♥ September (Ohnir) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

September (Ohnir) Event Log
The month of Ohnir brings with it a slow but steady relief from the heat, as summer gives way to autumn and the city begins to change with it. Plants are slowly deflowering, leaves are starting to fade and fall, and while the season is not yet in full swing, all the signs are there if you know where to look. The city is abuzz with new energy as the residents realize that for the first time in centuries, they have some actual nature clean-up ahead of them: raking leaves, pruning branches, protecting young wildlife and fresh plants from the incoming chills of winter. Such work used to be relegated to those who cared for the botanical gardens and zoos, but now everyone who's been enjoying this year's garden harvest has to learn how to future-proof their treasured flowers. Offworlders are encouraged to do the same, lest all of the growth be lost over the winter.

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❥ PROMPT I: A Clean Getaway

With all of the work to be done, it's no surprise that some are looking for new ways to refresh themselves and relax, and what better time would there be to open up the Public Baths! All the volunteer work cleaning the place has paid off, and the facilities are officially open and available for use. It is technically free to use, as a public facility, but those visiting are encouraged to tithe a small donation once in a while to pay for upkeep and freshen up the place, provide new soaps, etc. No judgment if you can't! It'll just make everything that much nicer in the long run.

The baths are separated into a few sections: oil baths for the native residents, and water baths for the offworlders. For obvious reasons, offworlders are encouraged not to enter the robot-residential sections! Though they are not strictly forbidden... it would be quite messy and bad for your health.

The offworlder half has additional separated sections that may interest characters when they visit:

1) Hot Springs Style - Clothed or Unclothed: there are 3 available rooms for each, one for separate presented genders, and a shared bath for those comfortable with the concept or don't wish to use either male or female. Each room has one larger pool and a few smaller sets, so you can sit by yourself or with others as you please.

2) Pool: a shared public pool! The water is nice and cool, which should be a comfort to those still struggling with the lingering summer heat. There is some water game equipment available for open use if people want to play and get their sports on.

3) Sauna: similar to the springs, once again, there are 3 rooms for gender splits so everyone can enjoy the place at their own comfort level.

It all seems very nice and relaxing for everyone, but this wouldn't be a proper event without some shenanigans now, would it? There are a few effects that may occur within the baths, and these effects are somewhat random. Some characters may experience them to a powerful degree, while others feel nothing at all. Players can decide for themselves who and where these will affect, so feel free to mix, match, and go wild. The effects are:

• The spring water is so relaxing that you feel free and more willing to talk about yourself, or share your feelings more openly.


• The swimming pool is cool and energizing, making you want to horse around and play with others nearby. You may also feel inclined to drape yourself onto others, like a cool, comfy pillow.


• The sauna has you dishing up spicy hot takes, releasing negative emotions or complaints, and makes you a little more inclined to gossip.

All effects can either be nullified or emphasized according to player discretion by physical contact. For some characters, holding hands or something will stop the effects, but for others it'll intensify them - it should keep characters guessing!

❥ PROMPT II: REM Stands for Realistic Emotional Memory in These Parts

Characters who were around last year might remember a bout of strange and sporadic dreams that plagued the town around this season, along with the sensation that they were being followed. This year, dreams once more enter uninvited to one's mind, but this time, it occurs as a random daydream while they are awake, and it is very different from person to person- instead encouraging you to do the following. All visions start out hazy, like a grainy old movie where details and figures are difficult to make out, but there is something both familiar and alien about it. It feels like a memory… but it is not your memory. Over time, the visual begins to clear the more often the dream repeats, until slowly the images grow more distinct, offering clearer faces, the addition of voices, discernable quotes or expressions. The memory will provide hints as to who it might belong to, though the subtlety of those hints will likely vary. Before too long, if you have not found a way to rid yourself of the dream, you will experience an entire memory of another person in town as if you were witnessing it from their perspective!

