abraxaslogs | Welcome to Thorne!

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Welcome to Thorne!

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! If your character is interested, they can go help out in Nott instead/afterward!
WHEN: After the new people arrive
WHERE: A ballroom in Castle Thorne and at Nott (pre and post worse storms)

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 would have heard that recently the Summoned were invited to Ikorr, the land of the vampires, for their annual decadent party. While there, a heist went down involving a chef name Marcellus who stole an important Ikorr artifact. After catching the man, the Lunae showed up to demand the artifact so they could destroy it. The Summoned supported keeping it with the Ikorr and not destroying it, causing some trouble with the Luna.

Over the course of the night, a strange being was playing with the Summoned, and when they left, they had a vision of a god who said "You are Awaited." Shortly afterward, the Singularity started reacting to something unknown and caused lightning to appear in the sky and winds to pick up severely. There has been damage to all of Thorne but more specifically Nott. Please note at the bottom of this log that there are two prompts for Nott that you can take part in, one when it's just the winds and one when people have to flee the worse storms.

General.

Jill Warrick and Istredd are the hosts of this celebration. Jill will have sent a written invitation to all Thornean newcomers after 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 or Jill, 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.

Nott Pre-Storm

Newcomers may be made aware that there are particularly harsh winds happening at the moment and that Nott, a poor fisherman city, has been in particular damaged by this. Istredd will announce at the ballroom that anyone who wishes to pitch in to help Nott would be welcomed, and there is a portal going there. He says that there are ships who never made it back and most of the ones left are damaged and need patching up. They have been working on fixing up an old hospital that could use physical labor on it and people to move anyone injured by the storms into there for extra help. Newcomers do not need to volunteer for this and can enjoy the party without it, but this is an option!

Nott Post-Storm

Shortly after the ballroom and the request for assistance, the weather in Nott takes a turn for the worst. Lightning now strikes the ground, and heavy rains have led to flooding. Conditions have grown from troublesome to outright dangerous. While the Summoned can be there at the time when things turn, they will be forced to leave back through the portals, although they will be assured the guards can handle what's coming. They will not have a choice or be able to go back. You can use this for their reactions to the disaster and any feelings they may have!

(( 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.))

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

"Fine" is a subjective value, prone to bias.

[ she's not convinced. it's hard to lie to a psychic, nikolai. ]

There's a lot of magic here. Maybe someone can help.

[ Thancred fears he's only confusing the poor woman even more, though that wasn't his intention. It's difficult to explain something that's so commonplace where one is from that you've frankly never had to before. ]

I dabbled for a time, though it was never my specialty. I'm far more practiced in swinging blades than weaving spells.

[ Among other things. ]

Quite a few of my close comrades are mages, however. [ Both back home and here. He pauses, giving her a quick once-over as he settles one hand at his hip. ] Let's start here — is there a particular type you might be interested in?

[ she tries not to make a face, but the frown deepens anyway. the longevity of some people's tenures isn't news, but she still dislikes it. ]

I'm trying not to think about being here that long, thanks. [ fallback to sarcasm, perfect plan. ]

I hope it hasn't been three months of terrible, if the shit weather I walked in on is any indicator.

"I've only heard of verbal spells so far."

And though he knew of other magic she didn't want to hope too much, especially if he hadn't heard of it here. Yet. It would be something to ask about.

"I doubt learning your magic is possible."

No.

( even if he knows he needs help, the last thing he wants is to involve someone else in this. )

I have it handled.

I don't really know if I can describe what kind of three months it's been.

( interesting. trying. confusing. )

This place is very unlike the place I come from so it hasn't exactly been easy to adjust.

[ she takes it all in with relative stride, but annabeth has always been good at absorbing information. she's trying not to start mulling over what she gets until she gets more, though she does still churn it all over in the back of her head. it's hard not to. ]

Seems like it's settled into a peaceful enough truce by now that they let you throw Summoned parties. They found a better use for us in alignment.

But I've been told to stay careful. [ it's the most... diplomatic thing she can say, based on what she's gathered so far about life in thorne. don't go around bashing the monarchy, basically. ]

I'm Annabeth. Someone passed along your name if I had any questions. [ she probably should have lead with that, but she was distracted by immediately diving into things. ]

You and me both, man.

[ It's weird to feel such a sense of ... camaraderie with a guy he's literally only just met, but the sentiment is so deeply felt, Percy can't help but suddenly warm to him like they've known each other for ages.

War really does have that effect, he guesses. ]

Do you think that's why they brought us here? To recruit us? Like we've got some unwritten-but-totally-written-somehow resumes with our skill-sets and history with fighting wars?

[ as far as first impressions go, being taken for an architecture nerd is probably one of the better ones she could hope for. ]

Any castle that looks like this back home is usually out of use, or in ruins. They're not exactly in vogue. [ only after does she say it does she wonder if he knows what 'in vogue' means, given he's clearly not from earth. she does not, however, elaborate. ]

I could probably figure it out, but the library might be a better shot than staring at the walls all night. [ it's only half a joke, in that it would take her more than one night. ]

[ she doesn't copy the gesture, assuming it might be the standard where he's from, but she does hold out her hand to shake instead. if he takes it, he'll find it's surprisingly calloused for someone her age. or maybe not, given this world, or even the likes of his own. ]

Annabeth. Hi. Have you been here very long?

Milkshakes aren't beholden to that rule. [ she grins at his pout. ]

[ can't you believe it, percy? you really can't believe she'd do that, in this hypothetical fantasy diner situation they're creating for themselves here? ]

[ but she does let out a little laugh at his hot dog plan. ]

You know, I don't know a lot about making the perfect hot dogs beyond boiling them, but that still doesn't sound right.

Edited 2024-04-28 01:23 (UTC)

[Now, getting smited (smote? smitten?) doesn't rank among most teenagers' concerns, so that definitely snags Wilhelm's attention, though he's not sure what to make of it.]

Just regular old awareness. Though, I guess I wouldn't count out the possibility of magic surveillance. It's not like they'd tell us.

[He has inherited a healthy amount of paranoia from his circle of questionable adult influences, thank you. But apart from their influence, he has plenty of experience with the long arm and keen ears of the crown...]

Anyway, the Horizon is your best bet if you really want to say how you feel.

Edited 2024-04-28 02:43 (UTC)

Summer snows! He hums in thought, trying to compare this in his mind to similar climates he knows. Not one to explore in a light robe, certainly!

"Waterdeep gets snow in winter, but we are blessed with summer sunshine too. A balanced climate, embracing all seasons as well as all peoples. Not like yours, by the sound of it!"

Summer snows, after all, sounds like barely any summer at all. More like year round winter, in truth, but perhaps with milder temperatures? Cold, but less cold than the depths of winter perhaps?

That was my thought at first but I don't know what the hold up is. Not that I want to fight but —

( this place keeps gathering people up, keeps pulling people in. )

The more people that show up, the more worried I become that this is going to be something bigger than I originally thought.

"Academic Magic does seem to come naturally to mages from other spheres. It requires memorization of a variety of spells they've tested and perfected and the knowledge of how to cast." So knowing already how to use a spell, easy. Having experience using willpower to push magic, easy. He has no doubt Gale will find the adjusting period simple if he's as interested in magic as he seems.

"High Magic is used in Solvunn, it requires the blessing of their gods, so we don't use it here. New Magic is utilized in the Free Cities, it's a blend of Academic Magic and technology." Istredd doesn't understand technology since he's from a sphere where the most they've learned is how to make cannons and some better warfare. He finds it fascinating but it is very difficult coming from a mind without context.

"Wild Magic exists everywhere, it is based on emotions, and many use it without thinking. I would say it may be the most persisting, but it's not widely acknowledged." Istredd is fairly simple that almost every Summoned uses Wild Magic until they understand how to formally do any of the other spells. It comes from instinct, not learning.

[ river considers him for a moment, swallows thickly, and nods her head. ]

Okay.

