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hugtopiamods ([personal profile] hugtopiamods) wrote in [community profile] hugtopia_logs2020-03-13 10:34 pm

♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

small purple flower sprouting through snow
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
a decorated garden pathway through a large greenhouse

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
the back of someone's head, wearing a colourful flower crown

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
the logo for king's knight with 4 heroes and the title clumsily edited to show 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.
carbungle: hobbitholmes @ dw (232)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-02 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
[He quirks a brow at her, pondering a moment.]

Order me to do what, Your Highness?

[Besides be facetious.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566151)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-02 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh boy she’s going to go for the triple crown! ]

To remove my boots for me, to carry my boots... and to carry me because, as you’ve said, it would be dangerous to walk around without footwear.

[ Totally. Reasonable. ]
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (104)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-02 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
So demanding... you're not even my princess.

[Yet he's so proud of her for the assertive roleplay that he... drops to a knee again! Be surprised! And more so when he offers his hand up, gesturing towards her foot.]

You leave me no choice. For the sake of my honour... lean your weight on my shoulder, my lady.

[Is he gonna do it. Really. Is he.]
iustaegis: (pic#13598754)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-02 01:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh— she is surprised! She didn’t think he’d actually oblige, and it takes a good deal of effort not to break her character’s personality (wherever it is, she’s still working on the whole “princess” thing) because it’s completely unprecedented.

Pyra steps close, placing a hand upon his shoulder to have him support her as he bids, lifting up a leg so he might do as she has requested. Her hand is tense upon his shoulder as if she doesn’t quite trust him to completely follow through without moving to toss her into the pool. ]
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (305)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-02 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Her boots are long and heftier than they look, but thankfully easy to remove, so one by one he slips them free, leaving her barefoot. Still crouched, he drapes both boots over an arm...

...and then leans in, hefts her up onto his shoulder (instinctively the left side, even in VR where it shouldn't matter), arm over her legs to hold her in place, and stands up with some effort.]


Okay, there we go! Your feet are safe now, princess.
iustaegis: (pic#13566149)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-02 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ One boot off, second boot slipped off, and then— she finds her vision turning to the ceiling then floor as she’s flipped over his shoulder. Pyra yelps as her face smacks into his..... ass.... and grasps at his— well, can’t be his back, that’s off limits. Guess it’s his sides that will have to do. ]

N—Noc— [ Wait, no. ] Phoenix Knight—!

[ She’s going to squirm, but she’s not able to move as much with her equilibrium completely thrown off. She stumbles over her words, flustered from, well, everything. ] What is this?!
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (should tumble and fall)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-02 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm carrying you, just as you requested, princess.

[She can't see his face from here, but he sounds entirely too pleased with himself.]

Since I'm carrying your boots as well, this was the only way I could think to do it. Is there a problem?
iustaegis: (pic#13566169)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-02 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is her life now, having to be muffled somewhere between the slits of his feathered cape. She doesn’t need to see his expression, because she can hear his gloating grin in his tone.

Stubbornly, she doesn’t want to dignify him with the satisfaction! Surely she can endure this a little longer. ]


This... is....— [ It’s a little bit of a struggle to speak, given her position, but she manages a huff, attempting to at least push herself up and off his lower back. ] no problem at all! I’m perfectly comfortable!
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (161)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-02 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[How long will her pride last? Since he has no back issues in VR he can do this all day, hah. (Well, okay, it'll last until they reach the next fight, at most. Until then he's going to enjoy himself.)

He does shift her position a bit on his shoulder, though, not a fan of where her hands are pushing.]


I'm relieved to hear it, Your Highness. I'd be loathed to cause you any discomfort at all.
iustaegis: (pic#13558831)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-02 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I’m— [ Hrk. That adjustment causes her to gulp down a breath, since her abdomen is just over his shoulder.

Give her a moment, she’ll move her hands to be steady upon either side of his hips instead so that she’s not swinging freely behind him like an extra cape. She’ll be avoiding another dose of Noctass if she can help it.

However, she cannot truly be annoyed by this. This is all pretend, after all, and he seems to be having fun. This only encourages her to continue with the act. ]


I’m far more concerned about you! [ She manages to say. ] It is wonderful to be carried, but should your muscles tire... please do not hesitate to set me down.
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (and the moon)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, but you were so insistent that I carry you. I couldn't possibly back out until you're fully satisfied.

[This is now a game a shoulder-carry-chicken, evidently.

He does head down the path towards the next level; their time score is going to be soooo low at this rate, but he's not bothered. This is far more entertaining.]
iustaegis: (pic#13558825)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ What is her life right now. How did she get here. This is so embarrassing.

Strained: ]


A-and how long do you believe you can last... carrying me?
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (196)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Let's see...

[He gives it a moment's consideration. Actually, she's a bit heavier than she looks, and he's not used to walking around in full plate armor and summoned weapons. VR can only remove so much from reality.]

