EVENT #16: WINTERTIDE - OOC POST

[abraxasmods]

Event #16 - OOC Plotting

wintertide event log | island investigation log

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While the previous year saw the Summoned brought to Nocwich for a formal event, this year, there will be no singular event to attend. Instead, the winter holidays will be a local affair that takes place beginning from December 14 to the end of the month in each territory. The main celebrations will occur around DECEMBER 20-21, but festivities will be held in the week before and after.

Additionally, on DECEMBER 29, characters who wish to visit the island where the Lost were held captive during last year's Invocation event may do so. This will be posted separately from the main festivities for players to participate in.

Activities will include local parties, decorations, street celebrations, and more. You can also host or attend player-created opportunities. For more details, see the Festivities section.

Nocwich will open during set dates to allow visitors (and shoppers!) to Oleuni Square. Characters can visit at any point and meet other Summoned across country borders.

Festivities

The main winter occasion in each nation (The Dimming, Festival of Enlightenment, and Winter Solstice) coincides with the Dimming of the Singularity, a brief period where its observable activity diminishes. Beginning on the 14th, the background level of magic across Abraxas dips significantly as the Singularity begins to dim, reaching its nadir on the 21st before stirring back to full strength by the dawn of the 28th.

Only the native Abraxans are affected by this phenomenon. The Dimming has no impact on the Summoned's magic.

Primary Features

The IC Event Log will include the following features for you to engage in regardless of faction. While the flavor of how and where it happens will be written to fit the specific celebration, the overall effect will be the same.

◎ INSPIRATION. One of the festival prompts will include something that allows a character to gain the courage or inspiration they need to say or do something important. You (or the character) can decide whether it involves a friend or a stranger, but the key factor is that it is their choice. Characters will not feel forced to act against their will. The act should be something they've wanted to do but either didn't have the chance or they've been hesitant. Examples are: sharing a personal artwork, asking someone on a date, seeking reassurance over feelings of guilt, or finally making an apology they've been putting off.

◎ MEET & GREET. One of the festival prompts will include the chance to ask an NPC a short question or to pass a message onto them. Characters might get a quick answer or introduction before the NPC moves on. Think of it as similar to a meeting a politician at a large function where they've made an appearance to engage with the community. There will be no Influence requirement, so it's a good way for new arrivals to get noticed even if it's just as a face or a name. Players can simply comment to the thread with their question or message.

◎ INFLUENCE IMPACT. Gaining influence might open doors, but it can be a nuisance during the excitement of the holiday season. Notably, characters at Rank 4 or above have a high probability of being approached or noticed by locals. Natives might insist they attend parties, request blessings for the new year, discuss them as a subject of gossip, and more. The greater a Summoned's influence, the more interference they'll come across. Characters who are Rank 3 or below have the opportunity to avoid notice, though this isn't a guarantee - it just means players of those characters can decide whether their character will attract a bit of attention or if they can go about their day unbothered.

The Celebrations

Below is a summary of the type of activities characters might find in their nation's major areas, including a key event in each city or settlement. While the IC Event Log will give more details and specific prompts, you can use the information below to begin planning. The dates for key events are staggered so that characters have the opportunity to attend all of them if they want.

In addition to the prompts provided, players can organize and host small open events such as charity drives, potlucks, door-to-door caroling, puppet shows, or anything you like.

To seek player involvement in your event, fill out the form and reply here.

◎ For open mingle logs that have already been posted earlier this month and which contain a similar festive theme, players are welcome to incorporate elements from the event into those threads.

◎ If you have any questions about the resources required or the feasibility of the event you have in mind, please check in with us! Being involved with a player-organized event that impacts the locals can help boost your character's influence rank.

Thorne: The Dimming

In Thorne, the mood is generally somber and reflective in the days leading to the Dimming itself, with the promise of light and renewal waiting on the other side. Prompts for Thorne on the IC Event Log will include some ways to earn a little money for characters who need something extra to buy gifts for friends.

Castle Thorne ◎

With the ground covered in a thick layer of snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular activity among the nobles. Mulled wine is served as the horses lead riders around the beautiful city. The Summoned can ride for free as important guests of the Castle. Workers have also transformed one of the castle's many gardens into an enchanted forest for this year's main event: the Awakening of Magicks on December 21. As the sun sets, the Summoned will be taught a firelight spell and asked to symbolically release the light towards a unique tree, illuminating it with a magic only they can access.

Borrel ◎

Throughout Borrel, a single long cord is wound around poles and homes. Colorful ribbons are then tied along the cord's length, each one containing a wish. Anyone who vows to make that wish come true can take the ribbon as a promise. Characters can hang a wish of their own or take one to fulfill - whether from a resident or a fellow Summoned. Additionally, the Light of Many Moons takes place on December 18-20, where moon jellies rise near the surface and cause the ocean to glow softly at night. Characters can bundle up to witness the event, which includes a meal served afterwards in one of Borrel's many spacious (and warm) inns. They might also glimpse a special sea jelly that gives them some INSPIRATION.

Nott ◎

A frozen pond has been smoothed over for skating throughout the month. Locals are available to teach if characters want to learn, and merchants nearby sell fish pies and hot cider. At other ponds, ice fishing is an equally delightful activity. This year, Nott has volunteered to host the Feast of the New Dawn, taking place on December 27, the eve of the Singularity regaining its full strength. To thank the Summoned for their efforts over the previous difficult winters, the residents of Nott have come together with humble offerings of food, gifts, and entertainment. Lyle Vela will be attending for a MEET & GREET.

The Free Cities: Festival of Enlightenment

The Free Cities thrives in this time of literal and metaphorical darkness. Extravagant parties, grand inventions, and appearances from local celebrities bring a great buzz everywhere. Outfits often emphasize the concept of illumination, using reflective fabrics and gems.

Cadens ◎

The Circus of The Sciences is the main event in Cadens on December 17-19. Aleksander G. Klingel is back as judge, and he's brought with him once more his infamous experiments involving some tingling rods. There are also carriage rides involving light-up carriages, decorated and sponsored by various establishments and benefactors including the Academies, Fort Wilbridge, and the Free City Theater Company. This year, the Summoned are offered their own carriage to join the circuit! Characters can work together to make it theirs for the event. One of the inventors will also present a soothing tool that helps characters reflect on themselves and discover some INSPIRATION.

Aquila ◎

The most exclusive parties are in Aquila, the fashion capital. Usually accessible only to the upper class, the Summoned have an open invitation. Hosts are eager to entice characters to their party, considering it a great distinction to have one of the Summoned attend their event. Parties are held throughout the entire two-week celebration, so characters will have their pick of when and where, but the most famous is the Gala of Illumination on December 20. Any Summoned attending the Gala will receive offers from dressmakers, jewelers, and stylists who want to show off their work by having a Summoned wear it to one of the year's most public events. Fallon Marsh will be attending for a MEET & GREET.

Libertas ◎

In Libertas, gatherings often spill out into the streets. Characters visiting Libertas throughout the two weeks will be swept up into the joyous occasion. Performances take place on outdoor stages so any Summoned with artistic inclinations can put on a performance to celebrate Enlightenment. The most popular event is the Liberty Charity Auction on December 22 where well-known artists donate their work to raise money. This year, proceeds will go to the Free Cities' orphanages. Characters can volunteer to be auctioned off for anything of their choosing, such as an hour of conversation, dancing lessons, poetry readings, or whatever players decide. Other characters can bid on their friends for CR purposes or players have an NPC "win" the bid.

Solvunn: Winter Solstice

The mood is light and cheerful in Solvunn. The Winter Solstice is a time of celebrating one's relationship with a higher power during the darkest nights of the year. Locals often mingle and partake in spiced cider and warm mead. Offerings and altars to the Gods are common. The Summoned will also receive bounties from the natives, including money, which they can use to purchase gifts for their friends.

Primary Settlement ◎

Potlucks are common in the days leading up to the Solstice. Locals will spontaneously usher characters in for a meal or to come out of the cold for some mead. Summoned who have a home of their own can open their doors, too. To celebrate coming together in darkness, the Blessing of Light occurs on December 20. Each household puts out a decorated candle in offering to The Light. This year, the Summoned are to be the ones to grant their blessing to homes by lighting the candles. Locals are hoping to receive a Summoned's light. Turning down this crucial role will be met with disappointment and anxiousness, and leave the natives concerned that they have offended the Gods' chosen ones.

Secondary Settlement ◎

At the start of the festivities, a black goat dressed in patchwork tapestries is released. The goal is to lay a kiss upon the Goat of All Tidings before the sun sets on the final day of the year for good luck. The goat runs freely about the Secondary Settlement. The Snowdrop Exchange is also a popular event taking place on December 18-22. Unmarried locals commonly court each other, though powerful friendships or familial bonds play an equally important role. The purpose is to affirm your two most important relationships: your snowdrop partner and the Gods. Characters will be nudged to find someone to pledge their dedication to...and may feel a touch of Xeimer's presence that gives them INSPIRATION.

