EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

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On June 10, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. The ink on the magic scroll reveals itself as you unroll the parchment.

◎ The scroll invites you to The Vermilion Court, to join the Fey during their Masquerade celebration and to meet the King and Queen. They've heard of the exploits of the Summoned, as well as your unique connection to the Singularity, and wish to host you as guests.

◎ An accompanying letter from your nation's officials assures you all details have been closely examined. Their advice is for you to accept the invitation, to prevent any political fallout, but suggest you bring a personal weapon or defensive spells - which the Fey will allow - and to take the provided portal stone that will let you portal immediately back home in an emergency.

◎ The letter also requests you to bring back information you can obtain or observe - anything at all. The Feywilds are unknown, and officials would be immensely grateful if you could help gather details. They stress that you should avoid offending or stealing from the Fey as that could be critically dangerous.

To prepare, local services in all factions such as tailors, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and similar, are instructed to provide a discount to ensure you arrive looking your best and at your finest. Even Solvunn will do away with their plainer styles to help you piece together more detailed clothes for the week.

Although very little is known about the Fey, one thing that precedes their reputation is their elaborate appearances.

The Vermilion Court

The Vermilion Court resulted from the union of the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court after the Fey emerged from hiding. The palace and most of the Fey reside in the City of the Vermilion Court. It's here you'll be staying while you're a guest of the Fey.

The Fey's isolation means their home isn't designed for outsiders. Doorways are low. Be sure to duck if you're taller than 5'6", or you'll smack yourself stepping inside. Ceilings, while also low, will allow someone of average human height to stand straight, though if you're much taller than 6'0", you'll need to be careful not to bump your head against any hanging lights.

As for furniture, fortunately, the Fey prefer to use stumps, rocks, and the ground itself as seating, so chances are you won't have to squeeze into any too-small chairs or embarrass yourself when you break their stool. Just pick a boulder and sit! Beds, however, are on the smaller side.

Making an impression with the Fey is key! Doing so will grant you some IC rewards that'll help your character with their Masquerade outfit, plus contribute to how receptive the Fey will be towards the Summoned in the future.

Further, characters will have a chance to meet two NPCs after the welcoming ceremony.

Welcoming

As the very first guests of the Vermilion Court in history, your welcome will contain a bit of fanfare. Admittedly, things do seem very structured and flashy, as though the Fey are demonstrating only what they want you to see. Nonetheless, there are no signs of maliciousness afoot. Rather, the Fey don't want to reveal all their secrets yet.

Royal Procession

You'll gather in the courtyard of the Vermilion Palace. Here, the same floating lights seen last month will announce the arrival of King Jaqod and Queen Rekhantra - current rulers of the Vermilion Court. Fey archers stand on opposing sides to create a pathway, then draw back their intricately carved bows - demonstrating incredible accuracy as arrows strike each other mid-air to form blooming fireworks that fill the sky.

Behind the archers are the disciples of Faerie, the faith followed by the Vermilion Court and upheld by the High Priestesses. Dressed in ceremonial garb, their illusory wings glow and shimmer as they perform an enchanting whirling dance. Each one carries an orb of light in their palms. The orbs resemble the full moon and are used as a prop to create shapes and designs through the air as they move.

At last, the King and Queen will arrive to welcome their guests. They assure you they're delighted that you've accepted their invitation and promise a week full of wonders - culminating in the Masquerade.

At the end of the procession, you'll have the opportunity to greet one of the following NPCs:

• The High Priestess Lady Cospraila, who is devoted to the Faerie ways
• Mestr Lord Kythros, who has a thorough knowledge of the Vermilion Court tracing back several kings

To have a short interaction, reply here to the NPC you wish to meet.

The Fey aren't aware of, and thus don't recognize, any influence characters might have throughout Abraxas or their respective nations - so there is no rank requirement.

The Cascading Boughs

Once the ceremony concludes, Fey guides will lead you to The Cascading Boughs, so named for the waterfalls that spill over its branches. High above the ground, The Boughs is one of the few locations where the sunlight is more substantial.

◎ Room Assignment

The Fey do love a good trick. Before you enter, the only thing they'll tell you is that the rooms will choose you. What does that mean? Step through and find out as the whirling portal door spits you out into a random room. Your roommate will follow through with no choice of their own.

You can somewhat fool the door in return by stepping through together initially, forcing it to assign you and your companion to a room together. Otherwise, you'll have to get along with whomever The Boughs has chosen to room with you. Switching is not possible - there's only one entrance into the lodgings wing, so what you get is where you're staying.

◎ Amenities

Luckily, The Boughs have plenty of communal spaces to spend time together: lush gardens, beautiful ponds, and an array of food and drink for guests to enjoy every hour of the day.

Need to freshen up? The baths offer warm waters which give your hair a temporary luxurious shimmer while your skin takes on a healthy, sparkling glow.

For a meditative space, you can visit The Listening Tree. Said to hear your deepest thoughts and feelings, The Listening Tree seems to be constantly humming in a low tone. The sound is soothing and almost mournful, like the call of a great whale. Speak to it if you wish, out loud or in your mind. Though it does not answer in words, you sense that it understands in its own unique way. When you leave, you'll feel surprisingly refreshed and calm, a feeling that will leave you in a gently pleasant mood for the rest of the day.

Exploring

The Feywilds is vast, but much of it contains dense woods, twisting vines, and towering mushroom caps. Lakes, ponds, and rivers run through the territory, while jagged mountains stand tall in the east.

Only within the City of the Vermilion Court will you discover more to explore: shops, taverns, and eateries populate the largest town in the Feywilds. Compared to other Abraxan cities, though, it's notably smaller - closer to a village than a city. Shops don't have prices displayed anywhere. Some citizens seemingly receive goods for free. Others receive them in exchange for an agreed-upon favor you can't understand. Theirs is an isolated society, firmly entrenched in ways that are much different than the outside world where, despite established borders, intermingling between cultures often occurs.

Nonetheless, the Fey are welcoming and curious. Some are hesitant, including the children, while others want to know who you are. Though mischievous, the Fey don't intend any harm. They'll be pleased to show you the sights: glittering lakes, beautiful gardens, many strange oversized creatures with an unusual amount of teeth, and The Duskwoods.

Shopping & Currency

Unlike the rest of Abraxas, the Fey don't accept gold or silver. Instead, they've declared that there's a unique currency you must use to make purchases. Not all of the Fey seem to participate in this type of currency. You have to wonder if they're playing a trick, but if you want to buy something, you'll have to do as you're told. To the Fey's credit, they're happy to make a fair exchange in return.

Currency options are:

◎ Candied honey pellets from the hives of a giant bee creature. They can be smoked out or put to sleep, but have a vicious sting that will itch fiercely for 12 hours.

◎ Sparkling pearls, easily obtained where they wash up on the shores of lakes and ponds, but cause you to forget one memory while they're in your possession. You must spend (or discard) all pearls to regain the memory. The memory is typically minor like forgetting your favorite food or that time you fell down the stairs, but some may find themselves forgetting a major event or even their own name.

◎ Something only the character can give. This can be anything, but characters should give genuine thought when making an offer. It could be a lock of hair, a feather from a pet, a kiss, or a valuable possession. They might have to try a few offers before one is accepted.

Each shop will want a particular currency from the list above. It might change from shop to shop, or even from hour to hour within the same shop - so act quickly! If you're having trouble getting the currency by yourself, you can grab a friend to help you with the task. Try to strike a bargain if you want. You could get them to lower the price or change to a type more suited to your skills.

As for the shops, there are boutiques with unique stained glass ornamentation for masks and attire that offer special glamours such as fine sparkling dust or a glowing aura. You can obtain last-minute additions to masquerade outfits with various shimmering enchantments. Small trinket-like weapons can be purchased, such as a pretty glass knife. You can also get larger prop-style weapons meant to accompany a costume. However, genuine weapons are off-limits. No matter what currency you arrive with, shopkeepers insist your money is no good here.

The Duskwoods

The Duskwoods refer to the deepest parts of the surrounding overgrown woods. A thick canopy of trees shadows much of the forest in a perpetual dusk-like state, lending to its name - though sunlight does stream through rare spots between the leaves. At once beautiful and foreboding, the Duskwoods encompass the aura of the Fey: mysterious, full of hidden secrets and dangers, and yet wonderfully rewarding for those who respect it and its inhabitants.

Here, you'll find berries and mushrooms, large insects to collect, and creatures to hunt. Nothing in the woods is off-limits. Hunting is a favorite pastime of the Fey, especially their foot soldiers, and you're invited to participate. Just be sure you know the way. The Fey won't be there to guide you, so you're on your own if you get lost in the tangled maze-like forest. Heavy mists and darkened trees can trick you into going dangerously off-path if you aren't careful.

