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

[That wasn't quite the response she was expecting. If anything, she was fully prepared for him to retaliate and she would have to encourage him.

Raising an eyebrow, she followed along as she clapped.]

How about a twirl? You think you can handle that?

[Giggling to herself, she does so before putting her hands toward Cloud as if she was fully expecting an audience to watch him with anticipation.]

Upping the stakes here.

[ She twirls? Cloud gives a little kick to create momentum when he does his, giving a quick spin before extending a hand out for Hu Tao in turn- like he was meeting her little 'challenge' head on.

And just as stops his own twirl, giving the Director a nod that he'll start cutting loose from here on out... ]

[ Suddenly, a breeze brushes up from behind Cloud. But it doesn't just stop there. It almost feels like a soothing current was flowing around him, up the length of his extended arm and flowing from his fingertips. A brush of wind that extends to Hu Tao as the taller blond's eyes widen at the unexpected elemental reaction. His hand lowers some, only stopping dancing momentarily as he looks at his gloved hands for a moment... ]

That was...?

[ Magic. The very same born of this world. ]

[For a moment, Hu Tao had to stop and wonder. He certainly seemed to have a lot of experience for someone who doesn't want to dance. It seems that she underestimated him! Giggling to herself once more, she was fully prepared to grab his hand before she felt that slight breeze.

Raising an eyebrow, she looked at his hand before looking back at him. Giving a small smile, all she could do was nod.]

Well, it certainly looks we know what powers you have! I wasn't aware that you had the power of wind. It would make our dance a little bit more fun, don't you agree?

[That said, she grabbed his hand as she was prepared for what he might do next!]

[ The power of wind... It came from awakening in the Spring Region, didn't it? Surrounded by cherry blossoms. What of Hu Tao? Which corner of the world did she find herself in before arriving with the others? There'd be time to ask and wonder that later. Right now, they're in the midst of getting lost in the rhythm they make for themselves. ]

Don't even know how I'd even do that aga—

[ He made the gesture first, but it still catches him off guard when Hu Tao grabs his hand. It doesn't fluster him, but his breath still briefly catches as the sensation of touch is amplified here in this world. It's pleasant. And for the line of work that Hu Tao works in, she feels awfully warm...

But he doesn't wait. He doesn't hesitate for long, loosing an exhale as he squeezes her hand right back before giving it a tug. He's pulling her in towards him, but not for some close or intimate two-step. But to raise it up and over her head, encouraging her to twirl. And should she do so, she'll find brushes of wind catching her coattails, as if the wind was swirling around her, instinctively guided by Cloud's affinity with this magic. ]

All the more reason why we should practice! I don't know about you, but I wonder if I can do something with my own magic.

[Truthfully, she wasn't too sure how to make it work. She was more familiar with using pyro back home. But here, she didn't know how to top what Cloud was already doing. After she gave a twirl, she wondered what she could to make it even more flasher than it was.

It was at that moment, there was a small flash of light that appeared from her body. While it was bright, it never seemed to cause harm to the eyes. She didn't say anything at first but instead, she kept on giggling.]

Well, that was quite the act! I didn't realize that I could be so flashy!

[Both figuratively and literally.]

Oh yeah? Which corner of the world didja wake up in, -?

[ It almost sounds like his question was going to have something more added onto it. Like a breath of something to be said only for it to die out just as quickly as it comes. He almost said her name, but thankfully her little flash of light upon spinning for him does good in derailing his thoughts. Or rather, getting the two of them back on track together. ]

Guessing you know a thing or two about standing out.

[ Her little display didn't necessarily stop them from dancing completely, but he's returned to being at her side, swaying with the music.

...

