Event Log: September, The Price of Revolution p1

[faileas]

Event Log: September, The Price of Revolution Part 1

I. The Freedom Festivities Behind the fortress-like walls of Dorchacht, what was once a gloomy, imposing city is lit up for the festivities to come. Septeril brings with it many mixed emotions for the citizens of what used to be called The Black City, though the overwhelming atmosphere is positive - this is a celebration of freedom hard-earned and prosperity hard-fought-for. The triple stars of the Resistance, now the current reigning party, feature heavily in decorations and in clothing: in pins, on hats, golden stars enchanted into fabric to dance merrily across skirts and cloaks. Stars light up the streets in decorative strings hung from lamppost to lamppost, flickering gently over the cobblestones. Mirrors, as well, feature into the decor, tiny round ones hung in multitudes from awnings and in windows like ornaments, catching the light and playing it across the otherwise-utilitarian architecture, lending it a sort of understated beauty. Much of Dorchacht has been rebuilt and repurposed by necessity since the uprising last year, and many new small businesses and restaurants are being featured at the festival - their goods or their foods on display in markets of street-side stalls or on the feast tables. Local handmade wares and crafts are out for sale for modest prices, and every sale helps out both the small business, many of which are started by former slaves, and helps the local economy, which is better these days but still recovering. The festivities go for six days, almost a full week, with feasting and bonfires every evening, and tours and tales of the city by day, as they display the changes for the better they have all made. And then, on the final evening, all are invited to watch a grand fireworks show that will be put on in the skies over Dorchacht, presided over by the Circle of Three themselves. Mirrorbound are welcomed warmly, whether they were present last year or not, and treated much like family - get ready to be pulled into activities and plied with food left and right. a. Join the Fun The children of Dorchacht are out by the dozens during the festivities, excited by all the freely-offered, special sweet treats and the magical sparklers and poppers being handed out by the fistful. The poppers explode when thrown to the ground in bursts of bright colors, completely harmless, and the sparklers are enchanted not to burn little (or big) hands if mishandled. Mirrorbound passing through may find themselves roped into elaborate pretend games of revolution by eager faces: the children name themselves either Resistance members or Mirrorbound, and 'do battle' with their magic fireworks against scarecrow-like constructions cloaked in dark bed sheets as 'the bad guys'. Depending on one's perspective, it may seem dark, but this is what these children have known very recently in their lives, and their caretakers or parents (there are more of the former than the latter, especially for the young Monsters) let them play as they will. If asked, they'll just explain that some of those kids even remember the fighting when it happened; this is just another way that they try to understand how the city has changed. More organized, family-friendly reenactment performances are also common, with several of the orphanage groups putting on small plays about the uprising, or moral plays about kindness and togetherness between Witches and Monsters. This includes a prominent set of performances by the Mirrored Hearts Home for Children - maybe you're helping out with their sets or costumes, or maybe you assisted with their scripts and songs. Those Mirrorbound volunteers will want to see the kids do well, right? They'll be heartbroken if you don't show. Of course, kids aren't the only ones doing reenactments. The newly formed Dorchacht Historical Society, dedicated to protecting Dorchacht's history going forward, puts on several - and may drag in passers-by to play different roles! Only the luckiest are begged to play the role of The Dragon, who valiantly rose up against their cruel former master, Morgana, and helped lead Dorchacht to where they are today. b. Forget-Me-Not While the overall air is celebratory, among the adults who are old enough to understand just what was lost as well as gained, there is an undercurrent of sombre remembrance. Many visit the burned-out Old Coven, left as damaged as it was when the fighting ceased, as a monument to how freedom fighters suffered and fought. Plaques dot the grounds and buildings there seemingly at random, until you realize that each metal plate bearing names is laid where someone died. To decorate these plaques, and homes and businesses as well, there are tables set up in the yard of the New Coven, heavy with a rainbow of small magical flowers called Forget-Me-Nots, and the supplies to make remembrance wreaths. In this new tradition, the flowers are chosen with a dead, missing, or simply absent loved one in mind, and woven together with glass beads, small wooden charms, and a spell written on a slip of paper. The enchanted fragrance of the Forget-Me-Nots allows whoever smells them to witness short, happy memories of the person the wreath was made for - whether they knew that person or not. The memories come from the wreath-maker, and are only short flashes (less than a minute long) or mere impressions, but all are pleasant or warming. With the spell woven in, they'll last for an entire year without wilting or losing their effects, a souvenir from the festival to take home. Mirrorbound are encouraged to join in, and make wreaths of their own, whether or not they lost someone in Dorchacht's uprising. It can be for someone who has disappeared from Geardagas, someone who died long ago, someone living they miss from home, anyone who is not currently with them.

