OPEN MINGLE: Time to Talk, Summoned!

[magicalarchaeologist]

Who: Istredd, Wanda, and all the Summoned
What: Istredd and Wanda called people to the meeting to give an info dump, let people ask questions or share their own information, and then a hang out after with refreshments so people can chat after and make new CR or check in with old CR.
Where: Istredd's Horizon
When: Saturday, September 9th, at midnight so less attention given to them.
Warnings: Discussion of the game plots including all content warnings up to now like psychological thriller, horror, the cult kidnapping, gods being trouble. Abraxas is a wild place, friends.

HORIZON AND SET UP

The Lighthouse was described by Istredd in detail so people would know where to go. During this mingle, it will continue to shine and circle around like a normal lighthouse so people know where to go. His domain is unique for being essentially a tower of books. Shelves upon shelves of books and multiple floors. The only other detail before the talk starts is that there are five ravens who will be curiously watching everyone from a perch nearby. Your character may end up with a lapful of one of the two leosylphs who live here, one baby blue colored and the other one black with red eyes.

The main floor has been turned into a large meeting hall of a sort, although mostly in terms of having a large space full of chairs and a few tables if people wish to sit there. Your character can perch anywhere they want including up a floor. A key note about Istredd's domain is that people can easily morph chairs or create them in whatever form they'd want, so if you want them to have their childhood chair, go ahead. If they want a gaming chair, it'll show up automatically for them. His space is very intuitive. People can choose to speak either from the back of the room, as Istredd will do, or from where they sit/stand.

If your character wants to attend but not be noticed, they can intuitively use his Horizon to mask themselves/go invisible. Istredd will not call you out, Henry Creel.

After the initial formal talk and information gathering, Istredd will ease up the more formal atmosphere of the large hall and create a food and drink section against the walls. Wanda assists him in making this look nicer and homier. There will be extensive offerings but people can add any type of food or drink to this, it's up to them to modify it.

If your character would like to explore the library or get a beat to themselves/talk privately with someone, they can do that by wandering the floors. People will find that if they open a book it will appear to be empty at first, but if they think about their favorite book, the pages will fill in. It is entirely based on their recollection of the book so may not be entirely complete, but if their subconscious mind has memorized much of it, they will see what they need to in there.

They may also find that as they move through the floors, a 'reading nook' may appear in the corner that will instinctively know what they would feel comfortable sitting to read with. They can also 'lock' this room if they want to discuss something with another person and need privacy.

ISTREDD'S SPEECH

[Istredd will wait until it appears everyone has arrived or most people have and he will clear his throat to get their attention if they are already chatting with other people. He appears as he often does in Thorne, with very plain clothes in a dark shade of blue, serious and calm. He stands straight-backed, hands clasped behind his back. Istredd speaks in a very clear and calm way.]

Please sit or stand as you feel comfortable. If you want, you can create any chair you wish to sit in. After the initial conversation, food and drinks will be provided and you are free to add your own favorite dishes. This is intended as an information-gathering conversation. Last year, Sam Wilson hosted something similar to keep the Summoned informed, and a great many things have happened since. Wanda and I thought to do the same this year.

We posted on the network a breakdown of what happened with the kidnapping earlier this year. If you missed it, the general idea was that a cult from Solvunn took half of the Summoned and held us in a pit, where they were experimented on. The cult's intention was to try and take the connection the Summoned have to the Singularity, and what they believed to also be a connection to their gods.

It should be noted that Thorne tried something similar early on in the Summonings. Their experimentation also did not work, as far as we know. We thought it prudent to keep every Summoned informed of what happened in case something like this happens again. We have put forward from the Solvunn and Thorne conclave a request to our factions to allow us to have access to the island. We'll let people know what we hear.

I also put together a history timeline of the Summoned.

[He pulls out a blackboard with this list written down over it in clear readable words. He points to the February 20,078 section where the details about the kidnapping are written out in particular.]