Tertiary Settlement ◎

This year's main event will take place in the Tertiary Settlement on December 21, thanks to Isar Hart's initiative: Xeimer's Plunge, in which brave souls strip down to their smalls (or strip entirely) and dive into the frozen Hydra Gulf. The act is meant to bring good tidings in the coming spring. Participants receive free mead for the night. The Summoned will also be asked to place offerings of pickled herring onto Xeimer's altar. Rowan March will be there alongside the festivities for a MEET & GREET.

Nocwich: Oleuni Square

To take advantage of the holiday season and people's heavy coin purses, Nocwhich is allowing visitors to Oleuni Square only between December 14-20 and December 23-28, with the portals closed on the 21st and 22nd due to the Singularity's waning magic. Although there are no grand parties this year to attend, characters have plenty of small activities to indulge in while meeting with their friends across borders.

The Market

Shopkeepers and merchants in Nocwich are selling all types of wares for the holidays. If you need a gift, you might find something unique in one of the stalls from glowing flower bouquets, handcrafted jewelry, and knitted socks from wool spun from a werewolf's fur. Spa packages are popular while all sorts of performances are held on the main stage for characters to attend with a friend or two.

The Arcanis

Luna has docked The Arcanis at the port in Oleuni Square. All amenities are available on it as the previous winter, including Admiral Chuck, the ancient turtle who may or may not be secretly very fast. Characters can also find the music and gambling lounge, a tavern and eatery, and an art expression hall. Additionally, the annual migration of the wondrous creatures of the deep sea, including a golden serpent, can once again be viewed from the Arcanis' deck. Mulled cider and thick blankets are available!

The Island

By Conclave request, nation leaders have coordinated with each other and Nocwich to allow the Summoned to return to the island that was the site of some horrific events nearly a a year ago. The visit to the island will be posted as a separate IC Investigation Log. In-game, characters will travel there on DECEMBER 29, so they'll have plenty of time to enjoy the holidays before making the trip. A portal will be provided, and characters will return within 48 hours.

Purifying the Island

None of the three nations trust each other to get the job done, so purifying the island will require three individual steps: a ritual from Solvunn, a spell from Thorne, and a special device from the Free Cities. Once characters are satisfied with the answers they've sought, they'll be tasked with ensuring the dangerous magicks and biohazards are properly dispelled or contained. They can choose to aid only with their faction's method or all three.

After the island is purified, characters will be presented with the choice to raze it or restore it. The choice is available for all characters who participated in Event #12, whether or not they've revisited the island. Neither choice will lead to any catastrophic outcome, but it will alter what happens on the island in the future.

This decision does not need to be made until the end of the event to give players time to choose. A vote will be posted on the IC Island Investigation Log. Results will be in the Wrap-Up.

Dangers and Exploration

There aren't many threats left on the island, but wild animals and previously trapped monsters must be dealt with. Characters should keep their eyes peeled. Personal weapons are permissible.

The island will have three main sections to explore: the surface, the portion of the pit not collapsed, and the flooded underwater area. Characters will have enchantments for diving for the underwater portions.

There will be 3 investigation points around the island, based on what each Conclave stated their goals are. Characters can interact with these points, similar to the Invocation event.

Recovering the Bodies

Many of the victims continue to be on record as "missing." To help their loved ones find closure, officials are requesting the Summoned help recover as many of the bodies as possible. This includes bones, teeth, jewelry, or personal possessions. Nocwich will be stepping in as neutral territory to facilitate the identification process and ensure any remains or items are returned to their families.

January's quests will involve delivering the news to various families, so if you have any questions regarding the aftermath of recovering the bodies, please hold until then!

Event Schedule

Since the format of this event is fairly loose, the IC Event Log will go up a few days after the official "start" of the event. However, the festivities will run throughout the last half of December, and characters won't need to be in any particular place. Everyone is free to participate as much or as little as they want!

The IN-GAME EVENT will ICly take place December 14 - December 29
The EVENT POST will go up December 17 for players to participate in.
The WRAP-UP POST will go up December 31 for players to view.

Plotting Form

You can use the plotting form below to make plans.

<b>Character Name:</b> <b>Faction:</b> <b>Activities:</b> (What will your character be doing? Do they want help shopping for gifts? Are they interested in finding a date for a party?) <b>Events:</b> (Is your character hosting any type of event? Or, conversely, are they looking for a certain type of event to attend? This can open to all or for close CR only, and can range from a family dinner, large parties, caroling, or even a charity drive.) <b>The Island:</b> (Will your character be going? What will they be interested in investigating? Or, if your character isn't going, would they like to hear any news or information from those who are?) <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!

Are portals still open between cities within each nation during the Dimming?

Yes, the permanent portals will remain open. Although the Singularity's magic weakens, it's not gone altogether. What this means, however, is that more effort or manpower is required to use magic, so only the essentials will be maintained.

What if my character would like to request a longer meeting with an NPC for another time?

You can make a Plot Engagement submission if you want your character to have a private meeting with an NPC.

Will my character need Influence to host an open event?

They won't, but having a certain rank might help them get resources they wouldn't receive otherwise. They can also just ask another character with a higher rank to open those doors for them! Collaboration is encouraged.

Can I put on an event without posting to the Open Player Events comment?

Certainly. There's no need to submit your event. The comment is there to help players connect with each other and plot, but you're not required to use it.

Will events closed to the Summoned gain any attention for Influence?

No, as with most Influence items, a character's actions should be something that'll be noticed by the local population in their faction. Note that this doesn't mean the activity isn't important! It just won't get the character public attention.

Will characters feel anything strange or unsettling about the inspiration aspect?

No, the idea behind the inspiration effect is that the interaction will help nudge their thoughts and give them the strength or courage they need to move forward if they want. The choice to act on that desire will be entirely theirs.

So characters of all rank have the option to attract attention?

Yes, all characters may receive some attention for being the Summoned. Influence rank in this case will measure how likely it is that your character can avoid attention, as well as what that attention will look like. The lower your character's rank, the better their chances of going unnoticed.

Is the attention positive or negative?

This depends on the character! As players, you can choose what feels reasonable. For example, if a Summoned gained their influence with a mix of positive and negative actions, they might attract some less savory rumors. However, if they've been an outgoing and friendly member of the community, the attention will be more positive. Location also plays a role. Solvunn will not speak ill of their Summoned whereas reception in Thorne or the Free Cities can be more varied.

How much attention are they getting? What might it look like?

Details will be available on the IC Event Log, but you can also determine additional flavor based on your character. For instance, if they've made a name for themselves as a scientist, they might get asked to help with a new invention for the festival. Generally speaking, the atmosphere will be one of curiosity and intrigue.

Do characters need to have participated in Event #12 to visit the island?

Not at all! Anyone can go, but they should have a reason to tell officials when making the request. It can be as simple as "I want to help my friends."

Comments

Questions

[abraxasmods]

OPEN PLAYER EVENTS

[abraxasmods]

If you'd like attendees, volunteers, or any type of character involvement with your event, reply under the corresponding faction heading using the form below.

An event can be as simple as a big dinner or more complex like a secret Santa sign-up, but it must be an open event. If you're hosting something limited to your CR, please use the standard plotting form to do so!

<b>Player Name:</b> <b>Character Name:</b> <b>Location:</b> (Which city is this taking place in?) <b>Event Details:</b> (List all the details here) <b>Wanted Roles:</b> (List any roles you're looking for such as bakers, florists, or if you're simply seeking guests to attend) <b>Notes:</b> (Any additional notes you have)

Dee's People!

[magicalarchaeologist]

Jonathan Crane | Free Cities

[restingstitchface]

Character Name: Jonathan Crane
Faction: Free Cities

Activities: Crane will be spending time in Nocwich to repatriate the dead. I would love him to meet friends from other factions!

Events: There will be a memorial walk for the local community to bring people together in memory of their loved ones. The Summoned are welcome to attend but might garner a mixed reception.

The Island: Crane will be visiting the island! He is willing to assist investigations and all forms of cleansing. His involvement will focus upon supporting those who were imprisoned and he will notice if people are feeling troubled. Others can learn his reason for visiting is to repatriate the deceased and help their loved ones. He is happy to lend his expertise and intends to abstain on the vote.

General plans:

Crane is a therapist to several families who lost loved ones. This is his motivation for visiting the island and he has told officials he wants to “help the local community and of course my patients”.

Istredd | Thorne

[magicalarchaeologist]

Character Name: Istredd
Faction: Thorne

Activities: Istredd is mostly busy this month with other things but he may show up to a few things. He will be noticeably absent during the Awakening of Magicks on the 21st because he's going to the Singularity again in person and it likes to fuck up magic people. He may pop up at the Light of Many Moons to look at the animals, because he always thinks that's cool.

