Intro Log || Just in Time for the Last Holiday Season

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: November 01st - November 30th. New characters may wake up any time.

Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken from Crystal Stasis and might find themselves in quite the predicament. Are they in Aqures Ixen, the Desert, a Forest or a completely empty plain? The choice is yours! You can have your character wake up anywhere, so long as the location is neither crystallized nor sealed away (such as the Temple of the Heroes of Light).

Please refer to the Information Post for more information regarding the state of Crystallis. Fear not however as soon a Moogle and maybe your friends shall come to you. Indeed, Heroes of Light in Aqures Ixen have access to a map that show them whenever a new Hero of Light appears.The Moogles are using it to quickly find any newcomers, but nothing prevents other Heroes of Light from using it to go to the rescue! The exception to this are characters who were formerly in the game: they will wake up from Crystal Stasis in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen.

Furthermore, feel free to plot out with players already in-game if you want for them to come and search your character, find them and plot their escape from a particularly dangerous place and the likes!

Warning: N/A.

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. But soon it faded, and everything else along with it, nothing but darkness remaining....


The Search for the Heroes
— Anytime —
To you, it's like only a second passed ever since you grabbed this crystal. But months or even years may have passed in the real world. And as you emerge, you find yourself in the world of Crystallis, a place where magic and technology coexist, filled with friendly people... And not so friendly ones. Have you awakened in Aqures Ixen, Esdham or a similar city...? Then it's perfect, you are surrounded by friendly people who will be - very confused - but helpful to an extent.

Have you woken up in the wilderness? Hopefully there aren't too many monsters around! As it is, other Heroes of Light might have woken up close to your position, it might be a good idea to work together with them.

Thankfully enough, before long a fluffy ball of fur flies toward (and most crashes into) you! This creature is a Moogle, sent from Mognet Central to assist you and take you to Aqures Ixen. It will explain you everything about the situation, the other Heroes of Light already present in Crystallis and all that is happening! This Moogle will be your guide back to Aqures Ixen-- If you decide to follow them anyway...


The Voyage Home
— Anytime —
The journey to Aqures Ixen might be an eventful one (or uneventful one if you awoke in the city already). It is a possibility for you to explore the world by taking your time, or to be lazy and board an Airship in the closest city. Don't lose your way or you risk venturing close to the Calamity-- You wouldn't want to be devoured and ripped apart my mega-powered Calamity Monsters, would you?

And thanks to the map and the efficiency of Mognet, odds are you'll encounter other Heroes of Light on your way: those who arrived in this world within the past two years. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you that there were other Heroes of Light in this city. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers when they told you about how they managed to push back the Empire and defeat the fearsome Palitutu! And more importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have all the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a tragic disappointment. Still, for the most part they know more than you on the situation and may be more than happy to fill you in, especially if your Moogle didn't tell you much.


The City of Aqures Ixen
— Anytime —
Finally, you might reach Aqures Ixen... And it turns out to be a very busy city. You might visit it, or the laboratory from where you can spy track where Heroes of Light are. Indeed, Palitutu's Laboratory (and its underground section) is a place where employed characters can research various topics. Most importantly, characters can see a file with their name...

Should your character decide to go there and peek at their file, there are two possibilities. Either the file is corrupted and they cannot access it: too bad for them, but at least their life will remain a mystery. Or should you decide the file isn't corrupted, they will find a summary of their lives up to their canon point, as if written by a third-person omniscient narrator. On the column left to the text, to the top there is a portrait of them, and beneath it there is a 3D model of them. Said portrait and model can be switched to any year of their life. At the bottom there is a percentage, indicating 0%. On the right column, there are various links, most of which are grayed out. The clickable links lead to their Homeworld History and their future post-canon point history (corrupted file for unfinished canons). At least, they can lock this file away if they don't want anyone to see it.

Or maybe you could visit your new house in the 11th or 14th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate(s). Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with.


