seasonsrpg | Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

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Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

Welcome, Adventurers
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Guild Playing Games With my Heart

Part 1

A new message on everyone's smartphones says that all the Guilds are finally open for business! Instructions on how to get to each one of them are sent with the message.

Each Season has their own Guild (Winter in Frostreign, Spring in Blossomcrown, Summer in Solarpeak and Autumn in Amberfall). Originally they were formed when the world was thriving and the natives were power holders, now they serve a purpose for aiding Otherworlders.

Although there are some aesthetic differences, all of the guilds have the same basic layout, which the newcomers are given a tour of:

The main floor is for information, containing computers that are connected between all guilds. Using them brings up holographic boards which contain information on each of the segments, with a focus on their home segment. You can find out here what the weather is like in each segment, what quests are available, an explanation on how the Flower Yards work, and even a list of powers that have been discovered and how to practice them.

The second floor is a place to go for combat practice, or just practice using your powers. There are simulators here that can be used to create a space to test your skills against virtual monster opponents or against other power holders, all with safety precautions to keep anyone from being injured.

The third and final floor is meant for relaxation and provides a temporary place to nap when necessary. Those who do quests on a regular basis will receive a key that opens their own, personal room for relaxation that can be customized as much as they want. It's void pocket space that doesn't appear unless the specific key is used or the owner invites someone in from the inside.

It's also the floor where the leaders of the guild have their own private space in that's a restricted area. They have their public office there as well.

However, the power holders are expecting everyone outside, in the backyard of the Guilds...

Part 2

The main event of the opening day of the guilds is a lesson on how to become more attuned with your new elemental magic. Some characters may already feel comfortable with them, but the Power Holders wish to help anyone who might still feel like they're struggling.

Behind the guilds there is big open space. A yard meant for lessons like this. Each of the power holders is own their own stage (even Sawyer, who seems rather reluctant to be there) and announces the name of the lesson: Elemental Dancing.

They explain each in their own way that dancing while focusing on their basic element is a way to start properly feeling the element. The dance can be anything, as long as their bodies are moving and they can feel their magical energy align with the element.

To demonstrate, they dance:

Olwen dances a slow dance that looks a little like ballet, with water flowing naturally around him and increasing in quantity as he goes.

Jade has a much quicker dance method, like she's dancing at a party and is surrounded by wind that sometimes helps her even jump higher.

Dawn's dance is a passionate belly dance accompanied by rings of fire around her that turns into a pink fire so she doesn't burn herself as the flames come closer to herself.

Sawyer, as reluctant as he, goes full breakdance with each of his tricks forming pillars of earth that he can use to dance even more.

Once their demonstration is over, they encourage new power holders to give it a try themselves and remind them that they can dance however they please. They also advise that the dances can be attempted with a partner, as long as they can learn to trust one another. Sometimes magic is far stronger when done together... but it may also backfire.

I Came In Like a Questboard

Anyone interested is encouraged to join their guild. The staff explains that it's very beneficial, as they would get access to the upper floors that just today were shown to them, and that nearby stores would give guild members discounts for potions and other such adventuring necessities.

Even without joining, all of the first floors services are available for everyone. That includes the questboard that is now on display, though it only shows four quests for now.

There are some necessary preparations still going on with the questboard itself, but the staff assures that later there will be more of them, with some permanent ones added to the mix that would help with making the Segments safer for those without powers to explore as well.

Why not find a friend and go out on an adventure together? The guild does recommend doing quests together with someone, rather than alone.

Well, except Sawyer of Autumn, if he's around. He will always encourage people to go on their own and claims it's an act of bravery. Oh, and make sure to check the Beastiary before heading out, once you've picked your targets!

The Quests [ Click to Expand ]

Quests

CW/TW: possible nudity, possible death

Name: Skeletal Mischief
Rewards: 100 Moon Coins per 2 Snowskeletons vanquished
Location: Winter Segment
Description: For some time Snowskeletons have bothered natives who visit the Flower Yard. Usually the only nearby place of peace has now become a nuisance to visit. Those who attempt it usually return to the city in just their underwear (if they’re lucky). A request has come for the guilds to get rid of the Snowskeletons near the Flower Yard in whatever means necessary.
OOC notes: Snowskeletons have two types: either they're snowmen made from bone or they're skeletons made of snow. Either way they're definitely not friendly and often disguise themselves among the snow to surprise their prey. They're not really out to kill anyone, but may sometimes accidentally do it. Instead they're looking to steal clothes and wear them. Basically they're notorious bandits.

