♥ 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]

[ 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.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Keeping playfulness going is... difficult for her. She's aware of it, sometimes she manages it, or feels guilty when she fails to keep the momentum of it; but sometimes she can't help her usual seriousness simply taking over, no matter who was involved in the conversation. All conversation was practice but her experiences could not help but color them.

Stil, she tilts her head at Pyra, wondering if it were yet another deflection in some way. ]

... What do you have in mind?

[iustaegis]

[ See, "keeping playfulness going" is exactly what Pyra is going to suggest they try. ]

Let's try to help you be... silly!

[ Because it does take practice, so why not do it with someone who will be patient with her! ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva looks at Pyra intently for a moment, processing what she had just said... but her shoulders give in to a quick, soft quiver of a laugh, where she'd been so tense and rigid for most of their talk. ]

That will be... quite a task. Are you certain that you are up for the challenge?

[iustaegis]

[ There we go. A little laughter. See, they're making some progress already, even if Pyra knows that her suggestion here is quite ridiculous. It's only occurred to her recently that Honerva might be on the more serious side not because she's incapable of being otherwise, but perhaps had simply forgotten how-- or worse, that she believes she doesn't deserve to be anything but miserable. ]

I did just spend all this time braiding your hair. [ She's nothing if not tenacious! ] Being silly... can't take more time than that, mm? [ Oh, it will, but that's the joke of making, and exaggerating, a false equivalency. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It is difficult when her framework for less serious aspects are either well out of reach or... securely located within more recent stretches of her present. Material for more... lighthearted times are limited. Pyra has only met her in these later stages of her journey, had not truly encountered the sort of person she was freshly taken from her universe and had not been able to see for herself how much she had already changed.

Even if there are times Honerva has difficulty accepting that for herself. ]

Confidence is a good sign in an instructor.

[iustaegis]

Ooh, coming from someone who I'm still not convinced isn't a professor in her own world-- that means even more.

[ And so, she straightens up as if to channel the role of a (false) instructor. ] Maybe this means I'm allowed to assign you homework, too.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It is so difficult to maintain a lighter tone whenever Pyra seems to carelessly use phrases like 'own world'. Perhaps that was part of the test, to let the comment go and not let it drag them back down as it so often did. ]

It would not be the first assignment I've received.

[iustaegis]

[ Smart. ]

Oh, care to share what it was? I'd loathe to give you a duplicate one.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ She tilts her head. ]

One cause serves another. We are fulfilling criteria for it now, after all.

[iustaegis]

[ Her lips purse, and then her smile resumes with a whimsical curve. How delightfully vague! ]

Then— five jokes. You have to make five jokes with others, no time limit, and then report them back to your teacher for evaluation..!

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Was it really so vague? She didn't think so. Probably because it made enough sense to her; just being able to talk and spend time with others and letting a certain person know she was doing so occasionally.

It was not as though she was incapable of making jokes, but sometimes the manner in which they would emerge would be unexpected, or usually something in a moment to dissolve tension she may have inadvertently brought on herself. She wasn't certain how to hold herself accountable for that. Applying lightness... was something that still required practice, after all.

But already, she was thinking so hard, about something so innocuous. Which is why she's still smiling, when she says: ]

... Pyra, this idea is foolish.

[iustaegis]

[ Foolish? Foolish?! What’s asinine is what had happened to her, years and years ago,
bringing hardship onto the very woman’s essence, when all she had done was become a little too enamored and entangled with a force she hadn’t been capable of handling. It’s an old tale of curiosity and hubris, she’s witnessed it before, and the universe took a price she could not pay. The rest is her history, faded into lost memories. Yet— such needless prolonged suffering, this, in a completely different world...

She doesn’t know if the woman Honerva used to be had ever made jokes just because, and this all may be a playful platitude and not in any way an actual assignments. But if “homework” such as this will give her even a little incentive, or permission, to seek ways in which she might smile more easily... so be it.

Without missing a beat: ]

Oh? [ She giggles, unable to hold back her laughter at the ridiculousness of it. ] I could raise it fifty jokes.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Perhaps it was suffering, but she'd had untold years of darkness, where such lightheartedness was unheard of. Much like learning a new language, navigating the concepts of playfulness was something so long lost that it was new.

Better for it to be natural than forced, which was often the difficulty she faced. Still, it wasn't so bad, if she... maintained the purpose to remain lighter and not get lost in those deeper tracks of thought. ]

You could. Although it is likely that would not have the same amount of impact outside of the circumstances in which they were first told.