[February] State of the City

[rubycitymods]

STATE OF THE CITY
February 2016

GENERAL OOC INFO:

Hello, everyone! The slight delay in this edition is owed to the fact that the events gave me more trouble than I expected them to. Ideas can be attributed to our DIO player (but not blame for the delay, that's on me ;D).

The CR MEME and TEST DRIVE for February are both up, so please get on over and make use of them <3

METAPLOT INFO:
So what's going on with the city as a whole?

The Rumor War events have far-reaching consequences that aren't only restricted to the few days or weeks following their conclusions. Each event, and those NPCs whose influence over the city itself changes as a result, cause permanent alterations to the way that the city functions and its general appearance.

RW #1 = Success by Charity granted all supplies a small temporary boost, from food to gardening supplies.
RW #2 = Success by Pride rebuilt a section of the city wall, giving some permanent extra protection from the beasts roaming outside.
RW #3 = Success by Kindness temporarily calmed the fierce nature of the more violent wildlife, as well as boosting the medical supplies at the clinic. There was also a temporary increase of stock at the hardware store to assist in the rebuilding of the damaged northern section of the city.
RW # 4 = Success by Diligence gave the restocking gophers the shot in the arm needed to keep food supplies at acceptable levels over the winter.

Several of the NPCs are still mistrustful of the people residing in the city for reasons not yet revealed, but some are open to conversation and even questioning, up to a point. A number of those whom are are being cooperative are making attempts to persuade others to do the same, with varied results. The benefits of success would, of course, be that the Virtues and Vices holding stronger and more reliable abilities will be more willing to be helpful. NPCs can be contacted using the NPC contact pages, but please be patient! Some of them take longer than others to answer their watches.

EVENT LIST FOR THE MONTH:
A playbook for your PCs
FEBRUARY 06 - FEBRUARY 10 The Year of the Red Monkey

The weekend heralds the Chinese New Year, and the beginning of the Year of the Monkey. Ruby City has never been a place that restricts itself to the festivals of one culture alone, and this is one that simply can't be missed. Naturally, we can't just let everyone have a good time and be done with it. That would just be too easy!

Beginning with a fireworks display on the night of Saturday, February 6th, small stalls will pop up in several locations around the city, and the streets along with any houses in range will find the atmosphere around them subtly changed with red and gold decorations hung up, spanning the street and the entire height of the buildings. Lit only by glowing paper lanterns, everything in these areas will seem vaguely fuzzy... and doesn't that food just look and smell delicious? The stalls will also provide small trinkets and traditional fare of the Chinese New Year, including small fireworks, red envelopes, lanterns containing candles, and symbols of good fortune.

It isn't the food, however, that you need to be careful of. Simply setting foot in one of these peculiarly enchanted areas can prompt the start of potentially dramatic emotional, mental and even physical shifts. Please see details below, and remember(!) this is all in good fun - nothing about this is really dangerous.. right?

Each of the four festive areas is also discreetly marked with three of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Entering one of these areas can 'mark' an individual with one of these animals, after which they cannot change it by moving to another area. The changes are subtle and may vary, depending on how long an affected person remains inside the enchanted areas and indeed when they were 'marked' (this is a pot luck and may not hit on the first visit). Starting with simple personality changes (which may enhance or directly conflict with existing traits), the effects of the Zodiac Signs can range all the way up through a complete personality overhaul, even into physical alterations related to the associated sign. These may be mild - for example, tiger stripes and claws, sharp hearing or an acute sense of smell - up to a full physical shift (please note that if this happens your character will not be able to talk!).

Finally, individuals may find that their social compatibility with others is eased or reduced, depending upon their sign and that of the other person.

NOTE: A log will be provided for your use during this event.

[BLUE ZONE] Along the road behind the Cathedral
SNAKE: The sixth animal of the Zodiac, the Snake startled the Horse out of its place to reach the emperor and win a spot. Those affected by the Snake - a powerfully sensual sign - will gain a heightened intelligence and wit and a tendency to act as if they know more about a subject than they are saying. While Snakes do not lie as a rule, they are not adverse to double-dealing and their reputation for being 'sneaky' is often well-deserved.
Ambitious, a Snake may find it hard to accept criticism and if coupled with a bad temper can be prone to lashing out.
Ox, Rooster | Tiger, Snake, Pig

DOG: The eleventh animal of the Zodiac, who could have easily made it sooner if he didn't stop for a bath. People influenced by the Dog sign will become fiercely defensive of family and friends, to the point that they will refuse to acknowledge warnings about their loved ones behaviour. They will find it easy to forgive transgressions and hard to hold grudges against friends, with their rare displays of violent anger always justified and wrongs quickly forgotten.
Dogs will find themselves good and eager listeners, always ready to give aid.
Tiger, Rabbit, Horse | Dragon, Sheep, Rooster

TIGER: The third animal of the Zodiac, the Tiger made it across the river after a difficult swim against heavy currents. Tigers may find themselves becoming short-tempered and easily riled up, not wishing to accept help in any difficulties they face. Problems with putting what they want to say into words could lead to problematic misunderstandings, even amongst good friends.
Aggressive and easily provoked, those touched by the Tiger will find it hard to relax and take things as they come.
Dragon, Horse, Dog | Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey

***

[ORANGE ZONE] In the open space by the Train Station
ROOSTER: The tenth animal of the Zodiac, reaching the bank along with the Goat and the Monkey. People influenced by this sign may feel like they can take on the world and everything in it, but will lose sight of the smaller things and neglect personal relationships in the process. They desire praise, but behaviour that seems self-centred can often rob them of it.
Roosters do care for their friends.. when they emerge from the many things they have taken on and remember that they are there.
Ox, Dragon, Snake | Rabbit, Rooster, Dog

RAT: The first animal of the Zodiac, the rat gained his place by cheating the trusting and helpful Ox and pushing his close friend the Cat into the river. People affected by the Rat may gain a certain appeal in their interactions, but exhibit opportunistic behaviours and underhandedness in their dealings with others.
But even the Rat isn't all bad. Creative and resourceful, these people will find that ideas to solve problems will come quickly, but possibly at the expense of others that they involve in their schemes.
Rat, Dragon, Monkey | Rabbit, Horse, Sheep

GOAT (SHEEP): The eighth animal of the Zodiac. Sailing on a raft with the Rooster and the Monkey, the Goat made it safely to shore with the help of friends. Those taking after the Goat will get a shot of creative talent (or an enhancement to their own), as well as a confident and noble streak that will prompt them to step in and help others when they are in trouble.
They will be generous and kind-hearted, but can also be easily upset by strangers and their stubborn nature means they will argue a case until the very end and find it difficult to accept their own faults.
Rabbit, Horse, Pig | Rat, Ox, Dog

***

[PINK ZONE] In the Grove
RABBIT: The fourth animal of the Zodiac, the Rabbit made it to the other side of the river by hopping over logs and rocks in the water. Individuals taking on the characteristics of the Rabbit will be gifted with a heightened instinct for recognising sincerity in others and an uncanny ability for sensing falsehood. The closer the relationship, the more easily attempts at deception are realised.
A boost in chasrisma makes them more attractive to other people. The Rabbit is a realistic and uncomplicated creature, but finds it difficult to plan ahead and is easily overwhelmed.
Dragon, Sheep, Dog, Pig | Rat, Tiger, Rooster

HORSE: The seventh animal of the Zodiac, the Horse was nudged into seventh place by a fright from the Snake. People affected by this sign will find themselves more talkative regarding any and all subjects, eager to hear opinions but not so quick to accept them if they go against already rooted prejudices.
Not short on charm, the Horse can easily make friends and love a bit of gossip.
Tiger, Sheep, Dog | Rat, Ox, Horse, Monkey

DRAGON: The fifth animal of the Zodiac. While the dragon could have easily won, the noble beast instead assisted the Rabbit into fourth place by creating a gust of wind to blow him to the bank. Dragons, like the Tigers, will find themselves becoming quick-tempered but also prone to worry about the results of their actions. Their attention to detail will be greatly heightened, but perhaps to a point of excessive fastidiousness and ignorance of the feelings of their family and friends.
They may resolutely follow tracks which ultimately lead nowhere, despite knowing that they are likely to meet failure.
Rat, Rooster, Monkey | Ox, Tiger, Dog

***

[RED ZONE] Around the Observatory and park lake
MONKEY: The ninth animal of the Zodiac, sailing to shore with his companions the Rooster and the Goat. Monkeys will find their sense of humour improved and be granted an uncanny ability to make jokes. However, this confidence also comes with a kind of arrogance that can easily alienate others. Their good humour, though, can often serve to bring friends back.
Taking risks will seem more appealing, but the Monkeys' inherent good luck often brings success.
Rat, Dragon | Tiger, Horse

OX: The second animal of the Zodiac, unfairly cheated out of his place by the crafty Rat. Those taking on this sign's aspects will find themselves feeling far more honest and trusting, with any existing sharp temper calmed and softened to an urge to try and simply accept people as they are.
The Ox, though, is still a dangerous creature when angered, possessing great physical strength. Despite their good natures, it is still best to play nice.
Rat, Rabbit, Monkey | Dragon, Horse, Sheep

PIG: The twelfth and final animal of the Zodiac, the Pig made it into last place despite falling asleep on the way. Those influenced by the Pig will gain courage and independence, but on the flipside will also become trusting and naive in such a way that they will easily fall prey to tricks.
Their concern for others is genuine, but easily taken advantage of.
Rabbit, Sheep | Snake, Monkey

