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

OTA

[pishirogane]

[A. Exposition of the Festival of Light]

So far, the Sen Devadatta Empire had been hospitable, but it still had her on edge. With the way the castle was tiered and the numerous districts, one had to be on guard. However, she would take the time to indulge herself in any information they might have here.

Between ancient relics and prototype magitek armor, there's plenty of notes to take especially on those of the supposed legendary WEAPONs and Ultima WEAPON.

However, those who come across her later while the young detective was taking notes on the Eidolons might notice her expression sour... and then feel the swell of magic while staring at the magnificent painting of all the Eidolons.

"Who besmirched this painting with that... creature?"

She might be talking about Ultros... and you might want to stop her.

[B. Shopping]

Plenty to purchase alright, and she hadn't seen the likes of much of these anywhere else in Vaikuntha. That, of course, only made sense since the Empire became isolated. And considering the sparse details behind that, there was a concern that the reason behind said practice might become something they - the offworlders - would inevitably become embroiled in. It just seemed like things often worked like that.

... But for now, plushies. She wondered which one Kanji might like.

Also, she had to take pause at the supposed Excalibur being sold at one of the booths. Why would anyone do that? Though, what would Excalibur be like were it converted into a Gunblade?

[C. Culinary Attractions]

Naoto ate like a bird - that was no secret.

Though wary of free food and the fact the guards wanting to make sure she wasn't a Gourmand, the detective could soon be found nibbling on slight portions of festival food. Whether to chance sampling it all or just because she really didn't need that much, she would be found giving some exotic pastry of the Empire a small taste.

[D. Ardynian Discovery]

It was good to get away from Sen Riqeaux for a bit and all the festivities. However, Ardynian appeared to be mainly another merchant's paradise. There wasn't anything particular that would catch her interest here - but she would take a moment to look at the fedoras on sale. Part of the archaeologist fashion trend? Sure, if that's what they wanted to tell their customers.

... No one was really wearing it; she wouldn't either.

Time to explore the Guilds that were apparently here then.

[E. Wildcard]

[OOC: Any prompt I didn't post that you'd like to possibly play out? We can hammer out the details and do that under E.]

E (August 21st)

[promiselisting]

The 21st of August is shadowed by more bad memories than usual. For some obvious reasons. And for some less-than-obvious ones too. They'd only really been at their six-person house in Ka'pandol for around a month or two, but it at least had been starting to feel like home. Sitting in a new house, one that she couldn't even really settle or personalize... reminded her far too much of being passed around from relative to relative. Never staying in one place for long.

They're going back though. That at least is some comfort.

Still, it's this thought and other heavy topics that weigh on the back of her mind as she mostly sticks around the festival housing they were given today. And it's those heavy thoughts that make her realize something when she sees Naoto around at some point during the day. Makes her hesitate, then raise her voice.

"H-hey, um," she pauses, nerves already chafed by memories and nearly failing her as a result, "Naoto?"

[pishirogane]

It was nice to have temporary accommodations while they were in the Empire, but Naoto doesn't know. Something about it made her want to stay out of it more than inside, but when there wasn't anything particular she wanted to look at, of course she came back. There was still a matter of studying for her piloting test - she had enough time; she should be able to become a co-pilot.

Raising her head at the sound of her name, Naoto notices Futaba there. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen Futaba go out today - didn't recall her even being too active around the house.

"... Yes, Futaba-san?"

[promiselisting]

For a moment, Futaba just fidgets, unsure. She’s known this was coming for a while but... deciding to broach the topic do unexpectedly means there aren’t any prepared or rehearsed lines in her head. She’s winging it.

“I... we’ve needed to talk for a while and... I’m sorry it took this long. Is... now okay?”

It had occurred to her that Naoto may already have plans of some kind, even if they didn’t involve going out.

[pishirogane]

Staring at Futaba for a minute longer than probably comfortable, Naoto turns her her study material and closes it. She sets it to the corner of the table before looking back up at Futaba and sitting up straight.

"Now's fine. What's on your mind?"

P5 spoilers

[promiselisting]

That stare probably shaved a month off her life but it’s fine, she’s fine, 100% fine.

“I know I haven’t been fair to you since... pretty much when we met. I’ve been trying to do better but... it still shouldn’t have happened in the first place, especially since...” she hesitates with a wince, “I know how much it sucks to have something that isn’t your fault held against you.”

“So... I’m gonna try to explain, and you can ask questions too and I’ll try to answer them. But it’s... a lot.” So uh. Be patient with her?

Another deep breath. It really wasn’t worth it to figure out a beginning, figure out which of the numerous things that had happened to her and the other Phantom Thieves had been the big huge root of her mistrust of authority and anyone associated with them, and the law. So instead she starts with the most straightforward.

“Akechi sold us out,” she pronounces flatly, before twisting her mouth in a grimace, “Though I dunno if that’s exactly the right word when he meant to betray us from the moment he joined. And if his plan had worked... Ren would be dead.”

Ugh, just the memory sends a hot jolt of anger through her stomach. Anger’s better than feeling miserable though, so she welcomes it.

B

[mythmaker]

Naoto-chan~!

[It's not Naoto's imagination. Azusa sounds a little too pleased to say "-chan" instead of "-kun." She has Kanji to thank for that. But now her good friend is now one of her gal pals, so why shouldn't she be happy?

She hums as she finishes closing the distance with a skip or two, coming to an abrupt stop in front of the weapons she's looking at.]

My, my, what an impressive sword... [Ah, right, she's here to talk to Naoto.] Are you free right now? There's something I want to show you~.

[pishirogane]

[Naoto doesn't look too pleased to hear "chan" instead of "kun" that much was apparent. Still, turning to Azusa, she blinks slowly... concerned what she might be thinking today.]

Yes, I have time. What is it?

[mythmaker]

Ah...

[My, my. That's not a pleasant reaction to get. Maybe she made a mistake here?]

Did I say something wrong?

[She'll move onto her big surprise in a second. Maybe.]

[pishirogane]

Nothing... though, I would still prefer the use of 'kun' if you do use any honorific.

[She just... does not like hearing 'chan'.]

[mythmaker]

Hmm...would it be alright if I just called you 'Naoto,' then? I didn't find out until...

[Ah. Kanji didn't want her to say anything. What to do, what to do...ah. Red is usually pretty forgiving...he'll understand, won't he?]

...Wolf-kun...I mean, Red told me. I hope you aren't too upset with me.

[She channels her actressing skills into making her pause look as natural as possible, correcting herself on Red's name on purpose.]

C

[wildlinks]

"You should eat more."

Souji appears seemingly out of thin air by her side, offering her a wide smile. He's been scouting the buffet tables for a while now, trying to find something both weird looking and yet tasty. And he found it. That steak looking thing doesn't really look like proper meat.

"I didn't know you were sweets enthusiast."

[pishirogane]

"I-I'm eating enough...!"

Gosh Senpai could be a ghost; she almost choked on her cake. Setting it aside to catch her breath, she has to stare at the steak. What... what even did it come from?

"I'm not. However, I figured I might as well try it. The sweetness is actually fairly mild."

[wildlinks]

"Hmm... the cake is not food though. It's dessert."

It's a good thing that he's not, right?!

"Here, try this!" He shows at his own plate and the very suspicious steak. "It's a raptor steak- smoked then grilled." There are few cut up slices you can try Naoto.

[pishirogane]

"It is, and I've already had a main dish..."

Like Naoto would have dessert before trying some of the offered main dishes for dinner.

She shifts back a little, staring at the steak. "Raptor... steak. Ah, no thank you, Senpai..."

[wildlinks]

Hey, some people just have a sweet tooth and Souji is not judging at all.

"Not an adventurous food eater hm?" Souji grins and then takes one of the slices he cut up, giving it a careful chew.

"Huh. Not that different from beef," he muses, eyebrows raised. "At least it's not Mystery Food X..."

a

[garyoutensei]

Normally she'd just let the potential chaos play out as it may, but she was already so much more on edge that the idea of things possibly being made worse by someone like Naoto, of all people, acting out was... Well, it wasn't a good prospect, to say the least. She was quick to rest her hand on the detective's shoulder, shaking her head.

"Not worth it. Just get out of here. That's my plan."

[pishirogane]

"I wasn't actually going to..."

But she could summon Leviathan to see this. If the Empire wanted to explain to the actual Eidolon why that... octopus was here at all, it wouldn't be Naoto's problem. Crossing her arms, she sighed.

"I'll speak to the curator about this graffiti."

[garyoutensei]

"You can just leave, too. Put it out of your mind," strange that Baiken of all people was suggesting such a passive approach to the problem.

[pishirogane]

"'Just leave'?" Naoto does have to stare at Baiken for several seconds because who was this person before her right now? Also, she wasn't sure if Baiken would honestly 'just leave' like she was suggesting. "This is a defilement of an artist's work as well as insulting Leviathan."

[garyoutensei]

"I dunno if you noticed last time we all met them, but Leviathan is capable of fighting their own battles, including dealing with meddling purple dumbasses like that," Baiken shrugged.

Ardynian Discovery

[eternitynpc]

Not a fan of the local fashion, hey?

[ A man who had been passing by addressed Naoto as he noticed the fedoras on display were less than impressive to her. He was dressed finely with a long coat, the way you'd expect a politician to be dressed. ]

I can't blame you. I miss the days when our fine city wasn't filled with these hats.

[pishirogane]

[She looked up at the old man, blinking. When had he...?]

... Not particularly, no. Not a history of the best connotations.

[Though, he probably didn't like them for another reason given his dress.]

So, it's still fairly new... What was the fashion before?

[eternitynpc]

Certainly not in my youth, I can assure you of that.

[ He sighed and looked down at the hats on display. ]

Sometimes I think there might be a correlation between the spread of these hats and the world ending.

[pishirogane]

Given how fashion tends to work, I'll take your word for it.

[But why the directions of fadoras... Hats aside, she had to double take slightly at the man's next words.]

The world ending?