ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name:
Date:
Format:

<B>Name:</B> <B>Date:</B> <B>Format:</B>

Name: Connor
Date: 08-08
Format: Video


[Connor looks decidedly irritable as he turns on the video, but not because of anything anyone else has done... he just doesn't understand how he was here one moment, gone for what felt like a minute, and then he was back and months had passed. Hank is gone, and he has to figure out who is still here. He also needs to see who has his animals, because he'll be damned if he's letting them go like that.]

I'm looking for anyone I know. Or who knows me... I'll admit, my memory seems to be somewhat faulty after my trips through the mirror.

[Another reason to be unhappy.]

I'm also looking for my animals, if anyone I know has them.

As for the people who I'm unfamiliar with- please feel free to introduce yourselves. I always welcome potential friends.

My name is Connor. I arrived with the first Mirrorbound. I'm a monster- a Merrow, more specifically. If there are any Witches out there who need a Bond, I'm sorely lacking and would appreciate it.

Name: Alice Elliot
Date: 8/5
Format: Video

[Alice looks into the camera, looking underslept. She never did go back to sleep after waking up several hours before sunrise.

More than that, however, she's determined to tug on this thread she's been given.]

I have a question for any of the Mirrorbound who are still left: did any of you have a strange dream last night?

I ask because I did. It felt as vividly real as the other times we've been pulled into dreamscapes, but this time I was alone. I was called to a large and pulsating flower in the forest by my own voice, which promised me whatever I wanted if I just stepped into it.

And then I woke up with this.

[She shows her right hand to the camera. It's marked with a flower (a striking a crimson against her pale skin, but that detail is obfuscated by the watch's sepiatone) that looks somewhat like a pitcher plant.]

I'd like to hear from anyone else this may have happened to, and compare notes.

Name: Ishigaki Koutarou
Date: 07/11
Format: Video

---

Name: Hilda
Date: 8th of the Juril Moon 8 Juril
Format: Video

[Being able to record herself like this is a novel concept to Hilda, so she's painstakingly gone through the effort to present herself in just the right way. When the video starts, she's carefully seated underneath a tree in what looks like a nice, well manicured garden.

Even through the limited visibility of the sepiatone recording, it's clear that she's started transforming. Her irises take up almost the entirety of her eye, and small black horns have grown a couple of inches on either side of her head. She's draped a delicate chain over the left one in hopes that by decorating them, they'll look less weird.]

Hello, fellow Mirrorbound! Hilda here, with a proposition for you all.

[This pitch has clearly been rehearsed, right down to the wink at the camera.]

From what I've gathered, I'm not the only person here who finds herself in need of a Bond. There are other newbies like me, and people who've lost Bondmates recently.

Not having a Bond is not an option, soooooo I was thinking we should have some sort of social mixer where people without Bonds and people who have Bonds but want more of them can all gather and get to know each other. We could even do quick one-on-one sessions between people where they really get a chance to dig into the important stuff before making any decisions. Or, at least as much important stuff as you can get to in a few minutes.

[Yes, Hilda has just invented Bond Speed Dating.]

I think it'll be fun and productive. We can even invite the happily-Bonded, if they want to just come party and meet people. And, hopefully, this will avoid any witch explosions or feral monster attacks that are bubbling right under the surface.

[She pauses, grinning as winsomely as she can manage, before she gets to the most important part.]

Of course, I'm not putting this together without at least some help. [Ideally, she won't be doing much of the actual work at all.] So if this sounds like something you'd like to work on, please let me know. I'll make sure you're well compensated for your time.

Name: Zack Fair
Date: 29th Iuneril
Format: Video

[ This is, shockingly, Zack's first time using his Watch like this. Even though he's a sociable person who's happy to meet new people, he does tend to prefer face-to-face interactions, especially for a first meeting. So he hadn't felt much need for a broadcast until now.

He's realized lately how much their numbers have dwindled, and so can't help but want to reach out to his fellow Mirrobound, whether to talk to someone he hasn't seen in a while, or to make a new friend.

And, well, there's the practical reason. ]

Hey, all! [ He starts the video message with a grin and a quick wave. ] If we haven't met before, I'm Zack. Seems like we all need to band together more than ever now, and I also had a question.

[ He shifts his watch around so that the camera can capture at least some of his wings. Mainly, all viewers will be able to make out is a mass of dark brown feathers, before his face returns to front and center again. ]

I'm a chimera, and my transformation finished a few months back, but I'm still getting used to these wings. I'm not sure if I can even fly the way a harpy or dragon could, but it's probably worth learning. I mean, because it'd be helpful, but also because it'd be cool. Does anyone have any tips? Seems like it'd be hard to practice without risking some bodily harm.

