☆ 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.

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OTA

[inlikethebrume]

The Mist: Widespread Chaos/State of Emergency

[Mira finds herself one of the luckier folks within the city, unchanged and wits kept about. Although it doesn't seem luck is much in her favor, having decided going outside in the middle of the night for a nice walk. She has Shadowbringer with her, like anyone would even try to attack while she has a greatsword the size of her strapped on her back.

A group will find themselves on her path as they go from place to place and take anything they want, one of them does see the dark knight and points what appears to be some makeshift wooden tool...was that supposed to be a weapon? They demand for her to relieve herself of any valuables, only to have Shadowbringer cut down the tool with ease.]

I think it is time for you to go home now.

[There's a hint of a smirk as she watches the terrified expressions of the looters as they scamper away. She shakes her head, worried at the scenes before her.]

It looks like it's time to do what I do best.

[But did it count if the city is going mad? Mira doesn't question it for now, people may be hurt. Don't mind the lady with the sword running around and stopping looters. She doesn't even need to use it! Mostly. Or you may see her using said sword as a shield for some poor innocent as she guides them to safety.]


Damage Control

[She's been up all night and while walking through the streets, she felt something moist hit her cheek. While she's grateful her spectacles were not the target, Mira feels the moisture and realizes it is sticky and warm.

Did someone just spit at her?

She simply wipes it off her cheek and continues to walk but can hear the voices talk down to her. "It's the Mirrorbounds' fault this happened!" One hisses nearby which makes Mira turn and face her coldly.]

Quite a different tune you sing. Were you not someone protected by one who you curse?

[Instead, she keeps walking and takes the jeers. Their words mean nothing to her...even if she feels like smacking someone.]


Wildcard

[Got a different idea in mind? Hit me up!]

damage control; general spoiler warning

[unsundered]

[Emet-Selch catches the near-altercation by chance, holding back to see how Mira handled things. He'd received... similar reactions as well, and had reacted by either ignoring it, or with the application of a few more claws. It wasn't as though being disliked was a new thing to him, but being hassled was an annoyance. And the Ascian had very little patience left to spare on a spiteful population.

Unlike Mira, Emet-Selch was somewhat less fortunate when it came to the transformation aspect of the present days. Dark feline ears were set on his head- currently showing caution, if not particular concern- and a long tail was concealed under the solidity of his coat. Needle-like claws prevented the use of his usual gloves, and he had a bizarre inclination to knock objects off of ledges.

Mentally, at least, he was otherwise as fine as he ever was.

Which. Didn't say much, really.

When no outright violence seems about to take place, he moves to approach. Falling into step beside Mira, Emet-Selch glances sideways at her, ears curious, expression neutral. Considering some of the things he'd learned recently- there's a slight hesitation in his manner. Not wariness, exactly, but uncertainty.]

Enjoying the hospitality of the locals, I see.

[This was just how mortals were, after all, it didn't surprise him.]

[inlikethebrume]

[The so called welcome of the ascian is something Mira will take over some sniveling little shite who doesn't have the stones to bring up their concerns to her face. Nay, they only seek temporary means to let out their frustration and as tempting it is to want to hit back...it won't do anything in the end.]

If this is how they react, I fear what a larger scale incident would bring about.

[She doesn't look at him at first but once she turns her head, the first thing she notices is those cat ears on his head. By the Fury-!]

Oh my...

[She bites her lower lip because oh wow. That is quite a surprise to see. Do not giggle or say anything about them, Mira.]

[unsundered]

[She noticed them. Of course she would, they were rather obvious.

...And rather irritating, the way they flicked back, demonstrating his annoyance, even though he'd managed to keep his manner otherwise detached. And Emet-Selch is torn between bringing them up, getting it out of the way, and just. Refusing to acknowledge that this was a thing that was happening.

It was at least a distraction from asking her about his future. Not the distraction he necessarily wanted, though.

In the end, he chooses to ignore it, staring fixedly straight ahead, most definitely not wanting to see it if Mira did start laughing at him.]

