♥ 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

[of_northern_skies]

Really? Well, gosh! I thought it would be perfectly fine to leave an entire tree in a bin!

[That withering look was promptly returned, Ed. Reaching out, he flicked a bit of water at his brother's face before flopping back again.]

I'm working on it. It's a bit difficult with all the construction in this area, but I've opened a dialogue with the locals. We're working on an idea now. And for right now, the bin is perfectly adequate. It's barely two foot tall and about as big around as your wrist, Brother. I think I have time to come home for an evening before it bursts from it's makeshift pot.

[ofthewaste]

[Keep it up Peter and he'll throw this entire wash cloth at you. Sopping wet and all.]

With the way the rain has been going I wouldn't be so sure about that.

[His hair should be testament enough to that. It's not exactly to make a point, but it sort of is, when he sinks back in the tub bundling his hair up to drape it over the edge.]

[of_northern_skies]

[....okay, point taken.]

With luck, these talks will pan out and I can start work on transferring it to somewhere more permanent.

[He shifted, leaning forward to carefully comb his fingers through wet, black hair. It was long and thick, much more like what he'd been used to when he'd left their home. His was even longer, but it was braided back and tucked tightly away from his face. It was how he wore it out on the field, and he'd put it up and stopped thinking about it.

Except that his braid was loose now. He could move the whole thing with the amount of slack that had grown in since that morning. Ed's was impossibly long compared to the short crop that he'd started with and Peter took his time to comb through it.]

I want to braid it. Will you let me?

[ofthewaste]

I rather thought that's what the flowers were for, Brother. You didn't bring that whole basket in just to scent the water, surely.

[Called out.

Of course Peter was going to braid his hair back, twist flowers into it just as they always would do come spring. Especially once the cherry and apple trees began to blossom, not a thought in their heads but joyful gossip and sharing their hard earned beauty with all of Narnia.

Edmund merely laid back, making certain to keep his head angled to be certain Peter could reach what he needed to.]

[of_northern_skies]

[He chuckled and flicked a little more water in his brother's direction, but it was playful instead of mocking. Yes, he'd brought the basket in with the purpose of weaving them into his brother's hair, but that didn't mean that Edmund would let him. Especially here, in this strange place with it's strange people and it's magic. Peter wouldn't have blamed him at all if the idea of braiding flowers into his hair was too 'childish' or 'silly' for his little brother, the stress of the place earning quick wit and a sharp tongue.

He was glad that it didn't, though.

He stretched out enough to grab the comb off the counter, then it was a matter of adjusting himself to be able to reach Ed's hair without having to bend too much. Combing it took time, as did separating out sections, but Peter filled the time with another song. This one was lighter, less the haunting memory of a home that they both missed and more of a springtime revival. He even included the wicked bits that made Susan glare at him, then giggle behind his back when she thought he couldn't hear her anymore.]

[ofthewaste]

[If anything falling into old routines, ones he has not been able to embrace in years now, is a comfort in this place, strange and uncertain as it is.

Peter might have to tug his hair a few times to stop him from nodding along to the song, the idle motions thoughtless and potentially detrimental to his brothers work. Eventually he has the good sense to drum his knuckles lightly along the rim of the tub instead. It really is a pity they can't get their hands on some real leathers. He does miss his drum.

It's clear he had forgotten that particular verse, the rhythm of his knuckles faltering and his shoulders shaking with barely restrained mirth.]

Thinking of your Regis, are you?

[of_northern_skies]

[He was used to Ed's keeping of the beat, be it with his head or his feet or his fingers. It was mildly annoying when it caused a strand or ten to slide through his fingers, but a quick tug was usually all that was needed to remind his brother what he was doing.

That sass, however, earned him a bark of laughter and a playful shake of his hair via fingers in his hair.]

Brat. That is the song! And he is not my Regis. We're friends. Now stop moving or you'll be crooked.

[Even if he wished for more.]

[ofthewaste]

[Hearing Peter's laughter draws a full laugh from Edmund as well, simple and unrestrained and it's like something that the cold had wound tight in his chest finally released it's hold.]

It may well be the song but you've usually the sense to leave it to the fauns!

[We're friends.

That is a new assertion, and something he's certain has some history to it. Something had happened and Peter was still gnawing on it like an old dog with a bone. He'd speak of it when he was ready. That did, however, mean that the topic was an unwelcome one.]

Though, speaking of fauns and their musical tastes. Do you think we'll be able to find the materials for Bonfire Night?

[of_northern_skies]

[It was...complicated. Very complicated. He wasn't sure about anything on that front and that uncertainty was unsettling. He would talk about it...eventually. For now, he was content to just twist another flower into the thin braid he was working on.]

Oh! I do hope so. Maybe you should use your 'tablet' thing and ask around? I don't know how this place would respond to fire.

[A twist of his fingers and he hooked another braid with his little finger to bring it over so he could start a whole new twist.]

Sit up a bit for me?

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund scoots up obediently, careful to move slowly so Peter can keep the tension he needs.]

I would certainly have to talk with the locals about where an appropriate place for it would be. Though now with trees and plants growing it will certainly be easier to find things.

[That is actually an excellent idea, Peter.]

[of_northern_skies]

[He is occasionally capable of those, Edmund.

Re-positioning himself once his brother had shifted, he continued working.]

You'll need to make sure the locals aren't going to try to stop it. If they do, we'll have to figure out a way to get over the wall.

[Because simply 'not having' Bonfire Night wasn't even an option in his head.]

[ofthewaste]

I don't know that getting over the wall is as easy as you seem to think.

[He's gone back through dozens of old posts, seen video from beyond the wall. He certainly believes people when they say it is inhospitable.]

These walls are not so simple as Tashbaan's, Brother.

[of_northern_skies]

Then I suppose we'll have to think of something else.

[Though really, a wall was a wall. The level of people guarding it was the only thing that changed. Did he want to go over the wall? No, of course not. He wanted to laugh and dance and drink, preferably with other people around doing the same thing. He wanted Edmund's drumming and Lucy's voice and ...

His hands stilled for a moment in Ed's hair.]

I know it's silly to be so concerned about this, and yet I am. I don't know if I'm holding onto it so much because I miss home and our sisters, or..

I don't know.

[A pause, and then he let out a sigh before his fingers resumed their work.]

I kissed him.

[ofthewaste]

It is a good way to keep them close, wherever we find ourselves.

[He can certainly understand that, clinging to what bits of familiarity they can in an effort to keep things from being too overwhelming.

Then Peter hops back to the earlier topic and it's an effort not to jerk upright and whirl around to look at him. Knowing Peter the ability to speak without having to look anyone in the eye was a comfort just now. If this was half as serious as he thinks.]

Did you?

[of_northern_skies]

[Had he, though? Had he really changed topics? Spring was a time for renewal and growth. It was when the land shook off winter and opened itself back up. And while Bonfire Night wasn't quite midsummer on Dancing Lawn, it was a time for love to rekindle after the hardship of the cold.

He hadn't really changed topics at all. He just didn't want to come right out and say that he wanted to dance with the other man in the fire light.]

I doubt anything will come of it. I just needed to say it. I think.

I don't know.

[ofthewaste]

[No, not changed the topic so much but he had made a point of delaying that answer earlier. Those soft words has Edmund worried, though. One hand reaching behind him so that he can rest his fingers lightly across his brother's wrist. Not interrupting his work but a gentle comfort.]

What has given you such doubts?

[of_northern_skies]

[That gentle touch didn't interrupt his work, but nevertheless Peter's fingers stilled. This time, however, it was only long enough to grab the bit of twine he'd laid on the counter before he was back, wrapping the tails of his work tightly before knotting it secure.]

He's a king of his own country. He has a suitor. He's mourning the death of his wife. He has a child, though that is probably the least of my concerns.

I don't know how this works, Edmund. I'm not Susan.

[He'd had lovers before, but never another Son of Adam. Never an actual suitor. Nor had he ever actively pursued anyone. He was awkward and out of his depth.

But at least he was finished with Ed's hair. The end result was a delicate weave of braids that left most of that dark hair free to spill elegantly.]

Asa is not intense enough for this

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund remains silent as Peter ties off his hair, tilting his head this way and that to test the weight of the braids. It's nice, brilliant, really. There's a satisfaction in wearing his hair in a Narnian style that he has been denied for far too long now.

Once that's settled, though? He's pushing himself up out of the tub, pulling the plug on the drain and snatching up one of those big fluffy towels Peter had brought before he can really get chilled. The temperature difference is vast but here at least the air is warmed with steam.

He needs to look at his brother for this.]

Peter Pevensie. You are the High King. You have never faltered or allowed doubt to come between yourself and your goals. I should hardly think a change of scenery would effect that.

[Aslan's mane it was strange, words he'd spoken to his brother just a year ago when they were all going off to different schools... only to end up back in Narnia with another young King to guide.]

Pretty words and niceties have never been your approach. You play to your strengths. And for you that is, perhaps, the most difficult of all. Honesty

[Ed lays a hand over Peter's, squeezing his fingers as hard as he dares.]

