Anstarra

SPECIAL NOTE: Any player who signs up for any of the above events, even to be on the reserve, will receive a free Minor Milestone. This is because it has been three weeks to a month or more since any events have been run, and IC progression continues apace. Also, don't forget the new house rule mentioned in Discord: HOUSE RULE: For Starsfall, players are allowed to, if they wish, purchase a Stunt that works in the following manner: +1 to a single skill, with a single, simple condition, otherwise always active. The cap to which a skill may be brought with this sort of Stunt is 5. EXAMPLE: Gain +1 to Fight as long as you are fighting with fist weapons. This may not bring your Fight to higher than 5.

There is a time to act, and then a time to rest, before acting once more. Yet time does not stand still... Act III.V: Interlude! Rumors and Story Aspects A febrile peace has settled upon Ul'dah. Those who pay attention to such things are of a mind that /Now is the Calm Before the Storm/. Newfound energy grips Ul'dah's underworld; between the strong front posed by the resilient Golden Pride, the sundering of monetarist mastermind Goldentail's estate, and the ill-concealed return to the public eye of formerly-disgraced master thaumaturge (and suspected voidmage) U'dorian the Grey, it seems it's /A Good Time to be Bad/. In the tundra lands below the mountains of Xelphatol, the Falling Stars, a previously unknown (and, if the rumors are true, violently xenophobic) tribe of miqo'te are showing more interest in the outside world. Increased trading activity is gaining the attention of merchants everywhere, as are rumors of the tribals' fighting prowess, coupled with a newfound willingness to hire themselves out as mercenaries. a) Glorious Battle! (Saturday, May 13th, 2017, 7 pm CST) Spirits are high among the combative types of Ul'dah, and now that the shock has worn off, the populace hungers for the clash of arms. The obvious solution: a tournament of arms in the Coliseum! With security specially provided by the Immortal Flames, an open invitation has been put out to Adventurers and pit fighters of all stripes, to this single-elimination battle extravaganza. "Come! Put on a show! Excite the crowd! Impress a sponsor! They say the winner will get to take on a famous Flame Captain, in a special exhibition match! An opportunity not to be missed!" ~This will be an 8-fighter single-elimination tourney; unfilled spots, if any, will be filled by NPCs. Also, signing up to this event willl not exclude you from signing up for either of the other events this round~ 1. X'cinna Ares 2. Naoh'a Aznable 3. V'aleera Lhuil 4. Virara Wakuwa 5. S'imba Tia 6. b) The Heights of Ambition (Thursday, May 18th, 2017, 7:15 pm CST) In the frozen tundra lands of the Falling Stars, a challenge has been issued by X'indro, the Southern Warlord; a race against a pack of his so-called 'angels' to collect a treasure from the mountains. Which mountains? The homelands of the Ixal, of course... with the treasure in question the prized egg of one of the beastmen's matriarchs. "Four versus four, that's fair yes? Try not to drop the egg on the way back. I get the egg, and you all have permission to walk in Falling Stars lands, unmolested. And the team that wins, gets a prize! Do your best~!" 1. S'imba Tia 2. Virara Wakuwa 3. 4. c) The Depths of Anguish (Sunday, May 21st, 2017, 3 pm CST) In the wake of the violent confrontation some sennights past and the explosions which ensued - in an estate rumored to be rife with void energies - an expedition to study the structural integrity of the catacombs was launched. No one returned. Adventurers are needed. "Horrified screams over the linkpearls, then silence. Something terrible is down there, and it's not just a few zombies this time." 1. Evangeline McBeef 2. Khira Lhizahla 3. Zaphir Zurlac 4. Reis Okeya 5. R'shesha Otharn Reserve List 1. Naoh'a Aznable 2. 3. Signed Up (but had to cancel): 1. Jana Ridah 2. X'cinna Ares SPECIAL NOTE: Any player who signs up for any of the above events, even to be on the reserve, will receive a free Minor Milestone. This is because it has been three weeks to a month or more since any events have been run, and IC progression continues apace. Also, don't forget the new house rule mentioned in Discord: HOUSE RULE: For Starsfall, players are allowed to, if they wish, purchase a Stunt that works in the following manner: +1 to a single skill, with a single, simple condition, otherwise always active. The cap to which a skill may be brought with this sort of Stunt is 5. EXAMPLE: Gain +1 to Fight as long as you are fighting with fist weapons. This may not bring your Fight to higher than 5.

