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

[gynvael]

[ He lets the young man speak his piece, wraps his hand around his mug and takes a sip. Quietly starts to fill in a picture of the stranger he's speaking to: a commoner by birth, raised in a small village. Indentured, perhaps, to a family or a master of some kind—not unusual, and speaks to either someone who was sent away by his parents because they could no longer afford to feed him or he simply had no parents.

It's an old song. Sung for centuries. Always will be.

He examines him for a second or two. ]

I was. [ Confined or at the castle—both are true. Geralt does not clarify what he precisely means. ] Are you staying because you've people you trust? Or are you afraid of what lies beyond its walls?

[ His question is blunt, but not exactly unkind. He isn't unsympathetic, besides. Thorne is not entirely full of those who can't be trusted. He has his own...allies there. And truthfully, he's considered if Thorne continuing to summon those may not be—it isn't good. But at the same time, before new faces were brought in and given no choice as to where they found themselves, Thorne was occupied exclusively by the Summoned who made the decision to stay despite. Complications. Maybe there's something to be said about new blood entering, removed from that context. ]

[a_better_man]

Yeah?

[Mat is only vaguely aware that there have been folks who've left Thorne, but he's only gotten allusions to what happened.]

I suppose it's a bit of both. And it just...doesn't feel right, now. I've got a good sense for that sort of thing, when a time is right or wrong. I've done well, listening to that little voice.

[Which is not a phantom voice brought on by his recent curse, he knows that much. Maybe it's part of being ta'veren, maybe it's just those old Manetheren instincts. Or just what happens when you spend your life isolated from the rest of the country and relying on yourself. Whatever it is, Mat trusts his gut.]

Right now it's telling me stick with the people I trust. There's not many, and they haven't been here long either, but they're good people.

[Both Rhy and Anakin have demonstrated clearly that they do, in fact, give a shit about Mat as a human being. He hasn't had much of that in his life.]

[gynvael]

Mm. They've refined their hospitality since.

[ The cryptic reply is not meant to be so; he just finds it's a complicated thing, when he brings up exactly what Thorne did. Because for him, it does not especially mark Thorne as better or worse than any other kingdom—only that they made a poor decision. Hubris, perhaps. Arrogance.

In any case, he doesn't care to expound on the qualities of these nations. They're all after something.

He inclines his head, taking that answer for what it is. ] Who you have is more important than where you are.

[ He went to the Free Cities in part because he believed hiding Ciri within what he'd presumed was Thorne's biggest threat would be best. He at least knew where they stood. He still thinks so—he isn't sure if there might come a day when Solvunn will let go of their neutral stance and align with another territory. ]

[a_better_man]

Yeah? I've heard lots of bits of second hand gossip, but mostly folks just say 'get out'.

[Except those who are already in Thorne, who have...all sorts of things to say, and little of it helpful or encouraging.]

But they haven't done anything threatening, and they aren't making anyone do anything. I'm left to my own devices, have been since they first hauled me out.

[Which contradicts the warnings he's heard about being used by them. And Rhy confirmed it, he'd been there months and no one in power asked anything of him. Mostly it's giving Mat a headache and he can't tell who's got their feet firmer on the truth.]

You're damned right about that, though.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt weighs that for a second before he says, ] Thorne imprisoned a handful of us, once, for no cause. But all kingdoms will do as they will. I'm sure you know that.

[ They weren't treated well; he's also been treated far worse, so in the end, his feelings are ambivalent. The queen is another matter—but he suspects if the young man only wants to go about his days, he can likely avoid her.

Besides, what will he find in the Free Cities? An army waiting to conscript? Unrest over magic, an open hunger for war? They're both dangerous in their own way. Truthfully, Geralt does not consider residing anywhere a statement of allegiance. He doesn't like the feeling that it's viewed so. He gives as much of a fuck about the Free Cities as he does Thorne. ]

[a_better_man]

No cause? What did they justify it with? That you were strangers...?

