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

free cities performance

[chosenfordarkness]

[ The Summit is proving to be interesting, if only because it highlights the 'everything is fine and we're all getting along' mood each faction is pushing on its Summoned. He can feel the tension hanging about, and he wagers that most people aren't unaware if they've been around longer than he has. They've likely witnessed it if what he's heard is to be believed.

Still, it's an opportunity to look into what the other factions are trying to offer for a shift in loyalty. His is solid to Thorne unless Kylo decided that were to change. As far as he's concerned, his loyalty is to his family. To his grandson, specifically. It's a lucky thing he hadn't heard the bard's song of the Mountain King, or that would have been quite an awkward thing. Instead, it's as he's wandering about the Free Cities' section of the Summit that he tunes in to the melody.

Anakin stops to listen as Jaskier waxes poetic about how terrible sand is, and he can't help but nod along in approval. He has opinions on the matter. In the end, the song's theme changes to love in the harshest environment to cultivate it. It is lovely. ]

You forgot to mention how it eventually wears everything away.

[cointosser]

[The Lonely Mountain King's performance would only be awkward for Anakin; Jaskier has absolutely no reservations on telling others their family members are needlessly attractive, to everyone's great detriment.

It's also why, in his youth, many men wanted to cut various parts of him off. Or generally just beat him a bit.

That's why one keeps a Witcher around!

Though Jaskier is alone now, with his hair still bearing its white coloring from his failed attempt at catching a random, unspecified animal. He still has yet to learn its name, but he would love to learn. It was adorable. And could prove rather useful for cosmetics, should one desire to change the color of their hair.

With Jaskier in high spirits during the summit, he decides to take the addition of one of his audience members as mere suggestion instead of criticism. It's always temperamental what his reaction can be: whether he can accept they are two men commiserating over hating sand or that he can remind his audience they're free to write their own music if they should so wish.

He goes with the former.]

Ah. While technically true, I decided I did not desire the implication that love, too, can be so forcefully eroded away. Some things must stand strong, even under the constant beating of sand. [He twangs a note on the lute.] If one is to extend the metaphor.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ Welp, Jaskier can never know. ]

I suppose that much remains true, as well. [ Anakin hums, considering. ] No, erosion takes years, but certain things can exacerbate it. Maybe not physically, but it wears down the spirit, whether you're aware of it or not.

[ After a while, it becomes obvious, but typically by then, it's a little too late and there's no real exit. At least not in his experience. ]

You definitely got right that it's irritating and gets everywhere.

[cointosser]

What, like wind? Storms? Oh, tornados, even! Perhaps the song needs a bit of a storm. Love can be a storm.

[Sweeping away anyone who steps too close to it. Destroying them, or thrusting them in the air. Gods, he wishes Cadens had more storms. The air is so dry. There was nothing worse than being stuck through the middle of a thunderstorm in the middle of the forest, but... the clouds would break, and the skies after were the loveliest.

Jaskier gives him a once-over, noting with some amusement that the scar across his eye reminds him of Ciri. Who's probably having a hoot at this bloody summit.

He laughs.] So, too, do those we love. I've really nailed the metaphor here. And what's brought you here, my sand-hating fellow? Thirsty for a sight of green?

[chosenfordarkness]

Sandstorms can be quite dangerous. The wind is strong enough to knock things over and cause damage, the sand can get into your eyes and lungs, and if you're somewhere unfamiliar, can lose your way.

[ He offers the information with a shrug. Anakin can't say for sure if such things exist in this place, but he hopes not. He can't wish that on anybody.

Honestly, he can't wish the desert on anyone, either.

He hums, considering. ] Just seeing what I'm meant to be missing in Thorne. Yourself?

[cointosser]

Ew. That's a thing?

[Of course he's heard of storms, but the combination of sand with them sort of. No thanks. He gets sand in enough places as it is, and it's not as if the desert outside of Cadens is entirely a barren wasteland of it.

He waves a hand casually at the question.] Oh, I know very well what Thorne has to offer. Been there, done that. [Should he be telling people this? Well, clearly Thorne holds nothing against the Summoned who escaped their clutches, which Jaskier finds particularly suspicious. Still, he sees no point in pretending he's blind to Thorne's ways.] Plenty of riches, and the food's rather good. A wonderful black market if you don't mind trading blood.

[None of it's meant to be really complimentary. Okay, the food is good, but the whole monarchy is... ugh.]

[chosenfordarkness]

Unfortunately so. With any luck, you'll never experience one.

[ Anakin's eyebrows raise in curiosity. He speaks as someone with knowledge while also trying to be polite about it in much the same way as a politician might. ]

Trading blood for black market items seems like a terrible business practice. Do you know what they do with the blood they take? [ Well that doesn't seem suspicious at all.. though part of him is tempted to do a bit of his own investigation once the summit is over with. ]

[cointosser]

Gods, I hope not.

[He laughs. Well, Jaskier has plenty of experience in black markets, at least, but usually not... not for blood. That part was weird.

He skims over the fact he offered his own saliva in exchange for rocks, because in retrospect it makes him seem like a bit of an idiot.]

I, er... didn't ask, actually. [Ooh. That could bite him in the ass later, couldn't it? He figures spit was less dangerous than blood.] Some sort of... experiment? Sacrifice, maybe? Now the possibilities are a bit worrying.

[chosenfordarkness]

[ His expression doesn't shift much, but wow does that sound skeevy. ]

I mean..maybe they're just weird and have a thing about it. [ A beat. ] Wow, uh. That's not very reassuring, either. Guess I wouldn't worry about it until something happens?

[cointosser]

[Jaskier grimaces.]

No... no, that's very much the opposite of reassuring. [But Jaskier gives him a companionable pat on the shoulder, because gods know the man is trying. It was an attempt, which is more than most get.]

Right. That's absolutely how I'm going about it. And nothing has happened yet! Given that was months ago, I'm sure I'm getting out of, er. Any repercussions.

[chosenfordarkness]

And if something does happen, that's future-you's problem to worry about. [ But it's probably fine, right? How long a memory does Thorne really have? ]

How are you finding the Free Cities? If I were curious about moving.

[cointosser]

[He laughs. Future-him, is it? He's not wrong, exactly.]

What a way to look at it.

[He likes it, actually. It describes a lot of the things he's done in his life -- problems for himself in the future.]

Truly? Well, I find them rather lovely, to be honest. Cadens is the city where I reside, and though they're very touchy about magic, they more than make up for it with their love of science, art, and knickknacks. I suppose their end goal is to have their technology replace whatever need the people have for magic, and they're quite handy at it. Did you know they've made lamps that can light themselves? They needn't even have flames!

[Truly incredible.] Though, I must warn you, there is a bit of a desert stretched out around the Cities. So, if one truly loathes sand...

[It's still worth it.]

[chosenfordarkness]

I can't deny that the prospect of technology is really appealing after being without it since I arrived..

[ He's resourceful enough that he can make do for now, but he's dying to tinker with something more complex than a clock. Give him a malfunctioning starfighter any day of the week. ]

A dislike for sand isn't enough reason to keep me from something I want. It's only an irritant.