[OPEN] Solvunn Meet & Greet

[aquaveiled]

WHO: Anyone in Solvunn!
WHAT: Mingle Meet & Greet for new and old Solvunn Summoned!
WHEN: Early through Mid-August
WHERE: Primary Settlement: The Drunken Lamb and Gardsbruk Farm

[ ooc; This is an open log so feel free to jump in and make your own top-levels! You do not need to have CR with Himeka, Wanda, Nero, or Thor to stop by the farm, but you are free handwave a word of mouth to get your character there or to the tavern if needed. ]

i. The Drunken Lamb




If walls could talk, these certainly would. The Drunken Lamb, an old staple in the Primary Settlement is where many go to relax and chat after a long day's work. A cup of locally brewed ale and good conversation are a great way to pass the evening and some nights get livelier with heated arguments over local produce and game, and friendly contests over mead and cards. A few nights a week there may also be a musical performance by a bad or just an impromptu sing-along when someone gets the urge. Luckily if you're drunk enough knowing the words may not be necessary.

Don't forget to say hello to the there is an old ewe who hangs out by the front door, either outside or inside depending on the weather. Her name is Myrtle and if she spits on you it's considered good luck.

Though it is usually filled with locals, this evening has been set aside as a special gathering spot for the Summoned, old and new. A few locals will still be in attendance either out of habit or a curiosity about the commune's newest additions, but most of the patrons will be your fellow Summoned. As you enter the Tavern, you will be greeted by Wanda who hands you your very own "welcome goodie bag". (That is until the evening drags on. Later guests will find a table of bags with a sign that says "take one" because she can only handle so much.) In it you will find nice soaps from Wanda, a handwritten note that states, "Call upon Thor, the God of Thunder, and Nero, a slightly less mighty but still capable man, to move your heaviest objects about. Redeemable Once", a couple custom tea bags from Himeka, and an expertly drawn brochure explaining all you need to know about Solvunn in minimal detail, by the local acclaimed artist Nero. There is also one small slip of paper with a number on it. Be sure to keep it handy. Now you have been officially welcomed.

The atmosphere inside the tavern is warm, stone walls lit by torches and candles. Everyone is welcomed by the local tavern owner standing behind the counter. You're free to grab a drink or order dinner right away should you like. The tavern boasts some of the best mead and meat pies in the Primary Settlement. It's a great time to chat and get to know your new neighbors, but your hosts for the evening also have a few things planned.

If you want to try your hand at the tavern's beloved mead drinking contest, you are highly encouraged. Himeka has been the reigning champion for several months now, but Thor is a terrifying competitor in this own right. They will be facing off one another as well as taking on other Summoned who are also capable of making poor decisions. But worry not! If alcohol isn't your thing (or even if it is), there are a few card and dice games available for any patrons to take up and play with one another. There is also a knife throwing board on the far wall. Because you know knives and mead work well together. For the musically inclined, Wanda has created some simple instruments for anyone to give us an impromptu performance, or an instrument of choice upon request. Sing us a song, piano-man!

Towards the end of the evening, you'll find out that the number you received is actually a raffle ticket! You have a chance to win one of the following prizes...

• A gigantic wheel of cheese from the Gardsbruk farm.
  
• A bottle of ten year-aged ale, donated by the bartender.
  
• A "date" with Thor.
  
• A high-quality shawl by Wanda.
  
• A knife with a leather sheath, made from the local blacksmith

If you want to put your character in for the raffle, please reply to this comment and we will roll for winners!

ii. Gardsbruk Farm




On the roads between the Primary and Secondary Settlements sits Gardsbruk Farm. A once thriving homestead servicing the community and housing several generations of the Gardsbruk family had fallen into disarray. Left to the care of Maeve and Declan Gardsbruk, the twins had initially hesitantly allowed the help of local summoned in their efforts to restore the farm, but now they are active and grateful supporters of the Summoned in the community. In recent months the farm has been seeing a burst of activity and vitality in the surrounding farmland, finally looking more and more like it once had in generations past.

Green pastures in the height of summer are sprinkled with some brown grass during droughts, but these rarely last more than a day or two. A few crops may be planted for family use, but the main stock of this farm is sheep.

And there are sheep! You may be greeted by up to two dozen sheep when you enter the grounds, though not all of the livestock may welcome your presence. There are a few rowdy goats that are wandering about too, and a large brown goat named Eli seems to be particularly discerning of residents. Be careful you don't upset him.

But why head out to this farm at all? Well, the Gardsbruk Farm has put on something of a Farmer's Market! Though such things happen frequently in town as is the nature of the community, this one in particular shows off not just the Gardsbruk's specific wares, but that of the Summoned that have been helping them out as well. Sheep are their main livestock so there are huge piles of wool available for purchase or trade. Getting your garments ready for the coming winter is a must! And if you'd like you can learn how to shear a sheep or you can even learn to spin your own woolen thread. A few shawls, hats, and tunics are on display as well--local artisans who made garments from the Gardsbruk wool, just to show how pleasant and durable it is.

