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

[techmaturgy]

I am, yes.

[Interested, that is. In fact, Viktor has generally been the bane of the Thorne booths, questioning the mages incessantly and more-or-less doing everything he can to get his hands on some of the tomes and artifacts. He knows this is a curated display, and possibly a little propagandist, but he needs to know how magic works here, and who better to talk to than representatives from a kingdom built on it?

So, maybe this orb isn't what he's looking for, but that doesn't mean everything here is useless. He decides, however, that perhaps he should provide some elaboration.]

Mages are rare, where I come from. [More than that--until fairly recently, most magic had been entirely taboo.] It's a bit...overwhelming, to see so many in one place.

[petcromancer]

[Hector nods. Nothing wrong with curiosity, in his opinion.]

They are where I'm from, too, although that's a sampling bias. They burned witches, back home, if you were stupid enough to get caught unawares.

[Who knows what their numbers would have looked like, had they been allowed to live and multiply in peace? Hector shrugs.]

Here, though, it's common enough. It's nice, being able to practice openly, even back in the Free Cities. Is there a particular school of magic you're seeking out?

[techmaturgy]

[He starts to get the sense that Hector is including himself in this general category, a confirmation that becomes more definitive when he says that it's nice to practice openly. Viktor doesn't outright ask, but his eyebrows raise in interest as he puts the pieces together.

They weren't burning mages in Piltover, but there were no mages, generally speaking. When they did introduce magic, artificially harnessed as it was, the punishment would have been exile, not death. It all seems very primitive to consider.]

Not in particular. [He'll narrow it down eventually, but right now there's so much information that it feels irresponsible not to absorb as much of it as he can. If the goal is to recreate some version of Hextech, he needs to familiarize himself with the overall system.] It's in my best interests to gain a comprehensive understanding, to start. Are you a practitioner?

[petcromancer]

[Hector nods.]

Magic works differently here than what I'm used to, but I still have a talent for it.

[He grins and fishes a couple of small objects out of a pocket.]

I can show you, if you're interested. I can guarantee it's better than watching the pondering rock.

[techmaturgy]

[He nods, acknowledging the frustrating (for him, anyway) reality that this world functions on an entirely different set of magical rules. He knows how to recreate his work here in principle, but it will require puzzling out specific parameters. Finding the proper conduit and going from there.

Frustrating, to start from square one, but at least he isn't going in blind.]

I've studied a runic system in the past, but I have no ability of my own.

[Which probably explains his general fascination with all the real magic on display here, not that which he was able to harness with specialized equipment.]

So, if it isn't too much of an imposition, I'd be glad for the demonstration.

[petcromancer]

[No imposition, Hector enjoys showing off. But if his spectator is hoping for magic done with no equipment, Hector is the wrong mage for the job. He works with physical objects or (un)dead creatures for his workings.

He talks as he places a few little stones marked with runic symbols between the two of them.]

You may be able to learn. I know at least a few summoned who have been able to cast spells here despite having no talent for it in their home worlds. Stand back.

[Once the stones have been neatly spaced in a line, he takes a step back and murmurs a command word. Between the stones, a blue wall manifests, translucent and glowing with power. As he brings it into existence, Hector's eyes also glow the same shade of blue. If touched, the barrier hums and does not allow anything to pass through it.]

So, what do you think?

[techmaturgy]

I've heard that, yes.

[Whether he believes it or not is another matter entirely, but that's generally what all his fervent questioning is about. Of course he wants to, if he's able. To Viktor's credit, he does quiet down for the actual demonstration, stepping back as instructed and holding additional questions until Hector is finished.

The runes catch his attention, of course, if only because that's what he's used to working with. He will, perhaps irresponsibly, reach out to touch the barrier, finding that his fingers can't move through it. A shield of some sort.]

Fascinating. [There are more words, of course, but he's trying to reel himself in so as not to be overbearing.] Is it the runes that dictate the function? Then, verbal activation. What acts as the conduit?

[petcromancer]

[Hector smiles to himself. Viktor seems impressed, and he asks smart questions. This is going to be very enjoyable.

He mutters another word and the fence post stones turn off again. Hard to converse with a barrier between them, after all.]

My will. The runes serve to anchor my intent to the object, and the command word ignites the spell with my magic.

[Hector tries to apply scientific practices to his magic, but at the end of the day, the answer is 'I'm a wizard and, given enough prep time, I can make things do what I want.']

Back home, I forged life out of biological materials, but it isn't as effective here.

[techmaturgy]

[This isn't the first he's heard or seen of magic user's abilities being dampened, though he doesn't have enough evidence one way or another to determine what might be the cause. Logically, the Singularity is probably the cause, but the fact that these abilities don't disappear entirely is heartening. It means he has more to work with.

But, that's another thought for a later time. There's still plenty about Hector's demonstration that has him curious.]

Forged life? What do you mean?

[He can make some educated guesses, but it all sounds so fantastical that it's probably better just to ask for an explanation.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector pauses, reaches into a pouch at his belt, and produces from it one undead frog. The frog doesn't mind being carried around, and Hector still finds novelty in toting him around like a proper witch's familiar. He holds the creature up to Victor. It looks like a normal frog, except that the eyes glow blue, and the temperature of it is slightly off.]

Bringing things back to life, or creating new life from biological components. Reviving little Constantine was my first forging after I arrived. This sort of thing is easy, but making new things... is trickier now.

[He sighs. It's such a damned shame, too. He's seen some inspiring new creatures in this world but he's not able to try to recreate them or improve upon their designs.]

