ǣfenglōm (main comm)

Name: Hilda
Date: 8th of the Juril Moon 8 Juril
Format: Video

[Being able to record herself like this is a novel concept to Hilda, so she's painstakingly gone through the effort to present herself in just the right way. When the video starts, she's carefully seated underneath a tree in what looks like a nice, well manicured garden.

Even through the limited visibility of the sepiatone recording, it's clear that she's started transforming. Her irises take up almost the entirety of her eye, and small black horns have grown a couple of inches on either side of her head. She's draped a delicate chain over the left one in hopes that by decorating them, they'll look less weird.]

Hello, fellow Mirrorbound! Hilda here, with a proposition for you all.

[This pitch has clearly been rehearsed, right down to the wink at the camera.]

From what I've gathered, I'm not the only person here who finds herself in need of a Bond. There are other newbies like me, and people who've lost Bondmates recently.

Not having a Bond is not an option, soooooo I was thinking we should have some sort of social mixer where people without Bonds and people who have Bonds but want more of them can all gather and get to know each other. We could even do quick one-on-one sessions between people where they really get a chance to dig into the important stuff before making any decisions. Or, at least as much important stuff as you can get to in a few minutes.

[Yes, Hilda has just invented Bond Speed Dating.]

I think it'll be fun and productive. We can even invite the happily-Bonded, if they want to just come party and meet people. And, hopefully, this will avoid any witch explosions or feral monster attacks that are bubbling right under the surface.

[She pauses, grinning as winsomely as she can manage, before she gets to the most important part.]

Of course, I'm not putting this together without at least some help. [Ideally, she won't be doing much of the actual work at all.] So if this sounds like something you'd like to work on, please let me know. I'll make sure you're well compensated for your time.

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.

The Network: May, Arrivals from Distant Lands

( the network )

For those that might be interested, I have through considerable effort figured out how to tweak these devices into allowing the display of color video and images beyond sepia.

[There is a steady tap tap tap, like a claw on metal.]

Which I would demonstrate, save that this is a physical change to the device and requires me to put in several very small items to function. Thus if you have interest in seeing each other in color, I can be found at the Second Time's The Charm shop, which sells these communicators, for the next several days. Make an appointment. As I am generous, I will not charge for my considerable time and efforts in this, though I will not refuse donations. You will have to turn your device over to me for a bell or so, there's no way around it. If you refuse, you may purchase another, I can update that one, and you may turn in your old one for recycling.

Technically I can't refuse anyone who asks for my aid. But if you are rude, violent, or otherwise not on good behavior something unpleasant may happen to your device while my talons are in its guts. Try to at least feign civility.




[OOC: The first watch update is here, IN LIVING COLOR. Lahabrea absolutely must get his hands on a watch in order to upgrade it. While this interaction can be handwaved!! you may also come visit Lahabrea and have it done in person for delicious CR! He won't refuse anyone, and he'll take into account rude people at least making an effort at being polite. Upgrades are freeeee! Make an appointment (in this thread or inboxes or etc I don't mind~) and come get your color upgrade!

Although he didn't mention it in this notice, he's willing to teach others how to do this as well, so other people can do upgrades! If you're interested, find an excuse to ask him! I welcome any and all assistance; the more hands I get the faster I can do future upgrades too!]

Name: Myr Shivana (un: mshivana)
Date: Mareuer 02, evening
Format: Video (!!)



[Somehow, this is a video post. Myr must've toggled it accidentally in trying to get to voice. The angle's awful, with the camera halfway covered by one of his hands, but what's visible of the Faun looks--

Well. He's seen better days. His face is hollow with sleeplessness and his hair's coming out of its usual braid. Even his blindfold seems mussed, pulled up a little on one side so there's a hint of scarring visible.]

We're accustomed to saying someone who's left us through the mirrors has "gone home". [Hello to you, too, Myr.] Like our time here in Aefenglom's the same as a trip to the Orlais countryside--a temporary jaunt and then home we go, with only the memories to keep.

Except we haven't got any evidence that's the case. Mirrorbound from the same world don't remember each other going missing or coming back with strange stories to tell. Those of us who've gotten new memories from home don't leave and live out their lives and return, they go to the Looking-glass House and see something in their mirrors.

I don't think we're who we think we are. [He shifts, tucking his chin toward his chest and covering the camera a little more. The charms on his antlers rattle against each other.] That is--I think the best explanation is we're not the people we remember being, taken physically from our homes in an eyeblink and returned the same way.

Back home, spirits in the Fade--our realm of dreams--will often imitate what they see in the waking world, or pick out of someone's memories. Some of them are very good at it. I wonder that we're not the same kind of thing--some product of Talam's dreams, created from magic and given memories of our homes, with the mirrors as our binding focus to keep us here.