Though the Fey prefer to hunt by bow and arrow or with a spear, you can take your personal weapon into the woods. Note that firearms will be frowned upon and are likely to get you removed from the area due to the excessive noise. The Fey won't tolerate anything that disturbs the natural state of their home.

For a list of wildlife found in the Duskwoods, see the Bestiary.

One or two personal weapons are allowed in the Feywilds, but don't overdo it and show up with an arsenal. Flora and wildlife should not be removed from the area.

Making an Impression

Unused to outsiders and isolated for centuries, the Fey are watching you closely to determine whether they wish to pursue continued contact. Some preferences can't be helped - they're wary of anyone large in stature, as most have never encountered individuals much taller or larger than they are, but the Fey are drawn to animal-like traits such as wings, horns, or sharp teeth. Other aspects, however, are in your hands, and you'll be able to show off a bit.

You won't be told upfront, so it's up to you to observe what's around you and use social instincts you possess to impress - if that's your goal. On occasion, if a Fey happens to see something they like from you, they'll give you a useful item.

To earn an item, submit a thread of your character performing the tasks below for approval. Threads can be in pairs or groups of any size. Threads do not need to be completed, but should contain a couple of tags from you before submission.

Once approved, we'll RNG from 1 of 3 items for each favor a character earns and provide you with the result. You can use the items to enhance your character's disguise for the upcoming Masquerade. All 3 items can be earned if you submit 3 example threads.

• A transformation potion that will grant and/or remove up to 2 appendages of your choice, such as horns, tails, or wings. For example, you could remove your horns and add wings, add a tail and hooves, or so forth.


• A perfume that hides your scent with delicate floral notes and provides you with a light charm that enhances your ability in one aspect you aren't normally good at. For example: words, confidence, musical talent, mimicking accents, or dancing.


• A powerful dye that will turn one feature of your choosing a different color. The dyes are only available in rainbow pastels or bright shades such as pinks, greens, purples, or metallics like gold and silver. They can be applied to your skin (become pink or blue!), hair, or eyes.

Tasks

The Fey can be difficult to win over, but they have a range of interests and love a good show! You'll have several chances and methods to make a good impression, even if you may stumble in other areas.

◎ Hunting Skill

Hunting is a vital aspect of life. Their hunters prefer bows and arrows, but they'll be pleased to see a skilled demonstration of hunting using any method, including magic. The Gargantuan Viper Hydra is tough to fight one-on-one. Attempting to kill one alone will surely draw the attention of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Daggermaw Slug nests in dangerous areas in the Duskwoods full of poisonous flora and toxic spores. Successfully retrieving a handful of these toothy (and tasty!) critters will prove your competence in navigating the most treacherous of environments.

◎ Physical Uniqueness

You might notice the tamed creatures around the city have decorative jewelry or painted designs on their horns or tails. If you possess horns, claws, tails, or wings, you can impress the Fey by enhancing these elements on yourself with similar delicate gold chains or paint. If you have bright, colorful hair, you can achieve a similar effect by styling it in special ways, for example by adding flowers or beads.

◎ Mount Handling

The Fey have a few peculiar mounts they use. They'll be happy to teach you how to handle one or even all of them - and the quicker you learn, the more they'll acknowledge your talent. Mounts include:

• The Pearl-Eyed Leaper, an oversized lizard ideal for moving through dense treetops. It leaps from branch to branch at great heights, so handling the Leaper requires a solid grip and a steely stomach. Additionally, the Leaper can sense nervousness and will slap you with its sticky tongue if your approach lacks confidence.


• The Luminous Greatshell, a massive snail that travels quickly over flat ground and across lakes, leaving behind a slick shimmer. Its intense speed makes handling difficult. Greatshell races through the winding Misty Rivers are an excellent chance to prove yourself. Just be careful to navigate obstacles, or the snail will stop abruptly and send you flying off.


• The Grinning Longhorn is the most challenging to mount. You must be swift and agile getting on, or else it may kick, gore, or bite from impatience. Wooden replicas are available for practice, but if you're bold, you can greatly impress the Fey by forgoing any practice. Once mounted, the Longhorn is the most versatile and easiest to direct, following your wishes through an unexplained intuition. They can traverse steep, near-vertical surfaces.

