♥ February (Nalom) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

February Event Log
It's the last month devoted to Rawna, and winter is winding down. You'd think that this would matter to them, but none of the priests of Rawna seem to care at all. If asked, they will simply explain that they are "fasting"... not for food, or entertainment, but their capacity to care. The 3rd and final month of the dragonlord emphasizes the apathy aspect of the god's alignment, and followers are encouraged to just chill and not let life bother them for a while.

This doesn't seem to have stopped the rest of the community, however. Seems they've caught wind of there being a particular fluffy holiday taking place in the second month of the year on certain worlds and have decided to adopt it for themselves as something of a test drive. Nalom is usually so boring, after all! And if it helps their unfortunate trapped visitors feel a little more at home, well, they're happy to give back if they can. Thus, there are fresh displays in local businesses, custom shops, and pop-up cafes, offering discounts and deals for people who shop or dine together. You are the only ones who can support the gods in these dark days, and you need a partner to do that! So this month they are celebrating YOU.

Happy Va... Valen... Saint's... happy Nalom!

---

❥ PROMPT I: They Call Him Lakemin, King Of Soft Hugs

Once a day, all through the city, there will be a distinct robot wandering through. It's large, looks almost like a marshmallow, and seems to be there just to hug your character. Isn't that sweet? If you find him in inclement weather, he'll happily keep you company, even keep you warm or dry if necessary! Really, though, you can find him anywhere. All hugs are sweet and soft, though those less… hug-inclined… may receive a surprise embrace instead. If you don't like it, he will be very apologetic! They're testing a new technology, you see. What technology, you might ask? Well, let's see how it goes first. Just enjoy the good squishes for now.

When you return home, there's a small weather-proof box by the door. Opening it, there's a small plush of this Marshmallow-bot with a name embroidered on it. Only problem is, it isn't your name. Whoops! Someone must have been in a rush to deliver these and put them in the wrong place. Time to find who this plush belongs to, maybe they'll have yours! Or maybe they can direct you to the right person. Either way, what is there to lose? Nothing, of course! There's just the strange compulsion to see to it that this plush get home and you pass on those warm, cozy, hugs that Marshmallow-bot gave you.

❥ PROMPT II: This is How You Valentine

The information that the residents have received about Valentine's Celebrations might be a little… iffy… or at the very least sporadic, but they're trying a few experiments to see if it'll help get people in the mood. The following changes can be discovered around town, with varying effects:

• Conversation hearts
Found in display bowls at the counter of local businesses, characters who eat these candies find their vision becoming rose-tinted. Quite literally. Colors aren't erased by it but there's a definite effect as if they are seeing the world through some kind of film filter, the shade of which can vary depending on the person. Maybe you see different colors! Maybe you see some bizarre kind of Snapchat filter. Maybe you see dialogue appearing in text bubbles now. The effect can be alleviated/cured (at player's discretion) by leaning against someone for an extended amount of time, which is convenient, because the sudden shift in visuals can make you feel a little dizzy.


• Roses
A few members of the community council are handing out flowers! These aren't naturally grown, of course, as with how delicate a process is it they don't want to jeopardize the botanical gardens by removing an excess of them. However, these are made out of synthetic silks but smell like real ones and have just as soft a feeling without any thorns! Isn't that nice of them?

When your character receives one, they're filled with the gentle, warm sensation of being in love but without falling hard. And they'll want to share it. People who share similar features to your CR, even if it's something subtle like hair color or a piece of clothing, will jump out as someone to share this flower with. This comes with the urge to express some unfortunately cheesy lines about the other person… and while they don't have to be romantic, even the most platonic of lame comments can get you in hot water. Hope the rose is worth it!


• Wines and Fruit Juices
What goes with cheesy compliments better than wine? These are found only in the temples, and with a priest always nearby to ensure no one is drinking the alcoholic drinks underage or becomes too inebriated to be safe. No matter how it looks or smells, these will taste just as your character likes and will always be the perfect temperature! Handy! But boy, after even a small glass, it sure does feel like cuddle weather, doesn't it? Don't worry though, it isn't anything that would make your character get too inappropriate or do anything outside their comfort zone. But boy, wouldn't it be nice to lay your head on someone for a bit?


• Chocolate truffles
Good morning! Every residence will wake up at least one day with a small box of chocolate truffles in a box at their doorstep. Some are plain, some decorated, and the decorations range from simple white chocolate drizzle to fancy elaborate planets or galaxy speckles. No matter what the flavor, there's an urge to share them with someone. That's all! Go and spread that chocolatey delight! It's extra-satisfying to feed it to them yourself, for some reason...

