TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

BASIC INFO

A recently added UP member world, Olum, has several sources of mystical energy that can be used to block Chronoblivion's spying on Legion World and attack the Herald doing it. However, these energy sources lie in a sacred area only accessible through a single access point -- and people are only allowed through after a marriage ritual. Asking special permission for access, or for the objects to be handed over by the Olumites has led to their refusal, leading to the Legion sending a team of holo-disguised Legionnaires to get fake-married. If the Legionnaires don't complete the sacred journey, the marriages are automatically nullified, anyway, allowing the fake couples to simply take the objects and leave.

However, the Legionnaires must pass through the rituals (in an alien version of the Newlyweds' game), to successfully access Olum's sacred lands.

SETTING

BASIC MAP

Olum is a lush, inhabited world that recently was inducted into United Planets and has since welcomed tourists and culture-seekers to explore its many wonders. One of the areas it's most well known for is the Matihara resort and temple area. While the Olumites have many temples and places through Olum that perform marriage ceremonies, Matihara is a place where important rituals are undertaken that allow couples to marry for the first time or renew their vows, then travel through one of their holy lands. All married Olumites are encouraged to make the pilgrimmage at least once in their lifetimes.

The holy lands are protected by a circular mountain range that is impassable. Massive ancient magitech machines that float over the holy lands provide a forcefield that make it impossible for anyone to fly in from overheard or teleport in. Even those that climb over the mountains find themselves coming up against the forcefield wall.

The only way through the mountain range is through Matihara temple, which is set into the mountains and provides a passage through. Matihara temple provides accommodations for couples undergoing the rituals, and a spa. In front of the temple are beaches and temple grounds where various marriage rituals are undertaken. Once a couple has undertaken at least some of the rituals, they may go through the main doors of the temple, through to the holy lands.

Once a couple gets to the holy lands, they will find themselves in a magically shifting landscape that challenges them and their partner. The usual goal for couples is to make a full pilgrimage to Letifa, a holy mountain in the center of the holy lands, where they anoint themselves in a colorful, glittery pollen of plants that grow only on the mountain to prove they successfully reached it. However, the Legionnaires will only be required to find magical crystalline fossils scattered through the holy lands, before they turn back.

Couples that turn back without reaching the mountain will have their marriages considered automatically annulled and are encouraged to try again later after working on improving their relationship, or may undergo a ceremony where the couple dissolves their relationship but tries to do so on positive terms to honor the good that came of it.

While tourists and otherworlders are welcomed to the Olumite ceremony, the entire affair is very much unchanged from its original nature and not meant to cater to casual tourists. The temple is an ancient building, carved into the mountains, and the temple grounds are blended in with the area's environment. Many buildings and structures in the area are grown instead of built, out of massive plants and huge flowers, and colorful bugs the size of basketballs can be seen flying around. Multi-colored birds can be heard singing, with a much more varied range of music than most Earth birds, and amphibians can be heard rhythmically croaking from the swampier areas.

The ritual is supposed to take 3-4 days. The first 2 days are spent in Matihara temple and the temple grounds. Then the actual trip through the holy lands to the mountain and back usually takes 1-2 days.

MATIHARA TEMPLE GROUNDS

The temple grounds are in a lush, jungle-like area. Any structures there are grown out of huge plants with flowers the size of people. Many of these areas are shrouded in netting in striking colors that keep out bugs. In the ritual areas, couples must engage in at least two of the rituals to get through to the holy lands, and are encouraged to engage in all three. (Players may handwave rituals if they don't want to play them all out).

RITUAL AREAS

SINGING STONES CEREMONY

The Olumites are a people that find great significance in music, and their magical technology plays around with different harmonics. In the singing stones area, couples can stand in a circle of magitech stones that magically assess a character's memories and personality and create a beautiful song that's meant to represent them. This song is an honest appraisal of the person, containing both beautiful parts and discordant parts. That said, even those who are troubled or emotionally damaged may find parts of their song that are still beautiful. While using the stones, the couple can listen to their songs and see if they sound in harmony or not.

