hugtopiamods: (Default)
hugtopiamods ([personal profile] hugtopiamods) wrote in [community profile] hugtopia_logs2020-03-13 10:34 pm

♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

small purple flower sprouting through snow
March Event Log

Spring has sprung! Or at least, in theory. The month began monthly unremarkably, besides the priests of Ainea's temple prepping for the first month in their deity's season, which tends to be a little sleepy as the city traditionally shakes off those winter woes. The earthquakes still has everyone feeling a strange anticipation for change, but with how long it's gone with no noteworthy shifts yet, excitement has grown somewhat muted. All of that is about to change...



PROMPT I: Let the Rain Fall Down
a decorated garden pathway through a large greenhouse

The month begins with something peculiar: a sudden rainfall occurring sporadically, not just in sections of the city the way it does when the weather system is malfunctioning, but rather consistent across the entire city. The natives in town are flummoxed; this rain is natural, passing harmlessly through the barrier, and the water that falls to the ground is clean, unpoisoned by the perpetual storm and toxic air outside. The rain comes in waves, from a light drizzle to a steady stream, and while it is not raining all day every day, it is probably best practice to travel with an umbrella on hand for a while.

Before long, the effects of this natural rainfall will become apparent: the city is undergoing an unexpected period of growth. Flowers, fauna, and all sorts of greenery are sprouting up in all areas of the city where grass or soil exists. It appears that at last your effort is paying off, and life is returning to Havenwell in a big way. The types of plants that grow will range in type, colour, and species- many of them are live versions of the extinct plants that have been on display in the museums, or whatever is already on display in the gardens. Some of the plants that grow might also be familiar to the visitors of this world- a small slice of your home, adopted by the gods that your touch have rejuvenated.

One downside is that since all these changes are happening at once, in such a short span, the botanical community is ill-equipped to make sure all of these new plants have a chance to thrive on their own. Many things that grow can be left where they stand, but the seemingly randomized placement means that certain plants aren't in a good spot. A tree sapling sprouting in the cracks of the sidewalk, or a sunflower tucked away beneath a rooftop, for example.

Thus, the community is asking for volunteers to help relocate plants to the proper areas. Most should be going to the parks, gardens, or temples, areas with clean, existent soil but with nothing yet growing there. These locations have been tested, and have been determined to be safe for planting- it seems that the rain has purified whatever sour ground that the barrier hasn't kept clean, to make way for the new plants. They can also be relocated to personal residences, for those houses that have gardens or a bit of soil if you're willing to install your own. As the rain continues to fall, plants will keep growing, so when the flora and fauna are relocated there will be more growing in its place before long. Lots of work to be done if you're to save the new life in town!

If you wish to include a specific plant from your canon: please request it in the PLANT FROM HOME APPROVAL thread on the plotting post!

Please be aware that much like the rest of the plants growing around town, those from home will begin as seeds and grow gradually over the course of the event. Keep that in mind!


PROMPT II: Hold My Flower
the back of someone's head, wearing a colourful flower crown

As the days pass, and there seems to be no end to the growth in town, the natives are growing increasingly excited, and when the collection of flowers becomes such a plethora that there are too many, they explain that the timing of this is very on-point: years ago, before the world began to die, they celebrated a Festival of Flowers, to welcome the shift of winter to spring in their corner of the world. In previous years, the tradition lived on in a simpler form, with paper or synthetic flowers, but it isn't really the same without hair so interest waned.

A major part of the festival involves flower weaving, in many intricate patterns and arrangements, all of which have different meanings, like an arranged bouquet might. These flowers are sewn together into crowns, or woven directly into the recipient's hair, a delicate and rather intimate act done between friends, family, or lovers alike. Since the robots of town can't really benefit from this shared experience (of neither physical interaction or hair weaving), instead they happily pass along their knowledge of arrangements and techniques, floral symbolism. You can follow along with their directions, or just make something up/create something new, though certain unwitting combinations are bound to earn some curious (or amused) looks from the locals. For those of you who lack long hair for such acts, despair not! Crowns placed on short hair are just as socially welcome as the weavings, as you'll see from the robots wearing similar designs around town.

