♥ 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

Mitsuri Kanroji | Kimetsu no Yaiba | Ainea | OTA!

[breathoflove]

one. In The Rain

[Mitsuri has gotten her hands on a very pink, very cute umbrella to keep herself from getting drenched in the sudden downpour. When she has to go out, she can be seen very easily, due to the bright color of her umbrella. And also due to the fact that she keeps splashing in puddles like a child. Which means that the umbrella is pretty pointless, but come on! Playing in puddles is just too tempting sometimes!]

two. After The Rain

[Anyone helping with the relocating of the plants will see Mitsuri pretty regularly, happily seeing plants to their new homes.

The odd thing about it is that any time she is escorting plants, she essentially has a pallet loaded up with dozens of plants, which she carries one-handed with ease, smiling like it's not even an effort. And she's stopping to pick up more any time she sees someone struggling too.]

three. Flower Power!

[Seeing the robot people handing woven flower gifts around has touched Mitsuri's heart so much that she has woven about a dozen flower crowns with... no one to really give them to.

Determined to give them out, she has set herself up just outside of the communal housing with all her flower crowns and tons more flowers nearby.]

I have lots of flowers~ I'll be happy to braid them into you hair. Like this, see?

[She'll be showcasing her own hair, which she has braided a bunch of pastel pink, green, and blue flowers into. Because why not! She will braid hair for anyone, and will even do different styles of braids if wanted~]

four. Wildcard

[Want to do something else? Want to alter a prompt above to suit your needs better? Perfect! Go for it! Hit me up at freakanature06 if you want to discuss anything.]

After The Rain

[fantasykiller]

[Touma eyes the young woman with concern as he walks by with his own pallet filled with plants. Unlike hers, his has noticeably less plants and he was carrying it with both hands.]

Should you really be holding that one-handed? What if you accidentally slipped and lost your balance? You'll end up dropping the whole thing and possibly hurting yourself.

[breathoflove]

[Mitsuri blinks, looking over at him curiously.]

Huh...? Oh! But if I hold it like this...

[She holds it with two hands in front of her, and ... yeah, her head doesn't come above the plants entirely.]

...I can't see!

[She switches to one hand again and smiles.]

This is much easier!

[fantasykiller]

Oh, I see.

[Touma gently sets his pallet on the ground.]

Lets switch. You shouldn't have any problems seeing if you carry mine instead.

[breathoflove]

[That catches her a little off guard. She looks between him and his pallet, then to her own pallet.]

Um... Thank you!

[She gives him a bright smile as she gently sets the pallet of plants down.]

...are you going to be okay to see though?

[She looks gently worried.]

three

[snyaiper]

[Ogata's instinct is to just completely ignore her. But against his better judgment, or perhaps with the judgment of a few teen girls he bet before, he stops and gives her a skeptical look.]

... Even with this strange rain, I don't really think that would suit me, don't you?
[The rain having strangely lengthened just the top of Ogata's hair, which he's roughly tied back into a ponytail. Still it's not that long He also has the general energy of a man who would sooner eat a flower than put it on his purpose. But he DID stop to talk to Mitsuru so??? Who knows.]

[breathoflove]

[Ooooh~~ Someone she hasn't met before! She grabs a handful of darker colored flowers and bounces towards him with a delighted smile.]

Nonsense! See? You don't have to wear something bright~ I think these would look really lovely woven into your hair!

[There are some black and dark blue flowers of different kinds. She holds one up next to his face and looks pleased.]

Yep! It looks nice on you~

[snyaiper]

[Well, if nothing else, she threw him off his rhythm. Rather than smugly aloof, he now looks disoriented at the sudden positive attention, smoothing his hair back as he always does when under stress.]

That's not- The color isn't the problem.
[Those are definitely the sort of colors he would most prefer... but he's not going to admit that.]

[breathoflove]

[The color isn't the problem??

Mitsuri gives him a curious look.]

Then what's the problem if it's not the colors...?

