Prelude || The Festival Of Light

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light."
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: The 3rd of August, final day of the Festival of Light. The Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The Heroes of Light awaken in Aqures Ixen and are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and what their destinies are. This a log for them to react to the situation, meet each other and optionally participate in activities provided by the Festival of Light.
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. Upon doing so, you can hear a soft, soothing voice speaking:


"Wake up."

Soon, the void itself vanishes and is replaced by distant noises of engines. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call one more time, but is soon replaced with a much less graceful "Wake up, Kupo!" Hand clutched on your Crystal, the call of the Moogle may finally wake you up. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Fire, in the third district of a city called Aqures Ixen. At this point, you may realize the engine noise actually originates from an Airship flying low over the city and headed to dock beneath the castle. As if it wasn't strange enough, your clothes have changed as well. They are now a reflection of the Jobs you are wielding. Last but not least, you are surrounded by Moogles, small and fluffy creatures who are more than happy to tell you about everything you want to know, about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light, about what awaits you.

Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any citizens aside from Moogles in the vicinity. Indeed, the population of Aqures Ixen seems to be busy elsewhere in the city-- The Moogle will tell you there currently an event named the Festival of Light, which most people are attending. But you are not alone! It probably will not be long before you realize there are plenty of people like you all around, and if somehow you do not realize it, the Moogle who woke you up will be more than happy to inform you there are others like you around. Maybe with their help, you will be able to find out what is happening to you.






— Final Day —
The Festival of Light is a yearly event held at Aqures Ixen to celebrate the victory of the "Heroes of Light" over the "Calamity from the Skies" two thousands years ago, or so do the legends say. Whether people believe in the legends or not, this is an occasion for them to have fun and spend time with family and friends. The Festival is held from the 28th of July to the 3rd of August.

Unfortunately, most attractions and events are over by the third of August. Yet, there is enough to do, should the newly arrived Heroes of Light favor spending time looking at the attractions rather than panicking about their situation. The festival ends at midnight.


Theater Play
— Ninth District || 14:00 —

There is a large theater stage installed in the 9th district-- It is probably only temporary by the look of it. There is quite a crowd seated to watch the play about to unfold, as well as numerous people standing beneath the seats or sitting on the ceilings because they couldn't get a seat. After the audience grows quiet, a woman with long silver hair and green-ish skin steps onto the stage to address the audience.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight's performance is a story that takes place long, long ago! At the time when the Ancients reigned over the planet, when the Calamities from the Skies landed on this world and waged war against all forms of life. When our story begins, the Ancients are on the brink of extinction and gathering the last of their forces to fight. And now people of Aqures Ixen and visitors from distant lands, we proudly present 'The 4 Heroes of Light'!"

After this, the play starts and will last for roughly one hour and a half. The main characters appear to be four Heroes of Light, respectively dressed as a Warrior, Monk, Black Mage and White Mage. Other characters include the Calamity from the Skies played by the silver-haired woman, an Ancient scientist and the Princess of Crystallis. The story appears to be a highly romanticized version of the tale the Moogles told the characters earlier. As the play unfolds, there is a love story between one of the Heroes of Light, the Warrior, and the Princess of Crystallis. At the end of the play, the Heroes of Light successfully defeat the Calamity from the Skies, but the Warrior has to sacrifice himself and die in order to protect the Princess of Crystallis.


Culinary Attractions
— Fourteenth District || Anytime —
What would a festival be without free food and banquets? Not really a festival. In the fourteenth district, there is a banquet and many stands held by people from all over the world-- People from Balicea, Aerilon, Esdham, Flence, etc. There is even a stand held by former inhabitants of the Empire. All kind of food from all over the world can be found here-- Refined food, pastries, cakes, cooked meals, etc. It's virtually impossible not to find something to like in all of this, and it's all free until midnight!


Competitions
— Tenth & Eight District || 18:00 —

At 18:00, there will be a Blitzball match opposing the teams of Aqures Ixen and Balicea in the Blitzball Stadium. It is more of an exposition match, with nothing to be won aside from glory. Anyone is free to enter the stadium to watch the match. Following this, people - playable characters included - will be allowed to play some Blitzball Match on their own, if they want to try.

At the same time, a Triple Triad competition will be taking place in the eight district, in the campus of the university. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament, and if they do so they will be given very basic cards and explained the rules. With low level cards and whatsoever no experience, odds are that they may lose to much more experienced and competitive players, but what matters is trying, right? Whilst no characters may recognize him yet, it is notable that one of the NPCs, Wedge, is taking part in the competition. It's just a shame knowing he will lose in the semi-finals.


Trano Golsaucia's Stands
— Eleventh District || Anytime —
Specially for the occasions, stallholders from Trano Golsaucia traveled to Aqures Ixen and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, they brought Chocobos and will organize numerous races throughout the day, on an improvised tracks running around the houses. The Heroes of Light are more than welcome to try and bet, should they want to lose (or multiply) what few Gils they have. If they feel adventurous, they may even try to enter one of the races and ride a Chocobo-- At their own risks.

Aside from this, there are some more attractions worthy of attention. There is a shooting stand-- Coincidentally, all the targets are vaguely similar to the main antagonists of numbered Final Fantasy games. There is a treasure chest game, where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushie. There is also a fortune teller Moogle, it is notable that his predictions will always include either the character suffering hell or dying soon, in one form or another. Hopefully this moogle is just a scam.


Fireworks
— First District || 23:00 —

What better way to conclude a festival than fireworks? Fireworks will be launched from the Castle of Aqures Ixen starting 23:00, and will end at midnight, at the same time than the festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them easilly if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise.

Comments

[holycrows]

[A. Around]
Well, Henry thought to himself a bit after getting a quick rundown of the situation from the Moogle that was nearby when he came back to consciousness, seems like that messages isn't going to get to those Ylissians, oh well!

"Nyahaha" he laughs outloud as he begins to wander towards the theatre. Might as well enjoy this festival, he thinks, surely there will be some wars going on here too.

[B. The Theatre]
Henry watches intently throughout the performance, showing little emotions for most of it, getting excited when there is a fight but seeming disappointed at the end of each one. About halfway through he comments to his Moogle "This is a really tame play. I don't think I've ever seen a play go this long without a drop of fake blood on the stage"

He gets really pumped when the warrior dies, letting out a quiet chuckle of enjoyments, before popping popcorn into his mouth as he exits the theatre with the rest of the guests.

[C. The Fortune Teller]
After getting a pretty awesome fortune about how he'll be dismembered and fed to a pack of Angry goblins, Henry has wanted to share how awesome this Moogle's fortunes are. He's begun to go up to every one he sees, trying to encourage them to go visit her.

"It's the ultimate fortune you'll ever receive! Nyahaha!"

C

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji was looking at the stalls and attractions, instead of where he was going, and he almost runs into the man, but stops in mid-stride. He pulls back a little bit, and blinks, but listens to what Henry is telling him.

"Ultimate fortune?" Kaji tilts his head in curiosity, then smirks and folds his arms. "All right, you've got my interest."

Re: C

[holycrows]

Henry's face perks up when Kaji ask's his question.

"Yeppers! If you want to learn about your terrible bloody death, this moogle is just the animal to tell you about it!"

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji laughs, because what else can he say in response to that? Shinji, the moogle riding on his shoulder, looks worried, with a quiet "Kupo?"

"I'll bite. Why not? That's the most interesting thing I've been told all day."

Kaji heads towards the moogle's stand, and glances to see if the stranger wants to tag along and hear this 'ultimate fortune.' (And probably compare to his own.)

[holycrows]

Henry follows Kaji over to the Fotruneteller stand, bouncing giddly with each step.

"Ohhh I hope yours is good."

[iknowtheconsequences]

The stand holds a moogle with the stereotypical fortune-teller equipment: crystal balls, arcane symbols on every available surface (many of which Kaji doesn't recognize, and he has a feeling might have been made up by the moogle).

"Ku~po! Back for more? I already told you your fortune!" The moogle putters at Henry, until he looks up at Kaji. "Oh! Oh oh! New customer! Yes, sit sit!"

Kaji shoots Shinji a skeptical look, who shrugs in response. Kaji sits at the offered stool, and has to hold back a chuckle at the moogle. "So how does this wor-"

"Tut!" The moogle shushes him. "You mustn't interrupt the oracular trance, kupo!" The moogle begins to flutter in place and hum, the humming occasionally interrupted by a 'kupo' when it has to take a breath.

Kaji very slowly turns to look at Henry, one eyebrow raised in an expression of 'you're kidding me, right?'

[holycrows]

Henry gives Kaji a double thumbs up, still smiling.

Fortunes!

[charlottejonathan]

Charlotte was pretty skeptical; it wasn't really the kind of thing she believed in. Especially when, in her opinion, they were generally crooks preying on gullible people. "You'll need to be more convincing than that."

She was dressed in the outfit of a Red Mage, with a large, heavy tome tucked under her arm, strange magical symbols inscribed on the cover. Unfortunately, in this world, they lost the power they had in hers. There was no sign of her moogle, and the only reason she was waiting here was because Mogsy had chosen this spot to meet her.

If she didn't have to carry her book, she would have crossed her arms. She settled for rolling her eyes instead. "Fortune tellers only tell you what you want to hear."

Re: Fortunes!

[holycrows]

"Oh, I know that, and what I wanted to hear was the horrible way in which I'll die! You're supposed to indulge at a festival. It's like a mystical fried dough."

Henry glances at the book for a few moment.

"It looks like you're a wizard too! It's usually the same power, it's just not being used to set baddies on fire. It's just as fun too, nyahaha!"

[charlottejonathan]

Charlotte gives the stranger a bewildered, you're a nutter, look at his, uh, excitement over morbid fortunes.

