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Entry tags:
- !event,
- #npc,
- abel nightroad: martyr,
- akua sahelian: sovereign,
- amos burton: lover,
- caitlyn kiramman: champion,
- ciel: martyr,
- emet-selch: champion,
- himeka sui: wanderer,
- howl: celebrant,
- jayce talis: visionary,
- johnny joestar: firebrand,
- koriel xii (dextera): lover,
- misa amane: lover,
- rand al'thor: martyr,
- syrlya: champion,
- tartaglia (childe): firebrand,
- yuuta okkotsu: lover
EVENT #5: SOVEREIGN CITIZENS (GODSBLOOD)
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?
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.
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.
Closed Starters: Syrlya | Champion | Pleroma
Amos - days after the rescue
So after a couple days recovery, he's back out for a different purpose: to patrol the wider area where the entrance to the tunnels and the portal are guarded and ensure the Kenoma don't get a chance to sniff them out. As he has before, he foregoes his disguise for a combination of the cover of alleys and magic invisibility to slip and patrol without drawing too much attention to himself. Ultimately, he's here for an Aion as long as the Kenoma are. But that also means he's minimizing his interaction with the locals.
The wariness pays off when he sees Amos passing through streets that, to him, are far too close to discovery. That face he recognizes from their prison break.
The shield is heavy on his arm as he slides it into place and grips the band tight. And then he slides out of the cover of his magic into Amos' path, his hand hand resting on the hilt of the blade as his tip.] Hoping you'll find Vaeka if you comb the city long enough?
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And suddenly there's one in front of him, and he takes an involuntary step back. ]
Jesus. [ Seriously, just give him a second; magic still doesn't come naturally to him, so seeing the enemy use it so effortlessly outside of a combat situation— Jesus.
And then he's got his bearings back, eyes brightening with recognition because for as little as he saw of Syrlya during the prison break, you don't exactly forget someone who looks like he does.
And Syrlya's hand resting on his blade doesn't escape his notice. Amos glances down at it, back up to meet his gaze. ]
Sure. [ He's blankly amiable, but his smile is tinged with aggression. ] You got her around here, right?
[ Obviously not, but there's gotta be a reason this guy decided to pop up. Amos shifts his own stance, hands curling into fists at his side — one notably smaller than the other, missing some parts, don't worry about it — as he looks down at him. He's lightly armoured, having learned his lesson with swords, but if he can't have a gun just yet his fists really are the best option he has, and he's not exactly shy about that. ]
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Though he's mindful not to underestimate Amos. Injuries aside, he got only a brief look at what he's capable of.] No, but you aren't welcome in this city all the same.
[He doesn't have to win a fight, though. Just scare Amos away... or bait him away, if it comes down to it.]
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[ 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.
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[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.]
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The only response he has for Syrlya is to try to bring up his arm to block the shield when it comes for him. He's only partially successful, and the force of impact is jarring, reverberating down through to the bone and fuck, yeah, that hurt. He's keenly aware that there's only so much damage left he can take. ]
Wonder what the people of Achamoth would have to say about you.
[ The Regent did order them to capture Pleroma, after all, and here's one right in front of him. Amos puts all his strength into that same arm in an attempt to sweep the shield away, disarm Syrlya. Not that he wants to start shit on the streets, but... technically, he's the one who started it, so that gives Amos somewhat free rein as far as he's concerned. With his other hand he reaches to grab at Syrlya, keep him in place while he aims to headbutt him, if he gets the chance. ]
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So before Amos' head can land, in a flash magic Syrlya disappears from his grip, teleporting back about ten feet to put distance between them.
He rolls his shoulder, trying to ease the pain.] What, as a Pleroma Aion or a Sylvari?
[It probably involves screaming either way. In the time he has, he draws his blade to ensure he's armed for Amos' next attack.]
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A what? [ Between the teleportation and the part where he's just learned a new word — Sylvari — Amos is a combination of irked and baffled. ] As a Pleroma. [ He projects the word as he says it in case anyone nearby is able to catch any of this; that this guy is a Pleroma Aion, not to be trusted, and that means Amos really does have every right here to try to take him in. ] That's the only part that matters.
[ Because sure, he's never seen anyone who looks like Syrlya before, but that's nothing to hold against him. That's not his fault; not like being Pleroma is.
He drops his head a little, sighs as the sword is drawn. He is so tired of swords. Not like that's going to stop him, though, as he lifts his head back up and charges at Syrlya, armoured part of his right arm braced up to absorb any potential attack, left fist cocked back to try to knock him out. It's clear he's going to need to get a lucky shot to get Syrlya, so here's hoping this'll be the one. ]
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What an easy thing to say from someone who looks little different from everyone else. [He isn't even phased when it's called out. Pleroma, Kenoma, they'd be wary no matter what.
His eyes narrow at Amos charges. Brawler, melee--he thinks he can lead him off.
So he lets Amos draw closer, pulling the shield forward--and a thinly visible magic barrier circles over him. He'll allow Amos to crash into it if he doesn't stop himself, and then turns on his heels to move down the street and put distance between them again.]
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Which, in addition to the everything else of the past week, he's now being forced to reckon with how little it's helping him. And that's frustrating. When he gets back to Achamoth — hopefully with this guy in tow — he'll probably have to get back at it.
In the meantime, Amos slams right into that magical barrier. The blunt impact offers a dulled sort of pain as he skids back, is left glaring at Syrlya. He spreads his arms wide in frustration as he moves further away; this cat and mouse bullshit is going nowhere fast, but it's not like he can just let the guy go.
There's a reason Syrlya is doing this then, too. One that's a complete mystery to Amos. ]
Nobody'd blink twice if you were a Kenoma Aion back in Achamoth. You want to do this running and hiding bullshit, you got nobody to blame but yourself. [ He projects his voice so that Syrlya can hear him, advancing towards him more cautiously this time as he does so. He's just going to tire himself out if he charges in, so... time to see what this'll yield. ]
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[He shifts his shield arm to break the magic dome, once there's enough space between them, turning to face Amos fully. He still moves back, gradually, at almost the pace Amos approaches. He spares a quick glance to ensure he's not about to run into anything... but any people who were going about their business have quickly scattered to the sidelines or ducked into buildings to watch, not wanting to be caught in a fight between two Aions.]
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He continues stalking towards Syrlya, fists balled up and ready to strike should he get close enough, but for now he's gonna let the other set the pace. He pays no mind to the way the streets empty around them, to the way some are surely watching all of this unfold. For as long as Syrlya keeps backing up, it's little more than glorified theatre — theatre that he's provoked, theatre that Amos would be doing everyone a favour by putting a stop to.
But for now, he follows his lead, waiting to see where he's gonna take him. ]
You think wanting to make a better world is tyranny? You think wanting to put an end to all suffering is tyranny? What pampered ass world did you come from?
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Abel - the 20th
Syrlya isn't there, but word spreads around quickly. Although Vaeka's initial capture has put a wave of worry through the resistance in Godsblood, at least one has found enough faith in the wake of Aions coming to save her to continue to open their doors to the Aions who need a place to hide out, to rest, to plan for Vaeka's rescue. It's not much, but it's the least they can do.
With no other place in Godsblood to stay, it's been a help for Syrlya. Although he tries to minimize it to "there as necessary", in the day following the rescue he's worn out enough that he's decided to linger inside, laid up on the couch since the night before to rest off his injuries from the fight.
His attention is only drawn up when he hears a whisper at the door, as someone is ushered in quickly. No good lingering in the doorway when this is a hiding space.]
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--Ah! There you are...
[ the tall and lanky fellow has brought some sort of gift, it seems; there's a bag under one arm as he comes to sit in one of the armchairs opposite the couch, plunking the parcel down on the little tabletop between them. ]
I thought you might be a bit under the weather, so I brought soup~! ...You like soup, don't you, Mr. Syrlya? Please say yes, or I'm afraid I'm going to have to step back out again.
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Soup is fine, thank you. [He doesn't move to claim it just yet.] Have they made any announcement in regards to Vaeka's canceled execution?
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No... right now, there's rumors flying about what has caused the delay-- but the Achamoth dignitary has been notedly absent from the whole song and dance. I think it might be a good idea if you were to lay low for a few days, keep out of sight if you can-- if not head back to Greentruth and try to recuperate there. If there's any chance someone saw you as part of Vaeka's escape, it might cause a bit of trouble for our kind hosts.
[ and he's sure the Resistance members here in Godsblood are already tense after one of their own had nearly lost her head. ]
...How are you feeling? Are you holding up alright?
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Then his expression twitches into a frown.] I am aware of what an anomaly I am in this place even on a quiet day. I won't be caught anywhere I don't intend to be seen.
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[ either way, it's probably best for all of them to lay low for a bit. he knows Syr will be cautious, but some of the others... well. it isn't exactly in their nature. ]
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... That would not be a terrible idea for anyone who is known by face to the Kenoma, to have another ready to wear when the situation calls for it.
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[ he's giving a cheery smile to accompany this, settling back in the chair with a soft exhale. ]
Miss Himeka and I were planning to disguise ourselves, head into town and try to see if we might find out if the people are talking about what happened-- what they think of this whole circus. The rumor mill has been buzzing, and knowing what word on the street is comes in useful more often than not...
[ trying to sniff out how Vaeka's identity had been singled out was also an important focus, though it might require some additional finesse. they couldn't really afford to play their hands incorrectly with the situation delicate as it is. ]
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Slowly he pushes himself up to sit, swinging his legs over the edge of the couch so he can lean back into it.] Have the Regent's forces begun to clear out, then?
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[ the sooner the better in Abel's mind. there's no need for them to linger and risk the people's ire after this failed spectacle. ]
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Those that aren't still licking their wounds, anyway. [His expression twists wryly.]
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[ he'd seen many of them act in protection of each other over the course of the past week or so. ]
Just like we must do the same. I hope you'll take this time to rest up and get back on your feet properly, mm?
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