It's Never Too Early
— Anytime —
No matter where you wake up in this world, from the arid climate of Esdham to the balmy jungles of Mysidia, you might notice a hint of ~**Christmas Whimsy**~ in the air. Pine-scented garlands are wound about streetlamps, delicate glass ornaments and twinkling lights have begun to adorn tree branches. The air is rich with the smell of baked pumpkin and cinnamon, and the occasional cool hint of peppermint. The bakeries are filled with seasonal treats like kupo nut pies, cranberry tarts, eggnog cakes. Though it's only the month of November, anyone complaining about the good cheer and pretty decorations will be stared at with a mixture of shock and pity, for clearly these people do not understand the true magic of the season.

Wherever you go, there's a distinct and rhythmic clanging of a small brass bell. Following the sound of the bell inevitably leads to a small adorable Moogle decked out in a fur-trimmed red suit standing next to a donations pot, with another clad in green passing out fliers inviting people to visit the Santa Village. They're requesting gil to craft toys for the refugees living there as well as the children across the world, and to expand and improve the Village as well.

Upon seeing any indication that you might be a Hero of Light, both Moogles make a happy sound and immediately press a flyer into your hand, insisting that you must visit, and not so subtly hinting that those who take up the Santa Claus job would be warmly welcomed by everyone. 'Tis the season, eh? Eh?


The Hospital
— Anytime —
Characters who have already been in Crystallis before do not wake up anywhere like everyone else. Instead, they will wake up in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen, in a room where there are over a hundred other Heroes of Light like them-- Maybe even some familiar faces... Except they're all in Crystal Stasis.

A couple Moogles and a few nurses will be waiting by the room, and they will welcome all characters waking up. Upon exiting the room, they will also meet a lot of guards, and they all have orders to shoot anyone that comes out of this room without a Moogle. Hopefully you won't try running out without waiting for your Moogle. As for why the guards are so on edge, it might be a good idea to ask the other Heroes of Light about what happened last year.

Comments

[gorgeous_sin]

You would spare it, knowing that it will only set out to attack and kill other people? Don't be so naive.

[If he's really that squeamish about it, she'll take care of the matter herself. She strides past Sorey, and the monster's jaws yawn wide as it hisses balefully at the woman. Her blade draws back, then slices across its scaly chest. Where the blade slices through its tough hide, the wound begins to gray and harden, and its body stiffens gradually into stone as she invokes her Break ability.]

[Problem solved.]

This is not your world, and it doesn't work according to your rules. Treat it that way and you will die.

[Lust sheathes her sword before turning to fix her gaze on his face.]

Do you understand?

[shepherd_prince]

About two months, I would estimate. They need to craft the job first, then it takes about two weeks of tests that you'll need to be present for so they can adjust it to your crystal accordingly. I only just recently managed to obtain mine. While it isn't a perfect duplicate of my natural skills and abilities, it's close enough to feel comfortable.

[He inclines his head faintly as he says it, grinning. As for his team...]

Well, we spar with one another to improve our teamwork on the battlefield, travel to other cities to provide aid, and destroy monsters. But those are just our primary goals. In truth we try to move wherever we are needed to promote unity and provide safety for those without.

[But Chrom is starting to feel a little puffed up, speaking only about himself like this.]

Are you familiar with combat? I also manage a training facility where you're welcome to come at any time and practice, or seek a teacher to assist you if you wish.

[worstintheworld]

Goodness, no! I suppose you wouldn't know as you just arrived and likely haven't had a chance to study the local geography.

[If they were near a map or a globe, she'd march him right over to look at it. But since they're walking through the castle corridors, she'll just have to explain it on her own.]

It's a city that was overrun by the spread of the Calamity. Recent events led to the receding of the crystal, but it also led to empowering monsters in all contaminated areas to be far more dangerous. The temperature drops severely in these areas, and it's always night time. Trano Golsaucia is one of the cities that was overtaken.

[For all of her exposition, Natalia doesn't slow her pace in the slightest.]

It's where I happened to awaken, so I was immediately alerted to the plight of those who called that place their home. Though it would be far safer for them to take refuge in another city, they insist on reclaiming their home. I cannot help but admire that kind of fierce determination, so I've pledged myself to helping them defend it from monster attacks. Finding the resources and manpower for such a task is proving rather daunting.

[worstintheworld]

Luke and Guy! You're certain?

[Out of all the people on their world, to think that they would both be someone she knows so well! It cannot be purely coincidence, can it? Regardless, her question is a rhetorical one. Surely it has to be Luke von Fabre and Guy Cecil, and while she does look somewhat disappointed, she doesn't slump or frown.]

Yes, you're right. It seems strange to think of traveling without them. Perhaps they simply needed the rest for now.

[Natalia inclines her head in thanks to Cloud.]

Thank you for telling me, Sir Santa Claus. I may have to make a trip to the hospital to examine them myself. I'd like to see what crystal stasis is about, if that is indeed something I awoke from last week.

[worstintheworld]

"Correct," she informed him, pleased at his ability to quickly grasp and understand the situation. Crystal Ochus were powerful and dangerous, but it was possible to avoid them as they couldn't use ladders or scale sheer surfaces. "I think we would do well to construct some sort of outer wall, or at least several watch towers armed with long range weapons. But finding the resources will be difficult. I'll have to discuss this with the Golsaucians and see if arrangements cannot be made with some of the other nations in this world. Given that this place is fairly neutral in nature, we may receive favor from a more militaristic location."

She reached the top of the building, watching her footing carefully as she made her way over the narrow expanse that led to the bell. There was a railing on one side, and she meant to ensure a railing was placed on the other as well for the sake of safety.

Once they could get a good look at the dark landscape that lay beyond the city, Natalia glanced up at her taller companion and nodded once to confirm her name. "Yes I am. I'm a master of Lanvaldear-style archery. But a large number of my skills seem to have been lost to me upon awakening in this world. I confess, it is frustrating. I suppose I shall simply have to practice to regain what I have lost."

[rialynn]

[Rialynn's brow flickers in confusion. He may as well be speaking a second language. 19th century? Closer to the 17th by her world's standards. Her hazel-eyed gaze flicked to his Moogle that had (adorably) worked himself up to the point of asphyxiation. On the plus side, she's relieved that Keith can't flirt. That means they might actually get along!]

Er...I don't know. It's not something I'm familiar with personally, not on my world.

[She's just going to kinda reach out and loosen that Moogle's scarf, adjust it, and give it a light pat so he can breathe again. There you go.]

Are you new?

[water_meebo]

I see. It has a unique history behind it in many ways. I'm rather curious in finding it in the libraries if they have such books.

[ Even if he didn't, Mikleo's already lit by the idea of any history behind the holiday. He's quietly taking notes here and there, looking up at the other every so often to show he's still paying attention to what Sora is saying. ]

It seems to be a logical thing to think about. I've visited quite a few worlds myself. They're vastly different in so many ways.

[ Or dimensions. To him they are already unfamiliar realms of interest that he wants to explore. ]

Hope is a strong weapon but at the same time, it can also be an illusion to many.

[ Mikleo does agree with Sora's words. ]

Huh? [ He looks down at the leather bound book. ] It's a journal Iv'e been keeping for some time now since I've come here.

[ He offers it to Sora as he notices the other has his own journal too. ] It can be saddening when your friends suffer at your expense. I can understand how that feels.

[water_meebo]

[ It's a smart idea and one Mikleo should take into consideration considering he's not a Seraph anymore but a human. He thinks he is sometimes since he's always used to being something that isn't human at all. However, he's learned to adjust when his mind changes courses every so often.

Mikleo can tell that her moogle is a good one. They seem to treasure her very much, just as Muse seems to be to him from time to time. ]

It's quite alright. There are plenty of things here you can do to assist other than giving them money.

[ He reassures her. ]

I assume you have just arrived or have not been here very long. My name is Mikleo. What's yours?

[redigere]

[Elmina starts flailing and kupoing before Naminé stops her with a touch to her tiny paw. She turns to look at the woman and gives a quiet nod of acknowledgement.]

You're right. I should-- I need to calm down and actually think instead of feel. [Even if she's pretty sure her new heart might explode inside her chest.] Just don't blame her, it's not her fault. She explained everything, I just wasn't listening.

