EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

[abraxasmods]

Event #6 - EVENT INFO

go to the OOC event info and plotting post

---

Those that agree to attend the Summit will travel via portals to the designated location, which is out in the open in neutral territory. Plenty of pretty mountains and flowers. A magic field is erected over this area. Characters can only enter and exit at designated portals. It is not possible to leave this encircled area, which will also negate teleportation and portal spells. Plus, you don't want to embarrass your faction by sneaking out of bounds!

Before entering, all will be given a pin that designates what faction they belong to. This pin is not only color-coded but enchanted so that even should the appearance change, mages from any faction can identify who is who. The Summoned will be required to wear this pin at all times during the Summit.

The Summoned will be offered a comfortable tent to stay in during the 3-day Summit period! There's also a communal bath and a lounge to enjoy. A simple but tasty complimentary breakfast is provided for everyone, and additional meals can be bought from the faction booths or at the lounge. See the Neutral Section detailed below for more.

As noted, CHARACTERS MAY CHANGE FACTIONS USING THIS EVENT. To switch factions, please reply to the comment here. See the OOC post (link above) for details or questions!

The "Peace" Summit

An open plain flanked by mountains to the north and south, a large circular area has been fenced off. Large poles embedded into the earth are connected with magical rings, drooping heavy in the middle as if the ethereal chains have real weight. The area is divided into thirds, each section a mass of colorful tents and booths. In the center is a large wooden stage. All attendees must sit through this keynote speech. It's only polite.

The Prime Minister of the Free Cities begins the opening address. In formal military regalia she's the first to address the crowd, raising her arms high to command attention. She's smiling.

+ Marlo's Speech

"We'd like to start by welcoming all of you. For those that don't know me, I'm Marlo Renier, Prime Minister of the Free Cities. With me are Councilwoman Winifred Bordeaux of the Solvunn Communities and Queen Ellya Gladwin of the Kingdom of Thorne. We come together today in the spirit of good will. We may be divided by borders but we're all neighbors. We all share this continent. We may not always share the same opinions or agree on everything but who does? There's one thing we do agree on though - nobody is looking to start trouble. That's about the last thing anybody needs right now. That's why we're all here today. A show of good faith, a display of trust, and hopefully the first step on a long road of diplomacy and mutual understanding. And we all expect everybody on their best behavior and to conduct themselves in the spirit of this Summit.

I'm going to turn things over to Councilwoman Bordeaux now. Thank you, and you all should come check out what the Free Cities has to offer! Councilwoman?"

Marlo steps aside for the representative of Solvunn to take center stage.

+ Winifred's Speech

Winifred steps forward, nodding hear head to Marlo before turning her attention to the gathered crowd. Her own attire is modest, a dress of ivory and forest green adorned with hundreds of embroidered flowers and a velvet bodice in a deep wine red.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Some of you are likely only to know of Solvunn due to the terrible circumstances surrounding Eifstide, for which we must humbly apologize. It was not our intention to cause such pain and happened merely by accident. While that does not take away what has occurred, we do hope that we can move forward together to create a brighter, more connected continent. All of us has something to share with each other, and it is my sincerest hope that we may learn from you, as well.

The Gods smile upon the unification of our mighty communities! May we be blessed with a friendship of longevity and prosperity!. For those of you curious as to what Solvunn can do for you, look no further than this Summit's festivities. It is my pleasure to let Queen Ellya of Thorne conclude todays formalities."

+ Queen Ellya's Speech

When it's Queen Ellya's turn to speak, she addresses the crowd with hands folded. For this occassion she's worn an elaborate gown of bright blue shot through with silver that seems to shift and move through the fabric.

"Such inspiring words, truly. I can only echo the sentiments put forth before me. I hope that this Summit shows to one and all that Thorne intends no aggression toward our fellow kingdoms. Certainly, through collaborative efforts such as this, understanding can be found. Tensions can be resolved. Even between such opposite minded cultures. I am confident that these few days will be very illuminating for each and every one of you. I urge you to go forth with eyes and ears open, to ensure all that can be learned is. Enjoy yourselves. Indulge yourselves. Educate yourselves. The festivities will now commence!"

