MINI-EVENT: CODA - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Mini-Event - Coda

OOC event plotting

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Mid-April, you receive two formal invitations. They arrive separately in two distinct envelopes and do not appear to be precisely related.

◎ The first is from Solvunn, signed and sealed by the Solvunn Council. It informs the reader that on April 18th, Josselyn Creed's fate will be publicly carried out according to Solvunn's traditions with the Old Gods. The location is in neutral territory, a safe distance from the Singularity's crater. The Council expresses deep regret for the actions of one of their own and invites you to attend as an observer if you wish to find closure. Portals are provided. The proceedings will be in the morning.

◎ The second is from your respective faction. The letter is less solemn and invites you to attend a weekend gala on April 21st - 23rd. It acknowledges that recent times have been difficult and that faction officials and locals wish to repay the Summoned for their contributions. Portals to each location are provided.

Divine Judgment

In the weeks leading up to Josselyn Creed's execution, many of you were allowed to question Josselyn. Now that you've received the answers you're seeking - as much as you were able to - officials have granted you the chance to gain some closure and witness her execution.

The factions will warn the Summoned that Solvunn does not take angering the Gods lightly. Her death will not be quick and will likely be sacrificial. They advise anyone who may not have the stomach for it to remain home and enjoy the festivities at the end of the week.

Attending her execution is optional and open to all. New arrivals are welcome to watch...though they may not want to. All characters may skip this portion of the event.

Participants of Event #12 are still welcome to speak to Josselyn. This section will close on April 30th.

Last Rites

CW: Disturbing imagery, animal death, ritualistic sacrifice, body horror.

So that all can attend, Solvunn will perform Josselyn's last rites in neutral territory. Anyone who attended the Peace Summit last year will recognize the area, though the colorful tents are gone. In their place are some plain stone benches and a temporary altar. Thick mists roll into the valley, bringing a chill to the air. As you arrive, you see Solvunn mages instructing volunteers to right certain stones as the last touches are added. Present to represent the other two factions are Jolene Sybell of Thorne and Reva Hym of the Free Cities.

The stones are arranged in spiraling circles, with twelve arches that span them. Carved into the ground beneath the arches are each of the Major Arcana. Find your matching Arcana and leave an offering if you want. You're told the gesture will appease the gods and ensure the "cleansing" is successful.

The Moon, Josselyn Creed's Arcana, has been carved into the center stone. If you share her Arcana or are The Emperor or Justice, Solvunn mages will approach and ask you to write your name in charcoal into the stone. If you bear any of the other signs, you can also do so, but you won't be asked directly.

Preparation

Soon, a hush falls over the crowd as Isar Hart comes forward with a black sheep in tow. Several Solvunn Elders flank the sheep as it's placed before the altar. They paint large winding lines and runes on its wool and face. Winifred Bordeaux turns to the crowd. She states that the wrongs born of the commune are always made right by Solvunn's hands and seeks forgiveness. The gods may cast judgment as they see fit.

Mages begin a haunting chant in an ancient tongue. With a large bone knife, Winifred kneels next to the sheep and slices its throat. As warm blood flows over the ground, it fills each etched Arcana sigil. The sigils glow a faint red upon contact, and the grass around them withers and blackens. Once fully drained, the Elders carefully skin the sheep. Its organs are placed in jars as it is hollowed out. With the skin removed, the Elders lay it on the altar and declare that those who stray from the gods must be brought back into the fold.

One of the stones vibrates, releasing Josselyn Creed into the hands of waiting Elders. As she's dragged to the altar's center, she decries Solvunn for being blind, accusing them of turning away from the truth. The old ways have long stopped serving them, she declares. The Old Gods are no longer listening.

Penance

Holding her in place, Rowan March places the skin of the black sheep upon her. The wool stretches outward to envelop her limbs, covering every part of her in the pelt and muffling her shouts. As each bone bends and snaps loudly in the silence to take the form of a sheep, her body collapses with anguished cries. Finally, a mass of quivering wool and human sinew is left, the sheep's face ajar on her broken skull.

The chanting reaches a crescendo, then stops abruptly. The mist thickens, swirling towards the altar. Your surroundings darken. From the gloom comes a massive bird-like silhouette. Its enormous wings shadow the sky, blocking out the sun. Though the figure's form is obscured, the dozens of vultures that descend are visible - and so is the feast that ensues.

Through the fog and shadow, you glimpse blood and flesh tearing. Slowly, the mist begins to clear as each bird takes its fill. The silhouette above withdraws. What remains before you is a pile of bones picked clean...and the recognizable head of Josselyn Creed beneath the sheep's mask, the only part of her uneaten.

Immolation

The Council allows all in attendance to confirm Josselyn's identity and her fate, ensuring that the factions and the Summoned are satisfied with the outcome. A ritual fire lights up on the altar. Her head is placed in first by one of the Elders.

The rest of her bones are in the sheepskin. No blood or flesh remains. The pelt is startlingly clean for such a gory display. You're invited to paint your Arcana on a bone and place the bone into the fire as a gesture to the gods that you've accepted the punishment they chose for her.

