☆ 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

[unsundered]

[The Ascian wasn't impressed, precisely, but Mira had met his expectations so far, so points to her. Efficient, with the appropriate use of force against those so very much weaker than her. Acceptable.

Emet-Selch follows more casually after her, stepping into the more open air, stretching slowly.]

For now. Yet we're two against the population of the city. I suggest finding shelter before the next wave decides to test your restraint.

[Eventually, surely they'd tire her out, and then he might have to actually do something, and he wasn't about to let that happen.]

You can show me where you're staying, unless you have something better to do.

[He needed to stalk all of the Warriors, okay.]

[inlikethebrume]

[She doesn't even make a second thought; he's right and quite possibly the only way at the moment where she will not want to hit someone for being unappreciative. Mira takes a breath and nods, hoping that her roommate will understand the situation. Pretty sure she will.

Maybe. Probably. She has no idea but what other choice do they have? Mira doubts any place involving the Coven is exactly safe and no one will follow them so...yeah, really no other choice.]

That sounds like the best course. I am sure Irhya will not mind if she is there.

[Alright, cat let's go. She'll keep to a light jog just to try and conserve some energy. Got to be careful now that she cannot feel the Light's Blessing.]

[unsundered]

[If nothing else, defending a building with limited access points was easier than fighting off a group in the open. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, but the Ascian preferred to be realistic.

The mention of the name has him humming to himself.]

Irhya? Well, how convenient. Saves me the trouble of tracking down another of you.

[So many friends to keep track of.

More running. He sighs inwardly, but keeps pace with Mira. Getting somewhere safer in a reasonable amount of time was worth the small exertion.]

[inlikethebrume]

[Clearly the most logical. Not to just keep an eye on select people, not at all. This is totally fine for friends and comrades to do.]

Well now, if you two have already been acquainted, then that makes it all the easier. We're staying in The Haven so there's less of a chance of being attacked...and hopefully quieter.

[She can't help but keep an eye on Emet-Selch, mainly because she's never seen him run so much and how much is too much? Does he follow the squishy mage ideal? Thankfully she can see the living area and more specifically, the house where it will be safe for some time as she points out to it. While it's not like the fancier places, there's a charm to it that makes Mira at least feel safe as she gestures to the entrance, coming to a stop.]

Right here. It's not like some of the other places but I like it and it's quiet.

[Opening the door and letting him go in first. What? She does have manners for a Brumeling.]

[unsundered]

[The problem with living among mortals was having to pretend to have their limitations. So Emet-Selch isn't unfamiliar with the concept of running, or physical combat, or other such nuisances. It had been some time since he'd last had to bother, but he knew how it worked.

Of course, now he genuinely had those limitations, and while his Garlean body may have started with all its points in strength and constitution, he remains a squishy mage at heart.

So he is actually a little tired. Granted, his normal level of energy was 'basically nothing', so that didn't help. Cats weren't distance runners anyway.]

Quiet is all I'm hoping for, honestly.

[And he'll accept that politeness and proceed her, ears reflexively pricked forward, in case of an ambush, but- as she'd claimed, it seemed both safe and quiet.]

...Not doing too badly for yourself, I see.

[inlikethebrume]

[Mortality is a bitch, ain't it? Once he steps in, Mira takes a peek and it does appear like no one else is home. He'll be able to notice that while the house is nice, the place doesn't appear to be gaudy or flashy (probably a bad thing) but it does appear to be lived in. Such as a corner of the living area having several books stacked up as well as what appears to be a handmade journal opened up with various writings.

Nothing secret, just notes on plants native to the city and starter potions that can be made. Gotta get that knowledge.]

I think most of it came with the dwelling. A chance of luck but who am I to look away from a stroke of it? [It's said with a little smile because hey, she'll take it.]

Go ahead and make yourself comfortable for now. I'll go ahead and start some tea.

[Because she certainly does not have any alcohol and Halone knows that something like that may end up with them in much more trouble. That and the last couple of times when drinks were involved, they got spiked and Shit Happened. But now that the chase is done and all is calm, this means they can talk and try to get to know each other. Hopefully it won't end in fire.]

