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

baby goats!

[carmesi]

[it is not the sight she expects to see—standing in the middle of the paddock, surrounded by baby goats trying to find a way to make entertainment of the tall man. wanda had wandered off to find some feed to give the kids, only to be completely distracted from her goal by sephiroth's presence.

how did he even get roped into coming?

more importantly, it is her chance to greet him outside of wandering into his horizon without invitation.]

You don't have to just stand there, you know. [her approach has the goats turning their expression onto her, taking note of the bag she carries that likely contains hay and grain pellets.] Kids can get very mischievous even when you do nothing.

[hello, greet your baby-goat savior.]

[supersoldier]

[There are two baby goats gnawing on his pant legs, now, and Sephiroth logically knows that if he ignores them, they will not just simply turn away. They’re stubborn things, probably more so than him, and can find amusement in even the most statuesque individuals who’ve wandered into their pen.

Even so, he seems to be very pointedly ignoring them in favor of turning his head to look at Wanda. The recognition is instantaneous, of course, though there’s still a hint of surprise at finding someone in the “real world” when their initial meeting had been in the surreality of the Horizon.]

What do you expect me to do?

[Pet them? Don’t be silly. He inclines his head towards the bag she’s carrying.]

Maybe you should feed them and spare my clothes.

[carmesi]

Maybe walk away, or grab some actual food for them to eat.

[she can't help finding amusement in his situation, for all that he attempts to appear unbothered by it. in another display of her magic, she duplicates the bag in her hand into another perfect replica, and walks the rest of the way up to sephiroth—offering him to take the bag.]

It almost looks like you want to be rescued.

[her words are meant as a joke, of course, and she does not wait for him to reply before she's crouching and offering pellets of food to the baby goats. immediately, they 'spare his clothes' and rush to her hands, baa-ing excitedly and loudly.]

[supersoldier]

[Her magic continues to be a pointed interest to him, in that it happens so simultaneously, so completely. The bag of pellets he’s now holding is weighted and real, not as though they had been whisked into existence mere moments before.

But he doesn’t linger on the thought. The goats skitter off and find more satisfaction in someone actually making an effort to feed them, though one lingers at his boots, looking up at him. It baas expectantly.]

Whether or not that’s true, you’ve provided it.

[A rescue. The goat baas again, shifts from one hoof to another.

Sephiroth finally gives in, accepting that this one’s stubbornness outweighs his own. He crouches down, fishes food out of the bag, and offers it in the palm of his hand. The kid take sit gratefully.]

This is a strange display for a peace summit. Am I supposed to be enticed by—

[GOATS]

—baby animals?

[carmesi]

[that's as much as a 'thank you' as she is going to get—not that she's looking for one—and wanda takes it for what it is, this quiet and mismatched acquaintance she has managed to foster with the tall, silver-haired man. she does not raise her head, but sees from the corner of her eye as he crouches down to make sure the stubborn baby goat that sticks to his side stops making loud noises at him.

wanda does not smile, simply focusing on making sure she's got enough food on her hand for the ones giving her attention. it's between her pausing to get new pellets from the pouch that one of the goats turns more attentively towards sephiroth, impatient about waiting for wanda.]

I don't know about 'enticed'. This is simply what Solvunn has to offer.

[some would claim it's a cute and easy distraction.]

It is far more peaceful than the magicks of Thorne and the weapons of The Free Cities, anyway. [those were wanda's least favorite of all. she looks up at him, meeting his eyes.] But somehow you are here among the baby goats?

[supersoldier]

[It seems as if one baby goat will not be enough to satisfy whatever dread fate this day has in store; in fact, another comes bounding up to Sephiroth, nosing him for food, and he obliges with a knit brow.]

I take it that means you won’t be changing sides on account of peacefulness.

[Not one for politics. Neither is Sephiroth, but he would wilt away into nothingness in such idyllic settings. He should be the most useless of all, where a sword is not needed.]

It wasn’t my choice. A man I met recently, he is more interested in activities like these than I am. He brought me here and has wandered off… somewhere.

[carmesi]

I don't wish to be part of whatever conflict these people have.

[it is none of her business. the only thing that she does consider her business are the secrets of the summoning, the magic it entails, and how, if possible, she could get her hands on the spell—perform it herself, too. her gaze returns down to the goats—]

I won't fight for anyone. [she claps her hands together to remove the leftover rubbish left over once the goats have eaten everything from them.] Solvunn is the perfect middle ground for me.

[now, she pets at the heads of the baby goats, the two with her skipping on over towards sephiroth. so much for the rescue! wanda stands now, watching over this unfolding.]

Sounds to me like you're far easier to persuade than anticipated, Sephiroth.

[supersoldier]

[The argument to be made against that is clear: if this peace summit is just a thinly veiled farce, then everyone will be affected by the conflict brewing over their heads like a storm, regardless of one's willingness to fight. But Sephiroth is not here to argue. He has little to no investment in who chooses to fight and for what cause. If she opts to turn a blind eye, then that's her decision.]

Then for your sake, I hope this peace summit achieves what all the speeches make it out to be.

[As for persuasion-]

I won't make that mistake again. [(He probably will.)]

[carmesi]

[as he says that, the baby goats baa enthusiastically, and one even bonks its head against sephiroth's leg. wanda does her best to keep a straight face, keep herself from laughing at how insignificant was her attempt to persuade the baby goats away.

the simply seem to like sephiroth too much. one even starts at his hair, now that he's crouched down.

—wanda pulls that one goat away, because clearly his hair matters to him to have it grow so long.]

Shall we escape from these bullies?

[supersoldier]

[He lifts a forearm up to catch some of his hair, pulling it away from the kid who's taken an interest in the screen of silver, frowning. Helpfully, Wanda pulls it away, which leaves only the tips of a few strands wetted with goat... saliva.]

