crescentview mods ([personal profile] crescentviewmods) wrote in [community profile] crescentview2023-01-14 04:51 pm

jan mid-month event.



midsummer storms

The unrelenting summer heat has begun to let up as of late and those who make a habit of reading the news will know why: a hurricane is set to make landfall on Summer 16th. Spread the word to your neighbors and keep your loved ones and animals indoors. Expect that there may be some damage to your property, field and trees!

Fortunately, the hurricane brings with it only moderate wind and rain. Once the storm subsides and the whipping winds calm, you’ll be handed a letter by one of the Goddess’ many sprightly fairies who look quite a bit healthier and happier than they used to. Some of them look like they’ve been hitting the gym while others have a nice set of shiny new acrylic nails on their fingertips. Good for them.

Anyway, the letter details an upcoming event hosted by the Goddess: the first annual date auction. She has considerately included a form with her letter inviting islanders to volunteer as dates to be auctioned away while others have been voluntold. Oof. With the promise of a fabulous and extravagant vacation for those participating, the reward may very well be worth the price of entry.

With more news to announce, she requests that everyone meet up in the Town Plaza. The task board hasn’t seen any mid-season additions, but the upcoming date auction and the recently opened mines promise to keep islanders well occupied through the rest of the season.

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.

and... sold! first annual date auction

It’s time to d-d-d-date auction! Participation is highly encouraged by both the Goddess and her pushy little helpers. Every islander received a form delivered to them by said pushy fairies that contains the following application:

Describe yourself in three sentences or less:
List three of your best and worst qualities:
If you were a fruit, which fruit would you be and why?
Describe your ideal romantic partner:
Why should the auction attendees bid on you?


...You may have noticed that the form does not include a section for your name. That’s because this is a blind auction in which bidders must place their bids based only on the information provided in their application. Love is blind, as they say!

While some people may eagerly volunteer themselves to be auctioned away, those who are less bold may have been signed up to participate by a friend, neighbor, or the Goddess herself. In so many words, if you’d like to sign your character up but don’t believe they’d willingly volunteer to be auctioned, worry not! You may use the Goddess (or another character) as your convenient excuse so sign them up anyway.

Submit your applications here by the 20th at 12pm EST. The date auction will go live on the 21st at 12pm EST.


As mentioned in the overview, all auctioned off parties and their winning bidders will win an all expenses paid trip... somewhere. The Goddess’ lips are sealed as to the destination, but you get the feeling this trip will be quite a bit more than you bargained for.


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.


to the mines!


The once abandoned mines have been reopened and are now accessible to any brave islanders who wish to explore their depths! But be warned: doing so may come at a cost. Will you take the risk and come out on top with rare and otherworldly treasures, or will you trip and sprain your ankle after stumbling over a small rock? Only one way to find out!

OOCly, the mines can be explored once per week and exploration is undertaken in a cyoa-style thread. The mines are a permanent feature and can be accessed now until the end of the game. Have fun!


mod notes

⬥ Welcome to our mid-season event for month 2! We hope you have all been having fun and enjoying yourselves. As always, if you have any feedback or concerns, feel free to reach out to us on the mod contact page.
⬥ The next event (and the season of fall!) will go live on February 1st.
⬥ Please plot over at the Event 2.5 Plotting Post.
⬥ As a reminder, please keep all plotting on the OOC post as not everyone uses Discord or Plurk.
⬥ Please submit your completed tasks at the top-level below.
⬥ Have fun!
startraveler: (solemn)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-30 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[This doesn't seem to be working the way he thought it would, so instead he turns fully to Vaniats and gently tries to catch his hands.]

But what does it exactly mean to "live freely"?

[His gaze softens.]

It it "to live without worries"? Or "to experience no hardships"?

[There's a small frown on his face.]

Life is never that easy.
unchainer: (xpZfTol)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-30 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He tenses up all of a sudden and looks at Aether with wide eyes. Why do he and Noé seem so similar? A part of him wants to pull away and tell Aether to back off, that he'd never get it.

