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

@ goro

[techmaturgy]

[This is the other shoe dropping, he thinks, and it’s why he’d been slightly reluctant to talk about the specifics of his work to start. In attempting to establish himself as at least somewhat reputable, however, he must have said enough, because there’s already someone interested in hearing more. He’s not opposed to it, necessarily, considering his need to secure resources, but it’s difficult not to be wary. Maybe this doesn’t need to be anything. He’s fully aware that he has a desirable set of talents. Why wouldn’t people be seeking him out, even after only a few weeks here?

Still, he finds himself having the fleeting thought that Jayce should be here to do this instead, then just as quickly reminds himself that it’s probably for the best—his partner would agree to almost anything with no thought for the repercussions. Here, at least, Viktor has some measure of control.

That’s what he keeps in mind as he makes his way to the tavern. Despite his general aversion to political goings-on of this place, he’s heard about the rally in Cadens and knows who he’s looking for (though that doesn't mean there isn't a moment of pause, when he sees Goro in person). He assumes that Goro knows who he's looking for, in turn, as there probably aren't many who fit his description, and when he takes a seat it's with the confidence of someone who knows he's supposed to be here.]

I admit, I'm surprised by how quickly word travels.

[Possibly he's not all that surprised. Possibly he's trying to play this cool.]

[fourarmedandangerous]

Goro, as always, has preferred to take his rest in his summoned throne of jagged stone, a trick he developed after his first foray into the Horizon that no doubt made it even easier to find the already distinctive Goro. He is watching the fire, his lower hands steepled together in thought. He does not look towards Viktor as the young man slides into a seat across from his throne.

"People have heard your claims, and they are impressive, Doctor." The Shokan replies easily. "But truth is often lost in the retelling. I have heard these claims and I would be interested in knowing the truth for myself about this...hex-tech. I understand its uses are varied, to say the least." An invitation for "Doctor" Viktor to expound on those many uses. Goro has but one in mind primarily, but such matters must be approached delicately, and in proper way. Humans tended to be so squeamish about the possibility of kombat.

[techmaturgy]

It's all a bit much, but Viktor is used to posturing. Sure, navigating a one-on-one with someone who stylizes himself as some kind of vaguely brutalist authority (throne?? and all) and could probably snap him like a twig (in four separate directions, even!) is literal worlds away from clawing his way into Piltovan society, but it's the same basic skillset. Nothing he hasn't figured out before.

He takes a moment to settle into his seat, leaning his crutch on the table behind him, still within arm's reach if he decides he needs to extricate himself from the conversation.

"You don't have to call me that. I'm not a doctor."

He'd sooner refer to himself an engineer or an inventor than expound upon his various and esoteric degrees from the Academy, especially when the development of Hextech more-or-less subsumed all of it anyway. There's something to be said for getting right down to business, at least, though he still takes half a moment to gather his thoughts, as if he's deciding what he wants to divulge.

"Are you familiar with what they call 'new' magic?"

Since arriving, he's managed to do some cursory research on the various types of arcane applications used in this world. New magic isn't necessarily the closest equivalent to his own work, but it does involve a merger of magic and science, so that seems like the best place to start.

[fourarmedandangerous]

"A gesture of respect, I assure you." Goro replies. "But as you wish."

He waves over a server as Viktor asks his question. "The fusion of technology harnessed and powered by magic? I am familiar with the concept yes, though not its exact workings. Will you take anything to drink?"

Goro himself asks for a pitcher of their strongest ale, no mugs. "I take it the underlying principles are the same as with your hex-tech, then."

[techmaturgy]

"It's appreciated, but unnecessary. Viktor is fine."

He shakes his head at the offer of a drink, not because he thinks he doesn't deserve one, at this point, but because he'd rather stay focused on business.

"Something like that. Here, it is the use of magic to facilitate preexisting technology." So he's come to understand, anyway. "My work involves the harnessing of arcane forces--tapping into the source itself--using specialized equipment."

The implication being that one doesn't need to be a mage or have any kind of inborn ability to utilize the aforementioned forces. There's more, of course, but he gives Goro a quick glance as if to make sure he's following.

