rumour doth double, like the voice and echo, the numbers of the feared.

[libraryassistants]

Who: Readers and Actors!
What: The aftermath of the Masquerade Night, the discovery of bad faith actors, and the repercussions of mischief. And the answer to a burning question: if all of Montica’s vampires were at the ball, who exactly was picking fights with werewolves out on the streets?
When: The week following the Masquerade, including the morning after the ball. [ooc timeline: 24th Feb - 13th March]
Where: The city of Montica, the sewers, and the woods on the outskirts of town.
Content warnings: Some bloodiness can be assumed, but please note specific content warnings in your tags. If your description of blood/violence will be more than a passing mention, give a heads up.

Due to the malleable nature of time, it will be the Waxing Gibbous Moon for a few days longer. The Full Moon has been postponed until Log 4.



Rumours are strange things. Some spring from nowhere, popping up like weeds through concrete. Others worm their way up from fragments of truth, growing wildly and twisting the reality at their core.

Like its loyalties, Montica is split into two (–arguably three) schools of rumours following the night of the ball. The gossip flows easily and steadily, and is just as often as wrong as it is right.

But there are two things to keep in mind with this kind of gossip:
The first is that it doesn’t matter if it’s right. Some things just stick. Whatever makes a good story is what will hang around.
And the second thing? Sometimes, it is true.

The first set of rumours are from the high-class in Montica. There's gossip aplenty around anyone who managed to speak to any of the vampiric elite, and those foreigners in Montica may find themselves suddenly popular with the families who are trying to climb the social ladder. Then there's the talk about the others at the ball - who drank too much, who snuck into a private room, whose performances were most favoured. In particular, there's a rumour that one of the performers may have a secret twin - though the persisting argument is that she’s just incredibly skilled at quick outfit changes. Those interested in politicking and gossip seem fixated on the idea that certain people seemed rather close at the ball, and they and are keenly interested in confirming who they are. If the speculation turns out to be true, then maybe there really is hope for a peaceful resolution to Montica’s feud.

But not all rumours are so hopeful.

There are those whose homes were targeted while they were dancing the night away. Frustration and anger drives their accusations and desire to find who exactly vandalised their homes - though more than a few of them are confused by the faint burn marks and charcoal left behind that appear vaguely garlic-shaped. Gossip here seems to range between vitriolic (those determined to hunt down the perpetrators) and the cautious (those who found evidence of someone having intervened). But they are closely aligned in their thoughts: they want retribution or revenge for the slights against them.

In the quiet of the neutral zone, it seems some keen-eyed witnesses saw at least one blood-covered guest wandering the streets in a daze. Whispers abound about whether the vampires mean to hold to their pacts, and the neutral population of Montica seem to be experiencing some sort of renewal of their religious beliefs - if the sudden increase of crucifixes is anything to go by.

Likewise, there are not-so-hushed whispers that the vampires were not the only ones taking a bite last night. There are accusations that the coming full moon will bring with it some brand-new transformations, unless those bitten can get their hands on the remedy for lycanthropy. With the full moon looming close, they don’t have much time at all to find one.

An even darker rumour weaves throughout these. There are people who haven’t been seen since that night. The morning after the ball, it’s assumed that they’re holed up somewhere with a hangover. But by the third day after the festivities, the grapevine is convinced they’ve been kidnapped - or worse.

Shops in the neutral zone seem to be on high alert, the people there seemingly less willing than usual to keep their stalls open past sunset. The usual bustle of the market is subdued, and as the week drags on, more and more citizens seem to take to carrying protective measures against both the lycans and the vampires.

There's a murmur throughout the populace. Mythical creatures have been sighted, among them a Nue - and there are some who are making their concerns about this well-known. If something isn't done to calm their fears, the threat of revolution is clear.

In Town

After the Masquerade, the town is much more of a wreck than it was before. Unsurprisingly, the neutral zone has taken the worst of it; fences smashed, doors busted in, windows broken… few hurt, thankfully, but most of its residents are angry with both the vampires and the werewolves. The youthful wolves may have been the most visible, but there are claims that the vampires were out in force last night; and more than a handful of citizens are insistent that they saw people hypnotised – wandering away into the woods, heedless of the chaos around them.

Of course, there’s damage to both sides as well. Garlic has mysteriously found its way into the vampires’ district, causing discomfort to many as they try to root it out, while the Guildulf household has seen better days, made all the more potent by their leader’s injury. There is an opportunity in this: the people could work together and help each other out, and prioritizing the neutral district would go a long way in helping mend fences (metaphorical and literal). But is there the incentive to do so? Especially since…

Missing Persons

The rumour is so convincing that a few harried-looking servants of the Umbra Clan can be seen in town, posting up flyers that seek information on the missing persons. Those with information are encouraged to attend an audience with the Umbra to relay it directly and join their city-based investigation. (Rumour has it that there’s something suspicious happening in the sewers - in the days leading up to the vampiric investigation, manholes and sewer gates will be receiving a greater amount of cautious side-eyes from the populace.)

