EVENT #12: INVOCATION - OOC POST (PART 1)

[abraxasmods]

Event #12 - OOC Plotting ( 1 )

Go to the: IC event log | Event coordination post

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As indicated in our Volunteer Post, characters are being abducted. Beginning on February 20th, the Summoned - alongside locals - will be going missing across Abraxas. Officials will notice within the week, but if your character will file a formal report about a missing friend or colleague, there will be a comment in the replies where you can let us know.

Those not taken captive will be tasked with investigating the disappearances and rescuing their fellow Summoned. Of course, there's room for sabotage or other nefarious schemes, as well. How characters react is up to players! The fewer who lend their assistance, and the more difficulties caused by rescue efforts (intentionally or otherwise), the less favorable the outcome will be for the abducted Summoned - and those sent to save them.

This event relies on player-to-player coordination and player coordination with the mod team. Please communicate with each other, and don't hesitate to ask us any questions you're unsure of. We'll be on hand to answer as quickly as possible, to help facilitate this plot and move it forward.

For clarity, we'll use the following terms throughout the event write-ups to refer to the two groups:

◎ The Lost will refer to the Summoned who have been abducted and held captive.

◎ The Spared will refer to the Summoned who were left alone and not taken.

The Lost

All groups have been assigned. If you volunteered and haven't received your assigned group, please check your inbox and/or contact us.

Only those assigned to be the Lost will participate in this aspect of the event. Remember that you can withdraw from your role for any reason if you decide you'd prefer not to participate in the scenarios described below. Just be sure to let us know so we can keep track!

Investigation avenues will be provided in a separate post during the IC Event Log. Characters can choose to investigate anything they like however they want. We'll reply with what the result is, which you can use to your advantage when planning the escape.

Abduction

Volunteers assigned as the Lost can decide how they're taken and under what circumstances. We won't dictate the precise situation, as we want players to have some room to determine what works best for their characters in terms of how they'll be overwhelmed by their captors.

You're not required to thread out a character's capture, but you can if you want. Other characters can be involved! If you'd like your character to be captured alongside another, to be with a friend they fail to save or to arrive late to the scene as their colleague is dragged away, these are all feasible options. The only stipulation is that your character is taken as the outcome.

That said, we do have some guidelines for consistency and to help you plan:

◎ Characters will be taken over the course of a week. This will also give players some time to enter the IC Event Log when it's up, without feeling as though their character needs to be there from the very beginning.

◎ Their captors will possess fairly powerful magic, and there will be enough of them (a group of 3-5) to subdue even the strongest of the Summoned.

◎ Their captors will be dressed in long robes and strange masks. They will not be identifiable by voice, scent, or other senses. A spell will encircle them, protecting them from any identifying markers.

◎ Characters will be taken in isolated locations. Examples include dark alleyways in the Free Cities, the desert, wandering empty Solvunn settlements late at night, or outside the walls of Castle Thorne (or in the rural areas of Nott). Where and why you place your character is for you to decide.

◎ Fighting back is possible. Characters may injure their captors or even kill one or two of them (but not all). Decide what's reasonable for your character, but they must be captured in the end.

◎ Once subdued, characters will lose consciousness. They will not be awake for the journey transporting them to their final destination.

Arrival

Characters will be disoriented and groggy. Upon their initial awakening, they'll be trapped in a strange holding space. They'll have to break out of this area before they can join the others. There can be up to two to a space, so players are welcome to find themselves a "roommate" to help them break free.

We'll reveal what this holding space looks like on the IC Event Log, but we can tell you that breaking out won't require a key. There won't be any doors at all, and characters might be in some peril.

Once free, they'll still be trapped. They'll just have room to move around and can help anyone else who's still stuck or later arrivals who need assistance.

Captors

The captors, who call themselves acolytes, will be elusive at most. They will rarely speak, except to utter some ominous phrases or answers. When they appear, they'll emerge from the shadows as if from nowhere. They'll be wearing the same hooded robes and masks. The only identifiable marks will be height and build.

They are not invincible. Characters will have the chance to attack or steal from them if they want, but this must be accomplished using a mod dice roll.

More information will be revealed on the IC Event Log!

Weapons & Abilities

While held captive, characters will have the following limitations:

◎ Reduced abilities and magic. While limited, powers won't be gone completely. Characters will be able to tap into a remnant spark of their abilities and powers. It'll be extremely weak, unstable, and prone to fluctuations - like a signal that's been interfered with.

◎ Confiscated weapons. Any weapons or useful tools will be taken. Characters will be able to keep their clothes and small personal effects such as jewelry.

Network & Horizon

While held captive, characters will have the following limitations:

◎ Limited ability to enter the Horizon. Although characters can step into the Horizon for a few minutes at most, they'll find something's been done to them that affects the concentration required to remain in the Horizon for an extended period or to enter it with any frequency.

◎ Disruption to the Network. Messages sent and received through the network might show signs of distortion (faded handwriting, scrambled words) or be incomplete. Messages can also additionally reach the wrong person or become public instead of private. They also will have difficulty reading messages posted by the spared Summoned who are left behind, including open posts - similar to having poor reception.

◎ Overall, the idea is that characters aren't completely cut off from the Network or the Horizon, but they'll be limited just enough so that exchanging information isn't a breeze. They'll need to try several times, piece scraps of different messages together, and more. Make use of this in whichever way feels fun!

Surroundings

Characters will arrive in a place that's dark and underground. Figuring out where they are is next to impossible, and their surroundings will be constantly shifting, as if under an illusory spell.

◎ There are no cages or holding cells. Different than a typical dungeon, characters will be thrown into a pit together. It isn't large, but they'll have room to spread out. What this space contains will be revealed on the IC Event Log...and there will be opportunities for it to become much larger eventually.

◎ Food is scarce and must be scavenged. Characters will need to decide how to divvy up what supplies are available. Or if they don't want to play nice, they can hoard it for themselves. Scavenge, fight over portions, or step in to make sure everyone gets along. How this is managed is up to you!

◎ Monsters prowl above. Some could notice the captured Summoned below. Take care not to draw unwanted attention.

◎ Improvising weapons and tools will be possible. Characters with a bit of ingenuity can take advantage of their surroundings to lightly arm themselves. It may not help them escape (or will it?), but they can at least have a chance to defend themselves from small creatures (or fellow Summoned), or bind any wounds they receive.

◎ The environment will fluctuate. Temperature will change randomly. What starts as a cold "night" can quickly become as balmy as a summer's day. Odd noises, rumbling, and other disturbances might feature. It won't be easy to get comfortable or sleep.

Non-Summoned Captives (NPCs)

Characters will find the Summoned are not the only captives. They'll be held with other unknown NPCs. These NPCs will be from all over Abraxas, but the unifying factor is that they're from poor or rural areas - people whose disappearances are easily overlooked. A few might be bandits, pirates, and thieves.

