☆ Event: A Tale of Two Cities

[faileas]

Event Log: September, A Tale of Two Cities

I. THE TRIP OUT On Septeril 5th, those who've agreed to go as dignitaries to Dorchacht will meet with Nerissa Bell in the Coven's foyer. Given the group is a little large, and the boat they've procured for the voyage would be a little crowded with all of them on it, she suggests there be two groups: the first one will go now and will return around the middle of the month, while the second will depart a few days after the first group returns, just to give them some breathing room. a. DIGNITARY: THE SHIP Those joining Nessie are led to the docks, where an old ship is being scrapped down, barnacles removed and hull shined to perfection. Sailors call to and fro from on board, buckets of water thrown off the side away from the docks and there's a tingle of nervous excitement from the gathering crowds come to wish the dignitaries and ambassadors a bon voyage. She's of a medium size, able to hold her crew and half of the assigned dignitaries with little trouble, and from top to bottom the moose-like Faun of a captain calls her a seaborn miracle; short of a sea wyrm, she's never faltered nor fled the waves, but he'll admit that she's been more a fishing boat than anything the past couple years. Judging from the way his tuffed tail lashes in excitement, he's thrilled to be out on a real voyage again -- even if it's to those notoriously unfriendly blokes 'round the corner of the map, haven't been in decades time and they've always been up their own arses about this and that. While dignitaries are supposed to relax the best they can on the four day trip, the captain doesn't seem to mind offering work to those interested in learning the way of the sea or with the know-how already, eagerly asking the Mirrorbound about their experiences beyond the glass... much more than he is about talking about himself outside of his ship, who he loves a great deal and sings the praises of up and down the hour, through sea shanty and spoken word. His large antlers don't seem to get in the way of his work nor bar him from getting in and out his quarters, but watch out! They are large and they do hurt. All's not well going to and from Dorchacht, though, as while the waters are safer than the land by far, there's plenty of dangers within the deep: Infected Merrow swim in the shallows, singing sweetly from rocks that jut out at the shore, and some more adventurous ones try their luck closer to the boat too. The captain's Navigator, a Witch with just as rowdy an attitude if more polite a tone, can manage a deafening spell on the ship to keep any from falling seaward, but asks that those who can to rid the ship of those terrible pests, whether by cannon, magic, or something else similarly ranged. Oh, it'd be perfectly alright if they killed them, plenty of them out here in the sea and growing ever more, but if they simply want to scare them off then by all means! There's also all manner of sea beasts as well, from krakens on the smaller side to the mentioned sea wyrms earlier, though the captain'll say that they're just babies compared to the mother he'd faced last year -- still troublesome little bastards, best put down before they're drowned themselves, but nothing to turn tail at. Outside of these... troubles... there's disorderly sailors of Monster and Witch alike, the former being compromised primarily of Turnskin and Faun for heavy lifting, with a Harpy in the crow's nest to help with speed, and the latter being those specializing in Divination and Astrology for directions, as well as some elemental manipulation from the Evocation course. Unlike the proper Coven trained, they seem like they're a little more unconventional with their magics, using "shortcuts" and combining spells to great effect. When they're not on the clock as it were they enjoy a great deal of ale, howling stories and song, pushing each other around whilst the journey's bright and startlingly serious when things turn south. Be careful you don't get in a fight, or perhaps you'd like to show your stuff in a little competition: They're willing to do anything to pass the time. b. ESPIONAGE: THE DEVICE Upon hearing that there are some who would be interested in investigating the device that Mhairi mentioned, a young Witch opens up the room it's being stored in now to allow them a chance to check it out. They warn that it isn't particularly cooperative, but maybe those with some knowledge of magitech - or their world's equivalent - might be able to help? While not exactly the largest device around, it's one that stands out. Something resembling a Tesla coil stands atop the piece of tech, tall enough to almost reach the ceiling of the rather tall room, and various dials and knobs and gauges adorn the outside of it. Those who are perceptive to magic - training in detection spells, or who have a good sense for it, or even a sixth sense for something poised to happen - will be able to note that there's a sort of... presence in the room. It continues to build up, the more people that come in to investigate. Anyone that tinkers with it, has active magitech on their person, or even uses magic in it, only help to build the sensation. And then, when enough Mirrorbound of both the Witch and Monster persuasion are in the room - A whirring noise fills the room, as the device comes to life. There isn't any time to vacate the room, because whether it was an intentional thing to activate the teleporter or not, it's activated. The intention of using it for travel to Dorchacht remains embedded in it, and from one moment to the next, the group in the room find themselves not in the Coven, but in the midst of trees. All around you is the forest just beneath the cliffs outside of Dorchacht. In the distance, if one looks hard enough, they might be able to spot the Black City itself. Besides the storage room of the Coven vanishing in a flash of light and electricity, the device is absent, too. Some of its smaller parts can be found scattered in the craggy grass at your feet, in the roots of trees, as if it completely fell apart the moment that the magic was activated. Whatever you had on your person, when you left? It's all that you have, now. And there's no way back from here. (Notes: Some small reminders - the boats take 2 days to reach Dorchacht, meaning they take 2 days to come back as well, and the teleportation device used by the espionage team is a one-time use only. The espionage team will be able to return to Aefenglom at the end of the month courtesy of some inside help, using a similar device that managed to bring them there in the first place. The Watches can be used on the ship, but are prone to static and dropping calls. Communication is possible from Dorchacht, though voice and video both feel a little muffled.)

II. DORCHACHT It's déjà vu. 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. Those from Aefenglom may recognize familiar faces, and they might find themselves looking twice at you, as if some part of them remembers you as well. Something seems... off, however. There are fewer Monsters in the streets than there were in the dream, though it isn't too hard to catch a glimpse of one here and there. The streets even seem a little more cleaned up than they once were, as one makes their way down them. At the heart of the city, dignitaries will be brought to the Coven. There, they're greeted by a slender and elegant woman, eyes bright and clever, but just as sharp as the red-lined smile that she offers her visitors. "Nerissa Bell," she begins, tone polite if clipped. There's the sense of a woman who won't waste words from her person, and she turns her eyes towards the dignitaries. "You must be the charges she spoke of. Mirrorbound, they call you?" A shallow inclination of her head, barely called respectful, as she smiles wider, in a way that would be kind if knives were made to be dull. "A pleasure. I am Morgana Drummond, head of the Coven here, and I welcome you to my city of Dorchacht, the safest haven against the Cwyld across all of our poor Geardagas." a. THE COVEN Morgana Drummond gives them a quick tour of their facilities, speaking lightly of the curriculum they have here that differs from Aefenglom's own (more of a focus in manipulation spells, be it the sort of commands that have become such a familiar sight to things such as perception and "paths" that can be seen through scrying, the other areas of practice more of "extra" than essentials) as well as allowing them to peek in on some lessons taking place. They won't be able to interact, but it is admittedly of a higher feel than what Aefenglom asks, though it's simply the seriousness of the atmosphere giving that impression. After showing them to where they'll be staying within the Coven's hospitality as well as mentioning the areas of their infirmary, library, and welcoming the Witches to try a hand at their lessons, she and Nerissa part from the characters as a whole to discuss the business of the month. There is a notable increase in guards, both around Morgana's person even within the Coven's walls, as well as the building itself. They seem to be in the business of keeping people on a kind of "railroaded" layout of the Coven building, but can be distracted for a quick peek -- the real help comes from those with triple stars hidden in plain sight, beneath the brims of hats and worn as idly jewelry and easily missed charms. These sympathizers will actively seek those out to speak with them, to let them know that even here there are those that would like to see change brought to Dorchacht, and assist in entering places that Mirrorbound otherwise would not be able to enter. Such as the library here, which contain higher level spells including the enchantments specific to the city walls. The history is just as muddled as it is in the later mentioned public library, the "when"s being vague and the like, but depicts Drummond's rise as the head of the Coven: She came to Dorchacht on a ship hailing from Aefenglom along with a number of other Witches and rose above the rest to become the esteemed leader she is now. Without her, many of the text will agree, Dorchacht would not be as it is now. Those with any notable signs of infection may be asked to step aside and allow Dorchacht's Witches to give them a check up -- better safe than sorry -- and this goes for Witches and Monsters alike. They'll be brought to the double doors that were so heavily secure within the dream, whether they'd like to be or not, and escorted inside. b. THE CITY Unlike the dream, things seem to be more... well-behaved. Auctions have been moved from the pavilion and in its place are genuine vendors to purchase from: Food, clothing, toys, trinkets, protective spell scrolls, all manners of things. There's still Monsters around, a little more tidy than before, but they hold the same stares they had in the dream, pinched expression and disinterested in conversation. There are signs that lead way to auctions if one is truly curious to see the extent of that terror, to gain insight on the situation there, but tailing someone might be hard within the twisting turns of the new bazaar. Another notable part of the city that can be accessed by those dealing in espionage include the barracks if they pose as hopefuls to join their ranks as handlers for their Monsters, which are collared in a familiar way to the dream, and seem reactionary to quick movements -- they're explained to be the essential frontline of what constitutes as a military force, very important, Mirrorbound Monsters beware you not suffer the same fate. The next place one might seek out is the library: While this is all deemed public knowledge, it offers insight into the kind of history and mindset that's been bred the past decade at minimum. Books regarding the dangers of Monsters, how to care and train them, practical spellbooks for those untrained by the Coven proper... The history books themselves are vague in regards to the "when" of things, and seem to be more contemporary in comparison to how old the city feels itself. There's a variety of more cultural knowledge such a cookbooks (including those dealing with monster parts) and floriography (more dour meanings compared to Aefenglom's flurous), but the relevant ones have been noted thusly. c. THE RESISTANCE Whether you're espionage or dignitary, those seeking the Resistance know what to look for: a trio of stars (some worn more openly than others), protests against the city's treatment of Monsters, and dispelling runes on the walls. Once proven that you're friend over foe, they're more than happy to have the assistance of any Mirrorbound in their company: A fight against the current practices is a fight they're for, after all. Riot! Disrupt the peace! The auctions, while a little more downplayed than in the dream, are still going, and the Resistance has good word on where they're being held in the grand city. Their goal? To cause a disturbance big enough to distract, but not big enough to catch Drummond's eye... that said, with her having to play the nice host to Aefenglom's associates within the main building, there's more to get away with. Free the Monsters! Whilst distracted, other members of the Resistance plan to dispel the runes in certain areas and smuggle off what Monsters they can, valuing quantity over quality. While the more mind-broken may resist heavily, it won't be hard to find Monsters of all kinds (save Dragons and Fae, which are notably absent from the auctions and city in general) accepting help to escape, eager to think for themselves once more. Find a way for them to escape the city safely, but know that the docks are heavily guarded in case of stowaways. Free the city! Kind of. A third party of Resistance members are looking to weaken the enchantment on the wall of Dorchacht itself, meaning they'll be looking for those brave enough to tread outside the city and into the Wilde just beyond its protective gates to take a look at and inscribe runes to hopefully diminish the compulsion in place right now. It won't be immediate, but it'll help in the future... just be careful, there's plenty of danger beyond the wall to contend with. As an interesting note, while the Resistances' bonded pairs are definitely unlike Dorchacht's compulsion-based ones, they're not exactly like Aefenglom's either: They call themselves comrades and partners, brothers/sisters in arms, giving it more of an equality forged from the same brass than something to do with convenience. (Notes: Those being willing, or unwilling, participants in the check-ups may reply to the top level there with how visibly infected they are for a special treat! Only for this month.)

