Elite roleplay: The galactic bar

INGABA (Inara Galactic Bar)

Welcome to the swankiest bar and most popular bar on station. Located in the Pilot's market and due to its close proximity to the docks is heavily frequented by pilots and all manner of crew, tourists, and layover passengers. Dark, smokey and trimmed in neon lights and bits of tinsel, InGaBa plays only the best music straight from Radio Sidewinder and local DJ star, Janten Groove.

There are various tabled and seated cubby holes that patrons can hold private conversations as well the main bar top where all assortments of drinks and bar food can be ordered up. On the back of the bar on various shelves, from all over the galaxy, the fines and rarest ales preside. next to the impressive collection are several screens that can usually be seen playing adverts or the CQC championships.

It is the most prominent choice for meeting up with other pilots to discuss business discreetly, whatever they may be...

Notice booking the InGaBa for private functions require a deposit of 250,000 CR to cover potential damages.

InGaBa drinks menu:
  • Cubeo Gold - Mid Whiskey
  • Achenar Blue - Upscale Whiskey
  • Kamadhenu Red - Red wine
  • Old Sol - Scotch
  • Barnard's Choice - Gin
  • Crown Jewel - Cocktail
  • Pegasi moon - Pirate Surprise!
  • Supernova - Cocktail
  • Barron's Head - Beer
  • Lavian Brandy
  • Alioth Sparkling - Sparkling Wine
  • Jaques' Quinentian Still - Gifted by a mysterious benefactor, two of these rare devices now distill single shots of whiskey from whatever is on hand for the patrons of Ingaba.


General Roleplay Etiquette:

1. Control only the actions of your own character(s). (AKA: God Mode)
This doesn't matter how small the action is, even if it is as simple as scratching their nose or a direct reaction to something else that just happened. This applies to everything from casual conversation to full blown fight scenes. If you'd like someone to do something specific, PM that person, however keep in mind they are completely within their rights to say no. Especially if said action is inappropriate to their character and/or circumstance.

2. Don't brute force your way into another persons RP.
Approaching with a conversation starter is fine, or indeed some other small action. However charging in, guns blazing and disrupting the flow of another person/pair/groups conversation/arc is about as rude as doing so in real life. If something is going on that you'd like to participate in, be subtle about it. Put out a gentle hook for someone to take, but again, be aware that said hook may not be taken. If you fear it was simply unnoticed, PM the person or people it concerns. Or even leave a message in the OOC forums.

3. Good grammar and spelling is preferred.
We're not asking you to be perfect, but please at least demonstrate willingness. no1 iz gna tak u srsly usng txt spk. There's a wide variety of people here, many who speak English as a second, or even third language. There are even some with varying degrees of dyslexia and/or likely other issues that affect spelling/grammar. We accept them all here. However, people who aren't accepted, are those unwilling to accept polite correction. Remember that even a small thing like the placement of a comma, or the wrong use of there/their/they're can completely change the definition of an entire sentence.

4. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and politely.
If someone spots an issue with your writings, they may wish to help you improve that writing. They may do this through PM or even publicly air their thoughts on the OOC forum. If they have taken the time to be polite and explain what is wrong with your writing, the best way to behave is to respond in kind, using the same manner they have approached you with. It means they have taken an active interest in what you have written and wish to see more. Basically, you have a fan!

5. Don't take the actions or opinions of things done IN RP, to be directly relevant to the writers thoughts or opinions.
Basically, if some ones character calls your character a jackass, it doesn't mean the writer thinks you are a jackass. It's a ROLE they are PLAYING. Watch a movie. The argument between the characters isn't an argument between the actors involved. The same applies here.

6. It's not a popularity contest.
Your RP might be bustling with participants. You have 3 people off station in a fire fight, while another 2 are infiltrating the darkest areas of the station, meanwhile a group of 4 others are tracking your movements in an effort to stop you. Good for you, I'm sure it will be a thrilling read! But you know what? Sometimes the absolute BEST work, comes from two RP characters having a simple heart to heart. Both are valid, both are great, but NEITHER is categorically better than the other. Period.


Inara RP Etiquette:

1. Respect the setting and rules of the universe.
Inara is an Elite: Dangerous 3rd Party Tool. The RP Forums are set in the Elite: Dangerous universe. Elite: Dangerous has rules, as any fictional universe does from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, or Game of Thrones to Star Trek. If you intend to RP within the Elite: Dangerous universe you are bound by the history and rules of that universe. Simply put, this RP forum is bound by the same rules as the game, so if it can't be done in the game, it is not permitted here. This applies to things from a 50Ly Jump Range on a normal, unmodified Sidewinder, to the destruction of entire stations.

2. Respect the characters created by others.
We have a wide variety of characters already here. It's expected that some will be similar, just as it's expected that two characters will be vastly different. Opinions of each persons character will naturally be varied, but all are valid provided they follow the rules of the universe. You are allowed to interact with, or avoid interaction with, any character in the RP forums. But you have no right to belittle others for their creation. You are not an authority figure on writing, nor are you directly affected by another persons imagination. You might not like it, but you MUST respect it.

3. Be caught up on current events before joining in.
You need basic things like character descriptions in order to interact with them. You also need to know what's going on in the surrounding areas. This is simply because the people you are hoping to RP with, might be gearing up to something that you might not want to be part of. Or simply that the most recent post, out of context, could leave a different impression on the goings on than if you gather that context. We don't expect you to read every single post from the beginning of the forums, just enough to get that basic understanding.

4. Either subscribe to, or frequently check, the Roleplay: Q&A and OOC forum.
People may be discussing something relevant to you there, or even discussing you directly. Perhaps someone asked what the general consensus on the existence or non-existence of a certain object. Or we're just chatting about random gibberish. Either way, be aware of it and use it. If you're unsure about something, such as how guns would look and or behave, or even the music selection, use the OOC forum to ask. We don't have all of the answers, but the collective knowledge and logic usually allows us to overcome an issue and come to a decision on what should be allowed. Frontier Developments, and even David Braben himself, don't have the answers to every possible question that can be asked.

5. Large Scale events exploding out of nowhere are a complete no go.
We get it. Everyone wants their character to be noticed and for people to be tripping over themselves to interact with them. In some audiences, an introduction involving you blasting in for landing in a fiery wreckage of a ship, before cart wheeling out and sword fighting 35 Ninjas before whisking off with the local celebrity for a glorious night of passion, is in fact, cool. This is not one of those audiences. It is generally considered better to build your character up slowly over time. Eventually, you might even have a legitimate excuse to fight those Ninjas. Maybe even with other RP participants by your side.

6. Perfect characters are boring.
The point of a character arc, is that it is in fact, an arc shape. One who is morally unquestionable, fully kitted out and an infinite fountain of knowledge, cannot go through an arc. Give your character flaws. Be it a tendency towards befriending the wrong people, or a bad knee that frequently gives out at inopportune moments. It gives readers something to latch onto and empathise with. You can give your character exceptional capabilities at something, but it requires balance. She's a damn good pilot with no equal, but can't drive an SRV for peanuts. It can lead to some very interesting moments between characters, be it heartfelt or comedic.


Other Notes:
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to these points. For example, good grammar when a character is speaking is actually rare. Few people in real life actually speak with perfect eloquence after all. Or previously arranged actions during a fight scene, such as someone stumbling back after a punch. What's key to remember is context.

All in all, remember this is purely for fun. We have some seriously talented writers here, and others whose writing history starts and ends at high school. But many are willing to help out in whatever way they can. All it takes is that you ask nicely.

Also keep in mind that many people who RP here, also have logbook stories related to the character, or characters, they portray. If it looks like there's an "in joke" going on that you're unsure of, it's probably in those.

In fact, some users have even gone to the trouble of creating "alts" to RP with. If you read back far enough, it's usually pretty clear who has and hasn't, and which ones are the "alts". It's therefore not unheard of to see the apparent seizing of control of other characters. If you do spot one, point it out in the OOC section. If intervention is needed, it will be sorted quickly and (hopefully) politely.

Most, if not all RP participants here have Logbook stories pertaining to their character(s). These are for the reading pleasure of anyone who wishes to do so. While it can be useful to read them in order to gain a bit of backstory on a character you wish to interact with, it should not be assumed that your character shares that knowledge. Within the E:D Universe, these Logbooks either don't exist, or are private diaries kept by the characters. Either way, without explicit statements to say otherwise from the writer, your interactions should reflect that your character is in the dark about any information you, the writer/reader, have gained from reading the stories.
14 Jun 2016, 10:31pm
Datura looks up with a look of amusement.

"God... A guy who thinks he is a penguin now? He definitely doesn't need more to drink, and who knows what the hell he is smoking?."
14 Jun 2016, 11:31pm
Oh ... this should be fun.  I'm pretty sure Death just walked in.

Looks like it's time to play a rousing game of "Look What My Mommy Issues Made Me Do to Myself!"  He's either a cultist or a modder.  Either way, there are bound to be some screwed up skeletons in his closet.  As he gets closer, it becomes obvious what kind of shape those skeletons are in.  He walks weird.  He moves weird.  And I don't think it's just an act.

This is about the point where I start to regret sitting at the bar.  The steady supply of liquor is one thing.  The steady stream of whacky characters is another.  At least I had the foresight to pick an end, where it's easy to make sure the more colorful clientele stay in your line of vision.  Always keep your back to the wall, they say, because walls are the only things you can trust to keep it covered.  And there's something about this guy that gives me the creeps.  Folks who dress like that unironically are never good news.  I cross my legs, twirl my hair ... and with the other hand I check the knife concealed in my boot.

Grim Johnson settles down and orders water.  This poor barman ... he's not going to get a break tonight.

I eavesdrop on their pleasantries.  Barman seems to know him, or just has a thing about cultists and modders.  He looks like he's about to be sick as he scuttles out to run errands for the new guy.  Well ... from the gist of the conversation, I suppose, "guy" is the wrong word.  "Girl" seems out, too.  So, that leaves what?  Utopian?  Hudson supporter?  His voice sounds like somebody sucking helium while chewing tinfoil ... so I'm definitely leaning toward Hudson supporter.

He lights up a pipe and takes a drag.  Whistles while he blows out smoke rings.

And now that I think about it ... what the hell is a penghouin, anyway?  I stare at the back of Grim's hooded head and decide I'm probably better off not knowing.
14 Jun 2016, 11:53pm
"Oh hell", said Matt, looking up from his drink.

"What is it, Matty?" Kyndi had spent the last ten minutes in a state of floating, detached bliss. The o-head here was surprisingly potent, and it had taken her partner's disgust to rouse her from her dreamlike state.

Matt gestured from their booth to the bar. "Just one of them gen-mod freaks. Identifies as penguin-kin or something. Wastes perfectly good credits on cosmetic gene splicing to feed their delusion."

As he was angrily sipping his Old Sol on the rocks, Kyndi curled up to him and gave him a kiss on his stubbled cheek.  "Looks like someone is feeling a little old-school tonight. Who cares if some poor in-betweener wants to mix it up?"

The pilot pointed with his drink. "The blond next to him, for starters..."


Last edit: 15 Jun 2016, 12:49am
15 Jun 2016, 12:38am
Datura stood up, gulping the last of his drink.

"Shits getting crazy in here, I'mma see what Fiona is up to."

He turns to M. Lehmen. "Stay out of trouble, you two."

Simon makes his way to the door, giving Xeknos and Terra the two-finger salute on his way out.
15 Jun 2016, 2:08am
Penghouin ... Penghouin....  The word rattles around in my head like it ought to mean something.  I swear I've heard it before.  There's some vague connection with some shriveled up old man on the docks of Bolton Orbital in Zhao.  Something about a camphor tree and a deformed monkey-dog.

I open my mouth to ask -- discretion has never been one of my greater qualities -- but Barkeep comes barreling back in before I get a chance.  He hands over a bottle of something, and Death pays him in precious stones.

Heh.  Good luck fencing that, bub.  InSys is going to be all over that as soon as it hits the rumor market.  Gotta be worth a small fortune.

But the real payoff is when Death starts to tell his story, and at the very least, it gets that nagging itch about the word "Penghouin" out of my brain.  He says it's Greek, which doesn't seem right to me.  I've been to Greek sectors, and I don't think they can even pronounce the kinds of vowels that are going on there....  But, then, who am I to question the poor guy's heritage?

But then he says a word I do know.  One that sets up the hackles down my back.

"Slavery."

Well, shit.  That sense of menace I've been getting from him all this time suddenly ebbs.  While he and the barman talk, I scribble out a note on a cocktail napkin.

"d’Arrest Station, Uibuth.  Lady Aisling welcomes slaves without judgment."

And for the love of all that's good and right, if they're after you, you'd better take her up on it, you sorry little soul!

I slide it toward him, trying to be discrete.  It wouldn't do if anyone here were to think I might be going soft.

The barman leaves with an apology, off to attend to other patrons.  Death glances up and down the bar.  Maybe he sees the note.  It's hard to tell with that hood in the way.  But he hesitates.  Then he finishes his water and leaves.

I retrieve the note, idly tear it to bits and tuck it away as I stare my way to the bottom of my drink.


Last edit: 15 Jun 2016, 2:24am
15 Jun 2016, 4:00am
A tall, somber man strides into the bar and pulls up a stool and grunts "Bartender? Two beers... it's my wife's anniversary." and proceeds to stare at the bottom of his cup. His other never shows up.
15 Jun 2016, 4:22am
Things are slowing down now. The crowd is thinning out. There's less people watching to be had at this hour, but four drinks in, that means less to me than getting to the bottom of this fifth. The bartenders are changing shift. Muttonchops is out. In comes this suave young buck with more charm than skill. He tries to strike up a conversation straight off, and just about immediately botches a cocktail. Can't help but laugh at that ... but now I sorta regret ordering the simple stuff from the last guy. He at least knew how to sling a shaker.

About the time the last of the freaks are clearing out, a standout newcomer walks in. Low key, well dressed. Groomed for a change, like he's maybe got somebody somewhere who loves him, or at least like he wishes he did. He sits down at the bar, straightens his tunic. And what he says to the bartender breaks my heart.

"Two beers. It's my wife's anniversary."

It's clear enough from the waver in his voice that he's not talking about her goddamn birthday. And, sure enough, the lucky broad doesn't show.

Minutes pass. The better part of an hour.

"Hey." I wave my finger at the bartender. He saunters over. Smirks. I glare at him.

Turns out he's lousy at taking hints. "What'll it be, babe?" He grins.

I point down the bar. "That guy," I tell him, "is going to need something a hell of a lot stronger than a beer. Top shelf. Whatever you think has the best chance of making him forget for an hour or two. On me."

He shrugs and goes to fill it. I catch him by the arm.

"Don't let it get around," I say.

He winks at me. "Don't worry, babe. It'll be our little secret."
15 Jun 2016, 7:47am
Rebecca entered the bar again, her bottle still in her hand. She'd taken a stroll through the market district near the docks until she saw something so utterly confusing and unexpecting, that she decided to go back to the bar.

"Hey, guys. You won't believe me but there walked a fucking 2,20m penguin past me near the docks. Unbelievable what shit people do to themselves to stand out."

She shook her head and sat back on the seat she'd used earlier.
15 Jun 2016, 8:06am
Datura returns to the bar, with Fiona by his side.
Looking at the commotion going on, he sighs and turns to her.
"Yeah, so there's a guy in here who calls himself penguin... Or pengoign? Pingu? I don't know... Either way... He needs to lay off the drugs."
Fiona chuckles, "well that's just a tad odd. You going to let me get the first round this time?"
"Nope," Datura replied with a cheeky grin, "you can get the next one."
He orders Fiona and himself a drink, then tips a nod toward M. Lehman and Kyndi, then to Xeknos, who clearly needs another beverage judging by how empty his bottle is.
Simon flips the barkeep an extra tip for his trouble, who returns a fairly relieved looking expression. "Thanks, kiddo," he says gleefully.
15 Jun 2016, 8:33am
I slid out of my corner booth (seemed like every booth in this bar was in a corner, presenting some interesting questions about the room's architecture) and slowly made my way up to the bar. I gently placed the empty scotch bottle on the counter, and the bartender made his way over.

"Get you another one, boss?" he asked as he picked up the empty bottle and tossed it into the trash receptacle behind him.

"Question about that, actually," I said. "The guy who was in here before offered a round on the house. That offer still standing?"

The bartender shrugged. "That was a while ago, but he mentioned he offered it. He also said that you were the only one not to collect, so what the hell, right? What'll you have? Can't give you another bottle, though."

"Just another scotch - same brand as the bottle, if you have any left."

He turned and rummaged around the various bottles behind the bar, before he found the correct one. "Here we go," he said, before he turned and poured two fingers' worth into a clean (I hoped) glass, then slid it toward me. "There you go, boss."

"Thanks," I said as I offered him a salute with the glass, and sat down at a bar stool.
16 Jun 2016, 5:08am
The man at the bar, once content with his drink placed a few bills on the bar and started to leave.

"Uh, Sir?" the bartender started "You don't need to, its on the house."

The man responded "Then its for the next sod to walk in" and left, not to be seen again for a long time.
16 Jun 2016, 10:47am
(Man...so much crap went down in so little time.)

Wow! Even wishful thinking in this pub was enough to rose the monkey’s paw. No sooner had the idea of livety crossed his mind did the room respond. It started with the patron to his right, speaking up about his puffy suit. ”Well. I would’ve worn something else...had I not jet’d my cargo in Frigaha.” Reaching with gloved hands up to the padded coif that hugged his head. Pulling it away. Revealing a clean chin and a full head of dark hair. Buzzed short, but not suffering any loss like poor muttonchops. A gentleman in desperate need of a name tag.

Running his hand over the follicles like it was a habit, ”I left my duffle in the hold. Forgot about it.” Another smile, much more forced. No self satisfied laugh though…”As if an interdiction wasn’t bad luck enough.”

With his face no longer framed by the cloth, it was easier to see his age. Late 20’s, maybe 30 if he wasn’t keen on tobacco. Considering the way he grimaced at the bittery-citrus of his shot, he didn’t seem the liquor-and-smokes type. ”I’m Andrew.” Offering a hand to shake. ”Thanks for the tip about the suit.”

His words froze as another’s exploded. Some folk outside were having quite the horrible evening, and their yelling announced it to all inside. What was to follow was an alarming performance. A clearly...upset gentleman came thundering into the saloon. Though he had exchanged many choice words with a woman outside, it seems they weren’t enough to resolve his rage.

Overhearing his run-in with another woman was just awkward. Yet, sitting so close to confrontation with the barkeep was downright nerve wracking. It isn’t so easy being that close to the threat of violence. Especially without an inch of alloy or watt of shielding between him and the danger.

So, Santa attempted to lean discreetly away from the hubbub, possibly fisticuffs. Using the opportunity to reexamine the room. Noting that many of the other occupants were watching the show as well. Taking particular note of the quiet fellow ignoring the crowds in favor of a personal computer. Well, until the next oddity strolled in.

Seems there are stranger ways to be dressed than an old space suit in places like this. A holocaust cloak, for example. The hooded figure was someone trying to...well...keep a low profile. Even if that wasn’t really an option for them.

The individual said it was some sort of engineered lifeform. One who was very keen on explaining itself when faced with the curiosity of the barman. It was probably the first time anyone had taken the time to actually ask a question rather than just gawk. Like Andrew was now.

Time passed, one stranger left and others arrived. That Fuel Rat he had greeted before. A quiet man celebrating what seemed like...a very spiteful occasion. It wasn’t until the scotch fan strolled up from his cozy corner that Andrew spoke up again. Giving a nod to the chap, ”Evenin’.”


Last edit: 16 Jun 2016, 10:54am
16 Jun 2016, 11:07am
Xeknos looked over and offered a nod to the man who spoke to him, then took a sip of the scotch. He winced and gently placed the glass down. He studied the man for a moment, then shrugged.

"Don't mean to intrude, but you just mentioned you had to drop your cargo. What brought that on?" he asked as he swirled the liquid about in the glass.

Probably better to interact with the 'verse, as opposed to keeping his nose buried in the PDA all the time - though some of the recent arrivals had justified his decision to stay over in the corner. Nice to drink again, though.

(Yes, I'm jumping between 1st person and 3rd person. No, I don't know why. xD)
16 Jun 2016, 1:08pm
A little surprised at a reply that wasn’t laced with even the hint of snark, Andrew widened his eyes and pressed his lips on one side. Recounting, with equal parts displeasure and amusement, ”Yeeeeeah. I chose between the cargo and my life.” Nodding his head in anxious agreement. As if still trying to convince himself he made the right call. Glancing back over to his counterpart. ”Hoping I can get a second chance here.”

Lifting his hand towards the screens behind the bar. The trade tickers streaming across the bottom portion of every single one. ”Need to find myself a sale, and get back in the black.” At the sound of this, the fresh bartender found a reason to finally meander back to the pilot’s long empty shot glass.

“I’m not as charitable as the big guy.”, scooping up the dirtied little snifter. Flashing a sardonic grin. “ If you stay, you’ll need credits to cover it. So...will you need a refill?” The smoothtalker didn’t seem malicious about it. Just making a stern point to avoid later misunderstandings. Andrew tensed in noticeable embarrassment.

”Message recieved.” Taking a moment to consider the digital menu display, ”Do you serve water?”
16 Jun 2016, 2:11pm
Xeknos took another drink as the man spoke, then nodded.

"Hm, yeah, an unenviable position to be in. Luckily, as far as second chances go, the universe seems to be full of them." He shrugged. "But that's what it's all about, isn't it? Finding that next job to keep yourself afloat."

He took another sip as the bartender wandered over and exchanged a few words with the other pilot, though he couldn't help cracking a smile at his request - the previous bartender had a few choice words for the stream of people ordering drinks that were out of place in a bar, and it was somewhat lucky that a new bartender had taken over before the other pilot had asked the fateful question.

"If he wants a refill, give him one on me," Xeknos said, after a moment. "Since he missed out on the other guy's good fortune." He then saluted the other pilot with his glass. "To second chances."

Post a reply

You must be signed in to post here.
ROLEPLAY ONLY! Respect the universe settings!
If you are new here, please try to at least partially involve in the ongoing stories and conversations instead of establishing a completely different "arc". You can always turn it to a different story later.