Spreading her hands towards the audience, Queen Ellya slowly steps back to her place with the others.

From here on out, the festivities commence! Characters are encouraged to freely explore each faction's section as they please - and of course, to be respectful of their neighbors. They're all friends here, after all.

Mingle & Activities

Every faction has their own setup of booths and displays that feature a variety of activities and items. Booths open in the morning and close a couple hours after sundown in the evenings. Attendants at each place will be friendly, although some may notice that while the Summoned wander more freely, there is very little intermingling among the locals of each faction. The occasional dirty look may be exchanged when no one's looking and those with keen eyes might find evidence of petty bits of vandalism.

Click to expand the sections below for a description of each area.

Thorne Section

Each booth in Thorne's section are adorned with opulent fabrics in the same blues and silvers of the Queen's dress. Magically lit lanterns are strewn on the fronts and within tents and will change colors throughout the day and over the course of the weekend. Regardless of the weather, being beneath the awnings is always pleasant as if indoors in a properly warmed and ventilated room. Nothing is left wanting. Luxury and ease through the use of magic is emphasized.

Though not calling out any who wander the aisle, any who approach a booth will be greeted with a pleasant smile. Mages are eager to show off their magicks by the use of spells, staves, wands, and magical enchantments from ancient tomes. A booth from Hayle University gives demonstrations and short lectures on the hour every hour, letting the Summoned know that with enough practice they, too, can become a Master of Magicks.

For those who came with a full coin purse, there are fine wines, expensive tapestries and fabrics, sparkling accessories and more available for purchase. If you're feeling hungry, it is highly suggested that you try the decadent and delicately dressed dishes comparable to what's served in Castle Thorne itself.

Along with magic shows, the most popular booth is that of the Pondering Orb. Form an orderly line and wait for your turn to approach the orb. All will be allotted five whole minutes to think their deepest thoughts as they lay their hands upon the orb and ponder. The little bit of tingling that you feel and the faint glow that grows the longer you touch it just means that it's working.

Free Cities Section

The Free Cities area can be heard from nearly all the other sections, alive with sound and activity. There's a state of carefully balanced chaos between the different booths and lanterns are connected by long wires, powered by generators placed proudly out in front - in almost direct competition to the magical light show that Thorne has been putting on. It's just a bit of friendly rivalry, of course. There's nothing wrong with having such a strong reliance on magic, even if it seems rather outdated.

Attendants are eager to show off all their grand innovations, including meals in a can (main course and dessert all in one dubious goop can!) and a small variety of old-style guns. They are the only faction displaying these weapons. In addition, they'll talk about the impressive level of productivity their workers provide in the name of progress. Naturally, no one is forced to work overtime. It's only that their people are so dedicated to their work, even a common factory worker will go out of their way to help science and innovation. The Summoned are encouraged to consider joining a nation with such a high level of ambition, and there's always room for everyone in their powerful military.

To commemorate the event, those participating can stamp their bronze with a fancy gear pattern. It takes about fifteen seconds to press and renders the bronze worthless to spend, but what's more valuable than a souvenir? There is a sign that says No refunds if you aren't happy with the result, although if the machine happens to swallow your coin, you will be given a new bronze to stamp free of charge. Isn't that generous?

Solvunn Section

Solvunn's booths are covered with handmade tablecloths in various styles - quilted, patchwork, crochet, and intricate embroidery. Enchanted candles of all shapes and sizes float and illuminate the area, some changing color as the day goes on. When the sun sets, all the candles take on a shade that imitates moonlight.

Those who are running booths will call out to anyone who approaches, ushering them to the booths in order to ply them with friendly conversation and small samples of their wares. For the right price, there are specialty honeys, cheeses, candies, and all other manner of goat-based products. A few booths also have goat's milk soaps, lotions, and candles. Ask a Solvunnite about what good a goat is and they'll tell you everything. The mages are equally more than happy to show off their mastery, though not just in flashy elemental magic. Mages fond of divination, tealeaf readings, and interpreting tarot will offer one-on-one demonstrations, especially if you've some coin to spare.

