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.
03 Jun 2023, 12:17am
'I'm not looking for sympathy but thank you. I look at my loss of memory as a blessing more so than a curse.'


"I suppose I'm somewhat the same. I wouldn't look for sympathy but I guess it's sometimes nice to have. Not that it makes it any easier."

I shook my head.

"I wish that my memories didn't have any of the... bad stuff left. Instead, what I do remember is mostly the bad things. Like the stuff that's got strong negative emotions stuck around. If you're wondering what happened exactly... well, it's a few months ago now. Some time back in August, had me out for like a month. Also is kinda why I'm now hiding myself like this ..." I gestured to the hood. "... but that's a whole other story. Shared over a drink, I'd say, but I don't so yeah."

"Anyhoo; If you are angry with how the alien invasion armada was sent to our doorstep, why not fight to keep them out?"


I turned to the woman that said that, and rather abruptly inserted herself into the conversation.

"You don't think I have? I've got a few Thargoid kills on my hands, not that it matters. And more people that I ran out of those parts of the Bubble that they're attacking. I'm past it at this point."

I decided that I didn't approve of some of the allegations made, and retorted.

"You know, this might be an unpopular opinion while the Thargoids are slaughtering civilians in the millions, or billions, out there, but we've been killing them without any care in the world for years, while stealing their stuff, then act all surprised when they decide that enough's enough. Several times, not just after we tried to wipe most of them out... for the second time."

I sighed.

"You might call the Thargoids a threat, but they probably view us in much the same way. You know that saying, you reap what you sow? That's pretty much what's happening now. We poked the hornet's nest for years, and they're the ones retaliating because we decided their stuff's ours, period. It's not a massacre when we start to slaughter them by the millions in their home space, but it is when they do the same to us? You have to see how hypocritical that is."

"Guess it doesn't really matter anyway, since we're stuck in this mess regardless of views, but it still pisses me off. Maybe it's not obvious to anyone who's had the superpower propaganda droned into their heads for years, but Thargoids aren't the 'mindless bugs' you've been told they are. They used to not even fire at you unless you stole from them, or shot first."

I shook my head.

"Sure hope whatever Aegis comes up with or does isn't going to piss them off more, though, because I seriously doubt we'd last very long if the Thargoids pull all the stops. Also, you're not only not being funny, but also a little rude."
03 Jun 2023, 1:54am
I turn my head slowly towards Kira as she states nearly the same thing I just said, a confused look on my face.

'I..... how did..... what?'

I cant form thoughts anymore and becoming uncomfortable with the coincidental similarity of our statements begin to shift in my seat.

I take a long slow sip of the glowing blue liquid, the glow fading as I finish the drink off. I place the glass on the table and blink slowly. I turn back to the woman who had inserted herself in the conversation.

'Look if you want to join in a conversation you are free to do so as long as you are polite about it. My....... *waves my left hand around in the air as I think for an appropriate term* uhm.... friend..... here is correct though, it was a bit rude.'
03 Jun 2023, 2:04am
'I..... how did..... what?'


“I don’t read minds, no. If that’s the question I can see written on your face, anyway. There’s definitely more than one person out there that doesn’t immediately think of a gun when they see a Thargoid.”

I thought on the rest of her statement.

“Not sure I like the idea of capturing one to study it, though. I mean, that’s what INRA did to create the mycoid, and look how that turned out. They tortured them. Now yes, Aegis probably won’t do that, but I’m not sure live Thargoid experimenting is something we should be doing either. They’d probably just snigger insults we don’t understand at us.”

“… then again, I guess we shouldn’t have to rely on Seo and having to expose her to their hive mind either. I really don’t think human brains were built to handle that kind of thing very well.”
03 Jun 2023, 2:43am
'I.... I... didn't mean.... sorry.... I just get paranoid with that....... Shut up Silv... they probably dont...... shit that was out loud..... uh..... soooo.... ya, no I mean why shouldn't we let those blasted far God folks try their luck with one? I mean they like the Goids more than any other group known and it's not like it would be a bad thing if we lost a few cultists....'

I think for a moment before continuing.

