EVENT #5: SOVEREIGN CITIZENS (GODSBLOOD)

[aionmods]

Sovereign Citizens

GODSBLOOD

At the height of the Sovereign's moon, Vaeka Lovenskol's execution is announced. Outside of the City Hall, a dignitary of Achamoth is flanked by an entourage of Kenoma, reading the words of Regent from an unfurled letter: Vaeka stands accused to conspiring against the Regent and abetting the fugitive menace known as the Pleroma. Though the details are not made public, rumors spread quickly, some far more wild than the actual truth. The full truth, after all, is something only the Regent's agents and the Pleroma themselves know, and even to them the manner of her exposure is unclear.

Though losing a proud daughter of an influential family, there seems to be little that the people of Godsblood can do besides accept it. After all, they are still a city of the Regent's empire, and for all the freedom they've enjoyed, there are limits. If she was truly aiding the Pleroma, the sworn enemies of the Regent - and in an organized manner, if the rumors are to be believed - can they truly object? Or would challenging the Regent's claim simply invite more death?

As with many things, the families of Godsblood are torn. Tensions are thick for the five days leading up to Vaeka's appointed execution by hanging, with everyone having an opinion and few wanting to go on record talking about it too loudly. As such, the people's frustrations come out in other ways. Bloodites are uncharacteristically unfriendly to strangers in this time, keeping to their own and treating everyone else with overt skepticism.

Those that have arrived as part of the Regent's official envoy, or seen guarding Vaeka, will receive a particularly icy reception. No longer are the Kenoma curious wanderers on personal business. Now, they are here as the hands of the Regent; few of the Godsblood citizens are foolish enough to challenge them outright, but they are ever an honest people.

Early on, the Kenoma and the rest of the Achamite contingent sent with them will be able to take over a jail in downtown Godsblood to hold Vaeka until her execution, clearing out all other Bloodite prisoners and employees in the meantime. This means they have a relatively secure position to guard their prisoner from, which is a good thing; after all, the Regent did outright invite the Pleroma to stop them, and Pleroma are nothing if not stubborn.

EXECUTION DAY

After five agonizing days of waiting and several high visible conflicts between the Pleroma and Kenoma, finally the hour of Vaeka's execution arrives. A gallows is set outside of City Hall, ready to welcome its newest victim, and a massive crowd has gathered in an spirit of anxious anticipation. Some worry that violence may break out in the streets, even without the Pleroma's agitation, but gradually the minutes tick by and the gallows remain empty.

First one minutes passes. Then five. Then fifteen. Slowly, it becomes clear to the people of Godsblood that Vaeka will not be arriving. Are the rumors true? Has she been saved? Have the Pleroma been successful, despite all odds?

As the hours pass and the crowds disperse, Vaeka Lovenskol is not officially reported as either living or dead. Fortunately, Godsblood is a place where information has a way of getting around, whether those in charge like it or not. Some are saying that she was seen being whisked away as if by powerful magic, following a bloody fight at the jail in which she was being held. Where did she go? Maybe her supposed connections to the forest people did her good, some surmise.

The days following Vaeka's failed execution carry a strange and uncertain energy. Where before there was tension and distrust, Godsblood now finds itself in a surreal reality where the Regent's word is apparently not absolute. Then again, do they really want a repeat performance?

QUESTIONS

What is the best way for Aions to travel to Godsblood?
For Pleroma, this is very easy, as they are likely to either already live there or be able to easy take Greentruth's portal. For Kenoma, they may come directly from Achamoth by boat as part of the Regent's envoy or arrive via Eustace's portal which is set up in a shed a fairly long jaunt outside of town. Once there has been some time to get established, Misa will be setting up another portal leading straight to the prison where Vaeka is being stored.

Are the Kenoma permitted by the Regent to kill other Godsblood citizens?
Though the Kenoma are authorized to kill any Bloodites that try to physically fight them, they are expected to keep things clean. The Regent prefers to only punish the guilty, and having the lines be clear will create less of a hassle in the future. Generally, Godsblood is not in a state where physical resistance is likely to happen unprovoked.

Comments

[expiera]

[Her gaze narrows further as she takes in the result of collision between bullet (it's not a regular bullet; it's too thin, it spins, it's too compact--) and Key: it is evidently supernatural—spiritual, and has the power to cause some sort of spatial distortion. She's not left wondering for long; some sort of... pink shimmer? Flickers at his side, and in the next moment, he shoots two nail bullets.

There's no room for interpretation. His crouched stance was that of a sniper, he held nothing in his hands before he fired. One moment, he was perched from distorted space, the next, he's gone with his shot.

Her priority is clear.

The crater on the ground is barely given a passing glance. Sharp and steely blue remain firmly fixed on the nail that the intruder disappeared with, and within the next instant, three additional Keys have appeared in her hand. Clenched between her knuckles to create a fan-like formation, they are then thrown in turn at different intervals. The first is based on her instinct in trying to catch the nail bullet early, the second is based on initial impression and assumption, and the third is based on observation and calculation. All three are imbued with a spell that will cause its target to burst into flames upon impact; if the first two miss, the last one may graze its target a mere few centimeters away from the cell door.

At the expense of her own mobility, perhaps; focused on the bullet that she can spiritually perceive and interfere with thanks to her superhuman capabilities, she only manages to shift her stance enough to get one leg out of the bulldozing crater's way. Damaged flesh and bone in one leg is acceptable anyway, as long as she doesn't risk losing the limb whole. Her powers do have limits here, she can't be too complacent with the nigh perfect immortality she possessed before.]

[baltimores]

And you are?

[ He cocks his head at Syrlya, something of a mechanical movement, aggression lining it. Amos had been to Godsblood before all of this. Saw a number of Pleroma living here — ones who didn't want it known that they were Aions. He'd obliged at the time, because he had no reason not to, but that's also a pretty good hint. Godsblood isn't exactly friendly to Syrlya's ilk either, is it. ]

This is still Regent territory. I got more right to be here than you do.

[ Than just about anyone else does, actually, but that's kind of a new way of thinking for him. Not something that he's used to, but after the shitshow that had gone down... yeah, maybe.

Amos takes a step forward, effectively closing the distance between them, looking down on Syrlya. Potentially stupid, but fuck it, he's survived this much. What's a little potential more. ]

I mean, you can try to escort me out. See how well that works for you.

[passio]

[ this is not the howl he knows. it feels true from many angles—the body, the greeting, the feelings of his soul. it goes even beyond his shard. it’s the part of being dextera is able to see, and he’s looking for it as he seeks one small reason to justify standing here and fighting. the cold shadow he felt in venera hangs over howl even now, and although dextera doesn’t understand it, he instinctively understands that it is something to push back against.

for howl’s sake? maybe. but dextera can’t call himself kind in seeking that kind of point. it’s cowardly, if anything, to want a reason tell himself he’s right. ]

…

[ his own shard goes back in place. they’re both playing a defensive game now that had been far from their minds when they last met, but there’s no longer a space for such vulnerability. howl will take his shard if he can get it, and dextera is obligated to do the same.

he steps away from the traps he’s set and roughly draws his sword out of place. ]

[inutilis]

[ the past week and some-odd change has been, in a word... exhausting - but the end results of all their comrades' endeavors seem to be well worth it. Vaeka has been spared the gallows, and the Regent will get no display of their influence and power in Godsblood. if anything... maybe this might turn the tide in the city - be the first real nudge toward rebellion beneath a tyrant's fist. if anyone is capable of it... it would be the hearty, willful Bloodites.

Abel's smile toward his companion is a warm one; he has to admit - even if their efforts at ascertaining how Vaeka's cover was blown might not have been particularly fruitful? at least they've been colorful and provided a much-needed change of pace after the hectic commotion of the past week. ]

Oh, please~! It was just the right amount of flavoring to sell the whole thing, I think! Even if we didn't get much... we're building our reputations~! Trust is very important, you know...? It's only a matter of time before someone starts getting loose-lipped while we're around.

[ ah; the sea breeze is lovely and refreshing, and Abel cannot help but find himself wandering a bit closer to the water's edge to take it in, the gentle rock and sway of the innumerable ported ships a soothing backdrop when paired with the sound of the waves licking against wood. ]

...I have to admit. I didn't expect you to, ah. You know. Feel the character quite as passionately as you did, Himeka. Who knew you were a thespian all this time...?

[gravings]

[ Gray waits in the silence uncomfortably, wondering if this was a mistake after all. But remembering again how tough a time she gave Hiccup, she swallows her nervousness and doesn't yet excuse herself, giving Rand more time to think whatever it is he's thinking. She wouldn't be too surprised if he told her to bugger off in the end...

But instead, he actually does give her his name. She perks up, but makes no move to get closer or pretend that this means they're friendly. Though... now what? She didn't really plan that far ahead, other than hoping that he would open up a little. ]

Then... Mr. Rand. Is there anything you need?

[superbshot]

[Caitlyn watches the building, shifting slightly back and forth, trying to decide if she should move for a better angle or not. Ultimately she decides, for the moment, to remain. Her goal is to occupy Misa, and for the moment she seems like she's in a safe enough spot that she doesn't need to risk being seen.

The question intrigues her far more than the exposed shoulder, though, unfortunately for Misa's plan. Or possibly fortunately, depending on how she feels about getting shot.]

I swore an oath to protect and serve. If I'm helping to hurt people like the Regent did in that cave, or to destroy the cosmos, I'm breaking my oath. That means something to me, girl. I respect the conviction the Kenoma have, but I cannot accept the method, nor the endgoal.

[All true, of course. She does respect some of the Kenoma. Ciel, Barnaby, even this girl to some extent.]

You truly believe, then?

[deushexmachina]

Didn't directly attack you? The bar's low, [he concedes, a shake of his head.] I prefer the proposal of exchanging ideas. That's progressive movement, Akua.

[The adjective carries particular praise with Jayce.]

The Regent. [His smile wanes to a squiggle of lips.] I've not had the pleasure.

[inutilis]

[ the sudden and unexpected appearance of Gray stalls Abel where he had clearly been about to approach - the momentum of another step halted before it can realize. blue eyes flicker from the hooded girl's face to the man beyond her, and he...

...he cannot help the look of urgency, plea, stress, from painting his face. ]

Miss Gray--?

[ it leaves him in disbelief as that tightness in his chest serves to twist all the harder into a knot; Gray...? of all the people he expected to find in staunch opposition of him and in firm hands of the Kenoma... this one...

this one was nowhere near the list.

he looks distressed, shaking his head imploringly - spreading his hands in a gesture of openness. ]

Amos-- Miss Gray, please! Whatever's happened here, we aren't enemies! Let me tend to Rand; I'll take him back and... neither of us will trouble you further. Alright--?

[ Amos is injured; the heady scent of his blood indicates this is no minor wound. and Rand-- Abel isn't sure what injuries he had suffered as well, but they need medical attention. he does not want to stop any of them from getting it. the best thing to do would be for each of them to part ways with their own, right? to call a ceasefire. to go their separate ways.

...he cannot... cannot allow Rand to be taken. ]

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch tears the knife away from the table, leaving Vaeka to her wounds while Childe speaks his peace. Childe's support is not expected, but not met with resistance either. Emet-Selch makes no effort to stop him from saying whatever he likes.

Interestingly, the words muttered to him are quite opposite of bluster; a good, fair, logical point. Emet-Selch gives him a glance and mutters his own reply. "Our other choice is to do nothing. She has nothing to lose, that is true, but we have nothing to lose by asking as long as we make sure she survives to see her end - in whatever condition that may be." Which he intends to have happen. "Even lies can be useful in their way."

[chronosynthesis]

Do you? I wonder what the people of Godsblood have to say to that.

[He can tell they're on different perspectives here. It's not sade to openly be with the Pleroma either, and nobody wants to give the Regent more excuses to execute people for interacting with them after this. But they aren't very a willing territory of Achamoth, and that means more to Syrlya than a tyrant.

He stands his ground as Amos approaches, unswayed.

And then he jerks his shield forward to try and slam it into Amos' chest.]

[lachtara]

[ Their explorations of the city had yielded little in the way of productive results. Emet-Selch had watched the crowd from on high, hooded in a black cloak trimmed in gold adornments, as he sought potential useful fodder to drag back to sate that irritatingly boastful sovereign in Achamoth.

It seemed like their time spent would end as a waste until true sight revealed two little lights indicative of Pleroma in the midst of the busy streets of Godsblood. It could serve as a potential opportunity to reap some rewards for their efforts.

The two little lights make their way to the nearby water in due time. It makes for the perfect chance - perhaps the last chance - to capitalize on the opportunity.

Emet-Selch walks out onto the sands with a casting staff already in hand, emerging from a portal of inky darkness edged with purple.

There is no exchange of words; he concentrates on a brief cast and the air around them warms as all the cold is pulled from it. With a motion of his staff, Ice bursts into creation. It forms a wall that arcs around the two in order to 'discourage' running from this fight. Its structure is covered in jutting spikes of solid ice, which they would have to be quick to avoid if they would rather not be periced by them. ]

[expiera]

[There's no preamble, no warning. The wall of ice is accompanied by a flurry of six slender, rapier like swords raining down from above, their source a darkly robed figure perched atop the chilling conjuring. Each packs enough force to punch through concrete, aimed for shoulder and knee joints to incapacitate with impunity. Legacy bearers of the Martyr have a split second to recognize their own, before the assailant jumps down towards Himeka with the intent to deliver a crushing kick backed by gravity's momentum directly to her head. The red-headed woman is the caster who can command offensive and healing magic, Emet-Selch had already shared intel about this Pleroma Wanderer and it's information Ciel has no intent on squandering. It's only logical to take out support first, the other monster who works so hard to disguise his own capabilities can come after.

How courteous of their foes, to not only linger but also isolate themselves for easy picking. How advantageous this is, that they have the great element of surprise on their side. How fortuitous they are, that the Pleromas they have happened across are also linked to a certain Entity. Words are truly unnecessary; Emet-Selch will provide magical backup, Ciel will take care of things directly in the fray. They will succeed this time, whatever it takes.]

[gravings]

[ It sounds like Abel has just arrived too. She isn't opposed to his proposition, truth be told; she'd like to avoid any further fighting, especially with him.

But she feels it isn't up to her to make that call. Her eyes stay on Abel, his pleading expression knocking at her like a hammer to her chest, but she doesn't move save for a subtle loosening of her brow. ]

I'll be okay, Mr. Amos.

[ Of course, she doesn't know anything about Abel's fighting capabilities, but she has the power of youth and determination on her side...?? ]

[dragonmount]

[ that is, he thinks, how amos got the drop on him: he was weak.

not for the shock or remorse from taking a life. of course not that. however accidental, however unreal it seems, he did something that can't be undone. he will have to live with that. he does deserve to see punishment for it, if not — what's sure to be dealt to him in achamoth.

but he was weak around amos, around an enemy, and that was a mistake. a part of him almost can't blame the man for taking advantage of the situation. hasn't he made it clear, from day one, that he'd take rand back to the regent if or when he got the chance? rand gave him the chance, and he was as good as his word. amos doesn't lie. ]

They didn't seem that interested in helping me the other day, did they?

[ amos suggesting that this will somehow end well must be the most fool thing he's heard in his life. and amos doesn't lie, (and he certainly doesn't comfort,) which means he really believes it. as if the regent has anything for a person who's tried to kill them — and would, again — and did kill one of their people — besides pain and death. or, what, compulsion? even worse. maybe the next time rand sees godsblood, it'll be as another good little soldier here to impose darkness on innocent people.

the light look after him. he's almost curious how amos will rationalize this. ]

z asked me to godmod again. just a lil

[baltimores]

[ It hits him in that moment: he's the elder statesman here. He's older than Gray. He's been on Horos longer. He wants to look out for her, but at the end of the day he has seniority over her and with it, the ability — need, maybe — to give her direction when he is no longer capable of taking action himself.

He feels his hand spasming in that moment as if reminding him of that fact. Amos bites back a yell of pain as it really starts to seep in, shifts Rand's body to make sure he doesn't lose his hold on him.

(In that moment there's a faint groaning coming from the body he's holding, eyes cracking open for a couple of seconds, a glimpse of the situation unfolding in front of him. Rand's still alive, albeit slipping right back into unconsciousness.)

