EVENT - THE BLACK CITY

[faileas]

Event Log: August, The Black City

A STARLESS SKY You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the taste of smog and fog heavy in your lungs - and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that. Unlike the last time this shared dream happened, only familiar faces of your fellow mirrorbound appear around you; and unlike the last time that flavor of dream happened, those native to the city of Aefenglom are nowhere to be found. Instead, an impossibly tall wall raises in front of you; along it run small windows with people peering from the edges, arrows shimmering with the tell-tale glitter of magic peeking from the darkness, with more figures standing guard or patrolling the top of it. The wall itself is made of a dark, onyx-like stone - it's reflective in the smoothness of its bricks, painting all who look into it in clear darkness, and the effect is similarly found in the wide moat that surrounds the city, the faint sound of a river feeding into it the only thing to hear in the tense silence. Only one massive door stands as the entrance to the city, chains hanging across it with the protective runes of a barrier some of you might be familiar with by now. With a groan the chains begin to pull away, the door lowering across the moat as a bridge, and a party of Witches - for they must be Witches, the pins on their cloaks the same as those found in the Coven in Aefenglom - urges the group inside. Monsters find it easier to obey the orders - compelled to, even - but perhaps that's the safety of the city calling out to you, and nothing more.

I. THE CITY ITSELF While Aefenglom is known for its dusk-hued skies, made of lustrous pinks and purples and blues, this city is dreary to the core. The streets are covered in a perpetual fog, not unlike the city you hail from, but thicker, denser, tinged with the flavor of industrial smog from the factories whose spires you can see in the distance. Magitech lights - lanterns above doors, street posts, flickering in the windows you pass - illuminate everything throughout the entire day, as if the sunshine can't reach through the foreboding fog nor the onyx walls. Even the windows are barred, offering a paranoid protection against the outside world. Doors seem hardier, and each building is reinforced and protected in a way that may feel familiar to those that have encountered the protective magic wards. They're heavier, leaving an almost ominous presence that causes unease to hang just as heavy in the air as the smog. The people of this city are just as dreary as the streets, though they do mill about with the same frequency as any city. Unlike the citizens of the dead Aefenglom that were encountered just the month before, however, these are real, living people. They can be spoken to. They can be touched. They interact with wariness and caution towards the strangers that have been heralded into their walled in world, especially those that show what they presume to be monstrous traits. Because it becomes quickly obvious that the majority of the citizens that answer a call, a question, a touch to gain their attention... They're human. a. OBEY AND SUBMIT Monsters that can be seen on the streets aren't few and far between, however. Their presence is subtle, in the fog and amidst the passing crowds of passing faces, but they're there. On a surface level, most of them seem to be fairly at ease. Passive and unfazed by anyone that tries to interact with them, as if they're disinterested by their mere presence in a way that isn't reflected by their human counterparts. A closer look shows a strained pinch to their faces, a tenseness to their bodies, a glazed look just at the surface of their eyes. Too many attempts to interact with them will cause some humans to emerge from shops, or ask that you leave their business; these are the ones that are... employed, most often seen in the shopping and industrial districts. But their movements are almost robotic in repetition, and they never speak to anyone even when addressed - even when a keen eye might take note of the sturdy leather collars around their necks, reinforced by metal and with visible places to attach a leash. Some in the industrial district can be seen with these leashes, powerful chains to keep them attached to carts, to keep them from swimming down the river, from flying away and out of the black walls of the city. All Monsters present in the city are clothed, though it's the ones on the clearly decorative leashes with the more delicate collars that are the best dressed. They accompany humans throughout the city, the same placid blankness present much like their busier counterparts. These are the aristocrats and their so-called "Bonded," though implying the same tone one would take in Aefenglom here will net a deep set of disgust. Attempting to rouse these Monsters does very little, and may even result in them jerking away and cowering behind their human company. b. GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE At one end of the city is a massive pavilion, one made of the same stone as the wall, giving off the same oppressive foreboding. Humans come and go from this peculiar town square with a casual air, an intent the same as a stroll through the stalls on the market street. Because that's, essentially, what they're doing. Monsters young and old put on display to show their abilities and strengths, tasks that range from the physically demanding to performances of artistic abilities. Some seem to be just at the surface of awareness, their glazed expressions refocusing at times with a sort of strained fear that's visible even at a glance. Many don't even react outside of doing the tasks they're ordered to do, going through the motions as a barker speaks at length about them, their abilities, how much their labor goes for and what they cost. These Monsters are purchased by the humans of the city at each display, many of them never wearing more than their basic clothes and the customary collar, a chain to keep them tied to their station with a generous enough reach. Most come and go with very little struggle, but some... it becomes obvious that they've broken through the surface and are coming up for air for the first time in a long time. Wooden posts where the chains are connected can be heard splintering with the force of their struggle, metal bending under pressure, the anxious energy of something about to happen. But the fights never last long, as attendants wearing Coven pins on their cloaks swoop in to attend to the situation - and many dreamers might notice a familiar Witch filtering in and out of the events, speaking to the auctioneers before departing for another selling. It's difficult to recall their face later, no matter how clearly one saw it before, but one thing is certain: while not necessarily prim and proper, this person is someone with a steel spine and a sharp eye. And they saw you, just the same as you saw them. c. AT BECK AND CALL With enough observation, or perhaps even experience, it becomes apparently how this is happening: any command or order issued to a Monster is taken to the most literal, and Monsters have no choice but to obey. Many Monsters employed as workers are so deep in the compulsion that they won't obey any additional commands, unless it comes from the person they have this most warped "Bond" with. Others will accept commands from anyone, even the mirrorbound Witches that have come into their city. Even the most asinine command is one that they'd obey, and one that maybe even you'll obey, too. Having a friend playfully tell them to shut up? They're forced into silence until told that they can speak again. Told to jump off a bridge? Best make sure you specify that you don't want them to jump off of a very high one, if you really want them gone that badly. Handstands, cartwheels, jumping jacks - but also, hurting someone, hurting themselves... one has to hope the Monster in question has a strong willpower, or it's a command that goes against one that's already been issued to them. But something of note is that mirrorbound Monsters of Aefenglom will find that they're also effected by this, though they're better able to fight the compulsion. Those with weaker constitutions may need help snapping out of the command, especially as a powerful command will be painful to fight against, and Witches will have to watch their words. Take care that your friends, your peers, the strangers you've arrived with, don't find themselves attending the auction block - it's a very real possibility in this place, with an unknown Monster unattended and uncollared. It should all be harmless, though. After all, this is only a dream... isn't it? No NPCs are available for this log - unlike with the midsummer dream, they're nowhere to be seen. No Nessie, no Mhairi, no one. Which means that there's no one to counsel them as they find themselves exploring the setting, and discovering that they're just as susceptible as the people in the dream...

