hugtopia_logs | ♥ June (Dianir) Event Log

silhouette of a cat walking along a wall

June (Dianir) Event Log
Dianir, the month when Diacht's power begins to take hold, has begun and the effects of the previous month's rejuvenation have finally worn off. The city is fresh and new with flora and fauna (now rightfully contained in their proper habitats), and the weather begins to turn ever hotter with each passing day as summer begins encroaching upon spring. The natives and new residents alike are adjusting to the first major changes to Havenwell's layout in centuries relatively well, all things considered, with natives slowly and cautiously beginning to expand businesses and homes into the newly opened areas. The temples are abuzz with activity as adherents flock to them, offering praise and words of thanks for the gods and the offworlders, without whom this major step forward would not have been possible.

The priests, however, seem a little...distracted? Worried? Something seems off with them, and as the month of Dianir really gets underway, their reason why becomes quite obvious. The gods expended a lot of energy in order to open up the city and then to cleanse it, and by a lot, we mean a lot. Some gods had more power to give than others and that imbalance seems to be affecting all of their adherents this month...

❥ PROMPT I: Basic Instincts

a man's face in black and white, half-human, half-lion

Randomly throughout the month, characters will find that, depending upon the strength of their deity, they may begin exhibiting some...odd qualities associated with their god. Those whose gods are the weakest will find the desire to give in to these qualities are the strongest, bordering on nigh impossible to ignore. Like an itch in the middle of your back that you can't reach, but you're going crazy trying to get it. The longer your character ignores the desire, the stronger it gets. Those whose gods are the strongest will find the urge there and definitely annoyingly loud, but not impossible to ignore for longer periods of time. And what qualities are we talking about? Well, from strongest to weakest, those qualities are...

♥ Ohma (strongest urge): While normally standoffish and languid, this feline god can also cling to things and people at times with an almost obsessive fervor. They need everyone to know that what is theirs belongs to them, and what better way to do that than to mark what is most important to them? People and things adherents of Ohma deem essential or necessary to their lives will find that their Ohma-driven friends are unusually clingy, wanting to hold hands or press up as close as possible to them. It might be hard to go about your day when an Ohma adherent has their arms around your waist, face pressed to your back or chest, unwilling to let go! Another unusual trait to pop up is their hunting instinct. This seems to come out most strongly around the followers of Ainea and Diacht, where Ohma's predatory instincts cause them to play-stalk and play-hunt their fellow offworlders. It's all in good fun though! Give them a tackle or a tag and the urge to 'chase' seems to go away.

♥ Ainea: The little mouse deity is renowned for her compassion and family devotion, but a little known trait of hers is the need to gather. Whether it be people or things, Aineans will find an overwhelming need to pack-rat and hoard as much stuff as possible. Oddly, things that aren't owned by other people already (such as items from stores or museums) hold very little value to them. But that scarf someone else is wearing? Yoink. That person who catches your eye as they walk down the street? Yup. You're going to be gathering everything you can and everything that catches your eye into a central location - be it your home or some other meaningful place to you - in an attempt to bring together a cozy, happy home. Once you've created your perfect little cozy pile, wouldn't it be nice to just dig in and snooze with all of your favoritest things and people? Of course it would! It just might be hard because people tend to want to go about your lives and you? You'd rather they stay right where they are with you.

♥ Diacht: This is the beginning of the avian god's cycle and when their power is beginning to grow incrementally, but that doesn't seem to be excluding them from the chaos. While known for their honesty and honor, Diacht isn't above their more basic instincts. One of which is an almost comical obsession with anything shiny. What's shiny to a Diacht adherent? Well, that depends on each person. It could literally be a bit of tinsel or metal that glints in the bright early summer sun, or it could be a person with whom you've begun to feel a special connection. Diachtians will feel an urge to rush in and snatch up what catches their eye the most, which could put them at odds with both Aineans and Rawnas trying to hold onto their belongings. Beware of the Ohmans who might be stalking you from the shadows, too. If you manage to successfully make off with your latest prize, where better to stash it (or them) than high up, right? You'll be wanting to take over a high perch in town, which might put you into direct confrontation with the Rawnans as you bicker over who really has the right to claim the town fountain, the research towers, or the newly discovered colosseum as their own.

