abraxasooc | EVENT #10: AFFLICTION

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EVENT #10: AFFLICTION - WRAP UP

Event #10 - Affliction (Wrap-Up)

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Similar to how things began, the effects of the Heralds don't fade all at once. For any variety of reasons, some characters will find they are free sooner than others - as early as a days, even a week. By the end of the month, around the 26th, the effects will disappear from the last person.

The omens will linger for longer, infesting the land into early November. Bit by bit, however, these signs will also fade and things slowly return to normal. At least, where the Old Gods are concerned.

Lingering Gifts

Every character who made a choice in that dream will find the object of their chosen Herald inside their domain: the dead moth in the rose, the teacup with the nightshade berry, or the cracked hand mirror with no reflection.

Try as they might, they will not be able to get rid of the item. The best they can do is bury it someplace where they can pretend it doesn't exist. How did it get here? Is it a gift from the Heralds? A sign that they're forever changed? The object certainly feels different. Touching it or holding it feels warm, almost comforting. As wary as some may be, the aura of the object is not sinister, at least not in the typical sense. It's familiar—like finding an old possession once thought lost.

Unease in the Factions

Although the infestation has passed, the natives of Abraxas remain apprehensive of the Summoned. Some of those apprehensions might fade with time, but things don't entirely go back to what they were.

◎ Thorne
In Thorne, while high-ranking mages treat the Summoned the same as ever, as though they've long been well-aware of what unknown potentials lie within these Summoned, apprentice mages, common guards, and regular staff in the Castle might be a little more hesitant to interact with characters. They won't be rude, just distant or less quick to befriend you. If you're the charming type, you may get them to warm up to you again.

◎ The Free Cities
In the Free Cities, attitudes span the gamut as always. Some behave no different while others will keep their distance. Others even take an interest in characters, as though they're a scientific curiosity. Portam Hall and higher officials are keeping a closer eye on everyone - but they've been doing this for some time. Much of this depends on the character. If you've made a name for yourself being helpful, most will warm up to you again. If you're a known troublemaker, they might continue to stay away.

◎ Solvunn
In Solvunn, the sense is closer to a cautious respect similar to how one might approach a beautiful but very large animal. Offerings will continue, but some might choose to bother the Summoned less, making sure that they only ask them for assistance over things that they feel are worthwhile. Even so, there remain some who won't treat the Summoned any different - mostly those who have taken characters into their homes as family. The Council, too, appears to take matters in stride. The will of the Gods is all that matters.

Interrogations ("Volunteers")

We're offering an opportunity for your character to be questioned (and possibly even arrested) by the factions! This is entirely voluntary on the player's end, but of course for the characters, it won't be voluntary at all. The combination of the Heralds sweeping through and tensions from the war means faction officials are beginning to keep a closer eye on the Summoned.

Characters can be taken aside for any number of things that fall under "dubious but not actionable." In other words, if your character will be noticed for conspiring to murder an official or something major along those lines, we ask you reach out to us on Plot Engagement as that's a full plot. However, if your character might've been spotted sneaking around on rooftops or eavesdropping on guards because they're only thinking about a major crime, then you can let us know here.

Characters will not be detained unless they are uncooperative while being questioned or raise suspicions by lying too much in an unconvincing way. (In Solvunn, this means being temporarily banished to the Tertiary Settlement.) Each faction will have their own methods of approaching matters. Characters will be able to interact with other characters even if they should end up being detained, and they will not be harmed at any point so long as there is no violence on their part.

Thorne

Characters in Thorne will be pulled aside by one of the castle guards and taken to a sparse but comfortable room. They'll be questioned by the captain of the guard or one of his officers. They will not be restrained and, if they have a fairly decent reputation in the castle, will be treated respectfully.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll either be thanked and sent on their way after an hour or so, or they might be arrested and sent down into the dungeons for a couple days to a week while officials "consider the situation." The dungeons, as always, have an enchantment that suppresses any magic or supernatural abilities that'll affect all characters while they're down there. They'll be fed three square meals of surprisingly good quality, and each cell has four beds.

Character can have visitors from any of the other Summoned. Further, if they're lucky enough to have someone on the outside vouch for them, they can be released into a form of "house arrest" where they'll be confined to their quarters for the remainder of their time instead of held in the dungeons.