RELATIONSHIP REVIEW CEREMONY

Using another magitech stone array, couples can connect in a mind link that allows them to hear each other's thoughts and review memories of times they were together -- or times they were apart -- that give them some insight into their relationship. These memories can come in many forms (of the player's choosing). Sometimes they're just flashing mental images, immersive enough that both people feel they're standing there watching them play out, or so intense enough that the couple temporarily experiences the memories as if they're happening all over again.

Only the couple can see the memories, though a marriage guide often stands by to verbally guide the couple through it and help coax them out if they've gone too deep.

SEARCHING QUESTIONS

Aka the newlywed game. NPC Olumite "marriage guides" guide couples through different questions about each other and encourage them to write down the answers they think are correct, then reveal them after. They may ask anything from "what is your partner's favorite show" to deeper questions about their past. These marriage guides usually use information from their registration forms to make sure the questions are sensitive to culture, sexuality, gender orientation, etc. Characters will have to try their best to fake their way through.

Possible example questions to use: 1, 2, 3.

SWIMMING AREA

WATERSLIDES AND GLADES

There are many swimming areas in the temple grounds, among all the vines, oversized flowers, and carved stone. There are pristine pools in private glades, and pools that can be explored in caves filled with glowing crystal. In some areas, natural waterslides have been carved out of stone or formed by long tube-like vines and flowers.

TUNNEL OF LOVE

It's not quite as corny as the ones at the fair, but there is a particular path through the waterways that's more beautiful than the others, and couples can ride a natural current in massive floating lily-like flowers to see it. In many places on that route, the colors of the plants and stones overhead are perfectly reflected on the water. At night this "tunnel" through the vine-covered waterways is lit up by luminescent flowers and firefly and butterfly-like insects that glow in all different colors.

BEACH AREA

BEACH

And what would this a place like this be without beaches? There's a nude/topless beach for adults only, as based on their home culture's laws. (In the case of the UP, citizens must be 18+ to go there, as UP adults 14-17 have different laws governing relationships than normal citizenship). The other beach is for those who aren't allowed on the nude beach, or prefer to stay at least partially clothed. The white sand is soft, almost powdery under bare feet, and the water is a clear turquoise shading to purple at its depths. And from those depths sometimes come frella rays, giant red, yellow, and purple sea rays who are very friendly to swimmers!

Beach goers can also choose to go windsailing on the remarkably sturdy leafy plants that grow out in the water. All they have to do is break them free from the stems holding them in place. (New ones grow daily!)

FLOATYPUFF RIDES

The floatypuff rides are further down the beach. They look almost like seed pods, floating gently on the breeze, but they're electronically tethered to the area so they won't get lost or damaged. Guests can ride inside the clear bubbles at the bottom of each pod, resting comfortably on cushions as the floatypuffs take them on a slow tour of a mile of beautiful shoreline and cliffside caverns.

MATIHARA TEMPLE

ACCOMMODATIONS

The temple is carved into the mountains, so all the rooms inside have stone walls. Each has a single bed, made of a membranous plant-like material that can be programmed for comfort for the couple's species. The size of the bed can be expanded as large as it needs to be for species (and for numbers of people, for polygamous partnerships). Each room also has a large, luxurious bath set into the floor that can be cool or heated. Flower petals come out of the faucets automatically with the water.

SPA

The temple has a luxurious spa, with heated pools, couples' massage rooms, frumpmud baths, and other typical spa treatments. All of the treatments (lotions, body scrubs, etc.) are natural, created from the plant-life around the temple and are the same luxurious treatments the Olumites have been using for thousands of years. For that reason, there is an almost transcendental, ritualistic vibe to the treatments, and couples are encouraged to use them as a time for reflection and meditation.

