ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Myr Shivana (un: mshivana)
Date: Mareuer 02, evening
Format: Video (!!)



[Somehow, this is a video post. Myr must've toggled it accidentally in trying to get to voice. The angle's awful, with the camera halfway covered by one of his hands, but what's visible of the Faun looks--

Well. He's seen better days. His face is hollow with sleeplessness and his hair's coming out of its usual braid. Even his blindfold seems mussed, pulled up a little on one side so there's a hint of scarring visible.]

We're accustomed to saying someone who's left us through the mirrors has "gone home". [Hello to you, too, Myr.] Like our time here in Aefenglom's the same as a trip to the Orlais countryside--a temporary jaunt and then home we go, with only the memories to keep.

Except we haven't got any evidence that's the case. Mirrorbound from the same world don't remember each other going missing or coming back with strange stories to tell. Those of us who've gotten new memories from home don't leave and live out their lives and return, they go to the Looking-glass House and see something in their mirrors.

I don't think we're who we think we are. [He shifts, tucking his chin toward his chest and covering the camera a little more. The charms on his antlers rattle against each other.] That is--I think the best explanation is we're not the people we remember being, taken physically from our homes in an eyeblink and returned the same way.

Back home, spirits in the Fade--our realm of dreams--will often imitate what they see in the waking world, or pick out of someone's memories. Some of them are very good at it. I wonder that we're not the same kind of thing--some product of Talam's dreams, created from magic and given memories of our homes, with the mirrors as our binding focus to keep us here.

And when they take us back--we die.

Name: Henry
Date: 10/07
Format: voice (please feel free to theadjack!)

I've been thinking about this decision we're left to make about Morgana Drummond. Sheesh, talk about a toughie, right? I mean, why NOT kill Drummond dead? Sounds easy-peasy to me! Dorchacht's Coven is even preparing the pyre and everything. Yay, fire!

[Henry busts out in a raucous laugh.]

You have to admire that initiative. Oh, by the by, you can't resurrect bones without the body stuffs, I guess. Reanimation ONLY. Trust me on that.

So anyway, they say they're gonna seal away her ashes. But I can't help but wonder if there's reeeeally any way to guarantee that she won't be resurrected after we burn her to bones at the stake. Imagine how awesome it'd be, facing off against an UNDEAD Drummond, revived by her necromancer lackeys! Nya ha ha! Guess we'd better hope that pile of ashes doesn't end up in the wrong hands, huh?

Who are you guys gonna side with? Dorchacht's death sentence, or Aefenglom's curious Coven?

Name: Myr Shivana | un: mshivana
Date: 9/15
Format: Voice

Evening, Mirrorbound. My name's Myr Shivana, for those who don't know my voice.

I've need of someone with experience mediating disputes--a village elder, a judge, even a senior ench--senior academic, if you've had particularly bad students. [There's a note of faint amusement in his voice, there.]

You'd be helping settle a matter that's caused no end of pain and distress to those involved. The reasons behind it are sensitive in nature, so discretion's a must.

I can compensate your time--with cunes or honey or service, whatever's preferred.

[...]

Also--unrelated to the other issue, if there's any Witches or Fae who specialize in illusions invoking taste instead of sight, I'd like to talk to you. Or cooks specializing in food for folk who can't taste much, I s'pose could work too. [He sounds cheerier about this one, at least.]

Name: Mettaton (un: METTATON)
Date: 09/06
Format: text

Hey there, beauties! Lend me your imaginations and INSPIRE me... By answering to my provocative scenario:

Wedding bells are ringing, and you're dressed to the nines. Surprise! You're in LOVE now... with none other than your Bonded*!!! ...And you're getting MARRIED!! What's more, this is going to be your DREAM WEDDING!!

Describe it to me: what does your ideal wedding day feature, with your Bonded betrothed??


*If you're un-Bonded, you thought of someone. You're marrying them now. Ha-ha.

Name: Akira
Date: 4/15
Format: Text

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Name: Myr Shivana
Date: 11/22-ish
Format: Audio

H'lo, everyone--

I'd a thought, after this latest stunt the mirrors pulled--the folk who watch the Looking-Glass House, especially that poor fellow who's always dusting the glass--they've been through Maferath's own time with us, haven't they?

[It's really only luck he'd taken a swing at another Mirrorbound and not someone from the Coven when he'd fallen out of his own mirror. It sticks on his mind, even months later.]

What would you say to doing something for them by way of appreciation? It's likely too soon for another party, [like that's ever stopped anyone in Aefenglom, ever,] but gifts might not be out of the question. Or something else tangible, like taking over the watch next time we're due for something in the mirrors.

Name: Entrapta
Date: oct 16th
Format: text

HELLO! I WANT TO COLLECT SOME DATA.

IF YOU HAVE OPINIONS ABOUT ETHICS, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1] ARE THERE ACTIONS YOU CONSIDER UNACCEPTABLE REGARDLESS OF CONTEXT? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE EXAMPLES

2] ARE THERE SOME MITIGATING CONTEXTS THAT RENDER OTHERWISE UNACCEPTABLE ACTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO YOU? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE EXAMPLES

3] IF A PERSON HAS PERFORMED AN UNACCEPTABLE ACTION, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER AN APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT?

THANKS! 8)

Name: Rich Goranski
Date: Backdated to Oct 14
Format: Video for initial post; various in comments

[Without so much as an introduction, a video plays. It's a little shaky with the recorder's nerves, and occasionally, a long talon partly covers the view of the scene, but it still shows what it needs to quite clearly.

Eventually, even with the struggle still continuing, the camera is turned away from the action, towards Rich. He has to hope what he just got will be enough to get the Coven to actually believe him this time, but right now, he doesn't have time to wait around. Direct action is needed, so he pings the friends he trusted: Michael Mell, Myr, and Niles. The message is still sent to everyone, however, so everyone can view the video and the panic in Rich's eyes when the camera is turned back to him.]

The SQUIP has lost it. It's going full villain again and I need back up. Meet me near the inn, I think it's trying to take Heere there.

[Without an explanation of what entails the SQUIP going full villain or who 'Heere' may be, he continues.]

Everyone else, please stay safe and-[He's cut off by something happening off screen, which makes him swear and stuff his watch into his pocket. There's about a minute more of muffled yelling and darkness before the recording eventually ends.]

~*~

[Hours later, there's another video tacked on to the earlier one, once the mist has finally started to fade away. Rich is back inside, his changes from before calming down enough that he isn't at risk of burning down Justine's whole cottage. He looks tired and worn, a few nasty scrapes on his face, but... there is a sort of relief in his expression, some sort of certainty that, no matter what happens next, he did what was right.]

Hey everyone. Sorry about that... I know I promised to be less of a downer the next time I posted on here, but... shit happens.

I'm just letting everyone know the SQUIP is knocked out. It had been using magic to charm and mind control several people, including someone I was bonded to, Justine, and a friend from home, Jeremy Heere.

Two of the people it was Bonded with, Linden Tailor and Connor, are also unconscious... guess some sort of trauma went through the connection when we stopped it. Since it was actively using mind control magic, I used Mountain Dew Red to deactivate... the part of it that was still a supercomputer, I guess. It should recover fine, and while it's passed out, I'm going to bring the recording to the Coven so they can see I wasn't lying when I told them what it did in my world.

If any of you were being controlled by it, let me know. It got to quite a few people when I saw it, but its powers should have worn off by now. It can be... a little traumatic, though, so my door's open if you wanna talk. Hopefully now that the SQUIP was... de-SQUIPped, somehow, this shouldn't happen again.

[With another tired wave, Rich signs off. He'd love to stay and chat but... he's pretty sure his roommates are still going to need a little more help in the fallout.]

((Everyone is free to respond! Rich will respond when he's done dealing with his roomies, who are likely either a) dealing with mind control withdrawal or b) having panic attacks over the SQUIP. Other players on Team Anti-Bastard Computer Man will also be responding a few hours after the events of the battle, providing information on what went down and vouching that yes, Shit Was Bad.))

Name: Geralt + Yuya Date: around the shift change between one dignitary visit and the second. Format: video! note that reception is wonky; as per the event post it's 'muffled' between Dorchacht and Aefenglom.

[ A grizzled old man and a plucky teen are huddled under an alcove in a dreary alley, having spent some time tragically re-creating a Sprint commercial looking for the right apex of decent reception in Dorchacht, and not being directly in front of the Coven stronghold. Geralt is still eyeing the watch like he's not sure how to address it. He's saved by Yuya, who gently reaches to tilt the watch his way, which doesn't give him a better indication on the quality of connection, but it looks clear.

So he waves.] Hey. [And keeps his voice down, because even if they're hiding he'd just rather not take chances.] So... the spell that forces monsters to obey isn't the only one that seems to be over the city. There's something else, a spell that's messing with their memories. Nobody remembers how things were really like before Morgana became leader. But that's only been about ten years, right? It didn't sound like anyone's figured out how to break that, yet. But some Witches I talked to seemed certain it was a spell on them making it hard to remember.

It's probably in the fucking wall, [ Geralt mutters. And, adding - ] I've been out a couple times to watch them poke holes in the monster compulsion. I don't know enough about the native magic to tell what else might be in it. If anyone wants to head out, we can go.

[Yuya interjects quickly.] But--has anyone learned anything else? I think we should share everything now, so the next group of us is ready. And so we're ready. I think there's more going on than just people thinking making monsters slaves is okay.

[Like Morgana subjugating the whole city to her will, because he has exactly one guess who's repressing the city's information based on her own rule.]

[ An awkward pause from the witcher before he continues. ] Try not to get lost. Whatever passes as prison here probably isn't fun. And they're weird about monster children.

Name: Yako Katsuragi (un: katsuragi)
Date: Septeril 1st, after Mhairi & Nessie's address and Sokie's post.
Format: Video

For those who are considering going to Dorchacht: someone brought up the idea of sharing what information we've been able to find out about how the compulsion to obey witches works in the city. From previous experience with these dreams, they don't often represent an accurate version of reality, so we should be cautious in our assumptions of what will actually be there.

From what I was able to find out, the enchantment to force Monsters to obey witches is built into the walls of the city itself -- along with a spell to keep the Cwyld out, though it's not the same as the one used by Aefenglom.

That being said ... if it works the way it does in the dream, then we know there are ways to protect ourselves. The resistance was distributing enchanted paper with runes that can be used to lift the compulsion. The witches were willing to teach me -- I assume I'm not the only one who learned. If there are enough of us willing to work on it, we could work together and take a look at that spell, see if we can strengthen it and distribute those spells to those who can't cast them. We don't have much time before we leave, but I think it's worth trying.

[ She pauses. Up to now, she hasn't looked very uncertain or worried, only concerned, but she's more tentative about what she says next. ]

One more thing ... we may still not know exactly where these dreams come from, or why, but I think it could be just as significant who isn't getting the dreams as much as who is. I spoke to some of the people who live outside Aefenglom's walls earlier last month -- and they told me they didn't experience anything like we did after Litha, that dream with the dragon and red skies.

But people who were infected by the Cwyld -- they did dream about something strange. They said they had the same nightmare of being trapped in darkness, hearing something or someone in pain, and a great heart beating in the distance. And they think they remember seeing some sort of cocoon, like a caterpillar's? It didn't seem like they were in the same place, but their accounts were very similar.

... I don't know if it has any significance, but if you're staying behind, please be careful, too.

[ ooc; Yako's referring to investigation results from here and here respectively, if you were curious. ]

Name: Nerissa Bell (andernach) & Mhairi Ainsley (fearolc) Date: Septeril 1st Format: Video The video starts focused on a familiar face, close up until a differently familiar hand comes into the shot to set the watch down. Claws click on the outside of the surface, followed by both parties leaning back - then taking a proper step back to ensure both are in view. Miss Nessie looks as chipper as always, evidently still Delighted about this whole watch business, though there's a tightness around her eyes; Mhairi looks tense and decidedly displeased. It's more emotion than she's shown to the group at large, ears back and hackles raised, arms folded with a militant discipline behind her back. "Hello, dearests! We hope today finds you well." Nessie grins a little wider, though it softens after a lengthy pause. "While we'd love for this to be purely for pleasure - believe me, we both would - we've some things to discuss today, we do. After the full moon last month, a missive arrived from Morgie - that is, Morgana Drummond, the head of the Coven over there in Dorchacht - asking about our..." She pauses again, briefer this time, her lips thinning as she continues. "Our 'lost luggage,' as she so kindly put it." At her side, Mhairi's low voice outright growls, "After much back and forth, and discussions amongst Parliament, we've come to a decision that Drummond has... agreed to." Nessie's smile continues to wane, and she leans against Mhairi. "And we're quite glad that she has, considering conflict with Dorchacht is not exactly ideal at the present moment." With a deep breath, the Turnskin pulls back her disdain and focuses on the task at hand. "The Parliament has requested that the Coven send a group of dignitaries to Dorchacht to negotiate, and hopefully deescalate the situation. While we may not be able to immediately bring change, should things be as terrible in the waking world as it was in the dreamscape that you unfortunately faced, our best attempts will be made." She pauses, and displeasure is obvious in the way she lowers her gaze and turns her head to look at Nessie. "... your best attempts. Because we don't know what may happen, or what hand Drummond and the Coven of Dorchacht might turn, I will be remaining here. Those that wish to do the same are welcome to, and I will do my utmost best to assist you and answer any questions you may have." "While my lovely Mhairi does that, I'll be attending the meeting with Morgie - though I'm sure that's not a surprise at all, is it?" Nessie pulls away slightly, stepping forward in frame just a bit to spread her arms. "The dignitary group'll be handling all the real fun stuff - talking, seeing if there isn't anything to be done about this queer little situation that's come up, apologies when necessary, so on... I'd like to ask Morgie myself about how she's running her Coven, thinking on it," she pauses, then lowers her hands and steps back again. "And I know a few of you've been worried about it all, and wanting to help, so if any of you dearies would like to come along and play diplomat - show her things are right as rain and all, that we can all get along just fine even without what laws they seem to have in place - then I won't say no." She pauses again, tilting her head. "Might help, even." "Relations between Aefenglom and Dorchacht are... tense," Mhairi adds, wryly. "Per their insistence and refusal, there's no means of direct transport between the two cities, teleportation included. We've tried to get an alternative up and running, something that has been in the Coven's possession for quite some time. The device is a little too risky for us to consider, however, as it's theoretical in execution. Perhaps a project for the more technologically inclined of the mirrorbound at a later date." "I'd appreciate it, at least. That thing's one of our seven wonders in the Coven, it is." "On the fifth, any who wish to join Ness and a handful of our finest Witches should meet at the port." Mhairi reaches and, finally unfolding her arms, curls her hand at Nessie's elbow. "My best wishes, travelers. Be safe." Nessie returns the gesture, hand settling on Mhairi's; it's a little hard to tell, but she's rubbing the side of it gently. "Take care until next we speak, dearests." NOTE This post will NOT receive any responses from Nessie and Mhairi. You can, however, use this post to interact with one another in the meantime.

Name: Rich Goranski
Date: September 2
Format: Video

[The face that fills the screen is notable for a lot of reasons. For those who haven't met Rich, the harsh red scars covering his face, neck, and shoulders are certainly different. Scales are starting to pepper the skin like freckles, but it still doesn't do much to hide the damage. Nor does it distract from how emotional Rich looks. As much as he tries to keep his expression even, there's tension in his jaw, a slight furrow in his brow, and his eyes look slightly red.

He offers a weak smile and a wave to the camera, before taking a deep breath in and out. Apparently this is going to be difficult for him.]

Hey everyone. If you don't know me, I'm Rich Goranski. I got here last month, so... yeah. Anyways, I'm not here to break the ice or anything. I... need to tell everyone about some stuff, and I've been kind of meaning to do this for days and I just didn't know how. Anyways. I just wanted to warn you.

There's this guy you might have met. Looks like some handsome Japanese model, and he's got two different coloured eyes? I can send a picture if you don't know what I'm talking about. He's called the SQUIP. Or well, I don't know if that's what it calls itself here. It fucking introduced itself as Gregward to me, but... I think that's because we have a history. We're from the same place, and if what he did to me and my friends is any indication, he's probably going to really hurt someone here. He's already got his claws in some people and I just... don't want anyone else to go through that.

[He takes a moment to nibble on his lip and then look back at the camera, as if he's found some new source of bravery.]

( Cut for length; content warnings for abuse, mention of dead parents, self-harm through burning )

Name: Steven Universe (SN: Steven U)
Date: August 20th (Backdated)
Format: Video

[Steven appears on camera, looking nervous but determined, like he's just stumbled upon something that he feels the need to tell everyone right now. So, here he is! Steven is very obviously a fae, complete with antennae and slightly too large, pink irises. Behind him, wings will occasionally flutter with agitation.]

Hey guys, Steven here! So - I told Nessie and Mhairi about that whole... dream... thing... we just had...

And it turns out neither of them had any idea that Dorchacht was doing things like that?? Nessie made it sound like their leader, Morgana, just seemed kind of racist at Coven meetings... not that they were enslaving an entire city's worth of monsters?

So... I think this is going to be a pretty big deal. They said they were going to get in contact with the Parliament about it, to see what they could do next. It didn't sound like they were okay with just letting them keep doing those things so, um... phew!

Aaaanyway... I thought you might want to know. I know I've been thinking about it a lot. Haha.

[He signs off, awkwardly.]

