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

[futhark]

[ His problems have problems, let's be real ]

Jumping straight down into a chasm instead of learning how to properly use climbing gear is not survival. [ There is a different world for that, also starting on "s"... Is he really going to be the one to share all the info? Why him? ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

I know how to survive on my own.

[ He's not having any of this right now. He just wants to be alone, is that really so much to ask? ]

But let me guess, you're going to tell me, anyway. Don't feel obligated to do that.

[futhark]

[ So, this is pretty much his face right now, I just lack skills to properly iconize it. And yes, he knows that Berserker would most likely be just left alone right. Find some den, or dig some hole and crawl there to brood.

Oh no, no way, you're not getting away easily after your last stunt. Sure it's petty, but that is one of the reasons why Caster just continues to— tag along. ]

Really? What do you know about Cwyld then? About the Bright Wall? The Moons? [ You know, the stuff that wasn't covered in the first introductions before. And while it is safe to assume that Berserker is going to assume similar form in the end as in the Dream, that is, that he is a one of the monsters— there is no guarantee without testing ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Of course none of those things meant anything to him at all. Why should they? Berserker continues on his way to explore this path, only barely paying attention to Caster. ]

Nothing.

[ And it seems he wants to keep it that way with how he speeds up his walk. ]

Why are you so concerned about me suddenly?

[futhark]

[ Why? Why indeed— It's opening another can of worms, isn't it? ]

Concerned about your willful ignorance. [ And the trouble it can bring ] You're not a Servant anymore, but that doesn't mean you're now self-sufficient. Those who are dragged here get... altered— [ hahaha the wording ] —to how this place works.

[ Boy does he hate it. It's one thing not being a Servant anymore. Confusing and strange yes— but it's everything else that is annoying. The moons, the swings in magic. The overload is already making him moody and restless. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It's not like he hasn't already noticed the difference -- he tires more easily and his strength is lacking. He's simply ignoring it until he can't ignore it anymore. It's a destructive way to exist, but it's just how he is. ]

Then it will be my problem, won't it? Not yours. [ He slows once again, though. ] Altered...altered how, exactly?

[ The choice of words would normally strike him as funny, but his sense of humor is long gone. ]

[futhark]

[ Caster doesn't answer the "not your problem part". For once, it is true, they might have the same face, but they are distinct enough to not cause that my confusion. And if anyone pushed responsibility for whatever Berserker had done on him... that wouldn't end well for that person.

So why does he concern himself at all? ]

There are two types of people here, those who have magic— [ Caster calls a flame on the palm of his hand - without a rune though, just with a whispered spell - that he then idly lets jump from finger to finger and back ] If you're one of these give it a month or two to see how the build-up of mana starts burning you from the inside.

[ The flame drops suddenly but his reflexes are good and he catches it with his other hand ]

Then there are those who don't have it, but they crave it— No, they need it. It staves them off from losing themselves. So far all those arrived here have fallen into one of these categories.

[ If the World changes them overtime or do they arrive changed is unclear ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Ah. The gravity of the situation is actually enough for him to realize he's being a thick-headed idiot. This isn't where he wants to die, there's no sense in it. This "battlefield" will not be his final resting place. Berserker stops now, looking frustrated for a moment. ]

...Hm. I guess I'll see what happens to me, then. I won't submit myself to testing, though. Whichever I fall into will become obvious if I wait it out, won't it?

[ Stubborn as hell, this one. ]

[futhark]

[ Insert eyeroll. But yeah, that kind of like it worked for them all here. The Coven didn't expect them to fall on the other half of the spectrum, yet some did. ]

Give it a few weeks, and you'll know— [ Or will he? Look at how helpful Caster is, he didn't mention the Bonds, nor that the magickless half of the people are monstrous ] What you're gonna do when you know?

[ The real question. There is a certain balance in how this all works, like always in nature that's where it strives. Though the contracts here are not of binding to servitude ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker fully expects Caster to be light on the details -- this isn't his problem, after all. Berserker is just being incredibly stubborn, any information the other divulges to him is a courtesy. He knows this, but it doesn't really matter all that much. ]

Find someone who can handle whatever may happen.

[ It's his way of saying "seek help", but he'd never admit to that. ]

That's all I really can do, isn't it?

[futhark]

Indeed.

[ Is it just a courtesy, or is it a form of subconscious power play? Caster is... quite uncomfortable around Berserker after their last talk (and it's the talk fault, the dying part is actually easier to shrug off), but again he'd rather die than show it.

Hearing that Berseker will at least seek help if stuff gets bad is a relief. This is no battlefield indeed. There might be fights ahead, maybe a glory to be found who knows-? But dying of simple refusal to adapt? ]

Or you can always ask questions and know beforehand— [ Maybe he can offer senpai'ng. Maybe. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Never show weakness. There's a feeling that Caster's uneasy around him because of the dream conversation and, if he were being honest, Berserker would admit to some discomfort, too. Mostly because Caster saw a weakness in him and that's unacceptable.

Asking questions, though, is not something he did. He's not naturally inquisitive -- he's used to being pointed at what needs to be killed and told what to do. It's hard to overcome that instinct, but...if it's just Vaster, it can't be that harmful, right? He's loyal, after all, and nothing would be done to betray his trust. ]

I don't even know what to ask or where to start. How much use can barking in the dark really be?

[futhark]

[ Ain't this great? The great Cú Chulainn is, in reality, a personification of "this-is-fine.jpg" dog. They are both awkward turtles, but are totally going to keep the confidence up to not show anything.

But hey, this is a strange step forward. Doesn't matter if they're enemies or allies or on entirely neutral ground, there is a certain trust. Trust in the core values they both share. ]

I can't tell you what you are, they haven't taught us how to recognize that. [ It's probably easiest if you were a mage before and now can - or cannot - find magic in yourself. But how to tell others apart? No idea. There is a memory of the changed form from the Dream, but how accurate the Dream is? ] But in the end, the way to survive for both is the same.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It takes a moment for him to respond. To admit anything about his lack of magic is to admit a weakness -- after all, it was one of the major keys to his durability. Admitting weakness in front of Caster is not something he wants to do, and yet... ]

I can't find the magic I once had, if that means anything at all.

[ Even this twisted form had access to Rune Magic and now it's just ... gone. None of the feeling that surrounded it remains. ]

And what way is that?

[futhark]

[ And yet he does. ]

It may. Because it sounds like the opposite of my experience. [ Caster can't ignore this kind of honesty and answers in the same way. The runes don't work for him either, but he never really lost a sense of magic. It changed how it worked but he feels linked to the world like he didn't before. ]

As for the way- it's one we are both familiar with, albeit it seems to be a far more intimate thing. It's similar to contracting to a magus, just... without command seals, without servitude.

[ A different side of "me", one that can see what others can't know. Knowledge of the vulnerabilities is dangerous, of course, it is. In a sense, they are even. ]

Temporary ways of sharing are also possible. [ And that covers about the most important thing ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ There's less harm in being vulnerable in front of someone who may as well be yourself. At least immediately, anyway -- if it came to them fighting again, then it may well be a problem. This wasn't even the worst vulnerability presented to Caster; the worst came in the form of that dream and the admissions he made in a blind rage. ]

... Hm. So the same, but very different. [ Temporary contracts were possible, after all. ] These kind of contracts are necessary if someone wants to live. A pity.

[ It sounds like he's willing to isolate himself until he loses his mind, because of course he is. ]

I don't need to worry about it right now, do I?

[futhark]

[ Who would want to be this empty, broken person, is a realization that didn't occur to Caster before. Berserker simply was, existed an effect of Medb's wish.

The fact that his own twistedness was a burden on him, that— One day they might get to work that Dream out, who knows.

Not killing that woman when there was a chance was a mistake. ]

No. Not now, not in a few months. [ And everything is Berserker's hands now. What does he decide to do, what is his next step... that's not Caster's business. Right? ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Fine. I'll do something about it when it's a problem.

[ That's really the best he can promise right now. He has no interest in doing anything until then because that's just the way he is. It could become a larger problem than he knows, but until then, it's fine. ]

[futhark]

That you will.

[ That's enough. That's more than expected, really. And while it doesn't ease that discomfort of others presence, it at least makes Caster feel that his job is done here but you didn't even do anything

So he turns around and prepares to leave, rising his hand in a parting gesture, though he doesn't bother to look back ]

Have fun adjusting.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He did enough, that's gotta count for something, right? Berserker gives a nod, knowing it will go unseen. ]

Don't worry about me. Take care of yourself before anyone else.