· OPEN ·

[carmesi]

WHO: Anyone and everyone in Solvunn!
WHAT: Mingle for the Summoned disguised as Winter Survival Camp™
WHEN: Two days, some time in January after the beached great yawning shark situation has been resolved.
WHERE: Within the boundaries of the Primary Settlement, at the edge of a small forest near a small body of water.

The invitation for camp is made after the beached giant of the sea has been put back into its rightful place in the ocean. It's an idea that had been ricocheting in the minds of those who live in Gardsbruk farm, and after sharing the idea with Aloy, together they've managed to design something that will (hopefully) not raise too many questions. Aloy has scouted a suitable camping area—safe, near water, with lots of space—and has cleared out debris or any obstructions that will make it difficult for people to pitch their own tents.

The Summoned are, of course, all very explicitly invited to join, and they are to disguise this congregation of too many like minds with extending the invitation to children, teenagers, and young adults in the Primary Settlement.

The individuals of the Primary Settlement are, after all, familiar with the majority—if not all—of the Solvunn Summoned. Though cautious as the natives of the commune may be, there is familiarity in the work some of the summoned ones have done to integrate, help, teach, and entertain the younger inhabitants.

And so, for two days, they will continue to integrate, teach, and entertain those who decide to join.

A. WINTER CAMP FUN

Delightfully, Solvunn doesn't suffer from having incredibly cold winters, but it is still chilly and wet enough to make camping a test of wills. However, they're lucky to have Aloy working behind the scenes to get something going.

She will be assigning chores to Summoned and Solvunn natives alike: getting water, gathering firewood, organizing supplies, pitching up tents. Additionally, since this could be new to many, she will be offering instruction in all these things, including how to build a fire, preparing wood for lean-to construction, basic traps for small game like rabbits and fish. If anyone happens to be particularly intrepid (and is not squeamish about it), she can teach them how to prep and cook said small game. Older kids and teens are asked to mind the younger children, and there is always adult supervision around the corner.

Also, maybe check first with someone before eating those mushrooms, and don't go anywhere alone. Use the buddy rule.

It's not all chores at camp, though. Some activities are available to pass the time, from the usual team-building ones to survival to improving a fighting skill. An archery range has been set up, a tightrope for a test of skill and balance, and a drum circle for a moment of singing fun and rhythm blazing are among the activities. Additionally, scavenger hunts in the near vicinity of the forest are set up, with the opportunity to run around and solve puzzles. For those who prefer quieter activities, there is always the small lake to swim into (it's cold! but nothing like a shock to the system—), collecting pebbles from the shore, or simple bird watching.

Of course, every Summoned is welcome to bring their own idea of a fun time to the camp, and whatever spin of an activity they may want to share with the others.

B. CAMPFIRE CHILL

After a long day of running around, jumping into the freezing lake, quiet meditation to garner favor with the gods, and getting energy depleted with the other activities that took place during the day, there is nothing better to end the day with than to have a big, roaring campfire to huddle around while holding onto a delicious, steaming bowl of creamy soup. All ingredients have been locally sourced (with goat cheese and bread available as sides), and now is the time for everyone to wind down. The younger children sleep first, but for those who are older, there is always a drink or two to pass around, stories to tell, and perhaps one of the Summoned will delight the group of Solvunn natives (and other Summoned) with a story of their big feats of heroism (or otherwise) back in their world.

Musical instruments will be made available, should anyone want to break into song. Games like charades will be an interesting concept to introduce the Solvunn natives to. Stargazing is another activity to indulge in should one walk a little ways away from the bonfire to look up at the night sky.

The fire blazes with life with every log of wood thrown into it, and marshmallows roast at the end of branches (some may burn), and the night really winds down the energy of the group, with people going into their respective tents, wanting to build the energy for the last day of camp, full of activities.

C. THE SUMMONED

Obviously, the Summoned are not expected to be, nor stay, during the entirety of the camp. Some can arrive on the last day of, ditch when it's time to set up or put everything away, or simply walk off if they feel bored.

They will, however, be expected to be there for the very first night.

As darkness covers their surroundings, illuminated solely by the light of campfire and torches, and once all Summoned who have decided to attend are in the clearing they had used for the bonfire, Wanda will step up and unfurl her Chaos Magic. With it, she will create a small hex, covering the perimeter of the camp, from the tents to the clearing the Summoned sit at. From the outside, nothing will look amiss: everyone sleeps, the bonfire dwindles as times passes, and from the inside, the Summoned can move about without having to worry that their movements or words will be noted outside of the Hex—an illusion with six walls and a roof, which, from the outside, gives the impression that things are still and without movement, just another night out in the forest.