If anyone would like to add notes or months I missed, please either write it yourself or let me know and I will add it. I am hoping to keep this an active timeline for us. This will always be available in my library here to anyone who wants it. We have also been given a pantheon of the gods from our friends in Solvunn that is also available in here.

I have been taking notes since I got here about general information that may be of interest to people when they arrive, including details about magic, the Singularity, and the factions. They're very broad but you can read it on this.

[He creates another blackboard to the side, also able for other people to make notes upon.]

I don't want to be talking this entire time, so instead I would like to invite people to share any findings or information they have that they think the whole group should be aware of, and also ask questions that could be answered or talked about. Please be polite with one another and understand there are some things we simply do not have the answers for as of now.

There are less than a hundred of us, and I believe it is important that we stay on the same team. Thank you. Feel free to eat and talk, or wander in the library.

OOC NOTES

Hey everyone, it's Dee! I am so sorry for the tl;dr. I have the headers below: Speeches (information sharing/tl;dr like mine), Questions (you can specify what exactly they have questions about), adding to the info dumps I have, and whatever else you think of.

If you want your character to speak/offer information but don't want follow-up questions, you can put 'OTA' or 'no follow-up' to indicate what your preference is here. If you put OTA people can reply with a sort of Q&A option, but the no follow-up idea is so that people can share information but not need to commit to that unless they feel like it.

And from there, mingle to your heart's content! Your characters can talk afterward, before, go explore the library, whatever you want, I support it. You can plan closed or open starters, follow your heart.

If nothing else, I want people to take from this mingle that their character can hear any of this information or see it in the library and have it from now on for your RP purposes, and take this opportunity to maybe make new CR/discuss all of this. Do as much or as little as you want! If you have any comments/concerns, please message me on plurk.

Comments

[cointosser]

"Oh, I do love being right about murder." All right, he said the word. But it certainly would be terribly convenient if the people themselves did it. However, Geralt is right as well -- the loss of the queen gives the Free Cities even more reason to march against Thorne, as if the attack on Libertas was not enough. The counterattack may not have been equal in its destruction, but Jaskier can only imagine Marlo was using it as a test against those borders.

Jaskier turns his head this way and that as he listens to Thancred's explanation, if only because this point of murder has become very personal to him after working with the survivors of Libertas. He makes a little "hmph" at the insistence that the Free Cities did such a thing, because that sort of "finding" always feels a bit convenient. "If Jolene was leading the investigation, it's just as likely she's the culprit." He does a similar action to shrugging with his wings, rearranging them. Not that it really matters, in the end. Jolene is not the one who suffered the consequences.

He hops about, thinking, in a matter similar to pacing. "Well, the only truly clean way would be to dissemble both Thorne and the Free Cities' governments at the same time. That way there would be no time for retaliation." But that would be far too easy, wouldn't it? "Which is akin to a massive amount of murder, which I, personally, would like to avoid. On top of those matters, if we were to dismantle both chains of power, I guarantee you those in Nocwich -- and, possibly, the fey -- will be looking for their own chance. I have enough experience to know subjugated peoples will only stand it for so long, and with the vampires and werewolves already sharing space, I guarantee they are both starving for land."

It isn't a hard estimate to make, but his talks with Sten particularly have given him enough insight to the struggles of Nocwich enough to be confident enough to believe it. "Leaving things as they are now is going to inch us closer to war, I'm afraid. Ideally, if there were more powers to rise that could equal both Thorne and the Free Cities, there would be less chance of either, essentially, taking control of this continent. But we are speaking of... very hefty goals. Unless one of them began harnessing the powers of the gods, neither Solvunn, nor Nocwich, nor the fey simply don't have the numbers to compare."

[falcony]

It does come down to what the people will want and accept, and while Sam remembers those in Nott being less than supportive, he also doesn't remember the lack of support being a kingdom wide thought.

