⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 2

[ringleaders]

Who: Anyone, anywhere in Portland.
When: October 7st - 14th, 2017
Where: Portland area, in the new reality.
What: The week begins as the time of the Animal Fair finally arrives! Meanwhile, the truth of this reality starts to be revealed, and forces both human and celestial alike attempt to take advantage of a rare opportunity.
Warnings: Individually marked!

BY ANY OTHER NAME↴ Tensions thicken as various supernaturally forces react to the events of the previous week. Something critical is afoot, and it's only a matter of time before things start coming to a head. It's time to find out more about what's happened to this world, and what will happen in its future. ► A NIGHT AT THE FAIR: From the night of the 7th to the morning of the 8th, the Animal Fair is officially in town. There is a top level down below with more information, though you can also RP content from this elsewhere if you wish. The host, who is very likely something called a Wyld Fae (if you discovered that ICly), will be present, but they will only be appearing to you of their own accord and attempting to track them down by force will be ineffective. Just kick back and relax! Fairs are supposed to be fun. ► THORNS IN YOUR SIDE: Culminating in a full fledged attack against the Sanctuary, it would seem that The Rose Queen is declaring war on the changeling population of Portland. Though the vicious attack of thorns against the safe house was eventually stopped, it wasn't without damage, and the black roses that caused it are still popping up around the city and threatening the places where homeless and lost changelings would be likely to congregate. It's obvious now that this is a serious threat - will it ever stop without an intervention? ► HELL ON EARTH: As Anath's march draws near, the first waves of her demons will be entering the city. Primarily acting as scouts and foot soldiers, these demons will be attempting to secure loyalty from the local demon populace, as well as taking out any angels they can manage to catch. It's a level of aggressiveness against heaven's forces that hasn't been seen for years, and it's a foreboding hint of things to come. These demons can be NPCed by anyone, and will mostly be thugs or manipulators who don't know much about Anath's plans but do know that you need to join their side. They are also rowdier than most of the demons in Portland, and are a threat to the innocent mortal populace as well, if they decide to try to get their kicks here. ► THE WIZARD POLICE: The Enlightenment Council seems to have demanded control of the local Circle chapter, and now backup has arrived. These mages are being sent out into the city as if they are a police force, and will be attempting to demand control of various common supernatural areas, as well as questioning community members that they run into. Whatever is going on, it seems to have resulted in the Council instituting what is essentially martial law... of course, not everyone sees any need to heed their demands. If you are a demon, warlock, or other rogue element, expect to be harassed or even attacked by them. These character can be NPCed, and if you need additional information you can ask the mods.

Comments

[myownpearl]

"Of course. I've been keeping tabs on things for about a week now," Pearl said, answering his second question first. She's had her eyes still focused on the surrounding woods. It was uncertain whether this was to watch their backs or to just avoid looking at Greg. "Unfortunately, that time did not reveal a lot of information, at least, not as much that would prove to be of use," she admitted.

"I was hoping to get more out of Childermass about what's happening...that would help with planning. The Rose Queen was...vague. Although last I heard Childermass might have run into some confrontation with a group known as the Wild Fae."

[fragileandsoft]

Greg gives a small nod. "Seems like this fair is run by them. Or, one of them. Not part of either court. The Queen said he's in trouble with Winter, though..."

Greg scratches at his beard, debating if he should tell Pearl what else he knows, but... well, it's not like he has the full story anyway, and she's smarter than him. Better to tell her than hold out due to spite.

"These things have happened a lot over the years, I hear. All over the place. A fae called the Winter's Claw died at the last one."

[myownpearl]

"Hmm. But he's the one that had to deliver her message to the Wild Fae, so I can't imagine they are much fans of his either now," she mused. She had offered to go as a kind of escort--but had been turned down. It was probably for the best--she walked a fine enough line with several groups among the fae. Although at least her service under the Rose Queen offered her a small bit of protection.

She blinks, "Winter's Claw? I...overheard someone mention that recently." Perhaps she should have tried to get more out of that mysterious biker after all. Honestly she should have taught her a lesson about following people, but that was in the past now.

[fragileandsoft]

He gives a soft, impatient hum. "No one's a fan of that guy, are they. Keeps his life interesting I bet." He, too, had offered Childermass backup before going to talk with them, but hadn't been all too broken up about getting refused. It was the polite thing to do, as coworkers, and Greg always liked to be a team player.

"A mention? That's it?" His face twists, irritation showing plainly now. "Come on, Pearl, you're supposed to be the smart one here, and I don't wanna go into this blind."

[myownpearl]

She shook her head. No, he wasn't, but he was useful which was probably why he wasn't dead yet. Although apparently he was starting to push his luck in that regard. Pearl was amazed sometimes that she still cared, but apparently there was something to be said for a long established colleague.

Pearl scowled, "A lot has been going on and my sources haven't been very helpful. I'm trying...but if you haven't noticed things have been rather chaotic lately." Which was partly true, but there was a nagging sense that she should know more about the details--but it just wasn't there. Names, courts, usually she was better at this but it was like any concrete details beyond the immediate summer court were just...not there. It made her feel better to chalk it up to stress and the past couple of weeks though.

[fragileandsoft]

"Yeah. Chaotic. That's a word for it. What is it you've been working on, huh?" He doesn't wait for her answer before gesturing back to the city. "Was it Sanctuary, were you part of that? Or were you hunting down other kids for her somewhere?"

A different day, a different time, he wouldn't get so frustrated with her, not over something that wasn't really her fault, but today... this is the last place he wants to be, and she's the only one here right now.

[myownpearl]

Pearl winced, which was weird because she actually hadn't been doing either of those things. Sanctuary wasn't her doing, nor was the child hunt. Although, wait, that wasn't entirely accurate. Her Queen had told her to 'Find Him' prior to asking her to investigate the Animal Fair. The vagueness of the decree had left Pearl putting that off for the animal fair. She just...had never felt comfortable with that part of the courts. Not since that one time...

"I wasn't involved," she finally managed. And that was painfully true, because she had stood nearby and watched as the Sanctuary was overrun with vines, worried for Rita after that phone call, and not able to do a thing. She hated herself for it and yet what else was she supposed to do? Rebel? Face the wrath of this being who was so much older than she was? Look at where that had gotten him, she thought bitterly as her gaze fell on Greg. She pushed her emotions back. This was no the time nor the place for this. She crossed her arms, "I've been keeping an eye on the fair."