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

pre-storm

[funbreaker]

Thancred has been making near-daily trips to Nott in order to help out the local populace, and while he doesn't have much in the way of magic that he can pull on, he is more than willing to offer his manual labor. Whether it's by repairing boats, moving supplies around, or building reinforcements, he keeps busy. Some even offer him coin for his trouble, and he goes back and forth on whether to take it. Now that Urianger has left, keeping up with rent for the flat is going to be a more difficult task, and he's been going back and forth on whether he should just move back into the castle.

When he steps through the portal this time, the wind almost bowls him over. He digs his heels in to maintain his balance as the wind whips around, though still picks up on the fact that Sansa is close at hand and addressing him.

She truly doesn't need to say anything more than that. With a nod, he steps over to her. "Lead the way, I'll be right behind you."

He knows that Sansa usually makes this trip with Jon, but he's happy to act as a replacement, assuming that Jon is elsewhere at the moment.

[theladyofwinterfell]

Sansa doesn't trust many people here but she feels that she can trust Thancred so it at least takes a bit of pressure off Jon. The wind is stiff, as stiff as any storm at Winterfell, and she's a bit staggered by it as well.

"We need to get people indoors as soon as possible. They'll get hurt otherwise." There's others who are tying down boats and closing shutters against the wind but Sansa knows these aren't her strengths. There are some children nearby and she bends a bit to speak to the eldest.

"Take your brother and sister inside," she says. "Others will deal with the property. Are you able to get home from here or do you need help?"

[funbreaker]

It's true that finding shelter is the first item on a long list of things that will need to be done to ensure everyone here remains safe. They'll need food and medical supplies as well, and Thancred is willing to brave the rough winds in order to courier care packages around to various domiciles.

For now, though, ensuring that children make it back home to their parents or guardians takes priority over all else.

Thancred hangs back slightly as Sansa speaks to the children, not wanting to overwhelm them. She seems to be good with children, which certainly helps given the stressful situation.

The eldest, a girl, looks up at her with steely eyes. "I know the way," she insists, "but..." She pauses and looks at her two younger siblings, who are cowering together. "I'm worried they'll get knocked over and hurt on the way."

She may not be wrong. They're small and these winds are ferocious. Thancred takes a step forward and nods. "We can help."

[theladyofwinterfell]

"We are taller and stronger. We shall help you." Sansa assumes that Thancred will. It is her suspicion that he does those things and if her intuition is wrong, it will be swiftly corrected in the next moments. She doesn't think so; he had helped her investigate the theft a while ago.

Sansa takes the hand of one of the smaller children, holding it tight, and looks back to Thancred.

"Should they need to be carried, I cannot do it, but I will hold this one tight to me if the wind grows too strong."

[funbreaker]

"That's all right," Thancred shoots back to Sansa as she approaches the third child, the smallest of them, and takes a moment to crouch in front of him. "I'm going to carry you, if that's all right. It will make it easier to get you home swiftly and safely."

The boy sniffles and seems to be unable to find a response, too shy or too scared, but Thancred simply smiles and reaches out to ruffle his hair.

"All will be well, I promise you." And with that he reaches out to draw the boy into his arms, as if he weighed nothing, before he stands once more.

With that, he nods to the eldest child. "Lead the way."

[theladyofwinterfell]

Nott isn't a terribly big place but it still is large enough to have a few streets to wend their way through and with the wind stiff and the children scared, it is a longer trip than Sansa would expect it to be normally. The eldest seems to try and put on a brave face and Sansa compliments them, telling them that they're good and strong. A gust of wind presses her back against Sansa and they stagger a bit together.

"Just take it slowly," she says. "We will get there in plenty of time even with the winds, all right? Everything will be well. Thancred is a warrior. He won't let anything happen to us."

It is a platitude she gives without looking into it too deeply; they ought to believe in someone and Thancred is right there.

[funbreaker]

As soon as Thancred notes that the wind has sent the eldest child and Sansa off-balance, he reaches out with his free hand to grip Sansa's shoulder and help steady her. That seems to be the worst of it for now, at least.

Sansa does a good job of reassuring the children, her voice soft but her sentiments firm. He knows about Jon, but he now wonders if she has younger siblings as well. He isn't expecting her to invoke him as the one that the children should look to for strength, but he doesn't mind.

"Of course not. A little storm isn't enough to get the best of us, surely."

Thankfully the rest of the trip proceeds without incident. Once Thancred knows where they're headed, he directs them on the path that will give them the most protection against the winds from taller buildings while also avoiding any narrow alleys that could turn into wind tunnels.

The eldest then insists they're almost there and picks up her pace as soon as she spots the small home that must be theirs. From there, Sansa and Thancred are able to unload the children inside.

"Now wait here until your parents return," Thancred advises them. "We'll see about having some supplies sent this way as well."

[theladyofwinterfell]

The eldest promises that they will wait, that they will not venture out into the storm again and once Sansa gets that assurance, she feels comfortable enough leaving them so that she and Thancred can also take cover; they may be older but they are not immune to the strength of this storm.

"We should be getting back," she says, urging gently. "My brother will worry for me even if you are a trustworthy escort and rightly so, considering how badly the weather has turned. Will you escort me back, Thancred?"

wrap here?

[funbreaker]

"Of course, Lady Sansa. I would not wish to cause your brother any unnecessary concern."

Jon cannot keep an eye on her at all times, particularly when the storm rages around them. Thancred also suspects that Sansa feels that she should do her part where she can, and that they have accomplished together.

He nods to her, gesturing her to stand close at his side as they begin their walk back. "Do not hesitate to take hold of me if the winds become too strong." He won't take her hand, she is not a child like the others, but the option is there if she needs it.