Feast of Strength 2015

[Marcus Evan]

After returning the preacher's nod, Marcus notices that most people have had more than enough time to help themselves to the feast that he and Ramona prepared and are now settling into little knots of conversation. Although he hates to interrupt, he also realizes that they are burning daylight and it is past time to get the ball rolling, so to speak. In order to be better seen and heard, the elemental leaps onto a nearby bench and raises his hands in the air.

"Excuse me everyone, but I need your attention please! Thank you. As most of you know, my name is Marcus Evan, and I am the Hunter of the Longest Day of the Iron Spear."

The furnace-like heat that rises from the elemental's metal flesh distorts the air around him as he speaks and the roaring of a distant, cheering crowd can be heard to echo throughout the hollow for a few seconds. Once it dies down, Marcus gestures towards Ramona as he continues.

"On behalf of our brother, Lucas Gregory, Summer King and reigning Freehold Sovereign, Ramona Bohannon and I would like to officially welcome you to our court's hollow commons and thank you for attending this year's Feast of Strength. We hope you are enjoying the food and drinks, but now that you have feasted it is time to show your strength. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

The unseen crowd gives another echoing cheer before quieting down once more.

"Our first competition will be a game of capture the flag. Teams will be decided randomly by drawing straws and all participants must be willing to stake a tithe of glamour. First team to throw their flag in the fire pit wins! Please come see me to sign up and get your team assignments. If you haven't tried any of the roast beast yet, come and get it while it's still warm. There's plenty of food, so dig in!"

Marcus steps down and waits to see who has the courage to be the first to step forward and sign up for the competition.

Anyone who wants to compete should talk to Marcus in this scene.

[Trickster]

Lynn finished her conversation with Brother Lucas with a small smile and another half bow before heading back to Morgan and her friends.

Lynn rejoins the Blazing Hearth thread

[Coco]

After signing up, Coco nabbed herself a plate, a sugary beverage of the carbonated variety, and some slices of tasty, tasty meat to munch on until the games started...

[CyledyrWyllt]

Marcus gathers everyone who is going to play capture the flag and assigns the teams.

You can find your team assignment here.

[Changeling ST]

Lucas helps himself to the food at the carving station and then listens to the stories being shared around the blazing hearth as he watches the competitors begin to play capture the flag. Realizing that there are some who may wish to renew their freehold oaths at this time, the preacher makes himself available to anyone who might need to do so.

[Terri Nutkins]

Terri's suddenly realized something came up. She exits promptly.

[Changeling ST]

As the Summer King took to the Stage, he nodded to those who had participated in the games.

He didn't need to pull the mic up, he was about as tall as Marcus, and he began. "My fellow Changelings of Sacramento. I have an annoucement, though it may be long, I ask that you pay attention for what I'm about to say is mighty important."

He paused, making sure all were paying attention before Lucas began again.

“We, as Monarchy, have come to a decision in the Freehold. One that I hope works out to benefit us all.”

“We will be taking a sort of ‘step back’ but will still be present should anything go awry. Now, it will be left in the hands of you all to do what is needed. We will be available for council or advice as needed.”

“As some Freeholds do, they have an appointed set of Changeling that are devoted to their positions. Of course, if something gets out of hand, you all may discuss this with that person or if that person is put into position and doesn’t think they are up to the task, do not be afraid to step down or say something.”

“I also want to make it perfectly clear that any and all current positions within your own court are just as important, as these are within your own court’s business.”

The Sovereign paused, letting everyone soak in what he just said before continuing again.

“Because this is ‘our’ Freehold as a society of Changelings, we’re going to do this democratically and that we’re going to put each of these positions to a vote as follows and in order of hierarchy:”

“Steward: The right-hand of the Monarchy, aiding them with their duties and ensuring the smooth running of the Freehold. Reports to the Monarchy.

Emissary: Those changelings who specialize in diplomacy and socializing among those outside of the Freehold’s borders. Reports to the Steward.