[red_planet_blues]

I just walked into the room, pal.

[Jaune didn't answer the question, but Sparks walked over and helped him with crystallized Blake, carefully setting her upright.]

Ya gotta be careful 'round these things. I don't even wanna know what happens if ya break one 'n then they come out of stasis. Gross.

[skyofreverie]

It's not... [Nonsense or wisdom.] If I were the person I was four years ago I'd tell you that there's light and there's dark - nothing more. That you're good or bad but I've learned different since then. That's all.

And it's not mine just like it isn't yours. It's ours. [Their's and Xion's too. But he shrugs.] A face is just a face.

[This is the point in their conversation where Sora sticks his tongue out like the child he sometimes acts likes.] If you were nicer to talk to we wouldn't have to talk about you.

[Yes, Sora. Pick a fight with the guy on purpose.]

[dammit_flynn]

You can do that. I'm pretty sure that he'll be delighted to hear your stories kid.

[ He seems a bit too optimistic for his own good but that may be just what he sees on the surface. He shouldn't be making assumptions off the bat since everything is never what it seems. Yuri can't possibly believe that a kid like Sora will do anything harmful to the environment. At least not in the way Crystallis has already suffered because of the Calmaity. ]

Going to play the part too huh?

[ He chuckled at the boy as talked about stuffing his coat with pillows to make his belly bigger. ]

Sounds like you're right at home, Sora. This place needs more optimistic Heroes of Light.

[ Not that there isn't already an influx of them but he seems way more mellow than a lot of the other self righteous Heroes talking about justice. ]

Pleasure is all mine kid. If you have any questions or something, let me know.

[skyofreverie]

Oh, I got it! Haven't really learned about all of the other cities in this world yet - just know about a few of them here and there.

[It's actually strange for him to be anywhere with more than a couple of different locations in the first place.]

It's bad that they were affected by the Calamity and we should try to do something to help them but I'm betting they aren't the only city to be facing that situation. I'm not sure just how many of us there are here so there may not be enough Heroes to protect it and every other city.

[Sora would offer his services if he felt he was capable of taking on his Calamity self anytime soon but if he went without facing it, he and everyone else may regret it.]

But if they want to stay and reclaim it, then you've got all the manpower you need. It's their home and that means they'll fight harder than anyone to get it back.

[dammit_flynn]

"What? Did I stutter?"

Yuri replied pulling himself on his feet when she emphasized who he is. He doesn't even blink. Strangely enough, it's a thing. People assume he looks a certain way and all that fun stuff but really, he's just pretty ordinary, with long dark purple almost black hair in a ponytail with muscles. There really isn't anything special about him really. However, it seems like Natalia begs to differ. He sighs a bit as she regains her composure. She really is more pleasant without talking.

"That's the first time I've heard someone assume that I'm an eleven year old child. Sorry to burst your bubble, Princess, but I'm way past puberty. On that note, my handwriting is pretty average. Unfortunately, not all of us grew up in a nice household that teaches you how to write fancy squiggles."

He shrugs a bit as he adds that insult to her her already opened wounds. He can't say he hates her but he can't say he likes her all that much yet. So far, she's proven to be a bit better than he anticipated and different from her letters. She was at least working hard for everything. One of the few Heroes of Light that actually are doing something rather than sitting on their asses and complain about the world ending.

"I've seen them from the distance and only encountered maybe one or two if I ever go this way, but it's not like it's difficult to handle."

If they work together. Now the question is-- how good is she in combat?

"That's right. Unfortunately for me, I got mostly close range attacks but maybe if you support from the back I can take them out quickly."

He replied. Maybe that's a sign of trust but he'll see where that goes. Once Natalia makes her shot and the arrow is flying, Yuri makes a quick dash for it from his spot next to her, ready to cleave the creature with Final Gale. Sorry he's not giving her any warnings and at least Final Gale is a distant attack.

[skyofreverie]

[..... He does have to blink at her a few times before realizing she was giving her name.] Nice to meet you.

[Because Sora has suffered from the deadly sins before. Been inflicted by one while everyone else around him was too.]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. So I'll just have to keep myself alive somehow. I'm pretty hard to get rid of for the most part, keep popping back up somehow even though I shoulda been dead.

[dammit_flynn]

Good to be optimistic Mirai but that can only get you too far. Good thing she understands that at least. Repede just keeps looking at her as Yuri seems to be intrigued to why the dog is staring so intently at her. Well, he supposed she looked young enough to be a kid. However, size can be deceiving. When he learned Rukia was more than a few centuries old definitely threw him off.

Yuri doesn't seem to be bothered by her antics or her habits. He finds it a little bit funny. Though, he didn't express it aloud since he probably would have made her even angrier. She's really a bit short tempered and all he did was tease her.

"Sorry kid, the world isn't so sunshine and rainbows. That also means folks aren't always kind and polite."

He shrugged a bit. Normal people would be offended by it but Yuri wasn't.

"Taken away like the rest of us. Whatever powers or abilities you had before, it doesn't work here. We got job classes and we learn to control our new abilities here instead. Yep, that's Repede."

He patted teh dog on the head once. The dog looks at her for a moment and sniffs it before licking it briefly.

"This place is called Crystallis. The main city or whatever you want to call is Aqures Ixen. You're basically here to save this world, the other worlds and your world from being consumed by an entity called the Calamity."

"OR your friendly moogle can continue for me!"

[skyofreverie]

It might! Not that I've been there or anything yet.

[He has to get around to checking it out, see if they have medical books or cooking ones he can get into. Without people to teach him stuff Sora has had to rely on books to get information he needs.]

I've learned that most worlds have holidays that are celebrated because of some event in their history so it only makes sense that they don't have more in common. Every world has a different history which means their holidays will be different.

[Sora looks up at the sky and watches the clouds drift by for a long time. Maybe later he'll find some grassy hill and just do nothing but look up for a while.]

Sometimes all people have is the illusion of hope to cling to. Sometimes it's all that keeps them going when they have nothing. Maybe that illusion is shattered or maybe they're lucky and it's transformed into something real.

[Now he looks back at Mikleo before lifting his own journal. The red book that's nearly every page has been written on, lose pieces of paper have been stuffed inside of it, random bits of small things crammed in between so that it's no longer just a book - it's the story of Sora's life.] Yeah, I've been doing the same for a while. It's one of the few things I have left of my home.

[When the other offers out his journal, Sora blinks at it. While he takes the book from Mikleo, he doesn't offer his own in return. His is... too personal for him to give away.] That's why I try not to get into too much trouble but well, you know - I see someone who needs help and I gotta jump in.

[redigere]

[If it's talk about light and dark then of course Naminé is going to be pinged, regardless of who mentions it. She glances at the girl and takes a moment to wonder how she's levitating like that. Is it the same thing that lets Moogles float without needing to flap their wings?]

I think it's just one way for them to have fun during the winter. Otherwise it'd get very miserable, just sitting around and trying to stay warm.

[worstintheworld]

Puberty! Natalia gaped at him for a moment as he uttered the very word...and shamefully her gaze flicked up and down seemingly of its own volition as if to judge just how far past puberty he was. She snapped her head away just as crimson began to touch her fair complexion. "I won't accept excuses, just endeavor to practice more. That's all there is to it."

At least she could be serious about the monster. He seemed to know what he was doing, and that was enough to satisfy her. Yuri had a good strategy, and she nodded curtly to show that she understood. Staying out of reach was vital to the survival of any archer, and Natalia certainly had no intention of letting the thing get its slimy tentacles anywhere near her.

As Yuri caught its attention with his powerful blow, Natalia circled it and kept a wide berth, yanking another arrow out of her quiver to plug it into the ochu's side. Her second attack bounced off of one of the crystal shards as it wriggled and flailed erratically. One heavy tendril swung out as it aimed to slam Yuri in the gut and rake him with its poisoned thorns.

[skyofreverie]

Sometimes I think about growing up to become a storyteller. I've got a lot of great ones to tell.

[Okay, he's not completely serious but it's a thought. If he became a doctor or something then he could always tell his stories to the children wherever he works. And if Yuri thinks Sora is a bit too optimistic for his own good - he wouldn't be wrong. Sora clings to optimism like its a rope hanging in the middle of a sea of darkness somedays.]