[OOC: This isn't massively relevant to this post, but Steven is currently wearing earrings that are charmed to tell him what the truth is when someone knowingly lies to him. So, if your character does that in the post, the earrings will probably tell him. Magic~!]

Name: Lady Maria
Date: Auguril 15th - Evening
Format: Video

-

[The view opens up to Maria's face, the face of the giant clocktower in the back drop. She's sitting on a ledge on the outside of the building, one leg dangling off the edge, the other foot planted on the worn stone back of a screaming panther-eagle gargoyle. The sky, and the tower are awash with the the deep pinks and purples of the nearly-set sun. Maria herself is wearing her full hunter's outfit, her hat pulled low to shield her eyes against the sunset, but in truth it just makes her eyes seem that much brighter blue. The only oddity in her attire is that she seems to have several sunflowers tucked into her belt, around the holsters for her gun and sword sheath.

The mechanisms in the tower grind and move, and the big minute hand tocks heavily, thunking into place in the next minute slot before Maria speaks. It's almost the top of the hour.]

It has been several months, since the first of us arrived here. Life... is not made easy within this place. Not for anyone, even those of us who might be in better straits than at home. This may be the worst night yet, and we still have many more moons to come, I fear, before any of us are allowed from this place. [This, however, may very well be Maria's own last. She feels the way the headache swells and throbs behind her eyes, the pressure fit to make her burst at the seams. It ebbs and flows, depending on what she does with the Monsters, how she uses her magic, the potions and the herbs and the other stalling tactics, but she's not sure how much longer she can keep on like this. Tonight, blissfully, the pain is at its least - the full moon being the weakest pull of the mirrorbound Witches is keeping things to a dull roar at the back of her skull. For several seconds, she looks back out over the city, scanning the shapes and the shadows, watching people shutter their windows and close their doors.]

On this night, the instincts for the Monsters will be at their worst. If the pull is too strong, and you feel your mind slipping into the madness and chaos of beasthood, seek the scent of... [Lumenflowers... no,] sunflowers. They will lead you to me. I will make it as swift as you will allow me; but it may be most silent if I must seek you out. [This is exactly the threat that it seems to be.]

If the beasts loom large, and threaten to devour you, or crush you, seek me out, as well. Monster, witch, human or not, it matters not to me; it is the threat of the feral I am in search of. [Pause.] As for the rest of you... I hope you do not see me.

[Her foot shifts, and she stands, precarious though the ledge is. The terrifying drop seems to not bother her at all. The shadows deepen on her face as the sky turns a richer purple-blue, the sun setting rapidly now, though it's barely been a minute. Soon, the video cuts to black, but there's still audio in the background; a rustle of wind and cloth. Finally, there's a whirring as the clock begins to turn over again.]

The night, and the hunt are always so very long. I pray we all live to see the morning sun, and put this night behind us.

[Tock. The video cuts out as the first peal of the hourly bells sounds. Over the city, the clocktower chimes eight, and the sun slips fully below the horizon.]

Name: Papyrus | Username: CoolSkeleton95
Date: Aguril 1st
Format: Text

SO YOU'RE IN A NEW WORLD, LOOKING AT A WATCH,
WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH YOURSELF...
WELL!
THE FIRST THING YOU CAN DO, IS READ THIS WELCOME MESSAGE:

HELLO!!!
I HEARD THERE'S MORE PEOPLE POPPING OUT OF MIRRORS TODAY,
AND MAYBE THAT MEANS YOU.
IF IT DOES, WELCOME TO AEFENGLOM!
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

YOU MIGHT HEAR SOME DOOM AND GLOOM FROM PEOPLE, ABOUT THE CWYLD, AND THE FULL MOONS...
BUT, ONLY SOME OF IT IS TRUE.
AND THOSE PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THINGS LIKE THE COLOR OF THE SKY, SO WHAT DO THEY KNOW ANYWAY.
THERE'S OTHER PEOPLE PRETTY MUCH CONSTANTLY WORKING HARD TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AND HAPPY.
SO, DO YOUR BEST NOT TO WORRY TOO MUCH, AND LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!
IF YOU'RE A WITCH, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DO ALL KINDS OF MAGIC.
AND IF YOU'RE A MONSTER, THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE MOONS WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT TO YOU!
AND I GUESS SOME MONSTERS HAVE A KIND OF MAGIC TOO? BUT IT'S NOT -MAGIC- MAGIC.
WHATEVER!!
THE IMPORTANT THING IS, YOU NOW FEEL WELCOMED.
YOU'RE WELCOME!

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