𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐤𝐚 "ate 12 sandwiches & napped" 𝐬𝐮𝐢 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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abraxaslogs2023-02-11 05:08 pm
aquaveiled) wrote in abraxaslogs2023-02-11 05:08 pm
[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet
WHO: Anyone in Solvunn!
WHAT: Mingle Meet & Greet for new and old Solvunn Summoned!
WHEN: Early February
WHERE: Primary Settlement: The Gardsbruk Farm
[ ooc; This is an open log so feel free to jump in and make your own top-levels! You do not need to have CR with Himeka, Wanda, or Nero to stop by the farm, but you are free handwave a word of mouth. ]
i. Gardsbruk Farm
On the roads between the Primary and Secondary Settlements sits Gardsbruk Farm. A once thriving homestead servicing the community and housing several generations of the Gardsbruk family had fallen into disarray. Left to the care of Maeve and Declan Gardsbruk, the twins had initially hesitantly allowed the help of local summoned in their efforts to restore the farm, but now they are active and grateful supporters of the Summoned in the community. In recent months the farm has been seeing a burst of activity and vitality in the surrounding farmland, finally looking more and more like it once had in generations past.
Green pastures in the height of summer are sprinkled with some brown grass during droughts, but these rarely last more than a day or two. A few crops may be planted for family use, but the main stock of this farm is sheep.
And there are sheep! You may be greeted by up to two dozen sheep when you enter the grounds, though not all of the livestock may welcome your presence. There are a few rowdy goats that are wandering about too, and a large brown goat named Eli seems to be particularly discerning of residents. Be careful you don't upset him. He will be seen all throughout the events of the next few days, inviting himself unannounced to follow along any guests. He may be bribed with carrots.
There are a surprising amount of monitor lizards wandering about the farm as well. "Don't worry about it" seems to be the prevailing mood.
ii. Day One - Farmville
You're not here just to enjoy the scenic landscape. Maeve and Declan are eager to greet the new Summoned in town and equally eager to put them to work. They understand that many may not be ready to take on farm life so what is better than first-hand experience? Maeve will show how to shear sheep and Declan shows how to butcher livestock, both important skills no matter where you end up. It's a good opportunity to network as well, given the success that the Gardsbruks have gained in welcoming Summoned into their homes and their growing revered status amongst the community, a Summoned with a resume will do well.
But their own Summoned residents are just as happy to show what they have learned as well. Wanda shows how sheep wool is woven into thread and yarn and how sheep milk is turned into cheese. Samples of both are given to any Summoned or locals who decided to participate, and given that Solvunn is primarily a battering society, getting what supplies you can is useful even if you're not cold or happen to be lactose intolerant.
Nero is overseeing a petting zoo which includes several of the most mild-mannered sheep on the farm, a shrieking weed named "Meatloaf", and a particular monitor lizard who won't leave him alone. Eli also makes appearances when he sees fit.
Food is provided...if you work for it! ByNero's surprising popular request, Himeka will lead the group in making pizza. Pizza is not a Solvunn specialty. In fact, it's never been heard of in these towns before. But what is pizza but carbohydrates, cheeses, sauces, and toppings? Using the supplies from the local baker, the meat from the local butcher, vegetables from a neighbor, and cheese from Gardsbruk's own sheep, together they will make "a better pizza than that guy".
iii. Nighttime Activities
Later in the day there is a friendly sparring contest held in a cleared out field. The locals like to put money on these kinds of things, so it's not only an opportunity to test your strength but also earn a bit of coin or notoriety. It seems like arm-wrestling is a regular contest at the local tavern and you may be invited to join in later if you participate.
For dinner, the community comes together to enjoy the warming weather with a potluck-style barbeque. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients if you can, but there's no need--anyone can help out in anyway. It's also the perfect time to sample the local meads as a few barrels are taken out of storage to share. During the dinner, there is a lively performance from a local band to welcome the new Summoned into the fold.
As the day turns into evening, a large bonfire is lit. Everyone still on the farm will be welcome to gather around, share hot ciders and ale, as well as roast some tasty treats on sticks. Food is always better on a stick. A time to wind down, share stories, and thank everyone for joining and being a part of what Solvunn has to offer.
You don't need to go back to your own abode if you're planning on staying for the following day. The barn (normally Nero's room) will be made ready to accommodate guests for the evening. The sheep and Eli have a separate barn, don't worry, though the cow Agatha sleeps there as well. She's very kindly if a little smelly, but you get used to it.
