Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

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Welcome, Adventurers
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Guild Playing Games With my Heart

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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.

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I Came In Like a Questboard

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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.

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Enhanced to Meet You

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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.

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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

Comments

[sultanofsquat]

I was an amateur to Nipponese— [ Wait, it's the same as her world. ] —Inazuman cuisine.

[ Shooting her a smirk after she's laughed behind her little fist, their pace slows as he takes a step in closer to her. Close enough that as they approach the cherry blossom tree they would soon camp under, that Cloud slips his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze as the emboldening power of 'touch' is amplified. It's like magnifying how good this felt when he was with her... ]

One time I watched how someone made 'em start to finish. Bet I could prolly make some decent ones.

[ Assuming he had the right cooking equipment. One thing at a time. Rice Cooker. Motorcycle. A house. Takoyaki molds can wait. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ He's so confident in his skills!! Of course Ayaka is pumped up. For a moment though, her attention is on their hands, the way her eyes light up different from how excited she would get whenever Cloud agrees with her or suggests another adventure. This time, it gives her a bit more energy than usual. Something unique to this world! ]

I am sure you will be able to. [ :D!! Oh, but now she realises— ] We would have to buy a stove for it, won't we?

[ ... they seem like an entire machine to her '-' ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ He's got skills!! ]

I bet they make some kinda tabletop grill for 'em. Like how we've got rice cookers here.

[ He hums, looking down at their hands in a brief bout of thought before making eye contact and asking, ]

Wanna look for one when we get back?

[mistsplitter]

[ Does she even need to think!! ]

Alright. Let's go shopping when we are finished with our quest.

[ put your balls in her mouth, cloud ]

Hehe, now there is one more exciting thing to look forward to after this.

[ It probably seems like such a small thing to someone else, but Ayaka is so happy to make more plans with Cloud. Anything to do with him makes her smile.

Now then, she (Cloud) has a tent to set up! ]

The tent should have a manual, yes?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Now that they've arrived at the base of the sakura tree (he'll climb it later to make sure nothing was lurking in the branches,) Cloud immediately shrugs the weight of the bag carrying their tent off, letting it unceremoniously drop to the grassy ground since there was nothing really breakable in it to begin with. ]

Should hope so... This one's not so difficult to set up, by the looks of it.

[ He starts rummaging through the bag, pulling out the long cylinder that has the tent and retractable poles inside. ]

Packed it pretty tight.

[ With a little effort, he grabs hold of the end of the tent rolled up, and with a small little 'pop!', out comes what'll soon (hopefully) be their tent! A few pegs come tumbling out as he holds the container upside down, along with a little booklet that appears to be the manual. ]

Bingo.

[mistsplitter]

[ she

is not sure what she was expecting but it wasn't like this... ]

This looks very different from the tents adventurers use... [ Not that she knows how to pitch those!! But anyway, with everything out, she picks up the little pegs and the manual, eager to get down to business.

She nods to Cloud, giving him the go signal that she's good to go! ]

By the time you come back from scouting the area, our tent will be up.

[ No it won't ]

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

What, [ He gets to work on at least arranging and smoothing things out. The bendy poles together, the tarp and cushioning...honestly should be a little bit away from the tree. Just by a couple extra feet so they don't try pounding pegs into roots. ] they more like ones that are held up in the middle?

[ Now with only the Buster Sword equipped, he's feeling lighter already! Honestly, Cloud. Just how strong were you actually. fdslajk ]

I shouldn't be too long.

[ Waving over his shoulder, he won't even really be out of sight from her point of view either! Since they're avoiding any thick forestry, and it's a relatively open field, Cloud was more or less searching for signs of life. Signs of anything that could cause them problems overnight, anyway. But they're not so far from Blossomcrown that they need to fret about constant bombardment. As he hustles off, his first destination is along the creek. The water was always gently flowing, and while he wouldn't have minded taking a load off his feet already and sitting down...

Cloud does take this part seriously. So he kneels down, placing a gloved hand through the grass as he closes his eyes. ]



[ Concentrates. Trains his ears for anything that might sound off. Sniffs if there's anything not right about the spring air. And after doing this a few time up and down the creek and around various landmarks, including a bigger tree (not the one that they're heading to), he's set a perimeter and mentally jotted down potential predicaments. Slimes seem like the most likely monsters they could come across. But the water, for the time being, is not housing any potential surprises yet. He might have to make another return trip around the creek and trees to see if anything changed as the sun set. But for now, having spent a good fifteen minutes or so away from their campsite, ]

That oughta do it.

[ It's time to head back and check on Ayaka. So as he jogs back up the hill towards the beautiful cherry blossom tree where his girlfriend would be waiting for him, ]

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

Ayaka! I'm—

[ ... Back? ]

[mistsplitter]

[ ]

... I- I apologise, this was more difficult than I thought.

[ She REALLY does look sorry, Cloud... ]

[sultanofsquat]

.....

[ None of the pegs are down. Some of the bending poles are stuck through the right holes but...it's only halfway. In this state, they could probably just throw the tarp over them as a crumpled pile and call it a blanket. But that wasn't camping. And if it started to storm? They would need to find shelter from the rain.

