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hugtopiamods ([personal profile] hugtopiamods) wrote in [community profile] hugtopia_logs2022-06-16 12:00 am

♥ June (Dianir) Event Log

an expanse of blue space with a dim light shining down
June (Dianir) Event Log


There's a lot going on this month, plenty of work to be done. But as they say, many hands make light the work! And to make up for the grim and grey atmosphere awaiting those who decide to venture outside the barrier, the weather within the city limits is clean and clear, that perfect spot resting between hot and cold. The middle of Dianir brings to Havenwell the start of perfect summer weather. Be sure to give yourself a lovely break when you need to get away from the endless storm outside.



PROMPT I: Corridor of Lights
a park pathway lined by benches at night, lit by a line of streetlights '

Compared to how the weather and world beyond the barrier was a few years ago, the wilds these days appear far less harsh. While the constant storm of dust and debris appears to maintain its viciousness further out, and it is yet strong enough to obscure whatever source of light there is beyond the atmosphere, its tumultuous gusts are noticeably less harsh closer to the city itself. And, in fact, there even appears to be patches of green just outside the barrier, although the growth rapidly stops at a certain near-distance from the city. All together, this prompts those of the researchers to make an announcement: that they are allowing– no, they are asking the off-worlders for help in Phase I of repairing the mysterious train station to the south. What do they want the non-locals to do? To make a corridor meter by meter or even inch by inch if necessary, by placing the charged up crystal-conduits of last month on poles either side of a path, stringing them together with reinforced cable.
  1. As mentioned above, characters will be setting off beyond the barrier. The further characters trek as they set up the corridor, the more hazardous and darker the environment becomes. Further away from the city, even before reaching the train station ruins, light is scarce, and the world is cold, dry, and with winds as harsh as sandpaper. At some point, one's only source of light may be the flashlight attached to the exosuit front or the dim glow of the conduits themselves. Safe travels.

  2. Characters will all be given exosuits to wear beyond the barrier, which are custom-fitted to their body, as well as a conduit. While researchers encourage characters to continue engaging in touch as they march into the open, it isn't necessary to participate.They will also all be given a flare to use in case of emergency.

  3. Despite the improved quality of air beyond the barrier, staying out too long can still result in contracting a mysterious illness that involves chills, fever, malaise, and fatigue. The locals know of this illness as being borne from a mysterious miasma that permeates both air and ground outside. Touch alleviates the symptoms, but it takes time. If one is exposed while still beyond the barrier, characters can use their flare to signal for (player-discretion) NPC support to bring them back to the city. Tents will be set up by the locals to take in any injured or ill characters.

Once the corridor is fully finished with the conduits strung together by poles and cables, the makeshift highway will come to life by a dim, golden light reminiscent that of the barrier. Starting with the conduits nearest to the city, a shimmering, semi-translucent shield appears to dome over each section of the path until finally spanning its entire length, seemingly dispelling any miasma within. Just in case, though, the locals suggest to not remove one's exosuits just yet. This golden-lit corridor has an ethereal quality to it, muting the howling wind outside, as well as providing a sense of safety and warmth. A few local helpers can be seen standing in awe of this grand accomplishment, holding hands or linking arms as they marvel at the replicated barrier, walking down the path slowly. Some of them may even come up and thank the characters for their hard work. If they hadn't been made of metal, they are sure they would be shedding tears of joy.


PROMPT II: Chaining the Supply
a video game screenshot of two people attempting to capture a giant lizard in a jungle

With the highway finally established, the researchers are calling for the initiation of Phase II, involving more sets of volunteers (they know, they know, they're needy; but don't worry, they promise they'll compensate you with dora!).
  • Help with Supplies: Become a runner of supplies from point A to point B on the corridor, passing off items, cords, metal, electronics, to the next volunteer.
  • Help with Charging the Conduits: Regrettably, the consistency of the barrier surrounding the corridor is patchy in some areas. The locals are asking for help: simply engage in any form touch with someone next to a dimmer-looking conduit. They have even provided plush couches for characters to relax upon. What do you mean, that's not comfy? No worries, they'll also provide a privacy curtain for you. Alternatively, these couches can be used as a resting station for characters in need of a break.
  • Protect the Corridor: The light of the corridor is bound to attract a few curious and hostile wildlife to its source of light. Those who are brave enough may depart the safety of the corridor's barrier to combat or capture the creatures that would threaten its integrity. Please see below for list of potential wildlife encounters, and note that any engagement with these creatures generates a big risk of exposure to the miasma that may make a character severely ill and lethargic. Working with a partner is encouraged.

