♥ 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

[carbungle]

[That makes him pause, and he tilts his head back to look at her, his eyes wide.]

Wait, they did that? For real?

[Here? He didn't see that coming.]

[iustaegis]

[ She had just been about to pick up the comb at this point, too. Instead with her hands on either side of his head, she’s looking into his aforementioned eyes as he looks back at her.

She blinks, then smiles. ] They were breathtaking.

[ It had taken her a long while to figure out just what had been so enchanting about that color: he had called his gods astrals, otherworldly and mighty, and their power reminded her of the stars. However the fuscia of his eyes had not reminded her of the stars, but of something older than them-- of stellar nurseries and nebulae, a brightness that matches only the vibrancy of hydrogen itself before creating said stars, from which all other elements would be born. Hence, while the signature blue of the crystal carries his divine power, the change his eyes in that moment had seemed to channel the universe.

Thus she had assumed at the time the change meant something of channeling more energy, but from his reaction it seems that it’s a very rare event. ]

Were they... not supposed change color?

[carbungle]

I don't... actually know.

[His brows furrow, not distressed, but definitely confused.]

They never used to do that, not until I started forming covenants... I didn't even know it happened until Prompto showed me photos. I just figured it was the power of the Astrals, but maybe it's something else.

[What the hell is his power? Is this a Chosen thing? Or just because his magic is busted in general? Mysteries on top of mysteries.]

[iustaegis]

[ She says quite simply, if poetically: ] The universe, for a sliver of time, was yours.

[ She's still not quite sure what it is, exactly, besides being divine, as it's not of her own world. How curious to be on this side of unknown; not knowing what a divine power is like must be the same of how many regard herself.

Channeling the Astrals and having that that color change would have made sense in that moment when they first trained together-- after all, she had been lending her power to him. But she does wonder if it can happen without a deity.

It's probably would be better to ask Noctis himself of what he feels. ]

[carbungle]

Huh. Can't argue, it does look pretty wild even on camera.

[He focuses forward again, his tone thoughtful. Something new to consider, maybe, and to keep an eye out for. ...Or at least to ask other people, since he can't tell, apparently.]

If you notice it happening again, can you let me know? Might've just been a fluke.

[He has doubts - very few things happen with his power accidentally - but this is also new territory for him in general, so who knows. Maybe just his body adapting to unknown magic?]

[iustaegis]

Of course.

[ When he looks back forward, she picks up with his hair where she had left off. ]

Ah... May I ask, does it feel any different to you? [ Clearly, he doesn't notice that his eyes physically change color, but she wonders if there is something else he might be experiencing in those moments. ] Or does it only feel as if you are tapping into more power? A connection greater than usual, maybe.

[carbungle]

I'd say the latter. Any time it happened before, there was so much else going on that there's no way I could've noticed something as small as my eye colour changing. I was feeling the Astrals- either forming the covenant or channelling their power. Both were so overwhelming I barely noticed anything else around me, and afterwards I was completely tapped. Calling on that kind of power doesn't exactly make room for much else.

[He considers himself fortunate he could even stay on his feet at times. Though it does leave some interesting implications, if Pyra's power did that to him, too. For now he'll just file that one away.]

[iustaegis]

[ She can see the implications as well, and is specifically hoping that if he connects them, he doesn't think about them too much...

"Both were so overwhelming I barely noticed anything else around me." Yet, he's able to direct the Astrals' power. A part of her wonders if it's actually him being hyperaware instead, just that it's too much too remember after the fact.

And she bases this on what had happened before when they first connected and his eyes had changed color: he knew exactly what to do, how to warp with her. ] Yet still you're able to direct that power....

[carbungle]

That makes it sound like it's more of a decision than it actually is. A lot of it is dependant on instincts alone, knowing which weapon to call on and when, what time to dodge, where to come back when warping- it's all in a split second, so there's no time to think about it. It just happens.

[He glances down at his hands, scratching idly at the leather of the brace that hides his covenant marks.]

The power of the Astrals is like that. Remember when I said I was a conduit? I can kind of assign where it goes, but I don't have a lot of time to decide, or a way to send much of a message when they come to me. It has to be quick, like, "attack this daemon", "destroy this area", "don't hurt my friends". I don't point my finger and suddenly smite a monster with Ramuh's lightning, like some kind of precision missile strike.

