☆ 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

[bad_crowmance]

[ Elliot's not exactly wrong, but probably not for the reasons he'd think. That being said, he grins when Elliot takes his arm. ]

The Harbor District, huh? Well you've definitely got me interested.

[ What do you have planned, Elliot! He's curious. ]

[fiddlestick]

Hehe, you'll see~ ♪

[He'll start on their walk, heading towards the Harbor district. Luckily the street seems pretty quiet from the earlier chaos.]

So have you been settling in okay?

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow kind of liked the chaos, but the quiet's a better atmosphere for a date anyway. ]

Yeah, it's not bad so far. The city's pretty nice. Got its problems, but what place doesn't?

[fiddlestick]

[Crow there was looting and people screaming in the streets.]

Yeah, that's true. And usually things aren't...this chaotic during full moons.

[A little hectic sure, but this is on another level]

Have you been going to class?

[bad_crowmance]

[ There may have been one or two problems. ]

Oh they're not? What's it usually like, then?

[ He's curious! But he nods at the next question. ]

And yeah, a little bit. Sometimes I don't even sleep through it.

[fiddlestick]

[Maybe one or two]

Only actual monsters get affected. And only the ones who don't have a bond or have been resisting the changes go feral. Otherwise they just get...more touchy, and furry I guess.

[In multiple senses of the words, his wings flutter nervously at the thought.

But goddess Crow. Elliot is a far cry from Model Student Machias, so he just sighs]

Oh boy ... well, as long as you're using enough magic so you don't explode.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow considers that. ]

So hectic-- but not quite this bad. I wonder why it's so much worse this time around. And affecting people it normally doesn't.

[ He shrugs after a moment. It's not like he'll figure out the answer right this second. ...And then he grins at the last part. ]

Yeah, I'm not interested in exploding. That's a little too dramatic, even for me.

[ What he doesn't say is this-- although he really does sleep through some of his classes, he's actually been practicing a lot on his own. Crow's actually really interested but he can't look like he is. ]

[fiddlestick]

No idea. I just hope there's a way to reverse it. It's been an interesting learning experience, but I'm not cracked up to being a monster.

[It's a hard role to fill when you're a weakass bard. And jeez Crow it's okay to admite you work at stuff. ]

Aha, good to know.

[As they get closer to the harbor, the smell of the sea and, well, fish, become more noticeable. There's more people around in the harbor area. Some people definitely struggling with their new monster natures, while others are deadset on continuing the Samhain celebrations]

[bad_crowmance]

[ It's absolutely not okay to admit he works at stuff. If he admits it, people might have expectations. ]

The dragon look's pretty cool... but it doesn't really suit you.

[ Crow closes his eyes as they get closer to the harbor, taking in the scents of fish and sea. This may not be home, but it's still a very nostalgic smell. ]

Say... what's with all the talk of exploding, anyway? Towa said something similar happens if you don't get any Bonds.

[fiddlestick]

[Oh no how terrible. Truly.]

Yeah...I know. [He sighs] I didn't even grow taller. Eren grew several rege with his dragon changes, but I didn't get anything.

[Stupid tall people, monopolizing all the height. He'll get over his sulking for the question though]

Well, that's ... kinda the case? Basically, magic energy builds up in witches over time. If it builds up too much, it can make you lose your mind and...eventually explode from all the energy.

Casting spells regularly certainly helps release some of that energy and there's other methods that help too ... but the most effective way to manage it is to Bond with a monster.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Sorry Elliot, you're stuck down there forever. Somehow, Craig the Red's height genes missed him entirely. ]

Oh yeah? What other methods?

[ You know, just asking casually. No big deal. ]

You know why Bonding helps so much, anyway?

[fiddlestick]

[He is... not even surprised Crow is trying to look into the other methods. Well, no harm in answering his questions]

You can take dampeners that'll limit your magic, or get a familiar.

[Get a cat Crow.]

Yeah. Monsters need a stable magic source to help keep from going feral. So when a witch bonds to one, their excess magic energy goes to them. It's mutually beneficial, in other words.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow will absolutely get a cat.

He listens to Elliot's explanation, nodding along. ]

That... makes sense, actually. From both sides.

[ It really does. It's just too bad he's allergic to feelings so the idea of someone being able to feel his all the time is...

....Well. ]

[fiddlestick]

Yeah. They take some getting used to, but they aren't so bad.

[That said...he is well aware of why Crow is asking. This is the guy who had an entire secret terrorist life. Trusting someone with your feelings to that extent is asking a lot]

... It's okay if you decide not to Bond though. I can help look more into dampeners or familiars, if you'd prefer that.

[bad_crowmance]

I really wasn't subtle there, huh?

[ Although to be fair, he wasn't trying to be. Goddess knows he can be discreet when he actually wants to. ]

Yeah, I was thinking of looking more into other methods. Dampers, familiars... any other methods, really.

[ His friends are great and he loves them, but it really is asking a lot. Crow's actually pretty grateful Elliot gets it. ]

[fiddlestick]

Eheh, well you're not the first person to not be a fan of the idea.

[He offers a smile, showing no hard feelings about it. At least Crow is looking into other methods, unlike some of the other people he's encountered...]

Right. Well, my vote is for familiar. Dampeners would hurt your magic, which could be bad if something comes up.

Also, I'd love having a cat around the house!

[And that's CLEARLY what matters]

[bad_crowmance]

[ That's ABSOLUTELY what matters. ]

I wouldn't mind having a cat around either.

[ Says the man with a cat toy in his pocket. Despite not, you know, actually owning a cat. ]

Maybe I should just go the opposite direction from Emma and find a white one. Or a tabby, those are always cute.

[fiddlestick]

[His eyes light up, just thinking about it]

Oh, that'd be so cute! What about one of those tabbies with white fur?

[By now, they're near the docks of the harbor meant for walking pedestrians and smaller fishing boats rather than the large ocean ships and serious sailors. There are some merchants around, selling different wares. Some have closed up shop with the chaos, but not nearly as many as one would think. Elliot looks around until his eyes lay on a food stall serving fish and chips ]

Whew, it's still open.

[Making his way towards that]

[bad_crowmance]

Oh, especially if it's an orange one. An orange tabby with white fur would be ideal.

[ All cats are good but some cats are just cuter than others, that's just science.

Crow's eyes light up when he sees the stand and realizes that's where they're heading. ]

You've been there before?

[ He says it casually, definitely not trying to let on how stoked he is. The eyes kinda give it away, though. ]

[fiddlestick]

Hehe, yeah! Redheads are pretty great...

[He feels both proud and embarrassed by that one.

But oh, he sees those eyes light up. It's probably a little shady, relying on trivia he learned about Crow after he died from other friends. But you gotta be resourceful when trying to charm someone like Crow. ]

Yup. I lived alone in the barracks the first couple months here, so I ate out a lot. [It was a very different life before the others showed up.

He gets in line. The stall has a good amount of business, mostly locals of the district. The menu has a small variety of different fried fish dishes. Typical stuff you'd find in a stall like this]

This place kinda reminded me of a pub in Machias's neighborhood, so I came here a lot.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Please, it's Crow. You pretty much need to be shady to get trivia about him in the first place. ]

Not that you're biased about redheads, right?

[ He's teasing, but it was a pretty good line. And Elliot is pretty great, so it's not even a lie. ]

But man, the barracks... life was different for you at first, huh?

[ He's perfectly willing to wait in line for good fish and chips. ]

[fiddlestick]

[It's true. Probably have to pay off people to find out his zodiac sign]

Hehe, what in the world would make you think that Crow?

[That was definitely meant to be a tease in return.]

Yeah. No one else was here, so I had to figure a lot out on my own. [He doesn't talk about it much, since he knows it'd make the others feel bad for not being there even though he didn't blame them. They couldn't help it. Crow, he wasn't so worried about that reaction.] It was kinda like living out of a hotel in a town where no one really knows you.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Not to mention the dark deeds required to pin it down to an actual date. ]

You know, it's just a wild guess~

[ He hums lightly at that before switching topics back to Elliot's early months here. ]

Not just a new town but a whole new world... It must've been a hell of an adjustment period.

[fiddlestick]

Haha...well, yeah. I might've had a couple panic attacks. [Constant anxiety is fun] B-But I don't think I did too terribly with adapting!

[Finally it's their turn to order. Elliot will order a basket of fish and chips and a drink for himself. ]

Order what you'd like. [It's on him]

[bad_crowmance]

[ Yeah, panic attacks would track. ]

Sometimes, adapting's the only choice you've got. I'm sure you did fine.

[ He's going for a double order of fish and chips with some tartar sauce on the side. ]