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

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing smirks at the dry look his words bring. Zhou Zishu doesn't miss a beat, but he can see that exasperation even at a distance, and he laughs as his zhiji commands him to stay. Wen Kexing gets to his feet, brushing off the dirt from his trousers and then the stains from his hands as he watches Zhou Zishu chase the strange animal through the crowds, staying where he was left without complaint.

He isn't tired or hurt enough to give up the attempt, but he also doesn't have a reason to disobey Zhou Zishu, who is a better tactician than he can hope to be. Soon enough, he can see the man heading back his way, the Swift Moving Steps herding their quarry back into a pincher move.

This time Wen Kexing is more deliberate in his chase. He waits until the creature is truly close enough to cut off before he charges forward, grabbing a cloak that some poor bystander had draped over a nearby stand when trying on some potential new wear. He tosses the cloth out like a net, intending to snag the pest, moving in perhaps a little too fast with Zhou Zishu coming in with such determination himself. ]

[meiren]

[ He gets a brief glimpse of Wen Kexing before his focus has to return to his prey, but it's enough to see the outstretched cloak and guess at the purpose. It's a good idea, certainly useful than trying to catch this terrible thing with their bare hands. He does his best to steer the creature within netting range, head down and focused.

Though maybe he's moving too fast or maybe Wen Kexing is. Or perhaps the horrible creature has some martial skills of it's own. Somehow the little thing manages to avoid the cloak entirely, and what nearly gets caught is Zhou Zishu himself. It sends him crashing into Wen Kexing, and only a judicious use of qinggong and a lifetime of training manages to keep them both on their feet.

There's a beat of silence as Zhou Zishu spends a moment catching his breath. ]

What is this thing?

[yeshou]

[It should be foolproof. The two of them are so used to fighting side by side and catching prey can't be that hard for a couple of master martial artists. They have dealt with far worse in their time. But for some reason, when Wen Kexing launches forward, he's out of step with his zhiji and it's only thanks to the reflexes of Zhou Zishu that they don't go careening right into each other. Wen Kexing slides, trying to pull back before they hit, but in the end they still end up smacking together. At least the two of them somehow manage to stay on their feet. The impact could have been worse.

While they recover, Wen Kexing scans the area, looking for signs of where their mysterious animal has darted off to.]

Tsk, it's a little demon is what it is! They should have told us earlier that this world had such menacing beasts.

[And as he says that, Wen Kexing catches the flash of swaying quills as the monster ducks under a table and makes a break for freedom.]

Oh, no you don't. There! A-Xu!

[Wen Kexing takes off again, intending on running the creature down directly even if that means dodging people and booths along the way. It's like an ox running mad through the street.]

[meiren]

[ No point in calling out to him, Wen Kexing is already gone again. With a sigh, Zhou Zishu takes off after him again, cutting around the side with his greater speed. It's going to fail him eventually, but he'll deal with that when the time comes.

This time he goes on ahead, letting Wen Kexing loud approach chase the creature towards him instead. Hopefully it will work out better this time, because Zhou Zishu is all but out of ideas, they're not going to be able to run down something so small and agile no matter how fast they are.

He settles near a sort of corral created by two tables, ignoring how dubious the owners of said tables seem by the whole affair. That should at least make things easier. ]

[yeshou]

[Wen Kexing chases the creature down with street like a dog fixated on catching a rabbit. He somehow manages to keep himself from pulling over any tables or displays in his rush, but a few of the bystanders browsing have to dodge when he and the animal come tearing through the crowds. He's so determined to just run the little creature down that Wen Kexing follows it right into Zhou Zishu's barrier.

The animal, with nowhere else to go, runs toward the tables and the former Tian Chuang leader, speeding up as it finds itself boxed in. At the last moment, it slides, turning and making a loud noise as it confronts Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing coming in right behind it. The little monster rattles its quills, sending a plume of strange dust all around it. Wen Kexing trips and stumbles as he jerks away, falling once again in an attempt to grab the animal and instead finding himself collapsing onto Zhou Zishu in the cloud.

