[ScalvHunt2] And the winner is...

[Pegasus]

Rebirth Cycle, 721
120th Ashan, 721

Just like the arc previously, there was a giving of prizes. Except, this arc it was even more exciting. Even more high-pressure for Caz, owner of the Scholar's Nook.

"I can't believe Saoire's coming here," Caz said to Flea and he grinned and nodded. The idea of an Immortal actually coming to their place was amazing - astonishing. A little overwhelming, if he was honest. Still, he was keeping calm outwardly because his sister needed him to.

"Check the list, Flea. We good?" Caz had been fussing all season, this was organised and then some. But, because he loved his sister, and he knew how she was feeling - Flea did a final check on her list. "Yeah, Caz. We're good. We're still good. We're better than good. We're really good." She grinned and aimed a punch at him, but he moved out of the way and then, Caz breathed in and moved "Alright. So, you get ready to get people seated. I'll open the doors."

There was nothing more to do now, nothing more to prepare. She just had to put a smile on her face and open the doors. "Come in! Come in!" With a broad smile, she opened the doors wide and gestured for people to come in - the Scholars' Nook was set out with linen-covered tables for people to sit and congregate around - of course there were books all over the place. There were small canapes and snacks and waiting staff brought around wine. Each table had a small table favour on it, in the shape of a small bowl of sugar-coated almonds. Candles flickered and it was an upscale event.

Once everyone was in and settled, they would begin the awards ceremony.

!

Message from: Award Ceremony

So - this is a place where the final winners will be announced, where prizes can be conferred (so you have a place to receive your goodies) - and where you can celebrate your PC! This thread can not count for any challenges. It's all very posh and fancy - think awards ceremony - so feel free to dress up - or feel completely in, or out, of place. In terms of the date -If there's an issue, we can assume there were a few ceremonies, because of the war etc. Let me know, I'll see what I can do. You have ONE WEEK to post here and only people who do so will be receiving prizes from the challenge.

Next Post Sunday 18th April 2021!!!

[Devin]

Devin was absolutely excited about the ceremony. The arc before, he had been a little miffed and briefly considered becoming an alcoholic because he had only come in third place, but he didn’t mind as much anymore. He still thought that he should have won, but he had gotten a winged horse out of it which had been such an amazing thing. Besides, maybe he’d do better this time. No, not maybe, he would definitely do better this time. His outfit was much better in any case!

When he had learned that Saoire, his second-favorite Immortal who he considered to be an absolute style icon would come, he had decided that his usual, incredibly extravagant and luxurious outfits just wouldn’t do. Only something magical was good enough for an Immortal, so he had decided to put his Duplicity Suit on. This time, he had envisioned a very fashionable and extravagantly cut black suit when he had activated it.

It wasn’t just black though; when the light touched it, there was a hint of a rainbow shimmer. There was a bit of glitter on it because everything was better with glitter in his opinion; apart from his boots. He wasn’t sure about glittering boots, so he’d just gone for shiny black leather boots. He was also wearing a shirt (in a very dark shade of purple) of course because not wearing a shirt under your suit to such an event was not acceptable.

His jewelry that trial was made of silver and adamantite, to match the rest of his clothes, and what more, he had a huge smile on his face as he walked towards the Scholar’s Nook, with a spring in his step because he couldn’t wait to find out what he’d get. Maybe he’d get another winged horse so that he could start his own breeding program. If they all had winged horses on Faldrass, they wouldn’t have to be afraid of volcanic eruptions and such anymore. They could just fly above the volcanic eruption, to safety!

Still smiling absolutely radiantly, the young Mortalborn (He actually knew that he was one now!) entered the building, bowing to Caz and Flea, deeply as well as somewhat dramatically, before he greeted them, “Good trial! It’s great to be back! You’ve done a really great job! This place looks amazing!” he added and gestured towards the tables and the delicious looking snacks. Since he didn’t want to hold up the rest of the people who wanted to get in too much, that was all that he said, and he quickly went looking for a table. He picked one that was very close to where he expected the people that mattered to be.

“I wonder what kind of prizes the winners will get this time”, he remarked to whoever was sitting nearby. “Last arc's prizes were amazing. By the way, these are great. You should try them!” he added and gave the sugar-coated almonds and one of the canapes a taste before he took a sip from his glass of wine. Having done that, he took a plate and held it out to them because he was in a pretty good and generous mood that trial. Everybody should try those canapes in his opinion!

[Oram Mednix]

Will they snub Kubrick and Hitchcock *again*?

Oram liked attending ceremonies about as much as he liked getting his fingers caught in his own traps, and had less experience doing so. The new linens, which Osric and Signy had both assured the hunter looked dashing, felt odd, and not being broken in, rubbed against his skin in unwonted (and unwanted) places, especially at the cuffs and collar. The fedora he wore was on loan from his brother, and it fit Oram adequately, but he was still aware of the differences in how it sat on his head that reminded him that it wasn’t really his hat. He felt like he was walking down the streets of the city in some sort of unconvincing disguise.

His boots, at least, were his. He had cleaned and even polished them for the evening, but they still felt like they always did. He had no idea who else was going to be at the ceremony. He hoped it wasn’t too many people. The Scholar’s Nook didn’t seem like a place that could comfortably house a large party. When he arrived, Caz the owner and some of the other staff welcomed him and after some brief pleasantries to which the traveler mumbled his best guesses at appropriate response, indicated the tables where he and the others were to be seated. He had, in his anxiety not to be late, arrived early, and there seemed to be only one other guest there.

That guest, he knew, was Devin something. He was one of the three new Barons of Faldrass, along with Darius and Vaid-er, Nir’wei. Devin was one of those super-sociable people who loved to talk to everyone and everyone loved to talk to him. That was good. Everyone wanting to talk to Devin meant fewer people bothering Oram. Still, he did not wish to be unfriendly, so he stopped by where the young doctor was sitting to say hello briefly, and ask how things were going at the new Smooglenuff Manor with Alyssia before sitting at the next table over. He didn’t know how much longer he would be able to enjoy having a table to himself, but he would take that time to listen to his own thoughts and munch on a couple of…whatever those little sandwiches were called.

[Darius Baer]

Arc 721, 120th of Ashan

Much had changed during the previous arc. Around the same time in 720, Darius had been a little-known local Scalv lad, wearing his father's suit and with little more to his name than his father's rowboat. Now, he was a ship captain, the founder of a settlement on Faldrass, a Fire-Forged, and - most absurdly of all - a baron of House Von Smooglenuff.

Others might not have thought it absurd, but Darius certainly did. Nobility and everything that accompanied it were not a natural fit for the bearded blond, but he was also learning to become comfortable with it. It had helped that he had been visited by Cassion, and the Immortal had essentially endorsed his role for the sake of the story it might tell.

But whether or not he saw himself as a baron was moot. Others did, and that meant he had to play the part when necessary. He preferred to have his sleeves rolled up with hands covered with dirt, or stabding one deck of a ship and leaning into a stiff breeze that sent ripples through his shirt.

And yet, to the awards night, he wore a suit. It wasn't the same outfit that his father Josef had lent to him one arc earlier, but it was so similar that only a keen eye would be able to spot the difference. He wore a maroon velvet doublet over a white satin tunic, with black leggings and leather boots. A FireForged, he no longer felt the cold like he once did, and so the only noticeable difference in his outfit from the previous arc's was the absence of his fur-trimmed coat.

What was clearly different was the woman who arrived with him. His friend Yeva, who had shared with him the main prize in 720, was nowhere to be seen. In her place stood Astra, one gloved hand resting upon Darius' forearm. She wore a dress - an unfamiliar sight to anyone who had previously met her - of forest green with a high neck and a flowing length that swirled about her feet as she walked. She wore feathers in her hair, and it was around her shoulders that Darius' fur-trimmed coat sat.

The half-biqaj had confided in Darius that she disliked the impractical nature of such clothing, but she had insisted on wearing it all the same. It seemed that even the hardy first mate of the Libertalia saw the benefit in maintaining decorum.

As the pair stepped inside the Scholar's Nook, the bearded blond made sure to greet those he knew. He made sure to introduce Astra to anyone who didn't know her, and they managed small talk between enjoying canapés and patiently waiting for everyone else to arrive. Eventually, Darius and Astra took their seats, each with a drink in hand, as the beginning of the ceremony approached.

