⭐️ Player Event Log: September, Little Dorchacht

[usurpers]

Player Event Log: September, Little Dorchacht

On the 21st of Septeril, the mirrorbound may see something glinting and chirping from the screens of their watches, to alert them of a message wherever they may be— The Black City’s Coven, the streets, even the sewers— a name stands just underneath written words of the device’s screen with a brief disclosure: The care centers are scapegoats to breed the city’s monster stock. The Resistance has a plan to put a dent in the system for good, so If you’re inclined for whatever reason, look for them. They’ll strike in four days and need volunteers. Any further questioning will be met with silence, or urging one to seek out those who have deemed themselves responsible, three stars dawned, excited and ready: La Resistance. Characters will be led to hideouts, sent messengers, notes and even encrypted talk under a simple guise of sympathizers in and around the Coven itself, if so much as desired to hear from them. The information is the same, wherever one hears from: “ In the "poorer" sections of the city, those less off and more exposed to various influence, there are sections dubbed as "care centers" for the lost. Some of these are true orphanages for those who've lost their parentage in some way, human only, but most are simply covers for the collection and breeding of Monsters for stock. It's been thought that by breeding "domesticated" pairs together, it'd elicit a stock that's more eager to obey without the use of magic, but so far that hasn't been the case. Like a long line of domestication, basically. They don't always keep the Monsters they breed -- many are studs offered from the Coven, who are masters among masters at keeping their Monsters heeled.” Many and all speculation is confirmed, and if you agree to help them in any way, shape or form, your informant can only grin as freely as they feel once they hear you say “yes”. —Well, hop to it! Depending on what roll you play, you have a strategy you need to follow, now. Either that, or . . . If you have your own plans, you’re welcomed to drum to your own beat. As long as you don’t interfere, says their leader rather dangerously. The Resistance, you’ll realize, would go very far for control over Dorchacht, with some individuals being very for the murder of Morgana Drummond. (It's on the table, but generally speaking they'd like it not to come to that -- there are worse things you can do to a Witch.) Their numbers aren't the highest, but it's safe to say that though they are a smaller part of Dorchacht's general public, the connections they have and where they have certain players do make them formidable in a sense. They would be able to pull through given help, and would more than welcome it. You have four days!

I. THE BOOM The night is dark on the 25th of Septeril, but the terrors lurk far more during the day. Dorchacht's air is heavy as ever, but so eerily silent amidst the calming lullabies played throughout the streets. It’s too late for anyone to be breaching the unspoken curfew, save for guards and the city’s army (widely known for keeping the peace, The Resistance would comment during briefing). Little by little, it grows darker. Lamp posts are broken, ambient magitech is dulled to shadows, and through them creep the silent steps of the war horses— the group The Resistance has tasked with creating vibrant and insufferable decoys. It doesn’t matter how it’s done, or how creative one would like to get. As long as you have the military’s attention, you’re doing a splendid job. Let it be known, though! Most veterans have taken a kindled liking to using fire to set the market and other strategic locations to flames. Tonight, we break the chains! Tomorrow, we set our city free!, they yell, boisterous and as lively as the blaze that gives Dorchacht a face that has never before been seen, or remembered: animated. It may be in the trojan horses greater interest to go along and keep them safe— not all of them know how to defend themselves from the eminent threats to come. Or maybe you have something else in mind, and desire to use the growing chaos to unfold other pieces to the puzzle the Black City hides.

II. THE CLATTER Tucked away into Dorchacht’s pockets of poverty are the human orphanages, locked, sound and asleep. Well— if the children haven’t heard the commotion yet, and you know children. Feisty little rugrats. The dark horses (and trojans) are tasked to enter these establishments under the facade of good samaritans, to usher the children and caretakers out from the (possible) fires dangerously close to licking their rooftops, as well as the chaos from the coming riots only spreading. Children will be children, and some will cling, plenty will scream, and a good handful will cry. Do your best to get them out of the way, so to speak. Remove them from danger, shake off the nitpick employees (or duct tape a few to a wall for the kids to throw tomatoes at) and return to your objective: the basements or locked rooms. Down the poorly lit staircases and soundproof-charmed hallways will be found adult monsters of all kinds and genders. The darkness is their only friend, their living conditions are indignant, and compulsion spells still plague them to obey. They haven’t see the light of day for as long as their eyes remain opened, caged and forced into bearing offspring for their slavers. Many are exhausted, frightened, and some may even be too far along their trauma to react nicely to their visitors if left to their own devices. Some may be newcomers though, strong of mind and only waiting for you to give them freedom, to allow them to help you help them. Calm them, steady them, and free them. Lead them safely to The Resistance’s hideaways, and beware those who may come to stop you. The less you’re seen, the better.

III. THE CRACK The Coven as a whole may be a little restless, as much as they attempt to hide it, once they’ve gotten word of the uncontrolled pests in town. The occasional hush and whisper rushes through their halls with clicking boots and flowing cloaks to awaken those nearly ready to rest, with the majority of their witches cursing the Resistance, and one or two smirking subtly under their pointed hats. The willing dignitaries of Aefenglom old and new that have received word in secrecy— gift horses— are told to stay in the building under their watchful eyes and safety. shelter is offered close to the river and harbor from where they came. They wouldn’t want their guests harmed in this ugly crisis, after all. Though look hard enough, trek with patience, and the sympathizers will come forward quickly, nimbly with news: a back entrance for those who want access to the city exists. Those who come will be met with Resistance members beyond these gates, disguises in hand to offer and grand thanks for joining them. Nerissa Bell will approve without openly approving— her hands are rather tied, but do take care of yourselves. She’ll do the best she can to keep accusations null and void. The citizens of Dorchacht are frightened and panicked, others join in the inspiring revolt, and even more jeer as the city splits. Some buildings may be truly lost and close to collapse by the enchanted flames and sparks of fireworks popping into the sky. Homes and businesses aren’t saved from the crossfire, even a handful of citizens are caught in the fray— no one said you couldn’t help them, care for them, and tranquilize them. No one said you couldn’t fight, either. You’re “glorified tourists”, aren’t you? Show them your glory (without giving yourself away).

this is the player plot announced and discussed here to help free dorchacht! all players are welcomed to wildcard what they do to their heart’s content and by no means are trapped into these prompts! more group discussions can be found here and questions can be directed here! have fun!!

Comments

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup's relief sings through the Bond in answer, overwhelming and nearly tangible. He'd been worried, how could he not? It's only sheer luck that led him to this building in particular before it could collapse, eaten up by flames. Newt will need some medical attention, but he's alive and he's not seriously injured from what Hiccup can tell.

His hand closes around Newt's, grip firm, and he hauls him up into the saddle with one hand. The strength is born partially from adrenaline, partially because he just isn't the weak little fishbone he used to be, and times like these, he's glad for it.

Toothless, too, crows out a roar of triumph at having found his rider's friend, and Hiccup laughs along with them.] I can say the same thing about you!

You've got the Monsters, I've got Harry. Hang on tight, we're going to get out of here before this whole building collapses.

[Never mind that Hiccup is still like, hanging off the side of the dragon's harness and definitely is not strapped in. But he seems to be at home in this kind of danger, unafraid of fire or heights. This is his life back home in a way, daring rescues of mistreated beings. Just... this time it's people, and not dragons.]

[newtralize]

I don't know if I was going to get out of there on my own. [He doesn't want to say he might have died, but it wasn't looking too good for him at that moment.] Thank you.

[It's been awhile since he has ridden a dragon through the air. The last time when he had been in the war with the Ukranian Ironbellies. It was a liberating feeling and it honestly might feel more so than usual with how precarious the situation had just been.

One hand grips his briefcase tightly while another arm circles around Hiccup's waist. He really couldn't put into words how relieved he was to be with the other. The feeling of the other right there was a comfort on its own.]

[thisisamazing]

You don't- You don't have to thank me, I wasn't going to leave without you! [How could he? Newt is, if nothing else, his closest friend here, and his Bondmate. He and Theseus swore from the beginning that they wouldn't be leaving this bleak city without Newt.

Maybe it's just luck that led him here, or maybe it was the Bond, subconsciously pulling him in the right direction. He does always seem to gravitate toward Newt somehow.

Toothless' body tenses beneath them, muscles tightening as he jumps first, vaulting toward the sagging ceilings of the second floor above. Hiccup moves fully into the saddle, letting Newt grab onto him as the dragon alights on a thick wooden beam, and then... Hiccup twists a little in the saddle to shield Newt's head and the case with his own armored body as Toothless bursts through the roof, wings spreading and flapping powerfully, stirring up ash and smoke as they barrel out into the fresh air.

Hiccup shouts, bubbling with relief and victory,] Yeah, bud! Best rescue mission so far! [Toothless' answering screech is just as happy as he wheels around in the sky, taking them farther from the collapsing building and the roaring flames.] We'll get you back to the ship. I think our cover's pretty well blown as it is.

[newtralize]

It's polite to thank someone for assisting them! [But Newt laughs. He just feels so relieved.] And I'm grateful. [He truly was.

Hiccup was basically his knight in shining armor arriving on his noble stead. Newt didn't think he would have been able to teleport safely given the circumstances, and he knew a bad situation when he saw one.

He also can't help the way his heart skips as they break into the night sky. The way his heart soars with them. The warm feeling of hearing Hiccup’s voice and being close to him again.]

We most certainly have overstayed our welcome.

