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

[lackingtalent]

Hythlodaeus. And might I say, this is quite the treat. I'd often wondered about the ones she holds in such high esteem.

[Another smile- fainter this time- graces his lips. This one also comes with a hand meeting his chin, his gaze drawing away once more as the hyuran's confusion is made apparent.]

But ah. I would imagine, given the look of bewilderment on your face, I've been quite thoughtless with my remarks already.

[Time for a conversation. And if they were to talk, here, with worshippers milling around them, trying to get past them, is not the place.]

There is a stall selling tea across the plaza. Regrettably, I've no means to make amends beyond treating you to some. Are you of a mind to join me?

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred lets out a scoff of a laugh at that response. ] Of course not! I wouldn't dare to try and compete. [ Himeka takes her cooking rather seriously, and there's a brief pang as he realizes that he won't often get the chance to sample her creations here. In the Horizon, mayhap, but it won't be the same, will it?

He grips the extended hand firmly and nods at the name. Unlike some of the other names he's heard from the Summoned, Geralt sounds like one that could be commonly found in Eorzea. Between that and the man's dress, this all feels quite familiar, as if they could be sitting at the Drowning Wench or the Quicksand rather than in some tent a universe away from home.

But ah, it's far too early to be getting homesick, isn't it? ]

I met her some time ago, back when she was first setting out into the world as an adventurer. [ It feels like so long ago now, and his gaze becomes a bit distant as he thinks back on it. Their first mission together, inspecting strange disappearances in Camp Drybone... ] It's good to know she's made friends here, though I frankly wouldn't have expected anything less.

[a_better_man]

No cause? What did they justify it with? That you were strangers...?

[Mat has trouble reconciling the frustrating but generally amiable people he's encountered just throwing folks in prison without reason. He frowns over the information, agreeing that yes, royalty and whatnot will do as they please and damn the common people. But they at least offered some justification, even if it was bullshit.]

Don't misunderstand, I believe you, I'm just trying to piece together all the parts I've got. They don't quite make a picture.

[princessvegas]

[ She's not expecting Geralt to actually consider the likelihood of Jaskier being turned into a goat. It surprises her enough that she snickers into her hand, shaking her head a little. ]

No! I meant -- y'know what, actually it works both ways. [ There is a thoughtful element to her voice. The god with the legs, Jaskier with the legs, it's not that different when it comes down to it. Julie knows how his Halloween went down, thank you. ] Surprisingly.

[ The preoccupation with goats doesn't really strike Julie as all that odd. Hindus have cows, ancient Egyptians had cats, these people have goats, it's fine. Makes sense. All the rest of the nonsense they tried to explain to her was gibberish, went in one ear and out the other, but the fixation on goats seems fine.

She tilts her head, amusement still plain on her face. ] We can go throw bread at him now, if you want. Probably couldn't hurt to keep him in check.

[ But the sentiment is not lost on her. She imagines it wasn't easy to keep people around for long, not when he spent so much time moving around. She wonders if it would have hurt less, back home, if she'd been in any way used to losing people at all. The dream had been to leave everyone behind, but when they were actually gone, she had no clue how to carry on living. Her voice and eyes soften. ] I didn't think when I met you that you'd have a... him. But you suit each other.

[funbreaker]

Edelgard's response gives Thancred some useful information in that he now has an idea of where Fódlan, her home, currently stands when it comes to technological advancements. It's fair to say that Etheirys is quite a bit further along, if she had not known of steam power until now. It's convenient that he only recently spoke with Byleth, granting him some context for why Edelgard would be interested in such things.

"Were you to take such schematics back to your empire, I'm certain that you would be able to achieve great things." Along with making powerful weaponry, and of course Thancred cannot help but wonder if that is part of her calculation as well. However, he's quick to clarify how he knows something he shouldn't. "I encountered your High General a short while ago, and we spoke a bit of your home."

While he would not go so far to say that Thorne is where he's needed (interesting choice of phrase, that), it is where he's opted to stay for now. He shakes his head at her question. "I'll be remaining in Thorne as well." Though he does not share the why of it, the truth is that he wants to continue to keep an eye on things there.

[wiedzminka]

You needn't worry about me. I'm safe. [ As much as possible. Safer than she's felt in years, honestly. ]

Surrounded by friends and allies. And I have Geralt and Jaskier.

[ Ciri hesitates. She reaches up, taking Yennefer's hands. ]

You do not have to do this alone, Yennefer.

[ They'd had plans. Yennefer had plans, of course. With the Queen and Thorne and the court, with gaining favor and influence, being able to affect change, having access to news that could warn them of anything coming ahead. That had been the idea, at least. (Right?)

