♥ 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]

I'm not saying I'm looking to pick a fight. I never start it with the gods.

[HE JUST FINISHES IT.]

I just won't bow down and do whatever they want forever. I'm fine with playing along while it's harmless, but if they're ever in front of me, they better be ready to listen the same way we've listened to them.

[iustaegis]

[ Well, she seems relieved that he won't start a fight with them!

Still. ]

Do you think they will answer you?

[carbungle]

Based on my experience so far, probably not.

[Which... is unfortunate, and means he's likely to want to yell at someone involved.]

[iustaegis]

[ If asked, she would rather have him yell into the void than potentially pissing off deities.

In their messages, they sounded gentle. Apologetic. Another sounded parental. ] I can understand how it may be frustrating, but please... if you happen to speak with them, will you not take into consideration that they brought us here to save their world?

[carbungle]

Who said I wouldn't?

[This isn't his first rodeo. The whole point of the trials is to gain power so he can save his world. Didn't stop him from giving those gods a piece of his mind.]

I get their motivation, but they still forced us here against our will when all of us have our own homes to worry about. I don't see anything wrong about asking them to fully answer for what they've done. Not even in the, "I'll get you for this!" way, just. Literally answers.

[iustaegis]

[ It sounds like an act of desperation to save their world, not malevolence... but it's her own personal choice to give them the benefit of the doubt, not others. And to also keep her opinions hushed, too. Yet it doesn't matter if her own assumption is correct or not, Noctis-- and others-- are certainly entitled to their frustration, their feelings regardless.

Who likes to be treated as a tool, anyway? Certainly not humanity. ]

Mm. I hope you are able to ask them any and all questions... and that they answer.

[carbungle]

...Yeah, me too.

[And that turned really awkwardly intense for something he'd intended to be whimsical, so after a moment of uncomfortable silence as he weighs his options...]

What about you? If you could pick one thing.

[iustaegis]

[ What a question. She lifts her head, and then she brings her free hand to her chest, smiling. ]

Mm.... It's a secret.

[carbungle]

[He wants to sigh at that; very nearly does. Of course it is...]

And if you could make a list without limits?

[iustaegis]

[ She appears as if about to speak-- perhaps another denial, a cheeky that's a secret, too, or even a generic, encompassing that this world be restored-- only then to press her lips together.

When she begins again, her tone is far quieter. ]

The stars. The real ones.

[ It's a safe wish. Revealing the stars may mean that the atmosphere beyond the barrier has cleared up some to see them, not just whatever is displayed upon the dome. She's looking at their living room, but she tilts her chin upward as if she could see beyond the structure of the house and the barrier above.

She wonders how long it would take to see them again. As for herself, she hasn't seen them in five hundred years. ]

[carbungle]

[The noise he makes in response is agreeable, smiling softly, his expression shifting to one of nostalgia.]

Stars... yeah, that sounds pretty good. I miss those, too.

[It's been a long time since he really bothered with stargazing. There hadn't seemed like much point, with a fake dome above them, and his usual partner for it - the one who always made it interesting to begin with - couldn't benefit from it anymore.]

[iustaegis]

[ At that, she turns her head to look at him. Someone else here, who would enjoy stargazing? Granted, it's not an uncommmon hobby many might prefer, but among the couple she has asked to join her before, she's gotten various results. If he has an actual interest in the stars to begin with, that changes things.

The stars are something she sorely misses from her world, and with the power to create them taken from her, seeing them again seems like a wish that's even further out of her reach. The atmosphere outside would be the last thing she'd think they'd be able to restore. ] There are so many stars.

Different kinds. The barrier's nightsky... I do not think does them justice.

[carbungle]

From what I've seen of it, it really doesn't. Stars are, like... alive. Back home they were always changing, by nature or the clouds or even just location- every sky, every night, looked a little different. Something about this place just feels wrong, like you can tell it's fake.

[Or maybe it's just the lack of change that has him bitter- not since leaving Insomnia has he been stuck in the same place for so long. Besides the pros and cons they'd already discussed, his newfound wanderlust doesn't always mesh well with being trapped in a walled city with a magical barrier again. It was for his protection then as much as it is now, but that offers little comfort.]

[iustaegis]

[ It's poetic to call them alive, and she agrees. Furnaces of matter, reactors of light, they burn, they give and give and give, until their inevitable deaths that provide more life for the rest of the universe. If they could be ascribed a purpose beyond merely existing, it would be to provide in both life and death, and their ancient existences are not tragic but magnificent.

As for the barrier, she's sure whoever designed it did their best-- there's obviously a lot of detail in it-- and for that they must be applauded. Still, it does not replace the real nightsky.

Thinking of stars always makes her thoughtful, and her expression turns to something mirroring incredible fondness, almost motherly, laced with bittersweet nostalgia. ] Mm, they change. [ She remarks softly. She knows he means artistically, but the same can be said of them literally. ] They're always changing, every second.

[ Radiation, emission, and so on. A pause, and then: ]

They're out there, still, even if we cannot see them. [ She says this as if it might be reassuring; clearly, she thinks it is, because her hand squeezes his, and she elaborates, ] Two months ago, we built a cloud chamber; the particles within them could only have been ejected from stars. [ Dying stars, but who needs that right now. ] If not from whatever galaxy we are in, then from another.

So, they're there. For certain. We just have to help this world more, to one day be able to see them.

[carbungle]

I... have no idea what that is, so I'll take your word for it.