Now, how does one rid themselves of these strange visions? You could wait it out, if you're patient enough and not inclined to seek the answer, but those who've been here long enough can wager a guess: you must find the source of that memory and "send" it back to them through physical interaction of some kind. Some memories may take longer to transfer than others, and it may depend on the person, the memory itself, how clear the memory has become in the time you carried it… no two experiences are likely to be the same.

There are a few specifics about these memories that are worth noting:

• the memory should be of a single event, not a series of events that span a long period of time. For example, you could witness the stretch of someone's day at a wedding or long party (sped up to skip insignificant moments so it doesn't play in real time), but not a memory of an entire war that goes for months. How long the memory goes for is up to the player that the memory belongs to, as long as it falls within these guidelines.


• you are not limited to a single memory from a single person. Once you have solved one vision, after a certain amount of time, you may find yourself plagued with another.


• you will not necessarily end up having the same memory partner! You won't always have the memory of the person who has your memory. Characters are encouraged to pair up and try to piece together clues that might lead you to your intended partner. Help each other out and guide one another in the right direction if you can.


• those whose memory has been borrowed may find it difficult to recall it; it can seem fuzzy and indistinct, missing entirely or simply missing choice details. Through physical contact, that memory will fully return to them and both participants can experience it together.


• you can find your partner accidentally! If you're still searching for clues and happen to touch your partner through other circumstances - such as shake their hand at first meeting, or hug a friend - you may find both of you are suddenly experiencing a memory together as it is transferred! Aren't you lucky, to have found your partner so easily?

!!! IMPORTANT !!! The contents of the memory shared is up to you, but please be mindful of harmful subjects and tag/mark your comments and toplevels accordingly! Triggering memories should be noted with content warnings. Be kind to your fellow players! If someone asks you to tag something and you have not done so, please correct it as soon as possible. Untagged comments that aren't adjusted and are reported to us may be subject to mod screening until the issue is resolved.

❥ PROMPT III: I Shall Fight With My Bear Hands

Closer to the tail end of the month, one of the research facilities distributes a "Help Wanted" advertisement through the network, requesting the aid of offworlders. The advertisement reads:

"Calling all offworlders! Havenwell Research and Development is seeking volunteers for both physical prowess and supernatural ability testing. All are welcome! Even if you have no combat skills and feel only a desire to learn, we have a job for you. Those who already possess some form of self-defense or combative powers will be partnered and asked to "spar" in a partially digitized facility, or proceed with a simulation that will gauge destructive capabilities. And for those who possess neither, don't worry! Our program is specially designed to help you discover just where your talents lie.

No harm should come to any volunteers, as this is strictly simulation-based, similar to the virtual reality technology already widely used throughout the city. However, in case of any accidents, medical staff is on site to treat injuries as needed. Additionally, there is no need for you to wear any of the VR headgear typically required in our cafes, so if these devices cause you discomfort, this may be a simulation that better meets your needs.

Please contact us ASAP if you are willing and able to help. A monetary commission will be awarded upon completion of each session."

Any volunteers or inquiries will be provided with more information, and invited to one of the research towers located in town. They are guided to a floor that is abuzz with activity, partnered with whoever happens to be scheduled at the same time or a partner they themselves opted to bring with them, and taken to a room akin to Star Trek's holodeck. There, they can input "powers" or "no powers", and a simulation will be created for them based on their selected guidelines.

With Powers:
The console invites characters to select one of two options- their own abilities, or temporarily gain access to the elemental powers offered via AC Rewards (point levels 50, 100, and 200). They are able to choose a particular power level for the duration of the simulation, which can either dampen their natural abilities to a more fair level for the test you're undertaking, or remain normal. While in the simulation room, rather than actually using any real abilities, the room will materialize whatever ability you choose without causing true damage to either the room or your opponent. Science, or magic? It's probably both. Feel free to go wild and have fun, maybe try some powers you've never experienced before or vent your frustrations on being stuck here!

Without Powers:
The console invites characters to select a type of weapon and skill level, and said weapon will materialize in a basic form; while held inside the room it moves and feels real, but it cannot be removed from the facility. Those who are skilled in utilizing said weapon are free to wield it as if it were the genuine article in their chosen simulation. Those without much or any skill will be walked through a tutorial on basic techniques from a variety of styles, old or new, most unfamiliar but well suited to the body type of the person using the program. It's quite intuitive, though it is by no means perfect, so characters might end up being guided through a stranger workout than intended.

For versus mode, each participant has an HP bar displayed above their heads, and everyone has the same HP unless both players select an unbalanced mode, and the goal is to force your opponent to hit zero HP. Characters can also choose how realistic the simulated violence is and how the process feels: in low realism, it's similar to laser tag, where characters flash a colour when hit and take damage without feeling anything more than some uncomfortable vibration. In high realism, pain is genuine to a certain degree depending on how high a level they choose, though it is artificial and will fade as soon as the program ends. Hitting zero HP will not result in a knock-out, but characters will feel dizzy and be forced to sit down, unable to rise again until they surrender. All effects wear off as soon as the simulation ends.

For demonstration mode, participants are given a selection of virtual targets to practice on using whatever method of combat they've chosen. It could be moving targets, such as creatures that have invaded the barrier previously (via the Wild Wild prompt), or simulations of the more dangerous beasts in the museum/zoo areas of town. It could be simple targets built to take a beating without providing much challenge in return. It could be a collection of buildings that characters can break or explode as they please. This mode is designed to gauge just how strong a person's destructive potential is, either with their own powers or with powers granted to those who have been blessed by their patron god.

Characters are welcome to volunteer as many times as there are available partners and/or slots! So feel free to try a few times using different options.

❥ PROMPT IV: A Bonus Trip Down Memory Lane

Last year, some offworlders might remember the tradition of sharing stories in the temple of Ohma, to offer small tributes to the god on their first month of devotion. It is that time of the year again, and everyone is welcome to return and share more stories, or perhaps retell an old favourite to a new audience. Here is the event as described previously:

Ohma's temple is particularly lively during Ohnir and the priests are busy cleaning and sweeping, decorating it with rolls of parchment and digital inkwells and quills that write as if they were actually fountain pens. The natives, especially adherents of Ohma, start to make pilgrimages to the temple in little processions, some playing music, others flying banners.

Anyone who chooses to follow can observe the natives going up to the altar and sharing stories with one another. They talk about things they did over the past year or things that are far, far in their past. Some of the stories are happy and result in the procession laughing and some are...well, not everyone returns safely from certain disasters that befall the city throughout the year. The priests diligently write every story down on those parchment rolls and deposit them onto the waiting altar, where they're summarily lit on fire to the cheers of those present. The more emotional the story it seems, the brighter and bluer the flame that it emits and the louder the procession cheers.

As the file out, they notice you watching and urge you to go up with someone else in the temple to clear your heart and offer up your own stories. They can be stories of home, information about your worlds, or stories about your life.

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This event will run from September 14th to 30th. 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.

Comments

[astralera]

Era's head tilts slightly as she takes in the man's words. Curious. What could he have to discuss about Edmont of all people?

"I can spare more than a few for you," she answers, ignoring how Peki rests his head atop hers. It's a gesture that is possessive, protective, and sulky. "My petulant overgrown dodo may try to interrupt. Just ignore him—he's been in a mood since I awoke."

[kingkingcxiii]

"When one does not take care of themselves, it is the prerogative of their comrades to do so instead. At least, that is what I have been told," Regis gives the sulking bird a grin unable to blame him for his ultimately caring actions. "It's not so easy to put into practice. At least, not when your comrade is meant to save the world."

There is a quiet pause when he draws in a breath and then gives Era's hand a gentle squeeze as if drawing some kind of strength from it, "Edmont was worried too, in the memory I saw. It was after a battle where you had fallen, but recovered faster than expected. He was glad for your recovery, but at the same time worried about you going back to battle in the way only a father can be. Yet, there was no choice. The world needed you and he had to let you go."

Regis' head bows slightly then, his voice growing softer, "The same way I will need to let Noctis go one day. I don't know how he did it."

[astralera]

"I take care of myself well enough." She doesn't, really, but she tries her best and thinks she does. From the look on Peki's face he knows full well she's a hopeless case.

Regis squeezes her hand and she squeezes back in reflex, though the moment he speaks of seeing a memory her eyes widen in alarm. She doesn't have the opportunity to do anything but listen, squeezing what she can of his hand again.

"Edmont..."

It's been an age since she's seen him last, far too preoccupied with everything else demanding her attention. She feels guilty for not managing to find the time to visit. For not taking a moment to think about her father-figure.

"He knows I will always come back."

[kingkingcxiii]

Regis raises an eyebrow in her direction. His expression clearly says that he believes that just as much as Cor or Noctis might believe it coming from him. When he catches sight of Peki's expression, he can't help but be amused. Obviously, he's not alone in his opinion.

The amusement quickly fades, though. Regis can't question what Era says. Edmont had no doubts in her at all. In a way, it's like how he has come to believe fully--knowing Noctis here--that his son will not fail at his own task. Yet, that is not all there is to it. Parenting, perhaps, would be easier if that was the case.

"Logically, he knows that, but the heart doesn't always listen to logic. In fact, it is well known for not doing so."

Worrying and love will always be intertwined. He doesn't know how it can be any other way.

[astralera]

Having one's memories returned is a disconcerting feeling. It makes her more aware that she had forgotten in the first place, now that the memory has slotted back into place. She wonders if she may be missing any others, and if she'll be lucky enough to have them returned to her.

She squeezes Regis' hand again; firm enough to mask the way it shakes. Peki is keenly attuned to his companion's moods and nuzzles his beak gently against her horn. It causes her grip to relax almost immediately, soothed by the sensation. Her mind is still wracked with fear and guilt, but at least it is manageable in the presence of loved ones.

"I will never let him suffer the loss of another child. I wish I could tell him."

[kingkingcxiii]

Her grip may disguise how unsettled she is, but Peki's reaction gives it away. Once the chocobo is done attempting to comfort her in his own way, Regis gives a gentle tug on her hand, offering a hug to give some comfort of his own.

"If it lifts any weight from your mind, he has absolute trust in you; however, he is also human and humans worry about those they love."

[astralera]

The wordless offer is one she wasn't expecting (though if she thought about it for even a moment she would realize she should have), but Era accepts it all the same. Regis offers a warmth and comfort she is more than willing to soak in. It's unfamiliar (yet so very faintly familiar), and there is something within her that craves it.

"I can't understand why," she admits. "If not for me his son would still live."

[kingkingcxiii]

"The memory gave me no insight into that," he sounds genuinely sorry about this, giving her a gentle squeeze, "but if I were to take a guess, it is similar to the reason I do not blame Noctis for the death of his mother. There are times when you are involved with something not by your own will but by the will of fate, and you, my dear--despite your feelings on fate--are involved in a lot of things."

[astralera]

"That was different." His squeeze prompts her to do the same in reflex, at first too hard but very quickly easing to a more comfortably firm grip. "You cannot fault a child for being born. Noct is a beautiful gift you made together."

Thinking back to that evening, where the sunset burned with such a warm, fiery glow, casting sharp, vivid shadows all throughout the gorgeous architecture of the Vault. So much blood was spilt in those halls, masked by the fading light of the sun.

"I was not paying attention, and an enemy sought to slay me. Haurchefant took a blow that by all rights I should have avoided..." Her breath catches, damp and wavering, though she regains her composure a moment later. "And then I could not heal him. My spells did nothing. What use was being a healer if I couldn't save those who mattered most?"

Another slightly firmer squeeze.

"Then I had to return to the man who took me in as his ward and tell him his precious son was dead. The grief of a parent is unparalleled."

[kingkingcxiii]

"The grief of a parent is also unique to each child. Would his grief have been any less if his daughter had fallen that day and not his son? You were so loved that your brother did not hesitate to do what he felt he must. You should feel honor in this, not just sorrow and guilt."

There is a moment where Regis pauses. What use was being a healer if I couldn't save those who mattered most? The words are so familiar that his chest tightens and his breath hitches. How many times had he thought--how many times had he said--similar words after Aulea died?

"No matter how much power has been granted to you, death is more powerful still. My healing power did nothing to keep my wife from slipping away from me. Even years later, I still try to blame myself all the time for it, but it helps to know that she would kick my ass if she knew I was doing that. I am certain Haurchefant would feel the same if he knew you blamed yourself so."

[astralera]

"Edmont had only known me a scant few weeks before that day. I was no daughter to him then..."

She hates to think back to that time, yet her thoughts so often drift to it.

"Haurchefant was a knight, who lived to serve and protect. He died protecting me, just like so many others have. I am like a—" Her voice cracks with emotion. "A plague upon those I love most."

Era rubs her face against Regis' torso, taking comfort from his presence.

"I can heal grievous wounds with little effort. I can erect shields powerful enough to absorb the assault of gods. My aptitude for healing magicks is unmatched, and yet that infernal wound would not close." Her words rise in pitch; voice growing reedier the longer she speaks until it's almost painful. "He would tell me how foolish I am, make me hot chocolate and offer words of comfort. It was his choice to die for me, but he should not have been faced with that choice. Edmont shouldn't have had to see his beautiful, vibrant son as a dull and lifeless corpse."

[kingkingcxiii]

"You are not a plague upon anyone!" There is an unintended sharpness to Regis' words and he forces himself to take a deep breath before he continues. Reluctantly, he lets Era go so he can cradle her face in his hands. Perhaps letting her hide would be kinder, but he wants to speak to her face, not the top of her head.

"The world is not fair. As much as we want it to be, there are times when it does what it will do without heed of anyone's wishes. A father should never see their child dead. A son should never see his father dead, and yet these things happen. We cannot blame ourselves for the choices of others. Blame does not honor them; blame doesn't help you heal. If Edmont knew so little of you at the time of his son's death and he still came to love you so, then you need to let yourself see there is someone there worth that love. You are worth the love and honor others give you no matter what mistakes you make. With all your power, your heart feels as keenly any other. You love so deeply and that is what allows you to do what you do. Allow others to love you the same way and do what they feel they must."

[astralera]

She startles at the unexpected sharpness in his tone, tail raising in momentary alarm. It sets Peki on edge, leaving him to puff out his feathers and let out a hiss of warning, though he makes no move to threaten Regis further.

"I—" Era cannot bear to look at him, keeping her gaze directed downward. The way her eyes brim with the beginnings of tears she will refuse to shed only serves to make the inhuman shine of her irises all the more pronounced. "It is hypocritical to honour the choices of those who die for me, yet deny my choice to carry the guilt for my failings. I bear the weight of every death I failed to prevent, and use it to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"But it always does. Always. Where I walk, death follows. I cannot stop it, and I cannot forget it. "

[kingkingcxiii]

When she refuses to meet his eyes, Regis bites back a sigh, but doesn't force her. Instead, he settles for resting his chin atop her head, "Death follows us all, my dear, my daughter. It is a part of life. Without it, life has no meaning."

Peki's hiss causes Regis to turn his gaze toward the chocobo for a moment. He doesn't know if the chocobo will understand, but he mouths an apology toward him anyway.

"War brings this more keenly into focus than anything else, but it doesn't change the fact that death is always around us. Plants die. Animals die. So too, do people. Perhaps more than any other creature in existence, though, people die for a purpose, even if it is not one we understand or approve of."

His arms tighten around her, "Don't forget it. I won't ask you to do that. Just don't become so overwhelmed by it that you cannot continue to fight for those who no longer can."