Updates and Clarifications to the Turn System The Turns system has proven itself an invaluable tool for effecting both player and NPC behind-the-scenes actions through a storyline. With that in mind, a few refinements and clarifications are necessary.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE THE FALLING STARS The Home Sept (X'zarann Silverfall Nunh) - ruler of the Falling Stars miqo'te, finally slain at the world-beacon antenna, Azys Lla (X'ares Nunh) - his father, the previous Nunh, slain by X'zarann X'ennaliss Orthos - his mother, a huntress thought to have died years ago, now The Whiteseer, honorary member of the Circle of Stars X'anista Ares - his full-blooded sister, known as Anstarra Silverain or Skybreaker, member of the Circle of Stars The Fallen (X'ogun Tia of the Fallen) - chief lieutenant and advisor to X'zarann, brother to X'ares, slain in Azys Lla X'addo Ares/Tia of the Fallen - chief intelligence agent for X'zarann, now in hiding (as always), honorary member of the Circle of Stars X'zam Tia of the Fallen - chief enforcer for X'zarann, now settled in the Crucible X'kirra Ares of the Fallen - chief assassin for X'zarann, twin to X'vurr, now settled in the Crucible X'vurr Ares of the Fallen - chief bodyguard for X'zarann, twin to X'kirra, now settled in the Crucible X'red Ares of the Fallen - a dangerous killer, very fast, now settled in the Crucible Warlords X'indro Tia - Warlord of the South, an eclectic leader, now member of the Circle of Stars X'rrain Ares - Warlord of the East X'zenn Tia - Warlord of the Glade, now Harbinger of the Eight, member of the Circle of Stars (X'yhulud Tia) - Warlord of the Bloody Prints Sept, slain at the Battle of Camp Nowhere The Unfallen X’alon Ares - Halone-worshiper, now released from the Unfallen and making a pilgrimage to Ishgard X'maro Tia - shield-bearer, twin to X'mara X'mara Ares - shield-bearer, twin to X'maro X’nikka Zarann - survivor of Bloody Prints, young teen, now released from the Unfallen and wanting to travel the world X’karu Ares - Drunken-fighter, now released from the Unfallen and traveling east, joining the Blood Stars Sept.. sort of X’ave Ares - Half-breed demi-caste, now released from the Unfallen and rejoining the Home Sept X’oen Zarann - Adopted Elezen aether-user X'goth Tia - CRAAAAWLING INNNNN MY SKIINNNNN X’rati Ares - Provocative bitch X’odan Ares - Dragon-aspected demi-monster Various Warriors (X’vish Ares) - bare-breasted pale-eyed cruel huntress, West, killed by Orrin X’garo Tia - muscular Tia, West X’han Tia - buff Tia, West, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X’ilniara Ares - sniper huntress, West X’yarra Ares - sniper huntress, West X’zaylee Ares - vicious 16-year-old, West, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X'eyrn Tia - assassin, twin to X'ayani, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X'ayani Ares - assassin, twin to X'eyrn, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X'zinn Tia - skirmisher X'zora Ares - skirmisher Taro - male Clip-Tail in the Crystal Caves X'ihari Ares - a chipper huntress at the Crystal Caves (X'hina Ares) - a jealous huntress slain in the Crystal Caves X'avorra Ares - a huntress of the Bloody Prints Sept, longtime captive of the Drake tribe of Forgotten Springs, released into the Blood Stars Sept X’ioun Ares - Former Warlord of the Sky Prints, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X’erry Ares - Wounded in Azys Lla, scarred now, one ruby eye, X’ioun’s daughter, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept X'aco Tia - Adopted surviving warrior of the Sky Prints, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept The Bright Ones (former Clip-Tails of the Bloody Prints Sept) Orri (Ares) - spear-bearer, last clipped, protector, Member of the Circle of Stars Naya (Ares) - playful, promiscuous and artistic Vann (Tia) - herbalist and pugilist and heavy reader, Member of the Circle of Stars Andi (Ares) - quick-footed hunter-gatherer Erif (Tia) - aspirant swordsman, now adopted to the Blood Stars Sept Aftee (Ares) - aspirant archer The Golden Prints Sept X'cinna Ares - Warlord(?), alcoholic and Echo-blessed huntress (Ravens Free Company) (PC) S'imba Tia - Warlord(?), avenger, Outsider seeking to get in (Ravens Free Company) (PC) X'vanna Ares - haughty huntress X'liss Ares - sadistic huntress X'krala Ares - zealous huntress and new mother X'rraz Tia - hunter and healer X'erin Ares - rebellious huntress and new mother U'jakata Tia(?) - Outsider mage, mate/pet of X'erin Minna - his cat X'aria Ares - huntress, aspirant engineer (Ravens Free Company) X'bree Ares - huntress, student of Outsider ways (Ravens Free Company) (PC) OF UL'DAH AND ELSEWHERE Of the Aster Moiraine Astervane AKA Goldentail - mysterious monetarist mastermind and manipulator, disgraced and fled with U'dorian the Gray Captain Cortez - of the Blades, a hateful and broken man... slain repeatedly, or so it seems..? A cult now exists around him... (Lieutenant Diego) - of the Blades, slain during Dederu Deru's first expedition to Falling Stars lands Lieutenant Whyte - of the Blades, at Camp Nowhere Gunther - of the Blades, troublemaking drunkard J'axon - wetworks specialist employed by Goldentail The Immortal Flames Flame Captain Maximillian Maximus - mighty pugilist with an even mightier handlebar moustache Lieutenant Joss - direct aide and mouthpiece for the Captain (especially with Adventurers) The Golden Pride Kordo - first lieutenant, formerly of the Alleyway Boars Anansi Ansi - lieutenant, formerly of the Short Staffs Lanidare - lieutenant, formerly of the Mhigan Flies C’thaya - lieutenant, formerly of the One-Gil Mob Black Sun - lieutenant, formerly of the Muscle-Bound (badly burnt) Others Frances L'orieux - young Gridanian noblewoman at Camp Glorious Garri - Echo-bearing street rat at Camp Glorious Rienne - a Wood Wailer investigating the killing of two wailers and their prisoner, currently at Camp Glorious Nightsparkle - voidtouched(?) golden firedrake Myarf - a warped-aether aberration from the Burning Wall Ibes Habes - a tonberry in Camp Bronze Lake (Dederu Deru) - prodigal scion of the Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, murdered by assassins near the Burning Wall Rarani Rani - merchant at Camp Glorious Alonso - representative of the Goblet Housing Authority The Crew - headed by The Boss, mercenary miners U'dorian the Grey - disgraced master thaumaturge, former teacher of Moiraine Astervane, absconded with her U'niall - huntress tortured by Bloody Prints Sept huntresses (U'khenova) - huntress tortured and killed by Bloody Prints Sept huntresses The Whiteseer - Falling Star Padjal(?) White Mage, aka X'ennaliss Orthos, Anstarra and X'zarann's birth mother (Starlight) - voidsent birthed by the massacre at Rock Falls