But Geralt brings up The Cities, next, and Sam's expression darkens as he nods along with the information about Marlo in particular. He's kept as much contact as he can with Marlo because he knows when it comes down to it, they'll need every piece of leverage they can - but it isn't like the Cities are any better off than Thorne. Just different flavors, different regional accents, to the same problem.

"Right now, they're trying to use us as additional numbers for their army. They haven't forced enrollment yet, but it's only a matter of time."

When Istredd talks about the people deciding that the Summons might be a mistake, Sam just sort of nods. It's a problem he's thought about, himself. Something he's gone to great lengths in Cadens to try and balance out for no other reason than maybe they'll have a few more allies on their side, there. But if you get a kingdom of people behind a single idea - well. Nothing good ever really happens there.

"Most people in the Cities aren't super focused on the Singularity, either. At least not yet. They don't want to be dependent on it, but they're not actively seeking to destroy it either. Again- that can change, but right now it's a not yet." It's always a yet.

But deposing the queen, finding a suitable replacement...none of it's going to be easy. Thankfully, no one at this meeting seems to think it will be easy, so at least there's that.

Jaskier, too, has too many good points. Points that Sam wishes he could argue against, but really - there's no safe way to get rid of Thorne if the Free Cities still has room to grow. And if you take out both of the power houses... he shakes his head. Rubs at the back of his neck.

"No, leaving things the way they are isn't going to help anyone. Even if we did find a balance, if that's even possible, all it'll take is the Singularity to go haywire - again - and everything we've done will go up in smoke. But I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say murdering both political leaders isn't the move, either." Sorry, Jaskier. Sam keeps going without leaving much room for interjection. "In my experience, the only way to get nations off each others throat to is to give them something else to focus on. The problem with that is that we're easy targets."

[magicalarchaeologist]

"If the goal is to protect the Singularity, maybe the answer is to seek other means to protect it than Thorne." Istredd shrugs. He knows better than to think that Geralt is going to speak up, the man brought them all here to talk. "Nocwich, the Fey, Solvunn, even the gods, they all have reasons to protect it too. If Thorne isn't the only source that can save it from doom, we won't need to shield them."

That requires a lot of groundwork though. Diplomacy. Ways of having conversations with these other powers to guarantee that they would step in with a concern like that. Istredd's goal is the Singularity, he's already said so, and yes he cares about all the other things, but there is a freedom that could be found if the other powers were trustworthy on the topic.

"It would require independent diplomacy though. And also, in my opinion, an agreement with the gods as a power greater than both of them." Istredd looks at bird Jaskier because they have spoken about this before, and Jaskier's own connection to one of them. He thinks big picture, they can get around Thorne and the Free Cities as the only people with teeth in this game. It's just about how to make it happen.

"But for the record, I think it's worth noting that we are less than a hundred people. We may not have the right to make these huge decisions for this entire sphere."

[funbreaker]

Everyone seems to be in agreement that trying to topple two governments simultaneously would be extreme, especially given that the Summoned are not of this world. While Istredd in particular seems concerned about them taking control when they are such a small group, Thancred also doesn't believe that they should have to simply accept the state of Abraxas as it is when they were brought here against their wills.

"Finding other allies in protecting the Singularity is worth looking into. As much as Thorne and the Free Cities try to insist that the state of Abraxas comes down to their conflict, you're right." Here he looks to Istredd with a firm nod. "There are other peoples to consider here as well. Those of Nocwich, the fey, Solvunn, and even nations we've yet to visit." And of course, there is the will of the Summoned as a group, which may not be a united front but nonetheless they have some common goals.

It's worrisome to hear Sam speak so definitively of the Summoned being drafted into the Free Cities army, and Thancred's expression darkens as he hears it. If Sam's right and it does come to that, Thancred is certain that's when all hells will break loose. People like Geralt will not simply fall into line with some national decree.

