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

[magicalarchaeologist]

When the Summoning here first began, it was only here in Thorne, and they brought the Summoned to the crater where the Singularity exists. They were forced inside, and that is how the Horizon was first experienced and the space within it created. It is likely it's been dormant all that time, since there was a historical precedent for what has happened to us. Thousands of years ago, the same Summoning was done, but the results are unknown.

[ She is right about where he puts his energies, obviously. Istredd is very invested in learning about the past and what it means for the future. The fact there was a summoning is something he has tried to get more and more information about, but it is very much lost for the time being. Istredd thinks it likely the answers are in Solvunn, and that is near impossible for them to know more about from here. Frustrating, for certain. ]

I'm a historian in my sphere. That instinct never ends.

[ He smiles faintly at that. Istredd immediately threw himself into studying the moment he arrived here, to the point where he's read most of the history of Thorne to an extent probably very few natives have even tried. A scholar through and through. It hasn't yielded helpful rewards ... yet.

As for her question, he nods. ]

Yes, that is part of what I offer here. It is safer to go with someone else, and far quicker than wandering.

[ He gestures toward the area others can meditate in, walking over there. It is not dangerous exactly to go alone, he wouldn't say, but people could get stuck easier without their memory. ]

[seaandsun]

But there have been other Summonings since? Not only in Thorne, but elsewhere.

[ Galadriel has been meaning to get her hands on a map, or some other means of verifying the other territories that exist beyond the castle — not necessarily in an attempt to travel to them, at least not right away, but so she can familiarize herself with this land as much as possible. For now, her intentions are to remain here, especially since she has discovered a dear friend living within these very walls.

She can understand his description of himself, though — and, for not the first time since their conversation began, is reminded of Elrond, his appetite for knowledge and learning to its fullest potential. That comparison may be best reserved for a later time, especially since she has been presented with a more intriguing possibility — and Galadriel rarely withdraws from those. ]

Then I would like to go.

[ She follows him to the space where others are already settled in meditation, not crowding too closely but certainly not trailing behind with any hesitancy. ]

What must I do?

Sorry my life exploded, if we can wrap on this, you can say she went to the horizon if you want!

[magicalarchaeologist]

It was in Thorne first, but there was conflict between Thorne and the first Summoned. They eventually left when given the chance by two mysterious benefactors who are still unknown. When they left to go to Free Cities and Solvunn, those factions figured out the Summoning spell and started to do their own.

[ Conflict is the nicest way possible of saying 'they threw Summoned into the dungeons and tried to execute one of them.' They are still unsafe in here from ears, so he is very diplomatic whenever possible. The tone makes it obvious this was a very bad period for everyone. Perhaps at a later time in a safer room, someone can tell her the truth about the dangerous situation they are in right then, but it's too early for that.

Istredd and Elrond have multiple things in common and get along because of it. He is fascinated by elves of all kinds too, being very sympathetic to the ones from his world and their tragic plight.

There is space so he sits and encourages her to do the same. Everything is comfortable in here and very much set up to be soothing and easy to meditate. Even the smells are pleasant and comfortable. ]

You sit and be still. Clear your mind. A part of you is already connected to the Horizon, it wants you to be there, it will pull you to it. Don't fight it, and we'll be there.