Event Log: May, An Inauspicious Arrival

[faileas]

Event Log: May, An Inauspicious Arrival

I. Boaltinn (1st - 3rd) Boaltinn comes around again. A handful of Mirrorbound will remember the holiday from last year, but for others, it will be brand new. In both Residential Districts, bonfires burn in central locations through the night, frequented by the residents celebrating another summer come to Aefenglom. Curiously, while last year the bonfires seemed quite segregated by human or Monster, this year, there is more of a noticeable mix at each, and Mirrorbound are invited to join the games and festivities quite happily. Characters are invited to try and jump through the bonfire's flames to burn away any poor relationship experiences, be it romantic or platonic, past or present; to aid them in this, those at the Eastern Bonfire will give those participating rune-etched accessories to protect them from the fire. The city has quite a bit to offer for this holiday: shared rose baths at public bathhouses and pleasure establishments that increase feelings of friendliness and talkativeness, poles draped in ribbons meant to be danced around, wrapping a ribbon around the pole to bring good luck for the summer, food stalls whose offerings are meant to be shared, and fortune-telling set up by Divination students of the Coven, who can tell your day is going to go. To see last year's Boaltinn prompts, you can take a glance right here! Much of it, including the bonfires, baths, and entertainments will be similar this year, so feel free to use those in your top levels.

II. An Unusual Arrival (3rd on) A full year from the arrival of the first group of Mirrorbound, the 1st passes quietly, with no one showing up in the mirror-lined halls of the Looking-Glass House. Dates and times are important in most kinds of magic, and this is strange enough that some Witches of the Coven get together on the night of the 3rd to try a probing ritual, attempting to gather some kind of clues that could be useful in prying out the cottage's secrets. Boaltinn is the best time for such things, when the boundaries are thinner, and magic is stronger. Those who are awake that night at 3 am might notice a pulse of harmless silvery light that spreads like ripples on water throughout the whole city, originating at the Looking-Glass House, but nothing further happens, and the Coven receives no answers. Well, nothing happens in the Looking-Glass House. Before long, the reports start coming in: people are emerging from mirrors, regular old mundane mirrors, all over the city. Anything with a particularly reflective surface could be an entry point for someone from another world! Inhabited homes, businesses closed and locked for the night, pools of still water in fountains or the river, these unorthodox Mirrorbound pop up anywhere and everywhere, causing chaos for the City Guard (folks aren't happy to find strangers in their bathrooms at 3 in the morning) and the Coven both. Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. If you are one of these unfortunate arrivals, it's likely a rude awakening for you, to find yourself somewhere inconvenient, somewhere other than where you've been. It only makes sense to be confused. Hopefully someone finds you and explains to you what's happened to you. Resident Mirrorbound will hear a message from Miss Nessie shortly after it begins, a call to arms: "Dears, I'm quite sorry to disturb you, but it seems your fellows are arriving elsewhere than the Looking-Glass House this month! We're trying to track them all down for the usual welcome, but we could use a hand or several! If you could just bring them by the Coven, the usual spot, that would be lovely." She'll give her usual orientation and pass out Watches, but no doubt the Mirrorbound will be more helpful in this regard, with so many arriving.

III. The Goblin Market (All Month) Life goes on in Aefenglom, despite the addition of so many new residents. With the City Guard decidedly busy dealing with the sudden flood of break-ins (or, more accurately, break-outs?), the vendors of the Goblin Market find opportunity to set up their stalls more openly than they have since the crack-downs some months ago. They pop up all over the city, but clustered more often in the Residential Districts and the Harbor District, where there are even fewer law enforcement agents out and about to run them off. These sellers, while not as devoid of morals as those major players of the Black Market, still have very few compunctions when it comes to lying, cheating, fencing stolen goods, and misrepresenting their wares to unsuspecting buyers. It's also the place to find those things that are- not quite legal, shall we say. They won't say a word if you don't. If confronted, they are quick to pack up their things and slip away, however; they know this city and its hiding places a lot better than you do. With a brand new batch of what the natives assume are Mirrorbound, many undergoing rapid transformations into their Monster forms, many of the wares on display are potions: supposed cure-alls for aches and itches, calming draughts for the full moon restlessness, some even claim their brews can halt changes entirely! Some concoctions are meant to increase a Witch's magical ability, or decrease it, or provide them a finer control. They offer potions that they say will eliminate the need for a Bond, or temporary Bonding potions of their own that they claim are more pure, stronger, than the ones offered by the Coven. Claims are only claims, though. A few remedies for the pain of changing or some regular temporary Bonding potions can be found here and there, but for every potion that works, there are twenty more that have less than pleasant side effects. A brew that will cause everything you touch to turn to solid gold for up to an hour; a potion that will invert your sense of direction - trying to turn right will make you turn left, trying to go forward will cause you to walk backward; a potion that will remove all traction from your feet, causing you to slide around as if cobblestone are the slickest ice. Worse, some shadier vendors sell things more sinister, including a potion that gives you the appearance of being moderately to heavily infected by the Cwyld. Even if you don't drink any, the vendors are not at all careful where they're sloshing those bottles around, trying to show them off, and they all activate on skin contact.

