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

[techmaturgy]

[Look, he was totally prepared to do all that math in his head, and possibly even account for acceleration, even if that's unfair of her. The smack is underhanded and takes him by surprise as the rock hits the ground with a thud--Viktor is almost offended, because of course he wasn't going to throw a rock at her. What kind of terrible person does she take him for!?]

Ah. You're a cheater.

[She's already past him before he can properly react, so he more-or-less says it to the air than to her face, but he's sure the sentiment is felt regardless.

He does not need physics calculations for plan B. The next time she loops around, he waits until she's just a few steps away, then """"accidentally""" pushes his crutch out into her path.]

[exoterminator]

[Plan B is simple, subtle, and effective. If the goal was to exhaust herself she wasn't there yet—their banter was ironically stimulating her, the playful threats that she was sure were about to escalate. She has to keep on her toes now, even someone like Viktor whom she doesn't know well isn't someone she wants to underestimate. Not when he managed to bean her in the face with a pillow.

She, ironically, overthinks his next assaults. Thinks he might try the rock again or something else from a safe distance. The choice to use his crutch comes low and isn't a direction she was looking, exactly. Her foot catches on to it and she falls forward but has the grace and fortitude to turn her fall into a forward tumble, putting all her weight on her forearm. She springs out of it and bunny hops once back into a run. She shoots him a look that is trying to look unimpressed.]

Who's cheating? [Her arm and back is covered in grass and hay now but she seems to not notice or care.]

[techmaturgy]

[For a second, he thinks he's tripped her, and even though he intended this, he can't help but wince a little when she goes down. That doesn't last more than an instant, however, because she's turning the stumble into a graceful tuck-and-roll that has her not missing a beat. He's impressed, and possibly a little surprised.

Still, he will not be deterred. Viktor gives an exaggerated shrug that she can (hopefully) see from halfway around her loop.]

I slipped.

[How can she possibly blame him for this!??!? He isn't actually going to throw rocks at her, so he seems to concede, leaning back a little on the hay bale, apparently waiting for Samus to tire herself out.]

[exoterminator]

[ He might be waiting a while, but for now she keeps pace. On the next pass,] I could've broken that.

[techmaturgy]

[That's fine. He's patient, and will get some work done while he waits, commenting and continuing the conversation every time she passes him. Viktor is starting to wonder about her stamina, but he doubts she'll answer, and it seems like a strange thing to ask anyway.]

This is just what they gave me at the base. I'm not attached. [Yes, it would be annoying to have it broken, but he'd willingly took that risk when he tried to trip her. And it didn't break, so it's all moot anyway.] You would have given me a good excuse to build something better.

[exoterminator]

[ She's not so convinced by his answer. ]

Why do you need me as an excuse to build something better?

[techmaturgy]

If you had broken it, is what I meant. Since you seemed concerned.

[But she didn't, so the line of conversation is moot. Really, now he's just wondering how long she needs to run off whatever nightmare she had. Ah, well. He supposes he shouldn't begrudge anyone their coping mechanisms.]

Careful, or I'll do it again.

[exoterminator]

Now you're looking for an excuse.

[ She says on the next pass but her dismissive tone also suggests she's content to not needle him further about it. Given what little she knows of him he is, indeed, more than capable of building a better crutch but it also seemed like the least of his priorities right now. She's almost certain whatever he's working on right now, in fact, was nothing remotely close to a better crutch.

By now her muscles start to edge on that familiar burn, enough she thinks if she got some water she could keep going for another excruciatingly long set of laps, but the idea was to push herself to exhaustion. Instead she convinces herself to slow down on the next pass and jog to a stop in front of him, curiosity needling her. She hopes, in a way, it could serve as another and possibly better distraction... maybe for him, too. ]

What are you actually working on?

[techmaturgy]

[He gives her a little scoff, at that, and then lets her do another loop. Just as he’s thinking she must be tired, Samus seems to decide that she’s done enough, stopping in front of him like she’s ready to have an actual conversation. Viktor leans forward with interest, clearly pleased by this turn of events.]

What do you think I’m working on?

[That’s a rhetorical question, said with a little smirk, though he does think he’d like to hear her best guess, given the fact that her inquiry seems pointed.]

I believe I spoke to you about the nature of my research. Harnessing arcane forces through technological means. [And if she doesn’t remember, he’s happy to explain it again—he has the notebook!] Before I arrived, I had been developing a sort of...adaptive conduit. Ideally, I will be able to recreate it here, using this world's magic system.

[exoterminator]

[ Of course she remembers that notebook. If she thinks about it this is a fairly uncanny reprisal of their first meeting; her attempting to blow some steam off through training and he busy with his notes... except now he's on a bale of hay instead of a crate. ]

Conduit through the runes or... technology?

[ She still had a lot to learn about magic but was getting the sense runes weren't necessarily a prerequisite to channeling the energy. If Free Cities' ethos was any indication, the marriage of magical energy and technology was something they were very interested and proficient in.

Still, something adaptive seems much more advanced, more than anything here. She peers over his shoulder at his notebook. ]

Frankly I'm surprised anyone from one of the academies hasn't come to recruit you yet.

[techmaturgy]

A little of both. Individual runes are bound to specific meanings--limited applications. You can do a little brute forcing if you get creative, but if you're not able to channel the arcane yourself, you need a matrix. Something that can learn. Adapt to perform different functions.

[Once again, he seems to perk up at the chance to elaborate on the details, even though it is like four in the morning and probably most of this is esoteric nonsense.

(It's an AI, Samus. He's describing an AI without actually knowing what a computer is.)

