☆ 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

[escardos]

Torture...I guess it is that, huh?

[ flat hadn't considered a name for his actions until berserker had decided to give them one. certainly enough, the pain that the victims would have to go through would be akin to torture.

but they wouldn't die, if done correctly, so they wouldn't go to waste, would they? and if they did, then flat would make sure that the rest of the body was usable, too. organs could be harvested and taken to hospitals or even used for magic and the bones...well, he could give those to berserker.

he beams up at him, hoping that berserker would be willing to help him. ]

Sure! I'd really like it if you helped me, actually. It'll be fun.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Total chaos. The logical part of his mind that was trying to regain control has all but been shrugged off now. The potential for chaos here is so high that he actually feels a thrill run through him. How strange...This boy is trouble and he's along for the ride. ]

Let's go. Just point me at who you want and I'll make sure they don't escape.

[escardos]

Heh.

[ flat smirks in response to berserker's agreement to help him. in a way, it's almost as if he has forgotten that meaning in life that his professor had tried so hard to inspire--

or more like he has decided to trust his own instincts, as amoral as they are. humans are little more than fuel, tools to be used and disposed of once their purpose is fulfilled. today, he'll make sure that someone fulfills theirs. ]

I'll call them over. Then, all you gotta do is pull them in when they're close and hold them down so that we can get started, okay?

[ he'll nod towards berserker and walk closer to the opening of the alleyway, putting the face of a worried citizen as he calls for someone to help him.

the person who answers him is a young man, walking towards flat to see what was going on.

hook. line. and sinker. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker's penchant for dark colors makes it easier for him to blend into the shadows. The moment Flat has their target distracted, he yanks him down by the arm. He struggles, of course, and tries to scream, but it's cut off by a clawed hand clamping over his mouth. The dragon pins him down by the arms with his legs, using his weight to hold him there. ]

How unlucky for you. [ He remarks coldly. ] My friend is going to make you regret trying to help.

[escardos]

[ friend.

amidst the madness of this scene, flat’s eyes can’t help but flicker up at berserker, pleasantly surprised at being described as such. to be considered a friend, even like this—perhaps because of this....

he likes it. ]

He fell for it so easily, didn’t he? [ flat grins broadly, his excitement contrasting with berserker’s coldness. from under his cloak, he pulls out a knife, large and coated in still drying blood. ] Sir, let’s see how many of your organs I can take out before you pass out from blood loss.

[ and with that, he plunges the knife into the man’s abdomen, dragging it down in a vertical cut. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ This is certainly a more bizarre and gruesome beginning of a friendship than most would be comfortable. It suits Berserker just fine, though, being able to ... essentially be an accomplice to murder. He's completely given into his feral instincts, the scent of blood making his heart race. An odd fog clouds everything in his mind, making this feel far away and bizarrely hazy. It's like a particularly brutal dream.

The scent of blood is already making him want to tear the man apart, his grip tightening on their victim to the point where there's an audible cracking sound; the strength of a dragon is impressive. He's gone enough that he has to fight to speak, his voice sounding strangely low with a growled edge to it. ]

Two...That's all it takes...

[escardos]

Just two? Guess that’s fair.

[ flat’s grin grows, ignoring the muffled screams of the man as his bones are cracked from the force that berserker applies on him and from the sharp pain of having his insides torn open.

and goes further in with both hands, enjoying the warm blood that rushes into his hands and arms alike, occasionally even on his face. it makes him feel... alive. and with that thought, he tugs, pulling out the first organ like one would pull out a rope. ]

Look, it’s your small intestines! Berserker, did you know that they used to use catgut for violin strings? But catgut isn’t made from cats, it’s actually made from herbivores. Like sheep.

[ he continues pulling at them, letting them pile on the floor. ]

What I’m saying is, I could probably make a violin with this guy. I guess I’d need to learn how to make a violin first, but I’m sure I can find books, right?

[ the man is barely conscious now, face pale and clearly close to death. flat looks at him, patting his forehead with a bloodied hand. ] Sir, no passing out now. Let me find another organ first!