You're right! Correcting~

MILESTONES: Significant Milestones Awarded based on plot involvement/impact and/or personal story progression due to elements related to the plot. - Arblis Ellhis - Aya Foxheart - Edda Eglantine - Enju Abbagliato - Khira Lhizahla - Khunbish Adarkim - L'rinhi Kett - Naoh'a Aznable - Nihka Mioni - Orrin Halgren - Reis Okeya - S'imba Tia - Virara Wakuwa - X'cinna Ares - Zaphir Zurlac Minor Milestones Awarded for partial involvement; contribute toward future Milestone allocation. - Chachanji Gegenji - Dusk Shadow - Jana Ridah - Kiht Jakkya - R'shesha Otharn - Zanzan Yanzan Milestone lists aren't absolute, feel free to poke me if I forgot something!

END OF ACT III The dust begins to settle, as Starsfall's third act comes to a close. The dark energies afflicting Ul'dah - the product of aetherial experiments the end-goal of which remains obscure - have mostly dissipated. The Brass Blades of the Aster have retreated from the fore, to lick their wounds. The Golden Pride criminal gang are keeping a low profile, due to attention from the Immortal Flames. The liberated tribal ex-slaves known as the Bright Ones have escaped recapture, the majority taking shelter on the fringes of the Black Shroud, for now. Mysterious Monetarist Mastermind Moiraine Astervane, AKA Goldentail, is missing following an apparent home invasion, in which much of her fortress-like mansion was destroyed, due to the violent release of aetherial energies that had built up inside the premises. The Ossuary is investigating the apparent presence of Void-related energies, with assistance from once-disgraced specialist U'dorian, known as U'dorian the Grey. And the Nunh of the Falling Stars Sept, X'zarann Silverfall, is at large...

~The morning before the events of Knock, Knock~ Time to wake up. She sat up in bed, slowly, motions sleep-riddled. Only... not really. An affectation, that, as with so many things. Even the stretch, languid and lazy, tail lifting and arching... her body presented to no one at all as she, too, arched just a little... a display. One that had stirred the ardour of lovers in the past, that had earned her no few bouts of impromptu morning activity. Which was, of course, part of why she did it. The other part being... well, all that. The stretch ended, and she turned to look at the spot in the bed next to her. Still cooling, from Shesha's presence. Half-remembered, how she had implored the other woman to go, to lend her aid. To Orrin, to Naoh'a, to Khira.. even to this Reis girl whom she had not even met, yet had somehow become ensnared in this. To go and provide... what? The strength of her arm, yes of course... but also some sort of proof of her presence, of her involvement. And where would she, herself, be? While they assailed the home of one of the most powerful and dangerous women in Ul'dah, perhaps in all of Eorzea? To stop her from accomplishing her goals, goals which would not even exist had she, herself, not left her tribe when she was so young? Where would she be, while they risked their lives, in whole or part, in her name? There were limits to guilt, she had come to believe. Had managed to convince herself of, through the reassurances of any number of friends and lovers who had beheld her tear-streaked, agonized demeanor on the few occasions that she had brought herself to speak of everything. Limits to how responsible she should feel, and such things made sense; after all, who was she to know what might have happened had she stayed? Such hubris to assume she made all the difference. And yet... she should be there. Because there were limits, too, to cowardice. As it turned out. Was it Shesha's acceptance, unquestioning, to risk herself in her name that had finally tipped the balance? Was it the weight of knowledge, of the fact that several people she loved were exposing themselves not only to some of her most dangerous kin, but also whatever defenses Goldentail would have in her deepest sanctum? Was it simply... time? She sat up once more, and looked upon her reflection in the mirror. Watched, as that lazy, dissolute demeanor melted away, leaving something hard and cold, someone else, something else. Her true self. Still, after all this time. But... it did not have to be. And the first steps... no, not the first, far from the first, but the current steps toward truly becoming Anstarra, for good and all, she had to take right now. Now, to the manor of Moiraine Astervane, AKA Goldentail. Now, over the wall, past the guards... or through them, if necessary. Down the safe path Cinna had discovered, to break down the door, and wreak what havoc would be needed. To distract the enemy, while her friends broke through far beneath. To give them time. Because they WERE here friends... and now it was time for her to be a friend to them, as well. Finally. Time to wake up. For X'anista Ares... and for Skybreaker. The murderous scion of the Falling Stars she had been, and the murderous 'hero' she had become. Time to wake up, so that next time, at last, they might be the dream. The dream of her past, of another life. The dream of a Star's fall... to earth.

[Following the week of April 9, to April 16] When the call came, Anstarra was unprepared. One might be inclined to believe there was a pattern to such things, or perhaps a sort of balance; a cynical or philosophical (or religious?) mind would perhaps state that it was a right and just balancing of scales. That she should be called upon when otherwise needed. Alternately, such a mind might conclude that she was being blessed; for was this not a reprieve from responsibilities she had been growing ever more desperate to avoid, and had just now been buckling down to face? Whatever the reason, or underlying order of cosmic balance (if such a thing even existed), Anstarra was unprepared... and yet responded eagerly, hastily, when she got the call. The first call, the one she'd been expecting for half a moon, almost to the day. The call to go back to sea. There was a certain romance to it, to be sure, underscoring the dread. Romance, and a sort of... appropriateness, which was a terribly unromantic word. Perhaps destiny (though she didn't like to lean on that word too heavily what with certain other obligations she'd been hiding from). Still, it WAS appropriate that that which she'd been cast from, that which she'd lost by committing her crime, be regained through... another crime. Even if she didn't quite know what said crime WAS. Even after the sennight's journey shipside was past. "We have every intention to make use of your skillset. Your past accomplishments are nothing to scoff at. For the most part, you can expect to be sent to sea from time to time, mostly with men who have been in your shoes before. The jobs will be simple. You will be raiding very specific Garlean trade routes, and sinking ships there. As you will be taught by the Captain, there will be no boarding, and no contact with outside sources. It is work you should have an ease of familiarity with, I am told." It had sounded too good to be true, too easy, compared to the weight of the crime she'd committed. She told herself that made sense; of course they would recruit those willing to do the work. Killing, sinking Garlean ships... or even Eorzeans trading to Garleans... that was not so unpalatable. They were traitors, weren't they? There was a humorous, slightly bitter irony to the notion that she'd be doing pirates' work after all, but at the end of the day, if it meant she could walk on Vylbrand with minimal fear of being arrested, it was a small price to pay. Too small a price. The more she'd thought about it, of course, the more she'd worried, and so she'd devoted herself to not thinking about it. Drowning herself in dissolute pleasures, in adventurous combat, in the attentions of willing lovers, in work at the Host Club, in that little escapade in Ul'dah in which she helped to bring down Lord Kokoripu (and hadn't that been satisfying? She'd been reprimanded, by Alec, for taking such a risk, after.. but he'd still had to praise her for bringing those valuable documents, pillaged from the monetarist's mansion, to him). Never mind that niggling question, as to why they weren't to board those ships. Pirates who only sunk, and didn't pillage... it smacked more of assassination, or financial sabotage, than simple piracy. She'd been told to ask no questions, beyond the necessary, which did not at all keep her from THINKING them. At the end of the day though, it didn't matter. It was what she had to do. To be able to return to Limsa. And she HAD returned. Even before being sent on this mission. She still remembered setting foot on the landing platform. One sennight nearly to the day after making the deal, the time frame Alec had promised... which had seemed inconceivable to her. Setting foot on solid ground. Keeping a smile on her face, trying not to look like the wanted criminal she knew she SHOULD be, as she went through customs. Half-certain that it had all been some sort of scam, a vicious prank, a trap... ...and then, somehow, miraculously, getting through. Welcome to Limsa Lominsa. Bustling merchants, hawkers, sailors. That moment, when she noticed a Yellowjacket staring at her, she remembered freezing in sudden panic... and then virtually sobbing with relief when he made a lewd gesture. It had been true, all of it. Everything Alec had promised. She didn't go flaunting herself around Maelstrom Command... and she'd avoided flirting with Baderon like she used to (the man was a little too savvy to rumors and stories, after all), but otherwise Limsa had welcomed her back with open arms. Leading her, of course, to wonder just what in the Seven Hells she'd gotten into. Until, one sennight later, the time came... to go to work. The Merciless Maid sailed out of Moraby on a cool, misty morn. A sizeable ship, comparable to the Iron Bitch in complement, though there the resemblance ended. Armed to the teeth and crewed by every manner of ruffian, they set out. A full sennight she would spend on board, and far from the worst she'd ever spent, aside from the frustrating and incomprehensible ban (ban!) on sexual relations. Past troubles, she was told. Captain Herlmhas' own personal orders. The Captain himself was a touch peculiar, demanding order and cleanliness somewhat beyond what she was used to, yet was not overall unlikeable. The crew... no particular surprises there. A fair spread, mostly male, mostly Limsan, all of whom had done something to put themselves on the wrong side of the law (though most did not willingly speak of their crimes, at least at first). Out then, to the high seas. To the Bounty, where they sought their prey... and soon found it. A single, unmarked vessel by way of Thavnair. She tried to flee. The Maid did not let her. Anstarra helped load cannons. Her comparatively small size and disproportionate physical strength allowed for quick work, and she took pride in the fact that her station was ready before any other, each time a salvo was to be launched. The heavy smoke of firepowder, the blinding rush of action... the shocking, deafening roar of the cannons. Over and over, until the enemy ship... until the target was utterly destroyed, and sunk. And that was it. Always, in the past, she'd been up top, ready to board... had been among the first to engage in bloody melee. She felt no qualms about battle, but to kill like this, far away, out of reach felt... unfair. Like she'd cheated the enemy of the chance to fight back, to take her own blood. Or, perhaps, like SHE had been cheated of the chance to have her own blood spilled. The rush and thrill. The savagery. Her shipmates did not share the sentiment. Indeed, it seemed that other times their targets on occasion had been far more difficult, well-armed or even escorted; this attack was a milk run, by their reckoning, and they were glad of it. In the after-time, some of them would paint vivid images of past times when it had not been so easy: fellows of theirs getting shattered by cannon fire, unable to see or even realize their deaths before they happened. These discussions did much to dispel Anstarra's qualms over 'fairness'. The old rules were true out here. Predatory truths. Kill or be killed, no quarter, no chances. In a way, it was... chillingly nostalgic. The return took place without incident. Deprived of one of her physical activities of choice, she indulged in the other: melee combat training. Far more on the return trip... she did not turn, in her heart, from the simple truth that the mass-murder of a shipful of complete strangers had been something of a bonding exercise. It was a dark thought. But, more and more, she was coming to the fullest understanding of the fact that it was a dark world, not just back home, but everywhere. And the only brightness that mattered was that which you held in your hands, be it wealth or love or friendship. That which was tangible and close, not some murky painting lying in the past, nor some promising gleam in the future. The here, the now, that which you had or would soon have. And so she helped train them. These killers and thieves. These traitors and con-men. These villains. These fellows. These kindred spirits. And when she disembarked at Moraby, on a cool morning not unlike the one she left upon... when she looked up, and saw Limsa Lominsa's flag drifting lazily in the breeze, she smiled, and tossed a salute. And then spat on the docks. And then Anstarra made her way off, tail dancing as she thought only of how she was going to throw Nihka over her shoulder, and carry her to a room. Possibly for a sennight.