II. THE COVEN Unlike with Aefenglom, there isn't a proper Parliament. A little investigation will lead to the discovery that the Coven of this city is the main governing body, which may explain a great deal about why there's such a massive presence of magic here. Located at the center of town - all roads lead to the Coven, a massive stone building with sharp looking spires - the grounds are notable in that there's nothing even remotely similar to the Looking-Glass House that everyone has come to know, despite its secrets. Should one gain entry to the main building of the Coven itself, they'll find that all the mirrors are within. Their main focuses of magic, rather than the more broad spectrum/free-to-study policy that Miss Nessie encourages, are enchantment and abjuration - for control, primarily. They're also heavy studiers of runes, visible across the city and with an even heavier influence in the wards of the Coven itself. They are, regardless, fairly welcoming to eager young minds wanting to learn. So long as the Monsters are left behind. But who's to say that you can't disguise a Monster? a. STUDY TIME Those curious about the Coven's library are welcome to investigate it for themselves, the Witches all smiling faces as they usher their visitors in. But they'll soon find that they aren't really left to their own devices; a member of this Coven branch is practically around every corner, and while they try to be subtle about their observation it becomes quickly obvious that they're not there for their own studies. They're stationed around the library to ensure that their guests don't make off with any of their resources, or try to get into any forbidden sections of the expansive library. Where the Coven library of Aefenglom - as well as the Undermael College's library - plays devil's advocate, with accounts and studies conducted from both sides of the anti-Monster sentiment and attempt to expand upon outdated knowledge... these ones have a decidedly anti-Monster lean in every regard. Any attempts to find otherwise will be met with bemused amusement by the Coven members, and a note that they don't carry such things here. After all, they're certainly not Aefenglom. They would never carry anything that could put their citizens at risk in such a way. Nevermind those horrid Bonds that Bell goes on and on about - it's no wonder that they're always at odds with their government. If only they'd wisen up, hm? Perhaps these new arrivals would like to transfer to their branch, instead, to better guarantee their growth. b. THROUGH THESE HALLS If one manages to slip away from the library without having somebody tailing them, they'll soon discover that the chilled atmosphere doesn't simply linger in the city itself. The halls are cold, the runes unwelcoming unlike the homey feel that Nerissa Bell's charms offer. Certainly home isn't perfect - and there's no denying that the sentiment is shared by many - but the smiling faces of the Black City's branch are at odds with the feel of their magic, the caged in weight pressing down on everything, including your shoulders. The halls are dimly lit by flickering lights, enchanted lanterns with a constantly burning yellow-white fire. Plenty of nooks and dark corners afford even large Monsters the ability to sneak through the halls, should they be snuck in for better investigation with their peers. Take care, however; there are Witches coming and going constantly. An empty room might lead to a study, a classroom, a bedroom. Locked doors don't yield easily, even in a dream, and may need to be abandoned. But a terrible, foreboding feeling emanates from large double doors that are rigidly locked. Hushed voices speak from the other side, and it's almost like the cold feeling that spreads throughout the Coven itself finds its source behind those doors. Periodically, sounds of pain escape from within - but they die out to whimpers, then silence, before they can ever get too loud. A crisp voice speaks only one word, clear even through the wood and the magic: "Again."