[Woe]

Woe was already in the Scholar's Nook as it happened, enjoying some tea. While he hadn't done much in the Scalvhunt and was barely aware that there was a competition going on, he did have a slight interest in immersing himself in Scalvoris culture, at least for the time being. The glass cup that held the herbal tea was set on the table, and he let it cool a bit before venturing to sip. Although he'd yet to learn brewing himself - there was always something else to do - he still could appreciate a well-brewed tea or coffee.

There were others gathered about, and the general noise sort of flew over Woe's head. He wasn't paradigmed, no longer concerned about hiding his status as a mage, as it'd be well known at this point. Thus his hair was whitened, his knuckles bedeviled by knobby protrusions, and shadows played on his features in strange ways.

Iago was there with him, insistent that he go wherever Woe go now after the turmoil of the earlier parts of the Cycle had abated. Gloom similarly was there but was more interested in meeting Saoire, than making sure that Woe stayed out of trouble. When asked why Gloom had only shrugged and dodged the question with a gloomy remark.

Still, Woe busied himself reading a book on Scalvoris history, mostly keeping to himself as the rest gathered all around taking their seats. Iago ventured to sample some of the sugared almonds and other treats that lay at their table, while Gloom stared at the table cloth as if it were the most interesting thing in the entire room. Woe waited for the festivities to begin, and wondered idly how it would all go. He had no care about whether he'd earned a reward or not, but was interested in what occurred here nonetheless.

[Shl'Drei]

He was out of his league. That was his first thought when he was welcomes by the scholars nook staff- or, he assumed she was with the way she held herself. He inclined his head akwardly, a soft 'hello' dying on his lips as he looked around. He'd felt better ig he'd dressed more for some fancy ball- instead he was in a light turtleneck and a dusted pair of trousers.

The area, shop, was coated in candlelight. Bright and beautiful- the scholars nook was lined with tables and snacks, all of the fancy sort. He felt.. alienated in the space, everywhere he looked people were dressed fancily. Suddenly his collar was itchy, nerves he guessed. He kept his gaze to the floor as he shuffled about taking in the scenery. He recognized a few people he thought, but he chose an empty table just to get himself together. There was no crime in being underdressed, but it came with a sense of nervousness and embarrassment.

Shl'drei took a not so small sip of the offered wine, a sweet tangy flavor. Thankfully focusing on something other then himself calmed his nerves somewhat. He looked down at the table were snacks were placed in interesting arrays. He was tempted to sample, and after a bit of observing he did just that.

Still after a few tasty bites, he was more relaxed and comfortable. He'd noticed at some point this was his first visit to the scholars nook- candlelit or not, the place was nice. The space was a bit smaller than what he would've thought. Though he guessed it was a 'nook', so it was aptly named. He took another sip of wine as he examined the space- all there was to do was wait.

[Avalon]

Saoire

Maz and Flea quickly adjourned to a small side room, once it seemed everyone was seated with food and drink - there was plenty of both to go around. After only a few moments, both emerged with large smiles on their faces, leading a beautiful blond woman that many would recognize immediately. After a few gentle words with them, the woman moved to center 'stage', ever calm and graceful.

Saoire made her entrance with a warm smile. Scalvoris was a land full of imagination, creativity and hard work. It was her delight and pleasure to be part of an event that celebrated the spirit that was Scalvoris. Smiling to Maz and Flea with a gentle inclination of her head, she addressed those assembled in a soft, lilting voice.

“I am so very happy to be here with you totrial, to celebrate your individual accomplishments. Accomplishments that will collectively impact Scalvoris as a whole, in a positive and lasting way.” Her eyes scanned the room, acknowledging each individual before continuing.“I would like to do something a bit different. As much as this is a celebration, I am in something of a reflective mood, and would prefer to speak to each honored individual separately, instead of one big announcement. I hope that is alright with everyone?”

For each one, she called out a name, and the individual got to come and be clapped and cheered, but what was said would be between the person and Saoire alone. She made sure of that.

Darius

Smiling as the man approached her, she gave him a gentle smile.“Hello again, Darius. I am so very happy to say that you’ve been awarded first place for your hard work and contributions.” Handing him an envelope, she patiently waited for him to open it and read what was on the card inside...

Rewards
Week #1: 3WP + 2 Golden Tickets
Week #2: 3WP + 2 Golden Tickets
Week #3: 3WP + 2 Golden Tickets
Week #4: 3WP + 2 Golden Tickets

Halfway Reward Winner! You are rewarded a moderated thread with Avalon! (There is no expiration on this reward so please just let me know when you are ready to redeem!)

Awarded First Place

[*] +5WP
[*] Your choice of land, sea or air mount from those available *
[*] Duplicity Suit (This item is either a dress or a two-piece suit (shirt/blouse + pants/skirt). It can change appearance twice per trial, but can never deviate from its original design (ie. a duplicity dress can only shift into other types/colours of dresses). The wearer only has to picture what they wish to be wearing in order to activate the item. When the item changes appearance, it can look like anything from rags to a ballgown and can be any colour(s) the wearer imagines. It will never be warmer or cooler and will not add any other advantages. If purchased as a two-piece suit, both pieces must be worn simultaneously to work. Damage to the fabric renders the item useless.)*
[*] Stone Horse (A small stone statue of a horse. When activated, it becomes a life sized mount, perfectly suited to whoever activated it. The mount is tireless and completely obedient, requiring no sustenance. When it is time to sleep, the horse returns, once again, to a statue. May only be activated twice per trial.)*
[*] Primary Signature Item (This item is a prerequisite for purchasing a Secondary and Tertiary signature item. With a base item valued at no more than Tier 7, the PC is gifted a unique item with a minor enchantment on it. This enchantment should be roughly the equivalent of an ability from a Favoured Immortal Mark and must be approved via the PSF.)

As he finished with his envelope, the blond Immortal spoke again, a bit softer. “You are no stranger to challenges and difficulties. Your gift to others is your loyalty and integrity.” Handing him a small silver box with white sparkling ribbon, Saoire smiled. “A small gift from me. I will let you know when to unwrap it.”

* Items marked with a (*) at the end may be exchanged for 5WP if the recipient would rather have WP. Just let me know!

Oram

Holding an envelope out to the man, Saoire gently greeted him with a smile. “Oram, It’s a pleasure to see you again. For your hard work, you’ve been awarded second place. Inside this envelope, you will find your rewards." Patiently, the Immortal gave him a moment to read the card within...

Rewards
Week #1: N/A
Week #2: 2WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #3: 2WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #4: N/A

Awarded Second Place

[*] +5WP
[*] Your choice of land, sea or air mount from those available PC Change Request PC requested to exchange this item for +5WP
[*] Duplicity Suit (This item is either a dress or a two-piece suit (shirt/blouse + pants/skirt). It can change appearance twice per trial, but can never deviate from its original design (ie. a duplicity dress can only shift into other types/colours of dresses). The wearer only has to picture what they wish to be wearing in order to activate the item. When the item changes appearance, it can look like anything from rags to a ballgown and can be any colour(s) the wearer imagines. It will never be warmer or cooler and will not add any other advantages. If purchased as a two-piece suit, both pieces must be worn simultaneously to work. Damage to the fabric renders the item useless.) *
[*] Stone Horse (A small stone statue of a horse. When activated, it becomes a life sized mount, perfectly suited to whoever activated it. The mount is tireless and completely obedient, requiring no sustenance. When it is time to sleep, the horse returns, once again, to a statue. May only be activated twice per trial.) *

* Items marked with a (*) at the end may be exchanged for 5WP if the recipient would rather have WP. Just let me know!

Quietly, sensing he was done reading the card, she gently spoke again. “You never turn your back on an issue that you believe needs to be sorted, Oram Mednix. Your gift to others is your courage and focus. Handing him a small silver box with blue sparkling ribbon, Saoire smiled. “Please accept a small token of my appreciation. I will let you know when to unwrap it.”

Devin

As Devin approached her, Saoire smiled. “Always a pleasure to see you, Devin. I’m very happy to say that you have been awarded third place for your hard work.“ Handing him an envelope, she patiently waited for him to open it and read what was on the card inside...

Rewards
Week #1: 1WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #2: N/A
Week #3: 1WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #4: 2WP + 1 Golden Ticket

Awarded Third Place

[*] +5WP
[*] Your choice of land, sea or air mount from those available *
[*] Duplicity Suit (This item is either a dress or a two-piece suit (shirt/blouse + pants/skirt). It can change appearance twice per trial, but can never deviate from its original design (ie. a duplicity dress can only shift into other types/colours of dresses). The wearer only has to picture what they wish to be wearing in order to activate the item. When the item changes appearance, it can look like anything from rags to a ballgown and can be any colour(s) the wearer imagines. It will never be warmer or cooler and will not add any other advantages. If purchased as a two-piece suit, both pieces must be worn simultaneously to work. Damage to the fabric renders the item useless.) *

* Items marked with a (*) at the end may be exchanged for 5WP if the recipient would rather have WP. Just let me know!

As he finished reading the card, she spoke again with a small smile upon her lips. “The world is a beautiful place, although not all have the ability to see that. Your gift to others is curiosity and creativity. Handing him a small silver box with black sparkling ribbon, Saoire smiled. “From me. I will let you know when to unwrap it.”

Shl'Drei

Smiling softly at the young man, Saoire extended her hand gently to him. “Hello Shl’Drei. My name is Saoire. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m happy to say that you’ve been awarded fourth place. Patiently, the Immortal gave him a moment to read the card within...

Rewards
Week #1: 2WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #2: 1WP + 1 Golden Ticket
Week #3: N/A
Week #4: N/A

Awarded Fourth Place

[*] +5WP
[*] Your choice of land, sea or air mount from those available *

* Items marked with a (*) at the end may be exchanged for 5WP if the recipient would rather have WP. Just let me know!

When he looked up from the card, she began speaking again, a bit softer than before. “You have struggled recently, but you understand the necessity of challenges now, I think. Your gift to others is your fortitude and compassion. Handing him a small silver box with green sparkling ribbon, Saoire smiled. “Please accept a small token of my appreciation. I will let you know when to unwrap it.”

Woe

Inclining her head gently at the man as he approached, the blond Immortal offered him a smile. “Woe Morandi, a pleasure. I am delighted to award you fifth place for your hard work." Handing him an envelope, she patiently waited for him to open it and read what was on the card inside...

Rewards
Week #1: N/A
Week #2: N/A
Week #3: N/A
Week #4: N/A

Awarded Fifth Place

[*] +5WP

As he finished reading over the card, Saoire’s voice sounded again. “Woe, you’ve spent a long time being conflicted about your place in the world, but no matter what, you kept striving forward. Your gift to others is truth and objectiveness. Handing him a small silver box with silver sparkling ribbon, Saoire smiled. “From me. I will let you know when to unwrap it.”



After all the individual awards were handed out, and Saoire had spoken to each honored individual, she addressed the room again. "All those that received the small silver boxes, please open them at this time." When opened, the recipient would find a small silver medallion and chain. Upon the medallions were engraved text that Saoire began to explain. "Upon each medallion, I've had engraved the two traits I spoke to each of you, highlighting as your 'gifts' to others. They are written in Ancient."
She further explained that each medallion had a special abilitysee below enchanted into it. "I wished to commemorate this evening by expressing to each of you what I believe you offer the world. I think it's important, every now and then, to be reminded of such. I hope you enjoy your gifts."

As the ceremony drew to a close, Saoire departed as quickly as she had arrived, leaving Maz and Flea to attend to their guests and wrap up the evening.

*Medallions are enchanted with the favored ability "Gift of Cheer" from Saoire's mark, Telka. "Saoire's domain of Gifts is not merely one of physical goods, but of the happiness and joy that comes with both giving and receiving a well meant gift. This ability allows the Blessed to give both themselves and anyone they're with a feeling of joy and good cheer, banishing negative feelings like sorrow, anger, and fear. " This ability can be used twice a season for a break (hour) each time. Simply touch the medallion and think of the two words inscribed upon it to activate.

!	Message from: Avalon
	Thank YOU for participating in the Scalv-Hunt! You will all be getting medals as well. You may post one more time, if you wish. Thank you for your endless patience, and thank you to Pegasus for allowing me the honor of writing what is my very first post as a member of Staff. I'm thrilled for all of you!

Peg