EVENT #9: NOCWICH (DELEGATE MEETING) - IC POST

[abraxasmods]

Event #9 - Nocwich (Delegates)

go to the OOC event info and plotting post or the main IC event post.

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If you were chosen as a delegate, someone from Nocwich will retrieve you shortly after the main demonstration - either the Blooming or the transformations - are finished. This will occur before the courier arrives with news of the threat, meaning you won't receive the same package or letter as the others.

To get to the meeting spot, a large and official-looking building, you'll be taken from the ceremony and through a portal into an unknown city square filled with fog. You will not be traveling directly to the meeting. If asked, you'll be told this is for security reasons. A carriage will await all three delegates at the square, which will then take them to another set of portals - where they'll finally reach their respective destinations of either Ikorr or Luna.

By the full moon, you should've already made your choice and informed your faction. It will not be possible to change your mind while in the carriage, as the chosen representative has been expecting to meet with you for a day or two now.

The Carriage Ride

The carriage that awaits you is painted a foreboding black, with silver trimmings. Intriguingly, there appears to be no coachman nor any horses attached to the carriage. A guard who also serves as your escort will invite you in. He will not ride with any of the delegates within, instead taking his seat outside at the back of the carriage.

Once it's time to move, the mist around you will grow thicker, shifting. Out of the fog forms spectral steeds that begin to pull the carriage along at a steady pace. You'll have a chance to chat with the two other delegates - or ignore them if you're enemies! The ride takes a little under an hour, though, so it might be worth trying to make some new friends during that time.

Soon, the carriage will stop in another foggy square. Here, you will step through the waiting portal and it will take you straight to the building either in Luna or Ikorr.

The Letter on Arrival

At the door, just before you enter the meeting, you'll receive your letter. The letter will be similar to what the other Summoned receive, but without instructions for the assigned task. It reads as follows:

◎ A potential threat to faction officials in Nocwich has been found. This threat may include one of the Summoned delegates of the same faction.

◎ As the threat is believed to be coming from a rival faction, discretion is of utmost importance. It is strongly recommended that the Summoned do not discuss it with anyone outside of their own faction, and especially must not alarm the the Nocwich representative they're about to meet.

◎ The factions firmly believe that this threat is only to anyone of great importance belonging to one of the three factions. They are quite sure that the citizens of Nocwich and regular visitors are completely safe, citing that their information source is highly credible.

◎ Faction leaders have asked for assistance from the other Summoned and ask delegates to trust that their friends will do their utmost to protect them.

Once the note has been read, the ink upon it will dissolve, leaving behind an unremarkable piece of blank parchment.

Instead of the assigned task the other Summoned receive, your job as a delegate is to carry out the meeting and ensure the representatives do not realize anything is wrong, even should they sense something off. Both for the representative's safety and your own, it's best to keep this information to yourself. Informing the wrong person might put them in danger alongside you and escalate the situation.

Do your best in this meeting and establish a relationship with your chosen city in Nocwich. It isn't only about the factions. This is about the Summoned who live in the factions with you - your friends and family.

Players can thread out the carriage ride with each other as much or as little as they like! Feel free to make your own top levels below or plan threads however you want. It isn't required, but the option is available for flavor.

For the representative meeting, please write your starting tag under your assigned comment with the subject line IKORR (vampires) or LUNA (werewolves) depending on your choice, and we will begin the meeting.

YENNEFER OF VENGERBERG | JASKIER | HIMEKA SUI

Comments

[cointosser]

[Perhaps the similarities with Geralt are a hint beyond skin-deep.

Still, Sten is quite polite, though Jaskier hardly notices when people do interrupt him, because he tends to barrel straight on. (In retrospect, the flood of words could be. Some nerves. Somewhere in there. He'd certainly had a spot of wine to cool them out, and it hadn't burned out of him yet. Right?]

Ah, yes, you must have been the ambassador coming to see Marlo. [He had only heard rumors; unfortunately, Jaskier had been a bit too busy himself to catch a glimpse of this particular enigmatic Nocwich visitor.

Jaskier gives a nod, laying a hand over the strings of his lute for now. He licks his lips, brows rising a bit at the question. It is not one he expected, really, and he is hoping this meeting will not turn into an interrogation. He's had far enough of those for one lifetime.

Though the wolf does not appear inclined to set his hands on fire either, so that's a positive.]

Ah... well. May I be honest with you? [He doesn't quite wait for an answer, because -- because Sten does look so much like Geralt, and he has never failed to be honest with that wolf, either, and -- dishonestly is not really one of Jaskier's go-tos unless it need be done.] I come from a sphere that has people similar to yours -- though far different in many ways. I have never had real opportunity to meet one, as much as I'd have liked to. [If they wouldn't have attacked or eaten or turned him during such a meeting. The wolves here seem to have complete control of themselves.] And, when it comes down to it, the choice was rather selfish. I myself have recently come into possession of a... a transformation magic. A bird, I mean, not something such as a wolf. And I wondered if I might learn from your people, who have lived with such a skill for so long.

