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ABRAXAS MODS ([personal profile] abraxasmods) wrote in [community profile] abraxaslogs2021-06-12 12:13 pm
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EVENT #1

EVENT #1
Welcome to our very first event! This event will be divided into two parts: one for honored guests, and one for prisoners. There are some opportunities for characters to go to the opposite group's event, so read on below and make sure to check out the accompanying OOC plotting post for extra details!

This event takes place ICly from June 14th to June 19th.

The Summer Festival (Honored Guests)

It's June, and that means the annual Summer Festival in Castle Thorne. The newcomers are causing quite a buzz and, for the first time in ten years, a representative from the increasingly independent city of Nott has agreed to attend. The representative, Lyle Vela, has a lot of political sway in Nott and the impression he takes back with him will affect whether Nott begins to repair relations with the rest of Thorne or moves even further towards independence.

But that's not all there is to do here! The residents of the city surrounding Castle Thorne are intensely curious about the newcomers and several of the events at the Summer Festival have been designed by the mages to show them off. At some point you may begin to feel more like a prized pony than an honored guest, but there are rewards and gifts and good food to be had for all, so what's the harm in showing off a little?

The festival runs all week (June 14th-19th) and the list of events are as follows:
Sparring Contest: Honored guests will be asked to spar in front of an audience. Depending on the time of the week the fight takes place in, some guests may have some or most of their powers back, but the audience is here to see a show and just trampling your opponent in seconds won't do much for them. Try to add some spice to it: a good narrative and a close fight are much more enthralling. You may decide the winner of the fight between yourselves or ask the mods to roll for an outcome below. Prisoners who stay behind can sneak into this event but will not have their powers.

Magic Demonstration: Show everyone what you can do and demonstrate a Thornean magic spell in front of an audience. This should be a simple beginner spell such as a smaller elemental magic spell, some minor healing, a small illusion, and so on. Feel free to decide what spell you'd like your character to perform and post to the header below so the mods can roll for your character's success when performing it in front of the audience! Regardless of success, your character can learn the chosen spell by the end of the event. Unfortunately, prisoners cannot access this event.

The Black Market: Castle Thorne is much less secure during open festivals than it is during the rest of the year, so it's no surprise that some shady characters have managed to sneak in. They're trading potions and magical items, and luckily enough for the penniless newcomers, they're interested in things other than money. They may ask for some blood, saliva, or the chance to perform a spell on the hapless newcomer. Prisoners are welcome in the black market. Please post to the header below to see what item your character gets from the event (and what spell they'll be subjected to if you choose that option).

Visit with the Representative: Near the end of the Festival, three honored guests will be chosen to have one-on-one audiences with Lyle Vela in the hopes of impressing him. Ambrose hasn't had the time to get to know each guest individually yet, so he's asked that they choose the three candidates among themselves. If you wish you have your character volunteer for this position, please make a case for their suitability under the header below! If your character is not running for this position, have them vote for another character. Prisoners who stay behind may vote as well.
At the end of the festival on June 19th, there will be a huge feast available with all manner of fancy food and some alcohol if you wish to get a little drunk. Beware, Thornean alcohol is strong! Prisoners who stayed behind to help out with the festival can easily slip in and take some food and drink for themselves.

If your character has been imprisoned but you want them to attend the Festival, an honored guest may lobby for them to stay behind and help set up. It'll be work, but they can sneak off to have a bit of fun and it won't be as difficult as what's in store for the rest of them. If you wish to have your character stay behind, please post to the OOC plotting post. Because we know that claustrophobic tunnel horror isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, there is no limit to the amount of prisoners who can stay behind.

In the Tunnels (Prisoners)

Good news, prisoners! You get some time away from your cells in the beautiful snow-covered mountains of northern Thorne. A volunteer work opportunity has arisen, and you are all volunteers. If you do well enough at your assigned task, perhaps your prisoner status will be re-evaluated. Or perhaps your supervisor will take all the credit for themselves and throw you right back where you came from. Life's unfair sometimes! You'll at least be given a nice set of boots and heavier clothes to keep you warm.

Your task: to harvest as much crystal as you can from the burrow of a Giant Frostwurm. From June to September, the Frostwurm hibernates and is generally non-aggressive. Huge and territorial, Giant Frostwurms are only rarely encountered and are considered endangered by Thornean biologists. All known Frostwurm habitats are marked and harvested once every few years as the crystals that grow on its body are highly valuable for use in medicine and, erm, recreation although the latter is frowned upon by Thornean authorities. Don't worry, you don't have to touch the Frostwurm itself, it sheds every now and then and leaves a healthy supply of crystals in the tunnels of it burrow.

