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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.
childe • firebrand • kenoma
akua.
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. ]
no subject
She doesn't have the same ability to identify her fellow Aions -- not yet -- so she blinked, at first, when she heard footsteps, and her eyes locked on someone else on the rooftops as well. No locals had been up here, especially since the announcement of Vaeka's impending death penalty. They didn't want to draw the ire of the Kenoma, whereas Akua didn't have much to fear from them.
The figure though... she didn't recognize him. Either that meant he was a local, or...
Her golden eyes closed, and she considered. Had she seen him, during the Regent's address? There had been many faces that she hadn't recognized, and it was difficult to remember who all she'd seen. She was brilliant, but that didn't mean she had a perfect memory for people she hadn't even spoken to. ]
You might wish to be careful.
[ She said, her tone confident, but she stared at him. ] Most of the locals have taken to staying in, if you're trying to go for a...relaxing rooftop walk.
[ She was, in fact, testing the waters. ]
no subject
Childe smiles at her warning. He remembers her briefly from Venera in that shop and their brief search for clues. He hadn't been sure she was a Pleroma then like he is now but it's just as well. That means she at least won't be lost in the waves of faceless civilians throughout Horos since he found her at the very least an interesting individual to conversate with. She has a logic and an old world air about her that reminds him of Zhongli— and he hopes he won't be disappointed on making such a grandiose comparison at least on some level.
Despite his initial advantage, Childe has no intent to withhold what he is from her now that he sees it's someone he met before. Even if she doesn't remember him, it's enough to prompt him to not want to be accused of being unfair by giving no warning. Childe is the type to only stab from the front. It has to be a cold day in hell for him to do it from behind... or he has no other choice in disposing of that person. ]
Heh! I really am just out for a stroll, but I'm also pretty sure I'm one of the reasons the locals are all in. No need to worry about me.
—But I remember you: from Venera.
Now, are you the type of Pleroma that attacks Kenoma on sight? I have been given the impression you're smarter than that, but I might as well be sure of it, right? I'm off duty now, but if you start it I'm obligated to finish it via the Regent's orders.
no subject
Oh no, not unless you give me reason.
[ She had, after all, learned from the school of Catherine Foundling, who had begged a crusade against her, to not fight, and been forced to. No, Akua wasn't about to fight them, unless necessary. Even then, she knew it wasn't personal. She didn't even know if there were those here who could make it personal. ]
I disagree with the Regent, but... I do understand what leads a person to their...conclusion. [ Not, however, with their decision to cull the city of Venera, or their decision to capture Vaeka. That was just how one had to operate, if one was to hold a certain class of Villainy. It wasn't even all that...Bad. ]
Besides, I didn't even know you were with them, until this moment.
no subject
You do? Whyso? [ The Kenoma agent honestly didn't think Pleromas were capable of attempting to understand good and bad as anything but black and white, nevermind trying to see it from the Regent's side. Not even a Kenoma aion, but the Regent themself.
That's... impressive. ]
no subject
Why what? Why do I disagree?
[ She lifted her shoulders, in a shrug. ]
If the great game is over, what is left? Victory? Serenity? No strife, a perfect world as determined by the Regent? Victory with nothing to challenge us?
[ She lifted her head. ] No, total victory means there would be little left for us to enjoy, when it's said and done.
What good is a conquered world, if there's nothing left?
no subject
His world being gone is complicated, of course. He normally is skeptical, especially when he had been to the Abyss and never once encountered even an uttered word of a force that would be capable of destroying his world in a blink of an eye. That was definitely a dream of some metaphysical proportions and he's sure it meant something, even if he's not sure what. Still, there are times when the loneliness eats at him, that the despair seeps into his pores telling him that everything he has done has been for his family and yet they're all gone. Why are they all gone but he isn't? Why would he be spared the fate of his world? Whatever brought him here isn't his savior, it's his tormentor. Is that the Regent? Childe isn't sure, because aions are children of the Pleroma. The only way he could imagine the Regent summoning them would be through the Pleroma's visceral reaction to send itself against the Kenoma enroaching upon it.
Either way, if this world's Kenoma and Pleroma are capable of affecting other worlds, then this world absolutely must end in order to protect his own if it hasn't yet been destroyed. Just in case. No matter how he looks at it, whether he has hope or despair towards being able to get back home to his world, this place must end so no one else is dragged here, as well. Maybe a perfect world of the Regent's would mean no more aions. Then again, maybe a perfect world without the Regent in it would also mean no more need for aions.
Afterall, none of them asked for this.
In his opinion, the Pleroma is no better than the Kenoma and vice versa. He is sure there is a perfect world version with the Pleroma just like there is a version with the Kenoma, but he has to wonder if the Kenoma's 'perfect world' is simply more achievable. If both strive for a perfect version and the version is technically the same, then does it matter how they get there?
Childe blinks suddenly, surprised upon realizing how easily her words got him thinking in more detail. If this world was Teyvat, he would not want that perfect world of the Regent's, he would absolutely want something more like the Pleroma's hope and eternal strive for true peace that is arguably simply impossible because humanity exists. Those flaws wouldn't bother him then; in fact, he'd relish in them.
This isn't Teyvat, though. ]
You ... make a good point, admittedly. —But, I meant... why do you understand the conclusion of the Regent's despite disagreeing with it overall?
no subject
[ Not Akua, even at the height of her own villainy, had been so willing to torch the entirety of her world -- although she'd certainly made the superweapon to do it. Dread Empress Triumphant had likely been one of those types, and while Akua had styled herself similar to her -- may she never return -- she had never gone so far.
No, Akua understood, because she'd looked into the eyes of a different person, someone on the side of Good. Someone who'd had the ear of the Gods Above, and had wanted, so desperately, to put an end to it all. Why? Because she was lonely, because she saw them die, and nothing ever changed. She had one companion, and that companion had been Neshamah, the Dead King. Of course she'd been warped, after millennia of only one person for company. One constant, among countless that she could appear before. It wasn't even your average person, no, one had to be Named, or close to it. She considered, how to explain this to him. ]
Even those on the side of Good want to...scour the unrighteous from the earth, and all are wanting for purity in their eyes. When pushed for an eternity of seeing the same stories, and the same beats repeat over and over, only to never see anything change... it's not surprising. I knew someone like that. Immortal, lonely. Her only constant only wanted to live to see the Last Dawn, and she... wanted to bring it about.
Eventually, I would think it gets old, being alone, watching, and losing those you are close to. Old, and lonely, don't you think? To be so singular, to see it all cycle over, and over again?
no subject
[ he approaches now to come sit down near her, bringing the bottom of his feet together like a child might and holds them with his hands thoughtfully as he rocks himself a bit. ]
Is there a definite right way to go about this saving the world thing? Both the Pleroma and Kenoma are basically trying to save it, just differently. If you've been on both sides of the coin, even if you don't like the idea of ending the world to create a perfect one ... can the Pleroma even ever achieve that, either? Or will it be the Regent's way and that unfilling and lacking joy type of existence versus simply what exists now continues to exist? Even if the Regent is defeated like the Resistance wants, their lives won't automatically be better beyond the fact they aren't fighting the Regent themself. The humans are only united because of this commonality known to them as the Regent. It's easy for them to say things will be better without them, of course, but I know better.
Are either side fighting for something plausible or just simply forces of nature naturally ricocheting off against one another?
no subject
I wish I had the answer to that. [ It's a touch sad, now. ] To me, there's nothing wrong with the forces of... [ Evil and Good ] Light and Dark being in opposition. The coin spinning, forever for eternity, finding balance.