However, the city isn't strictly under Umbran control - and there are some who balk at the idea of leaving the search to them. Particularly around the Laurelthirst, some hardy werewolves are rounding up a crew of tough adventurers to strike out in their own search party. They intend to strike out into the woods that surround Montica, and since they aren’t hampered by daylight, they’re determined to head out the moment they have enough people.

Of all the visitors to Montica, not a few of them are adventurers themselves. Parties are being formed, some of which are determined to track the supposed mythical creatures rather than any missing person. While it’s wise to stick with one of the larger groups, there is nothing stopping anyone from taking a shot at it on their own.

The Sewers

Dank and foul-smelling, it’s exactly what you’d imagine a sewer to be. There are a few surprises down here. The first, as some Readers would know, is a giant of a vampire who has sought refuge down here since the Story’s start. His presence has had the unintended effect of keeping the underground entrance to the Umbra mansion secure up until now. For if you follow the sewers far enough, you find a set of long stairs that eventually leads to a crypt - one that was destroyed a long time ago, only rubble and scattered debris remaining now. The door to the Umbra mansion is made of swollen and rotting wood, held in place by wrought iron bars - and blocked by a heavy slab of stone. It isn’t advertised as being a passage to the Umbra - any text indicating who this crypt used to house appears to have been destroyed with targeted prejudice - but those who have a good sense of space will easily be able to identify where they are.

Those who investigate the maze of the sewers in small groups will feel a sense of dread creeping upon them the further they go. Torches splutter and die, leaving them facing just a pair of glowing red eyes. Those who travel in large groups will find… nothing. Only traces of creatures who seem to have scattered at their approach, disappearing quickly into side-passages.

And of all of those people who explore the sewers, those who have pliable minds will find themselves hypnotised. Perhaps they’re about to become food, or be turned into a vampire themselves. Perhaps they’re being given orders to turn against each-other, or are being lured to the woods. Either way, they’ve had the misfortune of stumbling into a vampiric vanguard - a group of scouts skilled in mind games and illusions, who are more than determined to clear a way past that very blocked door.

The Woods

During the day, there are precious few tracks to be found. Trails of human footprints end abruptly amidst thick copses of trees; the scent of spilled blood disappears beneath the carrion of woodland animals. Broken branches are equally likely to be made by deer as they are to be the result of a stumbling person, and as the sun sets, it gets harder and harder to find one’s way.

Some determined trackers are keen to set up a camp for the night and see it through. Others plead caution and turn back to the city - though anyone trying to leave won’t get far from the fireside before a feeling of being watched sets in. The further they go, the more likely it is that the feeling of being watched very quickly turns to the feeling of being hunted.

More bats than owls seem to live here. They hang from every tree, their eyes seeming to glow under the moonlight. And they seem… hungry.

At night, any solo travelers will be quickly swarmed by bats, their leathery wings and sharp claws striking recklessly as they dive onto their target. Some with incredible aim may even latch tiny fangs onto exposed skin, leaving bite marks that will bleed profusely despite the small size of the wounds. It seems it's better to stay with the group for now, unless someone can come up with a plan.

Comments

[lady_lichfield]

"Thank you," she said sitting. "But it is not as though you have an obligation. And I fear we may have little time. I am still unsure what happened, but there is a chance that Harriet and the baby" and Harriet's husband, but Charlie could hardly bring herself to care "could be in danger." Because the other most likely option was that Harriet had betrayed her, and she really was afraid that was the true answer. "I was going to go investigate and come back for aid if it was needed..."

The smell of the soup made her hungry all over again, but anxiety was roiling, and she felt she'd rather know for sure than eat. No matter how good the soup smelled.

[birdchasingecho]

"I know you are anxious for her. I would be too," she says, failing to add that if her shadow had not taken her yearning, she would likely be anxious, right now, for Charlie. "But to know the truth of what has happened, I would wish for you to not be bothered by the initial naggings of the wolf. Your body is preparing for the first change, as I mentioned, and children with nearly a decade past that can be irritable... as we learned the night before last."

[lady_lichfield]

"I... I cannot say I know what happened the day before last," she admitted. "I can't remember anything clearly since I returned from the ball..."

[birdchasingecho]

"As I thought, that was the night of the ball. You attended?"

[lady_lichfield]

She nodded. "For some reason, Harriet was insistent that I go. She said I should take the chance since I'd never have it again..." Which had been odd, because that had been so obvious. It was a once in a century event, And she would be more than lucky to see fifty or sixty years before she perished.

[birdchasingecho]

Amalia recalls Lucas:

The Orlock are Dominators.

"... Even more than the denning instinct, has Harriet been acting... oddly, lately?"

[lady_lichfield]

"It is hard to tell, I only recently entered her employ, only a few months now. And since all of it was during her pregnancy, I am not certain what would constitute as odd. Certainly her husband thought taking me in and turning me into her maid was odd," she admitted.