    For those who opt to attempt to capture some of the infected creatures, specialized nets will be provided to allow for safe catch-and-transport without making contact with the poison they exude. There will be an area designated for the captured creatures until they can be transported to one of the research labs. Some of the crystals have been moved to clear the area, and while they are held there, offworlders are encouraged to attempt a new experiment: can the crystals also purify the poison inside living creatures, as well as the air itself? If offworlders make contact within the creature's and the crystal's vicinity, can they be saved?

    If your character ends up capturing one of the creatures, please comment to this comment here noting which ones and how many.


These are the creatures that can be encountered on a character's path. Next to their names are the frequency with which they can be found and level of hostility. Characters can encounter either untainted or poisoned renditions of these creatures, if a regular version exists.
  • "The Apparitions" (uncommon - very hostile): a creature new to those both native and offworld, these ghost-like creatures can take any form, humanoid, robotic, animal. They are translucent and mostly featureless/faceless, floating from place to place and trying to stay out of sight. They prefer to perform sneak attacks, and should they make contact with someone's bare flesh or (if you're unlucky) phase through your suit, they are able to stun most people, capturing and preventing your escape as they begin to steal your thoughts. Whatever fleeting thing might pass through your mind as you make contact with them is devoured, whatever you're feeling is consumed. This effect can be halted by another person interfering and forcing the apparition to break contact, but they can only be harmed by those who have formed a physical connection with one another. Basically: don't be caught alone by one, or there will be no escape unless someone comes to your rescue. (Apparitions cannot be captured, only slain or driven away.)
  • Inky Black Spiders (common - hostile): These relatively small, black spider-like creatures have very basic melee attacks, using their fangs and their sharp legs to bite and claw at people. Those who were around in October when the wall broke will recognize them as the most common enemy back then. Their exoskeletons are hard and when they die, they smash into a black goo. They tend to travel in packs, using sheer numbers to overwhelm their prey.
  • One-Eyed Lizard (uncommon - docile): An iridescent scaly purple and green lizard approximately 8 to 10cm in length from tip to tail. It has a single eye at the top of its head that can rotate to see 360 degrees around it. This creature's main defenses are its tough hide and a spine on the tip of its tail which it whips at predators to dissuade them from eating it. It's more likely to run than fight, however, and can usually be found sunbathing on exposed rock with its eye closed.
  • "Bone Giraffe" (extremely rare - hostile): A nearly 20-foot tall, long-necked skeleton of a four-legged creature long dead with a single curved horn protruding from its skull and a sharp snout. It's usually found lying in a heap, as if it laid down and died that way. A black seven-petaled flower sometimes (but not always) grows from the skull and beneath the skeleton is an oily black film. Touching the oil slick activates the creature, which draws the oil up into the skeletal cage. Its main attacks are brute force, using its bony legs and neck to kick and slam against its prey, and its acid breath. It breathes a black fume that sizzles and burns anything it touches.
  • Rive Talon (rare - hostile - medium): In the past these creatures may have been canines of some form, now they seem to have melded with the detritus of the fallen buildings and creatures of the landscape. Extra spikes, ridges, and protrusions extend from its body at odd angles. Many of them are metal or stone, rather than bone. And some of the bones clearly were not originally its own.
  • Outskirts Hare (uncommon - docile): A shy creature, roughly the size and shape of an earth hare, covered in fuzzy-looking, curly pink hair and cat-like whiskers. Normally quite timid, this creature's poor eyesight causes it to flee when it feels threatened, and relies largely on a sense of touch to navigate its surroundings. Contact with this creature's fur is markedly pleasant, but its skin discharges an oil that causes mild skin irritation on contact when it's nervous. Active mostly at night time.
  • Ansaurini (rare - annoying): a bipedal feathered bird with sharp claws and teeth good for chomping; some possess flight capabilities, but the majority are prone to a lazy waddle. Mostly harmless and deceptively unassuming until you turn your back- and suddenly it's run off with something it stole off your person! They are excellent at escaping, though they can be traced back to their hoard, and if their collection is raided they will make a lot of noise in protest. Just watch your back- they will try again until you leave their territory. Truly, a horrible thing.


