FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS || INTRODUCTION LOG

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals and Native OCs) When: April 11th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: For the first time in 10 years, outworlders have been found the Dream Width. This unprecedented number of new arrivals are rescued and brought to Vaikuntha, and must now try to start adjusting to their new home. Warnings/Notes: All players can put up a toplevel. Please post to the NPC toplevel if you have an IC question for them. ARRIVAL [ You wake from your dreams, from your memories, on a narrow cot. There are fleeting impressions- recycled air, humming machinery, movement, strangers waking around you. The room you wake in is lined with cots, with barely enough space between them to walk to the door. The makeshift infirmary is becoming uncomfortably warm, packed to its capacity with people. Stepping out, there is a lobby space that bears the signs of having once held some furniture, now cleared away to make space. Even with the sparse accommodations, the space quickly fills to standing-room only. As the automatic door slides shut on the infirmary, a light flashes on the far side of the room. A flickering holographic projection of a man’s face and gloved hand appears projected in the space above the arrivals’ heads. He backs up so his upper body is in frame for the recording. An arm, covered in the same orange flightsuit sleeve, hands him a tablet. The man begins to read. A written version of the message scrolls along the bottom of the projection as he speaks. ] ’Welcome travelers’… That’s way too formal. Hey everyone. Hi! [ The second man leans into the frame to add his greeting. ] Don’t panic. You were floating out there, but we pulled you in and rescued you. Yeah, we’re heroic AND handsome. And also the only ones crazy enough to come out here to get you. [ A woman’s voice calls from out of frame. ] Can you two be serious for ONE moment and stick to your scripts? [ The two men give each other a conspiratorial eyeroll. This does not appear to be their first take. ] Anyways, no need to panic. Seriously, don’t do anything reckless. We got our fill of that with Skywalker. [A huff is heard offscreen, and the men finally spare the tablet another glance.] ‘Your pilots will be navigating treacherous environs as this message plays…’ Claire, seriously? Nobody talks like this! [ The tablet is tossed to the side and lands with a thunk offscreen. ] We’re gonna wing it. Look, everyone, we’re workin’ hard to get you planetside safely, and it’s gonna take some tricky flying to do it. So the door to the cockpit is locked so we can focus on not getting us all killed. Don’t try to open it, unless you want to be stardust. We promise you’ll get answers about what’s going on once we land. But for now, please trust us. Right now, we’re your only hope. [ The second man leans forward, close to the recording device, and presses a button. The projection freezes for a moment, and then the message starts to play again. ] ’Welcome travelers’… CURTI CENTER [ Finally after hours of flight, you arrive at the Curti Center. The other NPCs await you along with the Native OCs. Cid gives a short and to the point welcome speech, explaining what the situation is: you were lost in a space called the Dream Width. You are now on a planet called Vaikuntha: for ages, the people of this world have used Airships to rescue people lost in the Dream Width, with one person being found roughly every ten years. No one knows why this happens, but this has been a mutually beneficial exchange, with the people from Vaikutha rescuing people lost in the Dream Width and the rescued ones sharing their wisdom with the people of Vaikuntha. Ten years ago, something unusual happened: two people were found at once, Biggs and Wedge. But that was nothing compared to what happened today. Indeed, here you are. No one knows why such a large number of people has been found at once, but the Curti Center is a place dedicated to piercing the Dream Width's secrets. Cid also introduces the other ones: his assistant Jessie, Claire, the woman looking at the group in horror upon being pointe out as the bookkeeper, Kupoto and Mogaruru, their Mognet representatives and finally the Native OCs: those brave and kind souls who have accepted to help you all on a daily basis. After Cid finishes (and Claire despairs at the pile of paperwork she must complete by the end of the week), the Native OCs provide a tour of the facility and help the newcomers navigate their future lives. Now is the time to ask questions and look over pamphlets regarding locations, Jobs, life in Vaikuntha... ] [ If you want to contact an NPC specifically during this introduction, please respond to the toplevel with the name of the NPC in the subject header. The mods will try to reply at least once a day for each NPC. ] A BALL OF FLUFF NAMED MOOGLE [ It has been a long day, perhaps now you would like to find your way to a place to sleep? Or perhaps you'd like to get some answers, but you can't be bothered to go seek people out? And lo, just as despair begins settles in, a Moogle slams into you! Or stops by your side if their aim is decent... It's the Moogle Cid mentioned in his speech earlier! And they'll be informing you that now, they will stick