EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

[abraxasmods]

Event #6 - EVENT INFO

go to the OOC event info and plotting post

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Those that agree to attend the Summit will travel via portals to the designated location, which is out in the open in neutral territory. Plenty of pretty mountains and flowers. A magic field is erected over this area. Characters can only enter and exit at designated portals. It is not possible to leave this encircled area, which will also negate teleportation and portal spells. Plus, you don't want to embarrass your faction by sneaking out of bounds!

Before entering, all will be given a pin that designates what faction they belong to. This pin is not only color-coded but enchanted so that even should the appearance change, mages from any faction can identify who is who. The Summoned will be required to wear this pin at all times during the Summit.

The Summoned will be offered a comfortable tent to stay in during the 3-day Summit period! There's also a communal bath and a lounge to enjoy. A simple but tasty complimentary breakfast is provided for everyone, and additional meals can be bought from the faction booths or at the lounge. See the Neutral Section detailed below for more.

As noted, CHARACTERS MAY CHANGE FACTIONS USING THIS EVENT. To switch factions, please reply to the comment here. See the OOC post (link above) for details or questions!

The "Peace" Summit

An open plain flanked by mountains to the north and south, a large circular area has been fenced off. Large poles embedded into the earth are connected with magical rings, drooping heavy in the middle as if the ethereal chains have real weight. The area is divided into thirds, each section a mass of colorful tents and booths. In the center is a large wooden stage. All attendees must sit through this keynote speech. It's only polite.

The Prime Minister of the Free Cities begins the opening address. In formal military regalia she's the first to address the crowd, raising her arms high to command attention. She's smiling.

+ Marlo's Speech

"We'd like to start by welcoming all of you. For those that don't know me, I'm Marlo Renier, Prime Minister of the Free Cities. With me are Councilwoman Winifred Bordeaux of the Solvunn Communities and Queen Ellya Gladwin of the Kingdom of Thorne. We come together today in the spirit of good will. We may be divided by borders but we're all neighbors. We all share this continent. We may not always share the same opinions or agree on everything but who does? There's one thing we do agree on though - nobody is looking to start trouble. That's about the last thing anybody needs right now. That's why we're all here today. A show of good faith, a display of trust, and hopefully the first step on a long road of diplomacy and mutual understanding. And we all expect everybody on their best behavior and to conduct themselves in the spirit of this Summit.

I'm going to turn things over to Councilwoman Bordeaux now. Thank you, and you all should come check out what the Free Cities has to offer! Councilwoman?"

Marlo steps aside for the representative of Solvunn to take center stage.

+ Winifred's Speech

Winifred steps forward, nodding hear head to Marlo before turning her attention to the gathered crowd. Her own attire is modest, a dress of ivory and forest green adorned with hundreds of embroidered flowers and a velvet bodice in a deep wine red.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Some of you are likely only to know of Solvunn due to the terrible circumstances surrounding Eifstide, for which we must humbly apologize. It was not our intention to cause such pain and happened merely by accident. While that does not take away what has occurred, we do hope that we can move forward together to create a brighter, more connected continent. All of us has something to share with each other, and it is my sincerest hope that we may learn from you, as well.

The Gods smile upon the unification of our mighty communities! May we be blessed with a friendship of longevity and prosperity!. For those of you curious as to what Solvunn can do for you, look no further than this Summit's festivities. It is my pleasure to let Queen Ellya of Thorne conclude todays formalities."

+ Queen Ellya's Speech

When it's Queen Ellya's turn to speak, she addresses the crowd with hands folded. For this occassion she's worn an elaborate gown of bright blue shot through with silver that seems to shift and move through the fabric.

"Such inspiring words, truly. I can only echo the sentiments put forth before me. I hope that this Summit shows to one and all that Thorne intends no aggression toward our fellow kingdoms. Certainly, through collaborative efforts such as this, understanding can be found. Tensions can be resolved. Even between such opposite minded cultures. I am confident that these few days will be very illuminating for each and every one of you. I urge you to go forth with eyes and ears open, to ensure all that can be learned is. Enjoy yourselves. Indulge yourselves. Educate yourselves. The festivities will now commence!"

Spreading her hands towards the audience, Queen Ellya slowly steps back to her place with the others.

From here on out, the festivities commence! Characters are encouraged to freely explore each faction's section as they please - and of course, to be respectful of their neighbors. They're all friends here, after all.

