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hugtopia_logs2020-03-13 10:34 pm
hugtopiamods) wrote in hugtopia_logs2020-03-13 10:34 pm
♥ March (Ainir) Event Log
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!
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.
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:
Available Classes:
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!
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.
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.
no subject
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.
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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...]
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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.]
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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~
no subject
He thinks it's a strange feeling, and he normally avoids being touched by other people. But at least he'd expected it here, having agreed to it. It's not exactly unpleasant, but it still strikes him as strange.]
Ogata... [He supposes the thing to say is likewise, but he's not willing to give into convention THAT easily. Instead;] You're Japanese as well, then? With a name like that.
[The hair and... exposed chest isn't what he's used to. But the style of her clothes otherwise, her haori and shoes. That much is familiar.]
no subject
Ah! His name means...! Yes! And he just asked what she was thinking. She leans over his shoulder and gives him a bright smile.]
I am! It's so nice to know there are other Japanese people here!
[She's not particularly ... fond? of the exposed chest herself, but she's had to get used to it (for stupid can't-say-no-to-someone reasons).
She moves back again to keep her eyes on her braiding, sounding pleased when she speaks again.]
Two of my kouhai are here too, so there's a few of us!
no subject
As Mitsuri works, Ogata seems to relax, as if he's forgetting to be all guarded and tetchy. He's sure she's just the sort to be nice and friendly to everyone, but that earnest smile is still... disorienting.]
Mm. That so? There were a few Japanese kids the place I was before, but they were all far ahead of me in the timeline... It was 1907 when I was home last.
[It's interesting, his tone has shifted to match his posture, lower, almost sleepy.]
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You... Oh. I'm sorry, I'm ahead of you too. We're in the Taisho era at home for me.
[I can't get more specific than that, AAAHHHH!
She combs her fingers through some more of his hair to add it to the first braid towards the bottom. It's so nice to just... run her fingers through his hair, very relaxing!]
Where... were you before coming here?
[Since he obviously wasn't back at home.]
no subject
Ogata sits there a moment, fighting back the urge to rudely point out that he obviously doesn’t know when Taisho falls given it’s after his time. Definitely not because he half worries if he snaps at her she’ll stop. Absolutely not the cause. He isn’t enjoying the gentle attention at all!!!]
Here I’d thought you might be closer to my time given your choice in footwear. [Jokes on him, she is close. Just still Later.
And then, after a low hum;]
I was in another world for the same reason we’re in this one. Asked by the residents to prevent the end of their world. Not given much option to say no.
no subject
Oh no! I'm... I'm pretty close. It's... um...
[Ah, Western dates can be so confusing.]
1920?
[Something like that.
She smiles to herself as she grabs a dark purple ribbon from her stash to tie off the end of the braid she is finishing off.]
It sounds like you're something of a hero then, if this isn't the first world you're helping to save.
no subject
If he were properly paying attention, Ogata would probably object to the ribbon on principle. Playing along doesn't mean he has to go all-in on this foolishness. But he isn't really paying attention!! He can always rudely yank it out later.
In any case, her logic is sound but... honestly.]
Haha. Like I said. I didn't get much say in the matter. I'm just a stray sniper.
no subject
After taking a few more moments to make sure the braid is sitting properly, she grabs up some more flowers and starts combing her fingers through Ogata's hair on the other side of his head. Time to make a matching braid~]
A sniper?? I don't know, that sounds pretty impressive to me.
[She makes a soft, thoughtful noise.]
Would you have not helped if you were given a choice...?
no subject
Hmm... Well, there the Director had ostensibly saved us from our own worlds before they were consumed... I don't like owing people favors.
[A pause, but then he figures the question would come up of what about this time, so he adds;]
And I suppose the alternative is doing nothing and I don't like being directionless.
[He's claiming he helped save the world because it was "something to do," essentially.]
no subject
Oooooh~ So you're that kind of person.
[There's no malice to her tone as she says that, just an observation.]
That makes sense. So does that mean you'll help here too? Instead of being directionless? Or do you owe the people here something too?
[She's genuinely curious which one it is.]
no subject
No. No, he's surely misremembering. It was never, ever like that.
He blinks, a moment, stirring slightly as if snapping out of a dream. Stay present. Why did he even drift that far back? Hm. This place is more dangerous than he could have ever guessed!!!]
It's... not exactly something that calls for my skillset. [Which is basically just how to kill things efficiently. Really, he figured he'd Try since he could imagine Maya and Sayori reprimanding him if he didn't. But no, it's easier to just attribute it to pure pragmatism.] But yes. There's not much else to do. So I may as well.
no subject
What is your skillset? Um, aside from sniping!
[Because that's obviously part of it, duh.]
...oh! Do you use a sword at all?? Or, um, even hand-to-hand combat??
[...now the conversation has nothing to do with what it was about, Mitsuri please. Her fingers seem to be working on the braid faster now, spurred on by her excited tone.]
no subject
I served as a sniper in the Imperial Army for the last eight years... I had training in hand-to-hand but it was never really my... preference.
[He's bad at it. He only really knows how to use gun.]
Only army officers carried sabers, really. Ah, though I was recently in the employ of an old samurai who still preferred to use his katana over his Winchester. Personally I don't see the appeal, though watching him cut men down, I can almost understand.
[This topic seems to come easy to him, and the vague sense of tension and withholding that crept in when his motives had been discussed seems to have dissapated.]
no subject
Oh...
[There is a pout in her tone even, but she can't maintain it for long. He sounds... almost happy? so she is delighted to keep that going.]
An old samurai?? That sounds really interesting! Also...
[She pokes the back of his head gently before returning to the last few centimeters of the second braid.]
There's plenty of appeal to fighting with a katana! I know a lot of people who are very talented with them.
no subject
Mm. As much as you could consider Hijikata Toshizo or anyone from the Shinsengumi one.
[They're samurai well enough, he supposes, from what he read.]
And what about you? Are you defending it because you use one yourself?
[He figures, given her tone.]
no subject
[She has officially stopped partway through tying off the second braid to swoop around him and stare!]
You know the Shinsengumi?? That's... so cool!!
[Ah, but... The question has her blushing and figeting with the sheath at her hip.]
O-oh, um, yes, kind of! My sword is a little strange, though... And I'm not as cool as the Shinsengumi!!
no subject
I only know Hijikata and Nagakura. The Shinsengumi's long gone by my time, you know. It's just these two old men too stubborn to have a quiet retirement.
[Given her star-struck response, he'll leave out the fact that Hijikata was now a convict. Surely it's not necessary. If she's not going to bring up the fact that Hijikata was supposed to have died 30 years before his time, then he won't burst her bubble.]
I could tell you some stories if you like... But only if you tell me what's strange about your sword.
[He's mostly a gun nut, but if it's a Weird weapon, he can't be disinterested.]
no subject
[She's just so delighted by this, just because hey! She learned about those guys!! How weird!
Mitsuri laughs at his ultimatum, already reaching for the hilt of her sword.]
I was going to show you anyway, silly.
[With that, she unsheathes her sword. And it takes a while to come all the way out. But she flings her arm out expertly so that the whip-like weapon unfolds away from Ogata and into empty air.]
This is my Nichirin Blade~
[The metal of the blade is partly tinted pink and the hilt and pommel sport lots of pink hearts. It's super cute.]
no subject
But then she flings it out and his eyes go wide in confusion and surprise, pupils oddly catlike. Excuse you??? He's heard of people making sword whips, but it was always a flexible whip base with discrete links of metal along it. This here is a solid piece of metal. Or, no, no it's obviously not metal.]
What is that thing made of?
no subject
Um... It's iron! But it's a special kind of iron.
[She looks like she's trying to remember very hard for a moment, but then she shakes her head with a sigh.]
I can't remember what it was called! I'm so sorry!
[Why are you sorry tho? But she does look pretty sorry.]
no subject
He should. He can't. He has to be mean. He will at least try to be less mean than he normally would be.]
... I know plenty of men who managed to survive the war without knowing how to properly maintain their guns or how they work. So I suppose I can't hold you to a higher standard.
[That's him trying to not be mean. He's a work in progress.]
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