IV. A Wilde Hunt (7th - 22nd) All Mirrorbound, temporary or not, are likely to feel it. Monsters are always affected by the full moons, but this month, it is more. Stronger. Instincts rise to the surface as the Sisters emerge full and visible in the night sky, and for many Mirrorbound, they are undergoing rapid transformations into whatever type of Monster they are meant to be. Curiously, the natives get along like they usually do, noticing nothing out of the norm, other than the increased agitation and restlessness from Mirrorbound Monsters. Monsters' aggression fades when the Sisters start to wane, but as the new moons approach on the 22nd, Mirrorbound Witches will notice their magical reserves overfilling, and will find themselves stricken with the overwhelming urge to use it, until casting spells, pushing one's magical limits, is almost a compulsion. Those who are not in proper Witch-Monster Bonds will feel it even stronger, with no stabilizing magic to consume (for Monsters) or avenues to expend magic (for Witches) other than casting spells. (For those who are interested, the Coven does offer temporary Bonding potions which can be used to help alleviate the effects somewhat.) The Coven Witches notice the signs, and they take decisive action on the morning of the 6th, the day before the full moons. So many Mirrorbound, likely to be so heavily affected by the lunar cycle this month, many of them coming into new features and abilities at a breakneck pace, only spells danger for the city. They barricade off a massive chunk of Wilde outside Aefenglom, largely free of Cwyld and totally bereft of farms, homes, and Wilder outposts. They invite anyone who feels the effects of the moons too strongly to control to come out for a Hunt. The hunting grounds will be open nightly to anyone who needs to work off restless energy or overflowing magic; all participants will be warned that their safety cannot be guaranteed from others, but they won't be able to harm bystanders out here. The woods are thick, with the river cutting through them, and full of wildlife. There is room to run and chase prey, or room to play with your developing magic. Play cat and mouse with your friends or Bondmates, or stalk a stranger. If playing games isn't your thing, there is something else to hunt out here as well. With the deep Wilde entering into Winter, this patch of land so close to the city is much warmer, and fearsome Shades have emerged to search for prey. These were once living beings, Monsters, Witches, or animals, who have been overtaken by Cwyld infection long ago, leaving them dead but for the infection, white-eyed and seeking out sources of magic to consume and infect. Anything could become a Shade, but the most common out right now are the ferocious remains of bears, wolves, and nomadic Arachne and Turnskins. If not killed, these Shades threaten the people of the Outer City, when they inevitably escape the barricade. Careful to limit your contact, though; anyone infected upon their return to the gates will be escorted straight to the infirmary.

Welcome to May's Fourth Wall event, An Inauspicious Arrival! The comms are now open to comments from all registered users and will be until June 1st. Current players, if you don't want fourth wall characters tagging your posts, just say so in your text. Fourth wall characters can use this post for their own network top-levels, or this post for log top levels. This event is game canon; threads from this fourth wall can be used as application samples later and current players may use these threads for AC. As always, be courteous to each other! Let the mod team know if there are any problems and we will handle things.

As always, please direct your questions to this thread!

Comments

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona pauses to squint at her a moment, and while she appreciates the company, she also sees the double standard there. ]

Well, since you're new, I'll also be happy to accompany you so you're not caught alone either. [ She gives the girl a crooked smile. ] Hopefully that way nothing can catch either one of us off guard.

