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

They heard the word 'mission'. [ Lucifer can assume at this point that if Kahlil doesn't offer the name of the person straight away, he's unlikely to give that information. And also that he doesn't share these things without believing there is more truth than rumor to it. ]

[Lucifer is careful when it comes to names himself; he doesn't look at all like he was expecting one, only the information that Kyle did reveal.] Well, that's just great. [Extremely Concerning.] Just a word? No feelings or underlying emotions with it?

They described it as a mass of thoughts and feelings, which is why it was difficult to understand. That one word is what they thought they heard repeated.

[ It's not much, and only leads to more questions. ]

So they're are on some holy mission. Fantastic. Wonderful. [He looks sickened by the thought.] Here I was hoping I was free from that nonsense.

Think of it this way, you have experience. [ He's half joking, though he doesn't quite smile. None of this is particularly funny right now. ]

[It's the first inclination that Kyle has any idea what he is.

Interesting.

Enough people do know what and who he is, it wouldn't be a surprise that Kyle came across the information. Still, doesn't hurt to pull at it a bit.] How do you figure?

[ Jack has told him things. But really, the answer is in what Lucifer just said: ]

Here I was hoping I was free from that nonsense? [ He repeats Lucifer, raising an eyebrow. ] Or am I misunderstanding?

Just wondering what my experience is supposed to be in. Surely not the shepherd to the Summoned. [... Although it's going to sure feel that way soon. Ugh.]

Well, that too. But you said holy mission earlier, I assumed that's what you were referring to.

[ When he said he was hoping to be free - you know what? He wrinkles his nose. ] Nevermind, now I'm confused.

[Lucifer visibly, full-body shudders. Actively cringes.

Does Not Like.] Gross. I don't think anyone's ever made the mistake of referring to me being apart of some--some holy mission. [That'd be Michael, if any of them.] No. Just... people. [Trying to associate with Heaven and his family and...] All cajoling and crying out, putting all their actions to some mission for God. It's all pointless, and if the heralds have some freakishly similar act--well, I feel bad for them.

[ One of these days Lucifer will finally stumble upon Kahlil's temple in Horizon, and that will be an interesting conversation.

He keeps his gaze fixed elsewhere, his tone neutral. ]

Why do you say it's pointless?

Putting so much effort into someone that doesn't even care? Why's that supposed to make anyone feel better? At least if you're going about something strictly for yourself it's like you're actually accomplishing something. [Lucifer your feelings are showing.

He grits his teeth.] Maybe the old gods have a hierarchy, I don't know. Maybe their 'mission' is self-imposed and not for or from someone above them.

[ Kahlil listens quietly, shrugging at the last part and speaking ruefully. ]

Belief isn't usually about making anyone feel better. [ Does he really want to get into this with Lucifer? He probably shouldn't, but he's beginning to feel comfortable enough to respond to a part of the conversation he would normally let go. Or maybe it's part of his frustration ebbing away at his patience these days. Maybe he should go dig some more holes. ]

It doesn't matter. We're not going to figure it out from one word.

Then what's the point? [In an odd moment, he looks sincere with the question. It's like when he asked Inej something similar because he truly just... does not understand the point at all.]

[ That takes him aback slightly, it flickers across his face - followed by a pause, a moment of indecision before he fixes his gaze on Lucifer.

He may regret it, but he answers truthfully: ]

My god gave me purpose. A reason to live. That might mean nothing to you, but my faith gave me the strength to survive when so many others did not.

[ He doesn't expect Lucifer to understand. ]

Edited 2023-01-26 05:39 (UTC)

[Truth goes a long way with Lucifer, even if he doesn't like it.

Lies can be good, too, certainly. He appreciates a good liar. Someone like him, capable of holding their cards closer to their chest.

Lucifer's been slacking at that lately.

Lucifer echoes Kyle's words to a point, devoid of emotion.] My God gave me purpose. A reason to live. [He glances down at the floor, the Summoned skittering around, networking. Important, necessary, likely still to blow up in their faces, but maybe they reset the timer.] And then he proved how much he was using the rest of us to further his own existence. His... narrative. Drafting worlds and copies of all of us, playing things out differently. I lost faith in him long before that, but that. It made everything so much worse.

[Honesty for honesty.]

Edited 2023-01-26 06:22 (UTC)

[ In some ways, lying is second nature to Kahlil. His name is Kyle. His name is Kyle'insira. His name is Ravishan. He lived his whole life alone. He shared his life with a lover. He fought in a war. Which one? He leaves gaps in his history for others to fill in with whatever they like, whatever makes the most sense to them. Their guess is as good as his.

