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

[a_better_man]

Ah....very new.

[Mat admits it easily with a little smile. Not even a whole month in this world, and still quite unsure of most of it.]

Enough that I'm still trying to get my bearings and figure out just what I'm supposed to be doing.

[Or rather what he's doing here at all, but it seems to him as they're the same thing. It doesn't make much sense to him, that no one asks for anything in return, no one offers them more guidance than vague words. And the longer it goes, the more concerning it seems.]

Everyone's been nice, though. So far anyhow.

[vixening]

[ he's young she can't help but notice. and while her own view of what constitutes as young is a bit skewed, due to her own age, it's the smile. the easy smile. she wonders how long he'll last. ]

Ah. [ the sound isn't mean, necessarily, but there is a kind of exhausted air to it. very new, very young - had he crossed paths with her before all of this, just months ago, she probably would have been more willing to play the experienced teacher, the willing mentor. now, yennefer is tired - but they are still out and about, still amongst a good number of the court.

so she nods. ] They will continue to be, you're a welcome guest as a Summoned. You're quite valuable.

[a_better_man]

Valuable? I'm really not.

[The shake of Mat's head is accompanied with a small laugh, a touch of discomfort beneath it. Why does everyone keep saying things like that? He wasn't even valuable to his own parents, for fuck's sake.]

I've no special gifts, I've no useful skills, I bring nothing to this banquet beyond a touch of luck and an occasional witticism. But I will not turn my nose up at a warm bed and meals every day.

[Sure as he is that there's been some mistake, he's not meant to be here, he's not an idiot. He's living better than he ever has in his life, and he may as well enjoy that bit of it.]

They're not the sort that...dangle that sort of thing, yeah?

[He's yet to hear of the royals or mages holding comfort and care as an incentive, threatening to deny it if cooperation isn't given. But the thought has occurred to him.]

[vixening]

[ yennefer does listen to this boy's words, sees the discomfort, and the laugh, and the way there is most certainly more to his story behind all the easy smiles he supplies.

but it's the things he's saying. yennefer comes to a full stop, there. whatever she'd been browsing, whatever she'd been distracting herself with while he's spoken, it's not important anymore as she turns to face him fully.

the locals still mill around them, conversations are still had, and yennefer looks at the boy for a brief moment. whereas before yennefer had carried herself with a well-controlled sense of superiority, now she simply gives off the air of someone already exhausted, but putting through an effort (though slight) not to just roll their eyes and walk away. ]

Truthfully, I'm really not interested in trying to appease your ego, and I don't actually care much for why you lack confidence the way you do, but you are wrong. You are from a different sphere, and in being brought here- [ she gestures around them - to the summit, yes, but more than that. to this world. ] -makes you inherently powerful. Valuable.

[ and there is a flat look, when he asks about dangling. if that wasn't answer enough, she sighs out through her nose, her arms coming to cross over her chest. ]

What have you been told of the Singularity? The reason we're here? [ a beat, and then. ] Have you been to the Horizon?

[a_better_man]

[Mat takes a step back, hands raised and palms open.]

I promise, my lady, I am not looking to have anything done to my ego. I'm well aware of my own strengths and I happen to think I'm fantastic. I'm also a lad from a farming village that can fit into this whole stall area with room to spare. I've left home once, a handful of months ago. I've talked to others, they're folk who've done things.

[It's smart to know where one stands, and he knows where he stands. Certainly compared to those who were brought in with him. If there's anything special about him...well, the one thing he can think of he prays is wrong.]

Sorry, I really didn't mean to offend...I'm only trying to find my way in this world. And yeah, I went to that place the once, friend took me. They said the Singularity's some...thing of power? They used it to bring us here. It's dangerous to the folks here, but not us?

[All of this is beyond Mat's knowledge, so much of it close to what he knows but somehow so vastly different. He regrets he'd tried to ask anything, now, he hadn't meant to upset. It's just so few people have been able to tell him anything, most of who he's talked to having come in with him or only a month or two earlier.]

i'm sorry for who she is as a person

[vixening]

[ he takes a step back, and yennefer crosses her arms across her chest. it's really not a matter of what he has said or done, either. and it also probably isn't fair, how her own frustrations are coming out onto him.

but also - he is here. and he's happened to say the wrong thing. and now yennefer feels both annoyed and frustrated but also like there's something else to be said that this boy isn't getting. ]

Stop apologizing, good gods. [ whether or not he notices, the truth of the matter is that if he had really offended her, he probably wouldn't still be standing here at all. either way, she exhales. ]

Good. Then that is the value you add. [ she waits, as if that explains everything, and then a moment later continues on. she's not nearly angry or short like before, but like she is explaining something that she's annoyed someone else hasn't already taken the time to do. ] The Singularity is this sphere's major source of power, but the factions here - even Thorne, who has studied this magic for centuries - know very little about it. What they were able to learn, and what Thorne does know, is how to use the Singularity to bring us here. We have a more direct connection to it. It's why we're able to travel into the Horizon, why we're able to get closer to it than anyone who lives on this sphere, and in doing so, will help them better understand the energy that feeds into this entire sphere and anyone who wants to use magic here.

