*shakes fist at profanity filter*

Kaia Kealoha Kaia isolated herself within the confines of the menu until she felt and then immediately heard someone sort of looming over her shoulder. Before she even really registers anything about the person behind her, she instinctively moves away a smidge, but once the words catch up, she rotates and holds up the menu to give Aike a look as well. "Uh...yeah, looks like. Doesn't say if they're fresh or canned, though." With her attention up away from the menu for a moment, she spares a glance toward Vic, who looks rather out of place to her eyes. But then, so does Aike. Kaia puts on a personable smile at Aike and asks, "Your first time here, too, huh? They doing some kind of deal? Seems real popular just now. Guess you don't get too much good to eat in a place like this." Kaia returns her attention, ostensibly, to the menu, "The f***'s an Italian mushroom? No way they're importing mushrooms for pizza. They've got a LOT of shit, though. Pickles and barbecue pork? Yes, please!" She switches to a grumble, then, which promptly grows into a full-throated complaint, even though she's barely given Aike a chance to speak at this point, "Least this place has something going for it. You know--You know, my friend told me this place was basically like Virginia Beach. Asshole. It's Virginia and there's a beach, technically, but c'mon. Place is bullshit." Thinking a bit belatedly that it's a conversation and not just an opportunity for her to complain to somebody, she throws out: "What brings you around? You don't look like a local, no offense."

I didn't know if it was your intention. But there are two Indigenous American tribe reservations in Deltaville Virginia surrounding area. That's way cool if it's coincidence.

Wounds: 0/4 | Fatigue: 0/2 | Bennies: 3/3 Location: Inside Delta Pie | Conditions/Effects: None As Madde introduces herself, London returns her friendly smile, grateful for the chance to make a new acquaintance in this bustling pizza joint. "Nice to meet you, Madde," he says warmly, extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm London." As they exchange pleasantries, London shares a brief glimpse into his life in Deltaville. "I'm on Virginia's G3 program for Exercise Science at Rappahannock Community College," he explains, his tone tinged with a hint of pride. "I live on a nearby farm owned by my uncle." His expression grows more somber as he continues, recounting the challenges he's faced since his time in the USMC. "My aptitude test scores aren't good enough for University of Richmond after my accident," he admits, his voice trailing off momentarily. "But I'm determined to make the most of my situation and get back on track." With a sudden burst of energy, London gives a hearty shout of "Hoorah!" expressing his dutiful service in the military. "I did extremely well prior to it," he continues, his tone turning more introspective. "But I lost my... my, my memory." He chuckles, though there's a hint of sadness behind his laughter. "Yeah, my memory and got medically discharged with full disabled benefits of a sergeant. I lost a few of my good friends along with my memory in that overseas helicopter accident." London's candor catches him off guard, and he quickly tries to lighten the mood. "Sorry," he apologizes sheepishly. "I tend to forget how to moderate myself in social circles. Anyhow, I'm getting rehabilitated to get better like I was previously. But it's like starting all over." Despite the weight of his words, London finds himself drawn to Madde, admiring her fitness and vitality. "I can't drive yet. Nor drink," he admits with a rueful smile. "But during the summer, I usually work at Planet Fitness. Where do you go here for your workouts?"

Madde looks up from her menu at the man as he approaches. "Thank you. My group hasn't arrived yet either though." She flips over her menu, feeling bad that his friends didn't show up for him. "You can join us when they get hear if you'd prefer. My name is Madde." The young woman extends the man a small hand to shake. That was another thing that always surprised her about the United States - people were so forwardly friendly. She had always thought the rest of the world should give it a try too. "Do you go to the University of Richmond too?" Madde asks, smiling at the question. "We should work out together some time."

I'm pushing London's limits for social interaction. I often want to play a pc with similarities to ASD/autism/functional Asperger's but have opted to refrain, since I don't professionally study it and don't want to offend anyone. London's reticular activating system filters things that he identifies with himself. He's athletic outdoorsy type and wouldn't cue from anything on television. His attention span is weak. So, he is less likely to initiate any conversation. Some players may be waiting on more exposition from ST/GM to progress the story. BUT now it is evident with OOC message, players can begin entering more RP. TBH, my 4 other PbP games are slow af. The TWDU RPG PbP hasn't past session 0 which started before this game. I pay for 1 PbP, and we post daily albeit I'm the only player remaining. My Buffy the Vampire Slayer game is almost 2 years, and we just got to our first boss encounter. (This campaign is equivalent of 3 live sessions over the course of the PbP campaign.

Glad to see a bump! I’m just waiting on Maddie before going.

Bump. Not sure what is taking so long for IC replies, but it is usually not a good start to a game when days go by with no IC posts. I am hoping for a twice a week posting rate at least. It is a sandbox style game, so I am trying not to railroad the plot too much, or at least be subtle about it when I do. Right now is the scene to at least get some initial interactions going on. The TV is providing some information about the setting that could provide talking points for strangers to discuss.

Thanks, it is good to have in case it comes up IC.

Sorry, I am pretty much capping my games at 5 players. 4 is normally ideal, but unfortunately there is always some attrition due to RL. But should there be a need for recruitment, they can try to stay in touch.

Thanks. I am working out the plan to get people to work together.

Wounds: 0/4 | Fatigue: 0/2 | Bennies: 3/3 Location: Inside Delta Pie (sitting at table for 6)| Conditions/Effects: None Feeling a sense of disappointment as he realizes his Marine buddies are likely not going to make it, London glances around the crowded restaurant. His gaze falls upon the small blonde girl with a foreign accent, who had asked for a table of 5 earlier. With a resigned sigh, he decides to take action. Leaving his backpack to save his table of 6, London approaches the girl with a polite smile. "Hi there," he says, catching her attention. "I overheard you were looking for a reserved table. I have a spot over there, because the people I was expecting are going to be a no-show. You're welcome to have it if you'd like." As he waits for her response, London's mind wanders briefly to the university gym and the familiar faces he's seen there. "By the way," he adds, trying to make conversation, "aren't you in the Athletics department? I'm pretty sure I've seen you at the university gym." Unbeknownst to London, earlier, when Madde first entered Delta Pie, she had made a friendly remark about his trail mix. However, lost in his thoughts and anxious about his late Marine colleagues and the three cute college girls he had invited, London was oblivious to Madde's humorous remark.

My bad. I'm really poor at reading comprehension. I apologize, NorthOfOrdinary. I remember her making a dry remark. London is oblivious to humor in most social situations. I'll include some RP to slow react to Madde.

Madde had attempted to speak with London in my last post, just wanted to check if that was missed or if he’s deliberately ignoring her before I write my next one. :)

There's a person from reddit inquiring if it's not too late to join as a player.

Let’s say the family lives at 63 Maryneta Avenue, and their boat is docked at Walden’s Marina.

I’m thinking a family of four - mom, dad, and a son and daughter that are quite a bit younger than Madde. Perhaps middle school or high school age. The dad works an upper blue collar job, maybe a foreman for a construction company. The mother is a school teacher. Simple little sailing boat, comfortable for a half dozen folks to take a day trip off shore but not something you’d want to live on for an extended period of time. It’d be tied up at a leased/rented slip in one of the marinas. I honestly know nothing about sailboats so hopefully that’s an ok description. Being purposefully vague so you have room to make any changes or imagine them however necessary to incorporate them into the story. :)

Planet Fitness 6509 Market Dr, Gloucester, VA 23061 I didn't really pick any particular place for Uncle Bob's estate. I guess I'll choose close farm as London would ride a bicycle to commute around there. 15873 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA 23043

Tell me more about the Exchange Family, please. For plot purposes, I would need to know their address and potentially how many people if they will appear in the story if you and the PCs decide you might want to go there. I am particularly interested in their boat details either way. What size/type is it? Where might it be tied up/docked?

Have you checked where the nearest Planet Fitness is in Deltaville? Where is Uncle Bob's Estate supposed to be on the map? Since we are using real-world maps and places, you might have to dig a little to determine where. If Uncle Bob is going to be used in the plot, I shall need more on his location and what you have in mind for this estate. Or we can skip using it if you and the other PCs decide to never go there, then it will not matter.

Sorry, please edit out Jake and Ryan. NPCs belong to the GM at this time and you are all set up to start interacting with each other instead. I thought I mentioned that any NPCs that you would have connections with are not arriving. They may never arrive, depends on whether I decide to use them to advance the plot. ;)

Wounds: 0/4 | Fatigue: 0/2 | Bennies: 3/3 Location: Inside Delta Pie (sitting at table for 6)| Conditions/Effects: None As London sits at the table in Delta Pie, his mind drifts back to the events of the past two years. The tragic crash that changed his life forever flash through his mind, accompanied by a pang of guilt for being the sole survivor. Despite the passage of time, the scars, both physical and emotional, still linger, a constant reminder of the price he paid for his service. Feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety, London shifts in his seat, glancing at the entrance of the restaurant every few seconds in search of his friends from the Corps. He longs for their familiar presence, hoping that their camaraderie will provide a brief respite from the weight of his memories. London sits at the table in Delta Pie, his mind drifting back to a fond memory of a previous meetup with Jake and Ryan. It was a warm summer evening last year, and they had decided to meet up at their favorite spot. As London recalls the details of that day, a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water, and laughter filled the air as they shared stories and jokes, their camaraderie unbreakable despite the passage of time. Jake and Ryan had wasted no time in ordering drinks, the clink of glasses echoing through the bustling restaurant. With a chuckle, Jake had turned to London and had asked, "So when do you finally turn 21, buddy? It feels like you've been waiting forever." London remembers laughing and shaking his head. "Not much longer now," he had replied. "Just another year until I can join you guys in celebrating properly." Jake had brought his guitar along, and they spent the evening singing songs and reminiscing about their time in the USMC. For a few precious hours, the weight of London's memories and struggles faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of being in the company of good friends. As the memory fades, London's attention returns to the present, where he still waits for Jake and Ryan to arrive. Despite his reserved nature and the challenges he's faced since the crash, London knows that he's fortunate to have friends like Jake and Ryan who are skilled at forming quick relationships and seeing past his initial aloofness. Though he may not be the type to actively pursue making friends, London's admirable traits shine through once someone gets to know him. And as he waits for his Marine buddies to arrive, he's grateful for the bond they share and the memories they've created together.

1805, Saturday March 30: Deltaville Service in the DeltaPie was going slow. The girl at the counter was overheard telling the customers at the front that they were really short-handed as two of the people supposed to be working were still sick with that flu going around. And a third had supposedly recovered and still did not show up today. In her distraction on her phone, Madde had not paid close enough attention to the young woman's attire when she asked for a table and missed the strange look of annoyance. While the woman was wearing a DeltaPie shirt, it was a souvenir and not the official shirt like the staff wore. Instead of making a snappy or curt rebuke, the brown-hair woman smiled in demonstration of the epitome of southern hospitality, "Why bless your heart. Here, let me show you to a table." She stepped over to one of the empty complimentary tables with some chairs and gestured for Madde to take a seat. She even left her a take-out menu. Then she returned to her place in the line to wait her turn to order. Aike's question from over her shoulder, drew Kaia's attention automatically to the Basic Toppings listed on the bottom left of the menu and there was jalapenos listed between pineapple and roasted garlic. The TV program had shifted to another segment about the flu going around starting to really impact local businesses with employees needing to stay home. Some elementary schools had even cancelled classes this past week due to absences. The pundit was wondering again if the governor was going to push for public health officials to comment again on the dreaded social distancing and mask mandate policies of just a few years before.

copy that. I shall aim to please. :)

Vic had been walking aimlessly since about 1 o'clock when the trailhead spit her out at the end of the trek, and has been actively avoiding making any real plans for the 'what now'. Now that it was 6 PM, her rumbling stomach made the first, and frankly easiest choice in her near future; Dinner. Nigh on a month of eating nothing but backpacking MRE style meals and peanut butter on crackers made anything hot and not out of packet look appetizing, and no kind of long line would deter her. The young woman looked a bit ragged, the wear and tear of the trail still apparent on her. Muddy boots, stale campfire smoke infused clothes, and the large 45 liter backpack on her back painted the picture that she was either homeless or super lost. In any case, seeing the line as it was, Vic thought to make a beeline for the bathrooms first. Shrugging off her pack off her shoulders, then sort of awkwardly shuffling past the crowd she went into the Women's room. Once inside, Vic laid her pack against the wall and fished out a few things. First she grabbed her empty 1.5 liter nalgene bottle and put it on the sink's counter, then she fished out small ditty bag. Vic drew open the drawstring of the small bag and pulled out a bottle of Campsuds, the kind of all purpose biodegradable soap that she'd been using for washing her dishes/herself for the last month now. Staring at herself in the mirror, Vic frowned as she saw who was looking back. Sighing, she turned on the faucet to hot and squirted out a fair amount of suds into her hands and began to wash her hands, then her face. The sink water ran dark with the dirt. Anyone else in the Lady's room would likely be appalled, but at this point Vic didn't care. After grabbing a wad of paper towel to dry her hands and face, Vic once more looked in the mirror and mustered a quiet "I did it Pops... now what." This whole trip was meant to be their last Father-Daughter outing before she went to college next year, but now...? Now was time for pizza. Filling her nalgene bottle from the faucet, Vic stuffed it back into her backpack and went out the door to stand in line finally.