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

Uh-huh. And I am sure you said it in as calm and diplomatic a manner as you did to me right now and not in a way that screamed "now I'm just being an asshole"?

[Alucard's tone is incredibly dry, and the question is perhaps too forward. But if he's dealing with someone like this, why not? What's the worst that could happen?]

[ There's a pause, but only for a moment, before Dante let's out a sudden laugh. Good-humored to the last, even in the least appropriate situations, it would seem. ]

Hey now, I made my offer with the purest of intentions.

[ He rubs the stubble on his chin. ]

But not everyone is open to such pragmatic negotiations. Ah well. Can't win 'em all, am I right? I hear sleeping outside under the stars builds character.

[The raise of Alucard's eyebrows is a display of how very little he happens to believe that statement, but at this point he is not going to poke that bear.

Better this one instead:]

Of course it does. You're made vulnerable to anyone who passes by, human or animal. Fortunately I imagine you only need worry about the former for the next few nights. Unless some of Solvunn's baby goats escape.

That would be a night terror.

[ Obviously a joke, but it does bring something to mind. He drops his hand as he opts to take a step closer to the other man, noting the pin that he's wearing is not of Thorne. ]

For all the talk of war I was hearing, they are sure making an effort to show us otherwise.

[ Are baby goats really all they need to worry about? ]

It would also be terribly loud. Goats aren't exactly known for being quiet, subtle creatures.

[Goats are opinionated omnivores and they're only cute right now because they're fenced in.

But things turn to politics, and Alucard's sigh is wearier than he'd like it to be.]

You don't seem surprised by that particular fact. [It is a statement of observation. But Alucard's response is equally mild, as he's not quite sure what is heard in Thorne. Mostly because Thorne can go right into the garbage as far as he is concerned.]

Not really.

[ He says with a shrug. No need to play dumb about it, since apparently this whole tension-not-tension thing is the entire point of this little get-together. ]

People've found pettier reasons to go to war than some sort of all encompassing magical obelisk.

[ Which is probably the most blasé way to summarize the situation. He glances over the horizon where the Singularity can be seen far in the distance.]

Have you been there up close?

--True enough. [Alucard takes the statement as a fair and serious point of fact, no matter how casually it is thrown out. There is something familiar about the phrasing and approach but now is not the time to poke at that particular hornet's nest.]

Once, and that was more than enough. [He doesn't mind connecting to the Horizon, but the thing itself? That's iffier territory.]

Easier to escape association with it when there's an entire city to blend into.

[ He raises a slight brow at that. From a distance it doesn't appear to be much, but that it can be seen from this far away is enough indication of just how massive the structure itself must be. ]

People in the--

[ Dante glances at the pin. ]

--...Free Cities a little less friendly to their Summoned neighbors?

Not so much. [There's a shrug of Alucard's shoulders. He realizes his phrasing might be better.]

It is easier to blend into a crowd when there's a population of thousands and a whole city. I imagine Thorne's friendlier lodgings tend to keep things more tight knit - am I incorrect?

Sounds like my kind of place.

[ Which, notably, Thorne is not. Not at all. His brother would likely find this preferable, of course, and it's hard not to think of Vergil when he's wandering the castle. But it's probably best for all parties that Vergil is notably absent. ]

Yeah, they've got us playing the whole "princess in the tower" schtick. Can't leave without a written note.

A note?

[A short, sharp laugh comes out of the dhampir, drenched in bitterness.]

You've gotten off easy then. They chucked half of us into prison cells when they first figured out how to summon those from other realms.

[ This would be the perfect place for a comical double take, but all Dante does is draw back a little and lift his chin.

He'd heard bits and pieces to something similar, but nothing right from the source. ]

In prison? How come?

Oh, pick the wrong person out of the well for some arbitrary reason and decide it's easier to just shove them under the castle.

[It is bitter. Practically spat out. Alucard had come from a far too vulnerable spot to not remain bitter and furious about how Thorne treated a portion of those they summoned.

He still wants someone to hurt for that. But that is a deep and private thought for no one else's ears.]

Like I said. A note is getting off easy.

Hmm...

[ "The wrong person". He's curious what constitutes the right person, given the interesting breadth of personalities he's seen in Thorne thus far. Dante himself doubts that he fits into that category, but he'd honestly rather be labeled as wrong, because being the right one doesn't usually bode well in his case.

But this man clearly didn't have much of a good time. Can't really say that being in prison is something he'd want to trade places for. ]

Sounds like it. But you made it out, eh?

By fortune alone. Thorne was about to execute one of the more favored summoned for his attempt to compel information out of the mage responsible for all of this in the first place. [Read: fuck Ambrose especially.]

The interference of two individuals, one calling himself Oliver, was the only reason that we imprisoned were allowed to escape. Portals were opened to either the Free Cities or Solvunn, and that was that.

[ Fuck Ambrose: duly noted. He can commit that to memory. ]

Can't say I blame the guy for trying.

[ Though knowing that Thorne is fond of executions is also important information.

He's seen the use of magical portals, it's how they got to the Summit after all, but finding out that it may not be a wholly official deal is interesting too. This guy's a wealth of information--MUCH preferred than skimming the tomes in the library. ]

Sounds like Oliver's a pretty helpful guy. He's not here, is he?

I don't think anyone can.

[Alucard is generally on the assumption that everyone is on the Fuck Ambrose club. He'd be very disappointed to be wrong.]

I've not seen him since the jail break. Which is likely a good sign. [There is a shrug, and Alucard breathes out.]

That was the sum total of my experience with Thorne though.

Mmm, only heeds to the call of justice, huh?

[ There's always those types about. The world is probably better off for it, provided they're not actually idiots. ]

Thorne's got quite the reputation. A little different than what you hear on the inside.

No idea if it's that or self interest.

[Alucard has taken to assuming the latter. Still, he can't help but raise an eyebrow.]

What are they telling you inside those walls?

Duty, purpose...

[ He waves his hand dismissively. ]

They seem to think they've got the answers to the question, but I'm not really sure what question we're trying to answer. Wouldn't be the first time someone was afraid the world was ending.

[Duty and purpose. That gets an eyeroll. Terrible platitudes, and for what? To keep people captive.]

Sounds like a more gilded prison, in truth.

[Bias aside, the thinking that the Summoned have answers to questions? That's fascinating.]

The world is always ending, in one way or the other. But thinking that there's some innate solution just by existing is...not new, but I haven't heard it articulated in that precise and blunt a way. [The little nod of appreciation is there. It is a good way of thinking of it.] Does anyone in Thorne seem to have an answer?

[ He'll take the compliment with a sideways smile and a bit of a shrug. He tries to take most things in stride, or at least seem like he does. Dante hasn't really been convinced of the validity of the concerns of this world just yet, but he's not discounting them either.

Power in the wrong hands may not end a world but it can be dangerous all the same. ]

If they do I'm sure they'd tell you to check it out of the local library. I don't know about you, but I haven't read anything in a book that's solved my problems.

They've given me a few practical solutions over the years, but my father's library was far more advanced than the rest of humanity at the time.

[Sorry, 1400s Wallachia vs Dracula's Castle? And only one has electric lighting and library documents on how to make it work? Yeah. Libraries good.]

But that kind of information strikes me as something that would be purposely excluded from the general collection.

[ Father's library? That's got the sort of vibes of topic secret witchcraft that should be kept under lock and key. Though he has to ask... ]

"At the time"? What sort of timeline are we looking at?

1470s Wallachia.

[Dante you are clocking the vibes correctly. Congrats?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON

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