❖ MOON CYCLE 198 ❂ 3/11 - 3/20

Phase: 3/4

Weather: Same weather—except maybe a touch...warmer than usual. Temperatures are actually rising to around the mid-70s°F/21°C with lows in the 50s/10s. A few scattered showers and bouts of humidity also occur during the week.

TUES 11

WED 12

THURS 13

FRI 14

SAT 15

SUN 16

MON 17

TUES 18

WED 19

THURS 20

Effects: The effects are a prelude to the full moon event which is previewed in the notes below. In addition to the continuing "Spring" like, naturesque dreams, additional sensations and visions will appear. For those who come from worlds with horses or even owned one, memories of them or some scene involving them will become more prevalent. There can also be involving magic or flight. (Have you guessed the event yet?)

Notes:

• CR Meme. Originally supposed to go up this past weekend, but I was busier than anticipated. So tomorrow evening, Wednesday March 12, it will definitely be up. Since it's a great opportunity for plotting purposes, this Moon Cycle will also give a heads up for the event this month.
  
  
• It's a jungle out there...? Or rather, it's becoming a mix of a forest and jungle. However you want to classify it, all the plant growth from last cycle is still going—and accelerating. Closer toward the weekend, more roots and vines will have taken over the more long abandoned buildings while those currently inhabited are starting to get more of an invasion. It's still more of gradual thing, but...there's some more odd about these plants.
  
  
• Traveling merchants. A group of traveling merchants will make their way to the city during the weekend. They will be bringing some interesting goods as well as news as to what's happening around the other cities. Among the goods are a few...drinks.
  
  
• Drinking mayhem. The merchants will be selling specially colored bottles of drinks. Unfortunately, the bottles have an unlabeled extra effect and the traveling merchants will be gone before anyone even realizes the true ramifications of this. These drinks will be on a number of shelves if not already purchased and this is what will happen:
  
  
  • White. White bottled drinks are completely safe. Just nice, clear water. ...Though there is one side effect: the tendency to be honest. It's not impossible to lie, but there are sharp pains whenever you try.
    
  • Blue. Blue bottled drinks will make the drinker more morose and moody than usual. Everything seems to be depressing and sad. They may even start crying out of the blue (/rimshot).
    
  • Pink. This bubbly, strawberry soda will make the drinker a bit more hyper and giggly. It's the complete opposite of the blue bottle as it makes those who drink from it happy and optimistic. Hugs for everyone!
    
  • Red. Cherry wine is apparently an aphrodisiac. Enough said.
    
  • Green. You would think tea would calm a person down. Nope, not at all. Instead the drinker becomes envious and angry at everything. Guess it's a good thing we don't have Bruce anymore, huh?
    
  • Black. Hard liquor is in this one and even those with high tolerance will feel as if they had taken several strong shots in a few sips. A little will go a very long way in making the drinker drunk.
  
  The effects on all of these will depend on how much is taken. A few sips will last a few hours, the whole bottle will last for over a day. Drinking a mix of them will actually inflict all of the effects. So if someone drinks both a Blue and a Pink in hopes of counteracting it, get ready for some bipolar issues.
  
  
• Really wild plants. Some of the larger more unnatural looking plants will actually try to either touch or grab unwary passersby. They aren't too difficult to get out of—a hard whack or kick should do the trick. But the ones that actually manage to get inside homes may be a bit more...persistent.
  
  
• Still feeling a bit green? The plant effects from last week are continuing, but it's a bit worse now. Rather than just the hair, even parts of the body are exhibiting plant-like features. Bark, leaves, moss—it's all happening.
  
  
• What's going to happen next? This is all building up to a bit of a canon effect clash that will come to a head during the full moon cycle. I'll issue out more specific details once it's closer, but basically I'm pulling elements from My Little Pony and Guild Wars. All right, I might be cheating a bit since it's technically Guild Wars 2, but same world just 250 years later. Anyway, what will happen in the next cycle is characters will be turning into either ponies (MLP) or Sylvari (GW/2). The whole wild nature taking over is a reference to the Everfree Forest, and our current pony residents will be able to better see the resemblance later in this cycle.
  
