· TO EVERYONE ·

[carmesi]

[this message will arrive into the awareness of all summoned. however, given the nature of this content, with both istredd and wanda’s telepath abilities combined, they’ll make it so that the summoned can choose to read it at a later point in time when it isn’t a nuisance to them; an unread message, as it were. they will also telegraph the images linked into the minds of those reading as they read, for ease.]

This is Wanda. Istredd and I have talked about the importance of making this information available to all Summoned.

What we are going to detail here are events that happened a few months back. It has to do with Josselyn Creed—those in Solvunn would have noticed her ashes displayed in the main square of the Primary Settlement. It has to do with the abductions that took place, what happened to those who were taken, and what those of us who stayed behind were able to uncover.

It might not be an easy read, especially for those who were taken. But we think it’s important that we are all on the same page. To be aware of our surroundings and cautious of the intentions of the natives here some more. Any comment or action that may seem a little odd might be worth taking note of.

And… perhaps this can bring some closure to those who are still feeling the effects of what happened.

I can speak from my perspective as one of those who wasn’t abducted. Josselyn was part of it as the representative of the Tertiary Settlement, making her a member of the Council in Solvunn. Before all this happened, she made some… questionable decisions. Acting separately from the Council as a whole.

I went to the Tertiary Settlement at the behest of Rowan, another council member, and found a house shrouded in an aura of corruption. The boy in this house had gone to a nearby shrine in the woods and returned to be haunted by a ‘white-faced demon’. After purifying the shrine, I saw a symbol, and we would later realize it was the same as the one others found after the abductions had taken place. The corruption I found in this shrine and in the woods was present in or near areas where the Summoned and natives were known to be abducted.

This is to say that things were already in motion before this group played their hand.

And then the abductions started. Natives and Summoned started disappearing from Solvunn, and then we heard that the same was happening in the other nations. We were scattered for a while trying to find leads, but eventually it all led back to Solvunn. The borders were open during this time to allow others to help in the investigation here. Josselyn was a point of interest because she was an influential figure and she, too, was abducted.

It wasn’t until later that we found out that she was not one of the abducted, but an abductor. The leader of the movement, in fact.

Her house was a point of interest. There was a door warded with magic that we couldn’t open, and a number of artifacts in bottles and jars that were worrisome. Then there was a book, too. A ledger. I apologize for the details being very general—so much was happening at the time. We were advised to recreate a High Magic ritual to try and open the door by invoking the right god or using the ledger. When we opened the door, what we found was further proof of Josselyn’s involvement, and personal items that would be used to find her. We also found an early base of a recipe that was used to find a cure for those who were abducted.

This is something Istredd could speak of better, but there was a monster in the pit, and while it was anything unlike what’s been seen in Abraxas. I found out the following: Isar Hart, the one who took over Josselyn’s duties in the council, told me that unknown creatures can be made through rituals and magic, typically of the transformative kind and it acts on already existing objects or beings. It’s against Solvunn’s traditions, and only the Old Gods should have the power to choose what new beings enter the world.

The Old Gods, as unlikely as it may seem to some, are real. We saw one in Josselyn’s execution. Cadaevos. We’ve seen some before any of this happened, in visions, and I’ve made a pact with one myself. We can discuss the Old Gods at some later point, though, because that’s another long-winded discussion…

But it’s worth mentioning that there are newer gods. Nikodaemus was one of them. He was responsible for creating the illusions that were hiding those who were abducted. Enchantments were used to make the island and the peninsula appear untouched. There is an illustration of this god in Solvunn’s records, for those interested to see.

This is Istredd. I was one of the people captured. I apologize to the people who will see their experiences written out here, but I will be very general. If you wish to share more specifics of what exactly you went through or facts you think must be shared, please do so.

About half of the Summoned were captured and placed inside of what is called "The Pit" by many of us, a dark cavern without any visible exit, they didn't need to guard us because at that point there was no way out. There was very little food and water so we had to ration.

Any special abilities were dampened by a High Magic spell and they utilized physical and mental distractions so we couldn't focus to reach out on the network or go into the Horizon. There were monsters within the place that some of the Summoned fought off. We found special shrines within that had newly painted the symbol Wanda shared. There was a monster within it that spoke to us mentally to try and be released. We were given access to them from an acolyte who turned against them named Hydnellia, now Lorelai, and tokens found otherwise. We resolved to only let the monster out as a last resort.

The second week, the Summoned were taken and experimented on. I was one of only two who was not taken into the ritual, but I was told the details about it. The summary is that they took people and forced them to eat something. They claimed it was to help them "commune with the gods". This led them to experience lesions, fungal growths on their skin, and a changed mental state with delusions and violence.

This all culminated eventually into experiencing a vision. I believe most people saw different images, but those who talked to me referenced something similar to when the Summoned had shared nightmares last year and images we saw when the Heralds were affecting us. For example, the maze some of us got stuck in during the Heralds. The vision also showed a shadowed man at the very end.

Realizing we were definitely in too much danger to wait for rescue, as more people were put in the ritual and struggling with their sickness, we worked to find an escape. The shrine monster was released and caused havoc within the cavern, destroying much of the ceiling. There were two escape routes with portals, which is why people ended up in two separate locations. One was through the floor as water seeped in and there was enough space to swim, and another through a hole that required people to stay behind to hold open with webbing.

Those of us who stayed behind were placed within an altar room, away from the main area as it was destroyed in many places. We were trapped within and it slowly began flooding. The acolytes started to turn on the cult and help us. While a group from the outside tried to negotiate with them, another one broke their way in, but by that point the cavern was collapsing into the water. The only way we survived was a giant turtle appeared who the Thorne Summoned had helped when beached. Then everyone was rescued and reunited in Nocwich to recover.

Whether you agree with it or not, Solvunn’s customs called for Josselyn’s execution, as a way to right her wrongs. As mentioned, an Old God was summoned for the ritual and she suffered a gruesome end. I don’t think I need to specify how it happened. I know many decided not to assist because they knew she’d be executed.

The acolytes that survived were spared and are currently imprisoned. Two members of the group were rescued, Lorelai and her brother Esmond, and they’ve resettled here in the Tertiary Settlement.

Some of us got to interrogate her before her execution. Her true goal was to have the same ability that we, the Summoned, have to communicate or receive communications from the gods. At least that’s what she believed we could do. She claimed that because some of us have had shared visions, visits from the Heralds, and a powerful connection to the Singularity, that we have a connection to the divine. Ancient texts suggested that divinity could be reached through metamorphosis, so she used plants containing hallucinogens and transformative properties in hopes of providing the right trigger.

Josselyn and her sect were formally put together within a year, but these ideas have been going on for a while, though, and the research is available for anyone who knows where to look. All of her people were captured, and we have psychic assurances of the fact. But that doesn’t mean that other people couldn’t see what they did and think it’s possible to try it again.

We still don’t know who the original shrines were to, or what the shrine monster was–whether it was a god itself or a servant of a god, nor where it is now. Motions are currently being considered to be pitched to our factions requesting access to the island and the ruins to investigate. We don't know if they'll allow us, but we're trying.

It might also be worth considering more people learning High Magic in order to counter this sort of thing. Solvunn is the place where this kind of magic is prevalent, but… I could share what I know with others who are skilled with magic in the other nations so that they can teach it to those around them, too.

We’ll meet at some point–all of us–in the Horizon to discuss what we can and should do next. We will let you know when. If there are any questions or additional information to be shared in the meantime, feel free to do so.

( ooc: this means that now every summoned has ic knowledge of what happened with josselyn and her cult! we will be setting up a mingle in september for characters to get together, from all factions, to discuss things more in depth after some time has been given to digest the information. also to avoid the event log lol )

Comments

Public to all Summoned

[sleepfan]

I have not been here very long. Please ignore anything communicated if it is not useful.

