♥ 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...

---

❥ 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.

---

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

[carbungle]

We shall, O... shit, you need a title, too.

[They're already here, though, so he heads in, allowing the game to transport them to the first level. When they reappear in place, he's clearly still thinking about it.]

Need something fittingly dramatic...

[iustaegis]

[ Even when they appear in the next section-- which seems to be auto-generated to an ancient, seaside ruin-- she's still waiting for whatever title he gives. In the meantime, she curls a finger around one of her longer strands of pink hair, letting it fall over her shoulder. It feels soft in this virtual reality, and that's something for which she cannot take credit. The coding and toolkits the locals have developed are phenomenal. ]

Having trouble?

[ She's definitely not going to suggest anything, rather interested in what he has to come up for her, himself. ]

[carbungle]

No, just... is something red too on the nose? I guess mine's all about the aesthetics, too.

[He's better at recognizing something is cool than actually naming it. Too bad Ignis isn't here for this.]

How about... the Gallant Griffon.

[iustaegis]

--Oh... Oh, I look like a griffon?

[ She smiles, enthusiastic and seemingly flattered by the comparison, even if she... does seem a little puzzled. How does she remind him of a griffon, she wonders. ]

[carbungle]

No, just... the colours, I guess, and your hair kind of looks like wings, spread out like that...

[He shuffles from one foot to the other. Maybe she can come up with something better.]

Got any ideas?

[iustaegis]

[ BEHOLD! Her wondrous naming skills, which she boasts oh so proudly into the dungeon hallway: ]

Mk. XI Alcor...!

[ It’s like she named herself off of a fighter jet. Or maybe a giant robot.

Anyway, she’s looking at him enthusiastically, as if that name is something she believes to be as inspiring as the nobility and courage of a griffon. ]

[carbungle]

[..........uh.]

Is that a name, or a magitek designation?

[Not sure he likes that. She does look awfully proud of herself though, so he can try rolling with it.]

Alcor sounds pretty good. Does the whole title mean anything?

[iustaegis]

[ She hesitates before she answers. Yes, it means something. No, she's not going to explain it. ]

It's, ah, a... designation. Yes. But Alcor is the name of a star, in my world.

[carbungle]

Doesn't a designation make it sound more like you're a machine than a person?

[He's not really a fan of that part, if that's the case.]

[iustaegis]

Is a Griffon a person, too?

[carbungle]

[....Oh. Right.]

Fair point. I concede. I was thinking more "living versus non-living", but that's not the same thing as "person".

[iustaegis]

Mk. XI Alcor can be a person and living! [ It's all pretend! They can make up any fantasy rules, including that she is, in fact, a person and alive. ]

Right-hand-partner to the glorious Phoenix Knight!

[carbungle]

[He's not gonna question it, at least.]

Right, then, we've got a nickname. Let's go, partner!

[Hefting his shield in place, he draws his blade and charges into the heart of the first level dungeon, drawing the attention of the first enemies as they materialize into view- a group of lizard-like beastmen, lightly armored, little more than training fodder.]

[iustaegis]

[ As he takes the vanguard, Pyra-- Mk. XI Alcor remains behind, equipping her bow...

The lizardmen hiss as they are programmed to do, engaging Noctis in combat with their identical cleavers. This being a hallway through seaside ruins, though, Pyra doesn't have much room to get a clear shot.

So what does she do but wait for a good opportunity to dash and leap up to the wall, springing from it as she lets her arrow fly loose. It whizzes past his shoulder while he's engaged with Lizardman A, lodging into the Lizardman B's sternum. Pyra rolls into the fall over mossy, worn tiles, drawing her second arrow.

She looks pleased with herself. ]

[carbungle]

[He can hear the arrow fly and he grins, taking advantage of the lizard's distraction to bash his shield in the beast's face, taking it down thanks to the combined damage. Its form fizzles into scattered pixels as it "dies", and Noctis raises his shield in salute before moving to the next target, his sword clashing against the beast's.]

Response time's pretty good! Feels almost 1:1.

[iustaegis]

[ It's an excellent combo they just accomplished, with him finishing off the lizardman. ]

This world's VR is so sophisticated-- [ Pyra spins the arrow between two fingers, mounting it onto the bow. ] I'm tempted to say that it's good exercise!