Only to realize that he was still holding her hand with little rhyme or reason. ]

[ He loosens his grip on Hu Tao's hand for now, not fully prepared to break out into a spontaneous dance number just yet as he feels a twinge of embarrassment just standing there holding her hand. Cloud might have come a long ways from where he started, but he still flustered in certain situations as he clears his throat. ]

[It certainly seems this mysterious person wasn't aware of his own dancing skills! Or rather, it seems that he seems some encouragement. As he lets go, she started placing her hands at the top and bottom before clapping to herself.]

Perhaps I do, perhaps I don't. Although, it seems like you might need some help in trying to stand out.

[ Giving a hum to another tune, she was clapping in rhythm.]

Still want to join me or do you want to do something else?

I usually try to keep a low profile.

[ Though as he finds himself trying his best to clap along with her, others seem to take notice of the duo. It really was a marvel watching others come out of their shells. Especially if it involved actually becoming attuned to this world's magic. To avoid getting flustered though, Cloud still focuses solely on Hu Tao. ]

Keyword being "usually".

[ "Still want to join me or do you want to do something else?" ]

One more round.

[ He came here. He's already in the midst of dancing with her. He might as well go all out for the very end. ]

And this "usually" doesn't apply this time? It sure seems like you are enjoying yourself!

[As she continued to hum along with her merry little tune and clapping along, she really didn't know what she was doing. If anything, she was trying to figure out what kind of dancer Cloud was. She was starting it simple to see if he add whatever he wanted to.

That said?]

Very well! How about you start us off? I think I'll follow your lead this time around.

[ All Cloud can do is sigh and shake his head upon being called out. "Enjoying" himself? That was hard to pin down... He may not admit it jovially, but there are worse things to be doing. Not to mention more embarrassing reasons to be dancing. Having the right company helped, even if Cloud was doing his damnest to keep it a secret that he knew her. Hu Tao's question may as well have been an open invitation to cut loose for real.

So, Cloud. Following her merry little tune, ~~and assuming this cutscene overlays music because video games~~

Do you wanna dance tonight? ]

Copy.

[ Hopefully Hu Tao is indeed prepared to keep up. Or rather, that she's not too surprised by the sudden change of pace as they dance once more. One more round, indeed. Only this time, based upon the beat and music she claps and hums, Cloud steps up his dance moves significantly.

As he dances, moving in rhythm with Hu Tao, it's quite the contrast from starting off with little steps like this...

...

To becoming a dancing machine.

Brushes of wind only seem to make Cloud even lighter on his feet, hovering with some of his steps. And by the time the two wrap up? He's in a kneeling pose, an arm dramatically held out whilst his hand braces himself as he catches his breath. Others in attendance can't help but applaud, clapping for the young duo for the spontaneous if not impressive display. ]

[So Hu Tao was right, Cloud was definitely a dancer. It makes her wonder why he was so shy around her when he clearly knows what he was doing. Regardless, she was a little surprised at the sudden speed. At first, she was struggling to keep up as he was dancing a pace she was not used to. It didn't take her long as she found her rhythm.

Giving a merry little hum, she moved her arms around to match Cloud's before taking a step to the side. Trying to do the twirl, she did feel brushes of wind beside her.

No matter, she'll just have to make do with little flashes of her own!

Jumping from side to side, she was trying to do her best to make her dancing partner impressed. But alas, she was a step or two behind. And yet, as the finale comes to a wrap?

She eventually poses as leans forward on one of her knees. Placing her hands on her hips, her other arm is pointed straight to the sky as she gave a grin. Hearing the crowd cheer, she couldn't help but feel rather proud!]

Well, I was right. You certainly do know how to dance, Mr. I don't know how to dance but sure does!

[ Getting back to his feet, Cloud is looking less embarrassed and more content that he was able to pull it off. More importantly? He can't quite put his finger on it but something's...changed since he started. Enough that as he regards Hu Tao with a smirk, he lifts a hand with his palm facing up. ]

Keep that secret under wraps, [ With the raise of his hand, Hu Tao would feel a gentle breeze pick up the longer threads of hair down the front of one of her shoulders, before settling right back down. ] Ms. Flashy steps.