[fourarmedandangerous]

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

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

[techmaturgy]

He nods--that had been the whole point, that anyone could utilize magic and all benefits therein, whether they had innate ability or not. The stabilized energy source had been the next logical step in that process, using Hextech to power portable devices (or, really, anything at all). It's his understanding that the magic here is usable by most people in a similar way, though of course it's gatekept by mages and academics. Most civilians likely don't have the time or resources to learn at a high level.

"Before I arrived here, my partner and I were able to develop a stabilized conduit for the energy."

And the implications would have been revolutionary, if not for--well. The sting of Progress Day isn't so far away that he doesn't still feel it.

"Of course, this is all theoretical. The conduit is...specific, and likely unavailable here, just as the magic of this place functions under different rules."

That said, he knows how to make this work in principle. It's just a matter of recreating the process under the specific parameters of this world.

[fourarmedandangerous]

"But you understand the principles." Goro presses on, undeterred by Viktor's objections. "Enough that with time and means, you could adapt them to the magic of this world." To force it into shape. To force it to obey laws, to program it like a machine. All the power of magic with none of the instability, none of the inherent chaos. An army equipped with such weapons, and the discipline installed by the Free Cities, and their hate properly stoked...why such an army would be unstoppable.

But the stage still needs to be set for that, of course. He won't leap immediately to weapons. Not until he has just cause for them.

"If the technology could be adapted, it would be a great boon for the Cities and its industries." He says instead, angling towards civic-mindedness instead of warfare. "My name carries weight in Cadens." Which Viktor knows, it's why he's here talking with Goro. "I would like to use that weight to help sponsor your continued research here. My people can supply laboratory space and equipment for your purposes. A suitable place to begin, yes?"

Now he turns to look down towards Viktor where he sits. "Provided you are agreeable to such a sponsorship, of course."

[techmaturgy]

He thinks, ten years ago, he would have jumped on this without a second thought. Even now, it's extremely tempting, because he can't deny that this is everything he needs, and securing it is a matter of life or death. The sticking point is that Viktor isn't sure he wants to be beholden to special interests, especially that of strangers whose motives are unclear--he had enough of that, back home. Goro might be someone of influence in Cadens, but he's aware of the rally and still isn't quite sure what to make of it.

"I have a few questions."

Which should be expected, because this is about doing business. He highly doubts this offer comes with no strings attached.

"If I am able to recreate the technology--" He says this like it is, in fact, an if, and not the when that he hopes, if only for his own sake, "--what would you see done with it? What sort of timetable? You're offering me funding and resources--I need to know your parameters. Expectations."

[fourarmedandangerous]

"You have concerns." Goro corrects. "You would be foolish not to, given the circumstances. Feel free to speak your mind. Please." This was expected, the man was hardly going to leap at the first offer made to him. This hex-tech is a commodity and there is at least one person in the Cities who will do everything he can to try and snatch it away from Goro. Which is why weapons aren't going to come up unless he is pressed.

"Agriculture would be my primary interest, though in a greater sense, the deserts themselves." He answers. "Living in these conditions takes its toll on the Cities, limits the arable land. It constricts expansion, makes travel between the Cities long, tedious and difficult. Does hex-tech offer solutions to these problems, and what would be required to solve them? A demonstration area, perhaps. A bit of the desert made an oasis. Something the people of the Cities can see, and touch for themselves, beyond the capabilities of their current technology. A sign that the deserts could not only be tamed, but reforged into something more hospitable." He contemplates the fire for a moment.

"What could you do in six months along those lines?"

[techmaturgy]

"Well, the hard part is working out the specific rules and finding the conduit. Once that is stabilized and safeguarded against misuse--" Funny, almost, that he's the one saying this now, but he feels like he has to, in the face of nebulous intentions, "--then, yes. Environmental reclamation, as you say. Enhanced tools and equipment, to ease the burdens of workers. Faster and easier travel that isn't dependent on mages conjuring portals. The applications are nearly limitless. I don't know whether the Cities would accept this use of magic, but I believe the benefits are self-evident."