Magistrate: Head of ensuring justice is delivered within the freehold, usually someone who understands the details of pledges and knows the laws intimately. Reports to the Steward.

Constable: Charged with keeping the peace within the Freehold as well as investigating crimes and breaches of the law. Reports to the Magistrate.

General: The head of the Freehold’s defence from outside (and internal) dangers. Reports to the Monarchy.

Archivist: A keeper of Freehold knowledge, lore and Tokens, a respected and trusted changeling who is willing to keep the history of the Freehold safe. Reports to the Steward.”

“These other titles will be appointed by the respective aforementioned chosen people. They do not necessarily need to be filled, nor appointed for ‘just because’ reasons. Those appointed should be skilled or willing to train to fit these tasks:”

“Knight: Individual champions, chosen by the Monarchs to represent their Court and to serve the General in times of war. Reports to the General and the Monarchy

Ranger: Changelings who have been chosen to investigate the Hedge and ensure any dangers from the Thorns are dealt with. Reports to the General.

Pedagogue: A teacher among the Freehold, one who passes on knowledge of the Freehold, Contracts and anything else that helps new arrivals survive. Reports to the Archivist.

Spymaster: The head of the Monarchy’s espionage network, a changeling who is employed to uncover plots that act against the Freehold. Reports to the Monarchy.

Spies: Agents of the Freehold who investigate potential hidden dangers and works to plant counterintelligence against the Freehold’s enemies. Reports to the Spymaster.”

“The voting will commence as this fine feast ends. Thank you all for participating in the Summer’s event.” He departed from the stage, wondering how much shock that the Sovereigns just put the Freehold in. Lucas would still be around if there were necessary questions that arose.

Please vote in the Freehold area. Questions please ask OOC. This will close within a week, but it's feel free to let your character react to the news.

READ THIS EDIT ABOUT VOTING

If you write in the said threads for voting, consider your vote public. Anyone who just strictly adds to the voting poll or hits the button will be private.

[Coco]

Coco realized the Summer King was talking, but she paid the words little attention as she stalked away from where she'd found the yellow flag and watched any chance of victory go up in smoke. Her teammates had been useless, it was true, yet the flag which had been captured, the flag which had granted the other team victory had been one that she had helped to hide, and one that she had chosen not to defend. As the cloth disintegrated and became ash upon the wind, the fact remained that defeat was her fault, and her fault alone. She had failed once again, and failed when the Freehold itself might have final been able to witness her true talents.

Yet, if that were not a blow devastating enough to have to withstand, as soon as she began to listen to what the Summer King was blabbing on about she learned that starting today the Monarchs, in their royal Wisdom, had declared that the the Freehold would literally begin to vote upon the worth and skill of the courtiers among them. It was almost enough to make the Claviger cry. Who would possibly vote for her? Who among the freehold truly understood, or acknowledged her? One, maybe two, but that would be nowhere near enough to elect her to a position. No, she would be consigned to anonymity forevermore, watching all those around her rise. In fact, she'd probably have to bear witness to that damned, infernal Racoon being lauded with some title or other, and that was something that she could not even bear to imagine!

No, if that Morgan creature were to be elected, then so be it, Coco would finally lay out a challenge to that simpering thing.

[Malcolm Green]

Green frowned at first, his eyes narrowing as turned his body to face the Sovereign of Summer. As he does, he is already lifting his plate (remains of food glistening still in the light); it serves to hide his face while he listens to the Monarch's continuing explanation.

Once or twice, Green grunts in a non committal fashion.

He remained staring, his eyes following Brother Lucas as he stepped away from the stage, his glance heavy and weighing. There was wisdom in some of it and the change was good. It would keep the Fae off their back for a while longer, disrupt their hunting magics, but the mountain found the notion of the Sovereign's moving into the background a trifle troubling.

That the the opportunity for agenda's... The mountain did not like the idea of some punk throwing their weight at him simply because they'd been acclaimed and given a paper title. Oh no! Green would not tolerate that...

The mountain did not move. He ate. He waited. And he watched.