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

[boomchucka]

Housing

[Selphie stands still for quite a long time, staring at the housing units before her with a nostalgic look on her face. There are a lot of differences, but the core of the buildings looks nearly identical to those that were in Aqures Ixen. There’s a glimmer of hope in her eyes that maybe she’ll be able to locate the friends that she’d lost long ago in Sen Riqueax. She must find one particular house to see if the tale tell signs of her friends were there. It’s a long shot, but she has to try.

There’s something else about this district that the brunette can’t quite shake off either. For an abandoned district, the houses were in great condition. It’s almost as if they were waiting for people to come back and claim them. Once she obtains a set of keys and directions to the house, Selphie sets off at a quick pace to find the house that she’s looking for.

Jaelyn hovers nearby to steer her partner in the right direction.]

Gotta Catch ‘em All!

[The lure of going to a new city on Vaikuntha was far too much for Selphie to refuse as she sits with an excited air exuding from her before leaving to head to Parasraya. Even though she’s excited about going to the new city, the SeeD can be found with a notebook open in her lap scribbling down some observations about the name of this new place among other things. It can’t be a coincidence that this place has been named after a person that she’s familiar with.

When they arrive at Parasraya, she thanks the driver before making her way into the city and met with an onslaught of cats. She weaves through the throng of felines before settling down on a bench and letting one hop onto her lap while others begin to rub their heads on her legs. She laughs happily at the affection as she pets the grey tabby in her lap.]

Okay, okay! Everybody will get a turn!

[The affection from the animals does wonders for lifting her spirit.]

Culinary Attractions

[It’s no surprise that Selphie has a sweet tooth. Cookies, cakes, tarts and various other delights were all in front of the girl as she practically bounced with enthusiasm at the mere thought of getting to sample more of Vaikuntha’s goodies. If she can, she’ll bring home some goodies to share with her housemates later on.

For now, the perky brunette darts off in the search of one treat that she hasn’t had in a very long time. It’s her favourite desert; one that she loves more than strawberry shortcake.

Ms. Moogle’s Cake. Or something close enough to it.]

Wildcard

[Have something else in mind? Feel free to ping me and we can work something out! Otherwise, we can wing it!]

Houses

[mech_and_mutt]

[No. Dogs may have had sensitive noses, but Red didn't need a caninu's nose to notice that something stinks about this whole housing situation. When Selphie actually crossed paths with him, he was going the opposite direction-- and it was an easy guess that he was on his way out.]

Good luck. I ain't doin' it.

[boomchucka]

[Selphie stops and looks over her shoulder at Red. There's too much similarities between the houses in Aqures Ixen and this place.]

I have to find something out. There's something very odd about Sen Riqueax.

My friends might be here.

[mech_and_mutt]

No kiddin'. These houses ain't abandoned. When I went inside mine, someone had left a tea kettle on the stove. And it was was still warm.

[And with that in mind, Red definitely wasn't going to take his chances peeking into the bathroom.]

I dunno what's goin' on here but I don't wanna stick around for it. S'there somewhere else we can stay?

[boomchucka]

[Selphie holds up the key that she's been given even as Red explains what he's experienced in his own lodgings. She shudders at the notion of random warm drinks being left out for random strangers.

She intends to stay in the house regardless.]

I dunno if there's another place that you could stay. I guess if you brought a tent or something, you could always camp outside of the city.

It's just that these houses look like the ones that were in Aqures Ixen. I need to find out what's going on around here.

[Is it possible that her suspicion is true?]

[mech_and_mutt]

Don't worry 'bout me. I've got a place I can stay a few miles outside of town and a couple thousand feet straight up.

[But she starts hitting that jumble of vowels and consonants, and Red starts losing track of things a little bit...]

Aquarius Vixen? I got no idea what you're talkin' about here.

[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.

gotta catch 'em all;

[shadowsthedawn]

[Of course Riku's wanderings eventually lead him to the beach. There's something soothing and familiar about the feel of the sand against his feet and the salty air breeze blowing through his hair. It's not something he ever thought about growing up, but after spending so much time away from Destiny Islands, he's developed a yearning for it.

The first glimpse of Selphie does nothing to sooth his homesickness. Of course he knew that she's here, he had seen her recording after all. But he also knows that she probably isn't the girl he grew up with. Her age had been the first indicator. And learning about how people are pulled in from all different times and worlds had only made his suspicion seem more likely.

He catches on faster than Sora.]

They really seem to like you.

[For his own part, he has a couple of cats sniffing around his ankles and purring at him, but nothing close to the throng surrounding Selphie.]

[boomchucka]

[While she hasn't been able to escape the cats, the less curious ones have wandered off to harass other offworlders or residents for attention. Selphie is crouching down in front of the animals with a ginger kitten sitting in her lap. This particular one hasn't left the brunette alone as she's smiling her sunny smiles at the other cats who are trying to get her attention.

When she hears an unfamiliar, but familiar voice though, Selphie looks up and greets Riku with a kind look as two needy cats headbutt her hands for a petting. She starts to pat their heads absentmindedly as she studies the boy in front of her. He looks considerably younger than Takeshi but there isn't any way to be sure than to ask.

She'll scoop the little kitten with her hands as she stands up and looks at Riku with a curious look on her face. Given the fact that there was no greeting between the two of them first, the SeeD can confirm that Riku is not Takeshi.]

The little kitty here hasn't left me since I got here. It's almost like he wants to come home with me. I just need to figure out a way to smuggle the little guy out of the city.

[shadowsthedawn]

[He doesn't mind her curious gaze as she studies him. It's a look he's gotten from a lot of people since his arrival who have met and know Takeshi. It's like he's become the other one now. But he can't say that he minds it. Especially with the three of them here now everyone will just have to learn how to see them as themselves.

Besides, he can't help but study her in a similar fashion, searching out all the similarities and differences between her and the girl he grew up with.]

Do you have to smuggle him out? [He drops his gaze down to the kitten in her arms for a moment before moving back up to her eyes.] Can't you adopt him? If he doesn't have an owner it shouldn't be a problem.

[boomchucka]

[She tries to hide the sheepish look on her face as Riku studies her as closely as she studies him. There's something about Riku that reminds Selphie of a friend as she eventually laughs at her own insecurities.]

Not for a lack of trying to find out. I'm probably just not asking the right person about this.

[She points in the direction of the Catmancer guild.]

Do you wanna come with me to the Catmancer guild and find out with me?

[shadowsthedawn]

[His gaze follows where she's pointing and he nods.]

Yeah. I was thinking about stopping by there anyways. I'm not looking to pick up a new asterisk or anything, but I'm...curious.

[For example does the Catmancer asterisk come with cat-like abilties? He needs more information.]

Ready? [He starts heading in the direction of the Guild only to be halted by a large grey cat twirling around his leg. He huffs in amusement and bends down to scoop the cat up.]

I guess he wants to go too.

Culinary Attractions

[eternitynpc]

Is the local food to your liking, miss?

[ A woman had approached Selphie as she had been trying a little bit of everything. Given her attire, she was one of the cook. But she wasn't offended in the slightest, quite at the contrary, she was beaming.

That said, she might be looking somewhat familiar... ]

*seal of approval*

[boomchucka]

[Selphie had been about to reply with a glowing review about everything being positively delightful before she got a better look at the cook beside her. The pointy ears, the kind words and the polite tone in which they were delivered reminded her of someone who had been vital to the efforts on Crystallis before their untimely demise. She hadn't been there when Princess Zelda had been killed but she knew some of those who had been and would never forget the aftermath from that event.

Realizing the she was likely gawking at the cook, Selphie coughs awkwardly to clear her throat before reaching for the offered cake pop and studying it carefully. She was trying to think of something to say that wouldn't sound offensive but she just couldn't shake the feeling that she'd met the cook before. Eventually, she shook her head and returned the cooks beam with one of her own.]

Oh yes! Everything is wonderful, thank you!

And I'm sorry to ask you a super weird, random question but have we met somewhere before?

[eternitynpc]

[ The Elezen seemed a tad startled as Selphie stared at her so, and more so at her question. Regardless, she replied with a smile and a light laugh. ]

I don't think we have, have we? I have lived here my entire life. But I will admit it does feel a little familiar...

[boomchucka]

[A little familiar is quite the loaded phrase as Selphie nods in agreement.]

You look like someone that I used to know a long time ago and I'm getting deja vu myself.

[She picks up a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie and nibbles on it thoughtfully before continuing on.]

By any chance, can you spare a few minutes? There's a few things that I don't get about Sen Riqueax.

[eternitynpc]

Aha, I guess it's something that happens once in a while!

[ She nodded. ]

Of course! What is it you need?

Culinary Attractions

[immortalmarshal]

Cor himself is standing next to a street food cart that offers up handmade, fried sweets. More soecifically, he's waiting in line as he watches the food being made out in the open for all to see.

A brief flash out of the corner of his eye drew his attention away, and his eyes are quick to spot Selphie wandering around. "...over here," he calls out after a few moments, "unless you're looking for something else?"

[boomchucka]

Selphie must have missed a booth in her searching for sweets when Cor calls out to her. She weaves through the crowd and eventually finds her way over to the Marshall. She's eying the sweets being prepared and shakes her head.

There are more than a few people giving them disapproving looks as it appears that Selphie's cutting in line. She shakes her head to signal that she wasn't looking for anything else before she decides to shake off the onlookers with a wink to Cor.

"Thanks for holding a spot in line for me! I really appreciate it," she says cheerfully.

[immortalmarshal]

"...No problem." Sure. He could play along with that kind of cover. It's brief, and shows signs of friendship - or at least, friendly acquaintances. "What do you think of the festival so far?"

The tone sounds casual, but his eyes hold a more serious, inquiring look. Never hurts to hear it from those he can now trust enough to lend a helping hand.

[boomchucka]

She notes the serious look and shrugs her shoulders in response. She's not too sure how to feel about this festival but knows that it's pretty similar to other festivals that she's been to in the past.

"It's definitely a good way to get people to come back to the Empire," she admits. "The atmosphere of the town seems pretty light right now but maybe that's just to put up a good show of 'we come in peace' and the like."

Gotta Catch 'em All!

[whirluendo_of_puns]

[Uendo got here a bit earlier after taking a ride from Ardynia, but never made it much farther than Selphie on the account of all the cats demanding his attention. He can't help it, they're too cute!

He spots Selphie sitting on the bench and wanders over. Predictably, there is a white cat purring in his arms.]

You know... The cats make for a very effective defensive strategy. No one's going to have time to cause trouble or uncover any secrets like this.

[boomchucka]

[Selphie smiles warmly at Uendo as she moves aside to give him room to sit if he wants to. Some of the cats surrounding her seem a tad offended by the move but there's a small ginger kitten in her lap that seems perfectly content to stay where he is.

It was almost as if the cats had sensed that something was off about the SeeD and had come to cheer her up.]

It does seem like the purrfect strategy, doesn't it?

[Time for a pun war?]

[whirluendo_of_puns]

[He likes the way you think, Selphie.]

It truly makes any resistance im-paw-ssible.

[He sits down next to her -- which may be a mistake, as some of the cats at her feet start rubbing against his legs instead.]

Oh no... Sorry, guys, I can't take you with me. My roommate's cat would disown me if I did. [In response, the white cat flops down on his lap, stretching out to its entire impressive length. Like a big fluffy sausage.] Oh noooo...

[His resolve is crumbling very quickly.]

Culinary Attractions

[keymemory]

[ Sora is at Selphie's side, being Selphie's support, why? Because this is the right thing to do, this is the only thing to do, this is the best thing to do, this is desserts and sweet things and, oh- this is the SWEET thing to do. They're totally friends, after all, and they are taking in the delightful experience of these tasters together! ]

Selphie...... Selphie.. I'm so happy... this one tastes like.. joy. [ He offers a treat that's got yellow, mint-green, and ocean blue on the pastry. ] Oh.. Selphie.. [ Sharing is caring. ]