♥ Rawna (weakest urge): Currently the strongest of the deities, adherents of the draconic god will find these urges the easiest to ignore for the longest possible time. The desire is still there, however, and seeing everyone else go buckwild around you might just trigger something deep within: a sense of territorialism. That's your stuff they're taking! And your people! And hey! That's your house! That's your garden and no one else is allowed inside! The urge to protect and keep what's yours for you and you alone is extremely high this month. Sharing is not caring, thank you very much. In fact, it might be easiest to keep an eye on all that you own if you're also the owner of the highest points in town - the town fountain, the research towers, and the newly discovered colosseum. Rawna adherents will find themselves fighting and bickering among themselves and with the Diacht followers to claim ownership of the highest points of land that they can find. Don't be too violent though! No one likes a sore loser. They'll also want to watch out for the Aineans who might just steal that which you hold dearest.

❥ PROMPT II: What'd You Say To Me?

a stack of pancakes with heart-shaped butter and the Simlish language written around it

With the gods so thoroughly distracted by their baser needs, it seems something fairly important to the off-worlders' lives has also gone on the fritz. Randomly throughout the month, characters may find that they suddenly can't understand each other. The universal translation magic that's been holding everything together will randomly cut in and out, like spotty WiFi at a public bus station. You could be in the midst of a conversation and suddenly everything that comes out of your partner's mouth turns to gibberish, or just into their native language which you, unfortunately, don't seem to understand. Speak every language fluently? Have a spell that makes you telepathic? Chances are, it won't work. Whether it's written, spoken, thought or gestured, the language barrier is nigh insurmountable whenever this malady passes over you. Thankfully, as with most things here, if you and your conversation friend decide to touch for awhile, the effects wane and pass on as if nothing had gone wrong at all. Let go and it might come back though, so you best be prepared!

Like most prompts, this event is OPTIONAL, so if you would prefer your character not be affected, you are welcome to have the effect not trigger at any time. However, other characters can and will be affected as much or as little as they desire regardless of your character's abilities, so the result may be some very odd one-sided conversations.

❥ PROMPT III: Dancing with the Gods

animated gif of two handsome gents from FFVII shaking their booty to a rhythm game

With offworlders and natives randomly being unable to understand each other, and the gods' magic going so haywire, the people have decided that there's only one language that everyone understands that no one needs to speak to comprehend: The Language of *~Dance~*. Throughout the city, people will be breaking into interpretative dance, breakdance, ballroom dance, whatever it takes to liven things up with music, song, and little booty-shaking. Feel free to grab a friend and boogie down in these fun and free dance sessions!

As the dances grow in popularity, they catch the eye of the Entertainment District's biggest players and soon, a dance competition is announced. A large and technologically elaborate stage is constructed in the city square, with advertisements being pushed to every device and every citizen calling for those who like to Move It Move It to show the city what they got. At the end of the month, characters can participate in a large scale dance competition alone (how sad and unlikely to win) or with a partner (preferred!) or with an entire troupe of people (ooh amazing!) and win a very large dora prize. The prize is enough to land someone in free housing a month's stay in one of the upscale homes, in fact, so it's quite the luxury.

Dances are judged on originality, costumes, rhythm, music choice, and something called "The Dazzle Factor" that no one can seem to agree on. The judges are a panel of the Entertainment District's hottest stars, something that makes all of the natives go absolutely wild even if the offworlders might look at the names and think "...who?" Get your team together, practice your routine, and be ready to star in Havenwell's first Dancing with the Gods!

❥ PROMPT IV: Gotta Make Money to Spend Money

With the aid of VR technology, the stage for the dance competition is set up to do things like change the background of your stage, lights, sound, virtual smoke and fog, whatever you need to make your dance kick it to the next level. The only thing it can't do? Make you dance well or change your costumes, that part is up to you! And how do you get good costumes? Pay for them, naturally.

Clothes in Havenwell for more than just offworlders are starting to become a thing, although the availability of good clothing and custom clothing can still be quite expensive. With natives and non-natives alike trying to vye for the latest fashions and outdo one another on the stage, what little was available is pretty quickly gone from the shelves, leaving the few tailors in town charging premiums for any new products that are needed. Luckily, the wheels of capitalism don't stop, even in this faraway land, and paid jobs are currently plentiful. If you aren't looking to join in the festivities, don't despair! The dora you earn through these tasks can just as easily be spent on other goods and services as you like. A job board is posted in front of tailors and other shops, advertising the following things that people are willing to pay to get done:

Research Towers: Attention, Offworlders! We hear your calls for innovative cuisine! Create a recipe using available ingredients in Havenwell (replicated or not) with a friend and describe it in detail for potential use in future replicator recipes. We only require that you and your friend taste test and be able to describe the taste, texture, and feeling this food gives you. Please deliver your completed recipes to Research Tower East. Edible and named recipes, regardless of whether they are utilized or not, will receive dora in exchange!
City Council: Attention, Offworlders! We have heard that "homesickness" is a thing that many people might be experiencing and we have heard you! Please are paying for people to bring us examples of your home cultures - be it stories, plays, history or something else. Dramatic reenactments, video recordings, and physical recreations are preferred.
Entertainment District: Attention, Artists! We are experimenting with new synthetic materials that may be useful for your artistic endeavors. Please visit your local museum to pick up a sample pack. Payment for acceptable artistic creations that utilize these new materials in a new and innovative way is being offered. Materials include: new colors of synthetic paints, a more malleable synthethic clay, and a synthetic marble for carving. Offworlder models preferred.
Business District: Help Wanted! We are looking for delivery drones. Those interested should contact the delivery center. Requirements: be capable of moving quickly, carrying large loads of cargo, efficient, and safe! We need machinery, building supplies, personal packages and more shipped and delivered across all of Havenwell. Most packages currently awaiting delivery will require a minimum of two people to deliver. For those without transport, we are offering a crash course in piloting our newly minted three-wheeled delivery scooters.

This event will run from June 13th to 27th. 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The admission to poor cooking is met with a small chuckle, but Peter didn't judge him on it. After all, they were both kings, both busy and needed a great many other places than a kitchen.

Of course, don't tell that to Susan, who took great pride in learning to cook. She'd probably gladly glare both of them into submission.

So chuffed was he at his own thoughts of his sister, Peter didn't notice Regis pawing through the basket. Inside were two paper wrapped sandwiches, still hot even through the layers and smelling of something rich and meaty. Following that was a small covered cup of something that could be a soup but was actually a dipping sauce, and after that was an assortment of finger foods meant to keep good no matter how long they were out. A bottle of wine with it's glasses came last....and then that little bottle of oil.

He hadn't even bothered to try and hide it, though he did have the courtesy to blush when it was waggled at him.]

Forgive me my forward nature. Spring is the time for new love and fresh beginnings....but summer has always been about the passion of life and the heat of it against your skin. I brought it with hopes, but if it remains unused that is fine too.

[A chuckle leaves Regis' lips at Peter's response to his teasing. He settles the bottle back where he found it so it's not lost and then moves so he can snuggle into his fellow king's side. A quick kiss to his ear is followed by a soft whisper.]

I did say the traditions are the same, did I not? Don't count yourself out yet.

[The words are followed by a softer, deeper chuckle that promises things and then Regis sits back, looking at the bounty in the basket.]

I suspect we should not jump to the dancing just yet, though. Whoever you asked to make the food will likely be very cross with us if we let it go to waste. Where would you like to start?

[He felt a shiver run through his spine at those lips against his ear, both the words and the husky hint of promise in them. His arm looped around Regis' side, pulling him close against his side. Any other time and he would have cited chasing away the chill.

Tonight, he let the heat speak for itself.

The reminder of food was a good one, though, and he chuckled as he finally reached out to snag those large, paper wrapped sandwiches. The small bowl of au jus was next and Peter rumbled his approval as he peeled off the lip and breathed in the rich, heady scent.]

Mmm, this does smell amazing. It isn't quite the same as what we would have at Cair Paravel, but I'm sure it'll be delicious.

[There is no need to site a reason for them to settle together on a night like this. They both know what will come and there is no need to hide it or be ashamed. Regis purrs his contentment and then turns his attention to the food Peter has pulled free of the basket. With a small smile, he dips his finger into the au jus and then licks the rich juice from it.]

Food fitting a celebration. Even if it not exactly what we would have at home, it is still a treat worthy of kings.

[His eyes darkened as he watched Regis lick the rich broth from his finger, but he didn't break his composure. He was a King. He had better control than that.

At least, that is what he told himself over and over again until he was finally able to look away.]

My only regret is not thinking about a cake. Lucy always makes mine back home. Oh well. It will not be the first birthday that has gone by without a cake, but it will be missed.

[Regis doesn't think twice about dipping his finger into the juice again when he sees the reaction in Peter's eyes, but he pauses, distracted, when the word 'birthday' is mentioned.]

Why didn't you say something? I will have to call Lup tomorrow and ask her to make a cake for you. It won't be the same as one made by your sister, but it will still be delicious.

[Regis licking the jus off his finger? Distracting. Regis getting distracted with jus running down his hand? Adorable.

Peter chuckled, shaking his head a little.]

You're going to stain your shirt, my love. And I am not worried about a cake. I'm not even that fond of sweets, to be honest. I enjoy them, sure, but only in small amounts.

No, I just wanted your company. For dinner. And dancing.

[And dancing.]

Ah...

[Regis can't help but look embarrassed that he let himself get so distracted. He quickly cleans up the mess he's made of his hand, saving his shirt from an terrible stain. Of course, once that is taken care of, he can't help but return to the topic at hand.]

Are you certain that is enough?

[As honored as he is, everyone went to so much effort for his birthday. He can't help but feel more should be done for Peter's.]

Quite.

[He smiled and the expression was soft, speaking volumes of poetry that his lips had never been particularly good at reciting.]

To be honest, it's not even my real birthday. Just the time of year we celebrate it. I don't actually remember my exact birthday, though, so adding it to the Midsummer Festival works well enough.

[He finally took a bite of his sandwich...and the groan that came from his throat was boarding on indecent.]

That makes no difference. It still your special day. Cor does not remember the day of his birth either. The fifth of May is the day he pick--

[Regis' words trail off when Peter groans so happily after that first bite. When he starts speaking again, amusement is clear in his voice.]

That good, hu? To think, I've already been outdone by a sandwich.

[Eventually, the knowledge that Regis was used to people who didn't have a set date for their birth would kick in. Eventually. For right now, though, he simply nudged Regis' sandwich and nodded.]

It is a really good sandwich, my love.

[And, of course, he had to try it with that au jus, right? It was messy and he dripped and in the end he couldn't care less because holy crap that is a good sandwich.]

I lied. This might be better than roast boar...

[Regis can't help but chuckle. Oh sure, maybe he could play at being devastated by his defeat, but honestly, it is worth it to watch Peter enjoying the meal so much.]

It seems like tonight will be a night of many pleasures.

[And, after Peter's encouragement, Regis doesn't put off trying his own sandwich any longer. The sound he makes after that first bite is one to challenge that which Peter made. They are really that good!]

♥ June (Dianir) Event Log

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