introductory mingle: SAMPREMI

[riverviewmod]

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Sampremi Celebration
when: March 8th - March 15th
where: In several different locations in the downtown area of the Inhabited City.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

sampremi celebration

In the days leading up to March 8th, new residents may notice advertising around the city, everywhere from digital screens to paper flyers pasted on blank walls, featuring the name of the spring holiday in celebration of new beginnings, new love, and lust: Sampremi. The advertising mentions that there will be street festivals set up at various locations throughout the week and lists where the market will be set up on each day.

street market

The main draw of the holiday is a roaming street market that features special treats and street food that can only be found during Sampremi, a bustling bargain market with any kind of goods you can think of, and fair games that allow a person to win a prize for that special someone.

i. street food

One of the major draws of the festival is the special street food that can only be obtained this time of year. Almost everything you can buy at the Sampremi Festival is meant to be shared - whether it's one piece of meat on two sticks or desserts baked with a narrow part in the middle for convenient tearing, everything is built in twos. The stalls sell everything from cups of soup, sandwiches, roasted or fried meat, deep-fried vegetables and cakes, dumplings, donuts, bagels, turnovers, and anything else you can think of.

Many of the savory dishes are based on the meat of a particular fowl native to the moon Riverview is situated on that has a taste and texture halfway between chicken and duck, cooked to be spicy (ranging from very mild to throat-burning). Many of the desserts are based around a fruit native to the moon that is spherical, red-orange, and has a light sweet taste that is similar to a combination of mango, pineapple, and strawberry. Both ingredients are considered to be aphrodisiacs. Of course, the foods aren't actually aphrodisiacs and any effect is purely placebo.

ii. fair games

The festival features an entire row of fair games ranging from very high-tech games featuring virtual reality and neon holograms to extremely old-fashioned games with darts and balloons or balls and glasses. The games all have prizes in various shapes and sizes, with the standard stuffed animals, but also with goods and special items donated by any business in the city; ranging from tiny prizes to huge and expensive ones.

Due to the nature of the holiday, many of the stalls are set up to cater to winning a prize for your partner, and due to the nature of the Quarantine, a lot of them involve aiming or other aspects of pretending to fight.

iii. shopping

Originally, the part of the street festival that involved an actual market, with stalls and booths set up with goods, was aimed primarily at romantic trinkets like flowers or jewelry, gifts intended to be purchased for a loved one. As time has gone by, however, this aspect of the market has increased, with many businesses participating, though the emphasis is still on small businesses and anything relating to local culture rather than booths for any of the larger more corporate businesses.

There is still plenty of jewelry to be found, for sure, mostly handmade and artisan, but the scope of the Market has widened immeasurably. The Sampremi Market is an excellent place to find specialty foods, clothing, jewelry, art, or other goods that were originally native to cultures on other planets in this reality, or other realities altogether. Many residents in the city use the market to share their unique cultural goods and traditional dress with others.

iv. adult

In a side alley of the Sampremi Market on any day, one can find an area roped off with a red silken cord, attended by members of the Perimeter Guard in casual dress who will ID anyone entering to make sure they are 18+. Once characters are permitted entry, they will find all of the adult offerings that the market has to offer.

Since Sampremi is, historically, a celebration of lust and physical love, the adult offerings are all set up to cater to two or more people of any sex or gender configuration. One can find an adult or sexualized version of almost anything that's featured in the main market, from fair games to adult goods to street food laced with actual aphrodisiacs (there are always warnings for food spiked in this way to avoid accidental consumption).

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to set up headers for a communal floor, or threads open to roommates for the purpose of getting to know each other. Or if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set at the Sampremi Festival, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit (left to right): Theo Prins, andreasrocha @ tumblr, hrormir @ deviantart, nkabuto @ deviantart

navigation

Comments

taako taaco ☂ the adventure zone ☂ ota

[spellslots]

⚵ Street food

[It's almost Candlenights, back home, which is an odd thought, sitting uncomfortably like a weight in Taako's chest that he'd rather banish for now (or forever) because he's not sure if there's ever going to be another Candlenights, if Magnus and Merle can't finish destroying the Relics without him. He'd much rather focus on anything other than that, so a festival is announced, he's happy to throw himself into it with as much gusto as an enthusiastic elf can muster, which is, admittedly, a lot.

Especially when there's food that he's never tried before, which of course means that he spends half his time trying to lure the secrets out of the stallholders, asking for recipes or ingredients, figuring that he can replicate it back in the communal kitchen. Or even improve it, probably. The results of his questions are mixed, some are happy to tell him what spices or herbs they used, others are guarding family recipes passed down for generations.

At some point, one of the pastries catches his attention, the only issue being it's one too big for him to eat on his own, which is why he gives a little wave to the nearest person, hoping to catch their attention.]

Hey, pumpkin, wanna split one of these? I'm watching my figure.

[He could just throw out what he doesn't eat, but that seems wasteful.]

⚵ Shopping

[Taako is one of those people who walks the line between 'fashionable' and 'horribly gaudy', when it comes to clothing and accessories. For the festival, he's dressed fairly simply, aside from the dark purple wizard hat, but that doesn't mean he can't shop for more interesting things.

Almost all of the stalls get his attention as he peruses clothes and jewelry and shoes (nice), and he makes no distinction between what are likely stalls aimed at woman, and the ones aimed at men. It could maybe be attributed to "fantasy elf doesn't know what mini skirts are" but really, he just doesn't give a shit. He can be seen eagerly haggling over a dress or slacks or a ridiculously tacky necklace that he absolutely adores.

What he really needs is another hat, because his current one doesn't go with everything, but no one seems inclined towards similar styles. It's pretty rude, if you ask him.]

⚵ Roomates! Closed to floor 6

[Living dorm-style isn't exactly new for him, so Taako adjust to the circumstances easily enough, claiming his bed and the chest at the end of it, protecting the latter with a spell in case anyone thinks to go snooping through his shit.

He's not exactly the neatest person in the world, but he keeps his mess fairly contained to his own space, a few magical items tossed haphazardly on the nightstand, or clothes left unfolded on the bed. The most mess he makes is in the kitchen, where he can be found most of the time he isn't out exploring, including at odd hours of the night. Elves only need four hours of meditation to rest each day, which leaves Taako with a fair bit of spare time to practice new recipes.

It's the first time he's really had a chance to just relax and cook, without the accident looming over him, or without the threat of the relics around the corner. He knows he didn't kill those people, it wasn't his fault, so he forces himself into the kitchen until he fucking realizes that and doesn't freak out every time someone eats his food. He still won't use magic, but really, he doesn't need it.

A lot of what he makes is designed to be shared, since he could hardly eat it all himself; there are roasts, soups, ragout, pasta dishes and all manner of baked desserts. Despite being vegetarian, he happily cooks meat, just won't partake in it himself.

Which is why he occasionally needs a volunteer from his roommates to try something, so whenever someone is in the communal area, they can expect to roped in to the process.]

Yo, come try this and tell me if there's too much salt.

shopping!

[burntbridges]

[Letha has been perusing the clothing herself, trying to get a feel for the local dress code. She's seen plenty of women wearing pants, and even tried a pair on.. before deciding they definitely aren't her style. Taako passes by her as she's tugging at the elastic waistband of a dress, entranced by the malleability of the fabric. But not so much that she can't notice a purple elf walking past her.

She glances up as he walks near, and lightly touches his arm to call attention to herself.]

Excuse me, I'm not sure if you're the person to ask, but you seem a fashionable sort - could you spare some time to give a second opinion on this dress?

[It's a bright green sundress... sort of an unflattering color, but she's only ever worn black and doesn't have a good sense of what colors work as clothing.]

