crescentview | dec event.

dec event.

prologue

You awake to find yourself in a bed that creaks with your every movement, motes of dust flitting about the sparsely lit room. Whether you wake alone or with another by your side, you exit the worn-down building to find yourself on an old, abandoned farm. It isn’t long before a familiar voice lilts in your ears, carried to you on the breeze—

“Hurry over to the town square. Chop chop!”

Whether you go willingly or find your feet inexplicably compelled to trudge into town makes no difference. Once you arrive, you find yourself surrounded by a small ocean of new faces— some confused, some angered, and others quite chipper. At the center of the crowd is a bright-eyed woman with an otherworldly allure, her white hair tied up neatly in a bun, pamphlets and assorted papers tucked in her grasp.

“Welcome to Crescentview, farmers!”

Spreading her arms out wide — as much as she can without her papers blowing away — she eagerly regales the crowd with some fun facts about the island and the town while also reminding everyone of one very important fact:

“Remember, you’ve been brought here to tend the earth, fall in love, and begin your new lives together. You’re not leaving until you do. It will be quite the experience for you, I’m sure.”

Complain, grouse, or rejoice if you like, but don’t expect the Goddess to budge. Oh, right, there’s that too: she, the Harvest Goddess, is the one presiding over this land. Don’t get on my bad side, she gently warns as she stuffs pamphlets into the hands of Crescentview’s aspiring farmers.

spring breeze

While you’re here, you may as well check out the pamphlet the Goddess insistently pressed into your hands. Within it, you’ll find a handy infographic on each of your neighbors detailing their likes, dislikes, and... ideal dates? Even the Goddess’ profile is there. How invasive! Each farmer’s picture is hand-drawn by crayon into simple stick figures with the only difference being how the hair looks on top of their heads… if it can be called hair with the mess of crayons, that is. Every single stick figure is smiling. In front of each personalized pamphlet, there’s a stick figure on the cover with the same style as the photo. It’s definitely yours with how the hair color seamlessly matches yours. For the ones who have multicolor hair, you might notice the goddess seems a little more huffy with you.

The pamphlet also includes a map of Crescentview and lists the services available in town. There aren’t many on this small, remote island. Learning how to fend for yourself seems like the best course of action. Finally, a hand-printed bingo card has been made up for each new island resident. The Goddess must have spent quite a bit of time making these...

The Goddess gives her new questionably loyal followers a chance to mingle and mix before speaking up with another announcement. A small group of haggard-looking fairies appear at her feet, and clapping her hands, a notice board springs into existence. When the fairies fail to react, she gives one a nudge with her foot, prompting them all to burst into the world’s smallest round of applause. It’s a little... pathetic.

“Ta-da! Behold: the task board. Every season, I’ll give you new tasks to complete, and in exchange, you’ll be richly blessed by me, the Harvest Goddess. Spring is the season of new beginnings, so let’s take a look at what we’ve got cooking, hm?”

task board

The task board is located in Town Square and changes from season to season. In real time, a season is one month long. The following tasks are available from December 1st to January 1st and more tasks may be added mid-month.

Certain rewards are only available through event participation, so please keep this in mind when planning your threads. Multiple tasks may be completed within a single thread, but when turning in, please link to the individual tags in which each task was completed.

Finally, rewards are per character, not per farm, so those with housemates may want to coordinate with one another with regard to what animals you’re bringing home to your farm.

1. Greet your neighbors. For every person you meet, you will be given a random bag of spring seeds. Potato, cabbage, turnip, strawberry, and cucumber seeds are available at this time. Alternatively, random mushroom spores are also available. These include morel, matsutake, and common white mushroom spores. This task can be completed a total of 10 times for rewards. Please specify how much of each you would like when submitting your threads, i.e. “I’d like 5 random spring seed bags and 5 random mushroom bags, please!”

2. Exchange names. Start learning some names and faces: you’ll be seeing a lot of these folks! For each name you learn, you’ll earn a random bag of spring flower seeds. Daffodil, tulip, forget-me-not, primrose, and hyacinth are available this season. This task can be completed a total of 10 times for rewards, and yes, you can cheat the system and introduce yourself to someone you already know, but the Goddess won’t like it.

3. Check out your new farm. Take a look around and settle in! After a bit of wandering, you’ll notice a small cat or dog following you around and looking up at you with them big ol’ eyes. Looks like it wants to stay with you, but will you adopt it? This task can be completed once.

4. Till your field and begin planting. Find the beat up farming tools in your beat up house and begin beating your farmland into submission. Plant some seeds and be rewarded by the Goddess with a single chicken or rabbit to keep in your coop. This task can be completed once.

