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 Shops are open, and its people are withdrawn but superficially friendly when meeting strangers.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

[vapour]

"Not really, no. Which is just fine with me, it's awkward having someone talk to you as if they feel bad for you when you're fine with yourself. It's pointless."

Besides, Childe doesn't think they can actually revert get away from the Regent even if they wanted to

He nods at her spoken thoughts. "These days I've had a lot of time to think. Us being in the wrong is too easy of a solution. These people should have been able to resolve it on their own if it were that straightforward. The Regent has given this world plenty of chances to turn things around on its own, anyway, considering he hasn't ended it, yet."

With a small hum, Childe grinds even though she can't see it. "I'm glad you exist. The Kenoma may see many traitors in the long run, but the core of us won't go anywhere."

[killandrecycle]

With the way she looks, its only a matter of time before she's mistaken for a child who is being tricked by the Regent. Its surprising that it hasn't happened yet. It is a misconception that would not last long into a conversation with her, though.

"Of course we're not wrong. The Pleroma are traitorous rebels that aren't interested in making a better world. I could never be that big of a fool. Besides, we're showing the Venerans MERCY. Don't they understand that? The Regent only demanded a few examples, not every single person who has ever said or done anything against their reign. The ones who weren't selected get to go on with their lives after we leave, and now they know the price of their treachery." She speaks so coldly about how little the lives of the 'rebels' matter. It was unlikely she would feel the same if she was asked to give her own life.

That life was all she had. And its one that isn't used to having its existence appreciated. She was honestly unsure how to feel about what was likely just an offhanded remark. Positive emotions are so rare in her life that negativity instantly starts fighting back when a tiny bit of happiness tries to creep into her mind.

"That is the first time anyone has ever told me anything like that." Her voice is controlled, neutral as she can make it. There is a little hint of emotion, like she is trying to sound annoyed and utterly failing at it. There was just a tiny bit of her that felt ever so slightly flattered. "But you probably shouldn't be. All I am good for is hurting people. And sometimes I am not even good at that."