abraxasooc | STATE OF THE GAME: FEB

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STATE OF THE GAME: FEB - MAR

State of the Game

February - March (2023)

Welcome to our State of the Game! Here, you can read about what might be going on in the world around Abraxas and with the characters in it. Every AC period, you can report what your character has been up to and we'll include all relevant information in the next newsletter.

Our Plot Engagement and World Building page are always open for submissions.

Moving forward, the Summoned Conclave will be hosted in the comments section of each State of the Game. We'll provide the structure. Players are not obliged to participate, but we encourage you to do so! See here for details.

OOC Notices

Network Information

We've updated our Network information page. Most notably, we've clarified how drawn images work when using the Network. Please take a look!

Plot Engagement

Plot Engagements will open again on April 17th.

Summoned Conclave

Representatives | LINK

Representatives for each faction's Conclave are pending.

Motions Sanctioned | LINK

Motions formally submitted to officials have not yet been received. Since the Conclave is new, characters are welcome to focus on voting in representatives first before addressing motions next meeting.

Special Motions | LINK

Characters involved in Event #12 can vote for a decision regarding the remaining Faithful Acolytes awaiting judgment.

World Events

All Factions

Abduction | Link
Some of the Summoned began to go missing across Abraxas late in February. The captured Summoned struggled to survive, underwent a harrowing ritual, and unraveled mysteries. Meanwhile, those free searched for their friends. Their investigations revealed many important developments that led to the discovery of where the abducted Summoned are held. As the month drew to a close, plans began to form.

Rescue | Link
By the third week, several captive Summoned broke free while others stayed behind to ensure their friends' escape. Those who ran ended up teleported to an unknown mountain range. With the combined efforts of all three factions and Nocwich, the Summoned were saved at the end of the month. Following a week's stay in Nocwich for observation, they returned to their respective factions in April.

In the aftermath, the Summoned were asked to make some choices about the captured Acolytes, and Josselyn Creed has been found and apprehended. A Summoned Conclave has also been formed in all three factions in order to help the Summoned address concerns and needs directly with officials.

Plot Interactions and Developments

All Factions

Multiple Characters | Link - Link

Multiple Officials
Nearly all of the Summoned were involved in the abductions, investigations, and rescue of those who were captured. Characters spoke to officials such as Queen Ellya, the Solvunn Council, Ambrose Rhett, Quilleth Kaur, and Nocwich's emissaries to arrange for resources and discuss tactics.

Notable events and actions can be found on the Coordination Posts linked above for both Part 1 and Part 2, as well as the Mid-Event Update. We'll summarize some of the more major incidents below.

Wanda Maximoff

Retrieval/Holdout
Performed magic with necromancy through her patron God, revolting many of the Thornean mages but successfully breaking down the warding.

Jack Townsend, Nero

The Lost/Escape Group
The Mysterious Acolyte and her brother were able to escape the caves following the aid of several Summoned and the sacrifice of one.

Solvunn Commune

Wanda Maximoff | Link

Rowan March
Shortly before the abductions, Wanda spoke to Rowan March about Josselyn Creed.

Items of Notice

All Factions

Unnamed Island
Dean Winchester
During evacuation from the collapsing island, those riding the giant turtle may have noticed one of the Summoned was attacked and carried off by a leviathan. He is presumed dead.

Kingdom of Thorne

Castle Thorne | Link
Istredd, Rhy Maresh
An open mingle in Thorne's ballroom for the newly Summoned.

The Free Cities

Cadens | Link
Sam Wilson, Hilda Goneril
An "informal" get-together for the newly Summoned in the Free Cities at the Sarstina Inn & Tavern.

Solvunn Commune

Primary Settlement | Link
Wanda Maximoff, Himeka Sui, Nero
A Solvunn meet & greet for new arrivals, featuring an updated brochure, bonfires, and gift baskets.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Use the form below to submit each Conclave's formal proposal for faction officials (the mod team) to consider here. Only one proposal per faction's Conclave will be reviewed each meeting.

For this month, there is no need to formally submit the decision for the Remaining Acolytes. We'll count up the individual votes ourselves.

Submission deadline is May 7th at 11:59 ET.

Edited 2023-04-01 17:06 (UTC)

Faction: Free Cities
Proposal: On behalf of the Free Cities Summoned, the motion is put forward by the Conclave to request a permanent or semi-permanent portal to Aquila like the one for Libertas. They believe that this will help bring unity throughout all major cities and will be financially a good deal for the open market. Making the journey easier will lead to more tourism and commerce.

Notes: Link to the votes here!

Portam Hall has reviewed the Conclave's proposal. The Free Cities government agrees to open a permanent portal in Aquila. Since Aquila does not require ongoing reconstruction work, the portal is considered for leisure and business travel. As a result, it will have a crossing fee, similar to a bridge toll, to maintain its operations. Characters (and locals) with a modest income will be able to afford the fee once every couple of weeks, while anyone who earns more money will be able to travel more frequently.

The government notes that it reserves the right to restrict travel at any time for emergencies.

Edited 2023-05-08 16:58 (UTC)

Faction: Thorne

Proposal: On behalf of the Summoned of Thorne, and in light of recent events and the Summoned frequently finding themselves in unforeseen situations due to their unique circumstance, this is a request for Castle Thorne to allow Summoned to carry small weapons on their persons while within the castle. Additionally, an area near the gates should be provided to store larger weapons for Summoned leaving the castle.

Notes: It is expressed that being provided weapons would be appreciated, but the motion doesn't specifically include it. This can be for weapons the Summoned have each personally purchased on their own.

The Kingdom of Thorne has reviewed the Conclave's proposal. Thorne agrees to allow any trusted Summoned who earns an influence of at least Rank 3 to carry a small weapon on them. Their earned rank should consist of mostly positive or neutral actions. Certain negative actions may affect their ability to be granted permission. Guards may confiscate weapons during important meetings involving officials, depending on the official and the Summoned's current relationship with that individual. For example, a meeting with Lyle in Nott would be less strict, but one with the King would likely disallow any weaponry.

Larger weapons like bows, swords, and axes can be stored in a locked and warded area. Retrieving these weapons will require permission from an official. Permission can be assumed if a Summoned is traveling to Nott, though they should beware that the kingdom will be watching to make sure nothing reflects poorly on or threatens the Castle.

Thorne will not provide weapons. Weapons will need to be obtained using their own money and connections.

Faction: Solvunn.
Proposal: A motion brought forth on behalf of Solvunn’s Summoned, and the full support of the Conclave, in consideration for a goat-carriage-based transportation system between settlements that’ll run every three days. These carriages will provide sustainable travel to portals. If portals are not able to be open permanently, then we understand there might be a time limit set. The goal is to provide faster travel for everyone, and in turn it will encourage further trade throughout Solvunn settlements.
Notes: Any animal, in addition to goats, that is safely considered big enough to carry a carriage is encouraged to be part of the system from bears, horses, dogs, ect.

The Council has reviewed the Conclave's proposal. They've agreed to grant a carriage-based transportation system that runs between settlements. The Council will not set a predetermined rate of frequency as this system requires the labor of farmers and others on the Settlements.

Instead, they will suggest that the Summoned exchange labor in return for the carriage system. For instance, if the driver of the carriage needs to leave his farm and lend two of his goats for a few hours, then he should receive help on his farm during that period. Help does not need to come from the only people who want a ride - all Summoned in the settlement can pitch in. Solvunn is a community, after all! As long as the farmer can offset the impact to his livelihood, the carriage system will run regularly, roughly every 3 days.

A similar suggestion will be put in place regarding portals, which can be cast by Elder mages. The Elders' time and efforts can be compensated with assistance to their errands elsewhere, like weeding gardens, sweeping the house, and so on.

Any Summoned with the ability to create a portal or drive goat- or horse-drawn carriages themselves can also aid with this transportation system to help their fellow Summoned and the community.

Reply to the appropriate faction with the form to submit your character for consideration. There is no influence requirement, but links and actions demonstrated must be recent, within the past 3 months. A couple of examples will suffice. Try to keep it brief!