Your call if you want Harriet to be subverted, but I did notice you wanted to tie this all in

[birdchasingecho]

Oh Hell.

If the Orlock got to the packs--

"I think that if you do go back to check on her then, I shall continue to attend you. Give me a moment."

Don't fully understand the implications but willing to be along for the ride! :D

[lady_lichfield]

"I... I appreciate that. Thank you."

Pitch: Harriet got hit with mind control a bit ago and has been feeding one of the fringe vamp clans

[birdchasingecho]

"This said, please, eat. I have had no direct sorcery for some time; we shall need our wits and strength about us for this."

Feeding how?

[lady_lichfield]

"Ah... yes, thank you," she said, eating. "I am just worried about her. If it was some intruder that did this to me... She could be in danger... Her and the baby..."

Feeding them people. Servants she hires, then off to some place or other for the vamps to drain/turn

[birdchasingecho]

"Thankfully not. I think there's something else they had in mind. The game will be gone to ground."

[lady_lichfield]

((OOC: I am cool with her doing that in general, just not to Charlie. Or even better if you want, her human husband who was disgusted when he found out she was a werewolf could be the one behind it, and her finding out is part of why she was in a rush to change Charlie before it could happen to her too? She genuinely thought she could keep Charlie safe till after the ball, and n that was was right. Ish?)

"I... I am not sure that I follow," she admitted between bites.

(Also this feels so much like a moment out of her canon that I extra love it, thank you. Big crisis, they are sitting to plan and Cook just shoves food at them all to eat as they do. So much planning of reactions over food in the kitchen.)

[birdchasingecho]

((PERFECT. Still, gonna let Amalia be wrong for a sec:))

"I already know there was one vampire not of the Umbrans at the Umbran Masque, with a mind to add to their numbers; if there were others than the one in tyrian, they could have had the run of the place, and drained or turned you. Thus, that Harriet sent you there so suddenly is... Troubling." Amalia pulls a small case out of one of her tied pockets, producing a wooden case with cotton padding, protecting multiple phials and a carefully ground stylus with a khol of some sort.

"But I must be more certain."

[lady_lichfield]

((Works for me. Lord Gillingham is such a jerk in canon this amuses me no end for the AU))

"Wait... you... you think I'm turning into a vampire and a werewolf?" Or had she misunderstood what was said before. Or maybe made her own presumptions?

[birdchasingecho]

"No, you are definitely becoming a werewolf. I can smell it. But I think you narrowly avoided undeath, and that your mistress might have sent you to the purpose." She pauses. "But if that's so, why would she bite you...?"

To Amalia, it's not even a question now that Harriet is responsible for the bite. Harriet's home is too close to neutral territory, and she would have been furious beside if someone else had. "Thus-- I must be more certain. There is too much in this tale still confused."

[lady_lichfield]

"I... I am hoping there is some other answer as to what is happening. I do not wish Harriet to be in danger... But I also do not want to think that she betrayed what I thought was a trust growing between us," she admitted quietly.

[birdchasingecho]

"Then let us both be more certain. I noticed you were having trouble walking earlier; would you like me to call for livery?"

[lady_lichfield]

"I am certain I'll be fine... livery shouldn't be wasted on the likes of me, but thank you. If you want to take one and I shall meet you there, that would be acceptable."

And this was why Harriet originally wanted to change her. She wanted to adopt her into both pack and family, to raise her class and keep her close. Good intentions, bad execution. Learning what Gilly was up to just made things worse.

[birdchasingecho]

"You are my guest, and recovering from illness." Amalia is a bit more manorial, perhaps, than Harriet and Lord Gilly. "The 'likes of you' are exactly why I hire livery in the first place."

And if it turns out that things have gone as badly as she fears, then declaring Charlie her guest protects Charlie. Amalia finishes her meal. "Regardless, let us go together."

[lady_lichfield]

"Then... we will go in whichever way you prefer for you," she said firmly. "And thank you."

[birdchasingecho]

"Forgive my insistence." And though it is rarely used by her, herself, she does have a carriage, and keeps horses for the purpose; and she helps Charlie into it, before hauling herself into it.

"I admit, I have heard little of her husband since the wedding..."

[lady_lichfield]

She accepted the help, bemused by how all these people way above her in station seemed to care about someone like her.

She hesitated on what to say, wanting to protect Harriet's privacy. But the more she thought about it... Gilligham was the only one she would really be protecting. And she had no interest in protecting him whatsoever. But she still knew little directly other than what she had seen. "That is probably your good fortune then," she finally said.

[birdchasingecho]

A slight wince. "That is a shame. She was so vivacious when I knew her; to hear that her husband likes it not well, is..."

Amalia shakes her head. "Or-- do not tell me she hid it from him?"

[lady_lichfield]

"I think that must be it from what I have seen. Either that or he was in denial until she became gravid..."