Word travels fast in a close-knit community, and it isn't hard for the citizens of the Solvunn commune to find each of the Summoned and pass on a message: tonight, at the town hall, a special assembly is being held just for them. Attendance isn't mandatory, of course, but there is a heavy implication that it may be expected.
Winifred isn't present when the Summoned begin to arrive— and nor are the other members of the council. Just before everyone begins to wonder what might be happening, in she strides with a purposeful step and a new light in her sharp eyes.
"Close the door, would you?" she asks, gesturing for the nearest of the gathering to grant them all the privacy before continuing.
"Thank you all for coming— and on such a beautiful evening, too, when I am sure you would much rather be sat round the fire, enjoying the light of the stars together. I won't keep you long. But it seems the Gods have shown us at least part of the reason you were chosen to join us, and I have a favor to ask of you.
"We have reason to believe that both Thorne and the Free Cities may be mobilising the Summoned under their care to make a move on the Singularity while its strength is depleted. Have you heard of the Dimming? Thorne's winter solstice festival."
She pauses, glancing around the room, noting blank looks with a teacher's smile.
"The Singularity, like our planet, has seasons. Like a bear sleeping through the worst of winter, the radiant power of the Singularity diminishes for a time every year, returning anew on the other side of the Solstice. And in its usual arrogance, Thorne believes itself responsible for the Singularity's recovery. Every year, they have one of their own carry a portion of magical energy over the boundary in the belief that they are feeding it. Sustaining it, even. Ordinarily, this is of no real concern to us; their mages are consumed nearly instantly. This year, however, they have... help. Summoned, like you, capable of approaching the Singularity’s core. We believe they may be planning to send a contingent of the Summoned, carrying a portion of their energy reserve each, in some ill-advised attempt to energize it. Which could be an issue in itself, but is made all the worse for the likely response of the Free Cities.”
Winifred sighs heavily. She is not a fan of either faction, though she remains more irritated by their meddling than afraid of it.
“The Free Cities have been aching for an opportunity like this. Thorne has been sitting on its stockpile of reserve energy for hundreds, thousands of years, releasing only one, heavily guarded packet on the one day of the year its mages can carry it into the crater where no-one can follow. But the Free Cities have Summoned too, now. They will be sending as many as they can to intercept Thorne’s delivery and seize it for themselves. Which is why I am turning to you.”
Before she can elaborate further, the group are interrupted by a knock on the chamber doors, opening just wide enough to allow Josselyn Creed to peer inside. She doesn’t say anything, but Winifred acknowledges the intrusion with a quick nod.
“It seems the pyre is almost ready. Friends... please, take a moment to discuss this among yourselves. If you decide to lend Solvunn your aid and are willing to go to the Singularity on our behalf, please stand by Rowan when we gather for the Blessing. I hope to see you there.”
That delivered, she turns on her heel and strides back out of the chamber after Josselyn, leaving the Summoned to talk among themselves.
(Characters can discuss Winifred's request in the council chamber by responding to this thread. If your character decides to join the mission to the Singularity, please sign up using the thread over here! A log for the mission itself will be posted on Saturday, Dec 18th.)
Call to Action!
Winifred isn't present when the Summoned begin to arrive— and nor are the other members of the council. Just before everyone begins to wonder what might be happening, in she strides with a purposeful step and a new light in her sharp eyes.
"Close the door, would you?" she asks, gesturing for the nearest of the gathering to grant them all the privacy before continuing.
"Thank you all for coming— and on such a beautiful evening, too, when I am sure you would much rather be sat round the fire, enjoying the light of the stars together. I won't keep you long. But it seems the Gods have shown us at least part of the reason you were chosen to join us, and I have a favor to ask of you.
"We have reason to believe that both Thorne and the Free Cities may be mobilising the Summoned under their care to make a move on the Singularity while its strength is depleted. Have you heard of the Dimming? Thorne's winter solstice festival."
She pauses, glancing around the room, noting blank looks with a teacher's smile.
"The Singularity, like our planet, has seasons. Like a bear sleeping through the worst of winter, the radiant power of the Singularity diminishes for a time every year, returning anew on the other side of the Solstice. And in its usual arrogance, Thorne believes itself responsible for the Singularity's recovery. Every year, they have one of their own carry a portion of magical energy over the boundary in the belief that they are feeding it. Sustaining it, even. Ordinarily, this is of no real concern to us; their mages are consumed nearly instantly. This year, however, they have... help. Summoned, like you, capable of approaching the Singularity’s core. We believe they may be planning to send a contingent of the Summoned, carrying a portion of their energy reserve each, in some ill-advised attempt to energize it. Which could be an issue in itself, but is made all the worse for the likely response of the Free Cities.”
Winifred sighs heavily. She is not a fan of either faction, though she remains more irritated by their meddling than afraid of it.
“The Free Cities have been aching for an opportunity like this. Thorne has been sitting on its stockpile of reserve energy for hundreds, thousands of years, releasing only one, heavily guarded packet on the one day of the year its mages can carry it into the crater where no-one can follow. But the Free Cities have Summoned too, now. They will be sending as many as they can to intercept Thorne’s delivery and seize it for themselves. Which is why I am turning to you.”
Before she can elaborate further, the group are interrupted by a knock on the chamber doors, opening just wide enough to allow Josselyn Creed to peer inside. She doesn’t say anything, but Winifred acknowledges the intrusion with a quick nod.
“It seems the pyre is almost ready. Friends... please, take a moment to discuss this among yourselves. If you decide to lend Solvunn your aid and are willing to go to the Singularity on our behalf, please stand by Rowan when we gather for the Blessing. I hope to see you there.”
That delivered, she turns on her heel and strides back out of the chamber after Josselyn, leaving the Summoned to talk among themselves.
(Characters can discuss Winifred's request in the council chamber by responding to this thread. If your character decides to join the mission to the Singularity, please sign up using the thread over here! A log for the mission itself will be posted on Saturday, Dec 18th.)