CW/TW: mind altering

Name: That Very Big Tree
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, Loot you find
Location: Spring Segment
Description: The researchers are curious about the “One Very Big Tree”. They want to know what the tree does and are asking people to take a look and report back what they find.
OOC notes: One Very Big Tree is hollow on the inside and looks like a big tree house. The higher someone climbs it the less they feel like they’re themselves. In fact, they will turn into the exact opposite of themselves. There are also dangerous Gale Squirrels living inside that use wind magic of their own to attack!

Reaching the top, however, will reward them with feathers of a mighty monstrous bird that can be used to enhance any weapon so that they fly back to the user's hand. Only one feather per character, magic stops them from taking more than one.

CW/TW: possible death, possible mind altering

Name: Treasure Ship
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, any treasure they find
Location: Summer Segment
Description: “The abandoned ship in the Great Ocean Lake used to be a treasure ship! So why not go fetch the treasure? I’m sure it can be used to make some neat weapons or armor. I’d love to help do that, I’m an expert in using treasure for enhancements! But I’m not strong enough to go get them myself. The fastest route there is from the Airship Station!”
OOC notes: The ship is full of Octokitties that are cats with six to eight limbs. They’re territorial and won’t appreciate anyone coming to their ship for any reason and will attack viciously. They can also spit ink that includes side effects of going into a berserker mode and not caring who is an ally and who is an enemy. But the treasure is real.

CW/TW: eaten alive, death

Name: The Blue Flash
Rewards: 700 Moon Coins for finding a lost one*
Location: Autumn Segment
Description: “Help, my friend disappeared on our trip to visit the old lady of Autumn Airship Station. We walked outside to stretch our legs after our airship journey and then there was a blue flash in the corner of my eye and he was gone! Nothing at all remained and I was too scared to go look for him so I ran back inside. I’ve heard this isn’t the first time a blue flash has abducted someone!”
OOC notes: The reason for disappearances is the Angler Will-o'-the-wisps: Most will-o'-the-wisps are harmless, but there are types that act like anglerfish. They take the form of other monsters and toss a "fishing line" out of a dark bush to make it look like a normal will-o'-the-wisp was trying to get their attention. When the prey gets too close, they will attempt to devour them to get more soul energy. They have left their normal place in the forests and invaded some bushes around the Segment.

*Reward stays the same even for just figuring out the mystery behind disappearances.

Enhanced to Meet You

Part 1

Enhancing items is a magical specialty in Ellipsa. The power of words determines how your item of choice gets enchanted. If you're trying to make an armor stronger, it would be wise to use kind and encouraging words but a weapon might need violent and determined words. Enhancement include defense boosts, attack boosts, health stealing and even adding status effects. All of these effects aren't permanent, but they should last for at least a month before fading away.

The workshops around districts will offer teaching to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of basic item enhancement. For more advanced things (like learning to make the enhancements permanent) the natives suggests taking an apprenticeship in the Magical Manor of Amberfall or Tower of Potions of Coldreach. Especially with potions, as those are more advanced than what they are showing.

Of course, armor and weapons aren't the only things that can be enhanced anything is possible as long as it's a non-living thing.

Part 2

A group of mischievous Imps are causing trouble. They're doing everything they can to make people angry (like dropping items on people's toes) as they try their magic. This could happen to anyone, even otherworlders testing their new magic.

Due to their mischief, a group of magical performers who were meant to enhance some animal statues to make them move around in a show ended up cursing a lot while the magic was happening. Because of that the animal statues did come to life, but they're angry and started running around, ramming into people left and right. It's especially alarming when one of the statues enhanced is a giant elephant, and some of the statues were meant to be used in a bullfighting show. Those are some very, very angry stone bulls coming at people in high speeds!

The natives don't want to break the statues, but they would like the statues to be stopped. With kind and loving words the effects of the curses will vanish and the statues will calm down and act like they were supposed to.

Of course they would appreciate catching as many Imps as possible so they could be returned back outside into the Summer Segment.

OOC TIPS

- Ask Questions here

- Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a private entry of your own (your own entry or a new locked post on the comms).

- Remember to content warn as necessary!

- Event starting date is March 17th, but the opening day of the guilds and the elemental dance lessons happen for a week so everyone who wants to attend them can have a chance to do so.