[As if she thinks there's not possibly anything else that would make a person not want to put flowers in their hair.]

[snyaiper]

[Ogata adjusts his rifle where it hangs on his shoulder, almost subconsciously. He feels like it underlines his point, and it would, if there wasn’t a dark blue ribbon tied to it. Don’t worry about that part.]

... Some people are meant to be adorned like that. Some aren’t. It’s that simple.
[Flowers are for young women like this girl!! Not killers like him.]

[breathoflove]

[Oh, Mitsuri is definitely taking notice of the weapon, but she is also willing to put flowers on it if it comes down to it!

She tilts her head to one side, frowning.]

...oh no, do you think you don't deserve flowers??

[Ah, those are definitely tears welling up in her eyes.]

But you do! Everyone does, I promise...!

[snyaiper]

[God, please put flowers on his rifle. As for Ogata, he's... well, not alarmed exactly, but he's definitely super thrown off by her emotional response.

He wants to say that's not what he meant but it doesn't feel exactly wrong, now that she brings it up!! He holds his hands up.]

Please-
[Please what??? He's not sure. So after a moment, he just sighs, running a hand over his hair.]

Fine. Do whatever it is you want to do.

[breathoflove]

[And just like that, it's like Mitsuri had never been on the verge of tears at all. She brightens up, looking delighted in an instant.]

Really?? I think you'll look soooo cool!

[She wastes absolutely no time in grabbing Ogata to sit him down in front of her (on a little stool).]

Oh, is it okay if you just set this down? I promise I won't let anyone touch it while I'm braiding~

[She gently taps the rifle. She doesn't want to just take it from him, but it will make putting flowers in his hair difficult...]

[snyaiper]

[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.]

[breathoflove]

[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~

one

[thekingsshield]

[One particularly big splash in a particularly big puddle happens to hit one particularly big guy. He blinks a bit - but, seeing as he's apparently not using an umbrella himself, doesn't seem to mind being soaked. He even laughs a bit.]

Havin' fun, huh?

[breathoflove]

[...!!! OH NOOOOO! Mitsuri is immediately waving her arms frantically.]

Goofy-san! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!!

[How do you "not see" a six-foot-tall dog person, Mitsuri?!]

Are you alright??

[She fusses over him, patting down his shoulders and arms like she's trying to get the wet off of him. While it's raining.]

[thekingsshield]

[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.]

[breathoflove]

[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?!

[thekingsshield]

Oh! Right.

See, to make a long story short... I'm kinda used to world-hoppin'. You could say it was part of my job, tryin' to keep 'em safe. But sometimes in order to fit in into certain worlds, my pal Donald used his magic to turn us into whatever the world would better accept us as.

In one world, the trouble was underwater, so I got turned into a sea turtle.

[All said as if this was perfectly normal.]

[breathoflove]

[She stares for a good few moments, absolutely baffled. Before the only very important thing hits her and she grabs for Goofy's hand.]

You... You're a protector of worlds?? That's amazing!

[Her eyes are sparkling in delight.]

[thekingsshield]

In a sense, I suppose?

[it's not his technical title, but what he wound up doing.]

See, back home in my world, I'm Captain of the Knights. I help protect everyone. When the King went missing and me and my pal Donald went to find him... we wound up protecting every world we went to.

[breathoflove]

[Gosh, if she could glow brighter with every ounce of excitement in her, she'd be shining like the sun right now!]

That's... You're a knight? CAPTAIN of knights??

[She is still holding his hand and forcing herself not to squeeze too hard because holy cow!!]

Goofy-san! You're ... you're so cool!

[thekingsshield]

Aw, shucks.

[Now that HE'S being the one praised for once, it's a little weird! Nice, but weird.]

I just do what I can, is all. My pals are way "cooler" than I am, if'fn you ask me!

[breathoflove]

[She holds onto him for just a moment longer before giggling and letting go.]

No matter how many people are cooler, that doesn't make you less cool you know.