[That sounds like something a little more advanced than high school science class, which is the last time anything even remotely resembling that mattered to his education. Kings don't need science degrees, they have experts they can hire for that sort of thing.]

Back home we call Eos a star, too, not a planet. I always liked that. It made me think that every light in the night sky was another world, where people could be looking up and mapping us, same as we were. That felt kind of cool.

[It didn't matter, in the grand scheme of things. They had no way to reach the other planets that may or may not exist, either physically or by contact. But it sure let one's imagination run wild.]

[iustaegis]

[ ...Less science, then, more imagination. This is just how their talks went with making King's Knight. She adapts to him, the soft fondness that that been in her eyes now dimming. Instead, her tone carries a more playful cadence to it. ]

In return, they probably saw your star and thought it was the brightest, because you were there.

[carbungle]

[He pauses then, glancing sidelong at her with a touch of uncertainty in his gaze. Did... he say something wrong? He's not sure what, and it was subtle, but he caught a shift there, and not a good one. She's still smiling, but still- it throws him off guard for a moment.]

Uh... no, false. They can't see me in Lucian blacks.

[Because... ha! ha! dark aesthetic. Look at that mood, so light.

Give him a second, he's fumbling.]

Have you charted the stars here? Even the fake ones.

[iustaegis]

[ Lucian blacks-- oh. Oh, it's an actual family thing?

She notices his fumbling. ]

The library has textbooks of the current night sky.... I've read a few. [ The one displayed, at least, do not need to be charted because someone already did it all and wrote it down. Obviously, all the constellations are alien. She's learned other interesting things, too, about the stars that lie beyond. What elements they're made of, both familiar to her and her world, yet some entirely not. She keeps this to herself, however. Too technical. ]

They don't refer to their world as a "star", though, if you are wondering.

[carbungle]

No, that's probably not that common. It could just be a translation thing- the language of the Astrals doesn't always reference well with human words. Or maybe when you're that big, stars and planets don't seem so different.

[Just guesses, admittedly. He's only ever exchanged actual conversation with one Astral, and they likely wouldn't have been interested in talking astronomy at the time. Even if he'd tried, the answer would likely be too taxing to understand anyway.

Anyway, that's mostly irrelevant right now.]

Might be neat to learn the constellations here. That way once the real sky comes back, we'd know what to look for.

[iustaegis]

[ And she does so hope the sky will be restored... For all they know, they could even be on a larger planet's moon. Wouldn't that be something, when caustic atmosphere disperses and barrier dismantles at last, unveiling a view like that. Of course, she would be just as content seeing a streak of the arm of whatever galaxy they're in splashing across the sky with all of its colors.

While her expression doesn't completely change, her eyes are slightly brighter at his suggestion. ]

Constellations are a good way to immerse oneself into the sky, aren't they?

And the myths behind them, too, [ She smiles. ] as if the people below didn't have paper, so they drew upon a canvas of stars.

[carbungle]

Well, stories usually find a way of getting themselves told. Nice thing about the stars is that they're there so much longer than people- they can wait until the medium to record them exists, even if the same people who found them and made up those stories aren't around anymore.

[Now it's his turn to sound fond. He loves daylight, the sunrise- that's a given, anyone on Eos would. But it's fitting that the night calls to him as well, as it's part of who he is. Maybe it's the privilege that comes from growing up behind the safety of Insomnia's barrier, away from the daemons and danger that haunts those who live outside the walls. He'd grown up with the luxury of loving night. Knowing that doesn't stop him, though.]

[iustaegis]

[ Hearing the fondness in his tone, she turns her head to look at him. Just what part of what he's saying elicits that tone, she wonders. The stars themselves, the stories they tell, the people of the past who may have written them? Perhaps his father read him tales of the constellations in his own world when he was younger? A little bit of all of the above?

Whatever it is, she respects his tone, and he does have a point about the stars' stories outlasting the people themselves. Learning them might give them a clue about this world's past. Practicality of learning history aside, however, she likes how he appears to like the stars' tales. He's thought about the stars often. Her hand in his shifts. ]

You've looked upon the stars for hours before, haven't you.

[carbungle]

...Yeah.

[He leans back in his seat, looking up. There's no open sky above them, just the plain old ceiling of the fancier townhouse, but he can imagine it well enough.]

The Citadel was the tallest building in Insomnia; it had to be, to maintain the Crystal and the Wall. When I couldn't sleep I used to go up to one of the towers and lay down on the roof, trying to find new patterns, or just counting them until I dozed off.

[They never looked right, with the Wall in between, but it was relaxing every time, and those twinkling lights chased the dark of his dreams away far better than the empty canopy of his bed ever could. He hums, amused and somewhat pleased with himself.]

Used to drive everyone crazy when they'd check my room and didn't know where I was.

[iustaegis]

[ She does not know what the Citadel or Insomnia even looks like, but she can picture a sky above and a sleepy Noctis lying somewhere beneath a lowering building of steel and glass. She murmurs, ] Stars make for both the best lullabies and blankets.

[ Even more intriguing is that he didn't follow any constellations as he looked up at the sky, but made patterns of his own. But then... ]

You... I wouldn't have guessed, that you had trouble sleeping. Not when I first met you sleeping outside on a bench.

[carbungle]

[He opens his mouth - shuts it - and is quiet for a moment, looking as if he'd perhaps said too much.]

The city's called Insomnia for a reason- it never actually sleeps. Sometimes the lights and the traffic kept me up.

[Not a lie, exactly. There were times when that was the reason for it.]