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

ii.b

[cryptsleeper]

[Hunting is easier in a different form. That is the reason the dhampir has decided to take to his wolf form, taking advantage of a sharper nose and easier movements to match the escaped pet.

Except now the large white wolf is glittering, having been dusted in the stuff. Not only that? There's been an audience.

Gold eyes turn to Viktor, and the wolf lets out an unhappy huff. There's an attempt to shake out it's fur, and in the process Alucard's transformation back to his usual shape unfolds with practiced ease.]

Yes, well. Being outmatched by that thing's defenses is an act in removing one's hubris.

[techmaturgy]

[It's a little hard to be smug about other people's failures to catch the creature when Viktor is sitting here watching literal shapeshifting, but he does his best. After a few weeks in Cadens, he's decided that the best approach is to just take things in stride, even if it means making a conscious effort not to gape. Still, he seems to take a moment to process before he composes himself again.]

I'll give you points for creativity.

[Turning into a wolf is certainly the most interesting method he's seen today, enough that he earmarks his book and closes it, a signal that he's willing to, perhaps, start being helpful. Maybe. In a moment.]

You've got, ehn. [He gestures vaguely to his own face, indicating the area in question. Glitter.] A little something.

[cryptsleeper]

But not effectiveness?

[Alucard's tone is light, at least. There's something to just running madly in another form that centers him - and he has never been inclined to probe at why. Some things are better left uninvestigated when it comes to one's own thought process.]

Hm? [The dhampir pauses, looking to his forearms. They are, in fact, glittery, and he makes a good thwap to try and brush the stuff off.]

You have better light than I do - did that work?

[techmaturgy]

You've come closer than others I've seen.

[Effectiveness is reserved for, well. The person who actually captures this thing. From what Viktor has seen, it's likely going to be a feat, and it makes him glad that he can more-or-less exempt himself from the situation.

Alucard does his best to brush off the glitter and Viktor doesn't really have the heart to say that it's probably going to take a little more than that.]

Well enough. [A sympathetic wince.] It's a good strategy, regardless. I doubt there are many who could give themselves, ah. A quadrupedal advantage.

[If there are, he wants to hear about them!!]

[cryptsleeper]

I'll take that.

[More effective than most is good enough and then some in this case. The creature is remarkably good at avoiding capture, and if nothing else, it was a good run. Sometimes, you can't ask for much more.

The glitter dealt with (at least in theory, he will realize soon enough he's become a sparklepire), Alucard's full gaze meets Viktor's.]

None others to my knowledge, but I can't say that with full confidence. [He pauses only for a moment, asking for permission to take a seat.]

Ask what you'd like.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor shifts a little to make room and nods, wordlessly confirming that yes, it's fine for him to sit down. Alucard deserves it, after being glitterbombed for his efforts.

He has questions, sure--lots of them, because despite all of his work with the arcane, he's never met actual magic users. To be suddenly confronted by so many real mages is a little overwhelming in the sense that he's not even sure where to start. He's not sure what's invasive and what isn't, but there's too much he wants to know--Viktor isn't about to pass this up.]

Is it an inborn ability, or did you learn?

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard sits, putting a friendly enough space between the two. He has strong feelings regarding personal space.]

The former. My father wasn't human. It's one of the skills I inherited.

[Realizing the inevitable follow up question, he then quickly supplies:] He was a vampire, and I am assuming the word has meaning. Forgive me if that is an assumption.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor is about to wave off the not human bit--he isn't a stranger to various species, and wants to make it clear that something like that doesn't really matter to him. He likes to think he's getting better at taking all these revelations in stride, but that doesn't mean these kinds of things don't surprise him.]

Legends. Not something I've ever encountered personally.

[There is a lot he could probably ask. All of it feels a little invasive.]

[cryptsleeper]

Ah.

[There's a lot of awkward paths before them now, isn't there? And in the past, Alucard would have bristled with sharing anything of himself with anyone, thanks to too much paranoia and fear that were heavy on him when Thorne first pulled him through the fucking well.

It says a lot that he can manage this much.]

--I can turn into bats as well. But that's the limit of my transformations.

[techmaturgy]

Bats, plural?

[His raised eyebrows and the way the corner of his mouth quirks upward indicates that he's making a joke. Viktor has no reason to disbelieve anything, at this point, even if 'anything' is 'this guy whose acquaintance you have made is a vampire'. Half vampire? Hell if he knows how any of this works.]

Why are you telling me this?

[It's not meant to be accusatory or suspicious, merely curious. They've only just met, relatively speaking, and he hardly thinks he's earned this information--unless Alucard is just open with it, generally speaking.]

[cryptsleeper]

Plural, yes.

[Something something mass conversion is as much as Alucard's come to truly understand it. He just becomes a bunch of bats. Sometimes looking beyond that brings up too many additional questions and a potential existential crisis.

Not that Vikor's helps. Because it is a fair question, and one that Alucard has to consider before he offers:]

Would you prefer awkward silence?

[techmaturgy]

[Yeah, actually, he is about to ask some questions about conservation of mass, but after a moment he seems to decide that it doesn't actually matter. It's magic. It doesn't necessarily play by concrete rules, or even the laws of physics. It seems more pertinent to talk about the thing that feels like an admission.

Viktor shakes his head.]

I simply appreciate the honesty, given the relatively short amount of time we've known each other, and the...connotations.

[He can't imagine that everyone would react so neutrally to Alcuard's nature.]

[cryptsleeper]

[The answer would be wholly unsatisfying.

Alucard inclines his head slightly. There's....probably more going on below the surface to this. He can't say he is in a spot to want to engage with that part of himself.

Still, connotations feels like a kind way of putting it. So much so that a little huff that might be a laugh comes out.]

You are an absolute master of the diplomatic.

[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.

[cryptsleeper]

I was being genuine.

[The slack is already there, but. Ah. Not judging on what can't change. Now there's a novelty.]

You are the first person I've ever met to make that claim.

[But in the statement there's some warmth.]

What do you make of all of this, scientifically speaking?

[techmaturgy]

Oh. Well, I'll try not to disappoint.

[Now he's double embarrassed--it's possible that he's so used to not having to be diplomatic that he automatically assumed he was doing a bad job. Still, he means it sincerely, largely because he's no stranger to snap judgements.

It's relieving, that there's no offense taken, but Viktor is quick to jump on the chance to get back to business.]

We do something like this, back home. An exhibition, of sorts. It's mostly posturing--I doubt we'll find any state secrets on display.

[cryptsleeper]

Hmm. [Alucard's never truly dealt with living in a state like he has here. Home is where the castle moves to, and there is infinite space available. Nominally he is a part of Wallachia, but there's so much space between himself and all others.

Still. He tilts his head.]

What is the goal of the posturing back home?

[techmaturgy]

Remember when I said we valued innovation?

[We, though he's not sure how much longer he can claim that, when his idea of progress was so thoroughly diverting from all the people who would rather enrich themselves and maintain the status quo. That feels somewhat complicated to explain--well, not complicated, just requiring some context that he's not sure he's ready to give.]

Various political reasons, mostly. Sending a message. Letting others know you have money and power and the ability to put it to use through technological advancement.

[What kind of technological advancement goes unsaid, but it's clear from his tone of voice that he doesn't really buy that philosophy.]

[cryptsleeper]

[There is a very slight wince from Alucard, but truly, he should not be surprised. No society will ever be so altruistic to innovate for the improvement of people's lives alone. Not when the rest of society comes into play.

But it tracks, just as it tracks here. Still, it is hard not to be disappointed, and there's no point in trying to hide the disappointment either.]

I suppose some things fail to change across worlds then. [There's probably some kind of joke about feeling right at home, but Alucard is not the sort to make that joke.]

How do such events usually end in your world?

[techmaturgy]

[It's refreshing, to talk to someone who seems to have similar convictions. No dancing around the real issues for fear of offending the wrong person--not that Viktor has ever shied away from speaking his mind, but here he has even less to lose.]

They carry on with the festivities, then congratulate each other, then go back to innovating.

[Innovating for the wealthy elite, and at a pace Viktor can't necessarily tolerate, nowadays, but maybe that's better than standing still entirely.]

Not much changes for ordinary people, in the grand scheme of things.

[cryptsleeper]

[It isn't surprising information, but it is disappointing. Alucard's sigh says it all, along with the slump of his shoulders. So much good, and so much wasted on posturing, it seems.]

But they at least have electric lights and plumbing, and perhaps a few other things?

[Basics. For Alucard, it is improvement by miles for most common people in his time. A place to start, at any rate.]

[techmaturgy]

[He lets out an exasperated laugh.]

Yes, we have electricity and plumbing.

[Alucard, however, has wordlessly let him know that he might be taking those kinds of things for granted. It's hard, however, to feel like "progress" means anything when he's been unable to enact change where it really matters. Half the city is still poisoned by runoff and fumes. Those with the power to fix it see no reason to do so.]

There's more I would do. Unfortunately it's not...profitable. So you can imagine the hurdles.

[cryptsleeper]

By my own time, that's massive progress. Especially plumbing.

[Medieval bathrooms are a bad time, and that is all he's going to say.]

Given no hurdles, where would you have things land?

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor will concede that point, and he offers a little wince and a shrug, indicating that he knows he's speaking from a place of relative indoor plumbing privilege. Still, it's not all good.]

Industry has a human cost. Pollution. Unsafe working conditions. Environmental degradation, illness. [Things he knows intimately, given the place where he grew up and the afflictions he's suffering from now, even after years on the other side of the river.] All things I was working to eliminate.

[There is, however, a defeated quality to his voice, a tacit admission that he wasn't really getting anywhere, or is maybe disappointed that he's been pulled away from his research (it's both).]

[cryptsleeper]

[It...very much is not all good. That much is apparent as Alucard lets out soft noise of not quite disappointment, but a near enough thing. Illness hits the hardest for reasons he categorically refuses to unpack right now.

But eliminate. That's a particular word choice.]

Through wedding magic and technology, to...[What was the word, what was the word...] automate most of the things with human cost?