5. Visit another farm. Pay one of your neighbors a visit to receive a stationary set blessed by the Goddess herself. There are no cell phones or Internet on the island, so get used to sending all your “LOL”s and “XDDDD”s by hand. This task can be completed once.

6. Make a new friend. Isn’t friendship wonderful? For each person you proclaim to be your friend, you will receive two random gacha items. This task can be completed 3 times.

7. Pray to the Goddess. Whether you do so grudgingly or willingly doesn’t matter much to her so long as you’re doing it! Clasp your hands together and bow your head or throw an offering into her pond— she’ll hear you either way. Praying to the Goddess will net you a barn animal of your choosing: a cow, sheep, alpaca, or goat. This task may be completed once.

Caution: throwing certain items into her pond may have consequences. Choose your offerings wisely.

mod notes

⬥ Welcome to the game's opening and our first event!
⬥ A second event post will go up in mid-Dec.
⬥ Please plot over at the Dec Plotting Post.
⬥ As a reminder, please keep all plotting on the OOC post as not everyone has Discord or Plurk.
⬥ Please submit your completed tasks at the top-level below.
⬥ Have fun!

navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ honestly, it was probably kind of startling to pop out of nowhere like that... but being so used to it, he doesn't seem to see it. hence, he doesn't appear even a inch apologetic. even when it seems... he's somehow hopped in on this guy in his more intimate hours???

except— ] ... Warm, really? Is that the best you could come up with? [ at least he seems amused. ]

Should I try and help you think of something better? [ something tells him this may not be the first and only time this happens to this poor guy. is this what they call the empathy of a hero? a simple act of charity or kindness? who knows, but he just gets the feeling that this person needed some help. ]

[ M-21 probably should consider 'amused' a better reaction than 'suspicious'. But he bristles just a little at it. Figuratively only, luckily. ]

What? It's true.

[ It's absolutely not, but he's going to double down. Even if, yes. He needs help. He eyes the intruding stranger a little accusingly and tries to think of the quickest way to salvage this. That tone is more friendly than not. But M-21's first reflex, as ever, is to go on the offense. ]

Why were you in a tree anyway?

[ well, if he's so keen on sticking to this "truth." there really wasn't much he could do about that. which is still kind of funny in its own right. which is probably why his expression remains a bit amused; his lips slightly curled as he places a hand on his hip. ] Mm...

I thought you looked slightly troubled, so I figured I'd tail you and see what's up. [ he brings both his arms up in a brief shrug, and perhaps to also show that he had no weapons, and so by extension, also wasn't suspicious? maybe? either way, he seems rather relaxed or carefree at either prospect. ]

You never know what people do when they're feeling down...

You never know what people will do when you jump out at them and surprise them, either.

[ M-21 heaves a sigh as he sizes the guy up. There's nothing threatening in that approach. No visible weapons means either a really confident human—who really likes climbing trees, weird but okay—or someone who carries his weapons with him in a less obvious way.

Ugh. Him being on edge isn't the fault of any of the other kidnapped people here. He's starting to feel a little trickle of guilt at being so sharp with him, so he gives a little shrug of grudging concession. ]

Everyone here is troubled. I'm guessing you have your own reasons for walking around this late.

[ "everyone here is troubled."

hm, maybe that wasn't too far off from the truth. but, he suspected even with that, everyone operated at varying degrees. he wonders where this man falls. despite his prior assumptions, he seemed pretty emotionally sound. maybe just a bit cautious? which also brings to mind... ]

Yeah, my bad. But, if they attacked me then I figured that could be kind of fun in its own right? No, maybe that'd be bad if my roommate found out. [ the last part he speaks more to himself... ]

But, what threat were you worried about exactly? I could be wrong, but you seemed fairly on-guard.

[ This guy... There's 'relaxed' and then 'way too relaxed,' isn't there? M-21 gives him a look of patent disbelief because: ]

You think your roommate might be a little worried if you came back all beaten up?

[ M-21 says it sarcastically, not a hint of an actual question in there. Except—arguably, a moment belated—the thought of Jeanne crosses his mind. Was she the type to worry? Actually, had she noticed him sneaking out? He coughs a little sheepishly into his fist. Good time for a change of subject, yes. ]

It's just a habit. I'm... a security guard. [ Nailed it. ] But most people [ who aren't weird, ] would be a little tense after being kidnapped. None of this bothers you?