[thisisamazing]

I'm just relieved you're okay! [He doesn't care about anything else. Newt's okay and so are the Monsters he was rescuing. That's all that matters to him right then. The Bond is a confusing tangle of relief and joy and he's not sure where his starts and Newt's begins, but that's okay - he feels good, he feels connected to his friend in a way that he isn't used to. Being able to touch again when they haven't all month, when it's been a nagging itching desire at the back of his head, he feels as light as air now.

Toothless climbs higher, above the thick fog that covers the city; the clear, darkened sky above and the fresh air take all the rest of the weight off, and Hiccup closes his eyes briefly, savoring the wind in his hair as Toothless shifts into an easy glide.] We weren't welcome in the first place. [He says with a breathless laugh, arms outstretched, comfortable in the saddle and the sky in a way he isn't on the ground. Up here, he's more confident somehow, more sure of himself.

In a way, this is like a victory. Incomplete, but a victory all the same.]

I wish I could see Drummond's face right now.

[newtralize]

Of course. I've been told I'm rather stubborn after all. [Even if things were looking kind of dicey.] I couldn't possibly leave you with all the work, can I? [It really wouldn't be in Newt's style not to assist as much as possible.

Newt kind of rest his head against the other. It's been a long month and he could feel how weary he was now with the adrenaline wearing off.] You mean you didn't love being watched like a hawk in a foreign city? [Newt lets out a breathless laugh.] I can't imagine this is what they were expecting when we came along though. [Honestly, he has some issues with how they went about it all, but it is what it is.]

Honestly, if we're making wishes about peoples' faces we want to see, mine came true. [Seeing Hiccup's face was probably all he could wish for. That and seeing Theseus again too.]

[thisisamazing]

Me? You did all the work out there! I- We barely got to speak with anyone, all I did was- [He waves a hand vaguely to indicate that he didn't do much, beyond his efforts in the last few hours. They weren't given the opportunity to do much. It was endlessly frustrating, and in a way, while he doesn't feel like this was the right way to go about freeing a bunch of people (with fire and rioting), he doesn't totally regret it either.

He breathes out a laugh, but it's hard to hear over the wind. Toothless dips gently, flying a little lower the closer they get to the harbor and the smell of the sea air.] The- the being watched wasn't the hardest part. I could handle that. What was hard was... practically not seeing you for the whole month. [It was a bit of a strain, having to be apart like that with a brand new, still sensitive Bond. It's night and day now, with Newt pressed up against his back; he can't really feel him physically, through the armor, but it's a phantom feeling through the Bond that he can appreciate.

Newt's comment about wishing to see his face, though, that... It suffuses him with a sense of warmth, and he's glad the wind-chapped redness of his cheeks will hide the slight flush.] Mine too, then. It's- I'm glad we're heading back soon. To Aefenglom.

[newtralize]

Knowing you were close at least helped me. [Was that being too honest? He isn't lying. He thinks he would have struggled more getting through each day without Hiccup. He couldn't touch the other or even see the other much, but there was some comfort from the bond and knowing Hiccup wasn't too far that he could see them if push come to shove.

But it meant him and Hiccup were also in agreement.] This is the best I've felt in awhile. [He rests his head against Hiccup's back. He was tired.]

Yes. Together.

[thisisamazing]

[Is there such a thing as too honest when you're Bonded? Hiccup gets echoes of his feelings through it all the time, as Newt gets echoes of his. It helped him too, knowing they were in the same city, being able to feel if he was happy or sad or angry or afraid. If he had felt that he was in real, immediate danger, he could have taken off and done something about it. Like now, even though it was mostly luck that got him there.

Hiccup's smile is wide and warm, and he tilts his head to look over his shoulder, directing it at Newt, happy to have him safe, happy to have his weight against his back.] It's the best I've felt in a while too. [He admits, sincere. Dorchacht was Dorchacht, of course, but even before then, going without a Bond had been getting... difficult.

Toothless swoops down, bringing them into a smooth landing on the deck of the ship. The sailors don't pay them much mind, too busy readying the ship for departure. Hiccup slides out of the saddle first, and offers an arm to help Newt down - he seems exhausted, and it's no wonder, with how his month has been compared to Hiccup's.

The moment he's down, feet on the deck, Hiccup is pulling him into a tight hug.] I missed you.

[newtralize]

[Newt lets Hiccup help him off Toothless' back. Honestly, he was exhausted. Maybe he hadn't realized it this entire time, but now he could truly feel the ache that sets deep in his bones. Perhaps it's knowing that they're now at the end of it all that reminds him how tirelessly he had been working before.

