abraxaslogs | [OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

Entry tags:

[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! By ~~Nero'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:

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ magic — he hadn't considered it, especially with the way it had been split in new orleans. there was vodou, but then there was the catholic sentiments. he fell into the later, or some can even say that it was the winner's religion that laid its claim to his ancestry. it does not matter, it was what he had to be under, be it colonizer's plight or destined to be as some might put it. he still resigned it forcefully in 1910.

his gifts could be considered magic. he acknowledges them only when he has to, which makes his frown lines deepen when he finds the magical demonstrations plainly clear. it's unbelievable, but it shouldn't be when he's experienced his own undead life that isn't public, that most wouldn't believable in his world. how can he question magic when he has his own vampirism to carry the weight of? he only notices the woman nearby when she speaks, too distracted by the demonstrations. }

I find the world has been moving too fast. A bullet train seemed impossible in my day. Do you think an old dog can learn new tricks?

{ the last bit is a hint into the acknowledgment that yes, he had heard the joke in her statement. }

[ When Claire laughs, the sound is rich and deep. It's the first time she has in a little while, she thinks. ]

I'm hoping. Magic isn't anything I'm familiar with. In fact, it can be dangerous to claim to be able to wield. I've never seen anything like this, let alone had the tools to learn.

[ She's turned to fully look at him, still smiling. Circling back, she agrees with his statement—things do seem to move too quickly. ]

I was sailing from Jamaica to Scotland; anyone used to a train, and a bullet train, at that, would find traveling by boat a snail's pace in comparison. Unless they aren't in a hurry and aren't prone to seasickness.

[ Smiling, and with another laugh, she extends her hand in greeting. ]

I'm Claire, an old dog.

Louis. I’d have to wonder how old, but I was taught by my mama to never ask a woman her age.

{ another rusted charm he’s capable of, and somehow the wit of it all still yields from an older time than from when he was taken. he reaches over to take her hand in his and shake it. it’s been a while since he’s been able to display the gentleman values instilled in him. he’s always been responsive to respect.

it certainly loosens him enough to join her in a polite smile of his own. }

My days of traveling by boat are long pass, and I’d like for them to remain. I was in Dubai when they took me. { he’s going to call it what it is as he releases her hand, but he’s not worried. } Solvunn seems like a nice community.

[ Claire can't help but laugh, pleased with his statement. The technical answer is one she'd have to explain more than she thinks she wants to. But his manners deserve somewhat of an answer based on visually, what she sees in front of her. ]

Old enough to be your mother.

[ She isn't familiar with the place he came from, but he didn't seem to question the places she mentioned. Then, it occurs to her he could be from the future, or even a different version of Earth—she's still trying to wrap her mind around all of that. ]

I can't say I know of Dubai, but the point stands, we were all minding our own business. I suppose if I were going to be magically kidnapped, it could be worse as far as locale. This is familiar at least. Not so much offering sacrifices to gods, but the farming.

{ the places claire mentioned are familiar enough that it does make him seem less foreign than he already can be, especially in his state. louis has to wonder if by sight she might have aged, but by his actual age - he might be the older one. he’ll leave it for now, mostly glad to talk to someone, for now. }

Ah, I know when to yield. I left my home to cross an ocean. I’m originally from New Orleans, if that’s familiar. Which brings me to Solvunn. I’ve only ever been a city boy. { he can hear the goats, and certainly the scent is pure farm. it makes him chuckle, to think he’s been a distinguished gentleman of class and now he’s among the meadows of possible simplicity. }

Perhaps I should learn what it takes, if we are expected to find a livelihood here.

New Orleans is familiar, yes. I visited once, a long time ago after I moved to the States. I lived in Boston for twenty years.

[ Raised a daughter there, was the first woman ever to be admitted into Harvard's medical school, built a life and a career she never wanted in a time and place she didn't want to be. ]

I was raised rather unconventionally by an archaeologist. We rarely stayed in one place longer than 18 months or so, but it was long enough that we typically lived with a family and I worked to contribute.

