event pt 1 | full moon & litha

[moustre]

Event Log: June, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I. IUNERIL 17TH - THE FULL MOONS The days leading up to the full moons are the same as last month: Monsters are a little itchier and a little easier to agitate, whether they mean to be or not, which becomes increasingly noticeable the day before the full moons. But of particular note is that this may be the second full moons that some arrivals have experienced, and with that comes greater risks, greater agitation, and further reminders to take care of themselves. Weather fair, despite the worries of the city, Monsters will find that the Sisters aren't blocked away by clouds this night. The moons cast their light down on the city, and the pull is strong for even the veteran natives that call the city home. The Coven is offering potions and charms, in an attempt to encourage those without a Bond to ensure that they will be able to keep their wits about them throughout the entire stretch of the Sisters' time in the sky at their fullest. They're always allowed to reject the offer, but it's with a warning: if they let their newfound instincts overtake them, then they might find themselves back in the Coven under worse conditions. But the Sisters rise framed in stark red skies, even as evening falls across Aefenglom, much to the discontent of the city. Streets that are rarely dim are lit up even moreso, now, in the face of this omen, lanterns and candles leading all the way to the Harbor District. Their colors flicker with shades of blue, green, violet - anything to offset the red. Boats that come and go along the river also carry a lantern or two with the same intent, and ships in the harbor are decorated with magical faerylights, strung across hulls, masts, the works. There's no place in the Harbor District untouched by light, with nary a sign of red in the midst of their goods. Tensions are already high, between the humans and Monsters of Aefenglom. It's especially noticeable on this night: full moons already cause everyone to be a little jumpy, but with the red tidings for Litha, they're more on edge than ever. Some blame the new arrivals, though never directly to their face, especially when they don't know who, or what, someone might be. It's always a there-and-gone whisper, it seems like. Gossip. Distrust. Unease. It doesn't lend well to the full moons, but there are still those that want to help. Many will notice that there's already activities and decorations up for Litha, some of them still under construction despite the fast approaching festival. The most notable of all are the hedge mazes that have been constructed, both by hand and with magic to encourage their growth. Behind the festival organizers' backs, a group of people - both man and beast - are offering Monsters a chance to burn off some of their energy by embracing their instincts in a more... constructive manner, with native Witches and Monsters alike prepared to intervene if things get a little too violent. In a sort of mockery of Litha's traditions, they're partnering Monsters up with a willing participant to run the mazes, with a variety of options that they will list. The partner - or partners, if there is a party looking to go in together - can be either Witch or Monster, and the people organizing this won't judge as they inform the interested individuals of their options: a. A-HUNTING WE WILL GO, allowing the Monster to either hunt a small livestock or game animal (a piglet, fowls, rabbits, the like) or to hunt down their partner through the maze they've chosen. This need not end violently, and can become more of a game of hide and seek meets tag. b. EVERYBODY WAS FIGHTING, where one maze in particular has been devoted to a makeshift fight ring at the very heart of it. The organizers hope, somewhat, that by making the Monster(s) in question run the maze first they'll be a little tired out already when reaching the ring. c. UNDER THE PALE MOONLIGHT, because instincts don't always call for violence, the organizers offer a more intimate experience here, whether it's sexual or nonsexual. Maybe you just want a good cuddle..? The organizers emphasize the idea of consent, and will not force anyone against their will into the hedge mazes, no matter which one it is. They also want to make sure that they will step in to help if called upon, in case someone gets a little too overeager. Witches looking to use magic this night will, peculiarly, find that their magic is a little less... cooperative. Many of the Coven Witches speak of how they specifically wait to cast powerful spells on the night of the full moons, to ensure that they have the greatest chances of success with the help of the Sisters. However, Witches of the new arrival persuasion are much weaker on full moons. Their magic is still there, and they can still draw upon it for spells, but they'll have to put greater effort if they want to cast a spell with any significant amount of power. Overexerting oneself while doing this is entirely possible, so it's best to try and find some sort of balance, lest you find yourself exhausted and without a means to defend yourself. We ask that any and all NSFW threads be marked accordingly, or otherwise moved to a locked post on the log community or an entry/inbox on a character journal. Remember to please be excellent to each other, and respect all limits that your threadmates might have, if you explore the more sexual or violent aspects of the offered prompts. If things get OOCly out of hand, please let us know; if things get ICly out of hand, please let Nessie and Mhairi know.