However, there is a chance that the rain is also causing something other than plants to grow around town… namely, exposed hair. Those who get caught in the downpour might inexplicably notice that their hair is an inch or two longer the next morning… and then longer… and longer… there is no hard or fast limit to how much it grows, and cutting it may help for a time, but it does not stem the growth either. Maybe you should just relax and enjoy it for a while.


PROMPT III: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen
the logo for king's knight with 4 heroes and the title clumsily edited to show scheme of the wyrm queen


Developed by Noctis and Pyra, in collaboration with the VR cafes, Havenwell officially presents: King's Knight 2.0: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen, a game that will be available going forward and premieres this month.

This game is designed to be like an MMO/mobile game, except in VR- every player gets an account, and to an extent their avatars are customizable. There are a set number of levels per playthrough, you can stop and pick up any time after a level ends, and you can re-arrange your party members at the start of each play session.

You can charge through levels just smashing away at enemies, but part of the game mechanic is that physical contact between characters in-game will provide stat boosts, enhancements, occasional heals or buffs, soft revives at 0HP, etc. The effect can vary depending on the nature of contact, but is also randomized to an extent, to allow for player freedom. Let's just say that intent plays a part... so touch someone and wish with your heart, and maybe something nice will happen. Or at least something kind of cheesy. (Noctis would like to establish that he did not program in that part.)

Noteworthy features:
  • The plot: The evil dragon queen Nebula has kidnapped the prince of Oriens and absconded to the realm of monsters with him for some nefarious purpose. The gods of Totally Not Aellyn bless a group of heroes with the power to travel through that realm in order to rescue the prince! ...That's it. What, do you think you're here for plot? Nah. You're here to fight monsters and collect treasure.

  • A party can consist of 2-4 characters of any class arrangement, though a somewhat balanced party is encouraged to survive each level. Repeated training (or grinding) can help characters acquire better gear drops or level up if they get stuck, but there is an emphasis on teamwork to get you through it!

  • "Death" in-game causes a character to become translucent and unable to interact with the game until healed or revived, or until the level ends. If all characters reach this status, they fail the level and the game is over. All characters are healed to full once a level is beaten.

  • Levels are randomly generated based on a set amount of algorithms, to shake up the experience and make each game a little bit different. There is a plot as noted above, with some dialogue and programmed NPCs, but interaction with either is simple and can be ignored or skipped after the first run-through if you so choose.

  • Certain accounts of people who were a part of the development (AKA those who Noctis pestered about designing things) will gain access to unique costume options upon initial log-in, like a pre-order bonus. These items are cosmetic only, but look pretty nifty.

  • The difficulty setting can be adjusted according to player skill, so if anyone feels like Normal is beyond their ability, don't be ashamed to turn it down a notch! Player accessibility is more important. There are leaderboards for each difficulty, but it's mostly for bragging rights and don't earn you anything special.

Available Classes:
  • Knight - a well-rounded swordsman with a shield, built tough for the front line and defense

  • Thief - master of finding hidden objects, detecting traps, disarming foes, the fastest class

  • Sorcerer - commanding the elements, attack from a distance and overwhelm your enemies; glass cannon

  • Battle Cleric - wielder of a magic weapon that recognizes friends from foes; striking an ally will heal them without injury, striking a foe will tear them down

  • Dragoon - specializes in aerial assault, heavy hits and safe retreats, can reach high areas

  • Archer - speedy attacks at long distance; inexplicably great at parkour and glitching out of bounds for treasure

Enemies:

Monsters in-game vary between generic beasts of lore, parody versions of creatures found in Final Fantasy XV, and some monsters based on descriptions that Noctis or Pyra acquired from asking people. These are subject to change on request, as the game will be developing gradually to improve itself.

If you have suggestions or requests for monsters, treasures, or equipment, please submit them to the additional information page on King's Knight, where such updates will be tracked!


PROMPT IVish: A Final Reminder
The soft earthquakes in effect since last month are still ongoing, however they have spread out more and are no longer occurring every day, but instead with a handful of gaps in between. As noted in the Intro Mingle log, there are new messages that characters can receive:

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.
7) "Soon, change." this message is a gentle reminder.
8) "We welcome you to our home." This message is sent most frequently to newcomers.
9) "Be not afraid. You are safe." this message is polite and reassuring.
10) "Keep your footing and watch your step." this message is cautious, a firm warning.

