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.
11 Aug 2023, 10:58pm
With some stingy irony on my face, I added, "Seems like I've missed a moment when bar fights escalated from good ol' fists and mugs to jet boots and neurotoxins. This place really should tighten up the security one day."

"And, as for getting to the Thargoids... Of course we researched their behaviour too, in aggressive and non-aggressive situations. Their scouts are utter hotheads, attacking everything that moves, but the larger ones... Sometimes they allow you to fly around and look at them. Maybe as well you can try to communicate with one, in your way of doing it. For a practice. In a non-intrusive manner. Like, baiting them with broken ship loaded with cattle offal or whatever. Since I doubt they're going to be... Talkative, seeing anyone near their barnacles. And using any Guardian or Meta-alloy stuff as a bait will make them more determined to relieve you of it, and they will eventually attack you if you insist on keeping."
12 Aug 2023, 7:19am
“Yeah, I know how it all works. Scouts are angry, usually the big ones let you be unless you annoyed them, or there’s Scouts around. Those Thargoid and Guardian tech makes them angry if you don’t drop it. Strange thing, though, they’ll never shoot you if you hold any meta-alloys. Never tempted it, but apparently, they’ll just throw out their little swarm and flash red at you, then go away anyway if you keep it.”

I paused for a second.

“Unless that changed recently, but like I said, I’m not one to tempt fate in that regard. Usually, if I had any Thargoid stuff in my hold and approached one with it, it was to return it to them, anyway. Either bought from someone who ‘relieved’ barnacles of the alloys, or some probe or sensor I needed to poke around a surface site. One of those big crashed ships, you know. Think they are, at least.”

I sighed.

“Anyway. Those ‘Hunters’… well, only show up where they are always angry, anyway. At least I haven’t yet seen any around the nebulas. But talking to them, I really wouldn’t know how to - “

Another surge of pain in my head interrupted me, displaying much of the same reaction as from the last one. Luckily, my tea was sitting safely on the table.

“Ugh! Why can’t these just… stop?”
12 Aug 2023, 9:42am
So I'm done. Like, I got a digital profile for Silvia, now all I need to do is like, install that on your ships and hand scanners. So yeah, that's only half the upgrade you know? I'll need to calibrate your sensor package too, but like, with one good hand, I need some help. Any of your crazy crew know electrical engineering?


A message from Willow reached me while I was still reeling from the headache, but I decided to focus on it, if just as a distraction from the pain. Once I was done reading it, I began to type up a response.

I kind of know my way around it, but I'm not sure I'll be in the station for the next few hours or so. If I am, I'll happily lend a hand though. Or when I come back.

Also, my currently docked ship isn't the one I'll be taking, so I need to get that one transferred over. Will probably be here by the time I get back if I end up leaving.

Oh, and the crazy blue-hair was coming to check up on your progress. Maybe she knows a thing or two about tinkering, but I'm not sure I want her on my ship.


I was beginning to get some signs through my implant that my headaches weren't entirely without coincidence, but they weren't clear enough for me to tell what the Thargoids were getting up to. But I was ready to make a quick departure in case it had anything to do with me. For the meantime, I ordered my Federal Corvette - or, at least, the one I intended to be using - over to get it set up.


Last edit: 12 Aug 2023, 9:49am
12 Aug 2023, 11:58am
Yeah, I like totally get it. My ship is like my underwear draw, you know? No poking bout in that, less I say its ok, right?

So yeah, it'll take time, so I only want to work on the ships your taking. Once your fleet is on deck, I'll do the internals with you, and I have a ground crew do a total degaussing. Like, that'll add a few seconds to the time it'll take them to detect your ships, and like, slow down a weapons lock a tiny bit.

Let me know when your ready for me.

Oh, gather everyones hand scanners too


Willow’s message somewhat surprised me in its inclusion of personal details, even if she’d vaguely mentioned them in some of the previous ones too. I read it over twice, then replied.

