Intro Log: May

[moustre]

Intro Log: May, Game Start

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. Besides the new arrivals, however, there's one more person in the building, and only one. A young teen stands; previously bored and mulish, he's now owl-eyed and slackjawed as he takes in each arrival, either from the mirrors or coming from another floor as you try to get your bearings. In his hands he's clutching a broom like a security blanket, until - "M... Miss Nessie! Miss Nessie, something's happened!" he yells, as he drops the broom and turns tail out of the building. Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is clear, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, regardless of their waning crescent phases. Follow, or explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in? The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. "MISS NESSIE" Whether you've decided to follow the hapless young man, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. The woman covers her mouth with a soft "Oh my!" as she surveys those who begin to crowd in, and she turns to the werewolf (?), lowering her hand once more. (The handful of others who'd come with her peer as best they can from a ways behind her with unconcealed curiosity, closer to the door out than not. The boy previously seen before he ran off can be spotted at the very back of the group.) "This is right unexpected, isn't it?" She not-quite whispers, delight and confusion in equal measure in her voice. Her companion makes a quiet noise in her throat, unscarred eye narrowed - it's hard to tell if that delight is one shared by both parties. "Well, they've always said the veil is thinner during Boaltinn... We'll have to talk to James and see if he was doing anything other than cleaning, we will, but for now, we've got a full house to attend to, don't we? Ah, if they're all Witches, that'll be something, it will!" Without wasting another beat - much to the fond irritation of her companion, certainly - the woman turns back to the newcomers of Aefenglom, clapping her hands together in glee. "Well then! I'm certain you all have many, many questions... As do we! First thing's first, though, first thing's first! I am Nerissa Bell, the Head Witch of the Coven - that's where this house is located right now, on Coven grounds - and this is my Bonded, Mhairi Ainsley. Don't worry, she's a right softie despite her looks! You can simply call me Miss Nessie - everyone does, short of those stuffy folks up in the Parliament, but, well, that's just how things are with them, I suppose." She pauses a beat, for breath, before continuing with a wave of her hand; dozens of chairs and stools, all surprisingly comfortable despite their wooden looks, are conjured in an instant, and Nessie smiles wide as she gives a small bow. "Take a seat, and let's get familiar with one another for a spell! The city'll celebrate without us one way or another, and we've already finished our business for tonight anyway. Isn't that right, Mhairi dear?" Despite the onslaught of information and excitement at three in the morning, Mhairi inclines her head slightly after a huge sigh; her voice is likely exactly as expected, low and akin to a growl. "Best to take advantage of the distraction. Let's begin, before I have to report this to Parliament." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly.

III. THE COVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, a solution is presented. Though they certainly can't answer every question, Nerissa and Mhairi promise to help find the answers, and open the doors of the Coven to all new arrivals in the Looking-Glass House. The walk from the quaint cottage to the imposing structure ahead is lit only by magic provided by Miss Nessie and the Witches accompanying her, as well as the path of stepping stones coming aglow with each step that's taken across them. Beyond the courtyard, with its high, opalescent walls, a city can be seen. There are torches accompanying the flickering light posts outside, and the sounds of life clear even this far from the heart of Aefenglom, something that sounds like... merriment? Festivities are in full swing, even this close to dawn. The rest of the world continues on, even though you've arrived, confused and perhaps missing a few aspects of your usual persons. But while they certainly weren't expecting to spend the festival like this, the Coven has worked as quickly as it can. Their doors, decorated in cowslip flowers, are wide open - welcoming to the public, and to new arrivals as well. The Coven's main building has a surprisingly large front room, compared to its outside; the ceiling stretches ever onward, with stairs of the solidly-flush-against-the-wall variety and floating-ethereally-in-the-middle-of-things variety both. Magic and mundane intermingle as if meant to, with brooms inscribed with runes to clean making quick work of dirt and dust, shadowy figures opening and closing doors as people enter and exit, plates of snacks drifting around as if carried by invisible servers. The brooms are especially attentive to the door as new arrivals step in - they don't apologize for knocking into anyone, and really, anyone particularly scruffy will get swept at until the brooms are satisfied. None of this seems to mind the Witches coming in, with small murmurs of gratitude given to the busybody brooms instead of reprimands. Doors lead this way and that, on higher floors and on the ground floor, but runes glow by their frames in indecipherable patterns. Peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can, and Nessie waits for things to calm before she steps up the floating stairs and addresses the room. "We'll see to it you all have lodgings for a bit, we will, but for now, the festival's still going on - if you couldn't tell!" She laughs a little, hands on her hips. "There's nothing we can do about things right now, so you might as well enjoy yourselves, you might. If any of you want to stay in 'til morning though, well, we can provide - just mind your manners, magic's real particular about them. At least," she winks, head tilting with the motion, "that's how I teach all my classes, it is." Those deciding to stay will be lead to doors that seem to follow no real pattern by native Witches; the rule is "two to a bed," so get cozy with the person next to you. They're the ones you'll be sleeping with tonight. The beds aren't too small - enough to accommodate at least three humans - and they're fairly comfortable too, for their old-looking age.

