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abraxasooc2023-11-04 01:44 pm
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2023-11-04 01:44 pm
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INTERLUDE: DEVELOPMENTS
Interlude - Developments
Throughout the month of NOVEMBER, a few important events take place in each faction: an execution in the Free Cities, the swearing-in of Isar Hart in Solvunn, and a nautical festival in Borrel - established to celebrate its navy and the promotion of Rudolph Sidwell, the Queen's uncle. These occurrences will have a lasting impact moving forward.
All characters are welcome to participate in the developments described, but attendance is not required. While we won't be posting a formal log, you can plot in the comments below or incorporate the details into your prompts for the month.
The Free Cities
CW: Execution by hanging
◎ Background
Following the mediation last winter, the Free Cities agreed to launch a formal inquiry into the attacks on Nocwich delegates. As promised, officials have been investigating the matter over the past year. Occasional news can be found in various publications. Lately, the name Cauldor Wain has begun to surface. While Portam Hall refused to comment during the investigation, Cauldor Wain is a former inventor known for his extremist anti-magic stance and vocal criticisms of "Thornean sympathizers." He's been jailed in the past for death threats, vandalism, and arson committed against notable figures, including performance artist Theany Newland, whose work incorporates his Thornean roots, Libertas representative Quilleth Kaur, and - most recently - Prime Minister Marlo Reiner herself, for entering into peace talks with Thorne and collaborating during the abductions.
◎ Present Day | November 9
A day or two prior, word spreads throughout the Free Cities that Cauldor Wain is set to be hanged by winch about the attacks on the delegates that resulted in the devastation in Libertas. On paper, he's accused of orchestrating the event to stoke a war that would aim to wipe Thorne off the map. Officials claim signs of similar corrosive gasses like the one used against the delegates were found in his home, along with evidence that he paid off a few accomplices - all of whom are awaiting sentencing.
Citizens are eager to watch the execution, scheduled for noon. In the morning, the gallows are prepared at the center of Cadens. Crowds gather with typical morbid curiosity to await the spectacle. Armed soldiers arrive to prevent interference, although most of the public supports justice for Libertas - predominantly due to Cauldor Wain's widely unpopular attitude towards New Magic and the Cities' thriving art scene. Protests will fall on deaf ears, and dissenters will be pushed out of the crowd.
Shortly before the accused is brought out, the Prime Minister arrives to speak.
With that, Cauldor Wain is brought out in irons. He maintains his innocence and claims the Free Cities' refusal to invade Thorne will be their downfall. His words are drowned out by the jeering crowd - and soon, the hanging itself. Unlike a standard hanging, the noose is attached to a winch, which the executioner begins to turn, slowly lifting the man into the air until he begins to choke. Citizens watch closely, unmoving, as the twitching body grows still, a process that takes several minutes. Then they disperse, some solemn while others satisfied. The corpse will be hung outside the gates and left to the vultures.
◎ Background
Following the mediation last winter, the Free Cities agreed to launch a formal inquiry into the attacks on Nocwich delegates. As promised, officials have been investigating the matter over the past year. Occasional news can be found in various publications. Lately, the name Cauldor Wain has begun to surface. While Portam Hall refused to comment during the investigation, Cauldor Wain is a former inventor known for his extremist anti-magic stance and vocal criticisms of "Thornean sympathizers." He's been jailed in the past for death threats, vandalism, and arson committed against notable figures, including performance artist Theany Newland, whose work incorporates his Thornean roots, Libertas representative Quilleth Kaur, and - most recently - Prime Minister Marlo Reiner herself, for entering into peace talks with Thorne and collaborating during the abductions.
◎ Present Day | November 9
A day or two prior, word spreads throughout the Free Cities that Cauldor Wain is set to be hanged by winch about the attacks on the delegates that resulted in the devastation in Libertas. On paper, he's accused of orchestrating the event to stoke a war that would aim to wipe Thorne off the map. Officials claim signs of similar corrosive gasses like the one used against the delegates were found in his home, along with evidence that he paid off a few accomplices - all of whom are awaiting sentencing.
Citizens are eager to watch the execution, scheduled for noon. In the morning, the gallows are prepared at the center of Cadens. Crowds gather with typical morbid curiosity to await the spectacle. Armed soldiers arrive to prevent interference, although most of the public supports justice for Libertas - predominantly due to Cauldor Wain's widely unpopular attitude towards New Magic and the Cities' thriving art scene. Protests will fall on deaf ears, and dissenters will be pushed out of the crowd.
Shortly before the accused is brought out, the Prime Minister arrives to speak.
"Welcome, citizens and guests. We all know this day has been a long time coming. Since the attack on the Nocwich delegation, our investigative forces haven't stopped pursuing this matter. And all of that hard work has paid off.
Now, we allow our people a whole lot of freedom. I've seen some pretty unflattering plays, heard some scathing songs, and you can find a pamphlet on just about any old stance or system of ideas you can think of. That's one of the benefits of our society. But words and ideas are a whole lot different than actions. When words turn into violence and put people in danger, when people start dying, a line has been crossed.
Cauldor Wain crossed that line. We're only lucky that there wasn't more death, more injured parties. But when I think about what happened to one of our own, beloved delegates...
It makes me sick, my friends. We are striving towards peace, towards understanding, towards an end to hostilities. And this man, who has lived and prospered in our great nation, has dedicated himself to dissent, to aggression, to instigating hostility, and to ensuring that we don't see that peace in our lifetimes. This man has done violence against our own and seeks to do violence against our entire world. And so today we are gathered to see justice done and to take one more step towards a brighter future for us all.
Let's get on with it."
With that, Cauldor Wain is brought out in irons. He maintains his innocence and claims the Free Cities' refusal to invade Thorne will be their downfall. His words are drowned out by the jeering crowd - and soon, the hanging itself. Unlike a standard hanging, the noose is attached to a winch, which the executioner begins to turn, slowly lifting the man into the air until he begins to choke. Citizens watch closely, unmoving, as the twitching body grows still, a process that takes several minutes. Then they disperse, some solemn while others satisfied. The corpse will be hung outside the gates and left to the vultures.
Solvunn Commune
◎ Background
After the abductions in early spring and Josselyn Creed's execution, Isar Hart stepped in to temporarily fill the Tertiary Settlement's vacated seat. Isar is a well-respected remember of the Commune. His ancestry traces back to one of the first settlers in Solvunn. Up until he replaced Josselyn, Isar repeatedly turned down running for Council. Many believe it's because he didn't want to run against his close friend, Rowan March. Since Isar comes from the Secondary Settlement, his Council seat is somewhat unprecedented, as two members from the settlement now occupy a position on the Council.
◎ Present Day | November 12
A feast and small celebration are scheduled for the afternoon of November 12, involving the usual generous portions of ale, autumn vegetables, roasts, and stews. Here, Council member Winifred Bordeaux announces that Isar Hart will be sworn in permanently as the third and final member of the Council. Previously thought to be temporary, this will mark the first time the Tertiary Settlement will not have its own representative on the Council. Josselyn's brother, Scott Creed of the Tertiary Settlement, has stepped forward to support the appointment, citing Isar's involvement in defending the Tertiary Settlement from the Rift Anomalies.
Following the announcement, Isar Hart stands to speak. Beside him is his ever-present herding dog, Skaldi.
While no one openly opposes the appointment, there appears to be some quiet tension between members of the Tertiary Settlement - not all of whom are happy with the development. Nonetheless, with the settlement occupied by outcasts and those repenting for offending the Gods, they don't have much room to protest. They seem somewhat appeased by Isar's promise to move to the Tertiary Settlement during the winter months to look after its citizens.
After the abductions in early spring and Josselyn Creed's execution, Isar Hart stepped in to temporarily fill the Tertiary Settlement's vacated seat. Isar is a well-respected remember of the Commune. His ancestry traces back to one of the first settlers in Solvunn. Up until he replaced Josselyn, Isar repeatedly turned down running for Council. Many believe it's because he didn't want to run against his close friend, Rowan March. Since Isar comes from the Secondary Settlement, his Council seat is somewhat unprecedented, as two members from the settlement now occupy a position on the Council.
◎ Present Day | November 12
A feast and small celebration are scheduled for the afternoon of November 12, involving the usual generous portions of ale, autumn vegetables, roasts, and stews. Here, Council member Winifred Bordeaux announces that Isar Hart will be sworn in permanently as the third and final member of the Council. Previously thought to be temporary, this will mark the first time the Tertiary Settlement will not have its own representative on the Council. Josselyn's brother, Scott Creed of the Tertiary Settlement, has stepped forward to support the appointment, citing Isar's involvement in defending the Tertiary Settlement from the Rift Anomalies.
Following the announcement, Isar Hart stands to speak. Beside him is his ever-present herding dog, Skaldi.
"The past few harvests have given rise to troubled times. Strife and bloodshed have angered the Gods unlike anything we've seen before, and they have enacted retribution, as is their right. The Council has taken strides to cull the flock and cleanse the community of our transgressions. Our work, however, is far from complete. While we of Solvunn understand our role in preserving the old ways, the world beyond our borders remains blind to the warnings they've received.
I've been reluctant for many years to acknowledge my rightful duty. I stand here before you today to offer you penitence for my failing, which allowed the poisoned tendrils of our disgraced Council member to take root. I assure you all that I have now heard my calling as clear as the dawn, and have accepted my place on the Council in service of the Gods. When great beasts were sent to us, Spyndlveiss himself rose in aid of Solvunn and walked alongside me from the Black-Eye Lakes to the Gulf. By his blessing and through the grace of our Summoned, we averted unspeakable destruction.
There is no greater sign to the Council than this that our path is true - and we'll continue to walk its road until the Gods see fit to show us anew."
While no one openly opposes the appointment, there appears to be some quiet tension between members of the Tertiary Settlement - not all of whom are happy with the development. Nonetheless, with the settlement occupied by outcasts and those repenting for offending the Gods, they don't have much room to protest. They seem somewhat appeased by Isar's promise to move to the Tertiary Settlement during the winter months to look after its citizens.
Kingdom of Thorne
◎ Background
Housed in the oceanside city of Borrel, Thorne's navy has long been a staple of her might, and Queen Ellya's uncle - Captain Rudolph Sidwell - is a prominent figure within its ranks. Well-respected and occasionally feared, he's a key factor as to why Thorne sought blueprints and reinforcements for their ships from the Nether. The delegates' success has reflected well upon him. As a result, he's been marked for promotion to Admiral. Never one to miss an opportunity to celebrate the kingdom's strength - and eager to draw attention away from the troubles in Nott - Castle Thorne has been making strides to renew public interest in Borrel. The Summoned in the castle might notice increased bustling and movement between the two cities.
◎ Present Day | November 6-8
During the first weekend of November, pamphlets are handed out to individuals around Thorne, notifying all residents that a new regular celebration will take place 3 days after the Nocwich weekend each month - in this case, November 6-8. Called the Maritime Fair, the event will celebrate Thorne's naval history. Visitors to Borrel can tour old decommissioned ships, participate in ocean fishing (or ice fishing, depending on the weather), and enjoy a variety of historical displays, trinkets, and food. For its opening, the fair will have a much bigger flare and include fireworks and lavishly decorated floats.
During the celebration, Admiral Rudolph Sidwell will be awarded his promotion by the King himself, who stands to speak over the attentive crowd.
From hereon, the Summoned are permitted to stay in Borrel during the 3-day long Maritime Fair each month. A seaside inn has been set up on a permanently docked ship. The rooms are plush and cozy and free of charge for all Summoned. They'll also receive a small stipend for food and drink when visiting. Since they're afforded time off, naval soldiers will attend the fair regularly and may casually converse with visitors. In contrast to its attitude towards Nott, Castle Thorne will encourage characters to attend the festival, stay awhile, and learn about Thorne's important naval victories.
Housed in the oceanside city of Borrel, Thorne's navy has long been a staple of her might, and Queen Ellya's uncle - Captain Rudolph Sidwell - is a prominent figure within its ranks. Well-respected and occasionally feared, he's a key factor as to why Thorne sought blueprints and reinforcements for their ships from the Nether. The delegates' success has reflected well upon him. As a result, he's been marked for promotion to Admiral. Never one to miss an opportunity to celebrate the kingdom's strength - and eager to draw attention away from the troubles in Nott - Castle Thorne has been making strides to renew public interest in Borrel. The Summoned in the castle might notice increased bustling and movement between the two cities.
◎ Present Day | November 6-8
During the first weekend of November, pamphlets are handed out to individuals around Thorne, notifying all residents that a new regular celebration will take place 3 days after the Nocwich weekend each month - in this case, November 6-8. Called the Maritime Fair, the event will celebrate Thorne's naval history. Visitors to Borrel can tour old decommissioned ships, participate in ocean fishing (or ice fishing, depending on the weather), and enjoy a variety of historical displays, trinkets, and food. For its opening, the fair will have a much bigger flare and include fireworks and lavishly decorated floats.
During the celebration, Admiral Rudolph Sidwell will be awarded his promotion by the King himself, who stands to speak over the attentive crowd.
