[ OPEN ] no more wasting time.

[falcony]

Who: sam wilson and open. (see note below!)
What: sam is calling a Summoned Town Hall (and get-together.)
Where: sam's horizon
When: mid-may (one afternoon into evening)
Warnings: will update as necessary.

THE SETUP

This meeting has been planned for some time now - at least from Sam's point of view. Even before the Summit he knew this would be important, but between the Eclipse and the dream of the Eye and everything that followed, there were some other things that required his attention. But as soon as that all settled, and as soon as the Free Cities started reaching out for reports, proving that each of the Summoned have been watched and tracked down, well. Big Brother always has to start somewhere.

So he reaches out to Stephen and Wanda - tells them of his plan for a meeting, about getting everyone together to discuss the impending war, the factions, and everything that came before. He left it up to Wanda and Stephen to disseminate the information and invitation however they saw fit - anyone was invited, of course, but that didn't mean everyone needed to attend. This was intended to be a smaller group, more contained, so as not to attract any unwanted attention, but who knew what happened once the date and time got out there.

Once everyone arrives, they'll be directed into the main area of the house - where the living room and kitchen meet to form one of the corners. It will be a bit of a tight squeeze, depending on how many show up, but there will also be plenty of chairs, couch space, corners, and wherever else anyone will want to settle and listen.

When everyone has filed in and found their spot, Sam will come to stand at the front and center of the room. He plans to address everyone first with something of a speech (Captain America, anyone?) which he will then open up the floor to questions (see open top level below). There will be a point in the middle of the questions that Sam will seem to catch notice in the corner of the room and - distractedly - will direct all questions to Stephen as he nods and heads up the stairs - followed closely behind by Geralt, who seems to have just appeared - but he will be back in about fifteen or so minutes and will pick up directly where he left off.

Once Sam believes the questions have settled, or at the very least everyone is way too hungry to sit still for any longer, he will dismiss everyone for food, drinks, or just smaller circles of discussion. Meeting's over, go stuff your face with Horizon food! But be warned - Julie's manning the bar.

OOC INFO

- It is Sam's intention that this to be a closer cr/smaller group, but as it is with any invitation/meeting, the word can easily get out, so feel free to have your character have learned about it/heard about it/stumble in even if they don't know Sam.

- Any questions that you want your character to pose to Sam directly, please put under this top level and I will prioritize. Because these are questions in an open forum, go ahead and note on your tag if you are down for other characters to chime in, etc.

- For about 15 minutes or so, Stephen will be in charge of answering questions (much to his dismay and with no preparation or warning). So if you want your question to be directed to him, please make a note.

- please feel free to leave a top-level below for mingling after the speech/q&a session. Sam's entire domain is open, save for one locked bedroom upstairs. It'll be a bit like a barbeque, a bit like an after-party, a bit like some chill time at Sam's horizon to meet and greet whoever is around.

- if you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up at disarmingly or pm this account!

THE SPEECH

[ sam isn't nervous, exactly, as everyone starts filing in. most of the faces he recognizes, most of the faces know their way around, so it's not like there's a whole lot of this that feels all that serious. it's not until a few more people start showing up, faces that sam doesn't recognize right off the bat, that has him shifting into something a little more...well, professional. it's been years since he's led any sort of counseling session. longer, if you want to count the snap. and while this definitely isn't counseling, it's starting to feel similar enough.

so as more people start showing up, and as they get closer and closer to the time that sam had sent around with everyone, sam starts pulling himself away from conversations. starts telling people to take seats wherever they can find a spot. it's a squeeze - his living room isn't exactly made for a community meeting - so he ends up having some of them spill over into the kitchen area, some even back behind the island. where he stands in the hallway between, everyone can see him. and honestly, anyone in the house can hear him, so it doesn't matter all that much where everyone ends up.

it's a few minutes later before he's in front of everyone, with one of the kitchen bar stools pulled up so he can sit (lord knows he's not imagining some kind of podium today). then, once everyone has appeared to have settled and with a breath and straightening of his shoulders, he begins. ]

First off- I want to welcome everyone to my place. A bunch of y'all have been here before, sure, but some are new, so I just want to make one ground rule pretty clear: don't be assholes. This place will always be open for you, even if I'm not around, but treat it like what it is, which is my house. No fighting, no destroying my place, nothing. I don't care that all this is technically magic or we could all fix it up however we want, it's my home. Respect it.

[ and then he smiles, which shifts what was beginning to feel a bit like some kind of parent or babysitter figure into something that feels a bit more welcoming. a bit warmer. there's a hint here for those that don't know him of the fact that this isn't always the way he carries himself. isn't always how he acts. but there is a job to do, a point to get to, and so he doesn't fully relax. ]

And thank y'all for coming. The last time we had one of these was...well, it was some time ago, back when we were all in the castle. And considering some of the events since then, I figured it's about time we all had another of these get-togethers.

My name's Sam, [ hi sam. ] And I live in Cadens, the capital of the Free Cities. I've been in Abraxas just over a year, and was part of the first group that got pulled through the portal, back when Ambrose in Castle Thorne was the only one doing it. So if any of y'all have questions about what's happened since we first started showing up, I can talk you through some of it, or at least try and answer what I can; but I'm gonna ask you save those questions for after all this. I didn't call this sort of Town Hall for a history lesson, at least not entirely, and I planned on having time for questions.

[ as he keeps talking, it's less that the smile fades and more that his tone takes on a heavier weight to it. a subtle shift, from someone welcoming a group of people into their living room to someone with a little more authority to him. he's not trying to be intimidating, or scary, or even all that unapproachable. more so, he's here for a purpose, and that purpose is important. and that's the set to his shoulders as he starts up again. ]

Now, if you didn't know already, this world has a few centuries of history under its belt. And just like any other world, or continent, or whatever you want to call it - all the different kingdoms, or factions, haven't always gotten along. These big three we know most about - Thorne, Solvunn, and the Cities - have a lot of that tangled history between them, and us showing up has only complicated it even more. These beliefs are pretty much in direct opposition to each other, and that includes what they think we - the Summoned - are here to do and how to treat us.

[ as sam talks, his arms come to cross over his chest and his eyes slowly start to move around the room - from face to face, person to person. he takes time, in his way, to make eye contact with just about everyone in the room. to connect with everyone, if he can. ]

Where we come in is the fact these factions are on the brink of war, and I don't say this lightly. Events, since we've arrived, have already escalated, to a point that we can't ignore them anymore. Now- that could mean days, that could mean months, hell. It could be years before the first shot is taken- but Thorne, Solvunn, and the Cities have all made it clear they're headed in that direction, and they are going to try and bring us along for the ride. I've been told that the people showing up in the barracks outside of Cadens are literally being told they've been drafted.

[ he pauses, as if waiting to see if that even surprises anyone - that there's a war, that the cities are actively looking towards their military, that this is known. but before anyone can pipe in, he picks up again. ]

If being a part of this war is something you do want in on, then man, go for it. Consider yourself lucky. But I'm here, now, to let people know that we're not all here for that reason and that there are a lot of us who are actively against it. War is not new to me, as it probably isn't for a lot of you. I've done my fair share of fighting in them, and fighting against them breaking out at all, but I'm not naive, either. With centuries on centuries of bad blood behind these kingdoms, it's not a matter of someone showing up and saying the right thing at the right time. As much as I might want to, I'm not going to walk in and talk to the Prime Minister of the Cities and get her to stand down from this war. Believe me- I've already tried. But that's also okay, because at this point my goal isn't to try and fix their problems for them. [ which...okay, there might be some thinly veiled frustration there. because sam has, actually, tried. a couple of times now. and he's less than thrilled by how it was received. was he surprised? not at all. but that doesn't mean he's happy about it either. ]

What I'm here to do - and what I'm here to talk to all y'all about, today - is just to make sure you know that you don't need to fight their war. They brought us here without our say, called by the Singularity and whatever tether we're supposed to have with it. Some of these places have welcomed us, and some haven't been given the welcome they deserve. But this place, these factions, however it is they've treated you - you are not a weapon for them to manipulate and you are not a soldier drafted into their war. And I want everyone here to remember that, because they will try and convince you to their cause, and honestly, they probably won't be that wrong in their reasons why.

