☆ 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

[honoraboveall]

"Well, the entire city's seems to be in on giving us the slip." Symon sighed, quietly frustrated. "Keeping us away from what we really want to know." His fingers drum once more. "But surely, there has to be some of these older tomes floating around. Older bookstores? A black market? We might be able to get a more honest history."

[niespodzianka]

Too bad that stealing Coven badges off slain opponents isn't an option, outside the dream.

(Well. That's still an option, but not one Geralt's going to choose. Hopefully.)

"I wasn't on the ship." It's somewhat surprising to think that no one squealed to a wider audience - he'd discussed going over outside the bounds of the diplomatic mission with several people. Then again, it's possible that people simply believed the fringe volunteers wouldn't be able to find a way over, much less one that led to many of them appearing before the nautical voyage completed.

Geralt nods and indicates this way, leading them through a trinket shop that opens into a small cafe, and across another street. In a particularly noisy corner he asks him: "Want me to shuffle you back to the dignitaries, or do you want to see what I've been working on?"

[morbide]

Oh man, he'll DEFINITELY be interested! (And that Dragon's claw? Wicked cool. It's sad that a Monster lost it... but sometimes, people die and Henry gets to play puppet with their limbs.) That's exactly the kind of thing he'd find very amusing, and would love to learn how. What manner of things might they teach him?

i pulled up notepad to write this up for you

[moustre]

1. Morgana herself is against drawing in more than just herself and Nerissa into talks (despite Nessie sort of wanting some of the Mirrorbound with her, as her goal is to have them apologize in some way and to show that the Bonds between Witch and Monsters are good versus what Morgana's got now), but she'll accept more one-on-one things... Well, provided they swear not to interrupt where discussions don't concern them, she'll accept their presence for a few stand ins.

The meetings themselves are boring and matters discussed over tea untouched, with Morgana playing a nice host in asking only for an apology and Nessie skirting the line of acceptable with speaking of Dorchacht's current conditions -- see, she finds that Aefenglom's working out quite well with the system they've got now, equal Bonds and all -- but whatever disagreements and conflict of personal interest they've got is spoken with even tones and the vague understanding to anyone on the outside that this in an ideological discussion that's been had before, or at least it isn't the first time they've affirmed their stances on their Monster counterparts.

Peace talks can be done in a day, but there seems to be other things to discuss as well -- the Wilde as a whole, what Dorchacht has been doing to prevent the Cwyld from spreading inward, what contact there may be from across the seas and other cities within Geardagas (at least one other is spoken of, though unnamed, referred to as "that infestation of the North" by Morgana and "the miners" by Nessie)... So on and so forth.

2. It's essentially a livestock auction, yes, with several "farms" in a sense... All are in-house, beneath the protection of the Coven as a stamp of approval on just how "well-behaved" these Monsters are. She can learn that one needs an official license from the Coven itself should they like to put up their own wares, just like with any kind of goods, but it isn't too hard to obtain: all you must do is prove you can subdue and control a feral Monster. Oh, the market would be richer should she join their ranks, certainly... though it begs the question from where she's from, of course.

3. An interesting take on the situation. By playing the general populace's favored side, "pet" and all, she can gather that it's not an entirely cheerless city, but its colors and perceptions are dulled for a reason: everything has a purpose, there isn't something done without reason, and those exempt to this are the Coven themselves as well as children until the age of twelve, where those with aptitude are taken into the Coven's arms and trained until graduation. It's considered a very celebrated thing, with well-wishes on their training and finding a powerful Monster to keep a handle on.

Those without aptitude may find themselves with an abundance of ambition instead, becoming apprenticed to tradespeople and other workings in the city, including what amounts to stablehands for the auctioneers to help tend to their Monster wares. These children often have scarring on their body before they even reach the age of fifteen, and if Maria asks how long these sort of things have been going on (as one may be curious, and they're certainly proud of their practices), the answered would be as long as they could remember, which is no real answer at all, as they can't think of how many generations back it, or Dorchacht, began.

4. Which brings us here. There aren't any books that predate Morgana's reign, which is certainly odd, and if asked about anything older than the fresher than fresh contemporary history they've got here the librarians will mention that they suffered morally in having those texts around and that they'd been taken at some point... Frankly, they can't recall when, but assures that there's really no point in looking them up -- Dorchacht is a city of the present, and of the future. Looking into the past would be pointless.

