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abraxaslogs2022-02-17 07:49 pm
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2022-02-17 07:49 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- !npc,
- aerith gainsborough; the sun,
- alucard; the hierophant,
- amos burton; the lovers,
- anakin skywalker; judgement,
- byleth eisner; the devil,
- cirilla of cintra; the devil,
- dante; the devil,
- edelgard von hresvelg; the emperor,
- fandaniel; the hanged man,
- father maxwell; the wheel of fortune,
- geralt of rivia; the hanged man,
- gideon nav; strength,
- goro; the chariot,
- harrowhark nonagesimus; the magician,
- hector; the magician,
- hendrik; death,
- himeka sui; the fool,
- hythlodaeus; the empress,
- inej ghafa; the hierophant,
- jaskier; the sun,
- jasper; judgement,
- jesper fahey; the wheel of fortune,
- jordan hennessy; the moon,
- julie lawry; the wheel of fortune,
- kylo ren; the tower,
- leonard mccoy; the lovers,
- link; strength,
- mat cauthon; the wheel of fortune,
- nadine cross; the world,
- peter parker (mcu); strength,
- princess zelda; the high priestess,
- rhy maresh; the lovers,
- rinwell; the magician,
- ronan lynch; the moon,
- sam wilson; justice,
- samus aran; strength,
- sasarai; judgement,
- sephiroth; the tower,
- shuten-douji; the devil,
- stephen strange; death,
- thancred waters; strength,
- tony stark; the magician,
- viktor; death,
- wen kexing; the tower,
- yennefer of vengerberg; the chariot,
- zhou zishu; strength
EVENT #6: PEACE ON THE HORIZON
Event #6 - EVENT INFO
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!
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.
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.
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
no subject
You always sleep outside? Where were you from that there weren't any open spaces? Where I'm from, everything was open and wide. Were you from a prominent family that wouldn't let you roam wherever you wanted? Some mysterious prince?
[ He laughs deeply, accepting the flask back and taking his own drink before balking at the question. It makes him shift a little, although he keeps his expression warm and pleasant. ]
I'm always awake at this time. I just thought I'd go for a walk. They made such a big deal out of bringing us all here, but it seems strange. All that talk of peace and cooperation, but everyone just acts like they are showing off, don't you think?
no subject
He cracks a grin at the idea of him being from a prominent family. Couldn't be further from the truth, so the idea is pretty funny. ]
Nah. Grew up poor as shit in an awful neighbourhood, then moved up there. [ He inclines his head, looking up at the night sky. ] No open spaces when you're living inside a ship. I mean, it was a nice ship, but you're still surrounded by metal on all sides.
[ He catches that shift in Wen Kexing's demeanour, but as long as he's still generally happy, so is Amos. Still, his grin falls as he takes a cursory glance around them at the general field of the summit, settling into a more neutral expression. ]
Yeah, I don't know what these people are actually doing. Making a big show of getting along seems like they're protesting too much. Probably gonna get ugly sooner rather than later. Still, right now at least? It's plenty peaceful, so I'm taking advantage while I can. Like you and your walk, I guess.
no subject
Now that he's more still, his eyes widen in awe as he looks at Amos in a whole new light.]
You live on a ship?! All the time? I had a boat before we came here! It was very big and expensive.
[Part of that reaction might be trying too hard to brush off his own discomfort, but part is truly genuine interest. He already has some elaborate fantasy growing about how Amos lives in a ship on the water, traveling and maybe being a pirate.]
Ah, wait, how can it be metal on all sides? Wouldn't you sink?
[Maybe not. There are ways, but he still blinks back with confusion, settling into a rhythm of offering his flask periodically as if he always does this.]
You mean you think they want to fight. Is that why we're all gathered here? Just so they can watch us fight? The people of the free cities seemed normal... not so many are trained for that.
no subject
Besides, just getting a little bit of a buzz going is pleasant all on its own.
Amos furrows his brows at Wen Kexing's reaction to his life on a ship before blinking and resetting. Right. He really should know better by now. Barely anyone here has ever actually been to space. ]
Wasn't out on the water. I was up there, in space. Y'know, no air, lots of radiation. If your ship isn't totally enclosed you're just gonna end up dead.