◎ Submissions are IC. By submitting, your character is actively volunteering and stating these qualifications in-game to the other Summoned during the meeting.

◎ Unlike submitting for influence, the focus should be on what your character thinks makes them suited as a representative rather than simply actions that have garnered public attention. Are they friendly with many of the other Summoned? Do they have experiences dealing with faction officials? Have they held a similar role in the past?

◎ To support, players can +1 beneath a representative they support, up to 3 candidates per player per faction. You can ICly vote as different characters if you have two in a faction, but your total as a player must be no more than 3.

◎ While there's no strict deadline, we suggest submitting your candidacy by mid-month and closing votes by end of month.

Edited 2023-04-01 17:08 (UTC)

Player Name Jay
Character Name Kyle
Links & Reasoning Kyle would ask to be made one of the representatives because, very bluntly, he wants access to the officials in part to get a better feel for their intentions toward the Summoned, especially given the castle's actions when everyone first arrived.
The Thorne Summoned Meeting - he was one of three that offered to keep watch outside in the real world while others were in Horizon, and helped collect some of the information that was discussed there (while he was initially against the idea of the meeting itself out of extreme caution, ICly this isn't well known and in the end he didn't push to stop it).
He has a reputation as a trustworthy courier - and is capable enough of minding his tongue (so far) in the presence of officials for the sake of not causing trouble for the group.
Reputation-wise he's generally willing to offer new Summoned learn the ropes, showing them around the castle, the castle city, and Nott since it's become available. He genuinely wants to keep them all as safe as can be managed given the circumstances, and is wary of this offer of more representation.

+1

stations - 2023-04-01 21:00 (UTC) - Expand

+1

magicalarchaeologist - 2023-04-01 21:03 (UTC) - Expand

+1

widows_kiss - 2023-04-02 03:49 (UTC) - Expand

+1

londonbound - 2023-04-03 05:36 (UTC) - Expand

+1

ordinar - 2023-04-04 00:32 (UTC) - Expand

+1

blackeyedprince - 2023-04-06 16:02 (UTC) - Expand

+1

northerndragon - 2023-04-09 03:07 (UTC) - Expand

+1

the_keeper - 2023-04-13 13:33 (UTC) - Expand

+1

vixening - 2023-04-13 14:50 (UTC) - Expand

+1

chosenfordarkness - 2023-04-13 16:54 (UTC) - Expand

+1 literally begrudgingly last minute

thedevilwhorose - 2023-04-14 03:26 (UTC) - Expand

Player Name Heather
Character Name Lucifer
Links & Reasoning
Lucifer would make a point that he's been in leadership roles before ~~"King of Hell"~~ and hasn't been able to fully shine in Thorne, and this gives him an opportunity to be a waypoint between the Summoned and the Crown.

Yes he's had some problems with authority but they were tense times and he went head-on into the efforts helping the Lost Summoned, including influencing "many" Summoned. He's actively taken a role in ~~babysitting the idiots~~ keeping an eye on and helping other Summoned where needed over the last few months, including offering combat training to both the Summoned and castle guards.

(o) rescinded vote with apologetic look after Yennefer gets to him

magicalarchaeologist - 2023-04-02 03:37 (UTC) - Expand

-1 with a burst of laughter immediately following the 'fully shine' argument

beloyaltome - 2023-04-02 03:43 (UTC) - Expand

+0 while staring at istredd

ushiri - 2023-04-02 03:46 (UTC) - Expand

-1 "some" problems with authority????

widows_kiss - 2023-04-02 03:51 (UTC) - Expand

thinks about raising his hand until he sees Istredd retract his vote...sorry dad

ordinar - 2023-04-04 00:34 (UTC) - Expand

Player Name Lena
Character Name Rhy Maresh
Links & Reasoning Rhy has been steeped in politics literally from birth; as the crown prince of his homeland, he has been learning how to lead a country all his life, and while he hasn't taken on full responsibilities while his father the king still lives, Rhy has been given some leadership positions in the past. He was put in charge of organizing a major diplomatic event shortly before being pulled to Abraxas, where he had to be mindful of the sensitive political and cultural balance between his own nation and all those invited to a weeks-long event hosted in his city (basically the magic olympics).