Mingle & Activities

Every faction has their own setup of booths and displays that feature a variety of activities and items. Booths open in the morning and close a couple hours after sundown in the evenings. Attendants at each place will be friendly, although some may notice that while the Summoned wander more freely, there is very little intermingling among the locals of each faction. The occasional dirty look may be exchanged when no one's looking and those with keen eyes might find evidence of petty bits of vandalism.

Click to expand the sections below for a description of each area.

Thorne Section

Each booth in Thorne's section are adorned with opulent fabrics in the same blues and silvers of the Queen's dress. Magically lit lanterns are strewn on the fronts and within tents and will change colors throughout the day and over the course of the weekend. Regardless of the weather, being beneath the awnings is always pleasant as if indoors in a properly warmed and ventilated room. Nothing is left wanting. Luxury and ease through the use of magic is emphasized.

Though not calling out any who wander the aisle, any who approach a booth will be greeted with a pleasant smile. Mages are eager to show off their magicks by the use of spells, staves, wands, and magical enchantments from ancient tomes. A booth from Hayle University gives demonstrations and short lectures on the hour every hour, letting the Summoned know that with enough practice they, too, can become a Master of Magicks.

For those who came with a full coin purse, there are fine wines, expensive tapestries and fabrics, sparkling accessories and more available for purchase. If you're feeling hungry, it is highly suggested that you try the decadent and delicately dressed dishes comparable to what's served in Castle Thorne itself.

Along with magic shows, the most popular booth is that of the Pondering Orb. Form an orderly line and wait for your turn to approach the orb. All will be allotted five whole minutes to think their deepest thoughts as they lay their hands upon the orb and ponder. The little bit of tingling that you feel and the faint glow that grows the longer you touch it just means that it's working.

Free Cities Section

The Free Cities area can be heard from nearly all the other sections, alive with sound and activity. There's a state of carefully balanced chaos between the different booths and lanterns are connected by long wires, powered by generators placed proudly out in front - in almost direct competition to the magical light show that Thorne has been putting on. It's just a bit of friendly rivalry, of course. There's nothing wrong with having such a strong reliance on magic, even if it seems rather outdated.

Attendants are eager to show off all their grand innovations, including meals in a can (main course and dessert all in one dubious goop can!) and a small variety of old-style guns. They are the only faction displaying these weapons. In addition, they'll talk about the impressive level of productivity their workers provide in the name of progress. Naturally, no one is forced to work overtime. It's only that their people are so dedicated to their work, even a common factory worker will go out of their way to help science and innovation. The Summoned are encouraged to consider joining a nation with such a high level of ambition, and there's always room for everyone in their powerful military.

To commemorate the event, those participating can stamp their bronze with a fancy gear pattern. It takes about fifteen seconds to press and renders the bronze worthless to spend, but what's more valuable than a souvenir? There is a sign that says No refunds if you aren't happy with the result, although if the machine happens to swallow your coin, you will be given a new bronze to stamp free of charge. Isn't that generous?

Solvunn Section

Solvunn's booths are covered with handmade tablecloths in various styles - quilted, patchwork, crochet, and intricate embroidery. Enchanted candles of all shapes and sizes float and illuminate the area, some changing color as the day goes on. When the sun sets, all the candles take on a shade that imitates moonlight.

Those who are running booths will call out to anyone who approaches, ushering them to the booths in order to ply them with friendly conversation and small samples of their wares. For the right price, there are specialty honeys, cheeses, candies, and all other manner of goat-based products. A few booths also have goat's milk soaps, lotions, and candles. Ask a Solvunnite about what good a goat is and they'll tell you everything. The mages are equally more than happy to show off their mastery, though not just in flashy elemental magic. Mages fond of divination, tealeaf readings, and interpreting tarot will offer one-on-one demonstrations, especially if you've some coin to spare.

This year, Solvunn has decided to extend its Spring Equinox celebration to the other Abraxans at the Summit! Everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities as now is the time for observing the balance of day and night. This celebration is devoted to new life - new community members, additions to their flocks, and the bringing of goodwill for the year's crops. A maypole is erected at the center of the celebration and if it stays upright until the following festival, it's taken as a sign that the community's harvest will be bountiful.

Additionally, the shrine of Lyfbringr has been erected with paintings and several small statues depicting an androgynous god that appears as an amalgamation of man, flora, and fauna. The shrine is enclosed in a tent that is half bright cheery colors and darker monochromatic shades.

Representatives of Solvunn stand by to weave colorful ribbons or rings of flowers into people's hair or tie small bells onto their wrists. There are many baby goats frolicking in a temporary paddock that guests are free to mill about in. The Summoned are invited to consider a life among a peaceful neighborly commune where help and friendship are right at your doorstep!

Neutral Section

This area is meant for everyone to mingle, but the Summoned will find they're mostly the only ones here as the locals prefer to stay within their factions. It's lightly decorated with no particular colors or emblems of any one faction. Ample ambient lighting gives the place a warm glow once the sun goes down. Wooden benches are placed sporadically between the different designated areas, making sure that no one has to go far to find a place to rest their feet.

The Lounge Tavern is open at noon for 2 hours for lunch, and then again at sunset in the evenings, where anyone can come to have a drink or a meal. Beneath the protection of a large, open air tent, seating is provided in the form of more wooden benches and long shared tables, as well as a few stools. Vintages, ales, and meads from each of the factions are available to enjoy. A few recreational activities are available, as well, such as darts and dice games. The tables and seats are placed close together, to encourage mingling and talk among each other. Though the bar is staffed by NPC volunteers, all are expected to bus their own tables when they leave.

The Sleeping Tents are where the Summoned will return to for the night to sleep. Each tent has large number of pillows, throws, and a few large mats that can be arranged as desired for optimal comfort. The ground itself is lined in animal pelts, mostly sheep and goat, making it soft and inviting. They are indeed shared, but there's plenty of room for everyone. Each tent can fit about 8-10 people - or more, if you cozy up.

The Communal Baths open in both the evenings and in the mornings for a few hours each, which is effectively an open bathhouse pool. The pool is dug into the ground itself and lined with special tile manufactured from the Free Cities, hailed for its ability to hold water without the use of special sealant. The waters are magically warmed to the ideal temperature using enchanted stones from Thorne that create a natural border around the edges, and soap (made of goat's milk, courtesy of Solvunn) and towels are provided. Here, those attending can bathe as well as use it as a mingle.

Summit Events

Meant to be a "collaboration" between the factions, the Summit also offers activities that take place on the main stage where the speeches were initially given.

Raffle

The Summoned will be provided a single courtesy raffle ticket, which they can use to enter the raffle contest. Additional tickets will cost an extra 5 bronze coins. To enter the raffle contest, fill out the comment here and we will RNG your prizes!

Regardless of luck, all those who enter will receive all 3 (one of each) of the following consolation prizes:

• Inkless Quill: Provided by Thorne, this is a magical quill that never runs out of ink...sort of. It'll work for about a month of heavy use before it runs out of juice. The Thorne sigil will automatically watermark any pages that this quill is used to write on.
• Tote Bag & Charm: Provided by Solvunn, this soft woven tote bag comes with a small handmade charm depicting a sigil of one of the old gods. If asked what the god or sigil means, the only answer is that you will know when your time comes.
• Glow Ring: Provided by the Free Cities, this ring will adjust to fit any finger size. It comes with a round orb instead of a jewel that can light up on command and act as a powerful torch or flashlight. Very powerful. People have gone blind by looking directly into it for too long.

An Escaped Creature

On the second day of the event, rumor has it a small creature has gone loose! The offender in question is this little fellow, who is the size of a small poodle. The Summoned are asked to help find and catch him, if at all possible. He's noted to be harmless if mischievous, but all those in the area are warned to be careful for if he's startled, the animal will eject a magical plume from his quills that can cause one of the following temporary effects: excessive sneezing, a change in hair color, glitter bombed, or to emit a constant glowing aura.

No one knows where he came from or who brought him, but ask any of the faction attendants and they'll be liable to start pointing fingers at the other side. Nonetheless, all those who make an effort to help catch him will be thanked and available mages may attempt to help with the side effects.

If you want your character to make a real attempt at catching him, reply to the comment here by Feb 20th and we'll RNG who eventually catches him. If your character fails, however, they must take one of its side effects for the rest of the day. The choice as to which one is yours! The winner will be rewarded with a token bottle of wine for their troubles or a very fancy dessert if they don't drink.

Comments

[princessvegas]

I mean, God didn't straight up smite you, so He must love you more than you think. [ It's not said with any malice or teasing -- it's a sincere sentiment. She knows that Nadine has refused to accept what will be, but that doesn't change the fact that she ultimately went out on her own terms, making her own choice, and it wasn't a punishment from on high. Julie would give anything to be able to say the same.

But she understands. Knows what it's like to have no control over things in your life. She and Nadine had just adapted in opposite ways; Nadine shrank and tried to vanish, whereas Julie went out of her way to make herself heard and seen. When she couldn't have control in reasonable ways, she instead took control by going wild. Not being in control feels like being in control when you can tell yourself you chose it.

Julie nods as she treads water, then makes her way to the ledge where she left the wine. She didn't bring any glasses because she didn't know Nadine would be here, but she passes the bottle anyway. ]

I am all for that, and I will help you build all the Home Alone booby traps to keep Lloyd out that you want. We'll find paint cans and invent that Talkboy thing. But sometimes, we gotta accept that, in this situation, we don't get much choice. Sometimes, the only choice you get is, are you gonna keep your spine straight while you do it or not? [ She sighs. ] It sucks. It totally sucks. And if it makes you feel better, it's not all that comfortable for me either. I mean, we're Americans, we don't do this kinda stuff, and it's outside our wheelhouse. But if we gotta take a bath, and we gotta do it here, then I sure as hell am not gonna let anyone make me feel bad about it. And you shouldn't either, because baggage is only really heavy when you don't let anyone else help you carry it. I got three hands, Queen Nadine.

[ She says it all very simply, matter-of-fact. Julie uses people and throws them away, but when she actually cares, she's a rock. And the two of them are stuck together just by virtue of what they are, where they're from. She's ready to help. ]

[supersoldier]

[Impossible to miss her sudden interest. It seems to have won him another round of company—if not drinks—this evening, with the woman drawing a chair close, ignoring the man comfortably taking a nap on the floor. He doesn’t so much as murmur in his sleep.

Sephiroth leans back in his chair, considering her for a moment. This attentiveness, he’s noted through experience, is sometimes based upon an individual's own military background — he wonders if such applies to her.

He can answer her question simply enough, though.]

That’s right. I’m a SOLDIER 1st Class. [There is something about the word “soldier” this time that suggests at something more than only the word itself.] Part of an elite segment of the army from home.

[The Shinra name means nothing here. No need to mention it.]

[techmaturgy]

[He starts to get the sense that Hector is including himself in this general category, a confirmation that becomes more definitive when he says that it's nice to practice openly. Viktor doesn't outright ask, but his eyebrows raise in interest as he puts the pieces together.

They weren't burning mages in Piltover, but there were no mages, generally speaking. When they did introduce magic, artificially harnessed as it was, the punishment would have been exile, not death. It all seems very primitive to consider.]

Not in particular. [He'll narrow it down eventually, but right now there's so much information that it feels irresponsible not to absorb as much of it as he can. If the goal is to recreate some version of Hextech, he needs to familiarize himself with the overall system.] It's in my best interests to gain a comprehensive understanding, to start. Are you a practitioner?

[gynvael]

[ If there's more to add about dryads, Geralt does not elaborate. She might be teasing him about her flower talking, she might not. He's in no rush to discover which. One of those curiosities that will answer themselves in time.

He's eyeing his surroundings as he walks—takes in the children, the village elders, the animals. His medallion gives a faint hum when he passes a wispy-haired woman bent over cards divining what's to come. Half-woven daisy crowns piled on the ground are idly sidestepped and he settles on the stool next to a basket of. Yet more flowers. There are so many fucking flowers, he can hardly distinguish between the scent of one kind over another. He's only just sat when her hand enters his field of vision.

He takes it. He does give his name— ] Geralt. [ —and she's in luck here, because Geralt is many things, but secretive about his identity is not one of them. When was the last time where he wasn't known? Three, four decades. Certainly not since Blaviken. A reputation of some sort has always followed him; he managed to keep his head down in Cadens for about a month before he gave up. He can't get hired if people don't actually know who's been killing their monsters. Jaskier's not about to stop singing his songs any time soon. It is what it is.

His gaze shifts up towards her for a second before he looks back ahead. His reply is lightly prodding, but not entirely serious. ] Depends. If I ask what bargain needs to be struck, do they consider that a question to be bargained for?

[leitstern]

[Jasper stares towards Hendrik with a creased brow and wide eyes. Fingers clench his clothes and begin adjusting his hair. Every word makes him sweat. Expectations weigh down his chest. Questions like these - emotional ones - make him fraught as he struggles to process and comprehend. He makes a strenuous effort to discover a reason to disinvolve himself but finds himself wanting to be involved.

His attention focuses upon green eyes. They make him concentrate. Fingers move to clench his arm but barely hold on. It becomes a hard task to care for the world tree's plight but he longs to work beside his old friend, rather than against him as life had ever been.

He deliberates further but only for one second. It is important this man survives. If Erdrea must flourish in kind so be it.]

Yes.

[Should he be graciously accepted. He returns to struggling to find words.]

[frontlinetitties]

[Gideon isn't exactly known for being the most perceptive individual going-- having grown up in a veritable tomb where the creaking remnants of the Ninth House all tried their damnedest to pretend she didn't exist made grasping social nuances hard. She hears something in the way he says it though, that he's not just talking about some foot solider or whatever, that the word carries some extra weight for him that she doesn't quite understand. Elite segment of the army is clarification enough though. She imagines - briefly - Judith Deuteros and her ill-fated cavalier. Cohort Captain and badass bitch extraordinaire (albeit one with a gigantic stick wedged up her ass). Something along those lines.

She flashes him a grin that's almost feral, almost hungry.]

Sweet. So like, have you been on the front line? Seen a ton of battle? Ever cut anyone's arm off? Got any cool scars? Oh, oh! And what's your weapon of choice?

[Perhaps the drinking games are starting to look more fun?]

[gynvael]

[ Their competition, the stranger says, and Geralt tips his head at that: acknowledging, contemplative. It might only be a turn of phrase; it might mean more. He's found, among those drawn into this world after Thorne stopped imprisoning them, more are willing to...serve. Or grasp the opportunity to advance their own agendas. The shift in attitude isn't surprising—there's more goodwill to be earned when you haven't got half of your people's friends shoved in cages, when you tell them they are important. ]

Yes. [ He drops his foot from the bench. ] I've heard it's improved since I was last there.

[ He's curious, a little, of how much of what once went on in Thorne is spoken of to the newly displaced. In any case, he can't care to hide he was in the castle early on. Underneath the castle, rather. The queen already fucking has his number, it seems, given she knew exactly where he was miles away. ]

[frontlinetitties]

Aww, what's wrong with my phrasing? Not into sucking?

[She says, with a ridiculous waggling of the eyebrows which clearly demonstrates she's fully aware of what's wrong with her phrasing. She watches as he dips his finger into the goo with a ginger delicacy she finds kinda amusing, and that amusement only multiplies in the wake of his full-body shudder. The food he'd prepared for her in the Horizon (well, for himself, before she gate-crashed the place) had been nothing short of exquisite. It's obvious he's accustomed to far better fare than herself.

She can't help herself, in the end. She sputters a laugh.]

Yep. I mean, it's fine, at least it has a taste, right? And you've gotta admit that meat and sugar and bread are all good tastes. But having been here a while now I will readily admit that it's the worst thing I've tried since leaving the Ninth.

[cryptsleeper]

Do you truly enjoy asking questions you already know the answer to?

It is a far too flat question. Alucard knows the answer is an emphatic yes, because his reactions are what they are and they cannot be helped. That's just fine as far as he's concerned. The predictability is nice.

He huffs, finally backing away from the nightmare gloop. It needs to be a safe distance away now.]

They're all perfectly fine taste in and of themselves. It is the speed of succession I take issue with, along with texture. I'd like my cake to be cake like, thank you.

[He's going to regret this. He knows it. And yet:]

What was the worst thing you ever ate there?

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred laughs, not at all unaccustomed to this sort of interest and attention, though it has been quite some time. It feels like slipping into a different skin to even address it, if he's honest. ]

It certainly was. Thankfully it didn't last too long, but I did have to endure some teasing for my trouble.

[ The question that follows is a probing one, an attempt to get a sense of how in control of himself he is in most cases. Or that's how it feels to him, at least. This woman may have no intentions beyond making idle conversation as they both enjoy the baths. ]

Very well, I would like to think. [ Thancred's not going to talk about how often he's been drunk under the table in the past. In most cases, he was at a severe disadvantage, taking physical builds into account. He sighs and tilts his head back, resting his neck against the edge of the pool. ] There's something about being overheated that makes the alcohol hit that much faster, however.

[funbreaker]

[ It's a bit disturbing to realize that they'd had similar thoughts, as Thancred had also wondered during his first days spent in Thorne whether or not it had been a mistake, if they had been searching for Himeka or another Scion and had come up with him instead. If that is the case, none of the faction leaders are willing to admit to their error.

It wouldn't make any sense for them to summon Zodiark, as far as he's concerned, but engaging in a conversation with Fandaniel about the validity of the Ascians' god isn't something Thancred's interested in doing.

Tempting as it is to simply abandon this little chat entirely, Thancred knows that he can't do that. Not until he addresses a few more things.

So he crosses his arms over his chest and shifts his weight. ] Clearly not. They've gone to a great deal of trouble to bring us here. And now that we are here, what do you intend to do about it?

[ The fact that even Ascians like Emet-Selch and Fandaniel can't seem to find a way back to Etheirys is, he will admit, a bad sign. It means they're all well and truly stuck here for now. How long will it be until something boils over? ]

[frontlinetitties]

Yop!

[The yop is announced with cheery predictability, and she's pretty damned sure he knew the answer before he so much as conceived of the question. She watches him as he backs away from the offending 'meal' as you'd expect one to distance themselves from a particularly hideous insect, and she laughs again. Can't quite help herself.

She steps away with him though, because surely there are better things to do around here than sample mush from a can.]

To be honest, it was all pretty much the same every day. Lumpy grey gruel, fuck knows what it was made out of. Ground up bones maybe, knowing the Ninth. I mean I hope we weren't cannibalising the skeletons but I couldn't say with absolute certainty that we weren't. There was the nutrient paste to go in the gruel, but sometimes I couldn't be arsed to head over to the cafeteria and deal with the chilly stares of the penitents, you know? So I'd just pilfer it and eat it on it's own. It tasted like shit but had everything you need for survival in there.

[She shrugs, as if to say 'what more does one need'? But having been here for a good number of months now she can honestly say she wouldn't want to go back to it.]

And then the snow leeks...I wouldn't say they were bad in and of themselves. Just kinda tasteless and watery. But they always had this nasty grit in between the layers that never seemed to wash out... and that probably was human bonemeal, come to think of it...

[Which...yeah okay. Pretty gross.]

[standvastig]

[It is clear within seconds that Jasper had not expected his question, and he stares at the expressiveness that he has so rarely seen in years past. It's different from the guilt and negativity that he had previously seen, and he's not sure what to make of it.]

...Good.

[He takes a deep breath following the murmur, reaching up to scratch his beard in thought. He doesn't particularly want to dig up the issues that still plague them, even if he knows it's necessary to address them.]

I am glad we have at least that in common.

[cryptsleeper]

[There's so much to unpack. Just.

Every time Alucard thinks he has a decent handle on Gideon and her home, there's some new detail that gets him. The concept of yop in and of itself is distressing, although if one is low on resources then there's a certain logic in it but--

bones. Eating bones. That's.

He breathes out, feet unconsciously wanting to head to Solvunn again for goat cheese. They're so getting goat cheese. Or at least something to wash this nightmare out of Alucard's mouth.

And what is it that vampire fancy boy focuses on?

Growing conditions.]

I can't imagine that the bonemeal could have been mostly bone, correct? That would have too much calcium and very little else for growing. [And, because he must:] I continue to be in awe and deep confusion over your home sphere.

[harmonian]

Oh, right, that thing. I saw people chasing after it.

[He walks up to stand beside Hector and gestures at the stalls.]

I'm sure the mages of Thorne could help, especially if you seem to be considering joining us?

[He doesn't actually expect Hector to join with Thorne again, but it is partially cover. He is following Hector's train of thought; there are a few people he has contact with in different regions and locals knowing he has what are essentially spies would definitely hurt him. But he has been approaching every Summoned he's seen to talk to them about their alliances and joining Thorne, not approaching someone would be more suspicious.]

[fourarmedandangerous]

"No. Only that humans as...active as yourself seem to exhaust faster." Goro had certainly come away from their first interaction tired. Intrigued, but tired. "You did not strike me as a man fond of starlit walks either, and yet here you are." He folds his upper arms over his chest and gestures with a lower arm. "So what does bring you out here now?"

[techmaturgy]

[It does occur to him that this course of action could have been, perhaps, disastrous. Viktor is no stranger to a little risky activity in the name of science, but he balks at the idea of trying something like that in the midst of a large crowd. Luckily, she seems to know what she's doing, even if he's still not entirely sure what she did, exactly.

But he's not surprised to hear the orb isn't really anything of import. Good to know--now he won't waste his time. Sypha is much more intriguing, anyway.]

Do you think we'd ruin the attempt at peace if we exposed them?

[That's a joke. He's not going to ruin the attempt at peace, he promises. It's just funny to think about. Considering how tenuous and superficial this summit seems to be, he wouldn't be surprised if something so trivial ruined everything. Viktor shrugs a little.]

I suppose there's no harm in letting people enjoy themselves. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?

[techmaturgy]

[He offers a shrug and something of a grimace. Viktor knows he is not good at this, and is probably just glad he hasn't managed to offend anyone yet, though he imagines he could still do it, if he's not careful.]

I'm a scientist, not a politician.

[Please cut him some slack.]

But I'm also not in the habit of judging people based things they cannot change.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor relaxes a little, some of the tension evaporating as he realizes that Thancred is probably not overly-loyal to Thorne. He's never really stopped himself from speaking his mind, but he does understand that saying the wrong thing in a place like this might have consequences. He watches Thancred for a moment, then flips another card.]

I arrived after-- [He waves a free hand, vaguely,] --whatever it was, that made them want to do this. My understanding is that everyone felt a little too close to the brink.

[So, possibly this won't last, or everyone here is playing an angle, but there is something to be said for taking a step back, especially when dealing with a power like the Singularity.]

How long have you been here?

[leitstern]

[Fingers release his arms, grasping his hair to squeeze and wring. Droplets of water soak his skin but he holds his hair before him, shielding his body in a protective manner. He feels little desire to dig up the past but common belief makes their past an issue he cannot avoid.]

Likewise.

[He acknowledges their accordance without warmth or fanfare. They are hardly close as they were to call each other friend.]

Do you suppose visiting the monolith would be a good start?

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro listens, keeping his eyes on the fire. "So your technology does not require one to have the talent for magic at all to make use of it." He muses. "Which gives it an advantage over the Free Cities' existing technology." He rubs his chin thoughtfully with one of his upper hands.

"It has been my experience that magic is innately dangerous and an often unstable force." He goes on. "You must have accounted for that unpredictability. Is your technology able to reliably stabilize its energies?" After all, using a hextech weapon or...or other sort of device is all well and good, but not if it runs the risk of blowing up due to crossed wires or developing some sort of...leak, or something.

[a_better_man]

What's not to like?

[Mat lifts his eyebrows playfully. Rhy does make it very easy, the flirtations. Beyond that, he just likes the fellow. He's friendly and pleasant natured, and certainly pleasant to look at.

Though most folks around here are.

He bends and scoops up one of the kids nibbling at his trouser hem, settling it in his arms easily. They're really nearly just like lambs.]

But really? Do you not have goats where you come from? Or are you just that posh, that your daily life never took you near them?

[There's humor in the words, he doesn't mean anything by it. He can tell that Rhy comes from better off stock than he does - but most people do. Long as it's not something his face is being rubbed in, he can't bring himself to care that much.]

This place, this part here...reminds me of home for more'n just the little hooved beasties.

cw: suicidal ideation

[endcaller]

Me? Why, I intend to die, naturally!

[Fandaniel rises up on to his toes and extends an arm upward, his gaze locks on to a passing cloud.]

I will die and in my death throes I will tear open the very heavens themselves until fire and ruin fall upon this star and kill every living thing upon it!

[For a few long seconds he holds this pose then he gently drops back to his heels, twirls in pace and holds a hand out to Thancred, as if inviting him to a dance.

He winks.]

...There. Is that the answer you wanted?

[fourarmedandangerous]

"An impressive display of showmanship from our hosts." Goro's eyes follow Hector as he moves into the tent. "But I wonder who such a display was meant for. Are the three nations truly trying to convince each other their goal is peace even when their views are entirely at odds with each other, or are they trying to convince us of that? We who have been summoned."

He crosses his lower arms in thought. "There is deception here, of that I am certain. I simply do not yet know who is deceiver, and who is deceived." He looks back towards Hector. "What of you?" He asks, inviting Hector's own thoughts on the matter.

[endcaller]

"A desire for a starlit walk, in fact."

He lifts a gloved hand and gestures at the sky.

"They fascinate me so, the stars. So often I wonder about those distant worlds."

And who lives on them, how their civilizations are doing and how much longer said civilizations will exist before their inevitable collapse and gruesome death.

Fandaniel seats himself lotus style beside Goro, folding his legs beneath him.

"And what of you? Have I intruded upon your meditations?"