  Next cycle, players will have the option to have their character turn pony, turn Sylvari, turn into some kind of hybrid, be one and then the other later, or opt out completely. Fortunately the transformation is really the main highlight of the event. There will be a few other creatures and the environment to deal with (there will be some Ponified and Sylvari'ed buildings as well) around, but nothing super huge. It's mostly an setting change event than plotty.
  
  Again, there will be better details later, but you can go ahead and start thinking about it and even plot some in the upcoming CR Meme.
  
  
• Requesting event ideas! Here is an example of canon effects happening, and next month will be more pronounced instead of the slow build-up this month. The AU setting for April has been decided, but that won't happen until the end of the month. We also might have zombies in May and a circus somewhere in-between. But we still have a few more weeks for some interesting things to occur! And as evident, it's possible to mix canon effects. So keep them coming!
  
  
• Player Plots. If you want your plot to be advertised in the Moon Cycle posts, just follow the link and comment to it!
  

That should be it. If you have any questions about anything or suggestions, just comment!

Good news, everybody! The Activity Check has ended! Below is the list of those who were removed from the AC, dropped, and have strikes due to incomplete activity.

AC RESULTS

If there are any mistakes or you have questions, let us know.

The following were removed for not commenting to the AC and/or due to having a previous strike

Fai D. Flourite | reflected_stasis

--------------------------------------

The following dropped during the AC

made_4_ritsuka
nano_princess
solestial

--------------------------------------

( Strikes )

--------------------------------------

( Free Pass )

AC: DANGER LIST

The following have yet to comment to the Activity Check. You have until the end of Wednesday, March 5, 11:59 PM CT (GMT -6) to comment and be cleared of the AC.

If any of the below names were on unofficial hiatuses and did not comment on the official Hiatus post, or were on extended hiatuses that would hinder activity, contact Laena or Shannon. Other players are also allowed to act as third parties in the case that a player cannot communicate with us. We will work with any player who may have had activity issues due to RL, but we must be contacted.

Those who recently went on hiatus also need to comment to the AC or contact us.

Journals yet to comment.

b_rabbito
reflected_stasis

--------------------------------------

The following are still missing a thread, a couple of comments, or provided incorrect or unqualified links as proofs. Those listed should review their links and if you have any questions, please ask and we will let you know what's wrong. If the following do not complete the requirements, they will be given a strike and remain in the game, but must pass the next AC. Those with two asterisks (**) currently have a strike and will need to speak with us. Otherwise they will be removed from the game.

Erroneous Submissions

nepu

--------------------------------------

The following have a strike from last month and need to complete the requirements to avoid being removed from the game.

Current strike list

None!

--------------------------------------

Remember, you must comment on the official AC post linked at the beginning of this entry. Failure to either comment on the post or contact Laena or Shannon regarding certain circumstances will result in the cut or strike of any remaining on this list.

If you have any questions or concerns, or there are any errors in this list, feel free to contact any of the mods directly or comment here. We will update and remove any journals from the list that comment to the AC.

state of the game: march 2014

Hello all! This is Laena, your head mod here, and I am writing what will likely be the last State of the Game overview for Somarium. As everyone knows, the game had entered endgame back in August 2013 with about a year as a prospective end. We're now at the end of the seven month mark and pretty much on pace. Things had to be cut back and altered to fit the current gamebase, but after the last major plot event, we are now in the clear to head right toward the end.

So now I will detail what to expect in the coming months so you can get a more concrete picture of how to plan what to do with your characters. This should also help any who would like to join Somarium in its final months.


when will it end?
The first matter to address is when Somarium will end. That had been a bit vague at first to keep open things ended, but I now have a more definitive time frame. Somarium opened on July 31st, 2008. I have decided that it would be fitting for the game to end on that date as well.

Thus July 31, 2014 will be the final day.

This means July will be the final "plot month" with the last week or two being when all things go down. Things will either be resolved or everyone is just warped out and that's it. The dream world is over. Yes, this does mean that I am completely leaving it open for Somarium to actually have a bad end rather than a good one. But it'll be a fun one—or at least, I hope. Details on that below.

As to what will happen to the game afterward... I have made no plans to reboot or keep it open as a dressing room. Although it's setting would make it ideal as one, I am not sure how worthwhile it would be. I say this not because of the game, but because of how RP is now. Besides, we should make room for the next generation of games. Thus unless I have a lot of expressed interest for it, the game will close indefinitely and those who wish to continue playing with its premise will have to go to a musebox.


( Apps, AC, Canon based events, Multi-game crosover event proposal, Timeline, lots of words )

----------------------------------------
So thank you for reading and sticking with me and the game for this long. If you have any questions or concerns, just plop them here! If you have suggestions for events, plop them over here.

❖ MOON CYCLE 197 ❂ 3/01 - 3/10

Phase: 1/2

Weather: Temperatures are continuing to stay around the mid-60s°F/16°C. Again mostly sunny skies and there is definitely a lot less snow now. Spring is on the way!

SAT 1

SUN 2

MON 3

TUES 4

WED 5

THURS 6

FRI 7

SAT 8

SUN 9

MON 10

Effects: Spring is coming and now you're dreaming something about nature. Maybe just relaxing in it, taking a stroll—or maybe you're a tree!? There's more to it when you wake, up, too. Is that a leaf on your head?

Notes:

• Activity Check. The Activity Check has been posted! You have until Wednesday, March 5th 11:59PM CST to post your proofs.
  
  
• Feeling a little...leafy? As mentioned in the dream effects, most will have more nature/spring-like dreams. But upon waking, some may find something a little...different. Skin suddenly looking a bit like bark or hair that looks a bit mossy or leafy. Maybe it's not the body but the clothes instead. The need for sunlight will also be greater for those affected by this as well. Some other (optional) effects include:
  
  
  • Momentarily becoming a tree/flower. Yes, that's right. For a few moments, the character can actually become some kind of plant. Just a few minutes, however, and they can talk and even shake a bit. But otherwise, can't move.
    
    
  • Extreme fear of bugs. "DON'T EAT MY LEAVES!" Yeah, that's basically it.
    
    
  • Produce fruit. Whether it sprouts from on top of the head or a bit more...normal like in the palm of one's hand, small fruits can suddenly grow and appear. This will be random, but some may be able to create them at will. (Now let's get those melon jokes out of the way Zelos)
    
    
  • A plant even in dreams. Those who are more interactive in their dreams may find this effect carrying over—however it's a little easier for them to remove it, though it takes a bit of concentration. But there are two different effects to note here. The longer they stay as their normal selves in a dream, the less of a plant they are when awake. But if they continue to remain as a plant for whatever reason in the dream, the worse they are when awake.
  
  So how is this even happening? Excellent question that will need to be solved. Obvious hint is dream energy. Perhaps the city itself is trying to replenish itself? ...Or...is it?
  
  By the way, this may or may not wear off by the next cycle. It all depends on how the characters handle it.
  
  It should be noted that this is optional and the "severity" of how a character is affects is completely up to you. You can even have some days where it goes away, but then it comes back again.
  
  
• Getting a little greener. As the days go on, many will find that as the snow melts, a lot of foliage is starting to appear on the old, ruined buildings. Vines slowly scaling the wall, trees growing slight larger and branches poking through windows. This "invasion" is happening to inhabited areas, but to a lesser extent. Most of the focus is going toward the uninhabited areas and the growth is stronger when the days are sunniest. Something is definitely amiss.
  
  
• That floating mountain. It seems to be getting lower. Very, very slowly. Most probably won't even notice, but by the end of the month, it's going to be noticeably closer.
  
  
• Requesting event ideas! This was brought up in the chat as well as hinted in the previous moon cycle post, but from here on out we're going to be throwing events based on canon worlds. It could be as simple as giving people costumes and bringing in creatures or complex as altering Somarium itself to match a particular setting, including an actual event that happens in canon. All of these could last a few days to a week, with really big ones likely to be timed at the end of the month. But we need ideas so tell us! We can also combine canons if needed, and it's okay to have canons influence more than once. (We already have a suggestion for everyone to turn into ponies for a week if that helps!)
  
  
• Group Chat. We had our first group chat and it was small but fun while it lasted! Should we have another? A few good event ideas were thrown about in it.
  
  
• Player Plots. If you want your plot to be advertised in the Moon Cycle posts, just follow the link and comment to it!
  

That should be it. If you have any questions about anything, just ask them here.

It's time for the activity check! This is just to filter out and remind people to remain active in the game. Please read the following carefully!

You need to provide ONE of the following requirements to pass the activity check for the month of FEBRUARY:

1 Entry + 7 comments.	10 comments.
Entry: One (1) entry from dreamnet or open entry somarium. Comments: One (1) or more threads totaling to at least 7 comments.	Comments: Two (2) or more threads totaling to at least 10 comments with at least 2 different characters.

Everything provided on the activity check must be dated from FEBRUARY 1ST to FEBRUARY 28TH only. We will not count any comments made after the end date! Basically, any comments or entries made after this AC post went up will not be counted. So please keep this in mind.

Entries must be made by your character and comments only count toward comments made by your character. Individual threads in an entry by your character cannot be submitted as separate activity. Threads must also reach at least two replies to count as a valid thread for activity.

Please note the following as well:

• Entries used for AC must have replies to responding comments to be valid. (Entries with no replies can still be counted for AC)
  
• Joint entries count as a entry for both characters. Those involved must actively reply for the entry to be considered as valid activity.
  
• Backdated threads are only valid if it takes place during the last week of the prior month and if most replies were made on the month of the check.
  
• Voicemail threads are considered threads, not entries.
  
• Closed logs between two characters will be treated as threads.
  
• Subthreads count as one (1) thread (ex: event threads where multiple characters respond to a character's top comment).
  
• Comment spams consisting of chains (1/3, 2/3, 3/3) are only considered as 1 comment.

Free Passes. Those who provide double the amount of proofs will receive a free pass. These are "Get Out of Jail Free" cards that are tied to the character. When used, we will hold no strike against you for the month used. At least one link of proof must be given to use the free pass. However, it can't be used to clear an already existing strike and they cannot be used twice in a row. There is a cap of two (2) free passes that a character can have at any given time.

Those who already have a free pass are listed here.

Exemptions. Characters are only exempt from activity check if they were accepted during the month of the check or have entered a hiatus on the official hiatus entry prior to AC or if they have been on hiatus for 3 weeks during the month of AC. Any hiatuses made during the check must still provide activity to pass. If a character has been hiatused for 2 weeks during the month of the check, they will need to submit half-proof of AC.

Exempt. The following journals are exempt from this AC for one of the reasons above:

infernodivider
knightofchanges
seesthebattlefield
principalities
moepanzer

Half-proof of the activity check is as follows:

1 Entry	1 Thread
Entry: One (1) entry from somarium or dreamnet.	Comments: One (1) thread over 3 comments.

Strikes. The following journals have incurred a strike in the last AC and must pass the check to stay in the game.

crowblood
shiningarmor
substrictus

Remember that you must provide some activity to take a strike.

Still confused? Here is a flowchart to help you out:


CLICK TO ENLARGE

Comment to this entry using the following template. Please keep all your characters' activity in ONE thread.

1 ENTRY + 7 COMMENTS	10 COMMENTS
<b>Player:</b> PLAYERNAME <b>Character:</b> CHARACTERNAME <user name="JOURNALNAME"> <b>ENTRY:</b> <a href="LINKURLHERE">DATEOFENTRY</a> <b>THREAD:</b> <a href="LINKURLHERE">DATEOFTHREAD</a>	<b>Player:</b> PLAYERNAME <b>Character:</b> CHARACTERNAME <user name="JOURNALNAME"> <b>THREAD:</b> <a href="LINKURLHERE">DATEOFTHREAD</a> <b>THREAD:</b> <a href="LINKURLHERE">DATEOFTHREAD</a>

THE CHECK ENDS 11:59 PM (CST) MARCH 5TH. This means you have all through WEDNESDAY to meet the requirements before the AC closes. The danger list will go up in the middle of the week.

For any questions, please as them in the provided thread below. If you have any problems, talk to any of us mods (Laena and Shannon). We'll be more than happy to work with any issues you may have.

❖ MOON CYCLE 196 ❂ 2/19 - 2/28

Phase: 1/4

Weather: A bit brisk, but the temperatures are starting to warm up toward the mid-60s°F/16°C. Mostly sunny skies and snow starting to really melt. Expect large puddles and even small streams as it starts to clear out.

WED 19

THURS 20

FRI 21

SUN 22

SUN 23

MON 24

TUES 25

WED 26

THURS 27

FRI 28

Effects: Something to make you smile! Most dreams will tend to be a bit on the lighter side and will leave the dreamer feeling refreshed upon waking.