"..hey.." "..." "..Hey!.." "..." "Heeeeyyyyyy" "SILENCE!" "..." "Azeyma's claws.. I go mad, in the end." "..in the beginning!.." "Who is.. there. I know that taste. Foul thing." "..am I?.. hee.." "Why are.. you here." "..because you are!.." "What?" "..reflection.." "Speak plainly, wretch." "..light. Reflects.. all light!" "...even from a falling star..." "..light of a star.. your light.." "Silence." "..yes.. my God.." "..hee hee..." "......"

A breath of reprieve comes over the city of Ul'dah as the first breath of cool air in what feels like moons blows through the alleys and down the main causeways. It seems that /Something Wicked/ has been averted, or is at least growing quieter... the desire to /Get Out Of Town, Fast/ has begun to wane, inviting more scrutiny from legitimate authorities, for better or worse.

"Mistress, the Captain has delivered a report." "You interrupt us for this, pet." "Yes Mistress. I submit to your punishment." "Tell me." "Yes Mistress. The Wall mission has concluded. The Aster and Torch forces were wiped out. Lieutenant Morgan Drage and one Private Torrad Bash survived. The Lieutenant surrendered, while the Private was bribed. Edda Eglantine was wounded, as was Chachanji Gegenji, neither seriously. Dederu Deru was slain. No Falling Stars Bright Ones were recovered." "What an interesting reversal. Does this please you? That even your Clipped-Tails could prove so formidable?" "..." "I assume they were helped." "Yes, mistress. The former knight Enju Abbagliato, and the foreign pugilist, Virara Wakuwa." "Indeed. That clarifies matters." "Yes, Mistress." "The Captain proceeds as planned?" "Yes, Mistress." "Good. Inform him I am slightly displeased, but far less than I will be if I must come and tend to affairs myself. Then return to me, here. For your punishment." "Yes, Mistress. In.. front of Him, Mistress?" "Do you question me?" "Never, Mistress. I am yours." "Yes, you are. Go." "Yes, Mistress." "I am surprised." "Oh?" "Even our slaves... are mightier than your soldiers. Laughable." "And yet even your soldiers become my slaves. She has all of her tail, you know." "Liar." "I will show you. It was easier than you might think. You made them thus. All of them. One step from submission. And so." "You think to rile me up? Bring me to rage? Pathetic. I know your game, now." "Perhaps. But there are more stages to play. Perhaps I will remove one of their masks. Perhaps it will be one you care about. Perhaps.. what was her name?" "..." "Ah yes. Anista." "..." "There, then, is the rage."

The /Golden Pride/, Ul'dah's fledgeling gangland empire, has been gaining a reputation as vigilantes; antiheroes who punish the wicked that think they can escape the grasp of Justice. How true this is remains to be seen, yet it is being taken seriously, both by the populace, and by the glorified thugs' enemies, both real and potential... which may soon come to mean the same thing.

