Log 081

[ruin_mania]

[written]

Use of Mirrors

-Handwriting cipher Alternate handwriting method (see: Leonardo Da Vinci)
-Reflection of spells, powers (Gorgon)
-Beauty or cosmetic

Tales Involving Mirrors

-Mirror of Erised
--show desires
--unlikely to be relevant
-Bloody Mary legend
--appearance of individuals in mirrors when a certain ritual is invoked
-Across the Mirror, and What Anne Found There
--sequel to Anne's Adventures in Marvel-land
--nonsensical adventures including talking plants, animals, extended chess metaphor

[dictated]

This one may be relevant. We know the castle often bases its experiences off worlds known to the residents here. Does anyone have any further information about this story, or have any legends or myths associated with mirrors as part of your own culture?

Comments

dictated

[kungfuwitch]

It's just part of a fairy tale to most, but in my world it actually turned out to be true - a wicked witch who was trapped in a mirror. It fell and broke and she was released, trapping someone else in it.

[ruin_mania]

Hmm. So it's possible the missing ones are trapped in a mirror, do you think? Or a mirrored world?

[kungfuwitch]

It's possible, yeah... I mean, all the nameplates are mirrored so that does lend something to the theory.

[ruin_mania]

And the handwriting was mirrored as well when they contacted us.

Do you know anything of how the witch became trapped?

[kungfuwitch]

Well the witch was trapped as punishment for trying to kill her step daughter. When she was released she cast a spell that trapped the Keeper of the Fairy Tales in the mirror in her stead.

[inafadingcrown]

Scrying is, I believe, the term most would use for what I seek to describe. I have here a small replica of a tool of mine in my own world- a silver basin filled with water, referred to as the Mirror of Galadriel.

I think it unlikely to be involved, but I will certainly continue to consult it.

[ruin_mania]

Scrying - searching for images in its surface? Have you seen any clues as to the missing ones? It appears they're trapped in a strange version of the City Royale with odd discrepancies, such as fish that swim through air.

[inafadingcrown]

Something akin to it. Suffice it to say that the power lies as more with me than with the Mirror. What I see is as much in my mind as it is on the surface.

Alas, I have seen little. The castle seems to enjoy frustrating my gifts. But, as I said, I will continue to look.

[ruin_mania]

More of a tool than an essential object, then. It wouldn't be the first time powers of perception where hindered by the castle.

Thank you. Please, do let us know if you find anything.

[doublethefun]

[oh! She recognizes your voice.]

...Extended chess metaphor?

[ruin_mania]

Yes, there's some question whether the main character is real or a figment of the Red King's dream state. She must become a Queen herself by progressing across the chessboard, and when she accomplishes her goal--with the help and hindrance of the other chess pieces, of course--she awakens in her own world again.

[doublethefun]

So 'tis a story of a pawn who doth become a queen or the maturation of a child who then awakens in reality.

[dreams and illusions - worlds glimpsed through mirrors. Fitting.]

[ruin_mania]

Yes to both. Though I must say, I think she prefers being a child, when all aspects of the story are considered.

[Because the dreams and illusions do often hold more interest than reality.]

[wilder]

[Oh hey Zelos actually can contribute something considering the assignment you made him do B| ]

Oh, there was that one magic mirror that an evil queen had in a fairytale- that'd tell her who was the fairest of them all.

[ruin_mania]

Do you think that was a being trapped in a mirror, or one that was a mirror?

I'm finding that being trapped in a mirror is a fairly common theme.

[wilder]

Probably the former, but it never really said one way or the other. Didn't matter to the story, I guess.

[ruin_mania]

You know, I wonder if the missing ones are trapped in a mirror themselves. Have you seen anything strange in them?

[Because, well, sorry Zelos but she knows you have got to have a lot of mirrors in your room.]

[assassino]

His name is not "Da Vinci", it is "Leonardo."

And his handwriting is not a cipher.

[ruin_mania]

My apologies. That's how it was written in the reference I was using. [She'll change it!]

Oh? What is it meant to represent, then?

[assassino]

"Da Vinci" means "Of Vinci", where he was born. He does not have a last name, so he is just "Leonardo" or "Leonardo da Vinci."

[Ezio: Italian snob.]

He's left-handed. If he were to write left-to-right, like a right-handed person would, his hand would smear the ink it had just written. By mirroring it, he does not smear it, but it can still be read. What good would it be as a cipher? Anyone with the ability to read could figure it out.

[ruin_mania]

Ah, I see. I suppose that's a fair a way as any of distinguishing oneself, as long as there aren't too many with similar first names in a single area.

Oh, you'd be surprised by the number of people whose reading skills are only very basic. No doubt they'd have a very difficult time indeed. Still, that's quite clever of him - I assume the clothing in the culture is one with long sleeves? [Since it wouldn't be so much of a problem with short sleeves, really. Or pencils rather than pens.]

[courageous_wit]

There's a bit more to the Mirror of Erised than simply showing a person their desires, but yes, it's unlikely that mirror has anything to do with what's happening now.

I also noticed that you mentioned the Gorgons, but not the tale of Narcissus when you discussed mirrors from classical mythology. [again, not that this has anything to do with that story]

[ruin_mania]

The source I found wasn't terribly detailed, I'm afraid. Is it anything that may be relevant, do you think?

That was...let's see, the man who thought he was the most beautiful and turned into a flower from his own reflection? [Cough Zelos cough.]

[courageous_wit]

Not that I can think of. The Mirror is an object from my own world. It was used to hide a very powerful object.

Indeed. Again, not relevant to our current situation. There are some who believes mirrors are a reflection of the soul. That sounds more like something Paradisa would use against us. However, some people also believe that mirrors can be used to prevent bad spirits from entering a home.

[gives this a moment of thought] Has anyone tried using mirrors in the missing residents' rooms?

[ruin_mania]

May I ask how that was accomplished? If a mirror can hide an object, it may be able to conceal our friends as well.

[Raine draws a line up to here.] I've sent a few to investigate, though if you'd like to help as well it would be greatly appreciated.