No one can leave nor enter it, however, without her first bringing the Hex down. Those who are intuitive with magic will take note of the complexity of the spell, but nothing about it will neither change nor modify physical and mental traits of those within it. Its purpose is to solely give them a space to speak while the natives of Solvunn sleep, and remain asleep.

Wanda will have reached to a select few during the camp—those she's aware of magical prowess and mind control abilities—to aid her during the night to make sure the Solvunn natives remain asleep throughout their discussion, and to keep curious ones trying to get into the camp to turn around and return home without getting too close to the Hex.

Here, they can speak freely.

Before the end of the night, and when they have finished talking, she will wait for everyone to return to their tents and bring the hex down with little fanfare. Mind control or other magical trappings are no longer necessary at this point.

( OOC This will take place in one starter thread HERE. It's preferable that it can take place in an e-cats format (quick, short and snappy tags to move the story along), with no order as to who intervenes in the conversation at any given time. As different characters have different information to provide, feel free to start a thread within the starter pertaining with whatever information shared/discussion your character wants to share. Feel free to jump in and branch off, too! It's going to be a little chaotic, but we can suspend disbelief for the sake of info-sharing.

Feel free to assume that your character has heard all the information being shared in the different branching off conversations! No need to respond to claim that they have. If you want to hit a serious or emotional beat, do feel free to write as much as you want; that's fine, too! But be aware that the purpose of the conversation is for it to move along quickly. Feel free to write your own, separate post-conversation threads if you'd like. )

Comments

Eddie Munson | Stranger Things

[satanicpanics]

1. EXTREME Winter Camp FUN

[ Camping is absolutely not where Eddie’s interests lie, but he’s here. Solvunn Summoned make up such a small group, he figures it would be blindingly obvious if he were missing. He helps get the boring shit out of the way, helping with firewood and organizing supplies after one attempt at setting up a tent ended in miserable failure. He sweeps down to snag another piece of dry wood, and speaks what’s on his mind: ]

So, big question—

[ Spoken to the general masses and to no one in particular. ]

I know there’s this whole about not eating the mushrooms, but uh, for all intents and purposes, what if one wanted to go on a magical mystery tour?

[ Eddie, no, there are children around. ]

What would you look for?

[ In Lesser Campfire Fun, you can also find Eddie hyperfocusing on archery. His form sucks and his noodle arms are doing their best, but he’s obviously enjoying himself. He’s even actually hit the target a few times. ]

2. Campfire & Chill

[ Before anyone else can open their mouths, Eddie calls immediate, though he wouldn’t be shocked if it were there because of him. He hasn’t exactly been quiet about his love of music, or his Fine tastes.

Tastes so fine, in fact, that he may or may not begin plucking out the old school Batman theme. ]

I reserve the right to say no to requests, but, uh…try me.

[ It’s okay, he doesn’t know Wonderwall. You are all safe. ]

3. Wildcard

[ Whatever u want. Surprise me or find me at muttonchops! ]

1

[lightkeeping]

[Possibly she should have expected this question, directed to her or someone else or into the general void or otherwise, but when it does come, the exasperation is great. That said, if he wants to take the chance, well. She'd...probably stop him.]

It's not worth the risk. A lot of mushrooms look too similar. Unless you really know what you're doing, you're more likely to kill yourself than not.

[And she's not an expert in the subject--she knows, broadly, a few types of mushrooms from her own world with medicinal properties, but if she ever found herself with any doubt, she wouldn't want to chance it.]

If you're looking for a-- [sigh] --hallucinatory effect, I bet the elders know. They like...rituals.

[satanicpanics]

[ One look at Eddie is probably enough to guess that he would be the person to ask this question. He doesn’t really try to frame it all that innocently; it’s pretty clear that he’s asking for himself and not for a friend. ]

Yeah, I really don’t think we need to worry about that.

[ He snorts, like it’s some secret joke, but refuses to elaborate or let anyone else in on it. He doesn’t even know the ins and outs of his situation. Can you still die here once you’ve died at home? He really has no idea, nor is he willing to ask--or risk it, honestly. ]

Rituals, right. I'd ask, but, uh, unfortunately? I don’t think they’d take kindly to my sort of ritual if you know what I mean.

[lightkeeping]

[If Aloy realizes it's a joke, she certainly doesn't show it, instead waiting patiently for Eddie to have a laugh to himself, arms folded.]

I'm saying they probably use what you're looking for. In the rituals.

[She makes a sort of vague gesture outward with a hand. Aloy might be the camp counselor in this situation, but she's not naïve, when it comes to the recreational uses of various plants.]

Are you worried you're going to get in trouble?

[satanicpanics]

Nah.

[ Maybe a little. He doesn’t fear the elders, but they definitely unnerve him and he doesn’t place a whole lot of trust in them—or in any of the officials throughout Abraxas, really. It doesn’t help that he really doesn’t understand any of the politics around him, but even he can recognize that the higher-ups are at the center of recent happenings. ]

Just don’t feel a particularly strong desire to talk to government officials—wait.

[ Finally, he grasps hold of that little tidbit, and a wide grin spreads across his face. ]

You’re telling me that the people in charge are tripping all the time? No fucking way.

[lightkeeping]

I don’t know. I don’t talk to them.

[They’re her kidnappers, all things considered, so she has no real desire to fraternize. Hell, she lives in the woods to mostly avoid being roped into their dealings, though with activity around the shrines and rumors of missing villagers, she knows it’s going to come for her sooner rather than later.

Eddie seems to have no such compunctions if it gets him access to what he’s looking for, so she shrugs.]

I just know they do all kinds of offerings to their gods. You probably just need to ask.

[Fake being interested in said rituals, maybe.]

[satanicpanics]

Yeah, maybe.

[ He sweeps down to scoop up another piece of firewood, and it’s clear from his vague response that he has no real intention of talking to the Elders. If he doesn’t trust them, then he can’t see them trusting him enough to let him in on what psychedelics they use. He’ll aim for people connected to them, maybe, or he’ll track down a book. Or he’ll just let Jerry figure it out. The latter is most likely. ]

You know a lot about this shit, huh? The whole— [ He gestures vaguely to the trees with the piece of firewood ] —camping thing. Pretty cool. Where did you learn it all?

2. Campfire & Chill

[cobrakais]

Kumbaya.

( that's what one sings while sitting around a campfire with other people, right? maybe they were supposed to hold hands or something but he's not going to do that.

he leans back, stretching his legs out and eyeing the guy with the guitar. )

That would get us all in the mood, wouldn't it?

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie pauses, lifts his gaze from the strings, and fixes Kai a hard stare that makes it quite obvious that he is not happy with that request. Yeah, he’s perfectly capable of playing the three chords that make up that song, but he’s not going to. ]

Yeah, no. I’ll give you about five seconds to come up with something different.

[cobrakais]

No? But come on, it's a classic.

( not that he's too attached to the idea of the song. the reaction is about what he expected so he tries to use his five seconds wisely. )

Okay, okay. Putting me on the spot here —

( think think think think. )

Pink Floyd? Always liked their particular brand of depressing but in an enjoyable way rock 'n roll.

[satanicpanics]

[ Another pause, another hard stare, but he doesn't shoot the suggestion down this time. ]

Which era? Syd Barret or Roger Waters?

[ He doesn’t wait for an answer. He snorts, adjusting the tuning on a string. ]

Yeah, never mind. Who am I kidding? You said depressing, and anything’s better than Kumbaya, so—

[ Without even finishing his sentence, he launches into an acoustic retention of Mother, the most depressing Pink Floyd song that comes to mind, though honestly, he may have just wanted to put a special emphasis on the lyric “do you think they’ll try to break my balls” just to make sure people are paying attention. ]

[cobrakais]

( man, kumbaya was just not getting its just dues. but, he'll let that one go and listen to the song eddie chooses. it's good, really. he's good. kai remembers trying to pick up a guitar and teach himself while he'd been in the prison world and it had been —

not good. he thought he was the world's greatest rock start but realistically, he had been terrible. eddie was good.

kai finds himself bobbing his head along with the song, tapping his fingers on his thigh. )

[satanicpanics]

[ Honestly, despite his rather brash personality, Eddie has never had much more going on his life outside of music and D&D. He’s devoted most of his concentration to those two things alone, and closing himself in his room to figure out the newest Metallica tune or working on his next campaign always just seemed just a little more appealing than anything else.

He knows he’s good. Not good enough for a record deal, but good, and it’s nice to know that he didn’t permanently alter his fingerprints for nothing. When he’s done and the last chord has echoed into the trees, he offers an awkward half-bow and beams. ]

And you wanted me to play Kumbaya.

[ He snorts. Kumbaya will never get its dues, not from him. ]

What do you listen to back home?

2, with a side of handwaved 1

[marlbro]

[ One can absolutely assume that Jerry was just as interested in the magic mushrooms -- and he also definitely has experience -- but unfortunately this being a whole new world and all, even Jerry isn't stupid enough to just run around shoving random mushrooms in his mouth. But he's definitely told Eddie by now that he loves mushrooms, and not just the kind on pizza, and that he really wants to ask the natives of Solvunn which ones are the best trip.

That is for later, though. Now, he's gathered 'round the campfire, eagerly watching Eddie.

His hand shoots up immediately. ]

Bohemian Rhapsody!