❥ PROMPT III: Kreative Kompetition

No matter what the month, the world still spins, and businesses run, which means that the VR Cafes have been working on new games. This time, the theme is friendly competition! The following games are now available at the local cafes:

• Kart Racing:
Pick a kart and get out there! You'll be provided with everything you need, of course, since even virtual reality observes safety requirements. On the track, you'll be able to pick up comically large and squishy 'weapons' and obstacles. Nothing that will hurt but a cream pie to the face sure does make it hard to keep up! You can race against friends, strangers, or even find yourself in a whole grand prix.


• Kapture the Flag:
You and your opponent are tasked with capturing the other's flag. No holds barred! You can move and hide your own flag, plant traps around it, even carry it around with you! Can you find a way to disguise it? That's an option! Whatever you do, once your opponent gets it, you'll receive a message alerting you that your flag has disappeared. Don't let them get it back to their base!

Once a game has concluded, win or lose, both players will be rewarded with coupons for a free meal for two at one of the local cafes around town. Matching up the coupons gets a bonus dessert! It's not necessary to match them, but why wouldn't you?

❥ PROMPT IV: Gentle Trembling of the Toes

In the last few days of the month, something begins to happen: a very gentle rumble reverberates throughout the city, an earthquake small enough to not cause any damage, but large enough to be felt. The timing of it is sporadic, but it happens once a day. The sensation will typically last for anywhere between 10-30 seconds before dissipating as if it never occurred at all.

Around town, characters may also notice something curious- each time one of those tremors occur, many of the robotic residents in town will immediately stop, find a partner, and link arms while standing back to back with one another, clinking their heads together. They stand that way for a while, even after the tremors subside, until at last they say their farewells and move on. If asked, rather than alarmed, the town natives are tentatively optimistic, even excited in some cases: the quakes are a message, a gentle warning, but of what they don't yet know. It's been so long since a public declaration from their deities was made, due to their diminished presence in the world and the decline of the planet. The priests are especially eager, bustling about in their temples trying to prepare for whatever might happen, but no one seems to know exactly what, or when, the next step will occur. The doors exiting out of town are being reinforced, and the guards have doubled up their patrols and will be especially vigilant about explorers going too close to the walls around the city. Most people at least know this much: do as they do, when the tremors hit, and you'll understand a little better.

Characters that link up for long enough during one of the quakes can receive one of following messages in their heads:
1) "Change is coming." this message is passive, almost like a greeting.
2) "We thank you for all you have done." this message is softer, almost apologetic.
3) "We shall do all we can to keep you safe." this message is gentle, almost parental in its affection.
4) "Share your bounty and your joy." this message is kind and encouraging, tugging you toward people you may not have met yet.
5) "Remember to keep the balance." this message is plaintive, but without urgency.
6) "Do not approach the walls." this message is LOUD, insistent, and the most frequently transmitted.

The voice that conveys these messages is a collective of multiple, speaking in synchronization but at inconsistent volumes. Multiple links (eg. different threads) can receive multiple messages, and characters do not have to hear the same message as their partner.

This occurrence is also ONGOING. The quakes will continue until it is announced in the near future when they end. Stay tuned!

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This event (aside from Prompt IV) will run from February 11th to 25th. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the Plotting Post.

Comments

[zapdope]

R-right! A-Anyways! Thanks for helping out?! [ Even without the robot, Zenitsu is overwhelming still shaken up. It's the sounds he's picking up from you and the scardy-cat part of him wants to run away so bad. Something of a mix of human and something else and generally angry? ]

U-uhm, d-did I do anything to make you angry??

[ He's pretty sure he hasn't done anything to piss off the guy except scream and wail just a moment ago while being hugged by marshmallow-man, but he needs to make sure... ]

[wakemelater]

Sure. But. I didn't do anything.

[He frowns, a little annoyed. Hazel was always telling him he should try smiling more. Or at least frowning less. He thinks it's stupid to smile if you don't have a reason to. He sighs.]

You didn't do anything. I don't even know you.

[zapdope]

[ It's true, this is the first time they've met and it was a weird question for Zenitsu to ask, but the sounds. The sounds are throwing him off. ]

Y-yeah, I know! It's weird for me to ask this, but the sounds I'm picking up from you sound like you're annoyed! Well even more now, I guess because of what I said! Plus, I'm hearing weird sounds from you and I dunno what to make of it!

