Big City Living (Midpoint Mingle)

[midpointmods]

The town of Midpoint: called thus because it is at the exact center of the game arena, a busy little Western town full of strange people, many of whom don’t look remotely human, because this is where all the players gather and live. Midpoint Saloon: called thus because it is the only bar in Midpoint. It’s also the biggest building in town, four stories high, dotted with windows, painted a jaunty yellow and decorated with red and green flowers in all the window boxes.

This is where your veteran teammate points you. Or just stomps off to and hopes you follow.

Downstairs is a bar and tavern, Old West style, right down to the upright piano in one corner and a raucous crowd of locals - largely locals, but with a healthy smattering of unusual or downright alien faces that clearly indicate the presence of other Players - eating, drinking, gambling, and getting into trouble. There’s a broad, bearded man behind the bar, waving cheerfully at you as you enter.

The rest of the night and the next day is yours to do with what you see fit. Explore the town, take a long nap in your new room, try to get to know people... everyone is here for the next twenty-four hours before travel to the mission site, so it’s a good chance to scope out the competition, at the very least.

Comments

[notabirdcostume]

[Sam remembers all too well what it's like to be newly arrived and uncertain of everything he's seeing. Granted, he'd had a recognizable face to greet him and ease him in, the two women he'd help bring in with Misty didn't have that so much -- unless there was someone already here that they knew.

After arriving, Sam had taken care of his own business first, but had quickly returned to the saloon to see how his current round teammates were settling in. He noticed Jo in the corner, but doesn't approach right away. Instead he picks up food and drink from North -- two bowls of chili (the house special) and two drinks (not-so-great beer) -- and heads over to her.]

Here. You mind if I join you for a meal? North's chili is pretty mild, but it's got good flavor. [There's a pause.] You are old enough to drink right? [It's just a beer, but Sam's not about to get in trouble for serving someone underage -- it's hard to tell because she looks pretty capable, but still pretty young.]

[knifecollecting]

[Jo's expression remains wary as he sits, her hands shifting from the table to her thighs. Just in case she has to move quickly.

She doesn't react to the second plate, but when he asks her name she tilts her head to the left and narrows her eyes.]

How old do you think I am, dude? [Obviously, the answer is he's worried she is under 21 if he's asking. She's not used to the question. No one questions your age when you're the one behind the bar.

She glances over at the bar, watching North for a moment.]

Is his name really North?

[notabirdcostume]

[Sam holds his hands up defensively]

I figure you're in your twenties -- just not sure if over or under.

[He tilts his head back towards North and the bar before returning to her.]

Then again, I suppose I'm making a lot of other assumptions about both you and this place.

[He shrugs, taking a drink from his own beer.] It's how he introduced himself.

[knifecollecting]

I guess I should take it as a compliment. [Even if, usually, it isn't meant as one. She's too young to take being mistaken for a teen as a compliment. She's worked hard for her adulthood, as she sees it.]

I'm 24. And- [She punctuates this word by taking the beer.]

I'm pretty sure the wild west didn't have alcohol age limits.