☆ 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

[futhark]

[ Light and breezy, but still allies, still— friends? Who knows what they were, but they were, too many questions to ponder— but for now they're on the same side.

He leans into the touch, it's hard to escape the effects that the Moons have over him, but focusing on someone else is a close alternative. ]

So they not only hurt but they also insulted you? Hn. [ Was broken nose truly enough? Maybe they should have something else broken too. A foot, for example. ]

[weirdnecro]

[Friendish. She's always a little shy about admitting outright being friends with someone for various reasons. But it seems while he's enjoying the touch, it's not working just yet.]

Yes, but it's fine. Besides-if you want to look for them-

You'd leave me all alone. Isn't that a greater insult? It'd at least be quite rude. Don't you think?

[futhark]

[ Caster's expression doesn't change, at first. But the wings flutter in a strange show of agitation. Processing, processing— ]

Are you trying to spare them, or do you not want me to go— I wonder. [ While it's all to easy to give in into anger, it is also all to easy to give in... into other things. And he does press into the touch. ]

[weirdnecro]

[Maybe he was listening? Maybe- ah.

Lightly, her fingers spread over his chest, and drums against his skin. Claiming. Anchoring him here, perhaps.]

I'll be lonely. And you would miss an opportunity. And just for some people who don't matter? Tsk tsk.

But if you want to keep up the old pattern of cockblocking yourself...

[She let her voice drift off, raising one eyebrow. Choices, choices...]

[futhark]

[ Tap, tap, tap— he covers her hand with his own to stop the drumming. Relishing in the warmth. Weird, he's technically still his witch self, even if appearance and instincts are haywired— and that haywire makes him even more aware of the magic coursing in her body. ]

I thought you don't have time to be lonely. [ With the stupid sass he does sound way more like himself, so your magic is working, Sokie. And he leans closer, making their foreheads meet ]

[weirdnecro]

[There he goes. She thought that he'd take the bait. Even when he wasn't so fae, he was sensual, a man that liked to be tactile. She knew that if he had the chance and she was close, he'd take it.]

I have the right to change my mind.

[A hand came up and lightly curled her free palm against his cheek. No pulling away from his forehead leaning either. In fact, she leans into it, closing her eyes.]

Besides, it's a nasty kind of night. Two people are better then one. It's not like I have eyes on the back of my head.

[futhark]

[ It's... a strange way to function. He thought he could understand what the Monsters were going through, familiar with his own bouts of feral rage once. ]

I will protect you— even if you tell me not to. It's always been in my nature. [ "This boy will one day be the Shield of whole Ulster" a druid once said. Was this path chosen for him, or had he chosen it himself? ] And I will kill if I have to.

[ Fae's word ]

[weirdnecro]

[She wasn't sure she understood any of this. She was just...trying her best for the both of them, really. Even if she did huff, gently annoyed at his saying he'd protect her. What were her skills, nothing?]

I'm not going to stop you from being yourself. Just remember I can defend myself, and I won't punch you. Much.

[Fae's word. And she'll seal it with a kiss, since, well. That's one way to seal a contract.]

[futhark]

[ There are things he tries to keep to himself, but the Moons shine brightly and— it's strange, overwhelming at times. And he doesn't even try to stop himself, because giving to feral instincts lies in his nature.

So he returns the kiss with desperate ferocity, holding Sokie close— but also still remaining on guard. ]

I would never doubt your ability and your strength. [ She is strong. And mysterious. And all kinds of fascinating. There's something about her that is a riddle, a puzzle— it's been ages since last time he had a riddle game. ] And this isn't what I am, but is also truer to myself than ever.

[ It's incoherent babble, but it makes sense to him, bear with him for a little longer. From Tuatha da Dannan to Aes Sídhe, from gods to fair folk and to fairy tales— a perfect show how the twilight of the Age of the Gods has taken its toll. That is half of his heritage after all. ]

I haven't told you my name, yet— [ He seeks another kiss, torn between that part of him that was always human, and that that is not ]

[weirdnecro]

[Kissing at least is redirecting his aggression. She nearly feels his teeth scrape over her mouth in the first one, his nails through her clothes. It's a thrill and a half honestly.]

Good. Do so at your own peril.

[And he's given her a puzzle too. That's fun. She found herself pressed against him, offering a playful little growl as she kissed him again, fierce and yielding and wanting-all of it.]

Maybe you should tell me. Tell me the name I should be chanting tonight once we're somewhere completely private.

[She sought to kiss him again. The excitement was catching, and her arms were moving to wrap around him, and pull him taut against her body.]

[futhark]

[ Private, yes- alone in the world, at least somewhere. He can't get enough of her right now, don't want anyone near them, hear her.

There is no Otherworld to kidnap her to. No Fairy Forts to find a path either. One more kiss, full of want and need and, yes, also teeth ]

Hold on tight, first I'll show you flight. [ Named, yes he got to give her name, but away from this place, away from those people unworthy of attention. Sokie, you're gonna get sweeped off your feet ]

[weirdnecro]

[If they heard her, they might come to see. They might even pull her away. And naturally, that simply won't do.

Sokie gasped into the kiss, rubbing up against him-and there was a sharp exhale of disappointment, for all his teeth had been sharp.]

You're-

[She made a breathless noise, too soft to be a squawk or a squeak, and she grabbed onto his shoulders. Normally she'd give him a punch for this but well-he wasn't in his right mind. She'd have to tell him later when it was safer.]

[futhark]

[ Fae's wings were never made to carry more than their owner. Though some strengthening spells over his body still work— the flight is more to get them off the streets, high and out of sight. Somebody is keeping a greenhouse on the roof? How perfect—

—it doesn't have a door, at least from the sky side? Well, now it does. They land inside the artificial garden, among the shower of broken glass shards. Scratches are given, but he does his best to shield Sokie of them ]

I am...? [ He prompts her, teasing over earlier squeak— but also making sure he succeeded in shielding her. How convenient that there is a couch (away from glass-shards shower) that they can continue on what they started ]

[weirdnecro]

[She knew he wasn't in his right mind, but she didn't realize how much when he did the crash through the roof without a proper shield spell. A quick muttered word, and she tried to bring up a spell, but it failed. No wonder, with how flustered she was, and tried to shield her eyes.]

I'm going to punch the hell out of you!

[Caster, still the kind of guy who gets his amorous company mad, even while they're still horny.

And she does punch him, but it's on the arm, and not as much as she could have.]

Be more careful next time! You want to rip my clothes off, not rip us to shreds!

[futhark]

[ This seemed like such a great idea, not on paper, but on Fae brain. He has at least the decency to look apologetic after getting punched, but it doesn't stop him from approaching that coach and lying down her on it— only to promptly follow with a bruising kiss.

That's an apology as well, isn't it? And with how his fingers are working on her clothes, she might find a few buttons missing. ]

I will be— [ "next time" he'd said but, he's more interested in kissing and biting her neck. ] Promise.

[weirdnecro]

[Welp, looks like fae brain or Cu brain, glass and punches are not going to slow him down. If she wasn't feeling a little bit grumpy from the sudden drop, she'd admire it more. She will, in a few minutes, if her mind isn't completely occupied.

She did return the kiss too, but-partially so she could scrape her teeth over his chin. Yeah, she's going to be a complete mess after this.

Good thing she's already yanking and pulling at his clothes. She's not going to be the only one missing a few things.]

Uh huh. Completely believe you.

[The biting kiss on her neck has her arch against him briefly but-she grabs him by the hair, if only so she can pull him up for another bruising kiss. They're going to do more damage to each other then the drop ever could at this rate.]

[futhark]

[ Oh, that's a nice arch, very nice— but he doesn't even get to fully immerse himself in admiring it because he's pulled into another battle— Kiss. Same thing.

An intense, rough kiss, more teeth, and tongue than anything now, as his hand slides shamelessly under her shirt. ]

I never go back on my promise. [ He breathes with mischievious seriousness when they part. So next time is going to be careful and all, no glass no shreds... If there is a next time. It's been a while since some drew that side out of him. Which brings him to that other thing they were talking about before the...flying fiasco ]

My name is Cú Chulainn. [ Names. And chanting. ]

[weirdnecro]

[Kiss battles, it's great. It's bruising it's fine. It's Fine. She might even taste a little of his blood on her tongue-or hers? It has the spark that witch blood has.

And ah-there's his hand under her shirt. Talk about warm.]

You know I'm still going to punch you when you screw up.

[She had the feeling he'd apprectiate it. It's honest. Though she's also getting more concerned about dragging her tongue over his throat and biting down.]

Cú Chulainn. Did I say it right? Cú Chulainn?

[Is she teasing or taunting? Who knew.]

and that's an actual tag

[futhark]

[ He gives a soft growl when she pulls away from the kiss and bites at his neck. There's a tilt of head as he encourages it for the moment, feeling the softness of the tongue, and the sharpness of teeth. Hope these pesky glitter scales aren't getting everywhere.

They probably are, but who cares. She's a presence that is easy to get lost in. ]

You do. And very well for a first try— [ Many people don't, such is life. Meanwhile, his hands have started exploring, playing with the buttons of her shirt— starts slow but soon he gets so impatient that the buttons start to fly off. Not truly a ripping clothing to shreds, but who knows if it can truly be saved. His one hand slides upwards from her ribs to cup over one of her breasts, fondling it— his fingers plucking and teasing a nipple regardless if there is one more layer of clothing to get rid of, or not ]

It was a lovely gag tag, tyvm

[weirdnecro]

[Ah, scales. That was a fun sensation. But that didn't stop her from sucking hard, offering a lovebite.]

I have a talent for mimicry.

[That and other things. She made a gasp, squirming against his fingers, even as she slid her shirt the rest of the way off. Bra, what bra, she didn't want to wear one today.]

Mm-better?

[She pulles at his clothes, despite leaning against his palms. Strip down fae boy.]