[ if there is a hint of sarcasm, achilles doesn't seemed miffed by it in the least. especially when it seems like... maybe his own words resonated with this man? it's kind of a cute reaction? or so he thinks, before brushing it off just as easily. ]

A security guard. [ maybe it's the tone it's said in, or maybe it's the fact that he can't envision some random security guard stripping in the middle of the forest, but he doesn't exactly buy it. hence— ] Do all "security guards" do this?

[ he calls him out. but, not really with any ill-will as just as genuine curiosity.

that said: ] You have a point. It's different from what I'm used to, but I think I'm fine as long as no one plans to order me around. [ a pause. ] Is that too simple of an explanation?

[ His cover explanations keep getting worse and worse... Probably he should have taken this guy up on his offer to suggest a better excuse. He almost thinks he could get away with trying, with as laid-back as he seems. ]

I wouldn't know about "all." Just the ones I know.

[ Which is also a lie, and the more curious and earnest Achilles seems, the guiltier M-21 feels about it. He tries not to fidget.

The explanation strikes an unexpected chord with him, and he stills, some of the awkward tension in him relaxing a little. The people here might be strange, even by his standards. But sometimes they have little things like this in common. ]

...No. I can understand that part. [ There's a pause of his own as he tries to put words to something a little nebulous. ] You don't think it feels like the same thing? Being told we can't leave until we do whatever some weird 'goddess' is telling us to? It's not really freedom.

[ maybe they could workshop this for the next time m-21 needs to come up with an excuse. they could have a list of four-five he could cycle through? ]

Really? That's rough. Didn't expect you to be from such dangerous times, too. [ now he just envisioned a group of security guards, all equally on-guard and in the forest about to remove their clothes? hm, he decides not to think about it for now. that was probably the best for all parties. ]

Honestly, you might not be wrong. Maybe I am just lenient to the idea of a goddess, [ considering his own origins... ] but I don't get the vibe she's here to bark off orders to us. Is it weird to say the situation feels too easygoing for that? But, I'm glad to see there are others who aren't keen on that sorta thing. [ being told what to do and following blindly, that is... ]

[ Somehow, this is so much more plausible an idea than M-21 simply not being caught stripping in the woods. ]

No, it's... yeah, actually. [ Somehow, he's given this guy an idea so wrong that it actually loops back around to being basically right. He's not so foolish that he won't take this win. He gets so few of them. ]

I don't want anyone else thinking they own my life. I don't care if it's orders, or manipulation, or just not giving us a choice. I don't belong to her or anyone. [ But actually venting that to someone who maybe gets it seems to settle him a little. Some more of the tension goes out of his shoulders, and he looks Achilles over more thoughtfully. ] Why do you care if she's a goddess? Is she yours?

[ fortunately, achilles is also a simple man...

... and if he's at least somewhat right, then he'll also take that. either way, he doesn't doubt that there likely is some basis to who the goddess summons here. if he was from a world full of its own dangers, then that maybe that's all the more a reason he's here? ]

That makes sense to me. You should stay that way. If anyone says otherwise, I'd like to say I'd turn my spear on them... [ but, obviously since all they have is farming equipment...

it is what it is. that said, he stops at that. there's a sufficient pause here before he laughs. ] Did I make it sound like that? In truth, I wouldn't mind getting to know her a little more, but it's not like that. You could just say I know one very well.

[ M-21 cocks his head a little at the pause, like he's waiting for the follow-up. It hadn't occurred to him since his weapons are... well, attached. But he's out here trying to test the extent to which that's still true, so the connection clicks after a second. ]

Did she take your spear? [ This goddess, honestly. Wait, does he have to worry about her having a spear in her pocket now as well as the sickle? And the pigs? Urgh. ]

I'd think twice about getting to know her. She's strong. And fast. And touchy. [ You'd think you could get away with antagonizing an eternal being about her age, but no. He presses a hand to his side again, absentmindedly probing at it. Weird that he's still feeling sore just from being batted around a little. ] That sound like the one you know?

[ there's a small hint of a chuckle at that. ]

Unfortunately, looks like it. Not sure what use she really has for it, but... [ he might get it in theory. after all, a rebellion on the farm is probably the last thing she needs, not that he necessarily thinks people are that hot-headed here. besides, if she was a goddess capable of bringing them all here? she probably was pretty amazing in her own right.

or so he thinks. naturally, it's all speculation, but with that said: ]

Touchy...? [ m-21?! ] So you both... [ i silent "i see" is written on his face before he cocks his head to the side at his next set of words.

that's his mother you're talking about, sir?? ] Mmm. Not exactly. I mean, she was affectionate, but probably not in the way you're thinking. ... or experienced.