And when they take us back--we die.

Name: Mettaton
Date: 02/20
Format: video
Warnings: mention of death (he's better now!), talk of the recent event (Cwyld, kidnappings)

[Propped up against a plain pillow in the Coven's infirmary is Mettaton. His manner is languid, slow, and his rabbit ears are in such poor shape that they no longer stand anymore, sore-ridden and flopped over. Cradled against his shoulder and chest is a man's head, dark haired with a shock of white at his bangs, fast asleep.

Ears aside, his hair... is perfect. He flashes a photogenic smile otherwise interrupted by rabbit-like teeth.]

Hey there, beauties! It's Mettaton again, coming to you live from the... infirmary. [Not very glamorous, suggests his flat tone.] My sincerest apologies to those of you who've encountered me over the past few weeks. I haven't been in my right mind!! And not only that, but I was infected with the Cwyld. It was horrible. Terrible! Disturbing! To clear things up: I don't actually endorse contracting the Cwyld. In fact... Oh my. I died, thanks in part to it.

In the end, I was offed by one of you lovely darlings, before I... Before it got too bad. I was told it was a duo! [Mettaton tilts his head.] If that encounter sounds familiar, get in touch, gorgeous! I want to thank you personally. I promise I don't bite much... Haha.

[The idol pauses heavily, stuck with a smile. This is the more taxing part of his broadcast, and there's a flash of remorse in his gaze. Mettaton is a practiced face, however, so he's able to pull himself together with startling ease despite the overall tone.]

I'm sure many of you know Mikasa Ackerman. It seems... she's departed all too recently. I looked for her. Everywhere. Trust me. [Mettaton sighs; it's clear he's trying to remain composed enough for conversation, but he allows a measure of genuine sorrow to soften his expression.] She's... one of my best friends. She's a remarkable human who never fails to entrance me, no matter how quiet and stoic. She's powerful, protective, and fierce, and you'd know what I meant if you've met her. She's amazing enough to dazzle yours truly!!

...I tried to tell Eren about Mikasa, but I couldn't reach him, either. If anyone knows where... if he's still here, would you be a dear and let me know? He still owes me money!!

[Mettaton smirks playfully, but it fades as he continues.]

Well. Ahem. As some of you may have known, Mikasa and Eren live in a perilous world. It didn't sound... [Mettaton glances aside, disturbed.] I can't help but wonder if she... If they'll be all right.

[A surprisingly thoughtful silence follows, but Mettaton's quick to shake off his reverie with a quiet sigh and a hard blink. He puts his best face forward and continues, addressing more the rest of the Mirrorbound.]

Speaking of perilous... After a week of disappearances, sickness, and kidnapping alike, how are you all doing? Talk to me, darlings. You aren't going this alone!

Name: Lan Xichen
Date: forward-dated! 2/20
Format: video


[ Lan Xichen is resting on a rock beside what appears to be a calm lake. For those that frequent the Forge, they might recognize it as a nearby landmark one can pass on the route. He greets the network with a seated bow. ]

I apologize for the interruption, but I wonder if I might ask some questions to those who have time?

If you have a Bond, what prompted your decision to choose that person? I know Bonding is highly encouraged, but finding a suitable match might be complicated, and one cannot necessarily be trained in choosing a good partner. With only my own experience, I must assume not many other worlds have a custom like this. It's not the same as choosing to marry or finding a cultivation partner.

How do you know if you have made the right choice? Or, if you choose not to Bond at all, what are your feelings on such a connection?

I'm afraid I have based most of my judgments on the partnerships I know from my own life. Up until now, perhaps I have misunderstood the relationship that forms.

Name: Lady Maria
Date: Ieneur 20-something
Format: Video

[It is video, but the video is not of Maria. Instead, it is of a flatbed horse-drawn cart. To the front is attached a buckskin colored draft horse, and inside... are what appears to be crates of glass bottles. Curiously, they all appear to currently be empty, from what can be seen, but there's labels, and embossing on them.

Maria speaks from somewhere behind the camera, but her quiet, gentle voice carries enough to be heard just fine.]

Thank you to everyone who gave feedback and tried out the gins I sent out for Modranicht. Your comments were valuable to make a couple adjustments I had been hesitant about to the formula, and I think the results are all the better for it. The first batches for commercial sale are now ready, and I am picking up the bottles for them.

