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[ It's been a few days since Corvo stepped out of the Porter, and he's spent them in a sort of daze, so much information in such a short amount of time. He's spent the majority of his free time locked away in his room, studying the various papers and gadgets he's been given and filing away what things he can make sense of. Productive, perhaps, but not social, and after living the life he has, the lack of contact is starting to grate on his nerves.

He's spent a good amount of time familiarizing himself with his communicator, reading posts and watching other imports interact, and in a fit of pique he opens up a window of his own, and begins to type. He's still wary of venturing outside, but if he wants to gather any useful information on his new home, he'll have to start somewhere. If nothing else, it will be a learning experience. ]

My apologies for not using video. It wouldn't be very useful for communication, at this point.

[ Not until he finds either a translator (unlikely) or someone he can sign with (even more unlikely). ]

It's been a few days since my... is arrival an accurate term? It feels too positive.

But I digress.

Do any of you have any suggestions for settling in? I haven't had the time yet to wander on my own, and the information I was given was sorely lacking.

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Unfortunately, exploring seems to be the best method to figure the area out for yourself. [ If text could sound annoyed at how much work that was... ]

But settling, that's much more difficult. I recommend doing something you enjoy, or relearning how to do something you enjoy here.

Oh, I'm aware I'll have to go out at some point. I would just prefer if I had some sort of plan beforehand, instead of venturing out into an unknown city unprepared.

That's actually quite helpful. Thank you.

A plan? Have you never heard of meandering? Or are you simply the sort who thinks the destination is more important than the journey?

Me? I like to go wherever I wish.

Neither. I just like to have a sort of outline for my day. Somewhere to start, somewhere to end.

Perhaps even something to do in-between.

Oh? And what does a mysterious traveller like yourself enjoy doing in-between, then?

No more mysterious a traveller than the many others that step through the Porter every month, I assure you.

But ideally if I could return home with some new clothes at the end of this adventure, I would consider it a success. [ As much as he loves his coat, it's not very useful in Heropa's current climate. ]

Quite so? I'm afraid it won't go with you, no matter what you do -- but I've heard it can be quite hot here from time to time.

Everyone seems to complain about it, at least.

[ Says the guy who wears a frock coat in Florida. ]

have a few drinks take in the sights dont be too hard on yourself when things dont make any fucking sense - for a while anyway

That seems like reasonable advice.[ A drink sounds perfect at the moment, if he's honest. ] Any suggestions for places to have those drinks?

From what I've read [ and seen from his window ] it sounds like venturing out to 'see the sights' is an invitation for trouble at the moment.

I'm trying. That's a sight harder than it sounds, unfortunately.

heh glad you think so. there's a couple bars ive hit lately. i'll send you a map.

[BEEP BOOP a map.txt appears.]

eh depends on where you are - place i live is usually pretty quiet yeah always is

Much appreciated.

[ There's a few minutes of nothing as he studies the map ] What are the crowds like at these places? Are they very busy?

not a problem hmmm not so much when they first open - mostly just drunkards in then, and they dont tend to bother anyone. evenings get busier - more crowded but theres a couple of them you can usually find a dark corner for some privacy if thats what youre after

Good, that's exactly what I'm after.

Loud crowds are not my cup of tea anymore, unfortunately.

sort of figured people dont generally ask for less-crowded places when they're feeling like mingling

Pick something positive and use it ironically, if that's bothering you.

As for settling in...find something to do that's close to what you'd do at home, I guess.

It's not, it just feels inaccurate. But it isn't really that important.

The only things I can think of require a great deal of communication. And while I'm not opposed to it, I imagine writing things down could be a bit tedious for others, not to mention inconvenient.

What, in the age of texting and emails? I'm sure it'd work out fine.

Make some friends. Find something to do with yourself, a job or school.

I have been given a job, and from what I've gathered it's mainly sedentary work. Interesting but not engaging. [ Boring, in other words. ]

School is an interesting suggestion. Do they offer courses for adults?