He hates this; he needs to go. Now. ]

Alright. [ Amos' words are for Gray only now; Abel has said nothing worth acknowledging. They're at war. They're enemies, and he's not giving up an asset for nothing. ] I gotta take this one back. Regent said capture Pleroma, so try to capture him too, if you can. Kill him if you can't.

[ Nothing personal, Abel.

And loathe as he is to leave this to Gray, to assign her with something that heavy, Amos has to believe there's a reason she's here. That she can handle doing something like this. So he gives her one last look — I trust you — before turning to make his way back to the prison, steps laboured, blood dripping from his hands, relying on his own strength to see him the rest of the way through.

(If Abel does anything to Gray then it will be personal, and he will hunt him down and fucking murder him.) ]

[aionpcs]

The sudden appearance of a second assailant makes her jump in her seat, but it isn't enough of a distraction from the pain on her arm. It's only when Emet-Selch finally releases her that she can pull back. Instinctively she touches the wound but that only ignites a new flare of hot pain through her nerves. She glares daggers at both of them.

The thought that she has been exposed by another member has crossed her mind. It's almost as painful as the new burn on her forearm. But she can't afford to believe it. This is a cause she's dying to protect.

"If you're so powerful, just do it!" she seethes at Childe. "You're right, I'm no one. Whatever you think you can do here...it won't matter. The Regent's reign of terror is coming to an end one way or another. And they'll take you down along with them!"

[dragonmount]

[ what a strange thing for her to say.

if you came to our side, we might be friends. there is no version of reality where he would willingly join the kenoma; not long after misa leaves this cell, when she goes to get some sleep, he will try very hard to bait his next jailor into killing him instead of taking him back. there is no version of reality where misa would willingly join the pleroma; because he does understand her heart on some level, so he doesn't do her the disservice of trying. if the subjugation of a city and murder of an innocent woman doesn't sway her from her side, if doing this to him doesn't, then that speaks to her commitment. that's answer enough.

so the truth is: they will never be friends. but it's sort of nice, for a second, to think they could've been. in some other life, maybe.

he rests his head back against the wall, considering that. misa's ignorance is easier to swallow than amos's assertions that the regent would help him. at least there's some acknowledgment that there's nothing good for him there. ]

I was supposed to die before I got to Horos, [ is not a thing he's told anyone here before now. one heart for another, maybe. ] I don't know why I didn't.

[ he goes to shrug, but — well. ]

[vapour]

Emet-Selch does have a point that lies can be useful. He isn't sure what kind of lies Emet-Selch believes he can get out of her, but before he can ask, Vaeka's response blasts through the air between them.

"I don't exert any more energy than I'm absolutely ordered to do for someone who is weak like you. I only care about fighting the strong. Even bothering with people like you takes time I just don't have to spare. Thi as, as you've already pointed out as us being lapdogs is an order."

Still, her protest is kind of interesting. Probably.

"Yeah? Who's taking us down with the Regent? Definitely not you and your resistance pals... so it must be your aion allies? How about this Reign of Terror, though? Why don't you tell us about this Regent you and the Resistance see that we lapdogs haven't been able to yet?"

Bringing one gloved palm down flat against the table, he leans in, supposedly interested to hear what she has to say (it's hard to tell when his mask is obscuring his face, and their distance is too far to get a glimpse of if he's got a smile or a scowl on his mouth through it.)

"What're they doing that you hate so much? I'm guessing you all had some kind of government or leader before the Regent and the takeover was less than ideal, but what about right now now that they're in control? Are they murdering orphaned children wanting food? Killing clergy members that don't speak out against them but also don't worship them in any manner? Murdering elders because they're a burden on society once they're too old to contribute while stealing money from them in the form of taxes? Kicking puppies? Come on, tell us what the real deal is here if you need to run to your mouth instead of barking threats little kids hurl at each other during a snowball fight!"

[inutilis]

Amos--

[ Abel takes another step forward as Amos begins retreating; the condemnation to see the priest dead if he cannot be captured sits heavy in his gut, but it isn't entirely unexpected. of all the Kenoma... it is this one Abel whole-heartedly believes might be driven to a truly horrible end without so much as flinching at the blood on his hands.

even if he doesn't believe this man as unfeeling as appearances might indicate. ]

Miss Gray... I'm begging you. Please step aside; I can't let him take Rand. Are you really okay with this...?

