☆ 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

[scatmaam]

I feel... like I need an outlet. [ Lancer growled, her eyes darting in the direction of a louder smashing sound, something like glass being broken, seemingly several blocks down. ]

[whydogs]

[Jill didn't like this, her cat ears able to pick up that same noise off in the distance.

Yes, she had brought Lancer back, but what was good was that if she just lost her again? She needed her to stay, at least for as long as she could manage.]

Hey.

[Jill moved to the woman's front, face-to-face with her for the first time since their respective changes.]

How do you feel about a drink?

[She reached for and grabbed Lancer's hand, trying everything she could to prevent her mind from wandering.]

[scatmaam]

A drink... [ A heavy breath, pinching her eyes closed briefly as she realized it was a struggle even to focus on Jill... or at least to focus on her as Jill. She made such a pretty cat... such pretty prey... ]

The drink... doesn't do much for me, any longer. It doesn't keep the moon out of my ears...

[whydogs]

Is there anything I can do? You were gonna do some really bad things to those guys just now and...

[She's still looking at her, still making eye contact.

Still holding her hand.]

I'm worried about you.

[scatmaam]

[ Lancer held that eye contact for some time, before hers suddenly narrowed. The next movement was a flash, taking Jill's hands in her own, spinning her about and pinning her against the wall beside them, still under the lamp post light, leaning in close and letting out a low growl as she leaned in to take in a full breath of Jill's feline scent...

An outlet... She needed an outlet. ]

How far... are you willing to go, for the sake of a patron?

[whydogs]

[She had thought that Lancer was pretty, that much was obvious to her. And strong, too. Intimidating? Yeah, that too.

But to have all that turned and used against her...

There was a sense of fear, of course. This woman could so easily overpower and restrain her, yet there was also a sensation of wonder.

And arousal.]

I...

[She was so, so pretty, with a scent that was driving her wild.]

I'll do anything for you!

[scatmaam]

[ Enthusiastic consent, and Jill's scent told her exactly what "anything" she was offering. Which for Lancer's needs was perfectly fine. "Prey" was prey, no matter how it was "devoured". She knew that would settle the beast's soul inside of her... or at least hoped it would. But she wasn't about to sit around and hesitate in the absence of certainty. Her instincts were screaming at her to take this kitten for herself...

She bit down on Jill's throat, but certainly not the killing sort. Her teeth raked, but did not puncture, the soft flesh there, and she smoothed over all of it with her tongue, groaning as she did so, pressing against Jill as her wings folded to shield them both from prying eyes. ]

[whydogs]

[Jill's flushed face looked upon Lancer's, her own thoughts in sync with what the "predator" had in mind. Her neck was bared, leaning so that the woman had plenty to work with. And when teeth met skin, it was then that Jill let out a quiet gasp, one that was followed by a soft moan.]

Yes...

[scatmaam]

[ One hand released Jill's wrist, moving lower to drag her nails along the inside of the bartender's thigh, catching her tights with her nails and liberally tearing through them without much concern to get to the flesh beneath, her lips moving from Jill's neck to her mouth, stealing away a heavy, heated kiss. ]

[whydogs]

[Her eyes went shut as their lips finally met, Jill's tongue immediately seeking and pressing against Lancer's. The want and desire for her had come from out of nowhere, but she was all too willing to give in and have those urges fulfilled. There was a muffled moan once her legs were exposed, her now freed hand immediately reaching and groping Lancer's breast.]

warning; nsfw ahead from this point

[scatmaam]

[ The looseness of her blouse hid her figure much better than her bodysuit often did, but Jill's hand found plentiful purchases to hold on to regardless, a stiff nipple already greeting her beneath the fabric. She didn't like wearing too much in terms of restricting garments, and her under clothes were just a simple bodice and bust cover, hidden beneath the flowing blouse.

As for her own hand, she didn't simply stop at raking her fingers along the inside of Jill's thigh. She kept tearing at those stockings until her hand was fully between her legs, groping firmly at the heat between, fingers pressing hard against her, testing how ready she was... ]

[whydogs]

[The bartender's hand continued to busy itself with Lancer's ample bust. Grabbing, squeezing, and rubbing against that hardened nipple under her blouse. Her tongue and lips would remain pressed against the other woman's, deepening their kiss whenever possible.

Between her legs, Lancer would notice an obvious dampness, spreading and growing across the fabric of her underwear.