--Further violence. Rioting. The mirrorbound murdered in their beds for the crime of being trapped here. The usual thing you mortals do when something frightens you and there's no easy fix.

[inlikethebrume]

[It's hard to resist. And probably rude to make a comment about them but now there is confirmation that he is a cat in a hyur body. She stops biting her lower lip, able to hold back her actual thoughts of his new look (and believe her, she does not want that to come out and bite her in the arse).

Nope, nothing here. It's fine.]

And it will only get worse if a hand is raised to try and strike back. No matter which choice is made, someone will get hurt.

[How much longer will it be until rocks are thrown instead of insults or spit?]

Is it safe to assume you too have gotten the same welcome?

[unsundered]

[It would be extremely rude. And he is honestly a small bit relieved that Mira is somehow refraining from mentioning his new accoutrements. For as long as it lasts, it'll earn her the tiniest amount of gratitude.]

Much the same. The comments, the accidental jostling. I don't think I've been spat on yet, but I'm sure it'll happen.

[How long was this going to go on for? Was this going to become yet another new normal for him?]

But if escalation is inevitable, I much prefer to be the one doing the striking.

[inlikethebrume]

I would offer a handkerchief but alas, I have none.

[She shrugs as she wishes that she wore her armor instead but that is back at the place with her fellow dark knight buddy.]

Why don't we try using an alleyway as a shortcut? It may lessen the chances of being spotted by the locals and I truly am not in the mood to use my sword.

[Only if they attack first. Either way, she's going to find one such alleyway because screw the jeers and the saliva bombs. It would just make her rage more and thank the Fury she did not have her abilities otherwise people would be pooping themselves at some of her skills. Not to hurt them but she can definitely show them why poking a dark knight is a very bad idea.]

[unsundered]

Fine with me. And if we are attacked- well, there should be fewer witnesses.

[With her sword and his height, they probably at least looked like a pair that would be healthier to avoid provoking.

But really, did the locals have a death wish? If they truly believed the mirrorbound or monsters were behind all of this, why would they go out of their way to aggravate them? That's just asking to be killed.]

It's enough to make one want to stay inside until this all blows over. At least until we're all rounded up and executed, or the city catches on fire.

[inlikethebrume]

...your mind goes to the darkest places, doesn't it?

[It's the first thing that comes to mind and that's saying something. Thankfully the alleyway she leads them through is practically quiet and without another soul to make noise. For once, the silence is a comfort.]

I was already out when this started, it was much worse then.

Chaos

[darkcharge]

[ One such looter she may come across is Vanitas. He's not actively breaking into homes, donning his Organization gear rather than his dark suit. His hood is drawn up, be it to conceal his features or to block out all else is anyone's guess. No, he is simply going through places that have already been busted into earlier.

And why not? If people want to leave their stuff unguarded then let this be a lesson to them. Of course Vanitas doesn't seek out money or things that will likely fetch a high price. He's meticulous as he meanders around. What he is picking out to take, in this case it seems to be a small doll, doesn't seem to have any value at all.

Or does it? ]

Vani plz

[inlikethebrume]

[She does see this hooded figure skulking around and like any curious person, follows them to see what they are up to. Something is different about how they move; from what she noticed, people just went in and took whatever they saw and it didn't matter what. No, this one is looking for something else...

It's a good thing Mira chose not to wear armor because the sound would not be good for her and sneaking. She peeks around as she notices what is in the figure's hand. A...doll?]

Hey, is that yours?

plz continue to be a brat?

[darkcharge]

[ Very good thing that there isn't the metallic clink of armor echoing through the air. Vanitas would have heard it, not that he would have cared overmuch. Still a heads up would have been nice, you know? Then he wouldn't actually be somewhat surprised when a voice interrupts his thoughts.

Is it his? Oh please. ]

I think you already know the answer to your question

Bad child /spray bottles

[inlikethebrume]

[Oh good, surprising the kid is a plus as she folds her arms.]

If that is so...I cannot help but be curious as to why the riches within the home seen to have been lost on you and yet that particular object has gained your interest.

