Intro Log: October

[faileas]

Intro Log: October

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the higher floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, even so close to the new moon as it is. The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion, along with those which feel to resemble yourselves in a world-traversing sense: Mirrorbound, they're called. "There's always a right lot of you coming in, aren't there." The woman sets her hands on her hips, with her Bonded casting a glance at those looking confused - newly arrived - and those who may have followed them in to talk to the newest addition of their mirrorbound bunch. "About time for introductions though- this here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, Head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of seats are summoned; despite their wooden nature, they're all sturdy and comfortable, filling the foyer and spreading out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch. After all, they'll find this just as interesting. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly. For those that'd like a more player-based interaction, Aefenglom has its own Welcome Wagon under the same header! These are players who've volunteered for the role, and those that didn't sign up may assist as well if they'd feel their character would -- have fun, and make friends. Additionally, those with notable injuries or sickness will be attended to ASAP by Coven-based witches, and should anyone be curious about what they are - if they have magic potential, or if they swing a different way - then this can be done during this and the general hour or so the new arrivals are within the Coven's grounds. There are ongoing classes on magic, monsters, and Bonding as well, though they take place more during the day than at night - feel free to have your characters attend them at any time!

III. THE HAVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, it's time to make a trek to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in a program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It reads simply the information you've offered up yourself, or that someone might have written up for you, should that be their idea of fun.

IV. Samuin There's an odd sense of relief in the air, newly arrived may notice, and it's common talk to hear about the return of those from another city; Dorchacht, they gossip, must've been terrible for their dear Speaker, who'd felt to them more weathered than she'd been previously, not to mention to all the Mirrorbound that went with her. Right shame, it was, how they acted over on the west coast, those Dorchachtians. It'll be common talk for a while yet, with increasingly worse rumors spread about that city to the far northwest, but not all of them can be true... right? While the black market moves back beneath the city, weaker than they were coming up, the goblin market remains in their places in broad daylight, happy to parse their wares to newcomers and oldbies alike -- with Samuin coming up, there's all sorts of things necessary to have on one's person, they say, absolutely key to keep bad spirits at bay! They say the boundaries are weaker this time of year, after all, wouldn't want your new year to be cursed right off the bat! Though Samuin's still the month away (it's at the end of the month, anyone'd tell you), the people are eager to gather their parchment, write away their worries, and start Geardagas's year off right. a. Aristocratic District With Samuin bringing in the new year on Geardagas, the Coven is eager to be rid of old, outdated things and bringing in the new -- this means they're offering spots for magitech demonstrations, extracurricular class presentations to be added to the potential roster, and even recipes to be used. Not just in the cooking sense either; they're excited to see alchemical results as well, and won't shy from innovative, even unconventional uses of different schools of magic, runes, and botany. Witches have brought their own game to the front, putting on spectacular shows with how conjured blankets can offer the placebo of warmth for a time, new techs that enhance readability in the dark (and they shine like the stars! floating crystals in a lamp!), so on and so forth. Won't you join them? While the Coven is in higher spirits with their Speaker returned lately, Parliament seems to be taken a breather as well, and while their eyes have set on the city once more they seem a little more lenient with what constitutes as a performance -- at least during Samuin proper, though the building itself, for those who visit, is certainly less tense than it was previous. There's tight-lips as far as Dorchacht's concerned, for those who ask, so there won't be any information to be found about that here, but there's plenty of talk of "scum" found in their own city that have had judgement passed on them and found them guilty of immeasurable crimes, and also of finding the root of their operations so they won't end up having something akin to Dorchacht beneath their streets. The rich people who live still in the district, with their overly extra houses and colorful personalities, throw exuberant parties all across the month -- there's to be a grand fireworks display at the end of Samuin, but they're taking liberties as they do every year to put on their own, seeking Witches to entertain however they can and, surprisingly, offering the same to Monsters; they still look down on the lower born, there's nothing that can stop that or their stuffy attitudes in general, but it seems the city's in a bright mood thanks to one of the most important holidays of their year. b. Residential District Preparations for Samuin are well underway for both sides of the Residential District, separated by the River Temese. Octeuril is a month for celebrating the end of the year, and for remembering and honoring those who are no longer living. On both sides, humans and Monsters both are hard at work cleaning their homes and businesses, and getting rid of things they no longer need - porch sales pop up all through the month outside of homes, selling off whatever folks have decided to part with: a lot of antiques, hand-made items, old clothes, things that are worn but could possibly be useful to someone else after a good spit-shine or fixing up. On the Eastern side, some artisans or hobbyists are even selling brand new pieces - this is a time for weavers and textile artists especially to shine, selling elaborate and cozy woolen blankets, to cuddle under as you watch the fireworks shows at the end of the month, or fancy clothes and costumes they've made. A few have even laid simple enchantments on their wares, resulting in tapestries that tell a story as the little thread figures move about, or dresses that shimmer like the night sky. On the Western side, the porch sales are simpler and full of more practical items, and don't seem as celebratory of the wares, but they make up for it by holding small bonfires outside at night, taking turns telling ghost stories and old legends, or tales of ancestors long past. If you have a story to share, true or made up, most circles will welcome you, offering you a hot drink and a piece of heavy, fruit-laden spice cake in return. (Get the piece with the coin in it, and you're guaranteed good luck, they say!) One tradition they both share is the airing of grievances and making amends with one another, to start the coming new year off on a good foot. The bridge over the River Temese that separates the Eastern and Western sides of the District is decorated with hanging lanterns and paper flowers, and here is where humans and Monsters, rich and poor, come together to get it all out and forgive. Mostly these are heated discussions that end in hand-shakes and smiles, but occasionally a scuffle breaks out; it's fine, they're getting it out of their systems. c. Shopping District The Goblin Market is bustling with activity, lately, just a little more out in the open than they were before. The selection of vendors seem... maybe just a little less shady. Some are eager to whisper gossip about the change, telling curious Mirrorbound that oh, it's too dangerous lately to sell items that aren't above the board, so to speak. Why, some of those sellers, the ones with living wares, they've taken a huge hit to their coinpurses from merchandise disappearing! Seems fair and just, doesn't it? Would you like to look at some of their own fine products? All ethically sourced, of course, this shed Faun antler was purchased fair and square from a willing Monster! 'Ethically sourced' is a big trend this month for Goblin Market sellers, with similar phrases scrawled across stall signs and banners to indicate that their ingredients were sourced fairly, given freely. They carry a wide variety of Monster parts for re-sale, though most of it are parts that could have been obtained without harming the Monster, and Witch's blood, donated, they'll say. Potions and charms to temporarily mimic a Bond, talismans that supposedly keep a Monster from going feral, they offer all kinds of specialty items, though still none of it is sanctioned by the Coven. With Samuin coming up at the end of the month, the wares laid across tables become more colorful, and more... interesting. Talismans made of dyed Harpy feathers and papery shed Naga skin promise to ward off ill-intent going into the new year, and several vendors are hawking samples of a potion that, they claim, will allow you to speak to dead loved ones. To Mirrorbound, they may claim these magical concoctions will let them speak to loved ones beyond the glass - but these claims are patently false, and the potions have a wide array of side-effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, skin or hair changing colors, or a burning fever that only abates when the afflicted cuddles up to someone close. Luckily, these symptoms will wear off in just a few hours. You're liable to start a fight if you ask for your money back, though. d. Harbor District The Harbor District is lively this time of year. Besides the Samuin traditions the entirety of Aefenglom enjoy, the sailors have their own. During the day, many of them set up tables wherever they can find the space to help each other make bright, painted lanterns to hang on the sides of their ships, to ward off evil spirits and welcome the good spirits. If you have some time to spare, they'll say, you're welcome to paint a lantern to hang outside your door! Then, every evening, the parties start at dusk and last clear until dawn, often spilling out of the bars and taverns into the streets. Drunk revelers play shabby instruments and sing folk songs and sea shanties, and they lead each other in exuberant dances under hanging lanterns. If asked, any seaman will tell you that you have to get it all out of your system before the new year begins! One last hurrah of drunken fun! (Several of them will swear they're going to cut back their drinking and be more serious - they've been saying the same thing every Octeuril for years.) Even the children in the orphanges around the factories get in on the fun, in their own way, making paper masks of fanciful creatures, and going door to door, or even just from street to street, to ask for trinkets, money and food so that they can have a good Samuin at the end of the year. But if you don't give them anything, well. They consider a kick in the shins to be proper retribution. Children can be so mischievous. Despite having less than most, the people of the Harbor District and the sailors are quick to welcome new faces into their parties, happy to include any Mirrorbound, and the Monster refugees from Dorchacht, sharing drinks and conversation. "It's nuts, what's happening up there," the sailors say, eager to share the latest gossip from their trade routes. "It's not much in or out of Dorchacht right now, is it? After chaos broke out and all. Their Resistance seems to be holding strong, and good for them, aye! Maybe we'll see things improve up there yet!" They'll toast to good luck for the Resistance, and good luck for the refugees, and good luck for the Mirrorbound alike.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the October's Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[unsundered]

[There was no satisfaction in his guess having been correct. She only gets an exasperated sigh from him.]

My apologies, but there are several of you running around, and I didn't want to assume you were yet another.

[What had he ever done to deserve so many good friends turning up at once? Better that they were in a place that he could keep an eye on them, he supposed....]

[inlikethebrume]

[Should we get out the list?]

Several...? You must be having a wonderful time then. If I did not travel to the First, mayhap I would think you mad. Alas, you have not given me a reason to believe you wrong.

[As much as her instinct is saying to hit him with the heaviest object besides her greatsword, Mira already has an idea what he is referring to. Not only that but there were other reasons including no one has initiated an attack except for the ones fighting on the bridge. Despite everything.]

[unsundered]

[Destroying whole worlds doesn't count, he's been over this.]

Yes, delightful.

[He still huffs a little as he leans against the side of the bridge.]

I'm glad that I've earned some small measure of your trust, if nothing else. I'd prefer to not end up like them, after all.

[A nod towards their companions on the bridge- though the scuffle seems to be winding down- or at least, the flailing is becoming more feeble.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Yeah yeah, not really whole and all that. She's not sorry for his current feelings because he can deal like the rest of them. Although that last remark...well...]

Only if you hit first which I doubt you'd be willing. Nor am I in any sort of mood such as them. [Moving her hand to gesture the two as well.] They should finish within the next few moments if their movements suggest how tired they must be.

[unsundered]

It wouldn't be much of a fight, considering I'm completely unarmed.

[As he spreads his arms wide in emphasis, tone light, as though it wasn't deeply aggravating that he would have a hell of a time defending against something as simple as a sword.]

I wonder what that was all about anyway. They aren't the first to decide this is the best place for a brawl.

[inlikethebrume]

Make me feel bad then? 'Twould be against my code to fight someone without any means to defend themselves.

[That extends to him too as she ponders over the reasoning why everyone is having what appears more sloppy than a tavern brawl.]

Perhaps it is some kind of tradition in this city. I have only been here for several bells and as so, unfamiliar with such customs. With so many gathered here and the scene decorated...it feels to be the natural conclusion.

[unsundered]

Yes, yes, how honorable of you. [He waves her off lightly.] You play your part with persistence, I'll grant you that.

[The original pair seems to have progressed to its participants- helping one another up, limping slowly the rest of the way across the bridge. Though other pairs seem about to take their place, if the shouts are anything to go by.]

...It's too regular to be a coincidence. As you say, likely some local tradition. At least I know to avoid this place in future.

[inlikethebrume]

[Honorable? A dark knight like her? That gets a laugh.]

If you want honorable, go find a Temple Knight. I am quite sure there's plenty of those within their ranks.

[Upon hearing another argument start to become more heated, she sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.]

If we wish to continue this conversation, might I suggest anywhere that will not have the chance of being thrown off a bridge?

[Hell if she knows where, just out of dodge of this hot mess.]

[unsundered]

Noble orders are hardly the place I'd go to find honor. [A careless shrug. If she didn't want the pseudo-compliment, it didn't make any difference to him.]

...but yes, point taken. [He'd hoped that a bridge would've been less noisy than other parts of the city, but that had long since been proven to not be the case. Picking a side more-or-less at random, he begins to walk.] This is normally when I'd leave you to your tiresome adventuring, but under the circumstances, I can spare you a little more time. Lucky for you, eh?

[inlikethebrume]

[She'll take that. Mira didn't choose the path for the sake of 'honor' but to help others. But she'll give him points for making her chuckle at the idea, even if there is change within the military.]

Ah yes, how very fortunate indeed.

[Was that sarcasm or was it genuine? No one knows as she follows him and keeps an eye out for anyone coming a little too close with their fighting...or maybe it's because she has taken out her giant sword off her back and is holding it in one hand rather casually. There is a legitimate reason for her doing this: it acts like a warning beacon to anyone who sees NOT to come near with their arguing or fighting otherwise...well, just don't do it, locals. But don't expect it to be put back until after they finish crossing the bridge.]

At least some do have their wits about them.

[Yes, she's being a buffer. What of it?]

[unsundered]

[When Mira takes her sword in hand, Emet-Selch's first thought is not that she's buffering anything- oh no, she is absolutely going to stab him.

Which has him scrambling away from her (quite possibly trying to ensure there's at least one other party between him and chopping distance), eyes narrowed, stance defensive. Had he misjudged so poorly--

But no attack was forthcoming. He hesitates, feeling both on edge, and a bit foolish.]

...Some of us would take that as a threat, you know.

[inlikethebrume]

[When he takes a stance, Mira raises an eyebrow and simply stares. Really, Emet-Selch? Does a phrase go in one ear and out the other?]

Did you already forget what I told you: I do not fight against anyone who cannot defend themselves. But if you would prefer dodging any 'combatants' on your own, by all means.

[Oh she's seeing another fight start out.]

[unsundered]

[Oh no, Emet-Selch feels entirely justified in his reaction, still ruffled and defensive.]

Yes, and then you emphasized your lack of honor, so forgive me for assuming the worst when it comes to a famous Ascian-slayer waving a sword in my direction.

[The random scuffles, at least, were less likely to deliberately aim for him.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Halone help her not want to smack him if he's asking for it. She instead sighs and sets her sword back, taking steps so she would be in front of him. See? No attacks from her and he can see what she would be doing. Which is nothing.]

Is this better then?

[unsundered]

It's fine. Do whatever you like with it.

[Still grumbling, still frowning, though he does walk back over to her. A show of good faith, yes.

After a moment, he has an even more absurd thought:]

--Were you actually going to protect me with that thing?

[inlikethebrume]

[She shrugs in reply.]

That was my intent, yes. Thought it was a decent idea at the time.

[As humorous as it is to see him fall over the bridge...]

[unsundered]

[He shakes his head, finally continuing on towards the end of the bridge.]

...That's even stranger than my first impression.

[inlikethebrume]

Even you can be surprised?

[Things she didn't expect today: get sucked through a mirror and get cheeky with an ascian. Well, it beats being bored.]

[unsundered]

On occasion.

[He gestures dismissively.]

Hydaelyn's favorite concerned for the wellbeing of one of Zodiark's followers? 'Tis not a sight any of my kind would have anticipated.

JUST IN CASE: possible Big ShB spoilers within

[inlikethebrume]

Did you try to kill me on first sight and continue to do so or did you offer cooperation?

[At first at least. After what happened in Kholusia...well, things went downhill.]

I could treat you as the others prior if you so wish but would it be earned even as you revealed yourself? Nor have you raised a finger to hurt me?

[Again. Kholusia.]

[unsundered]

[Her reply has him fall silent for a few moments, looking thoughtful.]

So you've finally accepted that my offer of help is genuine? ...Perhaps my recent distrust was misplaced. My apologies.

[It was a small concession to make, in the face of possible future understanding. Though she still had yet to prove her ultimate value to him.

And had yet to fail.

Hope, though fragile, remained alive.]

[inlikethebrume]

[It seems both would be full of surprises. Even after what she had done to him and what he himself had done, she cannot bring herself to feel as angry as others (looking at you Thancred). Not after seeing it all.]

I should apologize as well; I should have told you what I was doing beforehand as not to scare you. Old habits die hard sometimes.

[Did that odd tradition somehow reach them as well?]

[unsundered]

[Emet-Selch waves off the apology; it was water under the (literal) bridge.]

I'll just be glad to remain on the right side of your blade. Who knows, perhaps one day I'll even find it reassuring.

[It really was some bridge of reconciliation.]

If they didn't realize it by this point, It's the Big Spoiler. Y'all been warned!

[inlikethebrume]

[So it was like that then. Mira finds it strange that he says such a phrase for one big reason alone: she had done a great and terrible thing in the end. For there could be only one left standing...to save the Source and the First, they had to fight. Perhaps it was due to walking the path that she cannot see everything as black and white anymore, unable to confidently say 'YOU'RE EVIL' or 'THE LIGHT SAVES ALL'. Funny enough, she was fine with Darkness even before going to the First. Yeah, she liked it before it was cool. Nothing wrong with it by itself, but by those who use it. Same with the Light.

Halone help her, sometimes she wishes she could be ignorant in these matters. But it would feel all wrong to her.

But...why would he not bring that up? Come to think of it...why didn't he mention who or how caused him not to be? Why didn't he freak out as much? It doesn't make any sense. Damn, it's going to bug her.]

Perhaps. But was it curiosity that made you see a mirror and go through it?

[unsundered]

[At some point in the relative near future, Emet-Selch will look back on this conversation and find his words somewhat ironic.

Ignorance may not be bliss, but it is less complicated; for now he's simply assumed that the slightly odd reactions he's received are due entirely to appearing at all.]

Not especially. It didn't feel as though I had much choice in the matter- and despite it being quite an obvious trap, I fell into it.

And yourself- I have to assume you saw the first sign of something dangerous and leapt for the opportunity?