[Mat has trouble reconciling the frustrating but generally amiable people he's encountered just throwing folks in prison without reason. He frowns over the information, agreeing that yes, royalty and whatnot will do as they please and damn the common people. But they at least offered some justification, even if it was bullshit.]

Don't misunderstand, I believe you, I'm just trying to piece together all the parts I've got. They don't quite make a picture.

[gynvael]

That we were a threat.

[ He doesn't especially care if he's believed or not; it's not his job to herd people about, to make them see what lies underneath. There will always be those too blind. But something about this man is...

Perhaps it's the uncertainty Geralt can sense from him. A wavering between what he wants to believe. ]

And what picture are you hoping to see?

[a_better_man]

[Mat shakes his head.]

Just a clear one I can make some sense of.

[And hopefully doesn't end up with him dead. Really, his wants and goals are very few and simple. He's not a demanding man. He'd just like to be somewhere he feels reasonably safe, as he hasn't had that in a very long time.

Arguably, not since he was small.]

I'm no stranger to being in the care of what may be vipers. But least them, back home...I knew and understood who they were. Knew to what extent I could trust'em, knew that at least they did have my safety in mind and care about it even if for the wrong reasons. I can't say that now.

[gynvael]

[ His brows furrow. He is not a stranger to those who find cover amongst people who would only use them, for a semblance of safety. He gets the temptation. He gets why it's done. It just isn't a feeling he understands on an intimate level—something he's never wanted for himself, could never imagine wanting. Whatever safety might be found there can never be worth the cost. And it's unlikely to last. ]

Thorne wants you for what ends you can serve. If they have to drown you in their riches to get it, they will do so. But these other places are no better. [ A brief pause passes. ] You don't need their protection. You were brought here because they need you. And if it were me, the last thing I'd do is give an inch of myself to them.

[ If Thorne thought them worthless, they'd have executed them on arrival. They were kept for a reason, even caged. They were allowed to drop unannounced into quiet settlements and city borders. He's not about to believe they can get away with too much—something tells him the instant they prove more trouble than they're worth, this entire Summoned process will be abandoned and those pulled through erased—but that doesn't mean they need to cave into those who have agreed to host them or owe anyone a fucking thing. It isn't out of charity. ]

[a_better_man]

I haven't given them anything.

[Why does everyone seem to think that anything short of open hostility is some admission or trusting or agreeing with Thorne? Blood and ashes, he doesn't even remember the names of the king and queen, if he had ever learned them. But what's he supposed to do, not eat?]

I haven't even been in this world long enough to need to trim my beard yet. I live within their walls, but I can't see that keeping my head down and eating their food and bathing in their water is some sort of agreement of allegiance. It isn't as though I believe what they tell me. I know damn well they're full of shit.

[Matrim Cauthon is not particularly special. And if he is, because he hasn't entirely ruled out his potential to be the Dragon, it's not for any reasons any good person would want him. If that's the case, he's just a tinder shed in wait of a lightning strike. He will bring doom and destruction.]

I may be young, and I may be from the back of beyond, but I'm not that great a fool.

[gynvael]

[ If he clocks the defensiveness, it only draws a vague shrug out of him. Only one of them was asking for a clear picture, brought up the extent of trustworthiness and safety he's found in the past. Geralt gave his answer; if the boy doesn't like it, that's not his problem. ]

If you know they're full of shit, what does it matter the perfume they've sprayed?

[ Look, maybe he's missing something, but he doesn't see how any of this paints an unclear image. Thorne, like the other nations, have their own designs. Whether that involves pampering or imprisonment to further their ambitions, to him, there's no difference. They still want something. They're still keen on doing what they must to get it. That doesn't mean its people are full of monsters.

Nations do not need its people to act unkindly of their own volition. They only need them to go along or look the other way when the time comes. And most did, while half of them were held in the dungeons. ]