The atmosphere is solemn. Winifred offers her thanks on behalf of the Council for allowing Solvunn to make amends for Josseyn's misdeeds. They deeply regret this was necessary but promise they'll take steps to ensure it never happens again.

A few remain to watch her bones finish burning. You may join them if you like or return home at once. A harsh silence fills the ceremonial grounds as you step through the portal.

Weekend Gala

Several days after the execution, the cities prepare for the feast and gala. On the day of, portals will open up in the main hub of each city: Castle Thorne in Thorne, the Primary Settlement in Solvunn, and Cadens in the Free Cities.

You're welcome to arrive on the first day or skip the speeches and arrive on the second day for the main dinner and event. Everyone will be sent home on the third day (April 23rd), though the factions would be happy if you'd like to volunteer to clean up and take down decorations before you go. Not to worry if you'd rather go home - they have plenty of staff and locals for the job.

Each city will provide a place for you to stay for the weekend. They'll choose their best inns for you, except Solvunn. Solvunn will offer a comfortable communal tent for all attendees to share.

Thorne (Hayle)

The first evening, the King and Queen will gather guests into a grand hall at Hayle University. The King formally welcomes and expresses Thorne's gratitude for everyone's safe return. He heralds the Summoned and those involved in the terrible incident for their fortitude and bravery. The Queen follows afterward, adding that she is glad justice has been served and that they can be assured Josselyn Creed can never harm anyone again. She acknowledges the formation of the Summoned Conclave and promises Thorne will always serve those who are steadfast in their loyalty.

In a rare moment, Ambrose Rhett and the Duchess, Anastasia Rhett, can be spotted standing side by side in the background. Jolene Sybell is also present. Ambrose, however, will not be seen past the welcoming speech, returning to the Castle after.

Gifts

As a resident of Thorne, you'll receive a gift bag containing:

◎ A sweet dream potion that grants the user happy dreams and a good night's sleep. A basic spell, these potions were made by schoolchildren in Hayle as a thank-you gift for the Summoned. The custom label on each bottle has your name handwritten and decorated by the kids. If you're known around the Castle, it might contain a drawing that represents your reputation - for example, a flower if you have a green thumb. They've been told a bit about the Summoned by officials and their teachers.

◎ A jade turtle that, when placed in a bowl or pool of water, is enchanted to swim around. A novel decorative piece that calls back to the giant sea turtle which came to aid you and your friends on Thorne's shores.

◎ A soothing galaxy orb that displays the starry night sky within. When placed in front of some light, it'll cast a pretty sparkle over your surroundings.

Surroundings

Located far north, Hayle is most famous for its beautiful crystalline architecture. The weather is warmer now that spring has arrived, but relatively cool with temperatures dipping at night. Vast mountains are in the distance for a breathtaking view.

Hayle bustles with vibrant energy and a diverse population. Where Castle Thorne closely follows the formal traditions of the nobility and traditional Academic Magic, Hayle is trendier with innovative spellwork, the newest designs in fashion, and a vast library of knowledge.

◎ Arcana Deck Exhibit
Expensive custom-crafted Arcana decks are under glass cases like fine jewels. One notable attraction is an exhibit displaying one-of-a-kind decks designed by famous artists or enchanted by renowned mages in Thorne's history. Some boast intricately painted designs and real gold, while others use precious gems embedded in the cards themselves. One preserved deck is carved entirely on pinewood.

◎ Boutiques
Boutiques sell tailored clothes and fine jewelry that include Arcana-inspired accessories. Luxury magical tools are also available such as gold scales for weighing potion ingredients. Some bookshops specialize in signed or antique copies. The contents are nothing special, but editions are considered collectibles. Though most aren't for sale except to the wealthiest individuals, you're free to look.

◎ Makeover & Performers
Street performers occupy every corner around Hayle: stories told through illusions, musician-less instruments, and juggling acts that incorporate impressive balls of colorful light. You can get your portrait drawn by an enchanted paintbrush or volunteer for one of the illusionists to give you a temporary "makeover." The makeover will grant you one or more features of your choosing that will last 24 hours: a new hair or eye color (including unnatural shades!), translucent illusory wings (they won't get in the way), or decorative nails.

Personal shopping and styling assistance is also offered by Lenore and Natasha Romanoff.

Banquet

The banquet takes place on the second evening, held in Hayle University's finest ballroom. Decorations are delicate and elegant. The chandelier above drips with crystals and gold.

Although you'll have an assigned seat to start with, there's no need to stay where you are. Guests are encouraged to mingle and wander around. Make friends, meet new people, and introduce yourselves!

◎ Food & Drink
A formal multi-course dinner will be served throughout the night. The wine flows freely and food is abundant. Thorne is known for its exquisite cuisine, and Hayle is no different. With the harsh winter over and farmlands slowly recovering from the attack last summer, the nation is no longer struggling as much with supplies. Dishes include stuffed duck, delicate fish, rare nutty cheeses, soup, and plenty of cakes and biscuits.

