IN CHARACTER DETAILS

This event will take place between February 6th to February 29th 3509 AT and your threads may take place at any point during those in-game days. 

TIMELINE

THE MORNING OF (February 6th) The attack comes without warning and there were few soldiers stationed in Arx. Many were kept on the land borders where skirmishes are more likely. The local government has no choice but to surrender to the overwhelming number of Ivana’s forces. The nobility and wealthy merchants of the city held a max exodus just before Ivana’s ships reached port, but most ordinary citizens, without funds or resources to flee, are left to fend for themselves. The invaders are quick to take control of the city borders and lock them down. 

THE DAYS FOLLOWING (February 7th to 10th)  The invasion of Arx was a brutal show of force and power. Mere months ago there were joyous celebrations in the streets and raucous festivals, but now there are numerous bodies of those who tried to fight back against Ivana’s soldiers. Where sweet wine was once spilled in merriment, there is now fresh blood. Without mercy, her men fired into the port, targeting what few military vessels were stationed there first. Buildings in the Pearl Plaza are set aflame, the last merchant boats in Whale Water Port are looted and sunk. The last bastion of resistance, The Siang Institute of Circumstance, has closed its doors as acolytes and scholars try to hold out against the forces that threaten to overwhelm them. Some citizens have taken to hiding behind the walls of the University and Archives, but it is only a matter of time before they are overrun. The citizens left out, unprotected, band together in their homes, waiting and hoping for relief. 

A KING’S RESPONSE (February 11th to February 15th)  King Rolland delivers a swift response and moves his attention away from the border with Kaivras where most battles have taken place prior to this attack. He sends his forces towards Arx across land and sea. His few other military vessels race towards the conflict. The city will be difficult to recapture, and it has been suggested by some council members that it may be easier to infiltrate the city in small numbers before the full force of Rolland’s army arrives. It is with this in mind that any seeking to gain access to Arx are advised to be extremely cautious. Ivana’s soldiers are everywhere and they are merciless. It has been emphasized that Ivana takes no prisoners. 

THE BATTLE FOR ARX (February 16th to February 20th)  The city of Arx, razed nearly to the ground and trampled below the feet of Ivana, is awash with new conflict. When the primary mass of King Rolland’s forces arrive, aided by the brave few who had infiltrated the city borders previously, a brutal and bitter battle ensues. Within a week, the chokehold that Ivana’s forces held on movement in and out of the city is broken. Citizens desperate to flee the prison of the city are finally provided a way out, but it also brings further chaos to the streets of Arx as the battle is brought within city limits. 

BITTER VICTORY (February 21st to February 28th) After weeks of terror, bloodshed, and brutality, King Rolland’s forces are able to push Ivana’s thugs back. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but no pain or loss is felt more strongly than those native to Arx. Homes are destroyed and ransacked, businesses gutted, and too many lives have been cut short. As the last glimmer of Ivana’s retreating forces flicker and disappear back over the horizon from where they came, there is a feeling in the air not of a battle hard won, but of having been taunted. Ivana’s soldiers were near gleeful to leave the smoldering, trampled remnants of Arx. They’d had their fun, it seemed. The message is clear: Ivana will chip away at Hagaegend’s defenses until there is nothing left. 

WHAT REMAINS (February 29th) While most of Arx has been destroyed, there are still some of its people that remain. The Siang Institute of Circumstance still stands, battered but whole, its contents protected. Council member Isidora Siang has opened the campus to victims of the attack and Rolland’s forces have set up medical tents and temporary housing for those who survived the brutality. There are those who wander the streets trying to salvage what remains from the rubble, searching for survivors and salvageable goods, and in the following weeks there will be a concentrated rebuilding effort. For now, however, the city of Arx is cloaked in a heavy shadow of grief. The buildings are little more than rubble and so are the people of Arx. For now, at least. 

OOC DETAILS

This event will last from February 6th to February 29th. Feel free to have your character react to the news of this attack in any way you see fit. As always, feel free to continue non-event related threads throughout. 

The news will have spread very quickly across Hegaehend and has created panic and dread in each of its inhabitants. Many will be wondering if their city, their town, or their forgotten village will be next. 

You are also more than welcome to have your character be present for the initial attack or the following days of fallout, though be aware that normal life in Arx has come screeching to a halt and if your character chooses to fight within the city, they would likely quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of Ivana’s forces if not done tactfully. 

The worldbuilding post for Arx can be found here. 

Any soldiers your character might encounter will have this stat block. 

THREAD IDEAS

When the fighting started, you were there. Did you choose to fight, to help others, or did you flee? Who was with you in that moment of chaos? Loved ones, strangers, and enemies were equal in the eyes of Ivana’s soldiers that day. 

When the city was taken, many became trapped, but one or two people might be able to slip through the cracks to find an escape route for survivors. They must be quiet or willing to cut down Ivana’s soldiers. 

In an attempt to flee, or escape after the capture, you’re getting pursued through the crumbling streets by ruthless soldiers. Better find a place to hide or fight back. 

The Siang Institute of Circumstance and its University and Archives are the crown jewel of Arx. You find yourself either voluntarily or involuntarily locked within its walls with the other survivors. 

Ivana’s ships are numerous, but as her soldiers sack the city, that leaves them at port. The anchored ships of Ivana are awfully vulnerable aren’t they? They surely won’t mind a few cut-free anchors or torched sails. Will you risk your chance at escape for some revenge?

You aren’t in Arx when the news spreads of its fate. Instead of a visceral experience, the battle taking place is out of your reach unless you decide to intervene. How do you react to news of yet another disaster? Does the King’s response satisfy you? 

Was one of your loved ones inside Arx at the time of the attack? Maybe you’ve come to see if they’ve survived.