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! 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.))

Comments

[spiritread]

Jinora listens even as her brows furrow at the idea. The way the older female expresses it, it sounds like wherever she's from such a thing is a law. She can't help but worry about what that would be like for Lin's work day, as chief of police, with all of the reports that would come into it.

"It's a good thing you're here and not there then," Jinora remarks gently, not unkindly, "because you shouldn't worry about things like that if you're tired. You should be able to take care of yourself."

Because that's what that is about more than anything, right? She considers a moment longer before offering her some of her plate. "Here, you can have what you want. Or I can go get you something else...?"

[sophos]

[ she just sort of nods. there are a lot of people here, she's not likely to get all of them down so immediately. but she can at least file away some of the name she learns tonight. ]

So our warm welcome does come with some stipulations. I wasn't wrong. [ it's all so cushy and too good to be true. she's been comfortable in the bed, but she's been assuming there are... some expectations to being allowed free room and board and the life the summoned live here. ]

[ she doesn't seem surprised to hear there are more cells. ] For prisoners of importance?

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred certainly isn't here to argue with her, simply curious. Then again, someone her age tends to be defensive by default, from his experience. They expect that any adult who questions them must be assuming the worst, taking their actions in bad faith.

Her answer is interesting, and he crosses his arms over his chest as he lets his gaze track up one of the arches that she mentions. ]

Are you concerned that the castle won't be sturdy enough to weather the storm?

[ He's not certain why else she would be concerned with things like support and wall depth. Either way, he lowers his head, refocusing on her. ]

Architectural stability aside, there are also magical wards in place. I wouldn't be too worried.

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred takes a moment to consider that question, but ultimately nods. He's no expert, but he can easily think of a few differences even then. ]

In a way, yes. The way magic is categorized, for instance. On Etheirys there are things such as white magic, black magic, red magic, and more recently blue magic, though there are even more specific schools beyond those. One could train as an astrologian or a sage, for instance.

[ He suspects that none of this will mean anything to her, but she did ask. ]

That being said, there are still similarities. Both Etheirys and Abraxas have healing magic, elemental magic, and so on.

[ He raises an eyebrow at her. ] I assume your world doesn't have such things?

[sophos]

Absolutely not. It's mine. Get your own.

[ annabeth loves him, truly. but it's her hypothetical milkshake. ]

[ she takes another absent bite of her slice, and any enjoyment of it is not for show this time. she's just really digging this pizza. gods, she missed olives. ]

I hope you know how to teach the people how to cook, because I call dibs on handling the numbers.

[sophos]

[ annabeth's expression brightens without realizing when he explains the ease of reading in the horizon. as if she needed another reason to want to get there. endless books? no struggle to get through them? a world she can design on her own?? she's fucking IN. ] That's... really cool.

[ sometimes she is still just a seventeen year old girl, ok. good thing she sucks at meditation, or she might end up needing someone to kick her out too. ]

No, I'm not interested in getting stuck or anything. I'll go with someone. The memory loss doesn't sound... appealing, but I suppose there's no reason to doubt you that it's only the first time.

It sounds like you've been around a while. [ she did get his name from alyx, back in the library, so istredd was already on her list as a Source. but his familiarity does speak to a kind of longevity here that even if she doesn't really want to think about it, she's got to ask. ]

[sophos]

[ annabeth makes a face before she really thinks about it, which is saying a lot. ]

It's not my... favorite hobby. [ there. that's the best, most delicate way of saying she sucks at it. she's not going to admit she sucks at it either, but she can imply she's not an active practitioner. especially in the face of jinora, an apparent meditation expert. how are adhd demigods supposed to sit still long enough to meditate? ]

The Underworld just wants to make you scared, so your Spirit World and this Horizon already sound better aligned. I guess it'll be easier to hang out in the Horizon and see what it's like for real when one isn't amnesic.