I am familiar with forcible magical transformations using already existing creatures or people: I have seen several and I have some information about how the triggers work. There is much I don't understand, but I will add what I know to the Horizon libraries.

Have those who were abducted been examined? Magical experimentation of this nature can cause illness and health complications in its subjects. You mentioned a cure for the foreign substance's symptoms, but the effects can hide and not be immediately apparent as an ailment or injury.

I would suggest being very careful about trying High Magic. If the wrong person tries, it may not go well.

If we are all watched so much and the nations are at odds, how were Summoned abducted from each nation?

[thedevilwhorose]

In the case of Thorne their argument was everyone was kidnapped from outside of the castle itself. If we'd stayed 'in' we'd have been safe, as they've always said.

They agreed that improvements for protecting the Summoned could be made and they could only move forward from this incident.

[sleepfan]

Of course that is what they said; it is the most beneficial approach for Thorne.

It is interesting, as it still means that either Thorne is not very good at finding spies from the other nations and their tracking systems are compromised, that the cult had some way to know which Summoned were outside of the Castle and where and when, or that Summoned were working with them.

[ushiri]

Summoned were taken from areas where we have a little more freedom and less eyes on us. In Thorne it happened outside of the castle walls, or in Nott.

You are familiar with High Magic, or a version of it?

[sleepfan]

At least some eyes on us, it would seem. Not only Thorne's. Or Thorne's information is accessible to others. Or Thorne has traitors.

Private to Kyle:

I am familiar with my world's divine magic. I have an inborn gift for faith magic - my family was given this by a Goddess's child. Do not mistake me: I am not an expert and a great deal was being hidden from us. But it is an area of interest to me. Especially as it relates to transformations and attempts to force connections to the divine.

[Claude mentioned Kyle, so Linhardt sees no reason to hide his Crest or that his, unlike the others', was bestowed through direct divine contact. But that does not mean mentioning it in public is the best idea. Even amongst the Summoned.]

open, changed to permaprivate

[ushiri]

Portals were used. Trade routes between factions that were taken advantage of too, but I don't remember the details.

[ The rest he will continue to respond to privately. ]

private;

You're from Fodlan? I've been practicing some of your faith magic with someone here. I was a priest in my own world.

sorry claude ;-;

[sleepfan]

It is still concerning that the Summoned's whereabouts were so well known. Portals take planning. Or they should. I am not yet as familiar with Abraxan magic as I would like.

I am from Fodlan. Please do not tell me that you had Claude teaching you. Or using his books.

[aquaveiled]

I would love to hear about your experiences with transformations and High Magic.

In regards to the abductions, I'm not entirely sure, but I believe they began in Solvunn some time before they were turned on the Summoned. I need to talk to someone to confirm it, though.

[sleepfan]

I do not know as much as I would like; I am still in the process of uncovering a great deal but my attentions are rather divided. Also, my knowledge is contained to my world and may not be applicable here.

I have seen several uses of divine-derived power to turn human beings into monsters, both willingly and purposeful and otherwise. Typically, there is a focal object involved - I urge caution with High Magic because in my experience handling or attempting to use one of these artifacts without the proper connection often results in a loss of control. It is possible to force a connection - to forcibly allow a divine magical connection - but it is highly dangerous to the recipient.

That sounds logical. There are not many Summoned: If the magic they attempted could prove fatal, it would be wiser to test it on natives first. Abducting the Summoned and killing them all while accomplishing nothing would be a waste of resources. Even amoral organizations conform to some sense of efficiency if only because if they don't, they fall apart.

Still, confirmation would be welcome. Knowledge is preferable to assumptions and inferences.

[aquaveiled]

I've found that there are more similarities than differences in the magicks across our stars, so don't worry too much!

I believe I've seen something similar as well...though I'm curious what sort of deities you're used to? It's been called "Tempering" where I'm from, when someone falls into the thrall of a god. On your star, is there a way to counteract this?

Yes, exactly. And unfortunately it does seem that there were many locals who died in the process.

I'll be sure to share my findings as soon as I'm able to arrange a meeting. Or just find them the old fashioned way.

[sleepfan]

It makes sense. While we all consider our worlds to be very different from each other, in some respects they are more alike than different. Just as those of us from Fodlan all likely seem similar to everyone not from Fodlan even though we are aware of the differences. The worlds seem to share some basic physical properties. We may share very basic magical properties as well. It is hard to say.

My continent only was allowed to worship a single deity. Although I have encountered shrines to other deities, I am not particularly familiar with their stories. The only nation of another faith that I have some knowledge of does not worship deities; they believe the world and nature itself are a collection of spirits. They work with these spirits; it is not codified and magical unlike the worship I am used to.

There is no name for it in Fodlan. I should choose one, I suppose.

I think it is possible, but I'm not...

[...]

[...]

It is a very difficult problem. I am studying it, and there are avenues which have seemed promising, but my efforts are slow and frustrated by many factors outside of my control. I will add what I have learned to Istredd's library.

That would be appreciated.

🔒 private, permanently

[godshattering]

[ Claude's mostly watching these conversations for now, but when something he recognizes pops up outlining something he knows well in multiple ways, he doesn't have to guess whose handwriting it is. Nothing about this is anything he particularly wants to dwell on when it comes to specifics, but as Wanda and Istredd have said: some information is too important to not share. ]

The Summoned from The Pit were checked by healers upon arriving back and given extensive care. That was both before and after receiving a cure created by those familiar with elements of the ritual mentioned here from my understanding. Several spent extended time in under greater care yet after leaving Nocwich.

Much of that immediate healing was later told to me by others as I wasn't fully conscious for a couple days after our return. Should you want to study the after-effects from this, consider this me saying you have access to someone with which to do that.

[sleepfan]

Hello, Claude.

Thank you. The primary difficulty will be our differing physical locations. I will need to think around that problem.

How many healers are in Solvunn and the Free Cities? Among the Summoned. And were the returned people checked by Summoned or Abraxans? Both would be ideal.

[godshattering]

If you don't mind a little patience, there's always the weekends the portals open in Nocwich. I'm sure there's somewhere in one of the inns that'd suffice.

As for numbers, that part I can't answer. Medicine and healing here are ... far more advanced than what we're used to in Fodlan. Cadens has hospitals with things I'd never seen before, and I believe there's a few Summoned who know healing magic from learning it here. One of the Summoned here owns a clinic - Nadine Cross. You should speak to her if you can since I learned quite a bit of herbology from her and she's incredibly adept.

Several who weren't abducted assisted with much of the efforts in Nocwich from what I've heard. Abraxans helped provide much of the care, but I don't believe it was them alone. Nadine would again be the best to ask for more about that, I think.

[sleepfan]

Yes. That will be the only access I have to your person. You will need to take detailed notes on your physical condition as I instruct. No lying.

I am speaking to Nadine. I will ask her. Why are the Free Cities more advanced in healing than Thorne? Does Thorne refuse to take advantage of the information or do the Free Cities refuse to share the knowledge?

[nadine_he_loves]

The abducted were examined and kept under medical care on return. I'm one of the healers who tended to them and who worked on the cure. I also have an ability of my own, where I can tell if there's something wrong with someone and some vague details about it through touch. I used that ability on the abducted.

I can try and answer any questions you have about their physical state and the treatments.

[sleepfan]

Are there notes? I would like to see them as some portions of Abraxas are less backwards than Fodlan so the measurements and information might have more accuracy.

It is a good ability.

Please tell me a general overview of your discovery: I would like to have it presented in your words first as I am so new that I would also like to consider your perspective. I will ask clarifying questions on what I need to know.

Are you aware of how many healers and physicians are among the Summoned in the different nations?

[nadine_he_loves]

I do have notes, but they're medical notes that include personal information on patients. I'm not entirely comfortable just sharing them with anyone who asks to see them. I'm sure you can understand that.

It was easier to cure us than the locals who were brought back. Locals needed multiple treatments. But after treatments there were no indications of anything still lingering. I felt nothing in anyone. So if anything is left, it's either dormant or disguised. The cure was more reversing what had been done than adding anything wholly new into the mix.

I honestly don't know, but not many of us. I think right now I'm the only fully fledged practicing healer in the Free Cities. There are some mages who know about healing in Thorne, and I think an herbalist, and there's a skilled surgeon in Solvunn.

And I'll be honest, I'm still technically a student doctor. I'm halfway through medical school. But with a lot more experience than most student doctors.

[sleepfan]

I understand. You have no reason to trust me. Nor do your patients. If it is possible to aggregate the data or make it usable, I would appreciate it, but if privacy is preferred that is your and their right to decide.

In my experience, the damage may not be apparent: people seem to function well but there are hidden problems which may impact their lifespan among other things. All the abducted may be fine. I do not know. Given the advantages Abraxas and the Free Cities offer over Fodlan, it may be that such issues are easily found and corrected here. That would be ideal.

How much of a discrepancy was there between natives and the Summoned with regard to necessary treatment? Does multiple treatments mean 2 or 12? Do the Summoned seem to have more resilience to other foreign substances or is that something we do not know?

I was told there are only two of us in Thorne among their Summoned, but that might be incorrect. If all nations do not bring many of us, we might just not be seen as very useful.

Private to Nadine Cross:

Your situation sounds very stressful. You are taking care of yourself?

[carmesi]

I understand your concern regarding High Magic. Which is why I want to focus my efforts on those who had an affinity and learning of magic prior to their arrival here. I was thinking of protective sigils and runes for those who are less involved in it.

[sleepfan]

That is good. I am glad to hear that someone knowledgable is leading the efforts. My warning was redundant, but I do not know yet who is here, so I would rather say something useless than let potential danger pass.

Hopefully there are enough Summoned to make progress.

Do you know protective sigils and runes? May I see them?

[carmesi]

No, it was a fair warning.

I have my own, and I've tried ways of connecting them with this world' practice for High Magic. I can't really... show them through here, but perhaps you'd be interested in learning High Magic yourself?

So Very Private

[philancer]

Please tell me you’re not talking about what I think you’re talking about.

[ Sorry, Linhardt, he still has trauma from some of those “forcible magical transformations” and even hearing them mentioned in this new world has him on edge. He’d really prefer to leave any and all mentions of Crests and their cursed side effects in the past. ]

And yeah, we were examined. Thoroughly. They kept us in their hospitals for quite a while after we made it out, making sure we were okay and that there were no side effects.

[ …Which he’d really hoped would be the end of it, actually. ]

Do you think there are MORE side effects we need to watch out for?

Always private - enjoy the lore dump, Sylvain. Trauma? What trauma? That was an interesting day!

[sleepfan]

Hello, Sylvain.

Miklan is one data point, if that is what you are referring to. I am also considering Dedue's voluntary transformation, Rhea's form as the Immaculate One and her collection of magical foci, the Beast that stalks the forest, the other existent Saints and what I know of their transformed forms, the similarities between some of the Church's creatures and Demonic Beasts, and Hapi's connection to monsters. As well as what I and Hubert have learned from the weaponry of the Others. There are clear similarities that suggest some relation or system.

Which hospitals?

The experimentation that was done on Edelgard and Lysithea von Ordelia impacted their lifespans. I believe; I cannot confirm Lysithea's condition due to the war.

did you just hear that string of cursing all the way over in thorne, linhardt?

[philancer]

[ Give him a minute here, because he understood like. Three words in that entire reply. ]

What the fuck are you talking about?!