Event || The Festival of Light

[eternitymods]

Who: Everyone!
When: August 18th - 25th
Where: The Empire
What: The Festival of Light is here! Feel free to use any of these prompts. NPCs tag will come sometimes this week. Please mention it in your top-level if you'd rather not be tagged by a random NPC.
Warnings/Notes: N/A

EXPOSITION OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
— Third District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00 to 23:00 —
The museums in the 03rd District are open to visitors and are home to many relics predating written history. A lot of those old relics are items of archaeological interest or look like they could be really advanced technologies if they weren't broken beyond repair. Prototypes for Magitek Armor of a new age are exposed, alongside fragments of what are believed to belong to the legendary WEAPONs, machines that belong to the same category than Ultima WEAPON.

The section for Eidolons has all the Eidolons the characters have met so far as well as others yet undiscovered displaying on a gigantic wall-covering painting. The largest Eidolon on the painting appears to be a dragon some characters may recognize as Bahamut, he is so big he dwarves the other Eidolons and should one pay attention, his wings are actually the background of the painting.

Interestingly, someone has doodled something that looks like Ultros over Leviathan on the painting...


SUNNY STARLIGHT
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
Do you really believe because it’s summer, you can escape the beauty and magnificence of Christmas? Think again. There is one thing all the nations on Vaikuntha are of one mind on: the wait from the December 26th of a year to the December 24th of the next is too long. This is why a band of Moogles, Lalafells, Bangaas and Zoras from all across the Empire have occupied half of the Ninth District. Decorated trees, Christmas music, people dressed as Santa Claus (and probably dying because of the heat), fake gift boxes as well as a very large and pretty box for donations all await you!

Kids below the age of 15 will all receive a gift if they come: plushies made in the likeness of the main villains of numbered Final Fantasy games! And when you press the button hidden on their stomach, they speak a random line. Who doesn't want a Sephiroth plushie saying "You are a puppet" or a Jecht one repeating "Cry, cry, cry" all day long?

It's like a dream come true!


MIDNIGHT AIRSHIP
— Twelfth District || August 20th – August 24th || 23:00 to 06:00 —
For the late sleepers, it is possible to board a special airship prepared by Hypellos to party up in the sky. The Airship flies all around the Imperial Territories and should characters so desire, they can ask to stop by one of the two other cities. Whether they want to dance, to eat or to enjoy the view, it might be a very fun and relaxing activity. It is also a very good place from where to watch the fireworks… Or to scout for an incoming Tarutaru and her weapon toy.

Note that all the personnel onboard are Hypellos. They are very serviceable and nice, but can try the patience of those not used to their accent. Of note, one Hypello is green and appears to be angrily stalking anyone heading for the "Sunny Starlight" event. He is quite sneaky though and will always manage to get away before being approached.


MOGNET EXPOSITION
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
The half of the Ninth District not occupied by Christmas fanatics is occupied by the Moogles working for the Imperial section of Mognet. Split for the regular Mognet for a decade, Imperial Mognet has managed to thrive. Imperial iMog Slates have all sorts of functions other iMog Slates could only dream of, such as games, grammar check and that kind of stuff. All of those things can be visited at the exposition! Not only that, but the Moogles are also putting on display things that have nothing to do with Mognet but more to do with Moogles themselves.

Come and visit the exposition to discover the rich and amazing culture of the Moogles! Kupo Nuts, Fur Dye, Fake Kupo Nuts, Pom Shiner, Carved Kupo Nuts, booklets titled "How to Use Your Cuteness to Exploit People," Mognet Bags, Deluxe Kupo Nuts, Sheets to Prepare Future Strikes, Mog Beds, Explosive Kupo Nuts, Kupo Champagne—

There is no end to what might be learned from Moogles!


CHOCOBO RACES
— Sen Riqeaux || August 23rd || 15:00 to 20:00 —
A Chocobo Race will be held all around the city! Will you compete? Shall you win? There are no prizes as all the money earned through the race is given to the Safety of Sparks Golsaucia movement. Those participating can bring their own Chocobo or get a temporary one from the people organizing the race. It will be a very bad Chocobo though, so they shouldn’t expect to win… Beware the Hamsters and Marlboro during the race though. It’d be a real shame to end up getting eaten while racing.