◎ Entertainment
Formal entertainment involves music, dancing, and magic shows. You're welcome to take the stage yourself, of course! If you're not good at what you do, the citizens won't boo you off the stage, but you'll feel an awkward atmosphere begin to build, and word might spread about your act. The nobility in Thorne has exacting standards and a penchant for gossip.

Musical performances include original compositions on the violin and piano by Lestat de Lioncourt and elvish songs by Elrond, while Lord John Grey will recite some poetry and music. Magical displays include illusory lights featuring the Arcana signs by Istredd, flashy divination magicks channeled through a tarot deck by Urianger, and a light-based display of intricate mandalas Stephen Strange - whose third eye may be glimpsed beneath his hood when he casts his Eldritch magic.

◎ Night's End
The banquet runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. A carriage will be waiting to take you back to your inn. You can stay for one last social breakfast in the morning before returning to Castle Thorne through the portal.

Free Cities (Libertas)

The first evening, the Prime Minister will gather guests by the mosaic sculpture in the Willow Memorial Park. Prime Minister Marlo expresses her gratitude for everyone's safe return and apologizes for the atrocities that occurred under her watch. The bravery and fortitude of those involved will be remembered. Fortunately, justice has found those responsible, and the city can begin to march forward. She acknowledges the formation of the Summoned Conclave, promising that her government will make sure nothing like this ever happens again to its people. The Summoned are, of course, people of the Free Cities regardless of where they came from.

Quilleth Kaur takes the stand afterward, addressing the tragedy that struck Libertas not long ago and personally thanking the Summoned for their help in rescuing survivors and rebuilding the city. This includes the construction of the park itself, led by two of the Free Cities' longest Summoned residents. She bids everyone to enjoy the festivities. They deserve to relax and feast after a harrowing experience.

Gifts

As a resident of the Free Cities, you'll receive a gift basket containing:

◎ Tickets to a special comeback show by one of Libertas' most famous acrobatic troupes - their first since the city's destruction. The envelope includes a letter which addresses you by name and thanks you for your help. If you've made an impression on the citizens of Libertas, the letter will mention noteworthy things you've contributed, such as volunteer efforts or donations. The tickets grant you the best seats in the house and a free drink during intermission. Performances are held throughout April and May, so you'll have plenty of time to attend.

◎ A kazoo, best used to annoy your friends or heckle anyone you find disagreeable, though beware that the people of Libertas won't hesitate to brawl on the street over insults.

◎ Luxurious bath crystal balls that fizzle and give the water a beautiful shimmer. Infused with medicinal properties, they'll alleviate aching muscles and lingering pains.

Surroundings

Located far south, Libertas is most famous for its subversive attitude and colorful architecture. With winter on the way out, the weather is warm but not scorching hot as it can be in the summer. Rare spring rains have caused flowers to bloom and sprout around the desert.

Libertas is diverse and lax in social norms. Where Cadens boasts the best research and technology, Libertas' focus is on advancements in free thought, art, and knowledge. Following the art walk not long ago and the long-term portal to Libertas, some of these attitudes have filtered into Cadens.

◎ Artist Alleys
The collapse of the city's buildings has caused street art to greatly flourish. Winding alleyways between homes and shops contain paintings, written poetry on the walls, and musical performances. Sculptor Axn Kade, famous for his pieces made of reclaimed metal and his activism for mining safety, has added a new sculpture to the city's streets. The plaque contains a dedication to the Summoned who helped clean up the mining equipment a few months ago, having used the scrap metal gathered during that process.

◎ Gambling Halls & Brews
Rejecting government oversight, Libertas is home to several gambling halls of all types. If you have the money, you're sure to find a spot to suit you. Beware of loan sharks and play at your own risk. Taverns around Libertas are rowdy. They often have an open floor for art performances, poetry readings, and philosophical debates. Always open to new ideas, many places in Libertas host tastings for brews created using innovative flavors and techniques.

◎ Market Square
Though not as large as Aquila's market, the Libertas market square is still a sprawling maze. Anyone with something to sell will have squeezed a table or a stall into the area. Enterprising merchants will give you a demonstration of some of their products, most powered by New Magic: a comb that changes your hair color upon use, eye drops that give your irises an enchanting colorful glow, and disposable crystal accessories that take on the illusion of precious jewels for a short period - invented to undermine the value of gems. Any changes to your appearance are temporary, lasting 24 hours.

Before the feast, simple dance lessons are available from Caitlyn Kiramman.

Garden Feast

The feast takes place on the second evening, held at the Willow Memorial Park. Glowing orbs of light have been hung from the willow trees while vases made by a local potter feature flowers from the park's wildflower meadows. More details about the park are available under Locales for Libertas.

Provided by Viktor (and Jayce Talis), the center of the garden contains a revolving armillary sphere modeled after the astronomy of Abraxas, casting an atmospheric starry light over the area.