Are you sure you don't want me to throw you?
iustaegis: (pic#13566136)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ Immediately: ]

I am very sure!
carbungle: mirrorcoated @ dw (27)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 05:17 am (UTC)(link)
Aww.

[Sounding a little disappointed.]

Then, I'll carry you until the next foe crosses our path.

[Hey look! The next dungeon! Another ruin scenario, but this time deep in the heart of a lush green forest. It's dim and gloomy, a low fog rolling over the path ahead. Not much good for drying off wet armor, but at least it's not a swamp or something.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566190)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ ....This is humiliating. Judging from how the tile of the seaside ruins turns into the mossy, lush and shadowed grass of a forest floor, they're already at the next level.

She hopes the next set of enemies will be here for them to find. ]
Still not tired?
carbungle: mirrorcoated @ dw (34)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
My strength will never falter as long as you're depending on me, Highness.

[Sounds like something cheesy that a knight would say, right?

However, despite his words, he suddenly bends until her feet touch the ground, setting her down. He sets his hands on her shoulders, looking formal.]


Princess... your ride has come to an end.

[And then he turns her around as a group of lumbering skeletons in rusted armor staggers out of the mist and heads towards them. Have at thee...!]
iustaegis: (pic#13566161)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Solid ground, at last! In the end, she's not upset at all, although she is relieved to be standing on her own again. This is a good lesson not to test him with ridiculous requests, pretend or otherwise.

His cheesey line does earn him a smile as she quickly puts on her boots, but as the skeletons quickly approach the both of them, he'll have to aggro them while she prepares. After she manages to fasten the last clip, she leaps right into battle. Pew pew, only with arrows.

One fight scene later-- The skeletons' bones disperse into pixelated shadow, leaving behind some loot of in-game currency, a rusty axe, and a humerus. None of these items are particularly rare. Pyra places her bow across her back, sighing. ]


A...Alright, you were correct. Wearing boots would have made the beginning of that battle a little better.
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (44)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 07:30 am (UTC)(link)
[Lesson learned, Pyra. You've entered into his reality- and roleplay zone. This is where the nerds thrive.

He'd taken some hits fighting solo for a bit, so he's a little scuffed up, examining his shield for damage (or at least pretending to, as it's not that kind of game) and fixing his feathers.]


Yeah, probably. Less soggy, at least? Mine are still dripping.
iustaegis: (pic#13566179)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Our steps are going to be squeaking and loud for the rest of this dungeon. [ Silver lining: if he's been hit, this is a perfect opportunity to see if they programmed their healing items works as intended.

She steps forward, noting wherever he's been scratched up by the skeletons, and takes out a vial from her inventory. Healing balm, it's called, with the larger variations available for higher levels. ]


Mm... Let me see your-- [ Arm/leg/wherever he's been hurt. ]
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (111)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
It's not bad. Got a little one?

[A little potion, that is- he offers his shield arm out to her, it having taken the brunt of the damage while he'd raised it in defense.]

Looks like the damage coding words great. It's even specific to where you get hit- games don't usually do that.

[Pretty cool, actually. Never has he been so pleased to be wounded.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566138)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-05 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, wow. She's... going to heal someone. With a potion (and in VR) but still! Healing someone. It's like she's being helpful for the first time in eons.

These potions can work in multiple ways, indigestible, as salves, pour-overs, or nebulized in the air for quick use in battle. She uncaps the vial, dousing its magic over his arm. Her eyes flit up to his face, watching him. ]
It doesn't hurt too much, does it?
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (166)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 08:23 am (UTC)(link)
Not really. More of a buzz, kinda like pins and needles.

[The goal of this had been so everyone could play- even kids, or people with poor tolerance for pain or real violence. That sort of thing was meant for higher difficulties if they wanted.

He flexes his arm as the liquid soothes the sensation, rolling his shoulder and looking satisfied.]


I think it worked okay? Nice coding, princess.
iustaegis: (pic#13566171)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-05 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ With the potion used up, the vial vanishes from her hand.

She looks both pleased and astonished at herself, looking at his arm, then him. ]
Oh, that was my first time healing! It... was so easy! [ Her laugh is soft and bubbling. This must be what it feels like to give out a potion.

Excitedly, she will reach out to tug at his arm, inspecting where the wound once was. ]
Your arm has full functionality, it doesn't hurt, and... [ She looks back up to him. She knows his family are able to concoct their potions, so this must not be too incredible for him. Even in her world, they had such salves and medicines to aid in battle. However, Pyra herself had never used them. She had no need. ] It's almost like a little miracle, isn't it? A miracle in a bottle.
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (281)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, convenient. They don't even have to get rid of the empty (digital) bottle! Though there's probably no penalty for littering in a video game.]

Pretty cool, right? At some point maybe I can show you how to make potions. Then you can do that whenever you want.

[His dad and Cor's new shop is probably going to make sure the town has a steady supply, but it can't hurt to have more around.]

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