Events: Istredd will not be hosting any, but feel free to ask him to take part in yours in Thorne because he has a decent influence level and would be willing to help people get some attention.

The Island: Istredd will be going to the island. He was a part of the process to get this approved and this is incredibly important to him considering what they went through there. He needs to look into the woman in the shrine, the shrines themselves, and the shrine monster wherever it is.

Once he is confident that everything has been explored and investigated, and every body that they could find is safely taken back, he will probably vote to raze it to the ground. Normally he would prefer to restore it, but that's his brain talking, and his heart wants it to burn, baby, burn.

General plans: Come at me, I'll be mostly focusing him on the island, but I'm open to other things!

[itookashot]

Can Hilda and Jesper debut some of their fashion designs in Aquila's Gala of Illumination? Other Summoned would be wearing them!

terra's two

[theidlemaiden]

Jesper Fahey | Free Cities

[itookashot]

Character Name: Jesper Fahey
Faction: Free Cities

Activities: Jesper loves parties and fun stuff so he'll probably show up at every party and fun time that he possibly can during this. He'll be working hard on his fashion on the side, but he'll probably be around regardless, and cheerful as always. He's been making all his own gifts so he doesn't have to buy any, but he'd be happy to help people pick out things for other people!

Events: Hopefully Hilda and Jesper will be debuting their fancy fashion line in Aquila this event. They may put a request on the network to see if people will volunteer to show off their work. They're trying to drum up interest so they can make it into a real store/line.

The Island: Jesper will not be going to the island unless one of his loved ones asks him to, in which case he will!

General plans: I'm open to a lot of things for him, but fashion stuff will be his focus. HELP HIM AND HILDA.

[abraxasmods]

Yes, this would be possible!

Julia Wicker | Solvunn

[divinityfrompain]

Character Name: Julia Wicker
Faction: Solvunn

Activities: Julia will be lighting the candles at the Blessing of Light and encourage others to, because it's very pretty and why not. She may use her magic to do some light spells to make it extra visually lovely too. She probably will run after the Goat of All Tidings. I think she will be doing Xeimer's Plunge because why the hell not. She'll go to the Arcanis and see people in the Square too, she'll be everywhere! She will have a little bit of money thanks to Solvunn so she might be thinking about gift giving.

Events: I think she's open to whatever here. If there are charity drives or caroling she'd do that, she has a nice singing voice. She's trying to see the light side of things so will probably be up for anything that requires volunteering.

The Island: Julia will not go to the island unless someone she knows mentions it/invites her, because she doesn't really know much about it, being very new!

General plans: I'm up for everything and very excited!

Andie | Wrench 🔧

[wwrench]

Character Name: Wrench
Faction: Solvunn

Activities: As a newcomer to Solvunn but an old hand at survivalism, Wrench has spent a generous portion of his time these last several months anticipating the impending winter. He’s received some information from more tenured characters about what that generally looks like, but since he’s presently-unhoused, he’s not taking any chances.

That means that he’s built up quite a personal arsenal of supplies that might help a person survive a frigid famine: smoked and pickled fish, canned meats, various kinds of jerkies, and more than a few warm furs and hides. These aren’t exactly up to the standards of an artisan, but they’ll keep people’s bellies full and their shoulders warm in a pinch, and he’s more than happy to trade what he’s accumulated for other resources. (Especially weaponry.) If asked to give freely, he’ll probably do that too, though if your character has something they can teach him in return, he’ll be very open to learning all sorts of new skills.

Selfishly, I’d love to see something happen that might push him into seeking permanent housing. He’s pretty good at building temporary structures and knows how to survive the elements, but that’s sort of been his modus operandi since arrival: surviving. I’m not saying I expect that I can push him into thriving all of a sudden, but if he were to accept the fact that permanent housing might be a good idea for him, he might start to feel more connected to this place and the idea of forming a life for himself here.

Events: Wrench won’t be hosting, but I can see him attending with a little bit of cajoling. This could be as forthright as a character asking him to attend, or as small as someone needing help getting their own event set up and him doing some grunt work and then sticking around for a drink afterwards. He’d be more than happy to chop down a nice-looking tree for someone to decorate or help weatherproof against the elements so folks can enjoy their festivities warm and dry.

He doesn’t really have a strong set of beliefs that he’d be wanting to associate with the holidays, but his partner was Jewish and canon shows them being close as children, so my imagination tells me that Wrench might’ve grown up having been a close observer of some of his partner’s traditions. Also speaking of Numbers — this is around the time of year when Wrench lost him. Lost everyone in the Fargo syndicate, in fact. His associates, the man who raised him… they all met their end around this time of year. So he might be having some Feelings about things, and might be a little more inclined towards actually sharing things about himself and his past than he normally would be.

The Island: Wrench is fine to go and I might throw him in there just to give him more presence with more characters, but he wasn’t around for whatever took place and he’s pretty much in the dark when it comes to the particulars of what went down. If anyone wants to share their experience with him as a way of swaying him to either go or stay away, he’d be open to that. Otherwise he’ll do what he does best and be helpful wherever he can. That’s likely to be on a physical level, so I imagine if he’s in attendance he’ll be pitching in with retrieval of some of the lost. Might even call it a penance. He’s had a lot of experience dealing with bodies.

General plans: I’m noodling around with the idea of this inspiration boon causing Wrench to realize that he wants to contribute in a manner that’s more meaningful. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything big or important; just that I’d like to see him start to view himself as useful for more than killing at other people’s behest. In canon he’s never had the opportunity to explore what he’s good at apart from being muscle, and heaven forbid he even start to imagine what he might like to do. With the inspiration flowing through him, though, maybe he can start to consider those things?

Preliminary ideas of course include ASL lessons (which I’ve already started to establish), making garments from some of those leathers and furs he’s collected, or maybe even barbering? (Look I know he’s not stylish but he’s seen to his own grooming for, like, 30 years, and it’s not totally godawful.)

Ami's menace squad

[takeatrip]

noa's old men

[gynvael]

Hilda & Jesper Fashion Event!

[itookashot]

Player Name: Dee & Terra
Character Name: Jesper & Hilda

Location: Aquila fancy parties and the Gala of Illumination
Event Details: Jesper and Hilda have been working on creating a fashion line and this is the perfect opportunity for them to make it happen! They will be asking friends to have things tailored to them and request they go around Aquila, and possibly go to the ball if they'd be up for it.
Wanted Roles: The two of them will be putting up a network requesting models. They already have Julie and Altair (?) who agreed to it, but they'd appreciate anyone helping out.
Notes: Your character will get a special fancy outfit out of it they can use at later dates. Inspiration Pinterest although it's not 1:1 but look anyway. This will only be open to the Free Cities, sorry! Maybe some day they can make something for everyone.

[techmaturgy]

Hannah and I are thinking about setting up public gramophones to play Jaskier's Album™ as part of listening parties in Cadens/Libertas/Aquila--would they be able to put one in Nocwich too?

ammay's two in desperate need of therapy

[durge]

Christmastide

[rarebenedictine]

Player Name: Ran
Character Name: Brother Cadfael

Location: Cadens ? (maybe Libertas?)
Event Details: Bringing in a tradition from his home country and time period, Brother Cadfael would like to organize a proper Christian celebration of year's end that would, hopefully, include a feast, a lot of church singing and a communal prayer for religiously inclined (or just curious). If possible he would like to recreate the liturgical drama (dramatized re-enactment of biblical stories accompanied by songs) that he remembers from both his youth in Wales and from his time at Shrewsbury Abbey where it was always a major event for the whole town.
Prayer is completely voluntary, he'd be most happy if people took part no matter their actual religion or lack of thereof. He'd love other Christians on this, but he's welcoming to everyone. He might come as surprisingly respectful of other traditions and beliefs for a former Crusader, but it is genuine and wholly non-judgemental.
Wanted Roles: He's but one man, not really good anything he's trying to accomplish, so he will fully rely on communal support for everything. Theatrically, musically or otherwise artistically inclined people for singing and Christmas re-enactment play.
Food and drink for the feast, help with preparing it. Place to organize it. Suggestions for where to put up the play, if he gets people interested in it. Place to hold a feast. Place where to host the prayers and the singing. He'd love for this to be a communal thing in spirit of Free Cities mingle organized by FC Summoned committee (which he holds as gold standard in organization).
Notes: Potential dates include: actual Christmas Day 25th December, for sure, but if there's will and means also either of: commemoration of St. Stephen on December 26th, Saint John the Evangelist on December 27th and The Holy Innocents on December 28th.

Alucard / Free Cities / Hierophant

[cryptsleeper]

Character Name: Dia
Faction: Alucard

Activities: Al will probably attend the gala of Illumination if asked, although he will prefer to keep it on the downlow. He's happier to be a part of someone's larger entourage and lurk. He'll definitely be in Libertas attending street performances. Otherwise he'll probably spend his time in Nocwich

Events: Al will not be hosting any events himself. Attending will be at the request of very close CR.

The Island: Hi Al is so here.
-Explore everything with an eye towards the ritual workings of the cult.
-He's here to help move remains, as he knows it is not the most enjoyable of tasks. He can carry that emotional weight.
-If anyone wants a second set of hands for anything, Al's willing to help.

General plans: (Anything else!)
-Overall, Al's here to just act as a support for larger ambitions of others. He's fairly neutral about winter holidays.
-He'll have some strong initial reactions to the island being opened, so I'm happy to delve into that as well.
-Personally I'll be available a little bit more so if you want to try and get threads done before your holidays start in earnest, let me know!

Norman Jayden | Free Cities

[takeatrip]

Character Name: Norman Jayden
Faction: Free Cities

Activities: Jayden really isn't interested in festivities, and will be trying to avoid notice most of the time, but will get dragged into one or two smaller things by people he's met while doing his detective work. He'll also be found in Nocwich and markets at the Free Cities late in the event as he realizes belatedly that he really should get people gifts.

Events: Nothing in particular! He could be dragged into an event by close CR but will also not be offended to be left out, so totally open there.

The Island: The island is going to be the main thing for Jayden this month, and he's going to be focused almost entirely on the recovering of missing people. Not only is the cause something he cares about, his experience from home is actually useful here for once, and so are some of his new powers. I definitely want to plot some potential CR with anyone else interested in this part of things!

General plans: I have nothing and am entirely willing to improvise ways to make things happen, so if you have other plans or ideas please feel free and hit me with them.

cassian andor | thorne

[diametrically]

Character Name: Cassian Andor
Faction: Thorne

Activities:

Cassian will probably be participating in:

→ Fulfilling wishes in Borrel, or at least doing so to the best of his ability when a man is Broke. I'd love some folks to tag team that with him if that's of interest to anyone!
→ Trying to learn the firelight spell during the Awakening of Magicks and probably failing spectacularly.
→ He'll likely spend most of his time in Nott trying to get more acquainted with the city. He'll be skating and trying his hand at ice fishing.
→ In terms of Nocwich, he'll probably be around marveling at the sights! The Arcanis is of interest to him and he'll probably be scamming some locals out of hard earned money in the gambling lounge to make some extra cash. If someone wants to get him out of trouble (or into trouble with him), I'd be absolutely game!

Events:

He's not the sort to host big bashes, but he'll participate if someone needs a hand setting things up or delivering things places! Make him your errand boy.

The Island:

N/A! He wasn't here for the event but he'd be curious to find out more about what happened. If it's allowed, he'll probably volunteer to help deliver the effects of the missing to their loved ones in January. Seeing as he wasn't around then, he's several steps removed and might be more emotionally equipped to do that.

General plans:

Since Cassian is still very much new, I'm happy to throw him into any scenarios that we can cook up even if that means getting him into a little festive trouble. He's recently picked up a courier job thanks to Kyle so he'll be around hauling around presents and packages like some haggard Santa Claus.

Gabriel | Solvunn

[notrunninganymore]

Character Name: Gabriel
Faction: Solvunn

Activities: Gabriel LOVES frivolous festivities and will be both participating in just about everything except maybe goat-kissing, and will also try to get other people to participate, especially in goat-kissing. His main goals are to be as annoying as possible and partake in as many desserts and drinks as he can get. Maybe also shopping for particularly ridiculous presents.

Events: He won't plan anything himself because that's work, but can be easily involved in just about anything anyone wants him for.

The Island: Gabriel will probably be going to the island, not because he has any particular interest in it himself, but to help out with CR and that sort of thing. Once there he doesn't have any particular investment in any of the tasks, so will help out as needed, likely mostly in the exploration part of things.

General plans: Again, totally open to whatever, and Gabriel will just generally be flittering between just about anything and everything.

[ushiri]

Island + powers question! Do y'all have any preference for how distorted the island looks from the Gray Space if Kyle tries to traverse areas that way? I figure it would be pretty wonky on that side because of the magic ritual catastrophe, but I'd still love the opportunity for him to be able to use it to his advantage to explore and help retrieve!

jay's stuff and things

[ushiri]

viktor | free cities

[techmaturgy]

Character Name: Viktor
Faction: Free Cities

Activities:
Viktor possibly has some new inventions to debut, so stay tuned. He’ll probably participate in the Circus of the Sciences with said new invention even though he hates that stuff but secretly he kind of wants to win a contest. Otherwise he’s not much of a party/gala guy but could be persuaded (and may need to make an appearance here or there given his general influence level, rip). Outside of that, he’ll be presenting his new work as its own separate thing and assisting with whatever the Grand Academy of General Science has going on.

Also open to Nocwich stuff as he'll probably be visiting to deliver some gifts to cross-faction friends.

Events:
In addition to his own projects, he’ll be assisting with listening parties for Jaskier’s album in Cadens, Libertas, Aquila, and Nocwich (!!), so he will be found setting up audio equipment in all three locations. Despite the fact that he is a little iffy on the prospect of receiving attention

Less formally, he’ll also be holding a workshop open house in both Cadens and Aquila for the duration of the festivities if you want to swing by his business and look at weird gadgets or maybe ask for something of your own.

If anyone needs any assistance hosting their own events or needs particular equipment or resources, Viktor is happy to provide if asked! Just throw a pitch his way.

The Island:
He’s not going because he doesn’t travel well but he’d absolutely be interested in any relevant findings or just samples of things. If you choose to raze it instead of restore he’s going to be VERY UPSET

General plans:
Going with the flow and inventing some cool stuff. Feel free to hit me up on plurk at whitticus or on discord at whitticus for anything else!

claude von riegan | free cities

[godshattering]

Character Name: Claude von Riegan
Faction: Free Cities

Activities: For the sake of organization, breaking this out by place and with some general ideas since there's a lot he'd like to do:

Cadens: teaming up for carriage design! His art skills are a work in progress but if you need someone who will help pull off your vision with great enthusiasm, here's Claude to help do that.

Aquila: The exclusive parties! He'll never say no to any sort of celebration and ones that they're special guests at? Even better. Probably, just don't look too closely at why that might be (or let him do that in the background). He's also not going to miss a chance to dress up!

Libertas: The orphanages are close to Claude's heart and particularly the one in Libertas he's been volunteering and assisting at for over a year now, so he'll also be volunteering to be part of the auction! I'm still thinking about what he might offer, but if there's something specific that would work for CR I'm up to add it to the list. Silly or chaotic requests are always welcome here! Also, if someone wants to bid on something but isn't in a position to or is outbid, in the spirit of being helpful he'd offer them some money to put towards it.

Nocwich: Claude still needs to get his holiday things in order so he'll be shopping for gifts in the Square and would gladly team up with someone else doing the same. He'll also be checking out the performances as usual and can be found in the spa on Very Important Breaks from his tasks. He enjoyed his time on the Arcanis and will be present for the migration to watch while extremely bundled up.

Events: He likely won't be hosting anything but would be happy to attend anything someone asks him to. He's currently rank 5 in influence so if anyone needs someone to help advertise or bring attention to theirs he could help with that! Or at the very least, he likes to talk A Lot so he'd be glad to spread the word through that way. Aside from that, his only real plan here right now is to be part of the models for Jesper and Hilda's fashion event but there's more to come, I'm sure!

The Island: Claude will be going! It's something he feels he has to do, and the need to know as much as they can about what happened, what's left, etc has to be satisfied. Since he didn't see it thanks to escaping through the water tunnel his first curiosity is investigating the surface but thanks to those enchantments offered going underwater is a close second place. He'll have a bow and a sword with him so dealing with monsters is another thing he can do. Recovering bodies will also be something important to him and so when it comes to looking ahead a bit those quests in January will also appeal.

For any of those, he'd like to team up with anyone who was also part of The Pit in investigating if they're going, or if they aren't then he'll gladly pass on information learned should they want to know it without going themselves. Those who either weren't kidnapped or are new to Abraxas since it happened and seeing it for the first time are always welcome to ask him questions (or use this as a handwave of getting that info) since he'll answer them.

When it comes to what happens after the island is purified, his first instinct will be to raze it so there's nothing left to draw anyone back but I'm open to him being convinced otherwise. Beyond that, he'll respect the decision made to restore it if the vote goes that way.

General plans: I definitely want Claude to catch up with existing CR and build new CR through this! I'm uncertain about top leveling just yet pending the log setups, but I'm always happy to either tag into open prompts or write closed starters for whatever we want to do. Looking forward to setting up some plans, and please feel free to ask about anything not mentioned here too!