That doesn't seem to be happening, though. Instead, he just leaves his hands there and furrows his brow. He looks away and frowns. He's scared, even if he doesn't realize it, that the Vanitas Aether is seeing is someone destined to be alone, despite how much he says it should be so.
]

Of course I know that. I'm not naive enough to believe that life is that simple.

[ He huffs. Then, in a more ambivalent tone: ]

Some don't get to leave. Some are bound by their circumstances, waiting for someone to set them free.
startraveler: (you have my thanks)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Aether listens, his eyes soft. He's seen so many people along his journey and Vanitas reminds him of some of them. Lost, trapped by something. Sometimes it's a physical thing, an actual cage. Sometimes it's the past that haunts them, becoming their curse.]

Then tell me...

[He steps just a little close, his hands gently squeezing the other's.]

...What can I do to set you free?
unchainer: (OMQPce2)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 11:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ He hadn't been referring to himself, but when Aether poses his question, all he wants to do is laugh. He wants to laugh it off as he usually does and call Aether a fool, or perhaps downplay what's happened to him, but Noé's words ring in his head.

I will never set you free.

And yet, the thought of traveling and getting away from everything feels impossible. Staying here has made him feel like he's abandoned his purpose. Perhaps that's a sign that he isn't ready to be let free just yet.
]

You shouldn't.

[ ...

After a moment, he closes his eyes. Even Vanitas knows that this is probably not what Aether was hoping for tonight. He glances away as his fingers lightly, uncertainly curl around Aether's palms.
]

This isn't what we're here for, anyway. I didn't drop the last of my coins on you to make you miserable.
startraveler: (it's okay I'm here)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 12:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[The way Vanitas says all that reminds Aether of Xiao. "You can't", "you shouldn't". All this negativity that the traveler sees no reason for. Whatever has happened in Vanitas' past, he's here now. He's not alone and there has to be a way if they look for it together.

But that doesn't seem to be what the other wants to talk about. Aether understands and his expression is patient, smile soft on his face.]


No... you didn't. But don't worry.

[Gently, he tugs the other closer, before wrapping his arms around him.]

I'm not miserable... I just want to make you a little happier.
unchainer: (Tpfg0rO)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Vanitas looks at Aether and his kind expression; his own turns into one of surprise, like he's never quite seen anyone look at him that way before. He'd done little to deserve it, especially now, but Aether's smile is enough to stun him before the sudden embrace. Vanitas quietly gasps. Aether managed to catch him off-guard in a brief, vulnerable moment, and his timing is truly impeccable. Vanitas hasn't known Aether for a considerable amount of time, and yet... ]

...Stop saying things like that.

[ He's certainly had his fair share of physical touch, he's no stranger to that – but to receive it in a way that's so genuine and warm? It's unlike anything he's felt before. His face is flushed up to his ears, and he ducks his head before he leans forward to put his forehead on Aether's shoulder. ]
startraveler: (calm)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 03:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Aether continues to hold him gently with care, laughing only a little bit when Vanitas voices his protest.]

But I'm saying the truth.

[Everybody has their own burden to carry in life. It's no different for Aether himself, but he can't look away from other people's trouble. And really, if all it takes to lessen the lonely ache in one's heart is a warm hug and a kind presence, then he would do it over and over again.

He knows how painful loneliness is.

Everyone, Vanitas too, deserve some gentleness and with that in mind, the traveler closes his eyes, letting himself rest against the other as his hand softly slips down to trace comforting circles into the other's back.]
unchainer: (b48QKol)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 05:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His heart is pounding as Aether's hand travels down his back, and he can't quite comprehend why he's reacting this way. He's been close to other people but not quite in the same manner, and he tells himself that he doesn't have to do this. He can push himself off of Aether and keep that wall up, he can protect himself and keep others out like he tends to.

