melodiesmods: (Default)
Melodies of Life Moderators ([personal profile] melodiesmods) wrote in [community profile] melodiesoflife2017-01-05 09:32 am

Happy New Year...And New Life!

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: January 01st - January 31st. 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 not sealed away (such as the Floating Ruins).

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 for 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 fades, 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.


Now Get to Work!
— Anytime —

If your character is fortunate enough to wake up in a city that the Calamity hasn't yet tainted with its darkness and overpowered monsters, you don't get to put up your feet and take it easy. Refugees are arriving in large numbers with their belongings, family and friends, and possibly their pack animals as well. Driven from their homes when the crystallization threatened to consume them, or by Calamity monsters that were getting too close for comfort, they're coming to the protected cities seeking refuge. If they spot you with a Moogle, it's safe for them to assume you're a Hero of Light and they surge forward to greet you -- either with praise and hopes for salvation, requests for help in reclaiming something valuable left behind (a family heirloom? a missing dog?), directions to the nearest inn or marketplace, help moving these heavy boxes... I mean, you're a Hero of Light, so clearly you know everything that's going on, don't you?

Or maybe you were one of the unlucky ones who woke up in Flence, Trano Golsaucia, or one of the many other contaminated areas. In that case, you're still not off the hook! Whether there are stragglers in the city or surrounding countryside that couldn't make it, or simply too stubborn to leave their homes, powerful monsters swarm the area and threaten the well-being of anyone unfortunate enough to cross their paths. Good luck taking them on with your new jobs that you just got, you might need some help from a fellow Hero of Light! It's not all bad, though. Your Moogle may have informed you about the Old Man at the Monster Arena who wants one of each monster captured for his collection, with excellent rewards (see the section labeled 'Monster Arena' for more details) for those who bring him what he wants.


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.
stupidgenes: ([2] prepare yourself)

thanks!

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-02-22 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Upon hearing movement in the bush, Asch returns to a guarded stance. Really, he's lucky that this young man doesn't appear to be a threat and is even willing to help him. After all, not knowing where he is means he doesn't know what's lurking in this forest, or even what enemies may lurking nearby. In fact, he doesn't even know how to get out on his own.]

Fine. Lead the way.
stupidgenes: ([1] well i'm listening)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-02-22 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[As expected, Asch shows no indication of knowing that name or its reputation. Instead, he simply nods at Kidd's explanation and follows his lead.

His voice is more neutral and less snappish when he asks,
] The end? What do you mean?

[To think he was brought from the potential end of his world—though he trusts the replica will prevent that now—to the end of another. What a coincidence...]
not_most_days: (Disappointed)

[personal profile] not_most_days 2017-02-22 05:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kidd frowns at his reply. The lack of shock is noted, and she can at least make a guess that this isn't the first situation of the like he's been in. She stops, a bit off from the ship, turning to speak to him face to face at least for this.]

We've been brought to this world to save it from some manner of Calamity. We've been doing all we can but its influence has been spreading. It's only a matter of time before we need to make an attempt to stop it once and for all. If we can.
stupidgenes: ([1] well i'm listening)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-02-24 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Just as Marshmallow is about to say something, Asch cuts her off with a quick,] Lead the way.

[Marshmallow thanks them, too, for their help. And then they begin making their way through the forest, the young lady leading the way.]

What's your name, by the way? I'm Asch. This is Marshmallow.
stupidgenes: ([4] and you have a better idea?)

i'm really sorry it's taken this long to get back to you; work's been eating me alive

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-02-24 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Even if Asch had been prepared to see a familiar face, he hadn't expected to see Van's sister here. So he can't quite help the cross between slight shock and irritation in his expression.

He lets out a huff of annoyance before speaking.
]

To think you would be in a place like this... Shouldn't you be with the replica, taking care of Van?
revitalise: (Default)

totally okay and I sympathise, work has much been the same for me.

