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abraxaslogs2021-08-24 10:21 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2021-08-24 10:21 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- !npc,
- alucard; the hierophant,
- amos burton; the lovers,
- brad bakshi; the wheel of fortune,
- coraline finch; the tower,
- eponine thenardier; the hanged man,
- estinien wyrmblood; the hermit,
- geralt of rivia; the hanged man,
- gideon nav; strength,
- harrowhark nonagesimus; the magician,
- hector; the magician,
- himeka sui; the fool,
- homelander; judgement,
- jon sims; the high priestess,
- jordan hennessy; the moon,
- julie lawry; the wheel of fortune,
- kay faraday; the fool,
- kylo ren; the tower,
- lloyd henreid; the lovers,
- louis; death,
- majima goro; the hanged man,
- martin blackwood; the empress,
- nadine cross; the world,
- nero (drakengard); the devil,
- phoenix wright; the lovers,
- relena peacecraft; death,
- roland deschain; death,
- ronan lynch; the moon,
- sam wilson; justice,
- sasarai; judgement,
- stephen strange; death,
- yennefer of vengerberg; the chariot
EVENT #3: AN EXECUTION OF SORTS
THE EXECUTION
As if performing a vicious mockery for what should be a somber day, the sun shines brightly in the sky. The rays of sun catch the iron brackets that hold up the gallows that have been erected overnight for the occasion, the gentle breeze causing the noose to swing ominously. Public executions do not happen frequently in Thorne, so a crowd gathers in strained anticipation of the grim sentence.
The welcome guests, who have up until this point been free to come and go within the confines of the castle, have been mandated to view the execution. It is meant to serve both as an example of Thorne’s power as well as a lesson to those who might think to try the same. The courtyard, which was buzzing with quiet murmurs, turns silent as Ambrose strides up the wooden steps of the gallows, flanked by two guards and a haggard-looking Jonathan Sims, arms bound behind him. As the guards march their charge to the trapdoor that will serve as executioner and position the noose around his neck, Ambrose turns to address the crowd that has gathered- willfully or not.
“Citizens of Thorne, our esteemed welcomed guests, it is with disappointment and a heavy heart that we’ve gathered to see to the execution of one of the very guests we sought aid from in our time of need. In a selfish and distrustful act, I was attacked, an action I cannot abide.”
He turns halfway toward his charge. “Jonathan Sims, you are charged with assault and intention of lethal harm. The punishment is to be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the gods have mercy on your soul.”
Ambrose raises his arm to signal the executioner to pull the lever to release the trapdoor beneath Jon’s feet, steely expression locked on the prisoner’s face one last time.
The welcome guests, who have up until this point been free to come and go within the confines of the castle, have been mandated to view the execution. It is meant to serve both as an example of Thorne’s power as well as a lesson to those who might think to try the same. The courtyard, which was buzzing with quiet murmurs, turns silent as Ambrose strides up the wooden steps of the gallows, flanked by two guards and a haggard-looking Jonathan Sims, arms bound behind him. As the guards march their charge to the trapdoor that will serve as executioner and position the noose around his neck, Ambrose turns to address the crowd that has gathered- willfully or not.
“Citizens of Thorne, our esteemed welcomed guests, it is with disappointment and a heavy heart that we’ve gathered to see to the execution of one of the very guests we sought aid from in our time of need. In a selfish and distrustful act, I was attacked, an action I cannot abide.”
He turns halfway toward his charge. “Jonathan Sims, you are charged with assault and intention of lethal harm. The punishment is to be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the gods have mercy on your soul.”
Ambrose raises his arm to signal the executioner to pull the lever to release the trapdoor beneath Jon’s feet, steely expression locked on the prisoner’s face one last time.
MEANWHILE
Several miles away, atop a hill in the forest, two figures meet between portals. Oliver, tall and lithe, steps out to stand next to a petite waif of a woman who looks at him with a familiar smile. Her voice is lilting like a songbird’s when she speaks up, turning her gaze back over the city.
“Find out anything good?”
He hums softly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Two dozen prisoners, give or take. The one I met was very grateful for our assistance.”
“That’s good. Perhaps her gratitude will endear our cause to them.”
With a nod, he takes a deep breath and then sighs. “It’s time, Elizabeth,” he says, lifting one hand to open a new portal.
She nods and raises her arms above her head, eyes closing in concentration. Her arms begin to glow green while the grass around her begins to ripple in rings. The very ground seems to surge with power that radiates outward from her, and it isn’t long before the castle and the town are engulfed in a heavy air of intense magic. It courses from her in shockwaves.
Satisfied, Oliver steps through the portal.
In the wake of the magic flood, the walls of the dungeons seem to shudder for a long moment, and the doors suddenly clink open. No guards come rushing in to shut them, and in fact, all ambient noise in the dungeons seems to stop as the whole of the people of Thorne freeze in place. The hall becomes lit by daylight as a portal opens at the end of it, showing them the crowd of welcomed guests and Jon alone on the platform.