You're free to use these NPCs as you like and even make some up, similar to how the rest of the game works. The acolytes don't care what happens down in the pit. Characters can fight NPCs, kill them, or protect them. We'll be sure to telegraph if there are any important NPCs relevant to event progression, but generally speaking, the purpose of these NPCs is to facilitate threads and CR with other player characters.

Additionally, you can have an NPC you previously created captured (or an NPC created by another player, with their permission). Just be sure that it'll be reasonable for them to be taken. A well-known artist is unlikely to go missing, but if you've written an NPC who's a lone fisherman or a traveling merchant, you can bring that NPC into the situation with you...and determine how they fare.

Ascension

Throughout the first week, characters will notice captives disappearing one by one. It might be a friend, it might be a stranger. They won't know where these characters have gone or what's happened to them. The only evident thing is that they're suddenly gone - and the acolytes won't give any real answers about it.

You can determine your character's fate. There's no limit on how many characters will be disappeared or how many will remain unaffected. However, if possible, we'd like to ask you to let us know your decision so we can get a sense of the numbers.

Don't worry if you change your mind later or if you don't decide until the IC Event Log! You can wait to answer or edit your reply if it changes.

Choose Your Character's Fate

Disappearances

Characters who are disappeared will awaken alone in the middle of the night, although they don't seem to have moved. Instead, it's as if everyone else has vanished.

The robed acolytes will approach characters without warning or a word. They will be magically restrained and taken by force. From there, they'll be led to a mysterious site hidden behind an illusory veil and winding paths. You can be taken alone or with others, including player characters or NPCs, or you can skip over playing out the experience altogether and simply thread the effects that occur afterwards.

While the full details will be revealed on the IC Event Log, participants should be prepared to experience:

◎ A moderately disturbing ritualistic procedure involving unknown substances
◎ Resulting physical and/or psychological symptoms (mild to severe depending on player choice. See below for more.)

Afterwards, characters will return to the underground cavern to rejoin the others.

Rejecting or Succumbing

Disoriented and feeling not quite like themselves, characters will need to manage their symptoms while searching for an escape. You'll choose if your character will reject the process or if they will succumb to it. Although we'll provide a list of potential symptoms your character will experience, you're free to pick which effects you want to apply. Rejection will bring on more of those related effects, while succumbing will bring on more of the latter.

Effects last a minimum of 3 days, but can remain as long as you choose. Symptoms can arrive gradually one at a time, steadily increasing in severity, or all at once.

You can mix and match symptoms from both lists at the start as your character wavers. Eventually, however, characters must undergo one path or the other.

◎ Effects through rejection may include: moderate to extreme agitation, unexplained bleeding (such as from the eyes, nose, or mouth), light sensitivity, rare bursts of strength, mild confusion, unexplained bruising or lesions, bizarre growths within the open lesions, exhaustion, and the beginnings of thorny growths on small areas of the body. They will also be able to see past certain illusions, which might give useful clues.

◎ Effects through succumbing may include: an urge to bring others into the "fold" (violently or otherwise), roots emerging from the skin or pores, a modest return of some abilities or magic, unexplained bruising or scratches, inability to sleep, vivid hallucinations including ones that transform the body, odd plant-like growths, and increasing difficulty distinguishing reality from illusion. They will also be able to see past certain illusions, which might give useful clues.

Whether characters reject or succumb to the process, they'll receive the same lore at the end (their ascension), so don't worry about the outcome. This choice will be more about if you want to emphasize the body horror aspect or the psychological aspect for your character.

Succumbing or rejection can occur for any reason! It does not need to be about willpower or strength, although it can be. However, the reasons can also be wholly physical, similar to how the body may reject a virus. Pick what works best for your plans.

The Unaffected

If you'd prefer, your character can avoid being chosen. The Lost who weren't "disappeared" won't experience any of the scenarios above, but it'll be up to them to help those who are most affected...or protect others if they must.

They'll also have the chance to try a cure with a 50/50 chance of success on one character of their choosing, if they like. This will require a mod roll, which could result in consequences for the person attempting to give the cure.

Additionally, as the unaffected will have a clearer perception of things, they could better contribute to investigations. Characters will need to work together, using their combined advantages and information, to plot a path to freedom.

The Spared

Characters who aren't part of the Lost will remain behind in their respective factions. They'll have the opportunity to rally the remaining Summoned, work with officials, and even reach out across faction borders to rescue their friends, as well as the missing native Abraxans.

As circumstances grow dire, some paths might push characters down darker roads in their attempts to save their friends. Characters will need to decide how far they're willing to go - or how far they'll let their fellow Summoned go.

Below are some broad strokes about how each nation will react and what potential avenues of investigation are open to help you plot. More will be revealed on the IC Event Log.

While officials watch the Summoned closely, the unfortunate fact is that disappearing Summoned are not uncommon. However, officials will hear evidence and concerns from the Summoned.

The remaining Summoned should file reports and bring evidence that their friends were taken as opposed to merely vanishing from Abraxas. We'll use any reports to flavor the IC Event Log.

Report a Missing Summoned

Initial Reactions

Once officials are convinced something more is going on, they'll react accordingly, both to find where the lost Summoned are, and to prevent any others from being taken...if they can.

Thorne

◎ Ambrose Rhett, who's deemed responsible for the Summoned he brought into Abraxas, will send a team of mages around Castle Thorne to investigate. By the end of the week, he'll call an emergency meeting in his office. There, he'll inform the Summoned that a number of the Summoned have vanished suspiciously.

◎ Ambrose will admit that there have been other disappearances in the rural areas of Nott - a rumor that's been circulating since the mediation.

◎ Military presence in the castle will increase and anyone living outside the castle is asked to return for their safety, although they won't get in trouble for refusing. The Summoned can continue to leave the castle walls, as well as travel to Nott, but they'll be assigned a royal guard for protection when not inside the castle itself.

◎ Mages will begin to conduct spells and other magical tools to locate the missing Summoned, as well as provide defensive measures for anyone who's venturing out to search. The remaining Summoned will be encouraged to help.

◎ Anastasia Rhett, the Duchess of Hayle, will arrive in Castle Thorne without announcement. For the first time, she appears willing to put aside her differences with her brother to help the Summoned.

Free Cities

◎ Making a report in Cadens is difficult, due to overpopulation in the Free Cities, especially with the ongoing refugee situation. Unless characters have an established rapport with a Free Cities official, they might be stuck filling out forms and facing long wait times while city guards are short-staffed.

◎ Once word reaches the right person, Marlo Reiner, the Prime Minister herself, will call a meeting at Portam Hall to alert the remaining Summoned of the situation. The Summoned are advised to be in groups or to use a military escort, and to limit unnecessary travel to unpopulated areas. Soldiers and city guards will be available to protect anyone who makes a request.

◎ A curfew is enforced on the natives in Cadens, but the Summoned are exempted. They'll be allowed to move freely to help with the investigation. Military jails will begin to fill up as the army detains and questions any locals they deem suspicious.

