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

[singerofspells]

A. Heroes' Song -- August 18th
If there was one thing whales took seriously, it was the recording of history and myth in song, so of course S'reee had decided to wedge herself in to see the opera. Ace had insisted she dress up, so she had what looked like a lace shawl awkwardly draped over her.

Afterward, she was feeling rather philosophical, and prone to floating up to other guests, especially people she recognized. "Excuse me? A word. What do you think of the story?"

B. Cat's Cradle -- August 20th

On S'reee's Earth, one species was noteworthy for their natural affinity for sensing hyperstring structure, the basis of wizardly long-distance transit. That species was the domestic housecat, and most major human cities had a team of feline wizards running the transit center.

It was a long shot, but S'reee figured she should rule it out, so she'd sought out the cats of Parasraya. Of course, this would be a lot easier if she had full access to the Speech to actually converse with them. S'reee wasn't fluent in Ailurin, but she could try. Of course, the cats were more interested in the giant 'fish' and the food S'reee brought.

"... and you aren't understanding any of this, are you?" she said.

[saint_sami]

Exposition - Third District

Sasami couldn’t help but take interest in the history of this place. Maybe there was something she could learn here that could help out in the future. Of course, a lot of it went over her head, but she would do her best to understand, writing notes the best she could just in case.

”Do you think this is really from the time of the Warriors?” Kupo asked.

“It probably is, but I’m not sure...” she said. “But, I really want to know more!”

Parasayra Discovery

Jobs? Nah, she isn’t caring too much about jobs. To Sasami, it’s all about the cats. Cats all over the place and she’s enjoying every moment of it.

”Sasami, they don’t look safe...” Kujo said.

“They’re adorable! I gotta take one home!” Sasami said.

Mognet -Ninth District

Sasami knee this odd feeling - it was her Magitek Knight job getting her excited over all of these additions over to the iMog Slates, especially with all of those games!

“Oh, wow, these look so cool! Hey, Kujo, can we...?” Sasami began to say before yelling as he was toting around a lot of Moogle supplies.

”...what?”

Shopping - City Outskirts

“Excalibur? The sword from those legends?” Looks like the shopkeeper trying to sell that weapon might have a new sucker.

”Well, our legends! They say a Warrior held it!” Kujo said. ”Just... ah, I don’t remember who. I heard someone say it was some flower girl, but that’s a joke - she was pathetic!”

“...maybe I could be a hero, too!” Sasami said, eyes wide. “I want to know more!”

[Wildcard]

(Got an idea? Go ahead and toss it at me! More the merrier!

OTA

[modelcivilian]

[Sunny Starlight]

And he thought it was strange having the small Christmas celebration a while back around the Curti Center - this was just Christmas. Trees, garland, fairy lights as far as the eye can see accompanied by so many Santa Clauses and carols being sung throughout. If he knew this might be a thing, perhaps he would've brought his own gifts to give out - that always felt night.

... Was wasn't so much was the few dolls he had come to receive. Don't get him wrong, they were surprisingly cute, the Jenova one was just a head and the other one kept telling him to 'Cry'. He was feeling extremely uncomfortable and the jovial air around was not doing anything. Help?

[Mognet Exposition]

"Blanc? Blanc, where are you?"

This wasn't good. Learning about Moogles seemed like a good idea from the start too, but among the moogles, his own had decided to go off somewhere. And while that wouldn't be a problem normally, he at least needed his iMog slate back so it could be on hand.

But which flying cotton ball was his ruffled grump? This was going to be a long day...

[The Opera]

Adrien... doesn't know what to make of the performance. He doesn't know enough about the characters, but from what they had uncovered, the show could simply be another dramatic reenactment of a historical event... but that raised further question. Did this mean the Empire might know more about Crystallis than the rest of Vaikuntha might like them to know?

A world without life and death, huh?

That aside, it's still a beautiful performance... makes him miss home more.

[Parasraya Discovery]

... This was heaven, right?

