abraxaslogs | The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things.

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The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things.

Who: Istredd and the Thorne Summoned
What: Istredd called everyone to a meeting
Where: Istredd's Horizon
When: Friday, January 13th, midnight (technically therefore the 14th too)
Warnings: Discussion of Thorne's set up so paranoia, discussion of war, possibly some treason, who knows, it'll be fun.

HORIZON AND SET UP

The Tower was described by Istredd in detail so people would know where to go, and once they arrive the door automatically opens. After the meeting starts and he feels most of the Thorne Summoned are there, it will be locked to any outsiders. Istredd has tight control of his domain so it will also be shielded magically and sound-proofed so they cannot be eavesdropped upon. They get enough of that at Thorne! His domain is unique for being essentially a tower of books. Shelves upon shelves of books and multiple floors. The only other detail before the talk starts is that there are five ravens who will be curiously watching everyone from a perch nearby.

The main floor has been turned into a meeting hall of a sort, although mostly in terms of having a large space full of chairs and a long table if people wish to sit there. A key note about Istredd's domain is that people can easily morph chairs or create them in whatever form they'd want, so if you want them to have their childhood chair, go ahead. If they want a gaming chair, it'll show up automatically for them. His space is very intuitive. People can choose to speak either from the back of the room, as Istredd will do, or from where they sit/stand.

Attendants may notice that Kyle, Lucifer, and Kell come and go a few times, their intention to be visible to anyone watching so it doesn't seem obvious that there is anything suspicious going on.

After the initial formal talk and information gathering, people should feel free to explore the tower if they want. If you're a bookworm, go nuts. People will find that if they open a book it will appear to be empty at first, but if they think about their favorite book, the pages will fill in. It is entirely based on their recollection of the book so may not be entirely complete, but if their subconscious mind has memorized much of it, they will see what they need to in there. They may also find that was they move through the floors, a 'reading nook' may appear in the corner that will instinctively know what they would feel comfortable sitting to read with. If they would like to stay here, they can.

Istredd's domain is open when he is not there, so people can come back if they want later on.

ISTREDD'S SPEECH

Istredd will wait until it appears everyone has arrived or most people have and he will clear his throat to get their attention if they are already chatting with other people. He appears as he often does in Thorne, with very plain clothes in a dark shade of blue, serious and calm. None of his actual nerves show, although on the inside he is anxious about so much attention being on him. Even if he asked for it. He stands straight-backed, hands clasped behind his back. Istredd speaks in a very clear and calm way.

"Please sit or stand as you feel comfortable. If you want, you can create any chair you wish to sit in. I will say my piece here, but I would appreciate it if afterward others are willing to share their own information and thoughts. I know some of us are information gatherers and may know the history of Thorne Summoned, so whatever I don't cover, it would be helpful to fill in any blanks.

Whether you are new or have been here for some time, the facts are very clear: we are trapped in Thorne Castle. The other factions have a great deal more freedom. They can create their own businesses, live in their own housing, wander the streets or go on trips, and while they do have their own struggles, few are constantly afraid that a single wrong word spoken out loud will get them interrogated. Because of that, we are in a much more precarious situation.

We have to assume that Thorne is always listening, the castle has ears and magic everywhere, and they have already questioned anyone for showing the slightest bit of disagreement with the royalty.

Here is a quick current history of Thorne and the Summoned that I gathered, although people here who know more or who were there should add, as this is a summary. I assume there are some new people who have no idea that this happened. Thorne first Summoned people a year and a half ago, and when they did, they threw many of the Summoned into prison immediately. They were not told exactly why. They planned on executing one of the Summoned in a public place, and during that event, two unknown people appeared and froze all the Thorne mages. They gave the Summoned the option to flee to Free Cities and Solvunn. This was the first time any Summoned went to those locations, and the majority of them did leave. Eventually, as we know, Free Cities and Solvunn used the spell for themselves.

It should be noted that thousands of years ago, Summoning in Thorne happened, but it went poorly and the High Mage at the time was exiled. He ended up founding Solvunn. We know nothing else about that, but it is interesting that after all this time, they began again.

While Thorne has not thrown any new people into the dungeon, as far as we know, there are those of you who have been questioned recently about the situation with Yennefer in Nocwich or loyalty toward the royalty here. Suffice to say, we're not that far away from the potential of some of us going back into prison. I was made aware by Kyle that early on, a Summoned was taken and experimented on. Their attempt was to see if they could take a Summoned's connection to the Singularity and put it onto one of their own. It didn't succeed, so as far as we know it hasn't happened again, but that is not to say it won't. It's clear they are not above doing this.

I am sorry that this is all very alarming, and some of you may not have been aware of how tense of a situation we are in right now. But it's important that everyone is informed so you are not going into this blind. My reason for declaring this meeting is for people to share what they know, because knowledge is power, and being ignorant here is dangerous. I also would like to take this opportunity to encourage us to do the one thing we can to make this situation better: unify.

The more they can isolate us from one another, the weaker we are. If we are ignorant, ill-prepared, and disconnected, they can take advantage of us. And we have the power to change that for ourselves.

I'm teaching magic classes to beginners and offered the same to the Summoned. Stephen and Yennefer are also magic users who teach. My roommate Lucifer has volunteered to teach others basic combat skills, and I believe there are others in this group who have those abilities. Obviously, as I've said, it is dangerous to make us stand out too much, so I recommend offering it to anyone and the Summoned signing up, or to come into the Horizon and train here. If you have other abilities you can share with people, please consider offering them to the group. If everyone can feel confident in their ability to use magic and defend themselves, we will be better for it.

It's possible that by doing this I've opened us up to danger. It is possible someone here is willing to sell us out to Thorne, and if that happens, I'm the ringleader, so I hope the danger will fall on me. But please understand that they do not have any loyalty to us. We are all one bad day away from the queen deciding to imprison us again. As you've seen from the attack on Libertas, she can't be trusted. We can only count on ourselves and one another from now on.

I will open the floor up now to anyone who wishes to speak. You can share your information, experience, or thoughts and concerns. If you're willing to train others in your skills, please say so. There is a big book open on the table where you can write your information down. Everyone is welcome to stay here as long as they like if you'd like to take the opportunity to speak to anyone here without fear of being overheard in Thorne.

Thank you for coming. I apologize if this was long and boring. We scholars have a tendency to always sound like we're lecturing."

OOC NOTES

Hey everyone, it's Dee! I am so sorry for the tl;dr. I have the headers below: Speeches (information sharing/tl;dr like mine), Offers to Train (in whatever), and then everything else can be a Mingle.

If you want your character to speak/offer information but don't want follow-up questions, you can put 'OTA' or 'no follow-up' to indicate what your preference is here. If you put OTA people can reply with a sort of Q&A option, but the no follow-up idea is so that people can share information but not need to commit to that unless they feel like it.

The same goes for Offers to Train, you can make a 'OTA' to people who can reply to your character asking more or setting that up, or simply make it a statement. I want everyone to feel like they can play as much as they want here or just share.

And from there, mingle to your heart's content! Your characters can talk afterward, before, go explore the library, whatever you want, I support it. You can plan closed or open starters, follow your heart.

Jay reminded me that it may be relevant to read the game history page. Your character can have asked around for the pre-game history portion and know details about it.

If nothing else, I want people to take from this mingle that their character can hear any of this information and have it from now on for your RP purposes, and also have the opportunity to get them to learn skills from other Summoned/build CR that way. Do as much or as little as you want! If you have any comments/concerns, please message me on plurk.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Natasha hadn't really intended to input much here, still being as new as she is, but with the more serious information that's been revealed today... Well, they might soon need all the help they can get. Which is why, after a few others offer their talents, she, too, stands up to pipe in, arms crossed casually over her chest.

"I don't know a lot of you yet, since I'm still relatively new here, but I've got extensive experience with a multitude of weapons" (even if a good chunk of them don't exist here - she can adapt) "whether it's blades or ranged, and multiple fighting styles, from defensive maneuvers to boxing, fighting hand-to-hand, you name it. It doesn't matter if you've never learned any of this before, if you're interested in trying, I can try and help you find a style that fits your preference, or at least have a basic understanding of what to do and what not to do."

"On top of that," she pauses to give some of those she knows to be more adept in magic than she is, "I've been trying to adjust some of those styles to come up with better ways of countering and evading offensive magics, since it's likely that could be a possibility. Anyone willing to fling some spells at me, I'd be grateful for the assistance. Thanks."

He smiles faintly at her.

"It seems that turnabout is fair play. I teach you magic and can fling the spells at you, and I would appreciate help on combat. Lucifer is a good teacher but probably learning different styles will be helpful."

Edited (with you I don't need brackets duh) 2023-01-14 15:02 (UTC)

Istredd is learning combat from the devil himself. Something about that has her chuckling softly to herself as she shakes her head, but offers him a warm smile and a slight incline of her head in acknowledgement.

"I'd be grateful for any assistance and of course, I'd be happy to help you learn in turn. Adding a broader scope of knowledge never hurts."

While Thancred isn't in need of any training himself, he can't help but focus in on what Natasha has to say as she lists off her so-called resume, which is nothing to sneeze at. When so many Summoned here are more focused on magicks, it's a breath of fresh air to come across someone who's speaking his language. In more ways than one, as her ability to subtly gather information has also caught his eye.