In Abraxas, he's tried to help bridge the gap between Summoned and Thorne, working with officials, castle staff and other Summoned to help newcomers settle in by organizing information mingles each time a new group of Summoned comes along. He will state he does this with the hopes that those newcomers won't feel too alone, and to help acquaint them with their new situations. As Summoned, they have a responsibility to one another. He feels he has the social tools and influence to achieve this (oocly, he's only a 3 but he thinks higher of himself lol).

Rhy has also been in communication with Lyle Vela of Nott, in attempts to improve access to better health care there. During the kidnappings, he (and Thancred) spoke with Vela and Rhy took charge of organizing assistance from Nott, ultimately taking volunteers from Nott and Castle Thorne with him to Nocwich for recovery efforts.

He's also very sure of himself, and will absolutely be turning up the charm, happy to answer questions and concerns with a smile.

+1

magicalarchaeologist - 2023-04-03 00:21 (UTC) - Expand

+1

ushiri - 2023-04-03 00:38 (UTC) - Expand

+1 not JUST because of his fierce fashion sense but that is the most important reason

beloyaltome - 2023-04-03 00:39 (UTC) - Expand

+1

funbreaker - 2023-04-03 03:54 (UTC) - Expand

+1

blackeyedprince - 2023-04-03 05:09 (UTC) - Expand

+1

seaandsun - 2023-04-03 20:34 (UTC) - Expand

+1

ordinar - 2023-04-04 00:36 (UTC) - Expand

+1

sorser - 2023-04-06 15:07 (UTC) - Expand

+1 he’s nice

schlick - 2023-04-06 15:26 (UTC) - Expand

+1

widows_kiss - 2023-04-06 15:35 (UTC) - Expand

+1

northerndragon - 2023-04-09 03:08 (UTC) - Expand

+1

the_keeper - 2023-04-13 13:34 (UTC) - Expand

Player Name Timmy
Character Name Elrond
Links & Reasoning Elrond is the herald of Gil-Galad, the High King of the Elves. As such, he's had vast experience working with people from different cultures and species and still manages to uphold sovereignty. Elrond's primary goal is to build bridges and bring peace to the land through careful deliberation and thoughtful discussion, without casting doubt and suspicion on others. He can be quite decisive when he needs to be and honest about his intentions.
Link 1 - Elrond discussing his treatise that he's writing. He wishes to submit them to officials in order to soften Thorne's approach to other nations.
Link 2 - Elrond offering his information freely and volunteering to help support investigations and discussions.

+1 (but really her vote should count as 5)

seaandsun - 2023-04-03 20:34 (UTC) - Expand

+1 he knows that guy

ordinar - 2023-04-04 00:36 (UTC) - Expand

+1

magicalarchaeologist - 2023-04-04 23:43 (UTC) - Expand

+1

londonbound - 2023-04-05 02:54 (UTC) - Expand

+1

northerndragon - 2023-04-09 03:09 (UTC) - Expand

+1

the_keeper - 2023-04-13 13:34 (UTC) - Expand

+1

chosenfordarkness - 2023-04-13 16:55 (UTC) - Expand

Player Name Dee
Character Name Jayce Talis
Links & Reasoning Jayce would say hello "it's your local blacksmith healer scientist here." Free Cities should already know him as making many of them weapons, tools, and items of use, and for being a reconstruction person in Libertas. Most recently, Jayce will mention that between finding the island using tech, supplying weapons to the Search and Retrieval teams, and negotiating with the acolytes for the holdouts, he realized that the Summoned are at their very best when they're together. Every step of this required teamwork, both outside of the pit and inside, and they have to continue being a team wherever possible. This Conclave is an opportunity for them to do that. He'll add at the end that he was on a political council back home and he would like the opportunity to serve people here too.

"Thank you for your consideration."