[honorbends]

[ there's a lengthy stare at that remark, and zuko is clearly struggling to come up with a response that isn't stop being an idiot, and ultimately settles on: ]

You're not surprised by that.

[ AN EXCELLENT OBSERVATION BY ZUKO ]

Is that -- are you serious?

[ why does this have to always happen to him ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Her breath hitches a little when he drags her closer. Even though it makes sense. It's just happening abruptly now and her pulse speeds a little rapidly in her chest as she tries to remain calm. She's not afraid, persay, but she might be a little nervous.

But she nods resolutely to reassure him. ]

No regrets.

[sparkstrikes]

[There is so much happening right now, so Lightning accepts the towels without a protest, only managing a quiet 'uhhh' in response before she dabs her face with them. That's really all she can do at this rate, but she does appreciate the gesture.

Well, most of it anyway.]

Wait—! [Before he can run off, she grabs hold of his shoulder.] Thanks but... I don't think I should take someone else's clothes.

[There is thoughtful, and then there's that.]

If I can just dry off and stay warm for a bit, I'll be fine.

[zewu_jun]

[ If Lan Xichen knows he maybe bent the rules a little with that request, he still looks back at the critical stare with a bright-eyed innocence. He was given permission, after all. There's nothing wrong with adding a few extra parts to the one question, right? He gave one answer after all! ]

The sphere is your world then? [ Hey, this is rhetorical so it doesn't count. ] Hm. Then it might be possible that this world is drawing on similar magic within our worlds and re-purposing those powers. We also have the ability where I am from, but I have never traveled to another plane.

[ But if they have transportation magic, then- ]

Would you also consider yourself one who is attuned toward spiritual power, Sir Geralt?

[ He's trying. It's hard. ]

Theater tags are alluding to a special gift I planned for. Look forward to it!

[purposefulnonsense]

Unaware of the history he has not lived, Hythlodaeus is only left with the erroneous supposition that his friend may have himself availed of the services of one skilled in the transmutation of living forms. Yet, what he does not know does not affect his mood. Instead, he focuses on the point of his friend's generosity.

"I shall make the effort to look into it." His smile softens a measure more. "...Thank you, my friend, for looking out for me."

It is unusual, he thinks, for him to be the one watched over. Yet, he finds he doesn't mind it. Not that he would, given his nature, but it is... touching, to think of his friend showing his care in that aloof way of his.

[arturiarex]

[ Unlike the last time, this feels more freeing. Less like she is losing control and more like she is indulging herself in something she has never allowed. Felix's voice chases after her and with her wings spread, she gives them a flap, the downdraft kicking up some stray leaves. Then again. She manages to claw a bit of altitude, wings working. It's an unfamiliar sensation, with muscles she never had before.

It feels exhilarating.

Of course, the clearing is only so large and she has to glide back to earth before she runs into the branches and tree trunks. She's actually laughing when she does, wings working for a bit of stability as she stumbles. ]

I didn't know I could!

[sparkstrikes]

[Whatever it is that Orchid has summoned, Lightning hardly has the time to look besides a glance over her shoulder, but her field of vision is quickly taken up by the Shade coming in close, swiping its paw at a low-hanging branch that she is able to dodge. Its large black claws catch Lightning's red cape and it wrenches her backwards, bringing her sprint to a complete halt.

If it weren't for the attack on it from behind, she would have been lunch. Turned into black sludge or whatever it is that she'd become after coming into contact with it.

The bear Shade roars as the magic electrifies it, and Lightning is able to tear herself free far enough that she can bring her sword around in an upwards swing, trying to hit any part of it she's able to. She cuts through its arm, slicing one of its paws clean off its body, and when it falls, it transforms into a pool of acid that eats away at the ground. The blade itself is crackling with electricity, but only for a moment before it's absorbed back into her hands again, creating a ripple effect of light under her skin.]

A couple more should do it.

and now my curiosity is piqued....

[unsundered]

It's a completely reasonable conclusion to draw- and a far more realistic option than the reality of how and what Emet-Selch's form consists of and why.

And it was also true enough that he'd rarely been the one to look out for much of anyone like this. A combination of little opportunity, necessity or inclination led to such a result. The Ascian was dutiful, yes, but not particularly thoughtful. And when the world had ended, he'd become even less so; the broken peoples deserved nothing of his regard or consideration. They were something to scorn, not to look after. And so, there had been little chance to show even the slightest concern towards anyone.