But now, without her magic and the confidence and influence it brings, is Yennefer still in that same position? Can she still accomplish those goals without risking her (or Ciri's, or Geralt's) safety? Or will she feel cornered again, running out of options?

The situation is different from the one that Geralt remembers all too freshly now. Ciri knows that. She has the distance and experience between to understand. But she also understands that people -- all people, Yennefer included -- will make rash and potentially damaging decisions under duress.

She doesn't want Yennefer to get hurt any more than she wants to risk any of their own safety. ]

Do you have people you trust there? Really trust?

[supersoldier]

[Someone like him? He doesn’t know how he should take that, as either blatant flattery or another boggling statement which seems trademark of Hythlodaeus in general. Maybe if the conversation had not already shifted from hopeful, then shifted again towards himself, he would ask for clarification — as it stands, it is filled away, shelved but certainly not forgotten. Not with a mind like Sephiroth’s, who does not let go of much so easily.

Silence, then he shakes his head.]

No. This world is much different than my own.

[In the sense of technological progress. In the sense of the political dynamic between territories, rather than one singular power influencing all. In the more mundane things, like the presence of horses and not a single chocobo to be seen.

Where to start?]

…My planet is called Gaia. While not everywhere is like what you saw in that other place, it’s still far more… industrialized than this world. The technology outstrips that of Abraxas. And magic functions differently, too.

[wiedzminka]

[ New. That explains it. Ciri finds herself a little pleased that Samus is also in the Cities, though. Assumes the military outpost near Cadens for now, like the other new arrivals. She nods. ]

I doubt many are. It's all political posturing at best. But it is an opportunity as well -- to see some people across borders, and to take stock of how many of us there are now. I imagine the leaders of each country are keeping an eye on the same, considering their not-entirely-stealthy attempts at enticing our attentions.

[ It's not a long walk to the tavern. Ciri holds open the door. ]

...so. How new is new?

[supersoldier]

[Glasses atop the table rattle when her palm strikes its surface. A man mutters something in his sleep, then continues to snore. Sephiroth doesn’t start, but his brow lifts ever higher — which is a feat in its own right.

At least she adheres to the rules he’s set down, ensuring that he can tend to her questions in a single file line. One at a time, with the hope that either her enthusiasm will fade (looking less likely by the second), or the drink itself will eventually sever the conversation short.]

A sword, unlike the ones you’ll see here. [Standard issue, hung at the hips of army personnel and swinging in their scabbards. A gil a dozen.] A long, thin, slightly curved blade. It was called Masamune.

[Perfectly balanced and precisely sharp. To not have it here is like missing a limb, but he has no choice but to make do.]

Can I ask you a question, now?

[gynvael]

[ The faintest quirk to his lips appear in response to Thancred's laugh. There's a second where he seems to consider, thinking over the new faces found here. He's always had others to contact in Solvunn, if needed. Thorne has been...more complicated. He owes Kylo for his help, but he also knows the man has his own ambitions. Yennefer is—mm.

He wants nothing to do with these borders drawn. But the reality is, he cannot easily cross them. Not as he can on the Continent. It means he needs to rely on others for what he wants to know.

Someone to consider, maybe, this man. ]

Yes. She mentioned slaying vegetables. [ She's mentioned quite a few things, actually, but. They did talk about...slaying trees. So to speak. ] What of you? When you aren't—

[ He lifts a hand to indicate the glowing. ]

solvunn area.

[wiedzminka]

Huh.

[ Ciri looks her up and down, eyebrows lifting. Her gaze slides from the flower crown back to the painted face. She cocks her head. ]

I admit I did not expect you would paint yourself a mask like that out here in the physical realm.

[ She'd honestly assumed it was a Horizon manifestation. ]

How long did it take?

[londonbound]

[ Maybe he isn't injured, but he certainly doesn't look well. Rhy's lips press together doubtfully, but he doesn't bother arguing.

He sits on the edge of a chest nearby, shifting the lantern beside him out of the way so he can lean back on one hand. ]

No. Far from inborn. [ He could barely light a candle on his own back home, which was extra shameful considering most peasant children could summon a basic element. Rhy does not expand on these shortcomings. ]

I never would have been able to do what I can now back home. It's the Singularity's magic.

[petcromancer]

'Bleach it'? [Hector's not learned about that particular anachronism yet. His weird hair has always been natural. Or unnatural and cursed, according to the people in his own village. But naturally occurring, at the least.]

Look, I'm not going to do anything rash right away. [Are vampires and their half-spawn so obsessed with beautiful hair that it even extends to caring about hair crimes occurring around them? Huh.]

[petcromancer]

['Love'. Now there's a pet name that has Hector too weak in the knees to protest.]