◎ A few small birds are seen soaring in the sky. Careful examination will reveal that their bodies are shiny metal and that they're traveling in a repeating pattern unlike that of regular birds. Anyone who asks will be told that these are indeed mechanical search birds, meant to help look for the missing or anyone who's in trouble. They don't have a large range and can only fly for an hour at a time.

Solvunn

◎ The Council will first approach the Summoned individually to learn more, as well as review any evidence. By the end of the week, they'll abruptly gather all of the Summoned into a meeting. There, they will inform the Summoned of something especially distressing: not only have a number of the Summoned vanished but many of the locals have also....including Josselyn Creed.

◎ With the Council one down, Isar Hart has stepped in to temporarily fill the role. He joins the other two in reassuring the Summoned that they'll do everything possible to retrieve the lost Summoned.

◎ The remaining Summoned are advised to travel in pairs or groups. They'll also be given a variety of protective charms, spells, and blessings. Rumors will fly, but the Solvunnites appear genuinely upset. Given the exalted nature of the Summoned in Solvunn, natives will provide what help they can and words of comfort.

◎ The Elders will organize offerings and sacrifices to the gods of safe travels and lost souls. Characters will be encouraged to participate.

Taking Action

Where the Lost will be investigating avenues of escape, the Spared will be investigating where the missing Summoned are and how to save them. Each faction will have different resources for characters to rely on. Although officials won't stop the Summoned from working with one another across national borders, they're more inclined to help their own. A character's rank can play a role in what avenues are open to them.

Any divided options between rank thresholds are general guidelines. If you have a Plot Engagement with us and/or an established relationship with an NPC through a plot, rank may not matter.

Players are encouraged to approach us with any plans or ideas they believe are feasible regardless of their Influence rank. Similarly, Rank 6+ characters will still need to take into account what makes sense for their character when proposing an action. We'll prioritize what's realistic based on a character's plot arc and engagement in the game over ranking.

Rank 6+ / NPC Communications

For their status, Rank 6+ Summoned will be able to use their influence to have their efforts sponsored by their nations if requested. This means supplies, publicity, aid, general resources, and more. They'll equally have the opportunity to lead teams and initiatives, especially ones that might require heavy resources or funding, or vouch for someone of lower rank to help them be heard.

Characters can further request a meeting or send a letter to any official they believe will hear them out - including officials from an opposing faction, although it'll help if they've established a relationship with that person first. Characters are not limited to the three major nations. They can also reach out to officials in Nocwich.

Those below Rank 6, but have made connections to an NPC or the world through Plot Engagement can also approach us. While their influence may not be as high, that doesn't mean their actions have no impact. It may just mean they'll need to narrow the scope of what they want to influence. For instance, the locals wouldn't find their face familiar enough if they wanted to give a speech to an entire city. However, if they're a trusted worker at the library, they could possibly enter the library after hours or talk to researchers who otherwise wouldn't meet with the general public.

Since the direction for Rank 6+ characters and interacting with NPCs are widely varied, we won't provide too many guidelines. Instead, it'll be up to you to decide what they want your character to do. We'll consider any suggestion or proposal you have for this event as long as it's based on something your character has been working towards.

For example, former Nocwich delegates could write to one of the emissaries to request a meeting. A character who is Rank 4 or 5 but has established a plot involving research could request better resources to accelerate their work, which might include a meeting with an official in charge. Even if one idea may not work, we'll help you come up with something else!

All Ranks

Characters of all ranks can participate in these options. Rank 6+ characters can also take advantage of their high ranking and use the information below to springboard their plans as outlined above.

◎ Investigations
We'll provide several points of investigation. You aren't limited to these paths, but they'll be available to provide direction and structure. See the Investigations section below for more information.

◎ Cross-faction Coordination
Up until now, officials have discouraged cross-faction interaction outside of diplomacy. Given the situation, however, the Summoned can reach out to each other and arrange meetings. The Horizon is the easiest place, but there are other possibilities in neutral locations depending on what characters can negotiate. For instance, a meeting in Nocwich would require the agreement of Nocwich officials. (Further opportunities for cross-faction coordination will arrive in Part 2.)

◎ Interviews and Interrogations
Characters will be able to knock on the doors of locals to question potential witnesses or seek information. They'll have the full support of officials, as long as they (openly) follow standard procedure. Of course, what's done in the dark might go unnoticed...and if characters are dealing with criminals, pirates, and bandits? Well, officials could be much more willing to turn a blind eye as to what needs to be done to obtain information.

◎ Rank 6+ Cooperation
Characters can work with Rank 6+ Summoned to formulate and execute plans. They might even be allowed to sit in on a meeting, be appointed a leadership role, or more with the support of someone well-known to officials. This is between players to arrange! As with all plot proposals, as long as the circumstances allow for it, we'll work with players to make things happen.

Investigation Paths

Each faction will have its distinct investigation paths, but there will be some common points, too. Characters can investigate solo, in groups, or come across each other accidentally. Play around with conflict between characters or internally over morally questionable approaches, high-risk situations, and any other details you feel will make things interesting.

During the IC Event, a section will be provided where you can comment describing what your character is investigating and how. We'll respond with an outcome to help you progress the plot and reach the necessary conclusions to proceed. Some actions might carry consequences! Further, you can fail to achieve your goal but gain unexpected information.

We've summarized some investigation paths below to help you plan. Full details will be revealed on the IC Event Log.

Thorne

◎ Disappearances in Nott
Disappearances around the rural areas of Nott and near the coastline have been a concern. Characters who feel there might be a link can investigate. They can look at the area or knock on doors to ask witnesses. They can even rough up some bandits if tensions run high...but be careful not to cross the line in front of too many locals or other Summoned who could disapprove.

◎ Mountain Travels
Adventuring types can venture via portal into dangerous locations to search for clues, depending on where tracking spells and witnesses lead them. This could be the frosty mountains or the thick forests surrounding Thorne. Soldiers will be on hand to accompany characters for safety, but characters are free to break away if they want. They should take care not to disturb the nests of sleeping beasts.

◎ Spells & Interrogation
Depending on a character's skill, they can employ a variety of spells from simple ones to more complicated risky magic. Very dangerous spells have a chance of going wrong, but in return, they'll give much more valuable information. If your character is willing to put themselves in harm's way, they might be rewarded...at a cost. Prisoners who are brought in for questioning could be subjected to one of those spells if your character's convinced they know something important.

Free Cities

◎ Deserts and Hills
Disappearances deep in the desert wasteland and desolate hillsides are not unheard of. Characters who feel there might be a link can investigate. Portals will be provided in this rare instance to cut down on the harsh and long journey, as well as the army's trained hounds. Anyone who digs deep might unearth some hidden chambers that should be left closed.

◎ Bandit Camps
Bandits can be a valuable source of information. Characters can approach these camps however they see fit: infiltrating, bribery, coercion, or plain old intimidation. How far a character goes is up to you. Officials won't step in, as bandits aren't citizens of the Free Cities, but the other Summoned around could take issue with certain approaches...and the bandits might remember in the future.

