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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#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.]
iustaegis: (pic#13566163)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-06 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She double takes as her hands lower to her sides.. ]

You mean... in reality?

[ Her question unspoken-- how-- is clearly written upon her expression. Once she had seen Somnus make potions in preparation for their trip beyond the barrier, but it seemed that that had all been with their family's magic. If he's implying that she, now touched with Noctis' light, can do the same, it would be news to her. ]
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (148)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
Yep. Any of us could do it, though it does take some practice.
iustaegis: (pic#13566180)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wow then what are they playing this game for if she can be learning something like—

No. They’re playing this game for him. ]


...Healing is.... such a precious gift.

[ She smiles yet again, but this time it’s different. Fonder, perhaps, yet humbled. Yes, she presumes many others here have such a gift, but that doesn’t make what he’s gifted her any less significant. She steps up to him. ] I’m... I don’t know what to say.
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (313)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[He blinks, curious at her reaction. He's never thought about healing as being a major aspect of his power- more of a side effect, since he can't maintain it on his own except in very particular situations, usually requiring the potion mixes. It's not like Luna, who can just heal people on the fly. That's impressive.

Still, when one can't heal at all, it must seem pretty exceptional. He can remember the marvel in the eyes of hunters they'd rescued out in the field, lost and wounded, their bodies mended by a simple potion. Something so commonplace for him must have felt downright miraculous to those outside of Lucis.

His expression softens a little.]


We'll work on that, then. Real soon.
iustaegis: (pic#13566122)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Centuries ago, she could heal. But she rarely did.

Now with this form she takes she wouldn’t heal at all with her own power. Using Noctis’ is a miracle...

She looks away as he smiles at her, oddly thoughtful. When she’s ready to reply, she straightens her posture. ]
Instructor in both light magic, healing magic, and how not to pose as royalty.

I think you officially earned yourself an addition to your title: Professor Phoenix Knight.
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (123)

[personal profile] carbungle 2020-04-07 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds worse than Professor Noctis.

[He snorts mildly, lips quirking. Even as a joke, he has too many titles already.]

Want to learn how to fish next?
iustaegis: (pic#13580085)

[personal profile] iustaegis 2020-04-07 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ --Oh. Fishing. Something she hasn't ever tried before, actually. She appears bashfully pleased at the idea. ]

I wouldn't mind if I learn from you.