nc_ooc | Nexus Crossings: The Setting

Nexus Crossings: The Setting

The Nexus can be found a great number of ways. An entrance that always led to your closet. A rusty door in the back of a bar. Ducking through two trees whose branches cross one another. A forgotten crawlspace. Passing through the wrong shadowy alley. Simply falling asleep and waking up someplace strange. Even death.

The doorways to the Nexus are as varied as the realm itself. An in-between space. An intersection of all possible worlds. Ever changing, always shifting. Unpredictable, strange and thrilling. Modern urban sprawl can give way to wild woods in as little at five steps. Ruins of a civilization from a world time forgot leeching into farmers’ markets and pleasant pavilions. Sometimes a path you followed yesterday will lead someplace completely new tomorrow. Landmarks rearrange themselves depending on the time of day and a cozy tea shop you found last week will be replaced with a curio shop today.

Another outstanding feature of the Nexus is the Anti-Violence Field. No one knows precisely how it is generated or how it operates, but it shields all travellers and inhabitants with protection. Unless both parties consent to battle, no one can be physically harmed by another.

The place is unpredictable and terminally in flux, but that is part of the charm. You never know what you’re going to find, who you’re going to meet, or where you’re going to go. Will you mark that door you found back in your world and move freely between home and here? Will you find your way back has vanished once you stepped through and are now stranded? Will you willingly settle here in the Nexus and explore it’s many doorways to other dimensions?

The Nexus is a locus of possibilities. Come explore them.

~~~

Nexus-Crossings is a panfandom open RP community. There is no need for applications and no activity checks. The amount of characters you bring in is limited only by your imagination and desire to play. Simply join with your character journal(s) and jump into the game. OCs, AUs and all canons are welcome.

The community is driven by the playerbase. While mods may introduce events and plots, the players are highly encouraged to do the same. With a little moderator clearance or interest check, anyone can prompt activities ranging from bake sales to combative invasion. The setting is made to be as nebulous and varied as our players are.

Another common occurrence in Nexus-Crossings are temporary, character-altering anomalies, colloquially known as “LOLs”. Gender switches, de-aging, bodyswapping: any manner of transformation can take place in the Nexus. All LOLs are opt-in and not required participation, meant just to facilitate character growth and encourage character interaction through strange circumstances.

Players are encouraged to make up their own locations, events and plots. The setting is big enough and fluid enough to accommodate any idea. In the comment section below, you'll find the major hubs of the Nexus. In the course of your RP, if you wish to establish a set location that others can reference in their RP, feel free to write a description of it and include it as a comment. Just put the name of the locale in the subject line and give any and all established details.

Examples of this sort of thing would include: a shop your character runs; a landmark used often by your friends as a meeting place; an animal or fruit your character has seen or found in The Wilds; a bar or restaurant frequented by your character. It can be any object, location, NPC, merchandise, home, shop or office that you would like to share with your fellow players or would like to establish as recurring.

Finally, the Anti-Violence Field is a safety measure to ensure characters aren't endangered unless they consent to it OOCly. Combat can still happen, and events can cause the field to fail. But no character can be ambushed or assaulted if the player does not wish it to happen.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask the mods. We are here to help!

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

The center of the Nexus. A place festooned with seating of all types, seeming to favour various colours of overstuffed sofas. Other chairs to be found include: park benches, loveseats, armchairs, bar stools with accompanying tables, beanbags, large weathered rocks, fainting couches, and more. Where all these seats come from, no one's really sure. They have just always been there and seem to replenish themselves should something occur to damage or remove them.

Also scattered around are computer kiosks. Perfect for having a digital conversation, answering emails or submitting information via text or video feed.

This is the place for fielding questions, asking advice, making declarations and answering queries. It is the general 'hang-out' spot of the Nexus, perfect for meeting new people.

Finding the occasional coffee cart or café is not uncommon here. Get yourself a mocha and have a conversation!

