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

[arcward]

Hospital
[Jaune gasped as he was suddenly able to breathe again – when had he even stopped? He crashed down on all fours, drinking in the air like he had been without it for days. After a moment of deep breathing, his eyes widened when he realized he wasn’t wearing his normal hoodie and makeshift armor. He stretched his neck to look at his ensemble.]

What the heck is going on here?

[He looked around and blinked, seeing the statues that surrounded him.]

Where the heck is here?

[He stood up and started to slowly make his way around the room, examining the crystals and stopping in front of a familiar one.]

What the…? Blake? But why is she-

‘Kupo!’

[Jaune shrieked at the noise, flailing wildly and nearly knocking Blake over, just barely managing to catch her before she shattered against the tile.

Hopefully no one saw that.]
------------------
Mistakes Were Made

[Jaune’s luck, it seemed, had run out. First he was sucked out of his own world and thrown here, and now he was being mugged, and it wasn’t even his fault! One wrong turn had led him right to the criminal, who was now threatening him with a knife, demanding his money. His moogle seemed to be of little help, cowering behind him.]

I already told you: I don’t have any money!

[The mugger took that as a lie, apparently, since his response was a growl and a lunge forward. Jaune stumbled backwards out of the way with a yelp. He scrambled for his sword, thankful he still had that, at least, and held his shield up defensively.]

You’re messing with the wrong guy, you know. I’m a Hero of Light.

[Or so they told him. Personally, he wasn’t so sure, but if it got the guy to back off… Unfortunately it did not, and he barely had the chance to raise his shield from the next blow.]
---------------
Home Sweet Home (B-12)

[Jaune looked unsure as he approached his new home. None of this made sense. He was in a new world, the aura he had finally figured out how to use didn’t work, and now he was rooming with strangers. And to top it all off, he was being followed by some weird animal, helpful as it may be. He still wasn’t convinced that this wasn’t just some weird dream and he’d wake up in his own bed.]

‘Go on, kupo! Go meet your new friends!’

[Jaune nodded before fishing his key out of his pocket.]

Well, here goes nothing.

[He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and looked around. There was no one there, but then again he didn’t usually stand around in doorways either.]

Hello? Is anyone home?
----------------
Operation: Make Jaune Santa Claus

[Jaune’s mind was still swimming at the idea of being in a new world, so it was understandable that he was caught off guard by the pair of moogles that had taken his hand and started to lead him away.]

Listen, you guys seem really nice and I’m sure it’s for a good cause and all, but I’m kind of new to town and I don’t even know where I live yet.

[Whether or not they heard or were just ignoring him was yet to be seen as the moogles kept dragging him down the street.]

‘Once you get there you’ll see how great it is!’

[To anyone watching, it was probably comical a teenager being pulled away with a moogle on each arm. Jaune, however, was not amused, but couldn’t figure out how to get them to stop. He turned to his moogle for help.]

Pumpkin Pete, help me!

Mistakes Were Made....I'm so sorry

[theendiswherewestartfrom]

Despite the fact that Jack's carte blanche from the castle to patrol the city for looters and muggers is long since expired, this does not stop Jack Harkness from doing what he wants. So, he has re-equipped Dragoon, and re-donned his black leather jerkin with hood and face mask to cover his identity, and he leaps from rooftop to rooftop to cross the city.

And, sure enough, a citizen (?) needing his help? Except he has a moogle. Someone who hasn't figured out their powers yet. Well, whoever it is, they are in for one hell of an entrance. Jack uses Jump, but not as an attack. He leaps up into the air, aims his spear at the mugger, but intentionally misses the man by inches. A black-clothed figure with a deep red spear just lands as lightly as if he had stepped down from a stair.

"Well, now. Room for somebody else to play?"

You are fantastic

[arcward]

Well. He certainly hadn't expected that.

He startled back at the man's sudden appearance, not sure what to make of it and unable to form a coherent though initially. "What the- Where did- Who the heck are you?" He paused, taking a good look at the guy. "And what's with the mask?" No one wore masks back in Beacon. Everyone just attacked the bad guy with their faces out in the open. ...On second thought, a mask probably wasn't a bad idea.

He looked back at the bandit, who seemed to have overcome his moment of surprise and looked to be evaluating his current situation, debating on whether pursuit was wise.

"You know what? We can talk later." He drew his sword and placed himself a step back from the mysterious stranger. He looked like he could handle himself better than Jaune could.

[theendiswherewestartfrom]

Jack winks at Jaune to answer his question, "Gotta protect the money-maker," he gestures to his covered face.

The mugger doesn't seem to take kindly to being ignored, neither does he balk at the fact that there are two of them now. He spits on the street at Jack's feet. "Heroes. All you've done is make things worse!"