Inconvenient, brutal.... breathtaking honesty.

[of_northern_skies]

[He leaned back when Ed stood up, letting his brother wrap himself in that towel without fussing about the chill. The bathroom was probably was warmest room in their house, what with the door closed and the steam trapped in with them. And as long as Ed felt like he could tolerate it, Pete let him. He did, however, reach over to grab the thick robe that he'd hung by the door so that he could wrap it around the smaller man when he did catch a chill.

Fussing over others even as he was the one being bolstered.]

Is that what you think? Edmund, I doubt myself every time I lead men away to settle a dispute. I wonder if I'm going to get them killed. Get myself killed. I wonder if I'm making the right call, if the advantages of the end outweigh the casualties of the means. I come to you for advice all the time, Brother.

[Which wasn't entirely true. He was nothing if not brutally honest, but he held himself to an impossible standard. He did go to Edmund or their sisters for counsel, but not nearly as often as he was saying. It was those standards that had crawled their way into his mind here, as well.]

I know. I do know that. I just..I find myself uncertain. Not about how I feel for him, but how my feelings for him might push him into feeling something he might not otherwise feel. We were sparring. I was pushing to try and get him out of the shell he's wrapped himself in since waking.

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund's expression softens and he steps closer, wrapping his brother in a hug. Even if it is a little awkward. The height difference means he's hugging Peter's head more than anything.]

I did not claim you do not have doubts. Merely that you know the end goals are far more important than the lies your mind whispers in the dark of the night.

[He sighs, loosens his hold, but doesn't move away, instead reaching over Peter's shoulder to start unraveling the braid he's half lost by now, combing delicate fingers through blond curls.]

Pushing that hard may not be the answer for everyone, you know. It might also earn you a broken jaw. But you cannot force someone to feel something they do not. That, Brother, is a fool's worry and, what's more, it suggests you do not trust him to know his own heart.

[of_northern_skies]

[Edmund moved forward and Peter buried his face against his brother, wrapping his arms around his waist to hug him right back. Even when the hug ended and Ed started in on his arm, Peter only turned to plant his forehead against his sternum, hands loosely clasped behind Ed's back.]

You'll be glad to know that he got in quite a few good hits.

[He sighed, shaking his head a little awkwardly.]

I do trust him. I just don't know what to do with this.

[ofthewaste]

Good. I'm certain he'll be giving you a good walloping in no time at all.

[Wait. Uuuhhh

He's going to preemptively whap Peter's shoulder before he can start laughing too much over the accidental innuendo there.]

Tell him that and everything will be fine. One way or another. It's kind of nice to see you all tied up in knots over someone instead of it being the girls for once.

[of_northern_skies]

[The innuendo caught him by surprise, but his startled bark of laughter was morphed quickly into a wicked giggle at the blow to his shoulder. The fact that Edmund had caught himself and tried to reprimand him was twice as funny as the words themselves and Peter's shoulders shook with his laughter.

It was short lived, but it seemed to clear some of the dark clouds in his mind and when he pulled away from the fingers unpicking his braids, his eyes were once more bright and happy.]

Yes, well. If my being twisted in knots earns me more of your wicked self, I'll consider it an equal trade. You've not laughed enough, Brother. I hate it.

[ofthewaste]

[It's good to see him coming out of his head a little and if it took a few slips of the tongue then so be it. Peter looks up at him and Edmund rolls his eyes, ruffling his brother's hair now that it's all untied.]

By your reckoning I never do.

[Which is true but even the most subdued Narnian days did not compare to the agony of London. It was hard to let go of, especially in a place like this without a single respite from metal and stone and cold lifelessness.]

Now trade with me or I'll leave you all damp and fluffy like this.

[of_northern_skies]

[With the rains what they were and his work what it was, it was no surprise at all when Peter's hair shook loose in a thick blond wave that reached nearly down his back. It was the longest it had ever been and he needed it cut, but time had been tight for the last several days. Plants had sprung up everywhere and between dashing about trying to find them and then trying to find places to plant them before they die was a challenge. And now that he'd found his tree, it was only going to get more hectic.

Which, honestly, he wasn't going to complain about. Not when his mind was such a mess while he was still.

For a moment he considered denying his brother's request, but after a moment of thought he finally groaned and hauled himself upright.]

Not nearly enough. I don't fit in that tub, Brother, and I won't keep you here while I shower. Go get into bed and I'll join you a moment.

[He wasn't going to kick him out though. And it did say something about the state of his back and shoulders that he started unfastening his pants before peeling off his shirt.]