III. AEFENGLOM Preparations for Meán Fómhair begin before Nerissa and the dignitaries head off on the 5th, but they seem a little quick even for the ever-festive people of Aefenglom: Apples begin the appear in great quantities to be used for later, some yellowed versus the red ripeness one thinks of when they're ready, there's hay bales tucked safely away for the days of, and there's little conversation to be made save for how things might be going in Dorchacht, though if any of the Mirrorbound try to join in they'll change the subject to Meán Fómhair in a split second, smiles thrown wider than the weeks before. Seems all is not quite as well as they'd like to appear. a. MARKET UP With the Parliament tense and looking westward, there starts to be gradual, but steady, increases in new appearances from some interesting individuals about the city. At face value they're no different than the vendors already found in great quantities, human and Monster alike, but one look at their wares proves different. The goblin market, as it's familiarly called, is somewhat accepted by the Parliament as something allowed to exist as part of their mercantile culture with Coven-approved medicines, alchemical practices, enchantments, so on and so forth, and only somewhat thanks to these known wares. Beneath these, with a dropped word or a curious eye, one can find things that are more than likely not sanctioned by either branch, things the vendors say can sate Monster and Witch alike without need of a Bond, though they decline to include the fact that such things are only temporary and that, like all hits, they'll need to come back for a greater quantity to get the satisfaction they need. Overpriced as they are (due to their private nature, it's high risk, surely they understand), they sell Monster parts of most kinds, Witch's Blood that may or may not be genuine, and what they call "extra strength" potions to mimic the feeling of a temporary bond without needing a second person to partake -- of course, you're welcome to share it, the more the merrier. However, this market hides a darker side, known more to those living among the aristocracy or who have the money and means to it, and characters are more likely to find themselves led there one way or another -- be it kidnapped or tricked, the black market isn't picky about how they drag their targets in. While Aefenglom prides itself in its fairness and equality, as in example with the goblin market not all is what it promises. Nowhere else is this more true than with the black market itself, using techniques familiar in Dorchacht to control their living wares, emboldened by the absence and turned heads of the government while remaining as discreet as they can be, they've ascended from the tunnels beneath Aefenglom to turn old houses into private auctions and the more deserted streets into bazaar-like adventures. Not all of these are unwilling wares, characters may find, and drawn by necessity for their own well-being or for their family's, but it's clear that a greater number are those from the Outer City. b. PROPAVANDALS Unbeknownst to Aefenglom's higher ups, Dorchacht has sympathizers of its own within this city's walls. While Bonds haven't been specifically dissuaded against, given that there's alternatives to the more permanent tethers, not all are in favor of changing completely. It's been ten years since Miss Bell gained her seating, such citizens'll say, and there's been decades prior where they hadn't needed that. That Monsterkind and Witches could be, and sometimes were better off, apart. Home remedies and extra practice, or finding a substitute, was all that was needed. More privately and growing in whispered popularity, that there ought to be more restrictions on the two in general. Once these words have started, both conversations planted as well as encouraged for thoughts already leaning a certain way, small attacks on those Bonded being to occur. They target the main populace and those with connections to the Coven itself, especially the Mirrorbound given Nerissa's alleged responsibility to them, and it seems they're well-practiced in hiding their activities because all investigations done towards the perpetrators, whether done by the Mirrorbound or officials themselves, will lead to only dead-ends outside the City. The culprits are hard to catch on foot, using the environment they'd grown up with to their advantage in escaping any manner of way -- it isn't just humans, but Monsters causing trouble as well -- but it isn't impossible... Just that they refuse anything but their right of silence on the accusations, claiming they'd had no part in anything, regardless of what proof might be found. The attacks and vandalism itself range from harmful messages appearing with magic on walls and doors, vaguely threatening letters written in ink that evaporates in sunlight, to fruit thrown and possessions left in tatters after breaking and entering. They don't stop at residential houses either, aiming for businesses held by those with any connection to the Coven, held by those with Bonds, and seek to cause any number of annoyance and distaste to those they attack. If it weren't for their Bonds, their Coven connections, they wouldn't be treated this way. That's the message they seek to send. c. UNEASY FESTIVITIES Come Septeril 21st, and lasting til the 23rd, Meán Fómhair is tentatively in full swing. The residents of Aefenglom are more on edge than during previous festivals save the red-hued Lithia, even once the first dignitary group has returned and the second left. There's barrels of apples decorating the street corners, but they don't seem as plentiful as they should. The games have a forced cheerfulness about them too, the unaffected being children who gleefully take part in each race, each competition, as well as the doctors with their cure-alls and promises of something to promote the harvest's delight, peddling medicine and medical advice to all who lend an ear with earnest grins and a profit to be made. The medicines are largely placebos with some possible side-effects for those that aren't, such as voice changes and intense cravings for various foods, but they seem to be very popular this year -- there's at least a couple merchants talking up the good fortune Dorchacht's stress has brought this year to one another, quieting down when they catch outsiders eavesdropping. With the continued attacks on those Bonded and Coven-affiliated, with one of their Speakers across the continent and the other sorely wrapped in Parlimentary business dealing with the attacks, the city holds its breath and tries to endure. Tries to be bright and cheerful while keeping obvious supplies behind their counters, to keep fright from their expressions and mind lest it invite the Cwyld to their midst, and ultimately drawing apart from one another in a time where unity is more than needed: Time will tell what actions might sew shut the new wound struck across Aefenglom.

Welcome to September's event log! The questions thread is split into two this time: one for Dorchacht, which can be found HERE, and one for Aefenglom, which can be found HERE. Please keep questions to their respective cities! This'll help both us and your fellow players in sorting information. Additionally, this event is a little special - we've prepare an OOC post to go along with it. Check it out over HERE - don't forget about it, as it'll help us see how things'll progress in the cities!

Comments

DORCHACHT QUESTIONS

[moustre]

[freeing]

ok so... theoretically... if someone was caught acting suspicious from the dignitary party, looking more into morgana's history – what would the repercussions be? would this put the entire dignitary group at risk? i am especially interested in the increased guards and heightened tension that a certain angry dragon mom may not be taking too seriously.

AEFENGLOM QUESTIONS

[moustre]

[firewalled]

Do monster parts include feathers, fur, eggs, and other more easily acquirable pieces, or are they more likely to be teeth and talons?

If someone was interested in selling, say feathers or antlers or other parts like that, would the market be interested as well?

[overworker]

Setting Out

[Towa wakes earlier than usual on the morning of the fifth. Enough time to make the final preparations she needs to before she leaves. She puts herself in something nice for the trip. It's not a vacation, it's business. She'd like to think she can make a good impression visually too, since she's acting as a dignitary. But once she's packed and paid the Guild one last visit, she makes her way on board with the others setting out at the beginning of the month.

And immediately puts herself to work. She's brought supplies for sewing protective enchantments into garments for any monsters that may need them. She makes sure everyone's taking care of themselves and eating well. And when the monsters draw close-- she uses her gun to shoot long range evocation magic to scare off the infected merrow without hurting them. She laughs sheepishly and puts the weapon down.]

Phew... I didn't think the trip would be so... exciting. But I think we're safe for now. I wonder if I should wait a bit just to be sure before I get back to work...

[While she has things she could be doing, she doesn't want to celebrate too early.]

Worn Out Before It's Even Started

[Between her anxiety and the amount of work she's been putting in to prepare for this trip, she's really tired herself out. While she'd like to keep working, even she knows that she's going to burn herself out at this rate. So she accepts that now might be a good time for a break.

Once night falls, Towa lays herself out on the deck and stares up at the sky at the stars. It's a view unlike the one from home. Looking at the vast sky, she feels more at ease than she has in days. It's only for a short time, but she puts aside all the expectations and the worries and just lets herself exist.

...it's in this way, with a smile on her face-- that she falls asleep. She must have been more tired than she let on.]

Tour the Town

[First thing's first-- Towa intends to take a proper look around the Coven in this new city. Like the former Student Council President she is, she takes this opportunity to make note of everything they learn as they're shown around. Once the formal tour is over, she considers her next move. That's when she notices the familiar sign of the triple stars. With a smile she approaches, and makes idle chatter about the city. To hear that they seek change, she's glad-- and with their help, she goes into the library to see if there's any new information she can find. And to see some information on Drummond, she's glad she did.

However, getting out may be a bit more difficult. One of the guards notice her and she freezes up awkwardly.]

Oh! Hello... I'm sorry, I think I'm lost. I was looking for one of the friends I came with... eheheheh...

[Please help her, she's a terrible liar...]

Riot!!!

[When it comes time to slip away from the official work, she changes into something a little less vibrant-- something that stands out a little less, in favor of not drawing any more attention to herself than necessary. Since she's acting as a dignitary, the less she looks like herself the better, so she takes her hair down too. It's not much, but it's a decent effort.

Now that she's here though, it doesn't take her long to realize how much the resistance has on it's plate.]

Let's see if we can't lighten their load a little bit. I miiiight have a little bit of experience disrupting the peace here. I'd like to help stop the auctions.

[Feel like joining her, walking on the wild side?]

Wildcard!

[There's nothing Towa's not willing to get herself involved in, one way or another-- so all prompts are welcomed.]

setting out

[proficience]

[Dazai has actually put in the effort to dress up in an outfit eerily similar to the one he'd worn in the Mafia. Save for the bandages on his face and the jacket -- he didn't opt to wear those today, the latter for the reason that he no longer owns a black jacket.

He figures that, at the very least, he'll have to put on a diplomatic air for this meeting. Which would work out for him if he weren't swaying back and forth as he walks onto the boat. He clearly needs a nap, and he quickly rests atop a few barrels, face down, drifting right to sleep as soon as possible.

However, he hears the sound of that gun go off and it startles him awake, and he wanders over to who had set it off.]

Exciting? Oh. I think I've missed the excitement.

Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) | OTA

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ 1a. Dignitary - the ship ]

[ Berserker, as expected, keeps to himself on the ship. His role here is as a guard dog, there’s no need for a distraction. For now, he’s decided part of his role is keeping everyone on the ship safe. This means dealing with the infected merrow and other sea beasts. His weapon of choice isn’t appropriate here — he intentionally left Gae Bolg behind in Aefenglom. No, he’s relying on a handy harpoon, dispatching creatures with it by throwing it with disturbing accuracy.

It’s the pulling it back part that’s annoying. He looks to whoever’s nearby and tosses them the rope. ]

Make yourself useful and help me…unless you want to deal with them yourself.

[ 2C. The Resistance (Who in here tryna start a riot?) ]

[ In a Grail War, Berserkers are a force of chaos. They are made to disrupt and destroy. Even for an Alter Servant like this particular Berserker, he still has a talent for chaos. In this case, a resistance member has used disguise magic on him to cover up his monstrous features and have him pass amongst the populace as a human. This gives him better access to the city without suspicion.

Even without the draconic appearance, he’s intimidating, emanating a cold and threatening aura. People avert their gaze quickly when he walks near them, a natural bubble of space forms around him. This is a perfect environment to start trouble. At least he starts simple, knocking down displays and challenging the owner to do anything about it with an icy gaze, then…he gets inspired. Something else given to him by the resistance: a bottle full of flammable liquid, a rag, and some matches. Yes, a molotov cocktail. Walking into an alcove, he puts the rag in the bottle, lights it, and throws it far towards the back where there’s no people nor monsters, but a good amount of flammable material. It’s enough to be a nuisance, but not an actual danger, given the stone surrounding everything.

Fire causes chaos. Berserker allows himself a twisted smile. ]

Free one of them while they’re dealing with the fire. [ He whispers to whoever’s closest to him. ] I’ll make a bigger scene so you can get them out.

[ 3b. Propavandals ]

[ Berserker spent the first half of the month out of the city and is grateful to be back in what’s become his home. What he’s not grateful for is the newfound harassment — he’s not secretive about his Bond, so it comes as no surprise he becomes a target for the vandals. As he steps out of his shared apartment, he spots one of the provocateurs and gives chase. Anyone who gets in his way is unfortunately a victim of collateral damage: he pushes them out of the way without a word, refusing to let his quarry escape. It’s unfortunate that he loses track of the culprit when he reaches the city walls. An unfamiliar face, certainly.

Berserker turns back to the last soul he knocked over in his relentless pursuit and offers them a hand up. ]

You were in the way. I have nothing against you.

[ 4. Wildcard ]

[ Got an idea? Did we already plot something out? Drop me a starter or PM this journal/messages me on Discord glitzkrieg#0673! ]

2c

[sageprincess]

[The person Berserker turns to does not look nearly as amused by his arsonist antics, red eyes looking more than a little perturbed under a mop of golden hair, but there's hardly anything that can be done about it now. May as well make as much use out of the chaos as possible.]

Please keep the bloodshed to a minimum if possible. [Berserker's apparent partner in crime - another resistance member, or at least someone who floats around their number quite a bit - asks in a voice that the Servant might find vaguely familiar, if he cares to remember it.] We don't need them thinking we are enough of a threat to need eliminating just yet.