- NPC Power Holders can be interacted with, but it will all be handwaved. Feel free to ask questions on the questions thread if you're unsure of how the interactions would go.

- Starting in April, quests will be posted bimonthly and there will be a Quest Mingle available for people to use to thread out the quests! This format is just here because it's the first event where they're introduced.

- These particular quests are canonically open until end of month.

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Habits of a stepped down scientist and active academy director—]

I'll be sure Houndoom's flames remain away from your direction!

[No one needed to be burned by those, given the eternal burning pain that came with a person getting burned by a Houndoom's fire. Reason he was directing the pokémon to keep them to short blasts, well away from anyone fleeing the scene.

Clavell tried to keep himself in a good position, while running, to keep a lookout of it all.]

They said something about kind words to soothe them, as it has a chance of breaking the curses set upon these statues. I am hoping to get them to an open area and keep them encircled to make some attempt.

[Perhaps Gyarados could take over for Houndoom once in a more open area, so his size wouldn't be a worry.]

[If Hijikata knew what effect the Houndoom's fire has he'd be more freaked out over that than over the stampede!]

Kind words?! Are they shitting us?

[Sorry, Clavell, this is a rude cop... but at least they're approaching some open space now, namely the artificial beach of Solarpeak's massive, meandering pool. That should be a good place to drive the statues into a corner!]

Let's wedge then into the curve there!

[If they don't simply storm into the water. That might make things a good bit more difficult.]

That's simply how the magic here works, I'm afraid! Unkind words are what caused it, so kind words are what must break the curse set upon them-

[There was a sharp nod as one of those white pokeballs hanging from his jacket was pulled, calling Houndoom back once they got close enough to the artificial beach—]

Try not to be alarmed very at my second partner I'm calling out, he's better equipped to work in this area and may help keep them on land.

[—The only warning given before another ball was tossed out, and with a rather thunderous roar out came the rather large pokémon that looked like it should have possibly been a serpent-like dragon.]

Gyarados- keep them away from the water!

[He was certainly large enough to act like a fence- and the size made it clear why the man hadn't called him out while within the city]

[Hijikata's further bitching about the proposed remedy gets stuck in his throat as the enormous pokémon is released. Clavell warned him, but he wasn't braced for this! Regardless, he tries to keep up the herding, putting up a wall of flames in front of the cornered animal statues - but since that form of fire is more static and less like a chasing object some of them simply break through, and he has to chase them back with moving fireballs.]

Can you bring the dog back?! Or do you have any other ones that could help keep them there?

[Gyarados was certainly able to at least keep them away from the water due to his sheer size and that he could push right back if they tried charging at any part of him. Growls even shaking the ground around it as it kept grounded in order to do the task given.]

Houndoom needs a bit of a rest, but I have another Fire-type with me-

[That was another white pokeball thrown out, and there would be no missing the fire power of the large crocodile-sized pokémon that appeared.]

Skeledirge, use Torch Song to herd those statues back into place without aiming for Gyarados!

[... understandably, it was probably a sight to see the crocodile-looking creature rear onto back legs and the little bird of fire turn into a standing microphone- only to be sent forward in the shape of a much larger bird with the power of a roaring song to chase some of those bulls back into place.

'Bird' also circled back, returning to the small round orb-shaped fire bird that perched on Skeledirge's snout.]

[Hijikata is really trying to take all of this in stride, but seriously, why does this elderly gentleman have a whole menagerie of monsters on him, one more bizarre than the other?! Well, he can ask about that later. With the stone animals wedged in between the two pokémon he starts shouting at them.]

Calm down!! Behave! Whatever got into you, cut it out! You want to get back to your owners in one piece, right?

[This seems to be his idea of kind and gentle words... looks, he's barely issuing any threats nor doling out insults; surely it has to count!]

[A good sport- even as Clavell tried to be mindful there were too few familiar with his partners being such an ingrained part of life, he knew how to use their skills where he lacked in physical strength and how useful any sort of water magic could be at the moment.

If things went wrong, there was always the last resort of bringing out Oranguru--

For now, this needed to be given a shot!]

You were carved so beautifully and well that the care and thought put in is obvious- [Keeping an eye on movements as he tried to both keep out of any reach, but closer so he wasn't outright shouting himself.] -and think of the wonderous display that could be put fourth if you could calm.

[They reminded him quite a bit of Tauros, and those pokémon were naturally aggressive and quick- but with training and care could put on quite the sow in battle.]