Maybe, but even if I allowed other people on ‘freely’, I’d still keep her off. After the way she’s acted toward me, I don’t have much of a reason to let her in. And I don’t want something turning off randomly in the middle of a fight. Also only really trust myself with my ships, but I guess I can make an exception.

I also want to be sure you don’t trigger any of the… surprises I have onboard. In case pirates or anyone like that get funny ideas about boarding.

Guess I’ll tell the other woman too… what was her name again? Something weird… oh, I know. Ina Muir. Haven’t called her by that cause I find it a bit of a strange name.


I sent off the message and turned to Meowers, hoping I’d hidden my wrist computer’s interface well enough that she didn’t read the last portion.

“So, Willow’s going to need to go on your ship. Screw around with its sensors for her magic Silvia-locator. Well, not magic but you get the idea. And unless the blue-hair can screw with electronics well, I’ll have to be there too… I’m definitely not letting that woman on my ship. Oh, and she wants to modify our handheld scanners too. If you have one.”


Last edit: 12 Aug 2023, 12:06pm
12 Aug 2023, 3:20pm
"Yeah..." I nodded, "Some types of Thargoids are totally aggressive. They, kind of, make anything but combat quite unfeasible, triggering all Thargoids around to go hostile too. Like, if they all were aggressive from the very start, things would be easier. In 'moral' matters. I still think they're aggressive and pretty insatiable by their nature, though, not entirely lost for 'you don't touch us, we don't touch you' kind of solution. But that ability to observe them unharmed has been a great foundation for any speculations so far."

"Maybe trying to stop one from attacking you, after it attacked already, could give you some more understanding... Damn dangerous though", I added.

Then I heard Kasumi's wrist computer indicating several incoming messages and stopped vocalising my thoughts to give her a time to read them.

"Hm. Willow wants to get on my ship? No problem, but I have to be there as well. Not a fan of having someone poking around my ship while I'm elsewhere, you know. Could you please send her a reply? Ship's name is Marshmallow, kind of, easy to find. She can wait a little in the hangars, and I come to let her in... And I guess, it's time to part our ways for a while."
12 Aug 2023, 3:46pm
“She’s apparently starting with blue-hair’s ship, so that’s going to take some time. But sure.”

I typed up the message next, before saying anything else.

So your second ship to look at will be ‘Marshmallow’. Don’t ask me about the name, I don’t know either. And I haven’t asked.

You’re probably going to have a watcher on that ship, too. Guess we can get a club going.


*hits send*

“And done. Anyway, about that Thargoid business, I’ve seen some evidence that points toward them making a difference between targets. A controlled experiment, mind you, where one guy attacked a Basilisk and another, already there before, attacked the human ship. Was above one of those old INRA sites, I think? Doesn’t matter. When the guy attacking the Thargoid left, it stopped acting angry and went back to what it was doing.”

I took a short breath.

“So, while Miss ‘I hate Thargoids’ over there - “ I pointed in the direction of the exit “ - might claim that they can’t make a difference between targets, I’m pretty sure that they’re going to avoid shooting the carrier and anyone with us if they ‘read’ it in my mind. Have to figure out how to get that to them to begin with, though… and I don’t really want to have to rely on them to begin with. But if we kick off a fight, what are the chances they’ll stay away? Might as well use the opportunity to prevent unnecessary damage. Not that anyone other than me can.”
12 Aug 2023, 4:50pm
Finally, a bar employee brought me another cup of iced tea, I said my thanks to her and continued with the idea.

"And... They also may have something similar to our threat indicator. During the settlement siege, I noticed them..." I rubbed my chin slightly, composing the reply, "Prioritising their targets. They knew our AXDF ships were more dangerous than local militia forces. And, targeting locals, they were going for wing leaders first. They aren't completely dumb."

"Yeah, that's... Too fragile and complicated to totally rely on," I nodded, "But we certainly could use more options. And, maybe... It might be something like an insight for you personally."
12 Aug 2023, 5:17pm
I looked at the message Willow sent me, then to Meowers, and back again, uncertain who to respond to first. My mind settled on the message, as I, for one reason or another, always felt compelled to respond to them quickly. Perhaps it was because I had a tendency to quickly forget about them, and then leave them unanswered for a day or a few, sometimes even a week.

