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abraxasooc2024-08-30 01:03 pm
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2024-08-30 01:03 pm
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EVENT #20: ADVENT - WRAP-UP
Event #20 - Advent (Wrap-Up)
Following the departure of the Heralds at the end of August, the fierce fighting in the Badlands reaches a tipping point: when news of the destroyed naval ships reaches Castle Thorne, the kingdom withdraws its forces and retreats back home, handing the Free Cities the victory...for now.
While the Badlands remain contested on paper, in reality, Thorne no longer has any troops in the area. The Free Cities army is already expanding its outposts and military presence.
Most significant, however, is the development involving Solvunn.
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New Borders
While Solvunn denies that it chose a side, the Council has stepped forward to announce that the damage to Thorne's navy was an act powered by the will of the Gods. In the Council's eyes, Thorne's arrogance regarding its naval prowess needed to be tempered before a war at sea brought destruction to Solvunn - and so it was.
Characters in Solvunn who visit the Tertiary Settlement may notice that the seashells they helped put up during Event #18, to protect the waters, have shattered, as if a great force consumed the offering, thus accepting the commune's pledge to shield it from anything that would constitute a threat to the ocean.
Characters in Solvunn who visit the Tertiary Settlement may notice that the seashells they helped put up during Event #18, to protect the waters, have shattered, as if a great force consumed the offering, thus accepting the commune's pledge to shield it from anything that would constitute a threat to the ocean.
Agreement with the Free Cities
The Free Cities does not believe in the Gods, but Portam Hall does believe in acts of magic willed forth by mages...or Solvunn's Elders, in this case. They've taken Solvunn's words to mean that Solvunn aided their cause. Solvunn will not claim they did so deliberately, but the Council soon agrees to meet with delegates from Portam Hall nonetheless.
By the first week of SEPTEMBER, Solvunn does something it has not done in hundreds of years: a small group of settlers expand past forests east of the Primary Settlement. They begin to build a shrine and a few cabins.
For all intents and purposes, it would appear that Solvunn has acquired a small portion of the Badlands that has been in contention for many decades between Thorne and the Free Cities. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Free Cities patrol the area further east but make no motion to infringe on Solvunn's newest little village.
By the first week of SEPTEMBER, Solvunn does something it has not done in hundreds of years: a small group of settlers expand past forests east of the Primary Settlement. They begin to build a shrine and a few cabins.
For all intents and purposes, it would appear that Solvunn has acquired a small portion of the Badlands that has been in contention for many decades between Thorne and the Free Cities. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Free Cities patrol the area further east but make no motion to infringe on Solvunn's newest little village.
Life in Solvunn
For characters in Solvunn, they'll be able to travel a few miles into the Badlands. They won't be able to cross deep into its heart without running into soldiers that'll tell them to turn back, but traveling as long as 2-3 days each way is possible.
This will give characters a bit more territory to explore. Since this area of the Badlands is close to Solvunn, it won't be as hot or dry, but they can come across desert creatures that don't usually go as far as Solvunn's forest.
They can also visit the newly erected shrine dedicated to Zorne. After the Herald's arrival, Solvunn believes that placing his shrine near the site of the last big battle will appease him.
This will give characters a bit more territory to explore. Since this area of the Badlands is close to Solvunn, it won't be as hot or dry, but they can come across desert creatures that don't usually go as far as Solvunn's forest.
They can also visit the newly erected shrine dedicated to Zorne. After the Herald's arrival, Solvunn believes that placing his shrine near the site of the last big battle will appease him.
Cross-faction interaction with characters in the Free Cities is not possible at this time. Characters will not be able to go past the guarded outposts to visit each other.
Thorne
Although Thorne has been dealt a defeat, this has only convinced the kingdom that they must be united.
Since the Sidwells' ascension to the throne, Nott may have seen some steady improvement in how they're treated. While its citizens remain wary, King Rudolph is determined to regain the trust of the commonfolk in Nott.
To bridge this gap, Castle Thorne has made the controversial decision to decree a portion of the navy's treasury funds to Nott and allowed Lyle Vela to use the money as he sees fit for his people. The naval base in the lake in Nott is also mobilizing to aid with fishing boat repairs and other tasks.