II. The Uninvited Guests On the 25th, the final day of the celebrations, the partying lasts all day. Food and drink are abundant on every corner, upbeat music is played by street performers and over the radios that can be found in nearly every household and shop, and the bonfires have been enchanted to let the flames take fanciful shapes. Drinking games and dancing, storytelling and general partying all last clear into the evening, but once dusk falls, everyone gathers in the center square of the city for the fireworks show. The Three are there - the Witches Bryn and Hilda, and the Monster known as The Dragon, Starlight, or formerly Fafnir - with Nessie and Mhairi as guests of honor, and Hilda is the one to set off the first enchanted fireworks, after a brief speech thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate a year of freedom and independence with them. It's with bursts of colorful light in the night sky behind her that she seems to appear from nowhere: tall, dark and imposing, a sharp-eyed Witch that exudes power. Morgana Drummond is not alone, either, flanked by a dozen rough-worn Witches and a host of others. The chaos that ensues is immediate and violent. "All of this for me?" Drummond sneers. Attacks bounce off her, no matter how powerful - even Nessie's considerable spells. Witches will be able to sense the strong barrier spell close-fit around her body, and the others around her will not let Monsters get close. It's The Dragon who speaks, voice rough from disuse but loud enough: "How dare you return here-" "I built this city in all the ways that matter. I was never going to let you have it. You burned away my Dorchacht, so now I will make sure there is nothing left of yours but ashes." a. To Sleep, Perchance Unreachable, Morgana Drummond's form limns in a sickly violet light, the circle of a spell forming beneath her feet, steadily growing as her power gathers. So much magic gathered in one spot is bound to be felt by all the Mirrorbound, Witch and Monster alike, oppressive in nature as if it could steal the breath from your lungs. Perhaps it truly was a fluke that she was driven from Dorchacht, a happy accident caused by a timely distraction. The spell circle spreads, glowing, until it envelops the entire city, and it pulses once, blinding, before it sears itself across Dorchacht's streets and buildings in burnt lines and symbols. The fireworks continue to pop and burst overhead, casting shadows that seem suddenly sinister. Nothing happens for just a moment - and then all the people of Dorchacht collapse in waves. Next to a stunned Nessie and furious Mhairi, Bryn, Hilda, and the Dragon fall into a heap as well, the final three bodies to hit the ground. Mirrorbound and citizens of Aefenglom do not fall prey to the sleeping spell despite being in its area of effect. It happens in the span of just a few minutes, and then Morgana is gone in the blink of an eye, leaving her people to sow terror on the sleeping city. b. Battle on the Streets While she brought with her only a dozen Witches from her former Coven, she's collected a force in the Wilde. Blank-eyed rogue necromancers, mind controlled the way the Monsters of Dorchacht used to be, storm the streets controlling in turn their dead Monsters and creatures. A few even have with them dead Nuckelavee, which will require multiple fighters to take out. Wilders from Dorchacht gone missing on expeditions in the last year bear the signs of mind control as well - the ones who aren't dead, shambling around the necromancers. Maybe you recognize them, maybe you don't. Maybe you can help them, or maybe you can't. The mind control enchantments can be dispelled with a lot of effort or with the specific spells used often by the Resistance a while ago, for those who still remember it. In the slums of Dorchacht, the people who were convinced of Morgana's return, those who want to return to the days of slavery and terror, break free from the now-sleeping guards and failing wards that kept them contained and join the fighting, manic in their glee. The spell that put the rest of Dorchacht to sleep seems to slip right off them, perhaps sensing their loyalty to terrible causes. It is chaos, as the insurgents set fires and attack at will with magic, claws, weapons, anything they have. Mirrorbound will soon realize that they and the visitors from Aefenglom are not the only targets. The sleeping people of Dorchacht are ripe for the killing, unable to react or defend themselves. The fighting will continue into the night until the invaders are all dead or captured.

III. The Aftermath When the fighting ends, the work begins. An entire city deep in the throes of an enchanted sleep is a worst-case scenario that none of them could have predicted, even those who had a hunch Morgana didn't die out in the unexplored Wilde. Miss Nessie and Mhairi will remain on the scene helping to direct the aid efforts in the aftermath of the battle. Fires must be put out, corpses must be rounded up to be buried or burned, captured attackers must be secured and questioned, sleeping citizens must be whisked from the streets to safety and shelter, and buildings ensured to be safe in the meantime. Aefenglom's Coven are called in to assist, anyone who is available, and Mirrorbound help is more than welcomed. They will need everyone they can get to make sure not all is lost in this tragic attack. Nessie herself will ensure the Three are taken to safety in Aefenglom until the people of Dorchacht can be woken. Action needs to be taken quickly. Morgana needs to be found as soon as possible, and capable hands will be needed to search the Wilde far outside Dorchacht, the most likely place for her to go. More urgently, however, are the sleeping citizens. Nessie announces late the next evening, the normally-bubbly woman gone solemn and serious: "I believe I've found a counter-ritual for the spell that nasty woman used, I have. I will need your help, though, Mirrorbound. Volunteers only, of course, of course, as it's likely to be quite dangerous, though the Dreamers and I will take every precaution we can. Discuss among yourselves, decide if you're willing. Those who are, meet at the Coven at midnight on the 27th. It's not right to just leave them all like that, not right at all..."

Welcome to September's event log, Part 1 of The Price of Revolution! This event will continue in the TDM posted on the 21st, with a foray into purposeful dreamwalking. It will be a hybrid test drive and event that current characters will be allowed to top level on as well. Quests into the Wilde to search for Morgana will currently bear no fruit beyond small clues, but Part 2 in early October will deal with her whereabouts and her final fate. As always, direct your questions about the event HERE! And finally, for those who are wondering what's up with Dorchacht, we have a Setting update for you.

Comments

closed to vanitas

[oathkeeper]

[The fireworks were something Sora wanted to see as soon as he discovered there was going to be a display. Fireworks are bright and colourful and full of magic and life. And now he thinks it's something he wants to see to help keep his mind off sadder things.

The display is going to start soon in the town square but Sora thinks maybe a quieter place to watch them might be better. He turns to Vanitas and asks,]

Let's find somewhere higher up to watch the fireworks!

[He's being awfully cheerful considering who it was that just left this world.]

[darkcharge]

[ Honestly this comes as no surprise to Vanitas. Naturally Sora would want to go to a festival. He always does. Van just figures that he is always going to get yanked along for the ride. However, he can't really complain. Vanitas has grown to like these outtings. Knowing that there are fireworks just makes him all the more determined to watch.

Kind of like during the star showers. ]

You want me to find another roof?

[ Now Van figures that the whole disappearing of that person is probably bitter sweet. Happy to see him return home but going to miss and long all the same. Sora probably just doesn't want to think about it. Probably wants that distraction. ]

[oathkeeper]

[A distraction is right. Something as brilliant and wonderful as the star showers... Sora smiles softly at the other boy and reaches out and taps the back of his hand with a few times.]

Hmmh! But not too far from the main plaza. Let's go!

[Use some of that magical teleportation magic. Vanitas has gotten so much better with magic that all those days reading books like a nerd must've really paid off.]

[darkcharge]

[ Sora doesn't need to reach out and touch his hand. In fact, Van snatches it up and tugs Sora a bit closer. The Puca is going to need to hold on. Van is going to use that teleportation magic to get them on a rooftop of a shop. Right along the edge of the plaza. ]

You think right here will be good enough?

[oathkeeper]

[And that's exactly what he had been expecting! None the less it makes Sora let out a yelp of wonder at the entire spell and Vanitas' skill. It's amazing how fast he's gotten at this. Sora's not even disoriented. He peers over the edge of the building and grins. He can still see the entire plaza from here. And the sky is clear.]

This is great! The best spot! We'll be able to see everything and skip all the crowds!

[That's great for both of them, isn't it?]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas has always been more than just adept when it comes to magic. It should come as no surprise that with time and adequate practice, that he'd come to master things here too. Still, it brings a surge of pride that Sora is still in awe whenever Vanitas casts a spell. nothing boosts his ego quite like feeling that rush over their bond. ]

Please. As if I wanted to be around people.

[ There are people that Van has accepted, of course. Some that he'd even maybe call friend. However, he is still pretty picky about who he chooses to spend time with. So it isn't as if he has an abundance of people that he can tolerate. ]

[oathkeeper]

That's part of the reason why I picked up here for us to watch.

[Because he certainly knows that Vanitas would not prefer the crowds. So he squeezes Vanitas' hand and then tugs him over so they can pick a good spot to sit on the ledge of the roof.]

But you've made a few friends, haven't you?

[Sora gives Vanitas a knowing look because... He knows. And it's time to prode him about it.]

[darkcharge]

[ He allows for himself to be tugged along. Van always does. Tugging is just what the Witch and the Puca engage in. Always pulling each other along. This time Vanitas just snorts and shakes his head. It doesn't take much to get him to sit down, leaning a bit against Sora.

Of course then the brat has to mention friends. Van has to look down and away. ]

Something like that, I guess...

[oathkeeper]

[Sora casually leans back. He enjoys their time together like this. Like it's all about them. Kind of like they're the only ones way up here right now.

He even keeps looking at Vanitas with that annoying knowing smile on his lips.]

Uh huh. Wanna tell me about them?

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas tenses a little, shyness and embarrassment filtering through their bond. Why does Sora feel the need to put him on the spot like this? He had been enjoying the warmth and the company! ]

You already know them too.

[oathkeeper]

[No need not to enjoy the warmth and company! Sora's fingers reach out to dangle and touch Vanitas' knee.]

I know, but I wanna know what you'd say about them.

[He's just interested in Vanitas' life! It's a big deal to have friends.]

What about Lio?

[Sora might or might not have talked to Lio at great lengths about Vanitas... Hehehe. But also... It just makes Sora happy to hear about Vanitas' friends since two of Sora's most important ones are ... gone.]

[darkcharge]

[ Sora is such a touchy person. Van's gaze shifts to the fingers at his knee. It's a place that the Puca enjoys touching. He's noticed this... ]

Lio?

[ Van makes a little noise in the back of his throat. He's not... Entirely sure about how to express his feelings on people. Not like Sora does. ]

At first I thought he was kind of stuck up. But I think he's kind of a lot like me. Though he's always put others first.

[oathkeeper]

He is really nice.

[Sora grins. The air is getting a little chillier as the sun sets away to set the stage for the nighttime fireworks.]

You guys seem to get along pretty great, so I'm not surprised you think he's a bit like you. He had a lot of nice things to say about you, you know.

[darkcharge]

[ Which means scooting a little closer to Sora of course. Surely the Puca doesn't mind? ]

Yeah, I know he does. He can get as sappy about it as you can. Still throws me off a little. He's the better person, really, but acts like I'm the stronger person.

[oathkeeper]

Come on, you're both great people. And Vanitas, you've been through a lot. Of course, you're strong for it.

[Sora is going to nudge Vanitas gently.]

He seems like a good friend to have. I'm really happy you guys met.

[Apparently Vanitas isn't that prickly around Lio in general and that amused Sora to great ends at the time.]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas is still feeling a little sheepish about all of this. To think that they are talking about friendships... And then to know that Van has somewhat soft feelings for a select few people? It's super embarrassing.

