middaeg | DARKNESS AND FROST log

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DARKNESS AND FROST log

DARKNESS AND FROST

A message is sent on the network on the 20th, informing the Mirrorbounds about the developments regarding a quest posted earlier in the month on the board.

Word comes from the Wilders’ headquarters in Dorchacht that there haven’t been that many sightings of the Nuckelavee for a long time. Most assumed that whatever the Mirrorbounds did must have driven the ghastly creatures away for good. Clearly, not a single person missed them. It is a nasty surprise to learn that not only did they not disappear completely, but now, angrier than ever, they pose a threat to Aefenglom as well.

THE NORTHERN OUTPOST ( 21st - 26th )

The Northern Outpost has seen steady development since its establishment, but nothing on a scale that could make it possible to survive an attack of demonic beasts. So it becomes a whirlwind of activity. There are ditches to dig, magical wards and barriers to set up, weapons and armour need inspection and some alchemical supplies are easier found in the surrounding forest rather than back in Aefenglom, but no one should go procuring them alone. But there are more mundane tasks too! With the sudden increase in population, the self-appointed kitchen staff of the Northern Outpost is barely managing to keep all the mouths fed and all the dishes washed (and pesky rodents kept away). All help will be enthusiastically welcomed no matter the level of culinary aptitude. There’s enough work for everyone.

Not far from the Outpost itself, a new structure rises from the ground quickly, incorporating a nearby shallow cave. That’s the Enclosure, the place where researchers who intend to study the Nuckelavee plan to lure one of the creatures. The construction has barely started, and there is much to do before it can hold its captive inside. Engineers, Arachne, Witches adept in Enchantment and Abjuration - all are welcome to lend their hands (as many as they can spare) in this scientific endeavor. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to further or even create a completely new field of study!

Mirrorbounds are encouraged to return and rest within the city, but should you decide to stay for the night, the moods are rather sour and tense. Still, people do try to enjoy the evening break, at least those who get it - night guards work in shifts. Someone makes a bonfire and encourages sharing stories as the night passes to lift morale. A chilling Nuckelavee scream might stop the relaxing and put everyone on edge. But it seems the creatures are refusing to come out just yet.

THE SLUMS 21st - 26th

Sprawling from the Other Side of the Bright Wall, the Outer City grows outward with no particular organisation or order, with buildings’ integrity decreasing the closer they are to the edge of the Wilde. While some of the inhabitants greet the aid provided with gratitude, there are many who treat it with distrust and their own fate at the mercy of yet another incomprehensible danger with blood-chilling apathy. Much work has been done by numerous Mirrorbound to help those living in the Slums but the memory of all those lost to the frost when the city shut its gates and left them to die casts a long shadow on all attempts to defend against this new threat.

Deprived of the comforts of magitech ubiquitous for the citizens of the city proper, the inhabitants of the Slums find their own creative ways to provide life’s necessities to each other. Carrying water has always been a task for younger ones in the families. A worrying number of those that go fetch water from a far away stream do not come home on time. They could have gotten distracted chasing a stray dog, roped in some mischief by other kids, or genuinely lost. With the new threat lurking in the darkness, people get increasingly nervous. What would look like harmless disobedience in quieter times now turns into an emergency. Investigate where the missing children have gone, find them and bring them home if you can.

Not all are happy for the help. There’s a certain figure frequently spoken about and often seen at the scenes of the especially vicious attacks: a man with unkempt hair and ragged clothing prophesying that those very horrors are no accident. That the beasts are a punishment for a terrible offence: accepting the foreign devils - those who came through the Mirrors - into the city. As time passes and the attacks continue, it starts to become obvious those who were in contact with the Mirrorbound are more likely to become targets of the hellish creatures, which lends credence to the madman’s words. Some denizens of the slums are just scared, but some become suspicious of the very presence of any Mirrorbounds in the area. Even those that come to help. Calm downthe fearful, convince the sceptics or find the sower of this panic and make him stop spreading his incendiary message.

Some people have locked themselves in their homes and refuse to go out. You could try to reason with them or simply bring supplies at the door. Or try to convince them to help with building a protective wall around the Slums, sturdy enough to stay. Some of the people who open their doors might show low-level signs of Cwyld infection. They wonder if you’re still willing to help them knowing that?