But their problems are not for you to solve - not unless you want to - and you're not alone in this.

It's easy to forget how many of us are here when we're all split up across this continent - and sure, we have the Horizon to keep us connected, we've got that weird sort of- [ he gestures out towards one of the walls, though it's hard to tell what he means until he continues- ] -sparkling text thing that means we can keep in contact, but that's not the same. And when you're isolated, it's real easy to get caught up in these reasons, or opinions, of the factions.

I'm here to tell you that are aren't alone. And while any decision you want to make, or any side you want to join, is up to you - you do have all these people in this room at your back. We are in this together, and we can be here for each other, and what that means for me is making sure we don't get caught up in this war.

And honestly - I'm not here to ask for help. If you want to, hell, I'll take all the help I can get. But it's not your job, and it's not your responsibility. This isn't some recruitment meeting, no, I'm just asking you to be aware of what’s happening around you, and not to get manipulated by propaganda. Think for yourself. Keep your eyes open.

[ there is a brief moment here where sam pauses, like he's taking a breath. like he's letting everything he just said settle. it feels a bit like he's wrapping up, when he lets out this next breath. bare with him - he won't talk forever. ]

There are a lot of us who have gotten settled in our time here, and some who are just looking for a place to call home. These factions - they're going to fight for their home, and if you want to fight for yours, I'm not going to stop you. But it is your choice, and we- [ a beat, and then sam gives a small, slightly tired smile and settles back into his chair. it looks a bit like he was going to gesture to some key people around him, but like he makes the decision to leave it to him, instead. ] -I am here to make sure you know that. And to help in whatever way I can.

Now. [ another pause, and then sam claps, drawing everyone's attention back together. ] Any questions?

Comments

[ofthesword]

["His girl," huh? Nero tips his head, giving that a thought. Guessing he doesn't mean in a romantic sense. Not after the memories he saw. Funny, because while Wanda wasn't critical in her description, it wasn't exactly flowery with flattery, either.

He won't tell Sam about it. Don't wanna hurt his feelings.]

So, chatty with the right guy. Got it.

[Actually, he's getting the idea most of the chatting is done by this guy. Sam. And he just -- keeps going. Nero's not exactly got a poker face, so Sam's don't underestimate religious communities comment, said to a guy raised by a demon-worshipping cult, gets something between a choked snort during his next sip as he chokes on it, followed by a vicious urge to break something.

But he's not being an asshole. He's. Really crushing it. Nailign it. The glass of the soda bottle begins cracking, but at least it hasn't broken in his hand.]

I'll stop you there. You don't have to tell me twice. [Has to wonder if Sam's world also had half a country blown up by a religion-powered giant, shitty statue. For some reason, he doubts it.] Unless their gods are gonna come outta the woodwork, though, they don't have the numbers. Not that I'm edging for a war, either.

[It would give him something to do, sure, but he -- he's not here to kill people. And the place, so far, is radically free of demons. He's becoming a glorified farmhand now.]

Is that why you're holding this? People on your end wanting a fight?

[falcony]

[ it's fine, nero. you'll figure out soon enough that sam is just a more affectionate person across the board. also, chatty is relative, especially when you learn how to read people. see: any of the people sam considers close and just how much they talk. she's definitely on the chattier end.

for now, the comment will get a kind of laugh from him. sure. the right guy. but also before sam has a chance to say anything more, there is something of a collection of reactions happening, something about the whole mention of religion has him on edge. and sam is curious, but uncertain yet of how much he can ask quite yet. ]

I don't know the extent of their gods yet, but who knows, they just might. Sorry- [ based on the whole last set of reactions, sam's going to try and explain himself a little more. tries to veer what could be cause for a fight into something else. ] Back home, I was a part of a team that kind of had a god join out of nowhere- like, literally fell out of the sky. So my whole concept of things is a little skewed.

