abraxaslogs | EVENT #7: THE SIGHT

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EVENT #7: THE SIGHT

Event #7 - The Sight

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The night before APRIL 18, your dreams are disrupted by a vivid image of the same eclipse that occurred last month. The black sun seems to be an endless void in the sky, growing ever darker - until it suddenly opens into an eye that stares straight at you.

When you wake up, much of your night seems a blur except for the vivid dream of that eye. Whether you find it unsettling or try to ignore it, the image is something you cannot get out of your mind. If you ask, you will discover that none of the locals of your faction saw another eclipse. Speak with your fellow Summoned, however, and you may learn that while there was no eclipse that formed over the world, you were not the only one who had this dream.

Of course, dreams don't need to mean anything. You can't feel or see any immediate effects, and nearly everyone around you is going about their day as usual. Maybe you should do the same.

The Awakening

It might happen that very morning or a day or two later. You could be discussing the dream with a fellow Summoned or perhaps you simply brush shoulders with them as you walk by. Whatever it is, as soon as you make brief physical contact, one of you is struck with a sharp pain in your temple that grows into a terrible headache. It's disorienting and painful as the world around you shifts to someplace you may or may not recognize. Like an old film reel, you watch the events of the past play out before you: the past of the other Summmoned. It might be something they would rather hide, a moment of failure or despair, or something they are immensely proud of and brings them great joy - or even a jumble of several images over the course of a person's life. But you see it as if it were real and right in front of you all the same. When you come to, you'll likely find yourself on the ground or bent over, possibly with one or more people around you to see if you're okay. It'll take you a bit to gather your bearings, and the subsequent pounding in your head could last from minutes to hours.

Or, maybe you aren't the one who receives the vision. Instead, as you watch, another Summoned might grasp their head and crumble in front of you. They may go silent or groan in pain. They'll be impossible to shake out of their stupor until it's over. If you ask what happened, they may be inclined to tell you the truth - that you, you were what happened to them.

Or, if your Arcana signs happen to line up in a specific way, you'll see each other in the shared memory itself. You may also find that for certain Summoned, you can help soothe the effects, calm their emotions, or help draw them out of the memory before it consumes them for too long. It's not entirely clear what determines which effect, but one thing is for certain - within each memory, every Summoned as they appear in the past seems to wear the mark of their Arcana somewhere on their person.

For some, they might experience this only once. For others, they might experience it multiple times: with the same person, with several other Summoned, or with a different memory each time. Over the next 7 days, you'll find the Summoned around you are all receiving a glimpse into each other's past, as if the Singularity has awoken an eye within each of you.

Flee for the safety of the Horizon if you want, but you'll find that in there, it's much the same. In fact, inside the Horizon, the other Summoned don't even need to be anywhere near you - just existing in the Horizon space itself together will be enough to possibly set off a headache-inducing vision.

The Factions

What has occurred between the Summoned will not go unnoticed within the factions. While it's difficult to say how faction officials have picked up what's happening, it'll be obvious they do know.

In THORNE, characters will be asked to remain in the castle walls until further notice. Characters will not be allowed to leave the castle grounds, not even to go into the surrounding city, and anyone who is already outside will be requested to not leave again as soon as they return. If asked, they will be told it's for their own safety, given the Singularity is behaving unpredictably and the Summoned have a unique connection to it. Soothing potions and healers are on hand to offer assistance, if anyone is particularly suffering from ill effects.

In the FREE CITIES, characters will find the army by the outposts show more activity than usual. A higher number of guards will patrol the streets throughout the event, particularly in areas frequented by the Summoned. Anyone who publicly and visibly experiences the effects of the memory share (pain, doubling over, etc.) will be offered assistance by the guards. They are generally there to help, but they are also there to maintain order and ensure anyone behaving erratically due to this incident is properly contained. This might include confinement for a day or two if anyone is especially posing a risk, but no one will be punished except in the most extreme cases, as the locals are aware this is not within the control of the Summoned.

In SOLVUNN, the locals will be watching what's happening with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. Host families and neighbors will be on hand to help with charms meant to offer protection, as well as general care and assistance (soup, blankets, and so on) if your character seems to be especially under the weather or afflicted by the event. Towards the end of the event, more elders and mages will be out and about to check up on the Summoned to make sure they're doing okay. If asked, the mages will say they aren't sure what's going on, but that they are currently divining with the gods and hope to have a definitive answer soon in the upcoming days.

None of the factions appear to be doing much more than keep a watchful eye on the situation - but as the week comes to a close, officials will start making a decision as to what they want to do and how to handle the Summoned who have demonstrated this unforeseen connection to the Singularity.

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[ The pain is familiar enough to bring an edge of resignation at this point, and Zhou Zishu lets a breath go slowly as he braces himself for the vision...

Only to find himself still standing beside Thancred as the vision plays out in front of both of them. This is new. His eyes flick across the space measuringly before landing back on the man standing next to him. The sheepish expression pulls a look of arch amusement from him in turn. ]

I take it you recognize this?

[ He's not likely to judge much of anything, really, not that he would have a place to. But he is curious about what exactly the memory is that would prompt that kind of warning. ]

I would be concerned if I didn't. This is my memory, after all.

