jan event.

[crescentviewmods]

summer has arrived

As the last of the sakura blossoms fall away and the leaves on the trees grow into ever more vibrant greens, the familiar buzz of cicadas begins to echo all throughout the isle. Summer is quickly approaching and bringing brighter days and blazing temperatures along with it.

Summer also signals the start of the wine production season. Grapes growing on trellises are a common sight on Crescentview during the summer and a notice on the town memo board from the local barkeep encourages farmers to consider growing some varietal grapes of their own.

Temperatures are rising, so put on a comfortable pair of shorts and head to the Town Plaza to see what’s cooking! While you’re at it, take a look at the calendar for Summer 1st through 15th.

This season’s crops are corn, onion, pumpkin, watermelon, and pineapple. Summer’s seasonal flowers are poppy, rose, sunflower, lily, and hydrangea. As for mushrooms, shimeji, trumpet, and common brown spores are available for the summer.

hot! ...or not

Posted prominently at the top of the Memo Board is a cartoonishly-written advertisement for the first annual Hot or Not hosted by the Goddess herself. Contestants will take to the stage while the audience votes on whether they are as hot as the blazing sun or cooler than a dead fish. Leave your egos at the door! ICly, this event takes place on Summer 8th.

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 January 1st to February 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.

---

This month’s tasks are centered around getting to know your fellow neighbors on a deeper level. As such, the Goddess has put together a small human scavenger hunt to encourage people to learn more about the people they are living with — and hopefully falling in love with.

Find someone who...

1. Was born in the summer
2. Pours milk into their bowl before the cereal
3. Plays a musical instrument
4. Has more than 3 siblings
5. Works out 5 times a week or more
6. Doesn’t like animals
7. Would like to date the Harvest Goddess
8. Has traveled around the world
9. Speaks two or more languages
10. Is wearing socks that aren’t black or white

Each submission will earn you two random bags of summer seeds. Specify whether you want crop, flower, or mushroom spores in your submission. This task can be completed a total of 10 times.

---

Many ingredients used in wine production grow in the summer, but so do a variety of tea plants and grains. Grapes, tea shrubs and grains like wheat and barley can all be grown on your farm or in your greenhouse, if you have one.

Complete the following tasks to earn yourself some nice beverage-producing crops for the farm:

1. Take something from last month’s harvest and gift it to a neighbor. You can give it to them directly, cook it into a meal, etc. Alternatively, craft them a bouquet, flower crown, or another gift from the flowers you grew last season. Complete 3 times for a total of 6 grape starters.

2. Share a piece of hot gossip with a neighbor or exchange secrets with them. It doesn’t have to be your secret! Complete 3 times for a total of 6 tea starters.

3. Exercise with someone. Go on a run, swim in the ocean, help them stretch out! Complete 3 times for a total of 6 grain crops. You may choose from wheat, barley, rye, or rice.

---

Summer is the perfect time to hang out on the beach and splash around in the ocean. Participate in some summer fun at the beach and earn more animals for your barn and coop.

1. Swim in the ocean, build a sandcastle, or bury someone in the sand. Do any of the following for one of the following animals: cow, sheep, alpaca, or goat. This task can be completed once.

2. Participate in Hot or Not. It’s an annual tradition! Submit yourself or comment on someone else for a single chicken or rabbit. This task can be completed once.

local happenings

The Crescentview Times newspaper has chronicled the latest happenings around the island. A physical copy of the paper will arrive on your doorstep early in the morning on Summer 1st.

Recently, a group of townspeople have taken it upon themselves to check out the abandoned mine. They’ve made good headway on opening up the path in the hopes that would-be explorers will be able to take to the mines and find some of Crescentview’s fabled gems and minerals buried in its depths. They expect to be done by Summer 15th.

A strange “gurgling whisper” has been reported by some concerned townsfolk living in the mountains. The concerning sounds are coming from one of the lakes at the foot of the mountain. Supposedly, the voice is asking for offerings of... something. The townsfolk have yet to identify what exactly is being asked for.

A hurricane has been brewing off the southern coast of Crescentview. Meteorologists have yet to determine whether the hurricane will make landfall or not, so stay tuned for more updates.

mod notes

⬥ Welcome to our second event! We want to thank you all for participating in our game and contributing your efforts to it. Thank you for playing!
⬥ A second event post will go up in mid-Jan.
⬥ Please plot over at the Jan 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!

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Comments

Beach Spar

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya stops during a later night walk, to see Diluc taking his claymore to the trees.

Ah, yes, the red haired lad who had a less modest intimate affair that displeased the goddess. He does seem practiced with his weapon.

