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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.
snyaiper: ([iasip theme plays in the distance])

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-03-18 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Ogata looks irritated at the hostile attitude, but for whatever it's worth, he does return his rifle to where it was slung over his shoulder. He smoothes a hand over his hair, and fights the urge to bit back with some acerbic comment, settling for a sharp, indignant exhale.]

I point it at things that might pose a threat. Where I'm from, there aren't domestic animals that large. Consider it an overabundance of caution.
[It's hard to remain on the defensive when the creature seems to have no intention to attack. Or when he saw another holding a kitchen pot like a person.... These clearly aren't normal animals. For that matter;]

I can't say I've ever seen any bug that large, for that matter. It is a bug, isn't it.?
[At this point, he seems more curious than anything else. Not disgusted. He's always held a certain interest in insects himself.]
yallstupid: (wut'chu say to me??)

[personal profile] yallstupid 2020-03-19 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Guzma lifts his chin up, eyebrow raising up to where his rain-slicked white hair sticks to his forehead. So this guy just...just walks up, points his gun at his partner - who, may he remind y'all, wasn’t doing anything but keeping a little sapling from drowning in the pouring rain - and has the audacity to get irritated when he’s called out on it? Yeah, you’re a real hero there, homeboy.]

A threat huh? Tell me, man, what was he doing that was so threatening? Cuz from my perspective, it looks like he was just sitting there, meditating. Minding his own dang business, maybe keeping a tiny li’l tree from getting waterlogged too much in the rain. You’re the one who assumed, because he’s different, that he deserves a bullet between the eyes. Tell me, man, would you have shot ‘im dead if I didn’t come out? Asked questions later? Who’s the one what poses the real threat here, hm?

I don't think it's my bugs, pal.

[HE’S STILL WAITING FOR AN APOLOGY.]
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.
yallstupid: (STEP OFF HOMIE)

[personal profile] yallstupid 2020-03-28 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, you sure did.

[Guzma sneers, opening his mouth to say something, before Golisopod stands up with a rumbling noise and glows a white-blue light before he shoots back into the ball that Guzma keeps inside his hoodie. He jerks a little bit, because the suddenness of the insect's departure shocked him - did...did he just use his Emergency Exit ability? Or force himself back into his ball?]

Yo--what? Golisopod, man, you didn't have to... No one's making you leave, bro! Y'all got every right to come out and stay out! Screw this hater!

[He shuffles through his pockets, produces the ball, and tries to recall his Pokemon, but the moment the ball clicks open, the energy inside escapes only for a moment before it's sucked up all over again. Seems the insect has taken the situation in his own hands, and removed himself from it...seeing as how he was the cause of this kerfuffle to begin with.]
snyaiper: (go away I'm introverting)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-04-01 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
[Ogata just stands there for a moment because he even more doesn't understand what this "Golisopod" is now that he's seen it do??? Whatever that was??? He's half a mind to ask what the heck all that is, if that ball is magic or the creature is... but it seems like not the right time.

Really, he should just leave. He's used to people hating him, what's one more. But he'd made a promise to someone to try. So even as his face scrunches minutely and the difficult situation, he stays put.]


I'm not- I don't dislike bugs at all. I just hadn't encountered one like this before. [Like, nothing even comes close to this.... huge sentient magic... whatever this is. Maybe it's not a bug actually, but some sort of crustacean? Unclear.]

... Though, I suppose I can't say I don't understand his decision.
yallstupid: (Alola oe (farewell to thee))

[personal profile] yallstupid 2020-04-04 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[A little from column a, a little from column b...though not so much "magic" as it is science versus innate abilities given by nature and biology. Pokemon are just...born with whatever powers and abilities they have. That's how it's always been and no one really questions it, because there's no reason to. Studies are done for it, sure, but again...science.

Guzma sighs, shaking out his hair as the rain continues to fall, and putting his Pokeball back into his pocket. Golisopod wasn't coming out, and perhaps it's better that way...no need to escalate things further - he always was the more calm and rational of the two. Of the entire team, actually. Honestly, Guzma doesn't know how he'd have gotten as far as he has without his partner. They're certainly folds for each other, and it shows. He takes a deep, steadying breath, and closes his eyes, letting it out through his nose.

The rain helps. It's...relaxing. Centering. Something he can focus on.]


That was a Pokemon...a tamable creature from my world. There are over a thousand species, and maybe eighteen different types. Mine are all bugs. The larger ones usually are fully grown. Most'a them start smaller, and less...intimidating, I guess. [Thought Scyther, before it evolves into Scizor, is...large and intimidating, but you know what? Not gonna mention it.]
snyaiper: (I had an emotion once. It was terrible.)

[personal profile] snyaiper 2020-04-17 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
[Hm. Alright. So they're animals? Just... really bizarre animals. From the sound of it. He can adjust to that, he thinks. Hopefully they don't breathe fire or something wild like that! Anyway.]

It's far more... spectacular than what I'm used to. The bugs in my world don't grow bigger than a few inches and they certainly aren't intelligent enough to be tamed.

[A pause, before he adds;]

I always thought they were interesting, bugs. They're animals that are the furthest away from human. There's a certain dignity to that.
[Surely everyone is shocked to hear the crazy gunman say something this deeply troubling.]