f2020 | SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2020: THE SYNOD IS CONVENING.

SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2020: THE SYNOD IS CONVENING.

All fourteen Gates simultaneously reverse polarity. For the next seven days, and only these seven days, any imPort stepping through a Gate will arrive safely in the Porter building: the only place on this fractured planet that can safely contain the energy of the imPort community in its entirety.

SO IT BEGINS
THE SYNOD

THE

DEATH

TRAIN

While the Gates are the simplest form of transportation, those making the journey to the Synod from the White Tower have the option of travelling by train, if they wish. Despite the playfully grim moniker, there haven't been any recorded fatalities on board the Death Train in many years. Or ever, really. Raw, untamed entropy doesn't do anything as simple as kill.

For that delightful reason, passengers will be reminded at frequent intervals not to attempt to leave the train once it enters the active zone of the Porter's defenses, or to do anything that could jeopardise the integrity of its shielding.

The journey is relatively comfortable and takes approximately two and a half hours. A limited menu of pastries and alcohol is available from the buffet car. The smallest tables seat two.

As the train passes through the entropy-saturated wasteland of the Deathdome, the view from the heavily tinted windows of each of the train's four-person cars is impossible to comprehend: every atom of the landscape is in a constant state of flux, scattered in endless possibilities across the multiverse.

WELCOME CARPET

Inside, you get the impression of three towers; no view from outside is possible. You're totally sealed inside for the week, by the same Fate-built tech that shields this place from the ravages of cosmic radiation— the train station is built into the structure, entrance tunnel hermetically sealed.

You're greeted by welcome robots, primitive little things full endless enthusiasm and covered in dents. What they lack in intelligence they make up for in persistence and durability. Each and every ImPort is assigned their own personal robutler.

Though they tend to hinder more than help.

Boop boop boop boop. They provide you with a complimentary swag bag. Inside is one (1) t-shirt, one (1) top of the line tablet (pre-loaded with this year's Agenda and a simple game app that looks suspiciously like 2048), a stress ball, personalised souvenir pen and eraser (but no pencil), and of course, a lanyard keycard for accessing the comfortably adequate accommodations provided for all attendees.

Given the week-long Synod, your room itself is a decent suite, furnished with dark colors, redolent with a smell you can't quite place. You may find yourself assigned an unexpected roommate, which may feel awkward considering you'll find arrayed on the beds, a half-dozen complimentary tickets to the spa, restaurants and the power gym, with its preternaturally durable equipment.

Robutlers constantly remind: do not attempt to leave the Porter facility or do anything to jeopardise the integrity of its shielding.

CONVENTION

Talks and panels take place in the convention area, which feels like a miniature city within the Porter's defenses, a hive with padded audience seats, wide stages, and complete with holographic audiovisual equipment that's curiously compatible with presentation software from every city.

Here, ImPorts will present and debate various topics regarded as major concerns for all. [OOCly, players are invited to suggest topics! Scroll down; they will be added below.]

This is also something of an expo, where cities practically demonstrate— or show off their good works. From the latest hovertechnology models to demonstrations of healing powers, playful duels in the forcefield-enclosed stages to magical books that temporarily transfer skills on touch, this is the place to pretend you're showing off your cards... while playing the most important ones close to your chest.

PANELS AND DEBATES

PRESENTERS

TOPIC

Joseph Kavinsky vs [N/PC]

White Tower ImPort Overpopulation and Dimensional Instability

Tony Stark and other technopaths

How Technology Will Save Us

Joshua Foley

The Mysteries and Intricacies of ImPort Physiology

Count Dooku and volunteers

ImPort Factions Must Align Against the Shared 'Resistance' Threat

Jin Bubaigawara (x3)

The Twin Cities are NOT Dimensionally Unstable No Matter What You Heard

Kang

Bridging Old and New: Maintaining Infrastructure with Limited Modern Resources

EVENING

EVENTS

Every night of the Synod, ImPorts gather to dine in a grand hall with a ballroom party. Each dinner is hosted by one ImPort city, gruntwork complete with robutlers-- which guarantees food safety, and complete with multiple cuisine options, cultural decor, and entertainment.

Given the range of cities represented, food options vary from greasy burgers to six courses of seafood and blue venison, and rarefied vegan fare.

When ImPorts aren't here eating, they're most often talking. Ergo, it's not uncommon for low-key drama to break out, but this year, the majority of Synod days seem to be passing uneventfully.

Fortunately, speeches are reserved for daytime. After dinner, it's time to dance.

The last song of the night is always obscure music no one can quite remember the words or melody to afterward. It's a slow dance song meant for two or more partners; the ballroom grows dark and the world seems to fade away. Or rather, it just fades back into one's hotel room.

THE BLACKOUT

On Monday, September 21st, shortly before the Gates are due to resume ordinary function and allow attendees to leave, the Porter building suffers a power cut.

Abruptly, all the lights cut out. Music stops. Your faithful robutler freezes in place, unresponsive— though its internal systems appear to be running, the centralised command hub that it relies on has fallen silent.

Though the robutlers are out of comission, technology-minded ImPorts and their tech drones hasten to reassure that systems analyses are underway. Within a few hours, repairs begin, the estimated time being two days.

In the meantime, thanks to the diversity of powers on hand, there is enough food and water. Candles start to circulate. It might even be a little romantic, if it weren't for the chaos outside. Characters might find themselves trapped in an elevator for a few hours, or compelled to seek comfort from one another.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

ARRIVAL

[ Rimuru never comes to the Synod. He never did in fact. The thought of staying one week with everyone, pretending to be all friendly with one another, on a convention-like gathering, is the type of political nonsense he doesn't know how to handle. He leaves that to those who know such games better.

But this time, he decided he'd take a stand. After Josh was finally found, and after having his suspicion met - that Josh had indeed been taken by the White Tower faction - the council members of Krakoa all decided to take a stand and Rimuru would do the same. They come together and they show the rest of the world how strong they stand; there is a feeling of danger of sorts when approaching the group, and Rimuru meets this by refusing to stay on his slime (and much cuter) form. He looks human today, an adult at that and all he offers are glances and not the warm smile Rimuru is known for having when in his human form. The androgynous figure also carries two bat-like wings on his back and the gold adorning his clothes matches Josh's golden skin. All of it has a purpose.

When the other members of the council disperse, Rimuru finds a place away from the crowd while the robutler is there to continuously annoy him no matter where he turns. In fact, if you are paying enough attention, you may notice the robot is eventually surrounded by blue slime and once its engulfed in it, it disappears.

Yes, Rimuru just ate his robutler. ]

CONVENTION

[ Now he knows he was never missing much by not attending the synod. None of this interests him, but it's probably due to how he currently feels after everything that has happened. It's hard for him to keep a happy smile when he wishes he could just engulf this whole place down.

But he tries at least. During the week, while he continues to keep his human-like appearance, Rimuru falters from time to time and returns to the shape of a slime when he has the chance and there aren't many people around around. That form relaxes him the most, and it's one he is most comfortable with; which is also why some might approach to ask him about "what's it like being a slime" to which he always responds "it's the perfect body" because it really is.

Later, when he remembers, he will check the bag offered, only to find the stress ball. He can't help a little smile at this ] Aha- how ironic. Still- this is pretty shabby work. [ have you ever tried to hug Rimuru in his slime form? THAT is the best stressball you will meet ]

EVENING

[ Dinner is welcomed in the sense that he can taste the food he eats in his human from - as much Rimuru prefers to be a slime, it's a shame it's impossible to taste anything when in such form. So dinner is spent elegantly tasting all the food that passes by and probably saving some in his pocket dimension for later. Please do not judge, he already came to this event without complaining, Rimuru should at least be allowed to take as much food as his little slime heart desires.

And when the dance comes, he will feel less annoyed and more willing to mingle. Rimuru might ask someone to dance with a smile - or perhaps someone might ask Rimuru! They are someone who loves pretty people and it's hard to say no when he sees one.

But despite all of this, one may notice how to Council of Five always stay relatively close to each other. because in the end, they are here t show they are a unit. ]

Edited 2020-09-15 21:30 (UTC)

That's...disgusting.

[ Because of Allison's work with the Council, Five's become familiar with the rest of its members, including Rimuru. But that doesn't help the sight of the slime engulfing their robulter into whatever awaits in the endless pit of their stomach. ]

Don't you think that'll cause a scene?

[ He holds out a can of iced coffee, something he meant to offer before...that. Now Five, with his small golden tie pin, is aware that the Council plans to do exactly that — to make a statement for the rest to see. But, ah, this isn't what he had imagined. ]

[ rimuru shrugs with a tiny smile that absolutely says "I'm a little shit". ] I like my privacy. And I am too humble for a butler. [ and well - ] I haven't dissolved it yet, so I can just spit it out if someone feels defensive of their robots.

[ the smile softens ] Are you enjoying the Synod so far, Five?

[ Five's mouth draws back into a thin line as he shakes his head. Might as well digest the damn thing, although — it's tough to avoid the thought of their caretaker back home. It's better that Grace isn't around to see this. ]

Well, what's not to like? Enemies around every corridor, and all the guests so on edge they've probably made themselves constipated with worry.

[ He offers up his usual sharp humor, so that has to be a good sign, right? ]

Honestly, I'm saving my appetite for the desserts. Supposing you don't burp up any metal shards, do you want to check it out with me later?

I'm so glad I have no organs. [ he would be constipated too, because he is on edge as well. Rimuru can't help it given the circumstances.

But the suggestion makes him smile oh so softly ] You know, that would be a great idea. Do you want to wait for dessert, though? I'm pretty bored right now.

I'll be fine, just as long as they have an adequate supply of coffee waiting.

[ Five tries his best not to focus too much on his endless questions about slime digestive systems; some things are better off with him not knowing. Instead he nods his head and gestures off to the food tables awaiting them. ]

Whatever amount of trouble we find this year, I'm sure it's going to be easier to digest after a slice of cake.

[ Instead of simply teleporting over in a flash, he tries his best to stick with Rimuru in this crowd. After all, you never know for sure just what you'll run into during these events. ]

I never tried coffee from this place, but I am ready to be disappointed. [ oh now he is just being petty. Rimuru waves his hand ]

Though the food does look good, I will give them that. [ sure, rimuru doesn't technically digest anything - but he can dissolve whatever enters his body - and he can also taste, so he does like to eat delicious things!

At the table, he will pick... well, everything that fits the plate. No shame at all ] Do you expect anything bad? I mean, I don't usually come to these things...

[ Cynical, Five tends to expect the worst by default. The troubles plaguing Krakoa of late haven't done much to alleviate his usual concerns, so he gives Rimuru a serious look. ]

I always expect something bad to happen, especially around a Synod. Just...try to watch out for anyone you don't know.

[ Close enough to the table now, Five doesn't hold back when it comes to his plate. Cookies, brownies, candies — there's room enough to try a little of everything and he seems intent on just that. ]

Kindness can be taken advantage—hey, is that peanut butter cheesecake?

[ His eyes narrow. That, over there. ]

[ rimuru nods, glancing around ] Would people even be that obvious...? [ to start something, he means. Rimuru can't imagine anyone would be that much of an idiot when all the Factions are here together.

He hums a little, distracted by the words ] People confuse kindness with naivety, actually. [ rimuru is incredibly nice. to everyone. But he is not an idiot.

But at the mention of cheesecake he stops. ] Oh- it is!! [ and rimuru suddenly just stretches his arm, allowing it to turn into a slime tentacle, aiming for the cake. You gotta be fast, Five, or the cake will be gone ]

[ Speed isn't too much of a problem; all of his siblings tended to bemoan this fact as children, but Five just thinks he's good at adapting. Seeing Rimuru shift their form, aiming for the cheesecake prize, he wastes no more time.

Suddenly, the air shimmers ahead and he blinks into view. Once behind and now far ahead, all due to his tricky teleportation powers, his hands quickly grab onto the plate. Trying to duck away from Rimuru's shifting limbs, he still has a hint of youthful arrogance left. Enough for a smirk. ]

Now, I'm not calling you naive exactly. But some people can just be ruthless.

[ He holds a finger up. ]

Since you and I are allies already, however, I'm betting we can split this evenly.

[ rimuru gasps when he sees Five just appearing next to the plate and taking it. He even pouts, though it's mostly playful ]

Well, fine. I will accept defeat under those conditions. [ he pulls back his arm as he comes closer ] If I knew the food here was this god, I'd have come to other Synods. [ he is mostly joking ]

[The change from already-strange-human(?) to slime is enough of a surprise to Wen Ning that he drops the information brochure he was holding and takes a step away to the side in surprise.]

