Light of May ::: an original roleplay

DATE: Monday, October 19, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: Still overcast; with an occasional light drizzle of rain throughout the day. Temperatures reach a high of 53 degrees Fahrenheit and there's a brisk wind to remind everyone what time of year it is. Brrrr.

EVENTS: Not much seems to be happening in Scarlet Oak today; though anyone who has been watching the news constantly will notice that the sketch of a young woman has been removed and no mention is being made of the murder of Pastor Lemuel. The church is still roped off with police tape and inaccessible.

DATE: Sunday, October 18, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Jenny Bryant

WEATHER: Today is overcast with the temperatures remaining reaching the mid-50s.

EVENTS: Once again, today is another quiet day in the township. No mishaps or trouble going on outside of what is stirred by the citizens themselves. The only event of note are the fliers posted around town inviting anyone who sees them to take an online poll. The fliers themselves are vague, citing that: “If you have a passionate opinion, make sure your voice is heard!” Those who visit the website will be met with a series of questions. While it supports anonymity, the questions begin with supernatural race and ability description. It goes on to ask about opinions regarding recent events and whether or not the survey participate would be interested in an online forum where they could communicate with others like them with similar opinions. No one knows for sure where these fliers came from and investigations behind the source of the website will prove fruitless. It’s curious, but given everything that’s been happening, not exactly newsworthy.

DATE: Saturday, October 17, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Rebekah Adams

WEATHER: While the rain has cleared for the day, the temperature is remaining low and chilly.

EVENTS: Today has been a quiet day in Scarlet Oak, which could arguably be good or bad, depending on how one looks at things. Some people are happy for the peace, while others are worried that this could be yet another calm before one more horrible storm. There’s truthfully nothing that can be done, even if there were cause for concern. All that the citizens of the township can do for now is try to live their lives normally and hope for no further interruptions.

While Scarlet Oak managed to make it through the day without another murder, it can’t quite seem to make it a full twenty-four hours without violence. Sometime, just after dark, a couple is attacked in the park. From the look of things, it seems to be a simple mugging, with one person badly beaten for trying to fend off their attacker. Police are looking for the culprit, but they don’t have much information to go on. Anyone in the park around this time who also witnessed the attack is urged to come forward with further descriptions of the assailant.

DATE: Friday, October 16, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: No Birthdays Today!

WEATHER: The rain is lingering today, so expect consistent downfall throughout the day. The temperature has also taken a dip, so bundle up if you go out at all.

EVENTS: It isn’t wrong to say that there’s a tension in the air amongst the citizens of Scarlet Oak. Most people are trying to get back to their lives -- the proper ones, warts and all. Others, understandably, are missing the peace that came from the spell. Was this all a trick, and if so, was it a particularly harmful one? There’s still a lot of questions and not nearly enough answers. One thing is certain, lots of people are upset about the existence of a race who can alter reality.

A little after nightfall, letters are delivered throughout town to all known liberal and investigative journalists in the Scarlet Oak area. Inside the unlabeled manila envelope, which were slid under doors or dropped into mail slots, are several dozens of pictures. Most of them are photographs of couples, similar to the elderly couple spotted in town before the high school incident, wearing odd clothing and bouncing around balls of light. There were also a few pictures of other pairs: pairs of children, twins, more couples. The only difference is that though they seemed to be engaged in an activity of some kind, there is nothing out of the ordinary about them. Along with the pictures comes a note that reads simply: “How much do we know? And how much aren’t they telling us?” It’s obvious that the letter is meant to be fodder of some kind, but to what end?

The police certainly don’t appear to be at a loss for things keep them busy. Another murder has been added to their ongoing investigations. Sometime after midnight, the body of Elise Saunders was found. It was quickly determined by the coroner that she was drained by a vampire. Throughout the day, as the body was processed and the family was notified, the police struggled to keep this detail under wraps. However, as has been the unfortunate case recently, there are those who are all too happy to reveal the misdoings of the supernatural community to the media. Local news outlets and papers with access to the information are running the story. Nothing has been done yet, and it’s unlikely that drastic measures will be taken over a single death, but this is just one more log to add to the fire of unrest that the human community has been burning against supernaturals since their unveiling in May.

DATE: Thursday, October 15, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: No Birthdays Today!

WEATHER: Most of the morning is overcast, but by noon, there is a full downpour happening and it’s not likely to end until well into the night.

