This just in: water is wet. You already knew that, though, didn't you? So smart, so wise — and yet, here you are, in a city that's somehow managed to displace an entire group of people with one tiny drop of a shovel. One might assume that flooding a set of recently inhabited buildings and stopping a brand new construction project would be enough damage done for one accidental swing of a shovel, but you know what they say about making assumptions. The fact is, there's always more to the story... and it has been raining quite a bit lately. In fact, it's been raining nonstop for the past few days.
If you've been wondering why, wonder no longer. At precisely noon, a chime can be heard all around the city. Its tinny vibrations are impossible to miss, and those who have been around the block might recognize it from a long-ago treasure hunt — it's an all-call, a broadcast sent simultaneously over local television & radio stations as well as citizens' personal CuddlePhones, containing a message from Volunteer Coordinators Flora & Cornelius.
Like your favorite weather reporters, they've come out to the center of the action to report live on the recent happenings within the city — most notably the curiously shimmering rainfall and its potential impact on those who are exposed to it. It's Flora who delivers the bulk of the message, clearly reading off of a teleprompter in her slight twang, and looking quite confused by the entire ordeal. Also, she's drenched, the rain pouring down on her which she tries desperately to smile through, undeterred.
"The city's scientific community, after much research, has concluded that the pipes affected by the — er, puncture under the building site were filled with water typically filtered by the Energem. Due to the recent, totally innocuous, tooootally nothing to be concerned about fissure — oopsie-daisy, I wasn't supposed to say that — it appears that some of the Energem's magic has also leeched into the water during the fil-ter-ing pro-cess.
While the flooding has now thankfully subsided and the standing water has receded back into the underground reservoirs, it appears the affected water has at least partially been absorbed into the atmosphere, where it is being released in particularly ... enthusiastic rain showers. The rain itself seems to be affecting those who come into contact with it, making them less resistant to unfiltered communication or confessions. Did y'all know that I'm not a natural blonde? It's true! Ahem. Anyways! The current hy-po-thesis, while not yet confirmed by the city administration — well that's silly, we're the city administration! — is the Energem's intention to foster intimate connections has imbued the rain with, um, encouraging properties."
Finally done, Flora offers an friendly, reassuring smile. A voice can be heard clearly from behind the camera, male, and most definitely Cornelius: "Good job, darling! Except you sounded terrible. — I mean! I didn't mean that! I don't know why I said that. Hey, Flora? Do you think we maybe should've brought umbrellas before we —" And then the feed cuts off abruptly. Huh. What did she say about a fissure again? Could that have been a result of the recent earthquake?
Before anyone has too much time to overthink, the chime once again echoes out into the city. This time, it's a text bulletin from an account simply named THE CITY OF CADELLE. Fancy.
The city administration and local scientific community have advised that it may be in your best interest to remain indoor until this weather pattern subsides.
Naturally, such an advisory might make it difficult to attempt moving back in to the recently re-opened Welcome District, so hotel accommodations will be extended for the time being. In addition, complimentary umbrellas, raincoats, wellies, and galoshes will be available for pick-up at City Hall, should you have a need to venture out in this weather.
What will you do? Among the many, there are a few options to consider:
▸ You could decide to continue on, business as usual. It's just rain, isn't it? A little water never hurt anyone, and besides, you've got nothing to hide. If the Energem wants honesty, well, by golly, that's what it's going to get.
▸ You might prefer to be prepared — gather your umbrella and your wellies and trudge on, soldier. Try as you might to stay dry, a few drops might hit you here and there, but you're not panicked. You shower, you brush your teeth; what's a few raindrops on top of that?
▸ You might want to investigate! Collect samples of rainwater, and try your best not to be exposed to it too much in the process. The University's chemistry and life sciences departments are paying handsomely for well-preserved samples of this unique weather event, and while you'll have to battle the elements to get there, the monetary reward might be worth it for you. Or the satisfaction of contributing to scientific exploration, if that's more your thing. Either way!
▸ You may, however, not want a thing to do with it. Stay home — or in your new home-away-from-home, if that's where you're at — and more importantly, stay dry.
The city hopes that all of its citizens do try their best to stay dry and therefore unaffected by any unintended effects of this quite unseasonal rainfall.
Isn't this fun? Characters splashing about in shining, shimmering splendor puddles, getting soaked to the bone with magical rain that makes people want to spill all their secrets? Or perhaps avoiding it all by staying inside with a warm cup of hot chocolate and their favorite book. Of course, it's one thing to have rain that makes you truthful... but quite another to assume the rain just disappears. Any fourth grader will tell you that's not quite how things work.