"In the wake of the darkness that has befallen our kingdom, I come before you with glad tidings! Here in the waning autumns of the jewel that is Borrel, we turn the next chapter on our history and prosperity, led by the esteemed Admiral Rudolph Sidwell.
Admiral Sidwell has led a remarkable career, carrying on his family's legacy with pride, a legacy many of you are familiar with through our noble Queen Ellya. It is through their honorable tutelage that Thorne has retained her powerful presence in Abraxas. And where, besides our magical prowess, do we stand apart from our neighbors? Why, in our navy. From the beginning, Thorne's navy has been a force to be reckoned with in the face of technological "feats" and gods. To ensure the safety of her people, Thorne must not falter now. This is not only Thorne's priority but of our Summoned, as well, who - in their valiant efforts - have brought us valuable resources from the long-isolated Nether. Our best mages and engineers have already begun their work refining the beautiful ships before you. But we aren't stopping there!
No, you will also see the newly finalized designs in model form. These combine the best of the Nether's blacksmithing with the ingenuity of our magical reinforcements. Our new vessels mark the initiation of a powerful fleet, one that can ensure Thorne, the Singularity, and her people will be around for generations to come.
To mark this momentous occasion, we're starting a new tradition: the Maritime Fair! Henceforth, on this day, we will remember our exalted seafaring past and look to the future from these very shores."
From hereon, the Summoned are permitted to stay in Borrel during the 3-day long Maritime Fair each month. A seaside inn has been set up on a permanently docked ship. The rooms are plush and cozy and free of charge for all Summoned. They'll also receive a small stipend for food and drink when visiting. Since they're afforded time off, naval soldiers will attend the fair regularly and may casually converse with visitors. In contrast to its attitude towards Nott, Castle Thorne will encourage characters to attend the festival, stay awhile, and learn about Thorne's important naval victories.
Notes
As with all interludes and preludes, this is not a formal game event! Rather, players can use the details described as an inspiration and incorporate them into any threads or CR plans they may have. You can handwave as much or as little as you want regarding this occurrence. If you'd like, you can use this OOC post to plot with each other.
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!
- Are executions common in the Free Cities?
- Yes, much like the rest of Abraxas, execution is a popular method to deal with criminals. Most executions are hangings or beheadings that take place away from the main city. They're often attended on a smaller scale by victims and/or associates of the accused. While not strictly private, characters and regular citizens are unlikely to come across one unless they actively go to watch. More public executions like the one here are reserved for crimes of greater infamy. In short, while Cauldor Wain's hanging is not an everyday occurrence, it's not particularly unique, either.
- Did they really catch the person responsible for the Nocwich attacks?
- Who's to say! Cauldor Wain maintained his innocence to the end, but his other crimes are undeniable. The military claims to have physical evidence and witness testimonies. Many citizens believe the Free Cities is better off without him regardless due to his extremist views and violent threats.
- Will Thorne believe that the Free Cities caught the right man?
- Behind closed doors, not at all. Publicly, however, Thorne will diplomatically concede that the case can be closed and that the Free Cities has played its part in resolving the matter.
- Who is Spyndlveiss?
- Spyndlveiss is one of the Old Gods. He is otherwise known as the Guardian of the Flock. During the Rifts, Isar fought back the Anomalous Beasts with sheep who appeared to cast wolf-like shadows and grew sharp teeth. Though not spoken of openly, it's implied that Isar has a pact with Spyndlveiss.
- Does the Maritime Fair take place monthly?
- Yes, the Maritime Fair takes place on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following each Nocwich weekend. This means the Summoned of Castle Thorne can leave and stay at the inn on the ship monthly if they wish to have a short getaway from the castle.
- Can characters stay overnight in Borrel outside of the Maritime Fair?
- Characters are still encouraged to return to Castle Thorne by sundown, but officials won't be too strict as long as they refrain from doing it too often. Unlike Nott, Borrel is firmly loyal to the monarchy. However, the inn will not be free outside of the fair, so characters must pay for an overnight room themselves.
- What else is in Borrel besides the Maritime Fair?
- Characters can purchase handcrafted sea glass, enjoy the sandy beaches during the summer months, and explore its many healing spas. For more information on Borrel, see the Settings page.
- Is Rudolph Sidwell an interactable NPC?
- He sure is! Admiral Sidwell lives in Borrel, though he's been seen around Castle Thorne during times of crisis. He's well-known as the Queen's uncle. Catching his attention will take some work since he's a busy man and dislikes having his time wasted, but it's not impossible.