☆ 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

B.

[fordeath]

[ relative weakling that he is, amadeus would liked to have turned heel and sped on home, avoided the clutches of feral monster claws and the blunt end of a discontent looter's weapon. unfortunately, he is forever possessed with a night owl's (hah) fancies despite being a witch, making company with the sister moons and the special type of life that comes out only in the late hours.

at least ... he figured he was a witch, until the mist rolled in, granted him a pair of new wings, set of inhibitions to battle, and effectively ruined his night on the town.

after his talons come in, amadeus finds himself stumbling into an alleyway that's already occupied. he huffs. ] Ah-Ahah, I can't even writhe on the floor in peace, hm? [ whiner. but he certainly isn't feral, so he'd appreciate no weapons being drawn at this time!

he did hear the man say something before he decided to make his home on the ground against the wall, though... ] ... Ah, is that the knock-out spell?

I. B

[corruptedgravity]

[ There's too many people mulling about and sometimes it could make it hard to move around in. He's especially found this hard when he's got a damn tail, fluffy and matching his haircolor. So in the midst of sidestepping someone, Chuuya directly ends up running into someone without realizing it until it's too late.

His instincts are quick and he turns to face the other man, and he's far too close now, wasn't he? The first thing Chuuya picks up on is the complete and utter chill to the stranger's form and it seems so familiar. Like he's experienced this before and it's enough to allow the other to get closer to him without completely realizing it. ]

Oi. Are you going to be alright?

[ Feels almost like a stupid thing to ask, but he's at least not shoving the other away from him right now. Mostly because his instincts are telling him not to. ]

If you're that cold you should probably get inside.

[quickwhip]

[ Trevor can only find himself staring to the floor as Alucard speaks, as he explains. He had heard this and that concerning monsters and how it had turned some into whatever it was they were now becoming but... it's not like he thought it would happen to him. Far as he could tell, the transformations didn't stem from any sort of bite or illness.

So, once the blond is done, he just... sighs. ]

Guess we're both fucked.

[ A little crass, but it's not like he's wrong either. ]

[cryptsleeper]

Physically and emotionally, yes.

[Alucard tilts his head back and closes his eyes.]

As if we didn't have enough to deal with.

[quickwhip]

[ Yeah, considering what they both went through before coming here? This definitely wasn't needed for either of them. ]

Look... I know we're not exactly best friends or anything and you're a little shit a good chunk of the time. But...

[ He falls silent for a moment, resisting the urge to touch at his mouth. At those fangs. ]

...if I get out of control, I just ask that you stop me. If you're able to.

[fiddlestick]

[He breathes out. Okay so it was just..a poor choice of words. He's going to take her word for it.]

Honestly Towa...you nearly gave me a heart attack saying it like that.

[Don't scare him like that!! No murdering friends!!!]

[cryptsleeper]

No, we're not. But I know what Sypha would want from both of us in this situation, and I will respect those wishes.

[Sypha is one thing that we can agree on.]

She'd look after you and find a way to keep this controlled before anything else happened. So I will do the same.

[quickwhip]

[ That's nice and all but... ]

And how do you plan to do that? Bring me things to suck dry?

[cryptsleeper]

I have to have a plan right now, seconds after we've discovered this?

[quickwhip]

Yes.

[ That... might be sarcastic but it's a little difficult to tell with how tired Trevor seems to be. Emotionally more than physically. ]

Alucard, can you...

[ But then he feels weird and he finds his fingers twisting in the bed sheets. ]

...nevermind. Just. I don't know. Figure something out I guess.

[corruptedgravity]

[ Instantly his eyes narrow and his tail flicks back and forth, a very animalistic snarl escaping him without realizing it. He's stalking closer but not in the way he might normally do, and there's no mistaking the very predatorial way he's going about the motion, too. ]

Shitty time to try and give me a compliment. You have more of a death wish than I thought you did.

[ That was all the warning Dazai would get before he lashed out, clawed hand extended out in an attempt to swipe at him. If that didn't speak to his feral nature right now, nothing else would. ]

[cryptsleeper]

I'll start researching tomorrow. Give me a few days to come up with a concrete plan?

[Alucard knows he has so much work to do. He also knows the obvious solution, but he doesn't want to talk about that yet. He can barely think the word witch in relation to himself without feeling sick.]

H.C. Andersen | OTA

[manlet]

[It's a terrible night in Aefenglom and he is a horrible swan.

To be more specific: a swan harpy. Andersen wakes up tangled in his bedsheets, unable to free himself because his arms are now great big wings. With a great deal of effort and graceless hissing, he manages to tear himself loose. But in all the fuss he's worked himself up - he's irritated that he was essentially yanked out of his beauty sleep and thrust into a pair of appendages he has no idea how to use!

No, he can't stay inside. He's much too restless for that. What he needs is to work off this energy burning in his chest. Normally, he'd write, but there's no way he's doing that as he is now. He'll likely have to settle for stomping about his room.

...

Unless...]

☆ 1 | SWAN SONG

[Something lurks on the rooftops. It's noisy, it's clumsy, and with the way it flaps its wings, it's apparent it has no clue how to properly fly, either. But it makes do - slowly, painfully- and before long it even manages to learn how to glide.

The streets are a mess. Monsters and Witches alike run rampant on the streets and Andersen would rather not risk running into anyone. But he has to get an idea of what's going on.

So he watches from whatever vantage point he can squat on, always careful to keep a distance. And he does a good job at it, only... as he tries to take his leave, he happens to underestimate he distance and plummets right in front of you with an appalled sound that's halfway between a SHIT and a HONK.]

☆ 2 | MAGPIE

[Swans, unfortunately, have a strong territorial instinct. As the day wears on, Andersen begins to exhibit some particularly bird-like behaviors. In this case: what's yours is his. What, do you need it? Well, you shouldn't have left it laying around!

Which is, incidentally, how he's on the verge of butting heads with a rightfully pissed-off shopkeeper. A bunch of fruit and meat are scattered around his feet.]

Who'd want your lackluster excuse for food in the first place?! Your entire stock is bad. I did you a favor by throwing it out! Where's my thanks for that?

[You threw a whole rack of perfectly good sandwiches into the fountain! You were trying to run with my apples!

Without thinking, Andersen flares his wings and hisses. Some customers gasp and titter, nervous. The shopkeeper takes a step back. Uh-oh. This looks like it's getting tense.]

[quickwhip]

[ He nods in regards to the blond's words, gaze lingering on the floor while fingers still remain twisted in the bed sheets. How does he... why is this so difficult to do? Probably because no one's ever given a shit about him and he's always had himself to look out for. But this is... a lot bigger than he can handle on his own, much as he hates to admit it. So, he has to try. ]

Can you... just... I don't know. Stay here. With me?

[ Ugh that sounds so stupid and he comes to cover his face with a hand. ]

I just... want to go if that makes any sense and if I do... I don't know what I'll do.

[cryptsleeper]

Yes.

[It's an easy request to fill. Alucard understands the overwhelming nature well, everything. He can't do much to help but be a sort of warm body to be near for the time being, and that feels like the bare minimum of what Sypha would do in this situation.

He misses her so much. She could navigate this much better.]

I'll keep you inside tonight. Promise.

[quickwhip]

[ Nodding, he slowly allows himself to fall against the bed on his side, reaching for the other blanket he has on the bed and pulling it tight around him. Maybe it will help keep him in place and not want to jump out the window like a deep part of him wants to. ]

Thanks.

[ The word is soft but genuine. ]

Do you know if... [ God, he doesn't want to fucking ask this... ] ...if you're not around. If I... can't control it... is turning people possible like back home?

[ Because apparently he's turning into a vampire without having been bit?? ]

Widespread Chaos

[figmentpigment]

Oh, is that it? Had a little lapse of of judgement, is that all?!

[ With all the pillaging and looting going on and the mist raising everyone's hackles, the shopkeep is all too ready to take out their frustration on someone. ]

Whole city's off losing their minds, and you think sorry will make up for--

[ A dark shape drops from above, looming behind Monika. Four clawed and leathery arms grasp at her, pulling her in close to a furry, emaciated chest. Two more hulking, massive arms slam down between her and the shopkeep, and the Demon lets out a warbling screech of warning.

Leave its person alone. ]

[beariot]

[ Oh but the way her eyes briefly widened and her focus seemed to lock onto some of those feathers. It was as if she hadn't even heard what he said and immediately, at least gently, reached out to sort of just... pap at his crest, visibly delighted by how it bobbed before the mortification of her self-awareness crashed on her just as immediately. ]

Oh god, what am I doing?!

[cryptsleeper]

I don't know.

[It's a useless answer. One he's clearly sorry to be giving.]

I feel that at some point, everything blurred together. I'll make sure that's the first thing I find out in my research, Belmont.

[It's chilly on the floor. Alucard shivers slightly.]

Do you have a spare blanket?

[halfheartedmagician]

Hmmm...

[Asra leans comfortably closer and absently strokes his fingers against Connor's hand. The skin doesn't feel any different to what he would have expected, even knowing what the other man has revealed to him.]

Never? Not even before coming here?

[beariot]

[ It was definitely hard to miss that sound, Ursula peaking out of the classroom and finding Monika, making her way over and leaning down to help her gather the books. Poor girl... Ursula may have had to deal with some embarrassing instincts, but she could at least still maneuver easily in this form. ]

You didn't have to come in today, you know...

[quickwhip]

[ This feels like a great deal of deja-vu as he lays there on his side and, keeping silent for a moment, he comes to roll over on the bed, back pressed against the wall as he unwraps himself from the blanket around him some. ]

There's space here. If you want. But... I don't know. I get it if it's weird.

[ Maybe Alucard might think he might try to bite him? Jesus. That's a thing that's going to be a problem now, isn't it? ]

[cryptsleeper]

I'll fall back asleep.

[And he promised, didn't he?]

Not exactly what we're going for here.

[quickwhip]

[ Oh. ]

Right.

[ It's with that, he rolls around a little more and tosses the blanket to the blond then, crossing his arms as he lays there on his side still. ]

There.

[loadme]

I wanted to be here.

[She doesn't quite make eye contact with Ursula, her reptilian eyes off looking to the side at nothing in particular.]

At least in here I'm out of everybody's way.

[It's a bit of a struggle, but Monika's able to make herself upright by herself.

Small victories, she figures.]

I just can't used to being like this.

[And who could really expect her? Changes like these didn't weren't supposed to happen overnight.]