Hi! You can find links to the list of Hosts and Hostesses in a couple of the previous posts in this thread, including my last one, but for convenience, here it is again: http://hostingstars.shivtr.com/forum_threads/1829429 As for how to pick one, basically, we only open once a month! i.e. once per moon, in game-world terms. It's usually on the last weekend of each month, more or less, and alternates Saturday or Sunday. Starting several days beforehand, usually at least a week or two the event will appear on the Calendar on this site (in the links at the top of this page) and then, as we get closer, in the Upcoming Events section to the top-left of the home page for this site (http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/). The ads contain the time and place of the event, the monthly opening! The location is always the same: The Goblet, Ward 8, Plot 13. The time is usually mid-late afternoon, around 4 pm EST. In the half-hour or so before we open, customers usually start lining up; we do ask people to keep their places in line and wait patiently, as they will be escorted in one at a time (or in small groups if they wish to be hosted together by a single Host or Hostess) to the waiting lounge, and then to view the lineup of available Hosts and Hostesses who will be waiting to be picked. After that, you make your pick, and voila! Please note that there IS a 1000-gil entry fee, which, as explained in Maia's post, above, is used to cover our costs in part. It's really a pittance, in exchange for a lovely time. We hope to see you at our next opening! It should be, barring the unforeseen, one of the last two Saturdays of this April.

Absolutely! I'll send you the invite to our Discord, it's where far more of the action and communication is happening. Very convenient for asking for help with rules and planning events and all that.

Starsfall Turns for Act III, Scene III: High Noon Last Updated: March 28 New Turns for PCs: 20 New Turns for NPCs: 15 Player Turns: 26 - Aya Foxheart - Investigate (2) - Is Goldentail unrivaled? - Orrin Halgren - Prepare (1) - "Acquiring" explosives... people leave those lying around right? - X'cinna Ares - Challenge (2) - Prepping for war, gangland-style. - Enju Abbagliato - Prepare (1) - Cooking for kitties! - S'imba Tia - Challenge (2) - Vigilante propaganda for the Golden Pride! - Zaphir Zurlac - Investigate (2) - In-vent-ive studies.. - Virara Wakuwa - Prepare (1) - Lay of the land around the Burning Wall - Virara Wakuwa - Prepare (1) - Training Montage! - Arblis Ellhis - Investigate (2) - Finding the kitties, meeting the kitties. - Arblis Ellhis - Challenge (2) - Time for some creative interpretation of property rights. - Aya Foxheart - Investigate (2) - Inquiring after mister U'dorian the Grey... - Edda Eglantine - Challenge (2) - Spokes in the wheels, for Lady Astervane. - Aya Foxheart - Investigate (2) - The Grey mage's family..? - X'cinna Ares - Prepare (1) - Obfuscation of preparation. - X'cinna Ares - Investigate (2) - Scouting enemy positions! - Aya Foxheart - Prepare (1) - Getting the inside track on some miners - Aya Foxheart - Prepare (1) - Tapping contacts for some resources? - Aya Foxheart - Challenge (1) - Hiring a crew with very specific skills... Remaining Player Turns: 0 NPC Turns: 32 - Goldentail - Prepare (1) - Ritual - Goldentail - Prepare (1) - Ritual - X'zarann - Prepare (1) - Rage - Cortez - Investigate (2) - What's happening in town - X'addo - Investigate (2) - Meeting the locals - Cortez - Prepare (1) - Buying Alchemies! - Cortez - Prepare (1) - Thugs! - Bright Ones - Challenge (2) - Getting ready to kill erryone yay - Cortez - Investigate (2) - Filthy rats... - Cortez - Prepare (1) - Goading action. - Cortez - Prepare (1) - Threats. - Cortez - Prepare (1) - Hiring! - U'dorian - Challenge (2) - Snuff the vents - U'dorian - Investigate (2) - Allies, hmm? Remaining NPC Turns: 12

In a city of gold, under a blazing sun does the heat rise. With it, a darkness, growing in intensity and choking the air with urgency and rage. Designs clash, and inevitably, a showdown, as sparks ignite into fullest blaze... ACT III: Fanning Sparks Scene III: High Noon Rumors and Story Aspects Violent outbreaks are getting worse in Ul'dah. Some blame the unseasonable heat, others the coming war, while still others are all-too aware of /Something Wicked/ in the air, aetherial disturbances like pulses of rage and aggression. The various and disparate street gangs comprised of Ul'dah's most desperate and disaffected are said to be finding leadership under a bizarre and violent new banner, like a criminal mirror of the Adventurers' Guild. They are said to number in the hundreds, now. Reclusive monetarist Moiraine Astervane, AKA Goldentail, has been uncharacteristically active of late, apparently recruiting en masse for her private army, the Brass Blades of the Aster. There has been no visible sanction from the Syndicate or any other source.