To start with, you'll pull your table number from a hat to receive your "assigned" seat, but there's no need to stay there all night. Guests are encouraged to mingle and wander around. Make friends, meet new people, and introduce yourselves!

◎ Food & Drink
An eclectic array of dishes line a large table at the park's center. Help yourself to what you like in any order. No one will bother you if you start with dessert! Wine, ales, and hard liquors are as plentiful as the food. Dishes include grilled fish and pork, dips and spreads, puddings, sweetbread, cakes, and seasonal fruits common to the desert climate, such as figs and oranges.

◎ Entertainment
Formal entertainment involves music, dancing, and poetry. Artists have been invited to unveil new pieces or showcase old favorites. You're welcome to take the stage yourself, of course! Performers won't be judged on talent so much as passion. As long as you're creative and genuinely enjoy your craft, you'll have the support of the locals.

Jaskier will put on a lute performance, including a ballad of Spyndlveiss containing themes related to the recent disappearances. Diana Prince will recite a short portion of The Iliad, in both Ancient Greek and common. A "blade dancing" display using a painted stave by Obi-wan Kenobi will take place, as well. Finally, Hilda Goneril will draw and paint quick "fashion sketches" to commemorate everyone's style - available to both small groups and individuals.

◎ Night's End
The feast runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. A wagon is available to bring you back to your inn, but most locals prefer to walk, creating a drunken parade of people through the streets while singing cheerfully. You can stay for one last social breakfast in the morning before returning to Cadens through the portal.

Solvunn (Primary Settlement)

The first evening, the two remaining members of the Council, along with Isar Hart, address the gathered, apologizing for the sheep who strayed from their flock. They're especially disappointed with the heretical actions of a trusted community member, whose name they will no longer acknowledge. The gods have cast their judgment, and now the community can come together to heal. The Council promises the newly formed Summoned Conclave that they are vital members of the commune and that Solvunn is here to aid them in whatever they need.

Isar Hart reiterates that his position on the Council is temporary until the seat can be filled, though the Council does not give a date for when this might occur.

Gifts

As a member of the Solvunn Commune, you'll receive a gift bag containing:

◎ A clay mug, handmade by children in the settlements. Each mug is customized for the individual based on what the children have managed to learn about you, painted with what they believe to be your favorite colors, flowers, patterns, or animals. How accurate the kids are about you varies depending on your interactions with them, but they've tried their best. The bottom of the mug is signed by the child who made it for you. If you run into them afterward, they might ask if you like your mug.

◎ Thick and comfortable knitted socks made from the wool of Isar Hart's sheep farm.

◎ A few sachets of herbal teas to help you get a good night's rest and restore your energy. A small thank-you note accompanies the teas, signed by Lorelai and Esmond, who are grateful for the chance to return home.

Surroundings

The southernmost of the settlements, the Secondary Settlement boasts vast sprawling farmlands and a beautiful shoreline overlooking the ocean. Skies are sunny and clear throughout the gathering. Wildflowers bloom across the flat plains, orchards are starting to bear fruit, and fish are plentiful once more.

The Secondary Settlement is sparsely populated but maintains a tight-knit community. Where the Primary Settlement is a hub for schooling, craftspeople, and artisans, the Secondary Settlement is focused on agriculture and livestock: sheep, goats, horses, and fields of crops fill the area. Many families take pride in supplying the commune with produce and materials like wool, eggs, milk, and grains.

◎ Farms & Livestock
Farms are open with fences solely to keep out any predators or pests. You're free to visit the fields and orchards. Pick apricots and cherries, pet the sheep, play with the baby goats, and gather eggs for the evening's potluck. Isar Hart will be pleased to show you his prized black sheep, whose majestic horns are greatly admired. Smaller gardens filled with flowers and herbs are also available to explore. If you'd like to put together bouquets for the evening or make flower wreaths to decorate, you can help yourself. Finally, you can fish to your heart's content in the nearby pond. Bring your catch to dinner!

◎ Shrines
After recent events, shrines around the Secondary Settlement are full of offerings to appease the gods and seek guidance. These offerings consist of animal bones, harvested fruit, and wine. You can add to the shrines if you like or simply visit them. Many shrines hum with magical energy and all previous signs of corruption over the past few weeks have faded. You can ask for blessings of health, luck, or abundance for yourself or others.

◎ Neighborly Help
Although Solvunn doesn't place much emphasis on extravagance, the evening's affair is an important one. They'd like to look their best. Members of the commune are all around the settlement to give you a hand to get ready. You can have someone style or braid your hair with ribbons, color it with natural dyes, or lend you some clothes and accessories if you don't have any. You can help them in return, as well. They're also happy to trade items with you.

Louis de Pointe du Lac will temporarily alter your clothes or appearance for the night using illusory magic.

Potluck

The potluck takes place on the second evening, held outdoors in one of the Secondary Settlement's spring meadows. Decorations are rustic and simple, consisting of fresh flowers and candles.

Mud-clay sculptures and masks are available from Nanaue, though they are not very sturdy. Nero will hand out colorful brochures.

There are no assigned seats. Tables and chairs are placed tightly together, along with natural seating created by tree stumps and boulders. You're encouraged to mingle and wander around. Though a sober hush lies over the gathering, the atmosphere is hopeful. The people of Solvunn look forward to better days.

◎ Food & Drink
Solvunn's potluck feast consists of dishes and drinks brought by everyone in the commune, including members of the Council. There are hearty stews and soups, freshly baked bread, butter churned that very morning, and a variety of Solvunn's famous goat cheeses. You're invited to contribute anything you like! Simply add your dish or dessert to the table. The centerpiece of the potluck is a pig roast. Mead and ale flow freely.

Wanda Maximoff will bring sečenica, propeć (both cheese and egg savory baked goods), and traditional fruit pies of plums, cherries, sugar, almonds, and vanilla sugar. Claire Fraser will provide a unique loose-leaf herbal tea blend.

◎ Entertainment
The people of Solvunn will sing, dance, and make music together. On occasion, there are pauses for someone to take the spotlight, but overall no one's center stage for long. Instruments are passed around, and guests are encouraged to join in. Due to recent events, many songs are subdued, speaking of honoring the gods. Later in the night, stories are exchanged around the campfires. One particular folktale is told by Rowan March about Spyndlveiss, a figure who captures wayward sheep on their way between the settlements. From these lost sheep, he makes sheepskin suits for hungry wolves to wear.

Eddie Munson will hold a lively musical performance.

◎ Night's End
The potluck runs late into the night, though you can leave any time. Large tents are nearby for you to rest and spend the night. In the morning, you can join in on the communal breakfast before returning through the portal to the Primary Settlement.

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Comments

[princessvegas]

Yup. [ She says nothing else about it. If he knows enough to put it like that, then he knows enough. She's not shy about it; if she meets someone who doesn't know what they went through, she will boldly inform them. But if someone already knows, then she has no desire to rehash it.

Instead, she crosses her arms over her chest and changes the subject. ]

Anyway, I'm sure that there's like, some kinda adult learnin' program at the university, if you wanna learn. New Magic is bullshit, but it's got the same, y'know, fundamentals.

[takeatrip]

[Subject change noted, and he goes along with it without hesitation.]

Yeah, I've been thinkin' about it. New Magic's just about practical application of magic with technology, right? Or somethin' like that?

[He's only briefly looked into the basics, plans having been derailed so badly by recent events. But since she called New Magic bullshit, he has to ask--]

What's the kind of magic you use?

[princessvegas]

That's a fair way to put it. From what I can understand, the goal is to eventually make the technology itself... replace a lotta magic. Which is fuckin' stupid, and they would know that if they ever lived in a world without magic.

[ She cannot, for the life of her, understand the suspicion of magic, the idea that it's inferior to technology. Oh, sure, she loves modern conveniences and screens as much as the next Gen Z American girl, but she comes from a world where technology and science and hubris all came together to practically end humanity.

With a grim smirk, she scoffs loudly before she answers. ]

Most people in Abraxas don't care for my kind of magic.

[takeatrip]

[He's similarly a bit dubious about that idea, though perhaps for different reasons; sure, maybe technology could replace a need or even a desire for magic, but trying to do that through the use of magic seems a little... Shortsighted, perhaps. To be nice about it.

Her response to the last question has his attention though, especially since it's not really an answer.]

Well now I'm even more interested.

[Especially since he's not hugely fond of Abraxas so far, so on some petty level he's at least slightly inclined to like whatever might be looked down on here.]

[princessvegas]

[ The corner of her mouth curls, and she tilts her head to one side. Outside of Nott, Wild Magic is considered unstable and almost barbaric. Not how civilized people should practice magic. For dullards who can’t rise to the other, more formal schools of magic. The Cities in particular are not fans. ]

What do you know about the other kinds of magic? [ Again, not a real answer. ] I’d imagine you done had your fill of High Magic, but what about the others?

[ There’s no rule or law against Wild Magic, of course. She’s not trying to gatekeep. But nor is she trying to get a reputation for spreading risky magic to baby Summoned. ]

[takeatrip]

[Saying he's had his fill of High Magic is an understatement, but very correct; he wants nothing to do with the branch of magic, no matter how much he logically knows that he might be unfair in writing it off.

He also notices she avoids the question again, but since she isn't completely switching topics like she did before, this doesn't seem like a sore subject, just perhaps a delicate one.]

Not a lot. New Magic's the one I heard most about, and I saw somethin' about Academic Magic.

[He doesn't mention the High Magic thing, and he may have gotten pretty much all his magic knowledge before the pit from reading brochures for the schools in Cadens.]

[princessvegas]

[ Julie can't dismiss High Magic the way she seems dismissive of New Magic. High Magic appears to be a very legitimate and wildly powerful form of magic. But she thinks it's obviously a bigger risk than it is reward, and it should be treated with that level of care. People shouldn't be using it because of the danger.

There's a bob of her head in confirmation. She takes a right into a tavern with an open door, a cheerful din of conversation pouring from it. ]

Right, that's the main style. It's like, the OG way they came up with. High and New Magic build off Academic. Anyway, Academic is what they teach over in Thorne, in almost every part of the kingdom. [ Almost every part. ] It's probably what you'd think of as, like, fairy tale kinda magic. Spells and hand motions and shit to memorize. I don't know if they use wands for some stuff, but I never saw one there.

[ She weaves through the tables until she finds an empty one and sits, setting her bag at her feet. Waving one hand in the air, she looks around both for a server and to see who might be close. ]

[takeatrip]

[Jayden hesitates only briefly in following her into the tavern, not for any particular reason other than just how loud and busy it is, but soon shakes it off. He takes a seat opposite Julie, glancing around as well, assessing the unfamiliar location and the people in it; most seem to be just enjoying their meals, drinks, and company, at least from his first glance, which helps calm his sudden nerves a bit.]

So, really formal sorta' thing.

[The response is slightly delayed, as he's distracted by their surroundings, but he's refocusing on the conversation again now while waiting for a server to notice Julie's hand.]

[princessvegas]

[ One thing that Julie almost never minds is a crowd. She loves being surrounded with people (especially if the attention is on her). Being alone is her biggest fear. Even her domain is stuffed with people, easily the most realistic in the Horizon. So she doesn't take note of anything other than the man who comes to ask what they want. She asks for a bottle of wine and gestures for Jayden to order, if he wants anything else. Her eyes follow the man as he leaves the table. ]

Basically. Like, fire will always have one hand motion and word, and that becomes part of your spell. No matter the outcome you're lookin' for, the element of fire in the spell stays the same. And all magic comes from the Singularity. You harness it from the environment and then cast your spell.

[ The drinks are dropped off. She opens the wine and fills a glass, not speaking yet. She wants to see if he can put together the disconnect on his own, with the knowledge she's given so far. ]

[takeatrip]

[Jayden order an ale more so he'll have something to do with his hands than because he necessarily wants it, and when it arrives he takes a sip before idly tapping his fingers against it as he thinks.

It might not be what Julie's going for, but her comments do immediately bring something to mind. The delay is mostly about choosing how to ask, and he lowers his voice just slightly; not enough to possibly catch attention in itself, but just to avoid being casually overheard.]

Is that why we don't have to do any of the formal stuff to use magic in the Horizon? Because we're closer to the Singularity there?

[In a sense, anyway, at least from what he understands of how the Singularity and Horizon are connected.]

[princessvegas]

[ It's not the angle she was going for, exactly -- her own line of thought had been to question why she seemingly had no spell or prescribed motions. But it's not a bad one that he pivots to, and she looks thoughtful for a moment. ]

Kinda? It's more like, we're all connected to it way stronger than them. I mean, I can't say I know for sure, but it always seemed to me like the native Abraxans, they're just pickin' up the crumbs. Stray magic in the air. They don't have a direct link to it. [ Taking a sip from her glass, she arches her eyebrows. ] But that's just what I think. I never like, studied that part.

[ She does know that, at the very least, the Singularity cannot recognize the natives as beings. Julie had asked about Josselyn Creed, to find her, but the Singularity had no understanding of what she meant. There was nothing, as if it could only "see" those connected to it. ]

Anyway, the Horizon is different. Like, we don't think it's really in Abraxas, or 'least I don't. That's a different kind of magic, I believe.

[takeatrip]

[That particular thought had crossed his mind, but since she'd reached into her bag, he isn't sure she didn't just to whatever hand motion might be necessary for a spell while out of view, like a card trick but actual real magic.

He frowns a little in thought, tapping his fingers against the sides of his glass as he mentally goes over what she's saying and what he's heard from others, and what little experience he has so far himself. The first part of what she says he has some questions about, but holds onto them briefly to focus on the second part.]

Where d'you think it is? If it's even a place, I guess.

[He remembers talking to Jayce about astral projection, and about whether it's more than just some sort of mental connection but instead actually mentally going somewhere else, but it was all speculation.]

[princessvegas]

I don't know. Some other plane of reality, I guess. It has to be somewhere, since we've been sent other places, but I don't think they're anywhere humans can normally go. Like, they're not other planets or worlds or anythin' like that. They're all different... levels of reality.

[ She shrugs as she takes another drink. The truth is, this is all just conjecture from someone who knows absolutely nothing about alternate reality theories. Julie is pulling this shit from pop culture to stitch it together with the scant information they have about the Horizon and her own experiences. ]

And yeah, most of us are humans, but we ain't supposed to be here. So maybe the thing holdin' us here, our connection to the Singularity, maybe it can sorta bungee cord us between Abraxas and this other place we shouldn't be able to go.

[takeatrip]

[He's quiet, listening, drink entirely forgotten as the vague outline of a few theories begin to take form. There are almost patterns there, almost connections to hold onto and compare, but it's just not enough quite yet.

