OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne

[magicalarchaeologist]

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. ))

Comments

Banquet

[magicalarchaeologist]

(Istredd spends most of the night on his side of the room helping the others with the Horizon or answering questions, but he does come to watch the demonstration to see if they've added anything to their showcase. He has occasionally been one of the demonstrators himself, illusions are a specialty and it can be visually impressive, but he hasn't decided if he will after them or not. He has a responsibility to his side of the celebration.

He is quietly watching, raising an eyebrow at a new fire technique meant to wow, and then glances at the girl who speaks up. It turns out she is talking to the exact right person for that topic. She may have noticed him during the set-up preparing the quiet room for meditation.)

Yes, anyone. In Abraxas, every person can use magic, and when we were taken here, we were given the same natural ability.

[schlick]

( she eyes him — maybe it's a little wary, maybe it's a little general distrust of people with beards, but ultimately the draw of knowledge is more appealing than her anxiety, in general. besides, he seems nice enough. robin works hard to make herself look relaxed. totally at ease. )

So I could make little — ( her hands gesture out, fingers doing something jazzy. ) like, sparklers too?

[magicalarchaeologist]

Yes. Please wait here for a moment.

( Istredd disappears into his side of the party, only to return a few moments later with a book in hand. It is thick, probably coming off more as a school textbook than anything else. He offers it to her.)

This is a book on early academic magic, it is the primary source of magic they use in Thorne. It's much easier than a lot of other options. Basically you memorize the spell and you work on focusing and harnessing the energy around us to make it happen. It takes practice and patience, but you'll get the hang of it.

( He really does have a tendency of coming off as a teacher no matter how he tries to be casual. As a researcher, he is used to giving pragmatic reports and sometimes that gets monotone. Istredd is getting better about it around here, he really thinks it behooves the situation if he tries to be more interesting, but it's a work in progress. )

I recommend starting with the light spell, Illuminate. It's helpful to basically use as your own magical torch when in the dark.

[schlick]

( accepting the book, she pays just slightly more attention to it than istredd's words, drawing his fingers all over the leather cover and down the spine, quickly flipping through it, like that might be enough to learn the contents. when it isn't, robin just clutches it to her chest protectively, in case someone tries to take it from her. )

Okay. ( she nods. rubs her lips together. ) So say, like, hypothetically, I can't, or it doesn't work, or I need more help, or something. I mean, seriously, I almost got held back in kindergarten because I refused to learn how to tie my shoes, and that's barely any magic at all. And — I still can only do bunny ears. So. ( she looks down at the book again, nervously fiddling it. ) So. Illuminate. That's pretty on the nose.

[magicalarchaeologist]

( Istredd understands the general message she's trying to get across even if he doesn't know what some of the terms are. It's normal to be hesitant or think that you're not capable of it. He has seen this in most people who arrive.)

I offer beginner's magic training. It's every other morning in one of the training rooms, after breakfast. You don't need to attend every one to make certain you understand, it's rudimentary on purpose. But you will get better faster if you attend.

( That means she can come every few classes and still be fine in getting practice and listening. He doesn't complicate those particular levels, it's always supposed to be for people new and undercertain. There are more advanced courses offered by two other Summoned, so he assumed this would be a good hole for him to fill.)

You can do it, I assure you. It's normal to be nervous, but I only start with safe spells. I highly suggest you don't do anything like a fire spell unless you're with a teacher. Those get out of hand fast.