[techmaturgy]

[This gives him pause. If he's understanding Hector correctly, this seems to be a formerly dead frog. An undead frog? Making new things, he can understand, even if it seems a little ethically suspect (he reminds himself that he should learn more, before making a judgement, and it seems like Hector's abilities have been dampened anywyay), but reanimation? He's not sure if that sits right with him--his first thought is wondering whether or not the creature is in pain.

The uncertainty shows on his face, and it's a moment before he speaks again.]

I mean no offense. But. [why.] What purpose does this serve? Reanimation?

[petcromancer]

[It's true that making new things is more interesting, but that doesn't mean there isn't value in recycling the old.]

They make ideal pets. They don't require food to live, I could compel their obedience if needed, and... it gives them a second chance at life.

[Hector's first pets had been wretched creatures that had been abused or abandoned. They'd been much happier in their second lives than in their first.]

[techmaturgy]

[He isn't sure whether or not to actually believe it--the frog, for its part, seems perfectly fine, though Viktor knows he probably wouldn't be able to tell, either way. It's. A frog.]

Compel their obedience?

[That's more rhetorical than anything, because a statement like that is self-explanatory. And here Hector is saying that his powers are lessened, in this world. The implications are, well. Possibly a little distressing. Surely he knows how this sounds.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector raises an eyebrow.]

Yes. I take it you've never had a dog eat one of your shoes or a cat who shredded your favorite tunic. I don't impress my will on my pets often, but it's useful to be able to when I really need to.

[They aren't all as well-behaved as the frog. Hector assumes Viktor's questioning is because he things Hector is wrong to do exert control. Hector's grasp on ethics has always been... hazy at best, but he knows he treats his pets well, so he doesn't think he's doing anything bad??]

[techmaturgy]

[Well, Viktor would argue that without context, it sounds a lot more ominous than when Hector elaborates. He tells himself this is more a function of his own lack of understanding than anything else, and when presented with the clarification, he nods, taking it all in.]

Sorry. It wasn’t my intention to— [Judge, probably.] —I’m still learning.

[He can, at least, admit that much.]

[petcromancer]

[Hector is absolutely glossing over the armies of monsters he used to command to serve in a mad vampire's army, so Viktor isn't wrong. But he doesn't do that anymore, so Hector doesn't see the need to bring it up. He waves a hand.]

It's fine. My work is often misunderstood. I know the merit of it, and that's what matters.

[He bends down to collect the ruin-carved stones to slide back into his pockets. One never knows when one will need a magical wall.]

So I take it my type of magic isn't what you're hoping to learn.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor isn’t sure that there’s no harm done, but at least he seems to have smoothed it over a little. He makes a note to tread a little carefully, if only so he doesn’t further offend.]

I understand. [He knows what it’s like to take pride in one’s work, at least.] I’m not one to turn down an educational opportunity.

[Even if it seems a little ethically suspect!]

[petcromancer]

[The other man does give off the air of genuinely wanting to learn. As a fellow scholar, Hector can empathize.]

Some of the other summoned have different types of magic. One can transform himself into other forms, another grows an alarming amount of plants. There's healing spells, illusion spells. What is it that you want to achieve?

[General studies are useful, but Hector's always learned by picking a goal and then working towards realizing it.]

[techmaturgy]

[The good news is that he already has an answer to this question--Viktor has always wanted to make magic as accessible as possible, so the fact that anyone here can learn is already progress. There are too many possibilities, almost, but Viktor would rather not start from scratch, if he can help it.]

My work back home involved the harnessing of arcane forces through technological means. Ideally I would be able to reproduce that here--something like the new magic practiced in the Free Cities, but more...adaptable.

[petcromancer]

Oh, they're going to love you. [It comes out snarky, but it's true. The only type of magic the Free Cities seem to support is 'New Magic', and if this man is proposing innovations to that, he's going to make himself very popular with the locals.]

In theory, that should be possible. There are laws to magic just like there are to science, and if you can understand them, you can apply them in all sorts of novel ways.

[He shrugs. The theory is one thing, practice is another. Not everyone is able to parse arcane logic. He's got no idea if Viktor is a lost cause or not.]

Have you been to the Horizon yet? You can recreate your old work there, though you won't be able to take it out of Singularity. It's useful for study.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor gives Hector a look that indicates he is well aware, and might be weighing his options in that department, before he inevitably attracts the attention of the military. He nods along, at least, indicating that he understands.]

It's a matter of puzzling out this world's specific system. I'm used to working with symbols, so it will just be a matter of...adapting.

[By now, he's heard of the Horizon, but given the general activities of the Summit, he thinks it will probably be better to take care of that once they're back in Cadens. In truth, he's still wrapping his head around how such a thing might be possible.]

I've had someone offer to show me. It seems like a good testing ground.

[petcromancer]

[Hector nods. If someone else hadn't already offered to escort this man to the Horizon, he would.]

The best thing is, even if something goes wrong with an experiment there, there's no real risk.

[Hector lost a couple of fingers there once, getting too friendly with a monstrous 'dog' from another summoned's domain, but it's fine. He got better.]

[techmaturgy]

Yes, I imagine that's part of the appeal.

[He's going to blow up....so many things.]

That, and limitless resources. A level of technology not available here.

[Clearly, he could go on.]

[petcromancer]

[THIS MAN GETS IT.]

Exactly. It's a place to perfect your theories before applying them in the real world. It's quite a luxury.

[The fact that more summoned don't spend more of their time there, getting up to trouble in the name of discovery, is baffling to Hector.]

[techmaturgy]

[You can’t waste taxpayer dollars in the mind realm! That’s what Viktor is going to tell himself, anyway.]

If only there was also the luxury of time.

[Because, disappointingly, he’d been told that time passes as normal in the real world. For the best, maybe—otherwise Viktor doesn’t think he could find a reason to leave.]

When I make my way there, I wouldn’t mind seeing what you’re working on.