This act has upset a small contingent of Thorne's Royal Navy, though any discontent is spoken in whispers. The Admiral's respect amongst his men is great and not many are willing to speak out openly...for now. Still, it's evident that bringing the kingdom under one umbrella is no easy task, and that aiding one side only serves to alienate another - and that further, a decisive victory is likely the key to satisfying the nobles, Nott, and the navy. Where that victory will come from, and how, remains in question.
Since the Sidwells' ascension to the throne, Nott may have seen some steady improvement in how they're treated. While its citizens remain wary, King Rudolph is determined to regain the trust of the commonfolk in Nott.
To bridge this gap, Castle Thorne has made the controversial decision to decree a portion of the navy's treasury funds to Nott and allowed Lyle Vela to use the money as he sees fit for his people. The naval base in the lake in Nott is also mobilizing to aid with fishing boat repairs and other tasks.
This act has upset a small contingent of Thorne's Royal Navy, though any discontent is spoken in whispers. The Admiral's respect amongst his men is great and not many are willing to speak out openly...for now. Still, it's evident that bringing the kingdom under one umbrella is no easy task, and that aiding one side only serves to alienate another - and that further, a decisive victory is likely the key to satisfying the nobles, Nott, and the navy. Where that victory will come from, and how, remains in question.
Free Cities
The Free Cities' victory has had a great effect on its soldiers and citizens. Characters will find the mood around the territory to be brighter and more hopeful. While food shortages are still a cause for grumbling, many are more willing to tolerate such inconveniences, believing that they will see a true victory soon.
An act of treason by two of the Summoned has been kept top secret by Portam Hall since the government does not want division between the locals and the Summoned. They are further protecting the research performed there. As a result, rumors surrounding the destruction of a research facility involve pointing fingers at spies, bandits, and rebels.
For characters who travel often, checkpoints are much more frequent. This primarily affects the natives, but little-known Summoned (an influence rank of 2 or under) or Summoned who have a reputation of causing trouble may face some scrutiny when using the portals or leaving for the Badlands.
An act of treason by two of the Summoned has been kept top secret by Portam Hall since the government does not want division between the locals and the Summoned. They are further protecting the research performed there. As a result, rumors surrounding the destruction of a research facility involve pointing fingers at spies, bandits, and rebels.
For characters who travel often, checkpoints are much more frequent. This primarily affects the natives, but little-known Summoned (an influence rank of 2 or under) or Summoned who have a reputation of causing trouble may face some scrutiny when using the portals or leaving for the Badlands.
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!
- Did character choices in Solvunn lead to Solvunn acting against Thorne?
- That's correct! To protect Solvunn from Thorne, as requested, a force in Solvunn sank several of Thorne's naval warships which resulted in the Free Cities' victory. While it's unclear if Solvunn will continue to side with the Free Cities onward, it would appear that some of the Gods have taken to heart the Summoned's belief that Thorne is a greater threat from across the waters.
- Does this mean characters in Solvunn can do some hunting in the Badlands?
- Yes! The portion that Solvunn has claimed will not be as harsh as the heart of the Badlands since it borders Solvunn's forests. However, the climate is still arid, and you may have characters run into creatures typically found in the Badlands. The less dangerous the creature, the more common it will be.
- Can characters from the Free Cities still come near characters in Solvunn even if they don't cross over?
- While theoretically, they could come within a few miles of each other, riding from the Free Cities to as far as Solvunn's new borders would take about 5-6 weeks total, so the trip would not be a common one. It would also require characters to be capable of surviving for that extent of time while crossing the desert. OOC we suggest you reach out to us via Plot Engagement if you have any plans in mind!
- Is the war over?
- Not at all! The territories involved have simply retreated for now, but characters can be assured they are planning their next move.
- Can my character still participate in diplomatic initiatives or a similar cause?
- Yes, you can approach us on Plot Engagement as usual!
Questions
Re: Questions
no subject
The settlements all trust in the Gods, so they will not ask many questions. In their view, their land was protected as they hoped and a blessing was granted.
no subject
a few questions:
no subject
2. Yes, this would be acceptable!
3. Please use the Plot Engagement! Since the lighthouse would have appeared near the end of the event, the conversation would take place in October.
4. Nocwich will continue to remain open!