A city covered in cats that weren't frightened ferals and just wanted all the pets? Why yes; yes he would like to indulge in these cute cats. In fact, he might stay there far too long if someone doesn't get the twenty or so cats that have decided to swarm him. Plagg shifted indignantly in his pocket of course, but he couldn't deny them.

In fact... some of these kittens looked a little thin. There'd be no harm in taking them somewhere to get properly looked at... right?

[WILDCARD]

[OOC: As usual, the open option for any prompts I didn't hit. Especially didn't do housing because I... didn't really plan on who he would be temporarily housing with during the visit. Well, we can work things out! Hit me up on plurk or discord!]

[littlemhigan]

Midnight Airship + Fireworks
The airship is nice. All of this is nice.

Despite her misgivings and paranoia about the situation, Castor finds herself relaxing this high up in the sky. She might be a little wine-drunk, settling down on a deck chair to watch that night’s fireworks. It’s been a long few weeks. It’s nice to just. Enjoy.


Mognet Expo
”Kuuuu, you really need some of these features, Castor! Your writing is terrible!
“Aye, ye tell me that every time I sit te type somethin’. Are these even like te work with the rest’ve the network?”

Castor is studying an imperial iMog slate, exploring it’s features and not for the first time lamenting that her own doesn’t have something to cover for her admittedly poor writing practices. Bernadette is perched on her shoulder, with far less attention paid to the slates, and far more to the nearby boothes.

”Kupo Champange, ohh…”

“Dream on, Ben. If ye wanna get back te fancy livin, ye’re gonna have te work for it.”


Chocobo Races
I dunno, buddy. You think you’re fast enough?

Beside Castor, the ivory-plumed Chocobo known as Seiya coos in response, nibbling a bit at his mistress’ hair.

I know yer s’posed te be a fightin’ bird! ‘S why I asked, ye silly git. Ye ain’t made te race, but ye can beat a hasty exit when ye feel like.

Seiya chirps excitedly and ruffles his feathers up, as if rising to Castor’s challenge.

Alright alright, I’ll go get ye signed up…


SHOPPING...
So many things, so little gil. Castor can be found bouncing around the market stalls with a moogle on her shoulder and a chocobo in tow, little flyers for O’aka fluttering in her wake. She moves around with almost a childlike glee, zipping between one stall and the next, looking for anything interesting or old or shiny or pretty.

But on the other hand, she only has so much gil…

Well. She’s not entirely opposed to flirting her way to a discount.


...AND ALSO FOOD.
A big girl has a big appetite, after all. Castor is trying her damndest to sample everything on offer, and eats with an almost desperate abandon.

And if she sees something she hasn’t tried yet…?

“Hey now, where’d ye find that?”


Tournaments: Triple Triad
“‘S this deck a joke?!”

Castor is rifling through the loaned deck with a frown on her face. There are already some wheels turning in her head though, and she looks up again, trying to catch someone’s attention.

“Any regional or match rules I ought te consider here? It best not be roulette…”


Duty Roulette
The wildcard option. BYOprompt

OTA!

[mech_and_mutt]

A - On Display
[An exposition on Magitek with lost reclics and huge tech? And a display on huge, awesome mechanical implements, the likes of which he could only hope to make use of some day? Sign Red the heck up! He'd try his hardest to show some composure but only ever came just short of gawking, occasionally doing the mental math as to whether or not DAHAK Mk. III could take any of them on in a fight.

Hopefully some of the higher-ups of the Magitek Knights guild were taking notes, here.]

Oohh, this one's got propellers--!! Hey, between this one and that one with the missile rack, which one do you think would win in a fight?

[Maybe the loss of a certain acquaintance had left a mech battle-shaped hole in his heart...]

B - Fly By Night
[A late flight on a luxury Hypello airship? That actually sounded like it might have been a good time... but why bother with a bunch of lisping amphibians when- at long last- he could take to the sky in his very own Asmodeus, complete with the comforts of home? Heck, he didn't even need to arrange for accomodations. He'd just sleep under the stars for his stay, and closer to the stars than just about anyone else.

But however high-up he was, Red would never be above showing off. And that hypello airship would soon have a smaller orange craft tagging along beside it-- and upon seeing a familiar face from his seat in the cockpit, Red would beam and go topside for a wave and a chat... and if he knew them, he'd flag them over for a ride to boot.]

C - Fun And prizes
Oh man oh man oh man...!!!

[Sure, opening up the loot boxes in the eleventh district was fun for a few minutes, but Mocha was thankfully able to pull him away before he'd blown too much of his paycheck on weird knick-knacks, decals, and various other low-grade prizes. But at least that toy Malboro he'd picked up had caught one little girl's eye-- and she was more than willing to trade away some plush she had of a guy with silver hair and black coat for it.

But it was a different doll being given out at the fesitval which had apparently caught his interest. He saw it once, and knew he had to get it. Just to see the look on 'his' face whe--

Well, no sense in putting the reindeer before the sleigh here. He ran up to the nearest passerby, Sephiroth plush in hand.]

Hey! Do you know where I could get the, uh-- one of these with feathers and silk?

D - Blitz OFF
[Looks like there wasn't going to be much of a place in the water for a third-string Dragons player at this tournament. Oh, well-- at least Red was able to leverage it into getting some box seats for himself, and maybe even get a chance to scope out some future competition while he was there. And this Imperial team was a tough bunch! Tricky players, too. Red was taking mental notes throughout the whole thing-- especially at that one striker's use of some kind of weird sleep-element shot.]

That would probably push you straight from reserve team to substitute if you could get the hang of it, 'po. [Mocha sipped disdainfully at the froth of some foamed drink. Red was too wrapped up in the durrent play to retort-- or even be too bothered by it. That actually wasn't a bad idea at all.

But these box seats were big enough for more than one caninu and one moogle. Red would be quick to flag over anyone he knew to join him to come join him-- and Mocha would rope in anyone she recognized from walking around Curtiss Center or the other big cities... even if they didn't recognize her. But everyone likes good seats, right?]

E - Wild Card
[Always an option!]

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.]

Cat's Cradle

[zanarkandian]

It had been a while, so Tidus was happy to see S'reee up and about again. Unfortunately, it looked like she'd gotten herself into quite the catastrophe, so he decided to wade in.

"You're talking to them?" he asked, hoping he could be heard over the incessant meows. They really were greedy for attention, weren't they? He gently disentangled a cat from his pant leg with a sigh.

Re: Cat's Cradle

[singerofspells]

"I forgot they wouldn't be able to understand me." S'reee admitted. "Whatever allows me to speak to humans doesn't apply to the cats."

sunny starlight

[zanarkandian]

Tidus was just minding his business, smiling at the Starlight spirit and all the happy kids. Didn't they just celebrate this not even a month ago? Huh. Anyway, he was passing through the crowd when he heard a tinny voice that was slightly familiar.

"Huh?"

He turned his head and found someone from their group, holding a very creepy headless doll, as well as one that was very familiar. He shook his head and wandered over, trying his best to sound casual.

"Hey, where'd you get those?"

OTA

[zanarkandian]

shopping:
Time to put all his hard-won gil to use! Tidus took care to stock up on combat supplies, of course, but his main objective is to find a new formal outfit. He's taking this upcoming dinner very seriously, but it's been so long since he's worn a suit that he's a little lost in the racks.

"You'd think choosing gray or gray would be a little easier."

tournaments:
He was sure to attend the Blitzball tournament, of course, with a sharp eye on their strategy! With luck on his side, he'd be able to play them on the field someday...but for now he was content to watch.

"That's gotta hurt!"

sunny starlight:
The dolls for the kids were a nice gesture, if slightly creepy-looking. Tidus looked at a variety of handsome, cold faces that reminded him of a certain blue-haired jerk, a very bizarre alien, but the shirtless doll with a scruffy face and red bandanna caught his attention.