He quickly thinks back through information from the lens of reaching alternate planes of reality, and about how being brought here might make a difference in reaching them when compared to natives of the world, and it makes sense that the factor of not being meant to be here might be the important part. It makes a lot more sense than the idea that the Summoned are inherently 'special' when compared to the native citizens, which has always felt both unfair and unwarranted.

But if it's about arriving here, and that arrival establishing some sort of extra connection to the Singularity--]

Do we know anything about the places we arrive here? It's a well or somethin' in the Free Cities--I don't know about the other factions--but there's got to be somethin' special about the particular locations, right?

[Perhaps not, but it feels like there should be, and that it might be an important piece to the puzzle of how this all fits together. If they are indeed bungee cording in a sense, crossing over boundaries between planes, then whatever boundary they crossed to actually arrive here should have some importance.]

[princessvegas]

[ Oh, Julie absolutely believes that the Summoned are special compared to the native Abraxans. Maybe not inherently so, on a molecular level or anything, but in the context of this world, then yes, of course they are. Some people are just special -- geniuses, unique talents. The Summoned have a connection that matters, that sets them apart, and that's just the truth of it.

The Singularity can see them. Feel them. It doesn't seem to be able to do so with the natives. ]

Not really. [ Her mouth twists. ] It's a well in Thorne, too. With a fountain in it. I can't say for Solvunn. They didn't exactly give me much time to commit it to memory. I only remember that there was like, a marble slab with my arcana on a card.

[takeatrip]

[Even without confirmation on Solvunn, it seems meaningful that the similarity of water is shared between both the Free Cities and Thorne. It could be something about water itself, it could be that the summoning ritual requires particular conditions that the pools of water happen to fit, it could be any number of other things he doesn't even know to consider. Or it could be nothing, even if feels that isn't the case.]

I don't remember a lot of details either.

[For several reasons. But although he's curious about this topic, it seems to be one neither of them know too much about, so he circles back to a previous question he'd thought of but hadn't asked.]

So, you'd said it seems like we're more connected to the Singularity than the native citizens are? Do that mean we some sort of advantage when it comes to using magic?

[princessvegas]

Sorta? So, like, on the one hand, yeah, we do seem to have an easier time with magic, or at least a lot more of us seem to be able to do some magic. But on the other hand, we're like the natives in that there's a... like a spectrum. I think magic is like a special talent, like singin'. [ It's an analogy she's employed before. ] Most people can do it a little bit, some are pretty good. There's a tiny handful of people who have incredible voices. There's some folks who're so bad they don't even try. [ She squints. ] Does that make sense?

[ Taking another drink, she leans back a bit in her chair, crossing her arms while she still holds the wine glass in one hand. She peers off thoughtfully. ]

In terms of magic, the Summoned, as a group, are like the fuckin' Mormon Tabernacle Choir. But individually, we're all over the place too. We just start further up on the scale, so our least magic folks are about the same as their pretty good folks. And it don't mean anythin' unless you practice and work at it.

[takeatrip]

[That does make sense, even if it still seems strange to him that people native to this world would be at an overall disadvantage when it came to their own world's magic. But maybe that's the wrong way to be thinking about it; in addition to the idea of being summoned causing a stronger connection, maybe the Singularity isn't necessarily even of this world itself.

He nods at her question, his own drink still forgotten for the moment as he instead sets his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers together in thought.]

I hear some of us just spontaneously find we've got some sorta' magic, too, even without studying it. I think they said you still have to practice to get good at usin' it, but it just kind of appears as somethin' you can do.

[Almost like trying a new skill and finding yourself already good at it, perhaps.]

[princessvegas]

Oh yeah, those. It ain't always a spell or a power, though. Sometimes, it's just like, a physical thing. [ She tugs at one strand of cotton candy hair. ] I used to dye it this color. Now all my hair is pink. [ All of it. She now dyes her eyebrows and lashes to look normal. ] Or my friend got horns. Just... lil' horns.

[ Julie shrugs. This whole part is a mystery, honestly. ]

But that's like, one specific thing. And, other than goin' to the Horizon the first time, none of us can figure out what exactly makes 'em happen, or what they mean. It's usually when somethin' happens, but not always.

[takeatrip]

[This is the first time he's heard of these sorts of changes, which is interesting, but also... Creepy. Getting some sort of magic or power that can be used as desired is one thing, having some sort of actual physical changes is not so much, and he's briefly reminded of some of the changes he'd seen--and experienced--from the ritual in the pit.

But naturally pink hair, or even little horns, are not that terrible, and nothing like the results of the ritual. It's fine. Nothing to be worried about.

He finally remembers his drink, which he picks up and sips to give himself a moment to get his thoughts in order.]

I guess that might make sense, that goin' to the Horizon would cause it.

[Since the connection to the Singularity and all that. Interesting to note that it can also be caused by other events, but he's distracted from that thought when something else comes to mind--]

The person who I saw use one of these spontaneous powers didn't have to do any hand motions or anythin' like that. It looked more like using a power in the Horizon.