On the plus side, the attacker seems content to ignore Jaune in favor of trying to stick that knife into Jack. Jack's typical battle strategy of drawing all the attention to himself is working again. Jack dodges the attack, uses the shaft of his spear like a staff to block the man's arm to the side. He turns, and cracks the butt end of the spear across the man's head. He obviously has far more deadly options at his disposal, but is trying to deal with the guy without hurting him too much.

Hospital

[red_planet_blues]

[Someone sure did see that. There's been a guy there this whole while, silently blinking in surprise watching Jaune flail back to life and nearly knock over some poor crystal person in the process. Sparks had been by for his weekly visit to his friends in the room, and the last thing he expected was that.]

Um.


You need some help there, pal?

Re: Hospital

[arcward]

Gah!

[Jaune jumped, not ready for the not-so-sudden appearance of the man.]

Didn't your mom teach you not to sneak up on someone?

[He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself while absently wondering if there was a third mini-heart attack on the way. It would probably come once he finally noticed his moogle.]

[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.

All the Santas

[neverfirstclass]

Ho ho ho! Is everything okay here?

[A rather young looking Santa walks over, complete with a big white beard. There's some bits of blonde hair peaking out from under the cap though. He smiles as he walks up, gently interceding between the moogles and Jaune, though it doesn't look like he's letting him escape either.]

You must be one of the new Heroes. Don't mind these moogles, they're just excited for the holidays. But they're right, Santa's Village is a great place and it's going to be even better this year! You can believe Santa when he says that, right?

[Cloud gently nods his head sideways at some kids watching, followed by a wink.]

Jaune totally believes in Santa

[arcward]

]Jaune couldn't believe his luck. Sure, he had had a rough start to this world, but to find Santa?? It was a dream come true!]

Wait, you mean you're-

[He blinks at the Santa's head gesture and follows the path, finally catching on when he spots the children. Right. He wasn't Santa. He really should have seen that one coming. The guy barely even resembled the man in the red suit - He was way too skinny. But if there really were a Santa's Village here, then the man himself must be there, right?]

You can take me there? To San- to your workshop?

Then he's totally getting presents next month

[neverfirstclass]

[No harm in believing Jaune. Everyone needs that spark of hope in them. And it's entirely possible that Santa will appear for real. That this is a Job at all means that he was called to this world as a Hero once before in the past, in a previous cycle.]

Ho ho ho! I can, but perhaps not today. Santa's Village is on the continent to the north. It's a bit of a dangerous trip right now with some of the monsters about. Be sure to find another Hero or two to go with you. In fact, if you really need to go sooner than later, look for a golden chocobo at the ranch outside the city.

[He winks as a golden chocobo wearing festive barding gives a KWEH and a happy flap at being mentioned.]

Mistakes Were Made

[not_most_days]

[The shadows behind the mugger shift, and then all of a sudden there is a youngish looking man in Pirate garb holding a blade to the mugger's neck. The blade seems to be coming from out of the pirate's sleeve.]

Now now there Rogan, we spoke about this. Setting aside the fact that mugging people is illegal, are you really that desperate for pocket change that you're going to kill a man? And you see the moogle, don't you? How do you think things would go for you if you murdered a Hero? Or were you planning to kill the moogle too?

[She twists the man about, giving him a boot to his rear, sending him headlong into some trash.]

Now run off and sober up! And if I catch you doing this again I'll make sure you can't hold anything in that hand for a month.

[The man yelps as he staggers back to his feet and runs off. The pirate holds for a moment before turning to look back at Jaunne, a softer smile on their face.]

Are you alright there, lad? You're one of the new Heroes, aye?

[She offers her hand.]

Name's James Kidd.

[arcward]

[This day just kept getting weirder and weirder, and just when he thought it couldn't get more bizarre, a pirate showed up.]

Jaune Arc, Hero of Light.

[Well, he was here, so he might as well own it. Besides, no one had to know he was probably picked by mistake. Once again, though, it seemed that he had a lot of catching up to do; he couldn't even fend off your run-of-the-mill mugger.

Shelving that thought for the moment, he reached out an shook her hand.]

Thanks for the help. I just "woke up" a little while ago, if you can call collapsing to the ground waking up. They should really re-name that.

[not_most_days]

Aye, being brought to this world is a bit of a rough trip. Still, there are worse ways to find yourself here. Things have been getting a bit more erratic for the new arrivals over the past few months.

[She frowns, unsure how much to tell him right out the gate.]

Don't worry if you're used to being a better fighter back home. This world forces you to play by its rules, and it takes some time and effort to remind your muscles to work the way you want them to. With the right jobs you can even be better than you were, but consider yourself starting from the beginning all over again.

Mistakes Were Made

[just_want_normal_knees]

Hey! HEY! Leave my friend ALONE!