Most of the residents have stopped linking up, since the messages are mostly on repeat, but the local temple priests still do it every time… just in case. Otherwise, it's easy enough to ignore for most people. The anticipation hasn't faded, but they're simply waiting for whatever comes next.




This event will run from March 13th to 29th. 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.
hedgehogsdilemma: (Then I kept pretending)

[personal profile] hedgehogsdilemma 2020-03-23 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
[He pauses at the question for just a moment, offering a thoughtful hum and keeping his attention turned toward the plants as he does.]

I've mostly been helping keep the temple tidy since I got here. Cleaning up after dragons is pretty different from tending to plants.
snyaiper: (my father invented toaster strudel)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-03-23 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
[You know what? With an argument like that, rooted in practical logic, sits well with him. Right. This is all just part of a job. It's a weird one, but its what he's here to do. What he's going to be paid to do.]

... Fine. There's not much for you to work with, but I suppose if you're offering.
[He says, his hand rising to his hair once again as he does. Almost like a nervous tic.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566203)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-03-23 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ It sounds to her as if he's realized the responsibility that comes with calling upon their power. It would be a lot to take in for anyone, the idea of something being there, then not. She recalls that Addam had often wrestled with th--

...

Slowly, Pyra's hands fall from the side of his head to his shoulders, then over them, and she lowers her forehead to him in a small embrace of some kind from behind. ]


...Mm, Noct? [ Her voice carries a reassuring smile. ]

It's good to be frightened of a power like that... to use it sparingly, if never at all.
heron: (37)

[personal profile] heron 2020-03-23 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
I can imagine.

I usually help with Diacht.
snyaiper: (my city now)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-03-23 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Ogata isn't from a world with magic, and he hadn't had much truck with it in the last place he was either. Still, he'd been exposed to it, so he has... some concept of it. Mostly he has the haughty confidence required to make estimations based on his limited experience.]

No. It's just that magic might've stimulated their growth that allowed them to sprout unusually.

[And, honestly,]
What are you, afraid of magic?
snyaiper: (I identify as morosexual)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-03-23 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
[HMM. Now he has to wonder if that had all been an act. This girl struck him as innocuous but perhaps she was more dangerous than she seemed... And what are her motives, exactly?

Still, he allows her to guide him to the stool. He unslings the rifle without comment, but rather than set it down, he just lets the butt of the gun rest on the ground as he holds it up loosely. Surely that's out of the way enough.]


That should be enough out of your way, right?
[He is not letting his gun out of his immediate vicinity when there are still so many uncontrollable variables in this situation.]
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (119)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-03-23 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
[He leans back into her touch, thoughtful and quiet for a long moment. There's something different about her tone, just now. Subtle, but something he's been listening or looking for lately. The comparison - and the effect that her power triggered in his body even just the one time - isn't lost on him, drawing more questions and mysteries to mind. Why did her magic affect him the same way as the Astrals? Is it her? Does it have something to do with the fact that she has her own mecha-dragon for some reason? Is it part of why she hardly talks about herself, why she's so squirrely about it all?]

...Is it... okay to be using yours?

[His voice is a little cautious in return, not sure if it's the right thing to be asking.]
hedgehogsdilemma: (Our hearts littering the topsoil)

[personal profile] hedgehogsdilemma 2020-03-23 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
Diacht's temple has a lot of birds in it, right?

[That seems appropriate. He makes the comment as he starts carefully cutting into the soil with a trowel, carving out a spot for the potted plant.]

I'm sure there's a lot of work to be done there, too.
gatescostmoney: icon of Sasuke plugging his ear with a finger (Five six seven and raise your hands high)

[personal profile] gatescostmoney 2020-03-23 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
You should apologize to Mr. Tori not me. He's one of the sweetest, most loyal beings I've ever met.

