Video
[Certain persons in the cities will recognize, if not the individual, then at least the race of the person who's just popped onto the network. To the one or two likely to remember her, she looks... rather a lot more world-weary and worn down. Kind of sickly, to be honest. Still, she offers a wry smile to the camera.]

Have to say, I didn't expect to be summoned back here again. Thought I might be done with that for a while, after the Exarch did his thing. [No, she's not going to say his name here. He asked that she call him the Exarch, and so she shall.] That aside, if memory serves, I'm going to need a job. And directions - this key doesn't look like the one I got last time, which suggests that the Commons aren't the default rooming arrangement anymore.

Action
[It's easy to get lost in a city that's built for people at least double your height. Especially when you're having a little trouble with your vision, and your hearing, and... really all your senses. And what feels like the world's biggest migraine.

Is it any wonder, then, that she's ducked into a cafe to wait out the brighter part of the day? Odd that the sky outside is unaffected, but then, Genessia has always been resilient against the afflictions of its residents.

Sipping a cold drink - looks like iced tea, from here - and applying a bag of that same ice to the side of her head, she might be easily mistaken for a lost and confused child...]

[Thancred's face appears on the screen, with the bay in the background. He's been awake for a while and poking around while making his way towards the city.]

Well, according to this device, we're not in Eorzea anymore, are we boy?

[ Video - Open to All! ]

((OOC note: Bulma got a water-damaged book from a search that can be partially restored!))

[ The video starts with Bulma seated at her bedroom desk, and what can be seen of her work area is actually relatively clean for once. ]

Hey Genessia, if you don't already know, I'm Bulma. [ She gives a short wave to the camera ] I've got a question!

[ She holds up an old water-damaged book, and flips through the pages to show the extent of the damage. ]

Is anyone out there good at restoring old text? Goku and I found this out in the mountains, and I thought it could be something interesting. [ Casually leaves out that thy annihilated and entire species of mud monster in the process, but eh. ] I'll pay to get it restored, of course!



( [ Action - Goku & Bulma only ❤ Backdated to a week or so after Trunks and Mai's arrival. ] )



( [ Text - 17, 18, Vegeta, Goku, Mai, Trunks, & Bulma only ] )

(( OOC: Let me know if your character doesn't age, or would age slower than normal. Raistlin is cursed to see time as it effects all things. ))

---

The voice that disturbed the quiet of the Bay was a horrible, rasping whisper, "...Shirak."

Light, cold and sterile, blazed into sudden life from the crystal atop of the newcomer's staff. It had been thrust out into the dark in the grip of a thin, attenuated hand, and Raistlin Majere stared at the unfamiliar surroundings that greeted him from where he sat in the odd... bed? he'd woken in.

This wasn't the Abyss.

Nor did it look like some new, creative setting invented by Takhisis to torture him with.

Well, then.

Something new.

The mage let the bottom of his staff hit the floor, and used it to help him swing his legs over the side of the bed, struggling his way to standing in the damp cave. Raistlin stayed there for a minute, swaying in place, both hands clutching the staff for support as a wave of dizziness threatened to pitch him down into the murky water.

He knew he didn't dare linger longer than he must in the cold water seeping into his boots and creeping up the thick velvet of his black robes and cloak, but it would be worse to fall. The instant he felt able, Raistlin moved forward and eventually out of the water entirely, before pausing once more, this time to steady his breathing.

The rattle; the wet, sucking wheeze of it was as clear as the way the light glinted off his strange, metallic golden skin. Moving quickly, he retrieved a pouch of foul-smelling medicine from inside his robes to breathe into -- in, rattle, rasp, out, wheeeeze. In...

Don't cough, don't cough, don't cough!

Who: "The" Doctor Funkenstein, Ted "Teddy Bear" Satchel, Orihime "Strawberry Fields Forever" Inoue, River "Danger Never Looked Better" Song , Aesyln "Three Feet of Murder" Blackrose
What: Going Spelunking in the Maw.
Where: The Maw, Fayren
When: Backdated to May 4th


( Beyonce never had it so good )

(OoC: Set after this)

[Ellen felt so weak and helpless. She screwed up big time dealing with that Vacuumoid monster and paid for it big time. Her form as Cure Beat left her without her Pokemon and using her Pokemon would have made her too vulnerable.