If you're looking for snacks and you're not lactose intolerant (or feeling adventurous), then you needn't look further than the array of cheeses made from the farm's sheep, goats, and single bovine resident named Agatha. If you ask Nero nicely he may introduce you to his favorite roommate. If you want something to snack on right now, there are a number of rustic hand and whole-pies available for purchase, made by Himeka. They come in savory meat, cheese, and root vegetable varieties as well as more sweet honey and seasonal fruit pies. She may throw in something extra if you praise her cooking but she wants your honest opinion.

Of course with all the goats roaming about, this wouldn't be complete without goat yoga! Yes, goat yoga. Wanda will be leading those who are interested in a series of different stretches that she saw once on YouTube that will inevitably be interrupted by baby goats who would rather sit on you. Some sheep may get in on the action as well.

For those who are less inclined to finding peace of mind and want to hit something, a sparring ring has been marked off closer to the fields. Thor will be watching (and judging) participants as they face off one another in friendly bouts of hand to hand wrestling or with wooden swords and sticks. No magical powers allowed here! Though Eli may look like he wants in on the action. Be careful.

As the day turns into evening, the market itself will close down as a large bonfire is lit. Everyone still on the farm will be welcome to gather around, share hot ciders and ale, as well as roast some tasty treats on sticks. Food is always better on a stick. A time to wind down, share stories, and thank everyone for joining and being a part of what Solvunn has to offer.

You know. Other than all the weird gods and cult stuff.

Comments

WELCOME COMMITTEE BROCHURE (handcrafted by one nero "awesome" sparda)

[vengeanceinside]

RAFFLE SIGN UPS

[aquaveiled]

Just comment here with your character name! We will roll for winners in about a week to give everyone a chance to tag in. Thank you!

[tawltales]

Ben Kenobi.

[actualwizard]

Billy Kaplan!

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus

[satanicpanics]

Eddie Munson!

[evoque]

Klaus Hargreeves!

[doubledead]

Jack Skellington

[familysucks]

Michael

[postocular]

Carl Grimes!

[hairington]

Steve Harrington!

Billy Kaplan | OTA

[actualwizard]

i. The Drunken Lamb

[ Billy showed up late enough that Wanda was no longer handing out the welcome packages, which was probably for the best all things considered. He grabs a welcome package off the table and surveys the rest of the tavern; it's pretty much exactly what he thought a tavern in this part of this world would look like. It's sort of like stepping into an actual game of D&D and not for the first time he wishes he could turn to Teddy and say that. Instead, he makes his way over to the bar and the owner asks him what he would like. He starts to order and then he hesitates. ]

So, wait, what do we do for money around here?

[ Once that’s sorted out, Billy takes his dinner to an empty seat at a table. He’s taking in his surroundings people watching, he’s going to steer clear of the drinking contest, he’d like to keep his wits about him, and the knife throwing, because he would also like to not maim anyone when he’s still only been here a few days. Cards seem safe, maybe, and he would have to participate in the drinking contest if anyone expects him to sing. Although, drunk enough he does do a very good rendition of 'Killer Queen' if he does say so himself. ]

ii. Bardsbruk Farm

[ Billy had been invited to check out the farm so here he is. He is in fact greeted by many sheep and he can’t help but smile (because sheep) and steer clear of the goat that seems to be glaring at some other people as they walk through the gates.

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting but this isn’t it. The farmer’s market is bigger than any he’s been to before (of course they are Billy you live in NYC and on a spaceship). He spends most of his time strolling through the markets stopping to talk to people and try some cheese. He’s not really sure he would be good at shearing a sheep but he sits down to learn to spin his own wool. That seems like a skill he could use here.

He stops for some pies, which smell amazing, and his eyes light up at goat yoga. Or maybe just at baby goats. He’s trying to figure out how he can smuggle one out with him because baby goats, and he could probably use the company. He might even name it Teddy…don’t judge him.

At the end of the night, he’s sitting around the bonfire nursing a hot cider and some food on a stick and open to talk to anyone who might sit down beside him. ]

Drunken Lamb

[thunders]

[ Thor has been hanging out at the bar where he likes to attempt to drink Himeka under the table (and fail), but with the drinking contest a ways off yet, he's nursing an ale and a very sizeable lunch besides.

He expects some of the new summoned to wander in from time to time, so when Billy starts to order Thor waves at the owner, who nods at him in turn. You'd better wear a tight shirt to the drinking contest if you want to buy lunch for all of your new friends, Odinson.

Thor rolls his eye, clearly taking it as a good-natured jest. He'll stop by later with some trade goods from the farm. The food doesn't really need to be paid for at all, but it does engender some mutual good will. He turns to Billy with a broad smile and raises his tankard of ale. ] Order whatever you like. None here would begrudge you enough to eat and drink. I take it you're one of the new summoned?

Farm

[doubledead]

I'm not sure I'm doing this right.

_{[The complaint comes from Billy's side as the man he's seated next to in the wool spinning class seems to have some trouble. The wool is tangled in his bony fingers and seems to have taken on a spider web pattern--which looks quite nice but it isn't what he wanted!]}

Could you help me get untangled?

ii

[aquaveiled]

[ Himeka is spending most of her time properly situated at her table of treats. One of her favorite things to do is to feed people and getting to see so many new faces walk by--potential mouths to feed--only makes her excited at the possibilities.