She is right, though. The academies should be pounding at his door, and though he certainly has the ability to teach again (and might, because it's an easy way to make money, which he desperately needs), Viktor thinks his time is better spent on more practical pursuits, like rebuilding the Hexcore in an attempt to not die. He's silent for a brief moment, as if debating what he wants to say.]

I'm weighing my options.

[exoterminator]

[ This sounds an awful lot like he's trying to describe an AI without actually knowing what a computer is.

Samus won't admit that what he describes sounds incredibly attractive, especially to someone who feels far more comfortable with technology than the magic and arcane energy that seemingly drives everything in this world. Compared to Thorne and Solvunn, the people of Free Cities seemed to have the same mindset as what he proposed. It makes her vaguely wonder if it was just good fortune the both of them ended up here or if it was an intentional machination.

She's thoughtfully quiet for a few moments. She thinks about encouraging him to go to an academy anyway; they're likely to have more resources that would benefit him, far more than anything she or this hay bale could do for him. He clearly has so much potential. It'd be a shame to see it wasted. ]

If you attempt recreate something like an AI or computer here I think the most important thing you'd need to focus on are limits.

Runes that stop [ She closes her hand, makes a fist.] the flow of information—arcane energy—and runes that let it through. [ She opens her hand again. ] So it doesn't do what you don't want it to do.

[techmaturgy]

[What she's saying makes sense, and he nods, like he's considering the principle of safeguards for the first time. An interesting proposition, certainly. But--]

Sorry, a what?

[He can make a few guesses about computer--an entity that computes? Computes what? But there's some kind of acronym, too, one he's never heard before. Viktor sounds a little surprised. Until now, he's felt they've been able to talk on a similar technological level, but he's been caught off-guard before. She seems to know more about this than she'd initially let on.]

[exoterminator]

[ His question gives her pause; despite his focus on runes, from all his intricate schematics and language she expected someone like him to have some familiarity with computer technology... but perhaps she assumed wrong. Perhaps he has come from a world very not unlike this one that utilizes magic instead.

Before she gets the chance to question how common worlds with technology levels like this actually are and if she was in fact more the outlier—she decides he simply, likely, just misheard her. ]

Artificial Intelligence, or a computer?

[techmaturgy]

I've never heard the term.

[It occurs to him that perhaps she assumed a greater level of technological advancement on his part. He can try to puzzle it out, of course. Some kind of self-sufficient, possibly sentient entity? Something like that seems almost fantastical, but then, isn't that what he was trying to do with the Hexcore? Create something that can think for itself, to find the appropriate combination of runes for specific functions.]

Something like an automaton?

[exoterminator]

I suppose.

[ To her 'automaton' is far too vague of a term, so Samus finds it's more prudent to try and define it.

She makes a gesture with her hands, starts, stops. She's realizing it's a lot more difficult to explain when it's such an mundane thing where she's from. First arriving on this planet, it was easy to realize how much technology she's taken for granted... but speaking with Viktor grounds that into a more personal reality, especially when he—out anyone here that's she's interactive with so far—would come the closest to understanding.

She tries again, trying to think of a more physical analog. ]

Imagine a... library that can hold an incredible amount of knowledge in a small size, analyze data, communicate with other automated library systems over vast distances—form a network. It can perform complex calculations, automate repetitive tasks. A mechanical brain without a consciousness or conscience. That's a computer.

Does that make sense?

[techmaturgy]

Yes. Yes, that makes sense.

[It's remarkably similar to what he's trying to do with the Hexcore, actually, and his brow furrows in apparent thought, that he would be able to build something like this without even having the words for it. Something so new and so revolutionary that he would be the first to define it.

(Someday, in some other lifetime, Viktor will continue to crack this code, and will watch one of his creations start to learn and develop self-awareness and think for itself. But none of that actually matters because League of Legends isn't real.)]

And...artificial intelligence? Something with a consciousness?

[exoterminator]

[ He understands and for a split second she almost wishes she didn't. Samus has a reserved and stoic air to here, even sweating and with heat ebbing off her back from her furious early hour run, but her stare on him goes from mildly tired to something stern, almost harsh. ]

Something to treat with caution.

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor’s face falls a little—he’s heard a lot of people tell him no with very little explanation, and this reminds him very starkly of that. Perhaps, in earlier years, he was more tolerant of warnings with no elaboration, but after everything that happened with Heimerdinger and the Hexcore, he’s a little less willing to tolerate this sort of thing. His own expression darkens a little.]

Bad experiences?

[exoterminator]

[ Tempted as she is to regale him with tales of Bad Experiences in a fervent act of warning, Samus can see that defiant shimmer in his eye and she already regrets saying so much. She respects it but also fears for him, his thirst, his drive. He will get into trouble. This shouldn't be any of her concern or care, but...

She tears her gaze away from him, uncomfortable with a look she knows all too well. Her tone is deliberately monotone, and finally, actually sounds legitimately tired. ]

A computer is a tool, only as altruistic as who uses it. Leave it to its own devices and it will make its own rules.

[ Somehow this has managed to be the most exhausting exchange of the evening. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Ah. Well, they seem to have struck some kind of nerve with each other. Viktor frowns, waiting to see if she's going to elaborate on what's apparently personal experience, but when that's all she has to offer him (like he doesn't already know this) he scoffs.]

Well, if you're looking to put that expertise to use, I am always open to collaboration.

[That's said testily, like he wants her to know he's moving forward anyway, and if she thinks it's a bad idea she's welcome to offer her practical knowledge, instead of keeping it to herself and vaguely chastising him for tampering with the forces in question. He decides that this is hitting a little too close to home, so after a moment he hauls himself to his feet in preparation to leave.]

I think I might try to get some rest after all. Try not to wake up anyone else.