[ Sasuke waves off the apology. He doesn't need a stranger's pity. The young man can think Sasuke some kind of shadow monster, but thinking ill of his partner needs to be corrected. Mr. Tori lightly nips at Sasuke as if to say he forgives the stranger. Sasuke sighs. See? A sweet, good boy. ]

I don't really understand you mean, but I wouldn't mind getting some training in.
of_northern_skies: Hollowed Art (Adult: Snerk)

[personal profile] of_northern_skies 2020-03-23 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Instead of answering, Peter made a quiet, almost thoughtful sound. It had become his standard response to anything his brother said that didn't quite make sense. It wasn't rude and he certainly didn't mean it to be dismissing, but the few concepts that Edmund had tried to explain hadn't made a lick of sense to Peter. In fact, it had kind of made his head hurt.

He could recognize that Spare Oom and War Drobe weren't in Narnia and that they had been born there instead of their home, but anything else just wouldn't settle. It swirled around until he was heavy and muddled and he eventually cried off. He knew it annoyed his brother...but he also knew that pretending to understand would only annoy him more.

Once Ed's hair felt clean and rinsed in his hands, he gently coaxed him up and back to settle his head once more on the water warmed edge of the tub. A soft cloth was pulled from the stack on the counter and Peter wet it before reaching for the bar soap. He set them both within easy reaching distance of Ed, then rinsed his hands and once more took his spot on the toilet seat.]


Do you want me to stay, or shall I trust you to stay until you are properly warmed.

[Because while Lu and he could banter comfortably while each other bathed, Susan and Edmund occasionally enjoyed their privacy.]
gatescostmoney: icon of Sasuke smiling (The young lady over there let's dance)

[personal profile] gatescostmoney 2020-03-23 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's a gleam in Sasuke's eyes, true interest and mild excitement. In another time and life, Sasuke carried around a camera to snap up many pictures for the school newspaper. ]

Yes. It'd be a treat to see what a master picture taker can do.
gatescostmoney: icon of Sasuke listing your faults (A row of lined-up stupas are singing)

[personal profile] gatescostmoney 2020-03-23 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
It's what I know, trained for, and practiced nearly all my life.

[ Unease wells up in his chest. He doesn't want to think more on it. That's something humans concern themselves with. He's a ninja. ]
iustaegis: (pic#13566199)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-03-23 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ No.

She shouldn’t be here, let alone holding him like this, yet the tragedy, the guilty pleasure, is that she must out of the belief that if she contributes enough, she will return to her world. From there, she will do what she must to ensure her world has a future. Pyra may only take comfort in all the shackles placed upon her that renders her into this state, one that isn’t as dangerous to him or this world. ]
Mm.

[ His earlier description rings true: she remembers watching from above as the land beneath was scoured, and nothing was left. Yet unlike how he had felt “it was a lot to take in”... she recalls feeling nothing at all. There, then not; that was all there was to it.

But she has feelings now. She has them. She wants to keep them. Does that make it better? Yes, a bit, for now she can mourn for which she had sundered. ]


Like this, it’s okay.

[ She lingers in this embrace, head against his shoulder, her voice muffled. ]

...My power... It is to uplift you, not overwhelm. [ And she’s trying so hard not to cause any harm. ]
carbungle: hobbitholmes @ dw (230)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-03-23 07:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Maybe it was the wrong thing to ask, based on her reaction, but... she answered, anyway. That must count for something.

Tentatively, he lifts his hands to curl them softly around her wrists, a clumsy return of her embrace. It isn't much, but it's what he can offer from his position.]


It felt that way, [he murmurs. He hopes it's comforting.] It didn't feel like them. It wasn't using my body, or taking control, or putting on a show. It made me stronger... and I was still me when it was happening.

[Not a tool, not a conduit, not a hapless, frightened or awestruck doll held in the fist of a god. She didn't use him to wield a new power- she gave him the strength to do more with his own. And it's not as if he resents the Astrals for their aid, of course not. They'd saved his life, in those moments, when they'd felt him at his worst - afraid, panicked, angry, running out of curatives, hanging on to life by a thread - and he'd taken the hand they offered. Whatever the cost, survival was worth it. They'd chosen him, and it's his duty to follow their will.

