MINI-EVENT: CODA - OOC POST

[abraxasmods]

Mini-Event - OOC Plotting

IC event log

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The Mini-Event covers two main aspects:

• The fate of Josselyn Creed and her faithful Acolytes, taking place April 18th
• A ceremony and gala (mingle) for each of the three nations, taking place April 21st-23rd

In the week leading up to her judgment, characters who took part in Event #12 will have the opportunity to question Josselyn while she's being held in Nocwich.

All characters will have the opportunity to witness her fate. It will be held in neutral territory near the Singularity, the same area as the Peace Summit, so that those from each faction can attend.

The ceremony and gala will be held in the factions. Thorne's will be in Hayle, the Free Cities' will be in Libertas, and Solvunn's will be in the Secondary Settlement.

Divine Judgment

Following her capture, Josselyn Creed awaits what the Solvunn Council calls divine judgment.

The other Acolytes who stand accused have received judgment from the Summoned. They're held in a separate area from Josselyn Creed, but are in Luna, as well.

◎ Interacting with Josselyn is restricted to characters who participated in Event #12.

◎ Attending her execution is open to all. New arrivals are welcome to watch...though they may not want to.

Josselyn Creed

Josselyn Creed is in one of Luna's dungeons. Officials will only allow visitors to come one at a time, and they must schedule their time beforehand. They have only a brief period of 10 minutes to speak to her.

Her cell is bare except for a small upturned wood crate for a seat. She does not appear to be mistreated, though nobody's taken pains to keep her comfortable. Any wounds sustained have been bandaged. Guards keep her secured, but no other prisoners are nearby.

Questioning Josselyn

Characters who participated in Event 12 will be allowed time to speak to Josselyn. They can question her directly or use any abilities they have on her such as mind reading, scrying, or telepathy.

Although characters will not be left alone with her, guards are unlikely to interfere unless her life is in danger or characters get out of hand. This is not out of concern for Josselyn. Rather, the Luna have a reputation of their own they want to uphold.

You can engage with Josselyn HERE. We'll do our best to provide everyone with some answers. Characters can ask anything they want, including about her brothers, the Mysterious Acolyte, and more.

New requests will close April 30th at 11:59 ET.

Execution

Josselyn's execution will be a public affair. Due to her importance on the Council and her role in the incident, Solvunn will not accept mercy. They've determined that the Old Gods will enact retribution as they see fit - which won't be pretty.

◎ The execution will be led by Solvunn, but it will be located in neutral territory close to but not at the Singularity's crater, roughly the same area the Summit was previously held. It will take place over a few hours.

◎ Attending the execution is optional. Officials will be in attendance so they can confirm the execution did indeed occur. The Summoned do not need to be there.

◎ There will not be any explicit participation options for this portion. This section is meant as a conclusion for Josselyn's role in the event. However, players are welcome to have characters interact with each other while attending.

The Acolytes

Three categories of Acolytes are left to deal with: the dissenting Acolytes (who struck a deal with the Summoned), the faithful Acolytes (who made no deals and remain loyal to the cause), and Hydnellia, now known as Lorelai, and Esmond (who are seeking refuge in Solvunn.)

During the Wrap-Up, characters submitted their opinions and voted on what to do with each of these Acolytes.

Decisions Made

Below are the outcomes for the Acolytes awaiting judgment.

◎ Faithful Acolytes
The faithful Acolytes have been imprisoned.

◎ Dissenting Acolytes
The dissenting Acolytes have had their deals honored.

◎ Lorelai (Hydnellia) & Esmond
Lorelai & Esmond have been allowed to return home to the Tertiary Settlement.

Weekend Gala

Each faction is hosting a gala over the weekend. The event is a joint effort between officials and regular citizens who are grateful for the Summoned returning some of their loved ones home safe. Many also simply want to help after the Summoned have provided aid to them over the months between errands, quests, and other tasks.

New arrivals are invited and encouraged to attend!

Thorne (Hayle)

Thorne's gala is in Hayle. Known as the crystal city, Hayle is most famous for its beautiful crystalline architecture.