EVENTS: Hopefully everyone has been enjoying their states of complete bliss, because today everything ends. While those with fae-blood have already experienced their own “reawakening”, today is the day that it happens for the rest of those living in Scarlet Oak. At the stroke of midnight, the spell will dissipate, losing it’s grip on the town completely. Much like the fae-blooded from the day before, each and every person will come out of the spell differently. Some will instantly know the truth the second they wake up in the morning. Others will regain their memories slowly as the day progresses. Regardless of the rate, when midnight hits, marking the end of the day, everyone’s mind will return to its former, unblank, state -- with the added bonus of the clear memory of the past few days. This time, everyone knows that their mind has been tampered with; memories were gone and now they are back. Surely no one has done anything that they will regret during that time, right? Right!

Given the confused state of most of the inhabitants of Scarlet Oak, the news platforms have refrained from issuing official word on what has happened to everyone. The mainstream outlets have been speculating about something contaminating the water and causing temporary memory loss. The idea that a bad crop of vegetables were distributed throughout the town thanks to a nearby farm has also been tossed out. But that isn’t the only opinion being floating around. Given the most recent incident with the Fae and the high school, people are quick to place the blame on the fair folk once again.

With the spell lifted, there are certain matters that have been overlooked for the past few days. The first of which being the high school. While the decision to reopen on Monday had been a tentative one, officials are finding it difficult to pull students back out of their classes given that they’ve been attending for three days so far without incident. The principal of Scarlet Oak High School has decided to hold an assembly this afternoon before school releases for the day to discuss the Fae, supernatural race acceptance, and to encourage those who attended the dance to make use of the new trauma counselor in town. The “discussion” was met with mixed reviews -- some students showing support for understanding, while others voiced concern and outright rage.

The murder investigation of Pastor Daniel Lemuel is moving along much more smoothly now that everyone has regained their proper memories. A witness has come forward, stating that they observed a young blonde-haired woman and man enter the church on the day of Pastor Lemuel’s death. Though they weren’t able to get a good look at the man, enough of the woman was seen for a sketch artist to draw a mock up. This image has been displayed on the news, requesting that anyone who might know who this woman is to call the police department, as she might be a key witness suspect in the murder.

Additionally, the body from the building fire has been revealed to be Roselyn Coyle, whose family has been notified of the incident. Given the forensic evidence found at the scene, it has been determined that her death was not an accident, mostly likely homicide. Unfortunately, the fire burned away much of the DNA evidence that would have helped them discover the culprit. The investigation will continue, but officials are not hopeful that any new information will be revealed.

DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None today

WEATHER: The cold is continuing, and today you've got a bit extra bite thanks to a northern wind springing up. Looks like some rain is on the way, too.

EVENTS: 48-hours in and there is still little change to the spell that has overtaken Scarlet Oak residents. If any have noticed that life is different than it should be, then it is likely due to outside forces imposing a differing view than the one their minds have formed. There is one notable change, however, that happens throughout the day. Fae-blooded individuals (vampires included) begin to get their memories back. It's a trickling effect rather than a flood and doesn't happen the same for everybody. One might wake up and begin getting flashes of their life, slowly realizing things are different than they should be. Another might not reach any sort of realization until noon. However it happens, once midnight strikes (or the next morning if they're asleep) the spell loses its grip and all their memories come flooding back. Have fun with that! Because all of your non-fae-blooded friends are not keeping up with you. Anyone that does have fae-blood running through their veins will still be under the influence of the spell.

In other news, further investigation has continued regarding the death of Pastor Daniel Lemuel with positive results. Police have released an official statement that they believe he was murdered and are currently searching for a suspect. Once again, they encourage anyone with information to come forth, as it would be greatly appreciated.

Early morning yesterday, local firemen responded to a call regarding a burning building. Though it was confirmed that the home was abandoned, a body was found inside. Details about the deceased have yet to be released, pending a full autopsy.

DATE: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Cels D’Ambray

WEATHER: No change! There is still a chill in the air as Autumn gets into full swing.

EVENTS: People seem to be settling into their new lives -- or at least the lives they believe themselves to have always led. The spell is still in full effect and shows no signs of wearing off anytime soon. Things have been relatively peaceful and quiet in town today, which is something the citizens of Scarlet Oak would like appreciate if they could remember what life was like four days ago.

By now, however, the deeds of the two “helping” Seelie fae have reached the attention of the Unseelie Court. How dare those goody-good fae undo all the wonderful mischief! Whereas they might have been happy to leave the small town alone, now Scarlet Oak has become locked in their cross-hairs. The malicious fae are brewing something. It’s only a matter of time before they pull their next spiteful prank.

DATE: Monday, October 12, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: No Birthdays Today!

WEATHER: The weather is a little warmer than yesterday, but that’s not saying very much. It wouldn’t be wise to leave the house without a coat!

EVENTS: A full 24-hours have passed and not a person has grown the wiser to the spell that has taken over Scarlet Oak. Those in town continue to go about their lives in perfect contentment, albeit with a question here or there. Those traveling into town are none the wiser of anything changing them once they cross over the town line. And as for those leaving? Well… why would you want to leave when everything is so satisfying here in Scarlet Oak?

Life carries on much as it always has (or so far as anyone knows). With Monday being the beginning of a school week, the students and staff of Scarlet Oak High School return to the building with no fanfare or trepidation -- good thing the government boys packed up their equipment and lifted the quarantine from the block, lest that raise more questions than the spray paint, which was cleaned from most of the building by the time the students arrived. The staff, however, were privy to some of the more scandalous slurs against the fae that the janitorial staff hadn’t reached before they began work. What could all the graffiti possibly mean? Probably just some punk kids acting out. Right? Right.

Investigations continue regarding the murder of Pastor Daniel Lemuel. Most of the local news is concentrated on this story, especially considering that it’s the freshest bit of news that they can remember. Any helpful information or leads would be greatly appreciated.

As far as the fae who set this blank slate spell into motion? Well, they are quite content with their work. And why wouldn’t they be? Everyone is so happy!

DATE: Sunday, October 11, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: No Birthdays Today!

WEATHER: Today is cold. Actually, it feels a lot worse than it really is thanks to the wind whipping through town. Layer up, folks!

EVENTS: As it turns out, the humans weren’t the only ones investigating the trouble at the high school. While the general public has only recently learned of the fae involvement, the fae themselves have been clued in for a while that it was one of their own behind the entire incident. From the moment the dome became apparent for what it really was and the viewing pools began displaying everything going on inside, the Seelie Court was abuzz with questions of who was behind this. The answer seemed obvious: if this was serious fae magic and the Seelie weren’t involved, the only group left capable of perpetrating such a thing were the Unseelie fae. The malicious, mischievous fae had been guilty of many a trick since the gates opened, but nothing quite on this scale. This was not the way the Seelie fae imagined coming out to the world. There were even those that feared the public backlash that would arise once the news broke. Something had to be done to show the people of Scarlet Oak that the fae were capable of doing good things. Something had to be done to make things right.

The day those trapped in the high school were released, two Seelie fae went to work. They were careful to keep their true intentions hidden, fearing what might happen should anyone catch sight of two strange figures manipulating magic out in the open. What might have been seen were a pair of children playing patty-cake at the playground in early morning, or a couple dancing on the sidewalk along main street at noon -- all these innocuous encounters occurring throughout the day, every day since this past Tuesday. By 12AM this morning, the spell they had been working on for days was ready to take effect. The moment the clock struck twelve, the entire sky lit up. For those up to see it, the night ignited and for a full second it seemed as though it was day. That was it -- the only sign that the people of Scarlet Oak had that something had happened.

( And something big had happened. )

DATE: Friday, October 9, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Bess

WEATHER: Temperatures dip into the 40s, making today the coldest day of fall so far.

EVENTS: It's a rather strange, somber day. No new information whatsoever is offered over the events surrounding the school - even to those who were inside it. There's still a lot of speculation in the media, and a lot of talk about faeries, but... nothing.

Locally, some are already trying to determine the best way to go back to 'normal.' Is it time to go back to regular life? No one's talking about re-opening the school yet (hell, the whole block is still under government quarantine), but life is carrying on.

DATE: Thursday, October 8, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: No changes.

EVENTS: First thing in the morning the president issues a statement about the events surrounding Scarlet Oak's high school. The 'incident,' as it is described, was a preternatural event of unknown origin. Why and how it occurred is yet unknown, and all possible explanations are being explored. It is believed at this point not to be a random event. The magic involved is confirmed not to be that of human means. It is now believed that the incident was caused by demonic or fae influences. Yes, fae. The president of the United States is the first world leader to confirm the presence of faeries. He goes on to explain that the US government has data and evidence that when angels and demons returned to our world en masse, the race of fae - previously believed extinct - did as well. He asks the public not to panic, as it does not appear that the fae race, as a whole, wish humanity any harm. He goes on to stress that no one in the school was physically harmed, but promises to offer those involved every bit of assistance possible.