Still, Syrlya raises a hand to his mouth to call out.] Try not to knock them down!

[The trees. They don't need that right now.]

[pyronic]

[What can he say? Diluc has always been known for waving his sword around. That hasn't changed after being brutally humiliated in front of the entire island, but he does turn to heed Syrlya's call, staying his blade.]

Ah.

[A slip of the tongue. Of course a tree would look out for his fellow trees, but... well, this is a little embarrassing. Ahem.]

My apologies. I would use a practice dummy were there any on this island, but in lieu of that, I've had to get creative.

[chronosynthesis]

[Well, he stops and so Syrlya approaches so he doesn't have to keep raising his voice.] Mm, trying to keep your skills sharp?

[It isn't bad. He feels much the same, but it's true this place lacks a real training area. He glances around briefly, then over Diluc's sword.] Perhaps you could do with a sparring partner instead?

[pyronic]

[Hm? Was that an invitation to... throw hands? Dismissing his claymore for the time being (poof, there she goes), he sizes Syrlya up. Hm, yes, tree. This could go one of two ways, so he's going to air on the side of caution here—]

With you, I presume? I wouldn't mind, but I can't guarantee you won't get injured.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya stares as the sword disappears. Huh... he hadn't thought it looked purely magical.

With a slight jerk he focuses back on Diluc proper.] Well... I suppose I cannot guarantee the same, as I only have an actual blade and not a training one. Still, I will endeavor not to draw blood.

[pyronic]

If that's the case, I won't worry for your safety.

[He'll still hold back, of course, and avoid using Pyro... but if Syrlya knows his way around a blade, there's no need for further handicaps. Well then!]

Do you have your blade handy?

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya gestures to his hip before drawing the longsword so Diluc can see it--very easily given the persistent gold, glittery glow that surrounds it.] I do. I know things are relatively peaceful around here, but since I had it returned to me...

[pyronic]

[Oh! Oh!! Let Diluc complete that sentence. He knows this one.]

...You'd like to put it through its paces, right? You've come to the right person, but a question before we begin.

[He can't help but notice that Syrlya is a treeman like Trahearne! Trahearne has been on his mind a lot recently for reasons he can't disclose, so!!]

I assume you're acquainted with Trahearne?

[chronosynthesis]

[... Sure that sounds way less paranoid than "I continue to habitually carry it on my person because I hardly know a life without danger".

His expression twist into a wry smile.] That obvious, hm? Yes, Trahearne and I are sibling to each other, and very close besides. Why do you ask?

[Just because they're the only two plant people walking around?]

[pyronic]

Is that so?

[Brothers, eh? What a painfully familiar refrain. As Diluc studies the blade at Syrlya's hip, his voice eases into a low, steady monotone.]

Then you'll have no problem telling your "brother" to mind the company he keeps, will you? I'll trust you to convey my message to him, seeing as you're close to one another.

[🙂]

[chronosynthesis]

[... Well. Now his expression just slips to plain old confusion.] Excuse me? I have no idea what you're talking about.

[pyronic]

Is that so?

[Diluc's tone is challenging, but who knows? Perhaps he should will himself to believe Syrlya has no idea what Trahearne has been up with and with who, so fine. Allow him to clue you in, bro.]

Has he not spoken of Kaeya to you? I would find that odd, if you're as close as you claim to be.

[chronosynthesis]

This is about... Kaeya? [Syrlya furrows his brow. He's in fact well aware of them, which is why Dliuc's jab doesn't land. He folds his arms.] What exactly does he need to mind? I've met Kaeya myself, and he's been friendly and... personable. Trahearne seems very happy to have found a friend in him, so if there is something of concern you wish me to pass along instead of telling him yourself--I am going to need more to go off of.

[pyronic]

[A friend... That would be all well and good, but there's more to it than that, isn't there? He doesn't mean to be so unreasonable, but he's at his wit's end here. Kaeya inviting Trahearne home to have sex with him in the room directly adjacent to his own has left him in something of a shittier mood than usual, please understand.]

Were that all it was, I wouldn't be having this conversation with you. I'm aware that Kaeya has feelings for Trahearne, but perhaps this is news to you.

[Well, Syrlya? Is it?]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya cants his head. Admittedly, he hasn't actually talked to Kaeya about him and Trahaerne, only that Trahearne has insisted they are not seriously on their way to becoming beloveds.

Ah. His eyes widen a little.] Oh, my. Are you worried Trahearne is leading Kaeya on?

[It would have to be that if Diluc believes Kaeya's feelings are strong, right? And yet the idea of Trahearne doing that is so absurd in his head.]