II. LITHA - IUNERIL 21ST TO 23RD Despite what chaos there might have been on the night of the full moons, and the subsequent day after as things began to calm, Litha still arrives as scheduled on Iuneril 21st, as the sun begins to set. The summer solstice reaches its peak the following night, and the festivities wind down the third dusk. While certainly still lively, it isn't as completely festive as Boaltinn, most certainly because of the red skies, and the natives are obviously trying to make the best they can of what they perceive as a poor situation. To say that the natives are on edge would certainly be an understatement. Whatever happened in those hedge mazes is untraceable, now, and everything looks pristine. Faerylights decorate every awning, overhang, and eave, magical and twinkling with colors to offset the red skies. There are no bonfires, this go around, but much like the fires it seems that the lights all lead to the primary area of celebration: in contrast to Boaltinn, Litha is celebrated in the Entertainment, Shopping, and Harbor Districts. Doors to businesses are wide open (with many even having large signs indicating VAMPIRES WELCOME HERE - those that don't make a clear statement), and stalls offering wares and foods and activities alike are set up at nearly every corner alongside preestablished businesses in the market. The harbor is especially lively, with many sailors coming and going as they prepare for setting sail. While ships themselves are always coming and going in the port, Litha is an important time for the more longterm voyages and those meant to carry some significance, and each ship departing is bid farewell with equal fanfare. Fireworks and celebration that is, at least in some part, genuine, but does carry a certain level of enthusiasm that borders on force of will. a. ASKING FOR A LITTLE COMPANY Though all businesses in the Entertainment District open their doors for the festivals of Aefenglom, the brothels of the city in particular are offering a warm welcome this Litha to anyone who might be interested in spending some time with someone - or, multiple someones. They have open rooms for mingling, lounges with floor pillows and low tables where customers can partake in spiced and unspiced drinks alike, where the unspiced are lacking in the potions and near-aphrodisiacs of the spiced drinks. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a more... intimate experience, however one may take that to mean. The brothel workers are more than happy to attend to any interested parties, but also aren't against randomly pairing individuals up, based on their specifications. And, after a little misunderstanding regarding their classes, the Head Madame of the guild has decided that they will be offering chances for individuals to perform at their establishments. She was rather charmed by the mishap, bless your souls, as were the rest of the guild, so the new arrivals have endeared themselves to the brothel workers. Dances, conversation, assorted busking - whatever skills that their quest-takers learned, whether it be of the more sexual nature or not, they'll provide whatever they might need to put on a show and attract or entertain clientele. b. I'M WISHING FOR THE ONE I LOVE Anyone interested in making their way into the Shopping District will find just as many open doors, as well as numerous stalls interspersed where they weren't before. Vendors hawking their wares and goods like always call out with Litha specials, and businesses set up temporary stalls to draw attention to themselves, with promise of greater bargains and products to be found at their main establishment. There are many that sell spiced foods and drinks, with varying degrees of strength depending on how one wants to feel. Others are selling candles and lanterns, offering a magitech version of a lighter at a steal, depending on how much you purchase otherwise. The largest stalls, and the biggest displays at storefronts, are the flowers though. Every single flower shop in Aefenglom has come out full force, practically painting the district in a myriad of non-red colors as they put their stock on full display. They offer deals for those who wish to buy bouquets for a sweetheart or someone they admire, as well as anyone wanting to make flower crowns for those they care for. Each of the seven largest shops are also handing out a single flower for those partaking in festivities to place under their pillow to dream of future partners, the flower they're typically most well known for; this varies from shop to shop, but the up and coming Rose Bush certainly isn't going to let superstition stop them, and are handing out red roses. It's a bold move, but one that causes the tizzy that they were intending it to. And if one is feeling particularly whimsical, they can go to any well at night, looking into the depths in a bid to see their future spouse and true love within. Perhaps making an offering of a flower would bring good luck..? Just don't linger for too long, as there's a rumor that someone is pushing unfamiliar faces into the well, likely targeting those they think are new arrivals. c. GET LOST WITH ME Though the Harbor District has some bleedover from the Shopping District in terms of festivities, their streets and warehouses are where the most room is available for the hedge mazes. Some are sprawling as they fill the streets and alleys, spilling into the towering buildings that have been empty to load the contents onto waiting ships. They create their own environments, with flowers from the flower shops blooming in the rows and creating archways at entrances and exits. Some are enchanted to seem neverending, although there always is an exit, if one can only figure out the puzzle. Each maze has a different method to its madness, and arrangements that those running them have decided on. (Some faces may seem familiar, to those that encountered them on the full moons; they'll feign otherwise, focused only on the now and refusing to draw attention to any recognition.) Some mazes send in the partners together, randomly selected and tasked with figuring out how to reach the end of the maze together. Others will send the partners in from different ends, with the instructions to find one another, whether in the center of the maze or in its winding path. Another variety offers something reminiscent of the hide and seek meets tag game, tasking one as the hunter and the other as the hunted, a game of pursuit meant to replicate the "playing hard to get" variety of courtship. There's no restrictions on how many times one can enter the maze, as it allows one to forge many bonds - and possibly Bonds - and replicates the process of finding your true love. Or, loves; no one here is going to judge anyone. They certainly won't judge, either, if participants opt to take a swig of something for luck in love before they go in. However, some mazes have been tampered with: rather than opening out into somewhere safe on the street or in a building, they empty out unaware participants into the port itself. Hopefully you know how to swim. Once again, we ask that if any threads take on a NSFW nature that they be marked as such, or otherwise moved to a locked post in the log community or an entry/inbox in a character journal.

