intro log: august

[faileas]

Intro Log: August

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the higher floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are brighter with the absence of the sister moons in the sky - it's the new moon, after all. The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. "There's always a right lot of you coming in, aren't there." The woman sets her hands on her hips, with her Bonded casting a glance at those looking confused - newly arrived - and those who may have followed them in to talk to the newest addition of their mirrorbound bunch. "About time for introductions though- this here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, Head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of insanely colorful seats are summoned; half of them are wooden (sturdy and comfortable besides that), with the rest being misshapen and bag-like. Regardless, the seats fill the foyer and spread out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch, should they have come to check on things. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly. Additionally, those with notable injuries or sickness will be attended to ASAP by Coven-based witches, and should anyone be curious about what they are - if they have magic potential, or if they swing a different way - then this can be done during this and the general hour or so the new arrivals are within the Coven's grounds. There are ongoing classes on magic, monsters, and Bonding as well, though they take place more during the day than at night - feel free to have your characters attend them at any time!

III. THE HAVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, it's time to make a trek through a bit of leftover ice and snow to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in a program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It reads simply the information you've offered up yourself, or that someone might have written up for you, should that be their idea of fun.

IV. LÙNASA Just like three months ago, those new to Aefenglom have found themselves brought to the city in the middle of a celebration. From dusk of Aguril 1st to the dusk of Aguril 3rd, Aefenglom celebrates something fairly special: Lùnasa. Traditionally, Lùnasa celebrates all kinds of traditional marriages sanctioned by Parliament, generally of the arranged kind, and handfastings, a ceremony based more on love and how long it lasts. The Coven's Bonds err on this side of things, though some Witches do have official spouses - Miss Nessie and Mhairi are an example of this, though not everyone marries their Bonded, either. Many of them are made during this festival, prompting the city to dress for the occasion just in case they find themselves in the middle of a ceremony, and just as many of them are formally renewed. Like during Litha, shops offer lovemaking potions, but only to those renewing vows or taking them; smaller fireworks, like sparklers and fountains, are also a common sight. Lùnasa is also home to the city's largest fashion show, showcasing fun and upcoming trends in the city. No experience is required to sign up to show off designs or to model them, and hundreds of tailors and needlework experts come together to quickly make dreams into reality for the end of the festival, when the show happens in genuine. The clothing is often wild and sorted into three categories: children, where those 14 and younger can submit their designs and model them as well; popular, where those 15 and older can do the same to try and vie for the judges' vote on what's in and what's out; and bonding, where all ages aspire to modify and make personal the traditional garbs of marriage and handfasting. While circumstances might be a little weird - and the month is a little cold coming in, given the snowstorm that happened at the end of last month - there's plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty to take your mind off of just what a weird experience this all might be. Though those who have been in Aefenglom for a while now might notice something different over the course of the festival: they're a little more powerful than before, almost similar to the free-feeling that Boaltinn encouraged. Spells can still go awry, but the results will be much bigger - but it's frowned upon to use magic during festivals. Then again, characters will feel as if they're about to burn up if they don't use it a little... Well, just one spell beneath the shadow of the new moons wouldn't hurt, would it? a. JUST IN CASE While the city is dressed up on the off chance they might be roped into an impromptu wedding ceremony - it's likely that those who aren't native to Aefenglom don't have such luck. Thankfully, the tailors of city are offering free clothes on the caveat they advertise for them by wearing them around the festivities - they're long yet breathable garments, with colors that are fairly muted oranges and reds, not unlike the coming fall. It'd seem the fear of red skies from Litha has started to fade as nothing else too terrible has happened to the city at large, at least on the surface. And as it turns out, those offers might be better timed than they think: characters will be pulled into ceremonies at random to act as witnesses, to serve as dance partners for lonely folk, or just because they really needed someone to even out the numbers. b. ON THE CATWALK An annual occasion, the Aefenglom Fashion Show is always a bustling, bright time for those young and old to strut their stuff and try their best to either follow the latest trends, or spark them into being. Unfortunately, they're running a little low on models this year - many of their other ones decided to try their hand at sewing themselves - and so they're accepting volunteers! Willing or not; many of the more aggressive youths aren't above dragging those they deem perfect enough to wear their clothing to the back of the stage set up in the center of the Shopping District and pushing them out onto the catwalk dressed to the nines in all sorts of ridiculous-looking styles. c. EYE-CATCHING A few of the newest fashionistas in town have tried their hand at some rather... peculiar-looking clothing - but none so peculiar as those found in Precogstitchin' or Arwel's Tailory, in two completely different ways. While those who try on a piece or two of Precogstichin's wares will find themselves the center of attention due to their rather avant-garde shape, color, and pattern choices - not to mention accessories and rumor of being made of arachne silk! - those who try on Arwel's wares will find themselves being stopped quite frequently in the street despite the rather plain and dull colors and formless shapes the tailory provides as free samples. d. NEW MOON RITES While native Witches bemoan their weakened magics - some even expressing relief the new moon happens to land on a festival this year so they don't have to notice just how weak they are, mirrorbound Witches will find themselves feeling just the opposite: they're stronger. For those that chance a little magic despite the unspoken rules of the festivals in Aefenglom, they'll find the expelling of energy to be very relieving, as if a weight lifts off their shoulders. For those that refuse the siren's song of release, however, sparks of magical energy will fly from them, with a myriad of results - enchanting inanimate objects, transforming animals from one thing to another, starting small fires, creating illusions of the person or creature they fear the most... and so on.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the August's Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know, and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

haven | aristocratic district;

[fulgency]

[He needs to get out of the house. He doesn't intend to completely disobey the witches at the Coven who cared for him during his illness by overexerting himself, but after having spent the better part of a month generally confined to one room? He needs to move around and find a change of scenery. Especially since the interior of his home has seen better days prior to the previous full moon. Arthur and Berserker have made a fair amount of progress already, but it's still a somewhat sorry state that he can't bear to look at for long.]

[He's also just feeling a little too keyed up still with magical energy. He needs the distraction in some form or fashion.]

[So, Ozymandias has ventured outside his house to go for a walk. Brief and slow though it may be, it is better than sitting cooped up any longer inside.]

[When she bumps into him, Ozymandias has to catch his balance a little, something that would require a little more effort and speed on her part to cause under different circumstances. But they both manage and Ozymandias shakes his head at the apology instead of taking offense at the initial collision. He's more annoyed with himself and his current state than with her bumping into him for a change. At her question, he asks,]

Simpler?

[It doesn't entirely...compute. While not a native, it's likely obvious from his dress and the way he stands that he clearly feels comfortable in this amount of luxury and space. He can't imagine wanting something "simpler" when this is already, in his mind, simple enough.]

You'll need to be more specific what you mean by that.

[partnerinheels]

[Sheva's usually far more graceful and quick on her feet, but it's been a rough couple of days and she still hasn't obtained a proper amount of sleep since she arrived. Seems that neither are bringing their A game today.

At his question, the young agent stares at him a moment, also perplexed. Had she not been clear?]

I just need a place to shower, store my gear, and catch some shuteye. Nothing fancy.

[Simpler.]

[fulgency]

[There's simpler and then there's what she's described. If it weren't for the mention of gear, he'd make the assumption that she's not used to having much of anything by way of luxury. But with that mention, he assumes her to be more of the soldier type. A bedroll would probably be more than enough to satisfy her.]

You will need to head closer to the edges to find what you are looking for. Here in the center are only larger accommodations. There are smaller houses near the Wall and the Coven itself. [He cants his head.] Though it sounds as though the Barracks would suit your needs.

[He points in their direction.]

Head in that direction, towards the slums, if that's what you are truly looking for.

[partnerinheels]

[As of right now, a shower and a bed roll would be luxurious, and she could easily just make due with a bar of soap, a bucket of clean enough water, and a quiet place to rest herself. So, these barracks sound far more comfortable than the abruptly abandoned homes of others.

She listens to his directions as takes a lingering glance to where he gestures, noting the location for later.]

Thank you. [Her attention returns to him, offering him a slight smile.] Any other advice you might wish to bestow upon a new arrival such as myself?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias gives it a moment's thought when she asks if there is any advice he might give to a new arrival. The welcoming committee does a decent enough job in answering questions... After that moment, he says,]

I would recommend you heed the advice of the Coven and consider a Bond sooner rather than later. I imagine you are the sort of person with significant mental fortitude, [if he demeanor about being in this place and her request for accommodations are any indication,] but the changes this place brings about within you as what they call here a witch or monster is difficult for even the strongest of minds to resist.

