♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

March Event Log
Spring has sprung! Or at least, in theory. The month began monthly unremarkably, besides the priests of Ainea's temple prepping for the first month in their deity's season, which tends to be a little sleepy as the city traditionally shakes off those winter woes. The earthquakes still has everyone feeling a strange anticipation for change, but with how long it's gone with no noteworthy shifts yet, excitement has grown somewhat muted. All of that is about to change...

---

❥ PROMPT I: Let the Rain Fall Down

The month begins with something peculiar: a sudden rainfall occurring sporadically, not just in sections of the city the way it does when the weather system is malfunctioning, but rather consistent across the entire city. The natives in town are flummoxed; this rain is natural, passing harmlessly through the barrier, and the water that falls to the ground is clean, unpoisoned by the perpetual storm and toxic air outside. The rain comes in waves, from a light drizzle to a steady stream, and while it is not raining all day every day, it is probably best practice to travel with an umbrella on hand for a while.

Before long, the effects of this natural rainfall will become apparent: the city is undergoing an unexpected period of growth. Flowers, fauna, and all sorts of greenery are sprouting up in all areas of the city where grass or soil exists. It appears that at last your effort is paying off, and life is returning to Havenwell in a big way. The types of plants that grow will range in type, colour, and species- many of them are live versions of the extinct plants that have been on display in the museums, or whatever is already on display in the gardens. Some of the plants that grow might also be familiar to the visitors of this world- a small slice of your home, adopted by the gods that your touch have rejuvenated.

One downside is that since all these changes are happening at once, in such a short span, the botanical community is ill-equipped to make sure all of these new plants have a chance to thrive on their own. Many things that grow can be left where they stand, but the seemingly randomized placement means that certain plants aren't in a good spot. A tree sapling sprouting in the cracks of the sidewalk, or a sunflower tucked away beneath a rooftop, for example.

Thus, the community is asking for volunteers to help relocate plants to the proper areas. Most should be going to the parks, gardens, or temples, areas with clean, existent soil but with nothing yet growing there. These locations have been tested, and have been determined to be safe for planting- it seems that the rain has purified whatever sour ground that the barrier hasn't kept clean, to make way for the new plants. They can also be relocated to personal residences, for those houses that have gardens or a bit of soil if you're willing to install your own. As the rain continues to fall, plants will keep growing, so when the flora and fauna are relocated there will be more growing in its place before long. Lots of work to be done if you're to save the new life in town!

If you wish to include a specific plant from your canon: please request it in the PLANT FROM HOME APPROVAL thread on the plotting post!

Please be aware that much like the rest of the plants growing around town, those from home will begin as seeds and grow gradually over the course of the event. Keep that in mind!

❥ PROMPT II: Hold My Flower

As the days pass, and there seems to be no end to the growth in town, the natives are growing increasingly excited, and when the collection of flowers becomes such a plethora that there are too many, they explain that the timing of this is very on-point: years ago, before the world began to die, they celebrated a Festival of Flowers, to welcome the shift of winter to spring in their corner of the world. In previous years, the tradition lived on in a simpler form, with paper or synthetic flowers, but it isn't really the same without hair so interest waned.

A major part of the festival involves flower weaving, in many intricate patterns and arrangements, all of which have different meanings, like an arranged bouquet might. These flowers are sewn together into crowns, or woven directly into the recipient's hair, a delicate and rather intimate act done between friends, family, or lovers alike. Since the robots of town can't really benefit from this shared experience (of neither physical interaction or hair weaving), instead they happily pass along their knowledge of arrangements and techniques, floral symbolism. You can follow along with their directions, or just make something up/create something new, though certain unwitting combinations are bound to earn some curious (or amused) looks from the locals. For those of you who lack long hair for such acts, despair not! Crowns placed on short hair are just as socially welcome as the weavings, as you'll see from the robots wearing similar designs around town.

However, there is a chance that the rain is also causing something other than plants to grow around town… namely, exposed hair. Those who get caught in the downpour might inexplicably notice that their hair is an inch or two longer the next morning… and then longer… and longer… there is no hard or fast limit to how much it grows, and cutting it may help for a time, but it does not stem the growth either. Maybe you should just relax and enjoy it for a while.

❥ PROMPT III: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen

Developed by Noctis and Pyra, in collaboration with the VR cafes, Havenwell officially presents: King's Knight 2.0: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen, a game that will be available going forward and premieres this month.

This game is designed to be like an MMO/mobile game, except in VR- every player gets an account, and to an extent their avatars are customizable. There are a set number of levels per playthrough, you can stop and pick up any time after a level ends, and you can re-arrange your party members at the start of each play session.

You can charge through levels just smashing away at enemies, but part of the game mechanic is that physical contact between characters in-game will provide stat boosts, enhancements, occasional heals or buffs, soft revives at 0HP, etc. The effect can vary depending on the nature of contact, but is also randomized to an extent, to allow for player freedom. Let's just say that intent plays a part... so touch someone and wish with your heart, and maybe something nice will happen. Or at least something kind of cheesy. (Noctis would like to establish that he did not program in that part.)

Noteworthy features:

• The plot: The evil dragon queen Nebula has kidnapped the prince of Oriens and absconded to the realm of monsters with him for some nefarious purpose. The gods of Totally Not Aellyn bless a group of heroes with the power to travel through that realm in order to rescue the prince! ...That's it. What, do you think you're here for plot? Nah. You're here to fight monsters and collect treasure.


• A party can consist of 2-4 characters of any class arrangement, though a somewhat balanced party is encouraged to survive each level. Repeated training (or grinding) can help characters acquire better gear drops or level up if they get stuck, but there is an emphasis on teamwork to get you through it!


• "Death" in-game causes a character to become translucent and unable to interact with the game until healed or revived, or until the level ends. If all characters reach this status, they fail the level and the game is over. All characters are healed to full once a level is beaten.


• Levels are randomly generated based on a set amount of algorithms, to shake up the experience and make each game a little bit different. There is a plot as noted above, with some dialogue and programmed NPCs, but interaction with either is simple and can be ignored or skipped after the first run-through if you so choose.


• Certain accounts of people who were a part of the development (AKA those who Noctis pestered about designing things) will gain access to unique costume options upon initial log-in, like a pre-order bonus. These items are cosmetic only, but look pretty nifty.


• The difficulty setting can be adjusted according to player skill, so if anyone feels like Normal is beyond their ability, don't be ashamed to turn it down a notch! Player accessibility is more important. There are leaderboards for each difficulty, but it's mostly for bragging rights and don't earn you anything special.

Available Classes:

• Knight - a well-rounded swordsman with a shield, built tough for the front line and defense


• Thief - master of finding hidden objects, detecting traps, disarming foes, the fastest class


• Sorcerer - commanding the elements, attack from a distance and overwhelm your enemies; glass cannon


• Battle Cleric - wielder of a magic weapon that recognizes friends from foes; striking an ally will heal them without injury, striking a foe will tear them down


• Dragoon - specializes in aerial assault, heavy hits and safe retreats, can reach high areas


• Archer - speedy attacks at long distance; inexplicably great at parkour and glitching out of bounds for treasure

Enemies:

Monsters in-game vary between generic beasts of lore, parody versions of creatures found in Final Fantasy XV, and some monsters based on descriptions that Noctis or Pyra acquired from asking people. These are subject to change on request, as the game will be developing gradually to improve itself.

If you have suggestions or requests for monsters, treasures, or equipment, please submit them to the additional information page on King's Knight, where such updates will be tracked!

❥ PROMPT IVish: A Final Reminder

The soft earthquakes in effect since last month are still ongoing, however they have spread out more and are no longer occurring every day, but instead with a handful of gaps in between. As noted in the Intro Mingle log, there are new messages that characters can receive:

1) "Change is coming." this message is passive, almost like a greeting.
2) "We thank you for all you have done." this message is softer, almost apologetic.
3) "We shall do all we can to keep you safe." this message is gentle, almost parental in its affection.
4) "Share your bounty and your joy." this message is kind and encouraging, tugging you toward people you may not have met yet.
5) "Remember to keep the balance." this message is plaintive, but without urgency.
6) "Do not approach the walls." this message is LOUD, insistent, and the most frequently transmitted.
7) "Soon, change." this message is a gentle reminder.
8) "We welcome you to our home." This message is sent most frequently to newcomers.
9) "Be not afraid. You are safe." this message is polite and reassuring.
10) "Keep your footing and watch your step." this message is cautious, a firm warning.

Most of the residents have stopped linking up, since the messages are mostly on repeat, but the local temple priests still do it every time… just in case. Otherwise, it's easy enough to ignore for most people. The anticipation hasn't faded, but they're simply waiting for whatever comes next.

---

This event will run from March 13th to 29th. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the plotting post.

Comments

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva is quiet, for a moment, as Pyra's question sinks in and gives her pause to evaluate, though her stiffness does not wholly abate as she becomes more aware of it.

