abraxaslogs | OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne

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OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne

WHO: OPEN to all Summoned in Thorne
WHAT: A party, info dump, and magic study session all rolled into one! Eat, drink, mingle -- make some friends!
WHEN: a couple days after the newest Summoned start appearing
WHERE: a ballroom in Castle Thorne

NOTES: This is an open mingle log where everyone can tag one another!

Rhy Maresh will have sent a written invitation to all Thornean newcomers within a couple of days of their arrival, inviting them to meet their fellow Summoned. Otherwise, there will be fliers posted in the dining area that anyone can see. If your character has CR with Rhy or Istredd (or Kell), you can assume they were told and got an in-person invite -- and you can even assume your character helped with setup if desired (decorations, helping set out food, etc.), since Rhy definitely needed the assistance. Up to you!

Istredd will also be hosting a group meditation to allow newcomers to access to the Horizon (and network). New Summoned who wish to learn how to step into the Horizon have an opportunity to have their connections to the Singularity activated. If preferred, they can also get one-on-one help from those who've been around for a bit. He will also discuss the magic in Abraxas and point them in the direction of teachers of magic, combat, or other things they may be interested in.

Banquet.

The large ballroom is bathed in warm, golden light from dozens of chandeliers above, reflecting off the gleaming inlaid floors and brass light fixtures along the walls. It is at once neatly sectioned, yet naturally open, allowing the length of the room to flow from one potential activity to another with ease.

In the center, a circular area has been left clear, and every half hour or so during the first half of the evening, two native Thornean (apprentice) mages come up to offer magic demonstrations -- mostly flashy elemental magic, adding sparks and atmosphere. If any of the Summoned who've been around longer wish to show off as well, they are welcome to do so.

Along the walls stand narrow refreshment tables, where one can serve oneself wine from large glass carafes. Hot tea is also available in a few flavors. (Though those who have been here a while may notice there are fewer carafes, and more expensive options for alcohol and refreshments are missing this time.) For those looking to eat, a large dining table has been set out toward the center of the room, with plates and utensils and large platters of food in the center -- nothing fancy, but perfectly serviceable, and arranged to look good even if the ingredients themselves aren't nearly as lavish as they have been in the past. Still, despite the impending war and tightened purse strings in the face of shortages, the kitchen has agreed to help welcome the newly Summoned as best as they can.

Both the handful of large tables and the smattering of small, taller tables for standing at are in full view of the demonstrations so the show can be enjoyed with food and drink, whatever your desire. Bright summer flowers garnish every table, freshening up the space.

Of course, there's plenty of space to stand and mingle, walk around, and see what everyone else is up to. In the back of the room, the folding screens offer a quieter area, for more private conversation and meditation as desired.

Magic Studies.

Behind the folding screens made of tall, carved wood in intricate patterns, there are a handful of low sofas and chaise lounges around a fireplace at the far side of the hall. This sectioned-off area has been enchanted to provide some insulation from the sound of the banquet beyond, and once you step inside, the quiet is like a gentle blanket settling over everyone who chooses to spend some time here.

This is the best place to ask questions in some semblance of privacy, to learn about your new home, and to receive guidance on entering the Horizon and using the so-called network of telepathic notes only the Summoned can send one another.

A mage named Istredd seems to be the one 'in charge' of this particular endeavor, but others who have been in Abraxas a while are likely also about, lending their assistance to those who are newly arrived and sharing thoughts on their experiences so far.

Just be careful -- even if the insulating enchantment is sturdy, there are still Thornean natives around, refilling refreshments outside and demonstrating their magic. You may want to be careful how candidly you discuss any displeasure toward Thorne or its crown, considering the Queen's notoriously explosive temper, and the rumors of the dungeons deep beneath the castle. It's hardly a secret, at this point: a conflict has been sparked, and the mood around the castle is a tense one, even amidst a celebration such as this.

(( ooc: Feel free to make your own top levels and tag around! This is meant to be an open mingle, with the above as mostly setting and flavor, so don't feel limited if you want your character to do their own magic demonstrations, for example, or even if your thread ends up moving outside the ballroom. Have fun!