That's actually true. This morning everyone who was at the school will be visited by a high-ranking government official, most likely someone they already met once at the hospital. This official will explain that the government would like to take on all of each person's medical bills indefinitely, as well as psychiatric costs. If there is anything any of these people feel they need, the government wants to know about it, and if possible, help. Too soon to say what all that entails, but hey. Free therapy.

DATE: Wednesday, October 7, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: No changes.

EVENTS: There's a lot of speculation about just what the hell happened at the school, but no real answers are being offered to the public. The school grounds and immediate areas surrounding it are under quarantine while being investigated. A statement is issued to the press stating that there were no injuries or fatalities, all those who were trapped inside are alive and physically unharmed, and to please respect their privacy in this strange and difficult time. That's it. No word when school will resume.

DATE: Tuesday, October 6, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: It's a bright, beautiful, sunshiney fall day.

EVENTS: Early this morning the president arrived in Michigan to meet with officials and show his support to the situation. The visit never happens. His plane lands at 6:04 AM, and at 6:49 he's back on the plane to DC. Because at 6:06 AM, the situation at the school completely 180s. One minute a city official is leaning thoughtfully against the invisible barrier, the next minute he's sprawled on his back in the grass. At exactly 6:06:03, the spells disappear, the barrier goes away, all those inside wake up, and all those whose powers were affected by the barrier recover immediately.

Let's explain how this goes down, working from the inside out. The students and chaperons inside, sent to crazy worlds? What about them? Well, all of their little 'challenges' are completed, their timelines sync up, and boom, eyes open. Some of them may feel like they were gone for only a couple hours, some might feel like they were gone for days, depending on what world they were dealing with. But it's absolutely 100% clear that when things felt 'heavy' at the dance and everyone passed out, no one's budged since. Everyone wakes up at the same time exactly where they fell in the first place. But, but, but... how can anyone possibly know they haven't moved? So glad you asked. Look to the weres: all their clothes are still on, and it's quite obvious no one has shifted. Of course, they're not going to realize they missed the full moon until someone on the outside tells them.

But what of their injuries? What injuries? There aren't any. Any injuries received in the alternative worlds they were sent to don't travel back with them. They awaken in the exact same condition they fell in, end of story. The lights are still on, and perhaps the weirdest part yet: the music is still going. When they wake up, the last thirty seconds of Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love is playing. It's like God hit the 'pause' button on all of their lives.

But, hey, they're free to go. No lasting side effects whatsoever... I mean, unless you're counting pants-shitting nightmares and unbelievable mental turmoil and trauma. There may well be a pinch of that here and there.

So what's it like outside the school? Everyone realizes the barrier came down and hauls ass inside, right? How about... no? Once the officials realize what's happened they quarantine the area and lock it down. They try to stop anyone from going in, and of course, that doesn't really work. Guns or no guns, you try telling everyone to stay where they are and keep calm. It's pandemonium, but they manage to hold the line and keep anyone from entering the grounds - until the doors of the school open and the students and chaperons start pouring out. Then the line breaks and it's people everywhere. Tearful reunions, confusion, the works. All the officials can do is keep anyone from leaving the grounds themselves. A field hospital is set up at amazing speed in the parking lot, and one by one the officials bring those that were on the inside over for treatment. It comes as a shocker that none of them need treatment, unless anyone has a panic attack or gets trampled.

All the same, no one that was inside is just allowed to go home. They're eventually all transported to the University of Michigan hospital, and put through a lot of tests. Each person is asked to give a full account of their experience on the inside with a government official, and when the doctors confirm that there's nothing wrong with them - nothing from a bit of radiation poisoning to an overly irritated hangnail, people begin getting released in the evening.

The news, both local and national, is dominated by this turn of events. The reports are all very vague, saying only that everyone is free and unharmed, but there's lots of speculation. It's announced that classes for the high school are canceled indefinitely, and once the school premises are evacuated the property is quarantined for investigation.

So, how about the people that tried to use their powers on the dome to disastrous results? Good news: all that goes away too. Immediately. At 6:06:02 they could be puking rainbows, at 6:06:03 it'll abruptly stop. When the time comes, they feel 100% better. No lasting side effects. Hurray?