Free Cities

Characters in the Free Cities will be pulled aside by one of Cadens' city guards and taken to a section of Portam Hall reserved for questioning. The room is small and sparse with no windows. They will not be restrained unless they resist from the start. The guards will be professional and polite. If you have a solid reputation for helping or otherwise being an upstanding citizen, they'll be friendlier - and some might even apologize for the trouble. If you're a known troublemaker or have caused problems in the past in the city, they'll be more stern with you.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll either be thanked and sent on their way after an hour or so, or they might be arrested on charges of obstruction (or whatever fits) and will need to spend anywhere from a couple days to a week in jail. These jails are holding areas meaning characters will have an unsavory roommate or three - drunks, petty thieves, etc. Only one cot is available, so they'll have to fight for it or just sleep on the ground. The food is edible but tastes awful.

If characters are lucky enough to have a friend on the outside, guards do in fact accept bribes and will let someone visit to bring in a few amenities including better food for a silver or two. For a bigger chunk of gold, one can even formally pay a "fine" to Portam Hall instead, thus granting the character an early release. This person must be willing to navigate the forms and lineups at Portam Hall, as well.

Solvunn

Characters in Solvunn will be approached by someone they know well in the commune. This may be their host family, the local baker, or anyone who is a native of Solvunn that would have a rapport with your character. If there is no one of that sort, then they would be approached by one of the kindly Elders in the commune. They'll be asked to walk or to come inside the home.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll be thanked for their help and sent on their way, or they will be told that this requires the Council's attention. The Council will then inform the character their behavior is disruptive to the health of the commune in a time of strife and be banished to the Tertiary Settlement for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. They won't be alone in the Tertiary Settlement. Other outcasts of the commune live there long term and anyone from the other settlements can come visit them, as well. While there, they can make some money fishing if they're good at it or do a small bit of hunting or repairs around the land.

They must serve out their time in the Tertiary Settlement. No amount of convincing, money, or vouching will allow a character to return before their banishment is complete. However, once they've returned they will be welcomed back into the community as though nothing happened - and no one will speak of the incident again.

The mechanics for this will work as follows:

◎ Fill out the form and reply to this comment under the correct faction heading for your character.

◎ We'll roll for 2-3 characters at a time Don't worry - everyone will get their turn eventually. We'll only be using RNG to determine the order for who gets taken aside and when.

◎ When we reply to you, the "interrogation" will take place semi-IC. This means there won't be a full NPC thread. Instead, we'll describe the question your character is asked and possibly the behavior of the guards. To answer, you'll do the same and describe how your character will answer and behave rather than writing out a typical IC tag. You can add dialogue or any IC text you like, but this isn't required - just telling us will be enough.

◎ Characters can sell out someone else if they want. Depending on the information they choose to hand over or the person they're turning on, this might free them from being questioned or get both of them in trouble. Please be sure you communicate with all players involved if you choose this option!

◎ If your character will be lying or omitting vital information, we'll roll for how well their lie or omission is believed. If your upcoming reply is a lie or omission, please note how convincing your character is on a scale of 1-3 with 1 being poor and 3 being excellent. This will determine your character's number of dice during the roll.

We'll be rolling with a multi-sided die, meaning this is not a hit or miss situation. Rather, suspicion will increase or decrease on a scale as appropriate.

Questions and Answers

If after reading these you're still unsure about anything, or your question wasn't covered, please feel free to hit up our Questions thread below!