[princessvegas]

[ To Julie's knowledge, no one has encountered anything like the ritual's effects before. What they do gain seems to range from unnoticeable to mildly annoying to very useful, but nothing gruesome or evil. At least in her time here. ]

I mean, depends on the power. Sometimes, it's always like, on, I guess. I got one of those. And sometimes it's somethin' you have to learn how to call up. Got one of those too. But yeah, it ain't magic exactly like the other kinds.

[ She shrugs and takes a drink. Because of her background, the lack of magic, she sometimes has a hard time describing these things, especially to other Summoned from similar worlds who were summoned into the Cities. In Thorne and Solvunn, at least, they encourage studying magic. It's easier for them to communicate. ]

Best I can figure is that it's specific to the Singularity, to bein' directly connected. We don't belong here, and what's keepin' us here is some of the strongest magic anyone can think of. So I guess it's like a side effect of that.

[takeatrip]

[Jayden nods, fitting that information in with the rest of what he's learned so far; he remembers Claude telling him he'd had to practice to control his gain, so that also lines up, not that he's doubting Julie. It's just nice to feel like he's making some sense of things, especially since so little of this has made sense so far.

The idea that it's also related to the connection to the Singularity makes sense as well, going along with the rest of what they'd been discussing so far, and he sips his drink again as he considers what else to say. Unfortunately, knowing so little about the topic overall makes it difficult to know what there is to ask about, and so after a moment he decides to fall back on an old question that can sometimes get around that particular problem.]

Is there anything in particular, about magic or the Singularity or the Horizon or anythin' else about being here, that you think it's most important to know?

[princessvegas]

[ She bites the inside of her lip thoughtfully, appearing to genuinely consider his question. This is truly the first time she's ever been asked something quite so open-ended about their situation, and she has never really condensed her thoughts on the subject before. Her brow furrows a little as she takes a sip, then swallows and nods a little. ]

Okay, yeah. Yeah, actually. I think it's important that we all know that the Singularity is not our enemy. It just ain't. Some people seem to think it's the Singularity's fault we're here, or we're stuck, or that weird shit sometimes happens. That the Singularity is to blame. It ain't.

[ Julie nods again, this time more decisively, satisfied. ]

Our enemies in this world are the people who actually made the choices. The crown, the Solvunn council, Reiner's whole cabinet. The people in this world who think of us as tools. Includin' everyone who ain't government, like the cult.

[ The Summoned are people, and nearly all of their problems stem from the fact that they are hardly recognized as such. They're weapons and pawns and gods and everything else, except for people. Sure, there's been some magical nonsense, but that lies at the feet of those who are unbalancing the scales, not at the scales themselves. ]

It would do us well to keep that in mind, 'stead of leapin' to blame shit on the Singularity.

[takeatrip]

[He's quiet while she thinks, appreciating that she's taking the question seriously, and isn't disappointed by the answer even if he is slightly surprised by it. But the surprise lasts only a moment; of course some might blame the Singularity instead of the obvious real threats posed by people. It's natural and easy to want something simple to blame, especially when they have so little control over the entire situation, constantly subject to the whims of the people who brought them here, who--as Julie just put it--think of them as tools.

The disillusionment with their situation has certainly been a part of the reason Jayden's felt little desire to adjust to life here. The Horizon has been so much more appealing than this world where pretty much all of his experience has been bad, and the people responsible for bringing him--and everyone else in the Free Cities--here to this world to go through it all think a little party is going to somehow make it okay. That whenever they eventually decide that they want the Summoned to do whatever it is they brought them here to do, they'll just go along with it, like the Summoned owe them anything.

Yeah. Keeping in mind who their real enemies are is definitely important.]

That's a really helpful answer, thanks. It's not somethin' I've heard anyone really talk about yet.

[And it's not something he would've likely thought to ask about either, at least not without some specific reason. He sips his drink, then feels like he should add--]

So far, the Singularity and the Horizon and all that's about the only thing I've liked about being here.

[Aside from some people, of course.]

[princessvegas]

I think it's just easier for people to blame what they don't understand, what's bigger than 'em, than it is to blame people. They want to believe that just 'cause they wouldn't do somethin', that everyone wouldn't. 'Cause it's wrong or whatever. Good folks can't understand bad folks -- there always has to be somethin' else to blame. God, the devil, luck, whatever. The Singularity. They don't want to admit that there's a lot of bad people out there. Out here. And the ones here don't even think of us as really human. It's easy to hurt non-humans.

[ It's dark. Julie comes from an unimaginably dark world, and she sees that darkness in Abraxas too. Particularly in Cadens. She's glad that he gives her the opportunity to pivot the subject. Her entire demeanor changes; she becomes chipper and bubbly within the seconds as she shuts away the darkness in favor of a subject she loves dearly. ]

It's incredible, ain't it? The Horizon. I never coulda dreamed of anythin' better back home. I'd live there with the Singularity if I could. 'Long as I could drag my little family here with me, of course.

[ Because there are, ultimately, people on this plane that she would choose over the Singularity, if pushed. ]