to you like your shadow and help you in anyway they can! They're also giving you your iMog Slate- Now you can get onto Mognet! Isn't it great? ] A QUICK CHECK-UP [ Whether it's your Moogle, Native OCs or NPCs, all will urge you to stop by the hospital wing for a basic check-up. You may disagree, but listen. You've just been thrown into a space between worlds, rescued, and brought to another world. For your own sake, that's a good idea. Should you give in and go (or should you be dragged by your Moogle or a Native OC), you will find yourself in the cold and white space very reminiscent of an hospital. For characters with specific medical conditions necessitating help, this is where they will receive it if asked. The doctors and nurses are all White Mages or Chemists, with various levels into their Job as well as medical knowledge. Don't mind the confused looks if you look like nothing they've ever seen before... It's hard for a doctor to be unable to give a proper diagnosis to a patient! For everyone else though, they'll be let go with smiles and be given a candy as they leave. No one likes medical check-ups, but it's a very quick and basic one: testing reflexes, taking your temperature and the likes. On the bright side, while you're grumpily sitting on a bed with a thermometer on your forehead or in your mouth, it might be a good time to socialize with your fellow new arrival who's having lights flashed into their eyes by a doctor. Misery loves company, after all. ] A BAD OMEN [ Wandering around, you may stumble upon an old and tired-looking moogle wearing what can only be described as a decrepit fortune-teller attire. Upon seeing you, or any of the new arrivals for that matter, he will slowly approach and tell you all the exact same speech. ] If you stay here, you're doomed. She will find you and make you suffer hell. [At which point his eyes will grow exorbitant.] This world is cursed. You will die and never be free. [And finally he'll fly right into your face.] Never! [ Then he will leave and go say his speech to someone else, without doing anything but repeating different variations of his warning if asked for details. Should you ask your assigned Moogle, Biggs or Wedge, they will mention this crazy moogle can't be reasoned with and sometimes stick around the center, even though he's always chased away. He never says anything besides doomsday predictions. For unknown reasons, he's always been particularly nasty with Biggs and Wedge... And with you as well now, it seems. ] PRETTY SIGHTS [ There's plenty of rooms to wander about in, with several points of interest apart from the offices. The Airship Hangar is where the airships are kept and the first room you entered. Workers keep guard to prevent the outworlders from getting too close to the vehicles. Airships are expensive and they don't want you messing with them, after all. Venturing into the Research Section, you can walk through public exhibitions on astronomy, airship design, and asterisk studies. A good place to get used to the basic science of this world. The laboratories lie behind a thick locked door with a sign reading "EMPLOYEES ONLY". No going there, for now anyway. Not too far from there are the Employee Quarters - work stations, apartments, and lounge areas. The latter are available to the public, whereas the rest is locked to Native OCs. But if you get them to be friends with you, perhaps they'll let you visit? Also open to all is a Cafeteria - a standard food court with stalls serving all types of Vaikunthan cuisine. The Chef is a very jovial and absent-minded Hypello. Beware of long lines and crowded tables. Should you prefer open spaces, then the gardens are for you! There are different sections in the gardens around the center. One boasts a wide array of blooming flowers, another more practical with herbs commonly used in Vaikunthan cooking. One had been cultivated for butterflies and hummingbirds to visit. Paths have been laid through so that visitors can safely navigate, and moogles will swoop down and shout at anyone who strays into the flower beds. Or perhaps, you want to wait till the sunset. Dusk on a new world, but a beginning of a new life... The sea shines bright in the orange light. A good moment for quiet contemplation. ] HOUSING [The housing accommodations are the best the Curti staff could provide, given the sudden and unexpected number of arrivals from the Dream Width. The keys have been entrusted to the moogles who will be guiding the new arrivals. The new arrivals can stop by the Curti Center storage room to collect some essential supplies that have been donated by charity organizations from around the world (there are boxes of toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste sent from the Zora, hair brushes from the Elezen, quick-drying towels from the Hypello, among the various donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets), before heading to their temporary homes. The people of Vaikuntha have done their best to provide for their new neighbors and help them get on their feet. Still, things will be a little cramped until the off-worlders can find employment and move into better housing. The staff hopes they can get along with one another until alternate arrangements can be made. You can survive living with roommates for a few months, right?]