The creature darts away again, leaving the two of them to recover alone. Wen Kexing's shouts of outrage come between coughs.]

Little demon! You come back! I'll cook you in a pot, you big rat!

[meiren]

[ His eyes widen slightly, but Zhou Zishu doesn't have time to do anything but take a step back before there's a cloud of dist covering anything. And then Wen Kexing comes barreling through it and crashes into him and it's all he can do to keep them both upright even as he bends slightly with the force of his coughing.

When he finally manages to straighten again, he glances around quickly to confirm that the creature is gone--and that everyone else nearby is staring at them. It might be understandable, considering the ruckus, but the looks seem more...amused?

He twists towards Wen Kexing himself to make sure they're both in one piece, and immediately finds himself staring as well. Open bafflement flickers across his face as he takes in his sparkling zhiji. ]

...Lao Wen?

[yeshou]

That mangy little- I'll kill it!

[ Wen Kexing continues to cough while reaching out instinctively to hold onto Zhou Zishu and keep him upright. With every slight movement, a rain of tiny sparkles fall from his body and hair like so many droplets scattering to the ground. He huffs, beating some of them off of his pant legs with a hand, but to no avail. ]

What did it do? Ah, A-Xu, are you hurt? Do you feel sick?

[ Whatever little magic that creature shed all over Wen Kexing doesn't seem toxic, but he can't tell what has happened with Zhou Zishu. Concern is written on his expression as he holds his sleeve, ready to act in case his zhiji suddenly seems ill. ]

[meiren]

[ Aside from the coughing, Zhou Zishu bats irritably at the hand gripping his sleeve, ready to tell Wen Kexing off for hovering again. And he would, except whatever he's about to say immediately dies as he gets a good look at his own hand which is. Glowing?

He shakes off the grip anyway, raising both hands to stare bemusedly at them. He certainly does seem to be giving off a steady light, like a lantern. Or. ]

Does that little beast confer immortality?

[ A dry question. He doesn't feel any more heavenly than he did a minute ago. But he certainly is. Brighter. ]

[yeshou]

[ At first he thinks that Zhou Zishu might be cursed by the creature. With the cloud of sparkling bits falling off of him and the weird glow coming from his zhiji, Wen Kexing's first thought is that they both must be afflicted by some mystical disease brought on by the strange animal's powers. And his concern first goes to the health of his loved one, never mind that he's shedding tiny flashes of light like a strange firework.

But when he touches Zishu and finds that he seems sound, Wen Kexing rolls his eyes and lets out an irritated scoff. ]

It turned you into your own light. Now we'll never sleep. Ah, what a stupid creature! I wish we never saw it. Whose idea was it to catch that beast anyway?

[meiren]

[ That just earns him a deeply exasperated look before Zhou Zishu tries to wipe some of the sparkle off of Wen Kexing's shoulder. Considering how little it helps, apparently he's not going to be the only one causing trouble tonight. ]

You're going to be trailing this everywhere.

[ Pity whoever they're sharing a tent with. At least the glances from those around them have shifted to amusement more than anything. With a sigh, he tugs at Wen Kexing's sleeve. ]

Come on. Let's see if we can't get you washed off at least. [ The brightness around him will be a lot more difficult to deal with. ]

[yeshou]

Tch, you're going to keep me up all night! What did that creature do? A-Xu, you're skin is always glowing with beauty, but I never expected anything to be able to enhance it to this extent.

[ He grins broadly at Zhou Zishu, ready for the punch that is sure to come after that statement. As annoying as shedding a rain of sparkles is, he can still make jokes as long as he has his lover beside him. Misery loves company, right? ]

If you help me, we can get rid of all of these terrible pieces of nothing, but can we wash off your beauty? At this rate, I'll never rest again.