Makes him uncomfortable. ]

Yeah...

[ He sighs, rubbing his neck. ]

Not all of us are like you, you know? I don't need a bunch of people. Just a couple is fine.

[oathkeeper]

[He knows he's pestering Vanitas about it. But there's just something that makes him happy about knowing that Vanitas does have friends here. Something Vanitas would have rejected so adamantly before. This world really has changed Vanitas a lot. Part of it also makes Sora feel better about the friends he's lost lately so he looks down and lets out a tiny sigh.]

Yeah, I know.

[Maybe Vanitas is good about that. Having a bunch of people and friends means hurting more when they leave. But Sora pushes that back down and smile at Vanitas again.]

Anyway, the fireworks should be starting pretty soon. I bet it's going to be great! Kind of like a moving meteor shower! But louder!

[darkcharge]

[ Their bond being back to its regular strength makes it easy for Vanitas to detect when Sora's not quite feeling himself. His fingers take hold of the ones that had been touching his knee. There is this underlying hurt there... Vanitas isn't good at reassurances, of course.

But he can at least be there. ]

They had to wait until it is dark enough, right? Just how loud is it going to get?

[oathkeeper]

[The touch is more than enough! Sora doesn't want to dwell on what's happened. He knows enough about this world that they're both probably home safe now. Without Sora. But it's not like he's not used to that feeling. His fingers squeeze Vanitas' hand because this is the feeling that is important right now. This one is where he is right now.]

I dunno, I guess we'll find out!

[It's not shortly after that that the fireworks display does start. It fills the sky with magical bursts of colour and sparks and flares of explosions. Sora watches with growing delight.]

Whoa!!

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas would argue that it's not the only important feeling. Not because he wants to be the only thing - because he does - but because this is Sora. Other people are just as important to him. His friends and his connections to them even more so.

In the end, he might do what he can to alleviate that. That's where his thoughts are when that first set of colors decorate the sky with a loud BANG. Van startles and looks up towards the sky.

He's kind of speechless. ]

[oathkeeper]

[The connections that Sora has mean the world to him. It makes Sora who he is. So the sting if one of those connections gets distance hurts. But he hangs on either way and is reminded that maybe somewhere out there his friends are watching the same colourful night sky.

He can feel some of Vanitas' wonder and he can't help but grin, casting a glance at the other boy.]

What's better, meteor showers or this?

[darkcharge]

[ Just like Vanitas can feel the sting, he can also feel that grin. For whatever reason, the brat takes delight in seeing Van experience new things. Sora especially seems to enjoy it if it is the first time that Vanitas has really witnessed something. The Puca likes being a part of so many firsts. He would feel embarrassed about it, but as the explosions light up the sky in various ways? He can't be bothered. ]

I think they're both fine.

[ Like he could choose one over the other. The shooting stars might be silent, but they dance across the darkening skies so beautifully. Then the fireworks take on so many shapes and forms. Van doesn't care for how loud they are though. ]

Does that mean you're going to try to kiss me here too?

[oathkeeper]

[He just can't help it. When he gets to see Vanitas do something or see something new it makes this warm little spot inside of his heart. He's seen Vanitas change and grow so much over the last year and Sora is really proud of him. He wants to keep seeing more and more.

Sora laughs with a tilt of his head. He takes his eyes off the fireworks for just a split second to catch a glimpse of Vanitas. For a second he swears he catches a flicker of green or blue somewhere.]

I dunno, does that mean we should make new wishes too?

[darkcharge]

[ And to think that Vanitas has nearly been in this place for a year. Sometimes it's not hard to think about how far removed he is now from the situation that he had been in before. There are people here that care about him and he's come to accept that. Those are some pretty big steps. ]

I mean... I really only have one wish.

[oathkeeper]

[Now he's paying more attention to Vanitas than the fireworks display above! Sora's ears twitch as he tilts his head curiously.]

Just one? Are we gonna share wishes this time?

[Since it's not really a meteor shower right now!]