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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.
iustaegis: (pic#13566189)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
Would you consider that as your flower?
carbungle: elliejoys @ tumblr (resized) (24)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
Mine... I guess it's the closest I can think of. I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about flowers, for the most part.
iustaegis: (pic#13566197)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's a little thought experiment, anyway. It's not as if she knows the meaning of any of these flowers. He could pick a sunflower and that would be equally appropriate to her. ]

Mm... You have time to think about such things now. [ In his world, perhaps he had been thinking too much of video games-- she would joke. But it's more likely he had plenty of other things on his mind. Finding the time to allow himself to think freely and imagine, expressing his creativity, could provide him some solace. ] With this amount of time, you could even pick a flower for everyone of your family, too. Something for Prompto, another for Cor, Ignis...
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (240)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
That sounds like a lot of decisions to make for other people.

[Emblems aren't nicknames or ranks, isn't it a little weird to go around assigning them for his people?]

In a pinch, though, Prompto's a sunflower.

[Speaking of.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566183)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ Then, good. It's a thing he can do with his family. More to the hidden point in all of this, if he acquires a flower for all of them and harbors them in his garden, they can represent his family as if they were still in Havenwell, even should they disappear.

...It's probably a bit of stretch, but the idea feels whimsical enough to her. ]
A sunflower... Ah-- because he's very lean and looking towards the sun?
carbungle: mirrorcoated @ dw (29)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-03 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
Because he's up at the crack of dawn and is too bright to look at, mostly.

[It shouldn't be so easy to have a tone that is both dry and affectionate at the same time, but he's got it down pat.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566183)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-03 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She giggles. ]

That's-- definitely appropriate! A few months ago, I went on a morning run with him. You should do it sometime, too.
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (128)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
Up at dawn with Prompto? No way. Last time I did that he almost got me eaten by a catoblepas.

[And there's no telling what kind of wild photo ideas he'll come up with this time. He likes his head where it is, thanks!]
iustaegis: (pic#13558821)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-05 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ From her expression, it should be obvious that she has no idea what a catoblepa is.

But that's also not the point. ]
Er-- almost eaten?

[ Prompto what were you doing?? ]
carbungle: mirrorcoated @ dw (39)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
[Being really ambitious about his passions, mostly.]

Yep. You can ask him for the pic- I felt the damn thing breathing on my ass before he finally took the shot. Could've swallowed me in one bite!
iustaegis: (pic#13566136)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-05 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ She's going to have to reevaluate what the meaning of being a crownsguard is after this. Obviously there's a lot of leeway in what it means to protect the king. ]

You are joking.

[ He has to be joking. ]
carbungle: livebites @ dw (and darlin' darlin')

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Lucians are weird and these two were left unsupervised, that's the real answer.

He quirks a brow, pointedly not joking.]


Does that not sound like a situation we'd get into?
iustaegis: (pic#13566136)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-05 08:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Honestly? She does not know. ]

Do the two of you head straight into dangerous just for... pictures?
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (320)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-05 11:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Sometimes, yeah. Mostly when he thinks he's got a genius idea for a nice shot and can't get it out of his head.

[Though they've been known on occasion to egg one another on. That's just the nature of boys being young and stupid.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566188)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-06 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She opens her mouth, closes it, then shakes her head. ]

I.... don’t know what to feel about any of this. [ Perhaps she should feel worried that the two would do something like that at all? But then knowing that Noctis apparently went along with it... ] Was it... Did you have fun? In the end?
carbungle: elliejoys @ tumblr (resized) (19)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
Fun? [His head tilts thoughtfully. Almost getting chomped wasn't fun, no. But the adrenaline rush of their escape, and how pleased Prompto had been about the photo as a result... yeah, that was fun.] I dunno, he's pretty good at making almost anything interesting.
iustaegis: (pic#13558827)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
So almost being eaten apparently counts as a fond memory. [ She cringes softly, but finds that she feels the need to let out a small, tired chuckle. ] I think I’ll have to keep that in mind.
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (179)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Fair warning: if you try to get me eaten by a giant monster for kicks, I will tell my dad.

[Well, maybe not. But Prompto did get an earful for it.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566191)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She feigns a pout, then speaks slowly, slyly. ] What... would it take for you to not tattle, mm?

[ Going for a (pretend) bribe! ]
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (273)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm.

[Hmmmmm!]

...Do you know how to make cheesecake?
iustaegis: (pic#13595806)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Does she? Boy she be a walking encyclopedia o' recipes. ]

Any and all kinds.