♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

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...

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❥ PROMPT I: Let the Rain Fall Down

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

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

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.

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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.

Comments

Pyra | Xenoblade Chronicles 2

[iustaegis]

Rain Rain Go Away
[ Another month, another strange occurrence, only instead of earthquakes the city seems to erupt into green and pastels plantlife after the rain. From the early morning hours and onward, the delicate aroma of flowers fill the air; just as well, she never knew she could miss the scent of recently rained-upon grass.

Find her gathering samples of the rainwater into jars as it pours over her, oblivious to the rain that flattens her hair down, or find her carefully plucking out a flower from the soil, roots and all and placing it into a small jar for transport. ]

This rain... [ She says softly, lifting the jar up, remarking in awe at its effects upon the new plantlife. Many of these flowers are alien to her. ] It's extraordinary. [ It also contains traces of the energy found within the barrier, which makes it even more curious. ] I've never seen such... [ A pause, and her eyes narrow as if scrutinizing the contents of the jars. ] temporal effects.

[ When she holds the jar with the plant up to the rain, yes, it blooms; however,there's something else that occurs: the rain seems to cause it to wilt faster. ]

Braiding Your Hair
[ Without any sort of shyness, she'll be waving you over encouragingly, a bouquet of flowers in her arms, ready and waiting to be woven into another's hair. As for her own, it's already decorated with sylleblossoms.

Once you've agreed, she encourages you to sit in front of her upon a bench as she begins to comb her fingers through your hair, parting any tangles or curls and letting the locks fall freely. Should you have short hair, her touch is just as soft and mindful. ] Mm... first question. What is your favorite type of flower? [ She has a variety on hand, from roses to lilies to orchids and more, any of these she will use to customize your your hairstyle. ] Or, what colors do you prefer? I think-- [ Insert a nice, complementary color here! ] --would match your eyes...

King's Knight
[ Want to go exploring with a developer of this game? Look no further! She'll gladly guide you through some of the levels, posing as an Archer-class herself (ref 1, ref 2, for her avatar... sob).

It's at the end of one of these levels, when both you and her are encountering the dungeon boss, that she'll take your hand. Through the game, you'll feel a sudden spike in power-- ] Alright... Now for our final attack...!

[ --for boons are granted when one engages in contact, whether that be extra strength, extra magic power, extra accuracy, or more. The wyrm that the two of you are fighting may have a quarter of its health left, but when powered up together, this finishing move might just be able to defeat it! ] Together!

[ She's eager to defeat this boss, because goodness knows, she's seeing critique of the technical aspects of the game. While Noct handled all of the design, she coded it, wanting to make his imagination become a (virtual) reality. She's eager to know what you might think of the final product! ]

King's Knight: Secret Superboss
[ There's a extra superboss waiting just beyond a jagged summit of this virtual reality, that of the serpentine Ophion weaving in and out of the clouds at a distance. While it's not to the scale of the creature back in her world, it seem as if it could barrel through the mountain with ease that both you and her are standing upon. Fortunately it's not designed to do that in this video game, of course, and it will only be aggro'd when taking a few steps further, where a menu will pop up: Fight Ophion?
Yes
No It's at this point you may feel a cautionary hand slip upon your shoulder. ] I... do not think we're at an appropriate level to challenge it to combat just yet. [ For those who might catch it, there is a slight delay between "challenge" and "it"; she had been about to say him, and her words are softer, as if suddenly sentimental, when discussing the dragon.The Artifice belongs to her, after all-- no, it is a part of her very being, an extension of herself in her world, and connected to a greater source still. Here, it is a mere program she's designed to be defeated...

Yet if you truly wish to face this superboss as a challenge to test your current level, she won't deny you the chance. She's perfectly fine with being KO'd in a game! ]

Wildcard
[ Got a prompt in mind for Pyra? Wildcard me here, PM, or PP me at drinksteapots! ]

Rain, rain

[hedgehogsdilemma]

[The rain sure is something, isn't it? With how fast it started costing these plants from the ground, Shinji isn't all too surprised to find it being studied, but to stand outside like this with no protection from the weather to collect it seems a little... concerning.]

Aren't you cold?

[He calls out as he's passing by, arms full with pots of carefully collected plants - sprouts with earthy green and purple leaves - and an umbrella balanced by its handle over his shoulder to keep him relatively dry.]

[iustaegis]

[ She lowers the jar, tucking it into a basket as she turns to look at him, her lips curving into a pleasant smile as a greeting. ] Mm...?

