♥ 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 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. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Her arms remain around her, and while her embrace is secure, Honerva may pull away at any moment if she wishes. To be trapped again in any sort of hold is not what she needs.

Pyra’s head remains just over one of her shoulders, bowed. She knows that trying to get her to speak about herself— not her past, but what she is feeling— may be asking too much of her, but she’s glad that she’s able to admit this much. ]

Good.... A-alright, good. [ Good in a silver lining sense, that she feels as if she’s back to her normal state of power. Emotionally, however, Pyra’s not so sure. Perhaps she emerged more vulnerable and rattled than she once was, or perhaps this is all assumption on Pyra’s part. Nevertheless, she does not believe it to be harmful to err on the side of showing her care. ]

Still, you... went through something frightening. So kind to yourself, mm?

[ Decorating flowers in Honerva’s hair will do little for her. This hug, too, she suspects will mean little. Such things must be given by those who truly touch Honerva’s heart, those of whose words and actions impact her greatest. But it’s something. She hopes it is something. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva may struggle to understand why people care more for her than she deserves, but she can tell, in that moment, that Pyra seems to draw all too heavily in wanting to grasp the emotions that Honerva has been unable to name for herself. The fact that she asks after her, the fact that she... does seem to care for her well being, for far more than just whether or not Honerva would still carry on in their project in that same useful capacity, this is not lost on Honerva even if she does not know how to express it. Let alone -- interpret it. If she is capable of any kindness at all it must and should go towards others, for the heavy weight of those long years where she was incapable of it at all save for the interests of her lord.

Yet Pyra never asks for her listening ear beyond hearing her propositions for projects; she asks for her permission, to hold her hand, to work with her toward greater, loftier goals; goals in which she knows they will not see clearly on, the more time persists. There is an imbalance that she does not know how to meet. Here now, Pyra holds her gently; it is not a restraint nor as suffocating as the cell had been. ]

... You are a kindness.

[ Is what she murmurs, simply, reaching back with one of her hands to touch lightly at one of Pyra's arms. For being willing to embrace her and play with her hair to her own contentment is something few others do. Perhaps she is allowed to push so because despite all of her extreme earnestness she had been kind. Pyra had shared her own sacred energy with her; been forced to hear her burdens and yet, still for some reason, chooses to share her company with her. Perhaps it is then for more than their cause alone that she continues to offer such things to Honerva, being aware of so much and so little all at once. A... generous companion. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Feeling Honerva reciprocate the touch in return, no matter how small in gesture, is just enough to let Pyra know that she’s accepted a part of the message. It’s something, at least, and she hopes this something will not be forgotten by Honerva but kept with her for a long time.

Kindness is precious, after all, and Honerva allowing herself even an iota of comfort and attention is wholly, if belatedly, warranted.

She giggles melodically, giving her a small squeeze with her arms as if to add an informal finale to the embrace. ]

Not like yours, not like yours... Always willing to help out. Without complaint... but not without also giving your own input and thoughts. [ She pulls from the embrace, her hands going to resume the braid. ] Like when we had been monitoring the barrier, or— just now, with what we might be able to help with any excess energy.

I... really appreciate that. You giving your opinion, that is. And so succinctly and professionally, too! [ Another small laugh bubbles past her lips. ] Although, I would be just as pleased to hear—

[ In her best Honerva-voice. ] “Pyra, this idea is foolish”.

[ She brightens. ] —too.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It is precious, and not something to deny if offered; it is only the praise and compliments that stir her unease, as much as that had played a part in her role and her losses. If concepts were brought to her she would think them through; refine ideas, defy improbability; it simply was how her mind was. She did not consider her behavior worth being called kind in the same league of others who defined that word and concept far more. ]

An odd thing, to wish to hear.

[ Her tone is soft, a ruminative quality in it. Was it merely an attempt to draw attention to part of her own nature? Did Pyra want disagreement? She was not someone who handled being told 'no' well, she didn't imagine it would be desirable for others, so strange within the context. She had done nothing to warrant these words in the moment and perhaps, she wonders, if Pyra feels similarly about receiving positive words placed upon her, to suddenly push upon her a speech such as that.

And yet here they were both denying themselves. What a silly game. ]

You deflect well, but it will not make your kindness any less.

[iustaegis]

[ She sees what's happening here, too, but she doesn't mind accepting these words from Honerva. Deflecting, how humorous. ] Now you're going to make me blush.

[ She isn't blushing in the slightest, but she sounds amused. ] You're so flattering, today, Honerva! [ She continues with a teasing lightness to her tone. ] And all I'm doing is braiding your hair.

[shroudedsecrets]

You know well that... I do not speak with intent to flatter.