SHOPPING
— City's Outskirts || August 18th – August 25th || 07:00 - 20:00 —
On the city's outskirts are all manners of stalls by shoppers eager to make some money. You can find everything there: plushies, food, clothes, souvenirs, books and even cosmetics. Why, one of the merchant is even selling contact lenses covering nearly all of the rainbow's spectrum aside from green while another sells all kind of swords, even the supposed legendary Excalibur! This might be the perfect place to take on O'aka's Quest if you so wish!


MINI SPARKS GOLSAUCIA
— Eleventh District || August 19th – August 24th || Anytime —
Specially for the festival, stallholders from Sparks Golsaucia were invited and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, there is a shooting stand—Once again, a treasure chest game where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushies. The novelty this year is something called the "Kupo Boxes," Boxes you punch open and you get something: perhaps something wonderful like a 1 million gil ticket, more often than not though absolutely nothing. Will you try your chance? Be careful, your wallet might not survive it.


TOURNAMENTS
— Tenth District || August 19th – August 23rd || 10:00/15:00/20:00 —
There is a Blitzball Competition taking place during the Festival of Light! Characters are free to go and watch the matches, so long as they can pay for the tickets. At the same time, a Triple Triad competition is taking place. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament if they so wish. Characters who know Triple Triads have decent chances to win. And even if your characters lose, what matters is trying, right? There are no prizes to be won, as all money goes to the Triple Triad For Everyone associations.


CULINARY ATTRACTIONS
— Second District || August 18th – August 25th || 12:00 to 13:30 / 19:00 to 21:00 —
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 Empire. All kind of food 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! There are, however, guards standing around on the lookout for Gourmands who would be tempted to ruin the fun for everyone. After what happened two years ago, better be careful.


THE OPERA
— Ninth District || August 18th - August 24th || 22:00 —
There is an opera every day for all to see for free, titled "A Goddess's Tears." It is a retelling of the creation myth, but shown from the (presumed) perspective of the Goddess of Death. The play depicts the Goddess as someone who started out as a rather sweet person, but whose life took such terrible turns she wished to die and resented life. Yet, death was too scary of a prospect for her and she couldn't choose what was better, Life or Death. As the play progresses, she decides both are equally terrible and resolves to create a world where those very notions shall no longer exist.

As the play unfolds, toward the ends the story becomes what people are more familiar with. However, rather than letting her die wordlessly, the four heroes appease the Goddess's soul by singing. As the four heroes sing, the Goddess smiles and sheds a single tear before passing away. It is said the play is very emotional, sensible people might want to pass on it.


HOUSING
— Fourteenth District || August 17th - August 27th || Anytime —
Before, after and during the Festival of Light, the characters will all need a place where they can rest. Thankfully for them, people coming with the Curti Center delegation are all given the keys to stay in one of the abandoned houses in the 14th District. Truth to be told however, those house look anything but abandoned. Why, it's as if people had been living in them up until very recently, given how either clean and ordered they are for some, or chaotic and neglected they are for others (Characters who were present in Melodies of Life will be able to notice the houses are nearly identical to what they were just before the time skip during endgame, though there are a few eerie differences).

At least, it's a good place to sleep!


ARDYNIAN DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Ardynia! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Wizard and Jester Jobs. It is a thriving city with people from all over the Empire, and it appears to be something of a shopping center for the imperial region.

And most importantly, discover the official headwear of Ardynia: the Fedora! It is said Archaeologists have imported this fashion trend to Ardynia when they pass by, but none know whether this is true or not. While most citizens have enough senses not to actually wear this dreaded hat, those who do wear it really look dumb doing so. And those who don't look dumb look like they'd make jokes about your pet's untimely demise while you're still crying about it.

Perhaps is is best to stay away.


PARASRAYA DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Parasraya! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Archaeologist and Catmancer Jobs, as well as the Weapon Master Association. It is a technologically advanced yet small and cozy city...

... If it wasn't for a tragedy plaguing the city: cats, cats everywhere. If the meowing doesn't kill you, the constant flow of cats asking to be pet, fed and to sit on your lap might. You may even encounter a few tired citizens paying you money to take care of the cat infestation around their house. Others however are really defensive of the cats and will hunt anyone trying to bring harm to them. Of course, the source of all these cat-related troubles can be traced back to the origins of the Catmancer guild.

But, perhaps it is a story best left for another day.


FIREWORKS
— First District || August 18th – August 24th || Midnight —
Fireworks will be launched from the Castle starting 00:00 and will end at 01:00, everyday of the Festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them with ease if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise. On the 25th, characters will be with dining with the Empress as the fireworks happen.