'Oh right yes that could work....... not the cultists thing but capture a Thargoid implant an AI then release it. The AI could then learn the language and send the information back to us.'
03 Jun 2023, 3:07am
“Few problems with that. First thing is that they’re nowhere to be found right now - thank the Feds. The other issue I see is that they kinda want the Thargoids to throw us under the bus so the ‘worthy’ are reborn or some weird religious stuff like that.”

I said the word ‘worthy’ while making air quotes with my fingers, not thinking too highly of the cult’s beliefs.

“I’ve kept my distance to those guys for that reason. I don’t really believe the Thargoids would make us ‘ascend’ or anything, unless being turned into some weird hybrid counts… not that I really know that’s what they would do. I mean, wanting peace or at least non-violent coexistence is one thing, but wishing extinction on humanity? That takes it a step too far.”

“So yeah, I don’t think sending one of them would be the greatest idea. Our best bet would be to talk to one of their queens or something, but barring a miracle happening in our understanding of their language, or Seo somehow getting through to one with her connection… not sure that’s happening. Much as I wish we could.”
03 Jun 2023, 3:22am
Jules walks into the bar looking as though she had been through hell. Fresh scorch marks and acid burns are visible on her cybernetic limbs and armor. Strapped to her hip is her old war pistol and on her back a milspec plasma rifle. She sees Silvia and Kira in the back corner and decides to steer clear of the duo.

***

Listening to Kira the name Seo pops up again.

'You have mentioned that indivual twice. Who are they and what importance or rather significance do they hold? I only know about Aegis because of well.... *motions over to an advertisement, then goes pale and rigid at the sight of Jules.*..... I uh..... I....'

I shift nervously and lose my train of thought.
03 Jun 2023, 7:46am
“Seo? Oh, she’s like… how to put this… in the months before Azimuth decided to build the Proteus Wave - that Guardian-based superweapon supposed to take most of them out - it kinda became known they tried to connect a human pilot to a Thargoid ship.”

I pointed at my head when I continued the explanation.

“And well, apparently it worked for her without killing her. So now she’s apparently connected to the hive mind and hears their voices in some way, through a thing in her head, not that I can explain it very well. All I can say is it probably isn’t very pleasant.”

I decided not to mention anything of my own implant resulting in a similar connection, and put my gaze on the woman with the cybernetic limbs, who looked like she’d seen better days.

“An old… friend of yours?”, I asked Silvia, not entirely certain which word to use, given her reaction.
03 Jun 2023, 11:31am
'Oh soo that's what they were doing in that lab. Monsters the lot of em. There is a fine line between.... experimentation and..... scientific research when it comes to this sort of thing.'

As I finish my statement an angered and emotionally pained look spreads across my face. The sight of Jules after what I had found out, was nearly enough to send me into a frenzy.

'I wouldn't exactly call her a friend.... not after....... what she is responsible for. *turns towards Jules and continues, an angered tone growing in my voice* you'd do well to avoid her. Someone you love might end up dead.'

Clenching my jaw and fist I turn away from her. I take a few deep breaths to try and calm myself and just sit staring at the wall trying to think of anything but her.
03 Jun 2023, 1:34pm
I held both my hands up, almost as a defensive gesture.

“Alright, alright. I get it. You don’t want to talk about it. I think there’s more to it, but it’s not really my business to go poking around in someone else’s matters. So just leave it there.”

I withheld the remark that I didn’t really have anyone significant left to lose… other than Seo, but it wasn’t in my interest to openly reveal that I knew her, at least not in a place like this.

“But anyway, yeah, Azimuth are not a very pleasant kind. Abducting people for their horrible experiments, attempted genocide of another species… twice, actually. I have some logs from an abandoned facility in my ship’s databank that suggest they also worked on that stupid mycoid thingy. The fact that anyone believes they’re worth working for either says a lot about those people, or how they’ve been propagating lies about their true nature.”

“Oh, that reminds me… Seo uncovered some… rather interesting information about Nemesis - I mean, Salvation, two or three months ago. Apparently he had plans for a failsafe made out of Guardian tech that basically holds his mind, or a copy thereof, for the event of his death. Called it the Nemesis Failsafe, because of course he did.”

“Now we don’t really have any evidence if it was ever built, but knowing that bastard, he did. Azimuth of course immediately claims it’s all complete nonsense made up by a delusional individual - like trying to wipe out a species that’s been spacefaring for millions of years isn’t - and that they have ‘nothing to hide’.”