[Though maybe Ramuh is a bad example, because that one actually does happen sometimes.]

[iustaegis]

[ Instinct, then, and a covenant. Overwhelming but workable to his needs in battle.

She pulls the comb through a lock of his hair, allowing the strands to fall back to his neck little by little as she lets out a small breath through her nose, thoughtful. ]

Do you ever feel that you are not in control, whenever you channel more power like that?

[carbungle]

With the Astrals, I think the whole point is that it's out of my control. I take the offer, they appear, and they scoop me right up off the ground, like-

[He raises one hand, fingers curled like he's holding something, and swings slowly at nothing with the other fist.]

Bam, wreck everything, and then they put me down. It's like they're playing with dolls. I can feel their power, and I can accept or refuse their help, and that's about all I contribute to the whole experience.

[iustaegis]

[ Ah. When he puts it like that, it makes her wonder why they need him to form a covenant with him at all.

It could be like her own future, of which she's glimpsed-- forming a bond with another, to get where she needs to go, for some other purpose. But perhaps that's too much projecting on her part, so she brushes that thought aside. ]

Are you ever frightened, during those moments?

[carbungle]

I... sure, a little.

[His head tilts, shoulders somewhat stiff, signs of his discomfort while his expression isn't visible; he doesn't like admitting it, but denying it would be transparently false. Who wouldn't be frightened of that?]

The first time, I didn't know what would happen- I felt the call, and suddenly this massive hand comes down from the sky and lifts me up, hundreds of feet in the air, and the lightning was blinding... when I opened my eyes, the ground looked like a bomb had gone off. Everything we were fighting was suddenly just... not there anymore. It was a lot to take in.

[iustaegis]

[ 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.

[carbungle]

[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.]

[iustaegis]

[ 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]

[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.]

[iustaegis]

[ 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. ]

[carbungle]

...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.]

[iustaegis]

[ Noct knows not only how to make friends but to also be a good friend to others, even when they do not give back in return.  He’s patient, understanding. She hears his smile before she sees it, only needing to lift her head from his shoulder and tilt her face towards his.  Her smile is bittersweet, but her eyes are bright. They’re close, but she is comfortable. It seems that she’s become reassured. ]

The same to you. Always. [ She replies softly. Not only has he already allowed her to help him, but he has done a lot for her as well, albeit in ways that not readily apparent.

But on that note— and her smile falters here, just by a few degrees— she wonders if it's appropriate to ask him how he is fairing. It’s been a few weeks since Luna had left, and his father has returned. She believes it would be good to check on how he is fairing. He may be smiling now, but she knows he has much on his mind. ] It is a... privilege to listen to your heart.

[carbungle]

[Someday maybe she'll learn that the real truth is he's nicer to girls.

He makes a quiet noise at that, acknowledging, not exactly agreeing. A privilege, to... what, listen to his problems? She likely is being honest, but he can't imagine, even so. He has so many, it must be exhausting. Even listening to himself talk about it at times is absurd. His life must be so difficult, being a prince and having magic powers and the blessing of the gods. How has no one laughed at him yet?

He shifts a little, unsure how to respond with sincerity, and ultimately quips,]

My heart's not back there, you know.

[iustaegis]

[ Her arms, which had been draped over his shoulders, shift. One wrist moves gently out of his grasp, lowering to place her palm over his chest from behind, right where his heart beats quietly underneath.

It's there. She knows, it's there. She also knows he was just joking. So she will answer in kind, playfully playing ignorant. ]

Oh, I think I found it... here.

"Lub-dub," it beats.

[carbungle]

[A pause, and then he huffs a breath, almost a laugh.]

Is that all? It should come up with something more interesting to say, if it's gonna have people listening in.

[iustaegis]

[ Chuckling softly, her hands slide back to his shoulders to loosen the wrap of her arms around him. Pyra brushes another long strand of dark hair to the side. ] I believe ... it has a right to speak and to be heard, for when it feels safe to do so.

[ But respectful of his lighter tone, she answers to it as well: ] Mm, perhaps it's saying to eat more vegetables?

[carbungle]

[Cute a vaguely disgusted noise, poorly disguised as a scoff.]

I can guarantee that's the one thing my heart would never say.

[Vegetables are gross! His own body would never betray him like that.]