abraxaslogs | ( open ) an informal family dinner

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( open ) an informal family dinner

Who: the summoned of cadens
When: beginning of august
Where: the sarstina inn and tavern
What: the welcome committee (sam wilson, hilda, jesper) has come back together again for another cadens welcome event! everyone might remember the last event and this one will be much of the same. Including, but not limited to, another invite by hilda! | sam art credit!
Warnings: will update as needed!

THE DINNER

Just as before, this is kicked off with Hilda's invitation, and if any of the Summoned come by Sarstina's that evening, they will find it set up a little differently than usual, but very similar to last time.

There is a long table set up near the bar that has a whole party-spread, a ye-old-southern-party kind of set-up, if you will. There are dips, charcuterie plates, sandwiches, drinks, a pastry/dessert bar and almost anything else that Sam could get his hands on. It is all, of course, limited by what’s available in Cadens, but thankfully he’s been here long enough to figure his way around the food options. Behind the bar is Mag (because no one else is getting their hands on the alcohol stash, thank you very much) and she will serve whoever it is that comes up to ask for a drink and will refuse any sort of payment - it appears someone is covering the tab tonight.

The rest of the tavern is set up for a party, with tables and chairs scattered around, a stage set up in the corner, and a decently sized space in front of the stage for dancing if the night gets to that point. There may or may not be some live music later in the evening, no promises have been made, but if anyone else wants to get up on the stage they are more than welcome.

Nadine has been kind enough to provide little apothecary bags filled with a mild sleeping tonic and things to help settle the nerves that new (and old) Summoned can take with them. There’s a table near the door and by the bar that have these bags in wicker baskets with a small sign that reads: Visit Salves and Stitches for all your medical needs!

The vibes are definitely low-key and casual – come get an ale, come eat some food, and if you're new there is a very good chance you'll end up (gently and in the most friendly way) cornered by either Sam, Hilda, Jesper, or any of the other Summoned. They are here to help answer questions and give a bit more background on what the hell is going on. And also let you know about the deal that has been going with Mag and the Inn for almost two years now. Aka, if you're looking for a room, there is one here for you in exchange for work. You can leave whenever you have a job, or you can stay as long as you like. It’s all about helping Summoned get more settled, and as long as you’re good at taking instruction and picking up after yourself, Mag hasn’t had any issues. Not a bad gig, right?

And if being social isn't your thing, or you’re just not the party kind of person, the Welcome Committee understands. But also, really, who is going to turn down free drinks and free food? The Cities work on coin and commerce, so turning down a free meal isn’t really the smartest thing. Plus - there’s alcohol. And the food is pretty damn good.

OOC INFO

- this is a totally open post! There will be some TL’s below from the Committee Members, but otherwise, have fun, meet some people, and put up a TL of your own! there are various places to run into people around the tavern, and if you find someone who is willing to help you into the Horizon (Sam is happy to help, but he’s helping Host), Sam's been letting people know they can use his room upstairs.

- the only Rule is there will be no fighting. You want to duke it out? Take it somewhere else. There will not be warnings or second chances, so don't be an ass. Summoned have lived in this Inn since they were all portaled here ages go, this is their home. and if ANYONE is seen giving Mag a hard time, there are a few people here who will not hesitate and who are not afraid of squaring up. Also, you cause problems, and you will not be invited back :)

- The whole purpose of the Welcome Committee is going to be going overboard to be welcoming, especially to new faces. Even if your character didn't see the big invitation, feel free to have them invited by word of mouth, or chased down by any of the members. Some Summoned may have also checked the barracks for any new Summoned to bring them into town.

- Mag is an NPC who you can read a little more about in the NPC section of the Cadens setting page. Feel free to have her come in and out of your tags as needed!

THE INN

Magmara (or Mag) has run the inn for years and has been a familiar face in that neighborhood as a woman who always made ends meet, almost in spite of the way she took care of her friends and neighbors above all else. Most weren't always sure how she managed to run the place on her own, but she made due, though she always seemed a bit overwhelmed and exhausted. When the Summoned arrived in the Cadens through that first portal, Sam managed to stumble in and make quick friends with Mag. In exchange for manual labor, fixing up and cleaning up the inn, as well as whatever other various tasks Mag needed to be done around, Sam would be given free room and board (a deal she now offers to any Summoned that arrives in the city for as long as they need it).

The inn itself is 4 floors tall, with the top three floors making up the 15 or so rooms (around five rooms per floor), and the entire bottom floor reserved for the restaurant area. The tavern makes up the entire first floor and is a large open floorplan, with a small stage in the corner, a walled-off area for the decently sized kitchen, and a large wooden bar where Mag does all her business for both the inn and tavern (where can almost always be found standing behind). It serves drinks of some variety (though not nearly as large a selection as some of the more well-known taverns) and some food (usually a single, large meal that will be served to the tenants and whoever comes in throughout the night for a moderate price). It can be busy some evenings, but in general tends to keep a more 'dive-bar' kind of feel, filled with more locals and regulars than a casual dinner-going crowd.

The rooms themselves vary from fairly simple, single-bed inn-style rooms with a small bathroom and little else, up to a two 'bedroom' suite style with small kitchenettes and spaces for sitting rooms. Each bedroom has its own small bathroom for the tenants, with cleaning, washing, and chores left to those who live there. What used to be more of a working inn now serves as a kind of boarding house for newly arrived Summoned (or simply those who won't leave), and Mag has found herself quite okay with that.

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[ Finn stays quiet like he hasn't even heard James' idea. But he has, absolutely. ]

As someone who's done that before, it's not as easy as it looks. More likely to make an enemy out of every side than make a new ally.

[ The Resistance had been kind to him. Organa had been kind. But if it weren't for her and Poe and Solo, Finn has a sneaky suspicion that he would have been shot on sight. Is pretty sure some people thought about it, anyway.

His finger taps against the wood grain, lost in thought. ]

We could find out who has the advantage, or make an ally out of both Solvunn and Thorne. Or... stay unaffiliated and out of sight. [ He's more than likely going to do that last one, personally. ] This place might be more dangerous than I thought.

[ Oh, James is more than fine with that too. It might make things more complicated, but he's plenty familiar with having enemies no matter where he turns. The setting may be different, but otherwise, it's nothing new. ]

Well, I can be very persuasive.

[ It's also true; he opts for a teasing path rather than keep the conversation on such a somber tone. Truth is, they don't really know what the future might bring, and while having a plan B to fall back on, an escape route of sorts, there's no reason to obsess over it until there really is something to worry about. ]

Not sure that 'out of sight' would suit me. But it's a thought, sure.

[ But having enemies on every side sounds exhausting, James. You sound exhausting. Not that it would be a particularly new experience for Finn either. Their difference is, he'd just complain the entire time.

Anyway, Finn recognizes the attempt at a mood shift and goes for it. It's a happy atmosphere here, after all. No need to bring things down with his 'what if' scenarios.

So, Finn offers a bit of a smirk back. ]

Right. You like challenges. Not many of those in the shadows. I'd like to see just how persuasive you can be, though.

[ Might get to, if Finn's scenarios are right. That persuasion could save some lives. Or at least save one life, anyway. ]

[ That's just Finn's point of view; James strives in conflict, and he really wouldn't give a fuck if he ended up surrounded by enemies. He might even delight in it a little too much. ]

Well, maybe one day you'll get to. Who knows. [ He shrugs. ] Starting to look like we'll have plenty of opportunities for that around here.

[ Joke's on Finn though, James has no interest in using his skills to save lives. Fuck that. ]

[ Oh, yeah, he stands by that being exhausting. Finn will learn that about him someday, particularly how that sort of thing would likely just delight him.

As it is, his smirk turns into a grimace, feeling a little like he jinxed them. ]

Yeah... On second thought, maybe I'd rather not see it. I'm only persuasive if I'm armed.

[ And we all know how well that can go... ]

[ James chuckles quietly, tilting his head. ]

Not sure that counts as persuasive. [ Yes it does, it absolutely counts. ] And I don't know, that sounds like it could be interesting.

[ He would indeed find Finn infinitely more interesting if he was threatening someone with a gun. ]

That's too bad, because it's the only kind I'm good at.

[ Said while his smile makes a comeback. No good at diplomacy, uncomfortable with the Force, but he knows how to use a gun. ]

But stick around, I guess. Like you said. There'll be plenty of opportunities.

[ He doesn't doubt that, sadly, but he's also ready for anything. ]

Stick around you, you mean?

[ It's mostly teasing, but James thinks it might not be a bad idea. Finn seems gullible enough, and if he can handle a weapon, who knows. He could prove just as useful during a fight. As easy as it might be to get people on his side around here, he shouldn't let any opportunity that presents itself to go to waste. ]

Sure. That does sound like my kind of fun.

[ Persuasion by force, that is. ]

[ He shrugs with a smile because, yeah, that's what he means. ]

Since this is the longest I've gone in years without being shot at, I can almost guarantee the time of your life.

[ While Finn's being sarcastic, he's aware that James isn't. Again, doesn't strike him as too odd. Plenty of soldiers actually enjoy the fight, and even he's gotten a bit antsy after going so long with any conflict breaking out. ]

I was told that we might as well get comfortable, that leaving won't come easy, so... plenty of time.

Oh, good. I was worried I was gonna get bored in this place.

[ Now, he is joking. It does look like a lot happens around here, he wasn't particularly concerned with lack of things to do. This feels more like a lull, a calm before the storm, and if rumors are true and war really is brewing, he should have plenty to keep him busy. ]

Right. I was told that too.

[ He's not sure how he feels about it yet. There's a certain freedom he didn't have back home that he might grow to appreciate, but on the other hand he doesn't like being on the bottom of the food chain once again. ]

[ Finn's not entirely sure how he feels about it yet either. He misses his friends, feels guilty for not being present for the fight, but... there's potential here. And maybe these people really do need their help. ]

A lot of people seem okay with it. They told me to find a job, settle in... Guess it doesn't matter if we like it or not if that's the way of things now.

[ He wants to ask if James is one of those that's okay with it, but it seems like a cruel question. Not because he has an assumption on what the answer is, but because they've both only just gotten here and Finn himself has little answer to give. ]

... Lots of time to learn magic, I guess. [ Bright side. ]

Yeah. They're all very settled in, aren't they.

[ It's delivered dryly, a little judgmental. But it is boggling to him, this compliance. He'll accept that maybe he doesn't know the whole story, maybe all these people here have gone to every limit, explored every option, in trying to find a way out, but having arrived just recently, the whole situation is incredibly bizarre to him. He can't think of a single person he knows from back in his world who would go along with this so easily.

He wonders if he even should. It'll take him a bit of time to figure out what's the smartest thing to do, what might benefit him most long-term. ]

Are you going to find a job?

[ He'll shelf the topic of magic for a later date, perhaps for when they can actually do something. ]

[ Finn hears the judgement and can't bring himself to blame him in the slightest. Sure, everyone has their reasons, but it feels like... quitting. Like hopelessness. Even if none of them wanted to go to their homes, they were still brought here against their will. They're still trapped.

But he redirects his thoughts. ]

Yeah. Think I might see if a local blacksmith needs some help. Labor, maybe an apprenticeship if I'm lucky.

[ Better than shopping around to whoever needed help. Probably better than his fallback plan of bounty hunting, as if that could take off given his current position. ]

And you? Did you decide about the military?

[ James nods, and definitely makes a mental note of that. If Finn succeeds, it's a good connection to have there, especially when weapons are so difficult to come by in this place. ]

I think I'll be enlisting. It's my best bet, given the options. Second choice would have been the Grand Academy, but this place is a lot different from my reality. I don't think my degree would have meant much here, and I'd have to learn too much from scratch.

[ The process would be much slower too, if he hopes to gain some relevance here. Military's an easier choice in that regard, as well as more familiar to him. Plus, he'll definitely get to see more action. ]

[ Privately, Finn hopes for the same regarding weapons. If he can't have better access to any made at this place, maybe he can at least learn to make his own.

But this is an idea he hadn't once considered, and he looks to James with surprise. ]

That sounds interesting, though. What kind of degrees do you have?