[ Now Zenitsu's wailing and starting to cry.

Up to this point, Zenitu hadn't picked up nonhuman sounds aside from the native robots. This is the first time hearing something other than 'human' sounds coming from another non-natives, and it's actually freaking Zenitsu out. The only saving grace was that this guy, while sounding annoyed, didn't sound like a demon and isn't actively trying to kill him. ]

[wakemelater]

Sounds? What sounds...?

[Oh gods, is he crying? Why is he crying?]

Why are you crying?

[This is just making the annoyed parts of him worse. He's also very confused now, and maybe a little scared. This is why he stays away from people!]

What did I say wrong?!

[zapdope]

Sorry I'm crying!! I'm just confused and scared!! [ Shameless, not to mention rude as heck too. ] Like, your sounds! You don't sound human! Well you kinda do, but not really at the same time??

[ One thing that finally gets Zenitsu to calm down is when he picks up that the other is also just as confused. ]

I'm sorry I confused you...! [ He wails some more, but he'll finally stop crying for just a moment. ]

My ears... They pick up a lot more than an average person. It might seem weird, but I usually can pick up the sounds someone make. So when I said you don't sound human, it's exactly the reason why!

[ Was his rash explanation enough? Was it a lot to take in? Zenitsu himself would think so. He wouldn't be surprised if this guy who just saved him from the marshmallow hugging robot thinks it's creepy and walk away. ]

[wakemelater]

[Okay, that makes more sense. Well, not really. But he's used to people with all kinds of abilities.]

It's not that weird. I didn't know sound could pick up on things like that.

[He didn't quite understand it, but that was fine. He didn't have to understand it to accept it.]

You're right. I'm not human. I'm a demigod.

[Now can you stop crying?]

[zapdope]

[ Zenitsu's been told of this before, but it's still taking some time for him to get used to really admitting that his abilities are more than just a curse. ]

D-demigod...? [ At least it's not demon but if one's not careful enough he might even mishear as it. ]

What's that?

[ He's not crying anymore, at least! ]

[wakemelater]

[Well. At least things seemed to have calmed down some.]

It means, half god. My father's a god, my mother was mortal.

[So... There you go.]

[zapdope]

[ God. Half god. God. Zenitsu's brain takes a while to process it, because while he may have cursed the gods when he was younger, he didn't fully believe in that sort of thing. If he didn't hear any better, he'd have brushed it aside as a joke, but the sounds he's been picking up is saying otherwise. ]

O-okay...

[ He responds after a moment, pretty obvious he's not sure how to really respond with. ]

S-so how does that work? Do you take forever to age or something?

[wakemelater]

[This is ... kind of uncomfortable. But if it helps this guy not be so wound up around him, then he'll put up with it.]

No. I age like a normal human. I just have powers inherited from my godly parent.

[zapdope]

Oh... [ Special powers, huh. Zenitsu wonders if it's something like the inherit abilities the users of certain Breath Styles have, like his friends, for example. Tanjiro had a keen sense of smell and that was probably related to his Breath Style. Zenitsu's keen hearing was pretty much tied to Breath of Thunder, not that he'd ever consider that as a plus for himself.

He does pick up the awkward atmosphere, and it makes him awkward about it as well. ]

Uhm... Sorry... [ Zenitsu isn't out to make enemies, no. He just doesn't know how to make friends, especially spending his first decade getting abandoned by others for being such a crybaby.

Not to mention his keen hearing wasn't common back in his home world as well. It's so much to get used to, even after a month of being here. ]

...Would you mind if you let me know what kinda powers you have...? That way I won't freak out as much if I do see it happen?

[ It'll be a good warning well beforehand so he can mentally prepare himself! Yeah! ]

[wakemelater]

It's ... okay. Um...

[But that might be a problem, if he was hoping to be less freaked out. Even back home - where most of the kids had some kind of godly gift - people were afraid of Nico's abilities. Even he had been afraid of them, in the beginning.]

I'm not sure it's actually going to help you be less scared, though.

[zapdope]

[ The only friends Zenitsu's managed to make are those who'd be confident in their skills, so not having the headstrong response makes Zenitsu even more scared. ]

O-okay? If that's the case, please let me know you're going to use them beforehand, okay?? I want to be prepared so I don't die from getting so scared!

[ This includes emergencies! ]

[wakemelater]

Why would you die?

[Gods. This kid...]

Look, the only thing you'll probably see is the shadow stuff. I'll try not to jump out at you or anything but ... I can't always control that.

[It's not like he knew who was around when he traveled from one place to another.]

[zapdope]

I don't wanna risk getting so scared that my heart stops...?

[ He's not even sure if that's a thing, but. Better safe than sorry.

His face does get blue at the mentioning of shadows. ]

Sh..shadows? What do you mean?

[wakemelater]

Do you have a really weak heart or something?

[Maybe he should just try to avoid being around this guy at all costs if that's the case.]

I can control shadows. And use them to travel. That's one of my powers.

[zapdope]

N-Not that I know of? But it's still super scary when things pop out of nowhere or make sudden moves!

[ Zenitsu appreciates the brief explanation he's getting. It's still not super clear, but at least he's got some kind of idea. ]

That's... kinda nifty... [ Still a little scary, considering it's starting to sound like demon blood arts. ]

...Does that let you go from one place to another in an instant?

[wakemelater]

I'll try not to scare you like that then.

[And, he'll hold off on telling him about the death stuff... It's not like he's felt anything die around here anyway.

He shrugs.]

It's not instant, just very fast. Inside the city here, it may as well be. I can get from one end to the other in only a few seconds.

[It also required a nap.]

[zapdope]

[ It sure sounds like demon blood arts. But this guy said he was a demigod and he's not carrying a demon sound, per say, so Zenitsu will need to stop thinking too much about it. ]

Okay... Thanks.

[ And then he finally realizes they never introduced themselves to each other. It was obviously because Zenitsu was busy freaking out too much, but putting that aside... ]

Uh... Sorry, I don't think I ever caught your name. I'm Zenitsu, by the way. Nice to meet you?

[wakemelater]

[A change in topic is probably for the best. ]

I didn't give it. [...] It's Nico. Nice to meet you too.

[zapdope]

[ Now that they've gotten to know each other's names as well as a little bit about each other, maybe they can slowly become friends! Maybe! Zenitsu never liked to be alone, so this would be nice. ]

Uhm... Do you know anyone else here? Like friends from back home also with you? Or are you by yourself?

[wakemelater]

[Oh. They're doing this now.]

No. No one else from my world is here. [He sighs.] It's fine. I'm used to being on my own.

[zapdope]

[ Zenitsu will keep talking to people until they leave his side, as long as the person doesn't try to kill him. He's a perpetually lost child who doesn't want to be left alone.

He does feel bad for bringing it up, although he also feels like no one should be alone. ]

Oh... Sorry. I mean, they might just not be here...yet?

[ Although Zenitsu isn't sure if anyone would be happy to come to a world that's dying. And with how Nico's worded it just now, it in a way reminds Zenitsu of himself before he's met Tanjiro. Except, you know, this blond guy was just whining and crying most of the time.

Either way, he pauses for a moment, unsure of what to do. He goes along with the first thought he gets, though and speaks up again. ]

Do you want me to look out for anyone you might know if they show up or something? I mean, from the sounds of it, this place keeps bringing more people, so... Uh, if you don't want me to, it's okay!

[ He's barely any help most of the time anyways. ]

[wakemelater]

[Confused, he gives Zenitsu a Look.]

I don't want them to be here. They belong back home.

[The war was over. The dust was settling. Everyone was learning to rebuild and move forward and find their new direction. They deserve rest and peace. Not this.

Still, he doesn't actually want to be on his own here.]

But if anyone from my world does show up, they'd probably, um... sound like me? They'd be half-gods, too.

1/2

[zapdope]

[ The first response makes Zenitsu jerk in surprise and some fear, but then his scared demeanor dissolves to feeling bad as well as some understanding of where the other's coming from. Even though ]

Sorry... I thought you'd might feel alone without anyone familiar. You're pretty nice, Nico.

[ How Nico worded it when he mentioned no one he knew from his home world was in Havenwell, Zenitsu was worried he didn't have any friends. There's a bit of relief, ironically, for what he just heard. ]

I'll be sure to keep the sound in mind.

[ Zenitsu realizes Nico would be the kind of person his friend, Tanjiro, would "offer" forming friendship without a second thought. Offer, as in he'll just barge into your life and stay there.

He didn't have his friend's confidence and cheerful personality, though, so the thought of forming friendship stays hidden in his thoughts. ]