[personal profile] revitalise 2017-02-27 09:00 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, I am here. So are a few others. [ But she wouldn't divulge just who those people were just yet. If there was anything she had learned about dealing with those newly woken, it was that unleashing all the information at once could prove to be too much.

Though if he was expecting his words to anger her, he would have to deal with the soft sigh she released instead. ]


I believe for the time being that what I choose to do and who I choose to help is entirely my decision. So unless you physically banish someone, you're stuck with me.
Edited 2017-02-27 09:00 (UTC)
boomchucka: (Look to the sky)

[personal profile] boomchucka 2017-03-07 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
[Selphie doesn't bat an eyelash at the abrupt manner that Asch seems to use. She nods quickly before tracing her steps back out of the forest.

Jaelyn hovers near to Marshmallow and may be offering a kupo nut to the other Moogle.]


Nice to meet you, Asch. I'm Selphie and the Moogle offering the kupo nut to Marshmallow is Jaelyn. The Moogles like kupo nuts so you should try to keep some handy.
stupidgenes: ([3] got your back)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-07 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[At the mention, he casts a glance at the Moogles. Marshmallow gladly accepts the kupo nut, waves it in Asch and Selphie's direction a couple times, and then nips into it gleefully. Asch nods, stifling the slightest smile tugging at his lips because he's not one to open up so easily.]

Alright. I'll keep that in mind. [It's good advice, after all.

After pausing to collect his thoughts,
] Do people come out here often? Is there a travel route nearby?

[Or... is this the travel route itself?

And beyond travelers and their routes, Asch has even more questions about their surroundings and the world itself. Though he knows better than to bombard Selphie, and is actually grateful to have a bit of help in such unfamiliar territory.
]
stupidgenes: ([3] what are you STUPID!?)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-07 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[While Asch is a hero, he doesn't consider himself the hero. Because if that were the case, he'd be dealing with Van rather than... this unexpected situation of an afterlife. Not to mention that between his own hidden agenda and the debacle surrounding the Key of Lorelei, Asch himself is used to being hunted and chased by soldiers. But something tells him that this is a completely different matter.]

That's hardly an answer. You had enough time to sit around in a tree! [His annoyance crescendos.] Why are soldiers after you?

[If there's a good reason, Asch might be able to relate. But for now, he really isn't counting on it.]
stupidgenes: ([1] lost in thought)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-08 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Asch hadn't said what he did to get a rise out of her. In truth, he hadn't really been thinking beyond what he knew, which is that Tear Grants should, in fact, be accompanying the replica. Though now that she's mentioned others are here, he can't help wondering if they'd failed... Had they all died and, like he did, find themselves in the same unending darkness, with no choice but to reach out to the glowing crystal?

Stunned by the implications, Asch just barely heard Tear continue. He answers in a slightly resigned tone,
] ...Fine.

But tell me, how did you wind up here? [Again, it's issued more as an imperative than a question.] You were going to take care of Van, right?

[He's genuinely concerned. If they all failed, then it means Van succeeded. It's something Asch needed to know, even if he couldn't really handle that level of defeat.]
boomchucka: (Cheeky raspberries)

[personal profile] boomchucka 2017-03-08 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Selphie gives Asch a curious glance before thinking nothing of it. She could've sworn that she was seeing the faintest of a smile but doesn't push the matter. Whatever makes a person happy at the end of the day is their business.

She traces her footsteps back toward the main path as she pulls out a small drawstring pouch. She offers it to Asch with a warm smile.]


Here, I always keep a few extra handy. Happy Moogles are good moogles.

Well, I'm still a novice with a sword so I come out here most morning to train. I've only been using one for around nine months now?

The extra is Gil is good to have about anyway. [She nodded slightly toward the path in the distance.] You never know when you'll run into an emergency in Aqures Ixen.

Or the run in need of the extra will get herself into a world of trouble. [Came the dry response from Jaelyn as Selphie stuck her tongue out at her moogle in response.]

Hey! I don't get into that much trouble, Jaelyn!
stupidgenes: ([5] that... *can't* be)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-08 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
[That voice. No... No, it can't be.

But then his eyes meet hers before widening in stunned surprise as she continues.

What is she doing here? Not to say he knows exactly what he's doing here, but Asch only arrived here after seizing the crystal in the unending darkness. And that only happened after he'd died, after he'd exhaled his last breath. So it's not that he's unhappy to see Natalia so much as he's worried about how she arrived in a place like this. Did she also suffer a fate like his?

Asch opens his mouth to say something before snapping it shut because it suddenly feels dry. It's like there's a lump in his throat, too, and so he swallows before managing to school his expression from alarmed to sad to... something more neutral.
]

Natalia...

[He whispers it, almost in wonder and as if hoping she'll disappear, that she's not real or tangible or here. As far as he's concerned, her place right now is at the replica's side, taking care of Van once and for all.

Asch composes himself quickly.
]

How... How did you get here?

[His thoughts keep swimming, terrified because What is she DOING here?]
dammit_flynn: kagaminokakera (→ right back at you)

[personal profile] dammit_flynn 2017-03-09 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ It was and wasn't. Yuri couldn't explain it but he was trying to find some information near the military base and got caught breaking and entering. Of course they didn't see his face because he used his Ninja Job and he somehow got away with that quickly. However, it was only a matter of time before they remembered him. Oh will you look at that, there's a lot of footsteps right now. ]

That's because I'm good at losing them. Guess they caught sight of my trail.

[ He started towards the darker side of the forest. ]

I knocked out some guards trying to get into a military base, because I needed some information. Is that suitable? Let's go before we both get caught.

[ He's going to grab Asch and make a run for it just as the soldiers caught sight of them. ]

HOLD IT RIGHT THERE YURI LOWELL!!!!!!
worstintheworld: (Giggle)

[personal profile] worstintheworld 2017-03-09 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Natalia, on the other hand, couldn't be happier to see him here. There's been a lot she's struggled with on her own, and she can't begin to describe the warmth, joy, and relief at seeing her childhood friend standing in front of her now.]

I imagine the same way you did!

[She chuckles, completely ignorant of just how horrible her words might sound, given his morbid thoughts. In her timeline, Asch is still alive and well. That would explain why she's not flinging herself into his arms and grossly sobbing into his armor. She clasps her hands together in front of her chest.]

I had no idea you'd arrived here too. It's so good to see you again! When did you get here?

[She'd like to discover why he's out here in the forest as well, but it's entirely possible that this is where he woke up. She can take action as soon as she knows his general status.]
stupidgenes: ([3] got your back)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-10 01:04 am (UTC)(link)
[This answer raises even more questions. Who thought to bring people from other worlds to save one from... whatever the Calamity is? Exactly what is the Calamity, is it a natural part of their world, or is it something that someone summoned or created? What are the effects of the Calamity, and how can it be stopped?

Asch quietly hums as he thinks.
] I see.

[Well, he now knows the details, anyway.]

We can talk about it more on-board.
stupidgenes: ([3] i know what i'm doing)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-10 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[If anything, Natalia seems far too pleased and innocent to have suffered a fate like Asch's. So maybe his death didn't plunge him into the darkness, which makes him wonder how Natalia wound up there. At any rate, he probably shouldn't make anything of it now. There's no point in dampening her spirits with that discussion, and Asch could always look into it later.]

Not long ago. [After studying her more carefully, he adds,] Are you out here alone?

[Out in the forest without a party? Not that Asch doubts Natalia's abilities, but it just doesn't seem right for her to be traveling alone.]
stupidgenes: ([3] i know what i'm doing)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-10 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[Asch naturally follows Yuri's lead as the other man yanks him along before he finally shoves Yuri off.]

Get off, I can run just fine on my own!

[That said, he runs more or less alongside Yuri.]

And if they can catch up to your trail like this, then you're NOT good at losing them!