◎ Technology & Interrogation
Characters can help develop or expand technology, devices, and other techniques to aid in the investigation efforts. This can range from the innocuous (such as a high-end tracker) to something much more dangerous or nefarious. After all, the Free Cities has applied harsh methods to get answers out of prisoners in the past...and the Summoned won't be prevented from helping with that if they value their friends over a stranger.

Solvunn

◎ Josselyn Creed
Disappearances near the coastline of the Tertiary Settlement, as well as missing fishing boats, have been a concern. More importantly, Josselyn Creed appears to be a key factor in all of this. Characters can investigate the disappearances, Josselyn, or both. They might find that the sentiments in the Tertiary Settlement are unexpected where Josselyn is concerned.

◎ The Lost Swamps
Adventuring types can venture via portal into dangerous locations to search for clues. This can include the thick bogs and swamps, and the notoriously dense forests around Solvunn. Many of these areas host old shrines, ancient magic, and things best left alone. Characters can decide what forces they're willing to disturb for answers.

◎ Rituals & Witnesses
Where Thorne and the Free Cities rely on standard questioning, Solvunn believes that any events witnessed are done so by the will of the gods. They'll bring these people in to learn what they've seen. Many of the locals won't hesitate to submit to the rituals necessary to "unlock" their memories, though others might take more convincing. Some of these rituals can be dangerous or even difficult to watch. Characters can decide whether they're willing to go through with it or not.

Preview: Escape & Rescue

Part 2 of the event will arrive in March. It'll feature escape and rescue, and will bring the event to its conclusion. We'll provide more details when the time comes for Part 2 to go up, but we're giving a brief outline of what to expect so you can anticipate what's coming.

The tentative date for this log will be March 9th. A brief OOC post will go up a day before to facilitate any necessary plotting.

Escaping

Not everyone will make it out, and those who do will face some trials before they reach safety, including a 1-2 week journey. There will be two main paths to take. You can choose what best suits your character. This will occur roughly at the same time as the rescue and negotiation efforts, and some of it will require coordinating with players of characters on rescue missions.

◎ The escape group will not be in the clear. They'll end up in an unknown and harsh environment, and will need to rely on their wits and skills to survive as they attempt to make their way back home. All powers will return at this stage of the event - if you want. Abilities can come back slowly or continue to be temporarily limited for players who prefer that option.

Escaping will require active participation. Players should be able to commit to more time-sensitive threads in the IC Log. Characters will be able to uncover some lore during this portion, as well as meet up with the rescue team. The emphasis will be on journeying, survival, and monster encounters.

◎ The holdout group will remain behind. While we'll RNG this if needed, we're anticipating some volunteers, as staying behind is what will allow the others to escape. In other words, characters can choose to sacrifice themselves for others to break free while they stay back. They can also be caught behind unintentionally if your character is not the selfless or heroic type.

Those who stay behind can handwave the remainder of their imprisonment until rescue comes. This does not mean staying behind will lack activity options - it only means that you have more room to opt out if needed. Characters will be able to uncover lore around the site they were held, as well as meet up with the relief team. The emphasis will be on environmental and continued psychological and/or body horror.

Escapees will find making it back to their respective factions a struggle - but fortunately, they're not alone. Some help will be coming their way in the form of their fellow Summoned...or so they'd hope.

Rescue & Negotiations

There will be two main paths to take. You can choose what best suits your character. This will occur roughly at the same time as the captured characters' escape, and some of it will require coordinating with players of the kidnapped characters. Both teams will have the opportunity to collaborate and meet up with teams from other factions if they choose.

◎ A rescue team comprised of the Summoned will be sent to rescue those who are trapped in the wilds of Abraxas following their escape. How the team discovers their escape, who goes to help them, and what their plan looks like is up to the Summoned. We'll provide some guidance and an outline of what options are available, but the specifics depend on how the characters involved want to proceed. Rank 6 characters have the option to lead this initiative if they volunteer to do so.

Rescue missions will require active participation. Players should be able to commit to more time-sensitive threads in the IC Log. This team will be able to witness firsthand any on-site lore discovered by the escapees. The emphasis will be on tracking, survival, and monster encounters.

◎ A relief team comprised of the Summoned will be sent to negotiate for the release of those who were unable to escape, then retrieve them. This is not just limited to politically-oriented characters! Characters with healing skills, who want to act as protection or backup, and more, can all join in. How proceedings go is up to the Summoned. We'll provide some guidance and an outline of what options are available, but the specifics depend on the characters involved. Rank 6+ characters have the option to lead this initiative if they volunteer to do so.

Relief missions will require moderate participation. Players should be able to commit to plot-sensitive threads in the IC Log and communicate with the mod team to arrange the scenario. This team will have first contact to free those who remained captive, as well as help uncover lore at the capture site. The emphasis will be on environmental horror and healing assistance.

◎ A variety of support and aid can be provided by characters. This can be as involved or as limited as you want (for example, characters can simply provide healing ointments for the rescue team to take with them).

Players are free to handwave any assistance provided on a smaller scale. And of course, characters don't need to help at all.

Notes & Details

Event Organization

In addition to the IC Event Log, we'll also put up a Coordination Post. Due to the amount of OOC communication that may be required for this event, there will be a separate post for players to use for coordinating with the mod team, requesting rolls, investigations, and more.

The Coordination Post will also have a section for network-style in-person threads for anyone who wants to play out scenes that may not be logistically feasible to do as a log thread. This can include large group meetings, interviews involving several characters, a multi-person argument, or anything of that nature.

The purpose is to let multiple players interact and progress a scene quickly without the expectations or pressures that might come with a standard log thread such as posting order, tag length, or thread length. Threads of this type will be considered Network threads if used for Activity Check.

More details will be provided on the Coordination Post, but we wanted to give you an idea of how the event will be organized so you can factor it into your plans.

Event Schedule

The IN-GAME EVENT will ICly take place February 20 - late March
The EVENT LOG (PART 1) will go up on February 19 for players to participate in.
The EVENT LOG (PART 2) will go up on March 9 (tentative date), with the OOC PLOTTING POST arriving the day prior
The WRAP-UP will go up end of March (date based on how things proceed)

Plotting Form

Plotting forms are available below for your convenience. We've provided two forms based on your assigned group.

The Lost

Use this form if your character is assigned to be one of the abducted Summoned.

<b>Character Name:</b> <b>Arcana:</b> <b>Faction:</b> <b>Capture scenario:</b> (How is your character likely to be taken? You can list a couple of options you're thinking about and/or change your mind about how it happens later! If you're searching for someone to participate in or facilitate a capture scenario with you, you can do so here.) <b>Ascension plans:</b> (Will your character be affected? How much and by what? Do you want anyone to be taken with your character? Will they attack others or try to help if they're not impacted? Do you want someone to stop or cure your character? Are you looking for other people to fight?) <b>General plans:</b> (Anything else your character will be doing while held captive!)

The Spared

Use this form if your character has been left unharmed and will be investigating the missing Summoned.