Here, though, some of those gaps in his memory have been recovered. And so lying is more difficult, more conscious. Sometimes he still lies awake at night staring at the ceiling, thinking about how Jack first told him he didn't believe anything about this place was real.

His faith is real. His god is real. He was/is the Kahlil. His prayerscars have been returned to him in the form of a gift, as a reminder, though they are not visible now.

Lucifer is dangerous. No matter how comfortable they get, he will always know this the same way he always knew John was dangerous (no matter how much he loved him). He listens to him speak, his expression tense as he lets himself speak honestly one more time: ]

Your creator had no faith in you.

[ A sad fact, not a condemnation of Lucifer. ]

But he expected it in return.

[ It's not normally in him to question the divine. But he's heard and learned about so many other gods here - and so many of them sound nothing like Parfir. They sound petty and fickle. They sound like human creations. John was human, but he was the best parts of humanity. ]

[There's two seconds that Lucifer's anger almost spikes, but it's smoothed away just as quick with the rest of Kyle's words.] And did yours have it in you?

[ He manages not to flinch. Escape is simple here in Horizon, and this is relatively neutral territory, being that this domain belongs to neither of them. ]

He's allowed me to live many times when I should have died. [ His god also threatened to kill him the next time he saw him, but Kahlil had done the job for him. And how, he is here, so many months later. I was chosen, he would say, but he's already saying too much. Still, he continues. ]

You say your god made drafts, copies, as though everything he creates is expendable. Mine was said to have torn his flesh and blood body apart to create the world out of the pieces. If our world is destroyed, there will not be another.

[ But the Rifter, the sacred destroyer, was made too well, made too strong, and Parfir’s own body shuddered as she walked across his back. This was what the Payshmura were meant to do. To protect Parfir's living body, the land itself, from his destroyer incarnation. ]

That doesn't mean he had faith in you. [He's not trying to go in for an attack. He's simply talking it out, picking apart a conversation, trying to work out a problem and understand it.] My Father rebuilt one of my siblings multiple times, not out of faith in him, but because he needed him in a role.

[But a creator that uses themselves as their world. That's... he looks honestly interested, trying to think if anything would have changed if Chuck split himself open to make a world, if there would be more love, it if could've been more lasting--for all of them.

[ The honest interest is not the response he expects. Though what he ought to expect from such a mercurial being - he'll never figure out. ]

No, I guess it doesn't. But my own mission was over, my role was no longer needed, and now I'm here.

[ This is truth. Lucifer can try to pick his words apart, point out the flaws with his logic or puzzle a more satisfying answer from him, but that's the trouble with - and strength of faith. It doesn't need logic. He will talk in circles all day with full belief in what he says.

He eyes Lucifer. ]

Did he do this to you, as well?

[He's thankfully started to understand some of these different views from Inej. Different views, different gods, different saints. It's how he handles the concept of different worlds--that everything might not be just his Father as they were led to believe. It's how, unlike Michael, he's willing to follow that belief.

God isn't all-mighty.

What blasphemy for Lucifer to even consider.

'Did he do this to you, as well?'

He knows he's dead by Michael's time but he doesn't know the circumstances, nor that he was already killed, and likely resurrected as a tool.]

I never had to be rebuilt. I was only constantly Caged, as though that was the only solution for my actions.

[ Speaking on logic, none of this makes much sense to him. He raises an eyebrow. ]

What actions?

[ Jack had called him Satan, and from Kahlil's understanding he's believed to be some kind of powerful demon, even though Lucifer's light looked nothing like the demon curses he's seen before. ]

Why cage you if you he just remake you as he wanted?

[It sometimes surprises him that some people just... don't know? He had kept better track at who knows what. But it's usually best to assume that everyone knows.]

Oh. [His voice is a quiver, a little sing-song tune to the single word.] I got humanity kicked out of Paradise.

[Is he tired? Boy, he feels tired. His gaze subconsciously lands on Istredd.] He wanted a villain, so he made one, slow-cooker version.

[ Hmm. He'll have to ask someone else more about the rest of the story. It shouldn't be hard, there are plenty of people here from Earth. The issue is finding which ones match up closest to Lucifer's version.

He could, possibly, ask Dean Winchester. That feels like it could backfire spectacularly though, assuming he even gets half the truth out of him.

Kahlil follows Lucifer's gaze to Istredd, a quick flick of his own gaze from mage back to the divine creature wearing a man's skin. ]

Gods don't need to create villains. Men do.

[ Men like himself, when necessary. ]

What is paradise like?

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

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