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

[fabrications]

[ Akechi's not opposed to a fight, but this isn't his fight so he's really not feeling it. He just wants to find his Bonded and get the hell out of dodge.

But that's tricky when the fighting is everywhere, and even trickier when there's someone waving a sword in his face. Akechi falls back a step, energy briefly crackling at the tips of his fingers - but he makes the realization they're they're both Mirrorbound right as Edelgard does. He'll wait til she lowers her weapon to lower his, however. ]

There's no choice but to fight.

[ He'll let Edelgard decide for herself what he means by that. For now, he jerks his head back the way he came. ]

There's a pack of necromancers a few blocks that way. They don't have any of the Nuckelavee, but there's a lot of them.

[unyieldingmarch]

[Tilting her gaze around the youth, Edelgard sets her jaw, a fang slipping into view for a moment. Necromancers meant witch-blood, which would be extremely helpful right about now. The jolt of energy would be handy. And her clothing was woven to resist some magics, so it meant she was willing to try.]

Manageable. If we can get the jump on them, at any rate. Are you good at stealth, young man?

[She's not going in blind, but she can at least tell he's a witch of some sort.]

[fabrications]

[ Aha, a vampire. Akira was one, before he vanished, so Akechi can only imagine the sort of boost Edelgard might get from a pack of rampaging necromancers.

At the question about stealth... well, the situation isn't the least bit funny, but Akechi looks a touch amused all the same. ]

I have some experience.

[ To say the least. He dips a hand into one of his inner pockets and withdraws a small, folding leather case. ]

If you're willing to stay close, I know a spell that can make us both much harder to notice.

[ Truthfully, he'd still much prefer to bail out of this situation and keep going straight for safety. Edelgard seems confident with her sword in a way that isn't bluster, however, and she's a vampire on top of that. Sticking with her might delay his quest to safety, but he'd wager it'll increase his odds of survival. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

I am.

[Edelgard takes a step closer, moving without hesitation. If he's willing to provide the magic, then she can definitely do the killing.]

What do you need from me? Is it just proximity?

[She's a somewhat experienced mage herself, and cautious enough that she won't do anything like give him a hair, but some basic concessions she can make.]

[fabrications]

Just your proximity. Try to stay within... say, twenty feet.

[ It'll work a bit beyond that range, but just in case.

He flips the case open and plucks a tiny vial of ash from within, then pops the cap off the vial and dumps it on the ground with a murmured incantation. There's a sensation like a blanket settling over the two of them, and while the ambient sounds of the city and fighting remain crisp and clear, all sounds made by Akechi and Edelgard become more subdued and muffled. Even when Akechi talks it sounds like he's on the other side of a thin door. ]

I can maintain this for about an hour. After that, we'll need to sneak around the hard way.

[unyieldingmarch]

Hopefully this will be over in minutes, not an hour.

[Any combat that goes that long they have already lost.

Stepping lightly, sword at the ready, Edelgard begins moving in the direction he'd indicated. Her nose twitches slightly, sensing the blood in the air, a dangerous gleam in her eye.]

How many did you count, again?

[fabrications]

Hopefully.

[ But Akechi's not going to count on it. He turns to follow Edelgard, staying to her left and half a step behind her. ]

I counted seven or so, with twice as many thralls - but they're keeping their distance from the bulk of the fighting, and leaving themselves unguarded when they send the undead out for combat.

[unyieldingmarch]

Seven? Manageable. We wait until they send out a skirmish, and then jump them, then.

[The thralls were more or less chaff as she saw them. A distraction from the real danger.]

Have you seen much combat, young man?

[fabrications]

[ Akechi nods along with Edelgard's proposed plan. It's about what he was considering himself, and he has a little doubt a vampire can pull it off. ]

I have.

[ Normally something he might keep secret, but this situation is a touch dire. He tugs a chain loose from under his shirt, then unclips a sword-shaped pendant from it. With a murmured word the sword abruptly expands to the size of a proper weapon. Between the black steel and the serrated blade it kind of clashes with Akechi's much more genial, pedestrian choice in clothing and accessories, but he seems comfortable with it all the same. ]

But rarely against humans, and never in an environment like this.

[unyieldingmarch]

Then listen, if I call out instructions.

[She gives him a look, one that's both severe and commanding at the same time. Edelgard hadn't worn her crown this night, but she hardly needed it to get her point across.]

I am the ruler of an empire at home, and I have experience in warfare both against mages and in urban environments. If I give you an order, know that I do it with years of experience and with the intention of making the coming conflict go as smoothly as possible.

Can you accept that?

[fabrications]

[ Edelgard gives Akechi that look and he meets it with an arched brow and an expression of mild amusement. But despite that... ]

If I couldn't accept that, I wouldn't be following you.

[ Akechi prefers flying solo, but if he's not he doesn't like being in charge. Besides, while Edelgard and Akira don't really have much in common, Akechi's starting to see some similarities between the two. And hey, speaking of which... ]

I have worked alongside a vampire before, and most of my experience fighting humans has been here - so by all means, I'll follow your lead.

[unyieldingmarch]

Good. That's all that I need to know.

[Her pace quickens, her jaw serious. She's not in any mood for glibness, not when there's a battle to be fought. That doesn't win fights. Cooperation and teamwork do, as far as she's concerned.

It doesn't take long to get within earshot of the foe, the sounds of people discussing plans and the groans of thralls.

Edelgard starts moving to circle behind them, sticking close but slipping around a building.]

When they attack, we jump them from behind.

[fabrications]

[ Fortunately, Edelgard won't have to worry about any more glib commentary from Akechi. Once they're actually on the move he stays focused on the task, slinking after Edelgard like an attentive shadow. Even without the sound-muffling spell he's cast it's clear that he's comfortable and familiar with the task of sneaking around unseen, even in slacks and Oxfords.

He nods at Edelgard's instructions, finding nothing in them to protest, but he does lift a hand and offer it out to her. ]

One more thing - another spell to help you.

[ If allowed, he'll tap her on her shoulder or wrist or whatever she might offer to him, and a minor enhancement to her speed will fall over her. It's not much, and it won't last more than half a minute or so, but it should still give her an extra edge over their opponents. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

[She offers a gloved hand back to him, ready to accept the magic. The enchantment registers and makes her smile, pleased and ready.]

Thank you.

[Sword in hand, she peers around a corner and nods.]

I'm going in, they've just released their thralls. Back me up when you're able.

[fabrications]

[ Akechi nods at Edelgard's instructions, seeing no issues with her plan and thus offering no additional thoughts or counterpoints of his own. When she takes off he gives her half a moment to get ahead of him, and then dashes after her.

Despite his designation as a Witch, Akechi was clearly being truthful about his combat experience. He moves to cover the parts of the 'battlefield' that she can't reach without needing to be told, and he certainly doesn't seem to be flinching away from the whole 'killing people' part. The first necromancer he reaches gets a sword rammed through his lungs, only for Akechi to retrieve his weapon by planting his foot on the necromancer's back and giving him a violent shove into his nearest friend.

He is learning that this is much harder to do in nice shoes, however. He misses his Metaverse outfit. ]

[unyieldingmarch]

[For her part, Edelgard's blurring form turns from solid into mist, and in the span of a few heartbeats she's crossed the distance, blending into the smoke of the city. Reappearing behind one of the necromancers, she's already thrusting her blade out, driving it into her gut, ripping it free with a bloody spray and the ripping sound of bone tearing.

A shout goes up as the ambush gets underway, but Edelgard is already moving, hacking into yet another of the dark sorcerers, blade opening up red gashes in his flesh.]