But in response to the claim she's a wizard, Charlotte huffs and waggles a finger at him. "Excuse me, but I'm a witch. And this magical genius can do more than just set baddies on fire, thank you."

[holycrows]

The moment Charlotte mentions she's a witch Henry manages to brighten up even more.

"A witch!? So you can curse people! That's way more fun than setting them on fire! I was a Dark Mage back home, just slinging curses left and right, which one is your favorite?"

[charlottejonathan]

"Hey, I'm not that kind of witch! It's my duty to help people, not make them miserable."

She narrowed her eyes, glaring at this stranger; she'd definitely have to keep an eye on this one. "You're not supposed to be a Hero of Light, are you?"

Because he sure didn't seem made of Hero material to her.

[holycrows]

"Yeppers I am! Henry, Hero of Light! I'm apparently a Dark Knight here so I don't know if that cancels anything out nyahaha. I feel pretty much the same as I did from before getting here, though all my spells are weird now."

[aeromancer]

Ugh what was with this human? Zojja thought about tipping her black mage's hat down over her eyes and tell the guy she was not interested in fortune telling. It was just people making vague random guesses that could honestly apply to just about everything that happened on a daily basis. It was unfounded, unscientific, and most of all, stupid.

This guy though, he seemed to be really into these fortunes. Even if the smile he wore seemed to be really creepy.

"What's so great about it?"

[holycrows]

"What's great about it? Because it's awesome! Who doesn't want to know how they will die?"

[aeromancer]

Death? This man was excited about his own death? Is this how humans back in Tyria worshipped Grenth? She highly doubted it. The human god of death and winter didn't seem to be the type to put up with...death junkies, for the lack of a better term.

"Are they accurate? Has anyone died from say, spontaneous combustion or being eaten alive by bears?"

[holycrows]

Henry thinks about this for a second, a finger to his mouth.

"I'm sure someone has. Spontaneous combustion doesn't sound fun. Unless it happens at a cool time, like at the end of a play."

[aeromancer]

She had to admit, that yes, death by spontaneous combustion was better when accompanied by some drama. But did that really make it spontaneous? Maybe it depended on the context.

"I just want to know if these predictions come true or not. I'd be really disappointed if I pass away peacefully in my sleep of old age when I was told someone was going to drive a dagger into my back on my thirty second birthday."

Which, well, had a decent chance of being at least attempted. She had more than her fair share of enemies back in Rata Sum. It's actually kind of a miracle none of the members of the Arcane Council has tried to murder her yet.

[holycrows]

"You know what they say: 'You make your own destiny'. You'll never get assassinated if you don't have anyone to assassinate you. It's why fortunes work so well, they tell you you're going to come into money and then when you attack an enemy village it turns out they have a ton of gold hidden under everything!"

Theatre

[damnthatkiel]

Evon Gnashblade, enlightened politician that he was, had seen directly through the veil of charlatan heroism that was this stage play. Yes, his percipient perception saw straight to the heart of this propaganda. Which was to say, it was the same dressed-up nonsense that Tuile had been feeding him since his awakening--or whatever the hell she'd called it.

It was with this realist's mindset that he noticed the other patron. Some human here wasn't afraid to call out the pageantry. Now Evon, he wasn't about to make a scene. Tallest nail and all that. But as far as other people went, it was a nice change from all of this sugary optimism. Finally, he could talk to somebody with a little perspective.

He approached the man unceremoniously after the show was over. "You seemed to have enjoyed yourself back there."

Re: Theatre

[holycrows]

"Hmm?"

Henry turns to see who was talking, his face lighting up when he sees Gnashblade fully. He look confused for a second, then resigned before he goes back to a more general pleasant face.

"I did enjoy it, though it had a lot less violence than I'm used to in a play. Plus they killed the good guy in the end? What was up with that? What did you think Mr...Goat-tiger-person?"

[damnthatkiel]

"Goat-ti--" He'd run into plenty of people who had never seen a proper charr before, but that was a new one for his running bizarre-animal-synthesis tab.

Evon cleared his throat, "I take it charr aren't a common sight in your, erm, dimension. I would place you as a human. At least, that's what we call it where I hail from." Along with some other words.

Admittedly, it was much less violence than he was used to in a play as well. He turned up his hands, "I'd suspect it's a dramatic ploy. A deliberate pull for audience sympathy or...something."

[holycrows]

"Dunno! We have a lot of beast tribes."

Henry munches a handful of popcorn before continuing.

"My Ammph," henry pauses, to swallow, "-gree with that. I guess they really wanted to drive in that she lost. The princess lived, only one of the warriors died. A comedy of failure you could say, nyahaha."

[damnthatkiel]

"Charr are hardly a 'beast tribe.' In fact, we're consistently at the forefront of reliable design and innovation." The ever-so-casual implication was a bit irksome, but Evon didn't lose his face.

"Indeed," that was a rather poetic summary, if a bit less political than his own suspicions. "Though that "comedy" looks to rather neatly align with what the folks here expect out of us."

[holycrows]

"The Calamity part or the princess saving part?"