ǣfenglōm (main comm)

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: 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: 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.

Name: Steak. un: steak
Date: 1st April
Format: Video

( you'd be forgiven for believing the man on the screen is some type of early monster, given the prominent horns jutting out from his skull and the bright red eyes, the same colour as his hair, which pierce through the screen. despite the stern expression on his face, he's obviously a handsome young man, the kind which would drag attention from all but the most ethereal of beings.

unfortunately, that beautiful appearance doesn't always extend to his words, so we're sorry in advance. )

I'm looking for new fighting partners. People with good skills in magic or combat. You must be familiar with the Wilde and looking to eliminate the monsters there.

( although he wouldn't be opposed to training up newbies, come to think of it. )

This will be for sparring as well as in the Wilde, if you're good enough.

( you cocky little— )

Name: Cú Chulainn (Caster)
Date: late-Ieneuer, when the kidnappings related to The Salvation of Geardagas start
Format: text

There's been a word on the streets, of people being assaulted, disappearing attempts of kidnappings— that's not a word anyone who was here a year ago wants to hear again, plenty of us might be already on edge. But whatever is going on this time? Whoever it is? They're not as good as the scum behind what happened a year ago. That means we have a bigger window to act and to protect each other.

My idea is: let's put together a list of Mirrorbounds willing to guard those returning home. Whether it's for those who work far away from the Haven or stay at Coven classes long after its dark or just anyone that would feel safer in the company.

I'll start

I work at Inkchanted, it's located in the docks, near the Slydog tavern. I tend to work afternoons and evenings, so if anyone also finishes their job at docks around that time, I can walk you back to Haven. I could also pick up someone working on the western edges of the shopping district.

｢ OOC: feel free to threadjack each other for bodyguard seeking/service offering ｣

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: Momo
Date: September 2nd
Format: Video

[It's somewhere around mid-morning on full moon day when this post goes up, Momo doing his best to look somewhat professional-ish while obviously sitting himself half up in bed with his head resting on one curled hand. He looks extremely awake and restless like he's been wanting to get up for a while, but the suspiciously tentacle-looking charcoal grey thing barely in frame wrapped around his waist is probably a giveaway as to why he's having to make the post from this position.]

I've been thinking about this for a little while, but with everyone sharing information on here about stuff that's happened before some people arrived or what Monster changes to expect and so on, has anyone tried to get that kind of "relevant to everyone" information into one place? I was originally thinking about the collective dreams we kept having, since those seem to be important but it's kinda hard to get details on the ones that happened before you arrived unless you know who to ask. But I've also talked to certain Monsters who seem to have had real trouble researching their Monster type, and having a proper resource with changes or abilities that don't come up in books as often seems like it could be really useful for people going through that.

[As he talks, another tentacle creeps into frame and tries to poke at his face. Without even faltering in his speech, he pushes it right back out of frame with one red-nailed finger. And then flicks another one that barely even makes it past the edge of the frame before recoiling at the reprimand.]

So I'm wondering what people think about trying to put together more information in one collected place like that! I think it could really help some people out, but it'd take a lot of work to put together, so it'd be good to know whether there's interest in both having it and helping out with it. Especially with Monster details some people might not know until they meet someone who's gone through that change already, since that's probably a little easier to gather...like, if you're a Monster, what was the thing that surprised you most about your change? Or was there anything you couldn't find out about before it happened? That question goes for Witches living with Monsters if you got blindsided by something too!

[There's a sound of movement and a grumble that sounds something along the lines of "sleep", as a human arm with blue nails drapes itself over Momo's side. Momo turns his head with an all too sunny smile.]

Ah, darling, are you awake enough to let me out of bed now?

[Silence. Momo turns back to the Watch screen with a worryingly innocent grin that reveals his long canines.]

Well, I guess I'm answering from here...and you know, it's so much easier to have a conversation like this over video or audio call! Just make sure you speak up nice and loud, I think being stuck in bed this long has done something to my ears.

[He says that in a very deliberate, faux worried tone, winking as he mimes clearing his ear with a pinky. Sure, it's an actual serious inquiry, but might as well make a petty attempt at gaining freedom by making sleep impossible.]

Name: Waver Velvet & Cú Chulainn (Caster)
Date: Aguril 20
Format: video | Caster in blue ; Waver in green


Hello, everyone. There's something important you should know.

[ A rare public appearance from Waver Velvet?! Not for long... He turns the camera to his companion, Caster, who continues seriously. ]

Some of you might remember the ghastly, skinless creatures we faced in the forests surrounding Dorchacht. They terrorized their Wilders, and many of us have helped them deal with the threat — but these creatures can hold a grudge like no one else and, seeking vengeance, they found us here in Aefenglom. They crossed the entire continent to get even, but that means they now pose a danger to the Wilders and people in the Slums.

[ Waver turns the camera back to himself for a moment to nod in agreement. ]

They're incredibly tenacious, and they will follow any prey they set their sights on as far as possible. They've been getting closer lately, right up to the edges of the city.