[Something crashes in the distance where the fire rages on, and they flinch at the noise. Still, they do as Berserker says shortly after giving that request, dashing off to the nearest collared Monster and pressing their hand to their binds. A warm and golden glow envelopes both hand and iron, working through the structure of the lock and breaking it bit by bit.

Not the most expedient method, but there wasn't exactly a surplus of time to perfect magical lockpicking, alright. It's better than nothing.]

Kyo - Aefenglom

[juzubeads]

Markets:

[Kyo does his best in keeping an eye on Momiji and figuring things while the rest were off on their missions. Including Mary. He ends up hearing about the goblin markets, that they have supplies that can help without needing a Bond. So naturally, he is curious in spite of himself.

So he goes to find out. Hearing about the serWhich results, of course, in him raising an eyebrow at the prices.]

You want...how much for this? And is that actually real Witches blood or monsters?

[Sure that sort of thing might be more useful for Witches and their potions or whatever, perhaps. But Kyo is still unsure on that....]

Propavandals:

Wait, what.....? This...?

[Kyo pauses in noticing some of the vandalism. The messages on the walls or doors. He doesn't like it, and it makes him tense, his fur bristling in anger as his eyes widen. This was bold. Bolder than he knew things to be prior to this whole thing with the shared dream and the mission to send some of them off to try talk things out. He didn't see who did it, but that doesn't stop him feeling that fury anyway. He gathers some water and a brush to try scrub the messages off.

It's probably better to try take care of it before someone else sees and gets upset, after all, right?]

Uneasy Festivities:

Hm? A race? Okay, but don't go crying when I beat you!

[Kyo isn't really feeling the cheer and festivity, easily able to tell this is more of a front they probably felt obligated in, the children aside. But well, he is nothing if not competitive, even if this isn't Yuki he would be racing or playing against.]

Propvandals

[actuallyadork]

[Having a message like this scrawled on his own cabin, Cloud isn't as upset as he is annoyed. So he'd taken a walk and finds a young man trying to clean the message off of a wall.

He stops and crosses his arms, watching with some curiosity.]

They're just going to put up a new one. Ignoring it is easier.

geralt | ota ( dorchacht - espionage )

[niespodzianka]

✨ it needs a professional

[ It's easy to insinuate himself with the Resistance, remembering so well from the dream, and once he's done so he doesn't stick around long in the sewers. There's not much in the way of witcher's work in a city where every odd job is handled unwillingly by enslaved monsters, but Geralt still forges out in search of it or anything close – because there's no better way to get to know a place than to really live in it. It's not a wild success, but he still learns his way around, and in between suspicious reactions and rough patches, winds up doing tasks and running errands for a diverse array of secret sympathizers and apathetic elites. As well as, of course, the Resistance themselves.

This includes:

A) Fetching copies of parts of library reference material, conveniently about enchantments. He's got a note from a witch in good standing with the Coven, but staff at the library itself find themselves doubting this guy with his weird eyes (whose presence is inexplicably disturbing another witch with a badge on). He could perhaps use a hand, or at least a distraction.

B) Creeping outside the gates. Geralt is a deft hand at this sort of highly dangerous sabotage, and though he's not sure how ultimately safe fucking with the walls is going to be – their primary function seems to be keeping the damned plague out – he's curious about the operation and the way the magic is crafted. Something infected out in the dark shrieks, and he paces by the small group of people working on cracking a ward, scanning the area for movement. ]

🔪 clippy

The dignitaries aren't supposed to snoop or stray, he knows that. They all know that, too, he's sure. But as soon as they start appearing, Geralt is keen on making contact (that sounds ridiculous in his head – he's not a great spy) and hearing about what the head bwitch has had to say about the dream in her spooky city that she totally had no hand at all in creating, he's sure.

So when he catches sight of an Aefenglomer (Aefenite? halp) trying to sweet talk their way into doing something they shouldn't be – maybe making nice with someone with a triple star symbol on their clothes, maybe they're being pushy about a taboo subject, maybe they're putting ketchup on mac n cheese at the bazaar – he's going to amble over.

"Need a hand?"

💀 awake is overrated (cw: slave auction stuff)

[ Finding the auctions in the waking world are more difficult than just stumbling on the dreaming spectacle, but he's a tracker, and he manages it. Stonefaced and radiating a near-tangible aura of fuck off, fewer witches mistake him for a monster than the first (somnolent) go-around. It's worse than in the dream, he thinks – people have enough awareness to know it's awful and should be kept from the immediate public eye, but it's up and running anyway. If he had any regret about ultimately putting a few of these people into comas, it's gone now.

Standing in what passes for an auction hall, he considers, somewhat insanely, just trying to buy one of these people (because they are people) and bolt to the Resistance. This causes an uncomfortable cognitive dissonance moment in his head where he realizes he's considered buying a person, regardless of any reason why, and it puts him in perhaps the worst mood he's been in since being puked up into this world.

It begins passive-aggressively. Coughing loudly over bids to make them unheard. Asking idiotic, insulting, deadpan questions in the middle of other people speaking. Accidentally-on-purpose making bids, retracting them, pointing out he has no funds when pressed for seriousness, please, sir. Tensions between Geralt and anyone paying attention to him mount to the point where he finds himself having to seriously weigh the downside to ending up dead (again) over this shit. Maybe he'd wake up back in Velen, high on evil swamp spores, all of this forgotten.

He could use someone to help either (a) diffuse the situation or (b) koolaid man into RIOT TIME. ]

🛀 staycation

Not everything can be stupid all the time, even in this fuckawful city that Geralt sort of hopes just falls into a giant dark pit. Sure, there are innocents, and people who're trying their damnedest to make things better, but after a week of trudging through sewers every day and risking infection past the gates and dealing with these grossly bigoted jackasses – really though just fall into a giant dark pit. He may or may not be fantasizing about Philippa Eilhart jamming a knife into this Drummond witch instead of Radovid. (No, Phil would definitely like her. Sigh.)

In the makeshift secret handshake Resistance bathhouse with baths full of magic cleansing water, where Geralt decides he's just going to live until someone finds a way back to Aefenglom that doesn't involve garbage teleportation, he slips into the hot water and submerges until nothing below his nose is visible. And does not move. Goodbye, world.

🃏 wildcard

We've got all month!!

( ooc; prose an action are equally welcome in any prompt! feel free to recognize geralt from aef / as someone who was bitching about having to teleport / have heard he did some bad things in the dream. if you want anything specific or later on in the month, or heck, want to turn ~~bathtime~~ saucy, feel free to shoot me a pm! )

professional A maybe mixed up with clippy timeline

[futhark]

[ Caster had arrived recently with the first batch of dignitaries. It's sad, but he even looks the whole mage part (the kind of that spends way too much time in the forest, druids and all) and during the short time he already established himself as someone putting his nose into Enchantment(!!!)s.

This proves very useful as he runs into the scene at the library, really. A)This is the guy that bitches about teleports, B)he definitely wasn't on the exciting boat cruise. Ergo gotta take a heat from him, so he can keep his spywork spying magic. ]

You found it?? [ He casually walks between librarian and witcher ] I was so sure they won't have the books she wanted here... guess that means you win that bet. But I still have a chance. I just need to find the last title to make it even.

[ So uh, here's hoping the note Geralt has is from female Witch otherwise... Ah, improvisation! ]

｢ ooc: I'm polish so seeing your username is an incredible delight ｣

fordola | final fantasy xiv | in aef

[fordola]

1 (a)

[ It didn't take long for Fordola to take advantage of the Goblin Market - though she was protective of her... well, her eggs, she was curious. But only curious, having slung them into a makeshift bag. Being on edge from her Bonded being elsewhere, her single bond, Fordola was mostly loitering by stalls, cat-like eyes focusing on what sold.

She would give a little wave to whoever came close. ]

Humane. Or so it looks. But where there's markets, there's others.


2 (a) (possible tw - slavery)

[ Of course.

Of course her foolishness as displaying her eggs, questioning some of them, had gotten her captured down here. Fordola could fight back. She would, later - when she had the strength, mentally. For now, though - her fears continued to consume. She was not enslaved, mind you. She was chained down, but she could still fight, as little as she wore.

Please. Please come help her, before she does something foolish - her red eye seemed to almost flicker with anger. She seemed so close to snapping, to going feral. These things wanted her to lay on command - how stupid were they? ]

3 (b-ish)

[ Instincts. That is what she blamed these thoughts on, as she sat by the docks - watching the water. Talons which had overtaken her hands, and--

--with the speed of a bird, she had caught a rather large fish. To add to the pile she'd been getting - keeping. No need to buy meat if she could hunt it, right?

No need for others. Especially with how others - those natives - treated her. Her wings pressed close to her body, Fordola wouldn't mind company. Though, she may sneer at them. ] Come t'tease a Bonded?

wildcard

[ Feel free to contact me if you want other things. ]

3

[integrous]

N-- No.

[ Asahi hasn't had as much of that trouble, considering the fact that she herself is still relatively new and not Bonded yet. But it's hard to not have caught at least wind of it, if not just seen some of it happening outright. It seems things are getting worse even here in the city, huh?

She looks a bit flustered by the other's accusation, but after sucking in a breath she manages to speak on. ]

Sorry if it seems like I snuck up on you. I just was looking at your wings. [ Yeah, because that's a totally normal thing to say, Asahi. Maybe it'd be a little more obvious why she was doing that if she still had the wings she saw on herself in that dream, but they seem to have vanished after she woke up, making her look pretty much just still like a normal human. ]

Elliot Craig | Espionage | OTA

[fiddlestick]

I-b. Arrival
[Elliot was no stranger to using unconventional teleporters to get around quick. So while he's nervous, he's not nearly as fazed as others on the team might be. He's got a bag slung over his shoulder along with a violin case, wearing an outfit suited for traveling but not drawing a lot of attention.

As the device activates, Elliot takes a deep breath to steel himself. It's only when they reach the other side and the device break does he react]

Welp. That'll be a problem when we need to get back.

[Part of him would be hoping it'd survive the trip. So much for that]

II-a. Exploring the City
[The first few days here, Elliot doesn't try to make many ripples. Instead he wanders the city, assessing what he can and trying to get a sense how accurate the dreams were. The barracks, the auctions, the libraries. None of the places made him particularly happy, but it was important to get as much information as possible. He also spends a good amount of time listening in on conversations of the people, trying to get the public feeling of this place. He does his best to keep a low profile, since technically he's not supposed to be in this city. Anyone who does observe him might notice he seems to have some expertise with blending in. This isn't the first time he's infiltrated a hostile city.

Maybe you were around when he explored these spots, otherwise you might find him taking a break in a Resistance spot or somewhere secluded.]

It's strange. This town has to be older than ten years, but everyone is acting like Morgana Drummond made this place...

[It feels very off to him.]

II-c. Radio Dorchacht
[A few days of observing, and it's time to actually take what he's learned into action. He's neither a grand fighter or a grand diplomat, but it becomes pretty clear there's one avenue he can really help in: music. This city had a complete lack of music that wasn't lullabies, and it felt just right to try to change that.

His opportunity comes from Resistance folks that have access to the radio station here. He'll need some help breaking into the place and gathering material, so he could use all the help he can get. Keep look out? Help with the locks? Submit some music or act as a guest, whatever you can do to help!

Once he's in the radio station? It's time to shine. He knows using his own voice would be a bad idea, so he uses an audio illusion to change his voice to sound like a female radio personality back in Erebonia.

Either way, in the evening any radio turned on through the city will start playing. The illusioned-filter voice comes in bright and cheerful]

It's 9pm and you're listening to Radio Dorchacht! Welcome welcome, to a brand new show called Abend Time. I'll be your host, Misty. This show will be a little different than what you're used to, but who doesn't like a little new adventure from time to time? So sit back and enjoy the ride...

[The program goes continues on. It winds up being a music program, full of different types of music. Some are fun and fast, some are slow and powerful, some silly. But among them are songs hidden throughout meant to to be think pieces. Discreetly calling into question the situation of Dorchacht: the treatment of monsters, the strength of the compulsion spell (if they can compel monsters, what's to say they aren't compelling humans too to comply?), questioning the Coven (and Morgana but not by name), pro-resistance songs. Many songs are subtle, but there's a clear underlying message to this radio program: to shake up the status quo.