So while Emet-Selch's first impulse is to scoff at Hythlodaeus' gratitude, there's a hesitation to it. A moment's pause, the sound weakened into a small huff instead, tone reflecting a tiredness more than a defense. "Someone must, I suppose... and with no one better equipped for it than I, the responsibility falls to myself. It's--"

'--been a long time,' he doesn't say. A flicker of loneliness and grief only, though quickly dismissed.

"Nevermind. I'm sure you'll find a way to fit in, with little trouble for anyone but myself."

[thavnairian]

((overflow!))

[thavnairian]

((overflow!))

[oomfies]

[ Thank you Jean.. It is rough being a hot sexy vampire. At least he seems nice enough to help out, offering to get her things.. Lottie isn't sure what to say, so she simply nods, a little embarrassed at being so tongue-tied by his generosity. ]

Where I'm from they're fake.

[ But the answer about vampire origins? Easy. Lottie provides the info naturally, nibbling on some bread between sentences. ]

Like fiction or fairytales, I guess. People've written about vampires for like.. Years. I think they were based on some Vlad guy? Who was real, but human.

[thavnairian]

((overflow!))

[thavnairian]

((overflow))

[electrod]

[ Husband? Well, well... interesting. When the peacock harpy appears, there's a twinge of instinct, one that he's not exactly familiar with. The man has barely spoken and there's an urge to spread wings and posture aggressively— it's not even his own turf, what the fuck, bird-brain.

But Reno is a consummate professional, his gaze may turn sharp, smile a bit predatory with a hint of sharp teeth, but he makes no move and remains perfectly cordial as he speaks ]

It's not far from here— keep in mind that this market here is an illegal gathering. Better double-check any goods you bought here. They might have... unexpected side effects.

[ And he turns unhurriedly and saunters in the direction of the less crowded route.

The way he sees it— they got 0 connections here, no network, no secure way of information gathering. Frankly speaking, they're ridiculously out of their depth. But for a seasoned Turk, a mission of being dropped in a middle-of-fucking-nowhere and establishing a convincing cover-identity to sit down for three months, waiting for the sign to act? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

And the thing with being nice sometimes not only helps in establishing the connections, but it means people owe you favour to collect later. One of the oldest currencies. ]

[finesseblade]

[ Sougo is not fast, and that's the most frustrating part. His wolf's instincts want to run, to hunt and tear into Shades with his teeth, but he must stop every few paces, head swiveling back around to peer balefully at Sougo, to make sure he's still keeping up. He can't leave the boy behind. Odds are good he'd be a sitting duck out here in the dark.

Eventually they crest a rise, and Felix spots movement down in the ravine below. A hand darts out, snagging claws in Sougo's collar, dragging both of them down low to the ground. ]

Down there. Do you see them?

[gale_arc]

Heh, maybe I'll buy some of that stuff anyway. I can think of someone who could use it.

[ Judging from that mischievous grin on his face, it probably won't be a willing makeover, either.

Okay, he's doing his best here, but there's only so much he can get from nonverbal communication. But at least it seems like this furball gets it, so far. ]

So you're not stuck? Why stay like that, then? It's way easier to talk to people when you aren't playin' charades the whole time.

[ Hisui's pretty sure that if he had the option, he'd stay human as much as possible. If only to make communication easier. ]

[puppetgirl]

[ The Shade's massive form nearly obstructs Orchid's view, but she manages to catch a flash of red as the creature's claws hook onto Lightning's cape. Relief flickers across her face as Akasha's ability manages to land. If anything had happened to the woman, no matter how little she knows her, Orchid would have never forgiven herself.

The electricity fades from the bear's body as it recovers within a few seconds. It still has its other arm to retaliate. But Orchid refuses to give the Shade any more chances. ]

Understood. Akasha, give it all you've got.

[ The summoned beast's body crackles once more, sending forward another onslaught of electricity. Twice this time, for good measure. Enough to paralyze the Shade in place. She calls out with her small voice from the other side of the bear: ]

Strike it down.

[disasterstraight]

[ Reno, huh? Zixuan looks the stranger up and down, blatantly judging him on everything visible. His attire, his posture, the way he speaks. All of this gets noted and weighs in Zixuan's mind.

Just what kind of company is his wife keeping when he's not around?

But, his warning is at least in their favor, so Reno is deemed acceptible for now. ]

Good thing I didn't purchase anything, then.

[ He'd thought about buying one of those potions advertised as a miracle cure the other day, but now that Yanli is here, there's no need. Their bond will support them well enough.

He gestures for Yanli to follow Reno, before bringing up the rear himself. Best to keep her between them so that if any unsavory types should approach, either Reno or himself can fend them off. ...Not that he necessarily trusts Reno to do so sufficiently, but still. From the back, he can keep a close eye on their new companion. ]

[boneofsword]

[This makes Archer chuckle a bit darkly. The thought of Kirei having a heart is hillarious.]

Humans love to follow empty ideals or foolish wishes, thinking their lives or their suffering has some importance. Yet they're nothing more than toys for the gods, who are pawns in hands of fate.

i too will one day tag at a timely pace

[usurpers]

[ freedom wasn’t so romantic. someone would have the shorter end of the stick, and yes, eren would compromise their own choice if it meant protecting them, even from himself. nothing had to be this way. their enemies now could’ve been their friends, but the stain was way too far back into history for them to fix so cleanly.

eren is a nobody, but his choices and his drive bring him to the specialty everyone was born with. the only thing he ever did was seize it by the throat: he was free. the notion takes hold of him and swallows him, consumes him and leaves him with eyes that don’t care for the weight he carries, the pressure that threatens to squeeze him flat until he could barely move.

he keeps carrying it anyway, just like that boulder in trost, and he’ll only drop it when he seals this goddamn hole for good. ]

You’re right. I don’t.

[ the problem wasn’t have to. it always came down and settled into i want to and that in turn has, well. brought about all this destruction. ]

There’s more than that involved, Jean. [ things he’s not quite ready to say, or, perhaps, a waste of his energy when all could be forgotten by the end of the month. it didn’t make a difference right now. this type of conversation . . . wouldn’t get them anywhere, now. ] Maybe you’ll find out on your own.

[ there’s nothing else to say, and the sting at the curve of his lower eyelids dare to make his slit-eyes glaze against the light of day. a light that is blocked by the grey clouds that bring rain. only stray drops pelt the cobblestone floors, but eren already lifts his hood—

and tries to get away. ]

Hmnhmn~ You will have to wait for a tag or two!

[purposefulnonsense]

"I promise I shall save my most heartfelt troubles for you." A note of playful teasing is borne upon the words, belying the immense trust he feels towards his closest of friends.

Where Hades hides in sharp words, Hythlodaeus conceals the depth of his feelings with dazzling cheer. Grateful. He is truly grateful. What better person to be lost in this strange place with than him? And what luck that he should see him so soon?

"Naturally, should you feel so inclined, I shall be glad to lend my help in any troubles that ail you... even if they should turn out to be nothing more than want for a quiet place to nap."

He could probably manage to be quiet for a bell or two. Probably.

[thavnairian]

((overflow!))

[livingimpaired]

[ He frowns at the answer that he is given, and feels a moment of anger settle inside of him. ]

I can't say that my life will have too much importance, but I will not say that our suffering is not worth anything, Archer.

[ He closes his eyes for a moment before he opens them to look calmly upon the Servant. ]

There are useless people in the world, but there is no one that is worthless. There is meaning in every life even if that meaning may not be something of grand importance. [ This is what the priest truly believes. ] Even if we are but toys and pawns... we also have made our own decisions.

[ Kirei Kotomine repeats himself firmly. ] We have free will. [ He lets those words settle before continuing: ] If you are saying that you are nothing more than an empty vessel that has never made one real decision in your life, I fear... I really don't understand how you became a Heroic Servant.

[kingofunification]

[There's a small laugh from him.] Your people are always so wise when it comes to gambling with forces that perhaps should not be gambled with. [It was always nice to hear her straight-forward way of accepting events, making the jumble of thoughts in his head seem a little less daunting.] I should perhaps take that lesson to heart.

[But his eyes follow her gaze, catching the dull blackness of her nails. A sign of...what sort of creature? Are the nails the beginning of claws? Talons? He's curious, but--]

You don't have to share with me if you don't want to. [Claude's gaze draws back up to her face, flashing a reassuring smile.] If I can be frank for a moment, I can tell the whole process seems...uncomfortable to you.