"Dad?" What the hell? Had some excess stock from Zanarkand fallen through a hole in time and space? Or did they know him, somehow? If his jaw hung any lower, a cockatrice could fly in there.

fireworks:
Now this was something Tidus could really enjoy. It was almost enough to make him homesick. If he saw anyone looking for a spot, he was sure to approach them with a smile.

"Hey, I think I see a great spot. Come on!"

wildcard
[Want something else? Let me know by PM, or feel free to leave a prompt/assume your character finds him while he's on his way somewhere.]

[nanaimo_bar]

Shopping:

It was enough that Nanamo held the gil purse this time and Papashan's frivolous spending was curbed as it turned out. She had purchased a couple of things for the home and had it sent over, but right now, she was eyeing a little outfit that would flatter the form for the dinner. Best to dress local wouldn't it?


Tournament

Nanamo had at least won a couple of Triple Triad cards. She was not the best gamer, not like her favorite warrior and yet, she was still skilled at the game. What other way was there to pass the time? Also she was watching the races and the blitzball tournament.


Sunny Starlight

"Your Grace you should probably--"

"No."

"But the head!"

"He looks better like this."

Nanamo had found a doll with a removable head of Teledji Adaledji with NEW HEAD REMOVING ACTION.

She thought it very ironic.


Fireworks

Sitting on a bench, Nanamo watched the fireworks as Papashan supped on a kupo nut, the pair sinking in the view. "How gorgeous," she said.


Wildcard

[anything else? Go here.]

[dreamsoftomorrow]

Parasraya Discovery

[Wheeled motor vehicles were actually nothing new for Hope, but it was kind of a treat to see other people's reactions. He gazed out the window as the scenery flew by. The Empire was actually a really nice place from what he could see so far, although he knew that what he saw didn't mean it was the truth. There could be a lot more beneath the surface and the week that they were here for would not really allow them the time to scratch the surface unless something big happened or something was revealed at the eventual dinner on the 25th.

Regardless, Hope keeps these thoughts to himself as he takes the ride to Parasraya.]

This place looks amazing!

[Seriously, credit where credit was due. Nonetheless, once the car ride was over, Hope made his way about the city, carefully avoiding the cats along the way. Although it likely wouldn't be long before he felt bad for a couple of them and made it a point that, when they were to go back, he may or may not have a couple smuggled in that handy dandy Pocket Space of his. But, in the meantime, Hope will be checking the city out, most notably the Archaeologist Guild and what they have to offer.

OOC: Talk to him in the car or around the city, whichever!]

Shopping

[Hope was not a big spender and it was hard to say no to the merchants when they were being so pushy! But Hope stood his ground. Last time he went out, he ended up spending nearly all that he had on potions. To be fair, they came in good use due to the flooding and puzzle quest but he nearly went hungry if not for some kind souls.

So, while he was intent on looking for some gifts to take home, he wanted them to be small, personal items. Not-]

C'mon kiddo, surely your girlfriend would like this? Don't you think?

I don't have a girlfriend and for the last time, I said no thank you. I'm just here to browse.

[The necklace was very lovely but he didn't want or need it. Comments on being such a cute kid were not helping either and even more awkward was the merchant was a lady who was very much putting on the stern mom routine. Help?

If Hope did manage to get away, he could still be found browsing. And likely keep a small distance so he didn't get caught up again and may even have a small bag of trinkets already!]

Sunny Starlight - August 24th - Locked to Gladio

[Starlight was kind of special now for Hope, even if it was still apparently in the wrong month. It was still all brand new to Hope. It was the day before the dinner, so Hope decided he wanted to at least spend it with someone specific rather than wandering around and meeting up with any familiar faces. Although, he did wake up with a bit of a headache and his throat having a weird dry feeling that water or any other drink wasn't making it go away.

Still, he was pushing past that. So far, nothing awful happened and it was hoping it stayed that way. Why not spend it with a friend?]

So, what were you up to these past few days? You guys doing okay in the house they gave you?

Wildcard

[Hope can be very likely in a lot of places, so if you have something specific not listed above, let me know or just throw in a prompt! You can also find me on Discard at Manda Panda#4962 or lineandcolor

OTA - All the days

[hatejakku]

A. EXPOSITION OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

The Eidolon wall was creepy. No two ways about it. It was just plain creepy. Leviathan still left a weird taste in his mouth, after all, and seeing her image covered by Ultros only added to that mystery.

It was the overwhelming dragon that made him turn away. Too creepy.

Instead, he focused on the WEAPONs and stuck around to study them for a while. He'd never seen many of these before and some of them were a little too familiar.

B. MOGNET EXPOSITION

"How to Use Your Cuteness to Exploit People," Finn read aloud. "Valli, have you been using this against me?"

"Oh, perish the thought," she said, floating closer to show off her haul. Her floating was being a little weighed down by the gigantic bag of kupo nuts, but she was managing. "You got a promotion the other day, right?"

He sighed, putting the book back on the stall. "Only one bag of each kind."

"What about Fur Dye?" she asked. "I have some totally-not-nefarious ideas."

"So long as you don't grab the whole rainbow, yes."

"Weee!" She then proceeded to whip around and fly at full speed to the stall with all the dye. Beware of a heavy flailing bag of nuts.

C. SHOPPING

Finn was stopping at every vendor who caught his fancy to exchange their goods for gil and a flyer. He already had a new dagger tucked away and a Chocobo plushie for Valli under his arm. It was the baked goods that made him pause. He hadn't seen a place with this stuff before!

After getting a jam-filled doughnut, he realized he had nowhere to put it except- Well. He held the doughnut in his mouth so he could hand over his cash and one of O'aka's flyers.

"Fank Mu!" Finn's does wonderful first impressions. Excuse him as he scuttles away like a crab with a very delicious doughnut.

D. CULINARY ATTRACTIONS

Everything was free! This was the perfect opportunity to try as much cuisine as Vaikuntha had to offer. All he had to do was eat as much as he could every day. No problem.

Except, after the third stall, it became a problem. He wasn't used to eating his fill back home, and going beyond that was out of the question. Not to mention simple math meant he would never be able to try everything over the next few days.

With his hands on his hips, Finn studied the place with a keen eye. "How am I going to try all of you?"

E. PARASRAYA DISCOVERY

Finn had gone to Parasraya to check out the Weapon Masters. First, he was sidetracked by the Archaeologists Guild, curious about how they studied objects rather than just texts.

Then he was sidetracked by the cats. They assaulted him as he was leaving his tour from the Archaeologists, rubbing against his legs and meowing loudly. "What?" he asked them. "What do you want? I don't have any food. Seriously, there's a whole place with free food a few miles from here. Go over there."

But they were having none of it. They just meowed up at him as a group. Then a tiny, brave one leaped and dug its claws into his pant's leg. Finn yelped, danced, and pulled the little one off. He brought it up to his height to give it a proper glare. "I don't have food!"

The little one gave a very small, very quiet, very adorable meow in response, leaving Finn speechless.

That's when Valli floated by. "You done digging in the dirt with those nerds- What is that?" Apparently, she didn't like something cuter than her.

F. WILDCARD

((Feel free to pick a prompt I didn't use or have your character, if they're a friend of Finn's, drag him somewhere else.))

Fireworks

[dreamsoftomorrow]

"You do? Okay!"

Hope smiled as he followed Tidus. It was really late in the evening, normally, he was asleep by now. Wandering around really took a lot out of him, but he wanted to stay up so badly for once to see the fireworks. They seemed different than the ones in Bodhum. After the night at the Camp, he wanted to try and watch them again.

Fireworks were something he used to love, memories of his mother shouldn't stop him from enjoying them again. Right? And maybe the sounds of fireworks could override the sounds of battle on Cocoon. He shook his head of those thoughts immediately. He didn't want to ruin the mood. "How'd you find it?"

FOOD

[dreamsoftomorrow]

Hope has a rather lovely piece of... something. He can't remember the name? But it was two pancakes with sweet bean paste in the middle. It was weird but it was good. He blinked into his bite as Castor addressed him. He made a sound as he finished the bite and pointed over to the stall that had them out in a neat row.

"Over there!" He said, slightly muffled by the food.

[modelcivilian]

Turning, Adrien recognized Tidus, but only really through the Mognet posts. Also, he had been friends with Rikku; but it still took him a moment to answer.

"Uh... they were giving presents out to kids, and these two were... part of them."

He doesn't know which bothered him more. One being a head that didn't talk at all, or the doll that did talk, but didn't really say anything more than its repeated line. What did it mean?

Partaking in the Festivities

[acapriciousreaper]

HOUSING
Kuja was, at least, mildly miffed. He’d been told about this invitation with scarcely enough time to prepare even slightly for the festivities and most annoyingly of all, he was supposed to have dinner with an Empress. His usual fare may have been the height of Trenoan haute couture, but he could hardly expect it to fit in with the trends of Imperial fashion, which of course he knew nothing about.
There was time, still. A full week before the event. He’d have to get planning. But of course, first things first. He’s rather pleased, overall, with the accommodations. Fully-furnished, and so neat! With… clothes still in the drawers.
“I am beginning to suspect these houses have not been abandoned for long, he mutters aloud, rifling shamelessly through the items on display in ‘his’ bedroom. Utilitarian clothing, jewelry that is being quietly pocketed, photos… This belongs to somebody. “Eugh.”
He stares at the bed, peers out into the living area… and, resolving immediately to rectify the hell out of this problem, snaps his fingers and conjures an orb of white magic, somewhat angrily getting to the task of disinfecting his area and, likely, the common room. “They couldn’t even be bothered to clean. I’d rather have stayed on the damned ship!”
It’s this state any prospective roommates would find him in.

THE OPERA
There’s something… chilling about the story of the Goddess. Oh, he’d watched the play, fair enough, a free night at the opera was nothing to turn one’s nose up at. But… too much of her story resonates. He leaves the opera house, looking badly shaken.
“You, uh… you okay, boss?”
“... I’m fine. The show was… very moving.”

EXPOSITION OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Museums, of course, are always fascinating. Kuja finds himself drawn to the Eidolon wall, looking on in extreme interest. “Ifrit… Shiva… Odin… Phoenix and Atomos, even. And that’s-” How could he have missed that? “Oh. Bahamut.” If Bahamut exists on this world as well, things may get complicated. Very complicated. Is it the same Bahamut? Hopefully not.

SHOPPING
Kuja prided himself on his ability to make a deal. So of course when he’d found a young lady in a fine dress, he’d turned on the charm. Forgive me, mademoiselle, but I’ve been searching for a gift for my fiancé back in and I simply must know where you acquired such a ravishing…
A half an hour later, he was browsing a dress shop and chatting merrily with the aging proprietress. Such magnificent work on this gown, but this fabric is like none I’ve ever seen! My wife is a seamstress, you see- we came out of the Dream Width together, I’m so thankful- and I think some Imperial silk would just make her day…
Within an hour, he was making an appointment with a silk merchant. Good evening, mister Bloom. I was wondering if you would be interested in expanding your market beyond the borders of…
And now, a polite smile fixed to his face, he waits patiently for the mark to finish looking over the paperwork. A meeting in a café over lunch, Mojito keeping ‘Mister Bloom Junior, Bloom Textiles’ supplied with mildly alcoholic coffee. “I do hope the terms are to your liking, Mister Bloom. Mister O’aka is very interested in expanding his market to include Imperial textiles; they’re in demand like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Demand like you wouldn’t believe, eh? I s’pose this does constitute a golden opportunity…”
Kuja smiles. “By all means, take your time. I shall be here until the twenty-sixth of August. If you’d like, I can give you my Mognet address and we can arrange a second meeting once you’ve thought it over? I’m afraid I must stress that this is a limited-time offer, however. Mr. O’aka is very busy…”
“Mm. I think I do need to mull it over with my father. We’re partners you see, and-”
“Not to worry, Mister Bloom. Day after tomorrow, same place, same time?”
Half an hour later, he was trying on a new coat for the dinner with the smuggest of grins on his face while Mojito watched impassively. “Think he’s gonna go for it, boss?”
A derisive snort, as Kuja examines the split down the back, ideal for tail-related comfort. “Oh, I think he will. He’s not a noble, he’s a self-made man, and they have a nose for gold. His signature will be on the papers, and that reward will be mine.”