The truth was there had been something else weighing on her, but it was simultaneously personal and yet not; information was better shared, but there was much that had not been addressed. Especially for a venture with risks. ]

On this matter? No... our path seems set, for the time being. However, when you speak to the locals... you intend to be discreet, do you not?

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra's learned a good enough lesson before that she can ask too many questions of others. She shouldn't ask more than necessary, only after what Honerva might be comfortable with sharing.

--Discrete. Last time, the possibility of informing the locals had been brought up between them. Honerva had seemed cautious, then. Here, too, she would normally answer a question with another question, but seeing as she wishes to work more openly with Honerva, she answers directly. ]

Ah, ...no. I had intended to share the concept originally to begin with. [ So. Not discrete. ] Would you wish we do not?

[shroudedsecrets]

... It is not my wish to go against your intentions.

[ As much as she'd said before, even with her reservations; she had already offered herself to the project and there was much to learn from it. ]

And it is true that perhaps some would be willing to listen or perhaps even provide resources, if we are lucky. That, we do not know yet; but there is little we could achieve without some involvement or approval. However... I do not trust them. Not with knowing some of what they are already capable of, and what they are willing to deny us.

[iustaegis]

[ She listens carefully. Not trusting them isn't anything new, and it's reasonable not to, given all of what they are not sharing with the otherworlders. This much, Pyra can concede to. Hell, she might be completely wrong about sharing any information with them, and Honerva and others may be absolutely correct about conducting their projects entirely secretly!

But it's the other thing that Honerva says that causes her to pause. ] What they are already capable of...?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Her brows draw together, as again she pauses. She had anticipated the question, though explaining it was another matter. The memory of the unpleasantness she had encountered was still with her. ]

There are buildings with the capability to completely suppress... connections to energy and magic. To someone like you or I it would be debilitating.

[iustaegis]

[ Now-- that.

That is news, and she nearly stops the braid entirely. She's amazed that this information hadn't been shared with others sooner. Or posted upon the network-- or had it? No, no, she's certain she would have seen it. ]

I--... Something like that, that's important to know! [ Especially for those who are still sneaking around. ] Where are they? Is anyone being held in them right now?

[shroudedsecrets]

Not... currently, to my knowledge.

[ But there seemed to be little reports of such things happening with any regularity. She pauses again, that tenseness still readily present in her. ]

However, this effect has been confirmed to be in the prison. Even if you are only to visit the building for some other purpose, stepping inside of it will immediately result in that.

[iustaegis]

[ She'll hear a soft intake of air from Pyra. Troubling, and she wonders how such facilities had been made, or when they were made...

Honerva's continued tenseness doesn't go unnoticed, but Pyra believes it to be because this topic isn't pleasant. It would be troubling for anyone. ]

I wouldn't have guessed that such places existed here. I wonder... if they had built them in anticipation of our arrival. [ So. They have a means to corral them if need be. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

Many aspects of this place had seemed to be have been manufactured in anticipation for us.

[ She sometimes forgets that Pyra had not been there at the start, though she likely had been there long enough to observe such changes as well. For the gods to resort to drawing them in, doubtless the citizens had to have prepared until it was time; they know so little of the process. ]

The very way we are introduced to the city. The housing that had been prepared while many other buildings are in disrepair. Catering to us in anticipation of needs. There is always another side... that they may not have wanted us to be aware of until there was little we could do about it.

[iustaegis]

[ Bringing people in is one thing, but constructing an area that can possibly negate someone's extraordinary abilities is another thing entirely. Is it possible that they were able to first peek into another universe and observe just who they were bringing in, or at least have some sort of idea just what powers there are in the multiverse?

--The latter, she believes they could safely assume. Of course pulling people in from the multiverse would result in seeing a myriad of abilities, but she's still leaning upon the side of selection of individuals being random to some extent. Otherwise, why have a chamber in anticipation that some would need to be contained? If they had the means to efficiently select just who or what was brought in, it would be best to select those who are completely compliant.

Then again, apparently gods work in mysterious ways. Perhaps it better not to think too deeply about it. Returning from her thoughts, she asks: ] How did you discover this? Or, ah, from whom did you learn about this chamber?

[ Magolor told her, maybe? He seems to know a lot. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It was too convenient that they would have that sort of power readily available that could stop those capable of nigh-impossibilities in their own universes. Already the powers here limit them, but to experience it fully, to such an extreme... she frowns faintly, in her own consideration while Pyra thinks.

And then requests a source. Very well, then. ]

... I have been inside the building in question to confirm this.

[iustaegis]

[ Despite all of this, never in a million years would Pyra think that Honerva discovered this by actually being inside such a dreadful facility. Her expression falls almost instantly, and now she completely stops braiding her long hair to whisper, dreadfully: ]

...What?

[ Did she hear that right? ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva is not certain which part of what she has said that has shocked her... but she is quiet, allowing a moment to process Pyra's reaction.

When she speaks again, her tone is ever measured, as though she is carefully considering every word for confirmation, though her ears have lowered, her expression still fixed in thought. ]

The sensation is... sudden, and activates scarcely a few steps inside of the building. It does not lift until one has moved outside of it once more. While I agree it is knowledge that should be shared, you understand why it is not something I wish to be made known by my experience.

[ Even if presented as a tidy science experiment, such weakness was not something to put so readily into the hands of others who would not be so effected. ]

[iustaegis]

[ This is going to change a few things, knowing that such a place exists. Debilitating, she said.

She worries for what would happen if she stepped within that chamber. This world is completely mysterious to her; it's entirely possible that she would be rendered into a inert crystal upon the ground. The thought is both terrifying and relieving. Terrifying for what may be possible in this world, relieving that there may be something in this world that can negate her entirely, even if it's just for a brief time. But then it would be terrifying again, because if she is not kept in that state forever, she would not have any choice of who picks up her, who takes her or moves her.

Honerva may have an iron grip upon her expression and tone, but the fact that she is requesting her involvement of this discovery be kept secret is all Pyra needs to know that the experience has greatly impacted her. ]

You are bringing this up... because you worry that our efforts in any step throughout this project, might result in being put into that prison. [ Even if Pyra goes and asks the locals for assistance, they have all the means to contain them, it seems. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It is not for her own sake that she requests this. She is deeply shaken by it, but even more so about how it has affected those she cares deeply for. And that is why she must maintain, as best as she can. Keep it business.

Much like her past, there is much she has not processed about this for herself. ]

It is a possibility that we cannot ignore, with how little we know about their personal efforts, if they see it as any risk to their... resources. To -- us.

[ Here she frowns deeply, where the careful neutrality slips for but a moment. So often had she referred to them as resources and thought little of it, but... there was a recognition that it was damaging, to say it so often. With what she had recently experienced... and whom had reacted poorly to it. ]

For the best result, they may simply leave us be, or choose to monitor us closely. But we must always be prepared for the worst, being aware of the knowledge that this exists.

[iustaegis]

[ If they are to have any freedom to operate such an ambitious project, she would prefer some monitoring, perhaps, if only that they might step in to stop them if they come across something damaging to this world. ]

When I... go to them. Would you prefer that I keep your name out, or that we would be working together?

[ It just might add another layer of protection for Honerva. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Considering the state of the world as it was, she didn't think it was likely that the natives truly knew what could be considered dangerous to it's current state, and only would be fully operating on caution and not entirely logic.

Projects were... tangible, for Honerva. Once she could get properly started with one, but there were so many stages to take care of beforehand. ]

... I believe you will be able to be transparent enough about our plans without specifically identifying your associates. Those of you who have favor are the ones who will have their attention, after all.

[ Though if the citizens wanted to pry further into their activity, they might not have a choice. Especially if they needed to further their knowledge about particular aspects, themselves. ]

[iustaegis]

[ She nods quietly, humming out a affirmation through her nose. Perhaps later, should any of their efforts be successful, she may be able to think of a way to give Honerva credit (or at least convince the woman that she is just as deserving of it). But if what they might attempt to accomplish doesn't go through-- or fails-- having only one name attached means that the blame and responsibility will fall solely on Pyra. Honerva will be spared from having to step foot in that building again. This is a good plan, she believes.

....However, she wonders how she missed this. It's not as if she speaks daily with Honerva, and she's quite good at keeping her expression calm, bordering stoic. Still, it guilts her knowing that something had happened to her and she hadn't even bothered to ask after her.

Please make sure she allows herself time to rest.

This is what Cor had told Pyra, not to long ago. It seems that she had been blind to Honerva's well being all this time, despite how tightly she keeps her expression leveled and neutral. ] ...And... how are you... feeling, Honerva?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva knows that it is perhaps unfair to burden Pyra with this, even though this is why she also informs her of these stakes. With enough favor, the locals may at least listen to her; for those who have already erred, they might already be marked down as being potential trouble.

So long as it is their planet the otherworlders will never be more than resources. That is something she believes and always will; it is their desperation to save it, and preserve it by any means they see necessary. She knew that well, too. And here she sits quietly with Pyra, burdened with such thought and other ones. ]

... Myself? In regard to what, exactly...?

[ She does seem a little surprised by the sudden inquiry. Her calmness was an ever ready defense mechanism, a carry over from millennia, but it was never herself that she sought to protect. ]

[iustaegis]

[ While Honerva may not see it, Pyra does frown a bit. Surely she knows to what she refers, the aftermath of an ordeal of being in a prison like that. But if this is her way gently denying a wish to talk about it--

Pyra remains conflicted. On the one hand, she cares about Honerva. She wants to know about her well-being. On the other, if it's too much for her to handle an inquiry, she cannot be the one to help her. It will have to be Lup again, her trusted family who supports her. ] ...About the... [ She swallows, hesitant. ] About... being in that prison. You are not.. feeling well? Or are you?

[shroudedsecrets]

... My feelings?

[ There's still the touch of surprise there, more visible and apparent in her tone and following pause, if more for the fact that Honerva often does not know how to express her own feelings, and she had firmly shoved them aside in this matter to focus more on another's that she has not named, here. It was difficult to talk about her own feelings when the person she might have done so with had been horribly compromised. Whatever distress she had faced was surely nothing compared to what Lup had gone through, she had decided, and even in the disorientation that had followed their freedom she was quick to minimize her own experience for the sake of helping Lup regain her sense of normalcy.

Taako never wanted to talk about anything... deep, and he too, was focused on Lup. ]

... They are complicated but it is not... what matters. We must learn from what has happened and... be aware of what awaits us should we fail again. And not fail again.

[iustaegis]

[ That she seems surprised at someone would even ask after her feelings is all the reinforcement Pyra needs to have to know that, well, she needs to ask that question.

So, gently, as if she’s afraid to insist too much: ]

No, Honerva... They do matter.

[ A pause. They matter to her, she want to say, if that means anything at all. But she’s not sure if it does mean anything to Honerva. ]

They matter to those who care for you. [ She hopes it’s obvious that she cares for her. But if not her, then there are others. ] You shouldn’t think otherwise.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ She's quiet for a long moment, with this. In a way, she knows, Pyra must be right; Lup was often careful to ask her about how she felt about certain things, even if she did not always know how to work through putting words to her emotions or how she processed something. She often far too easily gave into hierachy.

In this situation though, it had been different. Lup was overwhelmed and it was because of that reason that Honerva needed not to be. To even call up what her emotions might have truly been during that time now... she shifts her kneel so she can draw her knees up and rest her arms upon them, and thinks. ]

... It frightens me, that a facility like this exists. It can do great harm to those I care about.

[ Not that her power would have helped anyone, there. It was the principle of the thing; being rendered so useless. ]

I do not know how much of me is truly my energy but I am at a loss without... such senses to me.

[iustaegis]

Honvera... [ Even when Pyra asks for Honerva feels, it seems that the woman frames it in how it may effect others. She's frightened-- on others' behalf.

At least she does admit to something of what she feels, herself. At a loss. Helplessness, then.

Pyra's braiding had progressed to somewhere just below her neck, but now Honerva will feel her touch leave as she sets the flowers she had been about to fold into her hair down. Then, her arms will fall over her shoulders as she pulls her into an embrace form behind. ]

Honerva... I'm so sorry you went experienced something like that. I'm sorry I didn't think to ask sooner... [ Not that there would have been a way of her knowing without being told, but the apology is there regardless. Many people are difficult to read here. Many people feel as if they do not deserve to let their hardships known. Why is this? Or, perhaps, Pyra is the one in the wrong for asking. ]

Your power is... unique. Does everything feel as if it's there, again?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Pyra is familiar enough with parts of Honerva's history to perhaps guess why she has so much difficulty framing even her own feelings from her own perspective. Her focus ever on those more important than her, perhaps unintentionally disassociating from her feelings and experience.

Even to hear Pyra's words about it is... strange. She is comforting her? Again? When she has failed, and perhaps jeopardized some of their work, even unintentionally? She feels the embrace instead of the continued braid, sudden but, firm and gentle. ]

... You were not informed until now, so you would not have known to ask.

[ More importantly, she was more focused on Lup's privacy, as the elf seemed disinclined to speak of the incident at all. So it was not Honerva's place, as she understood it. ]

And ... yes. I feel as I have, before. It has always felt different in this world.

[ Limiting in a way, though it is not easy to describe how. There was much about it that would defy explanation. ]