abraxasmods: (Default)
ABRAXAS MODS ([personal profile] abraxasmods) wrote in [community profile] abraxaslogs2022-02-17 07:49 pm

EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

Event #6 - EVENT INFO

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.
princessvegas: (012. at all)

[personal profile] princessvegas 2022-02-22 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
From the third day on, she shall have a dim glow around her!
nadine_he_loves: (mildly disturbed)

[personal profile] nadine_he_loves 2022-02-22 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
I'm fine, thank you.

[Nadine inclines her head in greeting, offering a smile as she looks over his stall. It's a clever idea, really, to make some money. God, she's going to have to figure out a job before too much longer.

Those thoughts quickly flee her mind when Jaskier extends a white rose to her. There's a little lurch in her heart, a sudden sense of weakness. It's unbidden, the gesture calling forth a memory so strong it almost overwhelms her. Flagg, on their wedding night, the white rose from his breast pocket held out to her. The path of petals, all of them white...

She realizes she's standing there staring like an idiot, missing most of the rest of what Jaskier says. It had just hit her so suddenly, and with it come the tumultuous mix of feelings her husband always brings.

Below that is simply the slight awe that he somehow knew her favorite flower.]


Uh...thank you. White roses are my favorite.

[A pathetic response, she knows, but what else can she say? At least she caught the last of his words.]

Don't remind me. I spent pretty much everything I had. We all did.
vixening: ([ ₪ ] 069)

dai

[personal profile] vixening 2022-02-22 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
sam is my choice of winner for the prize!
homeostatic: TL (241)

Beck

[personal profile] homeostatic 2022-02-22 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
a_better_man: (grinning)

[personal profile] a_better_man 2022-02-22 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
Blood and ashes....

[Mat can't say much more at first. There's nothing like this at all where he comes from, he's never even imagined it. His eyes are wide with interest and awe as the other fellow goes on - he's clearly very familiar.

With a shaky hand raking back his mop of curls, he lets out a low whistle.]


That's amazing. Who even came up with such a thing? I've never heard of anything like it...and I am not housed in the Free Cities, Thorne hasn't got these.

[He wonders why. Are they not the sort of thing traded beyond the Free Cities' borders? Or are they outlawed elsewhere, perhaps?]
sorser: (pic#15101339)

[personal profile] sorser 2022-02-22 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
[Watch, she tells him, and he does. Whatever point she's trying to make, Stephen pauses for it, and far be it from him to ever interrupt someone else's magical display. The end result--a lighting storm brewing in a jar--is impressive in a variety of ways; it may not be an earth-shattering spell that'll move mountains, but she wouldn't have found success without a sense of command and control over the magic itself. Gut instinct notwithstanding.]

That's pretty good.

[He means it. He recalls his own time as a student, his frustratingly slow start. How it took him forever to create more than just sparks hovering mid-air in a failed attempt to open portals. To go from nothing to creating miniature lighting strikes in a couple of months' time is nothing to scoff at.

Stephen finally unfolds his arms, gesturing down at the beads strewn at their feet, glittering faintly. When he raises his hand, they lift from the ground, one by one, then fall into a gently undulating line. This same line trails around them, circling lazily.]


But what makes your magic any more legitimate than mine? I learned through long hours of study and practice, too.

[personal profile] lackingtalent 2022-02-22 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
Regrettably so! ...For all that would stand between he and our release, I should say. Personally, and perhaps selfishly at that, I must confess I'm full glad of his presence.

[For after all, in his mind? No-one else he's perceived, different worlds or not, have his dear friend's conviction. Nor half of his talent. To say he's confident in him would be an understatement. ..And while it is unspoken, his presence is such a comfort.

He does find it interesting, though, how Fandaniel seems to bristle ever so slightly at the mention of his title. Still, he doesn't ponder. For the implications of the Third Seat's presence to the other are quite unknown to him at present.

But the question. He cannot provide a concise answer, for he is not him. He can offer some thoughts, though. As well as a laugh, for the mental picture...

While the circumstances of the arrival had been explained, and explained well, by him, such a vivid picture had not struck Hythlodaeus until now.
]

As wet, and as devoid as everyone else, I should imagine! I understand it was a small number of few moons ago.

[And! Perfectly politely:]

...Shall I inform him that you wish to speak with him?
vixening: ([ ∿ ] 009)

c.

[personal profile] vixening 2022-02-22 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ yennefer had caught sight of the flash of red hair earlier in the day, and for half a moment she couldn't help the way her chest had seized. triss. could she really be here? could it be possible? but when yennefer started after the woman, she quickly realized it wasn't her, but another girl entirely. yennefer decides then not to approach her, but for whatever reason her eyes kept falling to her, finding her in the crowd. at some point she loses her, and yennefer forgets the feeling, goes back to her socializing, and moves on with her day.

it is not until later that evening, while yennefer has made her way to the lounge to get her nightly bottle of wine, that she catches sight of her again - sitting off to one of the benches, alone, with a glowing red magic hovering above her. it catches yennefer's attention as well as her breath, and despite herself, yennefer finds herself approaching. standing just a couple of feet from the bench and the other woman, and offering a small smile once she catches her eyes. ]


That magic...you brought that with you. It's nothing like what they teach here. You're a new Summoned, then?
sakaya: (Drown in me)

iii-b, oh no

[personal profile] sakaya 2022-02-22 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
Quite the luxury, isn't it?

