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.
25 Jun 2023, 5:30pm
Mark was trying to keep up with Damran, but Damran had years of practice and, a system that he had refined for buffets. The first pass was mostly for finding out what was on offer. Sure plenty of food made it to the plate, but it was small things he could finish in a bite or two.

Mark had gone for the prize items, stuff you have to take a seat to tackle. He was going to be full before the empties were replaced, and he wouldn't have tried even half of what was on offer.

Ridge had made three passes and sampled almost everything, and stacked up on what he liked before he moved on to the hot meats. By then, the early bird scramble was over, and Ridge had his pick of the cuts from the replacement joints.

He came back to the table his team had chosen for the first time since they had entered. He'd been constantly eating while orbiting the buffet, but now he was ready to take a seat, and take apart a mixed grill platter with a double order of hot-wings.

Mark had undone his belt and was slouched back in his chair giving his belly more room, groaning the satisfied groan of a well-fed man.

"Boi, you got a lonnng ways to go before you can challenge the chief, but give it time. One day you'll be as much man as me" said Damran tucking into the first of many hot wings.

For once, Ephrain didn't have his pad in his hand, and he gave his workmates the least condescending smile he had ever used when Ridge offered him a cheers using a half-eaten wing.
25 Jun 2023, 5:40pm
Silvia Sharpe For those who are unfortunately still having to return to work I ask what they would like instead of alcohol.


Standing by the bar, Willow took the offer of service "Um so have you got like, thickshakes? Maple flavor, maybe?" Ask Willow not taking here eyes off the chief.

"Like wow, look at him go" said Willow not paying attention to the person asking about drinks, but pointing out her team chief. He's like a rouge moon swinging round the system until it finds a planet to like, adopt him for a wile before he spins off looking for more space dust to add to his mass"


"So I'm thinking.. Dance of the Devourer? Devoeor. Devourer-er. Damn, like that's a tough one to pluralize. I feel like I was right the first time"
25 Jun 2023, 5:41pm
The headache was pretty much gone now, as Silvia had promised, thanks to the painkiller. I looked at the pen that lay on the bed, within hand’s reach, and decided to hold on to it for now, putting it into a pouch. Then, I left a message as a note, thinking it better than to distract her from work.

Going to get something from my ship before I do anything else. So I don’t pass out again because I forgot the thing that’s supposed to prevent it.

It wasn’t because of a lack of sleep, at least, not just. But if you want to know, I won’t say it in public, or over an open line like this. You know why.


I sent it off and stood up, thinking about getting my hair in order under the hood - but decided otherwise, knowing I could do it easier in my own ship where I could take it off, and left a few strands hanging into my face as I walked out.
25 Jun 2023, 5:53pm
Willow ThornStanding by the bar, Willow took the offer of service "Um so have you got like, thickshakes? Maple flavor, maybe?" Ask Willow not taking here eyes off the chief.


'Certainly! Give me just a moment please.'

Seeing Willow here was uncomfortable for me but I was the hostess today and I had a job to do. I gather the ingredients for the drink requested by Willow and in a desperate attempt to rectify any wrong doings I apologize.

'Hey so.... like I am certain you saw the message I sent ya, but like I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted the way I did our last meeting. You don't have to forgive me or whatever but I did just want to get that off my chest.'

I look at the message on my tablet from Kira and nod. Turning my attention to Damran and his table I observe the feasts they have all prepared.

'That man sure can put back some food. Looks like he hasn't had anything decent to eat in a while. So how have you been Willow?'

I finish preparing Willows shake and hand it over to her.


Last edit: 25 Jun 2023, 6:07pm
25 Jun 2023, 6:07pm
I returned to the bar a short while after leaving, wearing my usual black suit over the clothes now, mostly for its temperature regulation feature. I didn’t expect to need it, but I felt safer with it.

Looking over the buffet lustlessly, I realized that I wasn’t feeling hungry, and walked over to the bar counter instead. I wasn’t willing to risk anything after the incident from the last night, anyway.

“I’d like a simple water, please. Still, if you could.”

I tried to find a stool to sit on, but they were all occupied. I tried to pay little attention to Willow, already not feeling too great about the crowd present to rush over the free food offering, or my mood after waking up eith a migraine, while expecting her to recognize me as the ‘strange girl with the black hood’ from a few days ago.


Last edit: 25 Jun 2023, 6:21pm
25 Jun 2023, 6:15pm
"Yeah, like It's as much me as it was all the people coming at me, and your little dog-thing you know? The going out thing is like, rough ground you know?"

It was good to have someone to observe the boys with. Willow tried to take the piss the way they did, but they were so good at it. Willow found it better to talk about them behind their back.

"Oh like, don't worry about them, they eat like a swarm. Like, since the other places started taking the vouchers, we eat at a new place after every shift.. "Ok as long as like, we can convince Ridge he doesn't have to eat wings every day"

"So, this time they are not having to burn up a voucher, so like, they are packing it away you know. It's me that's having the hard time. I like, grew up on packed food and inst-meals. Real food tastes strange to me. Lucky I got my sauce"

That sounded really ungrateful. Anyway, it was totally a Willow problem, nothing to do with the free food and drinks she told herself mentally giving her cheek a slap.

"Oh but like, it's real nice of them to lay on this spread, so I can like, try everything you know? Real nice"
25 Jun 2023, 6:24pm
'Dog thing? Oh Melli. Right. Sorry I should have told you the truth about her instead of lying. It's just... how do I put this in a way that doesn't sound weird. She is a very valuable creature and the less people who know what she is the better ya know. She wouldn't hurt a fly unless instructed to do so. But enough about the past. We are here in the present.'

Thinking about what Willow had just said about food I decide it best to see if I can help her figure out something to taste test.

'So like is it the flavors of the food that put you off or is it the texture? Also this sauce of yours what is it exactly?'

I grab a glass down from the rack and fill it with water and hand it to Kira. While pointing to a booth more away from the crowd in a darker corner of the bar.

'There is a spot back there if you'd like to take a seat. Kind of busy in here today.'
25 Jun 2023, 6:40pm
"Yeah, so she was great while she was being sweet, it's the snarling at people that put me off. Specially while she was round my neck"

"So, like, I don't know what it is about real food, but like, this is all real nice. I like the little pastry cup things; well the ones with the pink stuff in it. My extract would make the taste like, eew, you know? I make it my self at the still, well I don't make that, it's a by product of .. "

Yep, she was talking too much again, something that tended to happen.

"Yeah, um, I make it in my still"
25 Jun 2023, 6:51pm
'Heh sorry she get social anxiety when around people who give negative attention. She is kind of more human in that regard.'

I think for a moment about the food options we have available. With so many options available it will be hard to find something. Then remembering how I used to be when food of all sorts just randomly seemed gross I reply to Willow.

'We have an arrangement of soups and stews all of which are palatable for those who find food odd. They are close enough to a food packet but in my opinion much more appetizing. Please feel free to enjoy. I must go and take drink orders again. I'll return momentarily.'

I make my way over to Damran and his team and in a polite and welcoming tone greet them.

'Hello. My names Silvia. I am the bartender on duty today. First let me extend my gratitude for all you guys have done to get this station back to its former glory. What can I get you guys to drink? And I hope you are enjoying the food.'
25 Jun 2023, 7:15pm
Silvia SharpeI grab a glass down from the rack and fill it with water and hand it to Kira. While pointing to a booth more away from the crowd in a darker corner of the bar.

'There is a spot back there if you'd like to take a seat. Kind of busy in here today.'


“Thanks. So …”

Silvia was off and back to Willow again before I had much of a chance to say anything, but my mouth had just opened without any ideas. I looked over to the corner in question, currently looking to be largely unpopulated, then at the glass of water.

I spun it in my hand lightly, looking at the reflections in it, while pondering whether to go there or stay here to drink it and then wander off. Being in, or surrounded by a crowd like this, still wasn’t particularly nice, especially without a conversation partner as a distraction from all the noise.
25 Jun 2023, 7:50pm
Silvia Sharpe
'Hello. My names Silvia. I am the bartender on duty today. First let me extend my gratitude for all you guys have done to get this station back to its former glory. What can I get you guys to drink? And I hope you are enjoying the food.'



"Well hello beautiful, and here's me being all married'n loyal to my good wife back home. Oo-wee. N'hey, they break it down, but we build it up again. That's jus whut we do, I'll tell ye whut"

"Now, as fur the drink. Um, I think we'd like one of them sissy drinks with the fruit floatin on the top. A big old jug'a that'ud do. But not the one with the good stuff in it, stick to the prom-night mix ok darlin?"

"But if you do mix up any good punch, I'm sure the boys and grils'd be real grateful for a carry-out option for later if ya catch mi'drift" said Ridge finishing with a wink.

Mark was in no shape to argue, his shape was mostly round right now, and Ephrain just shrugged. That's about as agreeable as he got.
25 Jun 2023, 8:14pm
'Certainly. I'll bring over a pitcher of punch.'

I lean in and to the table and lower my tone.

'Stop by the bar before you leave. I have some bottles for the crews.'

I head over to the bar and grab a pitcher of punch. After placing it on the table I head over to the stage set up and ask the band to play a song.

'Excuse me. Do you guys know "Castle of Glass"?'

'Mrs. Sharpe! How are you?'

'Felix! You got the band together. That's awesome. Thank you for showing up.'

'Of course these folks here are some of the hardest working souls I've seen. Takes some grit to work on a station so close to the front lines.'

Felix and his band begin to play "Castle of Glass" as I make my way back over to the bar. I flip the requests open sign on and look over the patrons. Before diverting my attention to the two ladies still at the bar.

'So you two gonna get some food?'
25 Jun 2023, 8:19pm
In Silvia's absence over near the team of workers, I worked up a little bit of courage to move a little closer to Willow, leaving a now empty bar stool between us.

"Hey, uh, do you mind if we could... "

I tried to make hand signs to indicate the word chat, not finding them properly.

'You're doing a horrible job of this, Kira.', an inner voice told me.

"Uh, nevermind. I'd like, buy you a drink for starters, but they're all free right now anyway."

I left it there and waited to see if she'd pick up on the starter or not, failing to realize the Japanese accent was naturally slipping into my tone as part of pretending to be someone else.

Then I heard Silvia call out and I turned toward her, not particularly sure I wanted to say I didn't want to eat, seeing the healthy selection available. I was worried it'd come across as rude if I did. Instead, I simply walked out, too far out of my comfort zone to bother further.


Last edit: 27 Jun 2023, 2:18am
26 Jun 2023, 9:43pm
During the cleanup from the day prior a message rings through from Kira.

Silvia,

Kasumi here. Need to talk about something. Come see me in my ship when you have time, today or tomorrow.

Imperial Cutter, bay 25. Try not to be followed. And don’t talk about Willow unless you want me to dump hell on your head.

Who am I kidding, you’re going to ask anyway. Just get here when you can. It’s important.


I close the message and continue with cleaning.

"She does realize I'm working doubles right now right? I also can't just leave the bar unattended or better yet, I can't leave Melli alone here."

I think out to myself as I clean up the empty glasses and help clear the tables from the left over plates. It was nice to see the workers enjoying their time away from the usual grind to feel some semblance of humanity again.

"And what the hell is this about Willow? Bah whatever I wasn't even going to say anything about it but now she has me curious. You know what I'm not going to say anything because truthfully it's none of my business anyways."

One of the bar staff not paying attention to their footing slips on a drink spill dropping their plate bin shattering all of the plates they had picked up. The look on her face is that of "oh God that's it. I'm fired". I rush over to check on her and she immediately begins to apologize.

'Oh shoot... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to....'

'Hey relax. They are just plates it's quite alright. To be honest there should have been a sign there. The more important thing is are you ok?'

'Ya I'm fine..... I just.... I really need this to go well. I'm trying to work off a debt....'

'Shhh. It's ok. Come on I'll take the blame for this one. What's your name?'

'Liberty. I'm from Amenta A6 in the southern regions, this job is important for me.'

'A slave huh? Well nice to meet you. Name is Silvia and funny thing my ex wife was from Amenta... she was the duchess of A6s southern regions.'

'Lady Duval! Oh dear! I'm soo sorry please forgive me.'

'Relax. Go get cleaned up and take a break, trust me I have this covered.'

The exchange is enough for me to see just how hard it is for the imperial slaves onboard this station. Venus was a kind woman when it came to her "slaves" even going as far as allowing them free reign within the confines of her mansion. Seeing this woman from her region hit closer to home than I would have liked.

I clean up the broken plates as the overseer steps out to see what the commotion was all about.

'What is this? Who is responsible for this? Oh Mrs Sharpe I didn't realize you were still here. What happened?'

'I slipped on a drink spill. My fault really. I should have put a sign down to remind myself to pay attention.'

'Ok well I am taking my group back to imperial space. Thank you for your hospitality for the slaves.'

'Wait actually if you don't mind I'd like to ask you to leave one behind for me. Her name is Liberty. Kind of a younger girl about 20 or so. I could really use the extra set of hands. I'll cover all costs needed.'

'Hmmmm I know the girl.. she has been a mess. You know what sure she is yours considering your inherited rank in the empire I think it's only fitting for you to have your own attendant.'

He calls over to liberty in a loud and stern tone.


'Liberty! You belong to Mrs. Sharpe now. Do not screw this up. She is a Duchess so you'd do well to behave.'

The workers depart the bar and I open up my data pad to compose a message to Kira.

Kasumi

Hey uhm I'm going to have to decline for the time being. I am working doubles and have no real time available currently. We will have to wait unitl my shifts are over. Find me on shift change day and we will discuss it then. Sorry I just dont really have a say in this one.


I hit send and continue to clean up the bar.
01 Jul 2023, 3:57am
I am startled awake by the sudden unauthorized intermission from Kira's COVAS.

"Damn it. I just wanted one bloody fucking weekend of freedom."

'Melli we need to go. Drop the toy!'

I grab a bag and rush out of the bar. As I leave the room I call back to Liberty.

'I'll be back make yourself at home. Please enjoy your time off.'

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