ǣfenglōm (main comm)

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.]

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: un: enkidu
Date: 11th
Format: text

[It takes a lot of time tapping this message with less fingers but Enkidu manages.]

recently my truest friend has been summoned from the mirrors but for now he lacks platonic friends to spend time with. he has been living a solitary life as a king and i do not want him to be alone anymore.

his name is gilgamesh. he is very fond of his treasures and also knows the greatest stories about them. he enjoys wine as well. he is great to spar with and likes to go on adventures. his favorite color is gold. once he introduced me to beer and bread and allowed me to eat and drink everything i wanted.

would people like to become his platonic friend? or another sort of friend? as i know that many sorts of friendships are possible.

let me know if you have questions or want to meet him. he can be a bit fussy at first but please do not let it get to you. he has been alone. for a long time.

Name: Prompto Argentum
Date: 2/8
Format: video

[In the background of this video, there's the (relatively) hushed sounds of a certain Sun King's voice, trying to get someone to stop and rest, as she should. He's being met with growls of "I'm busy!" along with some pots and pans clanging and chopping as she’s clearly trying to make Something. It might be a stew? There's still the remains of a varied breakfast and food packages that were just set on the table. Pointing this out does not appear to be much of a deterrent.

While all that’s going on, Prompto just sort of. Gives the camera a Look.]

So, I was going to let everyone know that hey, I'm back, Insomniac Delivery is back up and running, please do not try to eat my chocobo, photos will be back soonish, et cetera et cetera, but Caren dropped some interesting information at breakfast this morning and that takes priority. So.

[Pause for effect. An effect that is likely somewhat spoiled as more extreme measures of putting things on higher shelves is met with highly vocal protests decrying it as an unfair move.]

Apparently Dorchacht used to be a monster city.

[Yet another pause for further effect. And also a drink of coffee because boy, does Prompto need the (sugary, creamy, mostly everything but coffee) caffeine this morning.]

So, according to Caren's...contact? Before Drummond or whoever came around, witches lived in a separate part of the city because they were considered the dangerous ones. They said they treated the witches fairly and I'm pretty sure it'd be hard to treat people worse than how Dorch was when we got there, but, uh, maybe take that part with a grain of salt?

[And of course, in the midst of Prompto trying to explain, he’s interrupted by the menace in the background.]

This also could have been centuries ago so- no, I don't want tea. I don't feel like being drugged today, thank you!

That's not what-- [He lets it go. It's not that important right now. He plucks a ladle away from Caren.] It sounds as though they avoided the consequences of full moons without Bonds, but still engaging with one another.

[Prompto is just gonna ignore all that going on in the background. This is important. And also Ozy can handle Caren better than he can, let’s be real.]

They also told Caren about where Monsters and Witches came from, according to Dorchacht's lore, and what the Cwyld is...sort of. At least why it's a thing.

It's different from what they tell us here. According to their story, the Sisters freed the monsters from the True Fae and...Ozymandias! Don't put my knives there!

[And there she goes, back into the background. Specifically, onto the counter to save her knives. Her efforts are near-immediately spoiled as Ozymandias loops an arm around her middle and tosses her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.]

You're only going to confuse everyone worrying about something like that right now. If you’re not going to rest, at least focus. [He brings Caren back into view, setting her down, but keeping a firm arm wrapped around her. It would probably be a very nice hug under other circumstances.] What Caren was trying to say is that the True Fae then angered the Sisters by teaching humans magic. Thus, they created the Cwyld as punishment for their insolence.

Prompto, I trust you can manage from here. I'm going to remove the temptation to continue trying to cook.

[He barely waits for an answer before opting this time to at least princess carry Caren.

Prompto, meanwhile, stares in utter bafflement as they go off because that sure is a Witch princess carrying a freaking Chimera. Just for a moment, though, before he turns back to the watch.]

Yeah, what Ozy said. Anyway, uh. That was a lot, but there were other things Caren’s contact mentioned, but this is already pretty nuts so...any questions?

[[Prompto, Ozymandias, Caren. All three are available for questions!]]

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 )

Name: Monika
Date: Octeuril 18
Format: Text

Isn't it funny how you can spend weeks, months, and maybe even longer in trying to be a better person.

Only for a couple of bad days to make it feel like you lost most of your progress?

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: Prompto Argentum
Date: 10/10
Format: Text followed by Video

[It's not the fanciest thing the world, but Prompto put a lot of work into this ad for the watches so he's still proud of it. You might have seen the fancier, paper posters going up earlier this week.

In big letters:]

Open Today!

Insomniac Delivery hopes to encourage other Mirrorbound entrepreneurs by catering to them and their needs. For a reasonable fee, Insomniac Delivery promises to get your goods and messages wherever they need to be in the city before closing time!

Argentum Photos brings the wonders of magical digital technology to Aefenglom! For posters, memories, or just for fun, Argentum Photos will work with you to make sure every shot is perfect.

[And now it's a video post and if you know Prompto, you'll realize he's got glasses on now. Ran out of contacts. But he's out with Prim, who's actually wearing a flower crown. And is trying to knock it off her head for a snack.]

Ta-daaaa! Yeah, so surprise, guess who's absolutely crazy and opening two businesses? Deliveries run Tuesday through Friday, but if you something delivered Monday or over the weekend I'll do it for extra, and photos are Saturday and Sunday but if something happens I'll try to work with you.

[He reaches up to keep Primula from knocking her crown off.]

Anyway, if anyone needs me or Prim here to deliver something, you know where to find me! Same for photos, though obviously Prim won't be helping with those.

[A chuckle, a wave, and then a noise of dismay as Primula takes Prompto reaching over to turn the feed off as a sign to eat the crown.]

Prim why--

Name: Caren Ortensia
Date: Octeuril 2
Format: Video

I understand that there are new people that are among us. To that, I must say: welcome.

[She pulls the watch back from her face. Before, one could see her face; pulling back now...one could see she's not entirely human, least from the wings curled around her form. They twitch every so often as she speaks, as if trying to make herself comfortable.]

It's going to be an interesting time while you're with us. While we may come from different worlds and different times-and indeed, states of life-we're now comrades in this place. Hence, I'd like to make a few offers-for a fee of course.

[She holds up a hand. They appear to be clawed, but hey-at least they're the length of normal finger nails!]

I happen to live in a mansion and can offer beds and food. Room and board if you will. If new comers, or those who desire someone to make your food, I will be happy to accommodate you. This can be an exchange of monies, goods, or services.

I may also be able to teach skills in cleaning and cooking, including pizza if you so desire. Lastly...

[She brings up something carefully from her lap. It's...a hoodie?]

Animal earred hoodies may be made on commission, if you so desire. For other mending and commissions, you can find me at the Knit Wit.

Please feel free to ask questions here, or contact me via my inbox.

Name: Caren Ortensia
Date: 08/23
Format: Voice

It hasn't been an easy few weeks-or months. Maybe even more, for some. 

[Caren's voice is quiet, tired to those who know her. But she still goes on.]

And while I'm sure there are those who are dealing with the stress on their own, some of us are not. So, I came up with an idea. 

I suppose you can call it an all day, all night sleep over. I'm currently the only resident in...[She rattles off her address. Some people may remember this being the mansion that had all the excess food from before.]

But more importantly, after conducting some trades, I've managed to get a hold of some catmint as well as some other relaxing teas that work on Witches and Monsters. 

So bring some pillows and blankets. I'll be brewing all day. But if that's not enough...

If you either bring the supplies or cene, I will make pizza. Not tomato based, but other kinds. I will write the supply list at the end of this message, in case you don't know the options or what goes into the dough. 

Otherwise, there will be some light snacks of scones and such. 

Name: Nobukatsu Oda
Date: July 5th
Format: Text

So… Admittedly, I didn’t really pay much attention to orientation. But I couldn’t not notice that my Sister seems to be turning into a cosplayer. I haven’t wanted to say anything, but I’m worried about her getting a taste for human blood. What should I do?

P.S. How can I get her to bond with me without eating me?

Name Morgan Yu
Date July 1st
Format Voice

Is anyone else kind of pissed about the fact that pizza doesn't really seem to be a thing that exists in this city? Not to be overly dramatic or anything, it's just that after that shared nightmare from last week, some greasy takeout would have really hit the spot for stress eating.

I'd consider taking a crack at making my own, but if at any point I ever knew the recipes for the dough and sauce and shit, pretty sure I forgot them whenever I got hit with the amnesia stick.

Name: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne
Date: 6/20
Format: text

[This is such a sensitive issue that Diarmuid's gone to the trouble of changing his user name from "Lancer" to the less conspicuous but creatively bankrupt "Question". Whether or not he's still identifiable through some other means is a mystery to him but he's willing to take that chance to find the answers to something that's begun to weigh on his mind as of late.]

Is Bonding with someone without your other Bonded partner or partners knowing the equivalent of being unfaithful? I understand that it can be separate from a romantic relationship but it's just as emotionally involved, is it not?

Name: Ignis Scientia & Caren Ortensia
Date: June 16th, early afternoon
Format: Video

[Greetings fellow people who are stuck here! You've checked your watch, only to find a comedy of errors taking place as two people--well, a man and the top of someone's head--converse. There seems to be a disagreement.]

--do it. I've used this before once or twice, so I think I have a suitable handle on things.

[There’s a loud, exasperated sigh, and stray hairs float up lazily in the air. They’re slow in settling even as the smaller person speaks.]

Certainly. If you know what to do then-all you need to do is send out the information via text and we’ll be done, yes?

[There's a shifting of the image, and a thumb over it for a moment, then it's the other person--the woman--in full view for a split second, before there's a closeup of the man. More accurately, of his eyes behind his glasses. Then it resolves in focus to his entire face again.]

Right. I hope you don't object to doing this as a video feed, because it appears we've turned it on already.

Ah.

( cut for length they're talkative )

[ooc; A small log for this will go up later and will be edited into this footnote! Feel free to get ready to flamingle there! All are welcome!]