IV. BOALTINN For those who journey out into the city, they'll be sent off with a word of warning to keep out of trouble from Mhairi, to find everything still quite lively - and still quite unaware of what's taken place. There's very little left to the shadows, with dim light filling in the gaps between the flickering streetlamps and the extra candles and such people have put up themselves. Curiously, small bonfires seem to follow a pattern, culminating into a wide plaza in the center of the Residential District where a larger, brighter one burns, with people dancing around it, their clothing jingling softly with little bells hanging from their hems. The same is mirrored on the direct other side of the city - the only difference is in who's dancing. The Eastern Bonfire has more visibly humanoid beings enjoying themselves, while the Western Bonfire has creatures more monstrous in looks. Regardless, they all seem to be happy- And the reason is this: Boaltinn, a festival lasting the next two dusks. The nights and early mornings are filled with flickering firelight, while the morning and daytime have all but the small fires leading the way to the giant bonfires extinguished; the bonfires, however, stay lit. - and in general, it seems the city is quite happy, quite cheerful, and quite close. a. The Bonfires The main attraction of Boaltinn, as they are with any fire festival, the bonfires on each side of the city are tended to by various Monsters every hour of the day. While much of the scenes are similar - there's plenty of food to be shared, with those partaking in it cowed into sitting with someone else regardless of how familiar they might be, and children of all kinds play together and invite those sitting or watching to come too, in all manner of games, such as jacks, hopscotch, and running ribbons around the tall poles at the bonfires. But there are marked differences, too. The Eastern Bonfire primarily has humans or those that can pass as humanoid in attendance, and they're much friendlier to those who look similar to them; to those that look a little more monster-like, though, their replies are far more curt and their shoulders colder. The area around the bonfire is also littered with trinkets and baubles, all shiny and new and utterly forgotten by their playmates; the ribbon poles are similarly new, made professionally as if by commission. Characters are invited to try and jump through the bonfire's flames to burn away any poor relationship experiences, be it romantic or platonic, past or present; to aid them in this, those at the Eastern Bonfire will give those participating rune-etched accessories to protect them from the fire. Meanwhile, the Western Bonfire has primarily those who are more monstrous in looks, and they're similarly friendlier to those who resemble them, with a similar brusque and cold manner to those who look more human. The area around the bonfire is carefully kept clean, however, and the ribbon poles look handcrafted from lumber and grass, with tightly-woven knots and clumsily-made paper decorations. Those attending here are also invited to jump through the flames, but no such protection is offered; it's simply assumed that, as a Monster, you're likely much better at handling a little fire. b. A Little Entertainment It isn't only the bonfire celebrations that one can participate in, however. All throughout both the East and West Residential Districts, as well as a portion of the Shopping and Entertainment Districts, there's a number of stalls, stands, and stores available for perusal. Take a gander at the rest of the city and find something to do. Of note: Divination readings are available in various stalls, set up by Coven-official Witches as well as homegrown ones, with tarot cards that vary from pristine art pieces that one would almost hesitate to touch to the personally drawn and cut. They offer free readings, enticing all who pass by to join them at their table. Good or bad, the cards seem to bring with them lessons and words of wisdom, interpreted expertly by those handling them... or as expertly as possible; some readings seem a little unsure and muddy. Regardless of belief, those who take part in these readings will suddenly find their day going either exceptionally well or incredibly poor, depending on the overall feel of their reading. Carts and booths are available for one to partake in more food, however there's a stipulation to taking anything from these vendors: one must share this food with others, either in pairs or a group. While relations between humans and beasts seem to be a little frosty, they can be seen intermingling a tad more freely when it comes to this portion of the celebrations, sharing the treats and small meals that are being offered to everyone. The food available all seem to be those easy to hold in hand, not unlike modern-day food trucks; of note, the thin pancake wraps seem to be the most popular, with a bubbly drink similar to a milkshake filled to the brim with drinking straws for best sharing experience coming in second. Flavors are plentiful and varied, though they err closer to the fruits, vegetables, and spices side of the spectrum. Finally, the more pleasure-based businesses offer the chance to relax one's weary feet and take a chance with a little aromatherapy with their rose baths. While traditionally this had its roots in imbuing the bather with good tidings and blessings for the upcoming seasons (or so they'll say when asked), nowadays, it's simply become a luxury treatment for those needing a little TLC. The waters here do have the added bonus of making those who share them friendlier and more talkative with their partner(s) - and yes, all baths are a shared experience. Rather than being split by sex, baths are split by monster and human; co-ed bathing exists for those who don't mind mingling with the opposite species, and if really pressed, they can offer separate baths for different sexes, but their focus seems elsewhere. c. Impulsive Compulsion Throughout the whole festival, new arrivals, particularly those with magic talent gifted to them by the world, will feel like they can do anything and will push themselves to the limit. While not inherently detrimental, those who feel it will become more reckless, their inhibitions lessened and impulses heightened; trying new things is easy as pie, with any thoughts of fear left far in the back of their minds. While magic is highly discouraged on festival days, given their rest day quality, those under the spell of Boaltinn's madness will feel the temptation to try some anyway, regardless of knowing the proper way of performing it - perhaps it's about time to try out what one discovered in that strange dream... Those found doing magic will get a firm scolding, but no actual punishment; it's only looked down on, and they'll be cautioned against using too much. If any property damage occurs due to reckless magic use, however, there are fines; those without any money to their name can be recruited to pay it off by working at the buildings and stalls they may have accidentally damaged, serving people, looks, or whatever else the business might offer.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While technically most of them won't start until after festivities, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the May Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[shepherds_pie]

[Sorey laughs as he follows Mikleo, easily matching his pace.]

If you say so, Mikleo.

[He knows that's 100% not the case. Mikleo has a huge sweet tooth.]

It's a shame. I saw some chocolate-dipped cheesecakes that I thought you'd like a lot.

[actuallyadork]

[Peak of fashion......... Well, since everyone seems to be from a different world, why not different fashion.]

None of it looks very comfortable. How are you supposed to fight in it?

[civicbooty]

[ Aymeric had, in a sense, heard this speech before. War demanded its pound of flesh, and yearly they had lined up to pay it: new-minted knights in gleaming armor, reciting clumsy words rehearsed before their families about the dragons they would slay, the honor they would win, the people they would protect.

Some would go on to do as they said. Some would flee their posts in the dead of night, and their bodies would be found torn apart, frozen, food for the wolves. Most would defend their nation as they were told, and live or die accordingly —

—But his own closest friends, the people he most admired, had all flung away their old lives to dedicate themselves to protecting people who lacked the means, and their conviction was absolute.

It was an excellent answer.

Something in Aymeric's look wanted to soften, almost imperceptibly, but he crushed it, schooling his expression. For a soldier, for a knight, this was a matter of pride, and a good commander must not patronize. ]

Then you are a good man.

[ He clapped a hand on Cain's shoulder, stone-serious. ]

If you are as capable as you are determined, these shadows will gain a formidable enemy. When the Coven devises a manner of returning we wanderers, I must take it — mine own land is imperiled as well, and I am responsible for the lives of my people — but ere then, if I can aid you by any means, you have but to ask.

[reenforces]

[Mikleo keeps turning his head this way and that. Even though he's spent the past couple hours walking the festival, there's always something new going on. It's overwhelming-- not unlike the first time they visited Ladylake.]

I don't remember seeing anything like that. [A pause.] Obviously I need to judge their recipe.

[oceanschild]

[Hmmm. That's... a little frustrating. Paris lets out a huff, and then realizes that that might be perceived as rude and immediately backpedals.]

Sorry. I just... would like to know, rather than just wondering.

[bloodyuseless]

[It's almost too easy to pull Mary back. As familiar as he is with being dragged around, he doesn't resist in the slightest. Instead, he looks back at Konoe, confusion weighing his furrowed brow.]

Um... Did you want to go first?

[It doesn't even occur to him that this complete stranger would be worried about him.]

/SOBS I thought I hit send yesterday but I lost the tag

[sing_for_me]

[ The man looks at the charm, thinking about it for a moment before taking it. ]

Deal. [ Seemingly satisfied, he walks away with his newly acquired item.

Alex, is mildly horrified. The guy was actually willing to give something of his up to trade? That was an even heavier debt. ]

I'm so sorry, you really didn't have to..How can I make it up to you? I..I don't have money right now but if there's anything else--or if you can wait till I do..

it won't be the last time it's okay

[interlucere]

[ SHE'S REALLY NOT!! ]

They are, but some can take on human form from time to time.

[scaling]

[ Once again, what others might perceive as rude doesn't seem to ruffle Akira's feathers in this case. He only shakes his head and returns to what he was doing. ]

It's fine. I'd like to know, too.

[ Even Akira, who's used to rolling with whatever unexpected situations crop up, would rather know ahead of time if he's going to start turning into a Monster. ]

[soulbonder]

I am not certain. [The woman wasn't quite clear on what she did. Her only explanation was how it'd last for the festivities and that he needed to find his own solution soon. Whatever that meant.] I believe it's a form of magic, a spell of sort? Something like that.

[oceanschild]

...Are they going to teach us how to use magic, if we get it?

[Paris got used to his own powers, but anything else? It sounds kind of terrifying to try and figure out, honestly. The monster thing... maybe less so.]

[lifespanned]

Well.... I guess I am pretty hungry...

[ It's true that it's been an extremely long day. And beggars can't necessarily be choosers. Her expression doesn't relax, but her shoulders do, as if giving into the suggestion. ]

Those people should've given us something to eat back at that weird house instead of making us eat whatever is on the street. [ She's complaining under her breath, but at least she's going along. ] Okay, fine, but only because we have no other choice! And you really do have to walk around with me afterwards, got it?

[interlucere]

[ Lux immediately offers Newt an apologetic smile, stepping back to give him more room. He looks so uncomfortable, maybe this was a mistake. ]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but...

[ But she's committed now, and she knows that her eyes weren't deceiving her. Her smile growing stronger as she quirks her head toward him, Lux speaks quietly. There's no need to hide anything, but old habits die hard. ]

That was magic, wasn't it? That light flickering in your hands just now.

[spiritwrangler]

So you're barely a man, in other worlds. [That might explain the attitude, though that seemed awful young to end up being some kind of undead monster. If it weren't for all the yelling, Pierce might've even felt a little bad about it.]

Dhampir? [He asks, not getting the pronunciation quite right, the word obviously foreign in his mouth.] Never heard of it. But if you ask me, anythin' that's gonna keep you from leavin' bodies behind is a heck of a lot better than the alternative.

[Pierce is just going to take the opportunity to step forward and pick up a pastry from the same table. Apparently it's easy to assume that they're sharing the food, despite the earlier bit of shouting.]

[unlightmusic]

[Wow who does this asshole think he is? Picking up the piece of bread on her lap and holding it like a used tissue, she stands up to put themselves on equal ground. Well, as equal as she can anyway, dude's a tall fucker. Good enough for her, though.]

Tch, then you're goin' through all that shit for just a fuckin' piece of plain bread? No fillings or even butter? You stupid or somethin'? You really think this a worthy enough offerin' for the likes of me?

[It's surprising that she hasn't started screaming in an uncontrollable rage yet. Then again, maybe being tired has mellowed her somewhat. Crabby as ever, though.]

At least have a half a brain and get somethin' good, ya Pom-Pom Dumbass.

[lifespanned]

Um, no, because then you could cheat somehow! Duh! You can't get a genuine reading if you mess with it yourself.

[ So maybe she doesn't know about how to do the readings, but she does know a little bit about the occult and the supernatural. As far as she's concerned, that sort of thing is obvious! You can't tell your own future or fate, it just tampers with things. Either way, she points a finger to the card straight in the middle of the top row, tapping on it with her nail. ]

I choose this one! [ Impatiently, she peels back the corner of the card to try and see what's underneath, but doesn't totally flip it over. ] Am I supposed to take a look, miss?

<3

[sing_for_me]

[ With the tall and really muscular guy in front of her, Alex couldn't even see the other guy. Even behind him, she could feel the intimidating aura he exuded. Seems it worked since the angry man eventually backs down and leaves.

When he turns his attention back to her, Alex tenses, unsure of how to react. Not too long ago he was threatening, but he seemed to be dialing it down as he spoke. ]

Y-yeah.. [ Well, as much as she could be. A lot's happened in a short amount of time, if her physical appearance showed said anything about that. ]

I'm sorry you had to intervene..But thank you.

[interlucere]

You could do something like that with only a year of training? That's incredible! I couldn't imagine being able to do something like that in such a short span of time.

[ He doesn't have to be so modest? But it seems like Lux is beginning to realize how embarrassing having someone gush over him must feel, and she quickly backs off; a bright smile still evident on her face, but tempered slightly. ]

Are you a professional athlete, then? What type of sport?

[sing_for_me]

No way--You're real!

[ Yes, Alex, that was the polite thing to say. ]

But how--how did we meet back then?

[ She visibly relaxed though, relieved to see a friendly and familiar face. ]

[soulbonder]

"Oh!" And Astral is thoroughly bapped. Wait... Why didn't it go right through him? He reaches up to touch his face thoughtfully right where Lion's paw was. An ordinary reaction would be... well, fear... but Astral doesn't exactly know that. He's more excited about being solid enough to be touched.

"Fascinating!! Can your lion do that again?"

[scaling]

The Coven seems to be for Witches studying magic. That Witch—Miss Nessie, she said something about teaching classes.

[ Finished with the bottles he was straightening, Akira looks to Paris once more. ]

I'm sure they'd help you learn if you wanted that. [ They've been accommodating in every other way, after all. ]

[1019]

Like you gotta be on some kind of job to go out collecting data.

[Not... the point, friend...]

You distract yourself from the point like that!!

[How would you know, Mr. "I DON'T DO NOTHING FOR NOBODY ELSE"?]

[oceanschild]

If I'm a Witch, I'll probably need it...

[It took him so long to learn to control his powers and his emotions with them. But he doesn't really want to talk about him anymore.] ...Do you want to be able to do magic?

[sing_for_me]

[ She opens her mouth to respond, but realizes...how do you even respond to that? At this point? ]

Um..have we met..?

[ Despite her curiosity, she's still wary of the strange stranger. Did she just quickly glance over at the door? Just a precaution. ]

[interlucere]

[ Sir please stop being so tall.

Reflex causes her to tense up as his arm slips around her waist without warning, and Lux immediately looks down, turning her head away to try to hide her face and as many of her features as possible. There is a brief delay as she stands like that before realizing the usual reaction she expects is absent (she feels fine? no light attempting to slip out??) and she looks up quickly. ]

Ah, yes. [ With more conviction this time. ] I am; and you?