Her frustration over all of this and her own body feeling weak was too much, causing her to stumble against a wall.]

Help... me... please...

[She just wanted to get home, but that didn't seem likely at all. Someone wanna help her out?]

Hello, Genessians. As you all will have no doubt noticed, a hostage crisis has just come and gone, and it's hardly the first nor even the most dire situation of its kind. Though it was resolved without significant loss of innocent life, many of you have expressed concerns to the effect that it never should have escalated to that stage in the first place.

Back in Eorzea, I was a member of an organization dedicated to the resolution of situations like this. Kidnapping and worse are more common there, because the Beast tribes often supplement their summoning rituals with sacrifice - and oft times, the authorities are too late to rescue the poor souls stolen from their beds because of bureaucratic red tape. The Scions were the sword they could not be, a blade of light against the darkness - one that could strike without waiting for the machinations of bureaucrats to deem the cause 'worthy'.

They could do this because they had already won the approval of the Grand Companies, as well as the individual nations' monarchs. When rogue gods shook the realm, pirates bloodied the waters where the Maelstrom could not reach, poachers stalked the Twelveswood, or dragons darkened the skies of Ishgard, we were there. Ours was oft a thankless task; many times were we even vilified. But none could say we did not do what was needed.

I propose to open a branch of that organization here, in Genessia. A group of individuals with skills suited to the task of roving the land and seeking out trouble wherever it may roost, dealing with threats both too large and too small for the established authorities to handle. A sort of special operations force, one that can move about independently of the Guardians, who must needs defend their own cities first.

I do not offer this service idly, nor easily, for I must confess that this very job has cost me much and more in Eorzea. Blood, and tears. Bright lives lost far too early, great men and women hewn down by forces they could not hope to oppose, and the dagger of betrayal - all have sought out my doorstep.

If you would seek me out, come to the Meteor tavern in Fayren. I'll be waiting.

((OOC note: Sick mun alert. Tags will come in bursts. Fair warning.))

Who: Tatlyn, Aeslyn, OTA for some reason
Where: Fayren
When: January 15th

[First a blizzard and then a blizzard? Elin were not meant to be kept locked up inside buildings. They were meant to run free! After making her "escape" from Fairy Haven, Tatlyn went on the most bizarre tantrum, hoping over mounds of snow as she makes a wolf-shaped indentation on the other side, then repeat.

Anyone bold enough to even be outside in Fayren, or even looking out the windows, will see this wolf girl jumping out of deep snow like some kind of fish. Finally, she had just about enough of this snow. She grabbed her staff from my backpack and stabbed it into the ground, unleashing a small burst of energy to create a geyser of snow.

Only for it all to fall back down and bury her. After a few moments, she pokes her head out from the snow. Still, she tries to fight the snow, heading towards the local forge now that she was getting tired.]

What -huff- is with -huff- this SNOW! -Huff- This is -huff- massive horsesh--

[Spotting something in the distance, she immediately ducks into the snow and burrows towards another direction to get out of the way. She wouldn't dare try to peek, even if she was freezing her tail off at this point.]

WHO: Whitley Schnee, all of the contestants and judges who signed up, and anyone who wishes to spectate!
WHAT: The moment of truth has arrived! Who's makes the best entree? The best dessert? How many judges will go home with food poisoning unrelated to Chara totally not using actual buttercups in their pie? Let's find out!
WHEN: November 20th, Early evening
WHERE: Genessia City

===

[ Once all contestants and judges are at the venue, and enough time has passed for the audience to settle into place, Whitley takes center stage with a broad smile and a polite bow. ]

Good evening, culinary enthusiasts, and welcome to the Genessia World Cooking Championship! We have an impressive lineup of contestants ready to show us what they're capable of - but first, allow me to introduce our panel of judges.

[ He lifts one hand to gesture to a table at one end of the room, where the five judges are seated, with an extra seat remaining for Whitley himself. As he introduces each he allows a moment for them to stand and wave to the crowd, should they so desire: ]

Shinjiro Aragaki, Alice Nakiri, Gwen Stacy, Aeslyn Blackrose, and Demyx - as well as myself, of course! A truly diverse array of palettes if ever there was one, but we'll see which entries are superb enough to wow us all. We'll begin first with the entrees, then allow a short intermission before moving onto the desserts.

[ He claps his hands together in front of himself, nodding sharpy. ]

I don't think there's any need to say more, and truth be told I'm famished, so without further ado - will all chefs making entrees please find your stations!


(( OOC: First and foremost, thank you everyone who signed up! As you may have noticed we had exactly five people sign up to be judges, so EVERYONE WHO SIGNED UP TO BE A JUDGE IS IN! As for how the contest will work now, there will be headers below for each entry with the chef's name, their dish, and their meta score from the random number generator plus their experience bonus. Chefs may comment in those threads to describe their process and what may have gone right or wrong, while judges are free to react as if they are tasting the dish!

That should about cover things, but if there are any questions feel free to shoot me a PM!

p.s. yes these are seriously the numbers I rolled so make of that what you will ))

[Winter's severe disapproval and judgment is on open display. She makes no effort to disguise her displeasure, her brow darkening, the corners of her mouth descending.]

The recent rash of monster attacks and general assortment of chaos has left me to question the leadership capabilities of those who deem themselves fit for their positions. I will state the problematic issues that I have personally witnessed, and suggest a solution that I would strongly advise to be taken into immediate consideration.

[Her head turns just slightly to indicate her first assessment.]

One. Newcomers arrive in this city on a near-daily basis. Under ordinary circumstances, the hologram would be enough to inform them of their first steps. However.

[FROWN.]

For as many capable fighters as this city seems to hold, not one stepped forward to watch the Bay for new arrivals. Instead they were immediately thrust into a perilous situation that a mere holographic recording could not possibly hope to redeem. This is a serious and reckless oversight. During times of emergency, a team must be instated to protect our newest and most vulnerable citizens. They were neglected and left to fend for themselves.

This should NOT be allowed to happen again. Do I make myself clear?

[There's a hint of fire in those frosty tones. She definitely expects a response in the affirmative.]

Two. Along a similar vein, no public announcement was made about the sudden dangers each realm now possessed. An excusable oversight in Everglade, as no serious harm can come from a sudden shift in architecture from inedible to edible, annoying as some of you may have found it to be. For Attleton, however, the lack of warning was completely intolerable. The physical and mental damage sustained from an unexpected encounter from one's worst fears can be severe, even deadly. Despite this, there was no evacuation order, no warning, and no guard to stand by and warn the ignorant who might have ventured too close. Such gross negligence cannot be easily forgiven, but should be absolutely remedied to avoid future tragedies.

[Her icy blue eyes narrow.]

Three; my final point. Many of you were caught unaware, and unprepared, to sufficiently deal with the dangers into which you were thrust. To you, I offer a choice. You may content yourselves to remain victims and cling to the shadows of those who are stronger, better trained, and more capable. There is no shame in acknowledging one's weaknesses and limitations.

[Even though it sure sounds like she's heaping on the shame.]

However.

If you would seek to improve the situation, for yourself and others, then you must be willing to undergo a training regimen that will test your boundaries, and force growth. There are many such individuals who are willing to accept students for any number of learned skills: martial combat. Wilderness survival. Communications. If you are one such person with an invaluable skill that few to none offer, do not be stingy and hoard your gifts. Teach.

Though I did not accept students in the world from which I hail, my current position as the captain of the royal guard in Fayren affords me the opportunity to offer an intense training regimen to those with the proper motivation, perseverance, and mental and physical fortitude. It takes eight weeks to complete, and my methods are grueling. If you would have a teacher to coddle you and accept your failures, do not apply, for you will be turned out at once. I expect perfect obedience. In return I will teach you to survive, and to hone your talents.

Should you even manage to impress me, I may offer you a position as one of my elite. Nonetheless, should you seek employment as a royal guard or simply to become better than you are, I would welcome you.

[Winter leans back just slightly, her arms clasped formally behind her back.]

I have stated my disapproval, as well as my suggestions for improvement. If you have questions you are free to make them known. But I will not tolerate bruised egos or tantrums. Respond with either and you shall be cut off at once, and disregarded.

Winter Schnee signing off.

[Blip! And she even managed a little snowflake logo for her call sign. Well isn't that fancy.]

In the outskirts of Fayren, on the edge of the forest, there's a nice secluded spot where a small hill resides. By all accounts, today is a day like any other. The weather is as predicted, and nothing out of the ordinary seems to be happening for a change. That is... until around noon.

What can only be described as an explosion of purple energy engulfs the area surrounding the hill. It forms a dome of swirling energy that can be seen from some distance. Anything it touches is pulled into the dome and ripped apart until there's nothing left. When the dome finally recedes, all that is left is a barren crater. A few wisps of smoke rise from disparate parts of the crater, but at its center is a lone figure, panting and almost... growling to himself.

Mewtwo has left yet another mark on the wilds of Fayren.

Until the day I die...

[That promise she was made to make swirled in her mind as Eleanor emerged from the creepy cave with the contents of this mock gift she woke up with. Her memory was hazy and vision clouded from sleepiness.]

Where ever could this be? This... This doesn't look like Westgand... Just where am I?

[She concentrated for a moment, like she was calling on a inner being...]

Laphicet, can you hear me?

...

Laphicet? ... Oh gods, please no! Don't tell me I lost Laphicet...

[It didn't take long for signs of panic begin to set in. As if her previous situation wasn't bad enough, now it's gotten to deadly proportions. She hugged herself as she paced around the clearing in front of the Bay.

Of course, in the midst of her worries, her thoughts begin to spill out into the open.]

This can't be happening, I can't believe this is happening. I lost Laphicet and without me to protect him, he'll turn into a daemon and then Velvet...

[Velvet...and her Daemon hand... And the promise to kill her if Eleanor failed.]

Not only that, but Lord Artorius... My mission... My last hope to redeem myself... This can't be the end of everything I worked so hard for!

But where do I even start? What kind of Praetor Exorcist loses her malak not once, but twice? I can't just walk up to any old body and just ask, can I? That will shake the faith in the Abbey to the foundation...

[Feel free to eavesdrop on everything she just spouted.]

[It was in the evening hours when the video comes on, Anastasia was wearing her favorite Sylveon-themed nightgown, complete with a Sylveon ear hood up on her head. An actual Sylveon can be seen in the background, sleeping on its back on the girl's bed.]

I have a question about the Holodeck'd. Is it possible to use it to play hypothetical scenarios from your own home world? Like, see what happens if you had done something differently?

Or perhaps see what would happen if one were to confront a coming challenge as one is now?

[It takes a moment of fumbling about and a grumble about Linkpearls being annoying before a young looking cat-like girl shows up on the screen. Although obviously lost and confused, there isn't a hint of fear in her eyes before she speaks, slightly sheepish. It's not like the Warrior of Light has ever not looked like a idiot who was floundering in water before.]

Apparently someone has decided ta move me ta the next place that might need some help. Although I think I liked the first time the land decided on things better.

[She hesitates for a moment, her ear flicking slightly before biting her lip.]

Although, quick question! Has anyone seen any Wild Roses blooming here? If that didn't make sense, don't worry about it. Nothing too important I guess. But for now, I guess I should at least explore and see what's awaitin' me! Maybe there's a Archer;s Guild or Somethin' ta do around here? Sittin' around and waitin' isn't good ya know?

[She's stumbling a bit with the accent. It's not her real one but..for now- she'll pretend.]

[David starts up the video feed and he looks much better than he did the last time he started it.]

So a belated congratulations to all current Guardians. I’m positive you will all do or continue to do a good job.

[To the next order of business.]

So like many of the other Guardians, I’m putting a call out for anyone interested in being a Deputy Guardian. Your job essentially would boil down to helping to protect Genessia City. For a while now I’ve only had Karla as a Deputy, but I think it is time to fix that. I don’t have any hard requirements for anyone interested in joining, there are many different ways that a person can help out with protecting the city. There are some possible changes that I’m considering for the future and having a full team could help with that.

If you would like to converse over the potential job, we can do so over this device. Otherwise, you can meet me in the Guardian’s Office in Genessia City [Address to the office is here] My door is always open to anyone, so don’t be afraid to drop by.

On a different note, I am thinking about opening up an MMORPG style branch of Holodeck’d. Granted, there is no Online aspect of it, so I guess it’d just be an MMRPG. You’d be your character and be able to adopt the look of your character model, use your own physical movements to engage in combat, ect. I suppose this is an interest check for that as well.

[Jaune is sitting in his office at Nova City's Guardian Skyrise. When the video starts, he's blaring some loud, classical rock music with unintelligible lyrics, which he quickly turns down. Oops. There's a lengthy looking scroll on his desk and you can see interesting decorating choices such as empty redbull cans, action figures of the other guardians and deputies that look like they were in mid-fight with the Weiss one on top of a book, and a chew toy.]

I think I mentioned before looking for a weapons expert. I kind of rushed into it when I asked that, when I should have spent time mastering and re-learning the basics.

Also, I don't think my armor's going to work for much longer. [He's not wearing it right now. It's way too hot for that.] I got a lot of good answers about breaking rocks, but I've finished the design since then, but I don't want to leave it with just anyone.

So, do you have any favorite blacksmiths? Even better, is anyone who's still here one?

[It's been a week or two since the end of the invasion, and someone's finally, finally gotten her feet under her. New world? The concept isn't alien to her. But the only people she's ever met who managed the feat had to give up their corporeal bodies to do it, and she'd know if she'd done something like that, even by accident - right?]

[Regardless, she's now decided it's time to reach out to people. Her linkpearl doesn't work, for whatever reason - odds are good it's waaaay out of range - so she's relying on the 'phone' supplied to her in that little care package. Here, citizens and prisoners of Genessia - have a tiny, blue-haired woman addressing you.]

This is really quite the charming place, when it's not being overrun by ghosts. If I were here by choice, I might even enjoy it.

My name is Aeslyn Blackrose; I doubt it means anything to anyone here, unless Garlemald's reach is far greater than any of us ever guessed. I haven't seen much call for my usual line of work, whether in the 'newspaper' or on this phone thing, so I'm guessing rogue godlings aren't much of a concern here. I am well and truly grateful for that.

That being said, I am at something of an impasse. There are bounty hunters here in plenty already, more than one escort service, and each city has its own Guardian already. There is no war to fight, no empire to overthrow, no god to cast down. Alphinaud would have a fit. [She smiles, but it doesn't last long.]

In short, I need work. I can do woodwork, tailoring, cooking, alchemy, leatherwork, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, and armorsmithing, and I'm quite capable of fighting if that's the only call for my talents. I am a fully grown adult of some thirty-three summers, and I am not above doing odd jobs for coin.

[She woke with a start from a nightmare of dragonflame... to find herself half-frozen in some kind of pod in the middle of an ankle-deep lake. Well... ankle deep on, say, a Hyur or Mi'qote. On her tiny Lalafell frame, it was almost knee deep. Right. First order of business, get out of the water. That large doorway over there looks promising enough.]

[Once she managed to reach her chosen destination, Aeslyn took a moment to take stock of herself. She had absentmindedly carried the package she'd been holding when she awoke, so she opened that now - some kind of currency, a number of pamphlets that seemed to describe the city she found herself in along with others that were apparently connected to it, and a device of some kind. It looked something like the view screens on ancient Allagan machina, but it was far too simple in design to be their work. Surely one of these brochures - ah, yes. It takes her a while to eke out what the phone does and how to make it work, but once she does...]

What in the name of Hydaelyn is this place, and how did I get here? I suppose that's the first question everyone asks. The brochures leave something to be desired - particularly details on the invasion of these hideous, hulking husks. Perhaps someone would please explain the pertinent points?