Between songs, "Misty" occasionally does cheerful radio host talk. Talking about the songs, the moods, random news and gossip. Elliot listened to every episode of Abend Time back home, so he knows the gist of how these things go. And if you missed the first episode? Don't worry, because he'll be doing this throughout the month]

II-d. Helping the Resistance
[When he's not on the radio, he's doing other things to help out with the resistance. You can find him in the bases, either treating monsters that have been freed and need help, or anyone whose been infected with Cwyld. He is also holding classes for the locals, teaching them different styles of music as well as Aefenglom coven methods for curing Cwyld - so the population won't have to rely on Dorchacht's Coven so much. ]

Wildcard
[Got another prompt for me? Hit me up! Elliot will be in Dorchacht the whole month, so he's around to do stuff]

Radio Dorchacht

[overworker]

[When she heard the program, it brought a smile to her face. She knew exactly what the source of the sudden musical influx was and she couldn't be prouder. She hopes that it will become a positive message for those who are fighting right now. That's why-- something clicks and she starts using her free time at night to work on something.

A submission.

Elliot knows, and Rean knows she's with Elliot-- but that's about it. This is going on the air so she's nervous enough without thinking that everyone could hear it. But that's the point, so... she can do this.]

Ehehe... Alright. Here we go-- ah. I'm a beginner so try not to expect too much from me.

[Deep breath. Alright. Let's do this. The music is simplistic and the voice she uses to sing it is her real voice. No one here has heard her sing, so she doesn't think it should be too much of an issue. Changing her image and putting a spell to obscure her talking voice should be enough. The song has a melancholy message, but there's something in the way it's sung that has a hopeful lift to it mixed in with the gentle sadness.]

Today-- I dreamed of you as my heart fell through
And when I woke, that dream of you slipped away
Tomorrow I'll think about it too, how I failed you
My tongue gets tied up on all the words I never say
It's easy to say that I miss you
But there's so much I've never known how to face
What could I have done of all the things I didn't do
And those I left to carry that burden in my place.
It haunts and it hurts, but it reminds me why I fight
This world that could be so unforgiving
Is also warm and full of light
The people you loved, the life you wanted to be living
Black and white, wrong or right
I remember the world you wanted to protect
Delicate figurines placed on a stage ready to fight
Willing to do anything to make a change
We're all a little broken, but we're not beaten
And it may be a hopeless path that we tread
But-- this world that can be so unforgiving
We'll protect it in your stead.

[She did it...!]

Everett Vaughan | Dorchacht Dignitary | OTA

[rollfordiplomacy]

The Ship

a. [Everett, while not a sailor himself, has done his fair share of traveling by ship. Even as a dignitary, he was always expected to carry his own weight.

His climbing skills are useful for any work needing to be done about the masts. He's bold enough to go all the way up and sit in the crow's nest, conversing with the look out. Everett is easily roped into helping out around deck, lifting heavy supplies and skillfully tying off any sails or other lines. If he spies anybody struggling, he's swift to offer assistance]

The knot you need goes over then through, my dear. Shall I demonstrate?

b. [For those having a more difficult time with sea travel, Everett has them covered! He has been spending much of his free time practicing his faun magics and growing his own herbal remedies and teas in his garden. He brought many of the sort along to sooth seasickness, aid in sleep, or give a jolt of caffeine to those left fatigued by travel.]

Spot of tea?

[His supply bag is in one hand and he holds a hot kettle in the other.]

c. (nsfw implications)
[There is no hesitation to ingratiating himself to Captain Heuf. None. Everett spends his evenings drinking and sharing stories in the off hours from ship work. He's happy to tell tales of home and the wild adventures he's been on. He never gets himself drunk, but he does seem far more cuddly with those around him after a few swigs.

And suspiciously disappears from the shared sleeping quarters...

Anybody up at odd hours, might discover him leaving the good Captain's chambers. He'll be straightening his clothing and smoothing his hair as he makes his exit from what must have been quite the strategically important council]

Dorchacht

a. [The situation is not as tense as Everett expected, much to his relief. He sees fit to pursue operation "uplift and inspire"! In his supplies are many, many smaller purses; each filled with a different variety of seeds. The city is so very dreary. Some life and beauty should brighten things up!

Everett goes about stealthily at first, using his magic to sprout new buds all about the city. The plants were picked carefully, those that could thrive in the low lighting conditions, but would still blossom and bloom in pleasing ways. This would be a pointless endeavor if everything died the moment the dignitaries left the city. Everett wants plants that can survive on their own, after he's gone.

Splashes of color begin to crop up all around Dorchacht. Throughout the month, Everett becomes increasingly bold and creative in his placements. He can be found in the evenings, scoping out new locations. He speaks up to fellow Mirrorbound who might be curious of his intentions]

Roof tops would give plants even more room to grow. Yet... I would need to travel some soil up there. Planter boxes, perhaps. [He'll eye the interested party with his suggestion] Sounds like a job best suited to two people!

b. [Stealth flower warfare is fun and all, but once Everett realizes that the locals do genuinely appreciate the new growths... well, he gets further ideas.

Contacting sympathizers and resistance members, he gets the lead on a few hidden auction spots. Lending his skills and tactical insight, he devises several operations to distract and aid the freeing of monsters. Close by the entrance points to such awful markets, Everett is openly showing off his magic. Giving all he's got, there's a burst of flowering plants, blooming radiantly and drawing plenty of attention.

Everett has a small pair of scissors, along with ribbons of lace and silk on hand. Those who stop to see what the commotion is about find him pruning flowers and arranging small bouquets, handing them out to those who want to take something beautiful along with them. He gives kind greetings from Aefenglom, wishing peace and prosperity. Nothing suspicious at all! Intervening to stop him would surely be disappointing to all those gathering around to marvel at the display of lively, colorful magic.

... all the meanwhile, the nearby auction is in upheaval, a raid of revolutionaries setting in. Everett is none the wiser, surely, definitely, nothing to do with him at all! He's just a kind diplomat, giving out flowers!]

ship - b

[proficience]

[Dazai is fatigued. Fatigued not by travel, and not by seasickness, but by his constant changes toward becoming a fully fledged vampire.

He looks more gaunt than he had when he'd last met Everett, which may come as a surprise. He also can't really keep his eyes open for longer than a minute at a time, so --

He's a mess, to say the least.]

Tea? [He frowns.] That will taste terrible. Not -- not an insult toward you, but I can't drink anything but blood.

[He sticks out his tongue and groans quite dramatically, opting to plop down on top of a barrel.]

Caster (Cú Chulainn) - Dorchacht (entire stay)

[futhark]

The first ship

a)[ It’s been ages since he last put a foot on a ship. Literally. Twelve hundreds of years to be exact. That’s enough to get rusty, no? But under the guidance of the crew and careful observation, Caster finds himself adapting to the sea life pretty fast. Work is hard, ale is good and shanties easy to learn. And he will drag Mirrorbounds to the job, no matter if they want to relax or not. ] —Have you tried to climb the crow’s nest? No? What are you waiting for?

[ It gives him something to do. ]

b) [ On the outside it might look like he’s way merrier than the reason for their journey would indicate. But they can worry about Dorchacht business when they arrive. In the evening hours when trading of stories happens, (and more ale flows) he is way more eager to participate. Listen, and maybe share— he might slip his tongue here and there with tales back from Earth. It’s a good moment to drag someone unsuspecting to tell their own story; ] —do you want to share mister? What’s your opinion miss? Tell us your story!

Runes and tattoos (boat or Dorchacht)

[ On the ship there is never a moment of true silence and stillness, but quieter moments can be found. Caster has offered to create runic tattoos as prevention towards the compulsion spell, he also have few trinkets and runestones to give away. It’s hard to recreate the dispel runes they saw in the Dream, but spells just close enough could be weaved into the skin. Ones that fortify mental resolve, ones that counter attempts of control. He would be quick to explain that they have a set amount of hours they will work (though they can be activated and deactivated when not needed) and will fade away afterward. If someone was to keep them active during all the stay in Dorchacht, they will fade away and would need to be recreated. His resources for creating ink are limited, though they should be available to buy — or pilfer — in the city itself (He won’t be asking questions how the goods got into his hands)

He offers the inking service not only on the ship, but it’s also possible to set-up them in the Dorchacht itself as well. Meetings can be arranged, tools brought. Friends will get their runes no questions asked. Someone he’s unfamiliar with might get a reminder. ] Just give me your name. It’s a favor, as long as you’re okay with perhaps returning it to me one day, we’re good

[ Just be wary, the process is incredibly painful due to how the magical ink reacts with the living tissue. ]

Dorchacht itself (entire stay)

The city that sun refuses to shine upon. What a joke. That's what happens when you name a place "darkness." Names have power, remember that. [ What is he even doing here? Caster would not want to live here, even if the city appears to be less oppressive than the one from the Dream. Question is how much they cleaned it specifically for the dignitaries. For the first days, he allows himself to be railroaded and keeps an eye on the main group of the Mirrorbounds.

Should any trouble arise, he’d be quick to lend a hand, either as a distraction, or a strongarm to get out of trouble. If anything the good old “Ah, here you are, and I was waiting for you at the other street!” drag away always works. Besides for that, he expressed a genuine interest in the Dorchacht runework, given his Enchanting specialization. Might come in handy later

He conveniently is late for the ship, and stays behind. That’s where he slowly starts to slide off the grid. Should someone from the others staying in the city need help with meeting someone from the espionage team… Caster is very quick to suggest a quiet and private brothel that lends rooms for hours. ]

Wilde, free the city!

[ The brotherhood cell of the resistance, that speaks to him more than he would like to admit. The camaraderie, partnership not born of convenience but of genuine, well, bond. ] They are onto something... [ That’s not to speak that Coven back in Aefenglom pushes the idea of Bonds way too hard… but maybe they do push it way too hard on the newbies. ]

On the other hand, the people here have something to fight for, that always makes for easier way of forging bonds [ He sounds almost wistful, really. Even weapons get that sometimes. ]

———

[ Either way, he will assist the rune carving, for partially selfish reasons. It lets him hone the skill, and get better hang with the counter runes to use for Mirrorbounds. Also, sometimes danger of the Wilde is preferred to the smog of the city. ]

Be on a lookout for guards and enemies alike. I heard they have particularly big arachnids here [ He might be making that up. Or not ]

Wildcard

｢ ooc: the obligatory choose your own adventure option. Just hit me with what you got, or give me your preferences and I'll write you a starter. plurk for contact aetarna ｣

the first ship, a.

[fordeath]

[ amadeus is between songs, equipped with his violin which he is tuning, contentedly, on deck-level.

still, he does lift his eyes to the high mast when caster insists, and cracks a quick smile. ]

And have the wind carry my song away? [ a pause. hmmm... ] Well, I could be convinced if you play amplifier, Caster.

L Lawliet (Linden Tailor) | OTA | Aefenglom

[hearthebell]

A. Market Up

[Over the last week of being holed up in the Coven, studying hard and sapping his physical and mental stores, L has been focusing on spells that can help defend him and his Bonded against potential threats and attacks. The efforts have left him drained, and his isolation from his Bonded hasn't exactly helped. The fact that it's a Bond with two witches only intensifies the magic's instability, and as a result, he is staying in Geardagas while others go and investigate Dorchacht. He's better suited to recon in many regards, and prefers a vantage point out of harm's direct way. Considering his condition, he's sure that others would appreciate not dealing with protecting him in potentially dangerous situations, as well.

During a quiet moment, he slips away from the Coven to investigate the goblin market. Deciding that it would be unwise to be seen making purchases as himself, he's cast a glamour to resemble someone else, but it isn't perfect; L's skill is such that even a very involved illusion will still carry at least one telltale flaw. In this case, it's his eyes; they're still unmistakable as his own very distinctive dark ones, but if no one knows him or Light, they'd be hard pressed to be wiser for it. A young Japanese man with near-black eyes isn't so unusual, even if they seem a bit wrong with Light's far warmer coloration.

He peruses the market, looking specifically for things that are otherwise difficult to come by. Various monster parts that seem as though they could have been shed or removed without causing the creature significant harm are picked up, as well as blood he is beginning to stockpile for a few of the stranger and more difficult spells that have begun to interest him lately. After some consideration, he also purchases a supply of "extra strength" potions, in the hopes that he won't need them, but desperate to be prepared just in case he does.

