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

[proficience]

[This guy is already entertaining to Dazai, enough to where he wastes no time just asking this very straightforward question:]

How about I buy you a drink?

[Honestly, this isn't asked to be flirtatious; he just enjoys sharing a drink with someone and talking to them. Though, the suggestion Dazai receives to devote more effort to gaining experience with men makes him wonder, for a moment, if there's an interest on this stranger's part for him to do so.]

[hisui]

[So, on top of mistaking him for a woman and outright admitting to not having interest in men, this stranger intends to treat him to a drink.

The offer comes as a slight surprise, and it shows in the way Nagare responds with a short moment of silence, as though considering the offer. Unexpected as this is outcome is, he has no reason to decline, and it's a good opportunity for new experiences.]

If that is your wish, then I accept your offer.

[Although... unlike his surrogate father, who indulged in drinking beer on a daily basis, he isn't exactly one for drinking alcohol. But it's unlikely this stranger is going to force him, or slip anything into his drink or do anything weird of the sort. So what can go wrong, right?]

[proficience]

[He has absolutely no idea what this man drinks or even has an interest in drinking, so --

He'll just order two sakes. Cheap ones, since he doesn't have much money on his person at all. He's going to have to get a job here, sooner rather than later, he knows. The bartender quickly works on those drinks while Dazai turns his head to face his companion, smiling.]

You're very formal. Have you been told that before?

[Since Dazai had ordered very simple drinks, they're finished already and are passed down the counter to the two of them. He picks his up and takes a light sip.]

[hisui]

[Because of his peculiar manners and physical condition back home, Nagare has been described as many different things, ranging from unkingly to creepy. The polite manner of speaking, however, is a trait he got from his parents, before losing both of them at the age of ten.

And ever since then, his interaction with the outside world grew extremely scarce. So it's hard to say he is aware of how others perceive his weirdness.]

This is the first time I am told so. Is it odd?

[He is about to pick his own glass up when he realizes the familiar smell of alcohol isn't coming just from the other man's drink, but from his own as well. His hand halts midway for a split second before bringing the glass to his lips.

Only to take a small sip and set the glass down again. The taste isn't awful, but the alcohol in that tiny sip is enough to leave a bitter taste in his mouth. The sensation isn't unpleasant enough to make his expression lose its composure, but the way he repeats the movement a second time gives away the fact that he isn't used to alcoholic drinks. Even though this is hardly his first time trying out a drink, he doesn't quite get what is so appealing about the bitter, scorching sensation it causes.

It would seem there are still far too many (supposedly) small pleasures of life he doesn't know about.]

[proficience]

Not necessarily. I'll admit I haven't been in the company of anyone formal in a while.

[As evidenced by how quickly he downs half of his sake. He's not formal on his own, but he's able to pretend that he has the mannerisms of one who is. Otherwise, secret missions where he'd have to spy on the enemy during extravagant dinner parties back in the Mafia wouldn't have worked out quite as well.]

I might not be able to reciprocate. [He says, catching a glimpse of how this man seems to be a little -- well, confused about the drink. Has he never had a sake before?

That's a possibility, so Dazai changes his tone to one a bit more chipper and says:]

Sake is an acquired taste! Don't feel bad if you don't really like it. I could order something else, if you want.

[hisui]

[Once the new offer sinks in, Nagare realizes with some surprise that the man was observing him. It didn't occur to him that his own reaction to the drink, although subtle, was clear as day.

Which is ironic, because while he was accustomed to one-sidedly observing strangers through surveillance cameras and Kotosaka's eyes, spending years in seclusion reduced the odds of him being on the observed side drastically. Naturally, being out in public like this means the likelihood of experiencing this interesting phenomenon increases exponentially.

He gives a small shake of his head, returning his attention to the nearly full drink in front of him.]

Thank you for your concern, but there is no need. I accept this challenge.

[To prove his resolve to conquer the self-proclaimed challenge, he takes a few sips, bigger than the first two, but it's still not enough to empty the glass.]

[proficience]

[This man is very entertaining to Dazai, to say the least. Enough to where Dazai can't help but lean in a little closer to watch his expression. He's used to being able to read other's expressions to see what they're thinking, to a point, but it's admittedly difficult to do here.

But what's clear, at least, is how determined the guy is to drink sake. Even though he doesn't seem to enjoy it.]

Oh, this is a challenge, now? [He chuckles briefly, tilting his head back to completely down his own sake. He'll gesture for another, since this is the cheapest variety. He can afford a few.]

We'll have to decide what the loser will have to do, though. Otherwise, this challenge won't be much fun, would it?

[hisui]

[The way his eyebrows knit ever so lightly hints that he finds something amiss about the man's suggestion. He might be naive at times, but he's no fool.

It's painfully clear Nagare is at a disadvantage, seeing how easily the other man just gulped down that drink like it's second nature to him. If only he already had any proper knowledge about the magic from this world, or perhaps if he still retained his original powers, he could possibly alter the drink into a non-alcoholic one to stand a chance... although that would make the purpose of the challenge a moot point.

It is a habit of his to accept challenges even when the odds are against him, anyway.]

Agreed. The loser has something taken from them. Such is the rule of most games. Are there any other additional rules to this challenge?

[proficience]

[He tilts his head to the side at that response, immediately wondering what on his possession could be taken from him. Goodness knows he doesn't have much. Some money, most of which will be spent on these drinks, a pistol and ammunition, and his suicide manual.

He can't possibly part with that manual!]

No. Let's just work with that. However -- [He shrugs casually.] I don't have much to give, if I lose!

[Once he gets a job and actually earns the money to buy more possessions, challenges such as this won't be an issue.]

[hisui]

Neither do I. A small amount of money is all I have at the moment.

[He admits openly. At least it should be enough to cover for the drinks, if it comes to that. Assuming they don't order a lot more than they have already.

Without further ado, he finishes his first glass. Then he slowly puts it back down on the counter, feeling the liquid scorching his throat as it moves down. His expression remains focused, but the unyielding grip around the glass is an easy indicator that this challenge won't go past the second glass for him.]

I can still keep going.

[proficience]

[He huffs out a laugh at how Nagare seems to be clenching that glass with his hand.

This win is essentially in the bag for Dazai. Which is evidenced by how quickly he downs his second sake, even letting a soft sigh of refreshment leave his lips as he sets the glass back down. Refocusing on his companion, he smiles and waits a moment to speak.]

Are you sure? You're holding that glass with a death grip.

[hisui]

[He realizes with some surprise that the man is right; the unpleasant burning of his throat had his mind distracted for a moment, so he wasn't entirely unconscious of how firmly he was gripping that glass. With a faint trace of displeasure straining his lips into a thin line - he is one full glass behind again - he reaches for the other glass waiting for him.]

Affirmative. It is a challenge. I have to give it my best.

[Now convinced that downing a large amount in one gulp was a mistake, he resumes drinking in small sips. This way, the scorching sensation is slightly more bearable.

... Although it makes completing the task a lot more agonizing.

A long (seemingly never-ending) moment of concentration and silence passes. Upon finally reaching half of the glass, he sets it down against the counter, keeping both hands around it. Engrossed in staring at the liquid like it would solve his predicament, he suddenly voices his opinion out loud as though talking to himself, voice mostly impassive but with a hint of disappointment.]

I still don't understand part of drinking is appealing. It's puzzling.

[proficience]

[OOC: moved here!]