Mickerus
First Post
It's a warm spring evening on Al Amarj. It's Friday, and as the sun sets many people are already well into their relaxation for the weekend; some parts of the city are even more alive than usual. In the Plaza of Flowers, the sidewalks are jam-packed with street vendors, performance artists, prostitutes, and revelers. The Broken Wings barrio is also becoming crowded as the suits prepare to relieve the stress they've built over the past week. In Sunken Barrio, tourists wander about, making their way to and from the various attractions.
Shaun O'Tool has spent most of his week cooped up in the Cesar's Hotel, mainly watching satellite tv in his room, spending time at the pool on the rooftop, or hanging out in the very mild night club. It's been relaxing, but overall, very boring. As he sits on the terrace overlooking Sunken Plaza going back and forth, he begins to think that it might be tougher to keep a low profile than he thought...
Dr. Luccia Malinari arrived at the D'Aubaiine International Airport early in the afternoon, and went through customs without a hassle; it almost seemed like they were expecting her as they gave her passport a cursory glance and welcomed her to the island. Though the Terminal seemed very imposing indeed, she met up with a guide sent by D'Aubainne University who got her out of the airport and to the room that had been reserved for her at Cesar's Hotel. She also received a note saying "Meeting at DAU Monday afternoon, we'll call and send somebody to pick you up. Looking forward to meeting you. In the meantime, try and enjoy the weekend. -L.M."
Richard Davis walked the floor at Sad Mary's Bar and Girl, keeping an eye out for trouble. Though tonight would be featuring prize fights, he was serving as a bouncer for the night. For now there hasn't been any trouble; the fights are supposed to start in about an hour, and in the meantime loud music is blaring through the speakers as customers drink and celebrate. Several members of the Aries gang keep an eye on things as well, though they seem to focus on a pair of lucies* near the stage. He could almost feel the tension...
"Lucky" O'Rourke has been in the city for only a day; as he walks around the Sunken Plaza, looking with a casual disinterest at the booths and carts erected by various street vendors, he's surprised by the apparent free spirit of the place. An attractive woman of apparently Indian descent approaches him, handing him some sort of brochure and smiling all the while.
"Hello there! I bet you're new to Al Amarj! Please, take one of these pamphlets, you'll find everything you need to know in there! Enjoy yourself!"
As he looks at the brochure, he first notices plenty of advertisements for such businesses as Cesar's Hotel, Sad Mary's Bar & Girl, Total Taxi, and Gun Metal, and also sees that it's a guide for newcomers to the Edge. Though the entire thing is downright odd, a few parts of it seem particularly interesting:
Protect Yourself
Our friends from the United States will be relieved to learn that the far-sighted government of Al Amarja has banned firearms from the island, so your chances of getting mowed down by a wired crackhead or disgruntled postal worker are slim. In addition, killing tourists is highly discouraged by the Peace Force. A few simple rules will help you protect what is at risk: your health, wealth, and dignity.
Travel in groups. A lone foreigner presents a tempting target to those few malcontents on Al Amarja who refuse to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. If you don't know native Al Amarjans and you are on your own, perhaps you can find other foreigners who would appreciate your company.
Arm yourself. A good weapons shop, such as Gun Metal, can provide you with the protective devices you need to keep yourself safe.
Good lodgings. A good hotel in a quiet area can reduce the risk of crime. Cesar's Hotel has an excellent reputation as a secure hotel in a safe neighborhood.
Easy on the chemicals. It would be criminal to condone their use, and hypocritical to condemn it. Just take it easy.
Respect authorities. The Peace Force is there to protect you (especially if you are a wealthy tourist), but they are not in the habit of taking guff. Fascist agitators have been known to attempt infiltration of our democracy by posting as tourists, so your status as visitor does not exempt you from suspicion. Other authorities to respect include just about any other armed and organized group, including the Golden Knights, Dunkelburg's Security officers, the Aries Gang, the Dog-Faces, Otto's Men, Sigma Om, and the Glorious Lords (maybe, and only on their turf).
Getting Around
The best way to get from place to place in the Edge is Total Taxi, which provides not only quick, confidential transportation, but also valuable information and other goods and services, all at rates well below the value provided. For a prolonged stay, you may wish to rent a car.
Renting a scooter or moped may be more practical for people travelling alone. Jitneys are an excellent alternative to cabs for those who are less concerned with comfort and speed.
Keeping the Peace Force Happy
No guns. The Peace Force is serious about this one.
No fascism. Ditto.
Low Profile Her Exaltedness Monique D'Aubainne, Historic Liberator and Current Shepherdess of Al Amarja, wisely wishes to spare Al Amarja from the trampling suffered by other island paradises around the worl, so she frowns on reporters, film-makers, and photographers who threaten to bring attention to this land. Isn't it better to keep Al Amarja a beautiful refuge for a fortunate few, rather than an over-developed vacation spot for the masses?
(OOC: By the way, this brochure is also available in the lobby of Cesar's Hotel, so anybody staying there can easily have gotten a copy themselves.)