He's got quite a collection at this point, and it's starting to get kind of difficult to carry. He adjusts his grip, and you might notice that for a second, he looks... very pale. Not just overexerted, but conspicuously a couple actual skintones lighter than his glamour's healthier beige. He notices you looking, but then again... he also sees you. Surely neither of you have intentions to make trouble for each other.]

A.2: A Darker Side

[L's chosen glamour is youthful, handsome, and appears elegant. It's not long before he's mistaken for aristocracy, and the fact that he's been seen purchasing from multiple vendors has put him over the edge. He's approached and led, with a wink and a nudge, down a different way.

For the clearly discerning customer, everything your heart desires and more.

All of it is eerily, distastefully reminiscent of Dorchacht. Disguised as Light, L wanders the Bazaar, witnessing no shortage of chains and collars but also those who seem perfectly eager to sell their services or bodies. Some even seem desperate. One young harpy in particular hones in on him.

Would you like to buy some feathers, sir? Uneasily, L tries to move past her, but she spreads wings with sparse, bald patches, probably too many to be flight capable, but still completely able to block his path.

What about an hour with me alone? Only 10,000C. You can do whatever you want...]

Sorry... I'm really not interested...

[She tugs at him, pleading, and a vial of blood falls from his bag and shatters at their feet. Assume the worst? Offer some assistance?]

B. Propavandals- The Haven

[L’s been away from home for some time, trying to keep his distance from a situation that he’s growing increasingly uncertain about. Bonds, while extremely helpful for managing magic, can get complicated, and he’s still too skittish about casual relationships to feel confident or comfortable with what feels like the growing web that extends from his partner, and…

Boyfriend? Is that still accurate?

Was it ever?

He moves through the Haven toward the home they share, unsure if the SQUIP will even be there or if it’s still at Connor’s home with Justine. The distance has dulled their connection; perhaps the new Bond has, as well, but it might just be a convenient and envious scapegoat. He knows how irrational envy is, how pitifully human it is, but turning it off entirely is still beyond his emotional or magical ability. Having a high opinion of Connor helps; it doesn’t cure, and his efforts to offset it make him feel neither holy like a martyr, or whole like a fully-realized adult human who can reconcile their own emotions and relationships.

As he passes houses, the familiar facades give way to jagged graffiti, ugly words and sentiments expressed in paint and runes. He squints, drawing nearer, and if he sees anyone attempting to clean up the messes, he’ll approach and have some questions.

If he makes it home, he’ll have more… but only if he happens to run into his Bonded during a mission that he shouldn’t feel like a fugitive while carrying out.]

C. Uneasy Festivities

[Nothing about this feels fun. L’s teeth sink into an apple, and he chews slowly as he watches revelers trying to engage and entertain themselves. “Trying” really seems like the operative word, here. Everything is so forced; the kids seem to genuinely be having fun, but otherwise, the oddly dragging mood is palpable enough to nearly touch.

Ire and disdain gives away to something that yearns. When he believes that no one is watching, he approaches a doctor, tries to be discreet, and though the man’s brows raise nearly to his hairline at what L asks for, he departs surreptitiously in the hopes that it’s the answer to what he needs.

It’s not. Instead, he finds himself craving red meat in a way he has never craved anything, preferably served very rare. He finds quickly that the rare part is more important than the red part; in fact, he might be eyeing the meatier parts of you hungrily, perhaps if you’re a monster with animal parts, and… maybe even if you’re not, and you just happen to have a really built physique.]

D. Wildcard

[Don’t see it? Want it? Have at it! Hit me up on plurk at Lexil, or on Discord at ladylazarus#2235, or just PM this account if you’d like to set up a different scenario.]

A.2: A Darker Side

[ishisstrength]

[Justine doesn't know what she's looking for. A purpose maybe?

Her feet guide her with no direction or charter in mind. The city is upsetting but there is too much distress writhing in her chest for her to feel more. She'd tried so hard to save the monsters in the dream, she'd tried so hard to live and find a life here... but what is at it's end?

She'll return home and she'll die. Harry had said otherwise but he's gone now too and without the reassurance, she finds it difficult to believe.

Her steps come to an abrupt stop when she finds a man and a harpy blocking her path. Justine prepares to go around them but is stopped for a second time. A vial of blood had dropped and two small flecks of scarlet now dot the bottom of her white skirts. She looks down, her palm splayed across her abdomen before lifting her dark lovely gaze to the pair before her. It's only then that she notices the odd light to the young man's eyes.]

Excuse me.

[Her demeanor changes slightly; her chin lifts by a fraction, her chest is held out and her fingers slowly pull up the fabric of her skirt to reveal a lovely leg. Justine is many things, including a practiced companion, and she knows how to play the part, drawing the eye to all the right places.]

I have business with this young man. Please leave, he's already late for his appointment.

[Justine wears a lovely stoic mask as she stares down the harpy and silently persuades the woman to leave them. She has no idea what's going on but there is a nagging recognition in those eyes...]

[honoraboveall]

The Ship

1. song of the sea
The air was bracing, fresh and perfect and Symon filled his lungs with it, feeling the salty air rippling through his hair. The deck rocked under his feet, a living thing, a reflection of the waves, currents the constant motion of the sea around him. Symon ached for it, to plunge into the deep blue waters, to shed his human skin and slip through the waters, wild and free.

But with the infected merrows chasing the that simply wasn't an option at the moment. So instead Symon braced himself on the rails, looking greedily down at the churning waves, breathing in the salt spray, and sometimes singing, his voice deep, rich, and achingly sweet.

"My mind has changed
My body's frame, but, God, I like it
My heart's aflame
My body's strained, but, God, I like it"

song credit: Wolf Like Me.

2. five finger fillet
But one can't pine away at the sea forever, and Symon finds some diversion with the sailors. He's half tempted to teach them knivesies, but seeing as he's relying on them to get him and the rest to Dorchacht and they needed full use of their limbs for that, he holds off on that. Instead, he amuses them with some of the knife tricks he's picked up along the way.

His fingers spread wide and flat over the surface of a barrel, his claws lacquered a deep, navy blue as a knife flew between his fingers, stabbing into the wood between his fingers in a hammering tattoo. A couple of sailors around him are loudly placing bets about how much blood or fingers he'll lose, and he looks at them, a faint grin playing at his mouth, no longer watching the work of his hand. The cheers and bets redouble, and as a final flourish, he flicks the knife up, letting it turn end over end before smoothly catching it and sheathing it in one elegant movement.

He looks then at whoever else might have been watching and asks, that smile still playing at his lips. "Would you like to try? I can teach you how."

The City

1. Going once, going twice
It galled him, the memory of the dream, the merchant's indolent order, the taste of his own blood and flesh as he gnawed his nails from his fingers, the hard, tough material cracking under his fangs. So he ventured out into the city wearing a high collared tunic to hide the scales at his throat, a cloak to obscure his face. Minimal coverage, but at least he wouldn't be recognized as a monster at first glance.

Enough wandering uncovered discreet signage for the 'auction', which in his mind could only really be one thing. The streets of the bazaar were byzantine, and several times Symon was sure that he had simply gone in a huge circle, but eventually, the narrow streets led to a sizeable market square. There was no missing the lines of monsters, and they weren't so brazen as to put them on a block, but the numbers pinned to each of the monsters made it all clear enough.

Symon lingered at the back, arms crossed, face stony. Most of the men and women purchasing were too focused on the flesh before them than on the tall, hooded man, so Symon could watch them mostly unmolested.

"Well," His voice is tight, as he looks over who might be next to him, "It doesn't appear as though our dreams were lying to us."

2. Time for a little schooling.
Symon's time was relatively free, seeing as the dignitaries were being treated as little more than children taken out for a toddle after school. He was keen to learn more about the history of the place after his conversation with Yako, and so found his way to the public library, and leafed through the tomes that he could find on the subject of the city.

All of them seemed to toe the line that Morgana was pushing, namely all in all rather anti monster, and pro-control. Symon's brow knit, looking up from his book.

"It all fits, neat as could be," His voice is low, hushed, and you'd have to lean in closer to hear him, "But all of these books seem awful new." His claws tap over the finely bound tome. "What happened to all their older books I wonder. And, I wonder what they said."

Wildcard!

If ya want a specific thing, or wanna plot with me just let me know! I'll likely be adding prompts when I get some answers back about some questions I had. You can contact me @ frickincheng#2532 or frickincheng

schooling.

[tryhard]

"What, indeed?"

Waver's wearing a hood to hide his ears, a simplistic but effective (for now) disguise. It's likely they're both aware this isn't what was meant when they were warned to go out in a buddy system, two Monsters probably not making an ideal pair for this city, but Waver's also tired of being herded around Dorchacht's Coven facilities. Running into a familiar face has been welcome, too.

Plus, it seems they're on the same page (so to speak) regarding Dorchacht's history.

"I tried asking for histories at the Coven's library too, but it's more of the same. The Witches there weren't helpful."

Sokie Undertown | Dorchacht Dignitary | OTA

[weirdnecro]

The Ride there

A

[The captain isn't the only one that's excited about being out on the ocean. Sokie left with the first batch-was rather insistant on it really-and while she had to cast the spell that Nessie gave her before they left the Bright Walls of the city, she was in high spirits. While she did try to keep out of the crew's way, Sokie was constantly going to the prow, her hands gripping the edge of the rail.

Does it look like she's going to do something like climb up on the line? Or even just sit on the edge of the side? She might from the way she was tensing up to climb...]

DORCHACHT

A quiet chat

[Sokie might have found a witch, a sympathizer or a guard, perhaps a mix of both. It seemed that she was feeling rather friendly, filled with smiles and charms, and she noticed company coming closer.

With a widening smile, she motioned for them to join in.]

Come on over! We've been speaking about how it's like in the city. It's really quite the interesting place, don't you think? Far more foggy then you'd expect, given all the particulars.

[Was she waiting for others to pass by so they could have a real conversation? Heck yeah.]

Swooping in

[Maybe it was just the locals gathering too much; maybe it was how Sokie saw they were getting angry and emotions were starting to arise on both sides, particularly on One Topic or another.

In came Sokie, all confidence and lazy smiles. One would have thought she was more then an amateur witch on the rise, with the way she carried herself. And here she offered the most polite of smiles and a:]

Pardon me. I just remembered something, most vitally important that we've forgotten to take care of. Do you mind coming with me for a few minutes and taking care of it?

[She smiles. This is the face of a person who will be very politely insistent and may play dirty to ensure things go her way.]

Words words words

[Sokie can be found in the library or the classes. She's taking the magic classes very seriously, and she's determined to catch up and be who she's meant to be. Or at least, who she thinks she's supposed to be.

Which means she takes extensive notes, and copies those notes for those spells that may be of interest-that of raising or calming certain emotions, barriers and manipulation of dispelling magics.

She can be spotted making these notes in various places...or she may be passing wordlessly a copy of her written notes. Or dropping them in a pile and pleading for help to have them picked up.

But that's usually when she has Runes written down, like that for manipulating sound, for barriers, and such. Maybe if she was lucky, the rune the resistance is using fir dispelment. ]

Bath house meeting CW: possible exposure

[It felt like for all they had travelled, she had been trapped inside of the Coven. Walking the streets were all right and all but...the smell of the industral fog got to her in time.

Hence her going to the bath to clean up. What she hadn't expected was to find company that she hadn't seen on the ship. Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward to touch them on the wrist, lowering her voice.]

Isn't this a little public for you?

[Just making sure you're not too exposed to the guards and all.]

Wildcard

(If you wanna go a different route, lemmie know! You can catch me on discord at nammah#9659 !)

swooping in

[bloodwit]

[ viren's all for getting emotional on One Topic or another - as it stands, not so much the subject of monster enslavement, particularly as he's acting as espionage. ha. ha. had he been getting testy with another on the topic of some other endeavor?

sure. at being addressed, he turns away from the individual (who gleefully takes the opportunity to scamper off, immediately), and viren gives sokie an appraising look. his tone predictably annoyed with the interruption, ]

Yes...? Can I help you?

hiccup haddock (dignitary) | dorchacht all month

[thisisamazing]

[i-a. the ship (1st group)]
[Hiccup joins the group sailing to Dorchacht as soon as possible, newly bonded and nervous as hell about what's to come - at least now he knows the anxiety isn't due to a lack of a bond. Toothless is at his side, sporting a brand new tail-fin - this one a matte black leather and iron contraption that doesn't hook up to the saddle. It's painted with crushed dragonscale, and allows his dragon to fly on his own, should the need arise. It's always good to have a backup plan - Toothless is Hiccup's. During the voyage, he can usually be found on the deck or can be spotted soaring lazily above, wings spread wide to catch the sea breeze, with or without his rider.