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ The blood and the viscera are enough to almost drive him over the edge. While his expression is neutral, the intensity he watches the scene unfold with is palpable. An excited growl rumbles in his chest, his body stiffens, though he tries to keep his grip from tightening any further. Berserker can't really respond to Flat right now, not with how far gone he is. It's a miracle he still clings to any sense of his self.

He shakes their victim in an attempt to rouse him further; the pain has to be unimaginable for him. Stay awake for a little longer, keep squirming is what he's trying to communicate. It's too early for him to lose consciousness just yet.

This is a criminally inefficient way to murder someone. ]

[escardos]

[ criminally inefficient it may be for a murder, but flat’s intentions were never to end the man’s life. not directly, that is. maybe the blood loss or repeated stabbings would do him in, or eventually being left alone to succumb to his wounds would. death would come one way or another, but flat didn’t intend to have it be now.

he mumbles a spell, using the man’s own blood as a fuel for it. it’s a third rate healing spell, just enough to get the man semi conscious. ]

Sir, we’re almost done here. [ he plunges the knife again, practically preening when the blood begins to flow again. the man screams again. ] Then I’ll leave you with my friend. He’ll take good care of you.

[ with both hands deep in the man’s abdomen, flat searches for something, focuses, and then pulls. with a wet pop comes out the man’s stomach. ] Well, well, thank you so much for your donation, sir—and still barely clinging to life! And now, I’ll let mister Berserker do as he wants! [ he beams at him, the sweet smile contrasting greatly with the blood that has reached his face. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It would be a mercy to just smother the poor unfortunate soul. Berserker gives a nod to Flat before quickly, mercifully ending their victim's life. It's nearly a soundless death as he strikes the man in the chest hard enough to stop his heart.

With the way he's flayed open right now, the dragon can see a prize he wants: bones. His spine, rib cage, and skull are what he's particularly interested in. Claws tear away flesh, covering his hands in blood as he does the gruesome work. There won't be much left when he's done...He'll have to squirrel away the flesh-covered bones somewhere secluded, then find somewhere to dump the body. ]

[escardos]

[ flat watches on with interest, not really afraid of the sound of bones crunching or of berserker’s rather frightening aura. they’re friends, after all.

flat looks down at the organs and bones, the sad remains of what was once a person, wearing a smile void of any malice. ]

Those bones could come pretty useful I think? Turn them into jewelry or weapons and enchant them. The organs are useful, too, but I can’t take it all. They’ll definitely flip out in the Coven. Silly, right?

[ still, it seems that he had some idea of what to do—perhaps it was all a terrible, half baked plan that finally came true. having previously picked up a jar from those trash piles, he takes the stomach, and gently pushes it inside.

he looks at the organ in the jar like as if it was precious to him, and then shifts his gaze towards berserker with that same look. ]

I’m not really good at enchanting anything yet. But when I am, I’ll make something for you, okay? As a thanks.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ As he finishes up stripping bones of flesh, the aggression fades out of him. A moment of lucidity in the haze of feral instinct makes him realize, at least partially, what happened.

Hm. A mess to clean up. At least it didn't seem like this guy would be one anyone would miss.

He gives a faint smile to Flat, though, at the offer. ]

You don't need to do anything like that...But I will accept it if you choose to do it anyway.

[escardos]

You will?! That's great!

[ flat's eyes widen in excitement, clearly overjoyed to not only hear berserker accept the offer, but also smile at him. even the faintest smile is a huge win in flat's books, especially in the middle of this chaos that they've both created.

speaking of... ]

We should clean this up somehow... I never thought I'd get this far so I never brought anything. Should we throw the body over the harbor or something? We can put stuff on him so he'll sink, I guess. Sink like a stone, right?

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He's more coherent now, at least, and able to speak. His voice is still strained with an undeniably rough edge to it. ]

I can take him out further so his body won't just wash back up on shore.

[ Stones and all. There's less than a full person's weight on the corpse now with the pieces removed. Berserker's strong and capable of carrying more than just this even with the extra weight. ]

Leave dumping this to me.