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]

[ Loaded questions, all of it. Geralt does not answer immediately. There is a dismissive remark on his tongue—do you always ask so many questions?—but while it isn't rudeness he gives a damn about, nor does he care to drive the man away. At the end of the day, they've all been dragged into this world against their will.

And not everyone looks upon their benefactors with a natural suspicion. ]

You're living in the barracks?

[ So far, no one has been explicitly prevented from leaving. But many don't realize they can or they find the convenience preferable. It leaves Geralt uneasy. Like Cadens is one step away from outright recruiting the Summoned into its army upon arrival. ]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing lives by talking far too much at all times. To make up for years of silence, being sent around like a dog or tool only to be used, to convince himself of his own humanity and put on the trappings of something more than what he was. It may be an odd performance as a gentleman, but it's a start. He willfully ignores Geralt's show of disinterest, treating it as more invitation to keep going. ]

Ugh, in that crowded place? No, we left right away. I'm not seeking war or unnecessary death. I'm a scholar who values all lives.

[ He smiles, and makes a point to put extra emphasis behind it as well. See how kind and scholarly he is? ]

I wouldn't harm one of those flowers in your hair, master, and I certainly cannot become anyone's soldier.

[gynvael]

[ Very scholarly. Geralt's eyes narrow. He sighs. He's already tired of this dance, to which he's been invited and does not especially care to participate in. ]

I don't give a fuck if you've killed a hundred men, or if you've cried over a fly.

[ Either one may or may not be the truth, but the point is that it really doesn't matter to Geralt. Mostly, if they're to have some semblance of a conversation, he'd prefer one without pretenses.

Besides, he's not here to recruit anyone to anything. He's spoken now and again to the average solider in the desert, stationed at their outposts, but that is a different matter than getting involved with Cadens' army proper. ]

[yeshou]

[ Well, that's an interesting reaction. Harsh, dismissive, and clearly without any interest at all in him. "Lunatic Wen" is certainly a stranger to this world, so he's not expecting to catch any familiarity, but the blunt way Geralt shrugs him off sparks some interest from Wen Kexing, who only ever had that cold of a reaction from one person.

He studies the witcher, tilting his head with curiosity. Then his expression smooths out and he leans back, admiring the man like a cat watching fish swim in a pool before it. ]

Mm, even if I've killed hundreds of men or skinned them alive, I still wouldn't stay in that place. I'm not their dog. I already have someone to follow.

[ If Zhou Zishu tells him they should join the army, he'll consider it then, but Wen Kexing doesn't believe Zhou Zishu wants to be confined to anything. He'll play the wild animal if it means protecting the one he cares about. ]

[gynvael]

[ Geralt studies him right back, a bit contemplative. He really doesn't care for this conversation at the moment, but he's also not exactly in the most charitable of moods about. Much. Look, it's been a long fucking...decade. But especially a long two months or so. Three?

The stranger seems not at all discouraged, so Geralt simply carries on. ]

You arrived with a friend.

[ It isn't a question. He doesn't know how it works, but it's happened: him and Jaskier, Alina and Mal, Sam and Bucky, Dean and Castiel. Julie and Nadine. Himeka and Estinien. The list goes on. He suspects it's to do with how the Summoning spell works. A connection that it pulls on. Or maybe they're all intertwined by the universe's version of Destiny. Who the hell knows? ]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing gets the scrutiny of what certainly feels like a harsh master. It's made even more sharp by the odd color of Geralt's eyes, which he can't really keep from staring at. But the question that isn't really a question makes him smile. ]

More than a friend. He's the one who knows me best. We can't be parted.

[ And he says that with every confidence. Whether it is magic, fate, or divine power, nothing is really going to keep the two of them apart. If one goes, the other has to follow. ]

You too? Did they pay for your hairstyle? Or do the children belong to you two?

[gynvael]

[ He registers the fondness there, and takes note. ]

I was taken hostage by unrelenting brats.

[ It's not an answer, but it is. He does have someone. Several—and it's complicated. There's frankly no way for him to answer that question in a straightforward manner. It requires explaining how Jaskier, Yennefer, and Ciri slot into place. A headache no one needs.

He does, however, hold out his hand in expectation of the flask again. If they're going to talk, he'll take another drink. ]

[yeshou]

[ That gets a full laugh out of Wen Kexing as he hands Geralt the flask. The blunt way he describes humoring children are words that could have come from Zhou Zishu himself, and his natural appreciation for the aloof, unimpressed attitude earns the Witcher his respect. ]

You use hard words, but I think your tough skin holds something softer inside. They say the sternest people actually have gentle souls.

[ Is he wrong? He might be, but it hardly matters. Wen Kexing runs mainly on instinct. ]

Have you been here long? You seem already well-versed in the kingdoms and their customs.

[gynvael]

[ If the man had caught him several months ago, Geralt might have denied it outright. As it is, he just looks at him and takes another drink. Gentle is not the word he'd used, but he's occasionally a bit of a bastard, not a heartless monster. He has a soft spot for children like most people. ]

I was among the first. And this world isn't exactly the most foreign to me.

[ He seems to be one of the rare few, in fact, for whom this sphere holds a strange amount of similarities. More magic in Thorne, more odd inventions in the Free Cities, but that's it. Adjusting for him took almost no time at all. It's the climate more than anything that's taken him time to grow used to, where the desert is concerned.

Beyond that: there are kingdoms, nation-states, a variety of rulers and councils. Monsters roaming. Currency comes in the shape of stamped coins. Bladed weapons. It could almost be taken for a version of the Continent. ]

[yeshou]

What do you mean? You've been here before?

[ For all his antics and show, Wen Kexing pays attention to the subtle body language he gets from Geralt. He might seem callous or simply too arrogant to notice anything at all, but as the conversation continues, he yields the flask more and more, watching the other man with more careful attention beneath his showy air. ]

Or your world is full of strange magics and grand ceremonies like this one? Are you a soldier then? Here, or in your home?

[ If that's what he is, then it makes sense that he'd ask Wen Kexing about where he chose to stay. Many Summoned must have conflicting feelings about being brought to a strange kingdom and expected to join their armies just like that. ]

[gynvael]

[ There's a small pause that says Geralt heard every question and he's thinking about which one he wants to answer, if any.

After a second, he offers, ] I'm a hunter. Here and home.

[ The rest goes ignored. Not a soldier, no. He's absolutely no interest in serving any king or country.

He hands the flask back. If he notices he's being studied, it doesn't seem to bother him. He's not trying to be elusive or avoid answering. It's more—he can only be arsed to explain so much at a time. A matter of how much effort he cares to expend with a stranger. ]

[yeshou]

[ Wen Kexing continues to study him with open curiosity. He's more like a wild animal than a human, staring without any shame or concern for proper restraint. Whatever he sees, he's amused by it. Geralt the Hunter. It's not bad at all. ]

You look like someone that gets into fights.

[ His professional assessment. ]

I bet people look at you and can't resist wanting to give you a run. I would, if I were that kind of foolish.

[ Ambitious martial artists looking to make a name might seek out any intimidating opponent. Wen Kexing's study turns appreciative as he takes back his drink. ]

I bet you keep your friend busy too. And then some. Is your companion also a hunter like you?

[gynvael]

[ A flat— ] What gave it away. [ —comes in reply.

He's well aware of what people see when they look at him, and his scars say enough. He has a number, but only one or two seem to be made by some sort of weapon. And if the man is especially observant, he will notice the one that tears straight down his spine appears fresher than any of the others, surrounded by distinctive lash marks.

The other presumptions, he neither confirms nor denies. Geralt looks back, briefly scrutinizing. ]

Never said I only had one.

[ The comment is wry. The man can read into it whichever way he likes. ]

[yeshou]

You're too handsome. [ He's completely unfazed by the flat response, taking it as a genuine question simply because he wants to. ] Such a striking appearance can hardly go unnoticed or strength untested.

[ Despite a leaner and more carefully styled look with his long hair pulled back and his nails manicured, he's also marked with a healthy number of scars. Most are old, with only a few fresh ones that must have come from sword edges or blunt objects, but all were left by humans. Some of the oldest ones are more mottled, having been revisited several times. They would seem out of place if Wen Kexing didn't carry himself with an alert stare beneath the playful tone. ]

Oh. [ And he has clearly decided to take that in only the most suggestive way. ] So you keep more than one partner? Well, I suppose it would take as much if they aren't as trained.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt rolls his eyes. So this is where they've ended up. Not that he cares; there's a sense he—relaxed is not the right word, but a knowing. A familiar sort of exasperation, as if he's not unused to this type of interaction.

He takes the flask without asking this time. For all that he's been drinking, his gaze is entirely sober. ]

I don't keep anyone. [ It's true enough. He enjoys the company of a couple of people. They enjoy the company of several others in return. Geralt has never been especially concerned with matters of. Singular partnerships. ] Do you often refer to your companions as one might a kennel hound?

[yeshou]

[ The loss of his flask doesn't go unnoticed, and he seems satisfied by that. In a way, it's a kind of acceptance, because this man could easily stalk off or worse if he wanted to. Apparently the booze is good enough to tolerate Wen Kexing's ramblings for. Success! ]

Ah, so it's like that. Well, no one needs to be kept if they don't want to be.

[ He gives his stolen flask an exaggerated look of loss. ]

If they act like dogs then I'll call them by the names they come to. They would do the same for me. Ah, but if they are gentlemen or good masters, I'll be sure to treat them accordingly as well.

[gynvael]

[ They are certainly ramblings. Geralt ignores the look. It's clearly offered to him as a bribe to keep his company for however long the alcohol lasts, and he's fine with accepting that considering he's going to be in this bath one way or another.

They can all get more liquor from this place, anyway. About one of the only things worthwhile here. ]

Fascinating.

[ If the man is expecting anything else, there. Isn't. ]

[yeshou]

[ His poor drink is apparently kidnapped for good. Wen Kexing gives an excessively dramatic sigh at that, which is just as easily forgotten as he gets the driest response yet. He tilts his head in light reproach at that, giving Geralt a questioning look. ]

Don't tell me you speak of your companions with soft words and songs. I treat people as they treat me, and the followers I had in the past were no better than wild dogs.

The company I have now is better. Immortals and rulers are jealous of his refined beauty and great skill, and I've had to fight off many attacks to defend him. You haven't had conflicts in the past? You're truly fortunate.

[gynvael]

[ Talks a lot, doesn't he? Geralt is not so, and there's only silence for a long stretch afterwards. Men of this sort are not men he especially cares to share philosophy with. He knows the type: mutable, ever-shifting, with a silver tongue. As straightforward as a tangled vine.

Eventually, he hands back the flask. Might be some left; might not be. ]

I prefer not to speak. [ Of his companions, of much at all. He rises from the water, reaching casually for his towel. He steps out of the pool, and it's clear he's finished humouring what he's willing. ] You should try it.

[yeshou]

[ He's happy to receive the flask back, and he does shake it to test how empty it is. In truth, he doesn't really mind. If he had really cared about the drink or his own safety, he wouldn't have handed it off in the first place. This? This is his good deed, sharing alcohol and being somewhat pleasant among others. Geralt might not appreciate it, but it's a far cry from blind murder and fury.

It's proof he's still human, after all.

He looks at the witcher with open confusion, a smile half-formed and one eyebrow raised as the man exits the pool. ]

Why? [ What is silence? ] If you push away your chances too swiftly, you're only giving up opportunity and might regret it later. I'm happy to have shared a drink with you.

[ It was a good experience, one way or another. And if Geralt drank all his alcohol, it was a fair trade at that! He watches the man go, feeling quite pleased with himself. ]