That's not to say it will be an easy task. There's a reason they're using "volunteer" prison labor, after all. The tunnels are deep and labyrinthine, and it's easy enough to get lost down there and wander in circles until you die of thirst or starvation. The crystals themselves also have a certain disorienting effect that turns hallucinogenic after prolonged exposure and, because of the Frostwurm's unique psychic properties, hallucinations can be shared between individuals. Like a contagion, spending time around someone who is hallucinating can cause it to 'catch'. These hallucinations may be pleasant or frightening, but the only cure is to get out of the tunnels and away from the crystals for a while.

Tunnel cave-ins are also a possibility, in which case you best start digging and hope you choose up. Getting too lost can result in an encounter with the Frostwurm, and while it needs to conserve energy and won't give chase, it'll bite or whip at you with its tail if you get too close. Both prisoners and supervisors are instructed not to kill the Frostwurm under any circumstances, even if it means sacrificing someone in their party. They're endangered, after all!

If your character has been welcomed to Thorne but you still wish to go on the Frostwurm excursion, they can volunteer to be a supervisor. There are currently 24 prisoners and they will be divided into groups of 3, so we will accept a maximum of 8 supervisors (potentially less depending on how many prisoners stay behind to help with the festival). Be aware that supervisors will be in danger as well, and they will be punished if they try to help the prisoners escape, but unlike the prisoners they will be paid for their efforts and seen as having initiative by the Thornean authorities. If you wish to be a supervisor, volunteer on our OOC plotting post.

The timeline for this part of the event is as follows:
June 14th: Prisoners will be led from their cells in chains to a Thornean fast-travel portal (a glowing circle of neon light) that will take them about a mile away from the Frostwurm's burrow. It's cold and the air is thin, so they'll be given the rest of the day to rest and acclimate before being sent inside.

June 15th-18th: Down in the tunnels with you! Characters are sent into the tunnels and can experience any of the effects listed above. If your party makes it out after sunset they'll be permitted to sleep in a tent, if they're lost then they will sleep in the tunnels. On the 18th, anyone who comes out alive will not have to go back in and the supply of crystals will be counted.

June 19th: Today would be the day of the Summer Festival, if they were back at Castle Thorne, but their captors aren't completely merciless. The prisoners and supervisors will be marched back to the fast-travel portal, where a small feast has been set up for them. It isn't as glamorous as what's back in Thorne, but it's the best meal the prisoners have been served since they arrived. And, as a bonus, the guards might slip you some alcohol if you did a good job in collecting the crystals.
Please visit the accompanying OOC plotting post to choose your team of three, and a supervisor if your group has one (groups without PC supervisors will be sent off on their own with no NPC supervisor). This event is designed to have some element of risk to it (but no one will die, don't worry!) so while you can plan what happens to your characters out with your group if you like, we also encourage you to post an action or two to our IC Consequences header below and leave it up to chance. Who knows, something awesome might happen.




Questions


Will there be any mod NPCing during this event?
The three visits with Lyle will be NPCed but other than that, no. Feel free to play random townies, guards, or black market sellers on your own!

Can I try to free the prisoners/can my imprisoned character break out?
Ambrose will be willing to hear cases for prisoner freedom after the event has concluded. You can try to smuggle the prisoners out of town during the festival or escape from the mountain, and prisoners can try to escape, but they will be caught and punished at this stage. Please post to the appropriate header below if you wish to have your character try!

Are the prisoners still powerless?
Yep! Don't worry, inmates, there'll be opportunities to be released for good behavior OR do a prison break soon. More details about the status of the prisoners will be released after this event.

Can my prisoner or supervisor character break away from their assigned group?
Yes, the tunnels are disorienting so individuals may wander off, especially if they are hallucinating. Feel free to interact with anyone and everyone.

What can the hallucinations entail?
Anything! They can think they're being chased, imagine a portal to a green oasis or even scenery from their own homeworld, and anything else you can come up with. They won't be real or tangible so nothing will remain of them once the affected characters are recovered (unless a special mod consequence is given...) but as stated above they can be shared between characters so everyone can see the same thing.

Can my character attend both the Summer Festival and the mission in the tunnels?
Alas, no. Both events will take the whole week, so it's one or the other!



gynvael: (024)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-06-26 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ This is a rare case in which Geralt understands (most of) the words she's saying, but strung together in these sentences, he hasn't a fucking clue what she means. The stretch of silence for once is not simply Geralt choosing not to reply. It's that he doesn't have one.

His brows draw downward. He almost misses a turn in the tunnels leading upward. The sound he makes is equal parts amused and baffled. ]


The only thing you should tell your friend is to pull in his head before he loses it with the rest of us.

[ The law is whatever the king and queen decides—or the kingdom's de facto ruler, which Geralt has gathered is the mage. No surprise there. Mages have always had the ear of any court they find themselves appointed to. ]
stealsthetruth: (That's shocking. I am shocked.)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-06-27 03:11 am (UTC)(link)
Eh???

[That momentarily throws her for a loop. She quickly doubles down, though.]

No way! If he's operating within the law, what reason would they have? Besides, he's one of those honored guests, [said with heavy air quotes,] so he's already in a pretty cushy position...
gynvael: (hy: 013)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-06-27 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What reason? It's as if she's never been under a monarchy. Even the smallest of villages with their own council realize once the royal courts become involved, what laws are technically written regarding who can and cannot walk free go out the window.

Fear of unrest can sometimes stay a king's hand. But they're not citizens or subjects of the land. The leverage any of them have is minimal at best. ]


Is he? [ Compared to theirs, perhaps. He's not so certain the honoured status is free of conditions. ] Tell me, has he asked for free leave across the state's borders?
stealsthetruth: (What u say?)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-06-27 05:33 pm (UTC)(link)
No...? [The point of the question completely misses her. Kay frowns at him, cocking her head quizzically.] Why would he want to cross the border? He's been staying in the castle working on people's cases, he wouldn't just skip town with the job still unfinished!

[She has a lot of confidence in Phoenix, despite the fact that she basically just met him. The perks of being a certified Friend of Mr. Edgeworth's, and also just having a really earnest vibe that she likes quite a lot.]
gynvael: (mg: 003)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-06-27 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kay gets a look at that, and a sigh. ]

If you see him again, tell him to ask the court if the guests have permission to leave the kingdom's limits. And for how long.

[ Because he's curious to know himself. Something tells him the answer will be no, but what justification they'll provide would be telling. They've clearly put effort into dragging folks through worlds upon worlds. There's a certain level of contentment they'll want to maintain, without letting their assets slip away entirely.

Anyway, he's still not sure what this job entails. A lot of petitioning of the mage, until he perishes from sheer annoyance? ]
stealsthetruth: (Yes DO go on...)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-06-27 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kay's still not REALLY picking up what you're putting down here, Geralt, but plods ahead in her good natured manner anyway.]

Um, alright... I mean, I'll definitely see him again, so. Sure! I bet he'd be happy to get that information for you.
gynvael: (ml: 025)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-06-28 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ This is...

There are a few seconds, Geralt deciding whether he wants to spell it out or not. If it were anyone else, he'd suspect them of being deliberately obtuse to fuck with him.

He shakes his head. No matter. Maybe her friend will grasp what it might mean. He has doubts about the release of all the prisoners—but there are some, like her, who he can see where Thorne might relent, if only for the sake of appearances for the guests who remain. ]


Are you always this cheery?
stealsthetruth: (Hur hur hur.)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-06-28 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Kay puffs up a bit, regarding Geralt with slight offense.]

What? No way! Don't be stupid, of course I'm not this cheery all the time--

[And then it's quickly revealed to be feigned offense that she's putting on here, because in the next moment her expression transitions seamlessly into a wickedly sly little smirk.]

--I'm just used to having to balance out sourpusses who have a terminal case of wet-blanket disease.
Edited 2021-06-28 02:17 (UTC)
gynvael: (058)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-06-28 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ If it's been difficult to get much of a reaction out of Geralt before, she gets one now as he rolls his eyes to the ceiling. Where has he heard that one before? Ah, that's right. From the bard himself. Several times.

This is, apparently, what he gets for searching in the tunnels over an hour to look for this girl. ]


An honorable task. Perhaps they'll knight you.

[ He ushers her down the next turn. The tunnels are less narrow out here, more visible footprints. They should be close to the camp above. If he's been tracking time correctly, anyone not lost down here would likely be heading out to turn in for the night. ]
stealsthetruth: (pic#15004261)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-07-01 02:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh good! A reaction! Now Kay will never leave him alone. You're done for, Geralt. She knows she can get a rise out of you.]

I know you're just being sarcastic, but that would rule, actually. Although I'd much rather be a ninja than a knight!

[She's also starting to notice the footprints, just generally paying a bit closer attention to her surroundings now that Geralt has explained the importance of it. Which, jumps her straight into the next idea out of her mouth:]

Hey, since we're already stuck working together anyway... Do you think maybe tomorrow you could teach me more about how you do... whatever your job is? I wanna learn more of your secret cave survival techniques!
gynvael: (115)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-07-02 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
A what?

[ That's...not a thing, he wants to say, but evidently it is to her. She's already rolling ahead, anyway. Geralt is, luckily, used to the cascade of conversation, having long put up with Jaskier's unrelenting chatter. Like a buzz.

He makes a huff in his throat. Doubtful, she wants to really learn his job if she knew what it was—but he gets what she's asking. ]


We'll see. [ It's not a no. He glances sidelong at her. ] Should I teach you how to throw a proper punch as well?
stealsthetruth: (Explain you a thing)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-07-05 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Let's be real. If she really knew what his job was, she would still want to learn how to do it. She would think it's the raddest thing in the world, actually, up until she actually had to face down a monster.

At his last comment, Kay makes a performatively indignant noise.]


Woah, hold on a sec. Do you seriously think that little tap I gave you before was the best I could do? I was TOTALLY pulling that punch!
gynvael: (134)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-07-05 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His eyebrow lifts. It's entirely possible the corner of his mouth lifts with it, however faintly, but he'll not be acknowledging that part. ]

Mm-hmm. You tell me.

[ It occurs to him Kay might take it upon herself to simply demonstrate here and now, what her best actually is, but it also occurs to him just as quickly that he'll probably not be able to stop her either way.

Can't say he minds her company. These tunnels are dull, dark, and difficult to navigate, even for him. Having someone to talk to helps him not question every shadow and whistle of the wind that might suggest more visions are creeping upon them. ]
stealsthetruth: (Stinkeye)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-07-05 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kay is good for that sort of thing, being a perpetual ray of sunshine. Likewise, she's finding Geralt's gruff and serious demeanor oddly comforting, in its own way. He reminds her quite a bit of her Uncle Badd. Two men of very few words. Kay can't help but wonder if this means that maybe Geralt also has a secret soft side, as the good detective does.

She suspects he might, catching the faintest ghost of a smile on his face. Of course, that fleeting expression only comes at her expense... Fortunately, her chronic impulsiveness doesn't extend to random acts of violence. At least, not in this particular case.]


I was just trying to make sure you were solid and not some kind of hallucination from the crystals! I wasn't going to hit you with my full strength when I wasn't sure if you were even real or not, that would just be rude!
gynvael: (132)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-07-06 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ His amusement seems to grow before he turns away, plucking up one more crystal making the way on the ground. ]

Then I'll be sure to think twice before challenging you. [ He glances at her. If she's testing hallucinations, she must've had them before. He debates asking, for the sake of information—but it feels too personal a question for someone he's only known a handful of days.

Instead, he nods towards the path ahead where it looks like the tunnel's opening up. ]


Shouldn't be long.
stealsthetruth: (pic#15004262)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-07-06 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[If you want to know about her hallucinations just ask Alucard some time.]

[Is he patronizing her? She feels like he might be patronizing her. Rude.

Kay forgets about that almost immediately and perks up, because she definitely recognizes this part of the tunnel and all its telling signs that they're approaching the surface at last.]


Wow, you really did it! I mean, I was already pretty confident that you would, but still. I'm impressed!
gynvael: (mg: 002)

[personal profile] gynvael 2021-07-06 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He might not be as uncontained as Kay, but there's a decided exhale of relief the closer they draw near. He'd been prepared to be stuck down here all night searching, maybe coming up emptyhanded -- but she's safe, no hallucinations harassed them, and if he's lucky, he might even get an hour or two of sleep before they're dragged down here again the next day.

He gives a grunt that sounds moderately satisfied in reply. ]


Wait by the entrance tomorrow. I'll show you a few things.

[ She seems eager enough to learn, and if she sticks by him as a result, then it means she's not going to get lost again. Ideally. They have a couple more days of this shit; while Geralt's under no illusion everyone will make it back in one piece, he can at least make sure she does. ]
stealsthetruth: (pic#15004260)

[personal profile] stealsthetruth 2021-07-10 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kay, being Kay, refuses to dwell on any danger they may or may not have just narrowly avoided, glad though she is to see the camp in the distance as they finally reach the mouth of the tunnel.

She looks absolutely ecstatic to hear Geralt's offer, eyes alight with enthusiasm.]


Alright! Whether it's cave exploration or punching, I'll be there tomorrow morning, fully awake and ready to learn! You can count on it! The Yatagarasu always keeps her word!

[But for now, it's time to finally get some rest. Even this hyperactive teenage dynamo is looking forward to having a bit of a nap. She'll make sure to thank Geralt for his help again tomorrow. For right now, she gets the sense that the best thanks she can possibly give him is to let the poor guy go sleep.]