When one has victory, the other sacrifices, and it moves the other way, as well. The Regent to me is a...tipped scale. Someone who's upset the balance between the two so much that they hardly have the choice, but to acquiesce. I don't think anyone's lives will be better, but...
Perhaps the balance would correct itself, with time. [ A pause. ] At least from my perspective. Mind, my... scope of reference is complicated.
[ And oddly, she understands this. It's why she understood the Regent, and why she didn't lash out at the Kenoma. Certainly, she didn't agree with them, but... rather because of the lack of balance, than it was the fact that the Kenoma were outright wrong. Destruction and creation should work in tandem, not opposed. ]
no subject
I... really don't want to be stuck here forever. The Pleroma seems like I'd be committing to a lifetime of servitude because light and life will simply go on struggling through things to gain a better existence, but probably barely move at all. Like you said... balance. Why I should be fighting to preserve Horos when I wasn't able to fight for Teyvat's existence?
[ he seems sincerely curious is she has an answer or at least some thoughts on the matter. This world is arguably much worse than Teyvat from what he's seen. The Innocence entity from the Pleroma doesn't seem to care about life so much as peace at any cost. Is it really all that different to the Regent that the Pleroma aions accept it but reject the Regent? ]
no subject
I understand. I worry the same thing. [ Akua doesn't want to be here, obviously. Yes, this world is perfectly fine, but Horos has different rules, the magic isn't the same, and there are no Names, to power the thread of the world, as the changes thread in and about reality. She feels adrift, in a place where the last years of her life -- all of the sacrifices, acceptance, and yes, even attempts at redemption were made undone. ]
I don't want to be here either. If Calernia is truly gone... [ A flicker, then, of that same despair, before she breathed in, and out. ] Then it is gone, and everything I did wasn't worth it. We were preventing the same, you know? Where I'm from. I'd even thought we'd made it, and then -- [ She lifted her hand, a light fist, before she spread it, and a small burst of light -- a tiny explosion, for effect -- escaped her fingertips. ] Just like that, gone.
Some here don't believe their worlds are gone, but I'm not willing to live with a false sense of hope. I suppose that makes me similar to you, hm?
I guess you could say, that someone taught me that if it would create change, and would be better for the universe at large, we should do it. Even we villains want something to do.
howl.
Childe's checking on the other Kenoma that were in the final battle at the jail, but ultimately he settles for approaching Howl, his expression mostly unreadable save for the slight concern in the furrow of his brow. For all the Kenoma he's been tagging as high-probability traitors, Howl would have been at the top... except these past five days have given the Fatui whiplash in concerns to the wizard and his loyalty performance.
Something was definitely wrong with him, but it wasn't something Childe could simply go ask about, either, and he isn't in even sure if anyone else has noticed (in which case, is it just him, then?).
Still, now that Vaeka's escaped, it seems as good a time as any to approach Howl, even if under the guide of checking on him physically since injured allies is always a problem that should be taken care of. ]
...Hey, you hurt bad?
no subject
Yes, still human-like; Howl has not lost himself in this transformation. The repercussions of doing so are simply too great. But he does not look well. The skin of his face is greyish, as if skewing towards the color of his feathers, and his lips are dry and cracked. He feels terrible. He's injured, he's exhausted, he's terrified of what is going to happen to them for failing, and he is dreading the painful process of turning back to his real self.
As Childe approaches him, his head bows in his direction, watching him approach. Hah. They couldn't even with with Childe here. Howl, Childe, Emet-Selch, Ciel... not even the best of them could manage to follow the Regent's orders. His stomach turns with anxiety. ]
I'll be fine. [ The voice that comes out of the withered mouth is soft and emotionless, gravelly and hoarse. ] You?
no subject
[ There's a clear annoyance about the politicalness of the entire situation and that they're basically having to pay for it in the form of returning with news of failure. He'll go to lean against the wall, arms folding over his chest seemingly not carrying Howl close he is to Howl even in the form he's taken. ]
No point dwelling on it, but I guess we can't just let the Pleroma alone to their own devices anymore and will have to be more proactive about subduing them. I can't think of another way to please the Regent after this mess that isn't riddled with too many risks that are out of our control. If we fail too many times... well...