Comments

Museum Expo

[eternitynpcs]

[A Zora Johnny may recognize from the ill-fated tour of K'Pandol has been studying the painting of the Eidolons with great interest. He looks up when Johnny grumbles about the display.]

Junk? Well, you know what they say, one zora's trash is another zora's treasure. Who knows what secrets these humble relics could hold.

[Pharce might also be making the guards a little nervous, because the eager look he is directing at the items suggests he'd love to carry them off to study more closely.]

[righthandstand]

[He'll fight anyone who's pissing him off, and Josuke isn't here to stop him.]

Oh, yeah? Then what do you mean my talking shit about my style? [A nearby customer jerks their head at him.]

I.

[desertbloomed]

"A deal is struck, then," Ashelia could be heard from not very far away. She extended a hand to shake on their agreement, but the handsome man she stood across from grabbed it and turned it palm down, bringing the back of the hand to his lips.

"Until next time," he purred.

"Charmed, I'm sure," was the answer. As soon as the man left, Ashelia downed the rest of her wine glass and went to pick up another one from the bar, wiping her hand on her hamster pelt.

It didn't take her long to make her way over to Regis once she saw him. At least he was a gentleman. She opened her mouth to greet him, but was headed off at the pass. She nodded in return. "I've certainly had worse flights." Parachuting out of a crashing Imperial dreadnought while riding a motorcycle would be a tough one to beat. Still, she took a noticeably large gulp of wine. There, that helped.

"How have you enjoyed the festival?"

Culinary Attraction

[eternitynpcs]

[Ganeshan has been trying a little a lot of everything the food stands have to offer. Still, he'll gladly take the proffered quiche from the young outworlder.]

YES, THEY ARE QUITE DELICIOUS! EVERYTHING MADE FROM THE NOBLE PIG IS GUARANTEED TO BE A DELIGHT. THEIR SACRIFICE IS NEVER IN VAIN!

[He flashes a brilliant smile at Roxas for sharing the treat with him.]

Mognet Expo

[eternitynpcs]

Y-you're familiar with these kind of applications, kupo? [Pardon this moogle for staring in both surprise and wonder.] I-I mean, you can always ask once you're familiar with the code, kupo! I'm sure the others will be thrilled!

[Sorry Neo, he was gonna help but then he got distracted himself...]

[sullenstallion]

[Yakitori is still too dumb to realize he could just hop or climb over Dylas' tail, so his tantrum over not being allowed to eat trash continues. He lays there on the ground, unmoving, expecting Dylas or Yue to come and carry him and treat him like the baby. He doesn't even open his eyes at the arrival of two guys coming over to him. He lays there, like roadkill.]

Oh. It's you two. I should've figured you were here.

[Dylas straightens his torso so he's standing taller and, being a snake, he can turn himself away from Yakitori to look at them. The bird remains completely still, unaware his dad is looking away. Oh, if only he could eat trash...]

Everything's fine. What do you want?

[He's missing the big picture here. He has no idea how this looks.]

Parasrayan Escapery

[eternitynpcs]

[Yue may be evading the cats, but the cats are evading Ganeshan. As he approaches, he lets out a tremendous sneeze that sends the nearby felines fleeing in terror.]

WAIT! sniff COME BACK, LITTLE FURRY FRIENDS! [He sneezes a second time, which continues to spook the poor animals into hiding. Ganeshan droops his head in disappointment.]

[eternitynpcs]

It's okay, kupo. [If nothing else, he appreciates the attempt.] Happens all the time! I have plenty of spares because of it, ku-

[Kupoto flushes, embarrassed and surprised.] Ah- n-no need, kupo. It was my own fault, kupo...

[desertbloomed]

It's not repayment for the kerchief. It's repayment for your kindness. [ Honestly, she's about a second away from saying "I insist." ]

[chosennobody]

[Somehow Roxas had missed that it was Ganeshan standing next to him until the zora spoke. Probably because he hadn't been loud up until that point because his mouth was full. Either way, the Nobody didn't mind. Ganeshan could be as loud as he wanted.]

That's a good way to look at it.

[Of course, he's thinking about a different sort of meat in reference to sacrifice, but no one needs to know that.]

What should we try next? Do you think they have ice cream?

Mognet Explosition

[eternitynpcs]

[Wedge eyes the explosives Flavius is asking for.]

Not as good as a blaster in a fight, but I imagine they'd be good for a distraction. I wonder if they sell 'em anywhere.

[Probably not, during this festival when security is such a big focus.]

