hugtopia_logs | ♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

Entry tags:

♥ 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

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... Going near the walls to try again would be too much of a risk.

[ Even if she hadn't specified the cause of her experience to Pyra, as much as she wants to investigate that particular tidbit, always so urgently uttered and enforced, perhaps someone else would be more suited for it.

But that itself was not within Pyra's suggestion. ]

It should be possible to perform another ritual to detect it, at a more central location. I admit that I have had... little success with following up on such measures on my own.

[ Not that she hadn't tried. She could sense and use her logic to propose theories of some factors to a degree, but not with that same heightened clarity that previously combining their power had provided, and mostly only pertaining to their prior discoveries in regard to the unified energy. ]

Edited 2020-04-19 21:33 (UTC)

[ Months ago, their small experimental investigation had worked, and from there they had decided to monitor the energies of the barrier together. While some of the information they discerned had been theorized before, it was good enough to obtain that confirmation. They also, however, gained more questions out of the whole experience. ]

We can try it for ourselves, just as last time.

[ To anyone else, it might just appear as if they're doing some sort of elaborate, magical ritual. That's not too uncommon among the otherworlders, of whom many showcase their magic or use it casually throughout the day. ]

...Ah, but. If you would feel more comfortable, perhaps we might head back to our house instead of attempting out here?

[ More likely to be conducted a little differently from last time, given they wouldn't be balancing on a wall to do it. She'd be able to act with more precision, especially with the extra clarity from what Pyra might provide. She hadn't considered the extra peace of mind from not being immediately accessible by anyone who might wander by and ask questions, but it made sense. More focus might be attained that way. ]

Perhaps... that would be better. If you do not mind the use of your home.

[ She'd noticed the "our", but Pyra did have a housemate. ]

[ Our indeed meant her and Somnus' place... in this case.

Pyra is glad she thought to ask. Honerva's level of comfort should be noted for this, not just as a courtesy but because Pyra does care for her. ] ...This way, then.

[ ~~one fast travel later~~

Opening the door, she motions Honerva to enter. The layout can hardly be described as minimalist, for it's far simpler and more sparse. There's a feeling of emptiness to it as neither resident has much desire or sentimentality for material possessions or decorations. However, the faint smell of recently baked wheat bread may give the open kitchen-to-living room spread a vaguely homey feel. Most of the warmth comes from Pyra herself as she welcomes her in. ] I think the living room would be appropriate. [ Taking her by the hand again, she'll guide her to the couch. ]

[ There is familiarity in walking in to that emptiness. There had been a time when Honerva had felt unable to fill her own space with physical decoration, after shedding her prior aesthetic and distancing herself from a self she no longer had wanted to be left her with little concept for what to fill in its place. Even now, she would continue to struggle to do so.

She quietly follows Pyra inside, observing the familiarity of it though not commenting on it, though her gaze considers the room once they reach the couch. ]

Yes... this room will suffice. We would do well with such a clear area. Let us define the cardinal points.

[ North, east, west and south... going inside a building makes those less obvious, but they would play a part in this. ]

[ She'll leave the preparation of that to Honerva, as to Pyra the cardinal points mean nothing to how her own power operates. But they help Honerva in her design for their divination procedures, and she pays respectful attention. Her abilities and energy are quite precise, she's found, almost mathematical in execution. Perhaps there is a formula behind the reason why she seeks to establish directionality-- the axis, spin, and gravitational field of the planet, perhaps?-- and Honerva accounting for something as grand as that just shows how much thought she puts into beginning a spell...

When Honerva appears that she's ready, Pyra will stand behind her, a hand going to her shoulder, ready to lend her her power. This is how they scrutinized the barrier the first time, and all the other times aside from the previous month. ] ...Ready?

[ Spells must be guided. Some require less precision than others, but their cause here is to divine something that has been all but untraceable by any other means. Trial and error, another layer of intricacy. Honerva knew few things for certain; that this energy was localized within the barrier and she could not reach beyond it.