[ The notion that with the very serious way she carries herself, to take her for being insincere would be absurd, as much as she has the decency to have her own tone remain as light as she can manage it to be, soft and measured that it always is. ]

Nor are your actions those of one who would think so little of... what you offer now.

[ The act of braiding someone's hair with so much thought and care, of seeming to hold reverence for that which had existed for so many years with little more thought than an identifier, only Pyra truly pays her hair that much mind. The fact that it's even longer and livelier now only accentuates what a labor it must truly be. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Yes, she knows. She knows that when Honerva speaks, it is meaningful.

And to Honerva's credit, she's kind to allow Pyra this indulgence of doing the act of braiding her hair itself. It's an act of trust. She imagines that there had once been a time that the woman wouldn't have allowed anyone to touch her at all, knowing how much she's been through. She hopes this, too, serves as proof to Honerva for how far she's come.

But at last, it seems Pyra finishes up the braid for her, securing the end with a tie. She comes around to her front, a hand on her shoulder as she peers at her work, how symmetrically presents from looking upon her at this angle-- at that angle-- and then another, tilting her head from side to side. One last spider lily twists between two of her fingers, her lips pursed in thought, and then-- ] Mm...

[ Time for the final flower to be tucked into a loose strand of white hair just above and behind her pointed ear. ] ...There. [ Unable to help herself, she smiles at her. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ She falls quiet while Pyra finishes up the rest of her careful work. It can be companionable enough, and she had already given voice to many heavy topics to require her own respite from it.

Besides, Pyra seems pleased enough, with the careful way she seems to decide upon her finishing touches. To Honerva it seemed strange, but she could never quite grasp the depths of Pyra's fascination with her appearance. ]

You seem... satisfied.

[ She tilts her head, though seeks her device from an inside pocket. As always, it is good to commemorate Pyra's work and time shared together. ]

... Here. Let us take a photo together.

[iustaegis]

You mean-- let's take a selfie. [ She nods happily, taking a seat next to her to link her arm with hers. When Honerva's ready, she'll smile for the picture. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

... Yes, a selfie.

[ It's always been an odd term for her so she doesn't use it readily, but she was not unaware of it, given where she'd learned it and why she suggests them. With her free arm she angles the device and holds it up; and while she doesn't quite possess a camera-smile, her expression is pleasant enough. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Click goes the shutter-like sound effect of the communicator, and while Pyra does still remain leaning against her, arm to arm, she does ease up on her weight. ]

Mm... You look nice in it! The red of the spider blossoms match the markings upon your cheeks...

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Her smile fades slightly, but she draws the communicator closer for them to both look at it. ]

... Perhaps. Or the color of your hair.

[iustaegis]

[ Mm... That faded smile. Perhaps it's a social faux pas in her world to remark about them? Pyra moves on, no less cheerily. ]

If I wore those flowers, they would be a little washed out, don't you agree? [ Upon white hair, though, they stand out quite strikingly. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Her issues run deep, one way or another. She's a little surprised that Pyra doesn't press further, but she's not about to chase the subject, either. ]

You would require ones of a different color, if such blossoms exist. White, or... gold, perhaps.

[iustaegis]

[ Gold, like the headband she's already wearing? As for white flowers, she does have white sylleblossoms at home---

And this reminds her of the juniberries. Should she bring them up? Should she not? If commenting upon those red markings upon her cheeks caused her smile to fade a little, and then knowing that she went through an unpleasant experience in which she had been severed from her power recently, perhaps... now is not the time. The flowers of her homeworld can wait. They'll be there for another day.

These thoughts occur within the span of a second, and she continues, teasing: ]

Oh...? You've an eye for flower fashion? [ Unlike Pyra, who has little fashion sense in general. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Yellow might be brighter and more fitting, but it's not a color she thinks of immediately. ]

If you want an eye for fashion, you are better off asking Taako or Lup.

[ She shrugs slightly. She might do well putting outfits together, largely due to guidance from Taako to get her out of the colors she now avoids, but the best she can do here is... suggest. She doubts Pyra will pay it much mind anyway, given how she seems more likely to joke about it. ]

You remarked on how it looked against my hair. It only seemed that the opposite combination could suit you. That is... all I had intended.

1/2

[iustaegis]

[ She turns her head to look at her, blinking. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Then, she's unable to help a short, soft, laugh-- not at Honerva, but at herself. How silly she had been to expect that Honerva would continue Pyra's attempt at being playful. ]

I--... I appreciate the suggestion, I really do! [ --But then to explain her intentions and the logic behind her suggestion, so seriously! Pyra exhales through her nose, quieting her giggles.

Straightening, her eyes take on a brightness as if she has an idea. ] ...Honerva. Let's try something new.