[Because anyone who isn't stupid would know that losing people means not being found or chased. Obviously.]
worstintheworld: (Hair Toss)

[personal profile] worstintheworld 2017-03-11 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
For the moment, I am. I was just searching for a chocobo to adopt as a partner, as I understand they can be quite fierce in battle and an invaluable ally.

[Ah, but if he's only just arrived, he likely doesn't know what a chocobo is, does he? She lifts her hand high above her head to mark the bird's height.]

They're large yellow birds that the natives of this world ride as mounts. They're highly intelligent, and very loyal from what I've witnessed. Perhaps you might like one as well, as long as I have the lure at my disposal.

[It's been a long time since they've run off on a wild adventure, just the two of them, hasn't it? She finds herself feeling giddy at the thought of reliving some of the better years of her youth.]

Have you been to Aqures Ixen yet? Surely your Moogle has discovered you by now and explained the situation.
dammit_flynn: estheticons (→ need a hand)

[personal profile] dammit_flynn 2017-03-11 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ Good thing he didn't resist because Yuri would have hurled him over his shoulder and ran if he did. Lucky for Asch, he didn't cause that to happen so they were running together after he shoved Yuri off of him. ]

No need to get violent, geez. You want them to catch us?

[ Yuri replied with a laugh, seemingly not offended by Asch's response at all. In fact, it straight over his head. ]

I lost them for a good three hours. I figured they'd stop their pursuit but damn were they persistent. Turn that way!

[ He pushed at Asch to make a sharp left as they darted. ]
stupidgenes: ([1] well i'm listening)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-14 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[Interested, Asch nods at the description but otherwise doesn't find it outlandish or extraordinary. If anything, chocobos sounds pretty useful.

Anyway, at her question,
]

Oh. Yeah, I was there for a little bit. [Though Asch still has many questions about the current situation, and there's a lot of information that needs processing. There's still a long way to go before he'll be up to speed.] But I came back out here to train. Marshmallow shouldn't be too far away...

[But where exactly is that little Moogle?]

So. Is this someplace where you'd normally find a chocobo?

[Worth asking just because he doesn't really know.]
stupidgenes: ([3] got your back)

[personal profile] stupidgenes 2017-03-14 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
OF COURSE, I DON'T WANT THEM TO CATCH US! I'm not an idiot like you!

[No, because he's a different brand of idiot, isn't he? Asch can't help his annoyance at Yuri pushing as they make that hard left.]

Are you SERIOUS? You mean you didn't decide to lose them completely before taking a nap?!

[Because three hours should be long enough for someone to lose a tail if they're actually trying. Really, three hours is plenty of time to make a getaway!]

What's wrong with you?!
Edited 2017-03-14 14:48 (UTC)
dammit_flynn: estheticons (→ that's what I thought)

[personal profile] dammit_flynn 2017-03-17 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
You're an idiot for socializing with an idiot? What's the difference?

[ Yuri retorted back as he laughed at Asch's attempt to state how idiotic Yuri was. Of course, if he really believed that he would have ran off, leaving the swordsman to his own devices. ]

I did lose them. I guess they found me because we were hanging around her for too long.

[ He shrugged at the comment, again not so very surprised or concerned. Sorry Asch. ]

What isn't wrong with me? Now keep going. That way towards the ruins over there!

[ Another push. ]
Edited 2017-03-17 06:08 (UTC)
worstintheworld: (Hair Toss)

[personal profile] worstintheworld 2017-03-22 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, that would work out beautifully, then! I was told that sometimes chocobos travel in the company of dangerous monsters. They must be defeated before the bird's trust can be earned. You should have ample opportunity for training, Asch.

[She seems delighted at the very idea, laying her fingertips together with a broad grin. Not only was it her good fortune to find someone to go adventuring with her, Asch is in this world! She'd be a liar if she said the prospect didn't make her heart skip a beat. They so rarely got to spend much time together in Auldrant, given their circumstances.]

Shall we work as partners once again? Nothing would please me more if you would join me.

[Natalia unshoulders her bow and strings it quickly, beaming.]

It'll be just like it was when we were kids.

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