Regularly, he flies ahead to scout the waters for infected merrow or sea-beasts, or does some work on board with the crew, as used to sailing as he is to soaring. Unfortunately, he can also be found on the deck at night fairly often, leaning over the railing, watching the sea with a furrowed brow instead of sleeping like a normal person. He's newly bonded, but the insomnia he's been experiencing is not so easily cured, it seems. There are too many worries on his skinny shoulders.]

[i-b. protections]
[Hiccup and Yako spend the days between the announcement and the first batch of dignitaries setting sail recreating and altering a set of runes half-remembered from a dream. The final spell is something not immediately recognizable as the Resistance's runes used to dispel the compulsions on monsters, but it works about the same, or theoretically should, for a currently undetermined period of time before a witch needs to recharge the magic.

Leaving with the first group, he didn't have much time to pre-make pieces with the runes, so during the trip, he can often be found on the deck with Toothless, weaving leather cuffs from scraps he brought, and enchanting them with the spell (or teaching the runes and how to re-charge them to other witches), to give out to any monster dignitaries on board. He'll also enchant people's existing pieces of clothing or armor if asked, but he encourages everyone taking a cuff or two with them in case any of their fellows need the help out there. He'd welcome any assistance.]

[ii. the coven]
[He might be new to being a dignitary, but Hiccup can tell that this trip is going to be a lot less productive than he had hoped. The tours of the Coven are very guided - and, he's guessing, very cleaned-up. There is frustratingly little going on besides the tours and Hiccup is growing antsier the longer they are here without being invited into any real meetings.

So he finds his own debates. Hiccup is determined in the way he'll pull aside a witch of Dorchacht's Coven, whether they have any real power or not, and try to pull them into a debate about the way things are run. For the most part, they're following the party line of 'Monsters are dangerous and Morgana keeps Dorchacht safe'. Maybe you run into him in a hall, having a heated argument with an increasingly-agitated Coven witch on their way to lessons.] How do you even know that Monsters are dangerous if no one will let them have thoughts of their own? They're so tightly controlled here, you can't say either way!

[iii. the city/riots]
[At some point, Hiccup gets tired of Dorchacht's Coven, and he heads out to venture into the city. He tries to keep it subtle, acts like he's just sight-seeing, but he's really looking for any signs of whatever horrors he remembers from the dream. The pavilion is changed, boasting vendors selling actual goods instead of people, and his frown only deepens. They had to have cleaned up their act somewhat to receive visitors, which just tells him that they know what they're doing is wrong. Otherwise why would they try to pretty it up?

Hiccup is trying to find where they've moved the auctions, currently, while also playing the part of a curious tourist. It's by total chance that a star-wearing witch from the Coven passes by and points him in the right direction. When he gets there, a few auctions are going - and a riot is just starting up. It starts with shouting over the auctioneer first, which turns into a chorus of chants, which turns into a bit of a good old fashioned brawl.

He scans the crowd quickly, and approaches the first person he recognizes as another Mirrorbound, fishing a couple of leather cuffs out of his side bag and shoving them into their hands.] Hey, while they're distracted, we can- we can do something-!

[iv. wildcard]
[Feel free to throw more shenanigans at me, or hit me up at nekky for a different prompt!]

protections.

[tryhard]

[ Waver's seen him on deck a few times, along with that impossible-to-miss dragon that doesn't quite look like any of the dragons he's seen around Aefenglom. Not that he's seen that many dragons, frankly.

Right now, however, his attention is focused on the growing line of wristcuffs the vaguely familiar boy has arranged in front of wherever he's sitting this time. Waver doesn't need to have magic anymore to know they're enchanted; the runes woven into the leather look almost recognizable, like something he should be able to read but in a language just slightly removed from one he knows.

He wanders closer, trying to get a better look. ]

Preparing for trouble on the other side?

Kaede | Dorchacht Dignitary | OTA

[long_live_the_queen]

I. Something Clever About Boats [First Voyage]

[It had been awhile since Kaede had seen the ocean. She'd had little reason to visit the docks before, and transient glimpses of murky shallows while she was passing through hardly counted. And her last memories of the ocean before the mirror were, well. Unpleasant.

It was different here, though. The sea breeze still smelled the same, but the ship's rocking was strange and the singing wholly unfamiliar.

On clear days and nights, the bright-feathered Chimera could be found leaning on the railings, peering down at the water rushing by below, or perched on a lower yard after the sail there had been furled, looking out at the horizon. Her expression was at its most distant then, her mood distracted.

Sometimes Kaede still stumbled when the ship rocked unexpectedly—and fetched up against a railing or a person. She didn't exactly apologize in the latter case—but she muttered. That was progress, right? It's not like she was a significant weight.]

II. Dorchacht Coven [At least several days after arrival]

[Kaede was used to wandering. Given a door and functional legs, there were a dozen places she could have been and returned from unannounced, things seen and listened to while her feet chased a thread of idle curiosity. Even though there wasn't terribly much of interest in this gloomy, miserable place.

But she couldn't do that now. Not alone—not here. Kaede learned that lesson all too well. And she couldn't accompany her Bonded everywhere, though she would have liked to split herself in two and do just that. So that left the Chimera staring up at the ceiling of the quarters they'd been given more often than she liked. The quarters or slightly elsewhere—but always within the carefully sanitized parts of the building itself.

This Coven had a foyer for accepting guests as well, and places for them to sit and wait for awhile. Sturdy but uncomfortable couches, similarly dour chairs—it wasn't meant to be a long while. Kaede had nevertheless claimed one for her own, lounging in a catlike tangle of limbs.

The guard stationed conspicuously nearby was standing at attention, but his expression seemed just slightly exasperated. It might have something to do with Kaede deciding this chair wasn't quite to her liking and crossing the room—causing the guard to ponderously march across the foyer as well. And just when he'd finished, the Chimera decided that no, actually, maybe that seat was more comfortable—and the entire process repeated.

The cycle broke when someone entered the foyer—someone from Aefenglom, a Witch even better. The Chimera hopped up from the couch in an instant, crossed the room, and stood right in their path. She wasn't the kind of person to approach people out of the blue, particularly strangers. But desperate boredom called for desperate action.]

Please tell me you're going somewhere.

[It was...allegedly a request. Her voice was quiet but terse, her gaze intense as it usually was.]

[Wildcard]

[For other things! Kaede will mostly be sticking close to Witch CR or even "people who made eye contact with her once" while out in the city of Dorchacht itself, which is unusual for her. Her plotting post is here if you'd like to hash something out! Kaede's not quite as free to show up wherever on her own as she is in Aef.]

II

[prayerwheel]

[ Azura is significantly less overbearing than most of the characters I've tossed against Kaede before so good choice, there, picking the silent lady with a dour expression. ]

...to the pavilion to get some supplies, yes.

[ her eyes flick back and forth between Kaede and the guard before it clicks what's going on ]

Would you like to accompany me?

[ Azura doesn't know her, but she's sympathetic to the stupid way monsters get treated in this city. If she can help a bit, she will. ]

Aziraphale | Dorchacht (dignitary, first trip) + aefenglom | OTA

[wiggleon]

1. The trip out - ship

It’s been a while since the angel found himself in a ship, especially for a trip so long. And he has to admit he’s quite excited about the whole thing- the political climate is not the best, of course, and he keeps reminding himself that they are on an actual mission, a mission that could go extremely pear-shaped if they aren’t careful.

But still! The entire thing is quite exciting, particularly since he can’t miracle a solution or his way out of it. After the first moment of being sea-sick (which take him a while to get used to, and it’s not a feeling he’d recommend), Aziraphale can be seen all over the ship doing any odd jobs, doing his best to help while not getting in the way because they may as well try to repay them for allowing the in their ship. Sure, he’s being unnecessarily dramatic as he cleans but, well. He doesn’t particularly enjoy getting dirty, and it’s not easy to get his hands manicured in this place. But still, he does his best.

He can also be seen trying to cast spells on the nearby merrows. He hasn’t had much time to learn and he favours abjuration anyway, but once more he’s going to do his damndest to get some fireballs and lightning going and hope for the better. He’ll take tips… and hopefully some help if he does manage to lit something on fire. He doesn’t actually want to hurt the creatures, just scare them away, really.

2. Dorchacht - Coven & City libraries

Guess where you’ll find the angel?

Indeed, as soon as they were shown the libraries Aziraphale kind of made a beeline towards it and made himself at home. He’s got a little notebook and he is very methodical and practical about the entire thing, being very careful with all the books he’s holding and always focusing on a single book at a time as he takes notes. If he seems a little disappointed as his research advances it’s because he is: he’s read enough history books to know when people are… well, perhaps not lying.

But there’s definitely a lot more on this place’s history than what they are allowed to read in these books. But he takes notes anyway, because you never know what may help. But

He may not even hear anyone if they call out his name.

3. Dorchacht - Free the Monsters

He isn’t sure how to help, but he is sure that he isn’t going to just sit by and watch all of this happen to those poor innocent monsters. He doesn’t have to play by the rules anymore, he doesn’t have to stand by and clench his fist because it was all part of a great plan too ineffable for him to understand. No, now he’s going to do what he knows is the right thing to do, even if it goes against the rules.

The distraction won’t last forever, they are all aware of that, so being quick about it is key. Some of the monsters seem oh so happy to be freed, and even though Aziraphale still doesn’t know how they plan on getting them out of this place breaking the mind control is definitely the first step.

But it isn’t as easy for all of them.

“They are- they don’t… they are resisting!” Aziraphale whispers frantically to whoever is helping him, desperate to help but knowing that actually forcing the monsters who refuse to be freed would only make thins worse.

“What do we do?”

4. Aefenglom - Market up

He isn’t sure how he ended up here.

He had simply been looking for some new spices, really, trying to get better at cooking since he couldn’t miracle himself good-quality good any time he pleased anymore. And he’d ended up trusting someone’s advice on where to look…

He’d been tricked, really, no other way to put it. He’s been told (many times, repeatedly) that he’s far too trusting and naive and it had gotten him into trouble before, but apparently he’s just as stubborn as the other angels when he wants to be. But he’s lived long enough to recognize a black market when he sees it.

“Oh, Lord…”

He whispers as he glances at what seems to be… monsters parts? He hopes they were given willingly but he knows better than to actually ask when he’s sure he wouldn’t like the answers.

But as luck would have it the vendor seem to be taking his shock as interest, and he’s being… well, extremely pushy towards him. And Aziraphale, being Aziraphale, is having a hard time convincing him that no, he’s really not interested thank you very much.

1

[horkbajir]

Early into the journey a large, spiky alien stands near the prow of the ship, gazing intently at the horizon. This is because she's never been on a boat before and the best relief she can find from motion sickness is to plant herself on the bobbing, unquiet deck, out of the way of the crew, and stare in the direction they're going. The other remedies the sailors suggest are along the lines of various teas that might not work on her, and anyway she's not sure she can swallow anything right now.

Toby hears someone else come up who presumably shares this difficulty and was also advised to watch the horizon, and doesn't turn to look. In a deep, plaintive voice she says, "I don't know how they stand it. This is terrible."

Chandra - Dorchacht

[fieryimpulse]

The Trip Out: Boundless Energy

[Boat trips are something of a novel experience for Chandra. She is not new to them, as Ghirapur had a bustling port for the many rivers that crisscrossed Kaladesh and they had been important to her parents smuggling business...but that had been decades ago unless airships counted. Her energy for this journey was dampened slightly by the destination and the fact that her bonded had opted to stay in Aefenglom, but that was hardly enough to repress it entirely.