[ She lets another arrow fly, straight into the next lizard's thigh. Screeching, it hobbles towards Noctis. ]

[carbungle]

No kidding. Though I can live without the muscle strain!

[Honestly it's kind of nice to be able to fight and not have to worry about all his physical problems getting in the way of things. It almost makes the lack of magic worth the trade.

Were this real life, he'd do his usual trick of phasing around the approaching lizardman to catch it in a blindside attack... alas, VR isn't that advanced yet. Instead he ducks under its clumsy swing and slashes at its back, sending it tumbling forward, struggling to its feet as a very easy target for Pyra to attack again.]

All yours!

[iustaegis]

[ It takes another moment for her to prepare the third arrow of this fight, but she manages just in time to send it flying. While she does not land a critical hit, it does strikes true as the final blow, earning her a bonus EXP. The fanfare of victory plays at the end of the battle, and the lizardmen's virtual bodies fade from the hall.

(It's very strange to be using a bow.)

At the end of this, she holds out her fist to knock against Noct's for a bump, smiling delightfully. ] Not bad for a first battle, mm?

[carbungle]

Not bad at all. [Bump!] Not much for treasure, though... it's only the first level. Now, noble hero Alcor, on to level 2! ...Er, to the fiend's next challenge, I should say.

[It's been a while since he did a proper cosplay/roleplay, gotta get back into the groove of things.]

[iustaegis]

[ Oh. Oh, they're doing this.

She restraps her bow to her back, stepping forth. Clearing her throat to give a better voice: ] Yes, Phoenix Knight! [ Shoot, does he have an actual name and not a title-- ] We must save the prince!

[ There's a little bit of an awkward pause as she struggles to come up with what to say next as they proceed, also attempting to adopt her character. ] How frightened he must be, all alone, a prisoner of the evil Wyrm Queen!

[carbungle]

[Bless her for the very solid effort, and also for her indulgence.]

Oh, absolutely. I hear he can't even nap without a good cuddle of his chocobo plushie, and that evil kidnapper made him leave it behind. How will he get his beauty sleep?

[iustaegis]

It's awful, and we all know that princes so adore their beauty sleep.... [ What a sad, sympathetic expression she makes. She even brings a hands up to wipe away a non-existent tear as they continue on their way. ] Perhaps we might find something to gift him in lieu of his stuffed chocobo when we find him.

[ This next section of the hallway opens up to what may have been a marbled deck of the dungeon's ruins, where the western side is lined with windowless columns that allow virtual sea breeze and spray into the chamber. Crabs scuttle away from them as they walk through, snapping their claws at their presence. It's a tropical heat, but not unpleasant. If this were her own world, that sea would not be in water, but covered in clouds. ]

[carbungle]

[Oh gods, keep it together, don't break character now. He covers his mouth to hide a snicker and continues forward with her.

The new area is familiar, but they've done so much designing and there have been some changes since they handed the concept over to the cafe, he's not certain what to expect. The crabs should have given it away, though, because they're not too far into the level when a group of giant crab monster with razor-snippers come crawling out of the water, rumbling in their direction and spitting water. He draws his sword immediately.]

How about a stuffed crab? The prince loves seafood.

[iustaegis]

[ Likewise she readies her bow, taking a few steps back for him to be in front. ] I still hope to find him a gift, but... [ Just on schedule, five giant crab monsters begin to claw their way up into the room, bringing in the smell of seaweed. Their pincers look like another set of jaws, larger than her own height and covered completely in armor. They might have to use specialty moves for these ones! ]

I don't think he'd mind if we served these with a side of rich, herby butter and a rice pilaf, mm? [ She quips this just their enemies engage in battle.

ROUND TWO, BEGIN. ]

[carbungle]

[The crabs last a little longer due to their hard shell armor soaking up a lot of the damage, so it takes them a bit to figure out how to effectively fight them; finally they take them down with Noctis standing at her side with his hand on her shoulder and shield in front of her to block the hits. Thanks to the game's programming, that contact gives her arrows a magical damage bonus that tears through the shell and slays the beasts with ease.

Once the room is cleared, he steps back and holds his hand up for a high-five.]

That was top-notch! Excellent shooting, as always.

[The archer class seems to play really well, which is somewhat of a bittersweet realization, but he's happy nonetheless. Better it not be wasted, they worked so hard.]