Vanitas does none of that, though. Instead, he lifts one of his arms to gently wrap around Aether's torso. His hand lands on Aether's back – and he leaves it there for a while until his other arm moves up to do the same.
]
startraveler: (smile)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[Aether continues to trace his fingers against the other's back and his smile only grows when he feels Vanitas shift, slowly embracing the traveler in return. Little steps, but it makes Aether feel very proud. Softly, he hums a small melody, almost too quite to be heard, before pulling his roommate even closer to himself.

They can stay like this for as long as Vanitas needs. The night is warm and quiet.]
unchainer: (SPsHVdT)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Aether is so comforting and yet so terrifying, and Vanitas can't help but stay there a little longer. He keeps his hold on him, even as he pulls back, and looks at Aether with a soft expression. ]

I don't know what you've done to me. And yet, I...

[ He sounds slightly accusatory when he says it, but he lifts a hand up, and it hovers somewhat near Aether's cheek...until he lowers his arm again.

He doesn't want this to end, despite himself.
]
startraveler: (kindness)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[He lets the other pull away, just giving him all the time he needs.]

I haven't done anything... I'm just a traveller, remember?

[His voice is soft, slightly amused. But there's a colour raising in his cheeks when the other hovers his hand so close to Aether's face. The traveler blinks, before catching that hand and holding in close to his chest.]

It's fine, don't worry.
unchainer: (uNfooBJ)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
That's not true.

[ Aether is clearly more than just a traveler, though Vanitas isn't quite sure what he means by that, either. It just felt like the right thing to say. He scowls a bit when Aether grabs his hand, but his cheeks are beet red. ]

Are you trying to tell me something?
startraveler: (you can do it)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-01-31 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Just what I said.

[He leans a little closer, his own cheeks also gaining more colour.]

That no matter what you want to do, it's fine. [He grins.] If I'm bothered by something, I'll be sure to let you know.
unchainer: (Xba8Mqu)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-01-31 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's quiet again, mulling over Aether's words. What does he want to do? He's not sure, but his hand is already starting to pull away from Aether's.

Before he knows it, it lands on Aether's cheek, and he looks him in the eye despite his embarrassment.
]

If I find out you've cast some kind of spell on me, I'll make sure you won't hear the end of it.
startraveler: (wistful)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
[His heart starts beating faster when his cheeks is touched, the colour spreading wildly on his face. But it's not an unwanted attention. In fact he leans into the touch, his own hand coming up to keep Vanitas' close.]

I don't know even know how to cast spells... Are you sure you're not the one casting spells on me?

[There's a soft teasing note in his tone.]
unchainer: (561g06X)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-02-01 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ He makes a startled noise at Aether's retort. Is he teasing him? No, Vanitas is the one who should be doing that, to gain the upper hand – but here he is, defenseless in the face of someone giving him attention he didn't realize he'd been craving.

He sort of grunts, not having the right words to convey his annoyance. Though...it's more like embarrassment that he's trying to mask as something else that's more prideful than that. Aether seems to be breaking down his barriers piece by piece, though. He'd better shut Aether up before he can tease him anymore.

With that, he leans in and presses his lips to Aether's.
]
startraveler: (blush)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 09:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Seeing Vanitas so embarrassed makes Aether want to give him more reassurance. He means no harm, really. This should be a relaxing moment for both of them. But before he can say another word, the other leans in so close to him that the traveler forgets how to breathe.

Their lips touch and it stuns him, heart thumping like mad, face burning and warmth blooming in his chest. His eyes close, returning the kiss, soft, careful.

It leaves his vision spinning when he pulls away.

And he says nothing, as he's trying to process what has just happened. This is the first time he's done this, always trying to stay away from romance. He's a traveler, he'll always leave. His lifespan is so much longer than most of the people he's meeting.

The last thing he would ever want is to leave someone with a broke heart.]
unchainer: (ZdYD8jn)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-02-01 10:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Vanitas looks at Aether as soon as the other pulls away. A part of him worries that this is him being rejected, that Aether never wanted any of this and probably got more than what he asked for by taking Vanitas out. He's surprised that he's even considering these things, that Aether's enjoyment is at the forefront of his mind over his own.