Very much looking forward once more~ It's a delight, either as Host(ess) or Guest! Once again, though it's in the first post, for perusal... our lovely Hosts and Hostesses~

In Vesper Bay Anstarra slid off the rental bird, giving it a little pat before looking around. Casually, she then straightened her clothes - form-fitting shirt, pants slung low on her hips- enjoying the (sometimes less-than covert) glances directed her way... Before fixing her attention on the pub. A fight was well and good, but she was still a little wound up... and with the aether from that corrupted crystal’s bare caress settling into her, melting away the dye and setting a fiery tinge to her hair and fur (but doing no further harm for once, thank Azeyma), she felt well-inclined to enjoy herself. Funny, the things one gets into. After all the recent madness, the comparative simplicity of doing battle against a corrupt fire elemental in a nightmarish pit of ash that had once been a town in the Shroud… well, it had been almost soothing. She really needed therapy. Thankfully, it was in sight, the sounds of raucous joviality and clinking mugs of ale already singing their siren's song. Off to the side stood a man, a hyur that did not stand out well from the crowd... though not for lack of trying, with his bright pink shirt, and the easily-overheard words he exchanged with the lalafell beside him. "...From -any- standpoint, no matter how you look at it, it makes no sense for there to be no fountain." The lalafell replied: "'S’posed to be a statue, not a damned fountain." "Yes but the width of the platform to the base of the statue is too wide, and serves no purpose. You've an ocean right there..." They continued bickering, an amicable debate slowly growing more heated. The taller man shook his head after a moment before glancing over his shoulder. He winced at the sight of a nearby Brass Blade, but then whistled sharply when he laid eyes upon the fire-haired miqo'te. "Hey, miss." Anstarra's lips had quirked as she overheard the discussion taking place, turning and briefly glancing up at the statue. The question of a fountain wasn't one she'd thought to address in the past, and wasn't particularly inclined to pursue today. She was already halfway turned back toward the bar, but hesitated as she heard the call. "Mmm?" A look over the shoulder, and sly smile. "Can I help you?" Many a fine night began in such manner, after all. The male motioned her over. Even in the full light of the sun the man's face was spattered in shade, the raised scar tissue of skin and the fine indentations of forming wrinkles providing such. An interesting face to look upon. "Just to break the tie here before this rat bastard thinks he knows better than me, only because he's Ul'dahn, eh? What do you think, a fountain would make the statue look better, right?" The lalafell beside him scowled sharply. "If it would look -better- with a fountain, there would already -be- a fountain," he seethed. Amused despite herself, Anstarra turned and made her way over. She didn’t spare a little sway of her hips, though whether this would turn out to be of interest or simply practiced mien remained to be seen. Her eyes flicked over the hyur male's scars, tail giving a little swish as she came up and made a show of regarding the statue, while her mind weighed a choice. Air-headed, or clever? He looked experienced without being too lecherous. She smiled thoughtfully, and a bit playfully. "Hmm.. but would a fountain not defeat the aesthetic balance of shore versus sea? Here stands Vesper Bay, and by extension, Ul'dah.. a glittering diamond, hard, and hot, smoldering under Azeyma's caress..." The man stroked his stubbled chin. A 5 o'clock shadow that good doesn't happen by accident. Though his age seems to be creeping up on him, and despite the gratuitous scarring, he might have been quite handsome once. "Mmm, but fountains are expensive by nature, and symbolize great wealth. That's clearly what he's going for here, so why not go all the way?" The miqo’te nodded. "Fair point... but as I heard you saying before, we're right by the sea~" She grinned at him. "Now if we're looking for senseless ostentation, how about a fountain of flames? One of Ul'dah's symbols.. haha, flames and gemstones both, glittering and fiery. Symbolic indeed! Anyone could steal the gems, were they to risk the flame..." Her own emerald eyes glittered as she brushed aside a lock of her hair. "If that isn't a fitting metaphor, I don't know what is... not to mention expensive as all hells~" The hyur considered. "Not even sure how they would manage that, quite frankly." The lalfell cut in, clearly extenuated. "See? Anyone with two eyes born to their face knows no fountain is necessary! Hmph! What a crock of shite, telling -me-, a man what's studied architecture for 30 long cycles, that a fountain looks better! If I had my way the whole lot of...." The lalafell makes his exit, ranting the whole way, before his voice finally drop from the distance. The scarred midlander shrugged. "Well... I still think a fountain would look better. Everything looks so dry, even with the ocean in view. But I'm no man of architecture." Anstarra watched the diminutive architectural savant make his way off, bemused. Before looking back to the hyur, flashing her teeth in a smile. "You could have fooled me. But if you're looking to wet your lips, I might have some ideas..." Her tail flicked, and then she gestured. "The bar right there, namely~" To her light surprise, the man rubbed the back of his neck in apparent consideration. "I'm afraid I'm not the best company for drinking - can't stomach it like I used to in my youth. All the same, I'd be glad to accompany you. Been some time since I've been in Vesper." The woman chuckled softly, tail giving a slightly different kind of flick, this time concluding with a little curl. "Recently landed? I'm sure there's a story there... and I don't really need to drink, to hear it." A tilt of her head and a smile. "If you're just looking for company, I can linger a little..." She gestures at the external stairs leading up to a nearby rooftop, a public, yet mostly-secluded lookout point. "Shall we get out of the dust, then?" Her new companion gave her a polite nod. "After you, miss." She led the way, hips and tail doing that thing they do, maybe a little more than necessary (though who decides what really IS necessary, anyroad? Popular opinion, mostly...). She smiled back at him as they arrived at the relative privacy of the rooftop. A light breeze came in off the bay, which was somewhat less foul than it could have been on this day. The flame-haired female regarded her companion, smiling once more. "Not one to come to Vesper Bay often... what brings you here today? Mister...?" He stroked his stubble again. It seemed to be a habit. It wasn't an irritating affectation, at least to her, because his face was interesting to look at. With how flawless her skin was, you might guess she was fascinated by scars. A moment to look out over the settlement, glancing at the sky from time to time. "Alec," he said at length, turning back to the woman with an affable expression. "Alec Cromwell. And I inspect ships. Mostly trade ships... real boring work, and my age has made it harder than it used to be, so I come out only when asked for specifically. I've been told I'm faster at it than most, and so I cost less." He smiled at that, the crows’ feet on the corner of his eyes making a larger impression. "I didn't catch your name though, miss." Anstarra's eyes were still on that stubble."You make it sound so enchanting~" she teased, tail dancing in amusement. "You can call me Star. My full name's a mouthful." She stuck her tongue out a little. The male went still, his hand dropping to his side. The barest of hints. He looked straight at Anstarra, his face sobering, though his mouth still held a small smile. "Yes, I'd have to agree with you there." She frowned slightly, a very brief motion, as a chill stole over her. One of her ears cocked a little, just so, and though she retained her affable, playful demeanor, it had grown... strained. Her tail had gone nearly still. "Have... we met?" The man calling himself Alec dropped his voice lower than it was before. What once was clear and genial, now became breathy and foreboding, as if his words wash close over gravel as they leave his mouth. "Only just now. I admit, you put some of my best through the wringer. You look quite different now than you did before. But even one such as yourself should know that an attempt so banal will only go so far." An’s ears folded down and she took a half step back. Her gaze flicked around, as might someone suspecting they're being surrounded. That she perceived no one right then could simply mean that her assailants would be good... Calculations ran behind her eyes, tension subtly hardening muscles under otherwise soft skin. "It's worked so far," she murmured. "You invite me.. to correct the exception. Who -are- you?" Rather than reacting to the threat, the man took a half step forward even as Anstarra moved back. Bringing his hands in front of him, one hand loosely gripping the opposite wrist. "I’m just a man doing my job." He does not look to the sides as Anstarra does so, keeping his gaze trained on her. "You created quite a stir back home. Among many others. In my opinion, yours was the most egregious. That an officer with your history had such a propensity for stupidity was beyond belief. It was as if you had snapped, like a wild dog." The miqo’te gritted her teeth, her cheeks flushing a little. It was hard to refute the statement - impossible, even - so she didn't bother. "It was a stupid moment. There's no going back." Her eyes narrowed a little in sudden suspicion. "Are you.. with the Sisters? You don't strike me as a.. red, kind of man." He smiled lightly at the question, or statement, or both. "No, but I'll take that as a compliment." The smile is gone as soon as it appears. "And you are right. There is no going back. Certainly not to the Maelstrom, and even Vylbrand proper would pose a risk. Do you miss it already?" Anstarra’s tail lashed as his question struck home, her flush deepening. She hissed. "So what if I do? I'm not going to go.. skulking around there, sneaking this way and that.” Never mind that she’d just done that, the day prior to witness the trial. He couldn’t know that. Could he? All at once it seemed horribly likely. She bared her teeth. “And to hells with the Maelstrom." The words came out with more vitriol than she expected, enough to give her pause, and make her take a few breaths. At least her survival instinct was apparently inciting her to keep her voice low, even in her agitation. "What. Is this. About." The man’s intent expression did not change. "It's about you, and what you intend to do now. As the situation back home settles, there's no telling what will happen to you. The Sisters might come. The Maelstrom could lobby the other states for you capture and arrest. Skulking and sneaking about may become your way of life, regardless of your intentions. And so I have a propsal." He paused, studying her closely. Slowly raising one eyebrow. "Would you like to hear it?" Anstarra ears folded back at his words. And then her eyes slowly widened. ((With all thanks to Edda!))

Since I couldn't sneak in, I'll take a Groundling Reserve spot if possible, for Styrrm's End~ It's more appropriate anyway...

I.. actually would like to sign up for Flogging Morris, if I can. I realize I'm kinda asking for the same thing S'imba already did, to show up on the sly, but, well. If I can.

Breaking and Entering, yus

An: Let's finish what we, uh, got involved in halfway! To battle! Yes sign me up =3

Empty dye pots. Hair clippings. In a room halfway across Eorzea, dust floats through sunbeams, as the sun rises. Somewhere in the ocean, a red coat, trimmed with insignias of rank, floats for a time, and then sinks beneath the waves. A life overthrown. Twelvescore more shaken, maybe sundered. Two lives ended. Anstarra stared unmoving into the brightness of the rising sun, greeting Azeyma through the greasy window panes. Two words, floating through her mind, resonant and unremitting in their implications. [align=center]"Now what."[/align] [align=center] [/align] The sun gave no answer.

New Story Aspect: Golden Pride: Violent expansionism by members of the Ul'dahn tribal gang known as the Golden Prints Sept has resulted in a large number of the city's minor criminal gangs being folded in under one banner, naming itself collectively the Golden Pride. The fledgeling thug empire's name begins to be known beyond the reach of the underworld, for better or worse...