What he said!!

[Okay, okay, he's going to make a better effort.]

You're all worth a lot, I bet, and strong enough that you gave us a shit-loa-- a world of trouble!

[He's trying... but at least Clavell's praise already had a small effect; the animals in the front row calm down noticably. Many are still restlessly moving their legs and shaking their necks, but they're no longer actively trying to stampede, which is a definite improvement.]

I couldn't even burn you bunch if I tried!

[He sounds more annoyed than happy about that.]

[Agitated still wasn't surprising, but the fact they weren't charging and kicking about was at least some bit of progress. The irritated tossing of heads was also something to keep an eye on given those horns; who knew if them bumping into each other could start another—]

Such strong bases speaks multitudes of such fantastic intentions, no matter the trouble made during the last legs of time put into the carving.

[Sand kicked up but- little by little there was progress, rambunctious as the bunch were.]

So lively and energetic.

Just calm down so we can get you back to your owners! You want to be the stars of the event, don't you?

[If nothing else he is calming down more and more, not least thanks to Clavell's level-headedness. He really has some things in common with these bulls. As the statues move around less and less he turns to the other man.]

This worked well, but what now? Can we leave them here? Or should we watch them until someone comes to collect them?

[It was honestly a relief that it was working, because being told what should work was not at all the same as putting it to use and enacting upon it.

There had been a hand rested on his chest, some held breath escaping him, before Clavell was pulling together just a little further.]

We can always attempt to walk them back to where they should have been kept. Given they are calmer, it might not be as difficult as herding them this way was.

[As one idea, at least.] Otherwise?

Can certainly see if someone will tell one of those meant to be watching over them shall come and retrieve them.

Let's not take any risks. It's probably better to stay here with them than inadvertently walking them into some situation that agitates them again.

[He lights himself a cigarette with his fire magic. Damn, he needs it.]

Can you maybe send one of your... creatures with a written message of where they can pick them up? But then it wouldn't know where to go, huh?

Hm, I do agree with your point- we've no idea if the Imps that caused this mess in the first place may manage it again. Better to be sure they remain calm than not.

[There was another of those white balls moved from his side, tossing the ball up as a teapot materialized and floated mid-air. The lid of it clattered before the pokémon revealed itself fully.

Clavell was taking a notebook from inside of his jacket, flipping past a few pages as he was writing down a quick note. It was a pity he didn't have certain members of the pokémon he owned; Meowscarda would probably have an easier time than this one, but nevertheless it was worth the attempt.]

Polteageist here should be able to manage- they are quite quick, and knows the city as well as I do at the very least given I make a point to walk about when I can. No better way to learn where tings are, and it's rather healthy for a man of my age.

[Carefully tearing the page and rolling it up so the ghost pokémon could easily fit it in the teapot's spout to be held there--] Ah, Polteageist dear, please do try not to get this wet or stained with your tea.

[Seemed to make a happy affirmative warbling sort of chirrup, a hand outstretching from the spout to pull the rolled up note to where it stuck out partially. Rattling as the lid closed and

off it flew once Clavell did give easy to follow directions to where the statues were supposed to have been held.

Also to basically get the heck out if someone there tried to attack them, give how unfamiliar the majority was with pokémon.]

Hopefully they won't be long.

[So imps are responsible for this, huh... that makes him angry all over again. Do those little shits have nothing better to do than cause chaos in the city?! But Clavell's next summoning distracts him from his aggravation. Is this a teapot?! With a... ghost inside? He tenses up just a little bit as he observes the pokémon taking the note, only relaxing once it's headed off.]

...

So... what are these? These creatures? Are they all your pets?

[They seem more like coworkers, almost, given how much teamwork they all seem to be used to. What kind of world does Clavell come from?]

These are pokémon, creatures that come in a variety of types and abilities that live along side people in the world I come from. Those you see are partners I've trained since they were young. My team- or some of them, at the very least are here with me.

[He had more pokémon than the ones that he had on him now, of course. One was missing and replaced by another even and- well. Perhaps he could get them back to ease his worries and ensure they were alright in time.

His head tipped, a hand gesturing a little towards Skeledirge and Gyarados as he spoke.]

They are wonderful and at times often mysterious, and a large part of our world. Pokémon Trainers and their pokémon grow stronger together, and can create such a strong bond that they will do so much for each other. It is amazing to see, and I am Director of an Academy that helps those young Trainers in the region of Paldea be as prepared as they can be during their journeys.