Anastasia Rhett, the Duchess of Hayle, has opened the doors to Hayle University's finest ballrooms for the event. The King and Queen will make a brief appearance, as well as Borrel's generals (including the Queen's uncle), scholars, aristocratic families, and other important citizens.

Contributing

Although the Summoned are invited as guests, anyone who wants to contribute can do so. Characters can do things such as decorate, bring a (high quality) dish or dessert, and even put on a magical demonstration during the banquet. They can also help their less fashionable colleagues find suitable outfits for the banquet.

Let us know what characters will contribute HERE and we'll add it to the IC Event Log!

Schedule

◎ April 21st

Upon arrival through the portals, characters will receive a gift bag containing a few small items.

A room will be provided at one of Hayle's grand inns for the weekend. A complimentary breakfast is included. Characters can request a private room or ask for a room with someone they know. If not, they'll find themselves with a random roommate - a good way to make a new friend!

A short gathering is planned for in the evening, where the King and Queen will address the situation over the past several weeks. They will thank the Summoned for their deeds and sacrifices. Following that, refreshments are provided. The Summoned can stay as long as they like or go to their rooms.

◎ April 22nd

Characters can spend the day exploring the city of Hayle. Parts of the university might be closed, but some areas are open to the public. Read up on Academic Magic or explore rare Arcana decks in exhibits around the city. The streets are filled with shops and boutiques offering magical devices to improve daily life. Street performers utilizing magic will invite your character or other passersby to participate, including some illusory magic that can give you a small makeover.

Each Summoned is given a spending allowance to buy themselves (or each other) trinkets, food, and even a fancy outfit for the upcoming banquet. While they won't be able to purchase anything too extravagant, they'll have plenty of money to look their best - certainly, more than the common citizen could afford.

The banquet is in the evening. A wide array of decadent dishes and fine wine will be served. Characters will have assigned seating to start with to facilitate interactions, but this doesn't mean they can't switch seats or tables if they want. Everyone is free to mingle and meet one another.

◎ April 23rd

A full breakfast will be provided at the inn's dining hall in the morning before characters return through the portal to Castle Thorne.

Free Cities (Libertas)

The Free Cities' gala is in Libertas. Living up to its name, Libertas is famous for its lax social norms and sense of individualism. The city boasts subversive art and brightly colored architecture.

Quilleth Kaur, the representative of Libertas, has invited the Summoned to a location of great meaning to locals: the Willow Memorial Park, designed by Arts Restoration Committee - led by two of the Free Cities' own Summoned - to commemorate the lives lost after Thorne's attack on the city. Prime Minister Marlo and Fallon Marsh of Aquila will make a brief appearance, as well as high-ranking members of the military.

Contributing

Although the Summoned are invited as guests, anyone who's eager to take initiative and wants to contribute can do so. Characters can do things such as decorate, bring a dish or desserts, or even put on a performance if they're skilled in the performing arts. Poetry and music are welcome! They can also help their less fashionable colleagues find a suitable outfit for the feast.

Let us know what characters will contribute HERE and we'll add it to the IC Event Log!

Schedule

◎ April 21st

Upon arrival through the portals, characters will receive a gift bag containing a few small items.

A room will be provided at one of Libertas's newly constructed inns for the weekend. A complimentary breakfast is included. Characters can request a private room or ask for a room with someone they know. If not, they'll find themselves with a random roommate - a good way to make a new friend!

A short gathering is planned for the evening, where the Prime Minister will address the situation over the past several weeks. She will thank the Summoned for their deeds and sacrifices. Following that, refreshments are provided. The Summoned can stay as long as they like or go to their rooms.

◎ April 22nd

Characters can spend the day exploring the city of Libertas. Parts of the city continue to show signs of destruction, but much of it has returned to life. Street performers are on every corner reciting poetry, playing music, putting on free outdoor plays, and showing off acrobatic stunts. There are also gambling halls, an endless array of taverns, and artist alleyways featuring sculptures, paintings, and poetry.

Each Summoned is given a spending allowance to buy themselves (or each other) trinkets, food, and even a fancy outfit for the upcoming feast. While they won't be able to purchase anything too extravagant, they'll have plenty of money to look their best - certainly, more than the common citizen could afford. Anyone who's earned money of their own can purchase extra goods and a few merchants will offer free demonstrations that can contribute to your evening look.

The feast is in the evening. The outdoor garden will be lit up with lights powered by New Magic. A wide array of eclectic dishes, wine, and ale will be served. Characters will have assigned seating to start with to facilitate interactions, but this doesn't mean they can't switch seats or tables if they want. Everyone is free to mingle and meet one another.

◎ April 23rd

A full breakfast will be provided at the inn's dining hall in the morning before characters return through the portal to Cadens.

Solvunn (Secondary Settlement)

Solvunn's occasion is in the Secondary Settlement. Home to the majority of its agriculture and livestock, the settlement is known for its uproarious parties, though this particular gathering has a much more somber note. A series of large tents have been erected in which the occasion will take place.

As usual, Winifred Bordeaux and Rowan March are present, along with Isar Hart and his faithful companion Skadi. It appears they're becoming a little more involved with the Council's affairs.

Contributing

Although the Summoned are invited as guests, anyone who wants to contribute can do so. Characters can do things such as decorate, bring a dish or dessert, tell stories, or even show each other new skills. Storytelling, arts and crafts, and music are welcome. They can also help their fellow Summoned find an outfit that'll fit the mood for the potluck. Comfort is highly encouraged over style. Individuals in Solvunn prefer not to stand out and go to great lengths to dress neatly but plainly. Any decorative flare is minimal.

Let us know what characters will contribute HERE and we'll add it to the IC Event Log!

Schedule

◎ April 21st

Upon arrival either via portals from the Primary Settlement, characters will receive a gift bag containing a few small items.

A communal tent will be provided for sleeping purposes, filled with all manner of pillows, cushions, and blankets. Breakfast will be cooked together over outdoor fire pits with local ingredients such as fish, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. Characters are encouraged to set up this space however they see fit. If they'd like to sleep near others and make a new friend, they can. Accommodations will be made for every Summoned so they are comfortable!

A short gathering is planned for the evening, where the remaining Council members and Isar will speak about recent events, addressing in particular the black sheep of their community, Josselyn Creed. Afterward, members of the Council can be found among the Summoned and locals, enjoying the provided refreshments. The Summoned can stay or go back to their tents.

◎ April 22nd

Characters can spend the day exploring the Secondary Settlement's vast countryside. The locals are welcoming. Farms, orchards, berry fields, and blooming meadows fill the space. Nearby woods line the flowing rivers. There's plenty of livestock grazing and wandering around, including Isar Hart's prized sheep and Rowan March's prized goats. Several of the goats might be familiar to those who participated in previous goat races. Fishing is available in the nearby pond and social games spring up spontaneously.

Since Solvunn emphasizes community and sharing, each Summoned is encouraged to barter or exchange handmade accessories, food, and even outfits for the upcoming potluck. Make flower crowns for each other, weave ribbons, or help darn an old dress to make it just like new for your neighbors. Extravagance is not the goal, but many do want to look their best.

The potluck is in the evening. A wide variety of rustic and homemade dishes from families in the Settlement - and maybe the Summoned - are available. The centerpiece is a pig roast, along with locally brewed mead or ciders. There is no assigned seating in Solvunn. Instead, stone benches, cushions, and stumps are placed in a tight circle together to facilitate interactions. Everyone is encouraged to mingle and meet others.

◎ April 23rd

A full breakfast will be provided outside the tents in the morning before characters return through the portal to the Primary Settlement.

Notes & Details

Event Schedule

The IN-GAME MINI-EVENT will ICly take place April 18th (Judgement) and April 21st-24th (Gala).
The EVENT LOG will go up on April 16th for players to participate in.
Since this is a Mini-Event, there will be NO WRAP-UP.

Plotting Form

Plotting forms are available below for your convenience.

<b>Player Name:</b> <b>Character Name:</b> <b>Faction:</b> <b>Execution Plans:</b> (Is your character attending the execution?) <b>Gala Plans:</b> (Is your character attending the gala? Are they bringing or contributing anything to it? Do they want a friend to spend time with?) <b>General plans:</b> (Anything else!)

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!

Divine Judgment

What will Josselyn's execution look like?

Josselyn's execution will be in the form of a sacrificial ritual that invokes the judgment of one of the Old Gods.

Can characters speak to the imprisoned Acolytes?

Technically they can, but we won't be providing a formal avenue for it. They don't have as much insight as Josselyn and would only be able to confirm the general details Josselyn provides. They would not contradict anything she says.

Will officials attend Josselyn's execution?

Officials will send representatives to attend the execution and confirm that justice has been satisfactorily delivered.

Can characters interact with Lorelai and Esmond?

Yes! Lorelai has been formally added to Solvunn's official NPC list. We will add Esmond soon. She and Esmond are considered named NPCs, so interacting with either of them will require submitting a request through Plot Engagement.

Weekend Gala

Can my character contribute more than one thing?

Yes, but please only submit one for inclusion in the Event Log. Additional contributions can be mentioned in your personal threads or logs, however!

Can characters return home overnight, then go back the next day?

Yes, it'll take more effort on their part to travel to and from the portal twice, but they're welcome to do so if they'd prefer to sleep in their beds.

Are the inn rooms free?

Yes! The city will provide free rooms, breakfast, and snacks for characters staying for the weekend.

What type of jewelry or clothing styles are available?

Each faction has its sense of style and fashion trends. Our Settings page has visual inspirations for each faction provided by one of our players: Thorne, the Free Cities, and Solvunn.

Will officials be attending the gala?

Yes! Officials will be present. Characters are free to introduce themselves briefly. Please hold extended conversations for when Plot Engagement opens. If characters request to talk for a length of time during the gala, the NPC in question will let them know to contact them after the event.

Comments

[thedevilwhorose]

Around the streets (both the main main thoroughfare or any poorer areas) of Hayle is there any general chatter that characters can pick up on? The "usual" Castle Thorne/royals, the Summoned as a whole, the recent problem?

[supersoldier]

yes this will work! i will tag in here soon! thank you c:

[abraxasmods]

There is no specific offering required, though common offerings in Solvunn involve fresh harvests, wine, bones, and blood. Generally, offerings should be something the giver genuinely believes is a worthy contribution.

[abraxasmods]

Hayle's isolated location combined with its wealthy population means it was fairly removed from both the abductions and the previous attacks. Most will consider both incidents a terrible misfortune, and are glad that the abductions have been resolved. Their commentary is centered more on the Summoned - who are a curiosity to many since the Summoned haven't formally visited Hayle before - than the impoverished locals who were taken. There's also chatter about Anastasia Rhett's contribution and her rare visit to Castle Thorne. The Duchess is quite popular in Hayle and holds a great deal of influence.

He'll find there aren't too many poorer areas in Hayle, at least not to the degree that one would see in Nott. The city is influenced by its prestigious university so the majority who reside here are of a certain social class.

[beloyaltome]

lenore's TLs if any of them spark joy

[sorser]

wonderful thank you very much!!

i'll head on over this evening c:

[preferscuffs]

Helpful or not, she'll enjoy spending time dancing with a friend either way. It's okay, I'm not always the fastest to get to things either, quite obviously, so no rushing on my part. You're more than welcome to tag there if you'd like

Absolutely. It'll be great. Oh you like sweet teas? Here's one that's more sharp and bitter, because of this thing you did that was actually quite not nice. No sweet apple tea for you until you're being nice again. It's such a great unspoken communication system.

Yay! Then later on we'll have to work out how it all gets started. After all the current shenanigans have settled down. :)

[blackeyedprince]

But it will be the first time he has seen it. So that counts.

[mobezon]

i tagged into yours! they can have a lil conversation before night gardening post gala so no rush! the tea idea is actually lovely to not try out like tarot cards but with tea!!

[mobezon]

I got random inspo if something catches your eye for his now posted top level! otherwise, will gladly roll to yours if nothing catches your eye!!

[mobezon]

i got random inspo and top leveled louis if the one titled "games" prompt catches your eye! otherwise, can roll your way with no rush regardless!

[malicieux]

yeah yeah! Sorry I've been swamped lately, but yes I'll be putting up open top levels for Lestat. once I do I'll hit you up~

[funbreaker]

perfect, sounds great!! i will also keep an eye out c:

[malicieux]

yessss Once I get something tossed up for him, I'll let you know! Or I can tag into something of yours~

[preferscuffs]

Fair enough.

Sadly he's probably used to them, which is why it's only mildly funny anymore. :C

[ushiri]

In Hayle, would it be possible to find or buy any books on the history of tarot in Abraxas? Like how long it's been around, how it's use originated?

[thedevilwhorose]

Player Name: Heather
Character Name: Lucifer

Action: Lucifer will do nothing to try and harm her. He will, however, try to put the fear of divine retribution into her, offering the full display of holy light and shadowed wings, his eyes glowing red. This only lasts a few seconds before he crouches at the edge of her cell.

He will say that it was believed that her group was searching for vessels for the gods.

He wants to know
- if this is true
- if it was one or multiple gods

If allowed to continue, he'll ask that as an entity himself that requires a vessel under certain restrictions
- what requirements they needed to complete this process
- if the escape actually derailed the process

[thedevilwhorose]

Oh one more question. For Josselyn's execution, are her family members there? Primarily Lucifer would be looking to gauge Brion's reaction to the ritual if he's present, as the only member that he'd know on sight.

[abraxasmods]

Scott Creed would be present, as he is located in Solvunn. However, Brion and Marc are still in their respective factions and are currently under scrutiny from local authorities. As a result, they will not be traveling outside of their borders.

[abraxasmods]

Yes, there are a few books on its history. The Arcana is believed to have been around in the earliest days of human history in Abraxas. Its precise origins are not known given how much time has passed, but nearly everyone in Abraxas understands and uses the Arcana to some degree.

Tarot decks grew from the Arcana itself. Many historians agree that originally, people would etch or draw the Arcana symbol by hand each time as part of using Arcane Magic. Over time, the sigils were put into an enchanted deck where the cards containing the Arcana sigils could be used without having to draw it during spellcasting.

These days, the decks are most heavily associated with Academic Magic in Thorne, but it's also used with High Magic. It's much more rarely used in association with New Magic. The books in Hayle would be solely focused on the Arcana decks and its usage in Academic Magic, with only cursory information on the other types of magic. In Hayle, the decks have grown to be something of an art form in addition to its practical uses - hence the exhibits and luxury collections.

[beloyaltome]

I have some toplevel options for hayle or gala if anything there inspires you

[malicieux]

Here are some top levels! Sorry it took so long!

[funbreaker]

No worries! I tossed you a tag, hopefully that works for you! :>

[abraxasmods]

Josselyn will have some defences, but she will not be at her typical strength. Istredd will be able to get the following answers from her:

1. Istredd may be aware that Thorne has the same capabilities, exhibited back when they originally imprisoned the earlier Summoned. Those same enchantments remain in the dungeons. The enchantments used by Josselyn are similar, but using High Magic rather than Academic Magic. High Magic was also used to create disruptive noises and elements in the area they were held. This explains why the Summoned were able to access the Horizon and network to some degree, but their inability to concentrate properly caused interruptions.

To date, no one in Abraxas knows how to directly disconnect or limit the Summoned's connection with the Singularity. It seems the best they've managed is to create an environment where having the focus required to access it becomes very difficult.

2. All accomplices have been captured. Josselyn's thoughts will reveal that she is not aware of any others who have escaped, though a part of her believes that what she started will not be so easily crushed. She does not have any evidence for this, however.

3. Ancient shrines tend to be a mystery. These ones were no different, though the Acolytes understood it to be a source of great power and hoped to use it when the time came.

4. There is no other stronghold. Their sect was fairly new, developed over a period of less than a year.

[magicalarchaeologist]

if he can follow up!

Follow up to 2: He wants to know what she believes she started by doing this.

Follow up to 4: He will display confusion and doubt that a sect over less than a year was able to pull off something this complex. And to get such fervent zealots so quickly. He wants to know where she got the money to hire all of the people who helped kidnap either Summoned or natives.

Then this:

What did she hope would be gained from the ritual and ascension? What did she want them to see?