[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

[carmesi]

[it is with some surprise that wanda notes that the person she's spared from whatever uncertain fate would befall him at the hooves of eli is much, much younger than the people she usually finds here. he is not a kid from the settlement—as he is old enough that wanda would have noticed him.

her heart squeezes at the idea, of why anyone would have brought him here into abraxas. as she approaches him, she can't help but look at him carefully, her expression softening.]

The goats can be a little aggressive sometimes. [she stops in front of him and, at his question, she offers a shrug.] I can do magic. [—which sounds a little condescending? but it's not untrue.] Here in Abraxas, it is more than normal.

[in any case, a question of her own—]

How old are you? I don't think I've seen anyone so young be summoned here before.

[postocular]

[ Carl watches the goat prance off to do whatever he was off to do and shrugs a shoulder. ] He's a goat, I'm kinda in his space.

[ That's not to say he isn't grateful for not being battered probably into next week by some impressive headbutting skills.

Magic, of course. Something that's taking some getting used to. Until recently, it's only ever been in stories or fairytales. He shouldn't really be too surprised, right? He was pulled out of the water alive and well, if not horribly confused. Or wondering if this was some kind of hell. He guesses that it's at least a little comforting to know it's not the afterlife. ]

That's cool..

[ Oh. Well, that's kind of a loaded question. Carl bites at his lip as he thinks about the question. There was a period of time that they didn't or couldn't keep track. ] ...Sixteen? I think.

[carmesi]

[sixteen—that's really young. out of all those summoned in solvunn, no one's been as young as this kid, but there's something about the way he carries himself that makes wanda wonder if there's more years to that number. she has come to learn that most life experience of the summoned isn't entirely the happiest.

wanda takes note of how he's got some makeshift cover for his eye. her expression pinches for a moment, until—]

We can get you something better. [she motions vaguely at her face, at her eyes—to imply his.] Is it some kind of injury that could be treated, or...?

[well, that's sure going to be an easy conversation if it anything similar to thor's case. wanda points at the path to the side, so that carl can follow her as she goes.]

My name's Wanda. I live in this farm, actually— with a couple of other Summoned.

[postocular]

[ There are a lot of people in Abraxas that probably had to grow up too soon or rise to an occasion they weren't prepared for. Fortune may favor the brave, but misfortune is indiscriminate. Carl's shoulders slump in disappointment when her attention is drawn to the impromptu work he'd done in covering his eye. He should be over it because yeah, who isn't going to comment about a kid missing half his face? The smile he offers doesn't quite reach his eye and he shakes his head a bit. ]

No, it's pretty much healed as much as it's gonna. I've had it a while.

[ He glances around the pasture and spots the path she points to. For a brief moment, Carl thinks about not joining her, but what other options does he have? She's nice, at least. Then again, the cannibals in Terminus had been nice at first, too.. ]

I'm Carl. I just got here not too long ago.

[carmesi]

[as much as carl may be trying to hide his disappointment and the grimacing he feels over his eye, wanda does take note of it. his emotions aren't exactly guarded.

but—tactfully—wanda doesn't outright point them out. rather, she stops a few paces in to pick up some wild flowers, keeping on as if this was of import, doing so whenever they walk closer to any others. she really wants to help, but can imagine it's something of a sore spot.

that, and teens tend to be guarded about a lot of things.]

Carl. [she starts, after a moment, frowning down at the couple of flowers she's turning over between her fingers.] I know you may not want to, but... I could help find you something for your eye?

[wanda takes a step back, to turn on her heel and face him.]

My brother, he would get into a lot of fights with the police. He would try cleaning his own wounds, but— it was always better if he let me do it. [a pause,] The Summoned here all look after each other. It's always been so few of us, and — well, it's up to you. I just want to make sure you won't have to worry about it later.

[postocular]

[ He's content to follow a few paces behind, just taking everything in. How long has it been since he's seen animals just roaming a pasture? Everything was food for something else, and the livestock always seemed to go first. Probably hard to ignore a sitting duck like that.

She drags his attention back to her and he shifts awkwardly under her gaze, feeling like he's under a spotlight. ]

Something like what? [ He's fine with the cloth dressings he's been given, they've worked so far and it's close enough to what he used before. A little irritating against the more sensitive parts, but fine. He's done more with less. The frown on his face lessens and he tries to play off his discomfort of the subject with a little humor. ]

I'm used to doing it on my own. Besides, wouldn't want to gross you out or anything. It's not pretty, trust me. Even I don't like to look at it. [ Belatedly, ] Thank you. It's nice of you to offer.

[carmesi]

I've heard the god of thunder uses an eye patch. He seems pretty alright, if you've managed to see him around.

[—she actually knows that thor does, having lost his eye and all, but she's mostly hoping to bring some levity to the situation, given that she can tell it's not exactly carl's favorite thing for her to focus on.

wanda can respect as much.

smiling at his thanks, she can't help but think that he's awfully polite.]

The offer stands, if you ever feel up for it. I promise you I've seen pretty gross stuff in my time. [wanda won't push. twirling the flowers in her fingers for a moment longer, she moves her attention elsewhere.] Do you have any questions about this world?

[postocular]

..Sorry, the god of thunder? Can't say I've met him yet.

[ He's pretty sure that he'd have noticed another person sans-eye wandering around the Primary Settlement. An eyepatch would probably work, but they'd never found one that hadn't just reminded him of The Governor.

It's been hard, he can't really escape that. Figuring out where he fits in, who can be trusted or turned to- though he can't see anyone he shouldn't trust in the community yet. This is really the first time he's felt alone while being surrounded by people. He'll always get over it quickly and carry on, but it's kind of been nonstop since being pulled out.

Maybe bringing attention to his weak point was his limit. ]

Sorry I'm pretty sensitive about it, I promise it's not you. The last time somebody saw it, they were an asshole about it. [ Not surprising, considering it was Negan and he's the biggest asshole. ] ...Honestly? Tons, I'm just not sure where to start.

[carmesi]

I'll introduce you to Thor later.

[a thought for some other time—as wanda is sure there will be many opportunities for carl to meet thor. he's a little hard to miss, after all, but at least thor would be there for cool factor and general lifting-of-spirits, if nothing else.

she smiles as he apologizes, taking no offense.]

Don't worry. I hope I didn't put you on the spot.

[a few sheep move closer to them, and wanda stops twirling the flowers in her hands, offering them now to the approaching animals, who munch happily on them. she rests a hand over the head of the closest to her.]

It'll take a few days to get your bearings, but you can always come to the farm if you got anything rattling in your head. If not me, Thor or Himeka or Nero will be around. [it's a good disclaimer—] Do you have a place to stay at, yet?

[postocular]

I'd like that.

[ Carl waves a hand in dismissal, shaking his head. ] No, it's okay. It's startling and I get it. You're just looking out and I appreciate it.

[ He steps a little closer but doesn't crowd too close to Wanda. ] They've uh. Put me in one of those single units? A family offered to take me in, but I don't want to give them one more mouth to feed, y'know?

Thor, Himeka, Nero. Got it.