(If you happen to be the kind of person who can't go out in sunlight, any activities, discussions, and interactions are happily held at night as well!)
iv. Day Two - Summoning the Summoned
The second day is less dedicated to integrating to Solvunn, instead focusing on what it means to be a Summoned. The day will start in the barn with a quick breakfast before the welcoming committee will invite everyone out to pasture along with the herd of sheep. Away from prying eyes and ears, they can discuss in earnest.
Himeka will step forward as the sheep are ushered to graze, turning to address her comrades, new and old.
"Thank you for joining us today," she begins. "You've surely got questions and we...well, we may have answers, but truth be told there are many questions we're still asking ourselves. But what we do know is that we're important--not just to Solvunn, but to the star as a whole. What we have, what we can do, we don't even know the extent of it. It makes us valuable and it makes us dangerous, and it also makes us a target. But if we look out for one another and work together, we may yet come to understand it."
There will be discussions of the Summoned's known history and "purpose" in Solvunn and Abraxas, touching on the impact of the Old Gods, the suspicious rumors now surrounding Josselyn Creed, Solvunn's relationship with Nocwich and the other factions, and more. It's the perfect time to get to the nitty gritty of the mess you have been summoned into. Ask questions, get answers, and open new avenues for discourse.
As Summoned you may find that you have new and strange abilities or that your usual powers are returning. It is the perfect time for a demonstration of magicks! Wanda and Himeka start off the show with demonstrations of their own but are curious to see what others bring into the table.
Towards the early afternoon the sheep will be brought back in and, hopefully with new knowledge, the Summoned of Solvunn can face the days ahead. And if there are those who still need a place to stay, well...all you need to do is ask!
xx. Gift Baskets!
Anyone who participates in this log receives a gift basket from the official "welcoming committee!" Throughout the first day you will receive a small woven basket from either Himeka, Wanda, or Nero which contains:
WHAT: Mingle Meet & Greet for new and old Solvunn Summoned!
WHEN: Early February
WHERE: Primary Settlement: The Gardsbruk Farm
[ ooc; This is an open log so feel free to jump in and make your own top-levels! You do not need to have CR with Himeka, Wanda, or Nero to stop by the farm, but you are free handwave a word of mouth. ]
i. Gardsbruk Farm
On the roads between the Primary and Secondary Settlements sits Gardsbruk Farm. A once thriving homestead servicing the community and housing several generations of the Gardsbruk family had fallen into disarray. Left to the care of Maeve and Declan Gardsbruk, the twins had initially hesitantly allowed the help of local summoned in their efforts to restore the farm, but now they are active and grateful supporters of the Summoned in the community. In recent months the farm has been seeing a burst of activity and vitality in the surrounding farmland, finally looking more and more like it once had in generations past.
Green pastures in the height of summer are sprinkled with some brown grass during droughts, but these rarely last more than a day or two. A few crops may be planted for family use, but the main stock of this farm is sheep.
And there are sheep! You may be greeted by up to two dozen sheep when you enter the grounds, though not all of the livestock may welcome your presence. There are a few rowdy goats that are wandering about too, and a large brown goat named Eli seems to be particularly discerning of residents. Be careful you don't upset him. He will be seen all throughout the events of the next few days, inviting himself unannounced to follow along any guests. He may be bribed with carrots.
There are a surprising amount of monitor lizards wandering about the farm as well. "Don't worry about it" seems to be the prevailing mood.
ii. Day One - Farmville
You're not here just to enjoy the scenic landscape. Maeve and Declan are eager to greet the new Summoned in town and equally eager to put them to work. They understand that many may not be ready to take on farm life so what is better than first-hand experience? Maeve will show how to shear sheep and Declan shows how to butcher livestock, both important skills no matter where you end up. It's a good opportunity to network as well, given the success that the Gardsbruks have gained in welcoming Summoned into their homes and their growing revered status amongst the community, a Summoned with a resume will do well.
But their own Summoned residents are just as happy to show what they have learned as well. Wanda shows how sheep wool is woven into thread and yarn and how sheep milk is turned into cheese. Samples of both are given to any Summoned or locals who decided to participate, and given that Solvunn is primarily a battering society, getting what supplies you can is useful even if you're not cold or happen to be lactose intolerant.
Nero is overseeing a petting zoo which includes several of the most mild-mannered sheep on the farm, a shrieking weed named "Meatloaf", and a particular monitor lizard who won't leave him alone. Eli also makes appearances when he sees fit.
Food is provided...if you work for it! By
iii. Nighttime Activities
Later in the day there is a friendly sparring contest held in a cleared out field. The locals like to put money on these kinds of things, so it's not only an opportunity to test your strength but also earn a bit of coin or notoriety. It seems like arm-wrestling is a regular contest at the local tavern and you may be invited to join in later if you participate.