◎ Magical Demonstration

The Fey love flashy magic. Show off your spells all you want, deliberately or as a part of your daily life. Conjure items, use magic as a tool to accomplish a task such as hunting or combat, or put on a fun show to entertain the Fey children. The more flash and color you include, the more the Fey will enjoy it.

◎ Consuming Food & Drink

Some dishes in the Feywilds are familiar, but others can be more unusual. The insect-like Daggermaw Slug is a delicacy, for instance, roasted over a fire or poached in citrus-scented leaves. Large bugs can feature in many meals served, while the liquor is exceptionally potent. If you clean your plates or drain your cups, the Fey will be pleased.

◎ Conversational Storytelling

As a close-knit community, the Fey love to chatter and love even more someone who can spin an entertaining yarn. These tales are conversational - anecdotes that arise naturally when having a drink or a meal. They're less interested in stories that feel rehearsed or stiff. If you like to be at the center of attention at a party and know how to embellish, you can win over some of the Fey listening.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade takes place on the final night. By now, you're expected to have your costumes and masks prepared. Spend the afternoon adding any last touches before the big event. Carriages arrive once the sun goes down, and they won't wait long for any stragglers.

This part of the event involves two aspects: a guessing game to try and identify your dance partners and the opportunity to meet one of several mysterious NPCs whose identity you won't know.

There's also a maze to enjoy for guests who want a break from dancing. The food and wine might be a bit strange, though not necessarily unpleasant.

Preparation

It's not taboo to be seen by a select few! You're welcome to choose a close friend or two who can help you get ready for the night. The expectation is that you won't be participating in the guessing game amongst each other.

If you're particularly secretive, private enchanted dressing rooms will be provided to truly obscure your identity.

Outfits & Glamours

In the days leading up to the Masquerade, you'll see shops with masks, outfits, and accessories. Examine what's popular among the Fey to build your look to fit!

The Fey prefer avant-garde fashion, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate accessories. Where a simple ball elsewhere might involve a flowing dress and a tiara, the Fey attending the masquerades will adorn themselves with detailed headpieces, overly stylized hair, and thematic costumes.

Seelie magic has an equally important role. Illusions are used for more than changing one's hair or eye color. The Fey will cast transformative effects that alter the shape and look of their very physical forms. They might add additional limbs, give themselves tails or horns, or elongate their already spindly bodies into something insect-like.

Don't be afraid to get weird. While beauty is an aspect, the Masquerade is also about transformation. Characters are welcome to play it safe if that's what they prefer, but those who break the mold will best catch the eyes of the Vermilion Court.

Masquerade Night

Outside the Cascading Boughs, golden carriages await at sunset. Climb on in. The ride is less than an hour long, and you'll have the opportunity to meet your mysterious companions on the way to the Vermilion Palace. Small refreshments of berries and sparkling wine are available inside the carriage.

Upon entering each carriage, you'll be handed three butterfly pins, to be pinned on guests whose identities you uncover during the masquerade's guessing game.

The Vermilion Palace

As the carriages draw near, the whimsical spires of the Vermilion Palace tower over you. Some stand tall and sturdy; others twist like tree branches, adorned with windows or small balconies throughout. The palace shimmers a faint silver in the moonlight. A light reddish mist hangs low on the grounds, giving the palace its name. The mist is cool and refreshing to walk through, and leaves no stains or traces on clothing.

The stairs leading up to the main entrance appear carved from geodes. At the top, two-story tall doors inlaid with the same silvery filigree give the palace its shine. As you walk through the doors, the red mist surrounds you for a split second. Then you're instantly deposited into the main ballroom.

A disembodied voice announces you based on your chosen pseudonym or title and your appearance rather than your true name. Though you're positive you just walked into the palace, you can't tell whether you're inside or outside. The domed glass ceiling floats above the dance floor. The walls appear to be halved or missing entirely, leading to a sprawling landscape of forests and gardens. Don't stare at the ceiling for too long - you might give yourself vertigo or a falling sensation.

The Ballroom

The ballroom consists of the main dance floor. It's flanked by several seating areas with tall tables and chairs, each with a different flower motif tying them together. The lighting is gentle as the moon's glow filters through the ceiling, broken into a colorful prismatic effect. A masked orchestra plays on a rotating stage throughout the evening, playing the most popular songs in the Feywilds. As one piece flows into the next, the colors of light shift with the changes in key, pulling excited cheers from the Fey guests in attendance.

Attendants carry bottles of Full Moon Wine. The Fey never turn down a refill, and there is an expectant air that the Summoned should also accept. Strangely, the wine's taste changes after each glass. The flavor seems to be entirely dependent upon the recipient and varies from a sweet soda pop-like mixture to bubble gum left for several weeks under a table. But it would be rude to make a face if it's not to your liking, wouldn't it?

Food is much more familiar. Hors d'oeuvres make their way around on platters, and full meals are available upon request. Unlike typical hors d'oeuvres, which are small dishes meant to be eaten in a bite or two, the Fey's version is notably large. Further, no matter what you partake in, the item appears ever so slightly ... off. A deviled egg with a blue yolk, a cracker that is delicious but weirdly mushy when you bite into it, a vegetable skewer that tastes like a sweet dessert instead of savory. Like the wine, the Fey watch expectantly to make sure their guests are enjoying the cuisine.

Rose Garden Maze

Want to do more than dance? Stepping outside into the greenery will send you into a rose garden maze. Filled with the same red mist, the rose garden maze is as beautiful as it's disorienting. No dangers lurk to hinder you, though giant butterflies flutter and overgrown lizards scale the hedge walls. Their sticky tongues might steal a piece of your outfit or any food you're holding, so be careful!

Finding your way out is a bit tricky, but not overly difficult. Small orbs of light will guide you from point to point if you're feeling especially lost. The Fey like a bit of mischief, but they don't want anyone to be miserable at their grand party. You might even run into some of your mysterious companions. Maybe you can finish the maze together? Be sure to keep up your hidden identities while you do!

Completing the maze will lead you back to the ballroom as if you had never left, and you'll have the bonus of smelling like a bunch of fresh roses.

Guessing Game

Socializing with other guests is a game from the start. Fully masked and disguised, you never know just who you are talking to.

Remember those butterfly pins given to you in the carriage? Hold onto them since getting rid of all 3 is the goal! Talk to your mysterious companions, ask them questions, and deflect their suspicions yourself. Any guest you can "pin down" receives a butterfly pin from you placed on their costume.

Although concealing your identity is important, the masquerade is equally about having fun. Provide a few bizarre clues or lean into your costume (maybe you'll only communicate in a single word or a howl!) if you want to help your partner slowly figure out who you are...if they can!

Of course, if you're not very good at it, that's alright, too. It might just be obvious you're you in a mask, and you'll end the night with many pins in you. The point is to enjoy yourself. As long as you're having a grand time of it alongside the Fey and you're giving it your best efforts, your hosts will approve.

Getting rid of all 3 pins will earn your character a glowing orb activated by moonlight. During clear nights when the moon is bright, set it on a windowsill to watch a beautiful scattering of lights cast over the walls and ceiling.

Mysterious Meetings (NPCs)

During the night, you might find yourself with a dance partner or a companion who isn't one of the invited Summoned. Who are they? Well, that remains to be seen. You probably won't find out right there, though you can make your guesses. Maybe you'll get it right!

To receive a brief interaction with a mysterious NPC, fill out the form here and reply with a link to your character's top level in the event.

Only one character per player can sign up. Dances are short, so there won't be a lot of time to chat. Give your questions or responses some thought!

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Comments

[catholica]

Istredd, hello. Good to see you in...better circumstances.

( because, yes, he absolutely remembers their last meeting. he pushes away from where he's been standing and comes closer though not so close to crowd the other man. )

I think I prefer this strange tree to that pit we were last in. It's a little more comfortable.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Good to see you too when we're not almost drowning or on a turtle.

( That did end up being the last part of their experience. The rescue led to an almost mass drowning, but surprise turtle still to this day makes him smile. Probably because the turtle he knew from them working to save it. They'd all been in very rough shape by then, it's a miracle they all made it.)

It's very beautiful. Although they do have more mushrooms here than I would like.

( Istredd has ended up with a very negative reaction to mushrooms ever since their experience. It's an aversion that's lasted. He obviously will have to deal with it.)

All the plants here are luminescent and the tree is huge, purple and pale blue, and it's glowing on the inside of all the branches.

( He's describing it from what he hopes is a well-meaning acknowledgment that Matt is going by vibes more than visuals. He doesn't know if he likes when people explain what it is to him.)

[catholica]

Definitely...not what I would expect from any sort of tree.

( and he appreciates the description because while he can pick up on the strangeness of the tree, he can't get things like colors. so, hearing it from istredd just tells him is really is unusual.

he steps closer to the tree, fingers outstretched but not touching. )

Have you seen anything like this before? From your world?

[magicalarchaeologist]

No, nothing like this. I wish there were. And the wilderness we've seen here is already like nothing else. Who knows what the rest of the country is, it seems wildlife as far as the eye can see.

( And this is the spot where people live, or at least enough that they had set up a village for the Summoned to visit. Istredd is uncertain if this is truly where they live at all, or if it's somewhere else and this is merely to test them out. He suspects the Fey are watching them extremely closely, and while he hates that in Thorne, he understands it here. Paranoia is very reasonable for a species almost wiped out.)

This tree reminds me of the Singularity. If you haven't visited it in the Horizon, there is a sort of power to it, and a vague sense of electricity. I wonder if they're connected.

( He has no reason to think so, outside of feeling himself drawn to it. But that could be personal. Istredd has been humming back to the tree, whether consciously or subconsciously. They can both hear it now, almost mournful, but very calming. That the Singularity hasn't gone so far as to be, feelings wise for him. There are people who do get feelings from it, like Rhy.)

how dare with that hot af icon

[catholica]

I haven't visited it.

( despite knowing that it's there, that he could go, he just hasn't felt the need. it's way above his pay grade so he tends to leave it to those that know better than him.

but, it's good to have something similar to compare it to, to feel. he steps closer to the tree, circling nearer and reaching a hand out. he doesn't touch though. )

You think the power's that's driving the Singularity might be driving the tree too?

you're welcome

[magicalarchaeologist]

It's possible. I think the Singularity is connected to everything in Abraxas, some parts more directly.

( So it being close to this tree would make sense. If it is a spiritual or magical tree, it would have to be connected to the Singularity. Istredd sees the Singularity as the center of the continent, and that appears to be an opinion shared by the Fey.)

You can touch it if you want, I did it earlier and it didn't react.

( In case Matt's hesitance is because he isn't certain. Istredd does find it very soothing to be around though. Maybe he's just used to sitting by himself reading by a tree, and the humming is low-key relaxing. They will both feel when they leave here in a better mood and lighter, so whatever the tree is, it's capable of calming visitors down.)

I just wish there were less mushrooms. I'm still not great around them.

( Maybe it's silly that these months later the mushrooms get him thinking about the Pit, but they have been putting mushrooms back into the food at Thorne. It's not always them that sets him off, usually it's feeling trapped in the dark or the smell of fresh earth and mud.)

[catholica]

Mushrooms.

( yeah, he knows why istredd might say that. he might not have been able to see them but he'd eaten some of them and the word makes his stomach turn over. he takes a breath and steps closer, hoping that maybe he's stepping on the mushrooms to try and crush them.

as he draws closer to the tree, it seems to hum even louder and, to his enhanced senses, it's so loud that he winces. )

It's loud.

( he says it idly, offhandedly before reaching out to touch the tree. the hum seems to thrum through him. )

Just...weird.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Don't worry, not a lot of them. Even two feels like too many at this point.

( It is only natural to see this sort of nature, but he doubts he'll ever enjoy a mushroom again. Luckily it was never a favorite of his to begin with. Istredd watches him walk up and he nods.)

It does have a humming energy, sound and feeling wise. I think it's very alive, if that makes sense.

( Technically everything is alive around them, it's plantlife, it's very lush. There just is a different between a normal tree and a glowing humming tree that vibrates and maybe has feelings. Istredd isn't surprised that the Fey have their own versions of everything, and there is a new magic here too, different from what he's researched in Thorne.)

It is distracting though, I thought about trying to go into the Horizon here, but I kept noticing it instead. So meditation might not be easy, if that's what you were looking for.

[catholica]

Meditation.

( matt repeats the word and huffs out a laugh before shaking his head. he steps away from the tree a bit but the humming continues to work its way underneath his skin. he gives his hands a shake like that help. )

I haven't tried that since I got to Abraxas.

( something always stopped him or distracted him. but, with istredd mentioning it, he wonders if maybe he should try and get back to it. )

Is that what you're trying to do?

[magicalarchaeologist]

I've been doing regular guided meditations for new Summoned in Thorne to take them into the Horizon for the first time. I'm not usually one for it otherwise.

( Istredd took over the role that someone else used to have when Rhy was looking for help. The welcome mingles were supposed to include Rhy doing the social and friendly aspect and Istredd teaching magic and the Horizon to the side. He's now gotten quite used to it, but he doesn't spend a lot of his active free time doing that.)

My specialization as a mage is psionics, mental magic, like Wanda. You could say my mind is always centered, it has to be.

( His mind is even better balanced and controlled than Wanda, he helped her during the heralds causing havoc in her domain. Istredd has had decades to perfect his power. So he doesn't need meditation on a personal level.)

But you used it before coming here?

[catholica]

I tried to.

( it wasn't always successful. some days were better than others and sometimes his emotions got away from him. he shrugs a shoulder. )

It wasn't always...easy.

( there was always something that was trying to push its way to get his attention. )

Haven't tried it here.

sorry time is an illusion and I don't know what day it is

[magicalarchaeologist]

It could be easier here or it could be harder. Depending on which world you find more stressful.

( Istredd led a slightly more boring existence before so he had a lot of time to just sit and think. Here there is so much to think about that his mind feels like it's burning at times. If he meditates here he is more likely to end up in the Horizon naturally as that is so interconnected these days.)

I'm not really in a head space to go into the Horizon quite yet. I'm taking notes of everything I see and experience while here and then put it into my domain library, since I'm not going to bring back any information about it to Thorne.

( Istredd could spell it all secret but he doesn't trust his magic. While he is strong, so are the mages there, and this is their natural power. They might make him stop hiding his books if they thought he was holding secrets. So it's for the best not to.)

You should go to my library domain if you haven't already, I'm fairly certain it will translate for you. It's all psychically connected, it reacts to the person.

it's fine, don't worry!

[catholica]

That's smart.

( he's heard things about thorne and how the people in charge run things and he hasn't really been happy about it. but there's little he can do it about it from the free cities. )

I might take a stop in. I haven't really been in the Horizon much either save to see Wanda at night.

( he'd go there for her always. )

Feels like we're on the precipice of something when we're in out respective homes. Home away from home.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I am quite fond of her cabin. I think my partner creating ravens in the library was inspired by hers, she named all of ours after teas.

( Istredd didn't create the ravens but they do seem to have mild personalities, not unlike the ones that Wanda has. They seem to like the people that Lucifer likes and hate the people he doesn't, so something is definitely lingering on there. Istredd's never tried to modify them; he added the leosylphs though.)

I love the Horizon, but it makes sense that Wanda and I would connect to it well since it's a psychic plane.

( That is the only real way to describe it considering it does live in their minds. Istredd spends a good portion of his time there, possibly more than he should, but he's always filling in his library and visiting the Singularity.)

Do you think of Cadens as a home away from home now?

[catholica]

It's...hard to really say that. New York, the place where I come from, that's been the only place I've known as home for a long, long time.

( and then, suddenly, he was here without a way home. it was unexpected and surprising and left him on his back foot.

he's never liked being there. )

I think I can say that I'm getting used to it. It's not a terrible place if you ignore being kidnapped sometimes and the possibility of war. It's not too unlike where I came from.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I've heard of this New York place. A large city, right? Larger than anything here.

( Istredd doesn't know in terms of actual amount of people, but he has a suspicion it's far outside of what they know. The Free Cities has at least half a million people or so, and more than that is pretty massive. Istredd's positive some major capitals in his sphere could have a lot of people with all the small villages and the such, but they're not concentrated in one exact city.)

I don't really have a home. I have the place I was trained. I have the organization that trained me and some of the people in it I'm on friendly terms with.

( The Brotherhood is tight-knit in a very strange and particular way. Their upbringing is rough and vicious at times, but at the same time, they never really escape it. They are expected to serve for the rest of their life, which can be hundreds of years, and none of them really fight that. But home is not the feeling he has when he's there.)

Thorne is not a nice place and we're controlled tightly there, we're trapped in their net for the time being. But the people there, the other Summoned, we've made it ... closer to a home, I suppose.

[catholica]

I've heard some things about Thorne and thought I don't really feel comfortable...speaking about it, I think I'd feel trapped there.

( suffocated. with the free cities, he's at least able to move around some, not be trapped in one place, stuck inside. he's still trapped, in a way, but the illusion is a little better he supposes. )

Wanda's told me some things about it since she's been here for some time. And others I've picked up just through people's conversations.