<b>Character Name:</b> <b>Arcana:</b> <b>Faction:</b> <b>Influence rank:</b> <b>Personal connections:</b> (If your character is close to any of the abducted Summoned, you can list them here to find mutual acquaintances who will want to team up with yours for personal reasons.) <b>Political connections:</b> (If your character has a rapport with any of the officials - whether through rank or plot engagement - and you'd like to offer that connection to others for plotting, you can name those connections here.) <b>Investigation plans:</b> (What investigation paths will your character be most interested in? Are you looking to lead or join a team? Do you want your character to get into a confrontation with someone else over what's morally acceptable?) <b>General plans:</b> (Anything else your character will be doing!)

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!

General

Can I investigate something other than the provided options?

This is possible. We want players to get creative! However, for the sake of logistics, we need to make sure there aren't too many branching paths for the mod team to organize, so we encourage you to consider ways in which your ideas can be merged with existing investigation paths. That said, if there's a unique investigation path you're eager to do, please ask us and we'll see how we can help.

I have an idea based on one of the investigation paths, but it isn't explicitly written in the details. Can I still try doing it?

Yes, you can give anything you think might work a try when investigating. We'll do our best to reward thinking outside the box. In some cases, we might redirect you to the mod communication section to workshop a proper event plot if necessary.

Is it possible to unknowingly cause harm through an investigation?

Yes, if you're interacting with any of the investigation points, your character will risk unknown consequences to others, including death. While we'll telegraph when consequences are around the corner, players should be prepared to have their characters face being responsible for something they didn't intend. Not to worry! There won't be jail time or direct retaliation, but much like the Nocwich assignment, they might end up with a guilty conscience or having to ask themselves if they made the right choice.

Will there be consequences afterwards to harming or killing NPCs, whether during interrogations or in the pit?

Not among faction officials, unless your character will be flaunting it or bringing it to attention in a way that can't be ignored. However, characters might face consequences from other Summoned who disapprove or other NPCs at a lower level. For example, if they raid a bandit camp, other bandits might remember their face and retaliate. This could come into play during future plots or you can use it to flavor your character's interactions with unnamed NPCs in the game.

Who is being affected by the Network exactly?

Only those who were taken (the Lost). Characters who are taken will have difficulty sending complete outgoing messages as well as reading any incoming messages regardless of the source. This means public posts by the Spared might not be seen or will appear distorted, as well. Any messages between those who are not abducted (the Spared) will function as normal. Basically, anyone who's been taken will have a faulty reception - so outgoing and incoming "calls" will be disrupted.

The Lost

Once captured, can characters improvise tools and weapons to attack their captors?

Yes! Characters can attack their captors, but you must submit to roll the outcome. Just be aware that if you decide to take action, you're agreeing to accept the mod roll and potential consequences.

Can characters attempt to escape before Part 2 of the event?

Yes, characters can try. Logistically, some structure needs to be in place for the event to run smoothly. Nonetheless, our goal is for characters in-game to feel they have a fighting chance. Even if they fail, their attempt could be a valuable lesson for planning a successful escape later.

Can characters hear of the missing Summoned before they're taken? Could they begin an investigation on their own?

Yes. While officials won't make a formal announcement until the end of the week, characters can notice something amiss before then and attempt to investigate on their own. In fact, this could even be the reason they're taken themselves if you choose.

Can I play out the Ascension procedure with other characters?

Of course! Characters can go through it with others if you'd like some interaction, or they can do so alone. You can also involve NPCs, including ones who don't make it out alive.

Can I decide which aspects of the procedure my character experiences?

Yes! We'll provide "stages" to the procedure so that you can opt into how intense your character's experience is. If you want to go all the way, they can be conscious throughout the full incident. If not, you can have them pass out and the procedure will cease for your character. This won't have any impact on the effects your character experiences or the likelihood of their succumbing or resistance.

Can characters alert anyone as they're being taken using the Network?

Yes, you can have their message disrupted as they black out or they can squeeze out one short message to a friend just before they're captured. This can be one of the reasons characters realize something is wrong as opposed to the disappearances that occur when a character drops.

The Spared

So if my character receives messages from a captured character, it'll be distorted?

Yes. However, if a character is sending a message to someone in another faction who wasn't taken, the Network will function as normal, since nothing will be interfering with either person's reception.

Will there be more opportunities for cross-faction tasks in Part 2?

Yes! While Part 1 is lighter on cross-faction opportunities, characters will be able to gather into groups and meet up with teams from other nations as they put their plans into motion.

Can characters question witnesses and investigate without going through the formal investigation paths?

Absolutely! Threads don't need to be a part of the investigation paths we offer. Characters can investigate as part of a thread meant for CR development or other purposes without interacting with the mod investigations. You just won't receive any plot reveals.

My character prefers to work alone, but I want to force them to work with others. How can I do this?

Beyond plotting with other players for ideas, faction officials might assign your character to assist a group, or your character might be in over their heads. Certain investigation paths will require more than one person, as well. You can tell us that you'd like to team up when performing an investigation. We'll include an outcome that'll push your character to work with someone else.

My character's reaction depends on what the Lost are going through. Will they find out how bad it gets?

Because the Network and Horizon aren't entirely cut off, the Lost can reach out and tell the others what's happening in bits and pieces. They may also find they're unable to hide their true appearance while in the Horizon, thus displaying the full extent of their injuries or suffering.

If my character is meeting with an NPC, will it be a full thread?

Threads will be kept short and to the point, and will involve a combination of dialogue and OOC description similar to the Mediation event, depending on the nature of the request and how much back and forth is necessary. Because of the scope and pace of this event, we won't be able to provide standard log threads. Don't worry! If you want a standard meeting thread, you can approach us through the Plot Engagement page as usual once the event is over.

Comments

lestat de lioncourt · thorne · spared

[malicieux]

Character Name: Lestat de Lioncourt.
Arcana: Judgement.
Faction: Thorne.
Influence rank: 0.

Personal connections: I think the only person Lestat is even remotely connected to is Louis de Pointe du Lac, who is unfortunately in Solvunn so Lestat will have no idea Louis is even gone and no one will even think to try and let him know.

Political connections: N/A.

Investigation plans: Here's the thing. Lestat doesn't really feel like he cares enough about any of you yet to be fully concerned about people going missing. That said, he's smart enough to know he doesn't want it happening to him and he wants to make a good impression, so he will reluctantly likely make his way to Nott to do some half-assed legwork. If anyone asks him to team up, he'll probably do it. Also he will absolutely rough people up for information if his companion isn't up to it, because sometimes fear is the best tactic.

General plans: Pretending to be helpful, mostly. Would love for him to get involved in some of the more questionable courses of action that some people might be too morally good to take on. As a note, if he catches wind somehow from some cross-faction information that Louis is one of the missing people, Lestat will become instantly more invested in helping.

Re: lestat de lioncourt · thorne · spared

[thedevilwhorose]

Fully willing to drag more people into morally questionable courses, especially new Summoned who Lucifer doesn't care a lick about :D

[mobezon]

he does know lestat is in thorne if we count their nocwich moment, SO what if in one of those network distorted reaches, he ends up reaching lestat bc Reasons and it goes through? maybe sometime during the event. louis would be unaware he sent it bc he's losing his mind over on his side, but surprise!!