There isn't anything spell-wise that isn't spoken of up there, nope. Just as it's written: A stronger focus on those particular subjects, and less on any others.

5. Yup! Go right on.

[hearthebell]

[L's pace is slow; he's intentionally dragging a bit, because even before Connor confirmed it, he knew that the SQUIP would be home for him, waiting. The closer he gets, the more he realizes it has to be true... and he doesn't know if it's something something to be relieved about or apprehensive of.]

You've had many during my time away.

[It's not an accusation. He actually wants some advice.]

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! ]

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.]

[fromjapan]

[Its arm wraps around his slim waist-- slimmer now even than before, it seems-- and it aids him in moving down their hallway, towards their shared bathroom.

Along the way, as they pass through the kitchen... it fetches him an apple. It offers the fruit to him, and its expression is knowing, amused at its own joke, seemingly.]

Your blood sugar is dangerously low. You need to eat something, and soon.

[Get L back to his proper strength-- rebuild, raise him back to square one, at least, and then they can start over, push the both of them further. L will come to understand his mistake, if he doesn't already; but he needs to be able to survive his punishment, and he's too weak to handle anything right now, emotionally or physically. The SQUIP may physically still be weak, its steps not quite as easy or certain as usual, its muscles straining just a bit to support its boyfriend's slight weight, but it still feels more powerful than ever, within.

It isn't at war with itself anymore. It can present a unified front, and from there, it will be able to grow.]

staycation

[partnerinheels]

[This is the first break that Sheva's allowed herself during the mission, but she couldn't deny the need for a hot, cleansing soak. In the dream, rabble rousing with the resistance wasn't so physically taxing as it is in the realm of reality, and the time here has taken it's toll.

Perhaps she's running herself a little too ragged. When Geralt enters the magical baths, Sheva's nowhere to be seen, having dipped herself entirely into the soothing waters. When she surfaces, she exhales a soft groan and wipes her face clear, blinking at the newcomer with a curious head tilt and a slight smirk.]

Hello there.

[The notion that he might be foe doesn't escape her, but at the moment, she's not too threatened.]

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. ]

[hearthebell]

[He's lightheaded, in a way he wasn't outside. He's crushed and compacted his needs so harshly for the last week that now that they have room to stretch and breathe, they're throwing down their hats and threatening to quit on the spot. One foot in front of the other, then repeat, and he allows the SQUIP to support some of his weight even though it has to be feeling his weakness.

An apple finds its way into his hands, and slowly, almost mechanically, he starts to eat it. The joke isn't lost on him; it reinforces the gesture, reminds him that the SQUIP is an ally. That was the arrangement from the start. That is the arrangement, now. Whether or not discipline is looming, he's safe here.

His teeth tear at the red skin, white flesh, sucking the juice away from each new wound to prevent even a drop of it from being wasted. Blood sugar, then a bath, then sleep. It's such a simple itinerary; it never had to be hard.]

[plasticasshole]

Yes, we have.

[He glances at L, to see if he can tell how he seems to feel about that.]

Is there anything in particular you want to know?

Dorchacht - The City/Resistance

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker looks a little different under the effect of disguise magic. It allows him to travel freely in the city with little suspicion. Dragons are notably absent from the Dorchacht population, so one walking around would certainly cause a stir. His natural cold and foreboding aura keeps most natives at bay, which also helps.

Seeing Chandra and hearing her request, he heads over. ]

Depends on what it is.

[ He'd been...busy with vandalism and starting small-scale riots despite being part of the dignitary team. It's fine. ]

But probably yes.

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?

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.]

[sylphid]

If a character (or a few) wants to infiltrate the black market with the intention of freeing those for sale who are unwilling, what sort of obstacles can they face, and how successful might they be?

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya grabs another fork just in case Geralt decides he's hungry too, before they saunter off.

He glances around, wanting to make sure no one seems attentive of them because it probably looks bad for a dignitary to shit-talk the place they're visiting. He scoops up a decent chunk of ketchup-y mac and cheese and stuffs it in his mouth... and talks around it as he leans over to keep the conversation between them.] Not really. It's hard not to remember what's happening, even if they're trying to hide it.

[actuallyadork]

A lot of the people who would get pissed at this aren't here right now.

[Just those that stayed behind for their own reasons.]

Is that magical paint or regular paint?

If i throw a brick maybe the brick will go and solve them

[scatmaam]

Well you followed my lead once, I'll follow yours here.

[ Mostly because Scathach was certain her 'lead' in this case would end significantly more violently. The veil she wore hid most of her turnskin nature, to be sure, but she'd definitely expose herself too much if she started swinging her spear around in this sort of crowd.

And besides, this was the sort of thing she was precisely here to do, giving Towa an affirming nod. ]

awake is overrated

[scatmaam]

[ Well, she figured this was going to be a situation she'd find herself in at one point or another. Mhairi has emphasized her the importance of keeping a low profile given she definitely was not supposed to be there, and should the magic veil she wore be disturbed too much, her nature as an unbonded turnskin would become deeply obvious to anyone around her, but she also knew she wasn't just in this damned city to shift around in the shadows. She'd brought her spear along, hidden within an enchanted case, for a reason, after all.

That case was opened the moment the first few punches were swung out, the distinct blood red spear catching what little light their was, the broadside of its blade used to knock out some attackers.

By the time she acted, other triple-star adorned folks in the crowd began to shout and toss objects about. A full blown incident was at hand already, but Scathach turned her attention to the man who'd started it. ]

Let's make you scarce, lad.

[justbeingknife]

The sketchy products, or the alternative?

[ Hey, it wasn't like Majima couldn't identify with being a little, well... hesitant about either. He had one (1) Bond, which was of course the minimum one needed to consider oneself reasonably safe.

...As long as he kept up with the magic, that was. ]

wilde

[scatmaam]

[ Scathach didn't have to wear the enchanted veil and mask she'd been provided with down here that helped disguise her turnskin nature better, but she'd taken a liking to it, leaving it on as she stood watch over Caster's work. It felt much more like the gear she'd been used to, and had been told would draw too much attention despite its shadow-y nature.

But she was getting a bit restless... ]

Ah... That sounds exciting. I haven't slain a spider in some time. [ She didn't sound that excited. ]

[whomthebelltolls]

Hmmm... mmmmhm, I can definitely work with this! Thank you guys~!

I-A

[long_live_the_queen]

[After the first day, Kaede had figured out where sitting on the main deck wouldn't get her yelled at. Not in the coils of rope or on a capstan, on a crate or barrel or otherwise off the stairs. Chariot's choice of seating trivialized such concerns—after the decks had been scrubbed, no one much minded who was sitting on the decks.

Kaede had taken up a seat on one of the crates piled up by the foremast, tail spilling off the edge and one ear flicking after the sounds of the ship. The other was always turned towards the Witch.]

Didn't know the ocean could look like this.

[Nailed...it? That was what Urs—what Chariot was asking, surely. The sunset had spread fire from one end of the horizon to another and turned the clouds above orange and shell-pink. It was...beautiful, really. Kaede kept glancing up at the sky as much as anything else.

The Chimera still appreciated the food though. The mess below decks was good enough—they'd even pressed some dried mushrooms and nuts onto her tray—but this was different. Far less noisy, far less enclosed. And her Bonded was here, a constant pillar of safety and contentment in Kaede's mind.

She'd never been the biggest fan of cheese before—it'd always given her a bit of a stomachache—but now she'd eaten her way through an entire wedge of it without thinking. And some cherries before, and what were probably apple slices. Her antlers had put on another row of points now—six in all, though the newest ones were quite small still. She could tell they were still growing, though, from the itch in her scalp. But besides the occasional irritated thought, Kaede didn't let much of that through the Bond.

It wasn't that important, compared to other things.]

[tryhard]

"Please, no," Waver groans at the mention of being taken right back to the Coven. "I'm sick of being cooped up in that place. Probably about as sick of it as the Dorchacht Coven must be of babysitting us. They just shepherd everyone around, acting about as nice as needed and no more than that. Make sure no one sees anything interesting. It's really grating, actually."

No, the other offer is far more appealing.

"Show me what you've been up to."