[darkcharge]

[ Oh he knows to anyone just observing him that probably seems really odd. Why take something this innocuous? ]

What good is taking anything of worth? If these guys can afford this home then what wealth they've lost can be earned back. Anything inside that people think they can resell may be tracked or shop owners will refuse to buy.

[ Vanitas tosses the doll. Up and down. Up and down. ]

So what would they miss that can't be replaced, I wonder.

[inlikethebrume]

But let me ask you this: how do you know that what you are holding will be missed?

[There's other dolls around so why that one?]

How do you know that doll is a cherished memory and not something that may be considered meaningless?

[darkcharge]

It's easy to figure it out if you know what you're looking for.

[ He tilts the doll sideways and shows the repair stitches in the dress. The hair that's no longer in tight curls. ]

Also it was on the bed.

[ Another giant clue right there, really. ]

[inlikethebrume]

[Ok that makes sense. But Mira folds her arms and stares down the boy.]

And yet you wish to punish a child. Tell me why again it is such a good idea?

[It's not actually. Sheesh if you wanna do that, aim for what an adult would go for, not a kid.]

damage control!

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose had been trying her best to blend in. With the entire city blaming the Mirrorbound for their suffering, she didn’t have much other choice. She wasn’t going to suffer being ridiculed.]

[Still, she can’t help but take notice that not everyone is so lucky. When she sees someone walk past, they spit at her, and Rose just shakes her head.]

There’s no point in trying to reason with them. It’s clear the people here lack common sense.

[inlikethebrume]

[Oh thank the Fury, someone from Eorzea it seems. Maybe the First? It matters not, they seem familiar and were not wanting to try and chase her out.]

And yet so easy to turn at the first sign of danger. It is rather remarkable that the city still stands despite it.

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose has no reason to try and chase Mira out, but she is greatful for the other girl’s presence. She doesn’t care where they come from, as long as they haven’t tried to kill her before.]

[She shakes her head in agreement, looking at the crowd.]

Yes, by my estimation, it’s thanks to the Mirrorbound this city hasn’t crumbled yet. No words of thanks, though, just attacks.

[A small frown forms on her lips.]

I had hoped it would be different elsewhere, but I suppose people are stupid no matter how far you travel.

[inlikethebrume]

Too scared to think properly or too quick to judge misfortune on a new element. It matters not what the truth is until far too late unfortunately.

[As she says this, a wealthy local decides to say a foul insult in their direction. Mira on the other hand waves them off with a roll of her eyes.]

Oh bugger off will you? I can assure that your tune will change if your life was in danger. Ungrateful, the lot of you.

[Shaking her head, she focuses on Rose for now.]

I do hope you have not gotten spat at for the most part.

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose shakes her head. She doesn’t disagree with anything the other girl is saying, which is a rarity. If only the circumstances were better.]

The sad thing is that none of them realize how quickly they’ll be begging us for help once things go south again. The Mirrorbound were responsible for keeping law and order the last few days, and I’m sure that another calamity isn’t far off.

[Thats her luck, as it turns out.]

I haven’t, thankfully. I tend to keep to myself and avoid drawing attention.

[inlikethebrume]

They will scorn those different from them until the time comes. There are times when I wish I could walk away and let them handle their own problems but I fear it would simply be worse.

[At the mention of avoiding attention, Mira looks to her greatsword on her back and makes a face. That's not avoiding, that's a target...and probably one that people shouldn't poke.]

Better than me I suppose. Tis a habit of mine and I fear what would happen if I did leave it where I rest.

[Such as the life of a Warrior.]

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose frowns. She agrees with the other girl for now, but she has a feeling that there are a few things they have different opinions about. Not that it matters yet.]

I’m much the same. Were I to try to leave the front lines at home, I fear what would happen. I was hoping here I could keep a low profile, and lead a simple existence, but...

[Her frown morphs into a sad smile.]

It’s less than a month, and trouble has already found me again. I doubt I’ll have much reprieve here.

[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?