ǣfenglōm (main comm)

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

JUST A QUICK QUESTION, FOR ANYBODY READING THIS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...What else?

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

...

Uhh, make that good day. Bye.

Name: aerith gainsborough ; un: flowergirl
Date: mar 20, late evening
Format: text

Hello! I don't know too many of you yet, so we can just call me your Resident Gardener A.

I've been waiting impatiently for the weather to get better - I know there are some old orchards here, and so I was curious... Is the fruit in this place similar to what you knew, back where you came from? Anything different? Exciting?

I was thinking of trying a little bit of everything, but if you have a favorite - describe it to me!

Or something that tastes awful - also describe it to me! Tell me about what your tongue likes~

Name: Asriel Dreemurr (un: CrimsonSword)
Date: Backdated to the last Full Moon
Format: Video

[There's a... goat (?) monster on the network, who has a problem. There's a large ring of fur, an impressive yellow mane around his neck.]

I'm growing fur around my neck! How do I make it stop?! Why is this happening?!

[And he grabs his tail, which is a long, white lion's tail.]

And my tail grew! I mean, it kind of looks cooler now. B-but! It shouldn't be growing at all!

Name: Tsutha (un: tdfsh)
Date: March 7th
Format: voice
Content Warning: intoxication


[ It takes an impressive amount of alcohol to intoxicate a half-orc. They are naturally resilient, with stronger than average constitutions just on principle.

And yet, Tsutha is hammered. After only just one drink!

She would be impressed, if she wasn't more concerned by the other odd side effect of her sudden drunkenness. ]

.nrevat goD ylS eht ta ela eht htiw gnorw s'gnihtemoS

[ Wait, what? ]

!egnarts gnidnuos tuo semoc gnihtyrevE .thgir klat t'nac I

[ There's an audible groan and a soft thwap! sound, as of someone smacking themselves in the face, trying to sober themselves up. ]

...nwod eil ot deen I ebyaM .ynnuf leef I ?lleps a siht sI

Name: Steak (un: steak)
Date: 4/3
Format: Video

( hey, Aefenglom, long time no see. Steak isn't much for using the network — it's time he could much better use practicing his fighting skills or helping others — but today is a bit different, as he has an announcement to make to the Mirrorbound at large.

and Red Wine may or may not be here too. )

Ahem. ( it's a bit different announcing things like this rather than through word of mouth and flyers, isn't it? )

I am Steak of the Canaa— ( hold up, this is already a shitshow. he levels a glare at someone Red Wine behind the camera and breaks off his sentence to utter a very firm; ) We are the Knights of the Holy Sword!

( hmph. returning to the topic at hand. )

White Day is approaching ( he’s talking with far too severe a tone for this topic, as though he’s announcing a declaration of war on the city rather than the actual contents of the cue cards from which he’s reading. ) and the Knights of the Holy Sword will be providing deliveries of flowers starting at 1800 cunes. 

If you wish to order a bouquet — ( hold up part two. ) You think I can’t pronounce that?! ( huff. he is not going to punch Red Wine. yet. ) — a bouquet, for yourself or someone else, you can call myself or Red Wine on our watches. We will fulfil any order you desire.

( he thinks within reason goes without saying, and so he doesn’t say that. )

Thank you for your attention.

( Steak out. )

Name: Ozymandias
Date: 2.8
Format: Video

[Ozymandias really only seems to use the network when he has an announcement of some sort to make and this is no exception. Although this time rather than being seated in his personal study, some may recognize that Ozymandias is seated in the Mirrorbound Council's office in the Parliament building. His smile, as always, is radiant. While not exactly fidgeting, it's quite apparent that Ozymandias has a spark of energy to him today. Before he even speaks, it can easily be understood that his announcement is a happy one.]

I have tremendous news to share with all of you.

As I am sure many of you are aware, the living conditions in the western portion of the Residential District are poorer than most. [Ozymandias moves his hand over the top of the desk in front of him. As he speaks, a miniature version of the Residential District is conjured as it stands currently sans the piles of snow that have been dropped on the city as of late. Even at this smaller scale, it's plain to see how many of the buildings are on their last legs or, at the very least, are more than a fixer-upper.] There are far more citizens than there is suitable housing. Those that live here struggle against the elements, and protecting themselves and their property.

Although some of these challenges predate any of us, we Mirrorbound must admit that we have contributed to those conditions through the creation of the Haven. [Ozymandias looks up from the model he's created as the last of its magic weaves itself together.] Therefore, Emperor Edelgard von Hresvelg and I felt that something ought to be done to provide for those displaced. Thus, for several months, through our observations and speaking with locals, potential properties have been identified as being the least disruptive to those that live in the area.

[With a gesture of his hand, a few of the buildings adopt a faint golden glow.]

