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

[worstintheworld]

"That's correct," she bowed her head. "Overall they're less dangerous than an ochu, but because we can't stop them from entering when they please, that makes them the bigger threat at the moment. It's particularly difficult given the constant darkness that plagues this city."

Natalia turned to lead him toward the casino she'd indicated, pushing through the ornate double doors. The interior of the building was disturbingly silent given how loud and flashy a place like this was supposed to be. A lone Tarutaru was unpacking bottles of liquor and placing them on the bar shelves, but beyond that? There wasn't another soul to be seen. The place hadn't been abandoned long enough to start collecting dust. Honestly the sight of the empty pleasure palace gave Natalia goosebumps if she allowed herself to stare at it for too long.

"If we could move the bell to a higher building, that would be ideal, but we lack the resources at the moment. Still, it's high enough that we're able to observe most threats once they come within range, and the bell serves as a convenient alarm to get people safely indoors as quickly as possible."

She led him onward to a door marked 'staff only' and pushed it open to a drab stairwell that contrasted sharply to the gaudy glitz of the casino. Up they went!

"Tell me, Mikleo, were you an archer in your world before arriving in this one?" she asked, keeping her hand on the railing as she jogged up the steps.

[water_meebo]

"That makes sense. Having an enemy that can fly can be difficult to manage. The enemies on the ground at least have restrictions such as the walls and barricades that are built around them."

If they're not trying to dig underground and come up that way. It didn't seem like that to him so he doesn't press that thought on the other. He continues to follow the blond girl towards the building and up the stairs. There are a few things he finds of interest but he has to set them aside for now, knowing that there are more pressing matters at hand. The safety of people are more important than his little history lesson. He's sure of that.

"Yes, if we can perch ourselves on a higher platform that can be beneficial."

There's also the consideration of weather and direction of the wind. However, he doesn't think it will be too terribly hard since he doesn't feel any wind.

"You can say that. I have considerable skills with the bow due to some circumstances."

In a way he can dual wield a bow and his quarterstaff. Both weapons seem to be pretty decently easy for him to handle.

"I take it you are also an archer from your world, Natalia was it?"

[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."

[water_meebo]

"That can help solve the issue but it can also create animosity with other surrounding towns. They might assume we're arming the area for war."

In which would have them behave in a way that might be dangerous for the people in this area. Mikleo does understand that the idea of having long ranged weapons to shoot these creatures down is useful but if they don't inform the surrounding areas, then there can be more issues. One of the few things he learned about war and people are that they're capable of misunderstanding quickly. He thinks back to the brief conflict between Highland and Rolance.

"I suppose if we can request for such resources, we should also bring in the nearby residents to let them know that we aren't arming it for anything more than protection."

Humans can be fickle. He knows that to. After speaking what's on his mind, they were on the top of the location. He looks around for a clear place to stand and aim.

"I can assist you with practice if you want. I rather like to brush up on my archery skills as well."

He muses before adding, "It can be frustrating. Perhaps, if you have time, I'd like to learn more about the Lanvaldear-style archery."

[worstintheworld]

"That is a problem," she agreed, gazing out at the snow-capped treetops with a small frown. "I'm not even certain there are any other survivors beyond Trano Golsaucia. This place was crystallized not too long ago, and those who were capable of fleeing certainly did so. If there's a way to visit the smaller towns and search for survivors, I would eagerly take on the responsibility."

The people of Trano Golsaucia had plenty of money, resources could be purchased from the areas that hadn't yet been visited by the Calamity. But the more it spread, the darker the world became, and that meant vegetation would die. Without grains, vegetables, and fruit, people would starve too unless they could live off of monster meat. Natalia wasn't entirely sure much of it was edible to begin with, especially when many of the monsters just 'poofed' after their defeat.

Natalia exhaled a little before turning her gaze back to Mikleo and flashing a quick, confident smile. "Let's do what we can, for the sake of this world and our own."

She slipped the bow off of her shoulders, stringing it with practiced ease. She knew how to handle her weapon and care for it at the very least. "Some practice would be lovely, thank you. I would be proud to teach you some of my techniques. I'm afraid there aren't many I can pass on without access to the fonic and mystic artes, but taking aim and hitting your target while mobile has proved to be an invaluable skill. I can teach you, unless you know it already?"

[water_meebo]

"I suppose you're right. Perhaps, I am overthinking it a bit more than I should have," he replied giving her a small smile. The whole idea of causing some sort of political disruption was hitting a bit close to home for him. He might have forgotten that the nation itself was one of the few with survivors. Of course, that doesn't rule out small neighboring towns either. She's got a point on that.

"We can probably look into it if you'd like."

He nodded his head. The Calamity had been constant since he made it to Aqures Ixen. It's even more crucial now. The most important thing right now is helping as much as he can to ensure the safety of his friends and everyone around him.

"Certainly."

He widened his smiled at her as she continued the conversation.

"I'd like to hone the skills if anything. Any assistance you offer will be much appreciated, Natalia."

[worstintheworld]

"You're much too flattering," Natalia chuckled, brushing some of her short blonde hair back with a flick of her hand. "I'm positive you must be quite talented yourself with a bow. I may have plenty to learn from you as well regarding your own archery style. Let us see what we can learn together, then." She was confident, but not an egoist who sought to humble others. It was far more beneficial when they were able to cooperate for mutual satisfaction.

"Once I'm satisfied that this city can defend itself without our interference, I would like to explore the area. Thank you. It certainly isn't the sort of thing I'm capable of doing on my own just yet." Possibly not ever. These monsters were tougher than any she'd encountered, and her skills had been reduced so drastically that she wasn't sure she'd stand a chance.

"Tell me more about yourself," she urged. "What other skills do you possess? How long have you been in this world?"