[diametrically]

[ It's hard to bite his tongue when it comes to telling her that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to here but he manages it somehow. Yes, they had to play by the rules to some degree, but that didn't mean she should have to like it if she didn't.

Instead he swallows it seeing that doubt settle across her features, weighing down her words. ]

They've been doing this longer than we've been here. [ Then he offers her something of a more lopsided smile meant to be encouraging. ] After all, you managed to win over that paintbrush in the end.

[thoughts]

There's a shadow over you. Or - or maybe it's in you?

[ she seems confused and fearful as she frowns at him. her voice drops to a whisper, remembering her promise to keep his secrets. ]

What is merzost?

okay to wind down from here? c:

[thoughts]

That's the best part. It's all good data.

[ said very sincerely with an earnest smile. it's like she said. they're in an alternate dimension where the multiverse coexists in a world made of magic. everything here is fascinating, even down to the mundane things. river could listen to someone talk about their world or the things they've experienced for hours with rapt attention.

attention that turns to heather more completely as river tucks her feet onto the couch cushion and twists to face her. ]

Can we start now? What's the first interesting thing you'd want someone that's never seen an Earth to know?

[spiritread]

I wouldn't call it anyone's favorite hobby. [ Her response is lightly given. If she thinks Annabeth is trying not to say she isn't good at it, Jinora doesn't show it in her mannerisms. She carries instead that warm inclination before giving a slight shake of her head: ]

Meditating is part of Air Nomad culture, I've been practicing it as long as I can remember.

[ Not a lie, though she adds in attempt to be helpful and honest: ] There are still days I struggle to clear my mind. Everyone does.

Maybe, I think we'll have to learn about it more. There stills seems to be a lot everyone doesn't know about it, not just us.

[magicalarchaeologist]

I tried to make it cool, although I suspect it only is to those who love books as much as I do.

[ He says cool like it's a foreign word and he is a very, very out of touch old person. It's not slang from his sphere but he does understand what it means to others. And he is an out of touch old person, in age as well as at heart. But he attempts to come off more interesting than he thinks he is, especially with new people, so he can help them better. ]

You can make it very fast the first time. I normally do not bring people there any more than five minutes to make certain the brain calibrates. It's worked every time, including when I did it.

[ Istredd was eager to get started so he immediately went in with Kylo Ren, back when the man was in his position at these welcome events. He wasted little time throwing himself into knowledge about Abraxas, almost too much of it, but it can be helpful now when people need to know things. He's an endless well of information. As for how long he's been there, he shrugs. ]

Not as long as others. I will be here two years in August. June is the three year anniversary of when Thorne began to do this. There are a handful of people who have been here from the beginning. None who are in Thorne, as most of them escaped.

[ Istredd realizes there is information that follows up that. He tries not to scare people too much when they first arrive, but he also doesn't believe in sugar coating information that is relevant to their stay. Protecting new Thorne Summoned doesn't include lying to them about the situation. ]

In the start, the Thorne relationship was very tumultuous. They locked up many Summoned and planned on executing one of them, experimenting on another. At the execution, two people arrived, Oliver and Elizabeth, who haven't been seen since. They used their magic to assist them in escaping to the Free Cities and Solvunn. Most of them did.

wrap 💕

[unresponsives]

The first thing?

( she pauses to think for a moment, shifting a little herself to get more comfortable, to better face river in return )

That there is always more to see, even if you are well-travelled. ( heather is not especially well-travelled, usually going somewhere for a client or family than to explore the world. but that's never been her inclination ) People can be incredible and each city, each country, each culture has something special to it. Something you should always try to find.

[unresponsives]

( she gives him a look that is full of doubt )

I'm not certain that was me.

( not entirely or not by her own will. it hadn't felt like her by intention, anyway )

But there's a lot to learn first. That's my starting point.

[parce]

( she should not know that word and the fact that she does makes his heart nearly seize.

his expression pinches before he shakes his head. )

Where did you hear that word?

[northerndragon]

[A firm nod.]

All right. The next one.

[This one is a little easier, but still good to have two sets of hands. They go on, do a few more, until there's little wood left to move for the time being, but plenty who need to be helped into the hospital.

Jon leans against the wall for a breath.]

That girl earlier, red hair -- that's my sister. I'm surprised she was lifting things... but she tries to help where she can. [He wipes his hand on his dark trousers, certain there is dirt, then adds,] Ah, sorry. I'm Jon Snow.

[northerndragon]

He tilts his head, has a sip of wine, tries to commit the word to memory: Sembia. But now they are speaking of Dorne.

"In truth, I've never been there. Dorne is way down south, where I come from, and I've never left the North." Mostly true; he had been leaving the North when he found himself in Thorne instead, but apart from that, he has only left the North to journey even further north beyond its borders. "Our old Maester told us Dorne is hot and dry, with deserts and mountains. There is a river, though, or they'd never be able to make wine. The North is quite the opposite: sometimes we have summer snows. Though it may be quite some time before we see summer again."

[diametrically]

Who else would it have been? The paintbrush is a tool.

[ There's another air about him, one that clearly is a nod to the instructor that had been teaching them that day. ]

It is the one holding it that has the power over it.

[ The pretense drops, the lopsided smile remaining. ]

If anything it probably bent to your will in the end.

[sophos]

[ yoga's mildly better, but annabeth would still rather just go for a run for exercise and to clear her head. something tells she can't run her way into the horizon. ]

There's a lot to get caught up in here. [ she's trying to be better balanced about it. having percy around probably helps. ]

It's all right. Nothing against you, but I'd rather have someone who's been around longer too. [ she pauses, because... heather continues to seem to want her opinion on things, and annabeth's not always used to adults treating her that way. ] I'll let you know once I'm out.

[sophos]

[ she's suffered the demeaning adult questions tenfold, on account of a typical demigod experience in the mortal world. it's easy for teachers and authority to assume the worst of her, a troubled teen who seemingly floats between schools and has several drops in her record, despite her intelligence. ]

[ but this guy isn't giving her those vibes, so she does tone it back. a little. ]

I'm not worried about it falling over. [ she's not as worried about the storm as she probably should be either - it's bad, but annabeth is used to bad storms. ]

I was just wondering how they built it. They don't really do castles like this where I'm from anymore. [ there are ruins, of course, but none of those are in the united states, and there are modern castles, but those don't look anything like this either. ] It's interesting.

[sophos]

Is it all magic based healing here?

[ she really shouldn't be posing questions like this in a crisis, but she can't help it. it's fine, annabeth can multitask. it's not a real battle, but she's still able to take in all the chaos going on around them easily, guiding nikolai around the debris without even thinking. ]

I heard it was a good place to visit, but they definitely don't seem like they're ready for a tourism burst right now. Hopefully we can help more again when the storms end.

[parce]

Sansa?

( it takes him a moment to recall her only because the day has been busy but they've talked before. )

She's mentioned you.

( now that he thinks about it, during one of their earlier conversations, she had talked about family. )

Nikolai Lantsov. Your sister was very, very intent on helping.

[parce]

I don't believe so.

( he shakes his head. )

I have been fortunate enough to not have needed much medical attention but I've seen all types of assistance here. Whatever works, right?

( healing was healing. )

I've heard similar things about Nott. I haven't had much chance to visit. Things can get a busy around here without you noticing.

[unresponsives]

( bending almost sounds nicer compared to the magic she's seen, at least in heather's belief of her own capabilities. magic did not (yet) seem like it'd be easy for her )

Is there something specific that you've had to do to learn it?

[unresponsives]

High magic, academic magic, white magic... they're not precisely descriptive labels.

( was that the point, to make someone be confused and need to ask many questions or was there another reason? )

You'd be right though, there isn't magic where I'm from. ( as she knows of. at least nothing that is magic to the same sense as magic here ) Were you someone trained in magic?