In the portal, alone stands Oliver, hand offered to the prisoners in welcome. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes, though this seems to be by nature rather than intention.
“Please come with me.”
“Find out anything good?”
He hums softly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Two dozen prisoners, give or take. The one I met was very grateful for our assistance.”
“That’s good. Perhaps her gratitude will endear our cause to them.”
With a nod, he takes a deep breath and then sighs. “It’s time, Elizabeth,” he says, lifting one hand to open a new portal.
She nods and raises her arms above her head, eyes closing in concentration. Her arms begin to glow green while the grass around her begins to ripple in rings. The very ground seems to surge with power that radiates outward from her, and it isn’t long before the castle and the town are engulfed in a heavy air of intense magic. It courses from her in shockwaves.
Satisfied, Oliver steps through the portal.
In the wake of the magic flood, the walls of the dungeons seem to shudder for a long moment, and the doors suddenly clink open. No guards come rushing in to shut them, and in fact, all ambient noise in the dungeons seems to stop as the whole of the people of Thorne freeze in place. The hall becomes lit by daylight as a portal opens at the end of it, showing them the crowd of welcomed guests and Jon alone on the platform.
In the portal, alone stands Oliver, hand offered to the prisoners in welcome. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes, though this seems to be by nature rather than intention.
“Please come with me.”
CHOICES
Everything is happening quickly.
Once through the portal to the execution yard there's a moment of chaos and confusion at the sudden arrivals and then it stops. Everything and everyone has stopped, save for the guests, the prisoners, and the two mages who have come to their aid. Guards freeze in place. The attended mages are still as statues. Banners lifted by the wind remain where they are and even the noose hanging from the gallows stills.
"Time for them is halted." Oliver addresses the assembled, his voice projected to be heard but his tone calm. "It will remain so for one hour, no more. An hour is all you have to make your choices. Remain here in Thorne, or take a portal to either Solvunn or the Free Cities. The portals cannot be traced by the Thorean authorities, so no need to fear them giving chase.”
Elizabeth emerges from a portal behind him, which closes as she enters the yard. They both raise an arm and two white circles spread through the air, showing new towns in the distance on the other side. There is an ethereal glow around them.
“The Free Cities are martially powerful and seek to destroy the Singularity,” Oliver narrates, gesturing at one of the portals. “Solvunn is reclusive and claims neutrality, both in politics and in regard to the Singularity. I advise that you think hard about your choice. Travel between cities is not exactly easy."
He turns back to the crowd with an almost apologetic smile. “I'm sorry you don't have more time to make this decision. We’ll meet again.”
Opening a third portal with the wave of her arm, Elizabeth, who has not spoken a word, gives the group a wink and leaves with Oliver. Their portal closes behind them, leaving everyone to begin making moves.
Now is the time to make serious choices. Two portals stand in the courtyard, one courtesy of Oliver and one of Elizabeth. The Free Cities and Thorne are enemies, Solvunn watching both to see where the cards end up falling. None trust one another, none work with one another beyond trade through middle-men in Solvunn. The clock is ticking.
Someone should probably get Jon out of that noose.
Once through the portal to the execution yard there's a moment of chaos and confusion at the sudden arrivals and then it stops. Everything and everyone has stopped, save for the guests, the prisoners, and the two mages who have come to their aid. Guards freeze in place. The attended mages are still as statues. Banners lifted by the wind remain where they are and even the noose hanging from the gallows stills.
"Time for them is halted." Oliver addresses the assembled, his voice projected to be heard but his tone calm. "It will remain so for one hour, no more. An hour is all you have to make your choices. Remain here in Thorne, or take a portal to either Solvunn or the Free Cities. The portals cannot be traced by the Thorean authorities, so no need to fear them giving chase.”
Elizabeth emerges from a portal behind him, which closes as she enters the yard. They both raise an arm and two white circles spread through the air, showing new towns in the distance on the other side. There is an ethereal glow around them.
“The Free Cities are martially powerful and seek to destroy the Singularity,” Oliver narrates, gesturing at one of the portals. “Solvunn is reclusive and claims neutrality, both in politics and in regard to the Singularity. I advise that you think hard about your choice. Travel between cities is not exactly easy."
He turns back to the crowd with an almost apologetic smile. “I'm sorry you don't have more time to make this decision. We’ll meet again.”
Opening a third portal with the wave of her arm, Elizabeth, who has not spoken a word, gives the group a wink and leaves with Oliver. Their portal closes behind them, leaving everyone to begin making moves.
Now is the time to make serious choices. Two portals stand in the courtyard, one courtesy of Oliver and one of Elizabeth. The Free Cities and Thorne are enemies, Solvunn watching both to see where the cards end up falling. None trust one another, none work with one another beyond trade through middle-men in Solvunn. The clock is ticking.
Someone should probably get Jon out of that noose.
no subject
[Fuck you buddy!
But also--]
You did not. Do you just walk around with him in your pocket?
no subject
I do on days I was planning on escaping and fleeing the city.
[He pats Constantine on his little head.]
Not that those plans matter. Portals. Of course. Of fucking course.
no subject
[You're enough an odd duck, after all.]
I suppose it creates a harder to follow trail, so there's some logic in it.
no subject
[Now he's salty from his plans being upended and Alucard failing to acknowledge how wonderful his frog is. Constantine is a quality un-undead amphibian.]
Yes, it's a good plan, but. [BUT. Hector has been showed up by these mystery mages and now he doesn't know what comes next. He needs a drink.]
no subject
[HE BARELY GOT TO SEE THE FROG YOU TURNIP. Alucard frowns at that but.
Then at the city in front of them.
Then he looks to his own clothes and sighs.]
Being upstaged also means no time to gather essentials.
no subject
He reaches into a different pocket and pulls out a pouch of coins. Not an exorbitant amount, but all he's been able to scrounge up from odd jobs in the little free time he's had between his plotting and giving Alucard his walks.]
I told you, I was planning to leave today. We're not going entirely empty-handed.
[It might not be the fancy accommodations young Lord Tepes is used to, but Hector can at least get Alucard a change of clothes and a place to stay until they figure something out.]
no subject
Like he's about to give you! Because there is actually a little sigh of relief at the appearance of the coin purse.]
I don't mind taking to a different form, if that helps conserve costs for longer.
[He's definitely fine being a series of bats for a bit.]
no subject
We'll see. I am hoping I'll be able to find work quickly. As I've told you before, I'm quite handy.
[Even if they go somewhere where magic won't pay the bills, he can lower himself to mundane smithing. Not ideal, but he's not so proud that he'll let himself starve.]
Though you're welcome to be a wolf whenever you choose.
no subject
[The dryness is all observation, no joking. Mostly because Alucard knows he's right.]
I'm not so delicate and sheltered that I can't work my fair share either, you know.
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[Well, almost anyone. It'd be hard to smooth a certain bard if he were a dog. But most everyone else, yes, all dog form all the time would be ideal.]
Alright, I'm sure you can. But won't you be focusing on building your crypt?
[Unless Alucard decides he needs to stay topside a little longer than planned.]
no subject
--That's very hard to argue against.
[Alucard debates turning into a wolf right there, but the response stays his action. There's a glare, although it isn't too sharp.]
And give you the ability to argue I'm a spoiled layabout who doesn't do his fair share? I think not. [Tell him you wouldn't, Hector.] Besides, I wouldn't place it in a city anymore and I will need to build life support systems into it, since I'm still human. That kind of material is not cheap.
no subject
Alright. I suppose if your crypt is anything like the castle, there's no rushing it.
[And there will be some ribbing Alucard about needing to be laid to rest in luxury.]
When it comes to actual construction, I could probably raise up some help.
no subject
With respect, no thank you. [Lest anyone assume that this is a necromancy thing--] The construction of the original has heavy memories I'd prefer to deal with alone.
no subject
It'll take forever if you refuse all help.
[But fine, if Alucard wants to drag his feet, that's not Hector's concern. He's confident he can keep them fed and housed for however long Alucard needs.]
no subject
They said time would stand for an hour. Does that apply only to the scene we left, or to the whole continent?
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[At least, without complaint about the choice Alucard makes. Having been a captive, Hector has at least a little empathy about asserting that newly regained freedom.]
Only one way to find out. Might as well go and see. If time is stopped there, we should take advantage of it.
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[Fuck this. And honestly Hector, as much as he doesn't want to give you the satisfaction of not being people shaped, there's something else that needs to be done first.
He takes a few steps forward, now a wolf rather than people shaped. The wolf takes a few steps ahead, then tilts it's headback.
The AAAAAAAWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that follows is terribly loud. It doesn't care if anything shakes, it is the release of so much pent up anger and sadness and stress from the past three months.]
no subject
So he waits for Alucard to howl it out. For all his wolf-rage, he's still not holding a candle to his father's dramatics.
When the cries finally die off, Hector pulls his frog out of his pocket again and holds it out to the dhampir.]
I'm told Constantine is soothing to look at.
[Take the emotional support frog so we can mosey on through the portal, Alucard.]
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It feels good, taking the first step to getting things settled. He's not sure how long the awoos go for, just that there is a point where the satisfaction associated with them begins to diminish, then disappear entirely.
Rather than be people shaped again though, Alucard dips his head. Frog can have a ride, he's gonna stay a wolf for a bit.]
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Constantine draws in a breath and lets out a croak. It's adorable.]
Keep an eye on him.
[Unclear as to which animal he's directing that to. He steps through the portal, assuming Alucard will follow when he's finished with his theatrics.]
no subject
To the Free Cities it is!]