Elite roleplay: Citi Gateway

CITI GATEWAY

The Orbis station is a center of activity. Within the station a myriad of places can be found.
  • The Warrens: Where the poor plebs of the station live. It's is a breeding ground for the most unscrupulous. Keep an eye on your wallet when traversing the corridors of these areas.
  • Habitation Complex: For those workers and pilots that can afford it, this area provides closer to 1G gravity for more earth like living.
  • Commerce Divison: and Administration Where the larger corporations make their home. Station administration can be found here.
  • Industrial Complex: Where industry manufactures their various goods.
  • Entertainment: District Bars, theaters and night clubs, tattoo parlors and other establishments can be found vying for a commanders credits in exchange for a bit of fun.
  • Station Security: A high tech brig used to house law breakers until they can be tried, and or deported off station.
  • Medical Ward: Where commanders can get patched up, enhanced, or fix existing cybernetics.

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.
16 Aug 2023, 11:28am
“I guess maybe I don’t really mind the body. Although it still looks a bit… I don’t know, big, it feels like.”

A hinting, somewhat awkward glance went down, particularly directed at my hips.

“I mean, you can probably guess why… no, that I don’t weigh too much. Barely above sixty. I kept getting told I was underweight, not that I cared. Underweight for my height, that is.”

I breathed out.

“Anyway, let’s go in. I wasn’t feeling hungry in that awful hotel, but now I am.”
16 Aug 2023, 12:11pm
"Phah. It seems to me that we're on the opposite sides of the same common human stupidity, I've been told I'm overweight many times... Especially now, after hitting triple digits. Those gobshites always have some criticisms to spit at you. From the safe distance, of course, because they don't have guts."

"I don't know," I shrugged. "My body is a machine, of sorts, a machine I should keep functional and reliable. And, in matters of weight... I'm okay with what I have, enough to stand my ground firmly, still having the mobility I need."

"And... Hey, that's really a nice place," once we were inside, I directed some of my attention to the interior, and much like the outside look, it was simple, cosy and unpretentious. And I hoped the food here followed the same rule: a nice-looking and tasty food to keep you up and running, nothing more, yet nothing less.

I walked to the counter and made my order. And that order was quite... Expectable. Since 'Italian' meant they should've been doing my favourite treat. Some say I'm just scratching the surface, but hell I know what I want and what I like.

"Meat pizza, please. 40cm, no onions, no mayo or other goop, extra bacon and extra pork. And... Do you have iced tea? Simple black, strong, no sugar. Aaa... A big one. No, really big one, that litre pitcher looks like a good cup for me. Thanks," I looked Kasumi, "Pick whatever table you like, and... It's your turn to tell them how hungry you are."
16 Aug 2023, 12:59pm
“Mh… it’ll be a simple pizza for me. Ham, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese. Whatever is your standard size.”

Drinks wasn’t much of a question for me. I settled on an orange juice, then went and picked a two-person table.

“So, anyway… I like myself how I am too, and if you wonder about the pizza, well, I don’t really seem to put on weight, whatever I do. And if I did, well, we both know it wouldn’t go to my belly.”

I threw another indicative look at certain specific regions, then scoffed.

“I’m not sure whether to find it funny that no one ever had any issues to take with those two parts of my body. Hell, I’m surprised that I found someone I can talk to about my body without it being a really weird subject.”
16 Aug 2023, 1:46pm
I took a big gulp of tea from my improvised cup. Well... It had a handle, and that meant it was a cup.

"Oh... That's great. Refreshing, I'd say. So... And why is it a weird subject anyway? It's... A subject. Maybe weird to people who don't know how to talk and understand other person. But, I'm absolutely sure, there are billions of people bothered about bodies, or how do their see their bodies. Weight mostly, but, some other matters too."

"And what makes you think that someone should have issues? That's, like... How do human biology work. Personally... I think having your fat there," I threw the same look on my own lower half, "is... Way more pleasant, in terms of aesthetics, than carrying it all in your belly and sides."

I covered my mouth with my hand, letting out a giggle.

"By the way, lower centre of mass means more stability!"
16 Aug 2023, 2:22pm
“At least it’s not just me who sometimes drinks bigger portions of a… drink. People who say it’s not ‘table manners’ or whatever nonsense can find a hole to go into.”