[ she uncrosses her arms, then, looking at him like there might be some answer to questions she hasn't even asked, before she shakes her head. ]

You have magic, and you have a connection to the Singularity, and to the people here that means you add a great deal.

never apologize

[a_better_man]

[Mat has enough good sense to bite back his immediate protest of 'I most certainly do not have any magic'. He can see how well that would go over.]

The question as to whether or not I've any magic has yet to be answered.

[Which is, he supposes, more honest of an answer than he's given anyone else. He can't say for certain, really. At least the rest of what she's saying makes a sort of sense to him, and he nods, paying attention. He gets the feeling that he's not going to have an opportunity to ask many questions of this beautiful and somewhat frightening woman.

Pity.]

It's similar, where I come from. There's a source of the One Power, what we call magic in my world. Anyone who channels - uses magic - is connected to it. Never thought of it as a physical thing or place, though. But I've never thought much about it at all, until lately.

[Which had nothing to do with coming here, those thoughts had weighed on him before that. And he's thinking now. This is more information on the Singularity than he's heard before.]

Are we...connected to the Singularity because they use it to bring us here? I'm sorry to ask things, but you're the first person I've talked to that seems to actually know things.

[vixening]

[ smart boy. ]

You have magic. [ she states plainly, and with very little patience involved. there's a feeling of you just haven't figured it out yet if mat chooses to look, but he's also quite correct in assuming that the number of questions he'll be able to ask are not limitless.

maybe if he plays his cards right.

( there's a reason she is not tissaia. she is not sure she can be that instructor. at the very least, not today. ) ]

For most spheres it isn't. [ a singular place, she means. chaos certainly is not from a single source. though, if she wanted to dive into the theory of it, there is always the chance that thorne's belief about the singularity is off as well. that perhaps it isn't a source, as much as it's a conduit. a singular point with the most concentrated amount of it. but that's a conversation for later, and most likely not with a boy who does not believe he has access to that same magic.

she nearly snaps at him to stop apologizing, again, but decides to let that pass for now. ]

Potentially. There's also evidence to say that we are - in our own spheres, in other ways we aren't sure of - already connected to the Singularity, and that is why when Ambrose used the well, we were the ones pulled through. [ she shrugs. ] But that is also why they need us - these are theories they have no way of knowing, or testing, or even seeing on their own.

[a_better_man]

[You have magic. The way she says it so simply, so matter of factly, sends a shiver down Mat's spine. As though it's not a question, it's a fact, a truth that she knows. Again he's reminded of the Aes Sedai. Light but he hopes that she's wrong. That they're all wrong.

But again, he won't voice that.]

Connections...huh. Yeah, that's something we know about in my world, at least. Maybe it's all the same thing, really. Just...different faces in different worlds. I don't know. But I do thank you for taking the time to talk to me. You've given me a lot to think on, my lady.

[He'd first suspected his presence in this world had something to do with being ta'veren. Maybe he'd been right.]

And a bit better understanding of my circumstances. Consider me in your debt.

[vixening]

[ it's probably for the better he doesn't voice it, given how short her fuse would be in that argument. to deny magic that you have, when you have it. yennefer might fully explode on him.

for now, though, he seems to take what she says with some effort for consideration. and she's...well, not pleased necessarily, but accepting of that.

except that it also brings a question to her mind - of what he's been doing up until now, of why he still has these doubts, these questions. she watches him as he speaks with some amount of curiosity, before finally asking - ]

What's your name?

[ she does always love to have others in her debts. ]

[a_better_man]

Mat. I'm Mat Cauthon. I bunk with Anakin.

[He considers extending his hand for a proper introduction, but instead just bobs his head in a vague suggestion of a bow. Seems the safer option. But at least he no longer feels like he's in an argument he doesn't entirely understand, and she doesn't seem quite so irritated at him.

That's an improvement!]

I'm easy enough to find around the castle, if you ever have need of finding me. Enjoy the rest of the festival.

[vixening]

[ anakin. ah. yennefer does not quite smile at the mention of the other summoned, but he'd certainly left a good impression on her. it's probably more of a loosening of some of the tension. not as irritated is in the right direction as well, so thankfully he is not far off.

still - she gives him a look, catching herself before she says come find me at the castle. instead, she offers- ]

Yennefer of Vengerberg. [ and then, with his enjoy the rest of the festival she nods and turns back to what she'd been doing, deciding she at the very least does agree with him on one thing - the conversation is over. ]