Comments

[garyoutensei]

[ i - check up ]

I said I don't need one!

-It was difficult to ignore the shouting that had started to escalate in one corner of the infirmary, but that one would definitely draw eyes in, seeing the one armed woman grab one of the doctors by their collar, and tossed aside into one of the other beds, causing a loud crashing and scatting of supplies raining to the tiled floor below.-

If you ask about it again, I'm gonna take that 'magitech arm' or whatever and wrap it around your throat, you got me?!

-Ah, so that's why she was angry... She also shoved away a white mage who was trying to examine the scars she had on her face, despite being asked rather gently if she was okay with it. The whole situation was putting Baiken on edge, and there was panic in her eyes despite how well meaning the entire situation was.-

I'm fine, just leave me the hell alone!

[ ii - bad omen ]

-Oh no one told the poor old moogle about Baiken, did they? And how poorly she responds to having her face gotten into. She was quick to snatch up the codger by the scruff of his chest, lift him up nice and close, practically growling.-

If I had a sword right now I'd have sliced you in half. How's that for doom, huh? -She spat, though she was well aware security was already approaching and, after everything else, didn't think more trouble was worth it, releasing the old moogle and tossing him aside.-

Save your prophecies for someone who gives a damn. I welcome hell with open arms...

[ iii - pretty sights ]

Is there anywhere with some damn tobacco around here?

-She was trying to enjoy the moment's peace she had observing the setting sun over the ocean, but it just couldn't be complete without her pipe. She'd looked for it after calming down on the ship, but it was nowhere to be found, and those weren't exactly the kind of things people were willing to part with. Hell, she'd take a cigarette at this point. Not to her tastes, but she still really needed a smoke...

Ah well. At least she finally had some time to truly gather her thoughts. She hadn't really done so since she arrived. Once more, her path had been redirected... But this time not by her own choice. Back home, the colony had needed her, and she'd been happy to help. But this was, as far as anyone could tell, an alien world with an alien conflict she couldn't begin to understand. So why the hell had she been brought here? What purpose did a wraith like her serve in the scheme of this world?-

[ iiii - housing - locked to B-01 ]

-Bless, she'd found herself a pipe and some tobacco, or at least this world's equivalent of such. Don't ask her how, some things were best left unknown, but it was allowing her to finally relax. Plus the smoky, sweet scent made the strange house feel a bit more lived in.

Baiken herself had plopped herself on a pillow on the floor, simply lounging with her kimono half hanging open and smoking, eye closed, letting herself slowly find a trance-like zen space. This was always difficult for her, as her mind was never truly calm. Nightmares and demons haunted her mind at the best of times, her scars burning, and the scent of blood seemingly inescapable... but in moment's like this, she had at least some artificial peace. It wouldn't last, she knew, but for the moment...

She wouldn't even notice someone walk in.-

[Housing]

[modelcivilian]

[He smelled smoke while settling into his room and frowned. Tobacco smoke was a pretty distinguishable smell, and while he had no objection to someone possibly smoking, the problem was it was lingering.]

[So, peeking out, he noticed the woman there and slightly drew back. She doesn't seem entirely aware he was there and he didn't want to exactly disrupt her. Once she finished, they would talk about it, and for now, he just quietly tip-toed over to the window and opened it. It wouldn't rid of the smell entirely at this point, but at least it wouldn't be so strong or soak into the entire house.]

[garyoutensei]

-The sound of the window opening had Baiken's eye snapping open, and a rock being tossed just to the side of the young man's shoulder, bouncing off of the wall. It was just a decorative stone she'd found, but Baiken had been clutching it in her hand, before...-

Who the hell are you?

[modelcivilian]

[Even if the rock didn't aim to his him, Adrien's reflexes still had him taking a side step away from the projectile. There's a frown now - okay, maybe he should've knocked on the wall, but something tells him any action might've resulted in a rock.]

Sorry for interrupting. I'm Adrien, one of your roommates. I didn't mean to interrupt you, but some of the smoke was drifting into the other room.

[garyoutensei]

-Ah... She didn't exactly feel guilty, but she also realized it was probably a poor decision to be so aggressive with the people she had to live with.-

If you don't like the smell, buy me something to smoke you do like the smell of. -Great job, Baiken.-

[modelcivilian]

I'm... not sure if that's possible here. Besides that, it probably wouldn't be as satisfying for you.

[Oh boy. How would he satisfy this roommate and avoid the smoke without upsetting her?]

... Though, maybe tell me things you like. I can try asking around then.

[garyoutensei]

I'm not really picky... And I'm also mostly kidding. -She set the pipe down, letting out a long exhale of smoke.-

Whatever it is they smoke here, they probably don't sell it to kids, anyways.

ii

[witchwithoutacause]

Whoa, talk about no chill.

[ Not like Amanda wants some little crazy furball ranting about how doomed she is. ]

[garyoutensei]

You got a problem, punk? -Baiken and her moogle both turned to Amanda with a rather cold look.-

[witchwithoutacause]

I have this strange feeling that you have all the problems.

[ Morag is tugging on her leg. ]

[garyoutensei]

-She was already in a bad mood, but this brat had really started to needle her and they'd barely met. And she usually took it easy on kids...

Baiken started to pace her way closer, menace in her step, and leaned in to get a good look at Amanda.-

And you're one of them, right now. One I'm gonna solve by kicking your ass if you don't shut your damn mouth.

[witchwithoutacause]

[ Her life flashes before her eyes.

And she ignores it, because this lady is gonna want to not start her life here by being the grown ass adult who beats up children, right? ]

See, y-

[ And then Morag just jumps onto Amanda's face to start pushing her away. ]

PLEASE EXCUSE US!

[garyoutensei]

-Smart mog. Suzuran also interjected herself, at least in her own subdued way, gently placing her hand on Baiken's shoulder and giving her a concerned look. Without saying much, Baiken got it... it was just a kid...-

Damnit... -Well she wasn't about to apologize, either. Rude children didn't learn when nothing was done.-

housing

[chefbayardee]

[ He has no style, he has no grace, this man has a ton of groceries. Hunk nearly slams into the front door, fiddling with the key before nudging the door open with his shoulder.

He peeks his head in, does a bit of a double-take at the smell of that familiar, sweeter smoke and the pink hair, and his eyes light up. ]

Oh hey there, Baiken!

[ He starts worming his way through the doorway, the bags and groceries themselves clattering noisily. Above his head, a dusty-looking Moogle with a huge bag of what can only be kupo nuts flies in, making a beeline for the kitchen while cackling out a "Ku-po-po-po...". ]

Do you live here, too?

[garyoutensei]

I thought I saw your name on the roster. -Baiken chuckled, unsurprised by that grocery list. Well she could at least have faith that she was going to be well fed while there. Hunk definitely seemed like he wouldn't let her live on smoke, booze, and rice alone, even if she fussed about it.-

You, uh... need a hand? -The one she had to spare.-

[chefbayardee]

Nah, I got it, thanks though! [ He grins and pushes the door open, stomping in with an uncomfortable amount of groceries on each arm. ]

I didn't know there was a roster! Who else is on it?

[ He looks eager as he storms through their shared space, hustling towards the kitchen. The bags rustle and clank and clatter with each step, but in a few terrifyingly short seconds he's already placing them gingerly on the kitchen floor. ]

Oh, uh... what are you feeling for dinner, by the way?

[garyoutensei]

Oh, uh... -She hadn't really been asked that. Like ever.-

I'm not really picky, honestly. I was on the road constantly back home so I tended to just eat what I could.

[chefbayardee]

Yeah, I get that. [ Green goo. Green goo. Apparently it's the only food in the castle ship, which is just a sin. ]

That means you should prepare to be amazed! I'm cooking dinner tonight. A lot of it. [ He's not going to say it's to keep his brain from bursting out of his skull, but... it's definitely not entirely altruistic. ]

[garyoutensei]

I'm no good in a kitchen, but I get the impression a guy like you doesn't need my help. Either way, I'll eat anything you make. -She was good for that, at least. He'd drank her booze. It was hard to say there were any flavors that might actually offend her.-

Check-Up

[conniemaheswaran]

Connie rolled her eyes at the doctors' distress. Amateurs. If this woman was capable of tossing them around like ragdolls with just one arm, nevermind her obvious experience with her disability, it would be wise to just take her at her word rather than try and force something she clearly didn't want or need on her. She could practically hear her mother scolding the poor attendants. Regardless, things needed to deescalate before they called in any orderlies.

Sighing, Connie wades into the chaos, flinching slightly at the variety of thrown objects but nevertheless pressing on. She helps one of the white mages to their feet, then calls to the crowd, "Um... is this really worth your time? I don't think she needs the, uh, prosthetic. At all. The fact that she can keep you away like this testifies to that. And there's dozens of more people who actually need your attention So... could you please leave her alone and go do your job before things get out of- okay, even more out of control?"

[garyoutensei]

Cooler heads were starting to prevail among the medics, at least, the white mage grateful for Connie's help but mostly just looking at Baiken with sad concern. Baiken wasn't the first person to come out of the Dream Width this far on the edge, but it was still depressing every time. The look in her eyes...

"Who the hell are you?" Baiken gave a pointed look at Connie, though there was a clear lack of venom in her tone in contrast to how she'd addressed the doctor.

[conniemaheswaran]

Connie has to admit, she's... ever so slightly taken aback by the hostility of Baiken's words. At least she didn't sound nearly as belligerent as she had when she was talking to the doctors. Maybe this was as close as Baiken got to friendly. "Connie Maheswaran, ma'am."

[garyoutensei]

"I'm not anyone's 'ma'am'. You can call me Baiken," Baiken responded, just as curtly.

"They hiring children as nurses around here?" She still wasn't certain this girl wasn't directly connected with the infirmary.

[conniemaheswaran]

Connie shakes her head, although she was secretly proud of being mistaken for medical personnel. That meant that disguising her panic was working, most likely. "No. I'm just familiar enough with medical practices to know that trying to give treatment to a patient that doesn't need it will only make things worse, in most cases."

[garyoutensei]

She didn't talk like most kids Baiken had met, but there was still an aura of youth around her. Maybe she was just that smart. More intelligent than Baiken was, at any rate, not as if that sort of thing bothered her. After a moment, she took a few deep breaths, this girl having giving her the space she needed to do so...

"I guess I should be thanking you, Connie," she wasn't going to use that surname. She'd probably butcher it.