She recognizes the young man as one of the newly summoned attendees from the tavern night. Once he's at her table, she waves cheerily at him. ]

I know a hungry face when I see one.

Drunken Lamb

[tawltales]

"Ah, Billy. Good to see you." There's a small wave from the man at a table across from Billy, with his own plate of food, and a set of cards he'd taken the liberty of procuring. "Would you care to join me for a round or two?" They don't seem to be a bad way to pass some of the time this evening.

drunken lamb.

[hairington]

[ steve just happens to be right at the bar when billy asks the question, and he also just happens to actually have an answer, something he had stumbled his way through himself not long ago. so that also means that he's going to lean in close to the boy at his side, pointing to the dinner and drink. ]

You can get a job, if you want. They're apparently used to us showing up and needing to do something for money. [ steve waves and smiles at the barmaid behind the counter in an easy, charming, friendly sort of way, and she nods and turns away, apparently okay with billy just. not paying for now. or maybe it's going on some kind of tab steve doesn't realize he opened? who knows. ]

But I think for tonight it's being taken care of? Who knows. [ that's when steve turns to billy, specifically, instead - holding out his hand. ] I'm Steve, you new here too?

Jack Skellington | Newbie

[doubledead]

((OOC: I'm happy to play in [brackets] or prose! I'll match your style :> ))

THE DRUNKEN LAMB

a) a solemn figure

Everything had been such a rush--being yanked out of the water, given a grand purpose, put to work. He almost didn't have time to think! But now he did and that was the whole problem.

Jack sits in a corner of the tavern as moody souls tend to do, dunking the fish-shaped tea bag in and out of his tea cup. He has his chin propped on one bony hand and his eye sockets are unfocused as he gazes beyond the tea and into the fire. He misses the amazing new holiday he'd discovered. He misses his friends. He misses his dog. His little yappy dog, his best friend in the whole world! He wondered where Zero was now--maybe he would be pulled from the water...or maybe he was wandering the snowy landscape back home all alone with no master and no one to play fetch with. If he'd had a stomach, the very thought would have turned it.

The skeleton lets out a breezy sigh as he oversteeps his tea.


b) sing-along

What goes down must surely come up! After abandoning his tea and inching closer and closer to the more lively patrons of the Lamb, Jack's mood starts to lift. And after a few pints of ale they're practically soaring. Maybe he was wrong to be all doom and gloom about this. Maybe it was a brand new adventure! An adventure with new friends!

One might find themselves with a long bony arm flung jovially around their shoulder as Jack leans in to start a round of signing. "Oooooh a witch went a-flyin' on her broom (oom oom!) She sailed right on past the moon (oon oon!) Then she started to slip, the witch lost her grip, and down she fell to her doom (oom oom!) AHA! I haven't heard that one in years!"

GARDSBRUK

a) ted talk

He's been around Solvunn long enough to understand that these poor souls he's been summoned to help don't know a lick about Halloween. He won't stand for it! And so, at this farmer's market, Jack has set up his own little pseudo-booth consisting of an overturned crate that he is far too tall to sit behind properly and several scrolls and papers held up on boards he's flanked his stand with.

"Now this," he points to a rustic illustration of a large orange gourd. "This is a pumpkin, you know, I'm sure. But this," He flips the page over to reveal a classic carved face with the little triangle eyes and nose and snaggle-toothed mouth. "Is a jack-o-lantern. What you do is hollow out the pumpkin, carve a face, and place a candle inside. You can put these anywhere and everywhere. And you should! No Halloween is complete without at least a dozen!"

Jack cards through his posters until he brings up one depicting some candy, a door, and a bag. "This is what we call trick-or-treating..."

He goes on to explain like that with several diagrams--some of them clever and simple but as his presentation goes on they grow more and more complex as his desperation to drive home this new bit of culture grows. If skeletons could sweat, he would be.


b) bonfire

Jack is lost in thought again.

As he reclines by the fire, he fumbles with the thin chain around his neck. He tumbles the charm featuring the commune's god across his knuckles like a coin. So maybe bringing Halloween to Solvunn was not going to be a one-skeleton job. He was going to need help. So, so much help. And he didn't even want to get started on Christmas until they understood the difference between a cat that was black and a Black Cat. There is a difference!

His ribs ached at the thought of home. He'd read in the phamplet Wanda gave him that they were working on a way home. And that meant that minds far more clever than Jack's were at work. He wished he could be part of the effort but he hardly knew where to start. So that left him with his least favorite thing of all: waiting.

Jack hated waiting. At least back home when he was waiting for the next Halloween there were plans to review. Here? He was reduced to scaring crows and little else. It was kind of embarrassing. Jack wasn't used to feeling embarrassed. At least some of the people were afraid of him. That perked him up a bit! But also, in a weird way, made him feel guilty.

He was out of his element.

Gardsbruk - A

[wewillwewill]

Never fear, Jack. There is someone there that seems to be taking in the Ted Talk seriously. He's a somewhat short, youthful man with silver hair and vibrant (literally, the irises seem to glow an intense electric blue) eyes. He's on the short side for a human male which might make people think he's even younger. And he's wearing a robe, one that's almost but not quite black.

It's a little big, like someone might have loaned him one temporarily until he could get or make his own. There hadn't been time to wait around for adjustments, not when there were people to mingle with and learn more about.

"You're calling this Halloween?" Elidibus asks. He seems to have detected the desperation and steps in to give Jack a breather. "How interesting. It bears some resemblance to a custom known by people of my star."

What also intrigues the former Ascian is that this is an animate skeleton giving the lecture, with far more... hm, perhaps life isn't a correct way to put it after all. But certainly more vibrant than the animate skeletons he's familiar with. Still given the origins of All Saint's Wake, the possibility of some voidsent animating a vessel of bones is not entirely out of the question.

Eddie Munson | OTA

[satanicpanics]

1. The Drunken Lamb

[ It’s really hard to turn invasive thoughts off, Eddie has discovered. They kind of just come and go as they please, and it has been exceptionally difficult to not think about his current situation.

He was dead, and now he isn’t—or maybe some part of him is still dead. It just doesn’t seem right to get out of something like that scot-free, and why would he ever be the lucky one? Either way, he has to try to find some way to make peace with it, which seems kind of impossible, but he’s aiming for some sense of normalcy here.

Actually, he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t sort of ecstatic. A tavern looking like something straight out of Tolkien is definitely something he needed in his life, though Myrtle grazing by the door does bring him pause for a moment. ]

Heyyy, little sheepy...Where’s the rest of your flock?

[ He reaches his hand out to pet the sheep, only to shriek and stumble backwards when the ewe inevitably spits on him. It’s more out of shock and surprise than it is disgust, but his scream is impressively loud and high pitched. ]

Jesus Christ! Come on!

[ Offended and unaware of the fact that he’s just been blessed with what’s considered good luck, he glares at the sheep and wipes his hand off on his tunic.

You can catch him at the entrance, staring down the sheep, or find him inside, squinting at the brochure he’s been given. ]

What the hell is a chicken leg house?

[ At one point, partially under the influence of alcohol and partially under the influence of his own hubris, he’ll pick up one of the instruments—the closest thing to a guitar he can get. It’s not an electric; that’s disappointing, though not unexpected, guitars basically all work the same, so enjoy an acoustic but significantly less metal rendition of Dio’s Don’t Talk to Strangers. Wonderwall, unfortunately, is a few years past his time. ]

2. Gardsbruk

[ Indiana is like, 80% farmland and Eddie has no real interest in seeing more. But he’s learned quickly that Solvunn is also like, 80% farmland so there’s no real escaping it and he ultimately accepts the invitation to check out Gardsbruk. You can catch him anywhere around the farm, but feel free to find him at the bonfire. Not really his scene, but he’s not exactly itching to find his way back in the dark alone either. ]

So like...is sheep-tipping a thing? Like cow-tipping…but there’s no cows, so…

[ Basically, what activities are young miscreants supposed to get up to if there’s no cows to tip? ]

3. Wildcard

[ I’m easy! Pick your location and poison and I’ll roll with it. ]

[wewillwewill]

I haven't seen it. Though the image suggests it may be as it is written. A better question would be to wonder why someone would desire to design their home in that way.

[ This is coming from a youthful young man in dark robes that look like they're made for someone much taller than him. Frankly, Eddie is probably a little taller than the guy. But he's sitting down with a small plate of food, a mug of something that might be ale (spoiler: it's juice), and one of the many welcome packages that have been handed out this evening beside him. He's probably already read the brochure given the way he's speaking.]

I wouldn't imagine a house moving with the gait of the legs of most avian species would be a pleasant conveyance.

[ Clearly this guy thinks it's perfectly within reason to expect the description to be literal. ]

Obi-Wan Kenobi | Star Wars | Temperance

[tawltales]

The Drunken Lamb

Ben was hoping this gathering, given that it was being put on by the more experienced Summoned in Solvunn, would be a good place to gather information. What he wasn't expecting was to be given even more gifts when he arrives, though when he learns these are welcome gifts for new Summoned from those other Summoned, he takes it gratefully.

It's over his dinner (salad, some buttered bread, more cheese, and a cup of hot water so he might enjoy some of this Himeka's teas, which he has to say are most excellent based on initial impressions) that Ben sits down and finally opens the envelope.

His brow furrows.

"Well, I certainly can't fault this young man his industriousness." Ben observes as he takes in all the very helpful knowledge this Nero fellow has seen fit to impart.

He doesn't partake in most of the activities, but he won't turn down company, and does actively seek out people to talk to. He's very curious about Solvunn and some the events and places alluded to in Nero's welcome brochure that could probably use a little elaboration.

Gardsbruk Farm

The walk out to the farm is pleasant, with the walking stick Ben was gifted from the farm after helping out soon after arriving. If he has company, so much the better; Ben's lived away from people too long (and, he recognizes ruefully he will continue to do so upon his return), but freed from the need to worry about the Empire's Inquisitors ending up on his trail, he won't turn down the company.

He's not prepared for the small herd of sheep to greet him once he arrives though. "Oh, hello there, all of you." He holds a hand out for the sheep to investigate as he works his way through the crowd. "I'm sorry, I don't think I have anything for you." It's a shame though, most of them seem very friendly, and for a moment Ben finds himself missing his eopie, wherever she is. Back on Tatooine waiting for him, he hopes.

Once at the market, he spends some time investigating the stalls, the clothing stalls especially. The tunics look quite serviceable and well-made, and not altogether unlike the styles the Jedi used to favour.

"Excuse me. Hello." Trying to get a merchant's attention. "Do you happen to know if there might be any robes available? With a hood, if at all possible."

He also spends some time taking part in the Goat Yoga, to which he demonstrates excellent skill in, albeit once he's shaken the rust off. It calls to mind similar exercises the Jedi used to employ, both as a means of fitness as well as centering oneself mentally. He'll even help others if they're having problems.

Finally, once he's limbered up, Ben selects a wooden sword and enters the sparring ring. He doesn't relish combat; never has, or has wanted to seek it out. Whenever possible, he's preferred alternatives to fighting, regarding actually having to draw his lightsaber to be a failure on his part as a Jedi. He'd had to draw it far too many times during the Clone Wars, even with his title and reputation as "The Negotiator".

But that was in the days of the Republic, and those were different times. A new struggle lies ahead of Ben, and he knows he must retain proficiency in all the aspects of Jedihood, and that includes being able to keep his ability to wield a blade. He's not as rusty as he might have been previously, but then again...Ben had had insight into his last opponent, how they thought and how they fought, what drove them. That helped turn the tables, helped him know where and how to strike. That's not going to be an opportunity always afforded to him.

The training blade...does not have the same weight or balance as a lightsaber. It takes a bit to adjust to. When he's ready to try, he holds up his blade in a salute to his opponent, before slipping into his familiar Form III stance.

"Now, then. Are you ready to begin?"

As the day begins to wind down and the bonfires are lit, Ben finds himself dozing quietly by the edge of the fire, seated in a chair that's been brought out, a somewhat-sampled cup of hot cider placed on the ground next to him. In his exhaustion, his mind begins to wander a little, lulled by the sounds of the fire crackling, the wind through the glass and the voices of the people around him. For a moment, Ben doesn't realize one of those voices was directed at him. After a moment, his eyes open, and he leans forward.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were speaking to me." He apologizes. "What was that?"

Bonfire

[doubledead]

"Oh--I asked if you would like a card." Jack politely repeated himself. He sat down nearby, tired from the day's festivities and his feverish presentation. As a last-ditch effort to get the word out about Halloween, Jack had composed a small stack of cards that had the main bullet points of the holiday on them, written in his bold hand.

TRICK-OR-TREAT

JACK-O-LANTERNS

GHOST STORIES

Each point had a small illustration and description and the largest point of interest on the card was a header reading OCTOBER 31. They honestly looked more like party invitations than informational cards, but he was working with limited resources here.

"I'm telling this world about my world," Jack explained further. "Slow going so far, I'm afraid."

Potential FFXIV Endwalker Spoilers By Existing :(

[wewillwewill]

I. The Drunken Lamb

Elidibus arrives early to the event and to the Drunken Lamb. Myrtle doesn't appear to have made a fuss about his entry, whom he paused to greet as he'd heard was the custom. At least this newcomer is making an effort to follow those traditions.

Yes, it's another new face among the Summoned. Quite a youthful one, though close inspection would ascertain this is more a 'young man' in appearance than 'teenager'. He's wearing a robe with a cowl around his shoulders- Solvunn's fabric and suitable for the weather, though slightly different from the actual local style. For those that might know it, it's not quite the same cut his kind wore in ancient times. Nor is it white as would be customary for him. The near (not quite traditional) black cloth robe is definitely a few sizes too big and he's making do with it.

This isn't really helping his image of being an adult mind you. In part this may be on purpose. People lower their guard around the young. He has silver hair down to his shoulders and his eyes are quite the vibrant, light electric blue with a distinct glow. There are no masks, either white or red.

He'll have certainly thanked Wanda (for he'd arrived early enough for that as well) though wouldn't have held her up at the time, then stepped in. A meal would have been ordered- he was still recovering after all- and would be eventually delivered to him. Meat pie and cheese, and juice and some sort of fruit or dessert? Well whatever is considered standard on the menu sans ale anyway. He'd found a place to settle and took the time to go over the contents of the welcome goodie bag. Anyone might see him there, giving the brochure the serious and thorough consideration one might give to the most scholarly of documentation.

But there's also food to eat and when he sets into it, Elidibus shows signs of neat manners and even restrained enjoyment. While alcohol may not be a part of the immediate meal, a mug of ale might come into the works later for the sake of curiosity. Bites of food tried separately or together. Goat cheese tried with the meat pie or with fruit. Please just ignore that the bunched up robes make him look like a young teen dressing up like the adults. Just a little. At least anyone that listens to him would catch the baritone though. 'Kid' isn't an impression that will not last for long.

He speaks to locals of any age, his demeanor pleasant and interested in hearing the stories. He has quite the way to get them to open up and talk; Elidibus has had over ten thousand years to perfect his technique and he was quite good even at an early age. No one could call the youth boisterous, but he still seems capable of smiling and able to be engaged in what people tell him, whether it's grievance or boast, compliment or concern.

For the Summoned he might have more direction for questions. Are they new or have they been here a while? Seen much of Solvunn, have tales to share of their former world?