"Thus far, the nations seem to prefer to use us as resources rather than as targets, Thorne's initial experiments and Josselyn's cult activities aside." But it's not as if those incidents can be forgotten either. Thancred heaves out a sigh and shakes his head back and forth. "And yes, what of the gods? In my experience, we ignore them at our peril. Yet despite what the people here might believe, it's not as if we have a direct line to them either."

There are so many elements to consider, so many sources of power to manage. It makes it hard to know where to focus first.

I am so sorry screams

[cointosser]

Jaskier gives a sharp nod to Istredd, understanding his underlying point. As much as he still plans to go through with his contact -- and possibly contracting -- with the gods, they are still clearly an unknown. Some Summoned have touched them and been touched in return, but it doesn't appear to be anyone in the room as of yet. And the collection of them can hardly claim to decide the fate of an entire world.

They only come together to bring... ideas. To establish some sort of chain of communication across factions.

Solvunn is clearly missing, but even Jaskier cannot say he knows any soul there well enough... except Himeka. Though, and no sleight against her, he's not sure how well she would do in diplomatic affairs. He's willing to ask.

"Targets... only certain times, that you know of," he corrects Thancred, not unkindly. Among them all, Geralt has been used at the Queen's behest for information, but someone quite clearly tried to kill Yennefer, Himeka, and himself. "We still do not know who attempted to kill the delegates. It could be none of the factions we yet know of, but I do believe it's worth keeping in mind. Not to mention the attack at the Peace Summit. Clearly, someone has been at work for some time trying to shift the sands." And he would like to mention it if only because he almost died, thank you.

"Gentlemen, I think we are finding ourselves firmly at an impasse... if only because we hardly have the means to do anything in particular." He hops around as he talks, wings shifting like how he would move his arms, gesticulating, as a man. "I suggest we each find a thread that comes to us the easiest, then unravel it, and attempt to keep abreast of this world's political shifts through our mutual communications. As Istredd said, we're a small number. The Summoned are few, and the five of us even fewer. It would be a dangerous call to say we have the right to decide anything right now. Our coming together is a fine enough first step."

echoes the apology and the screaming

[falcony]

"Wait wait- hold up. Are we talking about siding with the gods that Solvunn's out there worshiping? The same ones that the cult kidnapped people to try and get closer to?" Sam knows that isn't what Istredd means when he brings them up in this conversation, but he does feel like it's important to state that. To make sure they're taking that part of this whole conversation into account. He doesn't think finding other allies is a bad idea, either, but involving anything that involves faith, and religion, and something as complicated as the workings over in Solvunn, is just going to make everything they're doing even more complicated.

He sees the dark look cross Thancred's face at the mention of the draft in the Cities, and he can only nod. There is a lot about the possibility of that Sam is morally against, and that isn't even getting into all the people he knows who would not do well in a forced military situation. Geralt is definitely on that list.

The conversation moves on, though, and now it's Sam's turn to allow his expression to darken as he nods in agreement with Jaskier's correction. Whether or not the Summoned have been targeted as a whole, the Summoned have started making waves. Jaskier is a perfect example, someone that an everyday local would recognize, who they like. It's only a matter of time before individual Abraxans decide that they can get what they want using one of the Summoned for their own gains.

"To Jaskier's point- I think it would make more sense for all of us to find different threads. We can help each other out, but the more ground we can cover, the better; and the more we can keep each other up to date, the easier it'll be, too."

[magicalarchaeologist]

"I spoke with Josselyn at length before she died, it would be a mistake to assume the cult had the ears of the gods because she claimed it." Istredd is pretty positive they did not, albeit with some acknowledgment the illusions spoke to a possible assistance, but there was no proof to him that it was the truth. He doesn't think she was insane as some people do.

