abraxaslogs | EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

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EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I. Sections

[ Between the grandiose speeches, the buried tension he can practically feel vibrating beneath half the folk present, Geralt can't say he's entirely bought in—but that isn't why he's here, either. He's here because there are people, opportunities, he can't find while he's trapped behind these invisible border lines. It is something he still finds difficult to get used to—he's had gates shut in his face before, but not as a result of where he's residing. Just what he is. As much as he's tried, investigating anything is a pain in the arse when half the shit he learns relies on hearsay and word of mouth. ]

a. THORNE (GLITTER BOMB)
For this reason, you can find Geralt nearly anywhere. Even in Thorne's section, on occasion, where he lingers a bit on the outskirts watching the ostentatious displays of magic, the orb that many seem inexplicably eager to grope. He appears relaxed enough, though anyone with a keener sense of perception might notice he's a bit more watchful here than he is anywhere else—and there was a noticeable tension earlier when he laid eyes on the Queen on that stage, as though he almost weren't expecting to see her face. As though he recognizes that face, despite how elusive she's always been even within her own court, and the pin he wears denoting the mark of the Free Cities.

At some point during his silent observation, a certain bard and young woman with ashen hair fly by, a purple plume erupts, and Geralt is covered in an excessive amount of glitter near the line of people waiting to ponder the orb. There is the deepest of sighs from him. If a distinct fuck could be expressed through a sigh, this is it. He is tired of everything so much. ]

b. SOLVUNN (FLOWERS)
[ Would you like to watch a large man coerced by small children to have his hair braided with flowers? If so, you're in luck, because this seems to happen to Geralt multiple times throughout the event. Despite his surface exasperation, he sits with a surprising amount of patience while young girls and boys alike stick a variety of florals onto his head. A goat chews on the toe of his boot until he feeds it a slice of apple instead.

Could be worse. They do have a lot of stories to tell, including ones not dissimilar than what Inej mentioned a week or two ago. Old gods and such.

Stop by to watch him long enough, you'll get a raised eyebrow in return. He may or may not have a half-woven crown of flowers in his hands, helping one of the girls break off the sharp thorns on the stems of roses. Or he might be in the midst of answering their questions about some monster or other, with no small amount of gory detail. Either way, he'll pause to look up at you. ] Careful. They'll catch you next.

II. Evening

a. TAVERN LOUNGE
[ How the tavern is laid out, makes it near impossible for him to occupy a corner in solitude. He's lounging on the benches instead, not deliberately casting an aura for people to leave him the fuck alone, but there's a sense he's not one who's eager to socialize, either. He's got a drink and a plate of roasted pheasant and goat (what else?) cheese he's content to pick at.

Intentions aside, Geralt's hard to miss, with flowers in his hair, a small braid or two, a dusting of glitter he can't completely rid himself of, and possibly with one of his nails coloured pink. He looks, in other words, like a man who's let himself be dragged into his daughter's slumber party the night before, which is close enough to what's happened. Between Julie and Ciri, and Jaskier egging them on, he's—accepted his fate. Mostly, he's just glad to see them all a bit more relaxed, given all the shit they've been through as of late. If that means a braiding or two, he'll take it.

If the face that sits down across from him is familiar, you'll get some acknowledgment in the form of a nod or a glance. Otherwise, you might go soundly ignored for some time until a passing drunkard bumps the table hard and sends a cup or a plate tipping off—whereupon he moves just a bit too fast to be normal to catch it. Or who knows? Maybe you're the drunkard knocking his shit about. ]

b. WILDCARD
[ Geralt can also be found by the bathing pools, as is tradition. He'll usually have a drink with him, or he might be lounging, but either way, among his scars, it is possible to notice one in particular seems fresher than the others, a thick raised line that travels down his back.

His tent is fairly full, though he won't give a damn about anyone else trying to pile in so long as you're not bothering the others or causing trouble. He can be most frequently found awake, lurking outside or by the edges of the tent, clearly keeping watch over those inside. ]

------
(( anything else, find me at discontinued or at my plotting comment. ))

( He's been hunting the stupid thing for hours, it keeps doing the ol' duck and weave through the crowd, crop-dusting people in color like this is a paint party and it's all hopped up on grandma's Molly. Frustrating as it is, he's gotta admit, it ain't all bad.

Take, for example, him breaking through the crowd right on time to see a puff of smoke in Geralt's face, and an eruption of shiny, sparkly craft supply herpes coating him square in the everything.

He doesn't break his stride really, but he does take the time to point at him on the way through and enunciate a single ha. )

Sucks to suck.

( And he keeps on a-strolling.

Twenty, maybe thirty seconds later another puff can be heard, followed by an indignant: )

Son of a bitch!

( Shortly thereafter he stomps back the way he came, likewise glitter-covered, still without stopping, only this time he bites out- )

Shut your freakin' mouth.

( -as he passes. Just in case Gerald had something smart to say back. )

[ the commentary is all in the face, dean. ]

[Wen Kexing is a creature that likes his luxuries. Now that he actually has the opportunity to enjoy nice clothes and regular hot baths at his leisure, he takes advantage of it. He brings his own flask with him, untroubled by the public display of it all, and settles quite happily in one of the pools, enjoying the new experience.

It's funny that they make bathing a social event, but while he's there, he might as well make use of what it has to offer him. Scanning the area, he picks out Geralt pretty quickly. To be honest, the man's clear aura of wanting to be left alone probably contributes to drawing Wen Kexing's attention, and soon enough he decides to get the gruff man's attention--by splashing him. At first he doesn't speak, waiting to see if the other man will say something. But if he doesn't, Wen Kexing repeats the splash, harder this time, and with a fox-like grin.]

[ Being in this place has made Geralt realize that he's grown to be familiar with a number of people in ways he did not expect and had not necessarily intended—something he's still working out how he feels towards. He isn't used to being approached. But the man who approaches him now is not familiar, in face or in scent.

Though approach is a generous term for it.

Geralt does not say something. He doesn't even say something when he's splashed a second time, though the expression on his face is a cross between exasperated and resigned. He does, however, look straight at the other man before taking a drink. ]

If you ruin my hair, you'll owe an explanation to some very disappointed little girls by the goat pen. [ He did not sit for thirty minutes with children pulling on his hair and goats chewing his feet just for it all to come loose. He promised them he'd keep the flowers they'd diligently woven in. He's committed.

He will not be taking any questions or comments on how easily swayed he is by small children clutching flowers in their little hands while cornering him. It's not the point. ]

[ There's a very childish side to this feral that rose to become lord of the ghosts. He lives on instinct, and with so many years of isolation and harsh living, Wen Kexing is taking full advantage now of moments he thinks he can play without needing to constantly guard his life. When Geralt ignores him and acts fully unimpressed by his antics, Wen Kexing just grins, happy to get even the exasperation as a reaction. It's a thousand times better than what he would have received as a child in the past.

At the admonishment, however, his demeanor shifts. Raising his head, he laughs softly and offers his palms in surrender toward the Witcher. ]

Okay, okay, my apologies, brother. I wasn't trying to offend you. You just looked so serious I thought you needed something to lighten the mood. Let me make it up to you.

[ He offers over his flask, eyes wide with enthusiasm as he hums a note of encouragement. ]

This is good. I promise.

geralt of rivia | free cities | the hanged man

ᴋᴇsʜᴀ

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bathing pool

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Solvunn

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bathing pools.

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i-b

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ii-a

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1b - flowers!!

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1B - Flowers!

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Tavern Lounge

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ii-b. two bros, chillin in the hot tub

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