I am pleased to say that through my continued efforts, and those of Emperor Edelgard's ward, Leslie, and Myrobalan, we have successfully passed a motion through Parliament to secure funding for this project. In time, we shall construct subsidized apartment buildings, [which one morphs into existence from one of the selected properties with another motion of his hand, the building rising higher and taller than the rest] with those we shall temporarily displace being first in line to occupy the units.

There shall be a great deal to do before this is fully realized. And so, I come seeking your aid and cooperation in this endeavor.

Aside from the obvious assistance required in removing any existing structures and constructing their replacements, this project will, unfortunately, result in another displacement for those currently making do. Although it shall be a temporary one compared to the last, it is one we must take responsibility for all the same. I have some potential solutions in mind, but I should like to hear from others their own thoughts. Particularly if there are some among you willing to spearhead that portion of this project, as I shall likely find myself busy with other matters associated with it.

And of course, those of you merely interested in working with your hands are always free to let me know that I may call upon you.

All who contribute to this project shall be appropriately compensated.

[Ozymandias waves his hand and dispels the conjuration. The small district dissipates into translucent smoke before fading completely from view.]

We have some time to think this through and organize ourselves, but let us not waste a second.

((ooc: feel free to use this as a discussion post! you can consider this to be basically an ic open forum to discuss the project, including making suggestions or even speaking dissent if that's the case. threadjack to your heart's content if it strikes your fancy. ozy will answer questions and he will follow the threads of conversation, but he may not respond to everything.))

Name: Hiccup Haddock III
Date: backdated to very early December
Format: Video

[The forge in the background is slightly smoky with the big hearth-fire going, and Hiccup has a smudge of charcoal on his cheek, and black dust all over his tunic and leather apron. Some project or another is on the worktable behind him, but he's fixated on something that has him frowning in thought.

He turns the video around to catch Toothless in the shot, peering down at a much smaller, black and white dragonling, who is making loud, insistent screeching noises at the night fury, practically crying while the bigger dragon seems at a loss.] Am- Am I crazy, or does anyone else see a family resemblance here? [He turns the video back, still frowning. The sound continues like a background track, interspersed with confused sounds from Toothless.] I guess this one's been harassing fishmongers in the Harbor District for the last few weeks... No one recognizes the little fella, do they?

[It's been a bit of a headscratcher, figuring out where she came from. A mirror, obviously, but- his? Really?]

Uh- well. Regardless! Hi, I'm Hiccup, I own the forge just outside town with Percy, and also the Phoenix Tear, which is a clinic for, uh. Mostly Monsters, but anybody, really! It used to be my Bonded's so I'm trying to keep it running. If you're new and need- anything, honestly, just go there! It's located in the barracks. At the forge, we do a little bit of everything, including enchantments, so if you need anything made, weapons or armor or whatnot, just talk to me or Percy. We do custom work, great for gifting!

[He seems like he's about to sign off, but then something occurs to him, and he leans into the camera again to ask,] Wait, before I- What charities are taking donations this year? For the holidays? Modranicht and stuff. Toys or- or money, whatever. Okay, that's everything!

Name: ANONYMOUS
Date: Before the event part 2
Format: Text

I swore I'd never make a post like this but I really am in a predicament and could use some perspectives.

Okay. So.

Let's say you are considering a pretty big life change. For example, moving in and sharing a living space with a significant other that you became close to, here. But both you and this person have bonded! And you're all REALLY close with said bonded! Like, also significant other levels. Or family. Just really really close.

How

do you manage all of those moving pieces? Can you? I feel like I'm going to lose my hair stressing over this.

Name: Heralia il Gardlanda | Heralia
Date: 10/5 morning
Format: Video

[The camera opens on a brief shot of... a ceiling. Then, the upper half of a head - auburn hair, red eyes, a splash of freckles across the nose slips in from the bottom.] Ah-ha, so that's how it works...

[And then it tilts upward a bit, and there's a full shot of the face that some may recognize, others may not. She's never made a post on the network, but she has responded to a few. She grins when she realizes she has this working, big pointy fangs that probably don't look entirely as friendly as before she started this whole "monster transformation" thing peeking out proudly from under her lips. Also, sorry, everyone, she's pretty new to this sort of technology.

Her voice is bright and chipper, gently lilting into a bit of a sing-song. Isn't she just so friendly.]

Greetings, everyone! To those I know, hello again, old friends. To those friends I have yet to meet, my name is Heralia! I know times are a bit tense and scary at the moment - a whole city asleep! - but if I might have your attention for a moment, even if it's just for a distraction, I have a question, and I have a request.

I am a member of the Mirrorbound Council. We, and I as well though I am newer, have of course been working on things with Parliament to try to improve lives; for the people called Mirrorbound, and for the native citizens alike. What I haven't seen since I've been here, though, is any of the council directly address the other Mirrorbound like this. So I'm going to ask a question: What has become most important to you since you've been in Aefenglom?

I imagine for some people it's quite different than their primary tasks back at home, but maybe for others, it's the same! I'm curious to hear it, and to see what can be done in parliament to try to make some of those things come true. Or at least to give some extra direction to things for us to fight for.

My request is one of my own motivations, of a sort: I'm looking for Witches! Specifically those unbonded, or only bonded to other Witches, but others are free to chime in as well. You see, I'm a Monster, obviously. Turnskin, for better or worse. And I'd like to offer my services as a mana sink for as many as I can realistically Bond with. Yes, I said that - oh it seems a bit dreaded - B-word. I'm not looking for love, or romance, or... dating... that's what they call it, yes? It would be a business partnership. Mutual beneficence, and more than that, whatever bogeymen have stopped you from Bonding before are not likely to scare me off. Or even really get any kind of rise out of me, unless you want them to, I suppose. I am just as well minding my own business in my own mind; it's easier than I thought it would be to keep the connection relatively mute.

Name: Yuki
Date: September 25ish
Format: Video

[He's clearly used to being on camera, and this whole thing looks and sounds vaguely like he's doing a TV interview, but...]

Good evening, fellow Mirrorbound. I'm Re:vale's Yuki. This is my first time greeting most of you.

[Yuki shows off a rather interesting picture of a certain partner of his.]

This man is probably more familiar to some of you. He's my partner, Momo. We've been partners for several years, but he's been here longer than I have. So, bearing that in mind, two things.

One, if you know Momo personally and we haven't met, since it's probably my fault I'd like to correct that now.

Second. Regardless of who you are, if you see him fighting or doing anything dangerous, stop him and remind him for me that I will know if he gets so much as a cut or bruise, so he should be more careful than he has been in the past. And if it's on his incredibly handsome face, I'll find whoever or whatever did it, and we'll discuss alternate methods for conflict resolution.

[His smile is ice cold. But he's still devastatingly handsome, so whatever. Please note however Momo is definitely the brawn in this partnership.]

At any rate, thank you for your kind cooperation. Please make sure to tune in to Momo's radio show each weekday morning and late night weekends with all your burning questions.

This is Re:vale's Yuki, signing off.

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: Anonymous
Date: 9/13
Format: Text

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

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: Saori Nakagawa [un: chazuke]
Date: 09/09
Format: Video

Okay...I think this should work.

[The fox/crocodile chimera stands in front of a small but homely-looking bar with a smile.]

Hello, everyone. I'm Saori and I have an announcement to make. One week from today, I'll be opening Aefenglom's first, at least to my knowledge, izakaya-style bar. Whether you're starting your night off of pub crawling with us, or perhaps looking for a quiet place to wind-down, please visit Izakaya Fushimi in the entertainment district. Our menu includes vegetarian options and sweets along with our rotating specials based on seasonal availability.

I hope to see you there when the doors open on the 16th at 5 pm until 1 in the morning. Thank you for your time.

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.

Got a question.

Anyone around that had a chronic health condition or illness back home?

Did it clear up when you got here or is it still affecting you?

Asking for myself.

Name: Ozymandias
Date: 8/1
Format: Video

[Ozymandias not exactly serious with this message to the network, but compared to his usual energy, he seems almost distracted despite seemingly giving the whole of his attention. He is, after all, intentional in moving the camera from himself to the soon-to-be mentioned machine in the Purramid Cafe.]

If anyone has any experience with espresso machines, I am not sure if Giorno ever completed calibrating his machine and I would appreciate someone taking a look at it. [The challenge of asking someone as particular about his coffee and espresso as Giorno to do something like that when they are also a near-hopeless perfectionist. But Ozymandias himself is not as fickle or well-versed in the specifics of the machine himself to really make a sound judgment, so he is willing to defer to someone with a little more expertise.] I am not as well-versed myself and have other matters to attend to in any case.

[The camera moves back to himself.]

You may work on it here at the cafe, or if you find that environment distracting, I shall allow you to take it elsewhere provided that you return it before the cafe closes. [Purramid Cafe keeps some late business hours to cater to more nocturnal members of society though, so it'd be a bit of a challenge to miss closing.] Either way, I shall compensate you for your time once you've completed the task to my satisfaction.

Name: Marie Antoinette
Date: 8/1
Format: text

Greetings, citizens of Aefenglom! It has been too long!

If you could bring one person from home to keep you company here on the condition that you have to Bond with them upon arrival, who would you choose and why?

[She has no real reason besides curiosity to ask this. She just wants to talk about Bonds, as she always does]

Name: Bishop
Date: 7/31
Format: Text

I'll keep this brief, I need sparring partners. Martial arts, swords, spears, fire arms, fucking silverware, I don't care. I'm starting to feel rusty and I need to shake it off, preferably now. This isn't a quest but I'm willing to compensate you for your time. Anyone will do my only condition is don't hold back.

Have a nice day.