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!

Comments

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]

[juzubeads]

Thanks...

[Kyo takes it, mussing up his hair as he tries to dry it further. Or at least, as best he can without going home immediately to change his clothes and all. His shoulders hunch, slouching slightly as he dries off his face.]

Just...try be more careful next time. I guess I'm lucky I don't have to deal with learning this magic or whatever.

[He just has to deal with the idea of more gradually turning into a cat.]

[fiddlestick]

I will...sorry again.

["I don't have to deal"]

Oh...so you're a "Monster" then?

[Elliot he has a cat tail]

[juzubeads]

A....y-yeah.

[As hard as Kyo tries, he will probably never not instinctively darken and bristle a little at being called that. Hang ups from back home given his situation with the zodiac curse, being the Cat. But he is getting better about it. Somewhat.]

From the tail, I'm guessing I'm one of those...shapeshifters? A cat, at least.

[Kyo isn't sure if it will just mean he will turn into a cat or if there were other animals as well that he might turn into, as a 'Turnskin'.]

[fiddlestick]

[It's okay Kyo, Elliot can't blame you. He wasn't exactly fond of the term for these people either. Though...less because of an abusive past, and more because monsters in his world were non-sentient fiends you killed - sometimes for rewards or grades.

It's awkward man. Just awkward]

Oh, I was wondering if the tail was an accessory or not...

[...]

...Though turning into a cat is cuter than I thought the changes would be.

[juzubeads]

Why would I be wearing this as an accessory?

[Sure, some people like cats? But Kyo isn't aware of the whole cat ears and tail thing. Or at least not yet back home anyway. Kyo can't help but to raise an eyebrow at the comment about cats being cuter than the changes he expected. He finishes drying off of his hair as best he can figure, not really bothering as much with his shirt beyond wringing it out a bit more with the towel before handing it back to Elliot. He figures the other knows where to take it to get it washed or whatever since he found it in the first place.]

What were you expecting?

1/2

[fiddlestick]

Welllll....some people do? At least, I'd see it sometimes back home. These cat ears that also gave you a little tail that moved.

[Magic-y worlds sure are wild ones. He takes back the towel, glancing around at where he's supposed to put it, but when he doesn't come up with a good answer he...resorts to just hanging onto it for now. Yeah.]

Oh, well ... before I got here, I had this really weird dream about this place. And there was this guy that turned into a dragon, and fish monster that looked be infected with something ... probably that Cwyd stuff that they talked about, now that I thought about it.

It was some pretty scary stuff...so I guess I thought most of the "monsters" would be like that.

[fiddlestick]

[Wait. This is coming out wrong, this guy might take offense to this]

- N-Not that there's anything wrong with having a less scary monster form! I-In fact back home, it's the cute monsters you had to watch out for! Like the pandas and tomatoes!

[what.]

[juzubeads]

That....no. I wouldn't have the tail if I had any say in this! But I think everyone had some weird dream before showing up here, from what I gather.

....wait, what? Tomatoes......?

[Sure, people had allergies with some foods or didn't like certain foods or textures or whatever but. Is Elliot saying they had monster tomatoes back home where he was from......? Fighting a tomato just seems like it'd be messy.]

[fiddlestick]

Okay, sorry! I wasn't sure. It's not like I know you...

[He nods]

Yeah, acerbic tomatoes. They're little tomato monsters that can spit juice so intense it'll make someone go insane.

Though they're pretty tasty if you cook them right.

[There are so many questionable things about this I'm sorry Kyo. ]

[juzubeads]

Ace--wait what? I know tomatoes have juice but they don't -- ?

[Well. At least not back home they don't make anyone go insane? At least that Kyo is aware of. Even if people have varying tastes and preferences in regards to foods. This just sounds strange....]

So eating them cooked is safe? What about the insanity juice?

[fiddlestick]

Well normal tomatoes, sure. This is a different breed of tomatoes.

[JRPG logic is a wild place.]

You just have to be careful and cook it right. Otherwise...yeah. I wouldn't bite one raw, at least.

[juzubeads]

A different breed how......?

[Why are some tomatoes apparently this dangerous?! He has never heard of this. Are there crazy tomatoes here? Back home and he just never realized because he only had normal ones?]

[fiddlestick]

There's...different types of tomatoes? You know, like roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes...?

[He seems a little confused why this guy asked this question. Plants having breeds wasn't unusual at all.]

You don't cook much, do you?

[juzubeads]

Well, yeah. But we don't have those kind of tomatoes that seem all dangerous like you're saying. At least, as far as I know about anyway. And I know how to cook. Some basic dishes at least. I kind of had to since Shishou is horrible in the kitchen.....

[And Shishou was the one that took Kyo in. He had to learn to cook somewhat if they didn't want to live off of takeout all the time. And well, with Tohru staying with them back home, she took over the kitchen for the most part. But Kyo has managed and gone back to cooking more while here at least.]

[fiddlestick]

Oh...I see. One of those learning to cook to survive situations.

[He scratches the back of his head]

Don't worry too much about the tomatoes. It sounds like my world is unusual for having the kinds of monsters we did.

[juzubeads]

Yeah, basically....either that or we'd have been living off of takeout for years.

[Which, sure, while delicious and convenient as it was, it was also expensive and not necessarily the healthiest options. Hence Kyo learning at least some simpler, basic meals to fall back on in having something else as an option to cook for them.]

Something like that....

[fiddlestick]

Oh yeah, good call. I knew some people in school who tried to live on takeout and...boy did it add up.

[....]

Is there takeout in this city?

[juzubeads]

I'm....not sure actually. I've just been figuring my own meals mostly.

[But he doubts it? This place doesn't seem the most advanced, magic aside. At least in comparison to what he was used to back home and all, anyway. He gives a shrug, running a hand through his still drying and damp hair.]

[fiddlestick]

Oh...okay.

[Guess he'll have to find that answer on his own]

Haha, well, sorry again about the water. I'm Elliot, it's nice to meet you...?

[juzubeads]

Elliot then. Ah, I'm Kyo.

[Because that was what everywhere else did, right? The given name first. Unlike Japan with their honorifics and surnames first unless one was closer to someone. Or more likely in his case with Tohru, she needed some way to differentiate between him and Yuki.]

[fiddlestick]

Kyo. Nice to meet you!

I should probably get back to practice...but I hope to see you around?