Yes.

[Said maybe a little too eagerly. Sephiroth stands, but not without leaving the bag of feed open and on the ground for the goats to nose around in -- is that recommended? He doesn't care; but he isn't quite so cold as to leave them hanging and hungry.]

Let's go.

[carmesi]

[well, that required little to no convincing at all. she leads the way after he's done leaving the bag of feed on the ground, heading towards the gate of the fenced area. wanda swings it open, steps out, and waits for sephiroth to follow.]

Are you in a hurry?

[to be somewhere else?]

wheezes forever

[supersoldier]

[He is in a hurry to detach himself from goats that want to nibble on his hair, ma’am.

But if she means in general—]

Time’s better spent than milling around animals.

[Here, during this Summit with its many new faces, a chance for newcomers like themselves to acclimate. Even if Sephiroth prefers to do so at a distance; and even if he cannot bother to say as much aloud.]

Have you visited the Free Cities’ section?

almost climbed that corporate ladder

[carmesi]

[there's a charm in the idyllic farmland, she gets it. even if sephiroth wouldn't voice nor recognize it. considering the world he comes from, the setting he chose for his domain, it hardly is surprising: polished floors, high ceilings, metal contraptions—nary any space for nature, except for the tree in the middle of it all.]

I did.

[she walks along, looking over at him simply for a sense of companionship, arms relaxed despite being crossed, walking past the fenced area and towards the booths.]

Was not really for me. [he may get an inkling why, from their first conversation. she shrugs.] Seems strange to bring all that weaponry to a peace summit. Is that where you were summoned into?

just a cameo from everyone's fave CEO

[supersoldier]

Yes.

[Summoned into the Free Cities, he realizes after observing the other factions from an arms-length distance, that it was the most suited for him — if he had to be stolen away from his planet on a whim, at least.]

Their military strength is a point of pride. It would entice those who are similarly minded.

[A statement lacking the enthusiasm of an appeal. He is merely stating fact, even if Sephiroth agrees that it’s strange to show off weaponry during a peace summit; very much something Shinra would do, so he’s merely written it off as showboating.]

I’ve joined their ranks.

[The complete opposite of her own spoken preference.]

[carmesi]

You found the right place to fit in, then.

[she's — not not happy for him, but she can't say she agrees entirely with what the free cities stands for. out of all the factions, the free cities is the one wanda has gotten most conflicting thoughts on; the warmongering from some of its summoned, and the only thing that keeps her from worrying too much about it is that she knows good people on that side.

(perhaps including sephiroth in that group, too.)

there is not much else for her to say past that, a slow amble past the booths and looking around without interest. her mind is elsewhere, torn away from the moment by his words, and the worries that have been festering in her mind.]

Can I ask you a favor? [is what she says abruptly, not looking at him, not stopping in her stride. she doesn't wait for his word:] I don't wish to fight you.

[should anything—ever—occur between the factions.]

[supersoldier]

[He doesn’t reply immediately, unsure if she’s seeking assurances at all. A favor, as she puts it, in a circumstance that he would still his blade should it come to a conflict between two sides.

He frowns, more prominent than any he’s worn before.]

I’ve joined the army to find my footing. [He feels compelled to explain, in his strained way.] Not because I have committed myself to a cause.

[Which might not be comforting to some, but to Sephiroth, it means he is not bound to it — just like he wasn’t bound to SOLDIER in those last days. He chooses who to raise his blade against, in the end.]

Do you think this peace summit is a farce?

[carmesi]

It's not that I think you find joy in conflict. [she barely knows him, but for the other time they met, back in his horizon, but there's a definite lack of bloodlust in his eyes—unusual as they may be.] But I will not put it past the forces of this world to turn us against each other.

[it is pretty clear to wanda, despite her want for solitude and her very black-and-white view of things, that the summoned should be acting together, no matter what faction they are in. to get involved in the intricacies of a world foreign to them seems foolish, especially when she feels that there are so many things to rightfully question.

they near the booths, cheer and color abound in her eyes as she keeps her gaze forward.]

I wouldn't know what to call it, but I don't feel very confident in its purpose.

[and this extensive attempt to make the summoned change sides by flaunting weapons, magic, community. it feels like something that may be brewing. once again, there is much that she feels she doesn't know, and it makes her uncomfortable, blatant distrust seeping under her skin.]

Promise me.

[supersoldier]

[She had not let go of the point. He should not be surprised, for she seems headstrong and blunt; oddly, in ways that remind him of himself.]

I promise.

[It may as well be set in stone. Unwavering, now, as long as their burgeoning bond does not shatter into pieces via betrayal — not that he should expect it of her, but it wouldn’t be the first he’s experienced.]

I won’t turn my blade against you. I have no criticisms to fling at the army currently, but I have more reason to…

[He trails off, the verbiage foreign on his tongue.]

—relate, I think, more to a fellow Summoned than a foreign cause. Do you agree?

[carmesi]

[if there is one solid acquaintanceship (friendship?) in this world outside of the people from her own world, it would have to be this one. sephiroth echoes her request, yet it doesn't feel like he's just saying it to appease her. it feels as if there is weight to it; he means it, and his word is not to be taken lightly.

there is distinct relief when she exhales and he continues on, explaining his reasoning.]

I know. I feel similarly.

[even if, maybe, it won't necessarily be the way everyone thinks. she has met a couple of people who are either entirely disinterested or surprisingly loyal to the different leaders and territories.

—they move past the booths, towards the edge of the space reserved for solvunn. wanda stops, looks around in her bag, and pulls out a few lotions that she got before; with her magic, she transforms the composition of them and, abruptly, she hands them over to him, solidifying a bag around them so he can easily carry them around.]

Shampoo and conditioner, for your hair.

[:)]