It should be noted that if you would like to handwave your character's first experience to the Horizon, you can do so. It's a blanket permission from me / Istredd that he took your character there, helped them leave, and showed them how to go back in with their memory now.

This was written by Lena aka Rhy player! Contact me @ waftingcurtains with any questions otherwise just roll with it, friends. ))

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Istredd finds that he is starting to build an immunity to the inherent exhaustion of public appearances, and while some grumpy isolationist part of him hates it, overall he knows it is for the best. He has made the choice not to stick his head in the sand/a stack of books and hide away from people. He's chosen to engage as a person in a position of leadership. It'll never come easily, but at least he is lasting longer in energy.

He spends all of the evening on his side of the screens since he always eats beforehand and he does have water nearby since all of this involves a great deal of talking. Istredd is a tall man at 6'3, wearing plain dark clothes and seemingly somber and calm. His unusually bright blue eyes are a stark contrast to his very dark hair and light brown skin, and his dark beard is newly trimmed. His smile is a little hesitant but more from being reserved than cold.

The area back here is very quiet and secluded, intentionally so since meditation is required to get used to the Horizon or learn how to use the network. It is a good place to ask questions and discuss magic. There are multiple tea set-ups since it's supposed to be soothing.

"How can I help you?" He may ask when someone approaches the quieter area, usually getting right to the point. Or "feel free to join us" if he's sitting down with others, some of them may already seem to be in a meditative state.

[ooc: As mentioned above, blanket permission for you to say Istredd helped your character go into the Horizon for the first time, guided them without their memory, and then taught them how to go back in so you can jump right into Horizon good times. Or reply if you'd like to actually play it out! Up to you.]

Entering the Horizon for the first time was unsettling - at least it was once she had left realizing that she forgot herself. It made her uneasy to return despite reassurances that she would remember who she was. Hornet approaches Istredd slowly, hesitating just a bit as she considers her words. Now was the time to ask her questions, at least she hopes that he would be amenable to her questions.

"I was told you could tell me more about the Singularity."

And of the magic of this world. Maybe magic in general. Her interest in knowledge was apparent at least despite her rather stoic appearance. She needed to learn all she could, but what would she do with this knowledge?

That was the next thing she needed to figure out.

She would not be the only person unsettled by that first trip; being a blank slate can be very vulnerable, and Istredd had a hard time the first visit too. But the second one out shadowed it so much that he's mostly forgotten the anxiety that came with such blankness. He is watching a few people who decided to meditate in, planning on checking in with them soon.

He glances over at the voice, but he doesn't see anyone at first, confused. At 6'3 Istredd is taller than most people, but he is on friendly terms with some dwarves in his sphere, so he does think to look down. She is very unique looking and he can't help but be flooded immediately with questions far too personal to pose.

And it's his job to answer questions.

"Yes, as much as we know at this point. The Singularity is said to not only be the center of magic in this sphere, but in all realms. There is currently no proof of that for our spheres, but it certainly is true here. It is visible as a giant rock statue in the Horizon, but it seems to have some kind of consciousness, or at least be more than an inanimate object."

Again not necessarily a proven fact, but Istredd physically went to it, and considering the pain it put him through, he feels he has some experience enough to be confident in that.

"Physically it exists in this realm through a location called the Badlands in a crater. It is not possible to go in easily, for people of this realm, they die from it, and we are simply put into the Horizon. That appears to be more of its home that it shares with us."

He pauses.

"What else are you interested in?" He could talk about the Singularity all day tbh.

She is not surprised that he has to look down at her. Being only about 3' tall makes talking to humans difficult, but so far none have brushed her off. For this she was thankful. She nods along, grateful for the information, mentally taking notes so she may transcribe them later in her own time. Horizon might hold some use to her after all - especially if it means a place of solitude or to meet those from the other cities. Hilda mentioned that they could meet there, after all.

She tilts her head, excited to speak to someone who could give her the information she sought. Not that others were lacking in knowledge, but Istredd seemed to just know from a place of experience. Something about the way he spoke of the Singularity...