[ And he passes the flask back, friendliness and amusement in his tone, expression. He does find himself liking this guy. ]
I had a couple of dinghies when I was growing up on Earth. Never been out on the water with something big and expensive. Sounds kinda nice.
[ All of the luxuries of a high-class ship, but also with open air and probably a fair bit more space? Damn. It sounds awesome. That's one thing he'd never considered he missed out on. Though in this world, it could be possible...
Amos shakes his head at Wen Kexing's musings about the summit. ]
I don't think anyone's fighting here. I don't know what we're doing here. But when all this ends, the fighting's probably gonna be on each other's territory. [ He frowns. Wen Kexing brings up a good point about the people, too... ] I dunno how that's gonna work out. Solvunn doesn't really have fighters, either. Just farmers and magicians. I dunno how well that's supposed to hold up.
[ He pauses, casts a glance in the general direction of the Thorne section. ]
Thorne were the first ones to bring any of us here. Threw some of us in prison just because. I'm not trusting anyone there.
no subject
Your ship can fly? But that is so much open sky! Wouldn't you be surrounded by it all the time?
[ Okay, so he has no idea what radiation is, but the no air part does sound like a damper on the fun. He still grins, almost not but quite showing some shame. ]
I didn't go out far. We barely traveled. It was the first time I'd ever ridden in a boat, and then we lost it.
[ Easy come, easy go. But he isn't all that broken up about the boat, and it sounds like Amos's ship was much better. The grin fades as he thinks about the factions. ]
Tsk, that big kingdom? Their magic is impressive, but they look too stern. It's too easy to see what they're after.
[ He almost hesitates at that, thinking of Zhou Zishu scolding him for judging human nature again. He ducks his head briefly, propping his arms up on his knees as he weighs Amos's appearance. ]
Do you think they are preparing fighters too? If it's just them, they won't stand much chance against the other factions. Cadens is full of different people, but they have some might. Their jails are quiet, though.
no subject
Not just sky. [ He nods again, looking upwards alongside him, as if this'll help illustrate the point. ] Beyond the sky. And yeah. It's massive. You know what it looks like when the ocean meets the horizon? There isn't even a horizon up there. It's like it's all ocean.
[ It really is unfathomable unless you've seen it. That's the best he's gonna be able to explain it.
He grunts softly in sympathy about Wen Kexing losing his boat so early on in having it. Easy come, easy go indeed, but damn, dude, that kinda sucks. Sorry for your loss or whatever.
Amos misses the reason he ducks his head, though. As far as he's concerned, Wen Kexing is right. Thorne is stern. They're also dicks. Please, absolutely, judge them; Amos already is every time he's gotta think about them. ]
Might be. Can't imagine they're too happy about a bunch of prisoners escaping. That's what happened — some people showed up and let those of us who were locked up out, just like that. It's not the kind of thing bullies get over.
[ Amos speaks with an edge. That's everything he thinks he knows about Thorne. But hypotheticals about upcoming war are just hypotheticals, and when the subject turns to that, he's got no problem removing all emotion from his voice. ]
Maybe nobody's made a move yet 'cause nobody sees a clear path for them to win. Free Cities looks most advanced, so I'd guess them — but there's gotta be a reason everyone's here acting like they can play nice instead.
no subject
[ But that's the point, isn't it? Wen Kexing looks back at Amos with a bit more confusion and a touch of awe. Whatever ability or technology he has, if he can make something fly so far up he can live in the constellations, that must mean he's some elevated immortal, right? So if Wen Kexing is a bit more wide-eyed as he listens, it might not be just the drink. ]
Maybe they know they can't win. Even with their talents and armies, sometimes being stronger isn't enough.
[ He smiles thinly, taking another drink from the flask before holding it out again. ]
Even those who are dangerous and feared in great numbers can be defeated. Those leaders are probably looking for weaknesses, seeing what ways they can push each other off-balance before they make a move. Maybe they don't know what to do with us either.
Star Senior, how long have you been here?