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

Night Music

[a_better_man]

[Now here's a new arrival that Mat has already had the pleasure of meeting.

He approaches with a grin, dressed far more formally this evening in a green and gold brocade waistcoat over silk shirt and trousers. His hair is just as unkempt and his jaw just as unshaven. There's a glass of wine in his hand, and he waits for a pause in Lestat's playing before he speaks.]

I see you've found a piano! You are good.

[Much better than Mat himself, though not surprising. He's only had a few months with his long necked lute at best.]

[malicieux]

[ When he sees Mat, Lestat smiles, and he has the self-awareness to look modest at the little compliment. ]

I've simply had many years and plenty of time to practice. It's good to see you.

[ Which he says with sincerity. So far, Mat's the only person, before the party at least, that hasn't made Lestat feel annoyed or bothered. ]

It's quite the kind gesture, throwing a welcome party for us.

[a_better_man]

And you!

[He lifts his glass in a gesture of greeting. It's nice to have another musically inclined fellow about, and what can Mat say? Lestat's a pretty man and he enjoys pretty people.

Not that there's any shortage of them in Thorne....]

Well, it's kind but it's self serving, too. Let's us see who's joined our ranks. One thing I can say for Thorne, we are not wanting for comfort and luxury. All of this...that's the standard around here.

[The food, the magic, the opulence...it's everywhere, and they're welcome to take part of it all.]

Have you seen the bathing chambers yet?

[malicieux]

[ Lestat's not surprised by what Mat says. He can recognize an ulterior motive when he sees one, even when it's as simple as see who's joined our ranks.

He raises his eyebrows and puts on an amused look. ]

Are you offering to show me them?

[a_better_man]

[Mat laughs.]

Well I certainly wouldn't be adverse, I do enjoy taking pretty people to the baths, but they're just a very good example of the level of comfort that can be expected here. Little appeasement for the kidnapping and whatnot, all things considered, but I know if I have to be kept somewhere I'd rather be kept somewhere comfortable than not.

[A gilded cage was preferable to iron, as far as he's concerned. He doesn't trust Thorne, he isn't so stupid as to think there's no ulterior motive here. Not after being here as long as he has and seeing what he's seen.

He'll never forget what the queen did to the Free Cities.

If all he has to take heart in is the luxury and abundance of his prison, he's going to. May as well get all he can out of the situation. It's not as though he's had the option before, and perhaps it's petty but he likes living comfortably.]

[malicieux]

You flatter me.

[ Who doesn't like being called pretty, after all?

Lestat's fingers still on the piano keys, and he looks at the other man thoughtfully for a moment. Clearly Mat's been around a while, and he seems keen to help make living here as bearable as possible. ]

This may be an odd question, but perhaps you could tell me how I might go about getting myself a coffin to sleep in?

[a_better_man]

Flattery and flirtation are two of my specialties!

[Then Mat blinks, and considers Lestat a moment before nodding. That is not at all a question he'd imagined being asked. By anyone, at any point.]

You're right, that is an odd question.

[But he purses his lips in thought and gives it serious consideration. Who is he to judge? The odd has become the normal here, and some fellow wanting to sleep in a coffin really isn't that strange in comparison. For all he knows there's some magical or other reason for it.

After all, Mat's well familiar with curses.]

Well...I suppose if you could argue that you need it, our hosts might provide one. Otherwise I'd guess either a carpenter in town or a mortician. But that'd cost money, and money is the one thing they don't give us.

[malicieux]

[ The thought of somehow begging for a coffin is distasteful, but maybe Mat's on the right track. Maybe Lestat should simply ask. Given that they do seem keen on setting up their reluctant wards with comfort, something as simple as a rectangular box to sleep in doesn't seem that outrageous. ]

A mortician would certainly be ideal.

[ But no money. And he probably won't be able to fully charm someone into giving him one for free. You'd think if they were going to ask vampires here, they'd at least be better set up for it. ]

Thank you for indulging my question.

[a_better_man]

I have utterly no idea how much coffins cost, I've thankfully never needed to know, but if you're looking to make money...

[Mat shrugs amiably, casting an eye to the piano. That's a money maker right there, in the proper hands.]

You've got talent, and folks in town like their music. You could make good coin without much effort. I can't fathom why you'd rather a dead man's box than a bed, but it's not an impossible dream.

[A pause, and then because Mat can't help but be curious...]

Is it comfortable?

[malicieux]

[ Oh, Mat, how quaint. Lestat finds it endearing that Mat can't quite figure out the desire for a coffin instead of a bed.

He shrugs a shoulder. ]

Of course. I may be biased, but I find it much more restful than a bed. If nothing else, the fact that you can't be as easily disturbed in one is appealing.