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Unfinished Library Mod & NPC Account ([personal profile] libraryassistants) wrote in [community profile] unfinishedlibrary2026-01-23 06:56 pm

perhaps you have learned it without a book - MOONLIT RIVALS LOG 1

Who: Readers and Actors galore!
What: The Story begins- and so do preparations for the Masquerade!
When: The three days prior to the Masquerade [ooc timeline: 1/23-2/5]
Where: The city of Montica
Content warnings: Please include any warnings in headers!

First Quarter Moon

Now that most of the Editors know what to expect, the draw into the Story is likely more obvious this time. There’s a subtle urge that encourages their feet to turn towards the Stacks; a slight shimmer in the air that thickens the closer they get to the book laying open on an innocuous library cart.

Those who resist the Story’s pull will be drawn in eventually. Whether the compulsion is successful, or whether the Librarian passes by to sweep them in - all Editors will enter, and all will experience the Story’s start together.

(Editors who have gained the skill Ex Media Res will be able to resist the Story’s pull and hang out in the Library. Drop us a note if they’re using this skill!)

Our Beginning

The Story begins as night makes its transition to morning. Montica is a city that never sleeps, and some Editors may find themselves taken aback at how the absence of sunlight has done nothing to deter the nightlife.

In particular, at the hour our Readers arrive, there is a clean-up going on at the centre of town. People are grumbling as they sweep debris from the streets, and those who are familiar with supernaturally-powered fights will recognise this scene for exactly what it is: the aftermath of some powerful entities having had at it. Hang around too long and you may find yourself with a broom or hammer thrust into your hands, the expectation that you’ll help having been made clear.

Those who leave the clean-up will find themselves welcome in the city’s inn, where visitors hover by the windows, chattering excitedly about the fight that had just broken up. Some people think they’re lucky to have seen it - others think they’ll be luckier if they go the next few days without seeing another one.

The inn is warm, full of gossip, and by some marvel still has private rooms available to rent. Readers will find themselves with enough coin in their pocket to afford quite a bit, this time around - but don’t go spending it all at once. Those who are astute will hear the talk of a masquerade going around, and if you want to attend, you’re going to have to dress appropriately.

Welcome to Montica

Montica itself is a city built from stone, with the buildings packed closely together along cobblestone streets. Flowering vines creep along trellises, their gentle fragrance perfuming the air. The sky is clear and smog-free, the water flows cleanly, and a sense of magic drifts comfortably in the breeze.

The city is almost evenly bisected by loyalties, a hard divide running clearly through the centre of the town. Only a small ring in the centre is considered to be neutral territory - though that’s becoming more and more disputed with each passing moon.

To the north, buildings seem to have a fondness for silver. It seems they’ll take any excuse to work the precious metal into everyday items, from cutlery to window fastenings; and some particularly zealous citizens proudly don silver jewellery and pins in their day-to-day wear. In this section of town you will find the dwellings of the old vampire clans, littered with antiquities and casual opulence.

To the south, the people are fond of spices. Garlic flowers pepper garden beds and the dried bulbs hang from doorframes, and there’s hardly a meal cooked without it. Some industrious workers are busy building small moats of flowing water through this half of the city – you’d better mind your step, lest you get in their way. Located amongst these homes are the dens of the werewolf packs, warmly furnished and brimming with life.

No matter where you are in town, whether you’re surrounded by silver or dodging moat diggers, whether it’s day or night or nebulous twilight, there’s one topic that’s on everyone’s lips: the Umbra Masquerade.

It’s a once in a human lifetime event, and the city is abuzz. Some of the elderly may have been once before, in their youth - but likely at an age where they were too young to remember. There are stories about these masquerades, of the favours that can be won and the deals that can be made. More than one wealthy family attributes their successes to parties of the past, and while the werewolves shouldn’t be there – who’s going to stop them?.

The Market

At the centre of the city are Montica’s most dreary buildings. Markets are held here during the day, bright banners and exuberant stallholders calling out their wares. People of all kinds shop here, and it’s the best place to find quality goods. Some patrons give each-other hearty side-eyes, some sneer and mutter insults under their breath - but by and large, this a neutral zone, and the regular citizens treat it as such.

Behind the fuss of the market, astute observers will note the broken and boarded-up windows hidden by the bold stalls. Some buildings are outright abandoned, damaged beyond repair. It becomes even more obvious as night falls and the number of stalls thins, the night vendors setting up with wary looks in their eyes.

Right now the market is bustling with vendors sending goods up to the Umbra Clan's mansion. There is a constant stream of traders passing back and forth, hurrying to get their contributions in place before the ball. Regular goods are still for sale, but the busiest stalls are those selling - of all things - masks with varying levels of decoration. They’ve cleverly set up outside of stores selling clothing; beautiful dresses and tailored suits visible through the cracked and dusty windows. Editors will find they have enough local currency to afford something modest. If their tastes skew toward the more extravagant then, well – they better get to work.

The Umbra Mansion

The sprawling building stands tall, overlooking the city of Montica. Vines budding with fragrant flowers grow up the sides of the building, curling around windowsills and balconies in a curated fashion. A large hedge maze sits at the rear of the mansion, behind the grand ballroom; and the gardeners are in top form today, brandishing tools at anyone who looks like they're about to enter it. It's one of many things being tidied up and decorated for the ball, so you'd better not get in their way.

The mansion's front doors open to a foyer that is connected to an upstairs level by two grand staircases. A gilded chandelier hangs down between them, casting rainbows across the wooden floors as the sunlight strikes its crystal ornaments.

