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

[showsnopiety]

Oh, androids. I've never met one.

[It's a mild surprise, but then, she's pretty sure that in her world, most androids are in the world of science fiction. Surprisingly though, Caren doesn't seem taken aback from questioning her humanity.]

Yes. Not a very good one, but a human.

I'm not the first human you've met, am I? Are you used to aliens instead?

[flawlessexecution]

[Not a very good human... How could one not be good at being human? It doesn't make much sense, so 2B throws it aside for now. She's a confirmed human.

One that hasn't met an android. To that, her brow furrows, just slightly. Before she can answer anything else:]

... tell me. This place - is this the moon?

[showsnopiety]

The moon? No. Not at all.

[At least the lecture with that Witch and her Bonded had been good for something. Caren shook her head.]

This is a planet which- I haven't heard the name of yet. But we're on the Continent of Geardagas, and within the city of Aefenglom.

We're no longer on Earth. I'm not even certain we're in the same Universe.

[flawlessexecution]

... I see.

[She'd been far too damaged for the lecture - the moment she'd been spotted in the condition she'd been in, 2B had been carried away to the Coven to be... repaired, though honestly she still isn't sure how or what they did to accomplish as much. They'd given in the name "magic", but what is magic, exactly?

If this isn't the moon, and it isn't Earth... Where is it? What brought her here? What brought any of them here? She's quiet for the full second it takes for this entire series of thoughts to process, and then turns slightly to more fully face Caren.]

I am YoRHa unit Number 2, Type B. If it's easier, call me 2B.

[showsnopiety]

[She's not sure how 2B could be repaired using technology. This place isn't advanced enough to make AIs, much like Androids. Or-at least Caren assumes.

She didn't know though about 2B's state in arriving, or what happened to her. Instead. she turned fully towards her companion, hands clasped in front of her.]

It would be for conversation. But I will remember.

[She offered a hand to shake. If 2B took it or not-it didn't really matter.]

I'm Caren Ortensia. I suppose you already realized I'm one of the new arrivals, like yourself.

[flawlessexecution]

[There are many things that 2B is learning today. Human customs have always been largely mythological in nature, or at least what few of them are known. Luckily, the custom known as a "handshake" isn't unknown to her, though it's not something she has any experience actually doing.

Caren's hand is carefully considered for a moment, and then 2B extends her own - to let Caren take it and initiate. She doesn't know how it works, exactly, and she doesn't want to make a mistake.]

It's nice to meet you.

[And it is, really.]

[showsnopiety]

[At least compared to some of the other Androids that 2B knows, Caren doesn't look too unusual. And while Caren is giving her some curious looks, she hasn't said anything about how particular this all is.

Then again, they may both be thinking of that, in slightly different ways.]

And a pleasure to meet you as well.

[She clasps 2B's hand, and shakes it, letting go after a few shakes. Her grip is firm, but not overly so.]

Did you wish to listen to the rest of the lecture, or did you want to ask me some questions?

If you want to listen, the questioning can wait. I'm not sure what you or your friend would consider a priority.

[flawlessexecution]

[So, the hands are clasped firmly, but not too firmly. That gets noted away, though she doubts she'll have any trouble with it if she needs to do it again later.

At the mention of her 'friend', however, 2B's expression quickly schools back into something stoic and neutral.]

If he were here, he would consider everything a priority.

[It isn't really an answer, but... well, it's the truth. 9S would be torn between listening to the lecture and speaking to a real, live human. She knows he would be, without a shadow of a doubt.]

You're familiar with Earth. Are you also familiar with the Machine War?

[showsnopiety]

[A polite amount of firm grasping. 2B has this.

Though Caren does think it's interesting how her expression shifts quickly to stoic. Interesting.]

It sounds counter productive. Lecture first, then questioning. But-to answer your question, no, I am not.

My apologies.

[Somehow...she is pretty sure that she's going to disappoint this android. Somehow.]

[flawlessexecution]

[The neutrality remains on her face, but on the inside, 2B can't help but be confused. A human that has no recollection of the Machine War? All humans should be aware of it, logically. It's been going on for so long that it would be impossible not to know.]

It's fine.

[It's just... completely perplexing. She isn't even programmed for curiosity, and she can't comprehend it.]

The Earth that I know has been abandoned by humans for thousands of years. Those that survived the initial invasion by the aliens and their machine lifeforms fled to the moon, while we androids have been fighting on their behalf.

[showsnopiety]

[She didn't say anything to the assertion, but she raised her eyebrows. Clearly she was missing something-something from 2B's world, she was certain. But then, the android didn't have all of the bumps into other people, to learn that they were from different worlds.]

I...see. I've never heard of such a thing, though...ah.

[Her expression clears. It's not her world, or if it is, it's far in the future.]

We might have some confusion here.

[flawlessexecution]

[... honestly, 2B has been beginning to think the same thing, weird as it may be.]

It seems so.

[There's a problem here. Unfortunately, she doesn't exactly know what to do to fix it. What would 9S do...]

Do you know what year it is, on your Earth?

[showsnopiety]

[It's such a weird thought. But after living how she had for...she's not sure how long, she's more open to possibilities.]

The year-oh, yes. 2004.

Is that before or after the Machine War?

[flawlessexecution]

... it's before. Much, much before.

[So, this girl is part of humanity from before the alien attacks began. But how...? If it were possible to travel back and forth in time, wouldn't someone have found a way to stop the aliens from killing so many humans? Being in the same place from two entirely different periods of time shouldn't be possible...]

The aliens attacked Earth in the year 5012 A.D. Presently, it is the year 11945 A.D.

[showsnopiety]

Eleven thousand...?

[Her eyes widen. She knows that there will a future-or there's the idea-but the idea of a dead planet but for machines and androids is...it's really something.]

That...seems impossible.

[So much for paying attention to the lecture. This is too much to concentrate on the pep talk.]

[flawlessexecution]

[No kidding. If anything interesting is happening over there amidst the crowd of people, she's not paying much attention.]

Meeting someone from the year 2004 seems impossible, too.

[There's a little shrug of her shoulders. But only a little. It's barely noticeable. Maybe she's been around 9S for too long.]

Even that far in the future, there isn't any sort of technology that allows us to travel through time. I'm not sure how any of this is possible at all.

[showsnopiety]

[Too bad. They'll have to find out about it later. If nothing else, the Coven is good about sharing information.]

Good point.

[Maybe 2B is. At least Caren's silence is thoughtful, rather then irritated.]

It could be a few things. For one, we may be from different Earths. Or we've been just taken from different points of time, from different locations.

Or...just copied? Perhaps.

[flawlessexecution]

It's hard to say.

[Really hard. Especially if magic has anything to do with it. Magic is an unknown variable, and if it was able to bring her here, even on the brink of death... who knows what it's capable of.]

With any luck, we'll find our answers. We just have to look.

[showsnopiety]

Maybe it'll come with knowing the rules of magic.

[She sighed. It felt as if she had been holding her breath without realizing it.]

Maybe the answers are there. But...I just don't know.

what do you want to do though 2B? Now that you're here? Just find a way back?

[flawlessexecution]

[It's... a strange question, but a good one. A very good one, and one that 2B hasn't had a chance to really think about. She's been so focused on getting information on this place and boggling over what's going on and humans being here that she never even considered what she's going to do.

But, there's really only one true choice.]

... I have someone that I'm trying to help. My partner, 9S, he... I've been trying to find a way to restore his personal data, so that he can reboot. Everything that I had tried wasn't working, but if I can find a way here...

[showsnopiety]

[It's an important question. Not many people, she thinks, are considering it. She wants to know what the Android desires. It might lend some light as to what she should do for herself.

But that is...maybe it was more obvious, after hearing how she had been 'listening for a friend'.]

It's possible. Magic can do much, in the right hands.

[She's seen it. In her own world, if not in this one.]

Is he here?