*"Lucy" is derogatory Al Amarjan slang for satanists. This particular pair belong to the Glorious Lords of Passion, a satanist street gang (and rivals of Aries) that make their home turf in Great Men Barrio.
Shaun O'Tool has spent most of his week cooped up in the Cesar's Hotel, mainly watching satellite tv in his room, spending time at the pool on the rooftop, or hanging out in the very mild night club. It's been relaxing, but overall, very boring. As he sits on the terrace overlooking Sunken Plaza going back and forth, he begins to think that it might be tougher to keep a low profile than he thought...
Dr. Luccia Malinari arrived at the D'Aubaiine International Airport early in the afternoon, and went through customs without a hassle; it almost seemed like they were expecting her as they gave her passport a cursory glance and welcomed her to the island. Though the Terminal seemed very imposing indeed, she met up with a guide sent by D'Aubainne University who got her out of the airport and to the room that had been reserved for her at Cesar's Hotel. She also received a note saying "Meeting at DAU Monday afternoon, we'll call and send somebody to pick you up. Looking forward to meeting you. In the meantime, try and enjoy the weekend. -L.M."
Richard Davis walked the floor at Sad Mary's Bar and Girl, keeping an eye out for trouble. Though tonight would be featuring prize fights, he was serving as a bouncer for the night. For now there hasn't been any trouble; the fights are supposed to start in about an hour, and in the meantime loud music is blaring through the speakers as customers drink and celebrate. Several members of the Aries gang keep an eye on things as well, though they seem to focus on a pair of lucies* near the stage. He could almost feel the tension...
"Lucky" O'Rourke has been in the city for only a day; as he walks around the Sunken Plaza, looking with a casual disinterest at the booths and carts erected by various street vendors, he's surprised by the apparent free spirit of the place. An attractive woman of apparently Indian descent approaches him, handing him some sort of brochure and smiling all the while.
"Hello there! I bet you're new to Al Amarj! Please, take one of these pamphlets, you'll find everything you need to know in there! Enjoy yourself!"
As he looks at the brochure, he first notices plenty of advertisements for such businesses as Cesar's Hotel, Sad Mary's Bar & Girl, Total Taxi, and Gun Metal, and also sees that it's a guide for newcomers to the Edge. Though the entire thing is downright odd, a few parts of it seem particularly interesting:
Protect Yourself
Our friends from the United States will be relieved to learn that the far-sighted government of Al Amarja has banned firearms from the island, so your chances of getting mowed down by a wired crackhead or disgruntled postal worker are slim. In addition, killing tourists is highly discouraged by the Peace Force. A few simple rules will help you protect what is at risk: your health, wealth, and dignity.
Travel in groups. A lone foreigner presents a tempting target to those few malcontents on Al Amarja who refuse to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. If you don't know native Al Amarjans and you are on your own, perhaps you can find other foreigners who would appreciate your company.
Arm yourself. A good weapons shop, such as Gun Metal, can provide you with the protective devices you need to keep yourself safe.
Good lodgings. A good hotel in a quiet area can reduce the risk of crime. Cesar's Hotel has an excellent reputation as a secure hotel in a safe neighborhood.
Easy on the chemicals. It would be criminal to condone their use, and hypocritical to condemn it. Just take it easy.
Respect authorities. The Peace Force is there to protect you (especially if you are a wealthy tourist), but they are not in the habit of taking guff. Fascist agitators have been known to attempt infiltration of our democracy by posting as tourists, so your status as visitor does not exempt you from suspicion. Other authorities to respect include just about any other armed and organized group, including the Golden Knights, Dunkelburg's Security officers, the Aries Gang, the Dog-Faces, Otto's Men, Sigma Om, and the Glorious Lords (maybe, and only on their turf).
Getting Around
The best way to get from place to place in the Edge is Total Taxi, which provides not only quick, confidential transportation, but also valuable information and other goods and services, all at rates well below the value provided. For a prolonged stay, you may wish to rent a car.
Renting a scooter or moped may be more practical for people travelling alone. Jitneys are an excellent alternative to cabs for those who are less concerned with comfort and speed.
Keeping the Peace Force Happy
No guns. The Peace Force is serious about this one.
No fascism. Ditto.
Low Profile Her Exaltedness Monique D'Aubainne, Historic Liberator and Current Shepherdess of Al Amarja, wisely wishes to spare Al Amarja from the trampling suffered by other island paradises around the worl, so she frowns on reporters, film-makers, and photographers who threaten to bring attention to this land. Isn't it better to keep Al Amarja a beautiful refuge for a fortunate few, rather than an over-developed vacation spot for the masses?
(OOC: By the way, this brochure is also available in the lobby of Cesar's Hotel, so anybody staying there can easily have gotten a copy themselves.)
*"Lucy" is derogatory Al Amarjan slang for satanists. This particular pair belong to the Glorious Lords of Passion, a satanist street gang (and rivals of Aries) that make their home turf in Great Men Barrio.
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