ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Onni Hotakainen
Date: January 10
Format: Audio
Note: He has painstakingly labored over the watch for a long time to ensure that everyone except Reynir can read this post.

[The post starts with a weary sigh, and when he speaks, Onni's voice is tired and calm and very nearly monotone. It's his usual voice, to anyone who knows him, but might sound a little weird to people who don't.]

Has anyone here had something inside them change because of a Bond?

[There's a slight pause, and the sound of shifting before he speaks again.]

Not something small. Something fundamental.

Name: Tsutha Stoneblood
Date: Octeuril 24
Format: video

[ There is a woman on screen who you might think at first glance would be a monster, in that she's green-skinned and has tusks jutting out from her bottom jaw. But no, in fact she is a witch! She's just a half-orc. You learn something new every day.

In any case, it takes her a minute to figure out how to hold the watch to get the best shot of her face in the frame-- not too close, not too far away, angled evenly so you're not forced to stare up into her nostrils. This sort of technology is new to her, so please be patient. ]

Ooh... I think it's working!

Hi! My name's Tsutha. I'm new here. I wanted to thank everybody who's been so nice to me so far. It's weird to be here without any of my friends from home, but hopefully I can make new friends with you guys. Looking forward to it!

Anyway, I wanted to ask if there's anyone out there who's good at enchanting items? All my stuff that was magical back home stopped being magical when I got here. And, while I don't really need all of it to be re-enchanted, it would be nice if my bag of holding would actually... hold stuff.

I don't have much money from this world yet, but I have a bunch of gold from home I could give you. Gold's still gotta be worth something, right? Anyway, let me know if you can help! 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: Prompto Argentum + Omi Fushimi
Date: 09/03
Format: Video

[First it’s just some still shots taken with the watch. Omi is in a few poses in a very, very flattering vest and shirt combo (and pants, this isn’t that kinda advertisement) with the caption:]

WANTED: A BOND

[And then, a video focused on Omi again, though it’s Prompto who speaks. (If you know him, this sounds a little forced-happy, though he’s genuinely enthusiastic. Omi doesn’t look too well either, for reasons that are about to be obvious.]

So. Someone whose name starts with an “Omi” and ends with “Fushimi” has apparently been here five months! Without a Witch bond! This amazing, talented, built-as-hell turnskin has no Witch! None! For five months! We need one around three.

Ah, hello… I'm Omi. This wasn't exactly my idea…

It wasn’t my first idea either, buuuuuuut we’re desperate and this way there’s no, y’know. Awkward speed dates or anything. It’s a personal ad! Because Aefenglom doesn’t have a dating website.

[Someone’s gonna take that idea and run with it, whoops.]

Anyway! Omi’s seriously a great guy. Hard-worker, he cooks…

Right… [He sits up a little straighter, looking to Prompto as if unsure just how far he should go with this. Maybe it's fine if he just talks about himself?] I work as a photographer here and I'm an actor as well. I'd say they're both my passions. In my spare time, I like to do small crafts, cook--especially sweets--and do physical activities like sports and training.

[In a stage whisper:] Seriously, though? His food is uh-mazing.[Back to normal] Also those wolf ears? Honestly, dude, I am amazed you are still bondless.

Well, to be honest I wasn't sure about Bonding in the first place. It seemed kind of strange to make someone else deal with all of this with me. I'm not exactly pleasant on the full moons. At least now I realize part of that is because I don't have a Bond, as Prompto has kindly informed me… several times.

Multiple times. In the same month, even. [And here Prompto turns the camera on himself and--yeah that is a man who isn’t sleeping much] Seriously, from a guy who’s been here over a year? Bond. It’s weird, but just. Get a friend! Do the thing! Witches can have familiars too, if that’s more your thing. [But back to Omi] Enough about that, back to Omi. Anything else you wanna say?

No, not really. Just...it doesn't have to be a permanent thing, if someone just wants to try it out. I'm probably a handful, or something...

You are not a handful. He is not a handful, ignore that last bit!

[Omi. Omi plz.]

If you say so. [Omi manages a little laugh, and it's quite the handsome laugh, by the way, if one is into that kinda thing. Honestly, he's a bit swoon-worthy even if his self image is a little off.] I'm sorry to ask anyone this way, but I'd rather help someone out, if I can. That's all. So.. Thanks for your consideration, at least. [He gives a polite half bow.]

And that’s a wrap!

[End feed.]

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: Louis
Date: Late 8/1, Early 8/2.
Format: video.

[ Hello there, network! It's a face that many of you haven't seen for awhile, he thinks. This time, there's no chaos attached to this post. ]

Hard to believe it's been a year here. Is this the sort of anniversary someone celebrates? It's my 'Abducted to a strange planet' anniversary. Maybe I'll get someone [ ahem ] to make a cake or something. Castella is my favorite, by the way.

[ He's not going to push his luck. ]

So those who have been here for awhile, what have you learned since arriving? If you're ... newer, what do you hope to learn?

Personally, I learned that despite monsters being a big thing: deer with fingers are still a novelty. Oh, and pet ownership is still weird to me. I don't think it'll ever not be weird.

[ There's a small quirk of the corner of his mouth, and the slightest, small smile when he makes the offer. It's reminiscent of what he posted almost a year ago. Just way more -- polite. ]

That being said - I am going to give the same opportunity that I gave when I first arrived:

I am not a Monster. I am a deer who happens to be a witch. I never saw a human before getting here. And I have ten fingers and five toes.

And, if you have any questions, it's okay to ask, I promise. I don't bite. No question is too weird at this point, I think.