[ but nero makes a good point, and sam just sort of lets out a breath - not at nero, exactly, but the whole scenario. all of this. the war, these factions. ]

But I'm holding this cause the governments, and a lot of the people under them on this continent, are gearing closer and closer to a war. People in the Cities, people in Thorne. Hell- Solvunn showed up ready to fight not that long ago, and they did some damage. [ which...he knows nero wasn't here for the dimming, and there's a good chance he has no idea what the dimming even was, but the point still stands. solvunn participated, made their intentions clear. ] Nothing's out of the question right now. But the meeting, and trying to touch base with all of us, is more to let people know that there are more of us than whoever showed up with you. It's really easy to get swept up into shit when you don't know there are other options- so I'm offering another option.

[ a beat, and then sam smiles, trying to ease a little of the seriousness in that statement. shrugs. ]

Also- I like hosting parties.

[ofthesword]

[Nero folds his arms, but since it's not a pressed issue, it doesn't matter much. It's just -- look, it's impossible not to see the beginnings of the Order in Solvunn, especially with how likely it is it's just another fucking big monster someone decided to worship. This time with one hundred percent more child eating. Probably.

He scoffs.] In my experience, people callin' themselves gods are just people with the biggest rocks.

[Or swords. Or statues. Take that as you will, Sam.

His arms drop suddenly though, and that tidbit does surprise him.] Solvunn did, huh? [Maybe that was before Wanda, too. He's getting that this sort of happens in waves, maybe during a flux when the magic in the big rock pole is at its peak. People coming in. Rock's not exactly pumping out the energy a hell gate does, but if it works something similar.... well, something has to be powering it. Something has to be building up that power.]

It's not a bad idea. I mean, I didn't realize how many there were. [Solvunn's kind of isolated like that. And the people don't like spewing too much about the outside. You know. Just like the Order.] And as parties go, definitely not my worst. Probably one of the better speeches. [A lot better than another sermon about Sparda, at any rate.] Well, if you need news from Solvunn, count me in. [Besides what he gets from Wanda, at any rate.] We don't get much over there, and I'd rather have a beat on what's going on this side of the world.

[You know, just to gear up for the Singularity spitting out something like, say, a giant toad. Evil tree. Giant snake... lady. It happens.]

[falcony]

[ sam does snort at that, an acknowledgment that yeah, okay. he's not far off - gods generally are those who just have the biggest rock, or hammer, but also sometimes they haven't tried to do anything at all. group mentality can be a terrifying thing when you're up against the opinions of the masses, but nero isn't wrong, at least not in sam's eyes.

but it does seem that the concept of solvunn joining in on the events of the dimming (or just the concept that solvunn was just as ready to jump into the fray as the other factions) surprises nero, which tells sam at least a little about what is generally known over there, what they're telling or not telling. ]

Sure did. Have you heard of the Dimming, yet? [ nero's not far off - wanda wasn't here for that, but himeka was. he's lost count of how many different summoneds have come and gone from solvunn. something to look into... at some point. something to add to the list, now that he's got someone there who can actually look into it.

sam finds himself nodding, gesturing out to the rest of the party. ] When all this first started, we were all brought through in Thorne, so it was easy to keep up with everyone. These days if you don't stumble across someone in the Horizon there's a good chance you might just miss a bunch of us Summoned since we're on the other side of the Continent.

[ which is....not something sam likes thinking about. like at all. but when nero offers up his help, sam smiles. ] Man, I'll take all the help I can get. Yes. Definitely. Especially with Solvunn...there's been some weird magic shit happening over there for months now that no one's really been able to figure out. Just make sure you have someone watching your six.

[ofthesword]

[Nero shakes his head. Not sure if Solvunn's people are attempting to hide whatever that is -- so much he can guess that the word is Capitalized -- but he doubts it. There's an edge to them that he's noticed, especially punctuated by what Himeka's told him, but beyond that...

Funny. He should be sticking his nose into everything, but it's taken this long to just. Fucking settle. (To not tear everything down looking for a way back.)

His brows raise.] You were in Thorne first? Huh. [Also news to him. Wanda had implied they didn't get to choose, and going anywhere else was not in the cards, so -- who was starting in Thorne, then? Were the mages there different?