I took a moment to breathe.

“Don’t think it needs to be said that what they’re saying is complete bullshit. Guess what also happened when that Nemesis stuff came out? Some mercenaries just so randomly happened to try getting the jump on Seo… not very successfully, thanks to some outside assistance from the Far God cult. Never found out who sent those mercs, but I’d bet you a billion credits that those assholes over at Azimuth wanted their ‘precious subject’ back.”

I practically spat those last words out, and realized I was getting a little carried away, so reeled it back in.

“Sorry. Just something I’m a little passionate about for… personal reasons. That guy who’s in charge, Torben Rademaker, is just full of it. Keeps claiming they shouldn’t be held responsible for what happened in Project Seraph - that thing where Seo comes from -, the Proteus Wave, and so on. They left an entire megaship’s crew to die for its cargo of Guardian artifacts, but apparently, because Salvation’s ‘dead’ no one needs to be held responsible?”

“My ass. You say you didn’t approve of it but where were you when it mattered? Right there helping the bastard out.” I shook my head. “So yeah, there’s my rant about why I hate Azimuth and still refuse to provide even the slightest bit of trust to them. Aegis might not be perfect, but they’re at least not literal monsters, and have someone sensible in charge.”
03 Jun 2023, 1:56pm
Having heard me talking about her, Jules stands from her seat, walks over to the table we are sitting at, and places down a bounty chip.

'He is gone and so am I.'

With that Jules departs the bar and heads towards the docks.

I watch her, leave wide eyed and a tear forming in my eye. I knew what she meant and just knowing he had been dealt with was enough for me to have closure. A small smile forms on my face as a solitary tear streams down my cheek.

Turning back to Kira I give my full attention to her.

'You know a disturbing amount of information of the inner workings of these groups.'

My eyes go wide and I dart my eyes around the bar quickly as the pieces of information strewn throughout the dialogs finally register. In a hushed tone only Kira can hear I continue.

'How'd you get out? They don't exactly leave the front door open.'
03 Jun 2023, 2:22pm
I watch the exchange happen in front of me, a funny expression on my face as the other woman walks off without much of an explanation.

"Maybe you should think about keeping her around."

My mind snaps to the other remarks made by Silvia, and I sit upright, a little stiffer.

"I don't know much about their inner workings through personal experience. Most of what I've seen are old, abandoned facilities that people were led to over the course of the last year and a half, or so, from external sources. Seo being one of them. I figured this would be somewhat common knowledge among pilots by now, but I guess I shouldn't have assumed that you knew."

I shifted around the seat uncomfortably. The assessment from her was closer to the truth than I wanted, and this wasn't a subject I wanted to address. Especially not in a bar where anyone and everyone would be within hearing distance. I looked over in the direction of the docks, and gestured with my right hand to signify one simple thing.

Not here.
03 Jun 2023, 2:56pm
'She is the reason my wife is dead. So I'd rather her just be someone I don't remember.'

Seeing Kira stiffen up like a board at my comment I offer a simple friendly gesture.

'M'names Silvia. I realize I never told you or maybe I did.... damn can't remember things anymore'

I grab the bounty chip and place it in a pouch on my hip. Seeing Kira motion to the docks I stand.

'We can go. But try anything and I'll put steel in ya.'

I reach out a hand as an offer to help Kira to her feet to leave the bar.
03 Jun 2023, 3:08pm
"Well, I'm not going to tell someone else what to do with their life. That wouldn't be right, anyway. And I understand why you'd want to forget."

I paused for a second.

"All I'm saying is, this isn't something I will talk about openly in a place like... this." I gestured to the bar and surroundings. "Too open. Anyone can hear what you're saying. Plus security systems that can be used to find you."

I stood up.

"You did tell me your name, I think. Probably forgot, though - as I said, memory doesn't always work so well nowadays, and we only met once. Oh, and unless you try anything, I pose no risk. I usually only act in defense of myself or others. Like, pirates attacking a miner or something."
03 Jun 2023, 3:49pm
'Fair enough. Shall we.'

I motion to the door as if to say I'm ready to go.
03 Jun 2023, 3:57pm
"Sure.", I replied. "Where should we go? You have a ship here? Or maybe we go to mine. Whichever you prefer - as long as you don't decide to fly off while I'm still onboard."

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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.