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

[futhark]

[ Look. If he could remember UBW with details, they would probably be talking in a slightly different tone right now. (Just slightly, no Grail, no War here, no business). Only he knows is the Archer from burning Fuyuki (and maybe Chaldea later), and that they just keep running into each other in until just seeing his face became annoying.

For some unknown mysterious reason.

Someone might have shaken their head at Archer, someone else just shrugged. Some people cheered because it was a solid jump, no lie. ]

Nah, too perfect. Needs to fail more. [ Caster takes a swig at his beer. Might be too malty for his taste, but he's not going to refuse a drink. When he's done his expression more serious. He raises the rune-etched bracelet and dangles it on their eye-level ] Look at this- magic.

[ He hides it somewhere in a pocket of his robe. ] It's everywhere.

[ Compared to- well to most of the times they appeared in. Just your casual Servant chat. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer waves his hand. That's their usual, not-really-friendly snark.]

My apologies for being too perfect for you.

[His amusement doesn't last long, though. Of course he's going to stay nearby, being a red nuinsance to the blue nuinsance. That's how it has been not too long ago.]

Magic everywhere around us. [he pauses, keeping his eyes on the flames dancing in the bonfire and the crowd cheering on another challenger. Archer pointedly avoids looking at his companion as he speaks.] What about the magic inside us?

[It may be foolish to show his cards too soon, but so far his trained eye caught too many details - no visible weapon on Caster, blue cape with hood carelessly laying on the table, and the protective rune trinket. It hints to a similar situation that he's found himself in.]

[futhark]

[ Caster barks a laugh. "Too perfect" Wow Archer, such harsh jab, don't exert yourself. Caster turns just to grab his cape and throw it on top of his shoulders once again- he's keeping the hood down for now though. ]

Mmhm, I wonder. We gotta feed ourselves after all- [ Do they really though? Their nature works differently here, that much he started to notice. But it's not something he put much attention. There is this weird intoxicating feeling that- stuff will work out okay. Why would they fall? It's a kind of intoxication that has nothing to do with the alcohol consumption-

Speaking of which he looks at his empty pint. ]

For now, this gets the job done.

[boneofsword]

[This exact feeling is keeping Archer on the edge. It's eerie, a feeling unknown to him. Just like intoxication. Although he rolls his eyes at Caster's comment and the following look.]

I wonder. [he breaks the momentary silence, keeping his voice low.] Neither of us has a Master here, but no one has to stay in spirit form.

[Archer is unable to stop himself from analysing the situation from all the angles and trying to gather as much information as possible. With the temporary truce between Servants he can as well ask.]

[futhark]

[ Judge him all you want, Archer buddy, he is going to get drunk just enough. Maybe you could use some of that too!

Now that his beer is refilled (this one is dry, much better) they can talk business. He tilts his head. The playfulness of his voice subdued. ]

Not sure if you still can. [ The whole, feeling magically dead is one of the weirdest experiences, even if it is subtle. His magic locked, no contract, yet he doesn't feel the side-effect. On the other hand, neither of them is spending excessively. But a possibility that they will simply shimmer out of existence eventually is real one. Not one Caster worries too much though. It's more likely that the magic in the air is somehow keeping them in this state. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer uses the chance to get some food - thin pancakes with vegetable filling, that he offers to Caster. What, it's a custom to share with someone else.]

I haven't tried. [he admits. There was no time, and the constant presence of other people around he's not willing to try. Archer hesitates for a moment before he admits.] I can't dismiss my weapons or my clothes.

[futhark]

[ Ah yes, that he noticed. The sharing of food being important. It's a peace offering if he ever saw one, and he is not the one to refuse hospitality. He bites into the pancake with a content "mmm" but then nearly chokes on it as Archer proceeds to speak. ]

So quick to lose them, really? [ Sorry, Archer, you walked into it. You got only yourself to blame. Instead of following with the joke he casts a quick glance back at the direction of the Coven. It would be good to not lose that sense (of direction), as much as fun the festivities are, he would rather not wake up in dirt somewhere. ] The inhabitants here are an eclectic bunch, aren't they?

[ Definitely not in Kansas anymore ]

[boneofsword]

[Reaction is even better than he hoped, causing Archer to chuckle quietly.]

Just the overcoat. [he deadpans. The levity fades soon, though, as he follows Caster's glance. The situation is bad enough that Archer is glad for the company, and the truce.]

Everything is different, and more than a bit old fashioned. It even smells differently.

[futhark]

[ You can just- take it off bruh. It's cloth.

Singularity tends to summon the Servants on their own, there are circumstances that make it happen. Are they in one right now? Hard to say. But being old and jaded and also experienced with "weird shit" brings some kind of perspective. ]

So what's your plan? [ Professional curiosity. Also, he wanted to be the first one to ask that question because- he has no answer for it. Perhaps Archer knows something he doesn't. Unlikely he's going to share it, but gotta try- ]

[boneofsword]

[The food tastes good, even homely. Non-alcoholic drinks are herbal and fruity. Everything around is too real to be a dream or an illusion. Archer finishes his snack before he answers.]

Gather as much information as possible, both about this place as well as the others. [here he pauses, a frown forming on his face.] I don't think all those we've seen in the house of mirrors are Servants.

[futhark]

[ Caster looks at Archer puzzled. That's a strange leap to make, but given they both are summoned beings- that are being summoned here, such assumption isn't that far-fetched. Not only Heroic Spirits can get summoned into a Servant vessel after all- ]

Yeah, I think the big majority of them are not. There doesn't seem to be any pattern or... logic behind who was called. [ So what? Has an accidental magical ritual gone wrong? A different form of singularity? Is history going full bonkers? ---and if it is, are they the safeguards of the system to put it right? ]

What a mess... [ That's a lot of responsibility especially without knowing where to start, or what to do- So it's probably better to not assume the scenario (unless Archer already did) and wait to see how the situation unravels ] Say what- wanna make a deal?

[ Two pair of ears are better than one. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer's gaze sharpens. It's not that hard to guess what Caster is proposing. Without understanding the situation he can't do anything. Temporary truce is not as good as working together.]

I'm not opposed to working with you. [he replies slowly, weighing each word. It's much different than working along a Master.]

[His gaze slides to the bonfire, the humans (and monsters) surrounding it, and the buildings around them.] After all, I don't think we're on Earth anymore.

[futhark]

[ That went fast. ]

I was going to suggest intel sharing- [ There are many things beings like them has to keep a secret- names, skills, favourite pet. But when they're ultimately working towards the same goal, the means towards it can be shared. Right now the goal happens to be "what the hell is going on here? What is this place" stuff like that ] So now that we're on the same page, what's next? You trying to have fun?

[ Or maybe they cement the deal with Caster admitting that he can read the runes, hah. Not so fast as they say. ]

[boneofsword]

[With the agreement between them Archer feels a bit at ease. Despite his easygoing nature Caster is a formidable ally, possessing wits as well as knowledge. Having someone watch his back- it's more than he could expect.

...perhaps he will be the one to drag his newfound ally back to the Coven, from the look of things. Namely another pint of beer. Archer gets one pushed into his hand as well.]

I suppose so. [his lips curl into a smirk. Fun, huh. It's a concept lost to him, as even here and now he's treating it more like a reconneisance mission than a festival.]

[futhark]

Empty one or three and you might start having fun for real. [ Can Archer even have fun? A mystery. But the reason why booze is always an important part of celebrations is that it makes things easier to swallow. No pun, kind of pun. People had to laugh and celebrate the battles that were won, even if they lost friends in it. Likewise, people here seem to celebrate still being alive despite all odds and the blight mentioned.

If you can't just push aside your daily worries that's what alcohol helps with. ]

[boneofsword]

[Are you trying to get him drunk, Caster? Nevermind. Archer reminds himself to count his own drinks, and keep in mind that if he gets drunk he's going to wake up in a ditch with a drunk druid. The thought is sobering. The beer isn't bad, though.]

I'd rather avoid getting a headache afterwards.

[futhark]

The key to avoid that is knowing when to take a break [ Also getting hydrated. Or not caring about the headache, that might be a case with the guy here. Caster takes a long swig and urges Archer to continue with his own ]

Come on, it won't kill you. [ Prodding, and coaxing into bad decisions is something he latches at. Apparently. Look how much of generous spirit he is. ]

[boneofsword]

[Thanks, Cú. Archer has had a whole lifetime of bad decisions so he doesn't really need help here. He intends to finish the beer and not bother with another one.]

What do you think? [he gestures at the people around them, cheering and challenging each other, drinking merrily or sharing food.]

[futhark]

[ If anything is to go by, Caster will be done with his own soon. The buzz is real, but it makes experiencing everything all stronger. The sounds, lights, smells- truly, it's like being alive again. The melody in the voices takes familiar tunes, the customs, even the time of the year- ]

People sure are having a good time! [ That's the obvious answer. But Archer wouldn't ask such obvious question, would he? So he glances at his companion, and a crooked grin appears on his face. ] But that's not what you're asking, right bowman?

[boneofsword]

[Archer still has half-full beer, and isn't in a hurry to finish it.]

Does it remind you of home?

[Of course he's noticed the similarity of the celebration, the name, the traditions, even the runes on protective trinket. He wonders how similar it truly is.]

[futhark]

｢ ooc: overflow thread here! ｣