[There are multitudes of reasons -- some as simple as that werewolves were sexy in a very dangerous way -- but Jaskier is quite serious in his answer, and when he adds something that occurs to him now:] In a way, it reflect the Free Cities, too. They are... they are a stiff people. To put it lightly. Set in their ways. I have discovered parts of their history they have attempted to bury and destroy. I think the Cities and those within them could do with a very good lesson on the benefits of change. I wish for -- for these people to embrace what they may fear. [His fingers draw over the lute strings, the sound so quiet it is hardly a whisper.] I'm afraid I have had far too much experience with what happens when people embrace fear over curiousity.

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ That he was. Sten cannot take offense that the man did not recognize him. They had traveled under the cover of the night and it were not a public visit by any means.

He signals Jaskier to continue. He appears perfectly satisfied to listen to Jaskier speak, and is leaning forward as though listening carefully. His eye shows a spark of interest when the delegate explains that his world contains "people similar" to Luna. ]

History should indeed be held in high regard. We travel to Solvunn even now to acknowledge the roots we planted there long ago, but though it is important to remember the past we must also look forward. To return the favor of honesty, we wish to establish relations with you for the sake of change, as you say. You and others like you are quite enterprising individuals, and I should not want to see Luna grow stagnant in our ways. We have much we could learn from you in return.

[ As he speaks, he pours them both a mug of fine ale. It carries an unusual but pleasant fragrance. ]

How did you come about your transformation magic? For our people, we have it from birth. You know, the first time one wears their fur, the elders like to describe it as a graceful and elegant sight. They often leave out limbs going akimbo and pups tumbling down hills.

[ Sten sounds somewhat wistful. It is as if there have been fewer opportunities in recent times to witness first transformations. ]

[cointosser]

[Jaskier's eyes flash up to Sten's, surprise crossing his features. From Solvunn? So they must have either left on their own, or -- or more likely, if the elves have taught Jaskier anything, through force. But Sten does not mention the circumstances, and Jaskier does not ask for the moment.

It is enough their desire align. Align perfectly, actually.]

I am decidedly thrilled to hear you say as such. As a bard, the preservation of the past and the applications of its lessons have always been very important to me and... I feel we can both reach a very satisfying conclusion to our desires. Together.

[Jaskier lets the words -- or the double entendre, if they're taken that way -- linger, thrilled for the ale -- to whet his throat, and perhaps steel his nerves further. Jaskier takes a gentle whiff before he tips a bit back, caught by surprise by the taste but not put off by it.]

As for my magic, I... I'm afraid I'm not quite sure. I have been practicing avian magic for my time here, so I believe it is some sort of... natural progression? I'm far from a mage. But, I can assure you, I was neither graceful nor elegant myself the first time. I remember squawking, and losing a handful of feathers. I had a friend who had to calm me down. [He smiles, rueful, remembering Alucard cupping his tiny, tiny body. How he must have weighed nothing at all.] And the second time, I fell off a table. Truthfully, I have only attempted a handful of time, as I find the process rather... er, shocking.

[In true Jaskier fashion, it is far too easy to settle on speaking about himself, but that isn't why he's here. Entirely.] And yours? How was your first time? I imagine it was some time ago.

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ Sten's smile remains polite, though perhaps it grows a tad wider. He sips his ale with surprising delicacy. ]

Me? Oh, I most assuredly took a tumble. A graceful one, mind you.

[ He grins a bit now. It was indeed quite some time ago. Unlike the vampires, however, he is not any older than he appears. The werewolves age with time the same as all mortal humans.

He leans back in his seat. One leg crosses over the other. ]

It gets easier with practice. That is unique to achieve transformation so early in your magical studies considering where you hail from. I've heard the Free Cities prefer to make use of scientific advancements than growing their magic. Or... has your experience with them been otherwise?

[cointosser]

[He laughs, his head thrown back a bit.] Mine was not graceful, thank you! But that can be our secret.

[He can't help but wonder what wolf Sten would look like. Could he be...

No. It would be far too ironic.,. Too. Too funny in the grand scheme of things. But if his hair is any indication -- though it is not his pelt -- does he truly turn into a white wolf?

He would love to see it.]

Oh, I would not be surprised to hear it so. It's certainly not an easy magic. I'm still practicing to do it at all. [It was not the same as pulling a pelt on, but -- that's its own sort of magic. There must be some sort of chaos they weave for it?

Sten's question leaves him taking a sip, then hovering the glass near his lips as he considers. Do the people of Nocwich even know of the Horizon? Of their connection to the Singularity? Though he wishes he could not, he has to assess what danger any information he gives could provide. Even if Sten is extremely handsome and, honestly, could take Jaskier to bed without another word, he is still an unknown. He is not one of the Summoned.