[pyronic]

[This conversation wouldn't be happening were it not for Kaeya overstepping his boundaries, but that's hardly Trahearne's fault, much less Syrlya's. Regardless, Diluc's reached a point where he can no longer swallow his feelings, and thus this conversation is happening anyway. Sorry, Syrlya.

Diluc shakes his head, scowl deepening.]

If anything, I suspect the opposite is true. In either case, whatever affair they're carrying out is nothing I want taking place in my home. You wouldn't appreciate it if Sir Kaeya brought his business into your home, would you?

[Except maybe Syrlya would since no tree is off-limits to Kaeya, apparently??]

[chronosynthesis]

[This is just giving him more questions--although he can't say he didn't have the same immediate concern. But--]

I don't live with either Kaeya or Trahearne. Is Kaeya your housemate or are you suggesting he... broke into your house with Trahearne?

[pyronic]

[Diluc nods. Unfortunately, he is once again living with the big blue rattailed elephant in the room.]

Nothing so ridiculous. Kaeya and I share a home. Trahearne is well aware of this fact.

[They've both invited him over on a number of occasions, though usually separately. What a lucky tree.]

[chronosynthesis]

Okay. [They're getting somewhere! Which is ruling out that Trahearne and Kaeya are breaking into other people's homes to--well. It was a ridiculous notion anyway.]

So you and Kaeya live together, and Kaeya has invited Trahearne over. [He waves a hand.] I don't need the details between them.

[Because he can take a guess which part would bother most people, and that's their privacy. He mulls over it for a moment.]

To be honest, this sounds like something you need to speak to Kaeya about instead? If there are things you don't want occurring in your shared space, that needs to be decided between the two of you. Trahearne is mild-mannered, so I don't think he did much to influence Kaeya's decision of venue.

[Sorry if you wanted sympathy Diluc, instead you're getting the Mature Response.]

[pyronic]

[No, no, the mature response is appreciated. Were Diluc not as spun up as he is, he wouldn't be making this Syrlya's problem and recognizes now that he shouldn't have to begin with.

..............But he's still angry. Hence, his response comes out a bit brusquely, a bit taciturn, but it's genuine regardless.]

Right. My apologies for blindsiding you with an issue that doesn't concern you.

[How many more times will he be told to talk to Kaeya until he believes it?????????? Nobody knows! Diluc summons his claymore and steadies his grip on the hilt.]

Well then, why don't we get back on point? If you're prepared, let's not waste time.

[Don't call him out for dodging the issue, thanks.]

[chronosynthesis]

[... Hm. If Syrlya knew Diluc or Kaeya any better, he might be inclined to make this his business.

But he just hopefully got Diluc to back off of Trahearne so he's not about to open that can of worms again.]

Very well. [He shifts his stance, leveling his blade in a defensive position.] Name's Syrlya, by the way.

[Yeah, maybe they should know who they're beating up.]

[pyronic]

Diluc of Mondstadt.

[See? Diluc has manners even if he's rather taciturn and quick to the point. There's no room for handshakes and pleasantries with his hands on the hilt, but if Syrlya earns his approval, who knows? Maybe Diluc will extend him his kindness then and be Slightly Less Of An Ass going forward. One can dream.]

I expect you to come at me with everything you've got, Syrlya. Don't disappoint me—!

[And with no further precursor, Diluc throws his weight into his swing and aims directly for Syrlya's head.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Going for his head already! No easing into this spar, is there?

Syrlya would normally like to keep teleporting in the back of his pocket, but so caught by surprise he has no choice but to blink out of the way to avoid Diluc's cleave, ending up at his right side instead.

With quick recovery he strikes forward with his blade, aiming near the hilt in an attempt to force Diluc's grip to loosen.]

[pyronic]

[Going easy on people just isn't Diluc's style. The teleportation catches him off guard, but ah, it's something of a pleasant surprise. A proper challenge to contend with is what Diluc has been looking forward to, and based on how Syrlya retaliates, Diluc knows he's in for a good one.

Diluc is swift, twisting his blade to catch Syrlya's and deflect, urging him back enough to make another pass at him with a wide arc of his claymore.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Mental note to Syrlya: find a way to get a shield before he offers to spar with someone next time. For now, the best he can do is twist his blade up to brace against the claymore, sliding backwards on his feet but putting enough force forward he doesn't fall over.

as Diluc's attack comes towards and end and the pressure tapers off, Syrlya hops backwards to quickly put more room between them. And then forward on the first step he splits into two, with one dashing around to Diluc's left side, and one dashing around his right.]