With so much chaos surrounding the school and victims, no one seems to notice a lot of tall, beautiful (albeit strangely dressed) people heading back and forth out of the woods...

DATE: Monday, October 5, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: Temperatures have risen slightly to the mid 60s. There is rain in the morning, but the clouds give way and the sun comes out in the afternoon.

EVENTS: Things are very quiet, and the mood of the town generally somber. The president addresses the nation in the evening and promises that every possible resource available to the government is being used to get inside the school, but it feels like a lot of friends and families are giving up hope - and who can blame them? Something has to happen soon.

DATE: Sunday, October 4, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: Overcast and gloomy, though temperatures are supposed to be rising over the next few days.

EVENTS: The full moon is tonight, and the crowd gathered outside the school is particularly emotional today. Word is that the authorities are trying to determine whether or not there are any bitten weres inside the school, but unfortunately that information is simply impossible to get without a family member stepping forward. Unsurprisingly, the registered were debate is heavy in the news. Pressure is being put on lawmakers to pass a law that would require all weres to register with the government. It's not the first time this idea has been put forward, either. All in all, tonight's full moon in Scarlet Oak is a very somber experience. Of course the authorities are still offering aid to any bitten were that needs a place to lock up for the night, and there's always Ballard House to turn to for help if needed.

Inside the school, two groups are advancing today. ( Details behind a cut. )

DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Kajsa (happy friggin birthday)

WEATHER: Cold and damp, with occasional light showers on and off through-out the day.

EVENTS: Tomorrow is the night of the full moon, there's still no progress to be seen at breaching the barrier, and known weres are inside. With that in mind, it's a little unsurprising that those in charge are getting a little desperate. They've cleared off the entire north side of the property, and no one without a military uniform is allowed within fifty feet of their set boundaries. Today they're trying a various range of explosives - some magicked, some not - to break in.

Spoiler alert: WON'T WORK, BITCHES.

But again you may ask, what about those inside the school? It's already been established (though unknown to them) that time functions at a different pace in each world. Well, two groups are advancing today. ( Details behind the cut. )

DATE: Friday, October 2, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: No changes

EVENTS: So yesterday's attempt to gain access to the school from beneath it didn't work, but that's not what's on everyone's minds right now. What's on everyone's minds, you ask?

The full goddamn moon. Which is in two days.

Speculation is growing about what's going to happen inside the school if everyone is still trapped when the full moon comes. Born weres are known to be inside, and that won't be the end of the world (probably), but... no one knows if there are any bitten weres. That's not the sort of thing kids are very vocal about, but statistically there's bound to be one or two. The energy around the school is tenser than ever as the world tries to figure out how to fix the situation.

DATE: Thursday, October 1, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: Dominic, Camilla, Juliette (womp womp)

WEATHER: No changes

EVENTS: There actually is news regarding SOHS' barrier scenario today, but it's probably not going to make anyone feel better. Attempting to drill through the barrier obviously didn't work, but apparently going under it is not a total loss. Officials have reported that the sewers beneath the school are still completely open, unblocked, and yes, functional. So the newest plan is to try and get into the school from underneath. Spoiler alert: it won't work. :-P

But what about those inside the school? Well, we've got good news and we've got bad news. The good news is that two of the groups are advancing! The bad news is that... two of the groups are advancing, and it's probably going to suck for them all around.

( Details behind a cut. )

DATE: Wednesday, September 30, 2009

BIRTHDAYS: None

WEATHER: The clouds give way but temperatures are hovering in the mid-50s.

EVENTS: It might seem like there are no changes in the 'dome' situation at the local high school. This is, for the most part, true. Officials are no closer to figuring it out, and various magical masters are being flown in from all around the world to attempt their own solutions.

The truth is, a change is noticeable to a very specific portion of Scarlet Oak. It's fae inhabitants. Any full-blooded faerie looking at the dome will, for the first time, be able to see the barrier for exactly what it is: a powerful fae spell that was probably channeled for the better part of a month. They'll know it has an inner catalyst - some sort of goal that must be reached by those inside for the barrier to come down. They'll also know that there's no point in trying to tamper with it themselves.

But to make things really interesting? If they return the the fair realm, they can watch what's happening inside - in their viewing pools. lol faerie Hunger Games, who knew

MOD NOTE: If you are in one of the homecoming groups, do not start new scenes yet. Scenes from last gameday must go farther first. Groups must face everything described in the last time update to advance. When you feel your group is ready to advance to the next gameday, contact a mod for permission.