She practically bounds up on deck the first day, intent on enjoying the wind in her hair and the spray on her face. It's there that she's most likely to be spotted doing any number of things. She can be found practicing non-fire magic such as coaxing plants to grow out of a small handful of dirt she'd brought, conjuring up non-magical objects like rope, or levitating various objects around with telekinetic abilities. Other times she'll be quietly reading a book, with a strange creature running around beside her, bits of it slowly seeming to dissipate into thin air...and still others she's just sitting out, staring at the sea and chewing thoughtfully on something. Distractions are encouraged.]


The Trip Out: The Dark Meander

[Infected Merrow are definitely an unwelcome surprise. When they show up, predictably Chandra is there, running from spot to spot, lobbing lightning bolts out at them. Also, if anyone tips overboard or is lured away, a rope will leap out and grab them...held as if by magic.]

Hey! I got you!


Dorchacht: Coven

[This place is incredibly creepy, and the fact that it is real arguably bothers Chandra more than it had in the dream. Yet, she'd come here with a purpose: to avoid a war that might cause catastrophe for a world likely teetering on the brink of falling to the cwyld. The railroad tour does not sit well with her, but when approached by a sympathizer she's quick to try and gain access to the library

That is where she spends most of her time, tucked in a dark corner, a small fire imp acting as her reading light. She's careful enough, and has a dozen other imps hiding throughout the room to report if any coven member is approaching. Mirrorbound, however, can expect a wave.]

Find something?

Dorchacht -The City/Resistance

[Getting out of the Coven under the guise of shopping and exploring is easy enough, and Chandra is never late on her curfew, always returning with bags of gifts. What she's actually doing during her forays is looking for ways to help out, though. If she spots a Mirrorbound, she's likely to wave them over.]

Hey. Wanna help me with something?


Aefenglom -Vandalism (Late September upon group return)

[Maybe she should have expected some tension earlier, yet coming home to find threatening graffiti on her front door does not sit well with Chandra. Puffing up angrily, she spins around just in time to be hit...full in the chest...by a rotten cantaloupe. The fruit explodes, showering her with goo, drawing an outraged shout.]

You're gonna pay!

[Maybe you saw something? Or want to help her catch the assailant?]


Wildcard

[Always open to wildcards! Hit me up on plurk at intercession]

on a boat etc

[beariot]

[ Ursula had honestly been spending so much time in Fang and Kaede's company that she hadn't even thought to bring any spell materials to practice with. Remaining focused on the work she was expected to do in the city, keeping her bonded feeling well despite the trauma the dreams had left them all with, all if it had held her attention so thoroughly, she hadn't even attended most of her classes at the Coven. She felt almost silly realizing all of that in the moment she witnessed Chandra's practice with her own spells.

Almost like she'd forgotten she was a witch... ]

What sort of plants did you bring to grow?

ursula callistis | dorchacht dignitary | ota

[beariot]

[ i-a - ship - open ]

[ Ursula and the harpie on the crew probably spent way WAY too long discussing stars and asterisms and other cosmic related things that she hadn't even realized that it was already late into the night by the time she started heading back down to the decks below, using her wand to cast a light before her so she didn't have to bother the crewmen for a lamp. She didn't want to keep anyone else from their work, after all.

And yet she felt like she still couldn't sleep, standing above deck and putting out the light on her wand to once more cast her gaze to the heavens. At what point, did she wonder, despite not being there very long... did the celestial blanket of this alien world start to comfort her the same way the one in her homeworld had?

She was so distracted she hadn't even noticed she wasn't alone. ]

Oh? I guess I'm not the only one who can't get to sleep, huh?

[ i-a - boat - locked to kaede and fang ]

[ Another day out on the sea, but instead of taking their dinner in the mess hall, Chariot suggested they get away from the crowds for a moment and dine out on the deck to watch the sun set. It seemed like a simple enough proposition, sure, but it was one they desperately needed. Honestly, it was probably a bad idea that they even went on this mission, after all the dream had put them through, but Chariot was also desperate to both find healing with herself and her bonded, but also some meaning in what it was they experienced, and a way to keep it from happening to anyone else.

Wine, cheese, fruit, and some dried meats. Not the regular dinner everyone was getting below, but the sort of thing that was nostalgic for Chariot, and a part of her home and culture she wanted to share with her bonded. Plus, hey, scurvy was a bastard and this helped keep it at bay. ]

Well... what do you guys think? [ It also helped that, since the dream, she'd been spending more time, at least in private with them, not keeping up the glamour that hid her hair color. The evening sun was doing the vermilion color wonders... ]

[ ii-a coven - the library ]

[ A triple-star adorned witch managed to get Ursula into the library, but Ursula was finding her time there just becoming increasingly frustrating. She had several books laid out near her, thumbing through the pages feverishly at this point, but groaning and slamming her hand down when she couldn't find what she was specifically looking for. So much information was taken for granted in this library, and it was probably by design. It was becoming clear to Ursula that Morgana had a keen interest in controlling all information even at this level.

The nature of the enchantments of the wall was vague at best. Obviously runes were at work, but what was bolstering them? What was the catalyst of their power? What was the root of the mana? There were no leylines in this world that she knew of, no Sorcery Stones, but a power source like that had to be necessary even within this world for something like that to work, right?

And yet everything was frustratingly vague, once more taking information she could not ascertain as granted. ]

If there's one thing that's the same here and in my world, it's the dumb clandestine way witches talk about greater magics... [ Ursula mumbled to herself, looking at her fellow researcher. ] Having any better luck?

[ iv - wildcard ]

[ If you have a scenario you want to play not covered here, hmu! You can reach me on discord at gsai#7107 and on plurk! I'm down for anything! ]

1a.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker has trouble sleeping on most nights. Returning to the city that troubled him so much in that shared dream, that aroused so much unease in him isn't making it any easier to sleep. Even sharing the cabin with his Bonded couldn't settle him. After a couple of restless hours, waking in fits and starts, he gave up on sleep.

Berserker leans over the railing, staring out into the horizon. It's only when he hears Ursula's voice that he, too, realizes he's not alone. Was he that distracted...? Troublesome. ]

No, you're not alone there. [ He doesn't really want to talk about what's bothering him. Ursula is someone he hasn't seen in some time, but he's seen someone close to her. Does he want to bring that up...? It's not really a good nor happy memory... ] You're doing well for yourself, though, aren't you? I met your Bonded.

[ One of them. He doesn't know she has more than one. He decides to avoid the context of their meeting for now. ]

Fang - Turnskin - Dorchacht (Dignitary)

[belligerentwarrior]

1 - Ship - First group

A: [For all that Fang dragged her feet and grumbled about physically going to Dorchacht, she sure seemed to get along well with the sailors. Whether it's hand-to-hand sparring, trying to throw the other from a small ring made of rope, a climbing race, or even gambling, Fang can often be found friendly competition with the other Monsters, particularly the other Turnskins. She's not against a round with any of the Mirrorbound, either.]

You up next?

B: [But the pugnacious woman has her quiet moments, as well; usually around sunset and sunrise, sometimes Fang finds something unobtrusive to climb on, whether it's crates, a railing, or a mast net, watching the shimmering water and any sea life that might be out.]

Never been on a sea ship before, [she might remark idly to anyone nearby.]


II - Dorchacht

A: (City) [Fang notices it immediately when they set foot within the foreboding walls. The turnskin suddenly stops, her surly expression vanishing into mild shock as she turns her face to the fog-and-smog choked sky.]

...I can't feel them—the moons. [Even when the moons were empty, Fang could usually hear murmurings of their sway... to be so suddenly without them, for the first time in months, was... alarming. Unsettling. And freeing.]

B: (Free the city) [A few days after their arrival, Fang's quick to volunteer to escort Witches out of the city to try and sabotage the wall. It's only when she can't trail her pack around, of course, and when she can slip under the guards' attention, but the turnskin will be happy to be a sentry for the more magically inclined at any time—even the dead of night. Or, work with another Monster while escorting a Resistance witch.]

III - Wildcard [PM me or drop a prompt if you have an idea! Fang has a limited number of calming potions and temporary bond potions for this trip, and would definitely try to browbeat a Bondless Monster into taking one before they cause a huge mess for everyone involved, given the danger of the Dorchacht.]

II a

[activatingcombatmode]

Maybe it's the fog in the air.

[Not feeling the shine of the moons is strange and it gives him pause too. Zack looks up at the sky. It's not much of one- cloudy and foggy and gray leaving the city in some sort of anxious shroud.]

Or maybe it's something else. Who knows with this place...

Chris Redfield | Dorchacht dignitary group | OTA

[ragefield]

I. Dignitary ship

[Chris is on the dignitary trip out of sheer stubbornness. He didn't like being labeled when he first arrived, but he certainly isn't going to allow some tyrannical neighboring city use their magic to hurt others without at least staring them down. He's not exactly a great choice for an ambassador, but he doesn't like staying put. So he's going along with the promise of being on good behavior and at least some intent to keep that promise.

On the ship, he's restless. Other volunteers can find him pacing the decks, scratching his head where two horns are just beginning to grow in as small nubs or joining in with the rowdier sailors, gambling and competing with them in contests of strength. There's a good chance he'll accidentally run right into someone during this, distracted as he tries to find some way to pass the time.]

Oof- sorry. You're not hurt, are you?

[He isn't trying to be a sledgehammer, but he can't help himself.]

Just trying to keep busy while we're waiting. We really don't have anything faster than a ship, huh?

II. Ship Voyage

[Of course the trip can't be too easy. Chris is at least familiar with fighting creatures far bigger than himself. That feels more like normal to him, which he does question for a moment when he's stabbing a tentacle that is reaching onto the boat. The kraken might not be the biggest creature the captain has ever seen, but it's still enough to make the whole ship rock when it pulls.]

Great. Isn't anything in this place friendly?

[He's been having a hard time and he's still angry about the trouble in Dorchacht, so he's taking that out on the sea life. The sea life is also taking its anger out on him. The tentacle reaches out and knocks him off his feet, twisting to grab him by the ankle while he's down.]

Damn it. [Chris is clawing at the tentacle, but he can't seem to pry it loose.]

III. Helping the Resistance

[Just being in Dorchacht makes Chris's hair stand on end. Being in the city in person feels familiar, even though he knows he really hasn't been there before. He can recognize buildings and streets. Even some faces as they pass by. After meeting Morgana and the Coven proper, Chris is out again, searching for the people that don't agree with the Coven's rule. As a Monster, he's going to attract attention, but that does provide a convenient distraction for those trying to be more subtle and sneak some locals to safety. He's already glaring when some suspicious Witch guards look his way.]

What are you looking at?

iii

[activatingcombatmode]

[Zack isn't having much luck with the locals either. He's an over six feet tall chimera with thick curled horns, black feathery wings and clawed hands. Even in Aefenglom he gets weird looks at times but here it seems to be tenfold.

This city is dreary. It's worse being here in person than it is dreaming of it.]

They're probably ogling you for your monster parts.

[He might only be joking a little...]

theseus scamander | dorchacht (dignitary) all month

[chosenside]

I.a The Trip Out(first boat)
[Normally, Theseus is a rather calm individual, even during missions, but for once the Auror seems anxious, troubled over something. It's why he's secluding himself from the more lively parts of the crew and just hanging around at the deck, when ordinarily he would be trying a bit harder to establish connections with others.

Still, he won't be rude to anyone that approaches or just so happens to be near him.]

Oh, hello there. Feel ready at all to meet the esteemed Morgana Drummond? [He can't help but say that last bit sarcastically. It's better to get his frustrations out on something like this.]

I.b
[At night, when he should probably be resting, the wizard is up and about at a more open area and practicing his magic-- well, any spells that wouldn't put the boat or anyone else at risk. With Newt already at Dorchacht and his brother's frankly terrible track record of getting hurt every other week, Theseus has taken it upon himself to keep on practicing, getting better until he's at the same level he was at home.

...Unfortunately, he's far from it.

Still, he's nothing if not tenacious and hardworking. He makes a movement with his wand and a barrier appears for a few seconds before disappearing.]

Not good enough.

II.a Dorchacht: The City
[It wasn't the easiest thing to locate, especially compared to last time, but Theseus finds himself at the auction site and grimacing when he sees that the 'dream' really wasn't too far off from reality. Unfortunately, unlike that dream, he doesn't have reliable enough magic to back up his intentions, so the Auror continues to bury the lower half of his face with a black and yellow scarf, trying to appear meek rather than intentionally hiding himself. It helps that his hair isn't combed like normal and he's dressed far more casually to hopefully blend in more.