...you actually like it?

[It's difficult to remain pissed about it when his boyfriend is looking at him with heart eyes. Hector is too soft when it comes to Jaskier. except for the times when he's hard.]

Yours looks good. Natural. If that's what you'll look like when you get older, all your lovers should consider ourselves lucky.

[petcromancer]

[Hector glances, very pointedly, at Solvunn's shrine to their weird god.]

Depends on what the peace and quiet costs.

[Hector's made some questionable decisions in the past about who to place his trust in, but even he is cautious about cultists.]

Hmm. I suppose that makes sense. [He'd probably follow Jaskier if he moved to a different faction.]

[endcaller]

One hero may fail where dozens would succeed. We are important, we are the key to saving this realm from its current delicate predicament.

[He folds a hand against his chest.]

...Or so say our most gracious hosts.

I believe it is all pretty words to distract us from the fact that these factions are using us for their own agenda. I hear whispers that we alone are able to approach the Singularity unharmed so who better than us to serve as pawns in their ongoing battle for control of the relic?

[There's a long pause as he takes another step towards Thancred.]

That all said, I wasn't lying when I told you I didn't know why their heroes must be us. I certainly don't know why one must be me... and I do not know what dire situation has arisen that has made them call on other worlds so suddenly.

Your warrior friend seemed the type they'd summon to their cause, but everyone else? Truly a mystery.

[meiren]

[ He certainly did do that, and Zhou Zishu toasts him with his bottle in acknowledgment even if it is accompanied by a smile full of irony. As he tips his head back to drink again, he flicks a look over in Wen Kexing's direction. He seems more intrigued than annoyed, at least, which probably means Zhou Zishu won't have to run any interference. Helpful.

And the conversation is already started for something he's curious about himself. Even better. ]

Magic?

[ A term he's heard thrown around quite a bit while he's wandered the Summit, but none of it had looked quite like that. A pity too, duplication seems like it would be significantly more useful. ]

Is that common?

[londonbound]

[ If Rhy senses the awkwardness, it seems only to serve to amuse him. ]

I was looking for new companions to play against anyway.

[ He admits with a shrug. Possibly because of the bruised ego. Or the fact he'd crashed their game and hadn't been entirely welcomed. His aim is terrible this many cups in. Not that it stops him.

Rhy leans in, unabashed. The man has such lovely hair, he can't help but notice, and the intensity of his stare and the low pitch of his voice makes it seem a little like he might mean... something besides darts. ]

Want to go a round?

[ And then he holds up the feathered dart helpfully. Haha, j/k. Unless... ]

[yeshou]

[ Unlike his normal reckless, volatile actions, Wen Kexing remains still for a moment after Stephen dismisses the extra walnuts. He frowns to himself, looking at the places they had been lying. Lips pressed together and brow furrowed, he seems to mentally count what is lacking in that space, chewing on the logic of it in irritated silence while he reassesses the tentmate with a new perspective.

When Zhou Zishu asks his question, Wen Kexing's eyes go directly to Stephen's. He waits, wanting the answer, but can't seem to hold it in long enough and finally speaks with a great deal less fire than he started with initially. ]

So they were all fakes.

[flame_emperor]

"Extraordinary powers" aren't so extraordinary where Edelgard comes from, where magic, Crests, and any number of special weapons exist to give people a superior edge in combat, and defense. "I see." Edelgard hums quietly to herself in thought. "What you describe sounds closest to a knight in my world." She replies. In theory, at least. There was certainly no thought given to protection of any form when the Knights of Seiros burned Fhirdiad.

"Spymaster, actually." Edelgard replies, continuing to watch the crowd, smiling thinly. "But perhaps I should offer to amend his title to super-spymaster when next I see him."

[flame_emperor]

Edelgard looks up sharply when Thancred mentions "her empire", but he's quick to offer an explanation, and she merely nods. "That's true. The northern territories of the Empire often suffer from bitter cold." She replies. "Being able to provide heat from these engines would make a great deal of difference for the people there." Being able to provide heat for what had recently been the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus is foremost on her mind even though she knows there's no feasible way for these engines to be useful for the people displaced by the fire that consumed Fhirdiad. "I hope Byleth was having better luck with the wonders of the Free Cities than I did."

It does make her idly wonder if this meeting with Thancred was purely be chance or he might have sought her out. "I'm glad to hear you'll be staying." She offers instead, deciding to try and feel this out. "I'm sure Byleth will feel the same. Actually, on that note, have you ever done freelance work before?" It's something of a shot in the dark, but Thancred seems an intelligent, perceptive fellow. Byleth was a mercenary when they first met, and has made noises about looking to pick up more work along those lines while Edelgard breaks into the politics of Thorne. It might be a good connection to forge, especially if Thancred is as interested in the two of them as she suspects they are.