In some ways, Julie is right. It will always be them against the sphere as a whole, because they are not of this world.

After a breath, he nods.] You aren't incorrect. The Free Cities mostly prefer the magic of machines over chaos. I've been mostly teaching myself, honestly, though there are some who still practice, at the academies and such. Even portal mages! I suppose they haven't figured out a device that can recreate a portal quite yet. [Though Nocwich appears to have their own mages quite capable of such feats. Imagine -- a mage werewolf! What a silly image. Or so he would've thought weeks ago.] It is a funny thing, speaking of history. I've been working, along with a friend, on the restoration of an old speaking hall in Cadens, which bears runes that resemble ones I've seen copied in Thorne's library. I imagine the Free Cities certainly has its roots in old magic, but... well. Perhaps they find the lack of spontaneity from machines more comforting these days.

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ What the people of Nocwich know and what Sten knows are two different circumstances.

He waits with practiced politeness as his guest gathers his thoughts, though his interest appears genuine. He nods once, as if Jaskier has confirmed many of his thoughts. ]

The marriage of magic and machine is a unique concept. Nonetheless, I'd say it has its roots in traditional enchantment, wouldn't you?

[ He continues on without waiting for an answer. ]

With that in mind, I believe we can help breathe new life and magic into the Free Cities' innovations. I only ask one thing. If we meet again, you must tell me about it! I'll want to hear about any new creations.

[ Whether they will truly meet again remains to be seen, but despite appearances, Sten is a diplomat through and through. ]

[cointosser]

[Jaskier nods, a little taken aback as he did not have time to answer. Still. He has made evident how much he knows of magic himself, and he only emphasizes because Sten asks questions and he does want to answer, but he is not an authority, either. Certainly not like Yennefer.

Though he hopes her own new companion is as generous as his has been so far.]

Oh! I see. Your intention is to begin trade with the Free Cities, then? [That does explain quite a bit of what has led up to this point. Though Jaskier cannot help but wonder if that... if that is truly a beneficial idea for the Luna. Would that not paint a potential target upon them?] Sten, I would be utterly pleased to inform you of anything we could possibly make. Do you receive letters? Well, I'm sure someone can send it for me. What is it, then, you intend to make trade with?

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ Sten nods once. That's right. That's Luna's intention simplified. As a small nation, trade is important to them. They need resources to provide for their citizens. ]

I do receive letters! Though you'll have to forgive any delayed answers. Our division is busy, you understand.

[ As for what it is they intend to trade with...

Sten removes a plain silver-colored ring from his pocket. He appears to have brought it with him for the explicit purpose of demonstrating. ]

Cast a small spell upon it. Go ahead.

[ Once Jaskier does so, he'll find the spell or magic he uses is absorbed into the slim band whereupon it gives off a soft glow and the metal turns warm. ]

Magic works wonderfully with it. You see why we believe this might benefit the inventive magic of the Free Cities.

[cointosser]

[If only Geralt could be half as adorably enthusiastic. Jaskier's smile comes terribly easy. He did not intend for this to be the outcome, but...

Once he sees what Sten is offering, he already imagines Jayce and Viktor could certainly benefit from -- whatever this is. (Hector would have, once. Any sort of metal, jewelry; he would have formed beautifully. Jaskier swallows that memory down.)]

Ooh, a spell? You've intrigued me. [He peers down at the ring, gently cracking a few fingers. Right. A spell. One that clearly won't be seen as dangerous.

How about the one he has only just begun learning? He's not good at it. Far from doing anything worthwhile with it. Since his return from the Continent, Jaskier has been curious about the idea that, if magic can create fire, then surely it can create water.

He holds his hand over the ring, pulling at the magic the Singularity provides. And from his hand pours a small stream of water.

And before it can wet Sten's hand or the ring itself, it's quite simply. Gone. Soaked up, suddenly, as if an invisible sponge hovers above the ring.]

Oh! [He sits up, drink quickly set aside.] Fascinating! It -- it's absorbing the magic? Completely? My, I've never seen something like that.

[abraxasnpcs2]

[ The werewolf brightens alongside his guest. He appears gratified his demonstration's well received. The ore is a rare resource unique to Luna - and quite a source of pride for his people. ]

I'd hope you haven't! I'd be crushed to learn it isn't as special as we believe.

[ He laughs a little and puts the ring away once Jaskier has examined it to satisfaction. Their talk is drawing to a close but it's been a productive one.

Sten smooths the lapels of his jacket. Then he holds out his glass in a toast. ]

I'll make sure it arrives in the Free Cities soon. To brighter futures.

[cointosser]

[Jaskier laughs himself.] No, no! I'm very impressed, believe me. It's quite special.

[And yet he can only hope it is not used for ill. He has a feeling Sten does not intend that. Like... like the druids he once knew among the roots of Bleobheris, this feels like a genuine gift of friendship.

Jaskier chooses to believe that.

Their classes clink together heartily.]

To brighter futures, my friend.