There are two types of gin that will be available... [Her hand reaches down, and picks up one of the bottles. When she lifts it, the sunflower embossing remains on the shoulder of the bottles, but there's a fancy label indicating the alcohol meant to be contained within is Dorchacht Rose Gin, made with specially cultivated Dorchacht roses.] The Dorchacht Rose is made from the wild roses from the region; they are hallucinogenic by nature. The effect is mild, and I infused it with other plants used to make love and happiness potions here: the effect is to allow you to remember pleasant memories, whether they be of home or here. It does have a decent alcohol kick, and a higher ABV.

The other... [She puts the first bottle down, and takes out a second. This label calls it Summer Garden Gin.] Also has a distinct rose note, but has a gentle floral accompaniment to the juniper. It has no magical effects. I also reeled back the ABV on it a little. It should make for a pleasant sipping alcohol, especially with a bit of ice and a lime wedge.

And finally... [Putting away the second bottle, she pulls out a third. This says it's a limited edition mead.] My bees produced far more honey than I was expecting, so I decided to make a small batch of mead.

If any among you wish to purchase of a bottle, I'll set aside some for you; otherwise, they will be available at a few bars and taverns in Aefenglom and Dorchacht. Furthermore, if any of you wish to taste test for future batches, let me know. It's free alcohol, in exchange for some feedback. I don't see much of a downside, if you enjoy a variety. I'd like to perhaps see about wines and brandies sometime in the future.

I'll even deliver it, if any of you wish, whether you buy it commercially, or wish to taste-test future batches. I need to get out of the house more often anyway, and it will be good exercise for the horses.

Name: not specified
Format: text

Question.

Those of you who're turnskin and had changes which means you want to hunt, do you do it?
Someone who I used to hunt with disappeared. I tried going it alone, and got into some trouble. I don't remember the details, but something happened, and I guess changed, I'm not good at doing it by myself.

If you want to know, I'm a wolf turnskin. So, I have to change once a month anyway. I tried not hunting, and it made changing when I had to do it more difficult.

I'm not good at asking, but I guess the point of this is to ask to tag along with someone that hunts. Or, if there's any other option anyone might be able to think of, that'd help too.

Thanks.

Name: Diarmuid Ua Duibhne
Date: 11/01
Format: Text

[Embarrassing as it is for Diarmuid to admit, it's only natural that he's been thinking about this kind of thing recently, right? It's not really something he'd had much say in the first time around- largely of his own volition- but now that he doesn't have servants to do most of the organisation... well, he's going to have to be a little more hands-on.]

A question, if you will. What kinds of marital traditions did your people observe in your homelands? This world has much in common with my own so we share some of the same customs but with so many of us from so many places I'm curious about others too. What kinds of ceremonies do you hold? What brings the couple fortune?

Forgive my superstition but let's just say that the betrothed aren't exactly blessed with great luck. It might take more than a horseshoe and some rye to ward off misfortune in their case.

Name: Momo
Date: Jan 10th
Format: Video (with a text element at the end)

[It's been a few months since Momo made a video post, but he starts off as brightly as ever, waving a red-nailed hand from where he's sitting on the couch in his cottage. He has his legs crossed on the seat, so his equally red toenails are all just as visible.]

Hey, so it's taken me a while to follow up on this, but a couple of months back I was asking around about the idea of getting together some kind of comprehensive resource on monster changes! Since I've met a lot of people who've been really blindsided by stuff, and while some of it hasn't been so bad, some of it is definitely the kind of thing that'd be super nasty to go through without any warning. So I'm asking for any monsters - or Witches who've seen a Bonded or close friend go through the changing process enough to have details - who are willing to answer a couple of questions on what kind of changes you have or know about!

[He holds up a written sheet - this particular one is written in Aefenglom's common language, in the standard alphabet rather than the runic one some books use.]

I'll leave a text copy of the answers on here so people can respond here, but I'll read them out too just in case there's people who can't read any of the three languages I know - I'll have the form in Aefenglom common, Japanese and English, but if you'd rather not read or write you can just answer here in voice or video and I can ask you the questions that way! But the questions I've got at the moment are:

What monster type are you?

What physical changes have you gone through?

What abilities or powers have you gotten from your change?

Have you had any mental or emotional changes as this type of monster?

Are there any weaknesses or allergies your monster type has?

Is there anything else about your monster type or the changing process that you think would be useful for someone changing into it to know?

I don't need paragraphs or anything, if you prefer to just dot point or list the basic stuff then that'll be helpful too! I had some people last time say they'd be interested in helping me compile the information, but it's still probably going to take a bit of time. Oh, and if you want a physical copy, you can either pick one up from me or I'll be figuring out a couple of places to leave them for easy access. And if you're a Witch answering on behalf of someone else, just let me know that in the first question.

Anyway, thanks in advance! [He makes a heart shape with both his hands.] If you have any questions or want to help out in another way or anything like that, feel free to ask. I might need some people to help me ask local monsters for types we don't have a lot of among the Mirrorbound, like arachne.

[[As Momo mentioned, there is a text form in three language options that can be filled out posted immediately after the initial video post, containing the listed questions plus a bonus one: "If you have completed your changes, how long did they take?"

If your character would prefer to answer the questions verbally, you are also welcome to handwave this if you prefer and simply post the answers they would have given in response to the form comment! Just note that they would have answered in audio/video form so I know if Momo would recognise their voice/face later.

If characters would prefer a physical copy to more easily ask someone to hit with a translation spell or otherwise, the initial locations given will be Momo's cottage and just inside the Looking-Glass House where they usually hold orientations.]]

Name: Anonymous
Date: 11/23
Format: plaintext

Got a question.

Those of you that grew monster or animal parts, you got any tips on hiding them?
Asking for a friend.

[Sure.]

Name: Mettaton
Date: 11/01
Format: video

Hey there darlings! Happy Noveuer! I hope you all had a fantastic Samuin full moon!!

...Unless your name is Eren Jaeger.

[It's Mettaton EX, on video this time, as is his element. He's holding the camera close enough at first to be a charming headshot, but as he pulls the camera back, it becomes obvious with dents and scratches that his metal chassis has been damaged. From the very moment he spat Eren's name, his smile's colored with malice.]

Public Service Announcement: Eren tried to eat me last night! Oh yes! I was minding my own business, out near the Wilde as any good Monster might, on his merry mischief-making, during a full moon like this... When suddenly, I was attacked!

Thank my lucky STARS that Mikasa arrived on the scene, my knight in glittering armor. Or else, I would have been rendered into incredibly sumptuous scrap metal. I'd love it if someone could give her a big round of applause!!

Since I can't.

[The camera is pulled back ever more. Mettaton is missing an arm, and sparks and wires emerge from its socket. Can't applaud without a second hand.]

If anyone so much as catches a GLIMPSE of his sorry tail, give me a hand, and tell him for me:

1. He needs to keep that tongue and those teeth firmly AWAY from others,
   
2. Give me my arm back,
   
3. And, he owes me money.

Eren, if YOU see this: Give me my arm. Also: you owe me money!

Name: Hakuno Kishinami | un: hakunon
Date: Septeril 15
Format: text

To any new Fae out there that doubt our inherent fragility:

Don't.

I just got released from a month of bedrest.

Name: Anonymous
Date: 9/13
Format: Text

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

Name: Mettaton (un: METTATON)
Date: 09/06
Format: text

Hey there, beauties! Lend me your imaginations and INSPIRE me... By answering to my provocative scenario:

Wedding bells are ringing, and you're dressed to the nines. Surprise! You're in LOVE now... with none other than your Bonded*!!! ...And you're getting MARRIED!! What's more, this is going to be your DREAM WEDDING!!

Describe it to me: what does your ideal wedding day feature, with your Bonded betrothed??


*If you're un-Bonded, you thought of someone. You're marrying them now. Ha-ha.

Name: Jasper
Date: 8/2
Format: Video

[An elegant man sits behind a writing desk with both feet ungraciously raised on the grain. Pristine white sleeves rolled to his elbows, his spotless waistcoat embroidered with gold. The heroic image is shattered by the expression upon his face; quiet and solemn as the grave. Fingers massage where his neck and shoulder meet before he utters a word.]

May I have the pleasure of your ear a moment? I am informed by the Coven that I would do well to find a partner. Only they encourage me against their better judgement, as I am afraid I am a terrible partner for anybody.

[He does little but focus on playing with his fringe for ten seconds, maybe twenty.]

So forgive the ironic curiosity - it will kill me one of these days - and kindly share what you like to see in a partner. Age? Beauty? Perhaps you harbour a fondness for wealth?

Sentimental fools believing in love and friendship need not waste my time.

If the first, I should laugh. If the second, I should call you a fool.

Name: wei wuxian
Date: 7/19
Format: video

[he's going to try to keep this short but he's also wei wuxian, so...]

Lan Zhan and I are finally getting married this month! If you can see this, consider it your invitation to celebrate with us and see how beautiful he looks in red.

[strangers too, and there should probably be some caveat here about not causing any trouble. but when one of the grooms is the yiling patriarch, things like that don't automatically spring to mind.]

Oh, and if you're a priest or a shaman or a holy woman, you're doubly invited, otherwise I'm really going to have to find someone to do the ceremony.