Y-young master! [Or Lady? He hadn't gotten a good enough look.]

[Without getting any closer, he bends down cautiously to be more at the slime's level.]

Have they melted? What do I do? [Had they been hit with some kind of melting spell? Should he find the caster?]

[ rimuru looks up at the other, realizing he should have paid more attention to his surroundings. OOPS, well- no matter, it's not like he is hiding he is a slime, and neither he is shying away from his title as part of Krakoa Council. ]

You don't need to do anything, it's still me. [ part of rimuru's body extends so he can wave it at the man, as if it is a hand ]

[Oh gosh it's still alive.

Wen Ning looks sufficiently startled, but scoots a little closer on the fronts of his feet without standing. Wei Wuxian had told him about some of the leaders of the other factions - only briefly, though. Is this what a slime is?]

I-I'm so sorry, Young Master. I've never seen anything like you before.

[It's the theme for many of his interactions here, really.]

Ah- you aren't the only one, it's alright. [ rimuru decides it's easier to just turn back into his human form, despite preferring to look like a slime. Still, this whole Synod was meant for him to take a stand, so he shouldn't be turning into a slime anyway

his body seems to grow and then reshapes itself to look more human and adult ]

There. This is much easier, right? First time meeting a slime?

Edited 2020-09-19 23:18 (UTC)

[Still kinda odd looking, but at least he's human shaped now. The bright blue hair is distracting. It would have been even more distracting if he hadn't seen several others with odd hair colors since his arrival here. All the same, his eyes linger on that hair a little longer than they probably should.]

Yes. Yes, it's my first time.

[He's seen "slime" in other, non-sentient forms, of course. Like on the edge of a pond or congealing in a bit of piping. But saying something like that is sure to be highly offensive in this situation.]

I'm still new.

[ the dragon wings probably also don't help. But given this is the first time this person has seen a slime, that's most likely not a priority and Rimuru gets that ]

There is no easy way to say it or learn about it - but you will find many different beings while here. Many non-humans, some may look like monsters but some are not.

[ he points to himself ] Like me. I promise you I'm not a bad slime.

[Do all slimes have wings in human form? We just don't know.]

You do look like a very friendly slime.

[Not that he's seen an evil slime to compare him to.

As for himself, he's not going to point out the questionable nature of his humanity. If he can pass for fully, or even mostly human, then he'll be happy for it.]

At the very least, I'm glad you weren't actually melting.

[ rimuru is just that special

He laughs at the mention of "melting" ] Righ, that would be scary.

I'm Rimuru Tempest, I'm one of the Five members of Krakoa council. What''s your name?

[He's a council member? And here Wen Ning has been acting ridiculous this whole time. He immediately straightens up and offers the slime a proper bow. Even if he's not from Krakoa himself, that doesn't mean he shouldn't respect the other leaders.]

Wen Ning, courtesy name Qionglin. It's an honor to meet you, young master.

It's nice to meet you! Just Rimuru is fine. [ being called "master" is nice, but Wen Ning looks like a good person, so he can drop the formalities ]

Have you chosen your faction, Wen Ning?

[Rimuru chooses the less formal version of his name, and that's fine. He's used to most people calling that anyway and the system of names he's used to doesn't seem to be familiar at all to most people here.

He nods once to the first comment, but the second nod comes a bit more hesitantly. He's chosen a faction, but it isn't the same one.]

Yes. Well, it wasn't much of a choice on my part. I don't know much about all the factions, but... someone important to me is in the House of M. So that's where I am.

[ rimuru nods ] That's only normal, right? You want to be with the people you know.

You are very lucky, most people don't get to have friends from their homeworld here.

You think so?

[He's glad to have someone familiar here, and he's certainly glad that there are people who died who get a second chance here (especially since he's responsible for the death of one of them), but he also thinks it might be better if they could all be in their own world.]

Do you... do you like it here?

Like? [ like? Well, there is so much he would change. There is so much that he avoids talking about and seeing because it'd cause him despair.

This is a broken world.

But he is a leader, and hopeful, thus he does what's in his nature to do: he is positive ] I made my place enjoyable. My faction and my island are my paradise.

If you have friends and people who love you with you, then every place can be paradise, I think.

SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2020: THE SYNOD IS CONVENING.

Rimuru Tempest / Krakoa Council Member

🤖🍴

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