It took but a single push into her to bring out a desperate moan from the bartender.]

[scatmaam]

[ It was amazing how quickly her energy had shifted, from vicious and violent to possessive and lustful. Her hand pressed against Jill's core so firmly, she aimed to lift the girl entirely, to let her legs wrap about Lancer's waist and hold there as she pushed that last garment aside, finding those wet folds within, and brushing along them feverishly. ]

[whydogs]

[Lancer had been leading her, and Jill was all too eager to follow. Her legs found their place around the woman's waist, her toes curling as she pushed further into the bartender.]

Fuck me...

[She whispered in between kisses.]

Just... please, fuck me.

[scatmaam]

As you wish... [ Scathach practically growled out the words, pushing her fingers past those welcoming folds, two inside of Jill, spreading, seeking out those most sensitive spots feverishly, wanting to reward Jill's intensity and honesty. ]

[whydogs]

[Jill held on and pressed herself against Lancer, her hips pushing those fingers further in. Like the cat she'd been turned into, she had unmistakably found herself in heat and was all too willing to let herself be fulfilled by this woman.

She had to have it, everything that Lancer could give.

And the bartender would beg for it, calling out her name again, and again.]

[scatmaam]

[ Scathach had been blessed with eager partners before, but Jill's enthusiasm was a sort of intoxication all its own, just as strong as a fine drink and several times as sweet. It made her want to fulfill those desires even further, a wonderful outlet for all of her aggression and 'hunger', pumping her fingers heavily within the other, curling, focusing keenly on any spot that got the strongest reactions. ]

[whydogs]

[She used her hands to further steady herself as Lancer's fingers brought her closer and closer. Jill could only give herself entirely to her urges, caring for little else until finally...]

I'm close... I'm...

[She hold on tightly to the warrior woman as she finally came, body and breasts pressed up against her as she rode that wave to its very end.]

[scatmaam]

[ Scathach pushed in close, easily maintaining the ability to just left Jill off the ground and hold her there, pressing her lips against the edge of the bartender's ear, whispering heavily, heat in her voice. Her fingers held pressure at the core of Jill, that most sensitive bundle of nerves, just barely moving back and forth... ]

That's right... come for me... such good, pretty prey...

[whydogs]

[Jill was left a mess.

A sweaty, sticky, and satisfied mess. She'd held on tightly to Lancer, only to slump against her as it was finally over. The bartender's head rested on top of the woman's shoulders, with her twintails cascading over the other's back as she tried to catch her breath.]

God, that was...

[Followed by heavy breathing.]

Fuck.

[scatmaam]

[ Scathach was able to cradle Jill against her, still supporting the bartender's weight and holding her up by the back of her thighs. The sensation of Jill's heartbeat, her breath, were so clear and present in Scathach's ears, heating her up still, knowing that despite the girl's orgasm... She, herself, was not yet satisfied. ]

[whydogs]

[It was similar for Jill. Being so close, with her altered body and her heightened senses. The lull in their intimacy was enough for her to become keenly aware of the woman's scent, and heartbeat. And though Jill herself had been satisfied, there was another hunger making itself impossible to ignore.

Another desire.

Still being held, she lifted her head and looked Lancer straight in the eyes, offering only two words...]

My turn.

[There was a brief yet confident grin on her face, before she suddenly pressed her lips against against Lancer's.]

[scatmaam]

[ Jill's boldness, that indefinable quality of "courage", was impressing Scathach by leagues already, and she felt her arousal spike just hearing those words and feeling the heat behind that kiss, returning with just as much desire, leaving her need open and naked for Jill to feel, to know beyond simply what her senses suggested.

How would the bartender consume that desire, Scathach wondered? How did she approach a lover so beastly as her? ]

[whydogs]

[She just couldn't get enough of Lancer, not when the two of them were so... willing to indulge and satisfy their desires. Kissing and touching her was all well and good, but there had something be something else.

Something more...

Jill rather liked the way she looked and smelled, and also the way she tasted. Her mouth moving over to nibble and tug on the woman's earlobe.]

[scatmaam]

[ Fine enough for the moment... a lovely little glimpse of Jill's eagerness, but they both knew it wouldn't do them well to remain at such a slow pace. The energy was still too strong, still too red and hot and palpably soaked in the air between them. ]

Are you satisfied just doing that? [ Scathach teased with a low chuckle, hands once more grasping at the bartender's backside, tugging at those torn tights some more. ]