[ if he says he's got it handled, she can't exactly argue otherwise. besides, she genuinely doesn't know if there actually is magic that could help him. she just doesn't want this to hurt him even further if it's already too late to stop it. ]

Be careful, Nikolai. You don't have to be alone in the dark.

I'm going to assume semi-chaotic, if the current state of things is anything to go by.

[ chaotic is familiar enough for her, even if a lot about this world is unfamiliar. ]

Are you from Earth?

I'm never alone.

( and he pastes on that smile that he knows sways nearly everyone. he's fine, he's just fine. )

You're here, aren't you? Everyone else is here.

( yeah. )

I'm all right, I promise.

I'm from Ravka.

( which might not be the answer she's looking for but it's the answer she gives. )

I've deduced that it's different than a lot of other places that people are from. Only a few people know Ravka.

[ While Thancred is not familiar with the term "in vogue," he can guess at her meaning easily enough. This style of architecture has long ago been replaced with different designs where she's from. It does make him wonder if she comes from a place like Stephen, with his "New York City."

He is familiar with handshakes and doesn't hesitate to give her one, his gaze flicking down when he feels the callouses on her palm and fingers. What caused them could vary wildly, but it does capture his interest. ]

A smidge over two years now, if you can believe it.

[ He eyes her, head tilting to one side. Can she? ]

I assume this is your first inter-dimensional kidnapping?

[ For Annabeth's sake, he hopes so, but with the odd bunch that the Summoned tend to be, he does find it useful to ask. ]

"No," Jon replies, with a brief ironic chuckle. "Your Waterdeep, that's a big place?" Embracing all peoples -- it must be. "You have short seasons, like here in Thorne? Just a few moons for each of them?"

The wine is good, but it's always good.

Lantsov, [he replies, with a nod. He'll remember it.]

Aye, she wants to be useful. I'm only surprised she wanted to lift and carry - more often it's sewing or giving out soup. She has always been a real lady.

What sort of place do you come from?

[What he means is, is it anything like this?]

A place called Ravka.

( which nikolai doesn't expect him to know but he cannot help saying. just in case. )

It is...similar to this place, I suppose. The castle isn't as stuffy as this and we're free to go where we wish. We can leave Ravka if that's our decision. Unlike here.

The welcome parties began from a Summoned who was here from the start, his name was Kylo Ren. I took over this part from him when he left.

[ Istredd glances around them. ]

I try to put as many protections as I can in this place to avoid spies, but I'm afraid if I went too far, they'd have reason to push it. We sometimes have meetings in the Horizon.

[ Istredd believes what they should talk about deserves privacy and distance from Thorne, but he'd only make himself a more obvious target if he blocked them entirely from this space. He has the ability, but the wisdom to think it's more dangerous to lose this space for the Summoned to meet one another. He has run two separate events within the Horizon to share more information with each other, and it has ended up a helpful endeavor. It may be time for him to do it again.

He too is someone who tends to dive right into subjects so he understands. Small talk is not one of his skills, even now. ]

And I am Istredd, officially. I answer what I can for people. Thorne is a difficult place but not impossible to find a place inside of it. I also teach beginner's magic to people, especially Summoned.

[Jon gives his head a slight bewildered shake. He has not heard of Ravka, but what Lantsov tells him is illuminating enough.]

I wish we could go further, but I'm not always sure where I would go. Ranging up in the mountains, might be.

We are not so much like Thorne at Winterfell. It's still a castle, but we stand less on ceremony in the North than they do here. Not so hard to get the king's ear. I have not seen King's Landing, down south, but everything I've heard of it sounded like Thorne. [A pause, then he adds,] I'll grant that the queen of Thorne isn't such a madwoman as Cersei.

Edited 2024-05-01 02:57 (UTC)

Alright, hang on, this is the sort of answer that truly only creates new questions.

"I do hate to echo like a dusty tomb, but did you say 'since the clown visited'? I'm quite aware they aren't to everyone's taste, of course."

Please, River, do expand on that clown visit. Was it a travelling circus? Does the Singularity hate puns...?

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Page 10 of 17

Welcome to Thorne!

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a good place to wrap soon maybe? c:

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that works for me!

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