Town Hall Meeting The Second

[winebar]

WHO: Everyone willing
WHAT: van Zieks trying to catherd, again, in order to Establish Law & Order.
WHEN: Sometime in the Summer between the various events.
WHERE: the forest, outside van Zieks' farm.
WARNINGS: chaos mostly, more will be added if needed.

[A week or so after the chaos of Hot or Not, each farm will recieve another missive from Barry Z himself, chief buzzkill, who clearly learned nothing from how things went last time. It reads as such;]

To All Parties Brought to the Island by the Harvest Goddess,

Tomorrow at 11AM sharp, please arrive at the location indicated on the map shown of the reverse of this document. The topic of discussion on the table is the potential establishment of some form of social contract and body of law. As before, I cannot force attendance, however, I would again hope everyone sees the benefit in being involved in this discussion.

Sincerely,
Lord Barok van Zieks, Esquire

[And again as before, there's a map on the back. This time leading one to van Zieks' residence, an orderly forest farm with a nice stable currently housing the horse van Zieks rode in on to make himself the boss of things, apparently.

At the time of the meeting, there are two tables that were clearly brought out from inside. There are... snacks? Van Zieks is not a chef, you will have these strawberries and fried mushrooms and you'll like it, I guess. There was an attempt. Van Zieks himself is still dressing in his less fancy- but still absurd for this weather- three piece suit.]

Than you all for coming. I understand that the topic I have put on the table may seem... needlessly dire to some, however, in the case that something does happen, it would be far better for us to already have a system in place. I do not think we currently require any sort of active police force, but rather that we should have some sort of agreed set of behavior in place, and then elected individuals to adjudicate any potential disagreements.

As far as a social contract, on Mr. Trahearne's advisement, it would follow thusly; [He pulls out another paper to read from.]
- Do not cause unsolicited physical harm to one other.
- Do not harm or otherwise disrupt another person's farm.
- Do not damage, destroy, or unlawfully take possession of another person's property.
- Do not vandalize or otherwise disrupt communal spaces for us or the townspeople.
- Do not behave in such a manner that would elicit broad reprisal against the group as a whole from the townspeople or the goddess.

If anyone has any other thoughts, feel free to share them. I feel that this is basic enough that even those of you more prone to... rebellion can agree to it.

The second matter is to discuss how to handle if someone does break these rules. While I have made clear before my prior experience with the law, I understand that a system like this can only function if there is trust in those enforcing it. Thus I think that the authority should be given to whoever the group as a whole feels most comfortable entrusting it to. So I open the floor to nominations for that responsibility.

Finally, I'd like to make clear why this is necessary. I have spoken to the goddess, and as long as it does not directly interfere with her and her means, she has no intent of intervening if something were to happen to one of us. We are not her "people," the residents of the town are. Therefore, it is imperative that we work together to protect ourselves.

[And now he will step back and hope that some productive discussion happens.]

Comments

ACTUAL DISCUSSION

[winebar]

[Actually sincerely engaging with the meeting here.]

[yourlenore]

( Mishka is here, because how could he not be? He's sitting somewhere shady with his nice big sunhat, his sunglasses (currently tucked into his low neckline), his nice breezy outfit, and snacking on a veritable plate of mushrooms and strawberries. )

Instead of such trite faculties like law enforcement, punishment, and execution, I suggest spectated trial by combat of for each infraction.

( Free insight check: anyone who looks at him for more then ten seconds can probably gauge that he thinks this entire meeting, while fascinating, is also deeply amusing. It's hard to tell if he's being genuine or not with his suggestion, though. )

At least this will make mischief a fun affair, yes? Some get a bit of exercise, some get a bit of entertainment - everyone wins.

[winebar]

[HE SHOULD TAKE THE SNACKS AWAY, SMH.]

That-I made no such mention of punishment, we are hardly in a position to be enforcing s death penalty, neither by execution not something as farcical as what you're suggesting. Upholding basic laws isn't meant to be entertainment.

[This withering gaze of disapproval.]

[chronosynthesis]

[But seriously.]

With the way out abilities are being dampened to varying degrees, trial by combat may be severely lacking in an even playing field. But perhaps a dueling field? It is customary for my people to settle disputes of honor in a duel--often physical, but not always. And rarely to the death. But it would give people a chance to sort their grievances in a place with ready assistance in case something goes awry, or just to have a referee.

[hypnowhip]

[It's hard for Sylvando to not look a little miffed at the tail end of van Zieks' opener.]

While I'd certainly hope none of us would cause trouble for one another anyway, that's a bit disappointing to hear from the goddess. I was hoping she would be interested in keeping the peace between those she brought here.

That said, it's not a bad idea to have some base rules in place, and I don't think these ones are very hard to adhere to. I wouldn't mind volunteering some of my time to help out in case they need actual enforcing.

[THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE I GUESS RE: SEEING MISHKA.]

[winebar]

She's not nearly as benevolent as I believe to be the popular conception of our divine host.

[Hmph!! But anyway.]

But I appreciate your offer of assistance. I'm sure someone with your skill and charisma will be far more valuable to the cause than I could be.

[graftage]

[Just chomping on some mushrooms over here, overalls and cute little hat and all. He listens, swallows, and then gives a shrug.]

Don't you think multiple people should be nominated for that kind of responsibility? You don't want to give one person too much leeway, here.

[winebar]

I do think that, pray forgive the lack of clarity in my statements if that was not made clear.

I have seen what happens when one individual holds power over others and know we do not want that here.

[passthrough]

[It is so hot and he is so tired already, but he's still here, eyeing the horse with a suspicious squint when he goes to grab a strawberry or two.]

Getting people to agree to enforce things like that will be the tough part. Especially since... well, that last part about "behaving" is pretty much up to interpretation.

Have any of those points actually been a problem so far?

[He knows for sure one has, but he doesn't know enough details to bring it up just yet.]

[hearthwarming]

[ Strawberries and fried mushrooms are... a choice as far as combination goes... but Ori is here for the meeting, believe it or not! This must be the "lawman who's a bit too enthusiastic about justice" whom Adelis mentioned to her...

And to her credit, despite the fact that she is very much just here to have a good time and vibe, she does pay attention, and at length offers this: ]

Hmm. The Goddess really is so mysterious... Well, this all sounds fair and reasonable to me, Mister Lord Barok van Zieks! Hopefully any disputes can be resolved by mediation and hearing each other out?

[ ever the optimist. ]

I'm not the type to be an "enforcer," but I do want to say that if anyone were to be injured because of some kind of confrontation or mishap, I'm happy to offer my healing magic.

[gale_arc]

[ There are only two reasons Hisui bothered to show up to this. One, because he's a little suspicious about how this proposal will go. He's lived the criminal life before (although that's less because he was doing anything unlawful and more because he really, really should not be picking fights with the Knights), and he's not all too keen on what this guy might be proposing, given the tone of the letter.

The free food is a nice bonus, though.

While Hisui doesn't have an issue with the rules themselves thus far, he's more than a little worried about something else. ]

And how do you expect to enforce any of that? What about if your so-called "law enforcement" ends up bein' rotten themselves?

[ Maybe he's starting to sound like Beryl, but if there's anything he's learned it's that sometimes taking a page out of her book isn't always a bad idea. ]

[chronosynthesis]

Although I would rather not have the goddess interfere with our lives more than she already does... it is strange for her to claim us outside her jurisdiction despite having brought us here under the expectation that we serve her demands.

But I agree that enforcing this, however reasonable these tenets are, will be difficult. I think most of us are disinclined to cause any trouble for one another, but in the case that someone does see fit to harm another, any mediator or intervention needs to have full trust of the group. Particularly when the situation gets complicated.

Rather than enforcement, it may be best to start only with people who are available to assist in conflict as requested, and otherwise allow people to figure things out between themselves.

[stink]

Hear ye, hear ye!

[Oh. Oh no.

What's all this about law and order? None of that boring stuff matters to her. Blessedly, she manages not to get her feet in the strawberries or fried mushrooms when she hops up on the table, but she does yell rather loudly and point a finger directly at van Zieks. He seems to be the one in charge of this place, so it's him she targets without a second thought.]

You! Funnily-dressed human! You know what you have done!

[graftage]

[who tf is this]

[whatever. he's 🍿]

[yourlenore]

( He is hearing!!! She most certainly has his attention. )

INEVITABLE DESCENT INTO CHAOS/PARTY GAMES

[winebar]

[For when people get sick of van Zieks' nonsense and decide to actually have fun.]

NEVER HAVE I EVER

[passthrough]

[Gaku has been nice enough to explain the rules of this little drinking game, once the meeting's mostly disbanded to mingling.

1. Starting with the phrase "Never have I ever...", state an activity or action you've never done before. (Post this as a new comment under this sub-level with Otegine here!)
2. Anyone else playing who HAS done the activity or action mentioned, take a shot.
3. Rib on one another. Maybe start some fights, maybe learn some new shit about your neighbors or loved ones.
4. Bring your own beverage. If your character doesn't want to play this drunk, they may play with non-alcoholic options, all power to them.]

[passthrough]

[Oh. For once, having done literally nothing in his life might contribute. He thinks for a second on a safer option, while he is still sober.]

Never have I ever left the borders of my country.

[associative]

[ Hmmm. What's something that could get a lot of people here?

Ah, he's got it. ]

Never have I ever used magic or some kind of special ability.

[framestory]

[ Ellis has brought water and chaos to this party. That said: ]

Never have I ever had sex with two different people on this island.

[bluminescence]

Never... have I ever, sung on stage.

[ Kaspar has to put some effort into speaking up, but a couple of drinks help. Not that hes needed to for most of this game. There is a lot he hasn't done...

His gaze still drifts happily to those he thinks should drink, if they are around. ]

[flamenova]

[ hmm...okay, so maybe she can try something like-- ]

Never have I ever...given or gotten a kiss, before?

[ that should get at least a few people, right... ]

[winebar]

[He was momentarily distracted gathering notes on the discussions of the meeting and when he pays attention to what everyone else is doing again;]

Wh-This isn't a social gathering! If you're going to faff about then do it on your own properties!
[Captain buzzkill might have to be strong armed into participating.]

[graftage]

Never have I ever....fallen in love.

[YEAH HE WENT THERE. But he's just cheerfully looking around, like the little asshole he is. Drink up. :)]

[hypnowhip]

[Hmmmmm. There have been a lot of good ones so far. Does Sylvando have any he can think of?]

Never have I eveeeerrrr...had a sibling!