[ Hence, Caster's point of the danger the Slums are now in, not to mention the Wilders. ]

I propose we help them. The Wilders are organizing efforts to hunt and trap these creatures around the Northern Outpost. People in the Slums are in need of protection. And if you can't fight, and think that makes you useless... you're wrong. Preparations are underway, and any set of hands helps.

[ Waver adds: ]

I'd also like to mention that they don't seem to be affected by the Cwyld, despite having crossed huge stretches of Wilde to get here. As such, I think we should at least try to study them. I doubt it'll be easy to capture one of these things, but I found out that they can't cross running water.

If we can build some sort of enclosure using that information, it would give us a chance to study one of them. The plan is to do so near the Northern Outpost.

We're looking for engineers, builders, Witches specializing in enchantment and barriers, especially those with an affinity for water -- anyone who is willing to help. And, of course, anyone who is working on researching the Cwyld and Cwyld-resistant organisms.

The Wilders have organized a night hunt on the evening of the 26th in a few days. We need to have the enclosure done before then.

Contact me if you’re interested. We’ll need as many hands on deck as possible at the Outpost, and of course the Slums could use protection too.

Thank you.

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: Yona
Date: 6/1
Format: Text

[ Considering how long she's been here now and how... enthusiastic her Coven mentors have been about her finding a Bond, Yona's finally worked up the courage to try and use this strange device for herself and ask for some advice. ]

How did those of you who have made Bonds know that your partner was right for you? Was it just something casual and easy? Was it something deeper than that? Did you have a hard time finding someone when you first arrived?

[ Was that too intrusive? Insecure? She hopes not... ]

And those of you who haven't yet... what is it you're looking for?

Name: Prompto Argentum
Date: 6/1
Format: Voice

[It is a somewhat sad and bummed out Prompto who speaks on the network today, around lunch time.]

Uh, if...Caren's gone, if anyone's looking for her. I thought maybe she was just out doing an errand but...yeah.

[A sigh, and for a moment it sounds like Prompto may just let the post end there but then he sighs again.]

How do you, like, deal with losing people? In any way, here or back home or wherever. Just in general? I'm starting to think I'm not so good at it.

[He laughs, but it's a weak and forced sort of thing. He's trying, okay.]

Name: Scathach (un: dunscaith)
Date: Late May
Format: video

[ It's midday out in the Wilds, a turnskin woman setting down her device to record on a nearby surface before stepping back and sitting herself against a stone, a blood red spear rested against her shoulder, and face partially obscured by a mask. The darkness of her fur and clothes mixes with the stark shade of the canopy overhead, making it a little difficult to see her aside from the bit of face that's visible.

She speaks in a calm tone. ]


I've seen quite a few of the new visitors and seen there are quite a few among you that adept and strong. As well as folks who've been here some time already who could use something besides Shades to fight.

I propose, before all of this gets corrected, we have ourselves a bit of a bedlam, to enjoy ourselves as warriors and treat ourselves to some friendly fights and whiskey to share.

I don't doubt there's a lot of you that have had the same itch I've had. Particularly with the last moon phase being as it was.

Well, what say you, then? Shall we have a warrior's festival, before the month's end?

Hello and welcome to another episode of Undertaking with Undertown! As always, I am your host, Sokie Undertown, and today, we’re having a very special episode. Not just because of the topic, but because for the first time, we have guests on the show.

Guests, please introduce yourselves.

[ Dead air. On the tail end of a few uncomfortable seconds, a sharp inhale. ]

I’m shocked we’re your first! How, uhm, how is everyone? Feeling well?— I’m Paloma. Sokie was, is, my first Bonded. Here with us is...

[ Cue joins a lively male voice, a teasing lilt to his voice ]

Yo! Name's Cú, though I've been also going by Caster for a while. Sokie's been a dear friend of mine, ever since she broke into my house on her first day here. [ The tone suggests he’s surely? joking?? ] It’s truly an honor to be here today with this incredible company

[Thankfully Sokie laughs. Clearly it’s a joke! It...actually happened but...that’s a Story for later.]

As you can tell, I have very charming company, maybe too charming. But we’ll try not to get too distracted. Especially since we have a very important topic to cover today. And that topic is...bonds!

[ For once Cu’s voice become a little more serious — the light tone is still present somewhere, but subdued ]

Majority of us are unfamiliar with those kinds of...well, contracts. Add urgent necessity in forming them and you get an explosive mix. How people deal with it, changes from person to person— perhaps it's not being talked about enough.

[When Sokie speaks, her voice is calmer, more soothing. Like Cu, she’s taking this seriously.]

And we do need to talk about it. While there are ways to delay the effects, the fact is-we need each other to survive. Witches make too much magic to handle on our own. And monsters...the fact is you need magic to stay sane.

Exactly! [ Nerve to pipe up once more: mustered. ] And the emotional component is wonderful, sometimes, but we’re sharing our innermost selves, and that can be… frightening, even when you want to take that step. If you don’t feel ready to connect your soul to someone else’s, if it’s too much, too soon, you’re not alone in it. Please, ask what you need to ask. I can’t pretend to be as familiar with the technicalities as Cú and Sokie; I can only offer some perspective, or hope to.

And that’s where you, dear listeners come into the picture— er, radio [ Cú quickly corrects himself ] As you can hear, Paloma is ready to take all kind of questions from the audience.

Don’t! No, that’s a lie.


[ooc: Sokie is green, Cu is blue, and Paloma is purple! Any one or all three may answer questions. Since this is a live transmission, they'll only have voice, while the audience can text, video, or voice chat, as par usual.]

Name: Archer, Iskandar Date: 9th of Maurer Format: video

[The video feed starts with half of the picture obscured by some large, red shape and half showing Archer sitting at the table, a large stack of papers with what is most likely sketches of new designs in front of him. The red shape turns out to be Iskandar adjusting the position of the watch AFTER starting the transmission…He seems to be happy how he set it up and only then he joins Archer. Behind them is the familiar interior of Inkchanted.]

Hello and well met! We of the Inkchanted staff feel it’s important to announce, though we do it with deep regret, that on Full Moons and the day after that, our marvellous establishment would remain closed.

[Archer cuts in, his eyes looking more reptilian than usual, pupils turned to thin slits. It’s not as noticeable, but his eyes have a subtle golden glow. He’s smirking that irritating smirk of his, and his tone carries his usual veneer of sarcasm]

It is a necessity due to previously unforeseen circumstances. I advise our customers to avoid booking their sessions during the future Full Moons as well. Those who’ve been already booked for these days will have a priority while choosing a more fitting date.

Yes, yes. Exactly! [That’s Iskandar again. An observant eye will surely notice he’s looking a little worried even if he’s sporting his usual wide grin.] We sincerely apologize to all of our wonderful customers for that inconvenience and invite you to come back on the 11th of Maurer in the usual opening hours. We remain open for all question pertaining to the usual Inkchanted business or the current announcement.

[Having said that Iskandar raises with intention of ending the transmission but his fiddling with the watch doesn’t bring the desired effect. So, quite unintentionally it shows Archer, his eyes flashing golden for a moment .]

Are we done here?

[Iskandar dismisses him with an impatient wave.]

Yes, yes, go.

[Archer stands up swiftly, nods politely at his companion and leaves, choosing the door that leads to the session room and closing it firmly behind himself. There’s a quiet murmur of voices that is cut by a sudden sound of the window being opened, surprised yell, followed by laughter fading into the distance. (For all that know him, both sound unmistakenly like Cú.)]

Ho? Why is this light here still blinki… Malaka!

[That’s where the transmission truly ends.]

I'll keep this short.

I need a sword made for me, preferably a rapier. It doesn't have to be enchanted or anything.

I'll get the materials you need for it.

I can pay in advance or do whatever it is you want for a month. Killing, babysitting, housework, fetch quests, foraging, doesn't matter how odd or hard it is. I'm not picky.

Thanks :)

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.

Name: Momo
Date: Feb 9th
Format: Video

[Despite the cutesy username, this video opens on a man visibly somewhere in his mid-twenties, muscular arms crossed over his knees and a cheerful smile revealing canines about as sharp as you'll find outside of the monsters here.]

Hey, so, I'm one of the newcomers that showed up at the start of the month - nice to meet you all. [He waves one red-nailed hand before resting it over his left, slightly concealing the black ring on it.] I was asking the lady who explains what's going on to everyone whether she knew anything about what people being here means for where we came from, and she told me she'd heard some stories about Mirrorbound who saw stuff going on in their worlds through their mirrors. So if that's happened to any of you guys, could you let me know a little more about it? At this point I'm kinda crossing my fingers people aren't freaking out about me being gone back home. Or hey, if you showed up at an awkward time and want to commiserate about it, I'm here for you.

[The "freaking out" is honestly an understatement, considering the depths his partner has dropped to after losing people in the past. But to offset the more serious question, he reaches a hand offscreen and holds up...well, it's the right shape and size to be a soccer ball, even if it hasn't quite reached the modern style of them yet.]

And for anyone old or new - I'm looking for some people to play soccer with. If you don't know it, it's a sport where you split into teams and try to kick a ball into goal defended by the other team. Obviously it's more fun with more people, but if anyone wants to learn to play or just get a bit of a workout, we can go one-on-one.

[A brief pause after that, and then:] I think that's it for now, so let me know, okay?

[He's still not quite enough out of public image mode to openly ask for someone to practice fistfighting against. Maybe another time.]

The trial of the Rathmores and their associates takes place on a cold, drizzly morning at the very beginning of Feoveuer, in a large audience chamber of Parliament, broadcast to the Watches by Sowilo (and Theodore, when Sowilo is speaking) for any who cannot or do not wish to attend personally. The trial itself is public; any who show up are allowed in, and any who were hurt by the Rathmores are invited, though not forced, to testify against them during the proceedings. Mhairi is present, as Speaker for the Coven, as are all those members who hold a Judicial Seat, and many of the Civic Seats, along with the Witches and Guards present at the raid. Mhairi and one Lady Denholm are outspoken about the Rathmores' crimes all throughout, prompting more hard-hitting questions when things grow too silent or sympathetic toward the wealthy elitists.

( a trial and a sentencing )