[now for the real reason that he's here:]

It took us a little longer than we thought it would to get to this point. I was impatient, but now I’m grateful, because so many members of my family have arrived to see it. My brother Jiang Cheng is here now - Sect Leader Jiang Cheng. [yeah, just gonna slip that in there.] He helped raise his nephew from infancy so I hope he can finally take a break and have a little fun.

[does thinking about a man raising a small child make him more attractive? it worked in lan wangji's favor, he's assuming it will work for his brother too.]

Before he came, I relied solely on Chifeng-zun - eh, Nie Mingjue to most of you. He agreed to stand for me when I didn't have anyone else to count on. Spending time with him, I realized that he’s just as fair and just as ever, not to mention generous. How do you repay someone who helped make the happiest day of your life possible?

[does he mention his muscles too, would that be weird? perhaps the better question, would it make lan zhan jealous?

he clicks his tongue.]

It's hard to believe that neither of these upstanding men is married yet. Or even have a date to the wedding... [let that sink in. he’s hoping it does. wei wuxian sighs and shakes his head at the tragedy of it.] I keep telling myself that surely there's someone who would like to attend and are in need of escorts themselves.

Did I mention that there'll be food and alcohol? Plenty of both.

Oh, one last thing. I've seen a lot of questions about dating lately. You can always send them my way. As a married man, I'm happy to share my knowledge with the junio--err, others.

[and with that, the puca is (finally) out.]

Lan Zhan, how was that? Do you think-

Name: Gon Freecss
Date: 7/14
Format: text
Is this wo rking??

ah

These things are hard to use... can anyone see this?? is this in the right place

Anyway hi Im new and Im a monster mirrorbound! Im kind of learning about some stuff but i dunno how i feel about them. I'm also curious so I guess I have some questions too...

1) Has anyone here ever regretted making a bond? I heard that people can feel each others feelings and stuff... it sounds way more intimate than a normal relationship and it made me wonder if people sometimes make mistakes with choosing their bonds especially cuz its kind of a survival/health thing, right??

2) To othr monsters whove felt it before, what's being feral feel like?

3) again other monsters, what was your most painful physical change?

Thank you very much!

[that took so long to write and Gon knows it is RIDDLED with mistakes but what is important is that IT'S DONE so he just goes ahead and sends it. hopefully it ends up where it's supposed to...]

Name: Nico
Date: 18/07
Format: Video

Alright, so here's the thing—

( The video begins with the camera pointing up at what appears to be a neatly thatched cottage ceiling, but it's quickly lifted and moved so that it's propped up to show what appears to be a kitchen. Appears to be, because at the moment it's also functioning as a tinkering-station-cum-greenhouse for Nico, her piles of scrap metal and magical textbooks taking over the majority of the counter space.

The woman herself doesn't seem to be in the best of moods. Before she can get into it she brandishes a cross-head screwdriver at someone off screen with a "Hey! Get outta here, I'm fixin' this!", before reaching over to a semi-hidden fruit-bowl and hurling an apple towards the intruder. A long-suffering sigh follows, and she drags a hand through the mess of her hair as she turns her attention to the camera again. )

Right, so. My associate here, he just doesn't have any appreciation for the love an' care I put into my creations. He thinks he can just run around breakin' them without any consideration for the time it takes to fix 'em again.

( She tosses the screwdriver onto the table, then reaches over to pull a mechanical arm into the frame. It certainly looks as though it's seen better days: there's visible damage to the forearm, one of the fingers is missing, and where the prosthetic would connect to Nero's elbow there's a tangled mass of frayed wires. )

Only problem is, they don't wanna be fixed any more. Nothin' I do works—an' I made this from scratch, you understand? These are my babies.

( Her lips pull into a frown as she places it back down onto the table. )

So I gotta wonder, is this a magic thing? I've been up all hours of the night with these books I borrowed from the Coven— ( A vague gesture is made towards her chaotic piles of research. ) But even if I'm supposed to be a witch, my "magic" ain't good enough for makin' technology work yet.

( And you know, Nico's just going to avoid mentioning the whole Bond thing for the time being, because while she now has a pressing need to regulate her magic? The thought of relying on someone else makes her wrinkle her nose. )

Anyone got any bright ideas? Or— ( Your pride, Nico. Swallow it. ) Maybe someone could point me in the direction of a magi ... tech ... tutor? I can't pay much, but I'm real handy. I can do repairs, run errands—heck, the only thing I won't do is cook. Trust me, you definitely don't want that.

( She slants a grin towards the camera. )

Nicoletta Goldstein, by the way, but if you're gonna help me out then you can just call me Nico.

( And there's a wink as she reaches over to shut off the feed. )