ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Anonymous
Date: 9/13
Format: Text

Do you ever find yourself missing the world you came from before coming here?

Name: Gon Freecss | un: kingkon55
Date: 9/10
Format: voice (Gon finally figured it out! or probably, Killua showed him)

---

[good evening. here is a whiny Yell:]

Uuuuugggghhh, I can't take it anymooore!!!

I feel so crazy!! I was bedridden for a about a week because of my Faun changes, and was weakening before that too... and I'm finally done changing I think, and now I just—! Everything makes me feel—[um]—on edge! [yeah. not untrue!] And I realized, since coming here... and even back home, a little bit... It's been a long time since I've done something to burn off that kind of energy...

So!! Someone fight me!! I prefer martial or melee or whatever you call it, but I'll do anything! I need to do it soon before I just attack someone I regret attacking! And I need to get used to my new cow legs... so maybe another Faun male!! [FOR MYSTERIOUS REASONS, THAT SOUNDS THE MOST APPEALING. of course, Fauns optional; Gon is desperate. and reckless. sorry, Killua.]

And yes, I have a Bond, but he's already been helping me so much! Even though he could fight me best, he needs a break.

—Oh. This is Gon!!! Anyway! Fight me! Please! Thanks!

Name: Princess Allura (un: PrincessAllura)
Date: 9/10
Format: Text

I have a question directed to the Earthlings who were brought here.

Before I came to this planet, my experience with humans was brief. As such, my knowledge of their culture is largely limited and something I have been working at understanding for some time now.

To get to the point: I am curious about human friendship rituals. Is handholding a common practice among friends?


…


And what about kissing?

[AHEM. Not lingering on that one for too long. Definitely asking for a friend and not because she’s been casually smooching her bond for awhile now and still they are acting like it means nothing. As you do.]

I only ask this because I have seen a lot of different behavior since I arrived here that is different from the culture I was raised in and do not wish to misinterpret the meanings. Thank you.

Name: Yosuke Hanamura (un: disconinjafrog)
Date: 9/7
Format: text

So, partner's pushing me to really go further with my alchemy and not to like, toot my own horn, but I feel like I'm getting good at it?

But it's mostly been in like, remedies and homeopathic stuff. Nothing wrong with that, but I really only got partner to depend on aside from the books and classes that go over what I can make. Basically, I wanna narrow it down a little. So, this is mostly for the other monsters out there!

Whether you're done changing or not, what's been your symptoms? Like, partner was usually in a lot of pain so I made a lot of painkillers and he had some anxiety because of the animal traits kicking in, so I also made charms to like... calm him down and stuff. But I'm sure there's different stuff I could be focusing on, so I'd really super appreciate if you guys could let me know what else I could try and master?

Also, fellow witches! Any ideas from experience? I've been learning more healing stuff from Elliot, so I know I got that down (I'm getting there, anyway).

Thanks a bunch!

[Look, it's even legible and not in text speak! Yu totally made him do it, thank him.]

Name: Claude von Riegan
Date: 7/3
Format: Video

[At first, nothing appears in the video aside from the expanse of sky and the hint of a stone wall at the edge of the image—-soon enough however, something large and white encompasses the screen, a muted snuffing noise filling the audio.

Soon after, a gloved hand appears in the frame as well, pushing what appears to be a scaled snout out of the picture with some indistinguishable words before the face of a tan man appears in the frame, hair mussed from what appears to be a large reptile nuzzling its snout against the back of his head.]

Sorry about that, I’m still working out the kinks of how this thing works. [A hand gestures to the screen.] I’m in a bit of a bind though, and I figured this would be the quickest way to get answers.

[The white creature shoves it’s head under his arm, resulting it a bit of a scuffle before Claude settles for scratching its chin.] See, my girl here is getting kind of antsy, and I was wondering if there were any good places to let her go flying, as well as hunt for food. Of course I could buy her meat at the shopping district, but-- [he’s temporarily shoved out of frame before pushing the scaly head away] --stop for just a second would you--but I think some exercise would do us both good. Does anyone more familiar with this place know somewhere to stretch out your wings?

Name: Sowilo (petaluridae)
Date: June 13
Format: Video

The face that comes over the video might be familiar to some: delicate-featured, red-haired, bearing the un-hidden features of a jewel-red dragonfly Fae. Sowilo is known to be brusque and haughty, but today he only looks serious, occasionally glancing off-screen, where the sounds of another couple of people in the office can be heard.

“Two Wilders came back from the Northern Outpost this morning. Apparently a dozen of them went missing a handful of days ago and the search party has only turned up these two. Overcurious meatheads that they are, they found trouble on a trip out. They are not seriously injured-” He holds a hand up. “-but they have the strangest story.”

“While exploring after a rockslide they came upon a tunnel, and like the geniuses they are, decided to follow it down. Very far down, to caverns where they were ambushed and captured handily.” There is a quiet protest in the background, and murmuring, but Sowilo pays it no mind. “The two who returned were purposefully released, and they’ve described to Theodore an underground city full of actual, living people. What in the world do you all know about this? Their leader sent a message that she will release the other ten Wilders safely if “only the travelers who have laid eyes upon her fair city before” accept her cordial invitation to her realm. Doesn’t take a scholar to assume she’s talking about you Mirrorbound. You have a way of attracting trouble, don’t you?”

“I’m sure you understand why this is a… delicate situation for the Coven, and for Aefenglom. We have no records of any city existing underground - we know absolutely nothing about these people, what they want, or what they are capable of. The message was very clear that representatives from the Coven or Aefenglom were not welcomed, so our hands are a bit tied. Their leader wishes to speak with some of you directly, even.” Glittering red eyes narrow.

“We leave on the 16th from the North Gate and will use the teleporter to the Northern Outpost. From there, Theodore and I will accompany you as far as we can, but I imagine it won’t be far at all.” There is a moment of hesitation here from the stuck-up Fae, and he looks a bit like he bit into a lemon. “I suppose we are relying on you all. Please know that this is an unprecedented situation and could turn dangerous for all of us. Not to mention, if they decide they don’t like us, we’ll likely have to abandon the Northern Outpost and all the progress made up there…

I suppose decide among yourselves what you’re willing to do. We will not force anyone's cooperation.”

Name: Nie Mingjue
Date: June 4
Format: Text

The full moons approach rapidly and Shades and creatures continue to be a problem in the Outer City. If others truly want to make it livable for the people who reside there, it requires better protections. I am looking for like-minded people who wish to hunt regularly, with purpose, and also begin to track what emerges from the Wilde seeking the city and how often these things show up. I think such information could be valuable in recognizing patterns and becoming more proactive.

I am not the only warrior here. Should our skills and our past experiences not be put to use to defend those who cannot defend themselves? As well, I hear everywhere that we must not resist these changes else we risk losing ourselves to them. Indulging the instincts against real dangers benefits all.

[Nie Mingjue is not a man of many words, but he wants to do this, has thought about it since last month, where 'taking care of this danger to the Outer City' seemed secondary to 'don't destroy the city'. And why should it only be once in a while?

After a moment, he adds, reluctant even through text,]

And unrelated, how does one go about learning how to paint?

[A promise is a promise even if it's a stupid one.]

[ooc: If there is enough interest in hunting groups I might start doing small mingle logs during downtime for it with some mini-boss creatures or Shades, if that's a thing folks would want.]

Name: Daenerys Targaryen
Date: Iuneril 1st
Format: video

[ It was an... honest attempt to be professional. To be queenly. In the farmlands away from Aefenglom, in a dimly lit bedroom that looked as if it had seen better days, Daenerys is visible independently from a "selfie" style of video. She's propped her device up and sits in a small lounge chair next to the window to catch the light outside – what's left of it as a large stormcloud begins to overtake the farmlands. ]

Forgive me, it has been some time since I have come to such network to seek aid. [ The last time didn't work out too well! ] Recently, many of us on the Mirrorbound Council had begun to propose an initiative to improve the quality of life in the Outer City, where the residents are most vulnerable. It seemed, unfortunately, such actions were not... supported by the Parliament. Many of us have made efforts to improve the lives of those there, but we are still but strangers here – still under a wheel not our own.

[ There's an underlining bitterness there. ]

I am asking for help to take this mission on without the need of Parliament growing involved, then. We would like to begin cleaning the area up and treat those who have early stages of the Cwyld infection. The farmlands I have partial ownership of has diverted crop shipments from the city guard to the poorest and hungriest citizens, but that simply will not be enough.

[ Or, wise. ]

Fishermen, hunters, medics, builders – if we are able to begin putting clinics in more accessible areas for early-stage treatments... we could improve the quality of life for those suffering and stop the risk of spreading further. It is dangerous and time-consuming, I know... but –

[ Daenerys flinches, a washing view of disappointment on her face. Guilt clear. ]

We can not rely on Parliament to assist us there. Their efforts are strained between so many aspects of their city and I wish to take this responsibility on if possible. If anyone has skills to better help with this, please... I will be in your debt for your assistance.

Name: un: taru
Date: 05/14
Format: video

Hullo again! I hope everyone is well!

<sub>[Yes that's right Aefenglom...your favourite Lalafellian entrepreneur is back and has clearly been...busy? She seems to be in her kitchen, a set of distilling equipment behind her, various metal and glass containers connected with piping and tubing to create an apparatus that's purpose soon becomes clear. The confident little lady is proud of herself as she stands on a chair in all her three feet of glory, large glass bottles grasped in each hand. The one on the left sports a liquid with a light blue hue to it and what seems to be golden flecks that shimmer as they float about. The other bottle though holds a liquid that looks like a rosé in color, seemingly innocent enough, until one notices the small but very apparent wormlike larvae whose bio-luminescent skin gives off a faint green glow.

She gives each of the bottles a shake, the flakes and larvae floating about respectively.]</sub>

I've been attempting to recreate a few of the most popular spirits one can find in Ul'dah and I've almost managed to get the recipe juuust right! Of course it isn't perfect, as ingredients here are a bit different to what's available in Eorzea...but so far I'm happy with the result! The blue one here is said to make the drinker see stars if they have too much of it and this one _{[Yeah, the worm one...]} well they say if you can down a whole bottle you'll be strong enough to take down a rampaging goobbue with your bare fists!

_{[She sets the two bottles down on the table so she can talk with her hands, as one does.]}

While these spirits suit my own palette just fine, I wanted to survey how other Mirrorbound might find them, so I'm looking for willing taste testers, if you will! The more the merrier. If you like what you taste I'll give you a bottle of it to take with you. If you don't, then I'll buy you a drink of your choosing.

_{[What's there to lose, right?]}

And speaking of brews...does anyone have a particular favourite drink from where they hail from? If so, what is it? I'd love to hear about it, alcoholic or otherwise!

<sub>[For science, naturally.]

((ooc: 4th wallers welcome!))</sub>

Name: Byleth Eisner
Date: 5/10
Format: video

[ a dark-haired young woman in glasses and dark local fashion sits in front of the camera. she can't be older than 21, surely. anyway, byleth's been here for over a month and she's only posting to the network now. ]

I'm Byleth Eisner. I've met some of you already. I suppose you would call this an... interest check? [ she takes off her glasses, hanging them from the neckline of her shirt. ] Most of my recent work before coming here was in commanding my Emperor's army, but I'm an experienced teacher as well. Armed and unarmed combat, archery, strategy and tactics, riding, magic... rhetoric and composition. [ was that last one a joke? it's impossible to tell. her face gives no hints one way or another. ]

The Coven trains witches in magic, but that only does so much good. I'd like to work towards establishing a school where the Mirrorbound without martial skills can learn them. As it is, the Wilde is too dangerous for too many of us, and ad-hoc lessons aren't enough. [ she waves a hand. ] This is all... hypothetical, right now. But if this sounds something you'd like to either help with or learn from, please, let me know. In the meantime, I'm open to teaching one-on-one.

[ she seems to consider something, briefly, before: ]

... Also, firearms are new to me. I'm familiar with powder explosives, and I've seen cannons, but if anyone might help me to understand the use and maintenance of guns, I would appreciate it.

[ byleth pauses again. ]

That's all. [ and off it goes. nailed it? ]

[ ooc: open to fourth wall people! ]

Name: Yu Narukami
Date: 5/01
Format: Video

[The silver-haired youth does not look very much like a monster yet (as it just so happens to be that the silver hair and eyes are natural somehow) but the fangs when he speaks and the lack of...top explains a little more why he's asking for advice.]

Hello. I'm Yu Narukami and I'm turning into either a turnskin or a chimera...pretty sure it's a chimera most likely from the dream I had before arriving here but I haven't manifested more than animal for now. The problem is I keep...growing...really fast. Have other chimeras had this problem?

If you have any tips on which places to go buy clothing, it would be helpful for myself and my partner. We've been spending most of our money on things for me to wear but I grow out of them after a few days. Sometimes less.

[There's a small, polite bow.]

Thank you for your help.

Name: Judar
Date: Maiuril 2nd
Format: Voice

So with the weather getting even warmer, some of us with fur have probably dealt with shedding- Well, more shedding than before- for the past month, if you've been here a while. Maybe it started with new fur, for you people that showed up pretty recently. Anyway, there's some stores that sell combs and brushes specifically for shaving fur.

... Final tip. [ This was a tip-post? ]

It might feel nice, but don't use those things every day. Not unless you want to start shredding your skin in some weirdly slow way.

[ Which may be why this is voice. Well, it can't be said that this is something that's never brought up now. ]

Name: Fordola
Date: 1/5/2020
Format: voice;

[ Her voice was quiet. Before she gave a sigh, beginning to talk. ]

So, uh. Anybody else realise they forgot their nameday? It's been a bloody year since I got 'ere. I'm twenty now.

--not that I celebrated my nameday before. Just know it's a custom for a lot of people. And now I've said it, maybe it'd be nice t'hear how people did it 'round your home.

We can't forget our homes. Even as some of us have been 'ere for so long.

Name: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne
Date: 17/03
Format: Text

What are your favourite recipes?

I'm not the most adept in the kitchen but I pride myself on being able to provide my household with meals when I can but I'm starting to run low on ideas and serving the same things is tedious for all of us. There are currently three of us but we often have guests too so dishes that serve a greater number of people would suit my needs best.

Ah, and we keep strange hours so all the better if they can be put aside for a few hours. Other than that, I'm willing to try most things. Except wild boar. It's too gamey for my taste.

[yep that's it it's totally because he doesn't like the flavour and not for any other reason]

Name: Louis
Date: 3/15
Format: Video.

[ The video clicks on and a familiar face appears on here. Everyone's favorite Deer, who is absolutely not a monster at all. He doesn't seem too concerned or distressed, despite the past couple of months and the things that have happened. But, he's here for a few reasons - among them is to greet the new arrivals. His antlers look fully grown in, especially compared to the last time anyone saw him up here. ]

Good afternoon, everyone. It's been awhile. For those who don't know, and may be new: yes, I am a deer. I am not a faun. I am a Witch, too.

And now that this is out of the way, I actually have questions.

That's right, questions.

[ The camera is still, but he leans in, placing his head in the palm of his hand, getting comfortable. ]

First, I need some advice for magical cleaning methods, specifically ways that help with animal fur. Our house is going to end up with a lot of fur in it, so I figured I'd get ready. At home, we'd just have vacuums and specialty cleaners, but neither are really a thing. And I don't know if a broom will be sufficient.

So, if anyone has any tips or advice, please let me know.

[ He tilts his head, there's a curious hint because he's learning so much. ]

Alright, since I said I had questions - what sort of traditions do you have at home? Not just for holidays, but whatever you may celebrate. Last year, I had heard of Christmas for the first time. I've learned since arriving that the way my home does things is pretty different from everywhere else [ duh ]. So tell me about yours - whether it's during a big holiday or your birthday. Whatever it may be.

And, since I'm asking, it's only polite to answer one we have that I am sure is unique to my home. We'd typically be having the Odd Soul Festival right now, it happens on the odd months of the year - and since it's the third month of the year, we'd probably be having it right now. I haven't gone for a long time, and I never much liked it, but it's herbivore tradition.

Name: Saber
Date: 3/5
Format: Text

I am seeking to move out of the barracks, for the sake of my own peace of mind. I am quiet and try to keep to myself. I would prefer somewhere with an open area for my own exercises or training, but if one is merely nearby that is sufficient.

I will contribute to food and other expenses as necessary.

If anyone is seek a boarder or roommate, please let me know. If you know of somewhere accepting applicants, please inform me.

My thanks in advance.

-Saber

Name: Hresvelg (Edelgard von Hresvelg)
Date: 3/4
Format: Video

[A video feed flickers to life in the early evening, not long after sunset. The focus is briefly on Edelgard, dressed in a crisp looking white shirt with a high collar. Her hair is down, her crown set aside for the moment. She smiles, offering the viewers a quick nod, before speaking]

Good evening. My name is Edelgard, for those of you who do not know me.

[She clears her throat and the video lurches in unpracticed hands. Turning down towards a dog that's peering curiously up at the watch. It's jaw hangs open a bit in a doggy smile, but otherwise it doesn't seem too bothered by the device.]]

I was wondering if this dog belongs to anyone. He's remarkably well trained, and I believe he's escaped from his owner, but there was no collar. Unfortunately, he seems to have taken a shine to me after I found him rooting around in my garden two nights hence, and he's been trying to follow me indoors.

[She sighs.]

Asking him to sit yields results, but he won't leave. I confess I've little experience with dogs, and if he doesn't belong to anyone...does anyone know if such behavior is normal?

Thank you for any information you can provide. I can meet you somewhere if you'd prefer not to use the watches or want to see him. I await your-oh! Goodness!

[She cuts off as the dog moves suddenly, tail wagging as it decides to get closer, feeling more friendly.]

...Response!

[That strained, croaked out word is the last before the feed cuts out.]

( ooc )

Name: un: wwxwashere
Date: 3/3
Format: video

[he's actually been working on something for the better part of the day. there's been clouds of smoke and explosions, until finally

it's ready.

the feed starts with a close-up of what looks like a kettle of lava, an angry red color that shouldn't exist outside of hell itself. and beside it, one grinning wei wuxian.]

Can you see me? Hear me too? Alright! I haven't been here for that long, but already people have shared so many things about where they're from. Since we're all friends here, I thought it was time that I did the same.

So I made my best soup to share!

[as if on cue, the deep red liquid bubbles up and breaks. those with sharp hearing might swear that the soup screams.]

Mine won't be as good as Shijie's, but it's my own recipe. Lan Zhan went to the trouble of finding all the ingredients for it. He even found a new pepper to add to the others, so it's extra flavorful! This big bowl is for Lan Zhan [r.i.p.], but there's still plenty to share if you want a taste.

Don't be shy! If we haven't met, I'm Wei Wuxian. And I humbly ask forgiveness of all the mothers if my soup is better than theirs. I can't be blamed for a good cook.

[or accused of it in the first place.]

Name: Prompto Argentum
Date: 3/2
Format: Video

[Once again it's Prompto, coming to you live from his watch! Only this time he's not in the kitchen surrounded by loud people, but in the stable! With a chocobo. Who is trying to groom him. Still better than the last video he sent out.]

So, the full moon's pretty early this month and last month I saw a lot of people asking for help with the whole "turnskin" thing. I can only help if you're, y'know, a dog, but I saw like three last month so...anyway, some quick pointers-slash-tips for suddenly finding yourself with a tail and a chocolate allergy.

[He misses chocolate.]

Which that's the first thing--it's not always the case, but like. Don't go nuts on the chocolate or the coffee or the onions or whatever until you know it won't make you sick? Maybe nothing'll change and you can eat everything you want! But don't risk it. Start small. Get meds from a pharmacist just in case.

[The chocobo "kwehs", like she's agreeing. Prompto reaches up to pet her beak.]

Also tails? They suck? But there's plenty of places that make pants for people with tails so love yourself, get pants with tail-slots or get used to skirts. Don't be me and be wearing regular pants when your tail comes in. It sucks, and then you can't sit down the entire day. What else...get used to shedding, your tail will out you so just accept never being able to hide your emotions ever, you'll get used to the smells and the sounds but maybe get a face mask and earplugs until then, there can be some weird changes you never think about until they happen trust me I've been there, congratulations on your silver allergy...oh! And packs!

Surprise! All of us turnskins are turning into pack people. Even the bears. Even if you don't like people normally, you're gonna be way happier with a person or two. You know how cats sometimes just have their human? Get a human. Or a vampire. Or a dragon. Or--you get it. This isn't just the bond stuff, this is "I feel like crap, why do I feel like crap, oh I spent an hour out shopping now I feel better" stuff. Get a pack. Love your pack. Just don't do the cat thing and bring live mice to your pack unless they like that sorta thing. Heck, there's enough of us canine turnskins that we could probably be pack, if people want that.

[And he's rambling! And he's starting to think this was a bad idea so he's gonna wrap this up now.]

So...yeah. Advice from a guy who's been here for nearly a year! Ta-da!

Name: Lorenz Hellman Gloucester (un: LHG)
Date: 3/1, Evening
Format: Text


To those who know Marianne von Edmund:

I wish to thank you. It is with regret that I inform you that she no longer resides within these walls, but her time here was made easier and less stressful because of the people who had the kindness to speak and spend time with her. Given her reserved nature, I am not certain how many here have had the priviledge of meeting her, but it seems only fair to let others know in case her presence is missed by someone I am not yet aware of.

Unfortunate has her departure from here is, she does grow into a strong, admirable person by several accounts. None can say for certain what fate has in store for her; I only hope that she sees some kindness in the months and years to come.

However, my friend's absense has left me with a particular... shall we say problem?

When we arrived several months ago and were searching for a residence, we found a small home which was already occupied by a family of cats. As the kittens were still newborn, Marianne took it upon herself to stand as steward for them. In time, she named them after our friends who yet remain in our home:

Claude. Hilda. Raphael. Ignatz. Lysithea. Leonie.

But, with only myself in the house now, I find that I am not in a position to care for all of them with the attention that they deserve. Ideally, we would find someone willing to adopt all six, but that is not a reasonable request. Because of my friend's kind heart and how habituated the cats have become to house life, it would also be a disservice to abandon them to the streets.

Thus, I am asking you all to help me find homes for them. If they are adopted separately, I would like to keep one. However, if someone is able to care for the entire family, I will give no argument on the matter.

All I care about is that they find themselves in a safe and attentive home.

Thank you.

-LHG.