II. Gardsbruk Farm

Talking to people and socializing, learning about Solvunn? It won't stop after one night or just with the people. Farming is a large part of this community and if one were openly welcoming, far be it for Elidibus to pass up the opportunity. In the early days he'll be wearing borrowed robes a few sizes too large for him in an almost black color. Once he recovers from his Summoning, he'll be seen in ones that fit and have pale and white tones. Yet there's definitely no mistaking him as the young man who had been wandering around from time to time. He might not be the most extravagant of social, but he's certainly started to fit into the daily life of Solvunn. At least for all intents and purposes; it's better to look the part whether or not that's one's intentions.

a. goat yoga

People are stretching their bodies and this is understandable. Keeping a body limber promotes health at the least and aids in flexibility during combat with some of the most extreme examples.

But the addition of goat kids? That's a new regime. One that Elidibus has never borne witness to and he is drawn to pause a moment and watch the animals overrun the class routine long enough to try and discern the purpose. Of course it'll be clear that the release of the swarm was (probably) purely unintentional and the young goats and sheep have merely become curious about these unusual structures made of the two-legged individuals who have entered their territory and taken over some small portion of their normal milling grounds.

Someone will find themselves rescued(?) when he steps forward and might, MIGHT be poised to pluck one of the goat kids off some individual that might have been balanced between very unique youtube yoga pose and causing irreparable mental damage by causing the tiny goat to spill an entire three inches to the ground.

Still he'll ask first, just as a courtesy.

"Do you wish my aid?"

Hard to say if he's talking to the person or the goat.


b. farmer's market

Elidibus can be caught learning spinning yarn. And yes, it's being done the old fashioned way; no magic, no creation. He was to be found feeding the wool into the spinning bobbin. It was simple and yet in a way complex for him. There had been errors, make no mistake but he'd ever been one quick to learn new skills and maybe somewhere in the lives he'd lead in mortal hosts this wasn't entirely unfamiliar. It leads to a task that will by no means win any yarn-spinning competitions, but will get the job done. Success wins him a small sample of woolen yarns- multiple colors wound on a single skein; remains of other projects and too little to do much with individually. But by the accompanying pair of rough-whittled needles, it seems to be an offer to practice another craft on his own time. There are offers to come by again and help with and learn other tasks, though he'll move on.

There are other products and wares to look over. Small sachets of seeds bartered for, a bit of cheese or produce. And yes he will linger on the edges of Himeka's setup which offers pies for barter, though the mood might be rather reflective rather than full of intent to make use of the opportunity. A lot would ride on whether they've already... well, spoken to one another, yet. Maybe they have and he'll come closer. Maybe they haven't and he turns to someone nearby to ask if they might take some items and barter in his stead. He might well be taken as shy!

But it definitely wasn't the type of place to be making a scene.

Others might see him lingering on the sides of the sparring ring, watching with sincere curiosity and interest but seemingly reluctant to actually enter and try to prove his worth to others. Take him as a youth who likes more scholarly pursuits? Or encourage him to test his mettle.

c. bonfire

Why is someone insisting the meat will taste better on a stick than anywhere else?

Elidibus has been wondering this silently ever since someone handed him a long stick speared with cubes of seasoned meat and insisted he just try it. And rest assured he will, taking care that the sparks don't catch in his robes, keeping a mug of hot cider nearby and slowly twisting the stick in constant motion to ensure even roasting.

Clearly he doesn't comprehend that part of the charm of campfire stick food is to question whether one side got done enough.

What the silver haired man has come here for is, naturally, the stories he can overhear. For someone that has striking features like him and a tendency toward pale robes he's pretty decent at blending into the background though hardly invisible. He just has that air about him of someone who is a Good Listener and who would want to interrupt that?

Particularly if someone is in need of a good listener?


III. Other

[ If there's something you want in particular, feel free to wildcard it! Elidibus will be showing up periodically through the month. The prompt at the Drunken Lamb is written more for his first, 'no powers' week and the mingle event but he can be found and approached at other times. Or catch him, if one wishes, in an area where it's easier to have a less public conversation. I can be reached on discord or through this journal if there's any questions! ]

I.

[bloomly]

( the feeling in the tavern is the kind of feeling that she likes: there's the sound of music, and laughter, and people talking in every little corner; the tables are crowded, but not overly stuffed, and for newcomers and those familiar with solvunn alike, it's a welcoming sort of atmosphere that invites those to stay as long as they like and talk until the night is through. on her part, she's already taken care of her chores and other tasks for the day, and rather than sink into the tavern for dinner, she's taken to sipping a mug of mead and wandering through the room, looking at tables and tilting her head to give an ear where she finds interesting conversation.

she's happier, in some respects, to be a person that blends into the crowd here, but it's still nice to sit and talk with some of the locals from time to time, or find other travelers here, some of them new and some of them more familiar to her. the games, of course, draw her eye: she stays and watches a few rounds of a card game, laughs and cheers for the table, and then, once the round is through, she takes to the tavern counter again. there's a pair of dice there that she asks, politely, to borrow; there are plenty of games to go around for the tables, and she only just needs the pair, after all.

finally, after some deliberation, she sits herself down, suddenly, at a table at random--this table, of course, happens to have elidibus sitting across from her. she doesn't recognize him, which might mean that he's new; she sets her mug down, and then, opening her palms, she puts her arms across the table to show him the two dice she's holding. )