Don't worry, I'll be sure not to tell anyone!

[As she gave her hand out, she tilted her hand to the side as if she was wondering if he would take it. Granted, she was fully expecting him not. However, it was still a nice gesture.]

But my name is Hu Tao. It's a pleasure to meet you! Now, will you be kind enough to give me your name?

[ She extends her hand... This time, it wasn't for a dance. But for a meeting. The first time. And at first, he looks surprised on the surface. But deep down, there's something...somber about having to start again. Even if he didn't know her too well the first time, it put things into perspective for him all over again. Maybe it was better that he pretended he didn't know her at all. That he didn't remember anyone from his time back on Nippon, except for those that remembered him.

As someone who was so used to loosening up thanks to the influence of Kizuna, and after everything they'd done just now with dancing as the rest of the crowd minds their own business again,

he does extend his hand back. Her nice gesture wasn't going wasted as he offers a firm handshake. ]

I'm Cloud.

[ A pleasant warmth shoots up the length of his arm, but he's aware of the reason why this time. ]

[For a brief moment, Hu Tao could have sworn Cloud gave her a look. She couldn’t describe it but it certainly seemed that he was familiar with her. Did he happen to see her before they met here? She didn’t think she was that popular and she didn’t draw too much attention to herself. Regardless, she didn’t think much of it. Why bother when they could be friends and she could get to know him better!

Grabbing a hold of his hand, she kept on giggling.]

Well, it’s nice to meet you Cloud! I certainly hope that you’ll be loud the next time we meet again!

[That said, as she lets go, she leaned a little forward before raising an eyebrow.]

Because I want to know how you managed to dance like that.

??

[ It'll hit him later what she meant by that. But for now, as she leans a little forward, Cloud finds his back straightening a little. ~~Unlike his older self, he has no open collar to tuck his chin into being shy. ]~~

Guess I just...go with the flow?

Even so, I can tell that you have a lot of experience! It makes me a little envious that you can dance so easily.

[All said with a dramatic sigh! Placing both of her hands on her hips, it seems that she wasn't satisfied with her answer.]

That or you happen to good at it. It makes me kind of jealous.

You weren't bad yourself.

[ Her exasperated sigh isn't lost on him. ]

Maybe you could get a teacher? [ He shrugs. ] That or practice makes perfect.

Or maybe...

[See that smirk on her face? There was something approaching as that smirk grew even bigger.]

You could be my teacher instead?

[ He does not like the sound of that maybe. He feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand up a little bit. He can't tell if she's being serious or not. But then again, he did say she should get a teacher. ]

Not my field of expertise. [ Quick. Cloud. Recover. Cross your arms. Appear standoffish! ... he only things it half-works. ] I'd rather charge lessons for uh...

Fighting?

[ The old him would have just flat-out said, "No". kfhjads ]

[Was she serious or not? That is up to him to decide! Still, she has the same smirk on her face and is not planning in moving any time soon.]

And yet, fighting can be seen as a form of dancing. What a pity but I won't bother you if you are not interested.

[All with a sigh too!]

Still, I wonder what your world is like to make you dance like that.

[ Hu Tao does a good job in keeping him guessing, because even as she sighs in 'disappointment', a light frown mars his lips. And after a short pause... ]

No promises. But put it in the 'maybe' pile.

[ He knows he's going to regret opening that door. But. That's for future Cloud to think about. ]

I had my reasons for busting it down. But Midgar's got lots of different scenes. Not sure about Liyuuu-

[ ...e. LJKFDSA Well that just slipped out. ]

[And there, Hu Tao just raised an eyebrow at him. Tilting her head to the side, she wondered if she ight have heard things differently. And yet, she couldn't deny the words that came out f his mouth.

Again, she leaned in closer before narrowing her eyes. Giving a slight pout, she was suspicious of him.]

Oh? Can you please continue on what you want to say?

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