[beloyaltome]

I wanna get #TeamThorneVampiresWithGreatHair started but I have no specific ideas or suggestions as to how to tie that into the event. They could certainly just ... meet. And talk about it.

Lucifer | Thorne | Spared

[thedevilwhorose]

Character Name: Lucifer
Arcana: The Devil
Faction: Thorne
Influence rank: 3

Personal connections:
Actually Cares About: Istredd, Wilhelm, Kell
Valuable For Other Reasons: Mat, loosely Castiel
Expendable But Still Useful: Jack

Political connections: N/A

Investigation plans:
- Primarily Interrogation. It's not going to be clean, or well thought out, as it would be on a "good day." He will likely torture anyone brought it or found, however that'll shake out, and then eventually kill them. If anyone wants to confront him I'm down for playing out a large scale from just shrugging them off to getting aggressive about it.

- If someone wants to pull him towards something that they think is a good idea though he could be convinced.

General plans:
- Lucifer's about to total any of his carefully-constructed Thorne masks. They will be rapidly dwindling over time and may be irreparable. Is there a dark road he can go down? He's going to go down it. His possessions people are gone and he is Rage Incarnate.

- If the mods let him yell at Ambrose about how useless Thorne is he is absolutely going to do that.

- I DON'T currently have any plans leaning one way or another for Part 2, it depends how work shakes out by then for how much time I have to give.

- He is NOT purposefully looking to deter any of the efforts. Whether or not his level of violence harms anything though I guess we'll see.

- Team Not Sleeping much. Probably temporarily rooming with Kyle when the man isn't off in the mountains. Super stressful "downtime" restless moments where he's covered in blood but will actually talk to people are an option.

Re: Lucifer | Thorne | Spared

[magicalarchaeologist]

team rage incarnate??

[blackeyedprince]

Kell will try to contact Lucifer -probably through horizon or network - the moment he's lucid enough to do so. But he will look as bloody and unwell as you'd like me too ;)

[beloyaltome]

listen as while he's not sleeping and covered in blood lenore is happy to help with ... that situation ...

Julie Lawry | Free Cities | Spared

[princessvegas]

Character Name: Julie Lawry
Arcana: The Wheel of Fortune
Faction: Free Cities
Influence rank: 0 by choice

Personal connections: Geralt and Ciri are her closest connections, and tbh she wouldn't exactly weep over any of the others she knows. This is both because of Trauma but also because of Kind of a Dickishness. However, she is friendly with both Mat(t)s and both Steves, and close enough to their CR that she would also have an investment in helping.

Political connections: Does the Singularity count? Probably not, so no, she has no political connections. But she does have a close connection to Jaskier, who has political buddies.

Investigation plans: Julie's absolute first reaction to learning about the disappearances will be to go running to the Singularity. From there, she gets to be the one who learns that this ain't the Singularity's doing, and it's Big Upset about this all.

The only problem? There's barely a handful of people she would trust with any of this knowledge, and at least two of them are kidnapped, so. She will be telling Wanda and Stephen what she learns, in an effort to make sure that a minimum of time is wasted on investigating the Singularity in each faction. In Cadens, she will try to make everyone understand that it doesn't matter how she knows, she just does, and they will have to trust her. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Probably she will need help from her higher influence friends to get this point across.

General plans: I will be discussing with the mods further what she can glean through repeated visits, but for now, just very panicky and snappy and focused on trying to get more deets from the Singularity.

[wiedzminka]

Would she tell Rhy abt the singularity stuff once it's clear ppl are missing from all factions? She may notice him talking about his brother having vanished with others on the network

MESSAGES AND GLIMPSES

[princessvegas]

So, Julie has been granted the ability to pick up lost messages from and glimpses through the eyes of the Lost. This is after she learns that the Singularity is not responsible for this and is Very Unhappy.

After doing some very simple dum-dum math, I have determined that she can do it about 6-7 times within the first two weeks, as she will need a few days to learn she can do it at all, and will quickly discover that each successful attempt will completely exhaust her for a day.

She cannot choose the people she wants to connect with. The Lost will not know she is doing any of this, so they can't send specific messages to pass on. These are the messages that are not getting through to the intended recipient. When she sees through someone else's eyes, she won't know whose eyes they are unless their name happens to be said, but she will see anyone that they are seeing. It's only a moment, maybe enough time for a few sentences to be said.

If you would like her to catch a message or see through your character's eyes, please let me know here! I just need to know who, which she gets, what the message is/what she sees, and any other details you want to give me that can help me build a thread around it. If she can figure out who she's getting info from, or who it was initially directed to, she will try and make sure it gets passed on, but otherwise, it's general info she will have disseminated to help find the Lost.

She'll be doing this in part two as well!

louis de pointe du lac » solvunn — the lost.

[mobezon]

Character Name: louis de pointe du lac
Arcana: the lovers
Faction: solvunn

Capture scenario: the night is his state of living. Local Man Has Issues and might just let it happen if he's by himself. there's already the shock of having to be taken, and then there's x2 - welp. he'll be strolling out, attempting to explore more of the land while folks sleep and probably will be captured somewhere where he's near the woods if anything if he's alone in the cover of the darkness with the stars out? probably might be in denial and hyper-focused on those stars as he's taken. did i mention he has issues??? probs like everyone. might aim for him to be captured towards the start as the chaos is forming.

Ascension plans: i def want him to succumb. the more psychological the better, but i am open for him having some lashing out. louis is a composed individual that will keep it all to himself as much as possible, but can and will slowly crack. he has held onto anger in high tensions that end up rather reactive when pushed into it. he has the ability to communicate in mind so it'll be fun if another empath/mind reader can burst into his head if the opportunity and power comes to him in those uncontrollable motions. i kinda also want him to when ascending, maybe have someone (other captive/a baddie) think they are on fire if someone wants to thread that out while he's trying to gain his composure in one of these limited power bursts since he has the fire gift.

i want to play with his vampiric senses being numbed like sensitivities to loud heartbeats to then hearing nothing like a distorted spark, for example. or the world seeming sluggish if he tries to use his super speed. he holds in a lot of grief, which could manifest in the ascending so stranger bonding/trauma bumping appeals to me. open to him having someone try to cure him. his vampiric senses weaken with his lack of nourishment so he will be more agitated if starved while on some hallucination aspect. feel free to hold him back if he can't hold himself to it.

warning that there is one core memory ep 5 if you know that will carry warning labels that will make him want to fight if it's drawn out of him in the succumbing. could be interesting if someone is willing to touch darker shit as in he'd think he's in that fight and he'd experience being dropped over and over kind of rush terror. feel free to message me if you want to hash out something darker in this regard (or reach out on plurk). i can go body horror or he might try to use the sun to harm himself just to keep from hurting others if there are rays out. basically more potential trigger warnings, but i'm truly open for the horror of it all. will not spring it out of nowhere if some want to avoid this, just offering options! i assume his healing ability is mostly taken from him and he can't self-heal as he usually does, so here we go to the pain.