Of course, if Theseus sees anyone that looks like they're about to do something reckless or maybe even just a touch too angry, he'll slide up next to them and speak quietly.]

We shouldn't try anything right now.

[He's obviously not happy admitting something like that, but it might not be the brightest idea trying to break these auctions when there's a lot of Dorchacht Witches around and no notable backup.]

II.b
[Dressed in his usual clothes, Theseus is standing around with a letter in his hand, finally looking less worried since boarding the ship. It's mostly because his dumb brother has established frequent enough connection with him through these letters, basically reassuring Theseus that he isn't dead. That's definitely nice. Truly reassuring there.

And while it's probably not too odd seeing someone reading a letter out in public, it might be a little strange seeing a niffler trying to steal Theseus' Watch from his pocket. Fortunately for him, he grabs the small beast and holds him upside down, looking both fond and exasperated by it.]

No, none of that right now. Just because you've delivered this letter, doesn't mean you get to take that. [It doesn't really cross his mind that he's talking to a beast-- a quality that he's only really associated with his brother.]

ii b

[activatingcombatmode]

[That niffler? Excuse Zack for staring at Theseus and the creature he's dangling because he's staring at it.]

The hell is that thing, Theseus?

[It honestly looks like something someone might want to cook up and eat around here so he better be careful if it's a pet.]

viren | dorchacht, all month / ota

[bloodwit]

I: arrival (espionage)

[ it's... an unnerving start, but it works. viren steps over the craggy side of a hill, picking his way through the trees. if one squints from this vantage point, hey, they can even make-out their target city.

but sightseeing aside, he spies something at odds with the grassy landscape, haphazardly hidden between bits of rock. pulling out a cloth, he gingerly picks up .... what must be a metallic piece of the teleporter, one of its dials perhaps. his eyebrows scrunch together as he lifts to scrutinize it. he turns to whoever's nearest to him, expression as dour as his tone as he studies the piece, ]

I'm guessing we might be considered... lucky, to not find any of us also in pieces.

II: the library

[ perhaps not the most efficient use of his time, viren berates himself, but it's a dull lunch hour - he figures he can take a moment to peruse a portion of the library more for curiosity's sake. ... purely curiosity, really not much else.

which leads him to the less tasteful section area (if one still woefully uninteresting - there's hardly anything brutally effective, in terms of spellcraft, to be found here). viren's eyes scan over the spines of books with a practiced, efficient quickness. one title catches his eye - it's high enough that even him, over six feet as he is, has to stretch his reach. unfortunately, whoever shelved the books beforehand hadn't done the tidiest of jobs; his fingers snag over the book's binding, a misplaced book falls atop another one, and several titles end up raining down to the ground, all splayed in different directions.

making a frustrated noise, viren's already bending to scoop up them. perhaps a few titles can be gleaned to anyone near: essentials of classic monster cooking, dorchacht's most wanted recipes, monster life on a plate. hey, at least they're bound to have pictures. ]

III: the city

[ it's the everyday bustle of a marketplace (as dreary as may be, by dorchacht's standards); not unheard of, though, if the blustering of an angry customer. viren's been attempting to look the part of the picturesque dorchacht citizen - espionage as he is, his clothes perhaps a bit on the flashier side. but now his voice has raised, wearing a sharp scowl, hands clenched into fists at his sides as he argues with someone manning a stall. other people, too, are beginning to turn their heads. ]

You said it would be ready by today!

I'm sorry, Sir. I wasn't on staff yesterday, your order may have gotten lost -

[ he slams his hands on the stall's counter, jolting some of the other wares. the vendor flinches, another protest on their tongue, when suddenly there's a flash of deeper recognition in their eyes. ]

Do I know you from elsewhere, Sir?

[ that gives viren pause, his anger dissipating to bafflement for a moment. then he recoils, his nose wrinkling, straightening out his coat. ]

No, of course not. [ there's a snarl in his tone. confused at that instance had been, he feels his temper reigniting again. ] As you said, I spoke with another yesterday.

But, your voice -

I don't. Know. Who you are--

[ care to help an old man out? --or even the vendor instead, perhaps? ]

IV: wildcard

(hmu with whatever, or else i can put something else together! ty)

III.

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Having spotted Viren skulking about the market, Everett breaks from his own business to approach him. Considering Viren is engaged with the shopkeeper, he hangs off to the side to not interrupt, but it seems that might be in order. Had Viren interfered with this person during the shared dream-? Or was Viren not being as stealthy as he should...

He'll ask in a moment, interjecting with a bold cheeriness and enthusiasm to the shopkeep. Time to weave a cover up story-]

He's merely being humble. This man is quite the prestigious performer. [keep it vague, Everett]

Even if you've never gone yourself, you've likely overheard him as you walked past the theatre house. His voice can carry past even the backrow, right into the streets. [Everett turns his attention to Viren, pretending to be just starstruck... he's a good actor, himself. It came naturally to many Springtide, to put on such facades]

A pleasure to meet you about town, sir. I'm quite the admirer. Ah... [he plays bashful, whispering just loud enough for the shopkeep to hear]

My apologies, you must not want further attention, while out upon errands. I will contain myself. [a pointed look to the shopkeeper, for them follow suit in staying quiet. They wouldn't want a swarm of eager fans, after all! How distracting that would be for business...]

Tony Stark | espionage group (witch) | OTA

[definingfuture]

I. investigating Dorchacht

[The transporter is the one thing that Tony does understand. At least more than the magic he's been trying to learn. He's done something similar, using machines to draw in and convert magic energy to power. When they all gather and the device is triggered, he actually feels a moment of triumph -- and then he realizes that they are stuck there. Well, they can still do some good.]

They really shut the city down.

[There are people moving around, mostly ignoring them or giving them sour looks, and it should be normal, but the entire place feels colder and more locked away.]

Maybe we should find a way to keep out of sight for now. We don't want to attract attention.

II. Digging around

[With no chaperone or host watching their movements, the search team has more freedom. Tony is taking advantage of that. Sure, it'll be terrible if they get caught, but they won't get caught, right?]

I need to see the library. Might as well check the records to see if they have anything good locked up there. And it couldn't hurt to get a hold of one of the collars...

[He is definitely planning on messing with it.]

III. Beyond the Wall

[The chance to weaken the enchantment over the city is exactly the kind of mission Tony is used to. He agrees readily with the idea of weakening the runes within the city walls by using a counter spell cast around it. Jamming the signal, he says out loud when he and the other volunteers head out into the Wilde. It's dangerous, but that just means it's less likely anyone else will go out and possibly find them at work. Out beyond the wall, the hostility is palpable. Even before the Shades appear, the Cwyld's presence is there.]

Okay, I can see what the city's afraid of. It must feel like they're surrounded out here. Just trying to control what they can does feel safer.

ii

[anotheroldsoldier]

[Bucky keeps to Tony's side for a while, willing (if not super pleased) to play the loyal monster 'pet' while they're in public. When he isn't with the Resistance, offering them his knowledge in guerilla tactics, combat, and smuggling, he's trying to help gather info, anything that might be useful. He's still uneasy to be here, but considering he came willingly, it's settled down into a constant, but ignorable, background feeling.]

Gettin' a collar is probably easy. The library could be harder. I also want to see if we can't check out their military situation sometime while we're here, but that probably involves you playin' the eager new recruit to even get near.

four 🌸 dorch dignitary + aefenglom gremlin

[foursakes]

[ four was last seen in the black city, perhaps by the first group, speaking privately to morgana. before or after that, the young-seeming girl had acted the same until the ship ride back to aefenglom: distant from her companions, especially those of the monster variety. she keeps to herself, keeps idle conversations at a minimum, and any ill word of how the way things are run in dorchacht would at the very least, get four to shake her head and murmur with disappointment:

your justice is mistaken if you think this city is cruel.

upon returning to aefenglom, four does what she thinks is right, what she thinks is just. she walks about the city in a hooded cloak that flows down her ankles and dress, complete with the click of her heeled boots and her clawed gauntlet by her side. she plants her seeds when quaintly approaching both monsters, humans, and witches alike in the streets at a darker hour.

🌸it seems that the mirrorbound are not the only ones being forced into things they do not want, but the citizens of aefenglom as well.
🌸have you heard? aefenglom is the only city around with moons to distort our monsters.
🌸some go feral, for what cost, i wonder—?
🌸would it not be better to clip such suffering by the bud?
🌸we could all be of so much use to one another if we knew how to better direct ourselves . . .
🌸they have always been a danger. it’s peaceful when they are contained, and our lives are given back.
🌸nerissa bell is hiding so much from her people. is she truly the best head the coven could offer?

you may hear news of some people speaking about it, about the girl that holds a point, or the girl that was so nice but so odd— she might even be the one speaking to you about something, if you’ll entertain one of her musings. ]

Dorchacht

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya makes a beeline for Four when he sees her in the hallways of Dorchacht's coven, after doing a double take.]

Excuse me--[He holds up a hand, offering her a quick smile.] You're from the dream... right?

[The first one, with the burning forest. It took a moment, she's got a lot less feathers now.]

Steve Rogers | Dorchacht - Espionage

[captenacious]

i. The Device

[ Steve's had an experience or two with these kinds of devices, so he's not too surprised to see it -- and even less surprised to find it broken on the other end. That does seem to be the way these things tend to work. Really he can't even bring himself to sigh about it.

They might be left with nothing both the clothing on their back, but that's business as usual for Steve. Besides, he does have one other thing: the large round shield resting comfortably against his back. Apparently someone (or a couple of someones) have convinced him to at least attempt to try a little subtlety as the face of the shield is currently a solid, dark color. But even still, something about having it with him makes Steve stand just a little straighter. ]

Let's keep moving. We still have work to do. We'll figure out how to get back later.

[ Not the most helpful advice, maybe, but Steve does tend to be goal-oriented. And he keeps a very close lookout around them as he tips his head towards the city. No time like the present to start being wary. ]

ii. The Resistance
a. training montage

[ To no one's surprise, Steve almost instantly slots himself in with the resistance groups. And maybe he'd been meaning to keep a lower profile, but there are some things he can't quite help. A suggestion here, a bit of advice there, and before too long Steve's suddenly finding himself drilling a small group of Dorchacht's resistance on guerrilla tactics and how to move as a group. They're eager and enthusiastic, and Steve does his best to combine frequent praise with a bit of sternness when needed. They all know how important this is.

And he might be keeping a careful eye on them as they work together, but he's still got enough attention on their surroundings to notice when someone else is lingering nearby. After a moment or so, he turns a little to offer a slightly wry smile. ]

Come to join or just observing?

b. into the fray

[ It was inevitable that Steve would end up in the middle of things, despite his best efforts. But he was never going to just let people be sold, especially outside of a dream, and he can only sit still so long.

He does at least go in quietly, or as quietly as he can. While the riot is busy drawing attention, Steve goes in to find the chained monsters. And hopefully that riot is going as loudly as possible, because Steve's not being particularly subtle himself as he slides his shield onto his arm and brings it down on the chains of the nearest monster, neatly shearing them apart with one hit. It's a little loud. Steve can't bring himself to care. ]

Get them out.

[ It's directed towards anyone nearby as he moves to the next monster to repeat the process. And then the next. And by then it's pretty clear that he's intending to the same for all of them, whether they look interested in leaving or not. Hopefully before the sound of metal on metal brings too much attention. ]

iii. Wildcard

[ Something else? Go ahead or hit me up at talkincodes to talk it out! ]

ii-a

[anotheroldsoldier]

[It's no wonder they sought out the resistance almost first thing. For one, the sewers they call their headquarters is probably the safest place for a moment of downtime in this city, but also, this is right up their alley. It's easy to imagine being back in 1944 together, helping a city that isn't their own overthrow a horrible regime, if just for a few moments.

He stops to watch when he catches Steve drilling a small group of eager young recruits, smiling a little wryly, throwing out a pointer here and there himself - tighten up in the back, keep together.

It helps to focus on something. His changes are progressing, rather inconveniently, and the two new sets of small, round black eyes placed over the arches of his eyebrows allow a kind of peripheral vision that is almost nauseating.]

Just watching for now. You're enjoying playing drill sergeant. [His amusement filters lightly through the bond.] Nicer than our drill sergeants ever were, though.