"Magic." She says firmly but decides to add on. "I have no interest in learning." Considering her experiences with Soul in her own world, she was hesitant, but she needed to know more about it. It may prove useful in the future. "It is commonplace here from what I've been told, and from what I've seen thus far. How is magic utilized in this world? What is the benefit of learning magic?"

She pauses before she nods up at him. "I appreciate your time and knowledge. Whatever you are willing to share would be beneficial to my understanding of this place."

Hornet was determined to become useful in some way - and understanding this world was the first step in her vague plans (something she will iron out later).

Istredd decides the space between them is not really conducive to a conversation if she has to constantly tilt her head up, and him down. So he decides to simply kneel down in front of her to make a more comfortable space between the two of them. He's probably still a little taller than her, but it's on a more even level for sure. She is definitely the least humanoid person he's met so far.

"Everyone in this world, including all of us, have access to the magic that exists. It's in the air, it's everywhere, the magical energy is heavy. In Thorne, magic is utilized in every part of life, and we are a very magic-leaning location. The other two locations are much less so."

Free Cities seems to be technology-leaning and even dislike most magic, and Solvunn seems neutral, as it always appears to be. Or they rely on their rituals and gods, but that also is magic in another form. For a mage like Istredd, this is the ideal location, and it brought him close enough to the Singularity that he is glad to be here. He wouldn't leave given the option, it is too important for him to be here and keep his research.

"The benefit of using magic is that if you don't, it's possible it will happen whether you like it or not. Magic has a way of coming out, if not in obvious ways, the Singularity also apparently gives us separate gifts. And those gifts aren't always wanted or nice, but it ups our chances of using magic improperly. Dangerously."

Istredd knows of a few people who have what he would call good gifts, such as Lucifer, albeit with the annoying knocking. But then there's Wilhelm that is far more complicated. He only knows of one he has, but it is logical that given something new, he will always be stronger than others due to his training.

Istredd kneeling down was significantly more comfortable for her, but it also earns him some respect. He wasn't looking down on her as they spoke, and honestly? It made her feel less like a child. Being surrounded by so many tall humans made her feel uneasy, but she hoped that they would not be fools to underestimate her. She shifts on her feet, rubbing her hands together as she considers his words.

"So we are bound to magic even if we do not wish to utilize it?" That is her main takeaway from this conversation.

It could be dangerous to not learn magic, but how dangerous could it really be? Something told her that while she could be stubborn about this particular point, it would prove to be her downfall. Hornet crosses her arms, clearly uneasy by this revelation.

"Magic is dangerous." She says carefully. "I have seen what happens when those try to utilize it for their own gain." She shifts on her feet, shuddering to remember the lives lost at the Soul Sanctum. "I do not wish to learn, but it seems I may not have a choice."

Hornet tilts her head. "Tell me, is it worth knowing?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so, it is already in you simply by being here. Some people have managed to avoid using it, but there is no guarantee." Istredd knows that there are some people here who avoided the lessons, but he doesn't know if they've struggled with sudden abilities or just gotten off freely somehow. Either way, he thinks it more likely it'll show itself the way Wilhelm or Mat had to experience. And neither of them enjoyed that.

"Magic is dangerous," Istredd agrees. "But anything can be dangerous in the hands of the wrong people." Weapons, combat training, all of that exists in this world too. Istredd doesn't believe that magic is evil, because how could he? It's such a huge part of him.

"I should say that I'm a mage from my own sphere, I was raised that way. I have seen it used in terrible ways, but I've also seen it used to protect people." Istredd doesn't necessarily believe in the good vs evil conversation, he thinks all beings are flawed. And some beings probably do have evil in them, but the majority? Somewhere in the middle. "We are born with it too, and if we don't learn to use it, we die. That isn't the case here."

He is saying it may happen whether she likes it or not, but it's not the dire danger of his own upbringing. "I think it is good to at least know a few things."

It was not so dire unlike his own upbringing but it still could pose its own unique set of dangers. She could see the benefit of learning if it was not quite like the experimentations she has come upon. If she started to learn something akin to the use of Soul she may be more hesitant but it does not sound the same.

"I understand." She says, a grateful tone in her voice, especially since he offered up a view of his own world. "To know what you have been raised with... it must be a harrowing thing."

She tilts his head in thought, considering the choice to take up magic and learn.

"I will consider your words carefully. If I decide to learn... may I come to you?"

She knew she could only get so far with books and working on her own.

"It was difficult, yes." Not the least because many of his kind do die. Kids that are never found, but also some of his classmates that just weren't good enough. Istredd's fairly accepting of his upbringing because there is no reason to think twice about it. These things happened and he's closing in on a century old soon. It was forever ago.

"But when magic is a part of you, it feels natural. You might never feel that way, but you could." She's too early to all of this. It is best to keep your mind and options open. Magic is part of him, but socializing is not, so that's where his struggle comes from. He's getting better.

"Yes, of course. That's what I'm here for. I'm Istredd. I teach beginner's magic."

That stands out to her. The idea that magic can feel like a natural extension of one's self. Perhaps that's why the Knight was able to utilize it so easily, it just felt natural to them. Hornet nods, accepting that this may be something that comes to pass, but she does not think it will ever feel natural to learn magic. Perhaps if she was raised during a different time, to learn to weave spells into her thread - but unfortunately she was not, and thus her hesitance.

"I appreciate it, Istredd." She nods her head. "I am Hornet." She introduces herself, hand upon her chest as she bows in a way. "You teach... you have much knowledge about the Singularity... May I ask how long you have been here, in the castle?"

She could only guess, most she's met have only been here a handful of months, but he speaks with wisdom far beyond a few months. Though she could be very wrong with that thought, and he's just become ingrained in the culture and politics of this place quickly.

Istredd echoes her gesture, putting a hand on his chest and bowing his head to her. He thinks it likely they'll usually have to converse like this, but he doesn't mind. He imagines it must be very intimidating to be her size in a castle of this size. Hopefully any opportunity to make her feel less isolated would be taken.

"Around six or seven months now. I'm a historian as well as a mage, so I started researching very quickly." It has been half a year, he only realizes it now upon the words, and that is a strange detail. But what is half a year to someone who will live centuries? Istredd doesn't notice time the same way.

He does focus a great deal on what he can learn though, and now he knows more about Thorne in some ways than the natives who have spent their entire life there. "You can read a great deal in the library here, if you want."

"I see."

Long enough, though the length of time for a month may differ between them. She would not focus her attention on small details like that. Minute differences such as time did not matter to someone who has lived well beyond centuries. The life of being a daughter of a Pale Being she supposes.

Hornet seems to light up a bit at the mention of a library. Much of Hallownest's writings were lost to time and age, so being able to read, to hold tangible history in her hands would be beneficial to her.

"I do." She nods. "Does it speak of the Singularity, or is much of your knowledge a first-hand account?" A pause. "Or is much of what you told me all I will find in books?"

"Some of it is from the library, some of it is first-hand. They know very little about the Singularity." Despite it being a huge power source here and important, the fact they know so little about how it works is likely very frustrating to them. Enough to Summon people from other worlds to get any possibility of connection.

"But there is a lot to learn in the library, so I would recommend seeing for yourself." Istredd did exactly that, for months, and he still is in there most days when he's not teaching. Books are everything to him. "I teach beginner's magic regularly, but I also am an assistant in the library. If you want to come in, we can talk about your interests."

Also he can help her pick up the books and place them somewhere she can feel comfortable with. The tall helping the small!

"I would appreciate that." His help has been invaluable thus far and knowing he was willing to continue offering such help in the future was...well she could only do so much on her own. She shifts on her feet, her hands wringing together nervously.

"I do not know much of this world, so I am indebted to your kindness." It's easy to tell that she's not been treated with kindness often. "If I am able to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask for me."

That was suitable enough, was it not? To offer her assistance should he need it?

"I will leave you to your students." She says with a nod, gesturing to those still meditating.

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OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne

Istredd | The Witcher | The High Priestess | OTA

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Let's wrap on this one to focus on event!

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