Sunny Starlight

[princeandscholar]

Although technically still a child, sixteen in his culture was considered old enough to court and join the military... hence the boy's blush and gentle protest at being given a toy. (Did he really look that young?) He was further confused when he took a closer look and realized the doll was... honestly a bit scary to look at with its’ scowling face and dark clothes.

Orcelito approached the toy bins curiously, looking for the sort of plush animals his little sister played with. Instead there were more of the same, and he stepped back and frowned. Perhaps the culture was just very different.

Spotting another child who had come on the trip (the green hair was hard to miss), Orcelito joins her with an understanding smile. "They're not very cute, are they? If you don't want to appear rude, you can keep it to give to someone who would like it."

[lordshield]

The speaking mannerisms of the woman next to him surprised Clarus a bit, and he took a bit more note of her as she spoke. The way she carried herself was somewhat distinguished, but he wasn't so bold as to make too many assumptions.

"You seem to know much of this empire," he noted nonchalantly. "Is this your home?"

[doodlebuginette]

Sunny Starlight

Maybe it was the fact that she was used to celebrating Christmas in December, or perhaps it was something else entirely. Either way, Marinette was just shaking her head at all of this. But apparently someone, somewhere, had decided that this was a good idea, and who was she to say that that choice was wrong? If an entire city wanted to do things a little differently, what right did she have to judge them for it?

Even still, she was having a hard time wrapping her head around everything. But even she had to admit that it was all very festive. Mai was currently hovering behind her, casually snapping photos of the decorations and the people in costumes. Something about posterity.

Shopping

Some things would never change. Wherever there were people, there were places to shop, and Marinette was particularly interested in the things to be bought here. Most importantly, she was on the lookout for something to wear to the dinner. If she didn't find something she couldn't live without, she'd probably just end up wearing something she'd brought along. Or maybe she'd see about making something. That could be fun.

With that thought in mind, she can easily be found browsing one of the many shops. Mai can usually be spotted hovering along behind her, possibly pointing out something she's sure the ridiculous girl would like.

Culinary Attractions

Just as a moth is drawn to a flame, the culinary festival had successfully drawn in one Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She might have decided that a career in fashion was what she really wanted in life, but food would always be her first love. And while this wasn't the first time she'd been to this kind of thing, it was the first time she'd been to a food festival in an entirely different world!

To say she was excited would be an understatement. She could easily be spotted flitting here and there, accepting samples of various treats, and sometimes pausing to ask a question or make a comment on some aspect of the food or the process. Mai, not having such a keen interest in food, just hung back and snapped photos of everything because she figured her girl would like to have something tangible to remember this by.

Choose Your Own

[While the things up above are the ones she'd most likely get up to, Marinette is likely available for other things as well. Want something not on the list? Goferit~ I'll match format as well. I'm also down for plotting things via doodlebuginette~]

[acapriciousreaper]

That piques Kuja's interest. "Look after everyone? Is there some reason to think that we're in danger, then?"
Aqures Ixen, Aqures Ixen... Something about that name seems... off.
"Aqures Ixen. A kingdom on Crystallis, which I suppose is your homeworld. I-" he stops, a look of contemplation on his face. His iMog slate is produced, the notepad pulled up.
S E N R I Q E A U X
He has to check.
S E N R I Q E A U X
A ? U R E S I X E N
"Is 'Aqures Ixen' spelt with a 'Q', incidentally?" comes the slightly icy question.

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia shook her head briskly. "No, though it does bear more than a passing resemblance to my former home on Crystallis."

She turned to face Clarus, extending a hand in greeting. "You are an Offworlder, though, same as myself. Well met. I am Queen Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca."

[lordshield]

"Ah, so you are one who was in the world before this," he concluded, feeling a bit more at ease with that knowledge.

Though his brows raised a bit when she introduced herself. He took her hand in his and bowed slightly while raising their hands to his lips to press a courtly kiss to her knuckles. "It is an honor to meet you, your majesty," he stated as he released her hand. "Lord Clarus Amicitia, at your service." She wasn't a queen here, and she wasn't his queen, but he knew this was how he'd like others to treat Regis and Noctis should they ever choose to let their status be known. Respect to the station should be afforded to all.

"I do not believe I have seen you around previously," he stated. "Did you arrive with this recent wave?"

Exposition

[eternitynpcs]

A Zora Emeralda may recognize from her adventure in K'Pandol appears as she questions the description on the WEAPON placard.

"Thousands of years ago, at least. No one knows exactly how long, but predating all the written texts the scholars have in our archives. Isn't it fascinating?"

[desertbloomed]

[ Ashelia looks on, first in amusement and then in genuine interest. She bites her lip when Kuja finishes with his anagram. Of course. How could she not have realized? ]

It is. [ She kisses her teeth, swishing her wine glass around anxiously. ] I originally hail from the land of Ivalice. I was taken to Crystallis to become a Hero of Light. With Princess Sarah being taken by someone who, in her words, "has forgotten what happiness is and wishes to see the world end," yes, I would say we are all in danger more grave than one would expect.

[ Biiiig gulp of wine here. ] This is no coincidence. Sen Riqeaux is more or less a carbon copy of Aqures Ixen. The very house I lived in yet stands.

[spaceforged]

I know I just... [He sighs, hand curling into the wolf's fur. How does he word this? He looks away, staring into the middle distance. Can he really make say what he's about to say? He turns it over and over in his head, that particularly focused look on his face.

He's in a dark place inside his own head. He had dealt with the worst of things by sitting on the edge of his bed in the dark. He hadn't wanted the team to see him like that. They couldn't. It would have fractured the hope that they held in their hands.]

...I saw both videos. [It's a start. He continues his voice going softer as he treads lightly over a topic he hasn't ever had to discuss with anyone. He looks at him, eyes a little duller than before.]

You didn't want them to see you like that. If they saw how badly you were being affected it would have made them worse than they already were.

[He traces through his memories. One by one he spots the moments the others especially Keith held him up.]

But...maybe it would have helped more than it hurt. Not just for them, but for you too. I'm not scolding. [He adds, as he reaches out to touch Keith's shoulder.]

I just think we should all bed down in the living room for a day or two when we get home. We've been running from conflict to conflict for so long. A night just being people could help.

[desertbloomed]

"I was taken from my home to become a Hero of Light, yes." Her tone was wry. Despite the gravity of the title, it seemed she put little stock in it.

Ashelia's eyebrows raised. A proper royal greeting. Who'd have thunk? "The honor is mine, my lord." And she meant that. "I did arrive quite recently, yes. A rude awakening, to be sure." Though, she supposed she would rather be here in Vaikuntha than still in crystal stasis. Not that I'd know the difference.

She looked back at the WEAPON fragment. "As I said, it's unlikely the Empire is the one who created the WEAPONS these fragments belong to. On Crystallis, they were remnants of the ancient civilization which created the cycle of destruction and rebirth we were all drawn into. 'Tis...not an outrageous postulation to make that Vaikuntha is simply another go 'round the spiral of death."

[acapriciousreaper]

There's a quiet moment as the realization of all this sets in. And then he's laughing. It's a mirthless cackle, full of mania that goes on for several seconds longer than the laugh of any sane man likely should.
It's probably telling that even one of the wait staff on the ship stops in her rounds. "Sorry, are you quite alright, sir?"
A glass of wine is snatched from her tray, and tilted to the genome's lips. "Fine! Off you go."
The glass is empty and the waitress gone, by the time he speaks again. "Ahaha... what comedy. The end of a world averted, only to be whisked off to another and wouldn't you know it, another wannabe nihilist with a god complex plots to put an end to this one. I knew something was wrong when I saw those damned dolls."

[lordshield]

"I do not imagine most thought it a pleasant change," Clarus agreed, clasping his hands behind his back, subconsciously making certain to stand straight. Not that it wasn't completely ingrained into his entire being to act proper in the presence of royalty. Well... in public at any rate.

"I have heard a few voice this possibility before." He took another step closer to the case to look at the items in question. "Did you see the WEAPONS in Crystallis as well? Are these alike in any way?" Wouldn't it be interesting if these were the same.

[boomchucka]

[That's right. Red mentioned something about an airship in their last conversation.]

Did you get your airship finished then, Red?

[She waves her hands in front of her face before making an "x" with her index fingers.]

Close! Aqures Ixen! It was the base of operations for the heroes on Crystallis. The houses where we all lived were very similar to the ones that we've come across here.

There's more to this place than what we're seeing on the outside.

[desertbloomed]

[ Ashelia narrows her eyes, looking away and sipping at her wine until Kuja is done. There is something...unhinged about him, that she hadn't noticed until now. He isn't wrong in his assertions, just...not altogether right, somehow. ]

[ The queen shrugs slightly. ] I suppose that's one way of looking at it...though one wonders if it becomes more or less comedic if it happens to be the same nihilist.

[ That last bit piques her interest, though. ] Dolls?