"I don't need to be taught and I can't fling any spells at you, but would you be interested in a sparring partner? I have Rhy, but I can only best him so many times in one week."

He winks to indicate that he's joking (whether or not Rhy is here or in earshot).

His comment gets a smirk from her - as does the playful wink - but she casts him an innocently amused glance. "Then it would be my pleasure to make sure your ego remains a reasonable size."

"A bold assertion!" Thancred shoots back with a brief laugh. That only makes him like her more, of course. There's little that's more intriguing than an easy confidence, and it's a weapon in his arsenal as well. "I'll hold you to that, then. Simply let me know when you're next free."

He wants it to be a challenge, all friendliness aside. How else is he to stay sharp and improve?

He gets a bemused grin and a nod from her. "We can talk after the meeting to hash out a time. I look forward to it."

"As do I," Thancred replies with a matching grin. He doesn't doubt that Natasha will be able to back up what she's promised him, and the details can be worked out later. For now, it's time to allow others their chance to speak.

It is after the speeches and offers settle that Rhaenyra gravitates towards the other woman.

In truth, she had never seriously considered learning the artistry of weapons-fighting; there was a certain scrappiness to her, once of twice, but it didn't come with skill. And, not to mention, she was pretty sure if she had asked her father to pick up the sword like some second-coming of Visenya while already being the political headache she had been in her youth, he would have had a fit enough to send him to an earlier death.

But here and now — here was this brilliant, curious woman from a different world offering her skill so freely and Rhaenyra would be a fool to not try and take it.

"Natasha," her smile is small, but genuine, if a bit sheepish. "I — would like to try and learn, if you would overlook my lacking knowledge."

Natasha had glanced up with a smile when she spotted Rhaenyra making her way towards her. Leaning a hip against the edge of the table, she crosses her arms over her chest, her posture easy and relaxed, as if that alone might help put the other woman more at ease.

"Considering we're all a little out of our element here, you're not the only one. Don't worry, even the most accomplished fighters had to start at the beginning. It's nothing to be held against you - especially since you're willing to try. I'd be happy to teach you. Are you interested in mostly defensive techniques, or were you hoping for something else?"

Its the acceptance that inspires an easing in Rhaenyra's posture. There's an element of pride to it, maybe. To admit your shortcomings is necessary, in order to improve them, and yet some instinct in her wishes that it was not so. Wishes for her to know all, even if such expectation is impossible.

Still, she nods — there's a huff of a laugh. "In truth, I'm not sure where to even start. Defensive sounds appropriate, as I find myself rather toothless, here. Women — weren't taught such things so freely, in my world, even though some of my ancestors were brilliant swordswomen."

But, more to the point: "I am grateful, for your offer. I will defer to your expertise." Is there a glimmer of excitement, at the prospect of such lessons though? Maybe so.

She sees that anticipation and smiles at it, her own lips curving in response.

"We can start you off with defensive maneuvers and then we can go from there. It will be easier to see what you might favor once I see what you pick up naturally." It's clear this isn't the first time she's taught a beginner. "We can talk in the morning, find a time that suits both our schedules. Over breakfast?"

Difficult, not to wring her hands then, an obvious tell of thought, absentminded in her habits. Yet the smile grows, reaching her eyes. "Over breakfast then, Natasha."

One redhead to another. She caught his attention back at Rhy's mingle. He didn't approach her then, so takes his chance now. It's easier to talk freely in the Horizon, where there's less danger that what's being said finds its way to people who shouldn't hear it. Like the Queen or her lackeys.

"If you are looking for a sparring partner, I'll happily provide. For both magical and non-magical combat."

She glances over when he approaches her and speaks - his face is a little familiar even though they haven't met yet. There's only so many Summoned in the castle, however, and she's been paying very close attention.

His offer gets a smile from her as she regards him. "I'd like that - to both options. I wasn't expecting so many to take the combat option, but I'm relieved there's more of us than anticipated."

"Turns out we're rather diverse group." There are few with no actual fighting skills, but he'd wager they're a minority. Magic combat, on the other hand, that's rarer. "With the threat of war not entirely behind us, I'm not surprised people's minds tend to sway that way."

He gives her a small bow, realizing he hadn't introduced himself yet and Istredd did not mention him in his speech. Which, to be honest, he's totally fine with.

"I'm Kell."

He has been dropping in and out of Istredd's domain the same way Kyle did. To check if their little gathering hasn't attracted some unwanted attention.

"I think we're fortunate to have such diversity." It was a valuable asset, when you weren't sure what was going to get flung your way unexpectedly. She was someone who liked to prepare for everything, if she could.