III. THE DARK UNDERBELLY There's always more to a city than the streets that you can see at the surface level. If you're looking, it's not hard to spot the signs. There are runes that mark walls and cobblestone streets like graffiti, and a studied eye might realize that they're not the same sort that have subjugated the more monstrously inclined of the Black City. These are intended to dispel magic, and the moment that a member of the Coven notices it - it's swept up as soon as possible, scrubbed clean or scorched off with magic. People take to the streets in small groups, standing their ground and raising their voices above the muffled din of a foggy city. They carry chains and collars that have been broken, but many of them are undeniably human as they confront something that has so obviously become the norm. Break the chains! they demand. Break the spell! Monsters go missing from the auctions with a well-placed distraction - perhaps you're one of the individuals being freed from the pavilion, or someone that's realized that there are people coming and going through the crowds, wearing the same cloaks as the Coven but without their iconic pins, dressed as aristocracy, from all walks of life... smuggling the Monsters away at the first chance. a. PARTY TO PROTEST Not every uprising can be swept under the rug at first sign, however. Witches take to the streets, looking surprised to see the mirrorbound arrivals from Aefenglom - and it's not the same wariness that most would give them. This is the calculating eye of someone assessing whether the person they've met will help or hinder, and some of them decided that you're to be help. Enchanted slips of paper are pushed into hands, runes are taught as quickly as possible in a hushed whisper and explanation, locations given out to Witch and Monster alike with a word of caution. Use the paper on a surface, any surface, and you'll see. Use the runes to break the compulsion - you might have to do it twice, thrice, however many times it takes to dispel the magic. Don't be caught. Using the enchantment as instructed - pressing the paper against a wall, the ground, a post, anything - will result in glowing runes overtaking the surface. It's the same as the runes that are taught to Witches, used to ward against the magic in place just as much as it is to create a statement of protest. If one goes to a location that is whispered to them, they'll find that they've joined an organized protest. It's small in size, a mixture of Witches and unleashed Monsters. Due to the size and frequency it's easy enough to find them, but the guards are very quick in putting them down or hiding any traces of them from the public eye, despite the protesters' best attempts. There's nothing amiss in the city, and nothing for citizens to worry about. b. REST AND REGROUP But they can't find every source of the resistance. It isn't hard for dreamgoers to find themselves swept up by these protesters. Any help is welcome, and those that show an inclination towards helping the Monsters of the city - or their Monsters that they know, regardless people that shouldn't suffer this way - will be taken into the fold. Entrances to their secret routes can be found in places that are hidden in plain sight. A storefront tended to by a Monster with eyes in sharp clarity when they look up from their robotic work welcomes a group of people in and behind the counter, to where a hatch door is hidden in the floor. A manhole cover is pried up, where people are smuggled down below. A portal is prepared, a different and darker destination on the other side. They all lead to the same location. The sewers are vast beneath this city. Much like the labyrinth that many faced in the Midsummer nightmare, it almost seems winding, endless, and the water is cold when it's crossed. But even with the stank of the runoff, the musty and moldy air, there's never the sense of dread, of death. Instead, there are signs of when you're going the right way - runes that shimmer only when looking at them out of the corner of your eye, or when you know what to look for. Three stars together - sometimes overlapping, sometimes circling each other, but always three, and always five points. While they appreciate the help, the mirrorbound aren't invited in by the revolutionaries to the main hideout. But it becomes obvious by charm bracelets, necklaces, piercings, tattoos, embroidery and stitching on shirts; this symbol, and its presence, is integral to their world beneath the city. But many are welcome to mingle throughout their circle. In the sewers, the shops, the small park where a rune gives secret announcements to those who know where to look for it on the third bench, even the homes of people that certainly don't look like revolutionaries, let alone anyone that would be a protector.

Welcome to the Black City! As a reminder, this takes place on August 18th - or rather, 3AM on the August 19th, much like the midsummer nightmare. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! And as always, while we do encourage you to use this log, you can feel free to thread things out on your own log or elsewhere. Characters are allowed to try and start fights in the city, create prompts based on the information given instead of using the ones given exactly, and poke their noses where they don't belong - we encourage it, actually. But regardless of what you choose, we hope you have a good time!

And as a final parting note: If a character dies in the dream, they'll simply reappear at the beginning rather than waking up like normal.

Comments

Beck and Call

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Frankly if anyone in Fionn's time had tried to treat fae the way these people are, the retribution would be as swift as it was deserved. But with the magical compulsion at work, it seems that heroes are needed to step in. Luckily, he is one.]

In a bit of trouble, are we?

[For once, he has the common sense to lower his voice so as not to call the attention of the shop keeper.]

[selfishwish]

[Oh, thank goodness. Maybe it was just a lucky guess, but he's almost sure now that this is someone else from Aefenglom.]

Just like a tiny bit. [He answers with an overenthusiastic nod, a trace too loud, then catches himself and glances anxiously back towards the stall's apparent owner.]

Some guy just grabbed me, and it was like I couldn't help but go with him. He made me put this on myself and everything!

[Fingering his collar and the attached lead bitterly, then dropping into a whisper:]

He looks busy, now, but maybe you could, um, act like you're...y'know, browsing?

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Grabbing children off the street? The shopkeeper ought to be ashamed. Honestly his inclination is to simply cut the boy free and leave. But maybe there's some wisdom in subtlety. Occasionally.]

Of course.

[He steps back and makes a show of glancing around with feigned interest, but continues speaking to the boy in a low voice.]

Can the collar be removed? Or the leash cut?

[selfishwish]

I...dunno, for sure. I haven't tried, but I don't think the collars are magic. They just told me to put it on, and I had to.

[And he has been paying attention to some of the other, more restless Monsters since he was put on display--they don't seem to have a problem with wresting themselves from their bonds, but inevitably they're put back under as soon as they try it.

In the meantime, he's standing back and trying to look like he's docilely putting himself on display. He settles for doing a little pirouette in place, since he has no clue how to attempt the more impressive, magical tricks the other Monsters are working their way through.]

But the owner-guy didn't tell me to stay put, so he's probably kinda stupid. It's just, I dunno if I can run, if somebody spots us and says to stop...

lmk if I should change any of this

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[If the collars and leashes are not magical, then that makes this considerably easier. And the shopkeeper didn't order the boy to stay put? Definitely stupid.]

Don't worry, I think I can take care of that.

[He inclines his head slightly to indicate the direction away from the shopkeeper.]

Look in that direction and get ready to run when I tell you.

[He actually doesn't mean to order the poor kid around, he's just not thinking right now. He's more interested in the fact that this gives him a chance to try out some of this fancy magic he's been trying to learn.

Oh, nothing major. Just a tiiiny little distraction. The tip of his spear is used to inscribe several runes on the ground and, just as the shop keeper is turning to tell him to stop doing that to the floor, a short incantation sets off the spell. A bright flash of light, blinding the man and several of his patrons. Fionn is already moving though. A single sweep of his spear cuts the leash, and he grabs hold of the boy's hand.]

Run!

[And he proceeds to do just that. And now they're fugitives. Did he think this through? Nope.]

[selfishwish]

Oh...okay. What're you gonna--

[He doesn't finish the question, because Fionn's directions don't leave him any choice. Not that he wants to resist, in any case. But there's still the tug of compulsion before he angles his gaze safely away from the stall's owner and steels himself.

And then he's gripping Fionn's hand as tight as he can and fleeing alongside him. Despite his relatively slight size, Fionn will find he's quick enough to keep up and then some.]

Where do we go now...! [He yelps mid-dash, casting panicked glances in every direction.] Um, um! Look out, that way!

[A tug at Fionn's arm indicates a trio of Coven attendants converging on them through the crowd from some of the other displays. The flash was pretty much guaranteed to draw immediate attention. And while the confusion of the gaggle of blinded patrons slows them down, one's already clearly pointing after them...]

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Ah, they catch on quick do they? That's fine, Fionn likes a challenge. He doesn't slow down, and in fact heads right for the trio aiming to intercept them. If they were expecting him to flee or employ more magical trickery, then they're in for a rude awakening.]

We'll break past them and then find somewhere out of sight. Stay close.

[That last bit was because it's clear to him that he'll need both hands for this. Letting go of Momiji's hand to get a better grip on his spear, he sweeps it around. One smooth motion knocks one off his feet and gives another a nasty hit with blunt end of the spear. The third looks to be preparing a spell of some kind, but Fionn is pretty quick, so maybe he'll be okay?]

[selfishwish]

Wait, don't...!

[He'd been trying to get Fionn's attention so they could not go that way! They're bound to just attract more of the pavilion's guards, trying to fight their way out. But, even if it weren't for that pesky enchantment, Fionn's already launched himself at the first of their pursuers before he can say anything else.

The one hits the ground hard, and the other tumbles backwards, appearing to black out from the impact. As for the last, though: The Witch flourishes, finishes muttering a word, and a lash of fire blooms from her hand, before she cracks it swiftly in Fionn's direction, then rears back immediately for a second strike.]

Hey, leave him alone! [The Rabbit's ducked back towards the cover of one of the stalls on either side of them, but--"Stay close." Hiding himself any better is apparently out of the question. Besides, he can't just leave Fionn alone, even if he's not exactly equipped for a brawl.] I'm the one's who's escaping, dumb-butt...!

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Fionn manages to raise up one arm to protect his face, but hisses in pain as the flames strike. But he doesn't have time to worry about the burn right now as the witch in question is already pressing her advantage.

Or would be if not for a timely distraction. Because how dare some filthy monster talk back to her? She opens her mouth to put him in his place only to find that in her moment of inattention, her strike has been dodged and Fionn has closed the distance between them. He'd hate to do serious harm to a lady, so she's getting tripped. Much like the first guy. Actually she's getting tripped onto the first guy, but who's counting?]

This way!

[The three stooges taken care of, Fionn darts toward a nearby alley. If Momiji follows, he'll find himself pulled into what seems to a shed or storehouse of some kind. Crouching between several large crates, Fionn puts a single finger to his lips. Best to be quiet until they know if they're still being pursued.]

[selfishwish]

[Yes! He meant for that to happen, clearly. The Black City is no match for his stratagems, like "shouting moderately rude words."

But, anyway: Running again! Momiji dives after Fionn without needing to be commanded this time. There's a flicker of a thought that maybe they'd be safer if they split up, but it's not like he knows his way around anyway. And Fionn did just wail on three people for him.

Soon, he's yanked off the street once more and finds himself huddled close to the man, eyes wide, nodding back silently. Outside, there's a unmistakable, ongoing commotion: A cry and the rush of footsteps, what sounds like multiple parties fanning out through the pavilion.

Momiji presses his back to a wall and tries to hold his breath. As he does, he mimes holding up one arm, pointing to roughly where it had looked like Fionn had gotten hit. That's not-allowed-to-talk for "How bad is it?"]

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Not willing to speak yet, lest they be overheard, Fionn responds to the silent query with a smile and a shake of his head. His arm is burned, and yeah, it hurts, but he's had worse. The next few moments pass in tense silence, listening to the noises outside.

But obviously anyone with an ounce of sense that escaped from that nonsense would be far, far away from the marketplace by now. Why would anyone think it was a good idea to hide nearby? That's actually what saves them in the end. As the search parties fan out in ever wider circles, the footsteps fade into the distance. Once he deems it quiet enough, Fionn lets out the breath he was holding and offers a smile.]

Well... that was fun.

[selfishwish]

Phew...

[Momiji had assumed it was only a matter of time before they had a band of Witches at the door of the shed, ready to turn them both into frogs if they didn't come along peacefully. But apparently they've dodged the bullet, at least for the time being.

He exhales heavily, sinking down to sit with his back still slumped against the wall. This dream is making him tired.]

Do we just--hide here until it gets late enough to sneak out? Somebody might come by to lock it up or whatever. Or to check it out when they don't find us out there!

[He's seen action movies, he knows how this stuff works.]

But maybe we'd wake up by then, so...

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

Waiting too long would be risky. I think we should be alright to slip away in a few minutes.

[Best to try for the time when they're still widening their search and before they think to double back.]

But for now, are you hurt?

[selfishwish]

If you think so...

[That's still an intimidating prospect, since who knows how many people will be out looking for them? But he'll take Fionn's word for it, since the man had gotten them this far.]

No, I'm fine! Nobody tried to hurt me, they only yanked me around a little. Just...not being able to control things was pretty scary. [And makes getting caught again sound especially dreadful. What would have happened if Fionn hadn't been enough of a distraction to keep someone from simply ordering him back to his stall, before?

Speaking of:]

Um, thanks for helping me, though. You were really brave!

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

I can imagine that would be a trying ordeal. Did you really find yourself compelled to obey every order they gave?

[Being a witch himself, Fionn is still figuring out how exactly this whole thing works. He waves off the gratitude though.]

There's no need to thank me, I only did what any knight would do. Still it might be a good idea for you to take care who you speak to. At least until this dream ends.

[selfishwish]

Mhm. [An uncomfortable nod.] I tried not to at first, but then it just felt like I was going to throw up...

I think maybe it's what anybody here says?

[Which is to say, it had been the same with Fionn's instructions before, too, but that feels rude to point out more directly. Especially when he had definitely wanted to go along with those, anyway!]

Y-yeah, I should probably stay away from anybody who looks like they're from here? Or anybody's who's a Witch, at least. 'Til we wake up...

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

Yes, the one saving grace of this situation is that it is a dream. We should wake up back in Aefenglom before too long.

[He hopes. He manages to say it with confidence anyway.]

Maybe it would help if you couldn't hear the orders. Perhaps something like earplugs...?

[selfishwish]

I hope so.

[And then he's just going to slowly reach up to run his hands up the back of the long rabbit ears he's sporting, frowning.]

...they'd have to be pretty big.

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Momiji raises a good point. And Fionn tries not to look amused.]

I see what you mean...

[He mostly succeeds.

But surely there must be some way around this nonsense...]

Suppose you received an order to obey no other orders?