SUNNY STARLIGHT
The ‘Sunny Starlight’ festivities were… not unpleasant. He enjoyed the décor, but there were far too many children around for his tastes. Honestly, it reminded him of Midwinter on Gaia, but why on earth were they celebrating it in the summer…? Perhaps he should go inside and sample some of the-
“This world doesn’t deserve to exist without me!”
He freezes, mid-step, whirls around to search for the source of the noise and nearly knocking poor Mojito out of the air.
“Whoah! Boss, what-”
“Be silent!” He had to be hearing things, that was his voice, surely-
“It’s showtime!”
There it is again. Not hearing things, that’s his godsdamned voice and his godsdamned words, sounding like it’s coming through a gramophone. Now where-
“Hahahahaha! What comedy!”
There. Perhaps the crowd senses that something’s about to happen, because he’s given a wide berth as he storms across the street to the source of the noise, a little doll with too big a head and very familiar silver-white hair and tail, and the owner of the offending object is suddenly in danger of being skewered on the end of a manicured fingernail.
“What. Is. This.”

WILD CARD
Want to watch the fireworks? Have dinner? Discuss whether fedoras are or are not fashionable? Hit me up.

E

[modelcivilian]

"I'm pretty sure they're fed locally. Besides, there's no saying how they'll be received in Sen Riqeaux."

Speaking as another arrival also being assailed by cats, but not as heavily. Blanc certainly doesn't seem to mind Adrien carrying three kittens while Adrien himself seemed unbothered by a cat on his shoulder.

"What it really wants is your attention."

[hashtagdaddy]

A. Housing - August 17 (OTA when Gladio is outside the house unless somehow an NPC is inside their house...)

Arriving in the Empire put Gladio ill at ease. The newness and beauty of the land did little to help, somehow only adding to his distrust. As he walked into their rental house, with Noodle floating behind him, Gladio dropped his bags in the room he'd be sharing with Ignis before looking around their temporary home.

He offered his help to his housemates and took some time to make note of the possible entrances and exits - Gladio planned to keep watch each night, or maybe switch off with Iggy. Provided the man decided to sleep at all. Noct and Prompto would need all the sleep they could get, so he wasn't going to ask them to join the rotation.

"This isn't too bad. Defensible enough and the layout is pretty simple." He spoke to whoever felt like listening as he started checking out the kitchen and what wares they were provided.

He'd take a walk around the house a bit later, where he might meet any of the others staying in the area or any natives that came by to check out all the visitors.


B. Exposition of the Festival of Light - August 19 (closed to Ravus, NPCs free to interrupt)

Shocked that Ravus even accepted the offer of viewing the museum together, Gladio makes sure to keep their bodies far enough away as they walk that any onlooker would see them as nothing more than friends.

"Want to check out the Eidolon section first? Or are you as interested in the Magitek section as I am?" A smile accompanies his words and he makes sure to remind the man at his side about their little wager.

"And don't forget our bet, Ravus."


C. The Opera - August 20 (OTA)

Gladio hasn't seen an opera in ages and this one sounds promising, if the reviews are anything to go by.

He takes his seat and watches, completely spellbound. The performance is excellent and he thinks he might try convincing some of his housemates to see it while they're here.


D. Midnight Airship - August 21 (closed to Ignis and Ravus, NPCs free to interrupt)

Gladio walks up to Ravus and Ignis with a grin. "Do you two want anythin' to drink? Might wanna keep it to one glass of champagne or wine, t'keep our wits about us... but nights out are always more fun with a toast."

Despite the uncertainty of this whole Empire business, it's nice to spend a night with his lover and his best friend. Hopefully said best friend won't spill any juicy secrets of past misadventures to Ravus while they enjoy fireworks from above.


