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

works for me!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be putting up much resistance. How is this any different than his existence as a Servant? Before coming here, he was nothing more than a tool for a mage to use and that seems to be exactly how he is once again. A different form, a different time, but the same purpose. He doesn't hang his head, but he doesn't fight the leash either -- it's now simply a fact of life.

He looks to Caren and shrugs. ]

I don't, but what does it matter? [ The pull the magic had over him was terrible to fight. It's easier to just go with it. ] If you want to fight her...I won't stop you.

[ The implication is that he might help her, if that's the case. Two against one would be better odds, plus the potential chaos it could cause. No matter what, Berserker is a force of chaos. ]

o7

[showsnopiety]

[She's not too surprised. It's frustrating, but she knows it's what he is, who he is. A warrior that's used as a means for an end-

God above it makes him sound like a burnt out movie cop or something. She blew out her breath, and rolled her shoulders. They ached, in part due to the oppressive atmosphere and orders, and in part due to the ache that was building up in her growing wings.]

It matters because I can't do this alone. I want to make sure she can't speak, and then we can take off, go somewhere else. Choke her, get her tongue-it doesn't matter.

[She blew a breath, her tail making small curving motions, before she forced it back down and limp.]

But I need your expertise. When will be the best time to attack?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He keeps his head and voice low. They're still too close to really speak candidly, so he's being a little bit cautious. ]

Fine. Wait for her to be distracted...or get her attention and I'll take care of her.

[ He's bored of killing, but he's nothing if not efficient and good at it. If Caren really wants to be rid of her, he can do it. ]

Or would you rather I be the distraction here?

[showsnopiety]

[They really are. Because really, this awful woman has to have gotten the pair of them because they were dangerous-Beserker more overtly so then Caren herself. Who knows, maybe she even got them for pit fighting.

But...that is a good question. He's a very good killer. But...she shook her head, and kept her voice quiet.]

You. You're bigger and they're more likely to worry about you.

[Caren grimaced.]

I might be resisting more, but with my size, it's more cute then dangerous.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ She has a point. Berserker just nods. ]

Very well.

[ Time to put on an act. He jerks back on his chain with a deep growl, resisting strong enough to strain his collar. Snarling, his wings flare out and his tail thrashes, making him look larger than ever. It's certainly enough to frighten anyone who might be nearby.

He also has another way to make this worse, but he decides to hold onto that trump card for the moment. His poison sac could some in handy here if he bides his time. ]

CW: violence, accidental death

[showsnopiety]

[The growl is enough to elict gasps, and people turning around. The hold on Caren's chain slackens, and Caren moves around quickly, even as other witches back off, if only because of the possible tail lashes or wing slaps.

Their owner is more annoyed then scared. Foolish woman. "What's the matter? St-"

And Caren's fist lashed out. She only meant to punch her in the throat so she couldn't breathe but....

She might have punched too hard from the boneless way the witch falls down. Oops.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Oops, indeed. Berserker immediately settles down as his gaze lingers on the unfortunate witch. Well, that's fine -- he was going to kill her if Caren didn't.

The problem is now there were so many witnesses. May as well try out that trump card. He spits out a blackish mist towards those that saw them. Anyone it hits reacts poorly -- first in pain, then it panic. Berserker still isn't quite sure exactly what effects the poison has, but it seems to induce hallucinations. ]

Are you ready to fly? Or would you rather fight?

[showsnopiety]

[The best part about this is the panic and the gabbling. While it would have been possible to order them to stand down a moment ago, the cries of pain has them distracted.

Caren dropped down on all fours, wings partially spread abd bristled, as is her fur on her tail and limbs- what remains at least. She had feathers and fur plucked at the auction, as a way to show the magic power within. At least she had presence of mind to crawl Cu's way.]

Flight. This is way too noisy, and the locals too hasty to step on us.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker's wounds from his resistance are mostly hidden, save for a few fresh cuts on his forearms. He doesn't wait long before he spreads his wings wide and crouches down, readying himself to take off. ]

Then fly. I don't know if I can do that trick again, so we need to find safety quickly.

[ A warning given, he jumps up and flaps his wings to gain a little bit of lift. God help anyone that gets in his way. ]

[showsnopiety]

Right and I...can't at all. I'm just going to run.

[She spread her wings to show him-they were still too small for actual flight, but she also had missing feathers with bloody marks to show they were plucked deliberately.

Then she tucked them neatly against her back as she rushed to the closest building to climb up.]

See you in a few blocks!

[Because she really doesn't want to get in the way of those wings. They'd likely take her down and then some.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Don't get caught.

[ Splitting up makes more sense -- it makes them both harder to track and harder to keep an eye on. Berserker is the larger target, his wingspan and tail make him stick out like a sore thumb in the sky. So be it. If they chase him, he will not hesitate to kill his pursuers.

For now, he tries to draw attention to himself and away from Caren by keeping low enough to the ground to cause a stir. It isn't until he's forced to by a looming building that he climbs higher into the air. A few blocks later, he comes to rest on a rooftop, laying down flat to draw less attention to himself. Hopefully his companion saw where he went...hopefully. ]

[showsnopiety]

Never.

[She's not going to let herself get caught. She can't-she isn't going to go back. So she does her best to play least-in-sight, even if people shout and point-if they're not giving orders, she can keep going.

And surprisingly, no one seems to notice her, thanks to Beserker. She doesn't know why he does it-other then the fact he's a big target already.

She spots where he lands, and after a careful detour, she manages to land on the same roof as he does. And...well, she's breathless afterwards. Mostly because while she's been getting more exercise lately, this is still a lot.

After a minute or two she has breath enough to speak. And...]

You made yourself a distraction on purpose.

[She doesn't get it. It would have been easier if he flew off and let her scramble for himself.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He simply shrugs. ]

And? You got away, didn't you? You're my ally and I will protect my allies.

[ He knows what he can take, he knows how strong he is and how durable he is. Even without a body made of magic, he can take a lot of damage. If he gets hurt while Caren escapes, so be it -- he can handle himself. His drive right now is to find Diarmuid, even if he dies trying. His actions make sense to him. ]

Why does that bother you?

[showsnopiety]

Because it means you give a damn about me.

[And that's...she doesn't understand that either. He's the Hound, but he's Tired-he's supposed to be a murder boy, not a protect the ally boy.

Hence her moving over, still looking flushed-with anger or exercise, it's difficult to know-and propping her hands on the small of his back, on one side of his tail. (Hers happens to be swishing in irritation).]

That's not supposed to happen. You're going to make me think of things I'm not supposed to think. Don't make this into an actual nightmare.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ There are things the Grail can take away and others that even it can't -- the loyalty of the Hound of Ulster is one of those things. He will protect allies with his life and do what he can to ensure their survival.

The hands on his back get a low warning growl in response, but no other action than that. He's not happy about this situation. ]

As I said, you're an ally. [ It's said in such a way to put a period at the end of that statement, a finality. ] I don't know what things you're thinking of, but you're reading too much into it. If you let your imagination run wild, that's not my fault, is it?

[showsnopiety]

[She growls back at him, and her feathers bristle. Considering how small she is, this would be hilarious in any other situation.]

Take it back.

[She bared her teeth at him even. Oh look fangs, how cute.]

It's not my fault you were my Servant recently, Cú Chulainn, and it's not your fault how the system works. So.

Take. It. Back.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah, that seems to set off something in him. Berserker bristles, baring his own sharp teeth, the growl only getting louder. ]

I was never your Servant. I was never anyone's Servant but Ritsuka Fujimaru's. Do not confuse me with my lighter side.

[ Warning given, he settles back down, though still on edge. ]

I will not take back what I said.

[showsnopiety]

[She growls again. Her teeth are not nearly as impressive, but she doesn't care. Her claws do dig in though, if only for a few moments.]

There's no confusion. No matter what class you are, light or dark, you are still you.

[She pulls away with a jerk-at least she thought to retract her nails before doing so.]

But fine. Do whatever you want, like you always do. I'm surprised you haven't run away already, to find the person who truly makes your tail wags these days.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He doesn't so much as flinch as her claws dig in. His gaze remains steely and cold, as if a challenge to keep saying things that make him angry. ]

We might be the same person, but you never commanded me. You never will. So you are confused.

[ He sits up with a deep growl, scowling at her for just a moment before apathy settles back over him. ]

...How do you know about that? [ It was probably a guess and now he confirmed it. Annoying. ] I concerned myself with your safety because I chose to do so. Why are you so ungrateful for that? I will do what I want and you'll just have to deal with it.

[showsnopiety]

[Hearing that, she twisted around and gave him a look.]

Does it look like I want to command you? I don't give a damn about the Commands. That was never important.

[She scowled, and turned away, her tail swishing. She's smug that she got something right, but still.]

I know you. That's how. You say we're allies and then deny there's any connection-and I'm the confusing one?

It's easier when you pretend you don't care. Then I don't have to get my hopes up.

[Stupid emotions. Stupid dog. Now she just wanted to murder him.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker bristles once again and rises up, grabbing for Caren. He's angry now, more than just a brief flash and he seems intent on acting upon that anger now. ]

There's no connection beyond you being my ally. I have allies who are not from my world, we have no connection. We don't need to have a connection for you to be my ally. You're reading too much into this and projecting your problems onto me. Just because you think there's a connection beyond that means nothing.

[showsnopiety]

[She lets him grab her, not even looking back to his face. She could feel the boil of anger off of him. Good.

She missed this. She had been trying so hard to be so good but....this felt normal. Refreshing even, that someone is angry with her. She's still angry, but she's also feeling a current of dark amusement raise up to the surface.

Her mouth twitches. Is she smiling? She might be.]

Bark, bark, bark.

[She's definitely smiling. It makes her cheeks hurt.]

We're both being righteous fools. Do you want to kill me for remembering what and who you are to me? That's fine.

Just be sure to find me or talk to Caster later. We'll talk.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He walks over to the edge of the building and holds Caren over it. Though the anger still courses through him, his face is stony and emotionless. If anger is what she wants, he won't give her the satisfaction of seeing it; denying her that satisfaction is all that matters to Berserker right now. ]

I was never anything to you. Whatever you were to me no longer matters. An ally...No. Not anymore. You're not even worth killing. I have no interest in talking about this further -- not now, not in the future.

[ He lets go of her now. ]

Learn to fly.