He gives a snort.] Yeah, well, with what I've seen Wanda do, not exactly worried. [Or, you know, being what he was. Not much could kill him, thankfully. Maybe a mortal wound here and there.] I'll keep an eye out. Maybe give me a run-down of this Dimming thing? So I know what shit to look out for.

[falcony]

[ nero shouldn't feel too bad. settling takes a lot more out of you than you think it does. there are times where sam's not even sure he's fully settled, or if he ever will. still, he's put in no small amount of effort to keep up with all this, and there will always be more to stick his nose into.

at the raised brows, sam nods. ] Well- I was in the first group. No idea who actually came first first. But we were only there a couple of months before the prison break. [ everything was a bit chaotic at that point. but now sam's wondering if he should ask around about it...

anyway, back to the questions at hands. sam can't help but grin a little at nero's what i've seen wanda do. yeah, that sounds about right. whether or not sam has any idea who nero is or what it is he can do, there is a sense he is fully aware of wanda. but ah, there we go, the dimming. ]

It was back during the winter months. Every year the factions have this kinda celebration, but apparently part of that is Thorne sending like...batteries, that are also offerings? To the Singularity. The people in power at the Cities sent a few of us Summoned to intercept, and once we got there, we found out some from Solvunn were sent too. Can't really call a place neutral when they're sending in people to fight. [ sam had managed to find a neutral place in it all, though. somehow. one of the few things about medics, at least - he could go and just help the people hurt while staying out the fight itself. he exhales, shaking his head to keep himself from falling too far back into the memory, people who had been there, people he'd helped, people who are no longer here. he keeps going. ]

Things got intense, the fights got bloody, and some of the caskets got nabbed. It was the first intentional meeting to fight each other that we've seen them take, and what happened after, well... the Summit was supposed to settle tensions, but we saw how well that went.

[ofthesword]

Prison -- prison break. [If anything, his brows raise higher. Right. What he's catching onto is that there was a bizarre fucking series of events after Summoned arrived in Thorne. And apparently someone was in prison? Was Sam in prison? Was Thorne chill with this?

This place is stupid. Seriously. What's a prison break got to do with this whole save-the-world schtick?

He rubs the back of his neck. Unfortunately, people sending magical batteries to giant stone edifices isn't exactly new to him. Usually it was something demonic, though. Or a blood sacrifice. A lot of things powered by blood in demonic shit, by they way.]

Wasn't there for that either, but it sounds like, shockingly, it was not real successful.

[He folds his arms across his chest, piecing it together. This is really not his kind of thing. He's not a fucking P.I. or an occult enthusiast. He just goes where he's pointed and kills shit. Easy. Done. Maybe gets paid for it. V's the one who got him into Redgrave City in the first place, and... well. Look how that had gone.]

So it's a whole lot of shady shit from all three, uh... factions. [He is not calling them "kingdoms."] Hey, I appreciate the run-down. The locals over there aren't exactly telling everyone who drops in they might've sent a few assassins Thorne's way. [At least "assassins" is meant to be a joke.] I'm willing to bet something else is coming. That could've just been a test. See who was up for spilling blood when it came down to it.

[falcony]

Yup. The first couple of groups of us weren't all supposed to be summoned, apparently. Thorne's way of dealing with that was to make use of their dungeons.

[ no, sam was not in prison, but he did jump on any opportunity they had to get those people out as soon as he saw an opening. it's weird to think about, really - how long ago it had been, the way that most of those people just...aren't here anymore.

but that's not what nero is asking about, so sam just sort of keeps moving. and nero seems to be that sort of kid, too. take in the info, take what he can from it, and keep moving forward. sam appreciates that about him. ]

Honestly, yeah. All three have their own shit going on and none of them are really as devoted to peace as they might try and say they are. [ sam had been....so hopeful at the summit. and now? now he's just tired. always tired. ] It'd be a good bet to make - I don't know if it was a test or just a coincidence, but something's gonna start happening here soon, which is half the reason I wanted to make sure this happened when it did.

[ at this he gestures around the room, at the house, the meeting. ]