As if to make the point, I quickly downed about a third of my juice.

“Anyway, I guess… might just be me. Or I ran into those people who didn’t get that talking about someone’s body - in a respectful way - shouldn’t be some kind of forbidden subject.”

I looked around, as if to make sure no one was listening to the conversation too closely.

“And I was just making a bit of a joke. If I was a little… I don’t know, weightier, I guess, I probably wouldn’t have this same shape as I do now. But I’m not sure I’d want that part down there to be even bigger. I already hate going into narrow spaces because of it. There’s… uh… more room up top.”

I paused for a second, looking down.

“I guess the emphasis should be made on more, or something.”

I blushed lightly, reminded of the rather generous curves I was provided with all around by the discussion, somewhat in opposition to my thin frame.
16 Aug 2023, 2:55pm
"Ah, manners, manners. Phah," I made a theatrical slow facepalm. "Pfffft. Another offspring of all that 'look at me I'm not a peasant' rubbish that somehow enjoyed a chance to evolve. Or mutate. And now... people in certain societies find a joy in throwing you outta the airlock in your underwear for taking the knife in the wrong hand or saying 'arse'. Arse!"

I took a big gulp of my tea, essentially mirroring Kasumi's action as if I tried to show her that there's nothing wrong with that. Almost swallowed an ice cube accidentally though.

"Damn that feels great. So... Everything's super simple with me: don't do anything biologically disgusting. And that's all."

"And... As for the body...", I slowed down, thinking, "Personal? Indeed. Forbidden? Didn't even know it was. So... If those proportions and measures bother you, maybe some plastic surgery will do the trick? Like... Not that fancy-artsy-fartsy Imperial body sculpting or whatever the hells they do to be absolutely lookalike and resemble the latest top supermodel. No. Simpler methods."

"Of course if you want to avoid spending months in the gym totally exhausting yourself," I chuckled.
16 Aug 2023, 3:20pm
"Define 'biologically disgusting'."

My request was accompanied with a raised eyebrow, as I struggled to imagine what was meant.

"And I'm... well, put it this way - I'm not bothered enough about this body that I'd let someone cut away at it or something. I hate that idea. And plastic surgery? Might as well pretend to be someone else. Much prefer natural, as you might have noticed from the lack of makeup."

I paused to think.

"Besides, it is nice sometimes, for those... personal uses, let me just say it like that. And, to be quite honest, I wouldn't want to be any different, at least in regards to how thin I am. If I had to take a little extra on top of what I had now, to keep the body as is otherwise, I'd probably do it... yeah, I know, weird thought. But you get the idea. And don't take that as an excuse to see how I'd look with more up top and bottom. At least now, there's some kind of 'proportionate aspect' to it."
16 Aug 2023, 3:56pm
"Phah. Then, here's the basic list," I made a goofy grin. "Violent burping and flatulence. Picking your nose and, optionally, eating the treasures you dug out. Sitting at the table with your clothes covered in shite. Something from that category. You name it."

"Except... Maybe some rare occasions when everyone's burping and making fun of it. But, burping only. Nothing else, pleeeeease!" I raised my eyebrow in return and gave Kasumi an inquiring stare. "Did that answer your question? Phah."

I waved my hand in front of my nose several times as if I was trying to get rid of something especially stinking, and returned to more serious matters.

"So, regarding the body... Still have no clue why making a few adjustments here and there are somewhat close to pretending to be someone else," I shrugged. "But if that's so big a deal to you, then, yep, not an option, out of the list. Anyway, look," I opened my eyes widely. "They're violet. Just because I like the colour. Were brown originally."

"And... I totally understand the curiosity. Would totally like to see the world through the same eyes, but being a bit more tall. What the heck, they say, you're already tall, however, if I had an option... Yep. Weird thought." I giggled and covered my mouth with a hand.

"Ow. Thank you," I noticed a café worker approaching us: he carried a big serving tray with two pizzas on it. I nodded in a sign of gratefulness and then smiled viciously when I saw a grandiose meat pizza in front of me. With extra meat on top of it. Because there's no such a thing as 'too much' meat on my pizza.
16 Aug 2023, 4:36pm
"Well, I guess I could have imagined that. Anyway ..."

I held my hand in front of my mouth as if to pretend I was muffling the noise of spontaneous gas release.

