♥ November (Malom) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

November (Malom) Event Log

With most of Havenwell left in varying degrees of shambles from the prior month's catastrophe, the city seems just a little bit more quiet and stony in ways not just owed to the chill of oncoming winter. However, the gray mood doesn't need to last; the offworlders and locals alike might just be able to band together to pick up the scattered pieces before long.

Unlike previous years, winter is approaching at a slower pace than usual. Whether this is believed as coincidence or the gods opting to give the city more pleasant weather while the reconstruction is ongoing is entirely up to each individual. Nevertheless, the sun is out and there is work to be done.

---

❥ PROMPT I: Fetch Quest Frenzy

With the widespread damage of the previous month still a large issue, offworlders may find the marking-based powers of that incident manifesting again in different, passive forms. Regardless of the color one's ability takes, a little bit of trial and error will lead the markings' bearers to understand the powers are now geared towards helping rebuild or rehabilitate the city in various ways; examples being manifesting as telekinesis to move heavy objects around, or a magical compass to help locate something lost in the chaos. Some may find themselves inexplicably filled with knowledge previously unknown, Matrix-style: characters who have never picked up a hammer before will suddenly possess the skills needed to rebuild furniture or repair structural damage, weld parts together, or get really good at organizing search parties. Feel free to get creative with it, but these abilities are meant to build, not destroy like last month, so destructive powers are not likely to manifest unless for good reason.

There's no shortage of work to be done either; from dismantling petrified worms to running errands for the surviving locals, offworlders may find themselves lucky to have the supernatural assistance of the markings and their powers. With time and effort, taking up such tasks to aid the locals and fellow offworlders alike might just go a long way towards healing Havenwell on both physical and emotional fronts.

❥ PROMPT II: Fruits Basket

In places where the worms were slain before their fellows were petrified, their massive corpses have been reclaimed by the ground--specifically, they've turned to surprisingly fertile soil. So fertile that it would appear trees are already sprouting where they fell, bearing an arrangement of oddly-shaped fruits. With how delicious they look, one would surely be forgiven for daring to try them, but the result might be just a bit surprising...

-Eating a round fruit will make one have a sudden desire to cuddle up to someone else; the more of the fruit they've consumed, the more insistent the desire. Just take a bite? Maybe you could do with a light shoulder touch, but eat the whole thing and you'll realize you might be suddenly looking for some big hugs with anyone receptive to the idea.
-The square shaped fruits have a somewhat more subtle effect. The more one eats of a square fruit, they gain a steadily more obvious gentle glow and warmth to their bodies. With enough of one, someone could easily turn into a combination nightlight and comfortably warm space heater.
-Being curious enough to eat a spiky fruit will end up with one having some trouble keeping their footing; this fruit leads one to find no traction underfoot, sending them slip n' sliding around. Be careful, you might just skate right into someone's arms!
-Eating a star-shaped fruit may cause a gradual drowsiness, where residents will feel the urge to lay down and have a nap. Seems the aftermath of the worm attack left some lingering magic. (A small percentage may alternatively find themselves transformed into sheep. Weird.) Being held or gently cuddled, whether on the spot or while being carried home, will reverse the effects.

❥ PROMPT III: Corporate Concessions

You might recall that the research towers were awfully unhelpful during the attacks, preferring instead to seal themselves up in protective shielding and leave the rest of the city to fend for themselves. Now that the danger has passed, there have been some understandably divisive responses to this decision from their fellows. Many of the tower workers have pleaded ignorance for this choice, openly (or quietly, to avoid disciplinary action) blaming the higher-ups for creating company-wide lockdowns and not allowing anyone in- or out. Many were helpless to assist in relocating friends or family, and some have quit their positions over this stance. Those in charge of the decision-making are unapologetic for the most part, stating that due to previous security breaches, their priority was to protect their research and their employees, for the greater good of the world.

They are aware that doing this was not by any means a good look, so as an olive branch, they have released the research materials confirmed as stolen in the previous security breach to the public network, as they have been unable to track down those materials and would rather control its distribution themselves. Damage done, after all; those who know could pass it on as they please. Additionally, they are reallocating some tower resources to helping with restoration and rebuilding the surrounding areas and public buildings, and have donated a substantial amount of dora to the city budget for whatever purpose the council deems appropriate. Whether you think the released data is true or if their efforts are sufficient is up to you, really.

---

This event will run from November 15-30. 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. You can also use the Havenwell Status page or the General Plotting Comment to give you other ideas for original prompts!

Comments

[whenyouneedme]

"Mmmf?" Kai cocked his head at her as he made that confused sound. What. Let him just swallow that bite of sweet treat. "What? Am I interrupting something?" Was this a no boyfriend zone.

[daikonrose]

"No," Kyoko said, though technically he kind of had been? It had been a welcome interruption, but now she was led right back to the subject of her contemplations. Not to worry though, this was a yes boyfriend zone. "I'm just in awe, a little bit. But is it really okay to eat that?"

[whenyouneedme]

Kai just looked at her for a moment before he looked at the fruit in his hand. This was about fruit? This fruit. The were talking about fruit. Looking back at her, he shrugged. "Seems so. S'pretty good."

It didn't seem like there were any weird things going on either, which in hindsight was probably what she was asking about. Wanting to slip his arm around her waist like he was doing now was perfectly normal.

[daikonrose]

Whoa, hello there. Kyoko went still as he closed in, face flushing bright. This might be a yes boyfriend zone, but they were still in public! "R-really? They're confirmed safe already?" Hang on, she was just gonna take his hand and sorta gingerly twirl herself out of his arm.

[whenyouneedme]

Hey :(

There may have been a small pout on his face as she twirled away, but he slipped his fingers through hers before she could slip away entirely. Let him bestow these entirely normal levels of affection! "I mean, Lup's usin' 'em in parfaits so they can't be all bad."

[daikonrose]

Holding hands was enough to keep a solid dusting of pink on her cheeks, but it was Allowed. Letting Kaito thread his fingers through hers, Kyoko examined the fruit in his hand, thoughtful. "Oh! Is she really? You're right, Miss Lup wouldn't sell anything bad, I'm sure..."

Peering down, she took an even closer look. "You're sure nothing is wrong? Nothing feels strange at all, even a little?"

[whenyouneedme]

There she was, his (literally) hot girlfriend.

He did not think to question why he felt more at ease now that he was allowed this handhold, because honestly being allowed to hold Kyoko's hand in public was still one of those oddly novel things. Clearly just normal stuff going on here. Nothing that he'd categorize as strange. "Doesn't seem like it? I feel pretty normal at least. There was a note about potential side effects, but that mighta just been a precaution?" Surely they were the harmless kinds???

Kai gave the fruit another thoughtful look before taking another curiosity fueled bite.

[daikonrose]

Kyoko had been examining the fruit with round eyes, just on the precipice of giving in to her fascination, when Kaito dropped that bit of information. "What--hey, precautions are for when you expect a problem, you know! Don't eat it so quickly! What did it say about side effects??"

[whenyouneedme]

Geez fine he'll chew it even slower, squirreling it into one cheek so he could reply post-haste. "Jush that they're not reshponsible for 'em." Swallow.

"But they're probably just, y'know, little weird things if they're in a parfait. Maybe I'll just get real warm." Except he didn't eat that one.

[daikonrose]

"... You really do just do what you feel like all the time, huh." Letting out an aggressive sigh, Kyoko tore her eyes away from the forbidden fruit and launched into a strong march, pulling Kaito along. "We're going home before we find out what the side effects are." Hope you didn't have plans, Kai.

[whenyouneedme]

"Heh." He was still holding her hand, so he was good to go! He was just kind of wishing they could just curl up on the couch together, so marching home was becoming more and more favorable with every step.

"I still don't feel weird though," he tried to assure her as he happily followed along. "Maybe it isn't all of them."

[daikonrose]

"Maybe not," Kyoko huffed. "But is that the only one you've eaten so far?" If he knew about the parfaits, it sounded pretty likely that he might have sampled one--and even if he didn't do that, this one could easily be the third or fourth he's casually munched on today. The boy liked his fruit, it wasn't a secret. "It could just take a while to kick in, you know?"

[whenyouneedme]

"Mmm, maybe. S'just this one though." He'd just seen the parfaits while he was out doing delivery boy things and gotten curious. He did like his fruit. Fruit was good. "... Might have a few more in my bag though."

[daikonrose]

"Don't say 'might' if you actually have them. They're not like Bug, there's no risk of them running away." Huff! "But if you're still on your first one, that's a relief."

[whenyouneedme]

He laughed a little. "Well I might not have them if they're contraband. They might be disposed of." At some undisclosed point. "It'll be cool if its actually nothing though, it's pretty good." He could see why they were in a parfait in the first place!

[daikonrose]

"Calling them contraband..." This huff was more of a snort. "Are you saying you think I'd report you to the authorities?"

She was quietly intrigued by the information that the forbidden fruits were in fact tasty, but no! No saying that to Kaito right now! Gotta be strong!

[whenyouneedme]

He leaned in a bit to nudge her, and that just led to him sticking a bit closer. Yes, this was good. "Nah. You're the only authority I'd probably listen to anyway."

[daikonrose]

The nudge didn't get returned, but there was no protest to having him nearer either. It was nice, after all, and Allowed. Kyoko only turned her head to give him a deadpan look as she said, "Hohh, so that's why you won't confirm whether you have them. How underhanded. Should I detain you for this level of offense?"

[whenyouneedme]

That look was just met with a scandalous grin. "Should you? You gonna frisk me?"

[daikonrose]

Okay, now he was getting a hearty shoulder bump. Kyoko looked away, face flushed. "You already told me where they are, that's unnecessary!"

[whenyouneedme]

Uwoh. Kai stumbled a step, but just one. He was back to being close and obnoxious in a jiffy. "Never hurts to be thorough~"

[daikonrose]

"Y-you're thorough!" Wait that's not a comeback. "Thoroughly--thoroughly a menace!"

[whenyouneedme]

"Mmm, guilty as charged on that one."

But at least he gave the area a proper once over before he went in to place a nefarious smooch on her cheek. Guilty, but also attempting to be considerate. (Attempting.)

[daikonrose]

The march halted as Kyoko stumbled to a stop and burst into flames, or close enough anyway.

"N-na-n-not in public please!!!"

[whenyouneedme]

Kai looked at her, renegade grin going just a little lopsided. "Sorry, sorry." Even if only a little. He took another bite of fruit instead of becoming a true criminal, and gently tugged her back along with him.

... Was there a little more haste in his step now? Who could say. "I'll save the rest of 'em for when we get home."