♥ 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]

Yeah. Back home at the end of the day we'd always go over the photos Prompto took, and sometimes I'd see Carbuncle in the background, but nobody else could. Like the magic that keeps it invisible even transfers into photos, too.

[He shrugs his shoulders. He's long since stopped questioning the nature of the Chosen's Messenger, or how any of it works.]

No one but me has ever seen it before, far as I know. Even if it's just a photo, or even just one extra person... it's weirdly validating.

[iustaegis]

Do you think... there is a reason for this change? [ Better question, can anyone else see it who is from Eos? His father? Somnus?? Ignis? ]

[carbungle]

Not sure. Maybe because of this place? It's strange that they pulled it here at all, but I didn't think twice because Umbra was already with me. I don't see why being here would let it appear to other people, but... who knows. Messengers are as mysterious as the Astrals sometimes.

[Or worse, mostly because the Messengers are conveying actual understandable words instead of bizarre hallucinations and dead languages.]

Could be Carbuncle just decided it's okay, here.

[iustaegis]

[ Perhaps it's a matter of personal selection of whom it happens to trust most, some sort of system where the Chosen's Messenger also chooses who gets to see its divine form. Thus it would be a privilege to even be able to see it... Promto is his best friend. Of course he would be able to sooner than others.

That's not going to help her with an idea that's suddenly come to her mind, of Carbuncle and the talk of stars. She recalls the emotes she received from the little Messenger before, and she had felt its presence next to her, as well as the softness of its fur; however, that won't help her.

Ah. ] ...Would you mind drawing me a picture of it? Or would a drawing also be invisible? [ Like how deep does the magic of veiling its form go. ]

[carbungle]

No, I think the invisible thing only affects stuff when Carbuncle's directly involved. I used to draw him when I was a kid, and people could see those just fine. Actually, I have a figurine now-

[He fishes around in his pocket, emerging a moment later with a little carved figure of Carbuncle, in a similar style and material as the carving Pyra herself would have received from Era earlier in the month.]

I can still draw it if you want, but for right now, this is what it looks like.

[iustaegis]

[ She peers over, looking at the carving. She recognizes the detailed craftsmanship. After a brief nod, she replies with a smile, ] Oh! This-- Era made it, didn't she? [ The quality can be appreciated even without holding it. ] She can see Carbuncle too?

[ Definitely fox-like in appearance. And what cute ears and tail! This will work out nicely. ] --Ah, either a drawing or a photo will do.

[carbungle]

Ah... not exactly, um... [He's embarrassed.] She just knows what it looks like. It's a long story.

[Unless Pyra already knows about the Echo, but he figures it isn't his place to talk about it in detail. Plus that memory was really... uncomfortably personal.

He offers the figurine out to her though, if she wants to examine it herself or just take a photo of it. Might as well, since it's right here.]

[iustaegis]

[ ...A long story that somehow embarrasses him. Juicy gossip, maybe? She'd ask, but he doesn't appear interested in telling; so, she moves on.

Pyra has to release his hand to take the figurine into the both of hers, carefully, turning it over to admire the craftsmanship. To make up for the lack of touch, she scoots closet to him so that their shoulders touch, comfortable as ever. ] It's adorable. [ Taking out he communicator, she snaps a picture. ]

Oh... It has a little horn on its head. [ C U T E. ] I hadn't noticed that. [ Hm... Hm! She can definitely work with this. Now all she has to do is not let the excitement get the better of her so she can keep her idea a surprise. ]

[carbungle]

Yeah, I'm not sure what the horn's for. Maybe so no one just assumes that it's a regular fox. Or it's secretly the source of its powers. A mystery never to be solved.

[He moves his hands in his lap, making shapes to demonstrate it to be around the size of a regular cat.]

It's about this big, with silvery fur, and big brown eyes. And the horn's red.

[His lips quirk.]

Are you gonna tell me what you're doing with Carbuncle?

[iustaegis]

[ --Damn, already she's too obvious. But she will do her best to keep the rest of it hushed. ]

Mm.... No. [ A coy smile. ] That, too, is a secret. [ She turns her communicator screen down, finished, and hands the figurine back to him.

She wonders if, when the project is finished, she should actually inform him where to look or let him discover it for himself. Oh. Yeah, that might be fun. ]

I hope you don't mind a little bit of a challenge?

[carbungle]

Have I ever?

[He's actually not sure how aware of that she is, but he says it with such confidence that it ought to be conveyed. Though sometimes it does depend on the type of challenge... he doesn't have to say that part.

He's not bothered by the secrecy, either way. He likes Carbuncle, it's one of his oldest companions and friends. Anything related to it is going to be good in some way, in his opinion.]

[iustaegis]

Then be prepared... [ --For probably the easiest challenge he's ever had, honestly. But it must count for something that she's trying to make it sound boggling, right? ]

In the future, you and everyone else might be seeing Carbuncle where you least expect its glorious, holy visage.

[ "Everyone else" meaning anyone who happens to play King's Knight and pays attention, anyway. ]

[carbungle]

Hm... I'll be ready, then. Might be nice to finally see it somewhere besides curled up right in the center of the bed.

[The brat.

He has his suspicions about what she's planning, considering the conversation that led them there, but he says nothing. The how and where of it is still a mystery, so he'll be satisfied with that for now.]

[iustaegis]

[ Before she has a chance to stop herself, she asks: ]

Would you mind sending me a picture of it?

[ Even if it would be blank.

She's curious that if, at any point, she too might able to actually see it one day. Not that she is expecting to. But it would be a lovely surprise to one day wake up and see the Messenger in the photo. ]

[carbungle]

Sure, I don't mind. Bet it won't, either. Hey, you around now, buddy?

[He raises his voice at the end there, glancing at their surroundings quietly for a moment. Yeah? No? No. He hadn't expected an answer, though, so he's not disappointed as he settles back down.]

Not today, looks like. I'll get one next time I see it.

[iustaegis]

Oh-- well, let's not forget! We should take a picture to commemorate your long hair.

[ Saying so, she takes out her own communicator. Scoot in closer, buddy! ]

[carbungle]

[No avoiding that one, is there. He scoots closer obediently, though there's a subtle air of reservation in his smile. He's used to Prompto's selfies, at least, so it's easy to ignore.]

Just don't spread it around, yeah? Don't want to give anyone the wrong idea about my style.

[iustaegis]

[ She leans in, lifting up the communicator. Then, positioning it just right, she glances sidelong at him to make sure he (and his hair) is ready before turning her attention to the camera. His smile isn't quite the same enthusiastic one as he normally might have, given the circumstances, and on the screen of her communicator, the blossoms upon her head catch her attention. Perhaps she should have thought of taking them off her head.

...It would be too awkward to do so now. ]

Mm. Ready? Three, two.... one.

[ Click. ]

[carbungle]

[He peers at the screen as she lowers it, in those brief moments where the photo is displayed after it's taken; hmm, looks fine. He's satisfied. He does feel a little tickle, though, and it's explained when he spots a bit of blue on his shoulder, the side where she'd been sitting. What the-

-oh.]

Think you lost something, there.

[iustaegis]

[ She shifts, pocketing the communicator so that she might see just what he’s speaking about— Oh. Carefully, she plucks the petal off of his shoulder.

She remarks casually, ] Mm... Just the one petal. They’re not as delicate as they look.

[carbungle]

[His brows furrow, resisting for a long moment before his curiosity wins out.]

Where did you find those, anyway?

[Are they growing somewhere else in town? Because he's not 100% on how he feels just yet, but he'd like to at least see it coming.]

[iustaegis]

[ She hesitates before she responds, her tone carefully neutral. ]

Somnus... gifted them to me.

[ He’s been giving gifts to a couple people, she knows— there had been a car in their garage, and now there is not. So don’t think too much about it! Another pause. ]

Then I planted them in our yard.

[carbungle]

Oh... yeah, that makes sense.

[He'd sure gone on a gifting binge; Noct himself still has the sigil tucked away while he figures out what the hell to do with it, and driving the Regalia to his dad's place had been such an unexpected joy. It makes sense that Pyra would have received something as well. Sylleblossoms, though... his hadn't grown yet, he'd been paranoid about leaving them out while it was still a bit chilly. Maybe this is a sign that it's safe.

He glances over towards where the yard is, hidden behind the blinds, and his hand twists in the fabric of his pants, his expression decidedly mixed.]

...Can I see them?

[iustaegis]

[ Her gaze drifts behind his shoulder where the paned doors open to the backyard. They have blinds pulled over them, currently, which had shielded the view of the now-overrun garden.

With a silent nod she stands up from the couch, taking his hand to lead him over. Parting the blinds, she opens the door for a cool drizzle and breeze to greet them and the scent of flowers to fill the air, as if it were late spring. The sylleblossoms of his world are everywhere: deep, iridescent blues, immaculate whites, and most numerously, vibrant reds. Their petals glisten with the fresh dew of gentle rain; the intricacy of the flowers mirror a freshly imagined water color painting.

There are other flowers within this yard, pink juniberries that mingle with the flora of Eos. Their scent is sweeter, like tart plums dusted with sugar, and their color contrasts defiantly against the grey sky above.

Pyra moves to the side for him to step onto the porch. Horus, who remains on his covered mews on the side of the garden, can be heard rustling somewhere beneath his nesting area. Instead of speaking, waits for Noctis to take in the scenery, watching him quietly. ]

[carbungle]

[Just like that, there they are.

And just like that, there he is- not here, in this quiet little garden, but in the fields of Tenebrae, being lifted like glass out of his wheelchair and set down amidst the flowers, his father's hand brushing gently through his hair, a murmured promise to come back for him soon. At his side, Luna is there, draping a blanket over his legs and sitting close, but not near enough to disturb him- she knows he's still sensitive to touch, she's always so kind. With infinite patience she talks him through the steps of weaving the traditional flower crowns of her home, plucking the stalks free and guiding his fingers when he struggles. When they finish, they trade, and she smiles at him beneath a crown of bent and clumsy blossoms; he, in the perfect wreath she'd woven, does not smile. He hasn't remembered how to do that, yet. He should have, though. He should have smiled at her so many times while he was with her, when he had the chance. Then, and here. Was it so long after that the flower fields were ablaze, when she was abandoned to the iron grip of Niflheim as his father fled with Noctis screaming in his arms?

He'd moved in a daze, and when he comes back to himself he's sitting in the grass by the flowers, situated nearest to the largest collection of blues, ignoring the rain as it drizzles lightly over him and soaks into his pants from beneath. If Pyra opted to follow he'd have pulled her along by way of their joined hands; otherwise, he'd have tugged himself free without a word.

For a long moment, he's still so quiet, immersed in the scent of them. The scent of her.]