[ While Thancred may not recall the specific details, given that this was some years ago by now, he has a general idea of how this is going to go.

The past version of him lifts one of the necklaces up from the stall and holds it against the young woman's neck, offering suggestions and compliments with a good deal of charm. It seems sweet enough at first glance.

Though, as the conversation continues and a necklace is decided on, it's the young woman who pays for the jewelry out of her own purse. The couple steps away from the stall together as Thancred remarks on how good it will look on her at the fête they'll be attending later that night. ]

... It was all a method of gathering information. [ Thancred speaks up suddenly, watching the memory instead of Zhou Zishu. ] She was nice enough, I'm certain. But unfortunately, only a means to an end.

[ Zhou Zishu's eyes dart briefly back to the man himself before he returns to watching the vision with a comfortable sort of nonreaction. It's not until Thancred speaks again that something like wry acknowledgement tugs at the corner of Zhou Zishu's mouth. ]

A useful method. [ He doesn't sound particularly surprised, and there's a knowing edge to his tone that sounds a good deal like experience speaking. This sort of thing was certainly one of the least vicious tools in his arsenal. Part of him wonders if Thancred was the same. ]

Did you get what you needed?

[ Thancred is expecting some amount of judgment, as toying with others' hearts as a means of gathering intel is not exactly commendable behavior. Yet Zhou Zishu hardly blinks at the scene, even seeming to approve to some degree. Thancred can't help but wonder if there was a reason why the two of them had been drawn to each other that night at the summit, and if there's also a reason why they've been made to watch this particular memory.

After recovering from that moment of surprise at the non-reaction, he gives a firm nod. ]

I almost always did. Save for when stories got jumbled or lines were crossed, and suddenly all I had to show for my efforts was a slap across the face...

[ He smiles sheepishly. It had happened a time or two. Eventually a structure made of lies is bound to collapse, and one can only hope to steal from it before it does.

Thancred gives a small shrug. It's all in the past now, after all. As the woman and his past self walk down the avenue and fade from view, the scene around them also slowly starts to dissipate. ]

I must confess, I was expecting you to be a bit more... well, judgmental, I suppose.

[ There's a slight pause as the vision begins to dissolve and Zhou Zishu's attention goes back to Thancred properly. And then he arches one eyebrow, looking vaguely amused. It's been a long time since anyone was concerned with his good opinion. ]

Why would I?

[ But he has just seen very literally into the man's mind, and that likely deserves something in return. That's been their method of exchange so far, no reason to change it now.

Zhou Zishu shrugs slightly in turn. ]

It's nothing I haven't done myself. No need to be that sort of hypocrite.

[ And there it is.

Thancred huffs out a laugh, not exactly surprised by the revelation. It had only been a feeling, a sense that they were perhaps the same in this way, both people skilled in gathering information by any means necessary. It had everything to do with how carefully Zhou Zishu had chosen his words during their first talk, unwilling to reveal too much about himself or his thoughts regarding the Free Cities. In any case, there is some validation in having it confirmed now. ]

A charmer, are you? [ Thancred winks, not above a little teasing. Zhou Zishu is good-looking, and it isn't hard to imagine him worming his way into the hearts of unsuspecting young women who knew something of use to him. ] And would you consider such acts a profession of sorts, or more of a hobby?

[ It's unclear yet if they'll be returning to the blank slate of the Horizon or visiting a place from Zhou Zishu's mind, but Thancred keeps a close eye on their surroundings just in case. ]

[ He gets a faint snort in return, friendly but derisive. Charming is not a description Zhou Zishu has gotten often, for all that he can fake it well enough if needed. It hadn't been his preferred method, but it was useful.

And one side of his mouth ticks up slightly at the question. ]

Former profession.

[ It's easier to say as their shifting surroundings catch his attention again, especially when they begin to solidify into the all-too-familiar streets of the imperial city. The smile slides off his face in exchange for a more piercing look. This could be any one of ten years of memories, some of them more palatable than others. Not easy to immediately tell which.

Especially since, despite it obviously being his own memory, Zhou Zishu himself is nowhere to be seen in it. ]

[ Former profession. Interesting. Thancred wonders what it is that Zhou Zishu does now, if he's left the life of a spy behind or if it's more that he's shifted slightly, much like Thancred did. It's times such as this that the similarities he can draw between himself and other Summoned is striking, almost as if those in charge in Thorne and the Free Cities had specific types of people they were looking for.

Of course, it made sense to have spies among your ranks when on the brink of war.

As the scenery around them changes, the streets warping into an entirely different aesthetic, Thancred cannot help but think of Kugane. He has not spent as much time in the Far East as most, but the style of the rooves and the walls surrounding the city all feel rather familiar. None of that is too surprising, as Zhou Zishu himself would fit in with little trouble in Hingashi.