She smiles at his bow and inclines her head slightly in acknowledgement. It still struck her as strange, how many people here didn't automatically go for a handshake with an introduction. At least she'd stopped twitching with the urge to do it herself by now.

"Natasha. A pleasure, Kell." A pause, as she studies him a moment. "You were one of the ones keeping an eye on the castle while we were here."

"I still am, and I will be until this whole event is over. It's just not my turn right now."

They're rotating. He, Lucifer and Kyle. For now, all is well. There was no suspicious activity so far that could indicate someone had figured out they organized an assembly. That's the good thing with meetings in Horizon. Each one of them could be holed in their room, pretending they're asleep.

"I don't expect anything bad to happen, so it's mainly a precaution. But given the recent history, and Queen's all too dungeon-happy attitude. I'd rather err on the side of careful."

"Always wise to do so." It's practically her motto for staying alive. Which worked great, until that didn't really matter.

Besides. She is holed up in her room, pretending to be asleep.

"Have you seen the Queen with this attitude?" Natasha herself has steered clear so far - not that that's hard, most normal people don't just stroll casually up to royalty anyway. But she wonders how many in this room have witnessed something useful there firsthand.

Kell has no problem casually strolling to any royalty, being - a rather unwilling - royalty himself. Just not this woman. She disgusts him.

"We've all seen her. She ordered all the Summoned to gather and watch as she ordered her mages to obliterate a completely defenceless city. They burned it to the ground. Only because she got into her empty head, its parent country was responsible for her pet mage's death."

Kell scoffs. He's polite to their host and refrains from spitting on the ground. The urge is strong though.

"Of course, there was no evidence either way. She just knew. The whole affair was indeed pretty suspicious, but still she really went off the rails with her reaction."

"She made the Summoned watch?" Natasha stills at that thoughtfully, cataloging that as something interesting, even if she doesn't know where it might fit yet. It's the first time she'd heard that part of it.

A show of force, or an intimidation tactic, perhaps? Or was she just that vain, she wanted to boast of their power.

Her lips press into a thin line as she considers something else. The strength needed to do what she did. She considers Kell again.

"How many mages did she need, to do what she did?"

Kell nods. Even just having to recall the meeting in the throne room makes his stomach sink. This was a fucking spectacle. The worst kind. He shakes his head. Everything afterwards is a blur of rage on his end.

"Yeah," he confirms. "Not only the Summoned. She ordered the whole castle to come for her fire show. Had everyone gathered in the throne room, had guards drag people in who did not come on their own. Then we were shown a projection, I believe close to real time, of what was happening. With the implicit intention of us believing her mages were raining fire on the whole country. Not just a part of one city."

Kell shivers. Saints, he thought everyone he knew there was dead.

"No one told us anything. I had, still have, friends in Free Cities. They told me what really happened. But yes, the intent clearly was to make a show of force."

He considers her question carefully.

"Can't tell. Could be one, could be all of them. She has a lot of those, but I've never got the chance to see what they can really do. In person. We're not really taught anything even remotely dangerous, so I can't say what the limits of offensive magic here are."

Edited 2023-02-02 17:29 (UTC)

It was a question she'd have to ask Stephen, he might be a better judge of it.

But her lips press into a thin line as understanding sinks in for what that show had meant. If she'd been forced to watch that... Oh, there was a very large chance she wouldn't have been able to hold herself back from doing something stupid.

"I have friends there as well. I can't imagine it was easy, to force yourself to stand there and watch. Your friends... they're alright?"

"The shock made it substantially easier," Kell says with a shrug, then shakes his head. It all still feels surreal. "They are. Nobody got hurt from the people I know. They don't even live there. They were in a completely different city, far away from the site of attack." He had no way of knowing that then.

"And you know what's the worst? I actually thought they were decent people. The royal family." He feels so stupid, so naive right now. "Oh, there were rumours about some previous arrests, but I thought, well, they must have had a valid reason." He no longer thinks that.

"I think they didn't know what to do with all the people they dragged here and panicked, but you'd probably be better off talking to someone who actually witnessed it if you want to know more."

She inclines her head slightly, casting him an understanding look. "One of my friends was among those first summoned here, so I've heard a little from him about what happened. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to believe the best in people."

Sometimes she really wished she had that ability. She pretty much always expected the worst.

"Just because the Queen reacts this way doesn't mean they're all like her. From all I've heard, the King sounds like a decent sort." Not that people whispered as much about him as they did the Queen, but the woman's nature seemed to be rife for making people gossip and speculate about her.

The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things.

open to short exchanges

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don't threaten him with a good time

she makes promises not threats ;)

puts a bow on this

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