[ It's been a long time since she's thought about this part of her life, but she finds after talking to Himeka, it comes a bit easier. ]

All of that to say, I've lived a bit of every lifestyle, in almost every part of the world, and this is my favorite, anywhere. Solvunn is where I would have chosen to be if we'd been given the opportunity. [ Her eyes sparkle a bit in good humor. ] I would be happy to teach you anything you'd like to know. ou could start by learning to milk a goat. Much less forgiving than a disgruntled kick from a cow.

{ there's a brief spike of proudness to the mention of someone knowing where he comes from. nola will always remain with him, deep in heart and mind no matter the troubles it brought later on. if he didn't have to leave it, he would have remained. regardless, they were starting to notice his immortal presence and being called a devil's spawn could only be ignored for so long. yet, it was dangerous to travel within states that deemed him less than. }

I didn't get to travel to our neighboring states. You'll have to tell me about Boston sometime.

{ louis has yet to form an actual opinion on solvunn when claire seems set on hers. he rarely takes to changes. he isn't sure if people around him would accept his true nature. he listens, and maybe it's the ease in her giving honest information that compels him when he speaks. }

I've only ever known the bayou, until my daughter wanted to travel. { it's the lightest way he can put it. } I think I'd like to garden, or grow my own vegetation to share. All I wanted for a while was to read my books and garden, but I wasn't given the opportunity. It wasn't fit for a man in my time. Much of what I wanted wasn't. I had to be the provider for my family. If the goat decides it doesn't like my face, I'll catch it.

{ in other words, he's willing to try. }

I'll tell you more about Boston, if you tell me more about New Orleans. Admittedly, I didn't get to stay as long as I would've liked, but the history of the city is something I would've loved to dive into. I've always been drawn to old things. I think that's why I wound up in Boston. The U.S. is so incredibly young, though.

[ She says this as both the former wife of a historian and niece of an archaeologist, but also as someone who'd planned to settle down in the UK and an accidental time traveler.

When he mentions a daughter, Claire perks, and his list of interests might as well be from her own. ]

How many children do you have? And if it isn't rude to ask, what time are you from?

[ For all he knows he could just as easily be from the future as the past. ]

It's young, alright. Immature to learning from its past, but the people truly make it worth it. It did once. Fair trade, Miss Claire.

{ he's lived through the time it was illegal to both have relations with the same sex and with another of one's race. that part he didn't miss when he left it. instead of simmering in it, the recollection of what did make him lively no matter her ruthless appetite, resurfaces his smiles. }

I won't ever have another. She became my daughter after she was left without a family. Just fourteen when I met her. Smart, capable. { he pauses, considering what to reveal. it's really about having the means to do it on his own, therefore it's easy to say. } I come from the year twenty twenty-two, but not originally. I was turned into the immortality I hold in nineteen ten. I've seen two turnings of a century. Which one are you from?

[ There's a lot to process in what he's said. She can relate to the adoption; Fergus, after all, is as much her son as Bree is her daughter. The thought of him, newly married and at the bottom of the ocean tries to creep into her thoughts, but she pushes it away.

It's easy to do after he says he's immortal, and Claire looks at him in surprise, though maybe she shouldn't be. On this star, she's finding anything is possible. Opening her mouth, she changes her mind and takes a long drink to gather her thoughts, then decides to be as casual as he was. ]

I was born in nineteen and eight. But when I arrived here, it was seventeen sixty-six.

[ His math is a bit easier to do, and she smiles with a small upturn at the corners of her mouth. ]

It seems we've both seen our fair share of different times.

{ it puts it into perspective considering the year she was born. he'd been an ambitious young man. he nearly finds he's transported. there are memories that will fade, even with his sharp memory skills. it's the nature of his kind, to loose what they once were.

the proceeding date is also close in ways he didn't anticipate. 1766 is closer to when lestat had been growing up in france — it was his time. just a coincidence, and often they are funny little things. he decides to finally take a sip of the mead in his hand, but it only tastes like nothing and it goes down with no burn. }

So it seems. I went forward and you went straight to the past. You'll have to share your travels if you don't mind, some day, when we're not settling into a new existence. { the unsaid is there. it doesn't need to be said. traveling through time is a curious concept if that's what she's alluding. he couldn't ever go backwards, but just as his books when it was all he had for years - he'll look into another's story vicariously. } I do wonder how it had been in the date you've mentioned.