Vanitas frowns.
]

...What, was it really that bad?

[ It probably was. There's no way anyone could like someone like him, after all. ]
startraveler: (ughhhh)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 10:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, he's asked such a direct question, but it looks like Vanitas is getting the wrong idea. Aether shakes his head without any hesitation, before making an attempt to put his thoughts and feelings into words.]

No, I just... this is a first for me.

[He's probably terrible at this.]

It surprised me, too.

[He takes a deep breath, before giving Vanitas a shy look. And he holds the other's hand once more, wanting to reassure him.]
unchainer: (yFP7RLL)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-02-01 10:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ So that's how it is...

Vanitas can't help but quietly chuckle to himself. It's a dry laugh, one that's clearly from a place of disbelief. He's always prided himself on being able to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants to – this is no different. Kissing Aether was not motivated by a desire for information, nor to play with his roommate's feelings despite being uncertain of his own. No, this was simply because he felt like it...and yet, here he is, flabbergasted that Aether actually didn't mind it.
]

Aether. [ ... ] Would you do that again?
startraveler: (chuu)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 11:37 am (UTC)(link)
[The question makes him hold his breath yet again. He's not sure what he feels, but he knows that the affection he wishes to give Vanitas is genuine. The look his roommate has on his face just drives Aether to prove it, to make a point.

So he doesn't answer the question.

Instead, he places his hands on the other's cheeks, urges him closer and leans up to give him another kiss, just as sweet and careful as before. He's inexperienced, but it's fine. The tender feeling growing in his heart resounds clearly in his actions.]
unchainer: (aWxUYvw)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-02-01 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah.

Vanitas did not expect a second time to be the answer to that, and his heart is pounding in his chest. The kiss is so sweet and genuine, he'll have to figure out how he feels about it all later – especially since what he feels in this moment is quite nice, to say the least. He didn't think anything would come of this date, that they'd just sit around and chat for some time and call it there, so sitting here with Aether's lips on his is a complete surprise...even if he started it.

Vanitas puts an arm around Aether's waist and tugs him closer.
]
startraveler: (soft blush)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's warm and nice, and Aether doesn't protest when he's pulled closer, simply enjoying the moment. His eyes remain closed for a second longer even when the kiss ends, a smile never leaves his face. And when he finally looks up at Vanitas, there's affection in his gaze as his fingers gently push away strands of hair from the other's eyes.]

I hope... that now you know how I feel.

[He's still here, not pulling away, nose softly bumping against Vanitas' and all he can hear now is a loud beating of his own heart.]
unchainer: (g31Lijx)

[personal profile] unchainer 2023-02-01 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's stunned by the way Aether's fingers graze over his forehead, how his nose softly bumps against his. The gestures are so saccharine that he might actually lose his mind because of how much he cannot comprehend it. Aether's words don't help, either, because Vanitas has yet to come to terms with how he feels about all of this.

Maybe Vanitas will tell Aether that he's a bad choice, to not get involved with him any further; but is this what Noé meant by not letting him be alone...? There's so much to think about when the night ends. It's not like he can escape Aether, either, since they're roommates. He'll have to talk to Noé about this in the morning.

But first, a small demand in his surprised state.
]

...I don't. You'll. Have to clarify.
startraveler: (blushyblush)

[personal profile] startraveler 2023-02-01 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[His face quickly becomes incredibly red when Vanitas asks him to clarify. Aether averts his gaze.]

I wanted to do it.

[He pauses for a moment, his hands dropping to Vanitas' shoulders. He's still close.]

I wanted to see you happy.

[There's still something there that he can't quite put into words. Would "I like you" be enough? Would it describe the feeling born in his heart?]

I...

[He slowly shifts his gaze to look at his roommate.]

I care about you.

[There are no lies in his words.]

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