In a meeting of all worlds, it's inevitable that someone's going to try and make a buck. The Nexus is not without its commerce, the area where businesses amass colloquially known as Downtown. Its layout is just as chaotic as the rest of the Nexus; streets don't always meet the same cross section as before and directions aren't always foolproof. But these little diversions usually just means you'll find a new shortcut or discover a neat little shop you'd never noticed before.

There are marketplaces, there are grocery stores, there are strip malls, there are booths, there are offices. If you can legally obtain it with whatever tender you carry, you can likely find it if you explore enough. And don't worry if you don't have the right kind of cash; you can't throw a rock without hitting a currency exchange.

And for everything illegal you could possibly want, there's a seedier area if you walk just a bit further that folks refer to as The Underbelly. Granted, not everything here is legally questionable; rumour has it there's some pretty good dives that serve up some great bar food and cheap beer. And legality is pretty subjective in a place like the Nexus, right? Right.

But with that said, this is the place to go for gambling, rumours, shady exchanges and all other sundry under-the-table purchases and business practices. No questions asked so long as you don't ask any in turn. A great place to carry out meetings or exchanges you don't want getting back to your homeworld!

Sometimes you just wanna get back to nature. Wander in the direction opposite of Downtown and you'll soon find the tilework and flooring of the Plaza eventually giving way to grass and roots. Pillars will be replaced by trees. The bustle of foot traffic and crowds melt into the chirping of birds and rustling of the wind. Welcome to The Wilds.

Like every section of the Nexus, it's not hard to find a wide variety of terrain. Rolling hills, dense forests, open meadows, grassy fields. It's also not uncommon to stumble across ruins of buildings or castles overtaken by vine and moss, or gardens maintained by an unseen tender. Fruit trees, mushrooms and nuts are resplendent in the right locations, but exercise caution before eating anything you find, given the Nexus' track record with transformative food items.

Exploration can also turn up bodies of water. Lakes of varying murkiness or magical properties, tranquil streams, majestic waterfalls. Exercise as much caution around these locales as you would the edibles; drinking the water is usually not the smartest idea.

Things live in the woods and water alike. Anti-violence field or not, be careful of trekking The Wilds alone.

Made in the style of the American railroad dining car restaurants, this tiny hole in the wall eatery has everything a classic American diner should have. A long bar, a few booths lined up along the large front window, and the kitchen. That's it, that's all you need.

The entire place is run by a single couple, known only to the locals as Nana and her husband Pappy. Nana is the face of the diner, an older dark skinned woman with your grandmother's fuss over how skinny you are and with every intention to fatten you up. She fusses over all of her patrons, and especially her regulars, treating them as if they were her own family. Pappy can usually be seen working away in the kitchen, all smiles as he prepares the diner's specialty of American comfort foods.

The locale is known for their breakfasts, as diners often are, but the specialty meals seem to be biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, meatloaf, and specialty macaroni and cheeses.

Feel free to stop by, but you better come hungry and expect to leave with a new set of Grandparents.

An offshoot of Downtown leads into someplace smoggier, with wider roads and less storefronts. If you've ever wondered how people get their merchandise from their worlds in bulk, the answer lies here!

The Industrial District is dominated by storehouses and factories, places of storage and production. Silos, junkyards, warehouses, mechanics. Portals in this area tend to be much bigger to accommodate for vessels transporting their goods back and forth. It's a great place to get your spaceship in for repairs or just juicing it up with some rare Nexus tech.

For casual, family-friendly dining in the neighborhood, it's gotta be... Piccione's! Owned and operated by the pigeon-man Piccione himself and staffed by his lovely wife and daughters, this tiny, classic pizzeria and Italian diner is a favorite among the beastial races of the Nexus. Specialty meals for particular animal palates are available on the secret menu. Everything can be taken in from the entrance: Five checker-clothed tables, chairs that don't remotely match, and a wall full of photographs of the smiling regulars. Come often and you can be featured too! Humans and non-animals are welcome, of course!

They cater! They deliver! They even host parties! Small, small parties.

Mention Piccione's in your thread? Reply here with a link!

(image credit: X | Art by me!)

Piccione's debut was the thread 'Happy Birthday, Viatorus!' They provided the pizza, which

ixis ate all by himself.

You want VHS? You want DVDs? You want holocasts? You wanna rent that one pair of virtual reality goggles that smells like taco sweat? You want... FLIXBUSTER!

Bathe in the cool fluorescent lighting, consider the artful yellowing of the curling movie posters from across the multiverse, watch the films the employees put in that old CRT hanging from the ceiling, and ponder the nature of that vaguely crusty VHS box. Tall stacks of films are crammed tightly together in this compact maze of movies. Don't see what you want? Ask the employees to check the stock room: they're bound to find what you want behind the closed 'Employees Only' door.

Interested in watching a movie with your friends? Rent the back room for access to the prestigious projection screen that pulls down from the ceiling and access to dozens of metal folding chairs – some with cloth cushions!

Edited 2016-03-31 14:00 (UTC)

Hidden down a twisting path is the ruin of an ancient agora. Within its high walls the shadows cluster deep and thick, making the perfect place for spies and thieves to do business beneath the cracked pillars and broken doorways. Its location is something of a secret, but if you’re looking to do the right kind of business, you may be directed there by helpful associates - or by lucky chance.

At the back of the central courtyard is a fountain of inky water. It flows from beneath the stone sculpture of a hooded woman with ravens perched upon her outspread arms. Rumor has it this is the divine patron of the market’s denizens. Some say she’s been known to do business here herself.

But then, the people of the market will tell you anything they’re paid to.

Despite the name, there’s no coat of arms to be seen.

Something between a cafe and a restaurant, this establishment is a narrow place of winding stairs, hidden nooks and out-of-the way fireplaces. What it lacks in openness and lighting it makes up in coziness and style. The decor is primarily wood paneling and muffling carpets, though the floorboards beneath creak in odd, strategic places. The walls and entrance-way hold a few pieces of art, mainly ambiguous landscapes and abstract wood sculptures.

Regardless of its private feel, all visitors are welcome and no questions are asked of them besides their choice of fare. The menu carries simple meals and a wide selection of drinks, especially teas, coffees, klava and other beverages suitable for lingering over. Perhaps this is why the Arms are popular with those seeking a place for quiet meetings or study sessions.

Several species of airborne ammonite/nipponite can be found bobbing around woodlands, parks and orchards around the Wilds. Their shells come in a variety of shapes from the classic coiled spiral to ‘astronaut’s toothpaste’, often brightly patterned and ornamented. They are quite docile and will accept chunks of fruit and small eggs from visitors; picnickers will often find a few bobbing up to wave hopeful tentacles at them.

If there is an equally airborne mosasaur which preys upon them, no-one has documented it yet.

Edited 2016-04-02 21:35 (UTC)

On the border of the Plaza, close to the edge of The Wilds, stands The Grand Library. A grand staircase leads up to its doors, their design a testament to the strange amalgam this mecca in the meeting of the multiverse is. The tall, arched entry way and high vaulted ceilings remind one of the largest episcopal libraries of Earth - any Earth - rather than the deep vault of magic it is.

Inside, the walls of each of the many floors are stacked high with books, their ranks often broken by large, often stained glass, windows or strange artifacts from across the many worlds of the multiverse. Beautifully ornamented staircases usher patrons between levels and seating areas both large and small decorate the floors to offer a place to rest between searches for new volumes of knowledge. Rows upon rows of bookshelves across each of the library's floors offer an infinite number of volumes on any subject someone could dare to think of. A true scholar's delight.

Small rooms punctuate the edges of the library's walls. Some are filled with the most advanced computing technology available, allowing for deep searches of the Nexus' internet offerings. Others are more humble, calling back to simpler times. One can find a room suited to the Renaissance scholar next to one suited for the discerning PhD candidate of the early 2000's.

No need is too small, or great, for the staff of librarians. Hailing from across the multiverse, they come in all shapes and sizes, offering their own expertise to the library's patrons. They're happy to recommend new volumes for research or pleasure, as well as to aid you in searching the web or checking out a few books to take home. Just be sure to bring them back - there's nothing a librarian hates more than to see their precious volumes leave and never return and they will be loathe to let you take any more home if you don't return what you've already borrowed.

Edited 2016-05-14 04:12 (UTC)

It's clear a great battle was fought here once.

But whatever the outcome, it's clear that this section of the city was destroyed, and subsequently lost to the Wilds of the Nexus.

Annihilated buildings, shattered from some powerful, outside force. Broken like trees in the wood. Most of these buildings have since been reclaimed by the Nexus's definition of nature. Trees and plants growing over and through them, animals having since made the empty husks their homes.

One building, in particular, was a tower of smooth glass, shining metal, and evidence of former technology. It, too, has not fared well. Even broken in half as it apparently is, it's still the tallest among the rest. Nature has started to reclaim it, too.

Keen eyes and memories (and finding certain signs that are still intact and readable) will see that this was part of some flavor of New York City, although it's suffered some form of Apocalypse given the sheer amount of damage to everything that's still standing.

Whatever the case, it's quiet. Save for the occasional gust of wind through empty streets. Whatever happened here has long since past.

Let's be honest: It was inevitable. Somewhere on the bowels of the Industrial District is a massive. Massive clan of small, hooded creatures that have since made the Nexus their home and place of business. Nobody knows how many of them there are, and frankly, nobody's really tried to ask or count.

Either way, if it's eclectic technology, scavenged (..or possibly stolen) droids, or bizarre shiny things, the local Jawa clan is the place to go.

They seem to have formed some sort of hierarchy, but honestly, it's hard to tell the difference from Jawa to Jawa. However, the one that seems to be the (possibly current, but who the hell knows) leader is usually the one wearing a strange shiny pendant they found at some point.

Set in an open field at what was once an abandon farm is a shooting range with a very simple set-up.

The booths themselves are a simple wooden structure completes a place to put ones ammo and weapons while they work on perfecting their aim. There are even ashtrays for those who smoke, and an old Nuka Cola machine that serves up variety of Nuka Cola.

The field itself has a number of different targets ranging from dummies dressed up as raiders from Danse's world to simple targets at various distances.

At night, the shooting range is still capable of being used thanks to some generators providing power to a number of lights in the field, and inside the booths themselves. And the range is open 24/7.

And if anyone is looking to learn how to use a firearm both Danse and Rosco are willing to show you how for a small fee. And if Danse is not maintaining the shooting range he can be found inside of the barn that has been refurbished into an office and Danse's home. Danse is also willing to sell firearms from his universe as well as show how to operate them. He is even willing to obtain armor and power armor at the request of the buyer for a fee of course.

Edited 2016-10-16 21:30 (UTC)

Off of one of the many roads leading away from the central point of the plaza is a large four story brick building which houses a homey cafe on its ground floor. A very European style outdoor seating area leads to a large glass door with a whimsical wire beater for a handle.

The cafe itself is small: warm colors of reds, oranges and bronze and a wooden floor with an open air kitchen and two modest counters on either side of a small coffee bar. Customers are welcome to dine indoors as well and watch either the pastries or the made to order meals being made.

With such a busy place, it's nice to pop in and get a bite to eat now and again, right?

Edited 2016-10-14 15:13 (UTC)

Curie's Clinic is nothing special and it resembles a shotgun style building or a wooden trailer. The outside doesn't look like much except for the red neon lights saying what service it provides, it is a simple medical clinic.

And inside there is a simple exam room/office, waiting area, and even a small recovery room.

ooc: Named in honor of Bobby.

Singer Salvage Yard is a few acres of land complete with a large number of stacked scrap cars tucked behind a row of trees. This is the place where both Dean and Sam call home in the Nexus and tucked neatly among the row of crushed cars is an old two story cabin where the two brothers reside along with their partner in crime Castiel.

The yard itself has what most salvage yards do besides crushed cars and it comes complete with a work area where Dean tends to his prized possession while he's not working.

The inside of the cabin has a living room, a dated kitchen, basement complete with a number of tools, books, and potion ingredients tucked away on the number of shelves against the wall.

Handy Work is both a hardware store and a furniture store. Here, residents can find any material they need for do it yourself projects. They can also custom order hand- made furniture, mostly done in wood. Freddy will take special requests, on a case by case basis. He'll also have a slow, but steady supply of plain wood furniture.

The furniture is well-balanced between light and sturdy. The carvings are pretty and well done. Freddy, after all, is very good with knives.

For those sickly newcomers who got lost in the Underbelly or people who can't get their hands on any medical help at home and don't know better, there's a two-story building nestled within the more gothic part of the Underbelly. On first glance, it seems to have been converted into a plain old clinic, marked on the outside by a hanging sign with a picture of a cadecus painted onto it. The waiting room, examination room, and reception desk on the first floor look like something out of a vaguely Victorian setting, and aside from the odd decorations and artwork it all seems like a safe place to visit.

Then again, this is a clinic in the Underbelly. So naturally, the whole place happens to be run by an eccentric plague doctor whose treatments may or may not be helpful at all. Seriously, this is a place where you either get ye olde medieval treatments or sprayed in the face with some sort of potent medicine or whatever else the doctor thinks might cure your ills. At least it's relatively cheap, and it's not like he's doing anything too drastic...

Unless the plague doctor somehow gets you to sign a medical waiver. Then God help you, because you just gave him permission to drag you to the laboratory in the basement and preform his more invasive experiments on you. That place looks more like something out of Frankenstein's castle, and in some cases it's really easy to confuse some of the questionable medical devices for instruments of torture. At least the Anti-Violence field still works normally here. For the most part.

As for upstairs... That area's locked to visitors. It's unclear what the plague doctor does up there, but he does use that floor for something. Perhaps he lives here?

Edited 2017-12-28 22:36 (UTC)

The 13th Hour is a large building (easily mistaken for a house), which is located close to the Downtown portion of the Nexus. Established years ago, the building has stood place as a popular mainstay; if you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgic or nerd-welcoming place, then this is the place for you. Inside this multi-level establishment is a wide assortment of rooms filled with different types of entertainment.

Want to meet up with your friends and play a romping game of Bunkers and Badasses while drinking a cold tap beer and eating chocolate chip cookies? Or maybe you’re the type of person who watched too much Ready Player One and has a need to play old-school Joust and Ms. Pac Mac on a well-kept arcade cabinet? The 13th hour has everything your gaming heart desires. Along with an open bar and a small cafe, you never have to leave, until closing time, that is.

The 13th Hour also caters as a unique shopping experience unlike most Nexus driven tourist shops. If you want something cool, like an in-box My Pet Monster or a first edition Charizard, you can put in a request with the staff of 13th Hour to find that retro item you’re looking for. Some requests can be filled easily, but it’s safe to give your request about a week to be fulfilled. 13th Hour staff will not be able to get dangerous weapons (movie props are allowed) nor live-animals (alas, no Mogwai).

Relive the past and cure your nostalgia fever or get on top of the newest game there!

Edited 2018-05-26 01:40 (UTC)

Close to the edge of the plaza, bordering the Downtown district, is a large two-story building, covered in different banners and flyers advertising different pokemon goods.

On the first level of the building in a fully-functional Pokemon Center. If you find an injured Pokemon or want to do some people and Pokemon watching, this is the place to go. Nurse Joy and her pals, Audino and Chansey will be more than happy to help anyone who walks through the door, barring you’re not there to cause trouble.