"I guess it's just me about my body and all. I don't really like the idea of anyone messing with it. Might not even have taken any cybernetics if I'd lost a limb. Hell, I still don't like what I'm now much, even though I'd be dead without it."

I watched a pizza appear in front of me, as still a healthy meal - in the filling kind of sense - but nowhere near as impressive as the monster served opposite of me.

"So, uh, I didn't really mean I wanted to be taller or anything. And I definitely wouldn't want to be... bigger, if you get what I mean. I guess it would be kind of an interesting experience, but I'd rather not be one stuck in a vent somewhere because I misjudged whether I'd fit the second half of my body through it. Already feels like I would like this. Anyhow, blue eyes here are natural."

I decided to start digging into the pizza quickly, very much driven by its good appearance and smell, with a hunger that one would not have expected from someone my size. Though I probably had no hopes of keeping up with Meowers, not that I was trying.
16 Aug 2023, 5:30pm
"Iww..'awww..a..cwawww..." I tried to reply before I realised that there was a slice of pizza in my mouth, as if that body went on autopilot, chewing on that delicious pizza without any conscious input from the brain. So, sending the slice right to where it should've been and pouring some tea on top, I made another attempt.

"I've had a chance to have one arm and one leg replaced with cybernetics, not too long ago. Refused. Even knowing that I'll have all dubious benefits of keeping my natural fleshy parts which were once badly broken and then put into a bandage. Such as nagging pain during a bad weather or under extreme G's," I shrugged. "Something feels... Off. About all those cyber-limbs. Yeah, if done correctly, they're not only physically stronger but also may look almost indistinguishable... Realistic. Like... You may see the point. Realistic, not real."

"They're cold. And I'm... Kind of, a tactile person."

"So yeah..." I smiled, not without a bit of sarcasm, and that bit of sarcasm served as a good cover-up for a mild disappointment. "May be an interesting experience, but too risky and presumably not worth that risk."

Making a pause in my speech, I bit another slice of pizza: still a little hotter than I consider comfortable, though it was absolutely irresistible, and there was still enough cold tea to compensate the temperature. And by irresistible I mean totally irresistible, on the 'my hands were eager to grab another slice even before I finished one I was eating already' level.

"Hells this is awesome. I fail to understand those who order a teeny-weeny piece of bread on a plate the same size as mine and go through it for an hour. But in places like that... Chateau De Blah-Blah. I fail to understand them in general, but now, having that in front of me," I nodded towards the pizza, "This thought is, like, several times stronger."

"Anyway... I don't think you're going to get stuck because of your second half, even if it were bigger. It's, usually, soft and a few centimetres more aren't going to make a difference. With biological parts, I mean. Things could've been more complicated in case of... A cybernetic arse."

"Doc! Dooooc! I need a replacement part 15B for a cyberbuttcheek model B71, left side, I was bitten by a dog! Now I have cables sticking out of it, and sparks!" I made a grotesque grimace of a person in pain and distress, imagining that, and then got back to my pizza.
16 Aug 2023, 6:18pm
“But see, that slice of bread on the gold-adorned plate is so decadent. You couldn’t be a good noble or have a decent meal without it.”

My tone was dripping with mockery and sarcasm, sparing no punches at the ridiculousness of the idea. Then I bit down on a piece of my pizza, as if to add a finishing touch.

“So… anyway. Getting stuck would depend on how much bigger I’d be, I guess. Hopefully not too much, though. I mean, I’d prefer to not have those parts of my body look like they’d fit on someone twice my size. And that part is definitely what I’d want the least replaced by a cybernetic component.”

Meowers’ joking remark strongly pushed against whatever composure I was able to muster at the utterly strange discussion we were having, and yet were able to hold with relatively straight faces. Part of me was oddly curious about how I’d look in my odd thought, namely in regards to my hips and thighs, even though I was largely satisfied with the current form of my body.

“Ignoring that… for now… I just don’t like the idea of replacing any of my limbs with a robotic part. Not really sure why, to be honest, but I hope I won’t have to actually make that choice.”

Another bite, devouring the remainder of the slice I was working on. It was cooked pretty much perfectly, with a crust soft on the inside, crunchy on the exterior, with the cheese melted pretty much how I liked it on one too. And the ham appeared to be of good quality, too. I followed it up by some more orange juice.

