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

[londonbound]

We have goats. It's more... the latter.

[ Rhy doesn't keep his status a secret, really -- it's just that here, so many worlds away from his own, it doesn't matter. He is a prince and yet he isn't. It often doesn't seem the sort of thing he should be casually bringing up, especially since he's realized people come here from all sorts of circumstances, and he doesn't want to make anyone feel intimidated or anything of the sort when it comes to social classes and status that do not matter here. ]

You must miss it.

[a_better_man]

Well fancy-man, now's your time to get up close and personal with goats. You'll be a better man for it, trust me. Look at this face...

[Mat rests his chin gently on the top of the head of the goat he's holding, and it's difficult to say if he means the goat's face or his own. Either way, very hard to deny either of them.

And he'd rather tease Rhy over goats than talk about home in much detail.]

Course I do, but I'm here now. Try not to think about it much, I just get worried about my little sisters. They're young, they've never been without me. I know trusted neighbors are looking after'em, but...

[Neighbors aren't who raised them, Mat is. And he'd promised them he'd get back home safe to them, when he first set out for Tar Valon. Now he's not just in another country, he's in another world. And what about his mother? He doesn't give a damn about his father, but her health was failing badly when he'd left...]

And that is why I don't linger on any longings for home.

[londonbound]

[ Fancy-man, indeed. Rhy concedes with a sort of okay, okay, I surrender smile. ]

You two make a perfect picture. [ he teases, but finds himself ultimately unable to resist either face and steps forward to pet the kid on its little face curiously. The fur is rougher than he expected.

His gaze remains on the animal, not looking up at Mat when he speaks. ]

Of course. I should have realized. [ Apologetic. He rubs the goat's ear, which is a little softer than the rest. ]

I miss my brother every day.

But-- [ He hesitates. It doesn't really make it easier, but this is something he's been clinging to since he found out, and it's helped him when he starts to panic about how long he's been here. ]

I'm told that the nature of the summoning magic and time are not so fixed and linear as we might experience them. There is a good chance [ how 'good' he has no idea ] that if we can find a way to return to our respective homes, we can find a way to return on time as well.

[a_better_man]

Yeah?

[Mat hasn't heard that yet. He's not sure if it matters, he'd left home anyway, but...least he'd have a better chance of actually returning home.]

You've got a brother? Older or younger?

[He's curious, as he realizes he doesn't know much of Rhy's life before this place. It's never much come up, and he hasn't shared much of his own, either. Too used to being cautious, after Moiraine drilled it into their heads to be coy about who they were and where they came from.

Doesn't matter here, though. Not the way it did back home.]

[londonbound]

Older by a year.

[ And adopted, though he doesn't mention that because it doesn't matter. It is not their blood that binds them (now more than ever).

There's a reason Mat hasn't heard about him yet. For how much Rhy would talk about Kell nonstop back home half the time, here, without him, the pain is still too raw. He feels Kell's absence every minute of every day in a way more literal than merely missing him, though Rhy does miss him too. Terribly.

He pulls his hand back, avoiding the goat trying to chew on his sleeve. He'll try again from above, dodging little goat teeth. ]

His name is Kell.

[a_better_man]

Ah, so you got the bliss of being the younger sibling! Bode and Ellie...ah, Bodewhin and Eldrin, my sisters, there's a good ten years between us. They're just little things, still.

[Light, they must miss him something awful. He'd hated to leave them, but he'd had no choice. He'd have made his way back, but...he's here, instead. He just hopes the Al'Meara's took them in proper. It'd be better, that way.

He chuckles at Rhy and the goat, adjusting the kid in his arms to angle his face down and away a bit.]

To tell you the truth, sometimes it'd feel more like they were my own daughters than my little sisters. I've raised'em. No need to get into all the mucky details, but let's just say our folks...weren't the sort of people who ought to have had children.

[They were the sort of people who cowered in hiding with a bottle, and left their children to die.]

But I've a friend back home that I love as a brother. And he's just about a year my senior! This is actually the first time I've ever been apart from him in my life.

[londonbound]

Oh, bliss my ass. [ Rhy responds almost instinctively, the surge of emotion bittersweet. It tugs a wistful smile out of him. ] He always thinks he knows better. Stubborn as a mule, that one.

[ The warmth of nostalgia in his smile slips toward sympathy as Mat gives further context. ]

It's good you were there for your sisters, to care for them as you did. I'm certain they've come out better for it. I hope you can find your way back to them, Mat.

And to your friend, as well. You must miss him terribly.

[a_better_man]

Well that's because big brothers always do know better!

[There's a warmth in Mat's own voice, despite the little dampness at his eyes. They're very likely perfectly safe. But light help him, he misses the girls.]

Yeah, it's...it's been odd, so far away from everyone I know. It was always me and Rand, ever since we were tiny. Never had a better friend, probably never will.

[Hopefully Rand wasn't too worried about him. He had to have understood, had to have known what Mat was doing was for the best. For everyone. How could he live with himself if he put the few people he loved in danger?]

But! At least there's opportunities for new friends. There's some good folks about that I'm glad to know. Present company included.

[londonbound]

[ The little goat seems to be getting impatient and squirmy, so Rhy pulls his hand away. For a few moments, his eyes look beyond Mat, recalling days spent running around the kitchens pilfering sweets and getting underfoot, Kell always pretending he'd been against every silly plan young Rhy had come up with but always going along with it anyway. ]

I know the feeling. [ Rhy concedes quietly. He looks away, but it's not the animals or flowers he's seeing. ] Ever since we met. My parents brought him home when I was only four summers old, but the moment I saw Kell, I knew what he meant to me. I love him with all my heart.

We've... never been parted for so long.

[ He can't even be enthusiastic or grateful for Mat's declaration about new friends. He wants to be. But like so many other things he wants to be and all the masks he wears, it rings hollow even in his own head. It's been so long since he's actually spoken about Kell -- except to Lila, to worry about him -- that he can't help himself anymore. Mat seems like he understands. ]

[a_better_man]

He's still with you, right in there. We carry the ones that love us with us.

[Mat sets the squirming kid down and watches as it bounds off, free of care or concern or even much thought beyond the sun is nice and grass is sweet. He's a bit envious, really.

Light, things have turned heavy, haven't they? That's no good, but he understands where Rhy's heart is right now. The heart turns to home, it's only natural. His own does the same time and time again.]

Hey. There's good drinks in the lounge, what do you say we help ourselves to some?

[londonbound]

[ Rhy touches his chest reflexively, fighting off a wince. There's no way for Mat to know how literal that used to be -- Kell's heartbeat tucked against his, literally a part of him. Now, there is silence. Now, Rhy knows he's not simply right there anymore.

But he didn't mean to bring down the mood. Rhy swallows down his sigh. It's nice of Mat not to point it out, to offer a distraction instead. That's more Rhy's style.

If nothing else, he's good at smiling, whether he's up to it or not. So Rhy smiles, reaching out once Mat is kid-free to wrap an arm around his back. ]

Right you are. Drinks and games, I hear. Let's see if we can't make some trouble.