[ That's a good group song! And there's a non-zero chance at least one other person will know it. Probably. ]

[satanicpanics]

[ Luckily, Eddie isn’t stupid enough to run around shoving mushrooms in his mouth either, but at least one of those has to be in the nice, trippy middle between harmless and harmful. But that’s an adventure for future Jerry and Eddie. For now, music is where it’s at, and Jerry has clearly made a favorable request, because Eddie claps and points to him when he calls out. ]

Sure. If you sing too. Because, uh, let’s face it. I don’t know how good that one’s gonna sound parred down to acoustic, and a bit of loud enthusiasm would sure help.

[ Even if they're the only two who know the song, it's going to sound energetic at the very least. ]

[marlbro]

Duh. Obviously, dude.

You can't sing Bohemian Rhapsody alone. That'd be insane.

[ He looks around eagerly, trying to spot anyone else who looks interested or like they know what's even being referenced. ]

All right, who's gonna join us? Any takers? You don't even have to know all the words, just make shit up, half of the lyrics are nonsense anyway!

[hairington]

[ see, here's the thing: steve has not been paying attention. whether he's been talking to someone else or trying to repack his pack or whatever it is, he has not been following the back and forth and has no idea what he's gotten himself into when he looks up and sees jerry looking directly at him.

who's going to join us? he says, and steve's eyes shoot from jerry, to eddie, and then back again, very doe-eyed and lost. except that when he looks around him, there is no one else that jerry could be talking to. ]

Um. [ too late, steve. that has officially volunteered you. ] Do I...have to?

[satanicpanics]

I mean, you're basically volunteering by even responding, Steve.

[ Peer pressure is real and its name is Jerry and Eddie. ]

You...do know this song, right?

[ You can never be too sure, alright. ]

[marlbro]

[ Jerry points directly at Steve. His eyebrows lift. ]

Yes. If you're asking, you have to. Now get over here.

[ Once Steve comes closer, Jerry will lean in to stage-whisper (definitely loud enough for Eddie to hear). ]

Just pretend you know the words. No one will ever know.

I hope you don't mind a late thread-jump!

[wewillwewill]

I fear I know nothing of this song you mentioned. What is Bohemian Rhapsody?

[What is a bohemian even. Forget knowing some of the words, Elidibus doesn't even know the tune. But he does seem to be curious.]

I will listen if you do not mind.

2

[postocular]

[ Being around the campfire as a group makes him feel a little nostalgic, thinking about how many times their groups had done this exact thing as they tried to find the next safe place to call home. Cans of beans or some roasted squirrel that was freshly hunted shared across a fire.

Sometimes there was a guitar, but there was never the Batman theme song. It was mostly gospel music or whatever anyone could remember. It was always nice and put on an air of safety. ]

Okay. Uh... Do you know any David Bowie?

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie doesn’t know a single gospel song, nor would he deem to play one if requested, but he has a pretty big catalogue to draw from in his head, and Bowie is pretty firm knowledge. He shoots Carl a look; something that clearly reads somewhere between “do you even have to ask?” and “why would you even doubt me?”

He doesn’t make any disparaging comments, though. He merely snorts and looks amused, strumming a couple chords to busy his fingers. ]

Yeah, I think I know a bit of Bowie. You have a preference, or are we making it dealer’s choice?

[postocular]

[ He doesn't have to ask maybe, but he always will. He doesn't want to assume, even though Carl's pretty sure Eddie has a freakish knowledge of everything music. It's an enviable skill that hadn't really helped him at the end of the world. ]

I'm gonna admit, I don't know a lot about David Bowie, but my mom liked him. Sooo, dealer's choice?

[satanicpanics]

Alright. Dealer’s choice it is then.

[ For as frightening as people found him back home, Eddie spent more time alone in his room than anywhere else. Music and D&D were both interests that could only be cultivated by spending hours in his room, working out riffs and storylines, reading books, listening to the same song over and over again until it stuck. It’s resulted in a freakish amount of very concentrated knowledge, though he does fear it slipping away if he doesn’t share it with others.

Requests help. He appears to be thinking for a moment until he finally settles on a chord, and begins to play Starman. When he strums the last chord out, he bows over the guitar and grins. ]

I've gotta say, I'm glad some of this music isn't strictly imprisoned in 1986 Hawkins, Indiana.

[postocular]

[ All of Eddie's solitude has paid off in his playing. Carl doesn't have any real creative talents, so he's honestly a little envious of his ability. It's not going to keep him from enjoying it or anything. As far as he can tell, the rendition is damn near perfect. When Eddie grins and bows, Carl claps in awe. ]

Damn, that was good. I know you mentioned before that you know a lot of music, but I didn't think you knew knew it like that.

[ He pauses for a moment, unsure. ] Do you think you could teach me? I don't know how to read music or anything, but damn. You make a fella want to learn.