public channel, forward dated a smidge to the morning of d15

[kingsroads]

Months ago, during the Celebration, a few of us got together to talk about and compare the magic from our worlds. Well, it's been a while since then and we've certainly picked up more magicians, so why not revive that little discussion group?

[ he's phrasing it as a hypothetical but as Strange keeps barging on, there's nothing hypothetical about it: he is totally reviving that discussion group. ]

I've asked around and the smaller festival hall in the building closest to the carnival portal is available for our use. Anyone who's interested should meet there tonight, just after sundown, for an informal gathering to talk about magic. There will be space inside the festival hall and outside in the snow for anyone to demonstrate their techniques.

Likewise, anyone who wishes to learn about magic should come and visit as well. [ And there's a bit of a pause like Strange is trying his hardest to choose his words carefully. ] Magicians in the carnival have different types of magic drawing upon different techniques. While one school of thought might seem incomprehensible, another might seem as clear as day. This is a chance for those of us with magic to learn from each other and develop our skills and those of us who wish to learn magic to see what practice would best fit their needs.

[ There's a pause, because Strange has no idea how to end this. ] Sound off if you're coming, I suppose. Oh, and can someone bring snacks?

( ooc: this is an ic post about mage club, an idea floated around on the cr meme a while back. I'll put up a mingle log later in the week for the actual meeting itself. as for this post, feel free to threadjack around! )

Comments

[kingsroads]

In my world, the only talk of demons is from preachers trying to scare the faithful into behaving.

[ firey pits of hell and all that. ]

I can think of a few people who would benefit from a chat with a Spirit of Knowledge1

[dirthena]

Oh, make no mistake, those in the Chantry do the same. But I suppose they're more successful at it than yours, considering they're real.

( literal demons are way more effective. the church of england could take notes! )

As can I. If you would like to know more, there's another from my world who may be able to provide more insight into the world of spirits from a magical perspective.

[kingsroads]

In that case, I'll be certain to pick both of your brains at the meeting.

[ though we've got another instance of 'you used a word, what does it mean.' ]

I assume the Chantry is an organized religion sort of thing?

[dirthena]

I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

( it's the quickest way into solas's good graces, after all. and that might not work now as it did then, but she'll still promote it. )

For the shemlen-- the humans, yes. Most of them.

[kingsroads]

Then I suppose my world got off lucky. Politicians and generals have opinions on magic, but the church has been wonderfully silent.

[dirthena]

Is it not tied to religion as it is in Thedas? The shemlen always parrot their prophetess: "magic must serve man, not the other way around" or however it goes.

[kingsroads]

Magic is tied to the land itself. English magic is as much a part of our heritage as the rocks, trees, and rivers.

[dirthena]

And magic is just a part of Thedas, although tied to a person and not the land. ( a pause, as she considers this. ) Has it caused any natural calamity?

( because she's happy to blame the blight for people's poor opinions of mages, really. )

[kingsroads]

Not to my knowledge? Odd events surely, but nothing like floods or storms. But again, magic has only just returned after hundreds of years an absence.

[dirthena]

Mm. Most of Thedas is told of a time when shemlen used magic to break natural law, and brought about a Blight to the land. One could presume it set the tone for magic and how welcome it is from that point on.

[kingsroads]

What exactly did this 'blight' consist of?

[dirthena]

It is a reoccurring event where something we call Darkspawn rises to the surface in an attempt to eradicate all life. It's not as simple as that sounds, of course, but that's the gist of it.

[kingsroads]

And what's a Darkspawn?

[ sorry Lavellan............. ]

[dirthena]

( S I G H )

Creatures twisted by the taint they carry, and spread it to others. They are driven by a singleminded purpose; the end result would be the death or corruption of all of Thedas. A Blight is when they corrupt one of the Old Gods, and emerge from underground in massive numbers. The last Blight was only ten years ago, and rather unusually short -- most times they last for at least a decade.

( but dalish wardens Get Shit Done, obviously )

[kingsroads]

[ thaaaaat sounds fuckin terrifying! ]

Don't think this rude, but I'm glad my world doesn't have anything like that.

[dirthena]

I can't possibly imagine why someone would want to pass up on a world with them in it.

( she says, amused. )

[kingsroads]

[ Strange can't help but laugh at her sarcasm. ]

Well, I'm happy to say that you'll deal with all sort of nonsense in the carnival but thankfully, no Darkspawn yet.

[dirthena]

We'd all have to become Grey Wardens otherwise, and I've no desire to do that.

( nor the knowledge how, since they tend to keep the whole 'drink darkspawn blood and see what happens' thing on the down low. )

But that does beg another question -- what can I expect?

[kingsroads]

[ Strange lets out a small little 'hmmm' of thought before answering, ]

Some places change us in certain ways. In other places, we'll be glamored to fit the surroundings. It can be dangerous, especially when the fae are involved. Some places aren't even real, fantasy lands or digital worlds. [ Strange says the word 'digital' as if it's a foreign term he's not sure he's pronouncing right. ]

I can guarantee you this, though: you won't regret signing on.

[dirthena]

If the Ringmaster can deliver on her end of the contract, I have no doubts about that.

( it would be worth it. )

Digital. ( what the fuck is that. anyway, she's not unused to lands that aren't exactly real, or danger, so it doesn't trouble her much -- it comes across clearly in her tone. ) Thank you, Ser Strange.

[kingsroads]

[ And there's a short laugh on his end. Ser? Well then. ]

Just 'Strange' will suffice—Jonathan, if you feel you must. And I suppose I'll see you at the meeting, Lavellan?

[dirthena]

Strange, then. You will, yes. I look forward to it.

( because she doesn't know that he's, well. jonathan strange. )