Name: Momo
Date: July 19th
Format: Video

[Rather than a person, this video opens on an image from the Underground - heavily infected veins through the earth where the Red Death algae seems to begin, and the signs of a less virulent pink moss beyond if one looks closely enough at the image.]

So I know everyone down here is gonna be pretty busy trying to figure out how to deal with this Red Death problem, but it looks like these infected veins are a big part of it and I want to try to deal with them. If we can purge them kinda like that leyline through the forest a few months ago, I think it'd help, but I'll need a lot more Witches than just me and we'll also need Monsters to back us up while we work. Don't worry if you're new, I did this in my first month here, just let me know and I can show you how to do it. It's pretty much about pushing clean magic in to force the infection out, so even someone who's recently gotten in touch with their magic can throw in with us and it'll make a bigger difference the more people we can get together!

[Momo finally turns the camera on himself, looking pretty serious for him but also with...some kind of weird semi-transparent pink bubble shield over his mouth and nose. The joys of trying to bash together a consistent anti-spore shielding spell through trial and error.] I'm sending a message to the Matriarch too and I hope we can get some locals, but anyone who can help, whether you need a bit of guidance on it or not, is totally welcome! This is gonna be a big job, but I think it'd really help to strike at the source of the problem, even if you can only be here for a little while. Every bit would count. If you've got any questions before you come, I can answer them here, otherwise we can organise things when you get down here! I'll be in the circled tunnel.

[Attached to the post is a hand-drawn, seemingly recent "map" with the problem tunnels marked in red, all smaller ones, plus one in a fairly central position circled. It's essentially more of a marker of where the tunnel entrances are relative to other tunnels and what edge of the city they're on, but it's at least enough to position oneself.]

[[Feel free to go pretty wild with this if your character would help - you're welcome to run with it in your own TLs without responding here, though Momo's event TL has a prompt if your character would need in-person help. Other experienced characters are welcome to help show the method to newcomers as well, Momo just wants enough people to be able to do a decent attempt at a purge! You can also let me know OOC if your character would be involved so I have an idea of what kind of numbers he'd end up with, via Plurk/PM/game Discord depending on your pref. The main thing to know is that this is targeted particularly around where the Red Death begins in the tunnels since purging entire tunnels wouldn't be possible in this amount of time.]]

Name: Sasuke Uchiha
Date: 07/09
Format: Text/Video

[ The video opens with a perfectly still, immaculately framed sepia shot of a storefront. The glass of the windows is smudged with dirt and dust that’s far less noticeable at the center but which appears borderline opaque around the outside edges, and with a flecked paint job on the wood siding it’s clear that this particular store isn’t wearing its age well.

Nevertheless the signage above the store appears newly updated, stark and clean in sharp contrast to the rest. ]

This is an advertisement for Daemonologie. [ There’s a pause as if even he doesn’t know how to quite handle the appearance of the business he somehow has to make appealing, at least managing to hold in a sigh. ] I’m fixing it.

Check the attached text in accordance with this video. [ Which is how the clip itself abruptly ends, though not before Sasuke turns the camera to the left and then to the right to make the shop’s location in the southwestern Shopping District more apparent to any who might be on the lookout. ]

The following is a statement prepared by my employer:

Daemonologie is an all-ages magical menagerie and emporium servicing both witches and monsters. Are you tired of sourcing your mystical beasts from the Wildes? Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to find the right breeder for your ideal familiar? Do you need the feather of an enchanted sparrow for your latest potion but don’t feel like buying the whole bird?

Then Daemonologie is the place for you. We not only provide quality companionship in the form of magical creatures aplenty but we also offer a variety of animal byproducts for any of your witching needs. Quills? Not a problem. Unfertilized and fertilized eggs? We have them. Scales both decorative and deadly? You know the answer! Stop on by today!

(Note: Vampires welcome! Ask about our animal blood specials (guaranteed to be high in magic)! Also don’t miss our weekly sale items: enchanted brushes for even the thickest fur, pewter cauldrons, and a humidifying enchantment to offer comfort and relief from a dry molt.)

As a bonus we’re offering a special promotion. Comment here if you would like to take a short quiz that will pair you with the familiar best suited to your personality type. You will then receive a 5% discount on the animal that you receive as your result. What a deal!

For the first question: what is your ideal vacation spot?

A. The city
B. The beach
C. Somewhere woodsy
D. The mountains
E. The desert

[ He did not expect for his second day on the job to require him to market his workplace to other Mirrorbound, but here he is. ]

Hey everyone!

First of all, welcome to all the new arrivals! Seems like we had a really big group this time. I'm sorry you got dragged into all of this.

Anyway, my name's Elliot. I'm a musician and a healer. If you're interested in music lessons, I offer private and group lessons for violin, piano, guitar, recorders, harmonica, or singing. It's always a good time to learn, and the first lesson's free! Oh and don't worry if your monster changes might complicate things, we'll find a workaround! Just let me know if you're interested.

Finally, for most of my stay here, I've been studying how to heal Cwyld infections under the Coven's infirmary. I've gotten pretty far...but I can only see so many people. So...I want to offer lessons to teach people what I've learned. I'm only allowed to teach methods that the Coven will approve of me sharing, but they should be effective at healing new or mild infections!

Unfortunately only witches will be able to do the techniques. Not only that, it's pretty tough stuff to learn and if it goes wrong it can lead permanent damage. So anyone who wants to learn will have to prove they're capable with alchemy and enchantments first. Sorry.

Anyway...let me know if you're interested, I guess.

[OOC: Sign ups for music lessons can be found here. Most lessons will be handwaved unless you want to hatch out a specific thread]