Will NPC attitudes impact what my characters can do or have been doing?: While the overall shift in attitude will be felt by everyone, on an individual day-to-day basis character interactions with the native NPCs can be influenced by any number of things such as rapport, charm, sympathy, reputation, and more. For example, if your character has been a loyal employee it's unlikely they'll be dismissed or demoted - but one or two customers might be less friendly than usual. Players are encouraged to write what feels realistic and reasonable for their character.
Can the gifts from the Heralds be changed or altered?: Fundamentally, no. However, characters may change the wilted rose into a wilted lily, turn the nightshade berry into poison hemlock, and so forth. In other words, characters can't change the thematic representation of the object, but they can adjust minor facets of it.
What if my character would behave violently or aggressively to being questioned?: If your character will get extremely violent or aggressive in response, please contact us on the Plot Engagement first before submitting. Factions do take violence towards their own seriously and consequences can be harsh, so we may need to work out a separate plot with you. In cases where the resulting plot may be especially complex, we may ask you to hold off for another time.
When will this be taking place? Can I plan ahead of time with my character?: There won't be a set schedule as to when characters are taken in for questioning. In-game players can time it in whatever way fits their plans. This will be an ongoing occurrence throughout the month and beyond. You do not need to line it up with when we contact you for the start of the encounter!
Do I need to list every potential dubious action or just the ones I want to come into play?: You only need to list the ones you want to come into play. Anything else will have flown under the radar. The only exception would be actions that are impossible to miss, in which case these behaviors will need to be discussed separately through Plot Engagement.
Can dubious actions include actions that might be the fault of another character?: Absolutely! Just be sure to work out anything involving other players with the individuals in question.
Does my character need to possess any ill intent to be cast under suspicion?: No, characters can be put under suspicion over a misunderstanding or something that's easily explained. They'll be given a chance to explain themselves regardless.
Could I include actions that took place outside of my faction such as Nocwich or during the Summit?: Yes! If someone from the character's faction might have reasonably taken notice, then you may include it.
What if my character isn't lying but they sound as though they are?: We're happy to roll for this as well if you'd like! If your character is the nervous sort and sound as if they're being dishonest even when they're not, let us know and rate how convincing they are as though they were actually lying.
My character wasn't detained, but they didn't completely clear their name, either. Will this have consequences in the future?: Possibly! We'll always communicate with players directly if any further explicit consequences might arise. Otherwise, you can assume the factions are keeping a close eye on them as usual.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Geralt will go with them, though he'll look distinctly annoyed by the whole scenario.

He'll answer honestly that yes, he's aware. Then add absolutely nothing else. He will stare at them in silence until they ask him another question.

Edited 2023-01-24 16:35 (UTC)

As a royal guardsman, he possesses some defenses against minor magical spells. While it would've been possible for the guardsman to miss that any spell was cast at all, Wilhelm unfortunately fails at going unnoticed.

The guardsman will turn quite stern. He will tell Wilhelm that he knows what the young man is doing. Using magic on a guard like that is a serious offense. However, due to the guard's earlier sympathies and Wilhelm's age, the guardsman decides he will not mark this incident down.

Instead, he assigns Wilhelm to a timeout in a holding room. This room is plainer than the other castle rooms, but it's comfortable. He will not be allowed to receive visitors. Staff will bring him typical meals from the dining hall. He may bring a book or writing implements with him.

Should Wilhelm agree, in the morning, the guardsman will let him out. He'll tell Wilhelm that he seems like a smart kid, so he should stay out of trouble...and choose his friends wisely. The guardsman will offer one final time than Wilhelm can come to him any time, personally, if something is bothering him, whether now or in the future.

If Wilhelm tries to resist, he will face harsher consequences.

Edited 2023-01-24 17:50 (UTC)

The guardsman is satisfied by that answer.

He thanks Kyle for coming down to clear the record, and says he'll close the complaint. Kyle is free to go. Before he does, however, the guardsman will give Kyle an envelope and ask him to safely deliver it to an old, tiny house in Nott belonging to a young man and his two sons. Kyle can do this whenever his next official delivery takes him to the city. The envelope is sealed, but the contents aren't noteworthy. Inside is a small amount of money (Kyle may be able to feel the coins) and a brief letter. It seems the guardsman just wants to make sure the money isn't stolen. Kyle has a reputation of packages reaching their destination intact.

Wilhelm complies, although he doesn't look happy about it.

When he's released in the morning, he apologizes for his behavior the previous evening and thanks the guardsman for not making a big deal out of it. In response to the offer, he gives a noncommittal sure, but otherwise says nothing and ends the interaction quickly.

Ciri will go along with it without fuss. (She's been warned by both Claude and Jesper, though obviously she won't say as much.)

She is polite, if a bit curt, as she takes her seat and listens to the questions.

Ciri will explain that she went ahead to scout when they discovered the issue with the road, looking for a good way across, to see if there was a way around or find the narrowest part of the ravine. She will be vague about this, and not mention that she portaled to the other side of the ravine.