“Oh, and the name translates to ‘Castle in the sky’. Which tells you more than enough about who it’s intended for. Can’t even get away from that damn Imperial influence and their flying luxury hotels on the other side of the Bubble. At least they spared on the perfume.”
16 Aug 2023, 6:58pm
"Oh... Oh my! I'm afraid you need a mechanic now! And... I suggest visiting a plumber too! Oh my, those sparks... Doh!" I continued that little scene, trying to make my voice sound like that of a surprised doctor, who was hit by an electric discharge at the very end of the phrase. (*)

"And yeah," returning my voice to something more normal, but with the same stingy mockery and sarcasm, I commented on... No, I wasn't talking about Imperials exactly. But this was, like, hidden between the lines. "So decadent. So exquisite. Especially if that piece of bread is brought to you by one... no, three sla... servants. Totally deserves a live broadcast. Look! I'm no peasant! Dining like a royal!"

I finished another slice of pizza and continued the thought about bodies.

"Hey, I've got a wack idea. How about playing something with a full immersion effect? And a detailed avatar creation system, not that cheap 'choose your body type, 1 or 2' or 'copying real you, stand still for three hours' shite? So that we may, like, make our avatars have all those features we'd be glad to, kind of, have. In real. To get an idea of how it might look and feel. I think you've thought of something like this before."
___
*: Imagine the voice of scientists from Half-Life 1. This.
16 Aug 2023, 7:06pm
“Uh… well…”

I blushed rather a lot, and dug into one of two remaining pizza slices.

“I mean, don’t we all have some kind of weird fantasy? I haven’t thought about making… uh… yeah. That kind of thing.”

I gave her an embarrassed look that somewhat hinted at me having a few weirder things occasionally playing in my imagination. Suddenly, I felt glad that I was wearing my hood for more than just hiding my identity from cameras or quick looks.

“So, uh, anyway… how was your pizza?”

The question was entirely unnecessary, and a far too obvious attempt at diverting the discussion to something more normal temporarily.
16 Aug 2023, 7:42pm
"Exactly", I winked quickly in return, noticing that rather abrupt change in tone. It seemed to me that she secretly liked the idea, and my words had just hit the right spot. "And a virtual environment of a game, whatever genre you like, is a good, maybe even best place for any... Experimentations. And explorations. Of your self."

I took another slice of pizza, yeah, even before dealing with the previous one completely, and let those thoughts settle deeper while I was busy with more... Pragmatic things. Like, combining two essential components of life, such as 'fuelling my body' and 'enjoying the taste'. And there was a lot of things to enjoy: three sorts of meat, bacon, melted cheese, pepper, spices, everything on a beautifully smooth crust, and the size of that meal had already begun to be quite perceptible. So, finishing everything but a last slice that I held in my hand, I felt relaxed, sated and... Surrounded by pleasant vibes of this place and this moment.

"And the pizza was great! I should definitely put this place in my location bookmarks. Thank you for showing me," I smiled and looked at the last slice for a second, before making a big bite. Yep, that was an obvious attempt to cover the emotions she had, but why shouldn't I be nice? Temporarily.

"Weird or not... This life is still worth trying something you might like. And, if it slacks off at giving us positive moments, then we may make them for ourselves. And 'weird' is a construct, meaning deviating from a conforming, average concept of 'normal'. When you don't think about conforming at all, then nothing is 'weird'."
16 Aug 2023, 8:25pm
I distracted myself with the final slice of pizza, which had gotten only to the point of being warm, rather than hot, but it was quickly gone, leaving me no choice but to respond. I still hesitated, blushing.

“Uh… I… I guess it would be nice. But maybe not before we deal with… you know. That mess.”

There was no point in denying it. I felt a certain, odd excitement, and strange fuzzy sensation, at this idea in various parts of my body. And maybe some of my weirder ideas, though to be strictly kept private. I took a deep breath.

“It’s… I mean, it would still be… I don’t know, strange. People don’t usually talk about this publicly. Or maybe not even with each other. I don’t know.”

My rather noticeable embarrassment made it hard to form sentences properly, as it always sent my brain haywire, thoughts speeding through before they had a chance of being registered properly. I did never care too much for being ‘normal’, already not a particularly average or ordinary individual to begin with. I kept my tone lowered when I spoke up again.

“Okay. Fine. I want it. But this stays between us.”

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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.