And if you happen to be the latter, be mindful if your presence is welcomed or not. I've observed some businesses making efforts to include monsters, and others doing their best to turn them away even during festivals.

[partnerinheels]

[Of all the suggestions he could make, this one certainly hits a little harder. It's not the idea of forming a partnership that poses any sort of issue for the agent, but in this situation, that would mean accepting her fate in this world. Learning magic is one thing as it's just another skill set, but turning into what she considers a parallel to BOWs in her world...

She has problems with that. Many, deep rooted and discriminatory issues that she knows she's going to need to personally manage sometime in the future.]

Then bonds are required?

[Even though she has a good list of questions about the nature of these bonds, she keeps her inquiry fairly baseline. Asking a stranger sex related questions tends to get weird fast.

There's a huff of wry laughter, followed by a shaking of her head. Good to see that there's systemic racism here too.]

Any bias towards genders on top of that?

[fulgency]

Not that I've observed, [he says, shaking his head at her second question. But he's probably not the best person to address that question. He, instead, wraps back around to her first question.]

They are not truly required immediately. There are stopgap measures you may take advantage of until you find someone suitable.

[partnerinheels]

A silver lining. [She admits, somewhat surprised considering the bias against monsters, regardless of her feelings on the monsters found in her world. Then again, perspective is everything.]

What sort of stopgaps? [She pauses, her curiosity getting the better of her.] Anything that makes someone more suitable than another? Or, is it like dating and determined by personal preference?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias doesn't mind all the questions, but he notices that this seems to be of the most interest to her thus far. Not that he particularly blames her for her investment in it. In the end, it affects all the mirrorbound eventually. One way or another.]

Temporary bonds seem to be the most popular method. It's by no means a solution, but it lessens the intensity during the phases of the moon and provides you with the opportunity to determine if the other is someone you could form a true Bond with.

[So to answer her other questions: it is, in large part, a matter of personal preference.]

[partnerinheels]

[As a woman who's not keen, or terribly good, at more romantically intimate relationships, Sheva would like to know if this place requires that in exchange for mental stability in their new afflictions. Sheva's completely biased, but she's quite aware of that. It also doesn't sit right with her for other reasons.

Still, she's reserving her actions until she can get a better picture.]

So as simple as a one night bonding whenever balance needs to be... Restored?

[There might be a bit of a misunderstanding, or maybe there isn't and she's just being polite.]

[fulgency]

[If there is a misunderstanding, Ozymandias remains completely unaware of it. He remains what he believes to be straightforward.]

More or less, [Ozymandias says with a small nod.] It is not a permanent solution, however. It has been advised that the more permanent Bonds still be sought out.

[partnerinheels]

[Despite her best efforts, a soft, displeased noise follows the mention of permanent bonds being preferred. She doesn't exactly school her face too well on the matter either.]

Doesn't that get... Complicated?

[A beat.]

How many people have arrived here through a mirror?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias shakes his head a little, addressing her second question first.]

I couldn't provide you with an exact number, but there is a sizeable amount of us that have come through the mirrors.

[He tips his head slightly.]

What exactly do you mean by complicated?

hi, sorry life's been eating me :<

[partnerinheels]

Double digits? [Her brow furrows slightly.] Triple?

[She clears her throat at his second question. Perhaps she's just not being clear?]

Relationships are messy enough, but to force people into them for their survival... One night stands are just easier. If the bonding isn't so great, then you're not stuck with them.

[Look if she has to have sex to not turn into a feral monster, she'd like to only keep with that bond if it's damn good sex.]

no worries! believe me, i feel you lol

[fulgency]

[Further confusion crosses his expression for a moment before it settles in that there's perhaps been a bit of a misunderstanding. He holds up a hand, shaking his head. He laughs a little upon realizing it.]

Ah, I think you've misunderstood! Bonds need not be romantic in nature if that's not desired. From what I've heard described, they are merely close relationships due to the nature of the Bond, but there isn't always an interest like that between them.