♥ 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

[iustaegis]

[ After a pause she decides to sit beside him, legs tucked beneath her and her hand still on his shoulder. ]

You know, I take it?

[ He had mentioned what they had meant to him in particular, in that moment, and that was enough for her.

What do they mean to Noctis, however, is what she's more curious about. ]

[carbungle]

[They can mean all number of things to him, first and foremost Luna, Luna, Luna. A flower beloved by the Oracle, traditionally- that much is a given. But to him they've always been her flower, long before she inherited the title. The first gift she'd given him, the first page of their notebook. It, and the Cosmogony, alongside their roles in the cruel destiny that fate and the gods had thrown at them- all of it inextricably intertwined their lives together, despite all the years they'd been separated by distance and war.]

I don't know the other two... they've been gone for too long in my time.

[He reaches out, idly brushing his fingers over the nearest blue flower without picking it.]

I was told that a blue sylleblossom means, "a heart that doesn't give up."

[He's tried to remember that, when he thinks of home and all that might await him, the fate he's trying to avert, the death he needs to prevent. Not in defiance of the gods or his duty to the world, but for it- for her. The world needs its Oracle. He needs Luna.

She's the one person in the world he can't give up on.]

[iustaegis]

[ A heart that does not give up...

Just like himself and Luna, then. The blues are their flowers.

"Lub dub, it beats," she had said earlier, to which he had jokingly replied it should have something better to say. If these flowers are theirs, then their hearts continue to beat to the message they convey. ]

Ah. [ She breathes out, as if she's just realized something, a quiet "eureka" moment. ] So... that's what your heart truly says. [ She speaks softy, watching his hand dust along one of the petals of the flowers. ] Yours and hers, of courage and resilience. [ To not give up. ]

[carbungle]

I try, anyway. Some days are easier than others.

[Today was easier. It's why he approached her while she wore them, instead of just dodging the problem. It's why he's here, staring them down and indulging the nostalgia that on bad days threatens to choke him. Some days he only wishes he could run away and isn't sure if it's courage or cowardice that prevents this.

She's always been braver than he is; it's her who gave him strength, most days, not the other way around.

He draws his hand away, exhaling a long breath and leaning back to really take it all in.]

There's so many... I haven't seen them like this in forever.

[iustaegis]

[ If he tries, then he makes it seem easy. She does not want to be the cause of the worse days, those days he must make an effort to retain that courage.

They're so very different. Him and her, she believes. He's moved by this courage he holds within his heart, being brave. She is moved by the fear she carries. Both are guided by hope to some degree, but that is the key difference. It makes his motivations admirable. ]

...Do you think she would like it? This... garden. [ If it could be called that. ]

[carbungle]

She would.

[There's no hesitation in his answer, though his voice hitches a little, still missing her, still struggling to find his equilibrium again. It's true in this case as well: some days are easier.]

We didn't spend much time in the garden. She always wanted to go right to the fields, where the flowers grew wild like this.

[There was something marvelously freeing about those open fields. He understood the urge.]

[iustaegis]

[ She bears the hitch in his voice, pausing to consider what she might say next. Sometimes, it’s good to reminisce. Other times.... not so much. Perhaps it is too soon? She remains unsure. These flowers may very well be inseparable from her image and memory. The topic of the field itself is more neutral, however, than Luna... perhaps she can compromise in reminiscing, and give him the opportunity to shift out of the topic, just in case. ]

The fields... All blue, would be far more magnificent than this little garden. [ She closes her eyes, her smile quiet. ] I can imagine it looking like an ocean. With waves, too, if a breeze would pass through.

[ And the two of them together, swimming amongst the flowers that represent their eye color and hearts so well. They truly are fated for each other... ]

[carbungle]

Yeah... yeah, I think it was something like that.

[Stalks and petals, moving like ripples across the ground, a sea of green and blue beneath a bright open sky. It was truly beautiful. For an isolated city boy half-lost in Scourge-induced trauma, it was like a living daydream.

His gaze drifts back down to the flowers, fingers scratching restlessly in his lap.]

...Can I pick some?

[iustaegis]

Please. Take as many as you need.

[ She offers this openly, her hand upon his shoulder pressing it gently, in a way she hopes is reassuring. ]

Ardyn came by, as well. He took many, but...as you can see, there are plenty to spare.

[carbungle]

[Subtly, he leans his body into her hand, recognizing the gesture, before he reaches out to the garden with her permission.]

Makes sense. We talked about them a little, a while back. He said they used to grow in Lucis, too- the red and whites.

[His own hand hovers near them, thinking for a moment, before he predictably opts for blue, carefully plucking a little pile for himself, making sure the stalks are good and long. A single red and white each are added, and once he has enough, he picks two of the blue and starts braiding them together in a careful knot.]

I have some at my place, actually... just in pots, inside. I was trying to get them to grow while it was too chilly to keep them outside, but no blooms yet. [Finishing the first knot, he tucks the stalk low and adds another, creating the beginnings of a chain.] Guess it's time they go to the garden.

[iustaegis]

Ardyn mentioned before... that he thought the whites were always Aera’s color, the blues for Somnus. Red would be his. [ She watches on as he begins to weave the stalks of the flowers together. Clearly, he’s done this before. She tells him this, her tone sentimental. Look how many reds there are here for his brother. ] These flowers are yours, too, I think. [ Luna’s and his. ] These blue ones...

[ But quickly, she moves on. ] A-anyway, if you need help planting them in your own hard... I can assist, if you wish.

[carbungle]

[His smile is wry, but he says nothing; for once he's not thinking of Luna, but rather Somnus as she'd mentioned. Of course his would be the blue. One more thing that they share, inexplicable across two thousand years. It's like his entire existence was written to make Ardyn uncomfortable.]

Think I'll take you up on that. There's not a single green thumb in my household.

[All that fancy Caem Carrot growing apparently did nothing for his floral skills.]

[iustaegis]

[ His smile is wry, but she mistakes it as bittersweet. At his agreeing, though, her smile becomes warmer, as if encouraged. As well as a little relieved. He’s taking flowers that remind him to Luna back with him. Perhaps this is how he will be trying to manage. Perhaps he will have them there for her if she returns.

She hopes it makes his days easier, not... worse. ] I’ve helped him carry all three colors back with him. [ Reds, whites, and even blues; despite the tension between the brothers, they care for each other quite a bit. Somnus brought mostly reds to this garden. Ardyn had taken some of the blues with him. It was... nice, observing this particular behavior about them. Even if they were apart, they appear to think of the other quite a lot. ] Do you wish for the same? Or, ah, just the blue ones...?

[carbungle]

[At least if he's not happy about it, it'd be easy to remedy; just plant them elsewhere, give them away. Throw them at his dad's house, or one of the now-many public gardens. Don't go outside in the backyard on days that it hurts.

Maybe it'll help. He's hoping it'll help.]

You sure have a ton of red... I don't know, they're all good colours. Whatever you're okay to part with, I'll take off your hands.

[A sea of blue feels more like what he'd want, normally. With the number of planters he has at home with those seeds growing, that's probably what he'll end up with eventually. Would it hurt too much, though? Would it just make him think of her, of Tenebrae and everything he could lose in the future? Probably better not to risk it. A variety would be... new. Something different. He likes the idea of that, a little piece of all of them instead of just bittersweet memories.]

[iustaegis]

[ There are enough of these flowers to go around... Later, she'll recommend that he plant them as soon as possible, and sprinkle just a little bit of this precious, magical rainwater upon them to help grow them. ]

As many as you'd like to get started-- [ As for her, she's assuming the blues for him, so when this is over she'll be preparing more blues for him to transplant over to his garden, a few reds and whites to go along with them.

...Her gaze drops to the flowers he's weaving together. ] --So that you might make as many flower crowns as you wish to.

[carbungle]

[His fingers pause for a moment, then resume their tying; he hadn't exactly been subtle, but there's still some helpless embarrassment at being caught.]

I think one's plenty. Better to let them grow freely, right?

[Though he understands her making them- besides the fact that they do look very pretty on her, her garden is practically overrun.]

[iustaegis]

[ Whatever he decides to use them for, whether crowns or decorations, it is up to him.

...On the subject of crowns, however. ] You could have at least two. [ One for himself right now, and one to preserve for if Luna returns. King and queen, they would look as if they belonged together even more.

This is where she’ll be giving the laurel she had taken off of her own head to give to him instead. Shifting so that she faces him, it’s only by a knee that they touch, and she lifts the wreath up to gently set upon his head.

Then she says, simply: ] King.

[carbungle]

[He's caught off guard by that, pausing in his stalk-binding to lift a hand up to the flowers. King, she says. Even with a crown, makeshift or otherwise, he still doesn't feel like one. It's quite different from the Lucian crown, of course, not that he's ever worn it; he has no idea where it might be at this point. Cor might know, considering he carries his father's jacket tassel, but it never mattered enough to ask, not worth the memories it would bring up for either of them. It's just a piece of metal, in the end, one he hadn't yet earned.

Shaking off his surprise and those uncertain thoughts, he manages another smile, lifting a fresh flower to add to his chain.]

I think you wear it better.

[iustaegis]

[ She sits back down beside him, not bothered by the dampness of the grass beneath her. She shares her warmth with him by proximity alone, and the arm that will link with his beneath the blanket if he’s open to it. ]

You do know I’ve no royal blood.

[ She knows she’s secretive but... hey, that counts as telling him about herself, of what she is not. ]

[carbungle]

That's not a deciding factor, you know.

[Not like his mom was a royal, and she was a badass queen by all reports. He offers no resistance as she dips her hand into the blanket as well, shifting his arm to make space for hers.]

Is the pattern based on anything, or did you make it up yourself?

[iustaegis]

[ She shakes her head ‘no’, watching him weave his second crown. ]

It was something I thought Somnus would... [ “...would like”, but she pauses.

Oh. ] Is there supposed to be a pattern?

[carbungle]

[??? Why did she trail off? Hopefully Somnus didn't do anything weird.]

Maybe for someone who actually knows this stuff, but I don't care. I just know the one Luna taught me.

[He's proud of himself for that one; it's the first time in a while that he's managed to say her name without stumbling. Getting better, bit by bit.

He finishes the rest of the circle, twining the red and white stalks on either side, pointing up and back, sort of like antlers. Satisfied, he turns and deposits the crown onto her head.]

Like so.

[iustaegis]

[ With the new weight added upon her head, her other hand lifts up to lightly dust against the new set of flowers. She appears puzzled, but caring still. There’s no way all of this isn’t bittersweet for him, but he appears to be handling it well. Not enough to be breaking down, at least.

It seems that despite her insistence that she is not royal, he’s still crowning her. Perhaps he had just wanted to see what it’d look like for Luna, if she may be summoned in return.

... ]

This crown is for her... for when she may return? [ It is good that he’s keeping hope, she thinks. ]

[carbungle]

Honestly, I was just making it to keep my hands busy. Didn't have plans past that, so you got that sorted for me.

[He gives his own a light tap; doesn't even require one for himself now, since she passed hers along. What does he have need of two crowns for? Her suggestion is noted - and appreciated - but ultimately, he shakes his head.]

She wouldn't want it to just sit inside and wilt away- that would be a waste. You should wear it out, show it off. Sylleblossoms exist to be seen.

[iustaegis]

[ Her follows the lift of his hand up to the crown she had placed atop his head, then back to his face, when she continues to listen until he’s done speaking.

Meant to be seen— by those who won’t be saddened by their presence. Perhaps by summer enough time will have passed for him and others of his world to bear to see them casually again. That and, again, she’s not royalty. What right does she have to wear these flowers?

But she feels she at least has his blessing, his permission to wear the one upon her own head. ]

Mm... I suppose this means that we’ll have to work on your garden of them. They should be fresh for her. [ ....Maybe this is too bittersweet, continuing to bring her up. She’ll leave an out: ] Or, ah, anyone else of your family that might arrive.