She already has her own weapons.

[ It's more of a grumble than anything. It's not hard to guess that she wouldn't want all of them armed--for the trouble they could cause each other, if not any threat to her--but the principle of the thing bothers him.

Wait. ]

'Affectionate'? Is that what you'd call-- [ Wait, wait, wait. The word choice is dawning on him way too late. ] No! I mean, she's... [ Now he's too flustered to think of a synonym and busy just staring at Achilles in disbelief. M-21.exe is rebooting for a few seconds.

Then finally, through gritted teeth: ]

I mean, don't fight the goddess. [ Even if she's hot. That's neither here nor there, for the fighting or the other options either. ]

Her own weapons, huh? [ because... he's not going to lie, that's a little exciting, and m-21 can probably tell that achilles seems a bit too enthused about this information.

but, that said...

when he sees the look on m-21's face, he isn't exactly sure he believes that nothing at all happened. after all, that was the look of a guilty man as far as he was concerned. but his own assessments aside: ] So why'd you fight her? [ ... and then smash her? or vise versa. he's not judging. he is pretty broad-minded, after all. ] Not that I'm against having a good time, but I figured something must have made you act.

Did you miss the part where I just said "don't"?

[ He can all but hear that anticipation and... man, he thought he was the hothead here. Who gets excited after hearing that? ]

...Wasn't really planning on it. But I made her lose her temper. [ There's a contemplative pause for that where he considers adding some sort of justification, but no, that sentiment kind of stands alone. In the face of all logic he adds a little proudly: ] You could call it a talent. It wasn't much of a fight, though. I couldn't've landed a hit on her if I tried.

[ Read: she completely backhanded him. Then again, that's how a lot of his fights go. ]

[ a fight to death would have been one thing, but if it was just sparring and just a little, he didn't see the real harm in it. hence, m-21's warning fall on deaf ears in this case... ]

What'd you do to her...? Do I wanna know? [ is this a kink thing...

jk, but he does seem to be genuinely curious. he supposes even goddesses had all their own temperament, but you'd think a goddess who pushes for marriages and harvest would be less susceptible to such dark considerations? maybe? the more he thinks about it, maybe not. but that said, he whistles at his description. ]

She sounds impressive. Now I feel like I might regret it if I don't try at least once. [ m-21... love yourself even if noblesse doesn't. ]

Why do you keep making it sound worse?! [ The guilty man runs when no one pursues... Look, it was totally innocent antagonism on his side. Achilles is going to have to break out the smelling salts if he keeps going in this vein. ] Just guessed about her age.

[ Maybe it wasn't a good idea to share that with someone who's obviously looking to start a fight. Then again, he'd manage it one way or another. ]

If you want a fight that bad, just ask her for a date. It was on her page in that thing she gave us. [ Achilles please love yourself more than M-21 and do not take this advice. ]

Oh.... [ it doesn't entirely dissolve the misunderstanding, but instead adds another layer to this tale. after all, if they were to be intimate, he cal only envision that's the last thing a woman would want to hear. a goddess no less. that said, he gives an almost uneasy laugh. ]

Maybe you should have seen how things played out first...? [ is the only advice he can offer after the fact, but. ] Oh. I never did read, but I might have to try that. [ thanks for the advice....

this can't possibly go wrong. ] That said, you still going to get naked? Or did you want to head back together? That way, maybe I can give you some advice for next time.

I know. I wasn't planning on things getting out of hand like that.

[ What he means: Souji started it and M-21 wasn't about to back down at that point. How it sounds: ...better for M-21 to never become aware of, actually. ]

And I wasn't going to get naked. [ ...Which brings them full circle back to the beginning. M-21 can't simultaneously glower and look sheepish, and the latter is winning. ] ...Let's head back. I'm not gonna do it tonight anyway.

[ And he needs the advice, desperately. All advice. Without any other supporting context he adds, ] M-21. Name?

No kidding. [ that's what... they all say.

that said, he seems to be taking it in stride though. regardless, of what happened between him, achilles figures that's probably something... that's kept between them. maybe he'll ask the goddess one day, or maybe it'll come up organically, who knows. still, with all m-21's defensiveness...

this is all only looking that much more suspicious to him. ] But, well, it sounds like you had a pretty good time all considered. Guess you can save your body for when it really matters. [ when is that...?? ]

Rider. You can call me Rider.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

dec event.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

i am sorry, i died....

no worries!! welcome back to the undead

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject