Intro Log: June

[moustre]

Intro Log: June

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. You're certainly not the only ones here, however. On the first floor, with the doors wide open behind them in the foyer, is a small group headed by two individuals. As people begin to arrive, to come from the highers floor, they're waiting - and they're waiting for you, and your questions. Explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in, or proceed to the foyer? Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is faintly cloudy, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, even so close to the new moon as it is. 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. THE WELCOME PARTY Whether you've decided to find a way out of the building you've arrived in, 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. "I suppose you were right again, love," the wolfish one says, voice a low rumble in the quiet night. The woman looks particularly pleased with herself, hands on her hips and elbow nudging at her companion, a quiet eh, eh under her breath. She goes ignored as the werewolf (?) lifts her head to assess the arrivals with her one eye. "Although the excuse of Boaltinn is absent, this time." "Just begs looking into then, doesn't it?" The woman gives her companion an even brighter smile, a little tighter around her eyes, then turns to those gathered in front of them. "Well then, no sense in keeping secrets! This here's Mhairi Ainsley, ambassador to the Parliament and my Bonded, and I'm Nerissa Bell, head Witch of the Coven - but you can just call me Miss Nessie, you can," she adds, winking. "The lot of you must be as tired and confused as the last batch - hullo to those who've joined us, too! - so just a moment, dearests, I'll set all you right up—" With nothing more than a wave of her hand, rows of seats are summoned; despite their wooden nature, they're all sturdy and comfortable, filling the foyer and spreading out a ways into the lawn behind them, making room for all of the new arrivals as well as the previous batch. After all, they'll find this just as interesting. The Witches and Monsters that accompanied Nessie and Mhairi move to make room, and some disperse into the building itself to see if there's anyone who needs tending to. Mhairi steps forward as the chairs materialize. "Please, those who are able, join us for a moment. There are many questions that I'm sure you have - we will do our utmost best to answer them, and you may take any that we can't as a promise to find some sort of solution or answer." 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 HAVEN 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, it's time to make a trek to where you'll be staying while Nessie and Mhairi continue to search for a solution to the situation. As you're leaving with a few Bonded for guides, 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. They can even do it as they make their way out of the Coven's courtyard and to the Haven. Formerly part of the Aristocratic District, The Haven is just as well-kept and brightly-lit as the district it hails from. The houses err on the tall and ornamental-side, large enough to fit several families (or, according to the upper class, their one family, several dozen servants, and guests), especially closest to the Aristocratic District. They become a little more modest and smaller as one gets away from the realm of high society and nearer to the Residential District proper. Newcomers are shuffled here and invited to find somewhere to live - the Coven is currently handling expenses for the houses themselves in an program implemented by the Parliament, though if your character wishes to have anything extra - like maids, chefs, and so on - they'll have to pay for them themselves with their own earned money. Much of the landscape and fixtures are the same as in the Aristocratic Districts, though it lacks formal emergency services due to its roots as part of a district that already did. Much of the housing already has furnishing due to the speed at which homeowners were relocated; they were given enough time to collect their valuables, but standard furniture such as kitchenware, couches, beds, etc. were left behind for those moving in. Other houses appear the same, but the dust on the floors suggest these houses were left before the new arrivals even showed up - a reminder that the Cwyld can strike just about anyone, regardless of standing. Another portion of this district has been opened up to the new arrivals: the barracks, the row of buildings pressed against the very edge of the Bright Wall. As the city's military force no longer has the same presence it previously did, the barracks have gone into disuse, and a cleanup effort has been in place since before the new arrivals came through the Looking-Glass House. For those who desire something a little less opulent, the barracks might just be the answer. The barracks can also be used for business, for a welcome center, a communal space, for anything that the residents of the Haven see fit to use it for - so long as the legality isn't questionable, on the surface. To help with filling up the larger houses - and even some of the smaller ones, and the shared rooms in the barracks - the Witches put together a little roommate finding service, on a smaller scale from the grand opening of the Haven. For those who aren't entirely sure who they want to shack up with, they have a small survey for them to fill out and post on the board they've magicked up in the center of The Haven. The board also very helpfully reads aloud each form for everyone to hear in a cheerful, monotone voice. It isn't able to be shut up, nor is it easy to ignore, being imbued with a kind of amplification magic. It seems like the prank previously attached to the spell has been fixed now, at least, so it doesn't read rude descriptions anymore - simply the information you've offered up yourself.

IV. CLASS ACTS Once is happenstance, and twice is coincidence - but Nessie won't take any lip about it, especially given some of those who arrived aren't turning out to be Witches, but the other half of the spectrum: Monsters. It's one thing to grow up knowing what you are and what you'll look like, and it's another entirely to be thrown into a world and have to deal with it without any idea of what to do. In the days following arrivals, Nessie gathers her best Witches and Monsters, and gives them a simple task: figure out who is what, and give them a little help. On a volunteer basis, of course; anyone who doesn't want to be tested for magical potential (or a lack-of it, signifying being a Monster) will not be forced to be, but they will be encouraged to check out the classes offered regardless. a. A LITTLE BIT OF HOCUS Those exhibiting magic potential - or who are interested in magic or Witches, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought out to the Coven's courtyard. They're given a quick primer on magic, the different classes, and taught a few entry-level spells and concepts before they're set free to practice their new magic (with supervision, naturally). Try your hand at conjuring candy, evoking a little fire, teleporting a few feet, tossing a few enchantments on others or inanimate objects - get those flowers singing! But be careful: inexperience is a Witch's greatest enemy, and these spells might just end up going a little haywire. Your simple light spell might end up as bright as the sun, or maybe instead of a nice breeze you bring in a major windstorm - effects are either big or small, with nothing in-between. b. A TINY BIT OF POCUS Those exhibiting a lack-of magic potential - or those who are simply interested in Monsters and Bonds, regardless of if they were tested or not - are brought to the Coven's basement. Despite its below-ground existence, the area is well-lit and feels as open as the main room above. They're given a quick primer on Monsters and transformations, the full moons and their effects, and a key part in keeping them from going too wild: Bonds. Those attending are encouraged to form temporary bonds, which is done by the two characters simultaneously drinking a tasteless silver-colored liquid from the vial provided to them. This Bond will last up to a day and has the same effects as a real Bond, though lessened in strength and muted in feeling.

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 new characters will have to get settled in, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the June 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!

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Elliot Craig | OTA

[fiddlestick]

III. The Haven
[Well this sure was not how he expected today to go.

Back in Heimdallr, it had been his last free day before graduation. He'd been planning to get some fighting practice in the underground tunnels. He hadn't been expecting that looking at his reflection in a puddle would lead him here.

Aefenglom...he had assumed it'd been a weird dream, but looks like he was pretty off the mark on that one. Who thought dreams could actually mean something?

He'd spent the whole question and answer session quietly, just trying to wrap his brain around everything going on. There was so much information that was dumped on him at once: Covens, Bonds, Monsters that are normal people, magic that looked it came straight from the Hexen Clan. By the time it was over, his brain felt completely full and he was very sure he was going to forget stuff.

And through all that, he couldn't help but feel the pangs of worry. He couldn't stick around here, he had to go home. He'd been so close to achieving the next step in his goal. He can't keep his promise hanging around here.

But it wasn't like he had a choice. He follows the guides, taking the watch he's been given (just like the one in the dreams), and tries to listen to the explanations of where they are. Not...much is sticking at this point. He is definitely reaching overwhelmed.

When he's finally given some time to himself, he heads over to a fountain sits down on the edge, staring blankly at the watch (how do you use this again?) in his hand. His other hand is still holding onto his staff. He needs a breather and to try to figure out his next steps.]

I wonder if those people in that dream are really here too...

[he squeezes his eyes and gives a little quiet whine as he talks to himself]

Ohhh, why me? Emma would've been much better for this. She would've memorized everything by now, while I just know I won't keep any of this straight...

[Yep. It is time for self-belittling hour]

IVa. Yer a Wizard
[But despite his beliefs, he's able to keep some of it straight. Or at least, he remembers the part about having to learn magic and use magic to keep oneself from exploding. That sure stood out.