( and now istredd. )

I'm glad you and the others have been able to make it a little better though. I don't think I'd be able tos tand a place like that. Not that I'd have a choice if I were there.

[magicalarchaeologist]

It is my preference of the three because of the magic and also for the information about the history of the continent and the Singularity support. The Singularity is a priority for me.

( So Istredd can tolerate a whole lot of nonsense in order to stay close to the Singularity and be ready to protect it. He's lived in bad situations before to keep his head above water. It's one of those things he's learned to accept and do his best with. He's very good at focusing on his priorities and not on the details.

The more they can learn about the Singularity, the better. Not only to protect the multiverse, potentially, but to find a way to keep people here. The ones who want to be anchored, like him, and his loved ones. The Free Cities are anti-Singularity so he wouldn't be able to handle that for long.)

But we are hoping some day to be able to flee like the original Summoned did. No one wants to stay there forever. It's untenable long-term.

(They are playing it safe. Biding their time. The Summoned before them got to run, and it's unlikely it will be so easy for them, but they also have to be ready.)

[catholica]

I can understand that. Magic's never been a big thing in my life so I wouldn't really know what to do surrounded by it.

( he'd stick out like a sore thumb, basically. he's learned a little magic here an there in the horizon and elsewhere but he's never going to be skilled like istredd, like wanda. )

The fact that I can do some things in the Horizon is still pretty novel for me. Being able to create some kind of...home or whatever in there? It's a pretty big deal for me. Still haven't gotten the complete hang of it.

[magicalarchaeologist]

Magic's the only constant for me. They take us when we're young and start training right away. It becomes the point of our life.

( Or rather, the Brotherhood is supposed to be the point of his life. That is the training. Forever service for hundreds of years, as they were told. But Istredd truly does love magic too. It's the only power that any of them have, so they grasp onto it, treasure it.

He turns his head to look at Matt.)

Can I ask if you've tried to be able to see there? I know that I technically just did ask. But you can tell me to fuck off, if you want.

[catholica]

I haven't.

( he knows that he could if he wanted to but he hasn't been prepared for it. )

I lost my sight when I was just a boy. I've been blind longer than I was able to see so —

( matt chews thoughtfully on his lower lip before sliding his fingers through his hair. )

I don't know how overwhelming it would be to see again, even if only there. It would be a lot to process.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I can't imagine.

( Istredd is glad he doesn't have to point out that it is very likely that Matt can, it is a psychic plane after all, physical realities do not exist there. But it is different from feeling overwhelmed at the idea of it. He doesn't want to pretend he can imagine, it would be arrogant to think he could understand something so personal.)

Has Wanda ever let you see through her eyes?

( Istredd and Wanda can do that easily with each other, and his psychic bonds with Lucifer and Yennefer could do the same. He thinks she might have done that with her boyfriend by now.)

Perhaps she can ease you into it, if you decide to try it out.

[catholica]

I haven't.

( though that's not a terrible idea. if he wants to see, he's sure that she could help and he could take baby steps into seeing again. if it's overwhelming, he can always ask her to stop.

so, it's a good idea. )

I think she'd let me. I know she'd left me. I'm sure she could probably even restore my sight if I asked. I just don't think I want that. Not anymore.

[magicalarchaeologist]

( Istredd is quiet for a moment, nodding to himself although Matt might not see it, contemplative before he speaks again.)

When mages graduate from school, still quite young, we are given the option to put permanent enchantments on. You can also change how you look entirely. We're told to imagine the person we want to be and then become it.

( He smiles very dryly, with no humor in it.)

The women don't really get the option, they're mostly required. But I was given the choice too.

( Sexism always exists everywhere. The women have to look ideal, but the men can look distinguished, mature, they don't have to worry. But that isn't the point of this story.)

I didn't want to become someone else, someone better or perfect in their eyes. I was the one who had to live with me for centuries, so I chose the reality.

[catholica]

This is definitely isn't the person I imagined that I'd be when I was younger but —

( well, now he can't imagine being anything else or doing anything else. he can sometimes see in his dreams and there's always the thought of seeing some things that he misses but he doesn't think he could ever go back to that life entirely. )

I don't think I want to be anyone else but what I am now. I think this is who I was meant to be and everything that happened to me happened for a reason.