Do you need me there or something? Can be there whenever you like. Currently just finishing up some tea in the bar.

I’ll let her know too.


Just as I hit the send button, the computer pinged me to inform me that my ship had arrived.

‘Well, that was quick.’, I thought, and quickly composed a followup message.

And my ship just arrived too. Guess we can do that afterward, then. Probably going to take longer to walk through it than to modify the sensors.

I turned my attention back to Meowers.

“So, I’m not sure what you mean by too fragile to rely on, but any allegiance I make with the Thargoids won’t be particularly stable or long-lived. We’re still at war, and I’m not exactly one of their favorites. Though, oddly, I’ve had them ask for my help here and there. Call it treason if you have to, but it was well outside the war zone. Or, at least, wherever they put me was.”

I took a sip of my tea, nearing the bottom of the cup, between talking.

“I prefer to help that without shooting up Thargoids, anyway. If we just keep shooting them in the face, all that happens is things get worse. Not that I’ve really seen much of an opportunity to resolve things without violence, and well, that new people stealer - “ *shudders* “- is making me seriously reconsider whether it’s worth it for me to continue with evacuations.”

I sighed.

“Anyway, we can leave whenever you’re ready. Or you go by yourself, no idea if Willow wants or needs me there too. We’ll know when she answers.”
12 Aug 2023, 5:54pm
I chuckled ironically and spread my arms, "Treason or not, we have civilians which don't fight... Maybe they have civilians of their own too. Treason is something that caused casualties or disadvantages on the battlefield right away, or can cause in the future. Ending the war by stopping them from attacking us, not eradicating them completely, that's what we're going for," and I sighed heavily, "at least were going, until things got really ugly with them targeting civilians in particular. I really need to have more talk with my superiors and discuss that. It's difficult not to hate them as species, and I don't want to fall into a space-racist rabbit hole. Something must be making them bloody vile and hostile, and we should target that mechanism. Rather than Thargoids themselves."

Kasumi's words about leaving made me quickly launch more than a half of my iced tea down my throat.

"MMmmm... Aaahh, that feels great", I shut my eyes closed forcibly and shook my head: the tea was just above the freezing point, and seems like my body silently urged for that rapid temperature drop all the time. And, it was delicious. Totally justifying the half-pleasant half-painful experience. "So, I think, maybe you could ask her if she needs you there or not. Or you can go with me if you want, I don't mind."
12 Aug 2023, 6:14pm
“I did ask her. She’s not gonna work with a broken arm, but I’m not exactly sure tinkering with ship components is one of your specialties. Well, I don’t know, but you get the idea. And speaking of, I don’t recall if I answered her last message.”

I quickly checked, and found I hadn’t, so I rectified that situation right then and there.

So, I need the ship safely unlocked, coz like so many owners put death traps on them, and I can't be bothered to disarm booby traps. And like, I still need a pair of hands you know?


Well, I can’t open Marshmallow up for you, but I am figuring out if I need to come over to tinker on stuff right now. So yeah, one of us at least will be there soon.

I decided not to mention to Meowers that what I helped get off the ground those few months ago, not long after the war started, was a Medusa - and I definitely knew what kind of carnage those were capable of. I had no clue if that particular ship was even still active now, or had been destroyed like so many others. Instead, I answered the message I had received, and only now seen, from Venus.

Hey I have an idea just crazy enough it might work. I managed to get us 6 FDL and a medical anaconda. If we can get that stupid access code from that folder we just might be able to get boots inside the carrier early.

I also wanted to say thank you for this. I can be difficult to work with so please know I am trying.

Venus


Six of those things? I guess your Imperial contacts are actually still worth something. Color me surprised.

Sounds better than having to rely on Thargoids - not exactly like I trust those bastards, but I am still going to try if I can somehow get them to not attack us, our support or the carrier, if they do show up. I have a feeling they will, but how I’m going to do that… I’ve got no idea. But they can differ between targets, whether you believe that or not.

I’m also going to inspect that folder as soon as I get a chance. Whenever that is. I hope to do it today.


I finished my tea and stood up, waiting for Meower's response. If I was told I wasn't needed, I'd head back to my ship. If I was, I'd still be here to hear it.
12 Aug 2023, 6:25pm
"Hm, actually, almost everything non-standard on Marshmallow was done either by me personally, or at least under my supervision. And I'm doing maintenance by myself too, mostly... Except things you can't do having only two hands at your disposal. I can't say I know everything about ships... But I know this particular ship better than anyone else. Been, kind of... Leading tech on the settlement, until the shit started happening and I was needed in the pilot seat most of the time. I have an engineering degree, got it before all that piloting career, kind of, rusty now, but I still know you shouldn't lick the batteries."

"But, yeah, enough boasting, I guess... Let's get going, we may finish everything sooner by working together, and I think she should take a look at your ship too. Consider my help an option," I finished my tea quickly and nodded towards the exit.
12 Aug 2023, 6:43pm
“Well, I guess we should go, then? Nothing to keep us here, I suppose.”

I began to move toward the entrance, then stopped, and turned back around.

“No offense, but my ship is my ship, so only I touch stuff in there. I’m even making an exception letting Willow on, not that I mind making it. And you wouldn’t know what to touch anyway - god knows I’ve messed with a lot of it. Anyway, let’s go… actually, nevermind. You lead the way. I don’t know where your ship’s at.”
12 Aug 2023, 9:58pm
After I unlogged from duty, I headed to the bar for little pause after two 12h shifts. Now I needed something else than junk-coffee served in office building, so destination was clear.

When I arrived to the bar, it was more empty than full, so I sat on stool at the counter and said: "Bartender, can I get to the my mug some Lavian Brandy?" "Yes, why not." He said and taken my Hutton mug which I placed on counter moment ago. He was back and said: "Here it is, mister." I said to him thanks and turned to the winows to watch traffic
18 Aug 2023, 1:09pm
The drizzle from the stick turned in to a few drops and stopped. A criss-cross lattice of extract decorated the top of Forever-Fresh-Fettuccine Alfredo. It looked grate, and swirling up the pasta would ruin the effect but she was hungry.

Holding a fork full of twisted pasta above her head, Willow lowered its tasty tail in to her open mouth. Holding her fork like a dagger, she rested her cheek on her fist as she chewed, her shattered arm still strapped to her shoulder.

It had been exciting to engineer a chemical profile of the missing bar maid, and interesting to talk to the people involved in going after her. They were a strange bunch, but as long as they followed the tall AX pilots lead, they..

It wasn't something Willow wanted to think about. Numbers don't lie, and the numbers were not in their favour, but some times one in a million chances come up. Watching the lazy stars drift by the distant slot, Willow wondered if she would have gone with them if her arm wasn't so badly broken.

She'd done the best she could to help, and keeping Alice away from the sort of people she enjoyed playing with was a good idea. For now, adventure was for other people and for Willow, another fork full of pasta would have to do.
18 Aug 2023, 4:12pm
Vasil entered the place with his usual intent, a brief respite while cargo was being transferred. Of his usual choices, here, a little stall place down by the pilot’s market, and the Chateau Dans Le Ciel, he was more appropriately dressed for the bar and the market. While the hotel concierge would have been exceedingly accommodating, he looked more like a space trucker in the well-worn blue and white maverick suit.

He did not particularly care that it would have been out of place in the hotel’s VIP lounge, but appearances are as much a currency as are credits when dealing with Imperials. In the end, he did not feel like changing just to spend a few hours in the lounge.

He was halfway to the bar when he noticed Willow, cheek on fist, eating whatever manufactured foodstuff she had managed to get ahold of, and headed over to her. “You look bored. Is it the sad-looking pasta?”

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