Oh-- no, no. I'm plenty warm. [ Shaking her head, droplets of rain fall from her matted bangs, and she uses her free hand to part them to the side. Looking down to his own sets of plants he carries, she asks: ]

You're helping out too, mm?

[hedgehogsdilemma]

[Given how chilly it still is, he'd think standing out in the rain would make that even worse...! As such, he looks, perhaps, not entirely convinced, but she sounded confident enough that he wouldn't want to press the issue too hard right away.

He still moves in closer toward her, answering with a thoughtful and sincere,] Ah, yeah. Some plants are sprouting up in pretty inconvenient spots, I wanted to help get them to somewhere better to grow. [It may be at the robots' suggestion, but his interest in this task is a genuine one.]

Are you trying to figure out what's going on with the rain?

[iustaegis]

[ She nods to him as he approaches. ]

That's very kind of you, Shinji.

[ She's sure the locals appreciate any help they can get. It's a wonderful occurrence that they have wild, living plants in the city at all. Ensuring that they remain safe will no doubt contribute to make this city appear more... homey. Green. And less artificial. ]

...Ah, and, yes. There are... traces of energy within it. It matches that of the barrier.

[hedgehogsdilemma]

[He's not entirely sure he'd call it an act of kindness on his part, as much as he simply finds it to be the most helpful thing to be doing, but... it's not the kind of thing he's really in the mood to mince words over. It's... nice. He's honestly, really enjoying this kind of work. He lets her comment slide without argument.

What she has to say is far more interesting, either way. He lets out a soft, awed 'Oh' at the information.] Is that so...? It's probably why everything's started growing so fast, I'd imagine? [Weirder things have happened in the city for sure, but this particular phenomenon is extra fascinating.]

braids

[scourgingstars]

Where did you-...?

[Ardyn had generally stayed out of the rain, but his hair was long enough regardless; haphazardly tied back as ever. It wasn't that which concerned him, staring directly at the sylleblossoms.]

....Where did you get those flowers, Pyra?

[iustaegis]

[ Her hand lifts to one of the flowers tucked into her cropped hair, fingers delicately tracing over one of the petals, but not actually touching it the blossoms. ]

Ah... Your younger brother, actually.

[ She smiles fondly, lowering her hand as she speaks of him and the gift. Naturally, Ardyn would recognize these flowers. ] He had said their were of Eos... [ And he's also told her only one other thing about them, and that is it. She didn't inquire further than whatever Somnus was willing to tell her. That he would share this of his world is significant enough. ]

[scourgingstars]

...I had no idea he was growing them.

[Blue and white, of course. Ardyn wasn't sure if he felt bitter or wistful at that--there was something about the missing color that stung in a way he didn't like and wouldn't address.]

They suit you quite well.

[iustaegis]

[ Her reply comes soft, but she feels as if she should correct him on one point: ] He had received them from the gods here a week ago, and only then gifted them. Whites, blues, and reds... [ Pyra continues, bringing a hand to rest over her crystal. ]

I planted them in our yard. [ Somnus had been busy with designing a mews and keeping to Horus. She had worked on the garden. It's a rather quaint set up, now. Very homey, and perhaps the only place within their new residence that truly feels as if it's been touched by either of them compared to the rest of the empty house. ] You are welcome to see for yourself. When they stir in the breeze, they remind me of looking at the surface from below-water...

[scourgingstars]

[...It did make him feel just a little better that the third color still existed, at least.]

I...would like to see that sometime, I think. It's been quite long since I last saw sylleblossoms.

Braiding

[this_loser]

[He's happy to let her comb through his hair, though he's embarrassed whenever she comes across a tangle, and quickly apologizes. He just not used to it being so long!]

I don't think I have a favorite flower. Or color...

[He tips his head back, catching sight of the flowers adorning her own hair.]

Aren't those sylleblossoms?

[iustaegis]

Sylleblossoms, yes... [ She nods, her tone softly affirming. Of course he'd recognize them, being of Eos himself. She repeats what Somnus has told her of them: ] Favored by the oracles of your world, I've heard.

[ Placing her hands on either side of his head, she makes it so that he faces forward once again. ] They're one of the loveliest flowers I've ever seen...

[this_loser]

They are really pretty. They remind me of Luna.

[He lets her direct his head back to facing forward.]

So I'm fine with anything but those, I guess. Thanks for doing this, by the way.

Actually! [He starts to turn his head again, but stops maybe too late.] I owe you thanks for a lot of stuff! I got to see the game you and Noct put together!