[ even Childe seems bothered by the idea. He's not scared of the Regent, but he isn't looking forward to being punished for this, either. He's well aware the Regent has control over all of them, which means one doesn't have to be afraid to be affected. ]
Failure will fast become intolerable, but I suspect we'll be spared as harsh a punishment as we would normally for it this time around.
The Regent openly invited the Pleroma, and these missions have already resulted in some traitors. Which... is obnoxious, but I guess it can't be helped.
no subject
The mention of traitors makes him pick up his slumping head. He glances at Childe and hesitates before asking, ]
Traitors...? Who? Where?
no subject
Barnaby is one of them, but I'm sure there's more. I warned him to find protection with the Pleroma before a different Kenoma caught him, but I don't think he listened. I guess once things get ugly, people reassess what they're willing to do or not do. I just wish I could for sure say the Pleroma is any better to be a part of if you don't want to do things like the Regent wants. They'll do the same thing to us, afterall.
[ quite a dilemma in his opinion. The one good thing about the Traveler not being here is he doesn't have to weight his actions against them. ]
...Honestly, though... if we were smart, we wouldn't be fighting each other and we'd just have stayed all together to find a way out of here. Can't believe we've been reduced to fighting wars for a world that matters to none of us.
no subject
And had Childe really just admitted to Howl that he'd warned Barnaby to seek protection from the Pleroma...? That he had his own doubts about whether the Regent's side is the right side to be on? That this war isn't necessary...?
That, alone, speaks of treason as far as Howl is concerned. His loyalty to the Regent may have been implanted into his brain forcefully, but it is there now all the same. Perhaps Childe didn't know this, but if he did, he is incredibly foolish to admit to such actions in his presence. Now it's there, in his memories, for the Regent to happen upon.
The silence is broken by a growling, raspy chuckle. It emanates from somewhere in Howl's long, feather-covered throat, and seems to travel down into his hulking shoulders, making them shake with amusement. On a better day, when he wasn't in so much pain, so much fear, so much cynicism and hopelessness, he would never laugh at the idea of someone being caught by the government and tortured — not even Childe — but today is not that day. ]
Omg sorry I thought I posted this aahhh
Oh ho? You want to share with the class?
[ Childe is unfortunately not afraid of the Regent. Everyone on the Kenoma seems to have some sort of stake in the game: some reason to not cross the Regent, something to lose, something to protect, something to gain. Childe had wanted— and still wants— power, but even that seems to be greater illusive thus far despite further sinking into the nature of the Kenoma. The Regent is all powerful, but there was promise of power to the followers. Without the Traveler, though, he has none of that, an While he is not aware of Hotels newfound loyalty, he is suspicious. He's suspicious because he remembers what Howl was like before.
And this Howl next to him isn't the same. Something's different— maybe tweaked, even? He's attempting to compare it to Dottore's experiments, but even that is difficult because he knows what Dottore is but not the Regent. Regardless, Childe learned the hard way that whatever he says had the chance to get back to the Regent. If anything, he would be truly surprised if the Regent did hear about his words that it would be from anyone before Barnaby himself.
This is a little bit of a necessary problem at current, if he wants to understand what's off with Howl. If only he could read minds, there would be no need for such things. For now, he'll have to risk being exposed intentionally or not, and be at the mercy of how the Regent interprets it.
This is, afterall, something absolutely worth knowing if he can figure it out, regardless of consequences. ]
no subject
...A fox can't catch a rabbit a hundred percent of the time. [ Somehow, the voice that comes out sounds even more labored and gravelly than it did just a few seconds ago. ] Didn't you tell me that once, Tartaglia?
no subject
I might have.