[spellslots]

[He's not paying a whole lot of attention to the people around him, but the touch on his arm is enough to get him to stop for Letha, expression shifting into a bright smile as the question registers.]

For sure, bubbale! You couldn't have asked a better person. [That's really a matter of opinion, but Letha doesn't need to know that, not when he's looking at that dress with a critical eye.] Love the style, but that color isn't great on you.

[Some people could pull it off, but she's a little too pale.]

Here, lemme just... [With a quick wave of his hand, he casts Prestidigitation to change the colour of the dress from that bright green to a deeper emerald.] See how much better that looks, try for that color.

[burntbridges]

[She glances down at the new shade... this new color really brings out the green of her eyes.]

Thank you- how did you do that, is it permanent? [She twirls in a circle with the dress, giggling at the way the circle skirt flares around her.] Are you some sort of color magician?

[spellslots]

[Oh that's so cute.]

I am but a simple wizard. [Simple here meaning "dumb as hell" although he's not really as stupid as he pretends to be.] That just an illusion, wouldn't want to stallholder to get mad at me for changing their wares.

street food

[signifies]

[ One wouldn't think it, but Clark is endeared by Taako's brand of amiability. He loves the sound of his own voice, but he was willing to answer without condescension (and with some flair), all the questions Clark had for him. He's an interesting person who's lived an equally interesting life.

Clark smiles back and approaches the stall. ]

You don't think my figure needs watching?

[ He's so offended. ]

[spellslots]

[There's a lot about Clark that reminds Taako of Magnus, which has been equally parts comforting and fucking shitty because he doesn't want to admit he misses the guy. Mostly he focuses on the former, rather than the latter.]

You can watch whatever you want, I'm not your dad. [This is said with a wave of his hand, before he carefully breaks the pastry in half, handing part over to Clark.] Anyway, you look like you work out, you can afford the calories.

[Taako is lazy as shit, despite all the adventuring.]

[signifies]

[ There's a counter with some stools next to the stall, and Clark moves towards it. They have small forks and disposable plates at the side, though Clark just picks up a napkin for the pastry. He draws himself just a little smaller at the comment on his size. Plaid does a lot, just not quite enough.

He waits for Taako to take a bite before he starts on his half. ]

How is it?

[spellslots]

[Forks are for nerds, but Taako will hop up onto one of the stools as he takes a bite of the pastry, brow furrowing as he tries to figure out what the hell it tastes like.

Taro, it tastes like taro, but he's never had that before.]

Kinda sweet, kinda root vegetable-y. [That's the technical term, of course.] But you know what, I'm digging it.

Shopping

[greatcleavage]

[Roy has spent months around an elf so androgynous that pronoun choice remains a topic of serious debate, so Taako's purchasing habits don't earn so much as a mental blink. Instead, the fighter waits for an opportune moment to approach between transactions.]

Excuse me, and please pardon a question based solely on inferences derived from your choice of hat, but would you happen to know if they're selling any magic items here?

[spellslots]

Good guess, my man!

[The whole point of the hat is to let people know he's a wizard, so he's not particularly bothered by the assumption.]

Afraid I haven't seen any cool magic shit yet, but hey, maybe I can hook you up! What are you after?

[He has so many ridiculous magical items that he barely even uses, and he'd be willing to part with some of them.]

[greatcleavage]

Well aware this is more the domain of a cleric than a wizard, but primarily healing potions. Since I happen to be lacking a cleric at the moment. [For many reasons, and pay no attention to the brief bitterness that flashes across his expression.] Although knowing what's generally available would be handy -- I'm getting the impression some extradimensional storage would be helpful around here.

[spellslots]

[Wait clerics can do healing spells???

That's a joke.]

Yeah, I'm shit out of luck on the healing front, was worried about that one myself. [Since he's got a whole fucking forty nine hit points! Forty nine!] And the only pocket dimensions I got are for myself, sorry dude.

[Ask him to turn into a giant wolf and he's got you, but healing is not a strong point. Or a point at all.]

street food

[staystrong]

Don't fucking call me "pumpkin".

[Pet names like that get really annoying, especially when they come from adults that refuse to take her seriously just because she's all of thirteen. She got that enough in her own world, she doesn't need it here too.

She'll be stopping to hold her hand out, though, because like hell she's going to turn down a free pastry. He'd better hand over what he offered, too.]

[spellslots]

Would you prefer buttercup?

[He's grinning as he hands over half the pastry, clearly not bothered by the cursing.

And clearly messing with her a little.]

[staystrong]

Would you prefer I shove your hat down your throat?

[She doesn't know whether or not she actually could, as despite his dorky appearance people can be far more than what they seem here, but it's still a pleasant thought.

The pastry is still grabbed of course. No take backs.]

My name's Clementine.

[Which is... still kind of a fruit, thus fitting with the running plant theme, but whatever. At least it's actually her name.]

[spellslots]

[Taako puts a hand on his chest, as if taken aback by her harsh words.]

I selflessly offer to share food with you and this is the thanks I get! [A half second later, he grins.] I'm digging it, Clementine, don't take shit from anyone.

[That's an attitude he can respect.]

roomie option.

[snarkbark]

[Truth be told, Ben hasn't been spending a lot of time in the communal area, save for sleeping. There's so much to do and so much to see outside after all. But he's not completely avoiding it. He needs somewhere to change, after all, and it's on one such occassion, switching one baggy shirt for another, that he smells the aroma of food and turns, with an eager smile to volunteer. Honestly, it doesn't even matter if Taako was talking to him at all. ]

Okay. [Let him just, pull his shirt back on and then, opening his mouth --] Gimme. I'll need three samples, to be sure.

[spellslots]

You get one and then you can be patient and wait a whole five minutes until the rest of it is ready.

[He holds out the fork, a seared piece of pork skewered on the end. Taako doesn't mind if Ben wants to actually take the fork or just grab the pork off it, so its held at roughly mouth height.]

Tell me if the seasoning's alright.

[snarkbark]

Boo.

[At his essence, Ben's a lazy boy. He cranes his neck forwards to snatch the pork off the fork with his teeth. He chews thoughtfully, as though he knows what it is he's supposed to be tasting. As though he isn't seventeen and capable of eating his weight in food that tastes mostly like grease. ]

More salt, probably. Put I can just put that on myself.

[spellslots]

[What is it with humans and salt? He considers tasting it himself to confirm the salt thing, but looking at the meat makes his stomach turn so that plan goes quickly down the drain.

He'll just have to put a little faith in Ben and adds a pinch more salt to the seasoning before he tosses the rest of the pork through, then adds it into the pan.]

Get yourself a plate if you don't wanna eat straight outta the pan.

street food

[mysophobic]

[ Pump...kin? Was this man talking to him?! Shigeru will look around with a bewildered expression on his face before pointing at himself with a confused look. Are you talking to him Taako? ]

[spellslots]

Yeah you, my man, unless you don't want any.

[He'll find someone else to go halfsies if Shigeru isn't interested.]

[mysophobic]

[ Ugh. On the one hand it's super rude not to accept things. But on the other is it worth feeling sick and possibly throwing up over to eat /sweats

He'll take out phones to type something to Taako. ]

What is all that stuff? Is it safe to eat?

[ He's still sorta wary of this place?! Forgive him... ]

[spellslots]

[Oh, huh, that wasn't what he was expecting but he peers in to read the text on the phone, then looks back up at Shigeru as the words he's probably mute you dumbass float gently through his mind.]

I mean, hey, I don't know exactly what's in here, some kinda savory thing, I think there's cheese? But I haven't died from eating anything yet, so that's a plus!

[It seems to be a fair few humans here, running the stalls, and elves can eat human food so he's not particularly worried.]