☆ Event: Fright Night

[moustre]

Event Log: October, Fright Night

I. The Mist It starts in the middle of the night. As the bells chime for 3 am, a slow fog creeps across the city from all four cardinal directions, swirling low to the ground, shining purplish in the light of the twin moons. It goes without notice for a while, an oddity, easily brushed off as too much rain and the changing temperatures turning it to mist over the cobblestones. The first ones to get caught up in it are the night workers, the drunks leaving the bars, the sailors returning to their ships, anyone out on the streets when it begins. In most cases, the effects are not instantaneous - it takes a little time to sink in before… a. The Transformations Even if you don’t find yourself out on the streets in the middle of the night, the mist creeps its way into buildings through cracks and openings, until exposure is almost guaranteed for everyone in Aefenglom, and even some just outside the Bright Wall in the Outer City. Though a lucky few, Mirrorbound and citizens alike, will find themselves wholly unaffected by the substance and will retain their physical forms and their own right minds, many more find themselves bent to its whims, changing in ways that could never have been predicted. There is little rhyme or reason to what changes occur or how - some simply wake with new parts, uncomfortable, while others run from their homes, panicking as wings tear painfully out of their backs or claws burst forth from their hands. The mist does not discriminate. Humans and Witches find themselves gaining the parts of Monsters, or even creatures that live outside the Wall. Monsters gain parts that don’t match up to their species - Arachne with wings or gills, Turnskin with antlers and Merrow tails, Puca with the teeth and claws of predators or the horns of unicorns or the scales of lizards, such strange sights become more and more common as morning approaches slowly. Mirrorbound may find that they can even gain the features and mannerisms of creatures from their home worlds. It all seems to happen wholly at random. These parts may not even last; plenty of citizens lose their new additions after just hours, only to gain new ones in the meanwhile. In the dark, wee hours of the morning, the city erupts into chaos. b. Widespread Chaos There’s no chance of peace tonight. Some may be lucky enough to escape the mists or its effects somehow, but the vast majority of the city hasn’t -- and it’s telling, from the sounds of people in the streets, that no one’s particularly happy about the turn of events. Many are in pain, many are blind with panic and upset. How could this happen? What’s going on? Many of the shouts attribute blame to the Coven allowing the practice of at-times experimental magics, while others turn it into anti-Monster sentiment, claiming the Monster population wants them all to suffer the way they do. Other tinfoil-hat-ists spread their conspiracy theories loudly, laying the blame squarely on Dorchacht - retribution for the Monsters the Mirrorbound stole from their city. This is an attack, they shout! The actual truth remains to be seen, however. There are plenty who don’t care about the truth and pay little attention to the rumors. They’re opportunists at heart, and a city in chaos is good for lining pockets. Some less-affected and less-moral citizens take to the streets of the Shopping and Aristocratic districts, throwing rocks through windows, banging down doors, looting shops and the houses of the wealthy of whatever valuables they can carry with them. Even a gang of kids from one of the orphanages in the Harbor District, sporting their own mismatched new features, can be spotted roaming the city, looting stores and homes, stealing from people incapacitated in the streets. They can’t pass up an opportunity when they have so little to begin with. c. State of Emergency Parliament, in contact with the Coven, is quick to declare a state of emergency in Aefenglom. A magical announcement rings out all through the city, loud and impossible to miss. Those who can keep it together are called upon to help find some sort of order before things devolve too badly and more damage is done than can be fixed. People will get hurt if things continue like this, they could even be looking at casualties. Those who have learned healing magic are asked to report to makeshift first aid stations scattered around the city to help those dealing with more violent, bloody transformations. Anyone with prior law enforcement experience are tasked with helping contain and stop the looting and the muggings. More still are called to try and figure out some way to get rid of the mist, or reverse its effects. None of the assignments are mandatory, plenty are unable to assist as they deal with their own afflictions, but any help is greatly appreciated.

II. Damage Control The chaos of the first night dies down somewhat by noon the next day. The air of forgiveness and cleaning up for the new year that was present at the beginning of the month is gone as the violet mist still spreads, wreaking havoc with the citizens of Aefenglom. Human citizens take it worse than the Monster half of the city, but one of the side-effects hits the Monster community harder. It quickly becomes apparent that the effects of this never-before-seen magic are not only physical. Fights break out over anything from minor slights to things worth fighting about, blossoming from a few thrown punches to all-out brawls that spill into the streets. Anger and agitation increase in most affected citizens, and you can cut the tension in the air with a knife. Relief efforts have to be redirected. Some can keep it together just enough to go about their daily lives as best they can with their new ‘additions’, but others rapidly start to lose their minds in ferality, even those with strong Witch-Monster Bonds. Miss Nessie is quick to whip the Coven into action to help preserve the peace as much as possible. There isn’t enough room to contain so many feral citizens, but they try to make do. All available Mirrorbound, Witch and Monster, who are able and want to help contain the people of Aefenglom or each other are taught a simple knock-out spell, or given slips of paper enchanted with the same, to literally knock some sense into the ferals. It won’t hurt them in the long term, but it will give them a time-out and help pull their minds out of their pits of animal instinct. Plenty of citizens will be thankful for this. That doesn’t mean everyone is happy to see the Mirrorbound around town. They may notice that they get more scowls while they’re out and about, more whispers and dirty looks. They come from humans the most, but especially the wealthier people of the city, dealing with their own share of terrible transformations, who mutter under their breaths words like, “Knew they would bring trouble with them. Knew it right from the start.” Known Mirrorbound may find themselves being kicked out of higher class shops in the Shopping District, or even spit on in the streets. Poorer citizens, especially Monsters, see things differently, however: they’ve seen the refugees from Dorchacht, they know what was done for some of their kind. They’ll admit that the Mirrorbound have brought trouble with them, but a little trouble isn’t always a bad thing - sometimes you’ve got to shake things up and disturb the status quo. Though they’re dealing with bizarre changes and an increased risk of going feral, they have faith that the Mirrorbound will help solve this problem. Of course, this difference in opinion just means both sides argue louder and fight harder.

III. The Refugees For those who’d found themselves rehomed, mostly Monsters and what few Witches came with, this is not what they had expected from a “full moon”. They’d been warned that certain urges would be stronger, that magic could wax and wane like the moons themselves, but this? This rampant disorder, the odd turning present in so many citizens and Mirrorbound alike, the Coven and Parliament’s bid on attempting some sort of damage control--? Is this what they left Dorchacht for, from one far too controlling city to one that didn’t seem to have any control at all? They aren’t in chains, at least. They can choose their Bonds if they’d like one. But it’s put them on edge enough that some linger by the docks, both wanting to leave to someplace “safe” in their eyes and wishing to stay. The latter wins out in most cases, seeking to help the Mirrorbound as they were helped themselves, though they may be suffering from the mists themselves... oddly, they seem to be more aware of themselves in a way that the natives are not, likely learned behavior leftover from Dorchacht to keep themselves in check; the compulsion spell had only helped compulsion, after all, there’d been a genuine want to remain secure and safe in their minds even with the situation as it was. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of locals who see the refugees as part of the problem -- before the Mirrorbound, before Dorchacht, Aefenglom had been fine, and in continuing these thoughts, they’re not... the friendliest to outsiders. Some are more likely to retaliate violently with new-found additions to their physiology and skillset when the refugees attempt to help, with whispers, conspiracy theories, and nasty rumors all the while spreading at a rapid pace. As bad as Dorchacht had been, maybe they had a point about the strange, suggestive magic used across the city. Maybe it’s something Aefenglom should look into too, during the fuller moons, should this be the beginning of something worse as the new year rises at the end of the month. But hopefully -- and this is the hope of all -- it simply remains a one-off, freak happening at the end of the year, and they pray the new one fares better.

IV. The Aftermath Thanks to quite a bit of Mirrorbound assistance, the city is still largely in one piece by the end of the day after the full moons. The mist, an unstable alchemical compound, eventually breaks down into nothing after a day or so, and the effects all fade or reverse, leaving everyone in their normal bodies and feeling clear-headed as the moons start to wane again. There are issues of property damage, stolen goods, and political discord to deal with, but the hardest to handle is perhaps the guilt of those who went feral and attacked their friends and loved ones. Samuin preparations continue with an unusual gloom hung over the city as clean-up and reparations commence. While before, though, humans and Monsters could often be found on the bridge over the River Temese, making amends with one another, the activity almost entirely ceases, leaving the bridge empty most days from now until Samuin.

Welcome to October's event log! This event takes place ICly on the 12th, 13th, and 14th. The Questions thread can be found HERE! Please help us and other players out by putting the subject(s) of your questions in your header! Investigation briefs will be going out soon on the OOC Sign Ups thread to the teams who were chosen by RNG, so keep an eye out for that. And as always, while we do encourage you to use this log, you can feel free to thread things out on your own log or elsewhere.

Comments

[wordsinthesoul]

Hm.

[Well. He wouldn't have expected anything else, really, but it's still aggravating.]

I imagine being uprooted would do that. [Well- he's had some experience, really…. He straightens sharply, teeth showing- sharper than before. Whatever else is going home- that hits a little too uncomfortably.]. They live here as much as anyone- hardly invaders. And surely you've looked at what lies outside the walls of the city. Can there be peace if the Cwyld threatens the people?

[fulgency]

[The motion of her tail doesn't inspire a reaction from him in either direction, being neither less agitated or more relaxed and receptive to her own apparent calm. Which means in some ways, this still feels very much like a stand-off and he's still waiting for the exact second this flips into something else. Trouble is, it likely won't take an overt sign of aggression from her to kick instinct into action.]

I don't need your help. I can protect what's mine well enough on my own, which I don't recall agreeing to share with you.

[unsundered]

Yes... I've heard something about that corruption. Though I could ask almost the same thing- how can we fight it without being unified? And unity only comes by crushing the dissenters and agitators.

[Oh, what sharp teeth you have there, Thancred. Emet-Selch tilts his head slightly, observing him with a slightly different sort of consideration. His tone shifts slightly as well, more lightly-teasing than outright mocking.]

Would it be better if I sided with the monsters instead? To be honest with you, it matters not to me. This star could burn for all the difference it makes.

[wordsinthesoul]

Well, I'm glad I could be! Though perhaps I could be more, wouldn't you say?

[As he gets in the way of the next person looking to take a shot at Rose, elbowing them hard, before he starts puffing his feathers out, wings spreading to take up more space.]

[enkidoh]

[Finally Enkidu moves to sit on that roof, legs stretched out in front of them while they listen to Cu's words and when he's done speaking they remain silent. It is what each Servant tells them. That they're human here. That they are not tied to Masters or Grails. This is a new life.

And for Enkidu such a concept is difficult to define.

They rub their ears briefly before they speak again. The moon is being loud.]

There is a big difference between being human and being alive. You mean that we've casted our spirit forms aside and returned to our true forms. [And Enkidu's true form is very human-looking. And they behave very human-like. They eat like a human as well. They possess the intelligence of a human. But that is how far it goes.] We aren't Heroic Spirits summoned from the Throne, we are what we have been all those ages ago. You might have been a human made of flesh and blood and I am a divine weapon made out of clay.

[They aren't sad about it. They know what they are. The only problem is that they feel a bit lost.

Enkidu leans forward a little, placing their hands in their lap.]

Hmm, I can be very hungry. And I appreciate some good ale as well.

[integrous]

.. You're really cool, you know?

[ It's not something Asahi easily says, but.. well, with Chandra it just feels so plainly true that she doesn't mind saying it as much. Surely someone must have told her as much before! ]

Even though we're stuck in such a crappy place, you're looking for ways to make it better. And you're not taking any crap from anyone either. [ Judging by the way she beat up that guy in that other city. ] And you're doing your best to control yourself even when weird things are trying to influence us.

[ishisstrength]

Don't you have pants with holes in them?

If not I could make you some.

[If only this world had zippers.

Justine pauses in her petting and rests her forehead against Prompto's head. She feels calmer now though she knows that the rage is still there. She can feel it and she doesn't want it to flare to life again... not around Prompto. He deserves nice things.]

I want to be here for you too.

[ua_duibhne]

[Diarmuid's never seen him like this- for that matter, he suspects few if any others have- but it's a sight that appeals to every animal instinct coursing through him. He's hard as hell, barely keeping himself together as each crook of his fingers sparks a chain reaction of writhing and moans. It's enough that he's forced to hold his tail in place as he works the dragon up into even more of a frenzy.

Again, it ends infuriatingly abruptly as he withdraws his fingers but less so is the embrace that follows. Diarmuid wraps an arm around Berserker from behind, lifting his chin so that he can capture his lips in a kiss over his shoulder. Messier now, hungrier, and as he grinds against him, dizzying in its mix of affection and dominance.

Which is probably why he can't help it. With a soft chirp if his own, ears pressed back against his dark hair, he nuzzles his neck. The words are caught against his skin but clear enough:]

... I love you, Cú. And even if you don't or can't feel the same I...

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ That declaration cuts through the haze like a knife. Berserker freezes beneath him, eyes widening briefly in shock as his pulse quickens. He doesn't exactly have a good track record with people who declare their love for him, but this is different: Diarmuid isn't obsessed with him, isn't trying to claim him or control him with those words. It's genuine and warm without any ulterior motives.

It's not that he doesn't feel the same way, it's more that he's still too broken to have a concept of what it means to love someone. He's fiercely devoted to the witch and holds a deep affection for him; it's the closest thing to love he's capable of. Another complicating factor is that he can't exactly speak how he feels right now. He's too much of a mess, too lost to the moons to give an answer that this deserves.

After a few moments (which are likely deeply agonizing for Diarmuid), Berserker relaxes. Since he's been reduced to little more than animal instincts, he responds in the only way he can. A familiar low rumble starts to resonate in his chest -- both a reassurance that those words change nothing and that he feels at least something similar. Leaning his weight on one arm, he gently places his hand on the back of the witch's head. It's fine.

With that tender moment handled, Berserker rocks back into him. He's still desperately worked up and wants nothing more than his lover to finally take him. ]

[inlikethebrume]

The higher powers say otherwise.

[The Twelve, Crystal Mom and Zodiark, whoever at this point. One of them usually decides to ruin any fun moments.]

We cannot say that this world will not keep us on our toes. Hopefully this will not be once every few days otherwise I will have to come out in my armor.

[Halone help her if they start throwing rocks.]

But you seem to be from Eorzea, yes? Might you be another Warrior?

[kuroi_taiyo]

Right. Cuz you'd be the expert... And I'm not abusing anything.

[ Lady, he doesn't even know you. Save for how pushy you can be to getting things done the way you want. In other words, she had it pegged completely right that he was more stubborn than dumb, with a rather large gap between those two things. ]

I'm not inviting a bunch of people into knowing my business. You go and talk to Newt; If he wants or needs the help, then whatever. Give it. At that point, at least I'm not implying that he doesn't know his shit.

[inlikethebrume]

You have a tail too?

[Look, she doesn't go looking around there because a sane person doesn't do that but the fact that the ascian has a kitty tail and it's probably lashing under his robes at the mention and the mental image is rather amusing.

Could be worse like her trying to touch those ears. It'd be like trying to do that to a miqo'te and uh...no.]

I'm sure we can find something to make them go away...once the rioting calms down more.

[loudandproud]

( 'smart enough' might be the best thing he could ever aspire to, but that's a passing thought as the other ear gets touched. )

Is that a bad thing?

( honestly, he could be asking question toward either of those statements. )

But I gotta know, do you still feel like you want to... you know.

( kill a man? )

[loudandproud]

( thankfully it's mostly feathers in there, but the thwap is still painful--- much like gesturing with a rolled up newspaper. )

No. ( he's pretty sure that the only thing in his brain is brain. where would you put the filter??? ) I'm glad you heard me this time, though! Imagine if I shouted!

( caspar's pretty sure he has the biggest mouth of all of his classmates. )

But... uh. Hey. Do you want me to throw you back up so you can try to fly again?

cw: torture ex

[ishisstrength]

Justine closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I do know." She spoke softly between them Bond and then raised her voice loud enough for him to ear her speak. "I do know Rich. I have felt it too. I have hurt people and I didn't even have the excuse of turning into something new. It was me... it was before I came here."

She focused on the memory and shared it with him through their Bond. She had been locked in a laundry room. Her wrists, her neck and the inside of her thighs were torn but there was no blood coloring the wounds. She'd been drained. Her figure was thin and she was naked, curled into a ball chanting like a lunatic.

'Crazy Crazy Crazy. That's what they all say. Crazy little whore!'

Justine lashed out in the memory and her nails sank into one Harry Dresden who was locked in with her, wearing nothing but duckie boxers. Blood flecked the floor in drops as she stared at him. 'You don't understand! I'm not crazy!' She shouted and then stopped, retreating into a corner with her ravings.

Her fingers stained red.

"That..." Justine opened her eyes but didn't look up. She'd fallen to her knees while sharing the memory, reliving it, and suddenly felt exhausted. "That was me. I hurt him when he was there to save me. I'm not always gentle Rich... I hurt people. I do need you. Because you remind me why I want to be good. Why I don't want to hurt anyone like that. I need you to stay human..." She fought back her tears as her voice dropped to a whisper, her head bowed. "So please don't leave me."

[ishisstrength]

[Justine doesn't care if she makes a scene or not. People can look or they can leave. She isn't moving away from Iraamat until she's good and ready too.]

I can think of a spell... draw a rune on his shop.

[It can be undone but it'd cause some distress.]

[ishisstrength]

"What is it?"

She's used to the boys in the house being uncomfortable. Jeremey was always uncomfortable around but Michael was so composed that she hadn't thought that he'd ever fall into that category.

Realization dawns on her and she flushes a bright rosy red. She was familiar with sexual acts however it's different when it's someone you accidentally walk in on. "Oh. You were? I mean that is you were." She moves her hand and then thinks better of trying to imitate the motion.

"Do you... need help?"

[ishisstrength]

Yes. Zack, it's me.

[She reaches for him only for him to suddenly scoop her up in his arms.]

Zack?!

[Justine wraps her arms around his neck as he begins to climb up the side of the building. She trusts him but she doesn't know what he is doing or what he intends to do. Her breath staggers against his ear and when she speaks her voice is softer and winded.] Where are we going?

[ishisstrength]

Alright.

[Justine holds her close as the air around her shimmers and distorts. It doesn't take much time before they're both standing at the back yard of Justine's home. Nothing has changed since the last time that Monika has been there through the yard looks to be better tended.]

We're here. Come on.

[She takes Monika's hand and leads her to the white wooden structure lined with pillows and sheer fabric. It won't do much to hide them until Justine activates the runes on the structure that will keep them hidden and safe.]

[unsundered]

Yes, and no you can't see it.

[He's already exasperated at himself for mentioning it; with how aware he was of the way it kept trying to lash about, he occasionally forgot it wasn't quite as obvious as the ears.

Such tempting ears, though!]

If the rioting calms down. If whatever mess that's caused my... additions remains, I doubt the city will quiet down either. Not until we're all burned down with it. [A small huff.] I'll adapt, as I've ever had to. This is hardly the worst I've endured.

[chosenside]

[There's definitely a part of Theseus that's worried about bringing Newt along on this. Normally, Newt's more than capable of dealing with these sorts of situations, especially tracking, but his brother isn't wholly himself right now. Theseus has already been tackled to the ground by him before and while he wasn't hurt, he'd rather not have a repeat experience of that. Still, it's far too much trouble to stop Newt and he's behaving right now, so small mercies.

Rather get this over with though.

And it helps to have someone else here-- Aziraphale no less. He definitely trusts the man in a mission like this.]

Newt's right about that. [Theseus acknowledges, before looking at Aziraphale, momentarily taking his suggestion.] Don't think masks will help much now, unfortunately.

[Maybe some of the masks he's seen during the great war would work, but he hasn't seen anything of that caliber in Aefenglom. And the mist might just affect them regardless...]

[inlikethebrume]

Sharing a heart? How is that even possible? Wouldn't someone die with only half of one?

[Thinking in literal terms, not KH terms. What kind of nutty world is this kid from?]

Could a body even last so long with only half?

[inlikethebrume]

[She holds up her hands, biting down on her lip mainly because she's imagining said tail going crazy. What's next, the feeling of knocking stuff on the shelf over?]

No need to worry, I am not that kind of person to consider such a thing. Although I have to admit that they are a bit...fitting when it comes to you.

[The ears are tempting let's be real and yes, she did kind of call him a cat. Where's the lie, give her the proof. But he speaks and her curiosity is piqued. Would it...be wrong to ask? Too soon?]

[unsundered]

[Oh, he's already knocked several things off of several ledges, and is still vaguely baffled by the impulse. And when the Ascian finally puts his mug down, he is careful enough to make sure it's well away from any table edge. Not gonna risk it.

The- insult? Compliment? Draws a confused look, ears tilting forward slightly, curious. What part of him was cat-like, exactly?]

Fitting...? How so?

[If this was just an excuse to mock him, he'd be Not Pleased, but Mira didn't seem to be the type so- questioning it is.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Setting down her own mug, Mira puts two fingers on her lips in thought for only a moment as she crosses her arms.]

Because cats can be fickle at times. Appear when they deem it alright even when others believe the opposite. But also they are rather selective when it comes to attention as well as where they choose to relax.

[Like him and sleeping in a tree.]

It is like when you appeared throughout my journey in the First; offering something when you felt the need or answering a question I asked but also not doing everything myself and the Scions had done. But that is only my opinion...that and watching my gaelkitten do similiar had me thinking.