Not that he thinks much of it as he gets pulled into a hug. It's warm. Comforting. He wraps his arms around the other.] I've missed you too, Hiccup.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup is there to catch him if he stumbles, steady despite everything. He hasn't been through the kind of hardships Newt has this month; it's been hard, sure, but as a diplomat, he's had a roof over his head and meals. He can almost feel how exhausted Newt must be now that he's somewhere safe, now that his body has decided it can stop pumping adrenaline.

Hiccup hugs him tight for at least a few minutes, drawing a few strange looks from the ship's crew no doubt, but he needs this right now. It soothes something in the Bond that puts him more at ease. Eventually he pulls away a little, tugging his breastplate loose and looking down with a smile.] C'mon, Harry. It's okay now, you can come on out. Want to go back to Newt?

[newtralize]

Harry! [Newt's face seems to brighten tremendously as he takes the small creature from the other to gently cradle in the crook of his arms. Harry puts its paws against Newt's chest as though to give him a hug.] Oh, I'm glad you're quite alright. [Newt holds his hand out towards his stomach and Pickett emerges from the pocket on Harry's stomach.]

The circumstances were, well, not great. I tucked Pickett with Harry and hoped that they could get back to the boat themselves. [He hadn't been so sure about what would happen to him. A morbid thought, but Newt obviously didn't want his companions to perish with him.]

I'm glad they're safe...

[thisisamazing]

He seemed a little banged up when he found me, but I think he'll be alright. [Hiccup smiles, warm and wide, to watch the reunion and how he fusses over the two of them - he hadn't known Pickett was in there, but he's glad they're both safe. That they were both safe during the whole ordeal.]

If it weren't for Harry and Toothless, I- I don't know if I would have been able to find you before that building came down. He came running out to me, and Toothless heard where you were, down below. [Toothless rumbles out a pleased sound, nudging at Newt's hip with his nose, rubbing against him almost like a cat, as if to say that he's happy they're safe.] I'm glad too. Everyone's alright.

[newtralize]

[Newt just sinks to the floor with Harry cradled in his arms. Relief comes off him in droves and he laughs as Pickett seems to reprimand him before crawling to hide somewhere on Newt's body.]

I had- I was so wrapped up in trying to find a way to get everyone else to safety... [He had basically been ready to figure out someway to get the case out safely even if it meant that he might not.] I think I'm done with adventures for a little bit, honestly.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup laughs too, settling a gloved hand on Newt's shoulder and giving it a light, reassuring squeeze. Everything went about as well as could be expected, considering what had happened in the city. He's adamantly refusing to think about what might have happened if Newt hadn't been able to escape.]

Luckily, this adventure is about over. The ship should be departing soon. [The sooner the better. Although some part of Hiccup is still- reluctant. After a moment, he straightens, glances to Toothless, who perks back up.] I think we'll do another once-over for stragglers, and then we'll be back. [Even if the ship leaves with him still over the city, he and Toothless will be able to catch back up easily.] Are you going to be okay?

[newtralize]

We've been here long enough. [For better or for worse. He glances out towards the city. Seeing the city as it is with how precarious things are as is...Newt couldn't help but worry about the city and the inhabitants of it.

He looks back at Hiccup and he can't help but hold one of Hiccup's hands in his own for a moment. Not to stop him because he doubts he could and he knew he would do the same if he were in Hiccup's shoes. He just holds onto that hand tightly in his own for a moment because he didn't want to separate from the other quite yet.] I'm fine. I'll..I'll be fine. Just..Stay safe. Return back soon.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup senses the movement before it comes, slips off his leather glove to clasp his hand in Newt's, skin to skin, because for some reason, he needs that. He needs that small amount of physical comfort unimpeded by the unyielding sturdiness of his armor. Maybe Newt does too.]

Make sure you get some rest, and something to eat. It's been a long month. [He hesitates just slightly, just as reluctant to leave when they're finally reunited and safe, but- but maybe some of them are still out there, not safe. He wouldn't feel right if he didn't do another fly-over.] We'll be back before you know it.

[newtralize]

Yes, of course. I'll rest once everyone is settled. [As always, Newt puts the needs of others over his own. He is rather exhausted though, so it's likely his energy will wane now that everything seems over.]

I'll be waiting.

[thisisamazing]

Just- take it easy when you can. [Telling Newt to look after himself first when they've got smuggled-out people from Dorchacht on board is a pointless endeavor, and he wouldn't be Newt if he wasn't selfless, attuned to the needs of others. Hiccup won't argue. At least not until later, when they're on their way back to Aefenglom and Hiccup and Toothless are back on the ship for good. Then he can take over some of the duties.

Hiccup gives him a smile, something warm and just between them, squeezing his hand lightly one more time before he pulls away. Then he's calling Toothless back over, and swinging into the saddle.] Before you know it! [He repeats, and then a quieter, c'mon, Bud before black wings spread, and dragon and rider take off again to do a final fly-over.]