[water_meebo]

"I'm only speaking my mind."

He replies to her response. He's a rather blunt person and gives credit where it needs to be given. After all, Natalia seemed to be a rather amazing person from the get go. She didn't push him around or give him terrible nicknames. It was nice to have a regular conversation where he wasn't always constantly being antagonized by the girls like he did in his party. Not that he really argued back in his defense. Protest maybe.

"I'd like that and I'm not entirely certain. Most of the archery I know are self taught."

For the most part anyway. Exploring the area seemed even more fascinating to Mikleo as he speaks up again, "Would you allow me to accompany you on your exploration? I'm rather curious myself."

"Huh?"

Well he was taken back by the question. He never really had opportunities to talk about himself too much so having someone straight up ask him was a bit surprising for him but nonetheless he supposed he could tell her a bout himself.

"I've been here for over a year almost two years now if you count the 7 months that a group of heroes and myself were stranded away from the main city."

He starts. There's a pause as he thinks back on the past. A lot of people died during that time. He didn't know where to start or how to continue with that statement. However, he left it at that and went to the topic about himself.

"As strange as this may sound, I'm not usually easily seen by humans. Which brings me to the next statement. Even though I appear and act like a human, I am actually a Seraph. I can can cook small meals and bake. I specialize in creating frozen treats back in my world. I had the ability to use water to my advantage. I supposed it is my given element."

[worstintheworld]

"Please! I would be delighted to have such a capable companion at my side," Natalia agreed readily with a bright smile. She knew her current abilities were extremely limited, and the dangers she faced weren't the sort of thing she should go up against alone if she could help it. She was not so proud, nor so reckless.

With that said and done, she found Mikleo's explanation very curious indeed. It did sound strange, to think that he couldn't be seen at all by people like herself. "My, I've never met a Seraphim before. I haven't heard of Seraphim either. I suppose your people are unlikely to dwell in my world." She propped up her elbow on her fist as she crossed an arm over her stomach, touching her chin thoughtfully. "I imagine a Seraphim is some type of elemental spirit, correct? It sounds like a lovely ability to possess."

There was something so naturally elegant and fascinating about the water. But, being born in a kingdom that looked out over the sea, it was only natural that she might develop a fondness for such things.

"Well! It certainly is nice to see you in this world, if nothing else. You do have a somewhat exotic look about you." She nodded once, perhaps as a sort of approval, before relaxing her arms at her sides and looking out over the darkened countryside once more. "And I am grateful for your assistance. Few answered the call." Her features tightened slightly, the corners of her mouth dipping into a frown. "I assume most are busy. I'm going to be quite vexed if that is not the case."

[water_meebo]

"I would be honored to assist you in any way I can, Natalia."

He replied offering her a smile. Somehow she wasn't such a bad person to get along with. He didn't mind her and she definitely was more passive than the women he knew who were quite aggressive and demanding. Natalia had a strange aura about her that he couldn't help but respect for the time being.

It was strange but it was however Natalia wanted to take the situation. He didn't ask her to believe him or trust his words. Not everyone could believe in Seraphim and their blessings in his world so why would he force that onto someone who knew nothing about that world he came from? He looked at her when she spoke again, "I heard that every world is different and unique in its own way. Ours happened to have different types of races existing on the same plane. You could say that. It isn't wrong. Seraphim are considered supernatural beings who are normally invisible to the human eye due to the lack of people with a special spiritual awareness called Resonance. Does it?"

He tiltd his head a bit seemingly intrigued by her answer, "I suppose in more ways than one that is quite unique. However that also makes us limited to what we can do in our world."

Mikleo liked talked about his home whether it showed on his face or not, "Exotic huh? Well I can't say there are many people who look like me in this world. My friends are probably the closest you'll get for the time being," he added with a serious look on his face.

"It is due to bus schedules and many Heroes of Light have their own agenda. Not every Hero will feel obligated to save others. Sometimes they do what benefits them most."

[worstintheworld]

"What benefits them most?" Natalia's incredulous response brought to the surface ever prissy princessy mannerism she possessed. She stood a little taller, holding her chin higher as she uttered a haughty 'Hah!' and folded her arms. "What kind of boorish attitude is that? We're all linked to one another in this world whether we like it or not. The fate of one person will affect us all soon enough!"

She tossed her head, her short blonde curls bouncing against her cheeks with the dismissive gesture. It certainly served to make her appreciate those who had answered the call all the more, while hardening her feelings against those who ignored her, or worse, thought it acceptable to lecture her like a spoiled child. People's lives were on the line in this city, it was a situation that couldn't be so readily ignored!

However, her simmering anger wasn't even remotely directed at Mikleo, and she didn't look at him as she ranted so as not to give the impression that she expected him to change the situation with haste. Instead she blew out a quick breath, curls of cold mist escaping between her teeth.

"In that case, I am even more grateful for your assistance. Thank you for not devaluing the lives of civilians."

[water_meebo]

"Huh-- well, people can be selfish. Sometimes you can't control what they think or want. There are many here who feel that way and there are also those who do not and want to help others like yourself, Natalia. It honestly depends."

Mikleo can understand her anger though he couldn't really defend her on the matter. People who have been ripped from their worlds against their wills and placed in this world to save it so they could save theirs. That's not exactly everyone's cup of tea. Mikleo of course would love to save this world and his own in the process. He was all for helping others in need, but there are people who did not think that way.

They were either out for destruction or out to meet their own needs. It was understandable. While he didn't agree with their ideals, he respected them. His journey with Sorey and his friends made him realize that. There's no actual black and white in the matter. There's always that harsh gray area.

"You're welcome, Natalia. I am glad that you and I share the same thoughts."

He smiled softly at her, seemingly unfazed by her anger. She was behaving the way she was because she cared. He could tell.