This year, Solvunn has decided to extend its Spring Equinox celebration to the other Abraxans at the Summit! Everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities as now is the time for observing the balance of day and night. This celebration is devoted to new life - new community members, additions to their flocks, and the bringing of goodwill for the year's crops. A maypole is erected at the center of the celebration and if it stays upright until the following festival, it's taken as a sign that the community's harvest will be bountiful.

Additionally, the shrine of Lyfbringr has been erected with paintings and several small statues depicting an androgynous god that appears as an amalgamation of man, flora, and fauna. The shrine is enclosed in a tent that is half bright cheery colors and darker monochromatic shades.

Representatives of Solvunn stand by to weave colorful ribbons or rings of flowers into people's hair or tie small bells onto their wrists. There are many baby goats frolicking in a temporary paddock that guests are free to mill about in. The Summoned are invited to consider a life among a peaceful neighborly commune where help and friendship are right at your doorstep!

Neutral Section

This area is meant for everyone to mingle, but the Summoned will find they're mostly the only ones here as the locals prefer to stay within their factions. It's lightly decorated with no particular colors or emblems of any one faction. Ample ambient lighting gives the place a warm glow once the sun goes down. Wooden benches are placed sporadically between the different designated areas, making sure that no one has to go far to find a place to rest their feet.

The Lounge Tavern is open at noon for 2 hours for lunch, and then again at sunset in the evenings, where anyone can come to have a drink or a meal. Beneath the protection of a large, open air tent, seating is provided in the form of more wooden benches and long shared tables, as well as a few stools. Vintages, ales, and meads from each of the factions are available to enjoy. A few recreational activities are available, as well, such as darts and dice games. The tables and seats are placed close together, to encourage mingling and talk among each other. Though the bar is staffed by NPC volunteers, all are expected to bus their own tables when they leave.

The Sleeping Tents are where the Summoned will return to for the night to sleep. Each tent has large number of pillows, throws, and a few large mats that can be arranged as desired for optimal comfort. The ground itself is lined in animal pelts, mostly sheep and goat, making it soft and inviting. They are indeed shared, but there's plenty of room for everyone. Each tent can fit about 8-10 people - or more, if you cozy up.

The Communal Baths open in both the evenings and in the mornings for a few hours each, which is effectively an open bathhouse pool. The pool is dug into the ground itself and lined with special tile manufactured from the Free Cities, hailed for its ability to hold water without the use of special sealant. The waters are magically warmed to the ideal temperature using enchanted stones from Thorne that create a natural border around the edges, and soap (made of goat's milk, courtesy of Solvunn) and towels are provided. Here, those attending can bathe as well as use it as a mingle.

Summit Events

Meant to be a "collaboration" between the factions, the Summit also offers activities that take place on the main stage where the speeches were initially given.

Raffle

The Summoned will be provided a single courtesy raffle ticket, which they can use to enter the raffle contest. Additional tickets will cost an extra 5 bronze coins. To enter the raffle contest, fill out the comment here and we will RNG your prizes!

Regardless of luck, all those who enter will receive all 3 (one of each) of the following consolation prizes:

• Inkless Quill: Provided by Thorne, this is a magical quill that never runs out of ink...sort of. It'll work for about a month of heavy use before it runs out of juice. The Thorne sigil will automatically watermark any pages that this quill is used to write on.
• Tote Bag & Charm: Provided by Solvunn, this soft woven tote bag comes with a small handmade charm depicting a sigil of one of the old gods. If asked what the god or sigil means, the only answer is that you will know when your time comes.
• Glow Ring: Provided by the Free Cities, this ring will adjust to fit any finger size. It comes with a round orb instead of a jewel that can light up on command and act as a powerful torch or flashlight. Very powerful. People have gone blind by looking directly into it for too long.

An Escaped Creature

On the second day of the event, rumor has it a small creature has gone loose! The offender in question is this little fellow, who is the size of a small poodle. The Summoned are asked to help find and catch him, if at all possible. He's noted to be harmless if mischievous, but all those in the area are warned to be careful for if he's startled, the animal will eject a magical plume from his quills that can cause one of the following temporary effects: excessive sneezing, a change in hair color, glitter bombed, or to emit a constant glowing aura.

No one knows where he came from or who brought him, but ask any of the faction attendants and they'll be liable to start pointing fingers at the other side. Nonetheless, all those who make an effort to help catch him will be thanked and available mages may attempt to help with the side effects.

If you want your character to make a real attempt at catching him, reply to the comment here by Feb 20th and we'll RNG who eventually catches him. If your character fails, however, they must take one of its side effects for the rest of the day. The choice as to which one is yours! The winner will be rewarded with a token bottle of wine for their troubles or a very fancy dessert if they don't drink.

Comments

[lackingtalent]

Is that so? Where I originated, one's intent was shown through outward appearance. A societal quirk, I suppose most would call it. My people... [A small smile. Strangely sad.] ...We felt that showing unique outward appearances would show vainglory- and an interest in the self above duty.

[An ever so faint laugh.]

Most frowned upon. For all of our existences were not for ourselves. Instead, something far more important was the meaning of our lives- the star we resided upon.

Where this little story finds its relevance- and your patience with it should pay- is that I had the notion of displaying the same intent toward the Horizons I visited, by obscuring myself. As I stated to you there, I have no desire to cause any form of harm to any of these moments, or to any architect behind any of them.

[A hand moves to, indeed, pour the drinks. He doesn't recognize the label on the bottle, but it certainly smells strong enough.]

However! I would do well to remember that in future.

[The drinks are poured, and he moves one of the cups toward him.]

Are you not! [Oh, he's reminded of someone, all right.] ...I must confess, I find that hard to believe. Personally, I found you charming.

[supersoldier]

[His first thought is that this man talks as much in the "real" world as he does in the Horizon. Sephiroth allows him to say his piece, just as he does in the company of other talkative individuals, letting them do the heavy lifting of guiding the conversation to and fro if they're so keen on it.

Finally-]

You're in the minority.

[Of that assessment. But this world is strange; or maybe that's what happens when he no longer carries the weight of a reputation, the label of a hero. Others look at him as though he is just another soldier in an army, one of many.]

So is showing an individual form now, before everyone here, an example of vainglory?

[What an odd concept. He notes that dim sadness, wonders if he thinks it equally an oddity amongst even his kind. Though there is an advantage to uniformity--he should know, the military thrives on it--even SOLDIERs were allowed their own sense of individuality, shown through their uniforms, or their choice of weapon.]

[lackingtalent]

Come now, you're making fast friends.

[A somewhat impish gesture to the few soundly defeated men around them comes. Really, from all of the bottles that litter the table, it's a wonder they're not dead, or well on their way. He can still see their souls, so there's no need to nudge any of them to make sure.]

The only thing I think that would not be charming about this misadventure would be you leaving them with the bill.

[Sephiroth's question causes his hand to move to his chin, his gaze to wander ever so slightly.]

Well. That was my first impression, yes. ...But really, I've found I've been stared at far more walking around as I normally would. So in the spirit of not standing out-

[He has naturally lilac hair, has a facial structure most would think a woman's, eyes that glow bright enough to provide light- even here, and happens to be a very great deal over six feet tall. Of course he attracts stares regardless.]

- I decided to make an attempt. That and one of my kind- fully, anyway- is here. And he has long outgrown old habits. And there's hardly anyone to frown at us. Where we're from, unfortunately, was lost. All with it, too.

[There are some reborn, of course. But it's hardly the same. ...But. He hardly thinks Sephiroth wants to hear that. So! He picks up his glass, touches it to Sephiroth's own (whether he's picked it up or not) and drinks.

...And.]

Oh. That's horrible!

[Why would anyone inflict neat vodka upon themselves?!]

[supersoldier]

[He’d find his reaction to the drink vaguely more comical if he hasn’t just come off a very morbid turn of conversation — his home, lost? His kind, as well?

Sephiroth allows him to recover from the taste of vodka in his mouth. He turns over what he’s been told in his head, expression stern as always while he contemplates.]

You’re saying that your planet is gone? What happened to it?

[He is not alone, at least. But it hard to think of the loss of one’s world as a freedom to show individualism; Sephiroth would never wish the same on Gaia.]

hoo boy this is a big one

[lackingtalent]

Hm... well, a great many things.