When the darkness of night emboldens the Nuckelavee to venture further into the Slums proper, a group of Mirrorbounds take to patrolling the streets. But they could use more help. Protect those unfortunate enough to walk the streets at that time, chase away or kill the creatures that dared to come closer, and fight to protect the poor souls they chose to hunt.

NIGHT OF THE HUNT (night between 26th-27th)

Are you prepared for the fight of your life? You better be!

A heavy blizzard rages on the night of the 26th, giving a strange glow to the camp in the darkness as the light is dithered among falling snowflakes. Visibility is low, but some believe that nature itself can be used to help the hunters and defenders. To those who wish to take on this responsibility, several enchanted wands are given, with quick instructions how to use them to direct the winds of the blizzard for a short time. They can be used either to protect the warriors or against the creatures. The wands have only a few charges and will break upon using them up.

Every Mirrorbound and Wilder either present from the start or joining the group through the portal connecting with Aefenglom will be given a quick rundown of the camp, where the protection wards lie, what powers the barriers, and where weapons can be found. There are two sets of barriers around the camp -- the outer one that has multiple holes for the creatures to pour into, and the inner barrier that has to be held at all cost, as it protects people within. The plan is to lure the Nuckelavee for a frontal attack, let them pass through the outer barrier, let the inner barrier stop them, and then— close the barrier behind them, effectively shutting them in a walled ring.

Then they can be exterminated safely. Stun them, kill them, use spells or pointy sticks or guns — and maybe just maybe you can capture one alive. Fortunately, they don’t seem to have any kind of natural resistance towards mundane or magical weapons. They are just tough to kill and incredibly vicious, but limiting their movement should do the trick.

The barriers and wards only last full-strength as long as they are powered so Witches not focused on fighting are encouraged to do a recharging run along the campsite. Anyone needing a breather from the fray or whose focus is better spent on support can also bring ammo, or more weapons to counter the broken (or stolen) ones. Dragging out wounded fighters into the safety of the camp and healing them is also an important task, as neither Mirrorbounds nor Wilders lack in people who would fight to their last breath.

That’s the plan. How does it go in reality, though?

The Nuckelavee attack starts with chilling shrieks all around the Outpost before they emerge from the darkness. Those who have not yet met any of them will have a chance to witness that their aggression and looks are as terrifying as the stories said. They resemble a horse fused with a rider, with sharp teeth and without skin, raw body exposed. The creatures are not infected but are vicious, hardy, and strong, and they hunger for human and Monster flesh alike. Some might pick up weapons thrown at them; others will circle and try to isolate their chosen targets. Should they be angered, while in a furious rage they gain both speed and strength, but they lose focus and lack strategic thinking. So enraging them can break the formation, but it also makes them far more dangerous up close. They are susceptible to both magical and physical attacks alike, and beheading (of either the flayed-open horse head or the screaming man's head) will put them down permanently.

Be mindful of your comrades! It’s easy to lose each other in the blizzard. Nuckelavee don’t bleed red (they don’t bleed much at all), so any red trails on the snow belong to an ally. Don’t let the beasts drag wounded away. Get them to the healers who wait within the camp enclosed with the inner barrier.

During the fight, several crystal devices that strengthen the outer barrier start malfunctioning. That means the outer barrier cannot be closed shut, meaning a change of plans is in order. Several brave volunteers are needed from among Wilders and Mirrorbounds to leave the safety of the inner barrier and take the battle directly to the creatures, while locating and exchanging the malfunctioning crystals. This is an incredibly dangerous job, and everyone willing to undertake it is encouraged not to do so alone. Once the trap is sprung and the outer barrier shut, it would also lock those volunteers out of the safety of the camp -- unless they’re willing to try a teleport spell or wait for someone inside to handle the teleporting for them. The help will come, but until it does, they are on their own and straggling Nuckelavee that did not fall into the trap might still pose a danger to them...

The fight drags for what feels like hours, and the air grows colder and colder. Meanwhile, some of the trapped Nuckelavee figure out that they might get into the camp if they find holes within the barrier -- and one makes its way inside. Through the heavy snow, it might not be obvious at first, but something is happening within the camp… The Nuckelavee that furiously breach the barrier wreak havoc behind the safe line, attacking anyone it sees until it’s killed or subdued.

Eventually, after what feels like an eternity, all of the creatures fall and the dead remain under the snow. Well… most of them. There were attempts to capture one of them alive, and while keeping them alive turns out to be even harder than just catching them (not only Nuckelavee perished that night… some might still want revenge for that, some want to end the threat once and for all), one of them remains. The battle has been won.

THE AFTERMATH (27th and later)

As day breaks over the horizon, the true damage can be seen. One Nuckelavee is thrashing, captured in the closed enclave. It howls and shrieks and won’t be reasoned with. It hates everything and everyone, and seems to be incapable of speech. Wilders have decided they will keep it alive for a week, and not a day longer (that is till 3rd September OOCly). Nuckelavee have proven to be cunning creatures, and the risk of it escaping is just too great.

Aside from that issue, there is still clean-up to be done, and mourning for those who have fallen in battle. The Wilders agree to give the Nuckelavee corpses to those interested in acquiring them for study/experimentation, but otherwise they plan on burning everything that’s left.

The following two evenings, there’s a victory celebration at The Sordid Shield. Everyone still able to stand is welcome, -- and drinks are free! Unfortunately, not everyone is happily drinking; there are those who lost comrades and are mourning the fallen. Others came out alive but require medical attention that on-field healers cannot give. The general mood could be described as grimly triumphant. The unexpected threat has been taken care of, but not without a cost.

OOC NOTES

For those interested in studying the remains or the live Nuckelavee please refer to this space for questions/plans. The results of the research will be distributed at the beginning of September.

For plotting among yourselves, please use this post. General questions about this log can be directed here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hubert is equally content to fall to silence, his steps automatic as his mind wanders to the logistics of locating Hector. His mind cleared as he got his breath back; surely, she's tried contacting Hector on the Watches—what need would she half of running out if that worked? If he's involved with the effort at the Outpost... Hubert had a number of potions that could tide him over. Coffee wouldn't hurt. He could siphon the magic stored in his reptilian familiar, store Dust in his winter coat, take one of Edelgard's blood flasks for emergency power...]

[And if his thoughts drifted to the parallels of his past a few more times, Hubert didn't dwell on or acknowledge it.]

[His Agarthan lance clatters to the street when Leslie stumbles, Hubert grunting as he drops to a knee to catch her with his good arm. Poor girl. This night had asked too much of her already. It's a tricky affair, juggling Leslie against his good shoulder essentially one-armed into a decent grip. Normally, her meager weight wouldn't be an issue—after their encounter, it posed a challenge. But they were close, Hubert muses as he staggers back to his feet. Then he freezes; it takes a moment to realize the darkness creeping its way around his arm and chest is Leslie's familiar, a gentle pressure pushing Leslie more firmly against his shoulder as the sentient shadows wrap their tendrils in a sling-like manner.]

[It isn't significant aid, but the shadows' effort does ease the girl's weight. And it's like that Hubert arrives at their dwelling some minutes later, an unconscious Leslie held against his shoulder by arm and shadow-familiar alike, the duo battered but whole. The only scent of blood about them was that of the already dried and scabbed, the torn coat of Hubert's other shoulder with whole skin under. One side of his jaw was beginning to impressively purple, but he could live with that.]

[Edelgard had been waiting, Hubert's distress and the turmoil of Leslie not turning up on time having worked her into a tizzy. She's practically leaping out of her chair the moment that the doorway opens, heading from the living room to inspect the goings on.]

What happened?

[She asks of no one in particular, but her eyes widen as she takes in Hubert's state.]

...Hubert, what did this? And...is she alright?

It was the beasts tormenting the outskirts all month, [he answers, moving closer. Even with the shadow-familiar's assistance, his arm was tiring.] "Nuckelavee." I make a terrible opponent for them, I'm afraid.

She's only exhausted. [Hubert frowns, his brow pinching slightly.] I... did not arrive in time to keep her entirely from harm, but she will only ache in the morning. Take her, please.

[There's a slight complication that will arise when it comes to transfering Leslie from Hubert to Edelgard. It seems that, as Hubert was carrying her, Leslie unconsciously turned toward him and grasped his shirt in a loose fist.]

[It's not a tight grip, though, so a little gentle pressure will be enough to remove the fabric from her hand.]

[Edelgard takes the sleeping girl, gingerly holding her, carefully disentangling her fingers from Hubert's shirt.]

Should I summon a healer?

[Keeping her voice low, mindful not to wake the child, she frowns down, searching for injuries.]

[Hubert watches Edelgard pry her fingers away. Leslie's frustration came back to mind, empathy settling into something more resolute.]

I do not believe it's necessary, [he starts, (carefully) shucking his ruined coat and moving towards the kitchen.] A healer at the wall tended her ankle; that seemed to be the worst of it. As far as I could tell, she only took a few falls.

[Hubert drops the tattered coat on a chair as he passes, falling into a brief silence.] You should be proud of her bravery and wit. She saved my life.

[Edelgard raises an eyebrow and carries the girl after Hubert, barely noticing her weight.]

Are you alright? What happened, that you were in such danger?

[She is impressed with Leslie, and she's immediately thinking about ways to repay her ward for her bravery.]

I weigh more than she does. The same fall was not nearly so kind to me.

[More or less. One of his hands passes along the bruised side of his face in silent explanation as Hubert put water on.]

It left me dazed. By the time my head cleared, Leslie was bringing one of her ribbons to bear like a sword, clashing with the fiend. Hardly for a few seconds, but that was all that was needed—and more than most would be able to do with a snap decision.

Edited 2020-09-22 04:47 (UTC)

Admirable, indeed.

[She can feel her heart swelling with pride a bit, looking down at the sleeping girl in her arms. She'd grown so much, and become so competent...]

Hard to believe that we've only known her for a few months. She's grown quite resilient.

[It's difficult to separate that swell of pride from his own emotions, between his fatigue and matching sentiment. A ghost of a smile curls on his face as Hubert fusses with measuring out grounds.]

Quite so, in no small part to you and her teachers. Her potential is like few others'. If I must be truthful... I envy her brilliance.

Teachers you number among.

[You're as much a parent here too, Hubie Doobie Doo. Edelgard can't help but chuckle.]

And I do too. She'll be a force of nature, when she's full grown.

[A pause.]

I think...perhaps...we might be two of the most blessed, to have the chance to aid in this one's growth. Leslie will do great things.

Blessed. Hm. I suppose so.

[He has to shuffle the times around in his hands to pick up the kettle with his good arm, setting the cup aside once the pour-over is done and wandering to the icebox.]

There's no doubt about the heights she will reach. We only need to be mindful of her eagerness; I believe she realized her mistake from tonight, and will learn from it. Though, I cannot fault her for wanting so desperately to make a difference.

Agreed. She's eager. and that's good. But I will keep an eye on her, too. And have some of my little birds do the same.

[She means the orphans she's helped out. Of course she does.]

Good.

[Hubert pulls out one of the pint contains of blood, wandering back to retrieve his coffee, and back out of the kitchen.]

My apologies, but I need to borrow this. I'll replace it later.

It's quite alright.

[Though...]

What need have you of blood though, Hubert?

[As though she knows that they're done talking about her, Leslie stirs in Edelgard's arms, making a small noise as she regains awareness of her stiff and sore body. She's not nearly so battered as Hubert and her only somewhat serious injury of her ankle was looked after by the healer at Hubert's request, but she's still going to ache for at least the next day.]

[She opens her eyes slowly, looking disoriented as her eyes focus on Edelgard above her.]

Lady...Edelgard...?

[Her memory catches up with her. She was walking back with Hubert when she.... She's suddenly quite awake when she realizes she has no idea what happened between then and now for either her or her also injured walking companion.]

Where's Hub -- [Unlike earlier, she's aware enough to realize what she said this time, so the latter half of the name comes out in a quieter, more embarrassed tone.] -- bert? Is...is he okay?

[Sure, it's what most people call him, but she's so used to addressing him a lot more formally.]

Cautionary insurance, nothing more. I still have business to attend to tonight.

[Hubert pauses on his way into the sitting room at the sound of Leslie's voice, the pint tucked under his good arm. A note of fond amusement floats through the Bond when he glances back. Even barely conscious, her first thought is of others.]

I'm fine, Leslie. There's no need for concern.

[Fatigued and bruised, but, he's gotten by with worse.]

Yes, Leslie.

[Edelgard smiles, looking to the girl first, and then to Hubert. Gently, her hand strokes a stray strand of white from her ward's face, the white glove soft against pale skin.]