[ A pause, and then he decides to ask one more thing. ]

Also, does anyone know if I'm the only chimera left here now? I used to know a few others, but they've all left. [ He shrugs one shoulder. ] I dunno, I was just curious. [ It would be strange, to be the only one, so he's hoping that isn't the case. ]

Anyway, thanks! It was nice talking to you all.

[ With that, the feed ends. ]

Name: Papyrus | Username: CoolestSkeleton95
Date: Iuneril 24th
Format: Text

JUST A QUICK QUESTION, FOR ANYBODY READING THIS.

IS IT REALLY ALREADY THE FULL MOONS??
BECAUSE THAT FELT LIKE ONE WEEK. MAYBE.

Name: Mira Chambers
Date: 6/21
Format: Voice

[The feed is silent for a moment except for someone on the other end taking some breaths. This kind of thing is hard for her after all since she has to be the one who give out the bad news.]

Not many of you know me but my name is Mira. I'm the mother of two boys who were here before named Vanitas and Sora. You may have met them, even known them by working alongside them or run into them on the street. If you have been trying to reach them and have gotten no answer, then I'm afraid to say they're no longer on this star.

[A pause as there's a hitch of breath on her end followed by a soft mew.]

Seems to be a lot of people vanishing as of late. It feels more empty don't you think?

[There's a rustling from her side and the meowing gets a little louder. The last thing anyone hears before it clicks off is a quiet confession:

"I'm all alone now."]

Name: Mogget
Date: June 13th
Format: Video

--

[The user's ID is undoubtedly a familiar one to some, but rather than a small white cat showing on the video there sits a pale but very human-looking male with vivid green, cat-like eyes and a red ribbon loosely slung around his neck. He gazes curious and unblinking into the camera for a moment or two before shifting in his seat, the sudden animation of his body and features looking almost deliberate.]

Good afternoon, everyone. [He begins, and he toys lightly with the ribbon and the pendant and bell hanging from it.] I'm sure that the fact I would eventually take on this kind of shape comes as a surprise to no one who knows me already.

[Mogget pauses here and clears his throat.]

I'm able to maintain it with minimal effort for around a day or so, and I think... I would enjoy putting it to use. If anyone knows of any employment opportunities that I might look into, I'd appreciate the information.

[He'll also take questions about the fact he isn't currently a cat if anyone cares to ask... but he's not going to put that one out there.]

Name: Caster
Date: 10th Iuneril
Format: text

I'm bringing a small announcement from Inkchanted— Thanks to everyone's mighty help, we have successfully created a spell matrix for self-healing spells! Bigger designs get more uses, smaller ones will give you one or two shots at it. Obligatory warning, t has no effects on Cwyld, do not try to heal broken bones that have not been correctly set-up first... you get the drill.

As another thing, we are currently seeking a jeweler capable of crafting crystals into bracelets, necklaces, you take it. Crystal batteries take all forms, so creativity is a plus. My Bonded used to make them, but sadly he's no longer here.

Personally, I'm going to check the Northern Outpost, as some of the stories Wilders brought recently are most curious. Also disturbing. I'll be bringing some ink with me, so if anyone wants a healing spell painted on, just get me there. Mind it will have one use only though and is less potent than a tattoo buuuut I can handle doing that in the field.

Name: Sophie Hatter
Date: 7th June
Format: Video

--

Oh, hello.

[Slightly too close to the camera at first, Sophie shifts back once she realises she's managed to turn it on and puts her face in full view. She's a pretty girl, but her simple clothes and the way she pulls her hair back from her face make her look plainer than she is.

Realising she's now broadcasting to anyone who happens to be paying attention at the moment, she clears her throat slightly and settles her nerves.]

My name is Sophie Hatter. I'm... new here. This is all very alarming, but I would like to be able to make myself useful. [Never one to sit back and do nothing, of course this kind of thing was her first thought once the initial shock had worn off.]

I can mend and make clothes and hats, should anyone have a need for that.. though I'm afraid I have little in the way of other talents. [Not entirely true, but Sophie is always one to downplay herself.]

I'm told that I'm not a Witch, so I shall be... turning into something. A fae. I'm hoping that someone can give me advice on what I ought to expect... [She pauses, swallows. It's all quite terrifying, really.] Ah... thank you in advance.

Name: Near
Date: 5/29
Format: text

I understand this has been an interesting month for some.

I'm curious as to what new permanent changes there might be among the populace.

Name: Mogget
Date: May 8th
Format: Voice

---

How is death viewed in the world you come from?

[Now there's a question. Mogget pauses a moment before he continues, just to let it sink in.]

In the Old Kingdom, when one dies, their soul moves over into a different realm. There they traverse nine gates along a river until finally passing on. I understand that this isn't the norm outside of my home world.

[Not close to it, in fact.]

So, indulge me, if you would.

Name: Ignis Scientia
Date: 8th May
Format: Video

---

I have a need for a few volunteers. Though you won't need to be physically present.

[Ignis had given some consideration to leaving the house he'd previously occupied with (fluctuating levels of) companions, but has ultimately decided that the twelve feet of snake-tail he's now pulling along is far better suited to a larger home. Thus, he's speaking from the kitchen of a house some might recognise as having been the home of Prompto, or Steak and Red Wine, or even Caren Ortensia.

And he's planning to make good use of it.]

This world offers a good number of culinary challenges, and opportunities. If you have a moment, I'd like to hear about something that you're missing from your home - sweet, savoury, anything that comes to mind - and I'll need it described in as much detail as you can manage.

[He pauses for a moment, considering his next words.]

If I can, I'll do my best to replicate it for you. As closely as possible.

Name: Bishop
Date: Early morning of the 5th
Format: Video

[ He's sat at the bar of the barely lit diner, Fushimi, weary, confused, and slightly intoxicated by the glazed and unfocused look in his eye. He rubs his face to wipe the slack jawed expression and hoping to find some semblance of focus and motivation in the motion. ]

Uhhh...hi. Yeah. Ummmm, I'm....I-I'm called Bishop and uhhhh....Goddammit

[ He opens and closes his mouth, hesitant to speak or unsure of what to say. Maybe a bit of both, he thinks to himself while looking away rub his face again. ]

God, I've fucked this already! UM! Right. So for those of you that know Enkidu and....Saori Nakagawa, they've, uhh, left. Like, 'gone home' left or whatever it is you wanna call it. So, if someone wants to add their names to that monument...thing, then go right ahead I d-[ He pauses, eyes bearing a glint of anger amidst the shimmering pain. ]

Anywho! I'll be...taking over this place, Fushimi that is, so no worries for anyone who frequents this place. It might be closed for a few days while I...sort out all this fuc--all this paperwork. Make it legal n' all that. Uhh, I will be in need of a few new workers. A chef or two, and a few waitstaff, so if you're interested let me know or drop by, either works. Work mostly nights. Also good with cats, that's important. Mmmmm...

...What else?

Oh, right and uh, I'm gonna need a new bond. Not immediate, I guess. I have a few months before exploding starts to become a concern. I'm...[ sigh ] fucked up...I'm a witch so, any monsters who need a bond hit me up. And, yeah, I think that's about it. Have a good night, or - fuck, shit, wait what time is it?

...

Uhh, make that good day. Bye.

The Network: May, Arrivals from Distant Lands

( the network )

Name: Midousuji Akira
Date: 5/3
Format: text; UN: akira

---

Hello.

I know the network is overused for this purpose, but all the same: I need a Bond. So the hope is that one of you Monster Mirrorbound are in a similar situation.

[Midousuji squints, rolling his eyes up as he tilts his head back, scowling as he growls out a long grosssss. this feels pathetic. and creepy, and weird. like writing a goddamn personal ad.

well, it kind of is. Midousuji refrains from the temptation of commenting on as much; normally, he's on the network as HOTARU☆KUN—uninhibited for the most part, and largely unlikable. but he's asking for a favor, so better to just switch modes. just be purely objective, don't display any reactionary tendencies, don't make sport of bullying.]

I'm a learning Witch, and I'm still kind of a new arrival. I don't have magic illness, [...anymore, thanks to that weird hiccup where Midousuji got physically accosted by a Puca that he mutually did not consent to bonding with, thanks to shenanigans] but obviously, it's pertinent that I resolve this.

So: I'm a quiet, private person. I do not like other people, and I do not like to be touched. I understand physical touch helps facilitate the symbiotic siphoning of magic or whatever, and it's not as if it's impossible to compromise for the sake of practicality, but I'm not going to do any cuddling or whatever.

Ideally, I'd like to form a Bond with a Monster who likewise keeps to themselves. I know the Bonds sometimes have ripples of emotional feedback, and I'm familiar with that feeling. But I'd like the kind of person who if they were to get a sense of something like that, they'd mind their own business. I'd do the same, of course, but it would be easier to tolerate someone who isn't strongly emotional in the first place. Outside of that, I don't care what kind of person I form a Bond with.

I know that beggars can't be choosers, blah blah, so save your smart-alecky responses for some other victim. I'll settle if I have to, but I may as well ask for the best fit first.

[he almost made it a whole post without having an attitude. alas]

Name: Ignis Scientia
Date: Around the 20th/21st
Format: Video... sort of?

---

[The video opens on static, that fizzes loudly for a moment before settling into the standard static of an untuned television set. Ignis' voice comes through just clearly enough for those who know him to be able to identify it as him.]

Th--- best to try--- reach the surface somehow.

[His voice keeps cutting out, but he's going to try anyway.]

Any images-- n't go through. -- in a bad way down here. [He does wonder about the validity of these efforts. If it's even reaching the surface at all.]

Not sure how lo-- been gone? Hard to tell. Hoping everything's... [And the pause here is deliberate. He has to take a moment just to gather his mind together.]

Everyone's still all rig--- p there.

Do you have more questions than answers? In this world, we all do, but we can help. Linden and I wanted to let everyone know that we've recently created Tailor and Yagami Investigations so that we can lend a hand in solving some of your everyday questions.

[The video feed flickers on to show two men standing side by side. Both men are smartly dressed, but it's Light who makes the opening speech. Behind them, in the background, stand two desks, two shelves of books, and a black marble scrying basin with silver veins.

The second man looks better-kept than those who know him may be accustomed to seeing him, though nowhere near as polished as the first. His mop of dark hair is combed and smoothed neatly back, his suit is pressed and all of the buttons are aligned and in their proper holes. Though he has an overall wan and listless bearing, there's an intense focus to his eyes that's a little bit uncomfortable, even only on camera.]

Our rates are competitive, and so is our attitude. If something precious goes missing, we can guarantee that we didn't put it in the backroom of the Particularly Good Finders' storefront prior to its reported absence.

[Implying that their competition cannot say the same.]

If you're interested, you can find us at 74 Neblen Way, Suite 4 or contact either of us directly.

(ooc |If you have a preference for Light or L, let us know. Otherwise, either or both may reply. The link for the business can be found here)

For those that might be interested, I have through considerable effort figured out how to tweak these devices into allowing the display of color video and images beyond sepia.

[There is a steady tap tap tap, like a claw on metal.]

Which I would demonstrate, save that this is a physical change to the device and requires me to put in several very small items to function. Thus if you have interest in seeing each other in color, I can be found at the Second Time's The Charm shop, which sells these communicators, for the next several days. Make an appointment. As I am generous, I will not charge for my considerable time and efforts in this, though I will not refuse donations. You will have to turn your device over to me for a bell or so, there's no way around it. If you refuse, you may purchase another, I can update that one, and you may turn in your old one for recycling.

Technically I can't refuse anyone who asks for my aid. But if you are rude, violent, or otherwise not on good behavior something unpleasant may happen to your device while my talons are in its guts. Try to at least feign civility.




[OOC: The first watch update is here, IN LIVING COLOR. Lahabrea absolutely must get his hands on a watch in order to upgrade it. While this interaction can be handwaved!! you may also come visit Lahabrea and have it done in person for delicious CR! He won't refuse anyone, and he'll take into account rude people at least making an effort at being polite. Upgrades are freeeee! Make an appointment (in this thread or inboxes or etc I don't mind~) and come get your color upgrade!

Although he didn't mention it in this notice, he's willing to teach others how to do this as well, so other people can do upgrades! If you're interested, find an excuse to ask him! I welcome any and all assistance; the more hands I get the faster I can do future upgrades too!]

Name: Waver Velvet
Date: April 1st
Format: Video


[ The camera view is a bit shaky, but the picture is clear enough to show... a bear.

Yes, a bear. A large, brown bear that seems to be happily asnooze upon what can only be the owner of watch's lower legs. It may be a bit difficult to tell in that usual, sepia tone the watch videos and images have, but there are definitely crumbs around the bear's snout and traces of what astute observers and/or bear aficionados may deduce could be honey.

Beyond the bear is a sliver of sunlight in a faint rectangle above: a doorway, almost entirely blocked by the mass of the napping bear's body.

A voice some might recognize as Waver's floats in from somewhere. ]

Hello. I once talked to someone on here who said they have a bear.

I'm going to need some bear advice. Urgently.