For dinner, the community comes together to enjoy the warming weather with a potluck-style barbeque. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients if you can, but there's no need--anyone can help out in anyway. It's also the perfect time to sample the local meads as a few barrels are taken out of storage to share. During the dinner, there is a lively performance from a local band to welcome the new Summoned into the fold.
As the day turns into evening, a large bonfire is lit. Everyone still on the farm will be welcome to gather around, share hot ciders and ale, as well as roast some tasty treats on sticks. Food is always better on a stick. A time to wind down, share stories, and thank everyone for joining and being a part of what Solvunn has to offer.
You don't need to go back to your own abode if you're planning on staying for the following day. The barn (normally Nero's room) will be made ready to accommodate guests for the evening. The sheep and Eli have a separate barn, don't worry, though the cow Agatha sleeps there as well. She's very kindly if a little smelly, but you get used to it.
(If you happen to be the kind of person who can't go out in sunlight, any activities, discussions, and interactions are happily held at night as well!)
iv. Day Two - Summoning the Summoned
The second day is less dedicated to integrating to Solvunn, instead focusing on what it means to be a Summoned. The day will start in the barn with a quick breakfast before the welcoming committee will invite everyone out to pasture along with the herd of sheep. Away from prying eyes and ears, they can discuss in earnest.
Himeka will step forward as the sheep are ushered to graze, turning to address her comrades, new and old.
"Thank you for joining us today," she begins. "You've surely got questions and we...well, we may have answers, but truth be told there are many questions we're still asking ourselves. But what we do know is that we're important--not just to Solvunn, but to the star as a whole. What we have, what we can do, we don't even know the extent of it. It makes us valuable and it makes us dangerous, and it also makes us a target. But if we look out for one another and work together, we may yet come to understand it."
There will be discussions of the Summoned's known history and "purpose" in Solvunn and Abraxas, touching on the impact of the Old Gods, the suspicious rumors now surrounding Josselyn Creed, Solvunn's relationship with Nocwich and the other factions, and more. It's the perfect time to get to the nitty gritty of the mess you have been summoned into. Ask questions, get answers, and open new avenues for discourse.
As Summoned you may find that you have new and strange abilities or that your usual powers are returning. It is the perfect time for a demonstration of magicks! Wanda and Himeka start off the show with demonstrations of their own but are curious to see what others bring into the table.
Towards the early afternoon the sheep will be brought back in and, hopefully with new knowledge, the Summoned of Solvunn can face the days ahead. And if there are those who still need a place to stay, well...all you need to do is ask!
xx. Gift Baskets!
Anyone who participates in this log receives a gift basket from the official "welcoming committee!" Throughout the first day you will receive a small woven basket from either Himeka, Wanda, or Nero which contains:
- Pleasantly smelling soaps, shampoos, and candles from Wanda, guaranteed to keep you smelling better than the farm itself.
- A little sack of spices and herbs with a hand-written recipe for goat stew and small bottle of fruity liquid from Himeka--mead that she has been "trying to make herself". It comes with a note, "In case of emergency". If your character doesn't drink, they can receive a tasty pastry instead.
- A small sheep knit from sheep wool from Maeve Gardsbruk.
- A small collection of cool rocks. They aren't magical or rare. It may be misleading as they come in a nice velvet bag. They are just cool. Nero thought they were cool.
- And most importantly, an expertly drawn brochure explaining all you need to know about Solvunn in minimal detail, by the local acclaimed artist Nero.
no subject
Thank you! Maeve and Declan would be glad to hear you think so, too. It's their family's land after all.
[ Though she's been there for over a year, she knows the history of the place weighs more heavily on their hosts. Something that mayhaps this Claire can relate to, given the candor of her response.
At the hand, Himeka happily takes it and gives Claire's a hearty shake. ]
It's a pleasure! As much as being ripped from one star and forced upon an other can be, right? I'm Himeka.
[ A little uncouth but it is the truth. ]
How have you been settling in?
no subject
[ Hanging the basket from her wrist once introductions are over, Claire has to let out a huff of a laugh at Himeka's description of being brought here. ]
I couldn't have said it better myself. At least circumstances aren't as fraught as they could be, based on that description.
[ Sure, there's political tension, but the land is gorgeous. ]
Honestly, this reminds me so much of home that it's helped keep a small amount of homesickness at bay. Not all of it, mind, but I'm sure being here and meeting others will help.
[ All she can do is make an honest go of things, and at least she's always adapted. ]
How long have you been on this star?
no subject
No, I suppose not. Though we'll do our best to try and make them stay that way.