Notes:

• Upcoming AC. Just a heads up that the February AC will start on March 1st. Get your tags/posts while you can!
  
  
• State of Recovery. The long, grueling event is over! HOORAH! Fortunately it is highly unlikely that we'll have such an extended, intense plot event until actual end game. There will still be plot events, but they will last the usual ~weekly run. For now things can slow down and everyone can be left to their own devices.
  
  
• Results. Good news is that a lot of data and information was gathered this past month, a lot of which will help Tom and the others to reconfigure the dream gate. It'll still be a little slow going, but signs of these changes will become more apparent within the next month. There is also that not-so-secret-anymore lab that was discovered, and that will be further investigated in due time. The fact that one of the old REM members was there and apparently working with Nocturne has the the others alarmed. Is REM on our side or not?
  
  
• Upcoming March Madness. For this cycle, there isn't too much going on game wise, but this will all change starting March. Here's a quick heads up with fuller details to come in the next moon cycle.
  
  
  • People. Starting next month, people from other cities will be coming into Somarium to help out and bring in business again. Details as to how that will work will be posted later, but it will involve the dreamgate. This will also allow characters to have short visits in other towns if they wish.
    
    
  • Dream gate connection testing. As mentioned, the dream gate will be worked on and progress will be made. Each week will provide an opportunity for characters to "connect" to their home world. They can't go back yet, but they will be able to pull things out. It will start small, but then increase in size. This means that characters and players will actually be able to directly affect the game and the setting due to what could be pulled.
    
    
  • More prominent dream effects. Due to the recent plot, there haven't been many dream effects. The ones from here on out, however, will be more "event" like and be less passive than before.
    
    
  • Undergoing investigations. This will be much less intrusive than the last plot event, but some investigations will be had, both from the Somarium team and from REM. If anyone would like to take part of it in any shape or form, let us know.
    
    
  • Population effects. Another way that the game will be affected is the character population. This has already been reflected in Somarium suddenly changing last year. Over the next few months, whether it increases or decreases, every two cycles there will be some sign of change if there is any. This will also effect how the latter months of the game will be like.
  
  That's it for now. A more official "State of the Game" will also be posted either at the end of February or beginning of March, so keep an eye out for it.
  
  
• Group Chat. All right, this Friday, February 21 around 6PM CST is the date and time that a group chat on Plurk will be made. If you haven't friended the mod plurk, it's somlords. This first chat will be only to Somarium players to help as a test and intro of sorts. The only thing of possible import that may be brought up is end game preview, but anything said/decided there will be announced in the OOC Comm. So if you do want to say something about it, please join in. It's also an opportunity to bring up any ideas or questions you might have. Since it's Plurk, you don't necessarily have to be there at the time and can technically span over the weekend. You will be able to read all the messages later. If this works out okay, we can do weekly group Plurk chats like this.
  
  
• Player Plots. If you want your plot to be advertised in the Moon Cycle posts, just follow the link and comment to it!
  
  
  • Get your chocolates! Yogi and Sanae are delivering chocolates and other candies and flowers to those who are interesting. They are also doing custom deliveries. Panty in particular has sent one out to all the guys.
    
    
  • Tavern opening. Yes it's finally happening. An announcement will be made over the network, but it will be opening on Saturday, February 22nd
  
  
  That should be it. If you have any questions about anything, just ask them here.

❖ MOON CYCLE 195 ❂ 2/08 - 2/18

Phase: New

Weather: Still cold, still slushy, and now there is rain coming into the mix. It's like the weather knows that it needs to be dreary and dank for everyone to fit the mood...

SAT 08

SUN 09

MON 10

TUES 11

WED 12

THURS 13

FRI 14

SAT 15

SUN 16

MON 17

TUES 18

Effects: None.

Notes:

• Phase three of the event begins. Just a reminder, the event that is currently underway is detailed here with a list of all the groups here. Tali and Enjolras were rescued and the data collection team was able to recover a few interesting things. However, victory was short lived as more hostages were taken. Interrogations are under way, but Nocturne is now actively wreaking havoc. A miscellaneous catch all post can be found here. It's been a harrowing few weeks, but the end is in sight.
  
  So what does that leave us for this week?
  
  
• Rescue Part II + The Raid. The last part of this event will involve the rescue of the remaining hostages. This will turn out to be a full out raid on the base Nocturne is currently hiding in. Getting there won't be easy, and not because it's somewhere remote. In fact, you could say they've been lying in wait right under everyone's noses...
  
  But no, the real issue will be getting past everything that's helped conceal them for so long and the guards. There will also be a familiar face ready to greet them with a smile and a bouquet of roses. Well, it will be Valentine's Day.
  
  
• The Final Raid. As mentioned, there will be a full on raid on Friday, February 14th. Whoever is joining in the raid/rescue operation will find themselves going into the hidden depths of Somarium and will have to face and brave more dangers than they've ever experienced before. This will be a free for all so no sign-ups required. A log will be made on the Thursday prior.
  
  
• Longer Cycles. The next few cycles are going to be elongated so that that the "event" weeks are back to the end of the month. Starting next month, expect more "traditional" and potentially crackier events to take place, all of which will continue to have an underlying plot purpose. More details will be provided in March and April. Also, expect some more setting changes as a result of this event.
  
  
• Group Chat. As most everyone has a plurk account now, a group "Plurk Chat" will probably be done with the mod plurk. We'll work to make sure everyone who has an account is friended with the mod plurk and create a clique so that only those within the game can see it. This is mostly for test run purposes only—in the future it can remain public. This may work better than conventional chatrooms as those who live in different timezones/not around can be pinged at any time and can look back on the plurk to see what might have been missed. Another post will be made a day or two before the actual happening once I've figured out a good time (I'd say this upcoming weekend, but I won't be around much). We'll see how it goes!
  
  
• Player Plots. If you want your plot to be advertised in the Moon Cycle posts, just follow the link and comment to it!

That should be it. If you have any questions about anything, just ask them in this post!

Good news, everybody! The Activity Check has ended! Below is the list of those who were removed from the AC, dropped, and have strikes due to incomplete activity.

AC RESULTS

If there are any mistakes or you have questions, let us know.

The following were removed for not commenting to the AC and/or due to having a previous strike


Seimei Aoyagi | alwaysbeloved
Leo Baskerville | bibleomaniac
Sharon Rainsworth | harisens
Sakura Kinomoto | invinciblephrase
Subaru Sumeragi | marked_as_prey
Elliot Nightray | nightrage
Peter Parker | peterparker
Kio Kaidou | piercedpainter
Marius Pontmercy | revasser
Gareki | geeksquad

--------------------------------------

The following dropped during the AC

chiavarone

--------------------------------------

( Strikes )

--------------------------------------

( Free Pass )

AC: DANGER LIST

The following have yet to comment to the Activity Check. You have until the end of Wednesday, February 5, 11:59 PM CT (GMT -6) to comment and be cleared of the AC.

If any of the below names were on unofficial hiatuses and did not comment on the official Hiatus post, or were on extended hiatuses that would hinder activity, contact Laena or Shannon. Other players are also allowed to act as third parties in the case that a player cannot communicate with us. We will work with any player who may have had activity issues due to RL, but we must be contacted.

Those who recently went on hiatus also need to comment to the AC or contact us.

Journals yet to comment.

alwaysbeloved
bibleomaniac
harisens
invinciblephrase
marked_as_prey
nightrage
peterparker
piercedpainter
revasser

--------------------------------------

The following are still missing a thread, a couple of comments, or provided incorrect or unqualified links as proofs. Those listed should review their links and if you have any questions, please ask and we will let you know what's wrong. If the following do not complete the requirements, they will be given a strike and remain in the game, but must pass the next AC. Those with two asterisks (**) currently have a strike and will need to speak with us. Otherwise they will be removed from the game.

Erroneous Submissions

crowblood
fraternize
made_4_ritsuka

--------------------------------------

The following have a strike from last month and need to complete the requirements to avoid being removed from the game.

Current strike list

geeksquad

--------------------------------------

Remember, you must comment on the official AC post linked at the beginning of this entry. Failure to either comment on the post or contact Laena or Shannon regarding certain circumstances will result in the cut or strike of any remaining on this list.

If you have any questions or concerns, or there are any errors in this list, feel free to contact any of the mods directly or comment here. We will update and remove any journals from the list that comment to the AC.