[Out of nowhere, a streak of red would race out to... pummel the guy senseless in the face, knocking him back. It looks like Ruby, sounds like Ruby, but why is she wearing Yang's clothes? And fighting hand to hand?]

Hi, Jaune... wait, Jaune?!

Re: Mistakes Were Made

[arcward]

What the... Ruby? You're here too?

[That actually wasn't all that surprising, now that he thought about it. Ruby was definitely the hero type. Still, it was nice to finally see a familiar face - he had started to wish even Cardin were here. Something was off, though.]

Where's your scythe?

[Not that he doubted the girl couldn't fight without her weapon - that much was evident.]

santa jaune

[fusedshadows]

They're moogles. ( midna chimed in, watching the scene play out and looking less-than-impressed. was this guy really supposed to be a hero? ) If you don't want to go with them, just put your foot down.

Hmph. ( the imp floated over, hands on her hips, glaring at the two fuzzy tethers that seemed to be leading jaune away. ) Didn't you hear? He doesn't want to go with you.

( there's a thousand-year-glare cast their way, just for good measure. )

[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.]

[fusedshadows]

Mean? It's called being direct. ( she doesn't look impressed. ) Since stuttering awkwardly wasn't working for you, you should really give it a try some time. You see? They've stopped haven't they?

( she crosses her arms, only half-rolling her eye. ) You're welcome.

Home Sweet Home

[shepherd_prince]

[Talk about deja vu. Chrom emerges from his room, his boots making heavy muffled thumps on the floor as he moves to the stairwell and looks down. The last Jaune he knew was only present for a short time, but his voice is distinctive enough to be familiar. And sure enough, there he is.]

Ah. Welcome home.

[He smiles as he takes the stairs more slowly. He's careful not to call Jaune by his name -- when he'd fallen into crystal stasis the last time, the Moogles had arrived to help clean his room out completely...just as they had with Morgan. Just as they had with Robin. Until he knows for sure that this is the same Jaune with all of his memories in tact, he has no desire to make things more difficult and complex than they may already seem.]

I take it you just awoke today?

[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.]

[shepherd_prince]

[No flash of recognition, Chrom notes. He's retained none of his memories it seems, so he decides it's best not to mention that Jaune has been here before. His presence was so brief it's not really worth bringing up if it's only going to add to the stress and confusion.]

That's how the housing works, I'm afraid! We're all assigned to these homes, sometimes with people we know, sometimes with strangers. It was no different for me when I awoke in this world.

[He desceneds the stairs and approaches, offering a gloved hand.]

I'm Chrom. We can decide room arrangements once the others return home. For now, you can place your belongings in the double room where I'm staying, if you wish.

Hospital

[pole_position]

[Pyrrha actually comes back to the hospital fairly often, to look at the crystallized forms of her friends and privately mope about it. She's only been caught once, and by someone who isn't around any longer. Since then she's been a bit more careful about it. As she walks the familiar path toward where she knows Jaune is being kept, she hears a bit of a commotion. And so her reaction is the only one she can think of - drawing her weapon and running around the corner. If someone is messing with the statues - especially those of the people she cares for - she won't let them.]

Who's there?

yesssssss

[arcward]

[You'd think after being startled by a voice Jaune wouldn't be surprised to hear another, but no. There's a sound of panic as he tries to draw his sword and shield combination but fumbles, flailing a little to catch the sheath. After a moment wherein his possible aggressor could have killed him by now if they wished to, he finally managed to catch it and righted himself into a semblance of a fighting stance.

And saw who it was.]

Pyrrha?

Operation: Santa Jaune

[unyieldingspirit]

[well, she'll admit it's amusing. Maybe not to Jaune's face, though K'pandolu watches him for a few moments, ears forward before she moves in to scruff one of the moogles by the back of the neck.]

Hey, now. Let him get his bearings. Or- better yet, why don't one of you get him a map? The Village isn't going anywhere, after all.

Re: Operation: Santa Jaune

[arcward]

Wait, you mean there's a map of this place? Pumpkin Pete, why didn't you tell me that? I've been wandering for hours trying to find my house!

[The moogle just shrugs.]

'You didn't ask, kupo.'

I shouldn't have to ask! You see someone new to town, you give them a map or point them in the right direction! It's common courtesy!

[Jaune has completely forgotten about the newcomer at this point, and only remembers when the free holiday moogle pokes his side and hands him a map.]

Excuse me, we're having a conversation over - oh. [He blinks, not expecting that.] Um, thanks.

'After you find your way home, you'll come see us right? And then become Santa?'

[Not that he wasn't intrigued (who wouldn't want to be Santa?), but he still wasn't really sure what he was doing here. They said he was a Hero of Light, but he didn't really know what that meant yet. He wanted to decline, but the moogles seemed so excited.

He looked at K'pandolu for help - she rescued him once already, after all.]