[ He doesn't think he knows anyone that's gotten higher learning like that. Maybe the General did at some point, but she was kind of busy fighting a war. As were they all.

He'll circle back on the whole military thing in a second. ]

Astrophysics. [ So, yeah, definitely not suited to their current setting. ] Minored in mechanical engineering, but didn't dedicate as much time to it. Besides, I was on a Command path, so.

[ It has given him a good advantage, as Captain. Both the former in terms of deep space navigation, and the latter when it comes to knowing the inner workings of a ship. Nothing he really exercises on a daily basis, so he lacks the practice, but at least he knows no one on his ship can fool him with cheap tricks and obvious lies. ]

Impressive. [ And he means it. Finn knows just enough about astrophysics to get a headache, and mechanical engineering is extremely useful. Or, rather, it was back home. Poe would have had him in the middle of an X-Wing's engine before he could finish the sentence. ]

So, I take it you're an officer? [ That's what "Command" sounds like. ] With that experience and whatever you can show off with your engineering skills, you should be able to rise in rank quick if you enlist.

[ If there isn't a bias against the summoned, that is. ]

[ James tips his glass in silent appreciation. He likes the praise, even if it's not often the kind of thing he brags about. People like to underestimate him sometime, think he's not as smart as he really is, and he prefers to play along with it. He thinks he's fine, in this particular instance. ]

I am. I'm Captain of a starship. [ So no, not just an officer. James makes it a point to clear that up, because it does matter. ] That's what I'm hoping for. I'll certainly work towards it.

[ Even if there is a bias, he can find plenty of ways to prove himself. He's gone up against worse odds. ]

Edited 2023-09-01 18:47 (UTC)

[ Oh, Finn raises his eyebrows with a little smile. No, not just any old officer. ]

Considering the tension, they'll be looking for leaders and engineers. I wouldn't worry about it. If they're desperate enough to try conscripting us like this, you might get to just tell them what job you want eventually. That's what I'd do with you, anyway.

[ After Finn made sure that he could trust him with his soldiers. ]

[ James raises an eyebrow at that last remark, both amused and curious. ]

Do with me?

[ So Finn's definitely not just any old soldier either, huh. Color him surprised... James probably wouldn't have pegged him for anything else, but that'll teach him about making assumptions. ]

[ Finn turns back with wide eyes, assuming James is a bit offended with the remark no matter how amused he appears to be. ]

Just a figure of speech. If I was in charge here, I mean. You'd think they need more officers, and you have a lot of experience and skills they should be dying to get their hands on.

[ And he sort of shrugs in his attempt to explain. ]

Assigning people around like that is part of what I did back home.

[ Even before the promotion, even before he left the Order. He can't count how many times he was the "planning" guy. ]

[ No, not offended here. He doesn't like to be talked about in that way, as though he'd be handled in any way, but he's always had a problem with authority.

Actually, he has no problem with authority as long as he's the authority. ]

Ah. [ He nods, understanding. A higher rank, James suspects. ] Then I can only hope that the higher-ups here see it the same way you do.

[ Finn's not the type to be boastful of his rank, especially here where it doesn't matter. So it's not an accident that he doesn't give up the information that easily.

But he sighs. ] Me, too. [ Not for the first time, he considers enlisting just to shake things up a little, in a much broader meaning than just getting James up in rank. Unfortunately, the idea still makes his skin crawl. ]

If they find out about your experience and don't start trying to make you an officer, we'll at least know that they really do have a bias against us.

[ That's how sure he is of James' credentials. Maybe it's the way he talks, maybe it's the Force, but Finn believes him. ]

That'll be one way to figure that out.

[ But it's true, it'll be the definite proof that they have a real issue with the Summoned. Normally, James wouldn't blame them, if not for the fact that they're the ones bringing them here.

Anyway, he takes a sip from his nearly empty glass, then nods at Finn. ]

I'm gonna make the rounds. Talk to you later?

[ Bringing them here, trying to make them enlist, and marking them as second class citizens won't sit well with Finn in the least. But it'll also lend to his theory that the people have no control over people like them arriving.

But that's for another time. Finn nods with a smile. ]

Good luck with enlisting.

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( open ) an informal family dinner

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