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

OOC QUESTIONS

[moustre]

[fieryimpulse]

Alright, so. This kind of society and environment is exactly the thing Chandra has spent her life fighting against.

So 2 questions. First, how long ICly are the characters believing themselves to be in the dream? A few hours? A few days?

What would the potential NPC responses be for mass arson? Specifically targeted at what seems to be government buildings, mostly.

[fifty]

What would the general response be to a furious feral dragon?

[long_live_the_queen]

Do orders have a specific range? Can they be evaded by getting far enough away or a Monster not being able to hear it?

If the Witch who has issued an order dies before it's completed, does that nullify the order?

[proficience]

I. The City Itself

[This dreary atmosphere, this fog is enough to signify that trouble is afoot. At least it would be to a normal, well-adjusted individual, but to Dazai?

He's too far gone, emotionally, to care. He'd discovered recently that his appearance has changed, much like the first dream he'd had -- the dream where he'd reunited with Oda, the man he'd thought he'd lost for good.

Needless to say, he doesn't trust this dream. He doesn't trust this place, but he knows that he can't simply force himself to awaken. He'll just have to cope with his changed appearance and demeanor, instead.

Wandering around the city, his first goal is to find his friend. His friend who could vanish again at any moment, without Dazai being given the opportunity to say goodbye. He can't have that happen again; he can't risk it. He has to find him. They are bonded, so he feels a presence within, signifying that he's around somewhere, but where exactly?

You may find Dazai in a store, on the streets, in a park, or just pretty much at any public place in search of his friend.]

You.

[He'll try to get your attention.]

I'm looking for someone who may have the features of a minotaur. Have you seen him?

[He's banking on his theory of the dreams always causing their 'new' forms to emerge holding some truth. The strangers he'd tried to ask wouldn't respond, their demeanor so dreary and lost.]

I-a.

[Continuing to try his luck with asking these strangers about his friend, Dazai has eventually garnered the attention of a few humans who have left one of the shops. These humans seem to be -- robotic, almost, and it's eerie. Too eerie, and Dazai will attempt to keep talking to them as well as the monsters they have collared. Though, after some time --

He'll receive no information, and he'll be left with just a frustrated feeling within. Why are these monsters treated this way, anyhow? He is no longer human, so technically -- he could have suffered this fate. Even though he looks to be the type to appreciate a collar, he doesn't appreciate being forced to do something he doesn't align with.

Needless to say, he'll garner the attention of the closest individual who appears to not be in cahoots with these humans, and say:]

This is not what I'd expected here.

I-b.

[Slavery. This is also not what Dazai would have expected, and his reaction is akin to one of both shock and displeasure. This is concerning. He could be swept up and put on a pedestal to show off his vampiric skills for a chance to be purchased, and that thought is very off-putting.

He's not a saint, but he's not one to condone this kind of thing, either.

He can be seen watching the auction with his arms crossed, occasionally flicking the tip of his tongue across his fangs -- but if you call for him, he'll answer.

He also makes a mental note of that interesting witch... but not before he's taken and tossed onto one of those pedestals, tied up and offered for sale to the highest bidder. He'd put up a fight, of course, and his newfound vampiric strength did help -- if only to delay the inevitable.]

Oh, what a bind I'm in! I hope a very lovely lady with a lot of money rescues me~

[Mentally, he's calculating the best way to leave on his own.]

I-c.

[Dazai is a monster.

And he's put two-and-two together here. He could be forced to comply to any Witch's command. He'll try to avoid it, but he's either saved or purchased by a witch --

Who has all of the power in the world over him right now.]

Be gentle.

[He'll say this with a defiant smirk on his face. Give him orders. You know you want to!]

II. Wildcard!

[OOC: Want to free Dazai or do anything else? Plot with me! PM this journal or hmu on Discord, Celes#5178!]

[mirshikar]

Hi mods!

1) Would witches with more monstrous appearances still be welcome inside of the coven?
2) Can NPC witches be killed? What are the repercussions of this in the dream?

[fiddlestick]

What would happen if a witch gave the order "don't follow any orders except from [x]" or "I order you to make your own choices"?

[whomthebelltolls]

You think Maria's not going to immediately work at getting into the darkest depths of that Coven library, you are incorrect, even if she has to kill someone to do it. Especially if she has to kill someone to do it. That means the secret is really juicy.

So... what's in there?

giorno giovanna | vampire | ota

[digiorno]

i. in our confrontation ( arrival )

[It doesn't take long for him to understand.]