General plans: he's more willing to help others as a motive than help himself, therefore he will actively not aim to snack on other captives. ngl i want him to eat a kidnapper/baddie or something. let it break lose in the final shard of his captive sanity leaving him if there is a big escape planned. it will vary if he stays behind for others to escape or just goes full on survival instincts. he won't step up as leader, but he will be able to support if he can have aid in keeping his ascending under control.

as per their nocwich meeting, louis is aware lestat de lioncourt is still out there, therefore he'd be less inclined to surrender fully (srsly, he has his Issues - someone shake him). he will still be more willing to remain back as a damnation twist as if he deserves having been captured for all the hurt he caused back in his world. he can be inspired to escape in part 2, so i want to challenge him here!! idk idk I WANT THINGS so i offer a vamp that will most likely lose his composure and be feral by the end of it with loads of post grief and regret if he goes murder mode in desperate moments. team suffering together.

[gynvael]

mutual senses going haywire/trauma stranger bonding, perhaps?

geralt is normally good at being a calming influence, but he's probably going to have a rough time for a variety of reasons, and it might be fun for both of them to see a little of the ~monster~ in each other if you were interested (especially since geralt can grow sharp teeth of his own these days).

Jaskier | Free Cities | Spared

[cointosser]

Character Name: Jaskier
Arcana: The Sun
Faction: Free Cities
Influence rank: 7

Personal connections: Oh, so many. Geralt and Ciri, Gideon, Steve, Mat, Urianger, and Inej (though the last two are acquaintances).

Political connections: Jaskier has worked several times closely with Quilleth Kaur, has completed a mission for and met with Aleksander Klingel and has met with Marlo Reiner. Presumably with his rank most NPCs would be well aware of Jaskier's position in the Free Cities (specifically Cadens and Libertas), especially with his recent involvement in the completion of Libertas's Willow Memorial Park. Jaskier will also be contacting Sten from Nocwich, as he previously met him as an ambassador to the Lunae. Jaskier is not above using his station for information and I would be absolutely happy for him to share the power his influence gives to him, including petitioning to bring someone to visit any of these NPCs.

Investigation plans: I'm very into Jaskier leading the relief team for the Free Cities, as he's not a fighter and will not offer to, uh, save anyone himself. However, he will definitely need people to support him in this endeavor, especially healers or fighters. He is politically savvy and sharp-tongued, but is pretty useless in a fight if that's what it'll come to. However, because of his powers over plants, he can ensure any teams that go in for relief are well-supplied and will have medicinals and foods for the people they save.

Jaskier is somewhat morally grey; he generally is not into killing people, but recognizes it's sometimes necessary and sometimes simply happens (a lot of people die for simply no good reason in the Witcher world! Or get murdered by Geralt. It happens.) However, he will be vehemently against torture in most cases, as he was tortured himself in canon and will suffer at recalling those memories.

General plans: Jaskier will focus most of his efforts on gathering information and collecting it, as well as finding people to help him in this endeavor (even if he has to pay them.) He'll move the entire earth if he has to to find Ciri and Geralt especially, and could possibly be convinced into doing slightly underhanded things if he thinks there is not any other option.

Also:
- growing and cultivating supplies/medicinals for the relief team (and the rescue team)
- doing reconnaissance among the Free Cities's mechanical birds with a few of his own/his own bird form
- offering monetary or physical supplies for other Summoned attempting to help/heal any survivors they can find (depending on what happens in Part 2)
- drinking copious amounts of wine and coming up with insane and illegal ideas before he falls asleep only to rise in random fits of panic

[gynvael]

Say uh

Can you bail out your bestie



Again

[nadine_he_loves]

Oh boy, this feels like a perfect opportunity for Nadine and Jaskier to use their shape shifting abilities to investigate. Also obviously she will be there for fighting and healing support.

[theidlemaiden]

I keep meaning to reach out to you and I keep forgetting because my mind is piece of swiss cheese akljdhf

Hilda has been chatting with Alucard pre-event about he and Jaskier's work with restoration committee so she'd know Jaskier from that/has probably seen him around the Sarstina and I'd like to toss her into his path for some of that at some point to see about officially joining up BUT for event specific things, she'd probably offer to help him out information collecting free! of! charge!

that and if he needs help coordinating efforts re: the healers, she'd be more than happy to help. she needs to not sleep and keep occupied and what better way right

[cryptsleeper]

they're going to be so Perfectly Fine together

Nero | Solvunn | Lost

[ofthesword]

Character Name: Nero
Arcana: The Chariot
Faction: Solvunn

Capture scenario: Nero was embroiled in investigating the disappearances of families in Solvunn and was personally tracking Joselynn before this event exploded... and because of his nosiness, he will be captured in the woods of Solvunn with Steve and Aloy, which is where he believed Joselynn had gone. It's not gonna go well for anyone.

Ascension plans: I'm totally fighting myself with all the great options, but I am waffling between Nero succumbing or being unaffected. If the former, he will fall pretty easily into his hallucinations, which will probably consist of mistaking other characters for demons and attacking them. He has experienced a lot of body horror in his canon himself, as his arm transformed against his will for a long length of time and has been ripped and chopped off at two separate instances (yes, he can regrow his arm. Like a skink.)

If he is unaffected, which I'm leaning towards, he will definitely work to heal someone else if he can, and will protect anyone from others if he sees them getting into any sort of tussle. Nero's big for the underdog (because he is the underdog, usually.)

General plans: Nero is intensely hot-headed and will not do well in captivity, at all. And so, like a fennec fox, he will piss and shit (not literally) everywhere as he attempts to take down anyone in the Lost's way. Violence is absolutely how he gets his point across, and while Nero has not killed human-people (only demon-people) before, he is willing to do it if he has to save someone.

He will excel in killing monsters and protecting other characters. Even if he loses a lot of his strength he is extremely hardy and does not go down easily. He is not entirely human so will be able to withstand more punishment from monsters and the environment alike.

Nero's also gonna be real pissed they stole his sword.

[lightkeeping]

i want to murder for steve

Kell Maresh | Thorne | Lost

[blackeyedprince]

Character Name: Kell Maresh
Arcana: Magician
Faction: Thorne

Capture scenario: Kell can be captured when he's coming back from Winking Cauldron, or a tea delivery. If someone he knows got kidnapped before him, he will go looking for them, and can be snatched while snooping.
He would resist like hell, and kill or at least severely maim one of the attackers. He will be kidnapped any way, but I want him to arrive with mild concussion - Antari are very difficult to kill and nothing short of hit to the head could reasonably disarm him.
Concussion would also help him not to realize his magic is semi-blocked. He'd think it's because he's dizzy from the injury and can't concentrate properly. So I'd love someone to take care of him for the first day or two, so he won't get eaten by monsters.