Welcome to the event log, part I! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. As ever, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

Percy de Rolo III | Critical Role | Witch

[gunsmithed]

I. Lithia
a. i made a garland for her head

[ Percy's been avoiding...well, a lot of things, really. Unsure what to make of his new predicament and trying his hardest not to think about what he's left behind. Considering he doesn't actually have all that much to do at the moment, all that avoidance has taken some serious work, thank you.

It's imagining what some of the others might say about his brooding that finally gets him out to have a look at this festival he keeps hearing about. The bright, happy mentions of finding love nearly send him immediately skittering away again, at least until something a bit more unexpected catches his eye.

Which is why Percy can be found sitting cross-legged on the ground, out of the way of direct traffic, and weaving together surprisingly intricate flower crowns. It's nice to have something else to focus on for a little while, and the dexterous work is easy enough. He's got a small pile at this point, increasingly elaborate designs sitting quietly next to him.

At least until he glances up to find someone looking in his direction. He offers a small, wry smile at his own ridiculousness, but doesn't stop weaving. ]

Care for one? Free to a good home.

[ He might even be pausing long enough to hold one out. ]

b. assume this maze has got a plan

[ It seems almost inevitable that Percy finds his way to the mazes, peering seriously at the hedges from behind his glasses. Well, he does enjoy a challenge. And this one seems slightly less prone to violence, at least at the moment. He's even left his guns at home, and if he feels just a little bit naked without them, he isn't going to say so.

He's all set to head on in until they tell him he needs a partner. The sigh he gives in response is just a touch overdramatic, but he glances over at someone else lingering nearby. ]

I don't suppose you're going in. Together? [ There's the briefest pause, and then: ] or you can track me, if you like.

[ He's not as stealthy as some others, perhaps, but Percy does have some experience. Honestly, either option is brighting a slightly excited gleam to his eyes. A puzzle to solve. ]

II. Wildcard

[ Something else? Go nuts, or come poke me at talkincodes/codedgray#8833 and we can discuss. ]

i. a.

[haillenarte]

[it's percy's level of skill that catches francel's eye. he stops fully in his tracks to watch the bespectacled man deftly stringing together complex crowns of asters and lilies and bluebells, sprigs of baby's breath, silky peonies. the young-looking elf jolts slightly when he is addressed; he bows his head, nodding politely as he takes hold of a mostly green-and-white flower crown.]

Forgive me — I thought I knew a thing or two about making flower crowns before I saw you hard at work.

[he musters a wry smile.]

Now I see that my creations were only childish daisy-chains. I am humbled.

[gunsmithed]

Don't be.

[ Percy's smile somehow manages to shade drier before he glances back down to what his hands are doing. He doesn't entirely need to watch, but it does help. ]

Its just about knowing how things fit together.

