EVENT #5: SOVEREIGN CITIZENS (VENERA)

[aionmods]

Sovereign Citizens

VENERA

In contrast the Aion's last visit, they now arrive in Venera on a completely average day... or so it seems. Unlike Godsblood, Venera has been given no warning as to what's about to befall it; the Kenoma are simply authorized to arrive and begin their bloody work without fanfare. Even their entourage of Achamite soldier don't stick out that much; in the time since the plague left, the city has refilled with occupying forces. Notably, the Hylician ones seem to be keeping out of the way, almost as if they've heard some things and would rather not be involved too closely in what's to come.

As opposed to the ghost town it was during the plague, Venera is now reasonably active, with most attending to their usual business. Shops are open, and its people are withdrawn but superficially friendly when meeting strangers. Initially, the targets of the Kenoma hit list will have no way of knowing what's coming for them, but after the first couple attacks word will begin to spread. Those that have recently been engaging in seditious behavior will become harder to find, leaving their usual homes and workplaces to stay elsewhere, and making other attempts to escape the Regent's attention.

Once those alerts have been raised, the Kenoma will have to engage in more detective work to find their targets, questioning other Venerans and seeking out fugitives in the homes of their family and friends. In the meantime, some of those who believe they are in danger may become desperately enough to seek out the Pleroma directly, imploring them for aid. Unfortunately, seeking out one sect may just as easily draw the attention of the other. Most uninvolved Venerans will be too terrified to intervene one way or another, reluctant to aid in the persecution of their neighbors but fearful of consequences. If your Aion travels openly, it will take some effort to pin them down long enough to hold a conversation.

SEEDS OF DESPAIR

Several days into the culling of Venera, the Aions will have witnessed the city gradually withdraw into itself. The streets become vacant as more and more people decide it isn't worth the risk to be seen outside, abandoning work and play alike to hide out in their homes, refusing to answer their doors to all except the most desperate pleading. Those that can't avoid their daily obligations are quiet and morose, trying their best to remain unseen and unremarked upon.

If your character has been observed as a Kenoma, either now or in their previous visits to the city, the citizens will look upon them as if they are the messengers of death. If you are seen as a Pleroma, they will resist your gaze, as if fearing your presence alone might leave them marked. In rarer cases, you will see those with stronger spirits, with glares of hatred or determination. They are powerless now, but seeds have been sewn, and whether they are the seeds of despair or of action are yet unclear.

By the time the Kenoma's hit list has been fully addressed, several have been killed and several more have been rushed from their homes to flee the city entirely. There have been holes left in the tapestry of the community they were once part of. One way or another, their absence will be felt keenly by those they left behind.

QUESTIONS

What is the best way for Aions to travel to Venera?
Estinien has plans to get an early start for the Pleroma by teleporting to the Lover's shrine and flying somewhere closer to set up a portal from the ocean caves near the Godsblood Lodestone to a spot of farmland closer to Venera. Paul will be setting up a portal directly from Achamoth to one of the Achamite outposts in Venera.

How much force can the Kenoma use while interrogating Venerans?
While they are generally not permitted to kill Venerans who haven't tried to physically fight them, they will be permitted to apply both physical and mental pressure upon those that refuse to provide them with information regarding the whereabouts of their targets. This duress should be proportional to the resistance the Veneran is offering. The Regent is not inviting them to terrorize Venera on a level to a level they cannot reasonably blaim themselves for.

Comments

[devilmancrybaby]

[ Binghe narrows his eyes. His fists clench at his sides. He doesn't trust Barnaby any more than he trusts anyone else, but this is the decision he came to while he eavesdropped on their conversation. He's been torn on what to do about this woman since he saw her name on the list; he knows he should allow her to die for his more important goals, but can't bring himself to do it.

Like this, it becomes a test. For himself, for the universe—whatever. If Barnaby fails him... then Binghe was a fool to think of anything besides his goals, and losing Auntie Cher will be both the punishment and the solution. And if he doesn't... Well... Then he'll decide what to do about that if it happens. ]

If you don't succeed, that will be your problem, as well as mine.

[hundredpower]

Understood. I'll do everything in my power to ensure she's safe.

[His answer is calm, straightforward. It's the kind of responsibility he took every day in his career, so accepting the request is easy for him -- it was more Binghe's feelings on the matter that concerned him, but he seems to have made up his mind, too.]

Can you tell me where to find her?

[devilmancrybaby]

[ He nods seriously. Barnaby had better, or Binghe will never forgive... him, the world? Himself? Whichever! ]

Her name is Cher Alba.

[ He gives Barnaby her address, and tells him the name of the hospital where she works.

A pause; then he adds: ]

You had better be polite to her.

[hundredpower]

[Barnaby nods, committing that information to memory. He's familiar with that hospital, so if she's preoccupied with work, it hopefully won't be hard to locate her.]

I will. I'll be sure to send her your regards as well. [He gives a slight smile. Surely she'll be grateful Binghe is watching out for her, even indirectly.]

[devilmancrybaby]

[ He pauses, apparently uncertain about whether he wants her to know he's involved in this. But after a few seconds, he frowns, and nods. ]

... Thank you.

[ His tone is sombre and determined. He looks like he's about to clench his teeth out of his head.

He takes a step back, his eyes lingering on Barnaby for a moment longer, and then turns and disappears into the shadows. Bye, ]