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?

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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]

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.

[doublethefun]

[oh! She recognizes your voice.]

...Extended chess metaphor?

[ruin_mania]

So it wasn't the act of her release that trapped the other?

Hmm. Perhaps the missing residents are simply in mirrors.

[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.

[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.

[kungfuwitch]

No. She trapped him, herself. [She pauses] Maybe... though Harry said that there were journals in the library... our journals. He saw mine.

[ruin_mania]

Do you suppose this "really useful book" might be in the library as well, then?

[inafadingcrown]

I would be remiss in my duties if I did not. [A pause and then in a softer tone.] Several of those taken are dear to me. I will do whatever is in my power to see them safely returned.

[ruin_mania]

Thank you. This has caused quite a panic among the residents, so the sooner we can bring information to light, the better for everyone.

[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.]

[wilder]

[Y E P. let's face it he totally could relate to the Evil Queen's plight of beauty.]

In the mirrors? Not any of mine.

[assassino]

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

And his handwriting is not a cipher.

[ruin_mania]

Do you suppose checking any of the missing mirrors would help? I'm sure Yuan would rather return here than be trapped, at the very least.

[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?

[wilder]

I dunno, maybe. But doesn't that mean getting into their rooms?