs. Did something get out that there was someone up here who was an Aion? Even though the Citadel is so close, some will always want to be a little close to a celebrity, some might even get up to the bar, and nervously approach a newer looking Aion that hasn't been seen before. Did they have questions, or was it just the... exciting prospect of being next to an Aion? You can talk to them, or nudge them away, but eventually someone with security will come, nod at you, and escort them out. Maybe not before there's a flurried rush of quesitons, or maybe they'll try to give you something. It's all uncomfortable, and awkward, no matter what.

It's debauchery, and whether or not one is used to it, it's the way of things in Achamoth. Spend time with your fellow aions, ask questions, but above all else -- have a little bit of fun, before things go to hell in a few days. ]

↝ [ This is a mingle/tour log! Feel free to make your own starters, tag about, and let everyone have a... little bit of fun before things go to hell here soon. Everyone can be expected to get a few free drinks to start the night -- be creative, do whatever! Peel off into groups, get lost in the city, call for help, the sky's the limit! ]

Comments

[cutlery]

Oh, not at all.

[ The not-quite-mocking lilt is met with a matched tone of open, easy levity. For all of Sebastian's appearance and his particular formality, he seems perfectly at ease as they walk along. Part of it is simply the confidence that comes with being the sort of powerful creature he is, but that's also something he's perfectly willing to hide in a situation that calls for it. Here, though, it's more from a similar sort of fondness as Silco's, though the core reason is markedly different. ]

It is a place full of desire shown openly. I find it rather charming for that.

[ Because of course a demon who trades in granting desires would. It might as well be market research. As a younger demon, this is a place where he could have positively feasted, if he so desired. But as his tastes have leaned towards the more refined (in his opinion) as an older demon, it's now something more along the lines of a novelty. ]

And it is good to meet you in person, by the way, Mr. Silco. [ And playfully, he adds, ] Though I hope you will forgive me for still asking around for you all the same. I would still quite enjoy hearing those stories.

[zauneyete]

It is a bit charming, isn't it? [ Silco thinks so, at least. Even though he was always a touch insincere in tone -- most of the time -- it's difficult to miss that he sounds... a touch less insincere, when he said it. Even as he does so, a man crossed the street in front of the group, and threw up, right off to the side. Silco side-stepped him without even thinking about it -- barely even bothered to look at him.

His fault for indulging in excess, hm? ]

Oh -- [ A tip of his head, a wave of his hand. ] Please, if anyone shares some about me, you're in your right to hear them.

[ after all, they would be things Silco let them know about him -- which was few and far between even now. He spent most of his time down here, and what little time he spent in the Citadel was spent invisible, lurking -- or smoking out on a balcony. Sebastian would find out, quickly enough, that he didn't even keep a retainer. There were a few that rotated, but Silco often snuck away before they could even find him. ]

How have you liked it, so far? These diverse offerings, Achamoth, and even the Citadel itself? Some find it...rather overwhelming, when they first arrive. Particularly the...rapturous public.

[cutlery]

Always. There is a sort of honesty to it.

[ Sebastian has picked up enough of Silco's personality so far to note that sincerity in his tone, but it's an interesting detail more than a surprise. Considering the details that Silco had shared in the starscape, it perfectly fits that the place Silco was from wasn't dissimilar from this portion of Achamoth. It's easy to imagine a similar sense of cynicism that drives people to excess in an underground city as it was here in Achamoth. He had been in cities subject to it before, which is why Sebastian is able to avoid the stray reveler without missing a beat either.

He doesn't speak to the stories, simply nods, since that's blessing enough for him. He was going to do so regardless, but it felt a bit more prudent for it to be something that Silco knew about. It wasn't so much really looking for information as much as it was his personal whimsy. The conversation continues smoothly, since Sebastian's response is a thoughtful noise at first, but his expression is wry. ]

Personally, the excesses it offers us are a bit wasted on me, as physical pleasures and luxuries are simply not something I tend to seek. It is the same with the adulation, since it is not the first time I have been given such consideration, but devil worshippers are an entirely different lot from Achamites... But it is not boring. It is a city of desire, where each is trying to find what it is that which will soothe their hearts. But all the waters in the world will never fill a bucket with a hole in it, now will it?

[ None of which answers Silco's question. But after a moment as he seems to reconsider the question in light of what he's said, he nods. ]

I believe I like it. It is well suited to me.

[zauneyete]

It certainly won't fill one for long. [ His tone is wry. Devil worshipers, he'd said. Silco is from a world where such things exist, but to him -- limited experience, limited education, always focused on the here and the present -- as much as he was on only one thing -- Zaun's Future, he hardly has a concept of them. The word is familiar, but that's all it is. It's a familiar word that means a particular thing, flights of fancy and fantasy that people who grew up working in mines had little time, energy, or eve the ability to indulge in.

So it's not even the bat of one eye, when he said it, but it is something that he filed away, into his little mental dossiers he kept on every single person -- who was useful, who wasn't.

Sebastian, he decided, had the potential to be very useful. ]

I believe, that even if one doesn't indulge -- [ His eye swiveled then from the person in the alley, shooting up without a care in the world, to Sebastian ] -- that hardly means that there isn't pleasure to be derived from being down in a place like this.

Far be it from me to say anything, but there's something about an atmosphere of...rapturous indulgence that just seems... right. Sometimes, the pleasure is just as much in being around people losing themselves to their whims. Some of us find ourselves down here often -- you would be in good company.

[cutlery]

[ Similarly, the lack of reaction is noted. Horos had forced his hand a bit more than he would generally like by showing his inhuman features so immediately, but it was just something to adjust to. His inhumanity may not be able to be kept secret, but he could still control the extent of it he wished to share. That portion was a matter of measurement. It would always depend on how much the other part would accept, essentially. It maybe shouldn't be surprising, considering the values of the Kenoma, but he's still getting more tolerance than he would have guessed.

It's freeing, in a way. ]

Certainly so. It may be a bit cliché of me, but I cannot help but find vice itself delightful.

[ Technically in two respects now, both as a demon and as a Celebrant. ]

So I imagine I shall be here frequently enough! If nothing else, I would like to at least see all it has to offer, since it is impressive. Hopefully in that journey I shall find a particular niche that catches my fancy.

[ He laughs, since even he doesn't know what that might be. It could be anything from a bar with an atmosphere he finds pleasing to quietly read in to something more like a Witch's Sabbath to watch over... A demon's tastes were diverse. It's quite the contrast for Sebastian especially, since he's so well-mannered and speaks so politely and gently, and yet, here he comfortably was. ]

I've much to do to catch with those of you that have been here longer, so it is a least good to add a bit of leisure to my list of things to do.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco nodded in agreement. Although he was a restrictive man, who rarely indulged in vices beyond smoking like a chimney, and his drinks -- of which he carefully controlled for a reason -- Silco was like that because the consequences were dire. There had, of course, been a time, when he'd been so much younger, that he'd been less controlled, more exuberant. Betrayal had a way of sucking the fun out of such things, and turning a man like Silco into a tightly controlled, tightly regulated man.

But even so -- even with his lack of indulgences, Silco did enjoy this area. He lived and breathed indulgence and vice, because that was familiar and solid. If it was quiet -- like in the Citadel -- he felt itchy, on edge, like Something was going to go wrong at the drop of a hat, like the calm before the storm.

Here? In all of this? It was right. Good. He could think clearly, with all of it thrumming about him.

Perhaps he and Sebastian weren't too dissimilar. ]

I can recommend it. The Citadel is fine, but while it is quiet, and provides many resources... there is something to be said for the atmosphere here. I've found it's... simple to figure out, in layout, and finding the right places are even easier.

Each place seems to cater to a unique, and different type of person. You will not do poorly, if you choose a new location each night, until you find the right one.

[cutlery]

So indeed. The Citadel does function quite well as a base of operations, and I've little to offer in the way of complaint for its accommodation...

[ Sebastian leans closer, since his voice drops in volume a tad, though it's mostly for playful effect than any actual secret being shared. ]

But it is no fun to be in a place where the mood so often resembles piety, is it?

[ He straightens again with a small shrug, since he does think a bit more than that, but it's also a thought he knows well enough already not to speak. He has no complaints or qualms with the Regent's goal itself. It suited him well enough. But the devotion to the person leading the charge was something he couldn't help but view with just a little bit of scorn that was too easily misunderstood. To have such a feeling and to be completely, unquestioningly loyal weren't opposed principles for a demon that willingly entered into contracts that made him their slave, after all. ]

Regardless, should you have recommendations on where I should start, do let me know. I have no particular preference on what the establishment caters to, merely that it is interesting.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco lifted an eyebrow at the turn of phrase, almost curious. He, of course, was only loyal to the Regent for the power. The goals, of course he agreed with, but the Regent was powerful, and garnered respect. That alone was enough for him to not voice any disloyalty, but he could pick up a hint of that from Sebastian. ]

Hm, yes, the piety gets tiring, doesn't it?

I'll have a retainer bring by a few of my...favorite little hovels, for when the...atmosphere gets to be a bit much, hm? I understand the sentiment. I've never been one for...religious fervor. You'll be in good company, spending most of your time down here.

[ His ability to vanish certainly made it easy to say he was in the Entertainment District most of the time, although he lurked enough in the Citadel. If only to see what little secrets his silent footsteps would lead him toward, from time to time. ]

[cutlery]

[ The raise of Silco's brow isn't missed, but it's deliberately not responded to. It's meant as just a small thread to be tugged at... should Silco wish. It's just Sebastian being sly, since for all his affability, he's under no illusions of the sort of force he's been conscripted into. It means that his new allies are to be measured just as carefully as his new enemies. It's probably a sentiment that he and Silco share, were either of them to actually speak of it.

But instead, he moves on with the conversation smoothly. ]

Oh, at least the dour sort, yes. Intellectually, piety is interesting, and I do look forward to digging into some of the texts on the matter, but practically?

[ He shrugs, and as they pass by a group of "solicitors" he gives them an friendly, but disinterested wave as they make eye contact. ]

This sort of piety is preferable. At least in Achamoth it is not terribly blasphemous to call it such.

[ He's been dealing with the conservative values of Catholicism (usually, at least) for so long that this is something that's refreshing. ]

[zauneyete]

Quite so.

[ It was the sort of thing Silco filtered away for later, to look at, maybe ask about idly, when the moment has passed. It isn't something to know now, and it wasn't important at the moment, but it may been soon enough. The man seemed to be of a similar mind, which was enough of a sign that he may be interested in...follow up at some point. His lip curled, in a half-smirk, knowing. ]

And, in fact, they'd likely take it as a compliment. [ Thankfully, the concept of religion where he was from was tenuous at best. He has no foundation for any constraint offered by any churches, so the comment on blasphemy only resulted in a single lifted eyebrow. ]

It must be different in your world, I assume? We have...some fervent worshipers of some religions where I'm from, but I will admit -- this is my first real brush with it being so present in society.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian gives a small shrug in response, but his expression easily turns sardonic. Questioning the Regent and the fervor around them was one thing, but the religions of his world? There's no worry at all there. In fact, he'd joke that he almost has to. ]

Oh, it went in cycles. At times, it was merely a quiet, guiding hand in politics and the people, and in others, people took to it with startling devotion and there were liberal applications of torture and execution for reasons as slight as disagreeing on details of their messiah.

[ shoutouts to himeka and abel for the torture and execution though, oops ]

But even so, their worship demands purity of soul above all. What that means is a subject of healthy debate, of course. In fact, one such scholar codified the concept and its shadow as pleroma and kenoma, so there is a bit of irony there. Yet needless to say, the devout of my world may have fainted to even see a single establishment here in Achamoth.

[zauneyete]

Did they?

[ He asked, with a curious tip of his head. Being from a world that has no concept of Christianity means that Silco has no concept of any related theories, and this is the first time he's heard of a world where it may have had a presence. His lips curled in a slight smile. ]

I can assume one is a purity based in light -- or perhaps... [ a sardonic scoff: ] innocence? The other would be of more darker tendencies, I assume?

[ He'd never heard of it being similar to another world. It's curious, although he supposes some may be similar enough. ]

I wonder if they had...other terms that were similar to ones heard here. I've heard some that I may... have to ask you about sometime.

[ The thing had mentioned the Monad, after all. That was new. ]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods, and he shifts into his explanation as easily as any other part of the conversation. Slipping into concepts that are more esoteric in nature seems easy, and his tone shifts very slightly in its cadence as it slows. It's dense, after all, and he takes a bit more care to not rush through it, if a bit subconsciously on his part. ]

It is, but it also is not. The terms are always paired, for they are defined by each other, and so their more specific meaning is also inferred from its opposite. Pleroma and kenoma are 'light' and 'darkness', but they are also 'fullness' and 'void'. There are many ways that the metaphors were applied, some to Creation itself or others to simply humanity's potential, but they are united in that pleroma is an ideal. It is "perfection," and thus for man to reach it, they too must become perfect. Innocence is not too bad a word for such a state, for in this conception, to be human is in itself to be corrupted.

[ His voice returns to conversational rather than instructive easily, and he shrugs. ]

But wherever the names of Horos came from, they were certainly fond of Valentinianism, yes! There are many, many words that are familiar to me. "Horos" itself, "Achamoth", "Aions", all are words used within the philosophy. So do feel free to ask. I cannot guarantee that it will be precisely mapped to this world... But so far, the metaphors are standing well enough, as I see them.