The second level contains the pokemart, not as tall or big as some department stores, but still carries things a Nexus visitor or Pokemon trainer might need. Pokeballs, Potions, Supplements and even books regarding Pokemon types. The owner, Louis, is a kindly old man who will answer any question you may have about Pokemon and products alike. This is a great spot to meet with trainers and also learn about where they met their Pokemon pals of choice.

If you're looking to catch Pokemon, however, the Wilds would be your best bet.

If you’re looking for a sense of adventure, want to learn about new creatures and maybe even bond with a Pokemon, then seek out the laboratory of Professor Madrone. Having migrated from the Sinnoh region, Professor Madrone has built a home for himself out near the edge of the Wilds, in order to observe and study Pokemon who live in the Nexus.

The house is surrounded by a large metal gate, but if you have a good attitude and ask nicely, the Professor will invite you in. He’s more than happy to offer advice and even help new people catch or befriend a Pokemon partner. Breaking and entering into the laboratory and sanctuary is strictly frowned upon and may result in Nexus authorities being contacted.

Behind the mansion is a large sanctuary for wild Pokemon of different types. Lush forests house Grass and Poison Pokemon, while mountain ridges offer safety for Ground and Rock types. A person can visit back here, but be warned, some Pokemon do not like being disturbed. It's probably best to explore with a Pokemon companion or an experienced Pokemon expert.

Alas, no one has discovered any proof of Legendary Pokemon being here, so get used to seeing tons of Rattata and Zubat.

((If you would like to roleplay anything regarding catching Pokemon or learning about them, feel free to PM this account))

To the left of the Crossroad Café's front entrance, there is a lantern. It hangs at an average waist's height from a curved piece of wrought iron. It looks somewhat cobbled and bolted together and was clearly installed as some kind of afterthought or impulse. Rather than any proper moulding or foundation, the base has just been shoved into the cracks of the sidewalk. That being said, it's wedged in there quite firmly and securely.

The fixture appears to be decorated in a haphazard way. There are chains made from small silver links wound about the post, as well as being part of what the lantern hangs from. Three bronze bells are affixed to the top. The lantern itself is old and ornate, made from iron and dappled glass panes. The light inside appears to be a flame, but it glows with a cold white-blue intensity. Like moonlight. Motes of sparkling blue sometimes drift upward from the flame before dying out softly.

Finally and perhaps MOST important about this fixture is that there is always a sort of silvery, bubbling mist at the base. Some who carry no insight or understanding of magic or the supernatural might have trouble seeing it unless they stare closely or catch it in the corner of their eye. And if someone were to come near to this mist, it's not uncommon for withered little humanoids to surface from the waist up and inspect that person in turn. These beings, known as Messengers, may appear ghoulish with their grey skin, bony bodies and varieties of missing teeth and eyes, but they are completely harmless and in fact very personable! If one were to observe their actions and behaviour, it's clear that these little ones are very much like small children, no older than 4 or 5. They are playful and curious and quick to admire and idolize people they perceive as, frankly, cool. They are also quite helpful, if one is to ask kindly or ply them with sweets, toys or doll-sized clothes for playing pretend.

This lantern, for all its otherworldly and gothic qualities, always exudes a sense of safety and respite, especially for weary travellers and downtrodden fighters.

((If you ever want to RP with or get some input on Messenger activity or interaction, feel free to message this account,

grantuseyes!))

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 1 of 3

Nexus Crossings: The Setting

THE PLAZA

DOWNTOWN

THE UNDERBELLY

THE WILDS

Galley Diner

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT

Piccione's Pizza

Re: Piccione's Pizza

FLIXBUSTER – The Official Host of Nexus Movie Nights

The Night Market

The Yendi's Arms

Aeronautiloids

The Grand Library

no subject

no subject

The Atomic Shooting Range

Crossroads Cafe

Curie's Clinic

Singer Salvage Yard

Handy Work

A Questionable Medical Clinic

13th Hour

Nexus Pokemon Center and Department Store

Pokemon Laboratory and Sanctuary

Hunter's Lantern