[ And having enough boredom and need for avoidance to put real effort into it. But that part he's less interested in sharing. ]

Besides, daisy-chains do seem to be the point of the exercise.

[haillenarte]

Perhaps. But there is no shame in exceeding expectations.

[with percival looking down, francel gets the sense that perhaps he ought to excuse himself and leave the man to his work. but then, he started the conversation, and may as well finish it in style.

the young lord feels a bit silly, being — in his view — a man grown, and far too old for flower crowns, but all the same, francel drapes the crown atop his head. he adjusts it until it fits comfortably upon his brow, then smiles a little wryly himself.]

How does it look? I suppose a fair maid would better suit...

[gunsmithed]

[ That, at least, makes Percy glance back up. He does give the man a somewhat thorough look, perhaps a bit more theatrical about it than is really called for, but at the end he flashes a quick smile. ]

If you want to wear it, then it suits you. If you don't, I'm sure you can find someone else to pass it off to.

[ And Percy can always make more, after all. At least while the flower supplies hold. ]

[gunsmithed]

Do you?

[ Percy's eyebrows lifted a little from behind his glasses as he turned the rest of the way to get a better look at the man. There was something about him that rang as faintly familiar, the way he held himself and the careful care put into his clothing. Things Percy could recognize easily enough. His own coat was clearly well-made and had doubtless looked impressive at one point, even if it was a bit worn now. At least he'd managed to get the blood out.

But all of that made it easy enough for him to nod once, and extend one arm towards the opening of the maze in an unconsciously polite gesture. ]

After you, then.

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy might have been about to respond, before the coin trick very abruptly took all of his attention. By the time he'd caught up and stopped trying to figure out how exactly that was working, introductions were happening and Percy's good manners kicked in almost unconsciously. ]

Ah. Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klowssoski de Rolo III. [ It was rattled off without pause, before Percy flicked a quick smile at him. ] Call me Percy. And as to your earlier question, I can't say I am.

[ It does paint an interesting picture, though. Some sort of cleric, perhaps? ]

[gunsmithed]

[ His eyebrows lifted a bit as he watched the display, but Percy had spent enough time around clerics and paladins not to be too terribly shocked by it all. He'd never heard of any god of commerce before -- lord knew Vex would probably have been his favored in a heartbeat -- but considering nothing else Lyr has said sounded familiar either that probably stood to reason.

Interesting that he could still feel that connection, when Percy felt entirely severed from his. Not that he considered that a bad thing in the slightest. But interesting. ]

Considering I've only been here a little while, I think politics is a bit beyond me.

[ He flicked a dry look towards his companion and shook his head. ]

No. I'm a tinkerer, if you want to put it that way. And an adventurer, I suppose.

[gunsmithed]

[ And that was certainly a way to get all of Percy's attention in a hurry. He turned his head a little to give Lyr a longer, more searching look before one side of his mouth kicked up slightly. ]

I would. Though I'm hardly set up for it, here.

[ Not yet, anyway. It was strange how just that thought could set off a pang for his workshop so strongly. ]

b

[halfheartedmagician]

[The maze had drawn his attention and Asra had been contemplating if it was worth trying to slip inside or not - the draw of quiet is appealing, although it seems pairs are expected - when someone else seems to have the same idea and catches his attention. His lips curl into a smile at the question.]

Do you want me to track you?

[gunsmithed]

[ His eyebrows lift slightly at the question, but the smile Percy directs towards it is a touch wry. It's not exactly what he wants, no, but he'll take it. ]

It's worth a try. I can't promise to be particularly interesting quarry, though.

[ As long as they have reasonable expectations going in. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra laughs softly, shaking his head at the other man's wry remark.]

I'm not much of a hunter really. It might be more like hide and seek? Or if you'd prefer not to, we could just walk through it together and try to make it to the other side.

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy considers it for a moment, weighing the options with more gravity than either of them probably deserve. ]

I wouldn't mind the company. [ He says it finally, but does appear to mean it. ] Seems more reasonable than trying to hide in the shrubs.

[ Between Percy's fine, if somewhat worn-looking coat and his shock of white hair, he doesn't seem particularly suited for stealth anyway. ]

[halfheartedmagician]

[Asra laughs at that, the sound light and airy.]

