to: everyone

[assembles]

Hey there, everyone. My name is Steve Rogers and I'm one of the people most recently summoned to the Free Cities. I'm also a good friend of Sam Wilson's — we've worked together for a number of years. I know he's made quite the name for himself here.

I've only been here for a little over a month, but in that time I've noticed a sudden increase in military activity within Cadens. There's increased drills and training exercises, equipment moving in and out, that kind of thing. I went by Fort Wilbridge and tried to ask some questions, but all they really had to say was that they were acting out of an abundance of caution. Almost like they're expecting something.

It seems suspicious, so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in how the factions are behaving, whether it's something I haven't picked up on in Cadens or something going on in Thorne or Solvunn. I figure it might be a good idea to compare notes so we won't be completely blindsided if something else is coming our way.

That's all I've got for now, but it's nice to meet you all. In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Comments

[sorser]

Not a lot in the way of Norse gods, no.

But otherwise? Occasionally. Usually it’s just another sorcerer from Kamar-Taj dropping by to ask a question or poke around the library.

[Or Peter Parker, apparently.]

Why? Thinking of paying the real thing a visit someday?

[carmesi]

A popular place to visit, then.
I don't think I will, personally, but perhaps you might visit me instead.

I'm kind of over the big cities, truth be told.

[sorser]

Well, maybe. If we ever find our way back home. Need to sort through this whole “on the verge of war in a different universe” business first.

So Solvunn’s still suiting you well?

[carmesi]

We went from Sam's speech a few weeks ago to concerning signs of conflict fast approaching, if any of these comments are anything to go by.

Yes, actually.
I went to the coast recently. It was nice.

[sorser]

Now, if only we knew what everyone was tossing up their defenses for.

The beach? For a relaxing getaway?

[carmesi]

Summoned, and yet kept at arms' length away from information.

Yes. I did not want to partake in Solvunn's ideas of cleansing rituals.
The one I went with greatly benefitted from the coastal weather.

[sorser]

And you're referring to Solvunn's very... unique process of shooing away the entities?

[carmesi]

It was disgusting.
The three I share a living space with could also not stop eating for days.
I had to babyproof the kitchen.

[sorser]

Well, that sounds pleasant.

[Gross?]

I would have chosen the sea, too.

[carmesi]

What was the ritual like, in Thorne?

[sorser]

Lots of study and research prior, all for the sake of creating the proper spell. Ten times more reading. Some spellcraft and alchemy. Oh, and did I mention reading?

When the time came, everyone stood in a circle and linked elixir-doused hands around a pool of water. Each person's version of their entities would take shape through the liquid, lashing out at the group. Eventually, though, it'd explode. We had to do it one by one.

I was tired, cold, and wet by the end of it.

[And he couldn't even sleep.]

[carmesi]

Yes, I'm sure you had a horrid time reading. Isn't that one of your favorite things to do, anyway?

Interesting how every faction seemed to have some way of ailing this entity situation. Makes me wonder how far advanced every ounce of these different magical applications are across this continent.

Did... you find anything of interest? Or just relief?

[sorser]

Even I have a limit. You ever read so much that your start to feel like you're going cross-eyed?

And do you mean did I glean any more information about the nature of the entities? No. Just relief.

[carmesi]

No, I've never had many chances to spend my time reading.
Sounds tedious, with the way you describe it.

Were there any comments made for those that refused the 'cleansing'?
Or did everyone participate?

[sorser]

I never felt that Thorne strictly twisted anyone’s arm to participate, but the sense of obligation was definitely there. Why? Did Solvunn have some select words for you?

[carmesi]

Not particularly.

They insist everything we do is related to their gods.
It just feels a little intimidating in the grand scheme of things.

[sorser]

Intimidating's one word for it.

[Another is... "cult-y".]

So then what do they think about having an actual god in their presence? Do they take very kindly to Thor?

[carmesi]

[the c-word.]

Thor is a good time all around.
I don't think they recognize him for what he actually is back home?

You could ask him.

[sorser]

And deal with more of his yelling ricocheting around in my head? Pass. Maybe I'll save it for a Horizon visit, instead.

[carmesi]

[...is his horizon fixed? hrmmm.]

Very well.

[bye mister strange]