Event: Aspasia

[solus_unus]

Hello, players! My name is Lily, for those who don’t know, and I’m here to kick off the New Year with news of your first docking event for 2015 that is set to start on January 13th and last until the 24th (Day 341-344). I am super excited about it and hope you will be, too. So let’s get on with it, shall we?

In the early morning hours on Day 341, the Egime will touch down in Aspasia and remain until Day 344. As the gang plank lowers, candidates are met with a view that will no doubt take their breath away when they realise that this is no modern city, but one set so far back in time that it can only be read about it in books.

Though smaller in comparison to some of the other cities within the region, Aspasia is quickly growing to be the primary hub for all trade with its quick access to the Demitria Sea, as well as the rest of the country inland. Spices, textiles, animals, pottery, literature can all be found easily and in abundance throughout the city in various markets and temples.

While it seems Aspasia is happy and content, it mourns the passing of their King, Bion the Great. In his death, the citizens celebrate his life, and their freedom because of him with a month long festival in his honor that sounds throughout day and night in the various streets, temples and squares. Yet, there seems to be even more troubling the citizens and that is the fear of impending war. If asked, the Aspasian’s will be forthright with their fears of their beloved city being captured by the power hungry Golgotha empire who will convert and/or destroy the Aspasian’s; their culture and tradition exchanged in favor of their own. They know that those who resist will be enslaved, or killed and they know it will be a war that they will lose now that Bion is gone and has left no heir to the throne. They fear their army - less by more than half of Golgotha’s - will be forced into submission.

They are too vulnerable now without their king. But, they know they must fight.

Now they are curious if the arrival of the Egime is a gift from the heavens above and their deceased King to aid in their victory.

Will you let it fall into Golgotha’s hands? Or will you help Aspasia keep control of their beloved city?

FAQ

1. Sounds interesting, but could I get a summary for this plot in short?
Yes, of course! On Day 341, the Egime will touch down in the port city of Aspasia for 4 days where candidates will be welcomed warmly into it by its people. However, there is a sense of impending doom that fills the air and if asked, the citizens will answer honestly that they fear a war is imminent. You see, due to the death of their King, and the fact he left no heir to the throne, it leaves the city vulnerable to capture by the Golgoth Empire; a powerhouse country determined to convert all of the known world to its reign. Both sides will try and recruit your character to fight for them, but it's up to you which side they choose. Sign-ups will be added to the comments section below with the conclusion to the plot dependant on which side has more participants.

2. Wait a second, this all sounds familiar. Is this based off something that actually happened in ancient times?
Yes and no. The location is set in an alternate version of Earth. There is no magic here, only superstition and all the people that the candidates encounter are baseline human. The theme of the plot is heavily inspired by ancient Greek and Roman times. However, the City, its citizens, NPC names and opposing empire have all been created for the sake of continuity and creativity.

3. Historically inspired plots are not really my thing. Can I opt out?
Participation is entirely optional, as always. Your character can stay on the Egime, find a corner in one of the temples and pass out from drinking too much wine, or just venture off into the hills until the battle is over and the Grasp pulls them back to the ship when it's time to leave.

If they would like to opt out of battle day (Day 342) only, there are plenty of other things they can do! Those who are medically inclined, can help out with the injured, or can help secure homes and the other various businesses from destruction.

4. I need supplies. What can I find in Aspasia, and how can I pay for them?
To the Aspasian's, you are a very important guest in their city. Some merchants will gift you, while some of the others will request a simple trade of pretty much anything you have. Food, textiles, garments (toga's, tunic's, and stola's), sandals, jewelry (make sure you ask if there is a story behind the item!) and other miscellaneous items for the times can all be found throughout the City, as well as along the water way in colored tents.

5. I want my character to fight! But they don't have a weapon. Will there be some made available to them?
Good question! Yes, swords, bows, spears, and axes were the primary weapons of most armies back in that time and will be subject to your choice and preference for the duration of the battle. They will be made available as soon as the battle horn sounds off. It should be noted, however, that trying to take your weapon back onto the Egime will result in it turning to dust within moments of it being brought on.

6. Can my character die during battle?
Due to the theme and staying true to the inevitable conclusion to most of these fights historically, yes, they can. But please take the time to consider this carefully as the rule for death in game will apply. If you so choose to have your character killed during the battle, the Grasp will revive them a week after death, with no memories of their in-game interactions before regaining consciousness.

7. Can my character use their abilities/powers during the battle?
Yes, they most certainly can! In fact, if someone witnesses them using their powers/abilities that might further convince both sides that the candidates are divine (or cursed), depending on which side your character fights for.

8. So, I will have a choice on which side I fight for. I know enough about Aspasia, could you tell me more about Golgotha?
Absolutely! Golgotha is a city north across the Demitri Sea in the country of Ennio, though the empire does stretch to cover most of the known world. Those that inhabit Golgoth are good, humble people. They work hard to take care of themselves and their families.

The Emperor, however, is a ruthless and greedy man who steals money from his capital to fund his lavish lifestyle. Oren conquered region after region with sole intention of reaping the money from each of their primary exports and made promises for a better life in Golgotha. Even though, to this day, he has yet to carry them out. Story has it that he is also infamous for being a sadistic and ruthless man with stories ranging from heinous murder to barbaric torture. Still, he rules with an iron fist and has yet to fall.

9. Will there be any NPC's that my character can converse with?
Yes! There will be one, played by myself, Lily. Nereus is the General for King Bion's army and his oldest friend. He will be interested in the candidates as well, and available for interaction on the first day. He might have some interesting information to share for those who like adventure and who might be looking for more to do!

10. Will my vampire be affected by the sun here?
Strangely, even though this an alternate version of earth, your vampire will not be affected by the sun here.

11. Will there be event logs set up for this plot? Or, can I set up my own?
There will be a main arrival log (Day 341) set up for candidates to explore the city and to interact with Nereus. For battle day (Day 342) and the duration of the docking event (Day 343/344), players are encouraged to set up their own logs.

12. I have a question that hasn't been answered here!
No problem! Please direct them to the designated top level down below and I will be happy to answer it!

Comments

QUESTIONS

[solus_unus]

Re: QUESTIONS

[heatedup]

despite the sun not hurting vampires would it interact with noah's powers the usual way?

[katerrifically]

I'm not English but for the sake of the question let's pretend that I am...

What's the weather like?

BATTLE SIGN-UP - ASPASIA or GOLGOTH

[solus_unus]

Re: BATTLE SIGN-UP - ASPASIA or GOLGOTH

[heatedup]

oh HELL no. Noah is fighting for Aspasia!

[prefers_magneto]

Erik will be fighting with Charles for Aspasia.

[solus_unus]

Charles, Caius and Natasha will all be fighting for Aspasia!

Re: BATTLE SIGN-UP - ASPASIA or GOLGOTH

[rumchocolatesouffle]

Kurt will fight for Aspasia!

[tenuefarfalla]

Cho tends to not be a huge fan of anyone trying to conquer the world. Historically, it just doesn't often end well. So Aspasia it is.

[katerrifically]

Aspasia.

Re: BATTLE SIGN-UP - ASPASIA or GOLGOTH

[wicked_west]

Provided I get my act together, all three of mine are fighting for Aspasia.

OK. Now that I've thought about this...

Link will totally be fighting for Aspasia. He's going to find a horse, a sword, bow and arrows.... basically anything he can and be part of this.

Martha will be acting as field medic - though no one should underestimate her fighting skills... or the machete she'll be carrying.

Elphie will likely be making sure that there isn't some underdog getting lost in all this. I don't quite know about her.

[alphaophiuchi]

Draco will be fighting for Aspasia!

[ka_mai]

Bert and Ming will be fighting for Aspasia!

Lily's Bunch

[solus_unus]

Charles: Is going to be in his glory as history is another passion of his. He will be checking out the temples and library and letting the Aspasian's give him the VIP treatment. For the battle, he'll help how he can with the injured, so if you have a medically inclined character who he can help, he's there. Open to any and all interaction!

Caius: Oh. my. Gods. This is going to take him back to his pre-immortal days as a sargeant for his own unit in Trajan's army. He's definitely going to rally a group to head out to battle. Anyone is free to join him, just let me know, because it's so going to be logged. I may have something planned for him that will remind him of everything he is. Full circle. He's also free for interaction on the first day!

Natasha: She's going to indulge in the bath house, food, festivities the day they arrive. She'll be kicking ass for the Aspasian's, and loading up on supplies before and after. She's free for interaction all four days!

[alphaophiuchi]

Does Charles wanna see Draco show off magical healing techniques and probably have something of a mild freakout because major battle?

I would also love Lydia and Caius things, potentially involving that plan of yours? Since she reminds him of Abi and all that. Not sure if that works with your idea though, but tossing it out there!

Lastly: Natasha and Lydia being lavish dames together?

Momo's Lot

[alphaophiuchi]

Draco: He will be all over the library, the temples, and generally snapping up as many books as he possibly can carry (which is probably too many. His poor room). Once the battle gets going, he'll be focusing on more medical ends of things, though I do sort of want to get him injured in a rather unfortunate way, if anyone wanted to thread something along those lines! Absolutely open for everything and anything, all four days!

Lydia: She is going to be letting everyone treat her like the queen she is, dammit. She'll mostly be avoiding the battle, because she knows Blaine will yell at her if she doesn't, but she could be persuaded to jump in somewhere to help defend if things start going horribly awry. Absolutely open for everything and anything, all four days!

Additionally, if anyone is going to die, please let me know, because I'd love to have her use her Awesome Banshee Powers to hear about it before it happens and try to prevent it.

Re: Momo's Lot

[kingofthenorth]

Robb will be really interested in his book collection. Maybe they could run into each other? There's only so much romance novels one can read from the current library...

[treadingwater]

Alester will be staying out of it, mostly, since fighting gets you killed, do you people not realize that? He's not about to risk that for people he doesn't even know, especially without magic to aid him, although he'll be sympathetic to the Aspasians. I think I'll have him help care for the injured, especially anyone from the Egime who gets injured.

Robb Stark

[kingofthenorth]

Robb is on the fence when it comes to this plot. I'm not really sure what to do with him. This setting will remind him too closely of his home world (kind of like the last setting) and with them about to go to war, Robb might go to the extreme opposite and not want anything to do with it given how closely it reminds him of his past. He also might just give in and offer assistance in war plotting given he's won a few battles.

[solus_unus]

I've been looking for reasons to get Caius and Robb talking, so if you decide to do anything with him on the first day, or even on the day the battle is to take place, I would adore some new CR.

Arma's Pair

[artistwithasickness]

Devi will be feasting on the first day, charging into battle for the glory of radical odds the second and sucking up as much of the baths, library, and food she can the remainder of the time. I'm looking to get her some more CR and am open to anything for all four days! Added: Since her dude is getting radically injured, Devi will be something of a barely composed mess and her times out will be short. She'll be spending a lot of time at his bedside.

Matthew is staying out of this War business. This dock couldn't come at a better time for the vampire and he will be avoiding every face he knows for the first day or so. The remaining three days, he can be found half dressed in various taverns getting drunk and gambling. The last day, he'll actually spend shopping away his winnings for various things. He's open for anything those last three days!

[alphaophiuchi]

How would we like to swing Devi hearing Lydia's scream and jumping in on that? Maybe she's nearby at the time?

Also, I'd love to throw Draco at Matt.

Selene, Tara, Joshua

[nott_caine]

Selene: Selene's going to avoid the actual fighting, spending the first few days with others. She'll be drinking with Blaine, playing cards and gambling, and probably socializing. The second to last or the last day, Selene will start taking it on herself to try and help get the injured civilians to safety.

She'll get injured drifting too close to the enemy side and will be speared through the chest. It's going to cause her to go into torpor, (though it will only be for a few days.) I'm open for someone finding her or for hanging with her before this goes down.

Tara: Tara won't be fighting (since it is against her ethics.) But she'll be offering to bless those that are planning to go out. She'll also be spending her time healing the injured, as well as collecting new herbs. I'm eager for her to hang out with others.

Joshua: Joshua is going to be hustling the townsfolk with cards, spending the proceeds on supplies. He'll be hanging out with Blaine at one point. He's going to avoid the battlefield, since it isn't a cause he is directly involved in. However, he likely could be talked into it, depending on what is said.

He's completely open for plans!

[the4united]

Devon could totally find Selene, not realize who she was, and send her to safety with his magic. Someone else would have to find her though. Or we could come up with some reason for them to be close enough that Devon could carry her himself before getting back to the battle.

[the4united]

Devon: Will be fighting for Aspashia and trying not to kill anyone while he's at it. I'm thinking maybe come shock and awe displays to send the other soldiers running in fear might be fun. More than willing to have anyone fight with him. I'm more than game for someone to do something with him before the fighting too.

Joan: Still trying to figure out the battle part. Maybe some spying or setting up traps for the enemy since she won't be in the middle of the fighting. Don't completely know yet, but if this sounds interesting and anyone wants in let me know. Before the fight she'll be wandering the market and looking at some new books and potentially clothes. And wine. Definitely need to bring wine back on the ship.

Mary: It's a festival, man! Mary will be out sampling all of the food and alcohol. Anybody want to party?

[freebitchbaby]

Gaila: Will be fighting and sadly (for her) dying. But she will be revived in a week. So feel free to plot with me over that. I'm happy to work in people if anyone wants their character to get a little death trauma with Gaila.

Pasha: Is mostly going to stay out of the way. Maybe get up to her old tricks of mapping the city and trying to find things useful to getting them all home.

Glinda: Will be indulging in shopping but otherwise trying to stay out of the way of the fighting. She feels it wouldn't be right for her to get involved. May end up getting trollied and in need of a carry home.

[alphaophiuchi]

If you like, I could have Lydia's scream also exist for Gaila! Two birds, one stone. But of course, she'll only know about the one incident. Someone shall need to tell her she didn't save the one who actually died.

I would also like Draco to help Pasha map the city, perhaps! Additionally. Drinking with Glinda. Because why not.

Blaine Thorps

[strategic_guile]

Blaine won't be joining in on the fighting, as he's had enough blood and violence for the week. The first day he'll be out shopping mostly for liquor and soaking in the history and be hard to find unless you absolutely want to track him down. The last two days he'll be out drinking, talking, walking through temples and looking more like his normal self. The day of battle he will probably be on the ship or somewhere far away from the fighting. He's been through this before and he wants no part in other people's wars, thanks.

One of those days he'll be drinking with Selene and probably finding Matt at least once. If anybody wants him for shopping or further chastisement he's available!

[artistwithasickness]

/signs up for Matt/Blaine time.

Diana Abel

[diana_abel]

I think Diana's going to go full-out hippie on this one, walking around naked and singing about giving peace a chance.

I'm still doing a lot of NPC stuff from the Shaldani event, so I need to take it easy.

(Still using this icon because DW says Diana should be having sex.)

[thekittenqueen]

I'd like to do something with Diana. Something to help strengthen her narrative.

Bree's Lot

[neverlosemyfocus]

Zoey is going to be boning up on her fortifying spells and other defensive sorcery and helping Cho protect buildings, as well as fighting. She will also be taking advantage of what Aspasia has to offer beforehand, wandering through the markets, indulging in the bath house, food, festivities, going to the libraries.

Len is going to be doing the doctor thing (Damn it, she's a doctor not a soldier), and grumping wildly. She's also getting SERIOUSLY FUCKING WOUNDED in the process of protecting her patients. She's not dying, but she's going to be in serious danger of it.

Siri is TOTALLY not needing a distraction from Things, or going to be using Aspasia as one spoiler: she totally is. But she's going to be wandering the markets, as well as fighting for Aspasia. She, too, is getting injured, but it's not going to be dire.

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[(Anonymous)]

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