Hi. ( yes, that's her introduction. she starts to smile. ) Do you want to play a game, with me? If you're not too busy, that is.

wanda maximoff · ota

[carmesi]

THE DRUNKEN LAMB

[what began as a joke suggestion by nero did, in fact, end up as a proper suggestion for wanda's role during the meet and greet for the newly summoned. clearly, the only reason she has agreed to the role of greeting others into the tavern was because of himeka's fantastic convincing skills (a delicious lunch kind of did the trick). with nothing left but wanting to kick this mood slump to the curb, A. wanda begrudgingly agrees to stand by the door, welcome goodie bags on a table at her side, ready to give them out—new or old summoned alike, everyone gets to take one with them.]

Welcome. [is all she says, handing one of the bags over to whoever goes through the door. should she be more enthused? offer a smile, maybe? this is the best the crowd will be getting.] There's food and drink inside. [—are you too young to be in a pub? her expression pinches if someone looks particularly — young.

eh, fuck it.] They don't check for ID.

[as the evening drags on, however, wanda will no longer be in her position as greeter. leaving a note behind to just take one bag per person, she relinquishes all responsibility for that situation. instead, she will be found further inside the tavern, near a small deck that claims to be a stage of sorts, using her magic—scarlet swathes rolling with ease from her hands, to B. create musical instruments. the first one has got to be an acoustic guitar, of course, which, unless she has anyone asking for anything else, she will stop to study the guitar—

and try to tune it properly, strumming a few chords as she does so.]

GARDSBRUK FARM

[wanda can't remember the last time the farm had been bustling with so much activity. it's almost a little annoying—for someone like her, who prioritizes silence over anything else—but notes that this is big and important for maeve and declan. so, she doesn't complain as she C. walks amidst the sheep, trying to fulfill one of the many chores in a day within the farm.

is grazing along with the sheep considered a task? for wanda, it is.

this might even mean that she encounters eli getting upset with some of the newcomers. that large, brown goat is always causing trouble for those he isn't familiar with, and the last thing they need are people getting chased out of the farm and market.]

Don't move.

[wanda approaches, to the rescue, a hand raised, fingers twitching in position, a twirl of her wrist allowing for scarlet magic to close in on the goat's mind; its eyes get consumed in red, and all signs of aggression are gone. eli even approaches the newcomer that offended him, head butting them lightly, before seeming to forget what it was doing here at all.]

—you okay?

[alternatively, her being D. in charge of goat yoga is one of the worst ideas wanda has heard of. she saw a video on youtube. once! and so, is it really any surprise that wanda ends up having to just grab at the baby goats to keep them from stomping on anyone brave enough to try out the exercises? holding three baby goats in her arms, this feels more like she is trying to corral the goats than anything else.

can she cancel the activity?

E. thankfully, there is a lull between activities (she bailed on them) where wanda can actually head towards the market stalls. one in particular catches her eye, the one that is selling all sorts of accessories—colorful bracelets with beads and precious stones, thinly cut wood medallions with esoteric symbols, and a variety of interesting looking rings over. some have an incredibly intricate design, made of wood and cut from stones, rugged and unpolished. not quite what she is looking for, but she can't deny one that's caught her eye.]

—billy kaplan /actualwizard.

[carmesi]

[day turns into evening, and the hosts of the farm invite anyone still around to stay for a while longer as the bonfire roars to live. there are drinks and food, stories to tell and introductions to be made. it is a small celebration, by all means.

wanda, on the other hand, does not feel compelled to join any celebration. her grief is still too close to her heart, just about having spent as much emotional energy as she had to spare throughout the day's activities. she finds thor, tells him she's turning in for the night, to let nero and himeka know in case they ask. she's not planning to leave the farm again—if that's of any concern—but she thinks it's prudent, to let someone know before she ditches on socializing.

with a sigh, she walks up the rest of the path up to the farm, thinking about a warm bath and her bed. however, she diverts her route, towards the barn, where a young man hovers by the door.

—he's the one whom she saw with a baby goat earlier in the day, wasn't he? all the kids were placed back inside the barn, and wanda wonders if he just wanted to check in on his chosen goat? she isn't sure what the status on goat-giving is.]

You'll have better luck checking in during the day. [for the baby goats. she motions over her shoulder with a hand.] You can join the rest for drinks and food, you know.

[wanda squints a little; it's getting darker and the lamps haven't been lit yet, in favor of the bonfire.]

Michael | OTA

[familysucks]

1.

[Under other circumstances Michael might be wary of blindly accepting a nondescript bag of unknown goods, but he didn't exactly arrive with his pockets overflowing. He's not the first to take one, either, and so far he hasn't heard any exclamations of regret. After a moment of giving them a mostly unintended glare, he collects a goodie bag and makes his way to a table to sort through its contents.

The soap and the tea each have a pleasant scent, which is a welcome change from all the nearby farms. The slip of paper gets folded and tucked into a pocket. He doesn't know Thor or Nero, but names are information enough.

Most of his time and attention are spent on the brochure. It's more colourful than the reports Michael is (was) accustomed to receiving. Despite the illustrations, it leaves him more puzzled about Solvunn than he was before he started reading. For every question it answers, it inspires another two.