The concern was divining it in it's pre-unified state, honing in on where that might lead before it disperses. Theories were of little use without ways to confirm, and here they were, now. She's quiet as she works, an intricate glyph woven before them on the floor. The couch may have been offered, but that was for later; for now it is the center of the room where Honerva has placed herself, and she has accounted for Pyra in this. She must prepare herself for the rush that was to come, which was no less a rush no matter how many times they performed this ritual. ]

... Let us begin.

[ With those words, Honerva will feel it within an instant, that same surge of power gifted from before. While not painful in this initial stage, it is engulfing and overwhelming, making an epiphany of reality clear down to its very angstroms where a oneness of all exists. This awareness stops within the next second as the power tempers, settling and adapting. The energy synchronizes to hers without effort, weaving into Honerva's power, then transforming into it. It is then that its engulfing nature becomes a heightened focus instead, the overwhelming aspect of it diminishing into a manageable, bolstering lift of power.

The power is hers to use, and Pyra remains steady behind her with a hand upon her shoulder, watching her silently as she maintains the connection. ]

[ No amount of preparedness can prevent Honerva from gasping sharply at that sudden surge, the very moment when all becomes clear and all impurities are chased away and all she wants to do with this burst is to hold on to it, tighter, for all that it is and all that it can do. It is only a moment but it is a long moment, familiar, that greediness for it hungering before it calms.

The energy sinks in and she breathes out, softly, closes her eyes as the magic transforms into something more manageable, and she settles as much as the breeze of arcane energy begins to stir in the room. Focus, that was key, that was the reason they were here, the reason for all the intricacy, to divine other forces separate from these.

Her hands find her glyph lines on the floor and she presses down onto them, directing the power. The outlines light up, slowly, with the glow of pale violet energy. A focus, to divine from. Her awareness of the gods' combined energy is heightened, even with them not being near the barrier, but that is not the goal. She knows how it feels together, but now she focuses, first seeing if she can trace the direction of the largest value of energy.

Rawna is the most powerful entity now, even if he is not her alignment. If she cannot trace that energy in the air, then she must search for her own. Still, the addition of Pyra to this equation should help greatly in this regard.

And now, to feel, and to search. ]

[ Pyra remains with her, there, an extension of her energy, and through their connection she can begin to feel Honerva starting in her search. Wading through the immense amount of energy everywhere is like looking upward at the surface of the ocean, watching the medium undulate between water and air. Breaking through that layer only reveals another above it, and another beyond that, but with their combined efforts they begin to ascend.

Pyra closes her eyes, intuiting the level of energy Honerva might need to continue. She does not know how much time has passed, but she feels as if they are close... ]

[ With such energy, time may feel unreal, seconds stretching as well as the minutes, each breakthrough leading to another barrier, but it is clear they are pursuing something that bobs just out of reach. There is a trace, there is a path, and the pursuit continues. Just a little more... just a little further.

She realizes that the energy she is seeking specifically is more evasive, but there is another she had overlooked as well, as the realization, the energy she seeks may come from them both; individually, it is lightly tugged away, in opposite directions... but it is also Everywhere. Present in all things, much like the energy she is accustomed to sensing; it is the life energy of this world, elusive and yet ever-present.

That in itself is not so startling a realization, even if this means was required to grasp the truth of it, though it rings familiar in an unsettling way.

They have broken through the surface; they must take in the knowledge before them before it winks away, and then she will bring the ritual to a close. ]

[ Months ago when they had first started, they had discovered that the energy had been generated at points of contact only to escape beyond their detection. Where it went, they did not know at the time. Near the barrier, they had been able to measure the levels of each signature to it, monitoring the four bands that comprised a more unified, golden appearance.

Now they know more. The individual signatures of energy given by contact is then... siphoned, it seems, to travel in a general direction towards the temples. Simultaneously, it's everywhere. This isn't surprising, but it does reveal one thing: that this energy can be detected, it does exist in separate forms. It only takes a lot of power to be able to discern and separate them. They exist in different amounts-- again, nothing new-- but now they know for certain that they travel, first, before unifying....

