crescentview | jan event.

jan event.

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!

navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ After Otegine's stint on stage, he gets a rather tall tree approach him with a little smile. ]

You're Commander Syrlya's housemate, aren't you?

[After he gets peeled apart by the goddess and put back together, Otegine's a little worse for wear, but he'll still at least willing to offer a polite smile and a bow of his head in response.]

Yeah, that's right. He's been a pleasant companion.

[why do you both look so much like plants... but that is a rude question so he will keep that to himself]

Are you familiar with him?

I am.

[ proudly! His smile widens. ]

I am his friend, brother, and commanding officer.

[ He extends a hand for a shake. Time to gauge you, soldier. ]

I'm glad he shares company with a fellow soldier. I'm certain he's more comfortable this way than rooming with otherwise.

[Oh boy, outranked all over the place here!

He doesn't do handshakes too often, but he still easily meets Trahearne's grip with a firm hand, another low bow out of respect for someone who very clearly outranks him.]

I appreciate your kindness.

All I can hope is that I can provide him some sort of level of comfort that he's already provided for me. Sharing a living quarters with my teammates isn't new, anyway.

If anything, I don't mind approaching this situation just like I'd look at a battle, anyway, haha. It's hard to explain to most.

[ Otegine may be outranked, but he certainly isn't out-talled. Damn.

A firm handshake, a polite bow--he seems reliable and dependable already. Trahearne offers a smile and a slight nod in response to the bow before letting go. He's pretty sure Otegine is doing enough for Syrlya, considering he hasn't heard any complaints. ]

Not many would understand. But careful thought and perseverance can serve well in most situations, be it battle or farming. I'd say your mind is in the right place.

I hope the change in scenery hasn't been too hard on you, though.

[ Sometimes, it's impossibly difficult going straight from war to peace. ]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't restless. My usefulness in combat is all I really have going for me. [yes, yes, he just had to give that extended list for the goddess, but old habits die hard]

Still... it hasn't been too horrible. We grow our own food at the citadel. Our commander likes to say it helps train our self-discipline and keeps us busy when we're not on assignment.

[The marriage part, though? Lmao.]

Edited 2023-01-11 11:48 (UTC)

Your commander has been right to teach you. [ Trahearne wonders if he wouldn't have done the same if given more down time. Then again, he had his hands full... ] That you have previous experience must be a huge help.

And don't forget that combat tempers your physical strength--farming is hard labour. I guarantee you have it easier than those whose expertise lies elsewhere. [ He nods. ] I'm certain you have more transferable skill than you believe.

[ We will ignore the marriage part. ]

[The practical nature of the compliments hits different, a harder thing for him to naturally combat.]

A-ah... I wouldn't really know how well I'm doing at all at this rate, honest. But... thank you. I suppose you've got a point. So long as the effort is helping Syrlya out and keeping us fed, that's all that matters to me.

If others can find use of it all... I can't promise them anything like a bountiful harvest, but I can try my best otherwise.

[ He smiles. He can tell Otegine needs the encouragement, but it isn't like he hasn't done this before. And it isn't like there are hundreds of other soldiers he needs to look after now. He makes a mental note to check up on him later. He has adopted that whole house now. ]

Your best is all I ask. And Syrlya seems to be doing well--he's happy and healthy--so I'd say your efforts are paying off.

[ He clasps a hand on his arm, a familiar gesture he'd use with Syrlya, too. ] Chin up, soldier. You're doing fine.

[No wonder this person is a officer.

With a slow exhale, the brunette nods, first hesitantly, then with a little more firmness, his smile a little stronger.]

R-right... right.

Thank you, sir.

[From somewhere unseen above him, a brief, soft rain of pink flower petals drifts down. Didn't the cherry blossoms end weeks ago? Oh well. Someone hasn't quite noticed.]

Your take on the poetry up there was really admirable, too, if... you don't me saying so.

[ As Trahearne drops his hand from Otegine's arm, his gaze briefly flits upward. Petals? Strange. It's summer.

He doesn't get much of a chance to think about it, because the topic shifts. There's a bit of surprise on his face when Otegine when directs the praise back at him. Not out of offense, but genuine surprise. ]

Not at all. [ He smiles a bit, grateful. ] Thank you. I admit I don't have much experience "wooing" an audience, so I decided to stick to what I know.

[ POETRY COMPLIMENT THOUGH... ] Have you much interest in poetry?

Ah, well, I can't say I've heard much. My masters have been fighters and politicians, not artists... even though I've got a couple of my rank that try to explore it when they can. [Emphasis on the word "try". Sorry, Kanesan.

A petal hits his shoulder, and he starts for a second, glancing and immediately brushing it off his shoulder with a flush of color to his face and a muttered apology, as those it's embarrasing.]

A-anyway... it's still something that captures a part of history, though, right?

Edited 2023-01-14 15:59 (UTC)

[ Oh... are the flowers coming from him? That's. Interesting. But if Otegine's embarrassed about it, Trahearne will make a pointed effort not to pay much attention to it. Even though he doesn't know what it means.

He nods along in understanding. His own colleagues have been fighters and politicians--maybe some could have been artists in another life, but the dragons made fighters out of all of them. It's a shame. ]

It is. All art and literature gains depth once its historical context is considered, and I personally find more joy in reading when I keep that in mind.

[ He's starting to get excited again... Moving on. It's interesting that he picked out the historical element, rather than artistic or otherwise. ]

Does history interest you, then?

Mn. Keeping the memory of history intact is probably one of the important things I can think of.

