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

Okuyasu Nijimura | JJBA | OTA

[righthandstand]

A. ANY GUILD

[Okuyasu has written off most of the Jobs thanks to the help of Madhuri and other adults. Ultimately, the sole physical Guild he wishes to attend is the Monk’s Guild in Hisan City, but that does not dissuade him from attending the other demonstrations. He quickly learns that all of them offer free food, free coffee mugs, free pens, and many other items his new home could use. He remains inside the buildings long enough to stow some things into his backpack and walk out before anyone notices and drags him to the initiation.

Sometimes this is easy. Other times the delinquent sticks out like a sore thumb. Why is he hanging around the Tactician Guild? Why’s he taking three mini first aid kits at the White Mage Guild?]

B. ILLUSIONIST GUILD

[He hadn’t decided what to take as a secondary, but the instant he sees someone teleport outside, he shoves everyone aside and runs through the doors.]

SHOW ME HOW YOU DO THAT.

[Unfortunately, that skill takes training and he’ll have to settle for levitation for now. He doesn’t care, he’s prodding every Illusionist on the shoulder and asking the same questions – how does teleportation work? What can you move? Is it possible to teleport something other than yourself? Are you sure?]

C. THE STREETS OF ARITO

[Throughout the trip, Okuyasu has kept an eye out for any “trash” lying in the alleyways. People tend to throw out perfectly useful things, even furniture, though he’d have to figure out a way to sneak that onto the ship.]

Hey, free eraser.

[Some student dropped their supplies. Finders keepers. But fate is a funny thing, with one good thing comes a terrible one. A Lalafell, noticing that an off-worlder split off from the group, corners her prey with a sudden assault.]

The nerve of some people, I swear! I asked them to research the history of Aritan art schools and one week later, they said they haven’t even started! What am I supposed to do, carry the project?

What?

I hate it when group members don’t keep up, it’s like they want to fail the class. And then I tell the professor and they’re like “there’s a peer evaluation at the end of the semester” What does that even mean?! I have to suffer and do the hard work while he parties, and I have to wait for him to face the consequences?

Um…

You get me, don’t you? Don’t you?

[Okuyasu backs away, but the student follows.]

C

[pishirogane]

[Today, it's become a chore to attempt to get any information collected, but at least there's a reason. It wasn't under she got into the swing of things and vocally admitted having no idea what was going on because she was an outworlder did someone tell her.]

[It wasn't a surprise to her then to see a Lalafell having cornered another person who didn't appear to be part of this world on the street. He'd probably be fine - but he's backing away and the student was following - maybe not.]

... Yes. And it's moments like this that make the idea of future collaborations with anyone already a headache.

[righthandstand]

[Okuyasu has been betrayed. He's being double-teamed by the Lalafell and a bystander who was supposed to to drive her off. He has no clue what to say - he's never been too worried about school until he started high school, and even then the teacher hasn't given out any projects yet. How could he empathize? Or did his lack of understand mean he was the problem member?

Shit, maybe he is and no one told him.]

That's it! [The Lalafell turns to Naoto.] If work outside the academic sphere is centered on group projects, are professors dissuading us from leaving school? Are they seriously lowering themselves to underhanded tactics?

[pishirogane]

It seems that way, doesn't it? Perhaps you should take this time to vent your frustration at your professor or a member of the school board. It's the perfect opportunity.

[Though, the professor might vent back, but at least that would have the Lalafell going elsewhere and not staying here.]

[righthandstand]

[The student laughs. Oh sweet summer child.]

And get points deducted from my final paper? As if! Everyone other professor in the humanities department is like this!

[Okuyasu slowly shuffles away from the pair.]

[pishirogane]

That doesn't sound fair. It's a holiday; you're only observing it and humanities should be the last department to mark you down for it.

[It doesn't make sense. Naoto's eyes drift over to their company trying to shift away.]

Hm... time to branch out.

[righthandstand]

[The Lalafell pauses to consider that. Standing up to the institution sounds like something from a historical drama. Yes, Blah Blah Blah Day truly inspires bravery. The Lalafell did repel their enemies through speech, no reason to be surprised.]

Hmm...perhaps you're right! If I can grab my friends on Mognet, we can stage a venting demonstration in front of the building!

[She smiles smugly, briefly placated by Naoto's suggestion. Okuyasu slips into the alleyway to spy for the nearest escape route.]

[pishirogane]

Yes. And with your friends and others who feel wronged, it should be more effective.

[Wise decision, sir.]

[righthandstand]

[The Lalafell gets a mischievous twinkle in her eye before she turns around in search of her friends. This venting session has been productive, and isn't the point of the holiday to achieve peace with talk?

Naoto is free to escape, though the delinquent with scars on the sides of his face has begun heading down a path that hopefully takes him to the nearest guild full of handouts and quiet people. Okuyasu can't risk turning back to thank the savior.]

[pishirogane]

[The Lalafell gone, Naoto turns... and sees that the person wasn't there anymore. Scowling slightly, she heads the direction she last saw him going. Did he want to know what was going on or not?]

Arito!

[piume]

[ Ordinarily, it wouldn't even cross Lean's mind to interrupt an exchange on a day like this - having spent half his life surrounded by Lalafells, he knows better than to attract their attention on their favourite holiday. On the other hand, he can't help but feel a bit sorry for the oblivious newcomers, and therefore can't bring himself to ignore Okuyasu's exasperated expression.

As he steps closer, it occurs to him that he's seen the attacker somewhere before. A former classmate, probably? Either way, it wouldn't do him any favours to be recognised - but at least he has a certain idea of what to expect. ]

I don't think he gets us. I don't think anybody does. [ That's the most sympathetic tone he can muster on the fly. ] Otherwise, we wouldn't be forced to participate in countless group activities that completely neglect to take into consideration our skills as individuals.

[ He definitely sounds invested for someone who's randomly decided to jump in. At this point, it's difficult to say whether it's an actual strategy, or... ]

We have been suffering for so long, I believe it's time to send an official complaint. If you start writing it now, there's still a chance that it will reach those in charge before sundown.

[righthandstand]

[Life is cruel. All he wanted was to save a few gil on an eraser, yet he must pay the price and face the ranting of two tired students. Is this truly what university life is about - complaining and dealing with terrible classes? If so, he's glad he's quitting after high school finding work. His poor brain would never handle this level of stress.

The Lalafell nods. Misery loves company, and having a target agree and vent with her heals her wounds.]

The tenure gets to their heads, they think they can do anything they want if they can't be kicked out. That's when they lose their soul and enjoy giving us a difficult time. Why else are we supposed to write essays every week?

[piume]

[ Stressful as it is, Lean belongs to the rare category of students who actually enjoy this university life in almost all its darker aspects - including the tests. How else is he supposed to prove his prowess if not through careful examination? Nonetheless, whining remains an integral part of the whole process that even a prime student like him can't part with, strangely enough. In Arito at the very least, there is no better ice breaker than venting your school problems away.

Poor, poor Okuyasu. ]

Every week? I have reports due every other day. [ Which in hindsight is a bit ridiculous. He shakes his head. ] Do not even get me started on the overlapping class times - why are we expected to accommodate all these sudden changes? It's not like we can afford being in two places at the same time.

[ Unless...- Illusionist! Amazed by his own discovery, he makes a mental note to drop by their guild later... and also loses his train of thought a little bit. ]

So... yes. I would be grateful if you could include that in your report.

[righthandstand]

[The Lalafell nods vigorously.]

Every day? How do you stay awake? How does any of us stake awake? All this talk about higher learning is just a ploy to kill our souls! [She steps in closer.] Oh, we will write an anonymous letter, and it'll be a good one! Right?

[She turns to Okuyasu, who has been watching the exchange unsure what to do. Running would attract attention, but there is safety in numbers. He must return to the tour group, though his sudden pull into the conversation blocks his escape.]

Okay? Won't you get in trouble with the school? [He isn't aware how university functions differently from high school - big mistake.]

In trouble? So? If we don't die that'll be worth "getting in trouble". Does the faculty expect to run a factory where we're all little obedient students? Hah!

[Okuyasu clutches his eraser. He eyes Lean. He squints at the Lalafell, not answering but adjusting his stance as if he were ready to fight.]

[piume]

[ Lean returns the glance, quietly wishing the otherworlder would take a hint and play along - but he'll force his hand if necessary. Speaking of which, what is that he's so desperately clutching onto?

Looking back at the Lalafell, he makes a dismissive motion with his hand. ]

Hey, let's not fight one another. That's what they would want to divert your attention from the matters of the highest importance, and you don't want that, do you?

[ He allows the student a moment of self-reflection as he pretends to be checking something on his iMog slate. ]

Say, how about we meet up in fifteen minutes in that café around the corner? It's not like we can produce a worthwhile read on the spot. And, uh... in the meantime, I'll help him reunite with his group, since I think they're gone now.

[righthandstand]

[Such a wise thing to say. The Lalafell makes a small noise in response, slightly frustrating, but receptive to Lean's suggestion.]

That café would be a good place to find other people...

[To rant at, of course, while finding the energy to continue with the rest of the day. She turns to Okuyasu, unsure of how to deal with him.

He glares at her in return.]

You got a problem with me?

A

[rivieran]

[ Did someone say delinquency?

On the one day Ena finds herself at the White Mage guild, she hung back for a bit to ask a few questions to one of the guild members, and as she's turning to leave she watches curiously as Okuyasu starts pilfering a number of the first aid kids.

As she kept studying him, she realized she'd noticed him before stuffing snacks into his bag at a small number of other guilds. What does he need so many first aid kits for?

So she approaches him, frowning slightly. ] Are you hurt?

[righthandstand]

[Her sudden appearance surprises him into tossing the last tiny bottle of antiseptic into the backpack before he whirls around to face her.]

I ain't. [He zips up his stash and swings the bag over his shoulder.] If they're handin' them out for free, why say no?

[rivieran]

I suppose so. [ She crosses her arms. ] Are you joining the White Mage guild, then?

[righthandstand]

Nah, that's more of Josuke's thing. [A pause.] He's my best friend from home.

[And now that a week has passed without seeing any of his old friends, Okuyasu misses them all.]

[rivieran]

[ Okay, that's nice. Does that explain the pilfering of medical supplies? ]

Does your friend need medical attention, then?

[righthandstand]

He's out of the hospital, so unless he got into a fight right after I came here, he'll be fine.

[Okuyasu does not get Ena's accusatory insinuation.]

Besides, he's pretty smart. He knows when it ain't a good idea to fight.

[rivieran]

Well, it's good to hear your friend has some sense. [ She gives a sigh and frowns a little deeper. She can tell it's all going right over his head. ]

But what doesn't make sense is taking more supplies than you need, and medical supplies at that. [ She throws a pointed glance to Okuyasu's bag. ] I've seen you pilfering things from other guilds as well. You don't certainly need all this stuff, do you?

[righthandstand]

[His expression hardens defensively. His grip on the shoulder strap tightens.]

They're giving it out for free. What's the problem with taking what they're offering. [Like notepads, medical kits, pencil cases, and snacks.] I'm saving the money Cid gave us for emergencies.

[rivieran]

[ Ena crosses her arms defensively, too. She knows they're giving them out for free, but-- but-- IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT, OKAY?? ]

And? You don't think we're not all in the same boat? What if someone comes for a medical kit in a couple of days and they're all out?