Not only that, but with all his abilities now gone, he knew he had to be quick about learning this new style of magic if he wanted any chance to surviving. So he arrives right on time to Nessie's class, making sure to take every little note- even if he looks a little stressed at it at times. Gotta learn magic. gotta not die.

When it comes to his turn to practice, he'll try his hand at a water spell first. Water was always his best element back home, so that should be true here, right? It shouldn't be too hard to conjure some water.

Which good news for Elliot, his logic was right. After a few tries, he's able to conjure some water.

Bad news, that said water conjured above the head of the person next to him, and about a bucket worth splashes all over them]

-Ah!

[he yelps and immediately starts apologizing]

Oh no, sorry!

Wildcard

[Got another prompt? hit me up!]

iii!

[birdfeed]

[ the intro . . . is something. good thing noya has exuberant amounts of energy for things that interest him, and being this one actually wasn’t a dream
well, he had a moment. he was human and had his home and had his things to get back to, as much as this was all exciting.

when he had questions answered, he went out to have a breather of his own. there was no way he could keep it up, though. he’s never seen things like this. with the now working watch in his hand and trying to spark it up (this time, no luck), his eyes wander around and double take to ginger hair.

oh, he.

he . . . wait!!! ]

Hey!! Dude— [ wait for it, he had a name— ah yes!! ] Elliot!!

[ he might’ve been too far off to be heard (or not, considering he’s a human foghorn), but bounces over to him anyway, in a sprint that slows to a halt and has nota placing his hands on his hips, head dipped. he knows worry and anxiety when he sees it, he’s in a volleyball team with high expectations (on themselves). ]

—You’re not spouting crap about yourself, are you?

[ does he win ]

[fiddlestick]

[He had thought he heard his name, thanks to Noya being a human foghorn. He looks up to see someone bounding up towards him. Wait...he knew this guy. He'd seen him before once upon a dream]

H-Huh? Wait, aren't you Noya...?

[He thought that was what the name was. It's hard to forget such a pile of energy such as this guy.

A guy who is also catching him on his belittling session]

- Uh- n-no! I was just talking to myself...just a bad habit.

[birdfeed]

[ the grin that he gives says it all: in the flesh. ]

Heh, I do that all the time! [ he gestures to his face though, with an entire hand. ] I’d change the way you pinch your eyebrows, though. Looks like our team’s ace when he thinks he’s no good.

[ laughs ]

[fiddlestick]

[....]

Is that..bad? I thought aces in sports were good.

[he knows very little of sports]

IVa

[juzubeads]

Wh -- oi!

[Kyo is a cat. Therefore he...is not so much a fan of water, outside of the obvious in needing to bathe or shower to clean himself. So of course he bristles at the sudden water seemingly upended on top of him, drenching his hair and shirt at least. His tail stiffens behind him, standing on end as he tenses, instinctively glaring and yelling in annoyance.]

[fiddlestick]

[ Yep, Elliot is not surprised by the yelling. He just feels awful. He looks very apologetic as he surveys the very wet cat. Was that a tail? He'd wonder if this guy was a monster or just liked wearing cat costume like some people back home later. ]

Sorry, sorry! It was an accident!

I-I'll find you something to dry you off, okay?

[juzubeads]

This.....okay, okay.

[Kyo gives a sigh, reaching to try wipe and dry the water drops in his hair, closing one eye as he does after sitting himself down somewhere nearby. He's actually somewhat quicker to calm himself than he used to be, just frustrated with the situation in now being wet and thus cold, as he tries to then wring out the water from his shirt while he waits. His tail swishes a little behind him in trying to dry it out a little as well.]

[fiddlestick]

[Welp, at least he's not clawing Elliot's face off. Elliot wastes no time scampering off to get a towel. Fortunately, the class had some already prepped- expecting incidents like this to happen. So Elliot will come back a bit later, with a nice fluffy towel]

Here... [he holds it out]

IV

[redheired]

[...All things considered, she should be a lot more irritated about getting drenched. Mitsuru understands that, in theory. But in practice, she isn't as upset as she should be.

That's more concerning than everything else.

Maybe it's just because she got the chance to switch into her uniform, and that clothing is a bit more resilient. That's what she tells herself at least, as she levels her gaze on the conjurer.]

"...You need to improve on your aim."

[This doesn't prevent her from putting in a proper Kirijo Level of disapproval in her voice, and expression.]

[fiddlestick]

[As nice as it is not to have someone hissing and yelling at you, the disapproval in the voice and expression is enough to make him feel bad. He bites his lip]

...Y-Yeah, I know. I was focusing so much on conjuring it I didn't think about where it'd conjure.

[Which was pretty reckless of him in hindsight. Ugh. Stupid novice mistake]

I'm sorry though. L-Let me find you something to dry you off?

[redheired]

"A towel would not go amiss, thank you."

[At least it isn't freezing cold, either in weather or water temperature. Still, she threads her fingers through sodden hair, frowning. This is going to take a small eternity to dry out.

There's also something else bothering her, as she considers just how soaked she is.]

"But if you'd permit, I'd like to know something... How exactly did you manage to summon that much water? I haven't been able to call more than a basin's worth."

[fiddlestick]

Right, a towel. Hold on, um...

[he looks around the courtyard. Luckily, some people who arranged this class had planned ahead and there was a stack near the front of the group. He holds up his finger to indicate to wait a moment, before quickly moving over to grab one and bring it back, offering it to her] H-Here...

[Right, and with that out of the way, he'll listen to her question.]

That? Well...I've always been good at water magic back in my world. So I guess I focused on it really hard? Didn't mean to dump it on anyone though...

iv.a!

[usurpers]

[ a batch of new witches and monsters alike. it happened at around this time as well, hadn’t it? the turn of the month. eren wasn’t about to turn a blind eye, especially after the dreams and who he encountered during them. there was no way he was the only one to dream it again. if he could just pinpoint that, as well as satisfy his own growing curiosity after days of searching for answers on his own time . . . it’s worth every bit of info they can connect into this web of mystery.

he doesn’t have a hard time walking through the crowds of witches practicing their new spells— he’s pretty tall. overlapping heads deter the young man’s vision somewhat, not with little information but an overall abundance of it. colors are sharp and brighter for his slit pupils, and . . . hm, he can’t quite make that sense out, but it comes and goes in his mouth (it doesn’t close all the way anymore; too many teeth, and pointed ones at that). there he stood, a variation of color between human skin and charcoal scales (and in those black patches, microfreckles of the colors one would find in a sunset, a step away from pale), looking in the wrong direction at the wrong time.

because the splash over his head causes a near exaggeration of a reaction. it was too cold, too wet, and his physiology just. wasn’t made for this anymore. before he knows it, eren recoils and reacts like a cat being thrown into a pool, crying out unexpectedly and barreling into the people behind him in panic. a domino effect ensues until eren’s the one hitting the floor and erratically trying to smack the water off him. augh what a horrendous feeling.

in a matter of seconds after kneeling, he’s slowing . . . down . . . augh he doesn’t feel good. ]

[fiddlestick]

[ The moment the water had hit someone, Elliot had been expecting a bad reaction. Someone yelling, getting angry at him- that was expected and he was already bracing himself.

What he didn't expect was someone reacting this strongly to the water. Next thing he knows, there's a whole explosion of movement. People being knocked around, someone crying out and falling to the ground ]

Oh no...

[Well, even without his magic, he knew enough about healing and first aid to jump into action. He rushes over and kneels at his side. ]

H-Hey, try to hold still! Are you hurt?

[usurpers]

[ nothing— physically daunting can be seen apart from being drenched (or his scales), but eren breathes shakily, out and in, a tremble in his limbs to heat up as fast as possible. it was very similar to a fire being doused, his body temperature dropping and causing him to feel sluggish and nearly sick rather than calm from a cold touch, or a small spray of hot water (what helps him trick his senses most). ]

Can’t— [ he says as he attempts to get the thicker sheets of water off him by sliding his hands over his face, his arms, wanting to do more but a little dazed to pick up the pace. amidst some chuckles and more serious murmurs to shut them up, a few considerate witches nearby, veterans, conjure beautifully etched towels with this month’s festival designs: flowers, of all kinds of blossoms. they’re handed to elliot first, while some are left next to eren.

he turns his head, and when he sees the red head, sluggishly but aware, his eyes widen and stare at him with still striking blue eyes, more slit pupils going thinner.

the last time they saw each other, the redhead played a tune so fluid on his . . . instrument, a beautiful sound that made his eruptive instinct pull into a lull, into sleep until he woke up— ]

. . . Elliot.