***

[ALL ZONES] Bonus!
CAT: Pushed into the river by the Rat, the Cat didn't make it to the Jade Emperor in time to be selected for a place in the Zodiac. Anyone in any of the festival zones may be unexpectedly influenced by this betrayed creature.
Those who are will experience an overwhelming feeling of loss, whether imagined, prompted by current events or related to a past event. This will be followed by anger at those around them - particularly if someone is associated with the Rat - and a potentially uncharacteristic flare of temper. While this may die down, the individual will continue to feel as if they have been cheated and will treat everyone with suspicion.
Becoming closed off and surly, those affected by the Cat are difficult to reach but open up once their trust has been gained. They will fear betrayal as if it might be around every corner, feeling devastated if they perceive it to have happened.
Rat

After the event ends, any physical changes which have been gained will be quickly shed. The mental alterations, however, will take a little more time to wear off and may need to be actively fought.

FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 16 Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is never a holiday which is left to slip by in the city. On the morning of the 14th, every resident will find a red rose left in their home, along with a chocolate or cake in a small glass box. Each of these sweet treats will seem plain until the box is opened, at which point a message will appear on the inside of the lid. This message, should the treat be touched or eaten, will grant (or afflict) a 'type' of love on the unfortunate target.

♥ Family/Friends Dear One, Good Pals, Hug Me
They're the person you need when you're at your worst. Your best friend or trusted family member. They are the one who will always be there for you.
❣ Romantic It's Love, You and I, Say Yes
Puppy love, true love, enduring love. Whatever it is, you have it with your special someone and you know they'll always love you back.
ღ Unrequited Yours, Hard Luck, Find Me
They never really saw you, but you never saw anything but them. Maybe being lovelorn doesn't suit you, but you can't help it.
❤ Obsessive All Mine, Just Me, You're Mine
They're yours. They've always been yours. Why can't they see that? You'll get them to love you, whatever it takes.
❥ Admiration Wow, Heart Throb, You're Fab
They're amazing. You don't need them to love you, you just need them to notice you're there and maybe some of their amazingness will rub off on you.

Effects can be focused on anyone, though those which require a reciprocation of affection will need to have a matching treat. People can also be put into a position to cope with multiple effects, as if the box is not opened it can be stolen or even gifted, consequence-free, to someone else.

Most, if not all of the above will require agreement from both parties, so make sure you confer with the potential object of your affections beforehand! Established relationships are not a requirement.

The sweets will stop working on the 16th of February and may be consumed safely, but it's up to you to work through the mess that getting your emotions everywhere has caused...

FEBRUARY 29 A Leap Year

Did you ever have a day when you just felt as if you were having the worst luck of your life? No? Well, you're in luck, because today is that day.

The leap year date has always been one of tradition reversals and odd superstitions, and today every law of bad luck is certainly not on your side. Murphy's Law, the Rule of Three and even other, more deadly superstitions are more true and active on this day than any other day of the year.

If it's going to happen, it will.

STATE OF THE CITY:

Weekly Weather Report

WEATHER:

Chilly but getting warmer, the snow is now all but gone with only a few small icy patches forming overnight. This is good news for the plant life, which is slowly blooming back into colour with small winter flowers such as the Nepalese paper plant, snowdrop and winter aconite.

Rain high in the mountains means that the rivers both in the north (feeding the lake) and through the city are visibly swelled and at some risk of flooding as the banks weaken. It would be wise to keep an eye on how things progress.

ANIMALS AND BESTIARY INFO:

The moderately warmer weather is making for slightly easier hunting, but not by much. That it draws people out only adds to the potential menu for the park creatures and wolf-like animals. Most sentient creatures are still sleeping through the cold, even if the dryads still watching over the forest are starting to get a little cranky.

Some birds are nesting, and now and then a dragon might be seen circling around in the mountains to the far north. Perhaps something (or someone) disturbed it?

STORES AND SUPPLIES:

All seems to be normal - the essentials, often requiring supplement from outside to make anything like a satisfying meal - and starting in the second week of the month there is an odd abundance of red-themed miscellaneous items and tasty chocolates.

MOD CONTACT:

Fiona hardtostarboard || AIM@LittleBritTeacup
Kitten GrimmKitty || AIM@SilverCrusnik

Moderator Plurk: rubycitymods

PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Suggestions Post

Permanent Links
Phoenix Wright’s Records
Spiral Training School Information
Clinic Volunteers (TBA)

Anything to tell us? Let us know below!

CLOSING STATEMENT:

The ACTIVITY CHECK will be going up on Friday, February 5th, and please remember that you can use activity from between the 6th of December 2015 and the 5th of February 2016! It has been a time of year with a lot of commitments, and we like to make things as easy as possible.

Hammering out details in the background is still ongoing. Our first priority was to make sure that everything was back to running smoothly! There are still a couple of tweaks to be made here and there, but we are positive about our progress so far.

In the near future there may be a call-out for volunteers to take assistant/helper mod positions at various levels. We will keep you posted!

<3