[unsundered]

[And Emet-Selch does take a minute or two to inspect the place, much like a cat investigating its new territory, scoping out good places for a nap. Or at least checking out those books. Personal journal? Yeah he'll just be taking that with him over to the couch, just to have something to idly flick through while Mira was busy with the drinks.]

I should find something similar to this place for myself. I've mostly been making do with... [Absolute wrecks of places.] lesser accommodations.

[Hopefully with Mira making the tea, she can avoid another unfortunate poisoning incident. No guarantee about the fire though; so many things often did end that way.

But no, with any luck it would stay nice and cozy, a pleasant chat between Ascian and champion.]

[inlikethebrume]

[That comes out as a shock to Mira as she pokes her head, having already set up the kettle and is just waiting for the water to boil and sing. As for that journal, good luck finding any dirt there. But there is a sign within Mira's writing that each stroke is an attempt to be precise and clean.]

Truly? I would think it little for you to have found a place by now.

[Ok so she for some reason pictured him going into one of the fancier places and claim it for himself.]

May I ask where exactly have you been staying these past couple weeks?

[unsundered]

[Even with the lack of secrets, the book does tell him that Mira is organized and with decent enough handwriting, which is another small mark in her favor. And any information she'd gathered is information he didn't have to seek out himself, so, bonus.

The question has him glance up to her, then immediately look away, ears twisted back. Not quite embarrassed, but- disgruntled?]

Eh....

[If he had his normal abilities- then yes, the nicest of places, and good luck to anyone who tried to evict him. But well, if he'd had his normal abilities he could've just created an entire damned city to live in by himself.

But a large place, a nice place would attract others, who would either expect to live there with him (unacceptable), or attempt to oust him (also bad). Until his magic was better, he doubted his ability to defend against the unwanted hordes.]

I've drifted between a few abandoned... things. It's not as though it's my preference, even if it's not the first time I've had to make do. Better than failing to fend off a group in defense of someplace nicer.

[It's just a given that he'd be doing everything on his own.]

[inlikethebrume]

[You mean the info she copied from one of the books? It's practically free information and she cannot exactly keep them forever so someone needs to get all the information they can. Even if it's just on plants, it'll be handy to have.

The kettle hisses and wheezes and she quickly ducks back into the kitchen as the clattering of dishes can be heard. A minute or two later, Mira returns with two large steaming mugs of tea. Bugger saucers, this calls for breaking out the big 'This day kind of sucks so indulge in the big cups' as she hands one out to the ascian.]

It seems anyone can have an issue with finding a place to sleep. Mayhap that should be something to look into after this situation calms down.

[As for now...]

But for the time being, it would be folly to let you wander around alone.

[She's sure (maybe) Irhya would be ok with this and it's only for a day or two. The last thing Mira wants to do is say she wants to cooperate and then boot him to the street in a time of crisis.]

[unsundered]

[Putting down the book for later perusal, Emet-Selch accepts the cup with a nod. This was definitely a day to bring out the Big Cups and something warm.

Mira's words draw a frown though, and a dismissive sort of shrug.]

Concerned for my safety? [The idea still struck him as a touch bizarre, or at best belated.] I may not have your giant sword, but I believe I can handle a few aggressive locals, even now.

[Really, his problems were entirely self-created. Pride, and a general desire for solitude made it difficult to accept the presence of strangers, not when he was so severely reduced. These weren't people from a known world he could easily subjugate or manipulate. They were potential threats.

His extremely low opinion of mortal forms didn't help any. He'd never been so limited, even when actively pretending to be one of them; he'd always had the awareness of his real capabilities, he never stopped seeing the world in his particular way. It was hard to get over the idea that his body was anything but 'completely useless.']

But if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were offering myself a place to stay for a time.

[He's... not entirely sure what he thinks about that.]

[inlikethebrume]

[She shrugs as she takes a sip from her mug. Of course the idea would be crazy. Can anyone from their world just imagine it? One of their own showing a kindness to one who wanted to destroy worlds to regain what was once lost?]

If Irhya is alright with it then I see no issue for the time being. The choice is up to you naturally.

[If he wants to keep sneaking into places like a rat and try to evade angry villagers, that's up to him. Mira offered and that's all she can do.]

[unsundered]

[Crazy on both their ends. He's not sure why he's even considering it.]

Is that truly safe for me...? Staying under the same roof as two of my murderers.

[His tone is light enough; Emet-Selch didn't honestly believe he was in particular danger from either of the Warriors, as unreal as that idea felt. Focusing on the tea instead, he taps his claws against the mug as he thought. Mira and Irhya were 'known' to him, which was preferable to staying with an untested quantity. It was an extremely strange sort of known, but not necessarily bad.

In the end the most compelling argument in favor was that he was just very... tired.]

...Perhaps for a time, if Irhya likewise accepts my presence. 'Tis an opportunity for greater understanding between us.

[inlikethebrume]

[Use that bit against her, why don't you? She's gonna just sip her drink because she still has Thoughts but if more questions come up, she'll answer. But there is such a thing called information overload and even if he was an immortal being before, anyone can be overwhelmed.

Or so she thinks. Can't be sure.

She doubts he's had other options considering most people probably have...reservations. Like 'punt this rat-looking man into the trash' kinds and yet here is this Warrior who is offering a roof to stay under for some time. It's probably the most dangerous thing she has done so far but then again, she DID pick up a Soul Crystal off a corpse and has killed a few Temple Knights for trying to murder an innocent child. Or tried to force their will on a young woman. Yeah, dark knights run into the weirdest shit.]

Given how you two have met before and it doesn't seem to have come to blows, the possibility of you being safe here is a greater chance.

[unsundered]

[One's imminent death was a hard thing to overlook, and he was still getting used to the idea. Though Emet-Selch didn't intend to use it as a weapon against any of the Warriors too often. He didn't exactly want to dwell on his fate overmuch.]

It's not as though I require your protection. My only enemies here would be- well, you lot, and we seem to have worked that out quite nicely.

[A renewed cooperation. Not that it eliminated the danger- nothing could do that, neither of them could help who they were, everything that they'd done.]

You can show me around later, and I can decide where I'll be staying.

[Watch him pick her room like yes this would be acceptable, what do you mean these are your things, why is that my problem.]

[inlikethebrume]

It is as you said; there is nothing to gain from being on opposite sides in this place. But I must admit to being curious about the intentions of why we were called here.

[Just to destroy dark magic? No, something else is off. That can't be the only reason...again, blame this recent adventure.]

It is not draped in fineries but the beds are comfortable and there is plenty of room as well as shelter.

[Don't even try to go after her bed, rat catte.]

[unsundered]

To solve someone else's conflict? Unwilling sacrifices in some strange war? I'm not at all certain what they were thinking bringing the likes of myself here. They're making some terrible assumptions regarding my inclination to help.

[Dissatisfaction rising to the surface again. His claws scrape against the mug before he can calm them; forcing a distraction, he drinks for a moment instead.]

Perhaps it's some cruel entertainment, watching how these disparate pieces interact.

[A sigh.]

So long as we can avoid getting in one another's way overmuch. Well, if it becomes too troublesome, I'll just leave.

[Good luck budging him once he's settled somewhere.]

[inlikethebrume]

Who knows at this point. But it is something to try and look into; being idle will only make me bored and I rather spend my time doing something productive.

[And a bored Mira is bad indeed. Does anyone really want to hear about some Mirrorbound climbing the highest point in the city when there's nothing to use for steps?]

If the house was smaller, I would be worried. But it seems to be alright; I doubt we would overstepping boundaries.

[Like seriously, there's probably another bathroom around so no one person is gonna be yelling to get in.]

[unsundered]

Even if I care not for this city's fate, I admit a small curiosity to how you'll solve things here. If you can, without your goddess' influence behind you.

But as of yet, our captors haven't expected much of us. If that changes, we should be prepared, regardless.

[And he would be watching. Unlikely to be moved to assist unless there was some direct benefit to himself, but. It wasn't as though he intended to be idle himself, with information to gather, magic to learn. There was much to do, always, and it was all tiresome.]

And as long as you're both quiet, there shouldn't be an issue. I prefer to sleep in.

[It'll be harmonious until someone uses up all the hot water.]

[inlikethebrume]

[So...blame him then?]

It is strange not to feel the Echo this time or any other parts of her Blessing...but that does not mean I will be useless. There is more to me than the Mother Crystal's power and I intend to show as such.

[Recalling how Midgardsormar stripped her of said Blessing long ago and yet she still moved on and fought. But for starters, she'll need to try and get her hands on any information about the current events from the city and around. The Coven would be a good start but Mira knows that sometimes, one needs to dig around in various places where no one will bother to go such as the slums and poorer areas.]

I will try to keep my reading to a level that will not disturb your slumber, don't worry.

[It's said with a slight upturn of her lips but what else did he expect? Mira does not truly go out and party because who usually has to clean up the messes anyway?]

[unsundered]

[When in doubt, blame the Ascian.]

I hope so. If there was nothing to you but the Light, I'd be quite disappointed. And who knows, mayhaps you'll even start thinking for yourself, away from Her presence.

[Or not; how deep could a goddess' claws strike? Emet-Selch was aware that Zodiark's claim on him remained, even here, even if he could no longer feel His presence. Not that he minded the stain on his soul- but then, that was the nature of those tempered.]

No... you don't really strike me as the boisterous sort.

[And thank Zodiark for that. It would be nice, for once, to have a sensible, quiet friend. Why did everyone have to be so loud all the time, especially towards him.]

...As an aside, what sort of magic are you focusing on? I assume we're meant to specialize.

[inlikethebrume]

[Excuse you, she does think for herself. Mostly. Doubt She's fond of the dark knight lifestyle but oh well, gotta go for those dreams. It's actually pretty hilarious in hindsight: a servant of the Light who uses the Abyss and Darkness to get the job done but whatever works.]

I try not to be. There are others who make twice as much noise and so I leave that to them. But I am the type who rather have their actions speak for themselves than words.

[You can say whatever you want but until you can do the thing, it means shit. But then she taps the top of her mug when the question of magical specialities comes up.]

There's two I have been looking into, Alchemy and Evocation. [Hence the basic plant and alchemy books as well as notes.] But it feels like I should try to see another route. Too many choices and the option to do all is not an answer.

[unsundered]

[Dark and Light were just aspects, ultimately, completely divorced from inherent morality. But 'thinking for yourself' translates to 'agree with Ascian plans' as far as Emet-Selch's concerned.]

Then it sounds as though we'll get on quite well.

[A sentence that sounds a little ominous, somehow.]

Not a bad combination. And I see you've already begun on your studies. [That did explain the plant notes he'd briefly observed.] There's a lot to choose from... as unimpressive as they all seem.

I've started with Conjuration and Evocation myself. [A small shrug.] Plus teleportation, of course.

[inlikethebrume]

[If they were taken from a time before the First's troubles, then it would be much more worrisome. Although her fellow Warriors and allies may find it odd or pecuilar that instead of trying to shun the ascian, Mira chooses to work with him. As long as no one does anything dumb.

Besides, shunning him would deny thousands of years of history and knowledge. She'd be stupid to turn that down, especially if it can be applied here.]

My thought was that knowing both styles could come in handy when the time comes; to try and understand magic a bit more. And the possibility of a scenario if one magic cannot be used, another can be used as an advantage.

[When she hears about him learning teleporting again, the thought of some people needing some kind of counter charm comes to mind. She wouldn't blame them but then again, she has a sword and probably would use it as a club. But hey, they're discussing matters like adults right now. There's some hope.]

[unsundered]

[That's because Mira is Sensible, and some of the other Scions and whatnot could learn from her example.]

Alchemy for the mundane and practical, yes. While Evocation seems more suitable for direct combat. It shouldn't be too difficult to combine them as well to added effect.

Although if you're learning Alchemy... [He hums to himself, looking thoughtful.] You need materials for that, correct? My Conjuration, as it improves, may be able to assist.

[A sudden frown, and he gestures dismissively with one hand.] --Though my generosity is boundless, it's not because of that. I'm going to be practicing regardless, so I might as well create objects that are useful to someone.

[And it would be a small repayment for any communal supplies he was bound to nick without asking.

Just don't mind him casually teleporting between rooms to deliver things. Sorry about your privacy, Mira.]