♥ 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.

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❥ 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.

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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

[astralera]

"If I cannot master mobility without reliance on a cane then I am a liability." Her brows furrow. "And it is temporary, aye."

[unpocoloco]

He lifts a brow at her. Then he lifts his chin. "Would you say then that I'm a liability?" He asks her. He knows full well that he isn't.. "Would you say that of someone else with such an injury? You're a healer. Do you tell the sick they're a burden for needing to rest?"

[astralera]

"If there were another attack of that scale and we were without the gifts of the gods here, then in the field of combat you would be, yes."

Battle tactics are what make sense to her, moreso than most other things. Diminishing the risk to others, maximizing efficiency of those trained in combat, doing her best to ensure that the large majority survive.

"You'd be best served as ranged defense if you've the arm strength to draw a longbow. On the frontlines you would be a liability, but you would do well as rear support." Héctor would likely fit in well with the bards of home, if he could bring himself to make music again. There is a magic in it that cannot be understated in battle. "The ill and injured would also be a liability in combat, and I have told many wounded soldiers as much. In the infirmaries with chirurgeons and healers they are not a burden — they are safe, protected, and not in a position to risk themselves and others."

And, with that all said: "While I have an affinity for healing I am a first and foremost the Warrior of Light. I do not dwell in the infirmary but on the battlefield, leading the charge in defense of the peoples of my star."

Era knows her place and the burden that comes with it. It's one she's glad to bear if it means the people she loves are safe and free.

"If I am to do my best to defend this star I cannot be left crippled should my cane go missing."

[unpocoloco]

His eyes narrow. He has never been a soldier and he will never be a soldier. Someone willing and ready to fight? Sure, that changed. He's not the frightened kid he was once. But he still isn't one who looks at war like a chess game.

"Firstly, you're wrong," He starts, trying not to sound annoyed. "If you believe it was the gods who let me fight and survive, you're sorely mistaken. I killed those worms because I was trained to, without powers. And without powers, I would've been on those streets just the same, ready with a knife as I was."

This is the less important thing. But, he still needs to say it. He didn't get this far to let someone doubt he was capable of it.

"Secondly, while I appreciate the idea of keeping people safe, you are also a person. You are someone people care about and value, someone that others are willing to try and heal or make aids for. This is not your star, we are not in battle, we are not your soldiers and you are not our commander. You are injured and you are being prideful. You would not be any worse off than you are now without the help. You will be more likely to get hurt again if you refuse it." His face is set hard. His words are softer. "You are a Warrior of Light, but are also a daughter, a wife, beloved to others, a friend. You are Era first."

He grips his cane. He twirls it up in his hand until it's standing and he can brace on it. If he wants to.

"Besides, you shouldn't underestimate the power of a big stick. If all that is not enough reason for you, then I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to take back your gifts and give them to someone else. I'll accept care, but I'm too old to be pitied. Please understand that your people are trying to care about you."

[astralera]

She ignores the impulse to roll her eyes at the thought of using a knife against creatures with hide of rock, and instead keeps her expression schooled into something more stoic.

"This is a star in dire need of help, and while there is no battle at the moment there will undoubtedly be another," she states, tone neutral. "You're mistaken to assume I am a commander. I have lead armies in the sense that I cleared the path for them to follow — I carve the way through flesh and blood, and in doing so empower them with hope."

That she is a beacon of hope that countless people look to in the darkest of times is something she has come to terms with, even if she doesn't understand it.

"The majority of people here are not soliders, nor are they warriors. That is the point. They shouldn't have to be."

The natives here hardly stood a chance. Era can't bear to consider what would have happened if the worms attacked and there were no offworlders to protect them.

She gets to her feet slowly and without issue, then makes a sharp, sweeping movement to the side with her arm. A cane flies out from her sleeve and into her hand, extending to an appropriate length as it does so, though rather than set it on the ground she holds it like a wand in her unmoving arm. Era stares pointedly at Héctor, and for all that there is a fire in her eyes the rest of her face is kept firmly neutral.

"I am my Mother's daughter. Her Crystal Bearer and chosen champion. Of all the many titles I carry, 'Era' is the one most easily discarded." A flick of her wrist has her cane returning to its place in her sleeve. "Do with the ointment and bandages as you will. You are free to make your own decision on if it was care or pity."

[unpocoloco]

Jokes on her, that's exactly what he did. Though he's not really in the mood for jokes.

He listend impassive to her war room lecture. He doesn't flinch at the reveal of the cane. He meets her fire with his own. The one in her eyes may be bright but his will forever be punctuated with screams.

He rises to his feet.

"You are not the first to say I am better out of the way. A liability is exactly what I was called when I started to be forgotten. How could any employer, any housing, any place others would see, keep someone like me?" Anger twists his expression, then it smooths. "So, I was sent to shantytown where I worked and lived and was never pushed aside. My weakness even became my advantage. No one ever asked me to pretend I was remembered and I asked it of no one."

Gently, he sets the ointment down on the fountain's edge. There's a brief look of hurt, then it's gone.

"When you do discard Era, Warrior of Light, send her my way. She is a friend and she is always welcome with me and the forgotten."

Leaning on the cane Cliff gave him, he begins to limp off.

[astralera]

"The crippled, infirm, and civilians are all liabilities upon the battlefield. That you've interpreted both that, along with my fervent wish that no one be forced into a position where they need bear arms, to extend to realms beyond is your own doing."

There is a stark contrast between what she believes to be acceptable in the field of combat and what she believes is acceptable in society. She has run countless errands to help chirurgeons, alchemists, and healers treat the ill. Fetched raw materials for prostheses to be made by the foremost engineers. Done her utmost to help retired soldiers, traumatized civilians, orphaned children, and displaced refugees find refuge, support, and a place they can thrive.

But once again Era finds herself trapped in a place where her past actions have no bearing on her present, her present actions are severely limited, and her inadequacy with words too often reaps painful consequences. After failing so horrifically with Alisaie and Alphinaud, she doesn't really see the point in seeking to be understood any longer, regardless.

So she shrugs, readying to walk away herself, leaving the ointment abandoned.

"Woe betide those who befriend her. She is better off forgotten."