[ found you. ]

III

[activatingcombatmode]

[So it's really happening again. Zack thought that maybe the instance that the first group of other-world people would just be them and they'd only be here for a little while despite everything that Nessie and the others said. He'd been hoping they'd be the only 'first' to happen and there wouldn't be anyone else getting stolen from their worlds. But here he is watching the orientation end again and all the newcomers starting to disperse.

Zack wanders over to the kid he remembers vaguely from the dreams. Zack looks slightly tired but he's got a smile on his face anyway. Hands tucked in his pocket to hide newly growing claws and hair slightly dishevelled from horns that are barely visible on the top of his skull.]

Well, well. Good morning. Give it a few days before you start beating yourself up for not knowing everything yet, huh?

[fiddlestick]

[Elliot is jolted from this belittling session and thoughts by Zack's voice. He looks up to see the other guy. Wait...wasn't that...?]

W-Wait, aren't you the guy from my dream...?

[He doesn't notice the physical changes yet, what with the claws hidden and....you know why he can't see the top of his head ok. you know why]

[activatingcombatmode]

[Sorry small Elliot! Zack will be more than content with no comments on the horn numbs he's got growing right now.]

Yeah, I am. Zack from the dream. Just less dream-y this time.

[But he's still dreamy.]

iii

[littlemperor]

You're pathetic if you're really giving up so quickly. ♪

[yeesh, what's with this sassy kid. tori stands with his arms crossed, looking for all the world... self-important as hell. it's a little offset by the golden retriever by his side, tail wagging slowly as the dog looks over elliot with the clear interest of wanting to Meet and Befriend a new human, but he's staying very nicely by his owner's side.

... with the help of a leash, wrapped around one of tori's hands...]

You're the one who stepped through the glass, so quit your whining and focus on things one at a time. It's like, no good if you let yourself get caught up in other people's pace.

[from experience, the momentary scowl on his face says.]

[fiddlestick]

[Well, what a friendly person this was. Elliot can't tell if this guy is trying to tear him down or be helpful in his own...weird way. Either way, it's enough that he withdraws into himself and tenses up. ]

Er...sorry?

[He observes the guy. Looks pretty young, cute dog, also clearly there's an air of self-importance going on]

I wasn't giving up...just feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Didn't plan on going to a whole new world this morning.

[littlemperor]

Ugh, join the club... I need to give my sister back her doll, but now I'm stuck here with it. She's gonna be so~o mad if it ends up getting damaged somehow.

[he has to protect it... in a whole new world........]

But it's good that you're not giving up. Miss Nessie-san and Mhairi-san are both doing all they can to help us out, so we have to give back any way we can. You can't do that if you're just sulking, right?

iva...is it late if it's just four days in??

[defendure]

[ It's fine, Elliot, this is absolutely consistent with Izuku's luck in general. He splutters for a second after having water dumped on him (why have most of his magical mishaps so far involved water...???) but he's quick enough to laugh it off.

After all, it's not very heroic to make someone worry...!

Also? He's just genuinely not the type of guy to get upset about this sort of thing. ]

It's okay! It can be a little tricky to do this stuff the first few times, right?

[ Just like with any skill. ]

I've messed up dozens of spells so far...as long as you learn as you go, it's okay to make mistakes.

it is fashionably late don't worry!

[fiddlestick]

[Wow this guy sure having water dumped on him in stride. Elliot is almost a little thrown off by it, expecting someone to yell at him and instead laughing it off. ]

Oh... [He breathes, relaxing a little. ] Y-Yeah, I was so focused on getting it to work I didn't think about where it'd work. Need to work on that.

Still...I'm sorry. Let me get you a towel, okay?

[defendure]

Sure! Or, uh...we can try a drying spell?

[ They're witches, right. They should be solving things...

With magic!

How likely are they to burn themselves if they try to dry him off, though. ]