OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne!

[magicalarchaeologist]

WHO: OPEN to all Summoned in Thorne
WHAT: A party, info dump, and magic study session all rolled into one! Eat, drink, mingle -- make some friends!
WHEN: A couple days after the newest Summoned start appearing
WHERE: A ballroom in Castle Thorne

NOTES: This is an open mingle log where everyone can tag one another! New characters may hear some gossip and chatter about recent important events that happened in Abraxas. They may have heard that the Summoned were invited to the Nether in October to help save the ailing dragons from extinction. Kyle and Rhy Maresh represented the Thorne Summoned in a negotiation with the Nether officials to exchange supplies for assistance with their navy. The dragons are alive and well, and the Draconae are very grateful.

Due to an announcement in November, the Summoned are invited to visit Borrel after Nocwich (the first weekend of the month) for the Maritime Fair. It is a three-day festival with lodging provided for the Summoned and a small stipend.



General.

With Rhy Maresth's blessing, Jill Warrick will be taking over his hosting duties on the celebration side of the mingle. Jill will have sent a written invitation to all Thornean newcomers within a couple of days of their arrival, inviting them to meet their fellow Summoned. Otherwise, there will be fliers posted in the dining area that anyone can see. If your character has CR with Istredd, Jill, or Rhy, you can assume they were told and got an in-person invite -- and you can even assume your character helped with setup if desired (decorations, helping set out food, etc.), since they needed the assistance. Up to you!

Istredd will also be hosting a group meditation to allow newcomers to access to the Horizon (and network). New Summoned who wish to learn how to step into the Horizon have an opportunity to have their connections to the Singularity activated. If preferred, they can also get one-on-one help from those who've been around for a bit. He will also discuss the magic in Abraxas and point them in the direction of teachers of magic, combat, or other things they may be interested in.

Banquet.

The large ballroom is bathed in warm, golden light from dozens of chandeliers above, reflecting off the gleaming inlaid floors and brass light fixtures along the walls. It is at once neatly sectioned, yet naturally open, allowing the length of the room to flow from one potential activity to another with ease.

In the center, a circular area has been left clear, and every half hour or so during the first half of the evening, two native Thornean (apprentice) mages come up to offer magic demonstrations -- mostly flashy elemental magic, adding sparks and atmosphere. If any of the Summoned who've been around longer wish to show off as well, they are welcome to do so.

Along the walls stand narrow refreshment tables, where one can serve oneself wine and liquor from large glass carafes. Hot tea and a variety of warm drinks are also available in a few flavors. For those looking to eat, a large dining table has been set out toward the center of the room, with plates and utensils and large platters of food in the center. Jill arranged for special refreshments to be offered in partnership with local businesses. Dante has also offered pizza for those who want something less traditional.

Both the handful of large tables and the smattering of small, taller tables for standing at are in full view of the demonstrations so the show can be enjoyed with food and drink, whatever your desire. Everything is decorated in Thorne's local winter flowers, filling the space with pleasant smells and pretty atmosphere. There is plenty of space to stand and mingle, walk around, and see what everyone else is up to. In the back of the room, the folding screens offer a quieter area, for more private conversation and meditation as desired.

Magic Studies.

Behind the folding screens made of tall, carved wood in intricate patterns, there are a handful of low sofas and chaise lounges around a fireplace at the far side of the hall. This sectioned-off area has been enchanted to provide some insulation from the sound of the banquet beyond, and once you step inside, the quiet is like a gentle blanket settling over everyone who chooses to spend some time here.

This is the best place to ask questions in some semblance of privacy, to learn about your new home, and to receive guidance on entering the Horizon and using the so-called network of telepathic notes only the Summoned can send one another.

Istredd is the one 'in charge' of this particular endeavor, but others who have been in Abraxas a while are likely also about, lending their assistance to those who are newly arrived and sharing thoughts on their experiences so far. Istredd recommends people visit his Horizon because he has a history of the Summoned and general helpful details written in there for anyone to see.

Just be careful -- even if the insulating enchantment is sturdy, there are still Thornean natives around, refilling refreshments outside and demonstrating their magic. You may want to be careful how candidly you discuss any displeasure toward Thorne or its crown, considering the Queen's notoriously explosive temper, and the rumors of the dungeons deep beneath the castle. It's hardly a secret, at this point: a conflict has been sparked, and the mood around the castle is a tense one, even amidst a celebration such as this.