It's just- it's different, with her. It's why he never considered that his eyes might have glowed. Her magic is kinder, if magic could be categorized in such a way. A glass of water to quench his thirst instead of the Astral's drowning deluge, leaving him gasping for air in the aftermath.]
heron: (34)

[personal profile] heron 2020-03-23 07:52 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, quite often.

They're noisy too and have little restraint.

[ pot, kettle. ]
heron: (32)

[personal profile] heron 2020-03-23 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ hmm. ]

Doesn't that bother you?
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (207)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-03-23 07:57 am (UTC)(link)
I can't say I'm one for the study of architecture, but you more than earned the indulgence in that last fight. Explore to your heart's content, I won't ruin your fun.

[Is the Phoenix Knight into puns? Oh sir he is.]
thekingsshield: (Default)

[personal profile] thekingsshield 2020-03-23 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
[He just smiles, appreciating the gesture, useless as it is.]

Aw, I'm all right! I've been wetter than this before, like the time I was a turtle in the ocean.

[... that. might raise a question or two.]
thekingsshield: (Best Buddies Best Pals)

[personal profile] thekingsshield 2020-03-23 12:07 pm (UTC)(link)
... Tweezers?

[This is getting so off the rails, we can't find the train.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566180)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-03-23 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It does reassure her, his hands curling over her wrists, his more careful voice, and especially his words. Relief washes through her.

Giving him power would be enough during their training, but she also gives him the focus to use that power, letting him be the one to determine how to use it. She means it to be supportive, not to bury him with it. She would never showcase her power just because, she would never seek to dominate. That, or she would damn well try not to. ]


I.... confess that I want— [ A pause, as if she’s just said something she shouldn’t. But she continues: ] ...you to always feel safe when we connect.

Especially so, if that brilliant color in your eyes appears again.

[ One of her hands slide over his, tender and light at first, then tightening, finally relaxing. ]
iustaegis: (pic#13566191)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-03-23 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ —Completely made up architecture at that. There’s probably some story reason these ruins look the way they do, but that wasn’t Pyra’s job in making any backstory...

Maybe Noctis’ character knows, in addition to any puns. ]


I’m fortunate enough to have such a courageous knight by my side to explore... Would he know what ruined these ruins?
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (222)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-03-23 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
...And I want you to be safe and comfortable with it, too. So that tracks, we're after the same thing.

[He tilts his head, trying to smile at her. He's not sure he can manage it with them sitting together this way, and with her head low, but maybe she'll at least hear it.]

I meant what I said already- that you've done a lot for me. If something's wrong, you can tell me. You know that, yeah? Or just tell me no, that's okay too.

[He doesn't want to push her into something she's no longer comfortable with, because of some prior obligation or because he expects it. That wouldn't make either of them happy.]
breathoflove: (32)

[personal profile] breathoflove 2020-03-23 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, that works too! Mitsuri seems pleased as she reaches out to start running her fingers through his hair right away.]

That's perfect, thank you!

[She wastes no time in starting to braid a small section of his hair towards the right side of his head, working a couple of black pansies into the braid as she goes.]

My name is Mitsuri, by the way. It's nice to meet you~
breathoflove: (23)

[personal profile] breathoflove 2020-03-23 11:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Mitsuri very suddenly stops her attempts to dry him and stares up in a daze at Goofy.]

..a... a turtle...?

[There are so many questions written on her face, but the one that pops out is:]

W-why?!
snyaiper: (no fucking thanks)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-03-23 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[A few months ago, he probably would have just made a snippy comment and stalked off. Maybe he would have even shot the thing out of spite. It's hard to say. But when he gets the impulse to do so, to destroy and burn bridges because fuck everyone else, he's a loner and doesn't need any of them.

But he's learned things since then. He'd been given advice and encouragement. And well, that's sort of against the spirit of this place, isn't it? That said, he's not very used with trying to solve problems with words. It takes him a moment to come up with what he's supposed to do here. Something he's not used to doing.]


... I'm sorry. Like I said, I misjudged the situation.
[A little edge to his voice, despite his attempts. He clears his throat.]

But I wouldn't have shot something that wasn't posing a threat. Whether you believe it or not.