Ascension plans: All the body horror I can get for him. Kell will definitely go on path of rejection. I am open to all and any interactions with other characters. Including curing him. He'll be very grateful for curing him.

General plans: He will fight back. He will try to run away, and take others with him. He will try to contact Rhy. And possibly Lucifer, and anyone he can, though I want him to look injured and miserable on his possible Horizon visit.
He isn't really all that good at survival skills like getting food or organizing shelter, but he is very determined and can be absolutely ruthless when it comes to survival. His own and other people. Boy is intense.
I also want him to learn and use his Touch of Decay powers, even if they will be weaker (and learn to live with the fact he has them).

elrond | rings of power | lost

[politicians]

Character Name: Elrond
Arcana: Temperance
Faction: Thorne

Capture scenario: Elrond will be ambushed on his way to his room, with no one in sight. He'll put up a fight (he's stronger than he looks), probably leaving some captors bruised and unhappy with him.

Ascension plans: Elrond will be rejecting the Ascension and suffer from light sensitivity, a dire thing for an elf to go through. It will make him fear he's going through the process that turns elves into orcs, the way they become twisted and shaped.

General plans:
He'll do his best to retain his kindness by sharing his supplies with others first and foremost and reaching out to Galadriel through fancy elvish telepathy (it's a thing I swear). He'll also do his best to keep people's spirits up so if anyone needs help in that area, Elrond is there.

[wiedzminka]

Character Name: Cirilla of Cintra
Arcana: The Devil
Faction: Free Cities

Capture scenario: We'll see what the details are in the IC post but the vague idea is... After realizing Geralt (and others) have gone missing, and based on whatever info early-taken Lost might be able to provide, Ciri will be forming a plan with Viktor and Jaskier to try to find and rescue them. just microchip ciri and toss her out into the desert it'll be fine Basically she'll be intentionally angling to get captured, and will be taken near the end of the week.

Ascension plans: Ciri will be disappeared and affected, likely a moderate to severe amount, depending on how I'm vibing with the IC post. Right now, I'm thinking she'll reject the weird experiment. I'll probably play with the body horror and burst of agitation and violence. If you want to fight Ciri, now's your chance. (In direct opposition to her likely trying to keep fights down before she is affected.) I'm thinking she'll be disappeared later as well, esp since she's arriving later overall. I'm also here for hurt/comfort! Someone trying to cure her could be fun!

General plans:
- I'm looking for a "roommate" for Ciri in the initial holding cell! I would prefer this to be someone she doesn't know, or at least doesn't know well. New CR opportunity!
- She's got some experience dealing with shit situations and few resources. Also, monsters. Ciri will be improvising weapons, scavenging food, etc. and can help your character do the same. She's likely to break up fights if anyone's being an asshole over the food or being rowdy and drawing the monsters' attention.
- This event seems like a great opportunity for conflict! I'm cool with negative CR and having our characters clash, both literally and in their approaches to trying to escape and whatnot.
- Ciri won't intentionally be angling to let NPCs or other Summoned suffer, but when push comes to shove, she will always prioritize the people closest to her. She would be willing to sacrifice others to get herself and closest CR free. Is your character a "greater good" kind of person? Maybe they won't get along. I'd really love for a scenario to come up that puts her in opposition with someone who thinks differently!
- In the latter half of the event, I plan to have her in the escape group.

[frontlinetitties]

Oooh interesting because Gideon is definitely a try and save everyone before herself kind of gal, so we could play with that a bit if you wanted to. I don't think she'd hold a grudge for it (come on, you've met Harrow) but she'd definitely be very against Ciri's way of doing things. She'll also be very focused on making an escape plan, because miss I tried to escape 87 times isn't about to give up now!

Also open for hurt/comfort things with Gideon trying to comfort if you like, although she will also be impacted by the ascension so she might be a bit useless at it. She could always try to help at a point where her symptoms aren't causing her a big issue, or they can get in some trauma bonding!

[londonbound]

Character Name: Rhy Maresh
Arcana: The Lovers
Faction: Thorne
Influence rank: 3

Personal connections: Kell, Mat, and Wilhelm are the big ones! He knows a few of the others but he'll be losing his mind over these three in particular. Especially Kell (they don't have an unhealthy codependent relationship, don't worry about it), rip

Political connections: Rhy has made it a point to make connections among the lower-level castle staff (the folks who help him organize the newbie mingles, basically) so there may be some utility there. He's also a familiar face around Nott, especially the areas that needed the most help after the attack, as he's been providing healing for the people there, checking in on them and trying to help them get supplies. He may try to write to Lyle Vela or be part of any group that would try to bend his ear. If your character has connections there and would be willing to chat with Rhy, lmk!

Investigation plans:
- Rhy has been asking around about the rumored disappearances in Nott already, and I know he's not the only one. Would love to connect him with other folks investigating there. He's more likely to ask the people directly connected to the disappearances than go after any bandits or anything, but if someone has reason to believe bandits have info and roughs them up... Rhy probably won't stop them. Considering he's usually against violence, it'd be interesting for his CR to see him willing to take a harder stance when Kell's life is on the line.
- I'm also interested in the spells and interrogations tactic. Rhy has the power to read the prevailing emotion or general desire of someone he focuses on (new event gain he hasn't actually realized he has, so that'll be fun).
- He is definitely willing to put himself in harm's way. He's an idiot who actually thinks he can't die (he's wrong) so he won't give a fuck if it means rescuing Kell.

General plans: Rhy is a healer and a bleeding heart so he'll be support wherever he can. He's also got a high charisma stat and is good at talking to people. In the latter half of the event, I plan to have him on the relief team.

[thedevilwhorose]

Team Bad Decision

but also in a hypocritical stance he might try to keep Rhy from doing something immensely risky to himself solely for Kell's sake lol, not Rhy's own

good times

Garrus Vakarian | Free Cities | Lost

[thearchangel]

Character Name: Garrus Vakarian
Arcana: Judgment
Faction: Free Cities

Capture scenario: Probably sometime at night, and probably involving a fairly big group of people. Garrus is great with hand-to-hand fights, so he says, and has both talons and solid plates and scales. He's not easy to take down. If someone witnessed it, I'm definitely open to it! If he's being taken with someone, he'd probably also try and keep them from getting taken, too.

Ascension plans: He'll be affected! And reject it. He's not very good at controlling his new magic yet, but, fortunately, his ability is just a barrier. That might make it hard for anyone to get nearby and assist. I'll probably lean more on the side of the illness type symptoms - the fever, lack of sleep, coughing. ... and hey, you know, he did have a big nasty injury way before this. Half his face was missing and everything. So that's fun. And probably not going to be a problem.

General plans:
I'm open for just about anything - survival, exploration, investigation! I am a bit behind due to IRL but I want to jump in and get going! He's a big guy, capable in a fight, and hardy. ... On the other hand, he hates the cold did he ever mention that.

Up for fighting monsters or general survival shenanigans. He's a pragmatic sort, used to working on teams, and willing to support survival efforts (food/water division, setting guards, etc). And, you know, trying to escape.