faileas: (Default)
aefenglom log posting account ([personal profile] faileas) wrote in [community profile] middaeg2020-09-19 07:52 pm

Event Log: September, The Price of Revolution p1

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.

scatmaam: (queen of shadows)

scathach | turnskin

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-21 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ i-b; for [personal profile] whydogs ]
Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone...
I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One...
I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done...

[ It was a small whisper, largely to herself, as the wreath was completed. The words held with them tremendous gravity, and were not something spoken in vane, but instead in oath so heavy that it seemed to draw in the entire moment. And given the trio of golden triangles that decorated the joint of the wreath, that clasped it together, there would be little question to those that knew whom the wreath, and that oath, were for... ]

And so it is Done. May my spear guide you in your future, and give you strength to face what's ahead...

[ She turned back to Jill, letting out a long sigh, handing the wreath over to her to place in her satchel. ]

Thank you, again, for being here with me, for this... [ She leaned in to press a kiss to the woman's cheek, humming. ] I love you...

[ ii - b]
FÀG AN TSLIGHE!!

[ Scathach was like a fire born from hell, blazing in the night despite the darkness that seemed to constantly surround her. Her blood red spear caught the lights of the chaos around her and shined in an almost sickening way, regardless of what blood and bile stained it from her enemies. She'd assembled as many volunteers as she could, and just as quickly transformed them into a Celtic Battalion, ready to tear into the enemy forces and drive them back into whatever pits they crawled from, and she intended to show no mercy.

The war cry echoed in the city streets, her newly recruited warriors, witch and beast alike, charging right with her, and crashing into a Necromancer's line. Mind controlled or dead, there was no time for her to differentiate. The enemy was the enemy, and she knew if they were true warriors, they would not resent their deaths, regardless. ]


You! Watch the flank!

[ Yes, she's yelling at you. Whether you were part of her unit or not, she was giving orders. The alleys were teeming with Morgana's forces ready to stop this now alarmingly efficient group of actual warriors, and she needed eyes where her own could not be. ]
Edited 2020-09-21 17:21 (UTC)
whydogs: (7)

[personal profile] whydogs 2020-09-21 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jill kept a pretty low-activity lifestyle, even before traveling to another world. Wake up, go to work, maybe hit up a store or two, come back home, relax, and repeat. Even with the added company of a girlfriend, she never really deviated much from this pattern, and she was fine with that. The trip, however, held a great deal of significance for said girlfriend, which made it important to her as well.

She was a tourist in every sense of the word, letting Shadow take the lead while she admired the sights.

A vacation within a vacation, really.

When it came time for the wreathes, Jill for her part stayed quiet and let Shadow do what needed to be done. Though curious, the mood itself was still somber from the fresh departure.]


Y-Yeah, of course! I wouldn't have ever said no to this.

[She handled the wreath with care and stowed it away, leaning into the kiss and holding her hand.]

I love you too.

Was there something you wanted to do next?
scatmaam: (Default)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-23 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
In all honesty, this is all I'd really planned, since I'd read about it...

[ Scathach sighed out a small laugh, shaking her head. It was maybe a little unlike her, to be so adrift, but... It had been a rather sudden loss, after all. But at least that wreath would assure her memories of Zelda would not be soon left to wither... not yet, anyways. Not ever, if she could help it. ]

You've been patient with me doing all of this... I'll gladly let you lead, for this one.
whydogs: (Default)

[personal profile] whydogs 2020-09-29 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
[Jill was going to be as patient as Shadow needed her to be, and to give her all the support she could, too. Unexpectedly losing a loved one was tough, no doubt about it. She'd been through that before and it hurt like hell.

It was her friends that had gotten her through that, and she was damn sure going to do the same for Shadow.]


How about we just have a look around town?

We can always hit up some of the local bars, but I doubt you'll like them more than the stuff I make for you.
scatmaam: (from the stars that filled our eyes)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-29 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
I've had plenty to drink, prior to this... [ Several wakes worth, to be entirely honest. But that's more, Jill was right. They wouldn't hold much to Jill's technique. ]

Maybe we could simply enjoy the evening together... I hear tell there will be quite a firework display to close off the festival.
whydogs: (8)

[personal profile] whydogs 2020-10-06 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd like that.

[Though she had been mostly nocturnal since before turning, she did miss the sort of bustle that one would find during the daytime. Early evenings were busy enough, but it only lasted a few hours before everyone else retreated back to their homes.

It meant a lot to Jill that Shadow was always there to make time for her.]


You're the first one that's ever taken me on a date to a fireworks show. How's that make you feel?
curruid_coinchenn: (in blind despair taken in)

ii - b

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-22 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ An attacker rushing the flank is dispatched with frightening efficiency. The dragon responsible seems annoyed at her barking orders at him. ]

Don't tell me what I need to do.

[ He didn't need to be told and yet, he still obeyed. There was no way he could disobey her, even after all these years. He felt like he was at a disadvantage without his spear, but it didn't matter. His claws, teeth, and poison could do just as much damage. ]

scatmaam: (everything or nothing at all)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-23 03:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Even if he wasn't altered, she had no doubt every Cu would have responded the same way, and it felt comfortingly familiar within the chaos. Watching him work did, in its own way, too, even if his method of fighting wasn't anything she'd ever taught him directly, even if she still recognized the general theory and strategies she'd instilled in him. ]

We're pushing them back. Keep at it!
curruid_coinchenn: (and which of us the prey)

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-23 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ The problem with the way he fought, armed or unarmed, was his general lack of concern for his own body. He endured blows to ensure fatal ones against his enemy. It certainly wasn't a good way to fight for a long time, but it had the benefit of striking fear into enemies that weren't just reanimated corpses. ]

They act so fearless when they charge...Pathetic.

[ The scent of blood was heavy in the air already. Berserker's hands and arms were covered in it, more of it splashed across his face and neck. ]

They'll regret their choices.

[ When one acted as a one man war, there were two responses: 1, the enemy ran in fear or 2, they attacked even harder out of desperation. It appeared fear was winning out this time. ]
scatmaam: (don't talk if you've nothin' to say)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-24 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ Scathach raised an arm to temporarily halt their march, seeing how the line was faltering ahead of them, many of Morgana's faithful losing their nerve at the site of both of them, while the troops behind them were practically hammering out a war beat on their makeshift shields.

She let them hold there, standing beside Cu, letting the hammering of the shields grow louder, louder, the monsters behind them snarling, roaring, screaming for the blood of those who wanted to enslave them. She wanted them to hear it. To hear their rage. ]


Make way, or may your bodies pave our warpath. The choice is yours.
curruid_coinchenn: (when they called me broken i knew)

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-24 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ Berserker stood covered in the blood of his enemies, living and undead alike, his expression cold enough to stop even the bravest person in their tracks. There was no mercy, no remorse, nothing of the kind to be found in his red eyes. Scáthach's declaration made it that much more clear what sort of force the invaders were up against.

Caught up by the makeshift war drums sounding behind him, he roared. In his role as the Mad King, the sound of his roar was enough to nearly drive his enemies mad with fear. It would weaken their resolve and slow their steps -- madness of the spirits. Even without that skill, it was still enough to threaten the living. ]


This is the only chance you have...Think of it as an act of mercy.
scatmaam: (there's no glint in a dead man's eye)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-25 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ Unfortunately, the enemy didn't seem to think much of the Celts' offer. Berserker may have been a stomach churning sight, but one of the Necromancers scoffed, assuring himself he'd turn that dragon into a soldier of his own with one well placed blow...

He called for his forces to charge. And so Scathach smirked, shaking her head. The drumming was at a frenzy now, and she finally lowered her arm, gesturing for the line to move forward. ]


Leave none standing, boys! And Ciaran, bring me that bastard's head!

[ Yeah, don't tell him what to do, but she had a feeling he'd take to that particular order gleefully. ]
curruid_coinchenn: (I would always find my way to you)

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-25 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She didn't have to command him to do that. Berserker was annoyed at best with the necromancer, making him eat his words would soothe at least some of the anger. His only focus was doing just that. He cut down anything that stood in his way, ignoring the blows laid upon him.

The necromancer didn't seem nearly as smug once he was face to face with Berserker. In fact, he turned tail and tried to run. Tried. A plank ran through him, a makeshift weapon Berserker grabbed off the ground. A few moments later, he returned to Scathach, tossing the head at her feet. ]


As you asked.
scatmaam: (everything or nothing at all)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-27 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
Perfect.

