[plot] Water in the desert I

[theearth]

Who: Cultists, an alien, and YOU, the (un-)invited numbered!
What: Gossipping. Weird lobster worship. Speeches. Fingerfood and other snacks. Dealing with cultists in general. The beginning of the geographical changes in Las Vegas and appropriate PANIC.
When: 22nd
Where: Thomas & Mack Center; The University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Warnings: People from the ranks of the cultists have committed murder and other crimes in the past; those deeds will, if mentioned, be treated in a glorifying manner or at least be condoned.



The cultist gathering takes place on the evening of the 22nd at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. The cult has rented the large multipurpose Thomas & Mack Center. The entrances are controlled, the guards cult members who will check the membership of everyone who enters. Numbered with invitations will simply have to either show their invitation or prove that they are the numbered in question; numbered that are not invited but not on the anti-invited list will be let in if they announce interest in their purpose or in learning more about themselves.

There is a large lobster statue in the middle of the hall, a high stage behind it. A pool of water surrounds both, filling the whole center.

A. Arrival and first stage
Snacks and drinks are handed out everywhere and the cultists chat happily with everyone who is around - they will happily talk to numbered as well, calling them "special ones", "superheroes" or "children". Some are rather excited about them being there, others less, but there is clearly nobody that doesn't think positively about it.

B. Ceremony/Worship and Announcements
As the lights go out, people will stop talking and put down whatever they are holding. What follows is a ceremony of roughly an hour that mostly includes singing, meditation and some short speeches on cleansing oneself and being true to oneself, and one on how those that don't do it will fall and burn. Cultists will be happy to give numbered pointers re: what happens next and what they should do.
Afterwards, what seems like all head cultists - those with the sign that causes echoes step on the stage and one after another address the gathered public, some longer, some shorter. Some are of more technical nature - number of members, funds, expansion plans -, others very philosophical, and yet others religious. There is talk of the city being lost and impossible to clean, but that the those who trust in Refined Shell will be saved. That all members may take it into their own hands to clean themselves and help the world be cleaner, but that soon, Refined Shell will be with them, and her children with her. Her children will guard her and be guided by her, as they all should be; and though it is harder for them to see their true core than it is for normal humans, and many will be lead astray, those that succeed will lead the world to a better future, and those that follow Refined Shell now will be the first when that time comes.

At this point, they'll call out to all numbered in the audience, and cultists sitting nearby numbered people will encourage them to get down to the stage, wade through the water and get up there to introduce themselves and say hi. The whole audience will cheer for those that dare to go down, and they'll be offered a seat on the stage.

C. Aftermingle and Panic
After the official part is done, there is general mingling and people are slowly starting to leave... just as the first earthquake hits the room. And then another one, and then steam rises from the water in the middle of the hall, and after a bit it starts to boil. The handful of cultists that is packing up on stage screams in terror at their only way off it suddenly being made up of boiling water, and most of the cultists leave the building in similar panic. FUN ALL AROUND.


♒ You may play cultist NPCs yourself, but if you'd like a mod-npced cultist to talk to your character(s), please indicate it in your subject line when the thread starts and/or preferably notify Fae here.
♒ Please put up your own thread starter under the appropriate heading A, B or C.

Comments

[radiantchicken]

"It's the outliers you need to watch out for. Enough of them, and they'll be the ones by which your organization is judged." Which is pretty much already the case, but it's the nicest thing Torin can think to say in regards to that.

[savethenpcs]

The woman nods, glancing over Torin's shoulder at the next Numbered person. Not nearly so interesting as this one. "We have honestly been trying to control the situation. It's just difficult as they appear perfectly normal until suddenly they're not. Praying isn't offering many answers, either."

[radiantchicken]

"Have you tried talking to them? Screening them first?" Torin somehow doubted that cultists had much of a vetting process. He had a feeling that the whole cult thing would be an easier sell to those already on some sort of brink.

[savethenpcs]

The woman and the folks around her give Torin a look. "Do you ask mainstream religion if they screen people seeking to convert?" she asked. "No, no you don't. Why would we screen people seeking enlightenment?"

[radiantchicken]

"Because your people seeking enlightenment have a very poor track record as of late, as far as kidnappings and murders and things go. And screening them doesn't necessarily mean abandoning them. You could find them extra help if they require it." Torin strokes his mustache. "I am still learning about your major human religions. It is difficult to attend services when you tend to attract as much spectacle as I do."

[savethenpcs]

The woman just frowns. "I think we are done here, sir. I should go greet the others. Good day." And she walks off. Screen people interested in the Shell? Ridiculous!

[radiantchicken]

"Good day," Torin says pleasantly, watching her go. Good to see how a higher-up might react to his throwing out difficult questions and suggestions. So informative...