Yet as people mill about, there's no sign of the man himself within the memory. Thancred glances over to the Zhou Zishu of the present and shakes his head. ] Why do I get the feeling that the Singularity is attempting to make some sort of point to us? [ In that he suspects he's about to see some of this 'former profession' in action. ]

[ The Singularity does seem to be making some sort of statement, and one that Zhou Zishu is not particularly impressed with. He makes a low, annoyed sound of agreement, but most of his attention is on scanning the street in front of them. It takes a moment or so before his focused attention finally lands on one particular figure sitting quietly at an outdoor table.

There's nothing of note about the man that he's staring at. In fact there's nothing remarkable about him at all. Plain face, plain robes, slightly hunched shoulders and a tired expression as he sips at his tea. ]

That one. [ Zhou Zishu nods in the man's direction, anticipating the probable question. It's not a mask he's worn in a while, but he can recognize it well enough. ]

[ Thancred follows Zhou Zishu's gaze until it lands on someone who truly doesn't stand out among the crowd. The sort of person that one would never take particular note of, save for the fact that he's been pointed out now.

From this distance it's difficult to tell what's significant here, and so Thancred keeps his eye peeled for any sudden action or change in the scene, even as he asks the expected question. ]

Your mark? Or a disguise?

[ Both seem probable. ]

[ One corner of Zhou Zishu's mouth tips up just slightly as a new figure makes his way into view, obviously a wealthy man complete with an entire retinue taking up the entire width of the street. ]

That's the target.

[ Which only leaves one option. And indeed, when the other, unremarkable man stands he's of about a height with Zhou Zishu, though they appear to have little else in common. The unremarkable figure leaves a few coins on the table and makes his way out into the street, pushing his way through the rich man's knot of servants and guards with a few muttered curses on either side. Still, he makes it to the other side of the crowd without issue and continues on his way, easy to forget about the moment he's out of sight.

The rich man, on the other hand, makes it a ways farther down the street before suddenly collapsing. ]

[ As soon as the man dressed in opulent clothing complete with an entourage comes into view, Thancred doesn't require any further explanation. Who else would the target be? While he knows nothing of this person save what the memory is showing him, he naturally thinks of the wealthiest elite in Ul'dah. People like this all have a certain way about them, no matter their stature. ]

That much I could have guessed.

[ Hand braced on his hip, Thancred watches as the memory of Zhou Zishu (who somehow manages to seem like an altogether different man) makes his move. At first Thancred assumes that he stole something in the confusion of pushing through the crowd, but then his mark collapses a few moments later. Naturally, Zhou Zishu has already vanished from the scene, melting into the crowd somewhere.

Thancred's head shifts back in mild surprise before he turns to the Zhou Zishu of the present. ]

Poison? Bold to perform an assassination in broad daylight.

He's not dead.

[ Zhou Zishu's eyes are still focused on that fallen figure even as the memory begins to dissolve around them. It's not until they're back in the liminal space of the Horizon that his attention flickers back to Thancred and settles there. The smile he gives is more dry than amused. ]

But the attempt meant that his guards would be surrounding his bedroom, rather than his office.

[ Still more obvious than Zhou Zishu tended to be, but it had been intended to send a message. An organization couldn't be properly feared if no one knew about it, after all.

Was that why that memory in particular? Whatever this force toying with them is, it seems to have a sense of humor. ]

[ The memory is gone almost as quickly as it came, but the same could be said of Zhou Zishu in that scene. They're not made to follow after him, to see what came next, but the blanks are filled in as soon as they find themselves back in the Horizon. ]

Ahh, forcing their attention away from the place you needed access to. Very clever.

[ At this point it's clear that both of them have some experience in the area of subterfuge, and for one reason or another the Singularity wanted them to know that. It all feels rather deliberate, at least.

There is one thing that Thancred's still curious about, however. ]

You said that was your former profession. [ Thancred makes a vague gesture in the air, as if trying to draw attention to the scene that is now long gone. ] What is it you do now?

[ There's a brief pause before more genuine humor begins to slip into Zhou Zishu's expression. ]

Drinking. [ So deadpan.

It's not as if he doesn't know what Thancred is asking, but despite the flippancy his answer does have the bonus of being true. He hadn't intended to do much with his retirement other than drink and laze through his remaining time, and the fact that he hadn't managed much of the laziness part probably says something about him.

Still. It is at least a goal. ]

Ten years was enough.

[ While it's said with some dry humor, that response is enough to give Thancred some cause for concern. He's turned to the bottle himself in rough patches in his life, and it never led anywhere good. He's seen others turn down the same path, like Magnus, and he'd done what he could to dissuade him from such behavior as well.

He doesn't know Zhou Zishu particularly well, but he recalls the bottle of liquor he'd had with him when they first met. Besides, he hadn't known Magnus very well either.

Ten years is a long time to do that sort of work, and Thancred doesn't begrude Zhou Zishu his retirement. He crosses his arms over his chest, taps one foot against the colorless floor, and shakes his head. ]

I've turned to drink in the past myself. To try and forgot, or to cope, or simply to feel sorry for myself. [ He lets out a breath through his nose. ] You won't be finding anything of use at the bottom of a bottle, I assure you.

[ Hopefully it comes across as genuinely concerned advice, rather than a lecture. ]

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EVENT #7: THE SIGHT

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