He's just fine. I'm more concerned about getting you to bed. You need to rest, after this ordeal.

[Hearing both Hubert’s and Edelgard’s reassurances that Hubert is fine, relief, along with everything that has happened tonight, makes the tension that returned to her body when she was awake drop again. If Edelgard was only going by how Leslie felt in her arms, she might be forgiven for thinking that Leslie fell unconscious again, but Leslie is still awake. It’s just exhaustion that leaves her body reluctant to do any of the work of supporting herself while she currently has Edelgard to do it for her.]

Yes.

[No matter how guilty she might feel, both from what happened tonight and from the lower level of guilt that is just almost always there in the background from years of conditioning, she has to admit that she’s too exhausted to do almost anything other than rest right now.

But there is one thing she doesn’t want to put off: an apology.]

I’m really sorry for making you worry, Lady Edelgard. And Marquis Vestra, too. ...I was really stupid.

[Now that the panic’s worn off, she can look back and realize that the choices she made that lead her to the Nuckelavee in the Outer City were objectively bad choices, whatever her intentions.]

[Another flash of sympathy runs through him, watching Leslie suddenly sag like that. Even if he and Edelgard had been through their own ordeals by that age, it was still a tragedy that trial upon trial still found their way to Leslie.]

[But he had made Leslie a promise of sorts. As long as she wouldn't turn away from those trials, he wouldn't force her to.]

See to it that you learn from your mistakes, and that will be enough for me.

[As they discussed. Not that Hubert expected Leslie to be this careless in the future. Her tone, prior, couldn't have been more genuine.]

[Edelgard smiles fondly, both at Hubert and at Leslie, as they complete this little exchange. This is good, as she sees it. It's tough love, but that's the kind of love that the two of them can give. They're not the best parents, but they are people who have seen strife and adversity and know how to push people through those moments.]

I do not know what happened, exactly, but so long as you learn, then I think tonight has had some value. We learn from our mistakes, and we grow, and I want to see you improve. I know that you won't disappoint either of us.

[A nod to Hubert.]

Now, let's get upstairs, yes?

[The outline of one of Leslie’s Very Determined Looks is there, but it’s only recognizable as such by people who have seen them on her face before, because the effect is somewhat ruined by her drooping eyelids.]

I will learn from it. I promise.

[She nods to the question, barely avoiding turning it into nodding off instead. The tension of the evening is gone, she’s been forgiven for her confessed mistakes, and she’s safe in the arms of the person she may trust most in this world. It makes it difficult to focus on staying awake.]

Yes, L — [she covers a barely suppressed yawn with her hand] Lady Edelgard. Thank you.

[Oh. She realizes now what she forgot. She was so caught up in apologizing to Hubert for putting him in danger that she forgot to thank him.

(This is not quite true. She did thank him early on in the middle of the initial rescue, but so much happened that she can’t even remember it.)

She turns her head to look toward him and gives him a tired but completely genuine smile.]

Thank you, Marquis Vestra. For coming for me. You were — [that partially suppressed yawn is back and she has to cover her mouth as she is half able to keep it from coming out completely] You were really cool....

[She’s had someone come to her when she was in danger a few times over the past year, and many more have promised to do so if she found herself in danger again, but she doesn’t think she will ever get used to it.

These words don’t express even a quarter of how much it means to her. She still means every one.]

[That gives Hubert pause as he stares back at Leslie. It's certainly not a phrase he's heard anyone apply to him.]

[But the moment passes quickly; Hubert's injured arm folds across his chest (the movement isn't as smooth as he'd like) and he bows as much as allowed with the drink in his hand.]

Of course. You're Lady Edelgard's ward; I'll do everything in my power to ensure your safety.

[It really is a shame only Edelgard can feel the warm fondness that passes through him. He'd protect her regardless, on her own merit.]

[Hubert straightens, doing his damnedest not to wince in the process, and inclines his head to Edelgard.]

Rest well, Leslie.

[The bond flows with her own amusement, but also fondness, and happiness. This is a strange thing, having a child to protect, and feeling proud that said child is impressing her retainer. But, here we are.]

Goodnight, Hubert. Rest well yourself.

[Shifting, she begins towards the stairs.]

Do you want a bath, before you sleep?

DARKNESS AND FROST log

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