(( ooc: Feel free to make your own top levels and tag around! This is meant to be an open mingle, with the above as mostly setting and flavor, so don't feel limited if you want your character to do their own magic demonstrations, for example, or even if your thread ends up moving outside the ballroom. Have fun!

It should be noted that if you would like to handwave your character's first experience to the Horizon, you can do so. It's a blanket permission from me / Istredd that he took your character there, helped them leave, and showed them how to go back in with their memory now. Your character can also know anything from the entries I linked to above that are in his library if you'd like to jump-start them into having information, or they can know none of it.

Thanks to Lena for originally designing this mingle every month, and Ammay for joining in on the fun now!))

Comments

[glaciare]

( Jill makes her excuses to Clive and the others she'd been talking to before making her way to Rhy, hands clasped nervously in front of her -- it's been a long, long time since she had any formal lessons in court etiquette. But she gives him a slight smile and a nod of her head in thanks. )

Thank you for the opportunity. ( As for the drinks and food: ) The locals deserve thanks just as much as I, for being willing to provide on such short notice.

( They rely on the castle for everything, but knowing that there are people outside is always worth reminding people. Especially those who have just arrived. It's easy to fall into complacency, though she's pleased that those in Thorne seem to be overwhelmingly suspicious of their hosts. )

[londonbound]

It's a wonderful idea. The castle kitchens deserve a bit of a break, as well. [ He laughs. Of course, it's likely everyone has helped, and he'll make sure to check in on the castle staff he's acquainted with later. But truth be told, Rhy is quite impressed with Jill's initiative and new ideas. It's a really wonderful thing, seeing someone still fairly new stepping up to help the community like this. He respects that. ]

Are there a lot of new faces this time?

Last time, it was only poor Dion... I don't know whether I should be happy for a bigger crowd this time or not, considering the circumstances.

I only hope that this helps to ease them into their new home and meet some friendly faces to rely on. That's always been the goal. I know it's a very difficult thing, but just knowing they are not alone...

[ He smiles, gives a little shrug as he trails off. Jill understands, or she wouldn't have put this together in his stead. ]

[glaciare]

( As unaccustomed as Jill is to praise, especially from people other than Clive and Joshua, she pinks at his words, ducking her head once more to hide her embarrassment. )

I would not have been able to step forward if a firm foundation was not already well in place.

Quite a fair few, including one familiar to myself. As much as I wish he were not here... ( Jill shakes her head, fondness overtaking her. ) I am glad he is. And that there are more friendly faces than just mine to greet him. It was, and is, a good idea -- I am simply glad to continue it.

( She does, and gives him a small nod. As for Dion: )

He found friendly faces soon enough, so all is well with Dion, though I daresay he will readily put himself as far away from them as possible should his thoughts turn to darker ones.

[londonbound]

[ Rhy nods gravely. ]

I know he is not the only one; many of us have a tendency to be consumed by dark thoughts-- and I must, in the interest of honesty, include myself in that number. It is another reason to continue doing this, making sure the Summoned remain connected. A reminder there are those who would share your burdens and understand your hurts.

[ If allowed, he will reach out to take her hand with a warm, earnest squeeze. ]

Will you promise me one thing, please, Jill? Due to my duties elsewhere, I won't be able to visit the Castle as often as I'd like in the coming months, perhaps longer. There are people here I care about, and I know they would not want to bother me. [ They would see it that way, and he knows Wilhelm, Kyle, Mat-- they may not call on him because they are too close. But perhaps someone with a more outside perspective, someone as attuned to the heart of a community as Jill is, a kind and responsible person, would be a more reliable measure of when Rhy needs to prioritize coming here more. ]

Can I trust that you'll be honest with me if my presence is needed?

[glaciare]

( She takes his hand eagerly, and returns the gesture. It's something she has grown more comfortable with -- that there are people here who, like Mid or Gav, have no qualms about expressing themselves. Jill may not be one of those people, and she might never be, but the warmth and care is evident and more than welcome.

And she understands what he's asking -- knows very well the sort of people who would do such a thing. Herself, if she were to be crippling honest, but Clive and Dion, and Joshua too. All too aware of the burdens that others share, and desperate to keep their own on their own shoulders, rather than share. But she had encouraged Clive to let himself be supported as he fights for them all -- she can work on the other brothers in time. So it is an easy promise to make. )

Of course. I know those who would keep their burdens to themselves all too well, and the strength that lies in sharing them.