He addresses the nearest audience willing to engage in conversation.]

What exactly is in the forest?

[It's not the first warning he's received, but it's as vague as all the rest. Are the angry red eyes meant to be a hint? He can think of a handful of red-eyed entities, some far more fearsome than others.]

2.

[A drinking competition doesn't hold any appeal for him. He's diminished enough as it is. Much of what the body he's now wearing does is still out of his control, and weakening his grip on it doesn't sound enjoyable or intelligent.

He remains weak enough that food is still an unfortunate necessity, however. It takes Michael a few minutes of thinking to place an order—perhaps on the recommendation of a nearby patron looking to help someone who appears very much out of his element. Eating is still a foreign concept to him. Michael has only his former vessel's memories to go on, and none of Adam's favourite meals were quite as rustic as what's being served here.

In time, he makes his way back to a table with a slice of what he's been assured is the best meat pie in the area.

Michael has had a few instances to practice by now, but he has yet to come around to enjoying the act of eating. He approaches it like the chore it is to him, deliberate in the cuts he makes and the pieces he slides onto his fork, spending a few moments convincing himself of the necessity of it before putting each bite in his mouth.

The pies are good, but you wouldn't know it from looking at him.]

3.

[Michael's not one for games. The knife-throwing board, however, catches his eye.

He picks up a knife and flips it over in his hand, evaluating it with a pleased eye. It's slighter than the blade he normally wields. He's not used to throwing weapons, either. It's nice to have something something solid and sharp in his hand all the same. He's been missing he reassuring weight of his archangel blade somewhere on his person.

He looks up when someone joins him at the throwing line.]

Is there a scoring scheme, or is this just for our own satisfaction?

1!

[vengeanceinside]

[It's not like Nero's going around checking on the reactions his (very well-worked) brochure is getting. He's had time to really nail how fast he can pump a few out, how fast he can sketch the drawings, and he's managed to stop breaking crayons. No, Wanda won't give him anything better than fuckin' crayons. (And no, he's not gonna discuss how it's becoming a little therapeutic.)

He just happens to overhear the question. He doesn't care the guy looks sort of perplexed. Or... kind of pissed off? Nero gently pushes aside the guy that was originally asked. Obviously, he doesn't know.

Go straight to the source.

Besides, he doesn't recognize the guy, and now that the main settlement is getting a little busier -- the whole reason they set this thing up -- he can. Guess. Some of these new kids are... well. The unfortunates. Bad luck. Ripped into this stupid-ass world.

Nero points at the back of the brochure with his left arm; his right is currently still strapped to his chest like it's been broken. Ever since he regrew it (don't ask), it's been sore as shit, pulling his whole shoulder down with it.]

Come on, man. The little red eyes? What do you think is out there? Bad shit. Ghosts, probably.

steve harrington | the lovers

[hairington]

THE DRUNKEN LAMB

[ steve hears about the special gathering at some point - whether it's one of the locals who points him in its direction, or a piece of advice slipped to him that first day or so he made it to the settlement. he's not one to turn down a party on normal circumstances, and while this is hardly anywhere close to normal, he figures hey, what the hell, might as well find out who all he's been brought here to spend time with. plus - it's at a bar. worst case scenario he'll get drunk and hopefully find his way back to whatever barn or shed or whatever one of the locals has been lending him to stay in.

he gets caught up with some of the local kids - he's found himself, whether planned or otherwise, spending a lot of time watching over the younger ones - so it's a bit later that he finally makes it to the bar, immediately finding eddie somewhere in the crowd (just to make sure) before making it all the way in. there's a table near the front with bags, and after a brief glance around lets him know that a good number of others seem to have the same bags, he decides to go ahead and take one, shuffling through it as he makes his way to the counter, and pausing only to stare, brow furrowed, at the brochure. ]

The hell? Is this serious?

[ minutes later, you can find steve at one of the many small tables, with a meal and ale, picking at the meat pie because he's definitely, never had a meat pie like this before. is it good? does he eat it with his hands? feel free to come up and start up a conversation with him while he stares at his meal like it might wake up and come after him, the ales piling up as time goes on. ]

Wait...so is this sheep meat?

[ whether or not it's a good idea, steve is going to find himself by the knife throwing later in the night, either joining a game or just wasting some time on his own. he's not an expert by any means, but he has pretty good aim and manages to land a few of them pretty near the center of the target, grinning (more to himself than anyone) and pumping his fist. ]

Batta-boom!

WILDCARD

[ come at me with anything, at the bar or the farm! Just wanted to get something up sooner rather than later. C: ]

[carmesi]

[wanda takes note of the young man who's arrived a little later than the rest, looking about like he really has no idea of what to expect. she could have been there—to greet him and a wave of her hand, but she had just moved away from the front door to blend in with the crowd.

it's not after he has taken his meal that wanda takes note of him again, his continued confusing increasing as he tries to understand the machinations of the meat pie.

with little to no warning, wanda joins him at the table, carrying her own meal over. she can always say it was sad to see him eating by himself.]

Never had sheep meat before? There are too many of them here.

[she, too, has brought an extra fork for him.]

Here you go.