[It's almost funny, actually, in a bleak and nauseating way. This is what he expected when he first arrived; this is the other shoe he expected to drop, the pair to Miss Nessie's perfect witch-and-monster harmony. In a way, it brings him a grim, heavy satisfaction. This is how the world works as he knows it; this is the natural progression of people's worst instincts.]

[That doesn't mean that the first time he sees a Monster on a leash is fun. He can't help but lurch forward, propelled by instinct and horrified empathy much more than sense. His fingers catch on the strange Monster's sleeve, but the Monster of the Black City merely turns to look at him blankly before continuing on before their leash even goes taut.]

[It leaves him frozen, paler even than usual, fingers still clutching at nothing.]

ii. with an enormous & cold universe ( beck & call )

[He doesn't get clocked as a Monster as easily as most of the others, something he feels a sick, guilty gratitude for. His greatest tells are his fangs, his ears (now pointed and fuzzy at the edges), and the way his eyes shift to red when he's hungry, or frightened, or angry.]

[He's clearly angry now, eyes glowing crimson to reflect it. There are three locals around him, a loosely-grouped pack that's backed him more by implication than physical strength against a wall. They gave him a command — a simple one, not dangerous, just humiliating, an exertion of control.]

[You're one of the new ones, aren't you? Why're you looking so dour? Just smile. Shake our hands. Say it's nice to meet you.]

[His nails, claw-sharp, dig into his palms at his sides; blood drips out from between his knuckles. Fangs dig into his lip; blood wells between his teeth. He doesn't smile. He doesn't move. When the corners of his lips start to twitch upwards, far out of his control, he unclenches his jaw just long enough to spit blood in the ringleader's face before biting down again.]

iii. there's something comical to the idea ( market )

The number of native Monsters with unbroken spirits could be counted on one hand.

[He sounds so clinical, the way he says it, even under his breath — especially in the face of the auction he's just watched, shoulders stiff and pressed back, posture so perfect it looks like he might break his spine for having it so straight. It sounds like he's talking about something being witnessed by someone else.]

[He's got no choice. He has to harness this anger. Save it for later. He has to use this time to look around, gauge for weaknesses, find the chinks in the armor. This place, above all others, needs to be destroyed.]

They must be stored somewhere else overnight. [A beat; the next words come out brittle and poisonous.] The goods.

iv. that we can really enforce our will ( arson )

[Night is oppressive and dark, even more so than the bleak daylight here. He collects it and keeps it close, ducking from shadow to shadow with his eyes to the cobbles, arms clutching around his supplies: a jar of lamp oil, another of paint, tinder and matches, and a small saw, all in a cloth bag.]

[Once he's back to the now-empty pavilion, he gets to work quickly, knowing his time as well as his energy are short. The already-splintered posts are left for last; he tackles the intact ones first, sawing three-quarters of the way through them at the base before moving on to the next. Once he's done this to all of them, he goes back to the beginning, using his newfound strength to snap them all off at the base and dragging them to the stone wall, where he piles them in a pyre. Over top of the broken posts, he pours lamp oil. Before setting it all alight, he takes a few moments to write a message on the wall beside the pile.]

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER.

[Once that's done, he sets the wood ablaze and vanishes into the night.]

[Should anyone approach during this process, his reaction is swift and brutal: if he isn't physically restrained faster than his own superhuman speed, he'll rush any onlooker he hears or smells, grabbing them by the throat and pushing them against the nearest wall. Claws digging in, his other hand comes up over the intruder's mouth — just in case.]

Convince me to let you go instead of putting you on that pile. With your eyebrows. I don't care at this point.

v. on humanity ( sewers )

[Once he's finally found his way down to the sewers, the exhaustion catches up with him. It's more than just the physical work he's done; he can admit this now, here, in this city that isn't his city nor the one that's becoming a temporary home. There is something very wrong with him, and it's getting worse.]

[As he stares at the nearest tri-star symbol, across from him in the small corner of the sewer stronghold, he feels himself begin to tremble with exhaustion. Slowly, he lowers himself down to the ground, for once unconcerned by the state of his clothes, and sits with his knees pulled up to his chest, arms hugging his shins. Still, he offers a weak smile to anyone who approaches.]

You're welcome to pull up a seat. A . . . sewer seat.

vi. power corrupts ( wildcard )

[Change log. Please feel free to hit any of these prompts up with accidental or deliberate witchy commands, with the caveat that Giorno will almost certainly react with violence. Giorno can be found most places. I'm happy to work up individual starters, including undercover at the Coven, if folks would like — just PM me and let me know. You can also hit me up at passiones.]

Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter)

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ 1b. Going Once, Going Twice ]

[ Berserker is one of the ones more aware. Tethered to a post, he is also one of the one's fighting against the restraints. Dragons are strong, but he knows better than to break the chain itself. He's seen the witch stopping the more willful monsters. He stops fighting and slumps against the chain, seemingly given up.

However, it's an act. As someone approaches, he lifts his head, his voice low. ]

Release me...I'll make sure you get out safely.

[ Safe enough, anyway. ]

[ 1c. At Beck and Call ]

[ Berserker has noticed the effect witches' words seem to have on the monsters here. None of them have bothered him, for an uncollared dragon is dangerous business, apparently. As he's approached, familiar face or not, they're treated with suspicion. ]

If you're going to make me obey you, at least make it interesting.

[ Berserker, no. Don't give them a challenge. ]

[ 2. Wildcard ]

[ Have an idea? Want to plot something else? Drop me a starter or message me here/on Discord at glitzkrieg#0673! ]

(( change log for reference! ))

Connor | Detroit: Become Human | Merrow

[plasticasshole]

The City Itself;

Going Once, Going Twice

[Seeing Monsters lined up outside shops in a trance is bad enough, to Connor. But seeing them actively being sold? Connor watches as one Monster, a Harpy, strains against his bonds and is quickly subdued. He can't help the quiet sound of disgust that escapes him. He turns to the Mirrorbound beside him, but he's carefully looking for their reaction to this before he speaks. A positive reaction won't go down well.]

At Beck And Call

[It isn't long before Connor is caught by someone who realises there is a Monster parading around without a collar on. His scaled and webbed hands are a huge giveaway. There is a struggle, but ultimately Connor can't fight against the compulsion to obey his orders. He's collared and dragged to the auction block, where he's doused in water to bring out his Merrow traits. He sits irritably as he's admired for his colourful scales, but through the process of auctioning he looks to the crowd, too. Maybe someone can help him?]

The Dark Underbelly;

Rest and Regroup

[It's in the back of a store tended by a sympathetic Witch that Connor decides to rest for a little. Not that he physically needs rest, but being out there... it's almost suffocating. He's wearing gloves now to hide his scales, black leather ones that he was generously given by the shopkeeper. There are a couple of other Monsters in the back with him, but Connor is hoping to see someone he knows stop by.]

Wildcard

Connor will be on the streets placing runes, attending protests, and generally doing all he can to help the Monsters here. Alternatively you can buy him at auction, whether that's to help him or not, or assume he's already been bought and is being lead around on a leash. He's more than likely going to be caught in a scuffle or two with owners of Monsters, so if you want to help him (or drag him off) then feel free to assume you've caught him mid-fight! Also feel free to bump into him navigating the sewers.

If you have another idea in mind hit me up at novicecity or novicecity#8049 on discord!

[starseedling]

Is there any specific process a mirrorbound monster would go through if they were caught off on their own and taken to the auction block? Or should we just make those details up?

(Also I'm assuming the descriptions in this post mean that NPC witches can also order player monsters around. Is it fine to NPC those witches, and is there anything we should know if we do?)


ADDING A QUESTION: Can one ask the NPCs that the name of this city is, or find that info anywhere else?

Rest and Regroup

[proficience]

[Dazai had, thankfully, been saved from the auction. He's currently trying and failing to hide his pale skin by wrapping his hands in bandages. Bandages that he'd had on his person prior to all of this --

But he catches a glimpse of the man he'd had a brief conversation with on the devices and perks up, nearly dropping those bandages on his lap.]

You know, I'm surprised you didn't mimic my voice to get my attention.

Momiji Sohma | Fruits Basket | Puca

[selfishwish]

I(a). Obey & Submit

[The thing about nightmares is that knowing they're nightmares never makes them any less frightening. It only adds that extra layer of fear over not being able to wake up.

Hence, the haste with which Momiji scampers through the fog and past grim figure after grim figure. There is more of a spring to each of his steps than is natural--but, then, nothing about his body feels natural just now, from the pale, blond fur ruffled across his back and arms to the long ears sprouting up above his true hair to the cottontail poked out from above his shorts. His eyes gleam an inhuman gold against the arcane light out on the streets.

And so the first few pedestrians he works up the nerve to try to ask directions from squint suspiciously and wave him away. When he heads for the shops, he can feel eyes on him as soon as he sets foot indoors, into what looks to be some sort of upscale clothier's. Rather than head for the front counter, he makes his way for what looks to be a pair of customers--one of them winged and sporting a reptilian tail.

He doesn't see the delicate leash hanging from that one's neck until he's already right beside them.]

...oh. Umm, sorry to bother you, but could I maybe ask what part of town this is? I need to--

[Momiji hasn't finished his request before the chimera close to him turns, eyes wide, and pivots defensively behind her master. She's both taller and plainly older than him, but she shields herself anyway, visibly fighting the urge to hiss.]

W-wait, I was just asking a question! It's okay, I promise--is she alright?

[He asks the human holding the leash, but there's only scorn in the man's eyes. Already, the commotion's been noticed, and the shop-owner is stalking that way. In a few minutes, if no one intervenes, he'll come bursting out of the storefront at top speed, fleeing a more forcible expulsion.]

I(c). Beck & Call

[Perhaps it's no surprise that the Rabbit keeps drawing the wrong sort of attention, afterwards. Everywhere he turns only seems more hostile, and he doesn't have the good fortune to run straight into the arms of the city's underground.

Eventually, out on the streets, a meaty hand descends to catch Momiji by the back of his shirt's collar, and he hears the words "You, stop" and then, not much later, "Come with me." When he tries, immediately and on instinct, to pull away, a sudden, migraine throb blisters through his brain. He nearly loses his footing as the figure who's claimed him shoves him along, and then the world's swimming too much for him to think past obeying.

When they stop, Momiji finds himself behind a stall nestled in the pavilion, hauled in front of its proprietor. A heavy band of leather is thrust into his hands, as a more reedy, imperious-looking man stares down his nose at him.

"Go on, put it on, then."

Soon, he stands leashed and on display alongside a small stable of faefolk and their changeling kin, visibly bristling--and on the lookout for anyone who seems like they might be mirrorbound.]

Psst! Hey, psst, over here!

[His subtlety is lacking, but for now the stall's proprietor is distracted putting one of the more capable fae through its paces for a potential buyer. If he can just get some help keeping him that way, maybe he can slip the lead and make a run for it...?]

Beck and Call

[ishisstrength]

[Fire flares in Justine's eyes when she see's Connor standing on the auction block.]

He is mine. [Her words are clipped and surprisingly terrifying for such a beautiful face. Those around her step away and one cowardly witch flinches away from her. Justine is furious and for once that madness isn't directed at her friends or loved ones but the people who had the audacity to put her friend on a stand like a slave. Water and air dance unrestrained at her finger tips as she steps forward, the magic around her is just as furious. It is as if her entire mind and body rejected to the site, even the shreds of madness that plagued her.]

I will not stand to have him up there.

[She isn't attacking so no one comes down to stop her but she does have those running the auction more than a little terrified. Turns out that Justine is scary.] So let him go.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor glances over at Dazai, and eyes the bandages.]

I very rarely need to use that ability. What are you doing?

[proficience]

[He picks up the bandages again and starts to finish wrapping up his left hand.]

Covering my skin. It's too obvious that I'm not a human like this.

Azura | Witch

[prayerwheel]

I-A (wandering)

[ Sadly, this sort of environment is one Azura has seen before. Lived in, for a handful of years. The Nohrian capital didn't have industrial smog, but it was similarly bleak, dark, and oppressive in atmosphere, with its citizens slinking around cautiously. She wasn't ever left unaccompanied in her trips outside the castle, so she's trying to blend in here as best as she can--sticking to the walls, pulling her cloak around her, keeping her head down as she surveys the area.

In fact, she blends in so well, you might end up mistaking her for a native of this place. It becomes apparent she's not, though, when she looks up and the look in her eyes is very...not glazed and not dead. If you do meet her eyes and it's clear you aren't someone native of this dark city yourself, she sighs in relief. ]

...how horrific. This feels more like a nightmare than a dream. I was wondering if I'd wandered into some kind of cursed realm by myself.

I-B (auction block)
[ Everything continues to be horrific. An auction? Really? She chokes back the feeling of disgust welling up in her as she watches this, and...there's not a lot she can do, really, because she has no money and she's not the type to cause a big scene.

But if she sees anyone who's clearly from the Aefenglom group get swept up to the group, mistaken for a monster about to be auctioned, she steps in. ]

Pardon. They're with me.

[ Her eyes dart back and forth between the witch and the monster in question, giving the latter a subtle eye signal. Play along. ]

II-B (library)
[ Once again, Azura's doing mostly sneaking around. Hiding in the rows of bookshelves, turning corners when she feels a witch guard is watching her, listening for any important chatter more than reading these books, though she does sneak off to an empty room to peruse a pile of them.

Eventually, though, she finds herself at those ominous double-doors. She's huddled in a dark corner, ear pressed against the wall and listening to the faint voices coming from within. ]

"Again"...?

[ Whelp. Someone's getting tortured in there. Multiple someones, she guesses. ]

Wildcard
(( Feel free to hit me up for a custom prompt, or if you want to plot! I'm on plurk as hakurei ))

[plasticasshole]

[Connor sees Justine and feels relief, though he does inwardly acknowledge that she's rather scary like this. He can't go to her, not without legs and with a leash still attached to him, but it seems there are carts for monsters who can't walk for whatever reason. He's loaded onto one, and Justine is beckoned forward to take his leash. Nobody seems to want to argue with her for proof of ownership, her anger seems genuine enough.

He gives her a little smile as she comes closer, though it's not his usual bright smile. It's a little sad, though mostly just grateful.]

Thank you, Justine.

[freeing]

1. is the cause of monsters obeying related to hearing or magic? if a character discovers a way to get around hearing (be it creating a device or otherwise), would they still be inclined to follow commands?

2. are the protesters merely peaceful? can they be swayed for more violent retaliation? what is the punishment for continuous denial of monster submission?

3. since i'm a newbie forgive me if this has been answered – do characters brought to this dream world need to sleep? if so, where will monsters brought here be able to sleep / rest / seek privacy?

[plasticasshole]

I'm not sure you'll be able to cover your face with them without drawing even more attention to yourself.

[Still, he scoots closer.]

Would you like some help?

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.]

[spaghettimonster]

When witches notice these new monsters are uncollared, unemployed, and so responsive as to ask questions, do any of them attempt to take ownership and collar them?

edit for clarification: I see from the prompt where it mentions we might be the ones being freed from the pavilion that at least some of the NPCs may capture us and include us in there, I'm mostly curious whether it's only specific NPCs who do so, or if the average NPC would make the attempt.

Monika | Doki Doki Literature Club! | Witch

[loadme]

[Going once, going twice]

[Monika slowly walks through the Pavilion, observing and listening. It's not difficult to see what this is supposed to be. She looks at the displays, taking in the feats of strength that are done at little regard for the performer's safety and well-being. There's a select few that specifically catch her attention, but there's not much else that she can do in this type of crowd. The struggles and fights are dealt with swiftly as everything all too quickly settles back into a pattern.

For now, she's content to just play her part in the audience.]

This is a little tough to watch, isn't it?

[She doesn't really believe her own words. It's not as she agrees with any of this, she's simply seen... other things.

Still, it's a good way to start a conversation, her voice and facial expressions nicely conveying an almost genuine sense of concern.]



[At beck and call]

[She's able to pick up on it before long, and the revelation is one that makes Monika sick to her stomach.]

You really have to obey anything I say?

[Unlike before, there's a true feeling of sadness coming with this revelation. The idea of being forced to conform.]

I'm sorry, I really am. That's terrible.

[She hates it.]

Don't worry, I'm not gonna put you through any more of that!

[Easy enough to say, though does she really understand the severity of it?]



[Rest and Regroup]

[A rather hasty sequence of events later and Monika has found herself mixed in with the resistance. A young girl like her might seem out of place, but she's there. There doesn't appear to be much else for her to do but walk around and get to know a few people.

Hi!

She walks up, providing her own brand of smile and cheer.]

What a day it's been, huh? I really wasn't expecting to end up here with everyone else. But I'm glad I did.

[At least, for now.]

Everything else out there looks pretty bad, and I think I'd much rather be here and just doing what I can, even if it's not much.

[ishisstrength]

[She gently takes the leash in her hand and turns away from the crowd. There is an exhale of relief as she takes control of the cart and gently wheels Connor away. She waits until they're off the main street where she comes to sit next to him in the back of the wagon and gently removes both the collar and leash.]

I'm so sorry Connor. I should have found you sooner.

[Justine takes a small jeweled collar from the folds of her skirt.]

I made this for you. It's enchanted to claim you as mine. You don't have to take it but this is... all I think I can do to help you. [Her anger melts as quickly as it had come and tears dot the corner of her eyes.] I'm so sorry Connor. This isn't right. Nothing about this is right.