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

[eternitynpc]

Then I shall refrain from answering any more questions. That would be quite redundant.

[eternitynpc]

My pleasure meeting you.

[ She smiled. ]

I am sure we shall meet again soon.

[eternitynpc]

It is indeed quite likely we shall meet again at the dinner.

You can call me Meghamaal. I'll answer what questions you may have then.

[eternitynpc]

Success, perhaps. But not conclusion.

[ He starts playing a specific tune. ]

Sometimes, I feel like I remember others like you... Gifted with the same innate potential, yet they never quite learned to sing. And while they achieved success, they couldn't bring their story to a full stop.

[eternitynpc]

[ For a moment, it looks like Saint Cross will hit the strange man...

But lo and behold, an large and ugly green dog suddenly leaps just before Gilgamesh and absorbs the blow aimed at his master! Said ugly dog barks angrily at the two men. Meanwhile, Gilgamesh answer Ravus. ]

A true warrior should make use of all his assets, fiend! [Then to the dog.] Enkidu! Keep this blade-less miscreant from interfering in our fated duel!

[ And lo, Enkidu leaps majestically once more, but this time at Ravus. Trying to bite him wherever he can, running around him, swiping his tail at his legs— Truly, Ravus is in for hell. Which means Gilgamesh can focus his attention on Gladio. ]

I can not remember when or where we met, but it is clear to me our duel is fated! [And now, all eight arms get into fighting stance.] Fight now, lest your weapon be forfeit to me!

[eternitynpc]

...

[ She listened without saying a word, and remained silent for a while afterward. ]

I think it is but a romantic interpretation of the tale. I do not believe she found any comfort.

[wind_in_my_ears]

[Being currently non-employed and bereft of pocket change, going to an opera without cost was a bit of a no-brainer. He didn't know if he would like opera, but... by the end of it...

Klonoa turns, looking up at the whale there as he's addressed as he wipes tears from his eyes. Or, at least, he thinks she's talking to him?]

"Huh? I thought... 'Good job, heroes'. They did really well, putting the goddess at ease like that. This is how this world was created, huh..."

[wildlinks]

"I will be careful I promise." He chuckles, "After that MF-X, nothing can be as bad."

"You too be careful, alright?" And he's not talking about the food now, despite the smile he has. "I know it sounds redundant telling you this, but there are some bad rumors going around."

apologies for the delay

[findingbeasts]

I hope they do, kupo!

[Newt glances at Wedge. Why are you giving his toddler Moogle ideas, sir.]

If you aren't careful he may try to coerce you into helping him find some.

[And then anything that happens from that point on is your fault, Wedge.]

[wildlinks]

[Souji is not sure where he heard the song or how it goes past these two lines, but they are befitting the new feline friends.]

Ahh yeah, haha. [Souji lifts his hand to let the cat curl up against his side.]

You have quite the envoy following you.

[findingbeasts]

[Hearing that familiar name makes Newt pause even as Flavius continues zipping along some of the displays chatting happily, the wizard turning to look for the Moogle calling for 'Pam'.

Then he hears Pam respond and Newt freezes in surprise.

Pamela.]

Newt? Hey Newt? You okay, kupo? [Flavius drifted back, waving a paw in front of the wizard's face before turning to look over towards Pamela and Althaea.] Who's that?

It's..well it's.. [Newt was already walking, Flavius squeaking and following after him as his human companion approached the pair.] Pamela..you're here.

[wildlinks]

Souji watches with delight how Prompto feeds the bird and just how happy the chocobo is for getting those green treats.

He shuffles closer to them and peers in, raising his hand tentatively:"...is it allowed to pet him?" Because- it's not his. Some people can be possessive with their animals.

III

[findingbeasts]

"Well aren't you a lovely creature," Newt mused as he approached Poppy, unaware of Clarus standing on the other side of the bird. It was in between races and the former wizard had watched a couple, fascinated by the Chocobos and well, needless to say he'd already met a few of them.

A pair of cats were at his heels as he lifted a hand and offered it to Poppy with a gentle smile, Flavius floating about behind him with an armful of Gysahl Greens.

"Can I feed it some, kupo?"

"We should find whoever they belong to first, Flavius."

Oblivious Newt is oblivious.

[mythmaker]

[There's a bit of a pause before she answers, but Azusa's outgoing smile returns with a laugh.]

My, my...you've got me all figured out, don't you? People are always telling me that's how I think~.

[The word 'romantic' in particular.]

Thanks to you, I'm going to be thinking about this for a while.

f o o t b a l l

[witchwithoutacause]

Good, she's getting the hang of spotting other abductees. Amanda nods at her. "Space trip? How many people here get to run around space? Those two dudes were just talking about 'starships' or something."

Morag has an eye on Bobble, although this seems harmless enough.

[witchwithoutacause]

"Yeah, I gotta work on buckling down a little more consistently I guess." Practice. Responsibility. This better be worth it.

[bleedingunversed]

Anything is easy to eat when you have these.

[He motioned to his mandibles but the kid does have a point.

The arachne turns away again and makes quick work of his snack, turning back around only when he's cleaning his long fingers off and delicately wiping off his mandibles.]

Why are you wandering around by yourself?

[toxicodendron_isley]

[Althaea had started glowering as soon as Newt had made his way over, deliberately floating between the two. Pam hadn't bothered looking up until her named was said in a familiar voice.]

What's it to y-

Newt. [Althaea blanched at Pamela's smiling greeting, then even more so when her companion cupped the wizards face as the red head spoke.] So, this is where you disappeared off to, petal.

[bleedingunversed]

[Vanitas tensed. Disappearing without warning was never something he'd been fond of back in Ryslig. He'd been lucky in that he'd never lost any of the people he'd been closest too, at least not until just before he'd left as well but it had always been a lingering fear for him.

He's got Roxas back and he doesn't want to lose him again.]

You don't have to miss me anymore. Now you're stuck with me.

[That's a promise.]

Peaceful..that sounds boring. [The arachne scoffs some and nuzzles Roxas again.] What the hell are we suppose to do if everything is peaceful? What are we suppose to eat?

[bleedingunversed]

Sounds like a load of crap.

[He says it without much hesitation, mandibles twitching as he shifts his feet about as another firework crackles above them.]

They're just small explosions. They can't do anything to make things better but people can use them to make your life hell. Where I was before people used them to make us hallucinate and panic. They aren't some symbol of peace and hope.

[God he hates those words.]

[bleedingunversed]

No.

[It's said in a flat tone as Vanitas just stares at them, mandibles snapping together.]

Are you done?

[This music is going to drive him insane.]

Or am I going to have you eat you too?

[righthandstand]

[Stray Cat trashes around, but Okuyasu's got this. He shuffles past another cat in order to get a bit closer.]

One! Two! [He rocks the pot.] Three!

[And there goes the cat plant sailing over the horde of cats.]

[regalblaze]

[It is true that the place is rather crowded, but such things happen on a regular when there is a festival around. Speaking of Insomnia-]

Marshal made quite a good comparison that this places fees like the Crown City. The sustainability, the technology, the military. The uncomfortable similarities between our two worlds continue.

[righthandstand]

[A scene. He's being an idiot in public. Okuyasu looks around, feeling the humiliation pile up with each annoyed bystander. Salieri needs to be punched, but now he's kind of stuck.

Damn, where's Josuke and Koichi to help him out in situations like this?]

I don't go around tellin' people I don't like they way they look. [His hands slowly move to his sides. He's not going to back down...too much, but if he escalates this, he'll be the one in trouble.]

[righthandstand]

That's right! You're so smart, Papyrus.

[Okuyasu has his own idea of what to wear, but he approves heartily.]

You gotta get the right shoes. Shit, maybe they have that here, too?