abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] no more wasting time.

[ OPEN ] no more wasting time.

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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Julie is one of the people who came early, to help set up. The last time she'd helped, it had required multiple Louis Vuitton duffel bags, but this time, she didn't bother with that. Instead, she toted along an entire trunk (also Louis Vuitton) on wheels, filled to the brim, and commandeered an entire table to herself. Glass bottles were quickly lined up, as was an enormous crystal punch bowl, because the most important thing she needed to bring was the thing she always does.

She brings the party, of course.

Bottle after bottle got dumped into the bowl, until there was an impressive concoction, which she stirred and allowed to settle through Sam's long speech. His long, long, long speech, which she listened to from the arm of the sofa, one foot idly bobbing.

After it's all done, she comes back outside and begins ladling drinks into cups. She does also have an impressive array of liquor on the table still, and can make most drinks upon request, but anyone else is welcome to serve themselves too.

One important thing can be noted: any beverage of Julie's that you drink will send you straight to the moon. Certainly the punch, which is mostly Everclear with some vodka, tequila, triple sec and a bunch of juices and Sprite added, but even the more straightforward stuff seems stronger than it would normally be. People might also find that their cups don't seem to empty quite as fast as they should, if they ever empty at all.

Julie herself, once the bar is established and open, can be found near a fire pit, draped sideways so that her legs dangle over one of the arms of the chair. She has a cup of punch and a joint, and on the ground near one of the chair legs is a picked-at piece of grilled chicken on a plate. Curiously, fireflies seem to circle around her with a high frequency.

Anyone near her may have their conversation dropped into without warning -- she has a lot to say, all the time -- and loners may be offered their choice of... personality aids. It can be said, however, that Julie herself does not seem much more than pleasantly tipsy at all times, which should not be possible given how much she is drinking, or how long she spends smoking. This isn't like the last barbecue, where their number was much smaller and more easily trusted, since they were all in the same situation. No, now there are people to watch, to size up, and no matter how bubbly she is (she's very bubbly), there is still a critical glint to her eyes when she meets the newbies. ]

[ This is the first time since the Summit -- organized by the various factions and rather different in feel -- that Rhy has seen so many of the Summoned in one place. If that place is somewhere between reality and dreams, or whatever the Horizon is, that's fine. The result is the same either way: there are a lot of folks here, and he hasn't met most of them. It's time to remedy that.

After the whole long speech and questions from various others, most of which Rhy spent simply listening to and observing, he is honestly relieved that things seem to dissipate a bit into less of lecture hall and more of an actual gathering. Including, most importantly, alcohol.

The woman serving it would have been enough to draw him closer on her own, but when she is surrounded by liquor too -- well, how is a fellow supposed to resist?

Rhy approaches the table with a confident stride and dashing smile, dressed richly in reds and golds (sans the ostentatious coat, at least); the sign of The Lovers is embossed on the pins on either side of the decoration of his shirt, and the buttons on his shirt and wide belt are all in the shape of little gold suns.

He leans in to examine the drinks on offer, peering up at the bartender through his long, dark lashes. ]

Are you the one to thank for the refreshments?

And are you willing to tell what's in the bowl, or must I find out by drinking rather than asking?

[ Standing behind the table, handing out the initial drinks, it's pretty obvious that Julie is a natural hostess. She smiles and laughs, greets those she knows with hugs, makes requested drinks with an easy sort of grace. When necessary, she employs her third hand to ensure that no one has to stand too long without a beverage.

Even before they can reach the table, everyone she doesn't already know gets an immediate appraisal, a scan of her green eyes from head to toe. She feels like it's easier for her to read people in the Horizon, to quickly judge who they are and what they want, when they're in a place that they can have any clothing, any makeup and features. Appearance is a language she speaks innately, but it's difficult in Abraxas, where the fashion is limited to certain styles, certain materials. This new fish is no exception.

Instantly, she clocks his arcana, the same as Lloyd's. Julie can't say she really understands the arcana that well, so she doesn't know exactly what that means, but she knows Lloyd, and that gives her a starting place. Her own arcana, The Wheel of Fortune, is found in the ring holding her top together, as well as on a small, rhinestoned hairpin on the side of her head. She didn't deck herself out in diamonds and crystals as she usually does, not for this -- the only jewelry she has on is a short gold chain that holds a tooth as its pendant. The tooth is cracked to prove its authenticity. Her manicure, neon pink, holds the other sparkle she's gone with, tiny crystals embedded across her fingers.

Suns for buttons also give her some insight, even if it's not that deep. People who choose intricate details like that understand fashion and therefore value the impression they make on others. They want to be seen, and boy, does she understand that feeling.

So when she looks at him with a grin and an offered cup, she throws in a wink for good measure. Her speech is marked with a cloying twang that only a handful of other Summoned ever seem to recognize -- she supposes that the American Southern accent must actually be something quite unique to her world and those that closely resemble it. ]

Honeybee, I could list everythin' in there, and I promise you wouldn't know any of 'em. All you need to know is that I've been an official jungle juice maker at every party I've been to since I was fifteen years old, so I know what I'm doin'.

Edited 2022-05-15 19:30 (UTC)

[ Rhy laughs. She has an interesting accent, a sweet sort of lilt to it, and calling him honeybee is so amusing and surprising, he doesn't quite know what to do with it. First time anyone's called him that, at least. Here, Rhy has gotten used to being treated with respect, sometimes even a touch of reverence, but Summoned are not royals; the way people treat him in Castle Thorne is far from what he's used to, and the other Summoned have no reason nor need to acknowledge social standing from worlds not even their own. Rhy is not offended; he understands, tries to fit into the culture, tries to learn about the other places he's never been to where all these others came from.

So he doesn't balk or miss a beat, reaching out for one of the cups without further ado, letting her serve him whatever it is without question. It's the Horizon anyway; if he hates it, he can discreetly change the taste and no one will be the wiser. ]

Jungle juice. What a name! And yours?

A flower of some sort, to draw a honeybee?

[ Julie also has absolutely no frame of reference for how royals might be treated, aside from maybe like, curtseying and saying "your majesty" a lot. Neither of which she would be inclined to do except for possibly if Queen Elizabeth, specifically, happens to show up. Which would be a bad time for everyone, probably.

When he takes a sip, he will find that it is extremely sweet, artificially fruity, and insanely strong. She beams at him, leans her hip against the table, and takes a cup for herself. ]

There's lots of names for it, but we always called it jungle juice, 'cause it'll make you act like an animal. [ This is clearly said in good humor, and she takes a drink with absolutely no reaction. As if it were simple fruit punch. ] I'm Julie Lawry.

...is that so?

[ His smile sharpens into a knowing smirk, eyebrows rising suggestively as he takes a drink. It is sweeter than he anticipated, with a very strong underlying flavor of liquor and something a bit confusing, flavors he's never encountered before. It's also nowhere near as foul as some of the shit he's had in badly-lit taverns by the docks, and tastes nearly as strong. There is a faint grimace he can't help when the harsh alcohol taste hits him in full as he swallows, but then he's right back to grinning again, appreciative. ]

Mm. I like it.

[ He tips his cup toward hers. ]

Rhy Maresh. Cheers.

Guess you'll find out, huh?

[ It cannot be said that Julie makes a bad drink. Absurdly strong, for sure, but always tasty. She comes from somewhere that provided little entertainment other than getting drunk and doing stupid shit in fields, so she has far more practice than her young age might suggest.

She watches him with a smirk, then sets her cup down and puts her palms flat on the table, casually leaning there as she tilts her head. ]

Haven't seen you around before. Definitely not in Cadens.

Ah, that explains it. I know I'd remember such striking hair as yours, and such a face.

[ He takes another drink, leaning against the table as well so they can converse without raising their voices much, considering this event has gotten quite crowded. ]

But I'm afraid I'm quite far from the desert. I'm among those living in Castle Thorne.

[ She makes a vague noise and tilts her head, clearing not particularly approving of this answer. It's not that she expects people to have the kind of knowledge about Castle Thorne that she does, and it's not even that she really expects those who live there to take the risk of leaving -- but she does tend to judge, just a little. She can't help it, having seen everything that she's seen, been through what they put her through. Even her friends in the castle, she can't help but disapprove of the choice. ]

Mm, sucks for you. Watch your back in that place. Like, literally. That's where I was first.

ota after sam's spiel

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