[He turns the glass in his hand slightly, his gaze drawn, sillily, to the remains of the liquid that inches its way across it. The memory is clearly something that affects him. Strange, really. Twelve thousand years, and he's still so very affected.

So, with his eyes on that glass...]

A catastrophe came to us. In isolated incidents, at first. Each of concern, and numerous. No sooner than one imbalance was sorted out, we had three or four new ones to contend with! [A brief shake of his head.] And within a matter of days, these incidents swelled into an event that would end our star, and end us. The land was blighted, the water poisoned. Even the wind had ceased to blow. And still, more calamity came, unending. For our part, we still had no idea where our doom had come from.

[His eyes raise to him. And his expression is far from jovial. How does one put out a fire when there are hundreds? thousands? When putting one out causes twenty, thirty more? And more still come?]

...But, something came to our leaders. They endeavored to create a being that would form the will of our star itself, and shield it by recreating the laws of order. To change the fabric of reality just enough, that what was befalling us no longer feasibly could. We called it Zodiark. However... there was a cost. Half of our number- or at least, half the number of those who had survived the final days, for they are not the same thing- willingly offered themselves in sacrifice to grant Zodiark life.

[His eyes lower again. And he smiles, faintly. There's no fondness in it though. Instead, a memory. Of meeting someone dear, while their beloved city burned around them. What had been said. The fact... he'd actually stifled tears as he'd told him. Turned. Tried his hardest not to turn around. Tried to not openly weep as he departed, for that wouldn't help anyone.

And he'd gone, leaving that dear friend behind. That was the last time he had seen Emet-Selch.

Twelve thousand years, and still that memory of that day would not leave him. However hard he willed it.]

Zodiark was born. And He halted the Final Days, and mankind's oblivion. ...And thus, the star was saved.

[He does not sound enthused.]

However, the damage had been done. And oh, it was such damage. The star itself was crippled, merely paused within a state of death, with no feasible way to repair itself. Even my kinds actions as its stewards did nothing.

...So once again, my people offered themselves. Another half of our number willingly gave their life force to Zodiark so that other lives may have been afforded the opportunity to sprout, grow, and flourish. And a plan was concocted. That my people would nurture these tiny lives, and when they were significant enough, an exchange would be made for those that had sacrificed themselves. And thus, we would start again. Together.

[A brief shake of his head.]

To say we were all in accord would be wrong. There were detractors- who felt that enough was enough. That too much had been taken already, and that the star belonged to the lives newly born. Thus, they sacrificed their life energies to bring life to an opposing idea. Hydaelyn, it was called. ...Hydaelyn and Zodiark fought. Their battle sundered reality, as we knew it. Our star was utterly destroyed with Zodiark's defeat.

[He's quiet for a few seconds. There was more to the tale. Most certainly, but Sephiroth asked a simple question. It hardly needs to be gone into, unless he wished to know more.

...And besides. That is Emet-Selch's tale to tell.]

I know not what more upsetting. The fact I now know what caused our end- for death tends to afford a certain clarity, or the fact my people had never, never- formed contrasting opinions until that point. That the end came with us divided, and as enemies.

[supersoldier]

[That’s… a lot to take in. A very world on the brink of extinction. The extremes in which they tried to stop it, sacrifices larger than what anyone should ever be able to comprehend. And sacrifices willing to be given twice — except by those who wanted to draw the line.

All of which culminated in a clash of ideologies; and though he may not understand the details—he assumes the two entities referenced are brought forth by magic, or by belief—like all opposite beliefs that conflict, it blossoms into war.

What is he supposed to even say to that? Sephiroth hardly knows, given that condolences feel empty, and come from him rarely, anyway.]

If there’s anything that would divide a people, it would be how they should spend their final days. Especially if it presents a moral problem.

[He pauses.]

What you’ve described to me would be… difficult, no matter the end result. No one would’ve envied that set of circumstances.

[But— he’s here now, isn’t it? A death circumvented thanks to what he can only assume is the Singularity’s influence.]

