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.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Her comment earns a wry smile from him.

It's hard to say which was worse - the magic paintbrush with a mind of its own or the Horizon that plucked thoughts easily from him like he was transparent. Then again, maybe Heather's experience hadn't been as difficult as his.

He gives her a hum of affirmation. ]

I didn't go until about a month or after I arrived. I had my doubts about it.

I don't think I understood what I was going to do when I did it.

( meditation? not typically her thing, though for as doubtful as she'd been she'd also been curious by this apparent magical thing )

Is all magic that strange?

It's different for everyone.

[ At least, that's what he's heard. He's never gone with anyone else and if asked would suggest they choose someone else like Istredd first. If they were anything as personal as his, he isn't about pry into others first interactions with the Horizon. He hopes that others had at least more...unremarkable experiences.

Heather's question makes him lets out a breath that could sound like a laugh were it not for the fact that he seems exasperated at the thought. ]

There's a wide range. You'll have to ask someone who's been here longer. I don't think I've seen how strange it can get.

I'm not sure knowing how strange it can get should be the first thing a new person learns.

( though the upside would be that they could learn to avoid it that way )

Though apparently whatever I did will help with using magic. When I figure that out.

( not just how to use it but she supposes what magic to use. there was going to be thought about it, learning things that would probably be more practical and useful )

It would give you a benchmark of what not to do.

[ Although he hopes that those amongst them never learn the type of power that they saw exerted by the relic or whatever god it belonged to. ]

If you're interested in it, this is a good place to try learning it. You've got plenty of willing teachers too.

[ It goes unsaid that some Summoned have been here longer than most with no means of returning home. So if they had all that time here well...it may as well be filled doing something mildly productive. ]

I've heard that.

( and there's interest but she's taking it steadily. she doesn't want to jump before she can walk, especially when some of what she's heard has made it sound as if she'll find it difficult )

And being careful can also help you not make those mistakes. I'm trying to figure out answers to questions first.

[ There's something probably to be said about learning from your mistakes, but he understands that sentiment. Sometimes watching - and waiting - was the best course of action so that you could be as mistake free as possible. Unfortunately time wasn't always a luxury.

That wasn't the case here however. ]

Anything I can help with?

( she's quite for a moment, thinking on what might be the most useful think to ask him. what might get her the best result based on what he's already said )

Have you learned a spell yet? Or something magical?

( she didn't know if all magic used spells but she'd heard a couple of people talking about them, using the correct pronunciation and intonation )

[ What sounds like an amused breath leaves him that has more to do with his answer than her question. ]

Not really. [ He's learned, but that doesn't mean they're successful by any means. ] My skills when it comes to magic are slim to none.

[ He gives her a humorless smile. ]

I prefer physical weapons.

They seem to be confident that everyone can learn it.

( though something in her tone sounds relieved that he hasn't done well with it )

Though I'm not as confident as they are. If it seemed more intuitive maybe.

( but the magic that seemed to be here stemmed from things she usually avoided or struggled with when magic wasn't involved )

[ The hint of relief results in a notch of his eyebrow. He isn't particularly offended by it; he was upfront about his struggles with magic after all. If anything it's mildly amusing. But for now he doesn't say anything. ]

The magic in Thorne is mostly Academic. If you're able to recite the words of the spell the rest of it should come with practice.

[ Raising the glass to his lips he takes a small sip. ]

In theory.

[ Because clearly it hadn't worked for him. ]

There's no magic in your world?

None.

( and heather would never call her own ability magic. she didn't know what it was but it wasn't magic, definitely technological. somehow )

Recite the words makes it sound as if it should be simple, which is likely why they say anyone can do it.

( except for heather language was a problem and this was entirely based around it )

I don't know if practice alone is enough.

It's similar in mine.

[ Although after meeting Merrin and time spent here he was starting to wonder if that were true. The galaxy was vast. But that didn't make him a believer. ]

Ah sorry. [ He starts, expression shifting as if he's realized something. It's clear however when he speaks that there's a wryness to his voice. ] I should have said practice and application.

[ The wry expression and voice falls, something more even-keeled but no less genuine taking its place. ]

Other Summoned came from worlds like yours and are adept at it now. You could figure it out if you wanted to.

I feel like I should.

( because wasn't that the idea, to learn the magic to be helpful here and then get back home when her job was done? that was what heather had understood from her being brought here but she didn't know how true it was really.

and really, she wouldn't be so quickly jumping to learn magic otherwise. she thought, anyway )

Though whether magic lets me learn it is more debatable. Or if I can, are they certain everyone can?

( doubts settling in before she tries )

[ 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.

( 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.

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.

Bent to my will makes it sound like it has a brain.

( or at least conscious thought or something manipulatable which wasn't something that heather was certain that she could think about. let her deal with computers, that was her comfort zone, she could do so much magic there )

I'm-- I have a lot to figure out before I can say anything about magic. Or magic items. I don't think my ideas are right at all yet.

( nor does she quite yet understand the other ones )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Welcome to Thorne!

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wrap 💕