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

[long_live_the_queen]

I'm not jumping into any fires.

[Kaede huddled into her robe like an irritated turtle. She could barely stay standing for more than five minutes at a time, but had regained enough of her old self to have opinions about that request.

The human man making the suggestion raises his hands.]

"No, no, over the fire. It's good luck."

[givemewings]

I told you, I had no bad relationships in the first place. The only relationship I do have is...with her.

[Mukuro lets the stone drip out of her fingers and it falls to the ground. She can’t seem to help herself from walking towards Akechi, her eyes narrow. The way she’s looking at him...she’s equal parts suspicious of him as well as...interested.]

Who exactly are you?

oh no she is so cute oh no

[guillotine]

[ Hiding the book only makes it more memorable; Nel lets the cover sit face-up in her lap without moving it out of Alex's view. The title itself is something harmless: a history of the Coven, if she can read it upside-down.

While that's being looked at, she studies that bruising, those scratches, and her lips thin into a ghastly white. A single deep inhale lifts her chest underneath the cloak, entirely draped over black leathers too racy by the standards of this alien city. ]

All will be forgiven if you do me one favor.

[grakraka]

[It feels comfortable to him, more like talking to him over coffee at Leblanc than any conversation they could have had after his betrayal. He isn't naive enough to think it could be so simple and really it never was, either, but he enjoys being able to talk about something like this.]

I believe my earlier thoughts about this being related to the afterlife can be discarded. And this doesn't seem to be related to Mementos or the Metaverse in any sense. I don't know about you but I haven't been able to access my Personas at all. [He has forgotten that Akira, having not known about the engine room, might not know about that, either, but oh well.] I do seem to have... something else now. Perhaps it is somehow analogous to our previous abilities? I haven't been able to test it yet, so I'm uncertain if it is our powers reshaping themselves for this place or something else.

[He toys with the cake.] Age, gender, ethnicity, social class... There doesn't seem to be any particular overlap. If we're to believe the people in authority here, this was an accident. Of course, I have my doubts. But so far, I see nothing we have in common. It will call for further investigation no matter what. I did notice some sort of... racism? Speciesism? There is a divide between the inhuman and the human here. It all sounds a little too fantastic to me but I suppose, given our lives, it probably is hypocritical of me to think that in the first place.

[fordola]

Yeah - saw a weird gleam, and walked out here. [ She approaches him, so he doesn't need to turn any more. Stretching a little. ] You doing okay?

you’re not and neither am i

[veilfires]

...And what’s excitement without apprehension?

[So he says – but he also follows at once, staff tapping with his steps. He should hardly stick his nose up – there is comfort right now in a sword held by a strong, friendly arm. Her horns curving in his mind, he considers anew that she may be a quixotic spirit of Chivalry. The idea is bizarrely heartening. Why should she not be?

He looks over his shoulder behind them. A huddled milieu – and the mirrors. Excepting his own, all the mirrors have plain iron frames – too plain to be of elvhen make. His mirror’s frame, however, is wrought of elaborate white-gold – an eluvian as superbly crafted as any he has known. He stares one last time at its surface as they walk away. Then they leave the room, and his line of sight is broken.

A bell tolls. Its ring echoing about the stone walls, and comes to settle within him, vibrating deeply in his heart. He gasps loudly, for it resonates with him as something in a way nothing else here does.]

Do you feel that?

[There is another, and finally the third toll.]

[fordola]

Yeah, welcomin', but still... kidnapping us though mirrors or something. Do ya think people'll notice we're gone? [ Honestly, she hopes they do, and run around in a panic looking for her. ]

[fordeath]

[ removed though he may be of the charms and enchantments he typically weaves into the bars of his compositions, the notes sung from every instrument he plays, amadeus still possesses the hearing of a musical genius, and his name, hissed out in that tune could not be missed even across the field and the crackle of the fire.

through the flames it's rather difficult to make sense of the shadow of the kapellmeister standing there — but that voice... is unmistakable. amadeus lets out a curt laugh.

what he can't immediately know is what the avenger (ex-avenger?) may be thinking, who or what summoned him, or how this new world has affected his psyche. how much danger he's currently in seems like a thing he'll have to assess as salieri approaches... or doesn't. he can see, at the very least, that he's not hiding in that armored shell of his.

still, the company of his newfound musical friends (despite their obliviousness) seems like a potential — if very brief — line of security that he'll happily take advantage of for the next few moments. the festivities continue in spite what seems to be this section of frozen time suspended between the two composers, and over the noise of dancing bells and cheering, amadeus then speaks, just loud enough for salieri to hear. ]

You really do follow me like the Reaper, don't you? [ and he's just standing there like he's one with the shadows. ]

[fordola]

[ She stepped towards him more. Her face terrifying - a soldier turned prisoner, of course Fordola knew how to play up the face of The Butcher. ]

...Really. One cut, and you'd fall. One punch, and you'd be down. And you think you can threaten me?

[grakraka]

[Another interesting statement. But he smiles and puts a hand to his chest.]

My apologies. I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Akechi Goro. Though, it's going to be a little troublesome being in such a Western-like place with such a diverse mix of people while using Japanese naming conventions. Maybe I should use Western order instead? Hm.

[He shakes his head.]

Excuse me. Sometimes I think out loud.

[fordola]

Oh - regional term? [ Yeah, she sort of. Sighs. ] Must be a wreck, where you were taken from.

[fordola]

Get back. [ Fordola snarled at the lion. Well, at Lion. Oh, she looked terrifying, even without her weapons. Her oddly red eye almost seemed to gleam - Fordola was trying.

But her Resonant powers were gone, and her snarl turned into a frown. ] This beast yours?

[fordola]

[ She shrugs, with a slight eh in her throat. ] I've been stuck waiting, but this isn't my fault.

[fordola]

[ This kid was right. Well, this person - not a kid. Fordola internally sighed to herself, crossing her arms a little. ] It really depends on if it's a one-way thing still open back where we came from, now doesn't it?

[guillotine]

I guessed as much.

[ Though Nel takes a too-casual couple of steps nearer to Fordola and her mirror, she stops early enough to maintain a healthy and respectable distance. Habitual paranoia and an unwillingness to touch. ]

What do you see in that reflection?

[givemewings]

Ikusaba Mukuro. [Stating her name in the order he is apparently most comfortable in is an insignificant way that she’s able to express her appreciation for their discussion earlier.]


...This place is troublesome for far more reasons than that.

[Her eyes glance around the bonfire, and then up to the sky above. For all intents and purposes, it’s a beautiful night...but to Mukuro, the sky feels cavernous, and the flames dance and laugh grimly. Akechi. Of all the people she’s met here, this one seems to one someone that Junko would like. There are so many beautiful, terrible things she would get him to do, to experience. And maybe it’s because of the bonfire, or because of the fact that she’s still wearing Junko’s clothes, but with her sister so heavily weighing on her mind, her next words come out without her realizing it.]

...I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do with myself in a place like this. [Especially without her. Without her future. Her direction. Everything was tied to her. It always was.]

[juzubeads]

Yeah. They said sharing is apparently part of the deal. But also, I dunno as hungry as I am that I can wolf it all myself anyway. Go ahead.

[Kyo says with a chuckle and shrug, offering the other some of the food. He's...maybe a little confused and curious about the ears, and tail, but. Well, considering the zodiac Curse back home, he's not entirely unused to animals, to say the least. Cats especially.]

[reenforces]

[Mikleo shakes off the surprise of falling onto the floor, but he's not expecting the girl he bumped into to offer him a hand. As befitting one who is typically invisible, he glances over his shoulder to make sure she's not indicating someone else. He looks... very confused.]

Uh... thank you. [He'll take that hand though he mostly gets to his feet with his own power.] Sorry about that, someone pushed me. But-- you can see me?

[Resonance is becoming a little more common, but not by enough that Mikleo can write this off as a typical occurrence. It just meant finding Rose's successor was easier.]

[juzubeads]

It wouldn't be the first time I slept on the floor, or the roof for that matter. But if you're sure.

[Kyo isn't about to complain about getting the bed. He's just relieved the other isn't a girl, given his lingering years of habits of avoiding the opposite sex for the most part due to his Curse and all. Kyo gives a shrug, as if to say 'you snooze you lose. Mine now.' before he flops down to lie on the bed.]

It's fine. I...don't have much if anything on me, so you're lucky for that.

[Though he does raise an eyebrow a bit at the dagger, he isn't immediately asking. Maybe for all he knows it was some family heirloom or something.]

[veilfires]

[They have been lingering by the door, an island of quiet conversation in a sea of witches coming and going. As she asks to ask him a question, an elderly witch entering the building draws close to them for a broom. Relying on a walking frame and not looking in their direction, he coughs a firm a-hem! and then under his breath mutters a clear, “Newcomers!!”

He moves to appease the old witch, looking towards a quiet corner where they might observe without being obtrusive, and as does he casts Petrana a sideways lopsided smile.]

– Yes?

[reenforces]

You're right, I've never seen a 'chocobo' before. She's very elegant though. A refined kind of bird, at least when she's not trying to eat your food.

[It's been a while since he casually spent time with animals. He isn't in his home village very often, unless he's checking in on Sorey. And they don't have chocobos!]

Hello, Primula. I'm Mikleo. [Yes, Prompto just got ignored for a bird, but... look, he has to hold his hand out for the princess, it's only polite.]

dsfsfs

[sing_for_me]

[ Alex does try to read the title, tilting her head along with the movement of the book. When the woman speaks up, Alex returns her attention to her. Her expression turns curious, but slightly wary of the the other's own expression. ]

What.. kind of favor?

sleep

[topslug]

[ It's been a long night of stuffing herself with food, and Yako's really just about ready to turn in. Even if sleeping in the robe the Coven gave her is a bit of a strange idea, she's too tired to consider trying to change out of it for now, deciding that's something that morning Yako can deal with.

She's not so insensible that she's forgotten she's expected to share a bed, but she figures it shouldn't be much of a problem -- at least until she catches sight of the the other person on the bed she's meant to occupy. It's a bit of a scene out of a comedy, the girl standing frozen in the open doorway staring at the man licking himself on a bed, but to Yako's credit, she recovers quickly, slightly averting her eyes. ]

Er, I'm sorry for interrupting. Should I come back later?

[guillotine]

[ Nel smiles, but it's empty, and her eyes lack any hint of warmth. ]

Nothing extensive. Just tell me who did that to you.

[ A sweep of her hand gestures to Alex's right. This dislodges the history text a little, forcing it to slide halfway out of her lap until it hits the bed. ]

[grakraka]

[It takes him by surprise but he understands. This isn't how any of this was supposed to go. But it went off 'plan' years ago. Every single time he has adjusted his goals and desires, it hasn't mattered, because they're always changed without taking his feelings into consideration. Once he finally accepted that, once he had finally settled on being satisfied as long as, for one minute, Shido felt lower than him, he came into his life and messed it all up. And he is here now, too, except he doesn't seem to recall their last meeting, so what was even the point of throwing it all away?

It doesn't feel like there was ever a point, really. There was never going to be a good outcome. But at least he knew what he would be doing tomorrow and the next day before now.]

I know how you feel in that regard. I was tempted earlier to walk and keep walking until... I suppose I felt like stopping. There really isn't a reason for me to be here at all.

['Here' is left ambiguous for a reason. His tone is soft but devoid of any real emotion at the moment.]