Well yeah! I'll never be the real Santa but I can definitely help out where I can. [He rubs his chin as if the next thing is something he's actually considering he'd be able to do.] Hm, I probably wouldn't be able to grow a beard and make it white though, so I'll just have to make something instead.

[Come on, Santa is a big man and Sora is a tiny stick.

Oh, there's a flicker of inner turmoil at Yuri's next words. It's gone quickly but Sora seems to be choosing his own response carefully.] I wouldn't say I'm a Hero - I haven't done anything yet to deserve that title. But I will do whatever I can to help this world.

[Sora has been thrown into the sea and bashed upon the rocks many times but he's standing here now - alive and breathing and so long as those two things are possible he will do whatever is necessary to help those around him.

As for that offer, he merely shrugs.] I'm good. Usually I just sort of learn about stuff along the way. That sorta how it happens when you're always traveling around - picking up information wherever you might find it.

[dammit_flynn]

[ Yuri gives him a blank stare. ]

You're kidding right? Why the hell would Heroes act like-- moogles?

[ He raised a brow at the guy though his tone hasn't changed much. Except this situation is a bit too sticky for his taste. ]

Sounds like a plan. So when I say go-- you're going to go. I'll follow right behind ya.

[ He whispered to her for a moment and then looked back at the guard. He slowly put his fingers to his mouth and makes a loud whistling sound. The guards will be assaulted by a large dog like creature with a knife in its mouth as soon as he whistles. ]

GO!

[ He made a push at her as he hears the Kupo! ]

[dammit_flynn]

You sure as hell sound and act like one.

[ He replies giving Vanitas a raised brow but he doesn't continue beyond that. It's clear that the man doesn't really believe it for a second. Though, his methods of approaching people wasn't always the smartest moves. ]

Not really. I'm just saying what I feel. If it came off that way, my bad. Not like I know who you are. We're complete strangers. Eaten can mean many things. There are forces beyond our control here. I'm just giving you a heads up.

[ Sure he can totally try to do that when gets those powers back. Yuri would love to fight him. He's a fighter after all. ]

What? Asking questions now? It sounded like you didn't want me to help with anything!

[redigere]

Maybe we could do some work for them and earn it?

[But she's doubtful too, and walks away from the fence to try and get a better first look of the surrounding area. Thankfully, it's nearly all grassy fields and hills as far as the eye can see. If they do have to walk, it will be kind to her feet, which are still in sandals. Her white dress is hardly made for a trek through potentially monster-infested lands either. She's going to find a way to buy new clothes as soon as they reach the city.

And speaking of which...]

Sora, I think I can see it from here.

[Just beyond the distant hills is a tall, definitely man-made spire, rising above the tree line. Something that big can only mean people. Unless it's abandoned, which it hopefully isn't.]

We must be close. What should we do?

[She's glad that she'll have a way to help him in a fight, but ultimately anything like this is way beyond her capabilities. Later, when they discover everything about this world, she'll watch him more closely to learn from him. But for now, she feels more comfortable letting him take the lead.]

[arcward]

[The moogles startled and cowered behind Jaune, who gave them a comforting pat.]

Hey! You don't have to be so mean to them! They just wanted me to dress up as Santa.

[And possibly abduct him to Santaland. But you know, details. He wants to point out that she has a point: he doesn't want to go. At least, not right at this moment. But admitting that might cause the imp to lash out at the poor moogles again, and the glare she currently had going was scary enough; he didn't want to think about what would happen if she got really mad.]

[arcward]

[Jaune looked up to the voice, spotting the man atop the stairs.]

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

[What he had awoken from, he had no idea. He rubs his head sheepishly, not really sure what he should say to the complete stranger that he'll apparently be sharing a home with.]

Does this happen a lot? You welcoming random people into your home? I could be a serial killer for all you know. Didn't your mom ever warn you about stranger danger?

["Hi, I'm Jaune" probably would have been the smart thing to say, but introductions had never been his forte.]