[ There's a warmth of recognition that sparks in her chest; another person who knows what it's like, seeing and living through moments in history they never should have, for supernatural reasons. For that alone, she smiles and gives a soft nod of her head. ]

Perhaps we could meet in the Horizon, once I've managed to finish wrapping my mind around that. As for the past, it was dangerous. When I was much younger, I was treated to my very own witch trial. [ It's funny now, and she offers a smirk. ]

Just before I found myself here I was sailing from Jamacia to Scotland with my husband. It's where his family is. Politics there are tense; under British rule it's still against the law to wear tartan or speak Gaelic. In fact, Jamie's still a wanted criminal. [ She frowns a bit. Oh, right. ] I suppose we both are, for having been Jacobites. But it's beginning to ease up a bit.

[ Claire has no idea how versed Louis is in history, but she won't over explain. She assumes if he has questions, he'll ask and she'll be happy to go into more detail. ]

And your future time? What's that like?

Ah, that. I have heard of it vaguely. I'd like to. { once he gets into it, he'll find he'll like it more than he should. to be able to create a space. perhaps there will be more than one vintage touch. they may be from different timelines but there's a cross-section that can faintly be seen. in times of past, being a woman and a black man didn't hold as much weight, no matter the riches louis did acquire eventually. there's a pause before he ends up laughing. it's not malice, rather it tickles the bizarre of having arrived to abraxas. }

Pardon. I'm sure a witch trial isn't to joke about. I had been called a Devil before. The occult follows our journey. I admit, I didn't do right for a while. My business back then was in the red-light district. Sex work. { he decides he might as well be upfront about it. } Then a club. I can't say I know much about the Brits, unless they were writers and they did contribute to some nice poetry. France is what had its influence in Louisiana. It continued to fascinate me afterwards. As for the future? It's still another politic's gain, but there's equality in some form. Anyone can connect on a device to speak across to one another without being in a physical place. It's called "the internet". My partner enjoyed being connected to it. Sorta like the Network here, except far more bandwidth to offer.

[ There's much to unpack and Claire isn't sure where to start. France, Louis being called a devil. The sex work is what it is, she'd only ever ask if someone felt safe. But internet? Bandwidth? She lets her face do the work to convey how much she understands. ]

I have a feeling we won't run out of interesting topics soon. Nous pouvons en faire une journée. [ Her French is rusty but there; she's had no reason to speak it in over twenty years. 'We can make a day of it' she suggests with a smile. ]

Edited (wow will this auto translate in game? oh well, she said what she said in french!!) 2023-03-20 14:37 (UTC)

{ it is a lot to unpack, and he's begun to realize he might be doing it again. what was it that daniel called it? paying someone to listen to him? his words were more crude. the memory is fresh, yet distant. he nearly lures him back into the enclosed state he forced himself into when he thinks of the dubai tower, of his relationship with a being far more powerful than him, of who he did care for (it was just complicated). there's a pang, and he briefly misses armand. or at least, he misses the companionship.

claire's smile is assuring. he can tell she's good. he supposes he can lean a little into it. it's easy to match her's. }

J'attends avec impatience notre prochaine réunion. { I look forward to our next meeting. his own french is too accented at this point, but he still kept up with it. he stands up, finding everyone else has moved on. with a polite bow that straightens after, } I've kept you.

It seems I might have some inquiries for our host before the night ends for them. Until we meet again, Miss Claire. I do hope Solvunn treats you well in the meantime.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

» what is this magic;

no subject

pardon me and my perception of time!

don't ever worry about that, i'll backtag forever!

praise satan, ty ty - he really should make social effort c:

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject