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

[justbeingknife]

Thanks. It took a while to get done.

[ A couple of years, in fact, and a whole lot of money. But who was counting? ]

It's a traditional Japanese tattoo. Plum blossoms are a sign of perseverance and spring. And white snakes, they're supposed to be signs of good luck. There's a goddess, Benten, that uses them as her symbol.

[ He sat back in the water with a sigh. ]

But in Japan, people with tattoos are barred from public baths. So ya see, it's been a while since I've been able to indulge.

iii

[atsumoribiito]

Hoh...?

[It's a little funny at first, watching the kid struggle with an overzealous automatic broom. Nobunaga would be lying if she ever claims she doesn't crack a smile, even. But after the enthusiastic sweeper gets more persistent, well...

She sighs and steps over, short enough that the broomstick easily swipes over her head when it tries to tame the stranger's hair again.]

Hold it, lemme just...

[In one easy motion she tugs the large hat off her head and, with a little hop on her part, plops it onto this guy's messy head of hair. Satisfied, she looks up at the broom expectantly.]

Happy now?

iv. boaltinn

[galrad]

[ Lost in thought as he gazed into the fire, the only reason Keith didn't immediately drop the drink thrust towards him was because of his ingrained reflexes. At his side, Kosmo sat quietly, keeping a careful distance from the fire, though seemingly just as entranced with them as Keith himself was. ]

-Huh? Uh... sure. [ He blinked at the other, seemingly only just coming back down to Earth- well, Aefenglom. Burn away your regrets... Keith couldn't say that it didn't sound appealing.

But he was pretty sure it didn't work like that, and magic or no, some of his regrets had made him the person he was. ]

You really going to do it? Jump?

[alienwear]

Peridot actually looks kind of offended by that question.

"Ew no! Althooooough..."

She trails off, and squints harder. Then she starts to pace a bit, rubbing her chin as she goes.

When it clicks, she whirls on Entrapta and points at her dramatically. "I remember now! You were in one of my dreams!" and there's only one Person she knows who is capable of that. "Who are you!? Are you yet another secret Pink Diamond in disguise?!"

Boaltinn

[defendure]

It's a type of - well, I would say "mythical" creature, but I think they're actually real here, probably?

[ Izuku's pulling out his notebook as he speaks, clicking his pen and then sort of - starting to sketch some abbreviated dragons. Eastern, obviously, but he throws in a western one, too, doing some quick shading and it's not like next top artist material but he's competent enough that the dragons look like Actual Dragons and not hopeful stick figures.

He turns his notebook around once his sketches are done. ]

Like this, kind of. They're supposed to breathe fire and, er, hoard things? And they fly, too.

[galrad]

[ It was the answer Keith had expected, but it didn't exactly make him feel any less disappointed. The universe was a damned big place after all. ]

I've heard of a lot of planets, seen a lot of places, but Runeterra and Demacia isn't one of them. Sorry. The coalition includes Olkarion, Naxzela, Taujeer, Earth... any of those ringing a bell?

Stefan do you want to keep doing baths or timeskip

[justbeingknife]

Right? And who knows? Maybe it'll open some doors.

[ "Knock knock!" came the sound of a bright voice, as a cheery woman in a robe arrived. She was holding... a platter?

"Would either of you like a snack?" ]

IV

[defendure]

[ GUNDAM...YOU'RE GENUINELY TERRIFYING, THANKS! Or at least Izuku spent all of his childhood being bullied relentlessly so he has a radar for someone glaring holes into him and he jumps a little, looking around and immediately getting flustered once he makes eye contact with Gundam.

What did he do??? He was just kind of approaching the food stand...

Desperate for the glaring to stop, Izuku fumbles: ]

D...did you want to, uh, share? [ He's not sure that's what's happening but it's a more hopeful read of the situation than "do you hate me for some reason when we haven't even actually spoken before". ]

[bombingking]

[Barky.

...Barky.

Barky.

bArkY.

BARKY.

BARKY.

Bakugo's chances of dying from fury induced aneurysm just increased by 50%]

The fuck did you just say?

[sullenstallion]

Fairy tale? What's that?

[His eyebrows lift with his question. It's not a term he's familiar with. While his world definitely has its fair share of fantastical stories, for children and otherwise, he—oh fuck that train of thought, he's being asked about fishing. His eyes light up, and his ears flick into their alert, upright position.]

Shore fishing! I'd been catching salmon for the restaurant. What about you? Are you a fisherman?

[For the first time since the conversation began (and probably since arriving, really), Dylas is leaning forward, actively interested and happy to hear what someone else has to say. Even if Majima looks a little funny with all those colors on his skin.]

Mirror

[ishisstrength]

[Her lips part and she tries to speak but her voice is lost. She shakes her head and tries to dig her fingernails beneath the mirrors glass only to pull away again, cupping her cut hand against her abdomen.]

I can't leave him. He's going to die.

[Justine looks up, her lovely cheeks stained with tears.] He's dying. [And she's supposed to safe him.]

[bombingking]

[What the fuck. Some people are so rude. Maybe it's like because it's looking into a mirror that he's not actually not all that mad about it. He just sneers back at her like this is a normal-ass conversation.]

Because, you eyepatch asshole, they ain't gonna give you any unless you share it with someone. So shut up and choke it down so we can both fucking leave.

[ishisstrength]

[She considers his uncertain confession before gently reaching forward to take his hand. She won't hold it long, it's merely a ploy to get him to look up.]

I'm sitting here of my own free will. Unless I ask you to stop and you don't, you aren't invading anything.

[clickclickbang]

[Oh boy. At least she's not beating against the mirror anymore, so Prompto starts trying to gently pull her back.]

Maybe this is all just a dream, yeah? [Though dreams usually don't involve things like cut hands and curious chocobos sticking their heads over, but whatever.] A really bad dream. A-and you'll wake up soon and no one's dying or dead or anything! Should still maybe get this looked at though.

[He gestures to her hand.]

[fortunyx]

[Ryoji blinks in surprise when such a statement is thrown at him.]

Oh, did you now? How forward. I am honored that I’m the man of your dreams!

[He winks, a bright smile on his face. He simply couldn’t resist. Observing the taller one a bit more, Ryoji is sure that he has seen him before in what he thought was a dream.]

Ah, I do remember you. We escaped those mysterious creatures together, didn’t we? It’s seems our celebratory survival get together can be a reality. I’m glad.

[actuallyadork]

[Cloud doesn't have the same thought about killing animals. The ones back home were 90% ones that would slaughter you since they were monsters. He swings at the Shade attacking him, clipping the creatures wings. It squawked angrily as it flopped to the ground. Seems it was determined to hop at them to try and attack.]

I've fought pissed off birds before, but this one's stubborn.

[ishisstrength]

Thank you.

[She leans against Iramaat's side, her thoughts growing quiet as she sinks into the pleasant warmth and presence of another.]

I don't- [Her voice catches in her throat when Iramaat harasses the first person walking by. The woman is startled and she looks ready to bolt from the shouting stranger.]

There might be something open for the festivities. [Her voice is soft, gentle and nearly whispered in Iramaat's ear.]

2.

[alienwear]

Peridot is getting much the same treatment, because a bright green outfit complete with yellow boots and pointy anime shades probably sticks out even worse than a pencil skirt does.

She's pretty chafed about having to cover up, though, and thus incapable of looking on the bright side.

"'Comfortable' isn't enough. This is unacceptable. I shouldn't have to wear this, I got zapped by Yellow Diamond, spent forever trapped in my own gem trying to craft the perfect new form, and now I'm not even allowed to show it off?!"

ii

[unlightmusic]

[Suzu was honestly just doing some exploring on her own, ready to ollie outtie from the overpowering stench of dead fish and piers, when she gets distracted by a dude passing by. Wow, nice fashion.

Ah shit, but now she stuck around too long and he's noticed her, evening asking a question. At this point, she kind of has the gist of what's going on, with separate worlds and things. Being a loser who pretends they're a fantasy character definitely helps with accepting the situation a bit.

Still, while she's in a less angry mood, it doesn't stop her from being a little abrasive. She crosses her arms across her chest, tilting her head to the side quizzically.]

What, don't have factories where you're from or somethin'?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine glances down at her hand, inspecting the delicate curve of her fingers and the smooth skin of her palm. This is not the hand of someone who has spent any great deal of her life working.

She cleans up after Thomas but even that is sparse work.]

Magic? How do you know I can learn?

[Magic exists in her world but she's never had the skills for it before.]

[fortunyx]

Well, how can you know it doesn’t suit you if you’ve never been to one?

[He needs to show Mukuro how to have fun. That is what he has decided. He doesn’t know much about certain things having never had the chance to do it all in such a limited time of existence but perhaps he can discover it soon.]

After we finish this, let’s go and have fun together! I don’t know a lot about other fun things. The most fun thing I’ve done in my life is my school trip to Kyoto! But, this is a whole new world with many fun possibilities to be explored. And it’s a lot more fun with a friend, Mukuro-chan.

Later; Coven:

[justbeingknife]

[ Majima looked at the bed, then at Kyo. Then back at the bed. Apparently, it wasn't just him! Apparently there was some kind of dire bed shortage at the Coven. Far be it from him to kick a kid out so he could sleep on some fluffier bedding, though. ]

Nah, it's cool. You take the bed, I'm used to sleepin' on the floor.

[ At least they hadn't paired him up with a woman, which would have made things so much more awkward. ]

[ Vague motions for Kyo take over while he set a couple of things off to the side; the storage space, at least, was appreciated and wow was that a dagger? (Yep, a traditional one, beautifully lacquered and decorated with a design that incorporated small flowers.) ]

Hope ya don't mind if I stash some stuff here, though. It's kinda got sentimental value.

[warfares]

It doesn't. [ at least, not in the way she means. ]

But I'd sooner avoid them sending me away because they think I can'tㅡ [ he pauses, casting around for the word that he needs, ] behave myself.

[ it doesn't matter that they're still essentially strangers. in a strange land, surrounded by strange people, with the force just beyond reach, he will take what familiarity he can find. ]

[tinyfood]

"Hmmm... I don't know what you're talking about, so I'm definitely not that."

III-B

[justbeingknife]

No, but...

[ Majima set his towel aside, then made his way into the bath. Once uncovered, it was probably obvious why. ]

Even if I had, it's not like they woulda let me in. They take school trips out to Kyoto onsen these days?

[ Why was he talking like a 40 year old man, who knows ]