ABRAXAS LOGS

Tonight has a dual purpose - the expected and usual welcome events that the Summoned of Cadens have come to expect, and also Sam's Christmas Party. That means that not only are all new Summoned encouraged and invited to attend, but everyone has been invited - the only holiday parties that Sam Wilson wants to be a part of are the ones where everyone is welcome.

Due to the lack of any real Catholic Christian Christmas celebrating in Abraxas, the decorations and energy have shifted to something distinctly more Yule-Themed, but the committee is doing its best. Also, every invite will include the evening's dress code - ugly holiday wear. If your character comes from a Christmas-celebrating world, they'll recognize the ugly Christmas sweater tradition. If not, well, don't fret - right near the entrance will be a table full of accessories and items that can help you decorate yourself upon entering. Don't worry if you're unsure of where to start, Hilda and Jesper won't be far and will be happy to help assist. Additionally, you can find Diana at a table in the corner, where she will be helping with the wreath-weaving. There are small garlands of dried fruits, sticks of cinnamon, feathers, bundles of herbs and laurel, and just about any other decoration one might want to adorn their handmade wreath.


The newly renovated tavern and patio spaces have been aggressively (and arguably overly) decorated by the committee, as well as anyone that Sam has been able to guilt into helping over the last couple of days. There is more garland around the Inn than anyone should have any idea what to do with, tucked in with red and gold ornaments. Strings of dried fruits join the greenery, poinsettia, and mistletoe. Are any of these plans local? Not at all, but that’s one of the nice things about being friends with the owner of A Song of Saplings.

The actual set-up for the tavern and party this time around is slightly different than normal. Instead of a large buffet-style table and a variety of smaller tables filling the space, Sam has two very long dining tables set up for what appears to be a sit-down dinner (if anyone wants to). Near the bar is the same food table with a large selection of sides and appetizers, as well as an entire roast pig.

Behind the bar is Mag (and a helper or two, but only the most trusted) and she will serve whoever it is that comes up to ask for a drink - she has some special mulled wine, perfect for the chill that sits in every evening, as well as the entire normal bar. She will flatly refuse any sort of payment - it appears someone is covering the tab tonight.

The stage in the corner is still open for anyone who wishes to perform, but it’s not necessarily the center of attention this time around.

The vibes are that of an open-house holiday party - come and go as you please, grab a drink of mulled wine or a tankard of ale, a plate of food (Sam has gone all out, so you can expect a whole holiday feast available for anyone who comes by). Sam will be giving a 'short' speech to welcome everyone to the party, and then will otherwise be wandering around striking up conversations. Hilda, Jesper, and Diana will also be wandering around, cornering anyone and everyone who has attended to make sure they Feel Welcome (or else).

If being social isn't your thing, that's also fine. You don't have to stay long if you don't want to! But something to keep in mind - the Cities work on coin and commerce, so turning down a free meal isn’t the smartest thing. Plus - there’s alcohol. And the food is pretty damn good. There's also the holiday spirit; the chill outside that finally sets in once the sun has set and the warmth of the fires and burners, the warm drinks and the music. They might not be Christmas carols, but they're close enough.

Magmara (or Mag) has run the inn for years and has been a familiar face in that neighborhood as a woman who always makes ends meet, almost in spite of the way she takes care of anyone and everyone she meets. Most locals aren't always sure how she's managed to run the place on her own, but she makes due, though she always seems just a bit overwhelmed and exhausted.

When the Summoned arrived in the Cadens through that first portal all that time ago, Sam managed to stumble in and make quick friends with Mag. In exchange for manual labor, fixing up and cleaning up the inn, as well as whatever other various tasks Mag needs done, any Summoned are welcome to stay in any of the rooms.

Very recently, a few of the Summoned came together and renovated what was before a well-loved but well-worn building. With an entertaining space that now opens into the street outdoors, another floor added to the building itself, and updated rooms, bathrooms, and interior - the Sarstina Inn has never looked better. All the more reason to celebrate the season!

What you can expect now is a five-floor building, with the top four floors making up about 20 rooms. Each room is relatively simple, but clean and updated, with single rooms, double rooms, and suites open to any Summoned looking for a place to stay. Each bedroom has its own small bathroom for the tenants, with cleaning, washing, and chores left to those who live there. What used to be more of a working inn now serves as a kind of boarding house for newly arrived Summoned (or simply those who won't leave), and Mag has found herself quite okay with that. The bottom floor and outdoor patio make up a very comfortable and homey tavern and restaurant.

- this is a totally open post! There will be some TL’s below from the Committee Members, but otherwise, have fun, meet some people, and put up a TL of your own! there are various places to run into people around the tavern, and if you find someone who is willing to help you into the Horizon (Sam is happy to help, but he’s helping Host), there is an empty room on the first floor that Sam has been pointing people to for privacy.

- the only Rule is there will be no fighting. You want to duke it out? Take it somewhere else. There will not be warnings or second chances, so don't be an ass. And if ANYONE is seen giving Mag a hard time, there are a few people here who will not hesitate and who are not afraid of squaring up. Also, you cause problems, you will not be invited back :)

- The whole purpose of the Welcome Committee is going to be overboard about welcoming, especially to new faces. Feel free to handwave having your character invited by word of mouth, or chased down by any of the members. Some Summoned may have also checked the barracks for any new Summoned to bring them into town.

- Mag is an NPC who you can read a little more about in the NPC section of the Cadens setting page. Feel free to have her come in and out of your tags as needed!