She doesn't need to tell Honerva aloud that she'll be slowly withdrawing the connection. Honerva will feel it, the light and energy breaking and diminishing in its flow towards her. The excess bleeds off in wisps, fading from existence. ]

[ As with their previous connections, Honerva knows to anticipate this, for there is always a toll for knowledge. They both know the point of confirmation and that it takes no time to end the ritual. The flow of energy wanes, the glow vanishes and her heightened focus lessens. The familiar sensation of that oncoming physical crash makes itself known, the dizziness, with that slump of her shoulders and her labored breaths as she leans forward, bringing her arms to her chest, feeling that innate desire to want for more to have it denied.

Still, it was not without some gain; something valuable had come from this, to fill some of the gaps of what had once been theory. ]

[ The last retreating remnant of her power is like a windless tide, rejoining the chasm of a black, still, and endless sea. The shore is steep and there is no horizon; best not to fall into this infinity.

It takes power for Pyra to do this as well, but the exhaustion is well-spent, knowing that they've both confirmed old theories, learned more, and have the information needed to make more. This is how it's been like for them, and she knows to be patient following each divination. There is satisfaction, too, that they were able to accomplish this together.... But it's unfair to Honerva, how much she is put through because of it.

Pyra kneels beside her, her hold across her back supporting as Honerva withdraws into herself. She... cannot be certain, but it seems as if she's a little more shaken than usual. ] H-hey... It's... over. It's over. We did it.

[ Even knowing to expect these highs and lows from their previous connections together had not prepared her, especially not since after experiencing how low the arrest had brought her. Certainly it was not so extreme now, but mind and body were not so in sync, when it came to dealing, burdened with impurities she may never be freed from. She's quiet for a moment longer, listening to Pyra speak, and murmuring in response. ]

... yes. We have been able to... discover more.

[ That was what mattered, the result was what mattered. So she told herself, still. ]

[ Her expression falls as her brow knits in concern. She sounds weak. Perhaps this was too much, too soon? Her bout in prison had left her power ripped away from her temporarily, and just now Pyra had given her a sun's worth of it to fulfill this task...

A doubt emerges: had she done wrong here, had she pushed her too far? Not-- overestimated her, but had she been blind again to not knowing what she might not have been able to handle this so soon? Guilt follows: both with having potentially pressed her too much, and that this needed to be done... Only, perhaps, they should have waited. ] Honerva...

[ Theories can come later.

Should Honerva be willing to be guided, Pyra will support her to lie her down upon the couch. ]

[ Honerva is quietly willing to be led to the couch, guided; but she does not lie down upon it. Pyra may or may not have noticed how she never seems to sit fully upon seats when they are presented to her, and usually when she is seated on a couch specifically she prefers the arm or the side of it.

But at this, when Pyra bade her to lie down she allows it to a point, but draws up into herself at the side, rather than command the entire couch, more accustomed to taking up less space. That does mean there's still plenty of room beside her. Once she has settled, she murmurs: ]

... it is fine, Pyra. It is... the same as before.

[ The worry in the other woman is certainly palpable, even as she must focus upon herself to deal with the strain, must try to dismiss it as a mere inconvenience so they can return to important matters. ]

[ There are some things more important than discovering the mysteries of this world... and she wouldn't be able to at this extent without Honerva.

She takes a seat behind her, finding her hand. Honerva's are long and thin, almost fragile in the way they feel in hers. It belies the artistry of her power, the way she paints glyphs and manipulates the energy around her seemingly without effort.

But that's just the thing: seemingly. ]

It is fine... or will be fine?

[ Honerva frowns a little at the need for clarification, even if she had to admit to herself that she was feeling a little more spent than before. Likely due to the intricacy, their determination to detect what had previously eluded them. More of a push was required. ]

It will be. But... please do not think that I am so poorly off, for this.

[ She does not know if she speaks to reassure Pyra or herself, in this case. Here she was still curled up upon the couch, after all, and it was not the first time worry was expressed for her condition. ]

... What concerns you, Pyra?

[ What concerns her?

That for as careful as she attempts to be, what she's trying to do and help with is actually hurting Honerva. Obviously, she cannot read her well enough. ] ...."Please make sure she allows herself time to rest."

Cor said this.

[ She hadn't done this here. She had proceeded with causing this despite knowing what Honerva had gone through already, believing that she had been capable of enacting another divination with her power. Pyra is spent, but clearly not as much as Honerva. They should have waited longer before trying this. ]

[ And there it was. Honerva listens, contemplating how much of a weight this concern must have been in that moment for her, if Pyra was pressed to use another's words as evidence for it. ]

... Cor?

[ That he would have concern for her was not strange, but to mention it to another in such a way... she's quiet, ears lowered and puzzlement sweeping across her brow, before she breaks into a soft, breathless, apologetic laugh. ]

He would only say as such because that is what I say to him. He is kind, and means well by it, but his intent is.... misplaced.

[ Her reassurance, for Pyra, if she will accept it. Cor is human, and his burdens stretch from one king to the next, knowing no peace, so she often suggests that he rest and find ways to break free from his soldier's mindset. A man only just discovering how to live, but that was the same path that she was treading.

Or perhaps she's just a little bit... flustered, not expecting his name to have come up, let alone for him to have potentially discussed her health with others. ]

Misplaced...?

[ Concern and doubt are woven into the word. If this is reassurance, the it doesn't seem that Pyra understands exactly what it is meant to reassure. To her it sounds like a dismissal, a fancier way of saying, again, I'm fine.

...But Honerva is talking more, and the breathless laugh sounds as if she's found one degree more of vigor to respond. ]

He... cares for me.

[ This has no relevance to what is at hand, but Cor had to be the one to put concern into Pyra's mind, or so she understood it; why else, would she suddenly ask after her earlier, when she had not done so before.

She is speaking a lot, for all that she's still tucked up in the side of the couch, a distraction away from the crash, as real as that still is. ]

He is concerned because... protecting others is what he does. He has many to look after... and now he has filled you with this concern...?

Honerva... [ Cor is a crownsguard, a militaristic man who holds fast to his duty. She knows this. But she also knows from what sparse conversations she's had with the man that he has a great deal of heart, and room in it to care for others beyond that same duty. Yet here it sounds as if she is attributing his care for her solely to an extension, or perhaps a conditioning, of that duty... Perhaps that is the case, but she has her doubts.

She's also making it sound as if she only has her concerns because of what Cor has said, which isn't true. His words had only brought to light what she had missed. ] As if he or I wouldn't have this concern....

[ Her hand over hers slackens, then tightens. ] ...when you dedicate yourself to a cause beyond your health. You're not a means to an end of-- whatever we might accomplish here. [ If they're even going to succeed at anything at all! Monitoring this energy is just the first step. ] You're... someone I care about.

[ For a few moments, Honerva drifts into quiet, because she had been so caught up in compartmentalizing, dissociating, to truly hear Pyra's words. Because they were dealing with work and for work she needed to be fine. Competent. Useful. There were echoes of their earlier conversation in this, while Pyra had braided her hair, and after all this, didn't that feel as though it were much further away.

You're not a means to an end -- of whatever they might accomplish? Was that not ever the reason she was sought out for such tasks to begin with? Because of her knowledge and how it might be applied, and these results would be of use to them all in some way. These were facts and perhaps it was her own conditioning that led to these attributions. A cause beyond her health. Driving toward success certainly would not take her personal state into consideration unless they did not find her suitable.

Care, that was different. That was a different word, a different implication. Care did not have to do with not being found suitable. Care that could erode lifetimes of denial, if only she knew how to apply that to herself. Earlier she had called Pyra a kindness, and here Pyra was, still a kindness, still presenting herself as a balm to a malady she could not comprehend, though Honerva is not so far gone that it does not strike a chord. ]

... yes, you do. Of course, you do. It is not my intention... to dismiss your cares or your kindness.

[ She just has great difficulty in focusing on her own condition and dealing with that rather than what she sees as the more important matters at hand... but there is reminder in this, that any hurt that befalls herself would hurt those who hold that concern. ]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject