Event || Worldwide Tourists

[eternitymods]

Who: All New Arrivals and Curti Center Staff
When: April 15th-30th
Where: All over Vaikuntha, starting outside of the airship hanger
What: Ganeshan, the resident Job Expert, will be taking the new arrivals around the the various Guilds so they can collect their chosen Job Asterisks as noted in their applications.
Warnings/Notes: Guild prompts can be found here

Enter the Master

[Each new arrival's iMog buzzes with a message instructing them to gather for a worldwide adventure to obtain the power of Vaikuntha. If they follow the invitation's instructions, they will arrive at outside of the airship hanger on the morning of the 15th, with their meager belongings packed.

An Enterprise-Class airship, the Ragnarok, hovers outside of the Curti Center. There is a flash of light on the top of the ship.]

"WELCOME!"

[A figure, minuscule at this distance, launches itself off of the ship and hurtles toward the ground. As he draws closer to the ground, he starts to flip, landing with a flourish. An armored figure, sans helm, turns his toothy Zora grin to the crowd. With a shimmer, his armor transforms into a white mage's robe, and he sends a rush of wind through the crowd for dramatic effect.]

"I AM GANESHAN, THE JOB MASTER! GYA HA HA HA! TODAY, YOUR LIVES WILL CHANGE FOREVER."

[Ganeshan shimmers again, ruthlessly abusing the Chemist's Modifier skill to once again shift Job Classes so he can lower the airship's loading dock with a wave of his hand.]

"I BELIEVE THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HAS THE ABILITY TO MASTER THE JOB CLASSES. SOME OF YOU MAY MASTER MANY, OTHERS WILL PURSUE THE PERFECT MASTERY OF JUST ONE. BUT EITHER WAY, YOU'LL BE INCREDIBLE!"

[Ganeshan gives everyone a big thumbs-up. The out-worlders who are not scared off by this booming speech can feel free to enter the airship and prepare for their ride around the world. Hopefully some of the Curti Center's newest hires can serve as non-crazy less exuberant tour guides for the new arrivals.]

Around the World

[The Ragnarok will be stopping at every major city in Vaikuntha, with the exception of those cut off by the Imperial border closing. Characters can create top levels to respond to the Guild prompts and explore the cities themselves as the ship makes its stops. Each Guild provides information sessions, free food and trinkets for potential applicants, and once you're ready to receive your Asterisk, all you have to do is take some introductory lessons and fill out forms. Characters can receive up to two asterisks. Time to get to know your new world!

Questions for Ganeshan can be directed to the Ganeshan top level post.]

Comments

Makoto Niijima | OTA

[studdedcouncilprez]

A1 -- Let's Get Down To Business (Monk Guild)

[Not sure what to expect, Makoto is actually thrilled that the demonstration is relatively normal. Eyeing their feet and hand movements, she was genuinely impressed. She fought in the Metaverse before, but the monks had their own style: restrained and precise, perhaps?]

[That thought went out the window when she saw the dummy explode.]

[She genuinely appreciated the yoga session and found herself really getting into it. After spending such a long time doing physical fitness on her own, stretching with others was a welcome change.]

A2

[Things were going well up until the very end when one of the younger recruits spoke out, "Hey! When are we going to spar?" Rather than admonish the recruit, the one assigned to overlooking the new recruits shrugged and said "Why not?" And so Makoto found herself lined up for a brief two-point light-contact match. The referee will call for a stop and receive a point whenever a punch or kick made contact, and the first to successfully make two points won.]

[Makoto wasn't sure this was what she wanted during the first demonstration, but she wouldn't back down for a challenge. Tightening her belt around her gi, she waited patiently in line before being paired off against someone and brought out to the middle of the stage.]

B -- One Lump or Two Hundred? (Hisan City)

[Far from dismissing the vendors for an opportunity to drink some coffee, Makoto thought it would be an excellent opportunity to see what otherworldly coffee was like. She was quickly starting to regret the decision.]

[The coffee smelled divine, but the Lalafell attendant was... a bit of a handful. No sooner did she order her coffee did she start suggesting a nice scone to go with it. Oh, and that she should must certainly try the biscuits--they were freshly made! And would she be interested in receiving a membership card? She would get a free coffee with ever tenth purchase! No matter how many times Makoto insisted that all she wanted was one cup of coffee the attendant persisted.]

[Help her?]

C -- Now You See It Now You... (Ninja Guild)

[The city of Tark Varetan was certainly on edge. Makoto made note of the curfew and decided that she should probably return home before things got too dark. Still, it was not that the city lacked its charms: the area had a beautiful view of the mountain side and Lake of Ira. In some ways she felt bad for the people here and wanted to do something for them.]

[Those thoughts were the furthest thing on her mind once she got into the Ninja Guild. There was a brief breathless question of whether they had picked the wrong door when suddenly there was an explosion of lights, smoke, and acrobatics. Makoto's eyes went wide and she could feel her heart beat quickly in her chest. A casual glance at her would see an almost childlike innocence as she brought two clenched hands toward her chest and leaned forward to get a better view.]

...this is so cool...

D -- Head in the Cloud City (Cloud City)

[There were many fun-sounding events that is going around the world, but there was one thing that Makoto was more interested in finding out about more than all the others: the Dream Width. Where she thought Tark Varetan was cold, Cloud City was an entirely different level. The cold wasn't just the air, it was the wind chill. Brr.]

[The warmth of the Deep Cloud Observatory was welcome. The people inside seemed busy -- apparently the recent increase in visitors did not go unnoticed. For her part, Makoto was doing her best to get someone's attention and see what new information she can uncover about the space she was apparently found.]

B

[likewishes]

[ That Moogle is certainly annoying. Lelouch does have this habit of not minding his own business and seeing someone clearly just as annoyed as he felt about it? How can he just not do anything about that?

Besides. That's borderline harassment. So Lelouch relies on a very old, but simple trick. He sees a cup that was left over from a previous customer and knocks it over. Then he just looks shocked. ]

I'm sorry! I didn't even see that there... How clumsy of me.

[studdedcouncilprez]

[The toppling seems to have the desired effect. As soon as the attendant saw what had happened she was absolutely mortified and rushes to clean it up.]

[Makoto looked over at the black-haired young man. She was relieved and... a little intrigued. Did he do that on purpose?]

[Seeing the attendant scoop up the contents and working hard to prevent the tablecoth from getting a stain, Makoto took the risk and leaned towards the young man.]

Thank you.

[likewishes]

[ He waits until said attendant finally hurries off before speaking. Who knows what she would do if she found out Lelouch had purposefully knocked the cup over. Probably charge him somehow. ]

She was a little pushy and it didn't seem like she was going to leave you alone any time soon.

[ So yes. Makoto's instinct is right. ]

I don't really care for people like that.

[ And his motivation. ]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[Her gamble paid off, and she was grateful for the support. She made sure to give him a soft smile in appreciation.]

Thank you. And I agree.

[A further realization dawned on her. Although she was given a seat, she was not given the opportunity to order. While the boy's actions helped for now she was going to come back pretty soon.] I don't know if I can recommend this cafe. And its not as though there aren't other ones available.

I would recommend a hasty retreat.

[She closed up her purse to make clear she intended to do just that.]

[likewishes]

No thanks needed. I kind of did it for my own self-satisfaction as well.

[ No reason not to be honest about that. Still, he huffs a little bit of a laugh when she starts packing up her things. Can't recommend, huh? ]

I think you're probably right. Maybe the next one will actually let you speak. Novel concept, I know.

[ And really Lelouch could use a cup of tea or something himself. ]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[She shoulders her purse and stands up.]

I would like to thank you properly. Please let me buy you a beverage of your choice at another cafe.

Its the least I could do. Otherwise I might have had to buy three appetizers and an entire cake.

[likewishes]

[ Honestly it's probably a bad idea. Getting himself too involved with others is likely a bad idea. On the other than, he does need to know a little about everyone that he can. ]

I was thinking about a cup of tea, actually. So if you're offering, it'd be rude to refuse.

[studdedcouncilprez]

Yes, that sounds good. Now, we should probably get going before--

[AH! The silhouette of the attendant was just making her way out from the kitchen.]

Oh no! There's no time to delay! Retreat! RETREAT!!

[There's a brief moment when her knee bumps into the table and she hobbles out from her chair. But after regaining her balance she is SO GONE.]

[Keeping an eye on the boy to make sure he's following behind okay.]

A2

[kuposcreed]

[If she's been there already, Makoto might have seen Bonnie at the ninja guild, the moogle eagerly picking up her first asterisk. The second though came down to a choice of two main ideas.

And a bit of awkward timing lead to the moogle fluttering out to the mat to meet Makoto for a training spar. A hush goes over the crowd at the sheer scale of the mismatch. Bonnie doesn't seem put off though, adjusting her hood and then giving Makoto a bow.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[Makoto was the last person to underestimate an enemy because of they're size. If anything the Metaverse taught her that underestimating an opponent is far more dangerous. Seeing her opponent, Makoto clasps her hands together as she bows.]

I will do what I can, but I cannot guarantee I will be able restrain myself enough to keep from hurting you. My apologies if I use too much force.

[Aside from trying to prevent grievous injury Makoto had no intention of holding back. Bonnie's size would require greater accuracy to land a hit. Furthermore, if she was able to break past her arm length the advantage could be hers.]

[This was already starting to look like a tricky match, and they hadn't even started!]

[kuposcreed]

It's okay, kupo. Please don't hold back.

[She shakes just a little at her own words. She really doesn't want to get punched. At the same time though she understands the value of good training, and that if Makoto doesn't give this her all then it doesn't do either of them very good.

The signal to begin is given, and it's the moogle who makes the first move, jogging forward on her little feet, keeping at ground level rather than flying like she could. ]

Kupo~

[Bonnie hops and slides forward, aiming a kick at Makoto's ankle.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[Right. So the moogle wasn't backing down. Further it would not do to make this practice match too far removed from a real encounter. Besides, by her own account she had had experience fighting.]

[But when she sees the moogle's first attack she couldn't help but feel it was like watching a teddy bear trying to be threatening. Despite her intentions she couldn't take the fight seriously. So, instead of making the effort like she promised, she instead is going to respond to the cute aggression by trying to land a kick as though Bonnie was a big, fuzzy soccer ball.]

[kuposcreed]

[Maybe if Bonnie had the appropriate asterisk equiped she'd be in better shape for this match, what with the strength enhancements offered by the Monk one. However her Ninja asterisk is a bit too new to really close the gaps in skill, strength and training.]

Kupoooof~

[But Bonnie is nothing if not tenacious. She may be new at all of this, but she's still a touch stronger than she was as a plain old moogle defending her post office back home from an Imperial attack. The crowd winces as the kick connects but then there's a dumbfounded silence as Bonnie clings onto Makoto's calf, wrapping her paws around the girl's ankle in a vain attempt to put her into a submission hold!]

I'm...still here, kupo!

[studdedcouncilprez]

[There's a second of dread as the attack makes impact. She could feel a lingering presence on her leg that she swore was the muscles protesting the attack on something so cute. No. Wait. That was definitely something weighing down her foot.]

[As soon as Bonnie pipes up she figured out had happened.]

I see that. But what are you going to do from there?

[No sooner did she mention that did the referee came in to consult with the Moogle. While grapples were certainly allowed, she seemed more interested in determining if Bonnie had meant to do that or if she tried to salvage a connected hit by holding on. The match being the first to hit two times, that would count a point in Makoto's favor.]

[Makoto could do nothing but to ponder the same question as she continued to feel the weight a moogle pressing down on her foot.]

[kuposcreed]

[Bonnie can be a devious moogle at times. Or at least good at putting on the show of one, but she's an honest girl and when the ref asked she had to admit that she had just made the most of a bad situation and let go.

Point to Makoto.

Hopping back to the start line, Bonnie seems no worse for wear or any less eager to see this through. She's going to be sore tomorrow, but right now she's full of vim and vigor and the desire to be a Hero just like her best friend.]

I'll get you this time, kupo...

[studdedcouncilprez]

[Right. She had a feeling but didn't want to presume. Furthermore, she didn't want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. So, unlike that last time she is going to rush her down fiercely. Both the look in her eyes and the yell that she gives screams malicious intent. In a moment she bears down on the little chocobo with the full image of dread, her right arm pulled back in powerful preparation...]

[...only for that to be a ruse to cover a quick jab with her left to try to end the match in a single swing.]

A2

[righthandstand]

[Okuyasu would have been surprised if there wouldn't be a practice fight. He chose this Asterisk because he wanted to hit things again without worrying that he's hurt himself or an ally. Of course he volunteers when the Guild counselors asked for new members.

He has been given a new gi for practice here and at home, which he wears his pride. An official recognition for his status.]

Hey, looks like we're paired off! [He's far too excited for this.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[He is! Which was somewhat endearing in a way. For first impressions, Makoto had him pegged as a thug. The enthusiasm he showed was definitely genuine. What was even more impressive is that he was not being dismissive and seemed to enjoy the idea of fighting her? Huh.]

[Makoto found the enthusiasm refreshing and was looking forward to fighting this guy. A part of her was starting to look forward to see what he was able to do.]

[Clasping her hands together, she offers a bow before getting to an offensive stance.]

I hope we do our best.

[righthandstand]

[Don't be deceived, he's a thug and a friend. But for now it's fight time. The instructor gave him an extended lesson on fighting fair and refraining from using "dirty tactics" when practicing his moves inside the guild, which was a big bummer.

But having his fight be determined by contact rather than kicking the shit out of each other keeps it fair. Okuyasu hits his palm with a fist and bows.

The instructor stands on the edge of the area, right on the center line. He raises his arm, and with a curt phrase, beings the match.

Okuyasu prepares with his favorite strategy - rushing at Makoto and swinging at her side.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[The whole time, Makoto was keeping an eye on Okuyasu. Every movement, every gesture was information for her to consider. She wasn't the Phantom Thieves' strategist for nothing!]

[He was coming in hot and heavy and that was somewhat expected. Considering their height and weight differences, she would not have the advantage when it came to size. As the fist was thrown, Makoto followed it with a defensive punch of her own. Blocking would be suicide, but perhaps she could deflect it just enough that it would not be able to hit.]

[As their forearms connected Makoto could feel the sheer power that Okuyasu was bringing to this fight. She was right to be cautious. The pounding force shook all the way down her arm. It hurt. A lot. The pain caused the fight in Makoto to stir. She could feel her heart beat. Her eyes focus. ]

[This was going to be a fun match.]

[She only had a second to react and was practically out of room in this position. There was only one thing that she could do: tuck in her forearm to her chest and follow up the deflect with a quick elbow jab to Okuyasu's chin.]

[righthandstand]

[This girl is pretty strong. It could be due to the Monk asterisk compounding her strength, but her reflexes reveal she knows what she's doing. Okuyasu finds this to be a more interesting fight than the one he had in space.

He dodges back when he sees her pull back, her elbow almost grazing his chin. The return of some of his old skills renews his confidence, and he strafes around her to punch from the side.

Keicho always said he wasn't the best at tactics, but even he knows he has to find some way to catch Makoto off-guard.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

[A good dodge. Not only was this guy fast and aggressive, he had good reflexes.]

[Fortunately, so did she.]

[A little frustrated that she wasn't able to get the point for the quick deflection, Makoto's eyes followed Okuyasu carefully. When he tries going for her side, Makoto was already ready. Pivoting on her heel, she swung her foot out as she turned, With any luck, Okuyasu was going to be running straight into her outstretched foot.]

[If she was unlucky, Makoto would be wide open.]

[righthandstand]

[It works. Okuyasu runs straight into her leg and curses under his breath when he hits the mat.

Makoto receives one point. He slams his palms on the floor and jumps back to his feet in one movement.]

I was just warmin' up!

[No big deal, she got the first hit. As long as he learns from the experience, he should be fine. Okuyasu follows with a series of short jabs, testing how Makoto will react.]

[studdedcouncilprez]

Tch!

[That was what Makoto was afraid of. Her experiment showed that in a battle of strength Okuyasu would easily be able to wear her down. Coming in with a series of jabs was the worst outcome for her. She could only deflect a small handful of them before being overpowered. His range also meant that she would struggle to get an attack throw without risk getting hit.]

[The only thing that she could use in this situation was to kick. As Okuyasu came forward she tried a repeat of the trick she used to get the first point. Holing her arms to protect her front, she leaped backwards and threw out a kick, hoping that a wild kick would somehow tag him as he approached.]

[She's going to need a new strategy, and quick!]