Those wide, curved staircases lead to a mezzanine that overlooks the ballroom below. Doors to private rooms branch off from here; all of them locked.

During the daylight hours, the mansion sports large windows covered by thick curtains that are drawn firmly shut. Those who try to peer through them will find an additional layer of security in the form of tightly-fastened metal blinds that block any slivers of sunlight from eking through.

On all three days the mansion is crawling with people setting up for the masquerade. Over there, someone’s hanging strings of lights. Over here, a florist is carefully arranging flowers. The kitchen is busy, human cooks overseeing the production of hundreds of canapes – and on the third day, over in the ballroom, are a band of musicians getting prepared for the night.

Security is lax everywhere except the underground floors, where the clan sleeps. The doors that lead to the underground complex are barred from the inside, and human guards keep watch outside of them to redirect any wanderers.

[The info/plotting post can be found here!]
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-776)

Crowley | actor (human, neutral)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-24 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
There's a man lurking about town - drives an old black saloon car, filled with gardening implements. His outfit is all black - maybe for fashion, maybe to hide the dirt - and he wears sunglasses even at night, though he's neither a vampire or a werewolf.

He is Tony Crowley - formerly the head gardener at the Umbra Mansion, now a lowly local landscaping guru. At least, by day that's what he is. He drives around in his saloon car, weeding, mowing, pruning for the locals. Occasionally picking up work for the municipal government, trimming hedges in the public parks.

At night, he helps people get out of town, people who've gotten in too deep with either the vampire or werewolf clans.

And when he's not doing that, he's drowning his sorrows in a local pub.

Find him in any of these places, but probably not the Umbra Mansion. He's kind of persona non grata around there.
birdchasingecho: (neutral)

Re: Crowley | actor (human, neutral)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-24 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
"Crowley. What news, then?" Amalia has happened upon Crowley more than once, in her twenty-six years, but they have never been particularly good friends. After all, before her allowance into human society, she was a member of the leading pack. After, she was still a werewolf who extended her care and money where she pleased, her thoughts bent on revenge.

Regardless, she tried to maintain an acquaintance with Tony, as she tried to maintain acquaintance with many on both sides of the slowly boiling skirmish war, without fear, favor, or expectation of profit.
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-846)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-24 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Tony, no longer owing any allegiance except to himself, is naturally leery of both sides. But, he knows enough to know that there are, occasionally, those on either side who more or less agree with him, and are even known to offer their help, from time to time.

Amalia is one of those. Though he still doesn't fully let his guard down with her.

"Eh, relatively quiet, since the invitations went out," he says lightly. "Which only makes me nervous, all things considered."

Are things truly peaceful in the lead-up to the big party, or is this just the calm before the storm?
birdchasingecho: (amalia intro)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-24 09:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"Understandably so. Myself would like to make things smooth at the Masque; if only I could trust the old man to do the same." And well she knows it's not going to be the case.

She hasn't made a secret of wanting her mother's old position, but she doesn't advertise it, either.
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-773)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-25 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
"Something will happen," Crowley agrees. "Something always happens, and tensions are even higher than normal for some reason."

He's on the outside nowadays, so he doesn't always know the whys. He just knows that things are getting harder for him and the others who are just trying to live normal lives.
birdchasingecho: (masked up)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-25 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
"Part of it's just the Masque itself, I would think. It makes itself a lovely target. Everyone will be there, yes?"
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-846)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-25 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Everyone who's anyone," Tony confirms. "As usual. Never been able to figure out why."

It's just assumed to be the event of the season, for werewolves and vampires alike. Always has been, as long as he's been around. And always causes problems.

"Any rumblings on your side?" he asks. He won't inquire outright if there's anyone who needs help getting out - she's not that trustworthy. But she could have a lead or two.
birdchasingecho: (False Smile)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-25 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well. In my case, what better to take the pulse of the younger set? With us not being allowed, by and large, to mix, it's a rare opportunity, indeed." She seeks to build alliances and maybe tear the throat out of this damned feud, but of course, they both know the big obstacle to that:

Roberte.
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-24)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-26 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
Crowley snorts faintly. "If only more of you could be trusted to mix," he drawls. "For every one of you that's decent, there are five who just want to fight."
birdchasingecho: (Annoyed)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-26 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, because it benefits them." She breathes. "But this is an argument we've tread plenty, I think."
goodtobebad: (Default)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-30 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
“Maybe,” he says vaguely. “So, what will you be doing for the party? Playing peacekeeper?”
birdchasingecho: (neutral)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-30 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"Because Lord Umbra well needs a wifwolf mercenary to keep his peace? No, I plan to mingle."
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-788)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-01-31 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh yes?" Crowley smirks faintly. "Going to have fun? Are you bringing a date?"
birdchasingecho: (False Smile)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-01-31 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
"Dates and dates, if they'll take them." Amalia. "... But, alas, no. I wouldn't know my own heart right now if it smacked me in the back of the head."
goodtobebad: (crowley-s2-24)

[personal profile] goodtobebad 2026-02-06 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah well," Crowley says with a vague sniff. "You've got plenty of time to get your heart broken. No need to rush into it."
birdchasingecho: (neutral)

[personal profile] birdchasingecho 2026-02-06 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
She nods, sagely, letting the matter drop. No need to tell the gardener about her Little Problem. "Just so! I might even learn I'm uninterested."

Fat chance, but it's possible. Strictly speaking.