[iustaegis]

[ She's certain that Prompto has heard of Luna vanishing by now from Noctis, and she wonders if wearing them offends Prompto in any way because of it. She considers if she should remove them herself, later...

Before she might think further on this, he moves his head again, and her hand slips down one of the blonde locks of hair, undoing the beginning of a braid. She doesn't mind, though. It gives her more time to practice with his hair. ]

Oh, you've played it already? What do you think about it?

[ She's!! Really curious of his opinion! Noctis worked hard on it, and she won't be revealing all the hours she spent learning the coding the locals used. ]

[this_loser]

[He's very aware of Luna's absence. He's not offended, more worried about that he'd inadvertently upset Noctis by bringing the flowers around.

He turns his head back, but! Very nearly whips around again at the question. He doesn't! But he does bounce a little, excited.]

Oh! Man! I love it! It is my favorite game back home! Did Noct tell you that?

hairbraid/wildcard

[carbungle]

[Approaching this one might net her a surprise, if she doesn't catch the feel of his magic or their subtle connection immediately- from behind, crouched down next to a flowerbed, Noctis doesn't look much like himself today, with long locks of silky dark hair tied into a messy ponytail trailing down his back. He turns his head at her invitation, mouth open to greet her, but stops short as his eyes drift up to the flowers in her hair.]

That's...

[iustaegis]

[ While most days the connection between them is subtle enough so as to be subconscious, she's going to have to become used to this connection of feeling that he is there before truly seeing him for herself. Her excitement for wearing these flowers diminishes well before she actually sees him, but by then it's too late. He's seen her.

Somnus had said that these were favored by the Oracles of his world. Noctis' eyes are upon them. Of course. Luna. Why did she think this would be a good idea, donning them in public? Because she was happy? In retrospect, she should have been more careful. Prompto and Ardyn both had equally muted reactions. ]

Oh. They're... sylleblossoms.

They are of your world.

[carbungle]

...Yeah, they are.

[To both comments. He can't help staring for another few seconds, his expression unreadable, before he shakes it off and manages a tiny smile. He reaches up towards them, pausing before any contact is made.]

Can I?

[iustaegis]

[ Today, she's wearing all three colors she's received of the sylleblossoms, whites, reds, and blues. ]

Yes... of course.

[ Dipping her head, a strand of her hair falls forward. She pays it no heed as she allows him access the flowers she has fashioned upon her head. ]

[carbungle]

[He's very gentle, mindful of the delicacy of the flowers- and what a rare commodity they are in this world. He technically has some in his own home now, but they were planted so recently that they're still seedlings, not yet blooming. He hasn't seen a real sylleblossom since that first visit to the Hunter's prairie outpost, when they'd been gathered for a memorial for Luna, back when the two of them were still believed to have died at the treaty signing ceremony. Those had been blue, same as the ones he saw as a child; the red and white were only rumours he'd heard of, old relics of the past mentioned by Ardyn or Aera.

Despite the newness of the other two, he still picks a blue one as he reaches up, lightly brushing fingers across the soft petals, leaning close enough to sniff. It's exactly what he'd expected, sweet and nostalgic, and for a moment he can only close his eyes and stand there, lost in that field in Tenebrae from 12 years ago, surrounded by blue. With her.

He pulls back, finally, but not before adjusting the position of one of the flowers, his voice hushed.]

You look like a queen.

[She'd looked so happy. He can smile for her; he's determined not to let his memories ruin things for everyone else.]

Rain, rain

[wakemelater]

[Nico's been here long enough to know that before now, plants outside the gardens weren't really a thing. So all this new growth is a big deal. He also avoided the gardens like a plague because, well, to plantlife, his powers kind of are a plague. One errant emotion, and everything at his feet wilts away. So he tries to avoid the plants as much as possible, which why he's sitting up on a halfwall watching and not on the ground like a normal person.]

What do you mean, temporal effects?

[iustaegis]

[ Instead of merely explaining, she lifts up the jar she has, taking out a small vial of collected rainwater. Pouring the water onto the single plant inside the jar... the flower blooms, yes, but then it begins to wilt. ]

It... somehow accelerates the cycle of plantlife. Perhaps it's more similar to a healing power, that does not stop after a certain point.

Have you ever seen something like it?

[wakemelater]

[He leans in some to get a better look, while still keeping his distance.]

Not like that, no. [He shakes his head.]

My, um. There's a goddess who can control the life cycle of plants. Some spirits as well.

[iustaegis]

[ Her head lifts and tilts as she looks over the young man.

She hasn't seen him before... Hm. ] A goddess...?