PROMPT III: Pop-Up Mouse Café
a line of five cartoon maid girls with mouse ears and tails

This month, the clergy of Ainea's temple are excited to announce a pop-up café for which people are free to volunteer or attend as guests. Whether a character decides to serve others or be served, the staff of the pop-up offers a headband with metallic mouse-ears on top for all to wear. They come in a variety of different hues of pinks and purples, colors that characters may recognize as being associated with Ainea. These headbands are wired to shift and turn with the moods of whoever is wearing them. The rest of the uniform, which includes formal black-and-white attire complete with frilled aprons, is optional. Featured items on the menu include teas and hot chocolates as well as a variety of (synthetic) artisan cheeses. Volunteers who decide to don the mouse-ears of the café will also be encouraged to serve snacks and drinks within the recovery tents set up for the workers who venture outside the barrier. Feeling ambitious? Those who manage to serve tea or cocoa to over five people in the recovery tents will be awarded a golden pin of a mouse they can proudly display on their uniform! Look your cutest, and get out there! You can also keep those ears.

At the end of the day, the staff will gather the group to take a photo together, local and off-worlder crew alike, to hang up on the temple wall. Supporting each other, coming together, and community through difficult times is a cornerstone of Ainea's teachings.




This event will run from June 15th to June 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. You can also use the Havenwell Status page or the General Plotting Comment to give you other ideas for original prompts!
tempusfinis: (pic#15429762)

[personal profile] tempusfinis 2022-07-06 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. [ For what it's worth, Machina's expression does ease. ] The stables are pretty much my go-to on slower days... or trying to find them out in the wild. [ Which there are less and less of, because of the war's devastating effects on the land. ]

Still trying to find one of the faster ones, though. [ He shrugs his shoulders. ]
ghoulserrand: (Stare)

[personal profile] ghoulserrand 2022-07-06 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
That's one relief. He only has to wait a moment for the second answer to come.

"You... don't really do... this sort of thing..." It's not really a question. He was isolated forever and preferred it that way. He does wonder about before. He wonders if that man, Alec, got so close. It stirs bitterness, to think that Alec would cozy up to Faust like that, but he's not sure that it's jealousy so much as anger that he'd dare only to turn around and-

Well, he doesn't know. He's not really sure he's up for asking. That would almost certainly upset Faust. It doesn't really matter in the end.

"Do you... want me to stop...?"
relictus: (19)

[personal profile] relictus 2022-07-07 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
That's certainly one way to put it. He was only thinking about being left alone, in the beginning. But by the time the anger and anguish began to temper and his life grew into familiar routines, the fact that he could never be close to anyone again, in any way, just became an accepted part of his life as it is now...

"...You don't have to stop, if you're comfortable. It's not as if you're hurting me. I was just thinking about the past..."

Hardly anything new, for him. It's not like Teo is even doing much, and he's just sitting here letting it happen. But still...

"It's strange... I never saw myself allowing anyone this close to me again. Maybe I really have changed..."
ghoulserrand: (Unmasked)

[personal profile] ghoulserrand 2022-07-07 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
It seems a bit of an oxymoron to say he's not hurting him when he's thinking of the past. Faust hardly ever thinks of the past in a positive light. Still, he doesn't argue. His mouth twitches.

"I never thought... I'd be close... to anyone either..."

He only saw so many living humans. He could only help them from afar, if at all. He had his letter, one name, one hope, but even then this sort of thing, in his mind, had been impossible. Unsafe.

"Is it... a good change...?" He asks, but when he reflects on the way Faust looks at goodness, he decides to rephrase. "Is it one... you're okay with...?"
relictus: (12)

[personal profile] relictus 2022-07-07 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
"...I know. I can imagine that's been hard for you."

It's something he was always cognizant of, even if there was nothing much to be done about it. For a young and lonely human like Teo it must have been especially hard to never have contact with anyone, and he hasn't had nearly as much time to become accustomed to it. Nor was it any sort of choice, for him...

But that's all the more reason to allow him to do this now, when it's- if not entirely confirmed safe, it at least can't do any more damage than has already been done.

Is it a good change, though? Or one he's okay with, as Teo rephrased...

"...I don't know. It means I will certainly be twice the fool if I do get burned again."

It's a certain display of trust, which he's used to holding tightly to his chest. Still, he's let himself open up at least a little to some of the wizards and the Sage back in his world... and now here, with Teo...

"...But it's you, so for the time being, I'm not worried."
wakemelater: (straitface)

[personal profile] wakemelater 2022-07-07 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. There are many gods and spirits in the Underworld who serve under Hades.

[Nothing would get done otherwise. The line to Judgement was already far too long.

His initial reaction is thinking that they could hold off on the hand holding until the danger actually arrives. But he reconsiders. Who knows how quickly one of those apparitions could attack. So, yeah, just in case, he takes the offered hand.]
ghoulserrand: (Punk At Rest)

[personal profile] ghoulserrand 2022-07-07 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
For their own reasons, in their own ways, they've been living like their lives were already over. In different ways, they were. But Faust has had to bear it so much longer. He still can't comprehend four hundred years in any sense, good or bad.

The answer Faust gives is a wounding one. He flinches and, unconsciously, a hand curls in the loose fabric of Faust's clothes.

"I'd protect you... as best I could... If I could..."

Of course, he can't. He can do nothing in Faust's world and little anywhere else. He clearly can't protect Faust here. He closes his eyes, once again wishing for the impossible.

"You wouldn't have... to be afraid anymore..."
tempusfinis: (029)

[personal profile] tempusfinis 2022-07-07 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hand secured, he continues to walk. ]

Are there any souls a god of death wouldn't want to keep in the underworld?

[ His brow pinches in the middle as he attempts to think of any others reasons why a soul would linger in the mortal plane. But then again--

"We need to get rid of it."

That's what Nico had said, earlier. ]
Or is it better that dead things, uh, stay dead. You mentioned wanting to eradicate that apparition. [ Not that Machina disagrees. ]
astralera: (pic#15350723)

[personal profile] astralera 2022-07-07 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
...She only had complimentary things to say about your combat skills. [ Meaning she was more than a bit surprised to encounter him in such a situation. ] That you were so easily incapacitated indicates just how dangerous those wraiths must be.
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (388)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-07 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
[He shakes his head. Whatever, he's 'alright' enough to be on his feet, so he'll just stick with that for now.]

Might be. I've never encountered a ghost I couldn't stab, though.
carbungle: ponponpon @ dw (47)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-07 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Noctis muffles a laugh and crouches down to help fetch the glasses. May as well start early with the service.]

They gonna pull this out of your check, or is this volunteer work?
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (284)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-07 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
I should be asking you that, shouldn't I? This must feel so much better for you.

[Better to let it out than stamp it down and hide it. And she deserves to be out and open with her powers, on her own terms rather than pretending to borrow his. Moments like this are great, because he knows how much she thrives on using that power to help people.

He turns his hand around though, letting the lingering fire's warmth brush over his skin. Since she'd asked.]


It does, though. Feels nice.
carbungle: nxctcaelum @ tumblr (221)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-07 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Really? It's... something." He's quiet for a long moment, trying to find the words to describe it without dipping into the melancholy that was his first, last, and only train ride. Insomnian subways were different, but similar enough, so rather than the worst days of his life, he'll focus on that instead. "The ride is pretty smooth, nothing like chocobos or even a car. It feels kinda like you're gliding across the world."
carbungle: elliejoys @ tumblr (resized) (24)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-07 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Huh? [It takes him a second to parse what the "she" could mean, coming from Era herself, and when it clicks, he's awkwardly quiet for a moment.] ...Oh. Yeah, they must be- I don't remember getting touched, but that was all it took. Must have some strong paralyzing power. You might wanna avoid traveling solo.
astralera: (Default)

[personal profile] astralera 2022-07-07 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ She nods. ]

I doubt Emet-Selch will allow me to sneak off alone so easily again, regardless.
relictus: (manga 1)

[personal profile] relictus 2022-07-07 12:28 pm (UTC)(link)
He can feel that flinch, though at first he's not sure what caused it. Then he feels that grip on his clothes, and his wistful words... he thinks of Lennox, insisting on staying by his side even after everything that happened and all of these years... in this moment, it feels like Teo would try to do the same. His voice is soft.

"...I wouldn't ask you to do that. I'm grateful for your efforts to help me, but when I'm gone," whether gone to stone or miraculously back in his own world, if he can keep Teo relatively alive that long- "you need to focus on your own life... following that letter of yours won't be easy, and I won't be there to protect you."

It's harder to think about now than it use to be. It was easier to accept Teo's high likelihood of failure or death at that point when he wasn't as invested in helping him live. Just another change that he can't easily label good or bad...

"...Though it may be better for you if you're able to stay in this world as long as possible... whether or not I'm still here. At least you'd be safer here..." in more than one sense, since he doesn't have to hunt anymore...
ghoulserrand: (Zombie Sad)

[personal profile] ghoulserrand 2022-07-07 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"You wouldn't have... to ask..." He insists back, but Faust isn't done. He falls silent again, swallowing back that dread over when Faust is gone. He turns his face away, burrowing into Faust's shoulder.

Of course, he's right. And it's not as if he wants to task Faust with the job of protecting him. He never did in the first place. It's just the reality that his "life", in the future, won't involve Faust. One way or another.

And Faust makes another good point...

"If I ever... go back... I'll be able to hunt...I'll be travelling... again... Survivors don't realize... when I'm covered up... when I stay back... I'll be okay... I'll have nothing... but time to look..."

If he ever does find her. He pauses a moment, then turns again, reaching into his pocket to dig out the letter. He unfolds there where Faust can see. He's already read the words aloud.

"I want to write... another letter... about you... just in case... And then I'll have it... no matter what... and when I find her... I can tell her... about you..."
relictus: (19)

[personal profile] relictus 2022-07-07 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"...You'd have nothing but time, it's true... but you can have more than that, in a place like this."

Still with limitations, and he obviously can't search for the person in his letter here... but he doesn't have to spend all of his time focused only on hiding and survival in a world like this... there are even others that may accept what he is, like Hythlodaeus...

He glances to the letter. Maybe he should offer to reinforce the spell on it, as it may be his only chance to in case he doesn't live past today... but so far he still doesn't feel any of the supposed effects of the bite.

He's not sure how to feel about Teo talking about writing another letter, about him. It seems pointless, when he's hardly worth remembering in the first place as he is now...

"...I imagine you'd give her entirely the wrong idea about me. But it's hardly worth writing such a thing in the first place... you'd be better off forgetting about me."
wakemelater: (look side)

[personal profile] wakemelater 2022-07-07 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[He thinks about that for a moment. Sure, there were probably plenty of souls Hades didn't want around. Death didn't stop a person from being annoying or awful or whatever. But...]

None that he can't control. Even the worst of the worst have a place in the Underworld. There are a lot of reasons why the dead may not stay dead, but usually, you don't want them wandering around.

[The apparition though... He frowns.] When I tried to get it to speak, I felt something, like a ravenous hunger. And nothing was going to stop it. Even if we managed to drive it away, it would look for someone else. [He glances sideways at Machina.] When it released you, you seemed pretty out of sorts. Any idea what happened?
ghoulserrand: (Zombie furious)

[personal profile] ghoulserrand 2022-07-07 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
The phrase "nothing but time" really does go both ways for his old world. Nothing else but time. And here, as Faust says, there's more. The only thing he's missing is Sara, the one person who might be able to tell him who he was. But with those he's met here, he can learn who he is now.

He wishes it didn't have to be a choice. But in lieu of that, he wishes he had a choice in what happens at all.

He jerks away suddenly, staring at Faust like he's slapped him. Anger settles then over his turn and burned features.

"Don't... say that... Don't." He turns his glare down at his letter, then folds it up. Back into his pocket it goes. "My life is gone... It's practically... erased... and I hate that... enough... But you... You've made... my life better... You make me happy... I'm still afraid... I'm going to lose you... Any second now... Don't you dare... say I'm better off."
this_loser: (Default)

[personal profile] this_loser 2022-07-07 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
There was a ranch full of them. We'd rent them to travel all over the countryside.

[Finding a fast one is a great goal. He nods in approval.]

We've got one at the house, if you're ever interested. She's my friend's, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
this_loser: (00 n talk)

[personal profile] this_loser 2022-07-07 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[...

He may not have asked about that either.]


Pretty sure it's volunteer. So maybe they'll just ask me to pay for the broken ones.

[Which is fair.]
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (110)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-08 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
It's not like you should need his permission either, though.
carbungle: <user name=fontech> (179)

[personal profile] carbungle 2022-07-08 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
Come on, man, be a little assertive! If they're accepting non-professional help and not paying for it, you don't have to take the hit. Just say it was an accident and promise to hold somebody's hand for five minutes. Bet they'll thank you for it.

[No one ever made him pay for anything when he was doing charity work! ...Though that might have been his princely privileges and the fact that those charities got beefy cheques from the royal coffer on the regular. Still, it's the principle of things.]
astralera: (Default)

[personal profile] astralera 2022-07-08 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
He is a worrier. He would either stalk me, or make me feel guilty for deepening the creases of his brow. Perhaps even both.

[ Apparently some things never change. ]

...And Hythlodaeus will be even worse. In many ways he is scarier than Emet-Selch.

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