You can get a different job if you'd like. Depending on where you live, it's easier or harder for imPorts, though being registered helps.

Yes. Is there something you'd like to learn?

Ask the network for questions, if you have them. Explore whichever city you live in, and connect to other imPorts and the people there.

If you have more specific questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

my totally useful advice for settling in:

step 1) find a place that serves food you like and delivers
step 2) find something to do that you'd do at home even if they arent paying you to do it
step 3) hope that your new roommates arent terrible because apparently thats a common trend

also step 4) dont go to big public events unless you have to, things have been kinda nuts lately

Edited 2015-09-14 06:08 (UTC)

Most of your tips appear to involve not leaving the house. Is this a new development or has this world always been so hazardous? [ If your goal was to convince Corvo to not leave his house, you've effectively just done the exact opposite. Now he's intrigued. ]

oh huh that was kind of coincidental, but i do kinda spend a lot of time at home i guess.

the only stuff that's really been hazardous is big government sponsored gatherings

My biggest piece of advice would be "don't panic", but it seems you're holding up well.
Sadly, most information will remain lacking. There is an updated FAQ, which I would recommend perusing if you haven't yet.

It's much easier to appear composed over text than in person, admittedly.

I have read the FAQ, multiple times. I suppose it's just a matter of going out on my own now, isn't it? You can only learn so much from the written word after all.

That would be my recommendation.
May I ask where you are from?

Nowhere familiar to you, I'm certain. A general description would be a city of similar size, although very different in terms of technology... and government.

[ He's not trying to be curt, but it's difficult to explain Dunwall here. He has no examples from which to draw comparisons that might make sense for others. ]

That's not uncommon. I believe there are programs established in all of the cities with a porter to assist those who come from very different places. You could look into those.

I hope the adjustment is not too difficult for you. I know firsthand how disorienting it can be here.

I did see something to that effect but I prefer to learn individually, if that makes sense.

Thank you. I appreciate your help.

Of course. If I may help in any way, please let me know.

[Maine's not much the type to offer information or explanations to newcomers, it's far too much communication and it doesn't suit him, minimally social as he is. So he doesn't really give much thought to answers to the real question at hand. He's drawn in by something else, however. By no stretch of the imagination is Maine particularly an intellectual, but he can certainly put two and two together. Most likely the reason why this guy couldn't use video well is because he couldn't speak. Maine gets that, more than most people here.]

Wouldn't worry about the text
Never got complaints about using it even when they're using voice or video

Ah. So I take it I'm not the only one then. Good to know. [ Corvo's not about to suggest they celebrate or anything, but it's nice to know he's not technically alone. ]

So far it hasn't been a problem, but then again I haven't yet had to communicate with anyone face to face... aside from my housemate.

people usually figure something out
what do you normally do?

[Since even he knows that "indistinct growling noises" is not the way most people deal with an inability/disinclination towards speaking.]

Back... home, I was fortunate enough to have my [ daughter? empress? ] charge insist on the both of us learning to sign to facilitate communication.

[ Turns out angry huffing and vague sighs of exasperation are also not very useful when it comes to holding a conversation, to no one's surprise. ]

It's only slightly similar to what I've seen here, unfortunately.

[Signing. Maine had heard of such a thing a few times in passing. He didn't know much about it, really.]

Do a lot of people here know how to do that?

"Settling in" is too positive; for one that has been stolen from their world, I should expect more discontent.

[Not that it surprises him. He wouldn't be the first imPort to take all of this in calmly. ~~They all can't be angry like you all the time, Alduin.~~]

Perhaps if there was a specific person to hold accountable, I would be more discontent. As it stands now there is no one person, so what point is there in remaining upset?

[ He's still angry, he's just started internalizing it. ]

Why? Because it implies an acceptance that none should have of their circumstances.

And you are incorrect in saying that there is no one to hold accountable, mey.

Netflix. Immediately. That is a staple for a comfortable life here.

I... don't know what that is. Explain?

Netflix will save your life. It's a streaming service.

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