PASSAGE AND SENDING TREE

The passage through the main part of the temple allows couples through after they've performed at least 2 of the rituals. High columns and ceilings give way to massive stone doors at the end of the hall. One the other side is a stone bridge that leads to a pavillion set into a massive tree, the Sending Tree. Here marriage guides equip couples with supply bags with food and waterskins, provide one last blessing on the couple and send them on their way.

HOLY LANDS

TESTING PATHS

It is (usually) only 5 miles to Mt. Letifa each way (10 miles round trip). However, the forested and rocky paths to the mountain are magical and provides tests to challenge couples. Paths can lengthen, purposefully change to get them lost, turn treacherously mountainous and difficult to traverse, and sometimes even create frightening illusions of dangerous wildlife. The weather can also change to become rainy and windy, and while the temperature will never drop enough for the couple to get hypothermia, it can be nippy and unpleasant, and hard to move through the wind. (Couples can often find that cuddling in the rain under plant cover is a good way to get warmer and make the rain go away faster).

While it's impossible to come to any real harm while traveling (all of these hurdles are illusory, and even a high fall would end with someone magically landing in something soft, like a pile of leaves), they still make getting to the mountain require cooperation, mutual protection, and patience. The more a couple squabbles, and the less they cooperate, the more difficult the hurdles become.

While many of the Legionnaires won't have to traverse all the way to the mountain to get the magical stone they've been assigned to get, each team will still have to struggle through the testing paths to get to them.

MT. LETIFA

For the rare few that have a stone on the mountain itself, the climb isn't impossible, but it does require some effort and cooperation to get through the stone paths. That said, the mountain isn't unkind, and adjusts for each couple to make the climb within the realm of possibility.

At the top of the mountain are giant flowers that don't grow anywhere else in the holy lands or the planet Olum. Those that wish to complete the ritual and actually get married must cover their entire bodies with the golden, metallic pollen.

The return trip from Letifa (or those just leaving the holy lands after giving up) is usually much easier. The trip down the mountain is always pleasant and seems to pass more quickly than should be possible, and the testing paths provide a scenic, pleasant route.

PLOT SECTIONS

PART 1

Part 1 of the plot covers the first 2 days in and around the temple. During this time, characters may only access the temple grounds and the temple itself. Couples are encouraged to enjoy the various luxuries and are expected to do at least 2 of the 3 rituals (though players can handwave whatever they want).

This part of the plot will have a subthread for the rituals, and a subthread where players can rp anything else on temple grounds and in the temples.

PART 2

On the 3rd day, after they've performed at least 2 rituals, couples are allowed to go through the main passage of the temple to the other side. Then they must travel 1-2 days through the holy lands to reach their respective assigned magical stone. Once retrieved, they can head back to the temple, to have their marriages annulled. (Or validated for the rare few that want to really get married or renew vows, that go all the way to the mountain and back). Once they return to the temple, regardless of whether or not they failed or succeeded, they're encouraged to engage in a special going-away feast that is thrown every night, where they can honor their new marriage, pledge to improve their relationship, or celebrate what was good about their relationship as they break up.

Both parts of the plot will be posted at the same time and players can simply move from one to the other when they've reached that point ICly.

MISSION OBJECTIVE

The Herald ("The Devil") that is spying magically on Legion World is a particularly nefarious threat. Kid Q has consulted with friendly mages from Sorceror's World, who have tried to lay down magical barriers and traps for him and none have succeeded or even detected him the way they're supposed to. The Book of Magic the team got from The Wizard at the Rock of Eternity has thus magically assessed their situation and provided a solution.

In the holy lands of Olum, there are stone fossils of dead magical creatures that can be used in a spell to finally make Legion World secure against the Herald. Unfortunately the Olumites, while now part of the UP, have denied all requests for the team to pick these up as part of Legion duty. Due to their deep religious beliefs, they prohibit anything being removed from the holy lands and only allow those undergoing the ritual to even enter them.

Thus, Kid Q has assigned teams to fake their way through the ritual (which is something that would make the Olumites frown but isn't technically disallowed). The partners Kid Q has assigned are often already couples, friends, or people that seem like they might work together well. However, a few couples may have been paired up as something of a exercise in tolerance and cooperation. If you would like to handwave that Kid Q assigned your odd couple due to an impish sense of humor, you may.

FOOD/TECHNOLOGY/LAWS/ETC.

FOOD

In the temple grounds, there are two main eating areas, one that couples pre-ritual can eat at, and one that couples post-ritual can eat at, upon their return from the holy lands. Both are cafeteria style with tables made out of vines, leaves, and other plant-life, with cushions around them for seating.

Couples can also have private meals in their rooms in the temple.

The food served is mostly fruit, root vegetables, and bean-like plants that are protein sources, often cooked very well with a variety of alien spices. For diets that are totally incompatible with the Olumite diet, outside food is brought in.

TECHNOLOGY

The only tech allowed in resort are personal communications devices and cameras. Fortunately, that means characters can retain their omnicoms to use to scan for the fossils once they reach the holy lands. No personal computers or other devices are allowed, and there are no TVs or other technology in the temple. Even the lights aren't electrical. The temple and temple grounds are lit with candles, torches, and bio-luminescent light sources.

The Legionnaires will all be fitted with hologram generators that let them subtly disguise their appearance, since Legionnaires showing up to get married would be suspicious after Kid Q's request. These devices are disguised as watches or jewelry, and are waterproof and very difficult to break.

No tech also means no flight rings.

LEGAL BIZ

Marriages performed by the Olumites are technically binding if any couples go to the mountain and return to complete the ritual. After the mission, they would simply be validated with the UP government by Kid Quantum. However, not completing the journey leads to an automatic annulment upon the couple's return to the temple.

While undergoing the ritual just to get the stones isn't technically illegal, it would be unwise for the Legionnaires to reveal why they're really there.

CLOTHES

The Olumites expect people undergoing the ritual to wear soft and colorful ceremonial garb, loin-clothes and upper body wraps that can be a little...revealing. For those that are particularly uncomfortable with the garb, however, robes can be provided to put over top. Those that go with the minimalist look will find that the weather is pleasant enough they won't ever feel cold.

HOW NPCING WILL WORK:

Players are expected to npc whatever they need for the plot. They may freely npc Olumite marriage guides providing rituals, asking newlywed game style questions, or providing spa services. The Olumites at the resort are very cheerful and meditative, and encouraging. Even for those that don't complete the ritual or face discord between them while doing the rituals, they are encouraging and emphasize that relationships can often be improved. For those that decide to break up during the process, they guide the couple into a healthy breakup, where the good parts of the relationship are mourned and celebrated, and both parties leave on good terms.

Since relationships work differently for many species, and work many ways within species, they will not pressure characters into any physical intimacy that makes them uncomfortable.

Players may also npc other couples if they want to set up amusing situations where their characters feel pressured to fake being close around nosy couples asking how they met.

PLOT START

This plot doesn't require formal signup. Players may simply dump their characters in and go. That said, we will provide a section below for people seeking a partner to fake being a couple with. You may sign up as many characters as you want for this plot.

To opt out characters, you can have them be on the "Gods Among Us" mission, "Other Mother" (for the teens), or handwave them staying on Legion World. Or they can be on tasks or missions elsewhere. (This can be played out or handwaved).

Plot will go up later today: 4/26/17

Please direct questions, concerns, plotting and other issues to the comments below.

Ask us anything or let us know about problems here.

Given that Junkrat's prosthetics are (probably) not waterproof and (probably?) fall into the category of forbidden tech, would there be some Olumite magitech replacements so that the more aqueous parts of the resort are more accessible for him?

That would be fine! Either that or Brainy could provide something for him to take with him. Your pick.

I think he'd prefer checking out what the locals have to offer instead of taking something from his "boss". While in Rome, etc.!

~~also a bit of a pride thing because Why Can Brainy Make Them But I Can't, the answer is "you don't have enough time junkrat"~~

If you don't already have a partner in mind for your character to get fake-married with, you can use this thread to find one. Make sure that if you comment, you also look around to see if someone else is available that already commented.

If someone can handle the stoic, idiom/proverb spouting ninja, he is available for a partner.

MARRY HER

i mean, elphelt is all about this. marriage is her whole gimmick.

If she's not too mad at Genji being a bit rude in his attempt to help, well...

nah, she was going to beat herself up over what happened during the mission with or without his help

but she still really admires the guy, so she wouldn't mind at all. his patience may be put to its greatest test, however

He has a lot of that, thankfully. His memories can be a bit harsh and violent though. If it's a problem, that's cool.

honestly, so can hers. they're gonna learn a lot about each other, hoo boy

Does anyone want a virgin bride?

So who's up for pretending to be married to the spitfire elf?

hey hey marjara, do you want to marry the other franchise's protag?

If you want a spider.

Who thinks that they could stick with someone who's forbidden by law to have relationships like this?

Expect either extreme disgruntlement or someone trying her best to imitate a romance novel.

SO! Also. A warning: Her memory sharing sessions will probably get pretty intense. She's had quite a bit of trauma and seen a lot of horror in her time. Just fair warning.

Edited 2017-04-26 17:51 (UTC)

Who wants a devoted, playful, and only slightly paranoid neurotic husband for the mission? Live in AI partner is a bonus.

Will York pass up on the only chance he probably has of getting a smooch from America?

Then again, the memory-share session might get intense on her part.

He can take it! Sort of. Probably. He's game, I'm game!

What could possibly go wrong.

Looking for two people to get "dumped" when Parker decides that she is really not okay with pretending to be in a relationship with someone else while Hardison is also pretending to be in a relationship with someone else.

(Parker probably won't punch anyone. Probably. She make break some beer bottles with her bare hands though.)

What a first mission to be on.

Because I don't think I've got everyone on Plurk. If anyone is still in need of a partner, I'll throw Joey in this plot as well.

Seras could use a partner. If Joey doesn't mind seeing a past full of bloodbaths...

There's mind and there's mind. He'd get upset (in the sad, not mad implication) regardless of the specifics of the bloodbath, because innocent lives lost.

Honestly, it's probably not going to be worse than some of the things she'd see in his head, if they opted for that ritual. The "my sort of girlfriend's parents opted to turn themselves into giant cockroaches rather than face a world with nuclear weapons and President Trump" part still gives him the willies, and, uh, there's that whole part where he went crazy and tried to kill a lot of superheroes that we don't talk about.

It's not going to be fun for both of them. But I think it would be rather interesting to see how it plays out.

Works for me!

Sorry this took so long.

While characters are expected to spend time with their fake partner, they're not expected to be glued to them, and people can socialize and explore the resort with anyone.

Or do things like mess with their teammates by asking them schmoopy questions about how they fake-met in front of strangers.

You can use this thread for any plotting.

Do you need your couple to be lovingly supported or harassed? Videl is here for all your wingman/rude peanut gallery needs! Offer can include optional Gohan to mitigate any damage Videl is bound to cause.

Or just plot with meeee. And possibly Gohan (because yes I will volunteer Luis's character without asking him).

Oh my god, I need Videl to heckle Miku.

I am 1000% here for this o7

Videl is here to make your fake marriage as awkward and adorable as possible.

Robbie's gonna be fake-hooking up with Vance, but given that they're going to treat the questions ritual like the Lightning Round of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego or the 25,000 Pyramid scene of Will & Grace, he'll probably have some extra time on his hands.

Goofing off is welcome, as is anyone looking to have a quiet, more serious talk about how this doesn't feel right.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD [modplot/infopost]

MOD QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/ETC. HERE

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LOOKING FOR A PARTNER

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Re: LOOKING FOR A PARTNER

MARRY HER

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PLOTTING

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