[lackingtalent]

I think even if we had someone like you among our number, our end would have been the same. What is important is that we tried.

[Perhaps Sephiroth would ask on that- the specific mention of him. Or someone like him. But as for the rest of it, there's very little that could be said. Were Sephiroth the sort of man which had the sweetest of platitudes at his disposal- or even if he were the sort of man which would clumsily shovel out whatever platitudes he could- it would not change a thing.

He can't help but smile, somewhat wryly, before his gaze moves away. Not out of the aforementioned effect recounting such a thing had on him. Oh, no. Instead:]

It was not for nothing. There are those that learned from our failing and benefited through our mistakes. And I have every reason to believe they are our evolution.

[A sentiment that he would not share with Emet-Selch. Nor any related, actually. But Sephiroth, being someone that did not quite understand, is a safe enough recipient.]

The star is theirs now. As are our hopes. Perhaps one day we might meet them once more.

[And!]

Tell me of your world. I know of your place of work- but I must confess, the rest of it intrigues me. Is it like this one?

[supersoldier]

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

Silence, then he shakes his head.]

No. This world is much different than my own.

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

Where to start?]

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

[lackingtalent]

[Ah, he has all the time in the world for flattery- when it is true. And in Sephiroth's case, not a single word has been false. Yet still. He listens, placing his elbow on one of the parts of the table that are not soaked with liqueur, and resting his chin in his hand.

He's settled in for a story. Yet the briskness of Sephiroth's tone, the matter-of-fact way of which he describes such things, it's telling.]

Do you love your planet? Have you explored it? Have you learned of its secrets, its histories, its peculiarities?

[supersoldier]

[Does he love his planet? This is a strange question; does he know anyone who does? He was surrounded by individuals who had an investment in the Planet, at least, given the very nature of Shinra. But anything more, like a fondness or a deeper appreciation—]

I think you’re under the wrong impression. I don’t have the freedom to wander the Planet as I please, poking my nose into every oddity. I go where I’m assigned, and barring of that, I spend my time in the city.

[lackingtalent]

[Not to worry. The answer to the question, he's sure, will come in time. Silly of him to ask it, really, with Sephiroth being so new to Abraxas.]

Ah, the surroundings depicted in the view through the windows of your workplace? It certainly seemed expansive enough. And rather exciting.

[The smell that permeated the Horizon though? The mako stench of the distant reactors, barely disguised with the smells of all manner of air purifiers? Not so.

Still. A smile- faint but meant- comes thereafter.]

...Regrettably, we have that in common. I barely get out myself. You strike me as someone that has the strength to do as you please, however. So if I might ask, providing you have drank enough to have your lips loosened-

[Or, since he appears fine, if Sephiroth has the whim to indulge him...]

What keeps you there?

[supersoldier]

[That whim exists for now. As long as the subject remains on questions easy to answer, given objectively, then he sees no reason to be tight-lipped on any of it.]

My work. [A grand, sweeping answer indeed, lacking in details. He considers it quietly before offering a little more.] If I chose to wander the planet, it would be under the watchful gaze of the company. Besides, I have no reason to leave what I've grown accustomed to.

[It is not, unfortunately, the whole answer. He does not bring up the idea that he thought of leaving Shinra; planned on it, actually, after the Nibelheim mission. That hovers too close to personal reasons he still isn't certain he wishes to share.]

[lackingtalent]

And yet you have. Not by choice of course- though that hardly needs spelling out.

[There's something more there, he's certain. More that seems somewhat selfishly hoarded, considering the information Sephiroth has requested of him.

Yet he can be patient. And he does have the knowledge that coerced information is hardly fun to listen to at all. So:]

And here? Your pin labels you as of the Free Cities. Have you found sufficient work there?

[supersoldier]

[Personal information is trickled out from Sephiroth, more than it is openly shared. There are very few people with whom he strikes up a friendship immediately—if at all—so Hythlodaeus is about on track with the rest of them. At least he is both patient and not easily intimidated by his usual nature.]

I’ve joined the army. The Free Cities are more than happy to have the Summoned a part of their ranks.

[Less condoning than fact.]

Thus far, I’ve been assigned mostly patrol work.