E. Shopping - August 22 (OTA)

There is so much to see! So many vendors hocking their wares and trying to draw him in. Promises that his girlfriend would love this scarf or that bracelet, that these trinkets would look marvelous hanging from a window, that his eyes might look so much better in a different color.

Everywhere he turns, someone is selling something and trying to entice even more visitors to step inside the stall and make a purchase.

Gladio isn't completely opposed to buying something from Sen Devadatta, but the people he would buy for deserve the best and he'll hold his metaphorical (and literal) purse strings tightly closed unless the potential purchase is a prize indeed.


F. Mognet Exposition - August 23 (OTA)

Gladio knew he had to do something for Noodle, so when he heard about the Mognet Exposition he immediately made plans to take his perfectly awesome Moogle to the fun. Dressed in a vibrant purple dress, her fur dyed a lovely shade of pink, and her head adorned with a carefully placed white lace bow, there was no way for Noodle to get lost in the crowd of Moogles.

"Alright Noodle, wherever you wanna go we'll check out. Just make sure you don't get too far ahead of me, please?" He wouldn't forgive himself if something happened to her just because she got excited and flew too fast.

"This is amazing - kupo! Oh, look at those Mog beds! C'mon let's go!!" Noodle's excitement was contagious and Gladio found himself smiling as she raced towards the display.

At least she wasn't trying to make him look at the Imperial iMogs - he didn't trust them to not have some kind of tracking or listening devices inside of them. If getting Noodle a fancy bed and some Pom Shine and (maybe as a secret gift) some Deluxe Kupo Nuts meant they could stay away from the iMog area, Gladio would be just fine.

G. Wildcard - OTA (OOC: Something you want to do that isn't in any of the prompts? Let's have some fun!)

Getting Blitzed

[acapriciousreaper]

In spite of every protest, Kuja finds himself convinced to join Red, if only because he lacks anything immediately better to do, watching 'Blitzball' be played. The initial boredom wears off, before long, when somebody is violently launched from the sphere pool and has to be substituted due to injury.
"Is- is that actually allowed?"

Mognet Exposition

[4got10]

Hanging about the moogles had, for the most part, seemed like a good time to Chara. They seemed familiar and comfortable to them, which considering the tumult of being thrown into a new world was at least somewhat helpful. Telling the moogles apart from one another wasn't difficult for them either; it helped that their own moogle seemed to sport a pretty sizable beard.

It doesn't seem like everyone had the same eye. The child comes over to Adrian, their moogle following behind. "Hey there, partner. You need some help?"

Closed to Terra (open toplevel to come later~)

[fixed_destiny]

Midnight Airship

As soon as Xehanort found out about the late-night airship, he'd made it a point to make sure he's awake for it. Not so much for the party, he's not much for socialization, but there is an airship and all his efforts to get at the ones upon arriving to this world had failed spectacularly and he's taking the opportunity to investigate this one!

.... And to watch the fireworks, but really that part is incidental. Surely. He's not here for fireworks, that would be absurd. For once Xehanort's been mindful to dress like the locals in the hopes of blending in and not seeming quite as Outsider as most new arrivals were. He's keeping a wary eye out for anyone he recognizes - but there's not been much incidence of that in this world, so surely he can just study the airship in peace.

Except once the fireworks begin, the pale haired young man appears suddenly on deck again from who knows where in the airship, and heading for one of the better spots to get a good view before everyone else gets there.

[zanarkandian]

Tidus leaned in to look at them, then lowered his voice.

"I'm starting to think this place is really creepy," he said, though that comment strangely seemed to be directed more at the humanoid doll than the alien head.

"Why would they give you a doll of my old man?"

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!]

[zanarkandian]

Tidus sighed and sat nearby, resigning himself to his fate of being buried in cats. "Hey, it was worth a try. They've probably seen all kinds of strange things here."

He scratched a cat behind the ears, then faced five more butting heads for their turn. "Have you been getting any weird vibes here?"