[ Which is what a little weekend amongst new colleagues and new friends if for, right? ]
Does it?
[ Her home is a place like this? A smaller, but close community of people who work together in an idyllic landscape? Those are the high points of Solvunn, Himeka thinks. She smiles encouragingly. ]
Where are you from?
[ Claire may not want to tell a stranger, but she'd be remiss not to ask. But to the question in turn, Himeka hums for a moment and taps her chin. ]
I'd say...it's about one and a half summers going now. Most of that in Solvunn.
[ She taps her sternum. ]
So if you're looking for some connections, I can try to hook you up. I happen to know a few influential goats.
[ That may or may not be a joke, given how straight she delivers it. ]
no subject
[ Claire smiles at the thought of Jamie. ]
Have you heard of it? I'm realizing not everyone is from the same planet. Which is something I'm still trying to process, right along with everything else.
[ Man had only just made it to the moon from her perspective—before going back in time. When Himeka reveals she's been in Solvunn as long as she has, the smile fades, lips settling in a thin line. She's met more than one person who seems to be having an extended stay.
Sighing just a little, she tries to rearrange her face into something less severe. It's just as lucky that there's mention of goats and Claire's able to look confused with a touch of amusement. ]
The goats have a lot of sway, do they?
no subject
[ Himeka has heard of a lot of places, but she takes a moment to wrack her mind for that one. Many "Lands", of course, as that naming convention seems to be universal. But not Scot of Lands. She shakes her head. ]
I don't believe so, no. What star--erm, planet are you from?
[ Disappointment is more than understandable. She notices the changes in Claire's expressions but smiles through empathically it all the same. It's a shocking revelation, but they're here to support one another. ]
Oh absolutely. Livestock does in general, but you'll find that Councilmember Rowan in particular is very fond of goats. He'll appreciate anyone who also appreciates them.
no subject
A planet called Earth. Scotland is one of the countries there. And lucky for me, we do have goats there, so I'm familiar with how they enjoy being treated. Farmwork and I are old friends. Granted, I haven't done any for years. I had horses, my daughter enjoyed riding.
[ She's glad to have a familiar topic, a familiar space. It makes things easier. ]
I'm sure I'll fall back into a good rhythm, especially with the goats now that I've been tipped off.
no subject
Oh! I know Earth. There are a lot of people from Earth, here.
[ That can be something of a comfort, can't it? Even if leaving a daughter behind likely is not. ]
You have a daughter? Is this the first you've been away from her?
no subject
Taking a breath, she lets it out and nods with a thin smile. ]
Brianna. She's grown now, with red her like yours, like her father. [ This time, her smile is warmer, though still small, then fades again. ]. I was with my husband and his family with an ocean between us and our daughter.
[ And 200 years. ]
It was better for her, safer to stay were she was, so she did. I miss her, very much, though I'm sure there are others who miss family.
[ She knows too, that if Bree had been with her, the hurricane Claire found herself victim to before arriving in Solvunn would have claimed her daughter, too.]
no subject
An ocean is a great expanse. But not an impassible one, even for those born on the land.
Himeka nods, her expression turning more empathetic. ]
Sure, everyone is missing someone. But that doesn't make our own hurts any less.
[ Just a gentle reminder, even if she understands where Claire is coming from. My situation isn't any different, we're all in this together. ]
We're not a replacement for family, of course, but you will find the community here is pretty close.
[ She motions for Claire to walk with her further into the farm. ]
If there's ever anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. As Summoned we're here to help each other out. Though Solvunnities now think that the Summoned are here by will of the Gods, as blessings of sorts. Don't be too surprised if total strangers approach you because of that.
no subject
I'll be sure to pretend I'm...honored. Is that how they believe we should feel? What does one do when approached?
[ This is mildly concerning to her, given her faith is shaky already with one God, she has no room for another. ]
no subject
And it can be a little odd if someone you've never met is asking you for a blessing. ]
I'd say just be...open? They seem to understand we may not understand their gods, even if we're supposed to be sent by them in some way. If anything they may just believe that your presence is a gift and want your blessing for good luck. Or invite you to meet their new calf for good fortune.
no subject
Thank you for the advice, if I'd been caught off guard, I have no idea how I might have reacted.
no subject
Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, it's a good day if you're suddenly gifted with a pie or something! Or mead, that's the best.
no subject
[ Claire smiels again, enjoying Himeka's company but not wanting to hog her all to herself. ]
I should try to meet my new neighbors, but I hope we'll speak again soon.
no subject
I hope you enjoy yourself on our farm! If you need aught while you're here, just let us know.