"There are Summoned who have experienced positive interactions with the gods, and they have an invested interest in the Singularity given how they can influence the Horizon as we do. Are they responsible for what humans do in their name?" Istredd shrugs. "I'm not saying we should be reckless with that kind of power, but we shouldn't be crossing out options either." That's why the gods were the last option he put forward, because he understands it's complicated, but he is more than willing to make a deal if he thinks it is the wise choice.

[funbreaker]

Jaskier's correction of Thancred's statement only serves to disquiet him further. The man who is currently a bird is right, of course — Thancred may make a point of knowing as much as he can, but there may be other incidents of which he's unaware, especially if they happened in other factions.

The attack on the delegates, though — that he can speak to in some degree. He turns toward the little bird as he hops around on the table. It feels a bit absurd to be addressing him with such a serious tone when he's in this form, but he pushes through that for now. "I did ask Jolene Sybell about that, as it happens. I wanted to know why the rulers in Thorne felt they could be so certain that the Free Cities was behind the attack, when you — the Free Cities' own delegate — was one of those targeted. She seemed to think that wouldn't have necessarily stayed their hand, especially since you were originally Summoned to Thorne."

He rolls his eyes then, making no secret that he finds that explanation flimsy at best. It would be one thing if Jaskier weren't famous throughout all of Cadens and beyond, but he is.

As for the chatter between Sam and Istredd about the gods, there is so much they have yet to understand about them. "It's unlikely that every single god has the same goals or feelings about us, either. We should take care regardless." He has some experience with god-like beings, and it rarely ends well.

Still, he does agree that they all need to focus on a different thread, something to keep track of in their faction and then share with the others periodically. He nods to Sam to indicate his agreement.

[cointosser]

"And there are far more gods than only the ones that Josselyn's cult worshiped, Sam." Just so he isn't getting things mixed up. If Jaskier has any ideas of dabbling with the gods, it certainly will not involve those -- or the three that pushed their rotting influence through the factions. "Far more than you are used to seeing, perhaps."

Far more than even have names to this day. When he was in Thorne, he spent the majority of his time reading. And then with access to more knowledge -- in the Free Cities. And communications with Rhy, and Himeka, and those who have touched the gods... it is a dangerous power, but not one that can be written off entirely.

Jaskier tips his head up to Thancredd, his feathers ruffling. "Unfortunately, it's something I've considered myself. The people may love me, but I am only one more pawn on the board. A particularly colorful one." And not because of how he dresses. He makes no mistake thinking that Marlo or Quilleth would not use him if he was willing and they had a way to do it. The same could be said of the werewolves, too.

it's simply the way the world works. "But in my heart of hearts, it's not what I fully believe."

But he's (mostly) moved past it. They have more important things to linger on.

Jaskier gives a glance at Geralt, noting his silence; it's not unheard of, it just means he has nothing to add nor correct. "Very well, then. As Sam said -- different threads. I will keep tabs on Solvunn's activities as I can through mutual acquaintances, but I excel in the movements of the Free Cities. We shall do what we all can. I believe that's the best we can ask for."

[gynvael]

It's true that Geralt hasn't anything to contribute. Or specifically, he hasn't anything he wants to contribute. Not right now. He needs more time to reflect on what's been said. He assembled them not for answers but to bring them on the same page. Ensure nobody triggers a cascade of events unbeknownst to the rest.

That's been accomplished, he thinks. The remainder is...theory and speculation. Though, he agrees that the gods do not seem to act without the beckoning of men. Not as far as he knows. In every phenomenon involving the gods, there was a catalyst. An offering, an accidental disturbance. A deliberate invocation.

There is one more thing. One more thread.

"The kingdoms are not the only ones with an agenda. The other Summoned have their ambitions, too."

And they may be more difficult to predict. It would be remiss to pretend they all want the same thing simply because they've found themselves in a similar predicament and have been branded as one. Geralt's had more than one conversation that's left him uneasy.

Still. What needed to be said has been said. Since the bard has not seen fit to take human form, Geralt plucks him up like a wayward bread roll.

"You know how to reach me."