[ Scathach skewered the head, raising it up well above her so the whole crowd, her forces and the enemy included, could see it. The roar from the monsters that fought alongside Scathach and Ciaran was deafening. A festival of blood and revenge, born from rage. She almost dared Ciaran, with her gaze, to not feel the call of war beyond simply fighting, himself. To feel their anger, and to let it unite with his own.

This was all of their fight. And it wasn't over. ]
curruid_coinchenn: (my name is lonely)

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-28 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dorchacht had been the first time he'd cared about anything other than his own affairs. It was such an alien feeling to him then, almost a year ago now, and it still wasn't the most familiar feeling even now. This battle wasn't his...

Except it was. That's why he was so affected by the shared dream and the city before the revolution. It's why he helped with the revolution at all. He'd found a reason to give a shit.

He simple gave a short, curt nod in response to her gaze, answering her challenge. There would be a bloodbath this night. ]
scatmaam: (knelt the conscience blessed to kill)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-28 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Scathach approached him after tossing the head away, its purpose used up. Morale was high enough that they needed to keep pushing. And as for the where... ]

Scouts say they're trying to retake the old coven. We've got to stop them before they can set it up as a stronghold.

You're up front. Clear the way for us.
curruid_coinchenn: (my name is lonely)

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2020-09-30 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ A wordless nod was all she got in response. His strides were determined, his posture dangerous. He was in the mindset of the one-man war again -- conquer, kill, destroy. Death on two legs.

No quarter given, no mercy to be found. Only death would come at his hands to those who stood against them. Nothing slowed him as he led the small band of fighters, not even wounds laid upon him. Fearsome and terrifying...The ones that stood against him would regret their choice. ]
darkcharge: (16)

ii-b

[personal profile] darkcharge 2020-09-26 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Once again, Vanitas hadn't really thought about engaging in all of the chaos and turmoil. He hadn't been here a year ago so he doesn't see this as his fight. Vantias isn't one of the ones that revenge needs to be taken from. At least from his perspective if he doesn't participate then they have no reason to come after him.

Too bad it doesn't work that way, huh? Apparently those being controlled don't care that he's not actually doing anything to help or harm. So when they come after him that's when Vanitas decides that fine. They want him to play? Then he'll play.

When Scathach says to watch the flank, Vanitas supposes that he might as well. He doesn't care who is dead or alive either, as he launches a series of fireballs as those who think it's wise to charge at them. ]
scatmaam: (with each bullet screams your name)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-09-27 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ The fire was pretty discouraging, but it turned out it wasn't simply a small group of witches trying to route them. By knowing the lay of the city a little better, they'd actually managed to route more forces in from the alley, and all started to charge at once. ]

Shields! Raise your shields and hold!

[ Scathach called to the gathered monsters, all raising improvised defensive gear, while the few witches among them tried to grant barriers as well.

She turned to Vanitas. ]
Get up high! Look for a way through their line!
darkcharge: (14)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2020-10-01 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[ An easy task, to be sure. Vanitas can get high up in a split second, using magic to give him a boost. He's not really one for shields and wards, but he's pretty good at countering any attacks with one of his own.

Otherwise, Vanitas is giving a look around a city he isn't entirely familiar with either. This isn't the best vantage point, but at least he can see enough. ]


Going to have to break through and head towards the south.
scatmaam: (you're miles from safe harbor)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-10-02 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
You heard'em, warriors! We break to the south! Push!

[ She turned her attention back to Vanitas, nodding. ]

Cover our rear! They're going to try to keep pinning us fro many direction they can!
darkcharge: (66)

[personal profile] darkcharge 2020-10-04 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Got it...

[ As soon as people start to move out, Vanitas casts a wall of flame behind them. It should at least slow down any Witches and stop any Monsters that think to try to get at the group from behind.

Vanitas is going to go from rooftop to rooftop, casting spells to cut off any approaching enemies. Now he is really glad he's been practicing. ]
scatmaam: (for hateful eyes to glisten once again)

[personal profile] scatmaam 2020-10-05 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Scathach counted herself glad, as well. The little mana bombs were keeping them clean to try and push the line south. She shouted orders at the vanguard, while supplementing Vanitas' spells with wide, sweeping attacks of her spear to knock back any undead that pushed past. ]