[ ...time is wasting.

if he doesn't do something now-- if he doesn't move quickly, then...

but God help him, he doesn't want to have to make Gray's life more difficult, either, and Lord knows he doesn't want to hurt her. no; he doesn't want to have to hurt her if he can help it. ]

childe • firebrand • kenoma

[vapour]

( pm or discord me if you want to thread and we haven't made plans. )

[lifespanned]

[ What Himeka says about the public of Godsblood is probably true... though she finds it doesn't bother her much. Yes, enforcing the Regent's order is subjugation. But it's certainly safer in her mind for others to submit rather than swim against the powerful current of their rule. As a result, she simply lets the comment slide off of her like water off a duck's back. ]

I guess it does bother me a little... but I have a feeling they'll stop if everything the Regent predicted comes true.

[ If Vaeka is executed, if the rebels in Venera are wiped out, it will seriously dampen people's wills to stand up against the Kenoma - that would be the ideal outcome of this entire affair. She manages to sound hopeful of everything predicted in their address coming to fruition, as if looking forward to the days where the citizens of Godsblood at least don't shoot her an icy glare with their chins up. ]

[dragonmount]

[ well, that gets him to really look at her, at least. ]

Are you really asking me that?

[ disbelievingly. he is, after all, sitting in a prison cell...while partially petrified...awaiting being dragged back to the regent...after being violently taken by amos...which gray helped with! there are a lot of things he needs right now. ]

[lifespanned]

[ They're pretty surprising words to hear from a Pleroma— and Misa's mind wanders back to her very brief self-description of "Villain." Is it just destroying the world that keeps her from the Kenoma, then? Not so much the political subjugation? It's a curious thought, as is the other woman's amusement. Curious enough that her head pops up a little further into view to get a better look at her. ]

I guess they don't really want to do all that? [ ...Maybe? She's never gotten the impression that the Regent is looking to terrorize others - rather than they have to do it out of necessity. And they seem to make an effort to only go after those who are deserving. ] Or, only temporarily, until our goals are met...

[ She wonders aloud through their connection, truly having no sure understanding of why the Regent goes about things the way they do— she assumes it's all far above her head, anyway. ]

Are you trying to say you'd rather rule the world as is?

[lifespanned]

Oh, do you think everyone's worried about me?!

[ She sounds... weirdly excited at the prospect, eyes brightening up despite the macabre topic. The truth of the matter is that while Misa has long since grown used to being well-liked and widely popular on a surface level, it's foreign to be worried over in such a serious way. If she's become close enough to the Kenoma that they can expend that level of care for her, then she's elated. In her lightened spirits, she scoots a little closer to Gray affectionately. As with anything, if given an inch, she takes a mile— getting even a shred of sense that Gray is worried about her makes her want to pay it back double. ]

akua.

[vapour]

[ The roofs are a familiar way to travel for him, and while Godsblood didn't make them as perfect a travel route as Liyue had, Childe can't find it in him to complain. It's still a lot easier to scout and spot activities of all sorts especially of the Pleroma kind. He hasn't bothered with any of the enemy that have managed to try and sneak into the jail, but he has observed some of them— both from the shadows during their adventures in the jail halls as well as from the rooftops their dealings in the city below.

There's no active intent to hunt down any potential Pleroma this time around, though. Childe's simply moving along looking for some fresh air and a place to think. He's going for a walk; it's just much easier to do it this way than on the actual streets for a myriad of reasons.

One of them happens to be that there's no one else around. So admittedly he has to do a double take when he spots a figure on the rooftops as well as instinctively find a need to identify if they're an aion— and of course the aura rings true for a Pleroma, even if he doesn't know which one. The legacy doesn't offer him much for identification when there still quite a few he's yet to meet.

The consideration to hide in case he hasn't been noticed yet, to see what they're up to without being privy to his presence would be an advantage, briefly flits across his scattered thoughts. Childe decides against it almost immediately. If he sneaks around that suggests there's something important to be gained and that he's involved in work business. He's taking a damn walk now, though, not doing patrol duty.

He'll just deal with them heads on if an altercation becomes necessary. The straightforward approach has generally done him well so far. ]