But he can also tell that she just...looks so devastated. As if this was going to ruin their entire camping trip. Or that she was going to disappoint him or let him down.

So instead, hands on his hips, he simply bows his head? And sighs. ]

No beating yourself up over it. [ Cloud's here!! And he's gonna come around the messy pile of tarp and pegs and poles to be by Ayaka's side. ] You said these were different from the ones you're used to, right?

Mind if I see the manual?

[mistsplitter]

I've also never used a tent before.

[ ... so, she's not really used to anything. But she has seen adventurers use it!!

She still looks a bit awkward, but she hands him the manual, head bowed slightly. ]

I tried to follow the instructions, but I don't think it is possible to do it alone.

[sultanofsquat]

Fair enough.

[ She never had much time for these sorts of things. Not when she had to grow up so young... Cloud can tell that she looks disappointed still, which brings a half frown to his face. But rather than bring it up, he gives the manual a relatively quick skim over. It's only a few pages long, after all. And what does he do next?

He unceremoniously tosses it away, towards the base of the cherry blossom tree. ]

I got a couple ideas. C'mon.

[ Taking one peg in hand, he sees that at least the tarp is relatively laid out flat, minus the attempts at putting the poles in through the corners. So he takes care of that first, pulling them out and leaving them off to the side. ]

Grab a corner and help me lay this side down flat with me. [ A beat. ] And take a peg.

[ Kneeling down on one corner, he gives it a tug and waits for Ayaka to join him with her corner beside him. Pulling the tent out a little more, ]

Pull your end away from me nice and tight.

[ It's not a strenuous step, but he patiently waits for her until the front of the tent is being pulled nice and tight from both their ends. ]

Watch this.

[ With one hand holding the edge of the tent? He grabs his peg! And slides it right through the hole on the end. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Despite being down about it, Ayaka doesn't truly wish to give up! Cloud not getting upset with her helps her mood too, even moreso when he starts guiding her on what they should do.

Following his lead, she grabs the corner of the tarp and pulls on it from the other side. Her eyes are on him the whole time, watching and learning his every move. She can't help but let out a soft "oh!" when he demonstrates sliding the peg into the hole, though.

(He's really good at putting things in holes, isn't he) ]

You make it look so easy!

[sultanofsquat]

I've pitched my fair share of tents.

[ (Most of them your fault, Ayaka.) ]

'Kay. Now just slide your peg through and push it into the ground. Just enough so that it grabs on.

[ And as he says that, he demonstrates by applying pressure on the top of his peg and letting it sink into the fresh ground. He succeeds, but...the earth is surprisingly hard. Not mushy in any way. The soil beneath this sakura tree must be tightly packed. And he could probably shove it down if he exerted more force by hand but...that's how you get hurt. And he doesn't want Ayaka doing that. ]

Did...we bring a hammer?

[ See? Even your beau isn't immune to screwing up. He thought he thought of everything back at the Guild with her. ]

[mistsplitter]

A hammer? No, I don't think so.

[ She most certainly did not! If Cloud doesn't know though, then they likely do not have a hammer at this time.

... she has not pushed it to the ground yet because of this. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Sigh... ]

My fault.

[ But rather since his peg is partially buried and won't go anywhere (unless it gets gusty out of nowhere), he suddenly pushes himself up onto his feet and looks down at Ayaka. ]

Plan B, then. [ Before he does anything crazy like, y'know, whip it out without explaining, Cloud sets his hand on the handle of his Buster Sword still attached to his back. ] I lay my sword down on it, you jump on it.

[ It didn't matter how light Ayaka was. Standing on the very wide flat of his Buster Sword would sink these pegs in no problem.

...

Don't let Zack (or Angeal) ever hear he used it like this. FSDJKHAL ]

[mistsplitter]

[ ... what a silly idea! It seems like something a child would do, but Ayaka cannot deny that it could work. Which is why she cannot say anything bad about it, let alone refuse.

She does laugh a little, though. At least it's just the two of them! If Zack were around? Oh god- she wouldn't dare... ]

Just like cracking garlic, hehe.

[ Okay!! Time to show this tent who's boss. She gets up and dusts off her skirt. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ When she laughs, he doesn't need to think very long as to why. Not when he joins her with a gentle shake of his shoulders. Even Cloud never would have thought this would be how he ended up using such an important sword but.

...

I mean.

They have no hammer, so. ]

... I'm not calling this anything else anymore.

[ Cloud draws the Buster Sword, kneeling down once Ayaka's gotten up and out of the way as he makes sure the peg is straight and lined up. He doesn't have to be too accurate. That sword is wide as hell. But now that it's laid down, blade-side facing away from Ayaka's ankles, ]

Okay.

[ It's set! He'll even apply pressure and help bring it down with her with a hand on the handle and the other along the base of the weapon.

This is so stupid. But here he was...unable to help smiling as he looks up at her. ]

Crack it.

[ The 'garlic' that is. ]

[mistsplitter]

Right.

[ She will be careful, Cloud! Internally hyping herself up and counting to herself up to three, she then hops onto the flat of his sword. She's so light that it doesn't really do much, but there's enough weight before she steps down that the peg gets pushed into the ground. ]

We did it!

[sultanofsquat]

[ This was just like how excited she got to start climbing a tree all by herself. Really, these were the things that you did when no one was looking. Even Cloud was starting to see how liberating it was. Around others, she can be pure, dignified, reserved about letting this side show. Around others, Cloud can be the calm, collected yet stern merc-turned-adventurer, reserved in his own right.

Together? They can 'crack garlic' and strip away all layers of armor they held around themselves.

She hops on, and combined with him pushing? It sinks in with a single push. Nice and flush. Once it's down, and Ayaka hops off his sword, he lifts it and sees, sure enough. ]

That worked better than a hammer.

[ No, he's not kidding. That Buster Sword is stupidly big and having someone step on it and push a peg into dirt was...yeah. This was actually easy. Really silly, but easy. ]

'Kay, let's wrap up the other three.

[ Which meant Ayaka gets to hop on his sword again. Cloud was the taller one, so he could lift up the middle of the tent and let Ayaka slide the bending poles through the corners! That was the next step. And after that? It was...honestly going to be done. Just throw their belongings in the tent and set up the rest of the campsite and they were prepped. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Right!! She's on the other side immediately, waiting for Cloud to set up his sword on top of the peg so she can hop on it again. Then the other, and whatever else is needed!

When they're done? She'll have to get a towel to wipe away the dirt she put on the blade from her boots. ]

I'm glad you're here, Cloud. Thank you.

[sultanofsquat]

[ When it's all said and done, his Buster Sword is a combination of grassy and with some prominent boot prints along the flat. Something that he notices as he steps back once they've successfully laid out the base of the tent and secured it with the pegs. Inspecting his sword as he holds it at his side tip down, he can't help but laugh. ]

Perfect footprint.

[ He points it out among the other spots where she hopped on. Only to blink at her when she mentions how she's glad that he's here. At first, he wasn't sure what she meant. Here no this trip? Here in this world? ... in her life at all? All of it, and seeing her in that beautiful dress, even with her hat on, she looks like she really did pop out of a storybook. His cheeks gently glow pink, a smile growing on his face before he can sheath the Buster Sword. ]

Wouldn't wanna be anywhere else.

[ How many times has he said that now? It feels like it's been on loop... And even though they since left the world bound by a stable loop in time...he wishes he could repeat these little moments over and over. Much like her dance. Or any time she smiled at him. Any time she stole his words with but a single glance of her pure, grayish blues.

He can loop time. As many times as he wants. It's just in his memories. In his heart that belongs to her. ]

'Kay. Time to pitch it.

[ This part won't take long at all. And sure enough, with Cloud holding the top of it as he leans over the tarping, they manage to successfully get it up! The poles bow neatly and create a stable structure! Inside is a clean, empty space big enough for two people. All that was left now was to put their sleeping bags in it among other personal belongings. He feels a sense of triumph wash over him as he turns to Ayaka.

Then without even thinking, ]

Nailed it.

[ He has his hand up, open palmed as he prepares to go for a high five. ...then realizes what he did and just. Leaves it hanging there for a moment to see what Ayaka's response would be. Um.

Oops. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ On this trip! Specifically to help her! He shouldn't have, and were she with anyone else, she would have been so embarrassed and upset with herself for failing to do what seemed like a simple task. Cloud helped her not take the failure too seriously, even if it meant he had to do the whole task with her.

When the tent goes up and seems ready for occupancy? She claps her hands together a couple of times. They did it! Well, mostly him, but it is still a victory for them both!

Cloud lifting a hand up, Ayaka takes it as a sign of victory. Like a fist pump, or something! She's certainly seen him do the latter before, and she's seen the townsfolk of Inazuma cheer with their hands up and all. And so, she clenches both her fists, lifts her arms up some, shakes them a little. ]

Congratulations to us both!

[ And then she turns around to get the rest of their belongings so she can put it inside the tent.

... sorry for leaving you up in the air bro ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Moreso than being left hanging, Ayaka clenching her fists and pumping them a little in triumph catches him by surprise. Instead of laughing, when she turns around to get their belongings and organize them inside the tent, he instead looses a sigh before lowering his hand.

Hold that thought for later, Cloud. Much later. ]

Hmm...

[ While Ayaka gets in the tent and starts decorating organizing, Cloud glances upwards towards the branches and full-bloom sakura petals hanging higher up. ]

Lemme know when you're all done in there.

[mistsplitter]

I will be out soon!

[ Shush Cloud, she is not decorating!! She's just putting stuff inside! 😡 And she gets out the picnic mat, as well as the bento she brought for them 😡!!!

This may not be a camping trip. It is an actual dangerous quest! It doesn't mean Ayaka can't enjoy the view, though, or the safe moments with her beau. She still has her guard up, and she most certainly will not be all lovey-dovey in the face of danger. They still got this!

Once she's out and has everything she needs? ]

I brought out the snacks in case you're hungry.