Hmm, I don't think I'd be much better at hiding or hunting. Not without my magic at least and it seems that it's not as strong as they said it would be tonight.

[With his own white hair and vibrantly coloured clothing, he can't imagine he'll be much better at hiding without spellwork to help him with it, and tracking is much the same. So instead he offers the other man his hand.]

I'm Asra, shall we try our luck on getting through this together?

[gunsmithed]

Ah. Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III. How do you do.

[ It's completely instinctive to just rattle the whole thing off as he reaches for the offered hand, a small smile curving at his mouth in response. At least they seem to be on the same page. ]

Call me Percy. And yes, lets.

[ Though with that in hand, he can't help but give Asra a curious look. ]

You could do magic before, then?

[halfheartedmagician]

Uh... [That is certainly a name. Asra blinks a couple of times, fairly certain he's never heard a name quite that long before, and looks relived at the offer of a much shorter moniker.]

Percy, then.

[Leading the way into the maze, Asra smiles at the question and gives a nod.]

I've had magic ever since I can remember. Magic in Vesuvia isn't actually that different from how magic seems to work here, other than the bonds. And it's maybe a little more instinctive at times. I find it a little easier to learn for that reason.

What about where you're from? Did you have magic?

[gunsmithed]

We did, yes.

[ One could even say that Percy himself did, for certain definitions of the term. Three minor spells hardly equaled out to what a druid could do. Or cleric, come to think of it. ]

Not entirely dissimilar from what's here, from what I can tell. But I've never tried to learn it personally, before.

[ Magic seemed to just come to people, from what he's experienced. Gods or nature or what have you. Or one very, very stupid mistake that Percy feels odd that he isn't currently paying for. ]

ia

[digiorno]

[Giorno has flung himself down not far from Percy. Not far, at least initially. As the evening progresses and Giorno keeps sneaking peeks at his neighbor's work, he becomes aware of the fact that Percy is highly adept at complex flower crown mechanics. It is by strange, totally unrelated coincidence that he keeps scooting closer to watch more closely and attempt to mimic the clever weaving.]

[He doesn't quite manage it. But he certainly does have a large pile to boast of long before Percy even notices him. Once he does, though—]

Gladly, [he says solemnly, taking the crown from Percy's hand — only to replace it with one he's made. Tradesies. He nests his new crown atop his curls and hums in satisfaction before picking up what he was working on again. There are flowers in his hair, too. He's stupid with flowers.]

You've got good technique.

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy blinks once at suddenly finding a replacement crown in his hand -- that hadn't been the plan at all -- but after a heartbeat of consideration and an internal shrug, he drapes the new garland over his own head. It might have a bit of a rakish tilt and nearly sliding off one side, but it's the thought that counts. Surely.

Once that's accomplished, though, he does have to address the compliment. It's only polite. ]

Thank you. It's keeping me busy.

[ There's just the slightest wry tinge to it, but the lopsided smile on Percy's mouth is genuine. ]

You too, I can see.

[digiorno]

[He's hardly one to give style critique. (Not to say he won't: he very much will. But he's not qualified for it.) Still, the angle seems to pass muster, or at least be funny enough that he doesn't question it beyond a pleased sort of snort.]

Oh?

[Genuinely a little surprised, Giorno looks from Percy's wares to his own. Well — it's hard to see. There is an attention to detail in Percy's that speaks to more than casual experience with craftsmanship. In other words, Percy's are better, which is what trumps everything, in Giorno's opinion. But after some thought, he accepts the compliment in turn and nods.]

Thank you. I have amateur experience. [To illustrate, he points at his own golden braid carelessly thrown over one shoulder.] The principle is the same. And flowers are easy.

[Easier than anything else they've faced here, that's for sure.]

[gunsmithed]

[ He's not wrong, certainly. It's part of what's kept Percy sitting there playing with them all this time, rather than find some other way to occupy himself. ]

Well I've never braided hair much, myself. [ However much he might have wanted to. ]But I can see where the similarities might lie.

[ Some sort of braided-in crown, perhaps? It would be an interesting challenge, if he can find someone to hold still long enough. But Percy's content to just keep mindlessly weaving, for the moment. ]

I find having something to do with my hands makes things a bit easier to manage.