You see, there's this fancy thing called the water cycle, where rainfall finds its way into groundwater sources, which are then filtered and utilized for city water supplies, which then feeds into all sorts of water-dependent utilities inside. Places like a shower, or perhaps a sink where people brush their teeth, or the tap water used to make coffee in the morning or to boil on the stove... the sky is the metaphorical limit here.
Feel free to get creative — maybe your character doesn't want to heed the city's warning, and continues on business as usual. Maybe they've already been exposed to enough rainwater to feel particularly chatty. Maybe they hole themselves up inside their room, but continued exposure to water via their daily two-hour bath or excessive showering habits (hey, we're not judging, maybe they're part mermaid) has lent its magic anyway.
Of course, you always have the ability to opt-out of any event, including this one. While the rain's effects are certainly encouraging, no one is ever forced to tell the truth — resistance might give someone a bit of a headache, or a queasy stomach, but characters will not drop dead or find themselves grievously ill unless you particularly want them to! (Please don't kill your character.)
Citizens may also respond to Flora and Cornelius's network post! Yes, it's true, we've got Cuddle City NPCs out and ready for action at long last. While they may wait until they return to the office to respond, feel free to speak with them via text, video, or audio and they'll be happy to chat. Simply respond to THIS COMMENT for a little interaction from Cuddle City's favorite (and only) Volunteer Representatives!
As always, your mod team is here for you with answers to any questions you might have, whether related specifically to this event or the game in general. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST.
We hope you have fun out there — good, old fashioned, honest fun! |
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cuddlecity2017-11-18 01:00 pm
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It's even worse when he says things like these, like there's a fraction of a possibility. Like he doesn't want to fully close the door. ]
Sometimes I wish you were the way you were before, too.
[ Cringing, she regrets the words instantly. These truths are not helping for anyone, after all. Sighing, she shakes her head. ]
I hate it too, because this - it's useless. Things are the way they are, and I do like having you as a friend. I'm making a fool of myself.
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[ He raises his fingers to request another drink because he thinks he needs that more than anything. ]
Besides, neither of you really know what I can be, what I am. Maybe I'm bound to ruin it without help.
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You don't have to humor me, you know. I'm a big girl, and if it wasn't for - [ She gestures at nothing in particular, meaning the rain still pouring outside. ] - I would have no issues acting like one. I'm sorry to even be putting you in this position.
[ Seriously, she deserves a slap or two. If she was Buffy, she'd be fuming. ]
You don't give yourself enough credit. And, if you must know, I am actually pretty good at staying friends with men who screw me over.
[ Goddamn you, Matthew Murdock. ]
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[ Well, there goes the big truth. He doesn't think that it's the hardest to guess, but he still doesn't like talking about it. Reaching for his cigarettes, he lights up to try and give himself something else to do with his hands and mouth. Maybe if they're occupied, he won't talk. ]
I'm trying very hard not to fuck this up. Otherwise...well, then I would get everyone in trouble.
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[ It's the truth. She couldn't lie even if she wanted to. She's not proud of it, sure, but she wouldn't change what she's done, either. ]
I don't want you to fuck it up. I'm sorry, I should go. I'm making everything worse.
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[And he'd liked it, but he manages to stop himself from saying that by getting his cigarette in his mouth, pleased that it seems to give him something to do.]
You don't have to go. I can tell the truth and not follow through on thoughts I have. We're adults, aren't we? And friends, beyond that. If I don't fuck it up, and you don't fuck it up, then no one is fucking. Right?
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People like you are why people like me are needed. I still hate it, though.
[ And yet she still likes him. Like a moth to a flame, she tends to be, to men that are bad for her. She's used to it at this point in her life. ]
I don't want to fuck it up. I guess, for a place of which the point is to build relationships, I feel a little lonely, sometimes. I can take care of myself, and it's not like I need someone, but. It'd be nice.
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[He watches her move her finger, his lips pressed together tightly because he doesn't know what to do about this truth-telling, not wanting to fuck things up with Buffy just because deep thoughts are coming out.]
You know that we don't have to be sleeping together to go out and be friends. Yes? I hear that this is allowed. You could come down to the shooting range and I could show you a few tricks?
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[ She frowns, finally turning her eyes to his. ]
And I'm not putting my loneliness on you. I guess I'm envious, that you've found someone. But I realize I'm lucky to have made friends. I'm glad for the friends I've made here. I'm glad for you.
[ And she is. It's the truth, unsweetened, a little bitter. It's not exactly what she's talking about, but he's giving her an out here, an option not to talk about sex, and how hollow it makes her feel inside. It's not about sex, but about the connection. She misses it. ]
That might be fun. I'm not the biggest fan of guns, mind you.
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[He's giving her a smile, hoping it doesn't look like he's being sympathetic, because it's not sympathy so much as he's trying to be encouraging, because he believes it, clearly. The damn truth-rain wouldn't let him say it otherwise.]
We can teach you the lasso, instead of the guns? I'm very good with that, too.
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I am very good at liking people I shouldn't. Unavailable men are, apparently, like catnip to me.
[ She shrugs. She knows she's intelligent, and she knows she's good looking. But if it was that simple, she'd be settled down already, and not single at 34 years old. ]
Lasso, huh? I don't imagine myself turning into a ranch hand anytime soon, but that would be fun.
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[ Not something he wanted to share, but apparently, honesty is spreading to everything he's saying now. ]
The lasso can be very good. It can defend you, be a good way to disarm. Doesn't have to be just for animals.
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[ That revelation actually takes her by surprise, even though she feels like it shouldn't. But it doesn't matter - she doesn't really care, and it makes sense that he'd find any kind of comfort he could, after all. ]
I most recently fell in love with a man that was way too dedicated to his own guilt and self-righteousness to be any kind of available. A man with a death wish, really, and I have a feeling he won't be the last. It's like I go looking for lost causes.
[ She sighs. Matt was only the last in a long string of failed relationships. ]
Like Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman has a lasso, and she's really cool and badass. I can fight, a little - my uncle taught me - but I'm not badass.
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[He doesn't, but maybe that's just because he's finally gotten away from the bounty on his head.]
I didn't think that I was, not anymore. No one is trying to hunt me for the $500 on my head here. [It's probably something that he'd have told her eventually, though why not now? Why not with everything else?] It's supposed to be better.
[Squinting at her, he shakes his head in confusion at what she's talking about.]
I don't know what a Wonder Woman is, but I am very good with the lasso too. Also, I like think cool.
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In some ways, yes. Not in every way, which is part of the appeal. You make someone like me want to help. Sure, your life is not in danger here, but you don't believe in the goodness in you. The goodness I, personally, have witnessed already.
[ Licking her lips, she looks at him and shrugs. ]
I have a problem, with wanting to save everyone from themselves. It's not on you, believe me. It's my own issue.
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[It's not a bad thing, to him, it just means that he's not his mother's innocent little boy. He's killed men, thrives on a fight, and the best company he feels he keeps is with people who are assholes in their own right. He tries to do the right thing, but sometimes, he's just too selfish for it.]
So, you think it's an issue that you want to help people? I don't think that is.
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[ She makes a face at the truths spilling out of her lips. Reminded too much of time spent with Matt and judging his choices and his acts. She doesn't think she's wrong, really, in what she told him, but.
But sometimes she knows she steps out of line. ]
It's not really fair, on other people.
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[ He doesn't mean to point that out, because it's not very nice of him to say especially about a friend, but it is. Isn't it? It's demanding that someone acts the way that is liked, because they think that it's best. ]
I acted better and nearly got shot for it. Not such a good incentive to do it again.
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It is. I am, I guess. I just - I get very tired of patching up people who jump into danger headfirst without thinking. I'm tired of the people I love having death wishes.
[ Because she spends too much time worrying for people. For people like Matt, and Foggy, and Jessica, and everyone else that thinks they're bulletproof when they're not. She doesn't want to bury any of them, the day her skills aren't enough anymore. ]
You think you won't get shot when you do shitty things?
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[He does, too, because he values his own life above most others. It's what being selfish does to help him, which is good to keep him alive, but bad for making connections.]
I think that being shitty and hiding in a little cabin with a corpse means I won't get shot. Going out in public to help innocent people gets me in a line of fire, that's what I think.
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[ Claire shrugs, finishing her drink. Outside, the rain is still falling steadily, but Claire can't help but think she should probably get going, this truth bullshit be damned. ]
I should go. You should go, too. It seems like it's the perfect moment for you to speak with Buffy.
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Why? What do you think it is I need to say that I wouldn't be honest about normally? I don't lie so much, if I can help it.
[ Avoid the full truth? Maybe. Outward lies? Not so much. ]
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Not saying you do. But I don't know if you guys have talked about what you are, and what you mean, or want to mean to each other. And I don't mean to impose, or intrude, this is none of my business. Just something we discussed previously, is all.
[ Just make the most of a shitty situation, in her mind. ]
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We haven't had an official conversation, no.
[He should, shouldn't he? But he's maybe too cowardly for that.]
I'll go speak to her, but I don't know if I'll be able to talk about it. It's a lot to say out loud, even if it's what we're doing.
[Admitting it seems like a very big step, though.]
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It is a lot, I agree. But I'm sure you're no coward.
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