Eventually, she says, she knows her companions suggested making a bridge from trees, so she helped, using tools from the caravan to fell some trees nearby.

Her account is sparse. She sounds matter-of-fact, tone neutral, not particularly trying to ingratiate herself but not acting cagey either. Convincing is about a 2, as she doesn't volunteer many details.

Altaïr's honesty is greatly successful at swaying the interviewer. Altaïr may sense that she's almost a little exasperated of the topic as if she believes she has more important things to investigate than folks running across rooftops.

She tells him that there's no law against being on the rooftops, as long as he isn't disturbing the residents inside. Having said this, doing so at night makes people nervous. She requests he keep his activities to the daytime if possible. If Altaïr has not actually been on the roofs at night, he may surmise there could be a second individual involved.

She adds that if he's involved in too many noise complaints or damages to buildings are found in relation to his roof travels, he may be subject to a fine from the city.

The interviewer accepts Nadine's honesty. Since Nadine has provided a good amount of detail, she doesn't see reason to question Nadine further about what else she may be hiding.

The interviewer tells Nadine that although she is sure Nadine means no harm with her research initiatives, she is still subject to the usual regulations in Cadens. Unfortunately, illicit and unethical research can occasionally be a problem in such a large city. She asks if Nadine has a license or any formal documentation outlining her research and its nature, and if she would be able to produce them if so.

The interviewer appears displeased by his answer, although he has technically responded truthfully.

She eventually asks him to explain what happened out there, as there are some dead bodies she has to account for. She adds that if she can't identify who's explicitly responsible, she'll have to seek out everyone who might be involved, for example the woman he was with. Unfortunately, these victims were a bit too close to the city walls for officials to turn a blind eye.

Nadine will admit that she does not have a license, but wasn't aware that she needed one, assuming it would be covered by her status as a medical student. She'd be perfectly happy to register her work with whatever office she needs to, and that while she has no documentation that's been formerly reviewed, she does have her own outlines and notes as documentation that she can share.

Dean will demonstrate some intense frustration, but will go with them immediately because he'll want to get it over with.

Once he's levelled with the accusations, he'll answer that he has no idea what the hell they're talking about, with a solid 1 on the convincing scale.

LMAO Thanks mods! He will enlist the help of his roommate Kyle to monitor him after the first time a very burly guard carries him back to his room.

Jo will hesitate a moment, but she'll agree to come with them now, cleaning up whatever task they found her in and putting it back in her bag. Jo upbringing hasn't made her fond of 'the cops' in any world, but she's used to maintaining an untroubled expression when dealing with 'normal people,' given the wholesale endless number of people she's had to lie to about 'being normal too' since early childhood. She maintains that amenable state for the walk.

When questioned about the changes in Dean's demeanor, her first response, with more than a little defensive quickness, will be a no—quickly followed on the heels with the question of why.

Now his expression will turn more annoyed. He frankly doesn't take kindly to threatening implications, and that's not something he goes out of his way to hide.

Still, the tactic...does work. Geralt will admit—flatly—that he was confronted by robbers while minding his own damn business. They drew weapons, so he drew his, and that's that. He doesn't sound regretful, but there's a sense he's hardly satisfied by the outcome, and would've preferred the whole thing never occurred in the first place.

He will not speak a word about the supposed woman seen with him. He isn't lying or pretending she wasn't there; he's simply not acknowledging it, period.

Edited 2023-01-26 02:36 (UTC)

The guard is surprised at first and falls into a silence. Kell's bashful admission is being considered thoroughly and after a long, painfully awkward moment the guard clears their throat and says they understand the appeal. If Kell does manage to write a book, they humbly request one of the first copies. For their sister, of course.

The guard is in agreement that the Free Cities has misunderstood such a critical resource. They also lament that it's unfortunate that there are so many Summoned who are allowing that to go to waste in their care as well. They will impress upon Kell that they need magic-minded individuals in Thorne and that should he become aware of anyone outside of Thorne with similar sentiments he should let them know.

While her explanation is short, it is fairly successful at convincing the guard. Maybe it is because her story has so far matched up from what she has heard from Claude and Jesper.

But there is a reason that she is still bringing Ciri in for questioning. While these stories are corroborated, she will mention that Ciri was reported returning from Nocwich in a suspicious condition. She phrases it in a way that is out of concern for a Summoned's well-being, but there is a clear undertone that what citizens saw was disturbing to them. She will ask ask if Ciri knows what they are talking about.

The interviewer appears mildly suspicious of Nadine's claim that she didn't know.

Regardless, since Nadine has agreed to fill out the paperwork, the interviewer won't pursue further. She informs Nadine she can pick up the forms from Portam Hall. Although no deadline is given, the interviewer advises Nadine that she should have her papers in order the next time they check up on her...whenever that may be.

If Nadine has no questions regarding her licensing, she is free to go.

Dean is unsuccessful at convincing the interviewer.

Her disposition is stern. She explains with more clarity that multiple reports fit his description. Key among them involved a patron at a tavern and a city guard.

She informs him that although tensions are understandably high, the Free Cities can't afford anyone stirring up trouble. Since Dean's lived in Cadens for a year without incident, she wants to give him a chance to explain his side of the story truthfully.

Jo receives a measure of understanding for her wariness.

The interviewer notes that there are troubling reports around Dean's behavior, including aggressive confrontations. She wants to understand the context behind the circumstances, since officials haven't had a reason to pay attention to Dean until recently. She adds it would be helpful to hear from someone like Jo, who has kept a clean record since arriving in the Free Cities...as far as officials are aware.

Geralt succeeds in convincing the interviewer that he was defending himself. However, his unwillingness to comment on the unidentified woman detracts from this somewhat.

She informs him that he's not helping himself by refusing to tell her the whole story. Geralt can surmise she may let him off easier if he will name the person with him.

Geralt's not great at helping himself. All he says is he was the only one who drew his sword against his attackers that day. Which is technically true. If they've a problem with a couple of dead robbers, so be it.

Kell is surprised and clearly flattered that someone could potentially share his niche interest. He promises to share the results of his research when he will have something to share. With the guard's open-minded sister, of course.

He admits that he knows no such person outside of Thorne - a pity really - and that maybe it's not so surprising since even here there are so many people from places with no magic at all. He kind of understands, but still finds it very sad. However, if he'd ever found someone like this, he will tell.

Altaïr agrees that that this is a reasonable request and notes that he has no desire to make local residents nervous. Without explicitly promising not to go on the rooftops at night, he agrees to do his best to ensure future jaunts go unnoticed. If there are any particular areas in which they recommend treading lightly (literally and metaphorically), he'll take note, otherwise he'll just generally keep it in mind.

During the interview, Altaïr will occasionally switch to his eagle vision to try and get a bead on the interviewer's internal sentiment, as well as any guards who might be around, and to learn whether it changes through the course of their chat. His responses won't change based on what (if anything) he sees.

Thanks, mods!

Regarding #2, he will choose to learn how to cast the warding spells, and in addition will propose helping the mages in charge of casting and organizing in whatever way they need support: bringing them food or water, getting any supplies needed for the spellcasting, taking over for people when they need breaks, etc.

Ciri looks a little surprised they're bringing it up. She will clarify they mean the first trip to Nocwich back in summer, and will ask for a bit more detail of what was reported. So she can be sure she does know what they're talking about, of course.

If the guard offers a bit more in the way of explanation, Ciri will confirm that yes, she remembers the incident. She will then wait for further questions, though it's more with an air of expectation than contrariness. The guard may get the impression Ciri is willing to answer questions, but doesn't seem the type to start volunteering extra information on her own.

Altaïr's eagle vision will reveal that the guards are potentially hostile. The interviewer is neutral.

While the interviewer feels some doubt over Altaïr's agreement, this is not enough for her to pursue the question. They'll just keep an eye on him. She answers that he should avoid traversing government buildings or prized landmarks around the city. Abandoned homes or buildings are "acceptable", although the city isn't liable if he injures himself on an unstable structure.

She informs him he's free to go if he doesn't have further questions. However, before he leaves, she will give him a pamphlet for the Free Cities Theater Company and tell him sincerely that Cadens and Libertas has many acrobatic positions open in their circus troupes if he wants to use his skills in a less illicit manner. They're often searching for performers.

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EVENT #10: AFFLICTION - WRAP UP

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