I don't battle as often as I used to, of course, but my team and I still know how to work well together.

[As demonstrated.]

[These are pokémon?! Hijikata heard of them before - who hasn't (~~among fourth-wall-breakers~~)! -, but he always just pictured cute little variants like Pikachu whenever the topic came up! He listens all the more attentively, and he's impressed to learn just how closely humans and pokémon seem to collaborate in Clavell's world. It's clear from the tone of his voice alone how much he cherishes them as individuals, too... as friends.]

That explains a lot.

[Clavell's passion for his work really comes across in his words. It's not often that Hijikata gets in contact with academic types, combatant that he is, but the joy of teaching the next generation is something he can understand to a degree, given how many young swordsmen he turned into Shinsengumi officers.]

I've got to say, your partners are real assets to have here with us.

I am glad that it does, honestly. They have certainly enjoyed helping out, even in such a strange world. All the more reason I try to ensure they as well as I know how to get around the various areas just in case any of them may need to go somewhere without me.

[Be it in an emergency where he is unable to go himself for whatever reason- or something a bit more like the situation at hand. Some of them were certainly trustworthy of messages, and others were more suited to acting more as 'danger! danger! follow me! help!' and other such things.

While others were just little more restricted in what they could do due to size, or the like.

Such as Skeledirge, who seemed to sort of amble back to rest just behind him, curled so the end of the pokémon's snout hovered just over one of his feet.]

I must say that you worked very well with them, even with the surprise a few of them must have been in appearing. Admirable to take it in stride and keep on task.

[He slightly tips his police hat, undeniably a little happy about the praise (he isn't getting enough of that from his new boss!). Clavell is a courteous man, and even a country bumkin like Hijikata isn't immune to the charm of his good manners.]

Ah, don't mention it! That's what it means to be a police officer. Improvise, adapt, overcome!

[Is that really what it means... regardless, in the middle distance some people come running towards them, following a plump floating shape. It looks like Polteageist may have run into some statue wranglers halfway to its destination.]

A good attitude to have indeed- especially in a place like this, if stone statues are able to be given 'life' like this to run amuck.

[Ah, there they were- and good timing at that-]

It looks as if Polteageist has finished accomplished their task well.

[It also meant he was re-calling Skeledirge and Gyarados once things were settled and the bulls didn't need to be kept in such a corralling as they had been. Both pokémon recalled with a Job well done in a little soft praise for their help. All the easier for the bulls to be collected in their clamed state- so he hoped.]

[Hijikata observes the pokémon being called back into the balls while the statue handlers start herding those away in the background. He wonders what the presumed hammerspace inside looks like... does each pokéball provide a distinct habitat suited to its inhabitant? Or do the pokémon just exist on some atomar level as long as they're in there, only to be put back together once released? He could ask Clavell about all that, of course, but he's exhausted. He wants to find a coffee shop and shut his mind off over a drink for a little while.]

Thanks again for the good work... to both you and your partners.

[It'd be nice to have a pokémon, now that he thinks about it... but honestly, his life is too much of a mess to take on that sort of responsibility, even if there were any available for adoption around here.]

[Polteageist was pleased with the bit of praise, circling around Clavell briefly with that sort of higher pitched trilling before they too were called back to their pokeball. Which Clavell placed back just on his coat where he kept their holders securely.

A little pat to them just to be sure they were indeed secure, the motion idle-]

Splendid all around, and hopefully next time -should we run across one another in some time of trouble- whatever may need doing is just as well done.

[That smile was warm as his voice, that praise and easy sort of happiness of things turning out well. That energy about him despite a clear enough old age—]

A pleasure working with you.

[Hijikata offers the teapot-like pokémon a small smile before it, too, disappears into hammerspace. It is kind of cute (at least if he doesn't think too hard about the potential ghost aspect)! At Clavell's kind words he gives him a little salute.]

Here's hoping it won't be a stampede again next time... and nothing worse either. Take care in the meantime.

[If he finds himself in some sort of shitshow situation again he'll look for Clavell - be it to collaborate or to protect (not that the man's companions won't take care of both already, but some additional support can never hurt!). It really helped his state of mind to have a successful collaboration with a well-adjusted, polite person. Thank you for your service, Director!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

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L i f e™ got me with this man, sorry for the wait!

No worries! ♡

(´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)

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