[The reply to Thancred's remark is followed by a giggle. Shuten, with her torso covered in a towel, sits behind the white-haired man on one of the flat rock structures. Well, more like laying on her stomach, legs dangling in the air as she takes in the sights and sounds. Especially the sights.]

I'm telling you, I've had my fair share of hot springs and these are rather excellent. I should have brought some wine in with me, but none of the vessels were elegant enough to balance in between the soaking.
endcaller: (Canis meus id comedit)

[personal profile] endcaller 2022-02-22 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
I doubt he will need to be informed of my presence. He'll find me on his own if he ever wishes to. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if he were following the color of my soul even now!

[And the moment Emet-Selch finds him will be irritating. There will be questions asked that he doesn't feel like answering....

Fandaniel's silver eyes slide back to Hythlodaeus and look him over with renewed interest.]


That you are close enough to the Third Seat to tell him I am here intrigues me.

Who are you, oh man of no consequence who is friend to Emet-Selch?
Edited 2022-02-22 03:44 (UTC)
petcromancer: (S3 collar)

[personal profile] petcromancer 2022-02-22 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
[Hector's badge declares him a citizen of the Free Cities, and the emblem on his clothing marks him with the Magician arcana.]

No, I'm reasonably sure there's nothing observable to miss.

[He'd need to wait in line to touch it to be certain, but with this other man validating his suspicions, Hector doesn't feel the need to. It seems to just be a glowing rock.]

There's actual magic at some of the other booths, if you're curious about it.
cryptsleeper: (arrogantpire)

Closed | Hector

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2022-02-22 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Moonlight, against Alucard's pale features, has always emphasized the fact that his appearance is most certainly beyond human. He's dressed himself down over the past several months, gravitating towards plainness, but in certain situations, it is inescapable.

And tonight, in the moonlight, the dhampir is quite literally glittering. Skin, hair, clothes, all of him.

He can probably be forgiven for lurking outside the communal baths, waiting for complete privacy. Logistically, he knows this is probably an effect that relies upon hours and not the changing of the moon in the sky, but then again, can anyone blame him for hoping that this might just end at the start of the next day?

There's a sigh as he sees someone else pass by and-]


Hector?
shadowthief: (You're serious)

[personal profile] shadowthief 2022-02-22 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
Character Name: Inej Ghafa
Current Faction: Solvunn
New Faction: Free Cities
Reason for Leaving: To be with family I have discovered here.
endcaller: (This is three times you've shot me now.)

[personal profile] endcaller 2022-02-22 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
[Fandaniel recognizes this one...

He'd been there in Garlemald, snooping around in the snows. Another member of the Warrior of Light's entourage, he knows, but like most members of that group he is unable to place a name with the face.

All he knows is this is yet another man from the Source so he decides to follow him around for a while, cloaked in a spell of invisibility.

When Thancred stops in the open and wheels in place to face him he drops the spell and throws his hands up in an overly dramatic gesture of surrender.

Fandaniel is recognizable, dressed in the same tattered tamarind cloak and embroidered tunic he'd worn back home.]


Oh, dear, he's sensed my presence! How terribly careless of me...
harmonian: (♗ 18)

i.

[personal profile] harmonian 2022-02-22 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Sasarai is roaming around the Thorne stalls, warmly greeting people who approach to admire the kingdom's magical wares when he sees a familiar woman with a scaled tail and fiery hair.]

Hello again!

[He strides closer to her but stops a few paces away, remembering the events of the Dimming. Her magic had been able to overpower his own. He doesn't think she'll suddenly attack him at a peace summit but he still wants to keep a respectful distance until invited to come closer.]

The artistry in those staves is impressive, huh?
petcromancer: (off-balance)

[personal profile] petcromancer 2022-02-22 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Hector was hoping for the cover of darkness to disguise his own... situation, but no such luck. He hasn't had a chance to fully assess the damage the creature did to him, but he could get the gist of it from the ends of his hair that hang down into his view.

It's a bright, vibrant shade of blue. He's sure he looks pretty fucking ridiculous.

And speaking of... Adrian fucking Tepes, sparkling in the moonlight.]


...you tried to catch it, too, huh?
carmesi: <user name="berks"> (194)

[personal profile] carmesi 2022-02-22 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
[it may be in poor taste, but the joke lands—because it isn't making jabs at wanda, and she can appreciate the feeling of having nothing helpful to say but wanting to, regardless. who is she to judge, anyway?

so she smiles, tight as her lips may be holding that expression.]


No, it's alright.

[though she turns to look at him, she keeps seated where she is.]

Things are different in this world, so it makes sense to try and understand it. [as it were...] I thought all Summoned had some kind of power.

[clearly she hasn't interacted with very many others.]
cryptsleeper: (he smile!!!!)

[personal profile] cryptsleeper 2022-02-22 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
I did indeed.

[The dhampir lets out a soft huff - nearly amused.]

I'm genuinely shocked you didn't catch it.
carmesi: <user name="berks"> (220)

[personal profile] carmesi 2022-02-22 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
[it's a little startling to have something of an audience, and while it is not entirely outside of the realm of the expected—displaying her magic out here, in the open—much as she's won't to admit it. somehow, this woman's face seems familiar, even from the distance between them.]

I am.

[—but the shadows of the night that come and go with the flicker of the lanterns can play tricks on one's eyes.

though the woman smiles, wanda does not, wrapping arms around her middle instead. she has had her fair share of experiences with others who have interest in her magic. it hasn't ended well, so far.

still, she can't remove the familiarity from her mind. has she seen the woman in solvunn before? around this place any of the past few days?]


Do I know you?