[Even if he doesn't have a lot of knowledge of history past his own extended timeframes... he knows the importance of his mission enough.]

A lot can be lost if people forget how the world got to where it is now.

[ A solemn nod. ]

A wise sentiment.

[ He knows this all too well--considering his entire Wyld Hunt. ]

Too easily can things be lost to time. It takes great foresight to record and act with things with the future in mind, and not everyone has that.

[ Smile. ] You would make a good advisor.

Edited 2023-01-15 03:37 (UTC)

[There's an odd weight to how he stays quiet through the observation, a slow nod, that only snaps itself out as the topic turns back to him.]

Me?

No, no no no, that wouldn't... it's not my forte! Seriously. [Who would ever rely on him for advice??? Ah, funny joke.]

Preservation of the past is just something everyone in our citadel has to take to heart, that's all. Everyone has their own motivations for how important it might be to them on their own, but... you could say we kind of defeat our own purpose as a unit if we can't take the time to remember what's gotten our land to where we are.

[ Whoa, that's a large dose of...humility (?) in a very short period of time. Trahearne's smile takes on a confused hue as he tilts his head, taking a short moment to process all that. ]

Even if there are others like you in your organisation, the mindset is still valuable. Even if there are those you think better suited for a role of advisor, don't downplay what you have. There are many who can scarcely think of the immediate consequences to their actions, much less the consequences in decades, or centuries.

[help]

A-ah.

I... I mean, it's important. Things you might consider as minor parts of the past could have some pretty reaching effects... history is kind of a delicate thing like that.

But advising on it?? I... haven't seen or known anywhere near what others have. Not even close. [From how his body language wilts slightly, it's an obvious point of embarrassment.] And just because you know something doesn't make you wise, right?

So, you know... that's not an expectation I think I can meet right now. Maybe when I've had time to catch up to my peers.

[ This is a tough nut to crack. Not that he's looking to crack Otegine, per se, but he wants to help him. It's either his big brother instinct or his marshal instinct kicking in--he isn't sure. But the way amber eyes settle on Otegine is intense, studious. Prying, even. He's trying to understand, because he doesn't. ]

Of course. Knowing one's limits is valuable in and of itself. I suppose it was just an idle thought on my part--I doubt there will be little need of advising in Crescentview, but it's something to think about, Otegine.

But knowing one's potential is also valuable. Don't forget that.

[ Look at him. Trahearne could see him doing very well in the Pact, at least. ]

You seem quite intent on putting yourself down.

[ That, too, is an idle observation. The goddess was right. ]

[He thinks, briefly, that it would be nice to know potential at all. But he catches that gaze, focused and sharp, and it reminds him far too much of the saniwa getting ready for a lecture.]

...Eh?

[Was he? Defining the difference between being realistic and self-critical sure was a pain....]

T-that's not it! Like I said, I... just have a lot of catching up to do, and...

[And this was starting to sound like excuses. So he cuts the idea off for the moment, lip between his teeth and hand at his neck, trying to think of how to put it.]

Some of us are just built differently, aren't we? I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea or anything, I... [He wants to be something better. Something useful. But he swallows that down.] ...I want to contribute. But not in a way that's dishonest. I'm no samurai or politician or someone that can sit next to the emperor or anything like that, I'm just... me.

[He shrugs, though it's a little tight. It's hard to keep his posture casual under the knowing look of someone in authority.]

I'd rather people just use me for what I am than... give them some wrong idea, screw up and lose my chance again.

[ A frown crosses Trahearne's face immediately. ]

You shouldn't want anyone to use you.

[ A million and one questions and concerns cross his mind, most of the encouragement he was going to give Otegine quickly evaporating in face of that language. Quiet alarm bells are going off in his mind--of all the times Trahearne thought he was a terrible marshal, he always made sure his soldiers were...well. Okay.

He takes a step forward, worry written all over his face. His voice drops. ]

Pardon the direct question, but...Otegine, have you been abused?

[ THEY ARE ON VERY DIFFERENT PAGES HERE. ]

...W-wait, what?

[His hands are up immediately at the sudden drop in volume and closing in of space. He'd be a little more loud in his confusion, but Trahearne looks deathly serious all of the sudden...]

No... No, I've always been taken care of just fine.

Where did that come from?

Your language, your body language speaks of someone who has been treated terribly in the past.

[ Trahearne pauses for a second, worried amber still trying to mentally pick him apart. ]

I know we just met, but if there's ever anything you need to talk about, then come to either myself or Commander Syrlya. We will both be more than happy to help you.

[ cut it out with your toolbrain... ]

Edited 2023-01-18 15:56 (UTC)

I...uh...

[His hands stay up, though one does move to scratch a bit at his face, meeting that alarmed look with one that's almost sheepish.]

Trahearne... sir, I really think there's been a misunderstanding here.

I've never been mistreated, I promise. Left behind, sure, but... it wasn't anything like neglect. I've always been loved.

I'm sorry if I'm portraying it otherwise with my character, but I can swear on my blade, I've never had a master or otherwise who treated me with anything but the upmost respect.

Edited (english) 2023-01-19 00:50 (UTC)

[ Trahearne doesn't respond at first. Amber eyes search Otegine's expression, trying to determine the veracity of what he says.

He...still doesn't quite believe it, but something about the way Otegine says it tells him that it's the truth. ]

...All right.

[ He steps back, allowing some breathing room between them. ]

I trust you. But, should anything ever arise and you need help, don't hesitate to tell either of us. [ Otegine seems like a good person. Trahearne has a feeling Syrlya would be more than happy to help him. ] Do you understand?

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