C

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Fond of naps though he is, Emet-Selch does not - strictly speaking - need to sleep. Nor has he been unaware of Fandaniel's presence - he knows that soul. Has had a hand in raising it up to the seat of Fandaniel once more, and though there is no shortage of other souls at the summit, Fandaniel's none the less stands out among the crowd. Even if Emet-Selch makes no immediate indication that he's so much as noticed Fandaniel surely he cannot be blamed for wishing to see what the various factions have decided to bring to the summit.

He arrives, instead, in the dead of night. Admittedly, he cannot portal as once he might have, but there are few people who are awake at this hour anyway. And fewer who might choose to arrive in the customary robes of an Ascian besides.]

I doubt the answers to our presence here is to be found in the stars.

[They might be some small comfort. A reminder that there are still stars here, as opposed to a world utterly devoid of them. But they say nothing, and will likely continue to say nothing.]

Nor are any of the natives likely to have the ability to reach for them, from what I have seen.

[There are... other topics that will need to be discussed. Ones more suited to the robes Emet-Selch has chosen to wear. But for all that he imagines that the conversation is like to leave him with a headache by the time it's said and done he can at least manage to not immediately jump into them.]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Though Hythlodaeus' brief departure from his task does - briefly - earn a raised eyebrow from Emet-Selch, he answers the request that is offered when Hythlodaeus returns very nearly without a second thought. It is scarcely the work of a moment after all; a single touch and a brief expenditure of aether enough to have the wine suitably chilled.

(It helps, perhaps, that it is something he has done before, and that with Hythlodaeus here, it is all too easy to fall back into old familiar patterns.)

He offers no complaint about drinking from glasses either. Though he might have become at least passingly comfortable with the flagons offered by most of the taverns in this world, it feels more correct to be drinking wine from glasses.]

They are hardly "my" anything.

[They exist, yes, and he is more than passingly familiar with them. But he has had little to do with their creation. Even on the Source, the concept had developed well before he'd taken a particularly active had in Garlemald's development, and the ones that exist here lack even that relatively tenuous connection.

Still, it is nonetheless a more interesting - and less annoying - topic of conversation and he takes the glass Hythlodaeus offers before settling in to discuss the topic at hand.]

And I should stress that the forces I once commanded would not have left their artillery to depend on a single pair of wheels.

[And for many of the same reasons that Hythlodaeus has already outlined. Wheels may certainly be easy to create, and (relatively) easy to maintain. But they are prone to getting bogged down in mud - or deep snow - and require reasonably even terrain besides.]

All that being said however, weapons like the one you have described are not meant to be moved much, once they arrive at the field of battle. They are meant to remain in one position and serve to defend vital points from any enemies who might dare to approach. The wheels serve as a method by which they may more easily be both brought to the field of battle and set at their designated positions once they have been brought to the field of battle. Or barring that, the location they are meant to defend, should it be less a battle and more the matter of securing an outpost.

i.a

[unnecessaryflourishes]

[Given that the Free Cities display is the first place Emet-Selch has so much as seen any kind of more technologically advanced weaponry (discounting anything the Summoned may have either brought with them or since acquired by whatever means) there is most certainly a distinct interest to the way he makes his slow way through the display, looking over each piece in turn.

He does however, look up as Viktor starts in on his explanation of how the gun he's stopped in front of works.]

Ah, let me stop you there. I do have some familiarity with this manner of weapon. And as I would assume you also do, permit me a question instead. If you were to improve on this design, how would you choose to do so?

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel bristles at the sound of Emet-Selch's achingly familiar voice. For millennia he'd been dragged in the wake of the Unsundered. Their will smothered him, their voices drowned him, they had the power to unmake him and they had the power to bring him back. To them he's never felt like anything more than a minion so he doubts Emet-Selch is approaching him just to have a leisurely chat. When he looks back and sees the Sorcerer is wearing the black robes of Ascian he feels even more certain that he's about to be asked about official Ascian business.

He doesn't let his apprehension show in his face; his features are carefully neutral, his emotion inscrutable. His soul, however, flickers slightly.]

This world is too preoccupied with its current troubles to travel the sea of stars even if it had the means to do so.

[Fandaniel turns slowly and looks into Emet-Selch's eyes. He holds this position for a long moment but the stronger gaze wins and he is forced to glance away.]

But I would not be so hasty to dismiss their potential to reach the heavens. They did, after all, successfully reach for you. If they are capable of ensnaring even the most esteemed Emet-Selch then they are capable of anything, are they not?