He also sees the Free Cities as similar to Piltover in that way--afraid of the destructive power of magic, until they see what it can do when safely harnessed. What Viktor doesn't say is that he isn't sure if he has six months. But that's what this is about, isn't it? Recreating some version of the Hexcore and using it to slow or halt or reverse his illness so that he can continue his work and do all of these things--maybe not just for the Free Cities, but for this world in its entirety. Maybe reverse-engineer the summoning ritual. He tells himself he can do that in half a year. Less, if he has to, because he has no other choice.

And, well, since Viktor has been invited to speak his mind, there's one more topic to touch on, at least to give Goro a chance to explain.

"You should know that I feel very strongly about the humanitarian potential of this technology. I understand you held a rally, recently. About Solvunn."

[fourarmedandangerous]

"If it can be regulated and controlled, then yes, I believe the Cities would be made to see the benefits of your work." Goro replies. "They distrust magic because it is innately chaotic, and its secrets are held by a small few. It breeds misunderstandings and distrust. Give them something safe and reliable that works, and I believe you will find converts here."

He lifts a pitcher to his lips. Ah yes, he was hoping Viktor would be the one to bring weapons up. Of course, he's asking about the rally, but the connection is there. "That is correct." He replies, setting the pitcher down. "Then you will also have heard of what happened on Eifstide. The rally was in response to that. People were angry, and required an outlet for that anger. I channeled it towards...useful purpose." He considers the fire for a moment. "Of course, there are many who disagree with that. It's easy for them to, because I look the part of a monster to them, so I must be monstrous. People see what they wish to see, especially a soldier trained his entire life to have an enemy he must fight." He doesn't name names, the description will speak for itself. "You are a learned man, Viktor, if you had lived through the events of that night and then heard Solvunn's "apology" for that terror, would you be inclined to simply take them at their word? We sent a delegation to Solvunn. I was part of that delegation. I spoke to people in Solvunn, learned their perspectives. We found no trace of wrongdoing."

He steeples his lower hands together again. "And now, we are here, giving diplomacy its chance to work. If the three nations are sincere in their intentions, then perhaps cooperation will be the path forward. And the Cities have been good to me. If I can enable some way to make their lives better as thanks for the kindness and respect they have shown me, it is only right that I do so. My honour as a warrior and prince both demand it."

It's a good speech. He'd been workshopping it for a day or two in his head. He names no names, but appeals to Viktor's kinder nature, attempts to garner sympathy and without naming names might just sow the seeds of distrust from any "soldiers" that might come calling trying to take Viktor elsewhere.

And of course, if the nations are sincere in their goal of peace is an important, but understated caveat. In a war in which the Free Cities were not the aggressor, but victims of a seemingly-unprovoked attack? That cost people their lives? Well, perhaps that would be a balm on this sickly man's conscience when Goro came around because of how drastically the situation had changed...

[techmaturgy]

He's careful not to say weapons, not wanting to come across as accusatory, but it seems they both know what he means. There are arguments he could make here--that escalation or talk of retaliation is never the answer, that there is a choice, when it comes to indulging anger, instead of finding solution that eases tensions. The general public doesn't get to go to Solvunn to hear their explanation for Eifstide--they believe what they hear from their leaders.

"It's a fine line to walk, providing an outlet without allowing animosity to breed. But I'm not here to debate politics. I simply want to make it known where I stand, when it comes to the application of my work."

Viktor has no loyalty to anyone, nor is he particularly interested in involving himself with the larger conflicts between the nations. He'd just as soon see this version of Hextech be adapted and distributed equitably to Thorne and Solvunn alike, should they want it. That said, he finds the peace summit to be performative at best, so he understands that his work may be limited to the Free Cities regardless.

"I'm, ah. Entertaining a few offers." Whether that's true or not doesn't really matter, as long as Goro thinks it's true. Unlike certain absent parties, Viktor knows how to haggle. "I hope you don't mind if I take a few days to consider them."