Anstarra

There's.. a 4th event with no one in it?

One path closes, yet another winks open; even as defeat and duress waylay the heroes, their determination does not falter. The cold lands beckon, challenge the hardy and cut down the weak, merciless... but the world around is one of potential. Unbowed, ever forward... ACT II: Cold Winds Blow Scene III: Determination a) Corruption Makes Everything Better (SKYPE EVENT) (Tuesday, August 9th, 2016, 5 pm CST) In fortified, augmented aether lies the secret of the Falling Stars' unnatural strength... and so their weakness must lie in its corruption. A delve is formed, a dangerous expedition unto the farthest reaches and tunnels of the Burning Wall, to seek reagents which may be used in the construction of a device to combat the Nunh's Radiance. Here too grows flora most unnatural, whose virtues in the hands of a skilled alchemist are manifold... "It's hard to negotiate peace with someone who holds the upper hand... any form of deterrent will be a welcome addition. Just be careful. This stuff might do a number on them, but your aether will fare no better, if exposed..." 1. Nihka Mioni 2. Zaphir Zurlac 3. R'shesha Otharn 4. Akiko Nomura b) Velvet Glove, Spiked Fist (Friday, August 12th, 2016, 8:30 pm CST) Where direct violence fails, words may find more ready purchase. Brutally effective in combat and tactics, Falling Stars Warlord X'indro Tia nevertheless seems more curious about Outsiders than most any of his kind. On comes a knight who never wished to fight in the first place, to try to reason with the savages; with her come those who will stand, openly or covertly, ready to bring violence unto those who break the peace... among them a dangerous fighter, come home at last. The skies darken, and threaten to break... "Ideally those bastards won't even see me. Ideally for them. Either way, that idiot's gonna stop being a threat after today." 1. Renaea Algiernis 2. Khira Lhizahla 3. Orrin Halgren 4. Virara Wakuwa c) Even More Grave Concern (Friday, August 19th, 2016, 6:30 pm CST) Dederu Deru, ambitious scion of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, is not going to let a little thing like having her entire camp razed and all but a handful of her Stone Torches and Brass Blades massacred by savages get in the way of her dream of being the first to exploit the mineral riches of wild Xelphatol. After speaking with numerous contacts and pulling even more numerous strings, she has arranged a meeting with a very interested party... fellow Monetarist and extreme recluse Moiraine Astervane. Having had positive recent experiences with Adventurers, Dederu wishes to hire a retinue. "Here we are, Goldentail Estate! What a creepy bi- erm, eccentric individual she is. Rich as Nald, though. Don't worry, I'm sure that's just a glamour, I doubt the walls are REALLY bleeding." 1. Arblis Ellhis (likely) 2. Lan Darklyn 3. Leanne Delphium 4.X'cinna Ares d) Gone Shopping (Tuesday, August 16th, 2016, 8:30 pm CST **Time subject to change, will know by Friday 12th**) In a certain warehouse in an innocuous part of Ul'dah are said to reside, if rumor is to be believed, several escaped tribal war criminals and a suspicious, black-robed, one-handed thaumaturge (and his cat). Dangerous in the extreme, they have out of general precaution remained hidden and low-key, even open to visits from the few 'Outsiders' they have come to somewhat trust. And thankfully they have not gone out wandering. Until today, when two notes greet visitors, rather than a sentry. [align=center]"Golden Prince Sept, Enter And Die" "Gone Shopping" [/align] This cannot possibly end well. 1. S'imba Tia 2. Jana Ridah 3. Evangeline Primrose (if we can find a new time/date that works for S'imba and Jana) 4. Xarl Raseiri Reserve List 1. Kuina Kusushi 2. Artoria Aldsan

Journey to Death-Murder Island Reserve please ^^

Jaunty Python's Flying Circus! Let's go see a show~

The Hosts and Hostesses are gathering! [Fenrir adjusting Hades' tie at the last minute]

HOST CLUB HYPE! 4 hours and counting!

The sun beat its relentless cadence onto Vesper Bay, an pounding blaze that could kill a man, or drive him mad. On a day like this, outdoor guard duty was punishment, and any pit boss or sergeant who said otherwise was a smirking liar. The presence of water was a cruel taunt, especially on the docks where you might catch the bloody flux just from looking at it too close. No breeze came in off the bay, so it was hot and stank of fish and unwashed bodies to boot. Punishment. Rufus and G'drev knew it, knew they'd pissed off the duty sergeant by staying up too late two nights ago on the Lane (wasn't it worth it though) and now they were paying for it, Blades uniforms cooking them alive in that hellish sun. They'd have complained, but this wasn't their first shit duty; day like this, the heat plucks the spit right off your tongue. So they stayed quiet, and watched the bloody ship like they'd been ordered. "Hey boys~" That tone of voice, delivered in that pitch, drew the midlander and the seeker's gaze immediately... and despite knowing better, mouths dropped open for just a moment. "That's a pretty ship you're guarding. You guys must be pretty good, to have such an important job..." A cop, especially a Blade, learns pretty quick when someone wants something, and knows even better when someone's buttering them up. But when a girl like that, dressed like that, sun and sweat glistening on malms of tan flesh, shows up talking in a sweet voice, touching and flirting, that long tail of hers just kind of stroking here or wrapping there.. well, even men who know better sometimes find themselves talking a lot more, sun or no sun. And she listened. And smiled. And if those eyes of hers made promises no sane man would expect to be kept... well, who wanted to be sane all the time anyroad. They didn't even like this duty. By the time the girl - 'Star', she called herself - took off, Rufus and G'drev were feeling quite a bit better about the day. Might be they'd look her up.. or maybe just head out to the Lane to scratch an itch, see if any of the local girls had hair or eyes like that.. and maybe a long, long tail... ~~~ "The 'Mourning Dove', recently impounded by the Blades. During their investigation, the Blades found evidence that the ship was being used to smuggle illicit substances, and had it condemned. Ownership was transferred from the dead captain to Gabriel and Sons Shipping." Lying in bed, Anstarra tapped her quill against her lips, as she read back her journal entry. Smiling a little, as she thought of the pair of Blades who she'd spoken with. If they were smart, and kept their mouths shut, they wouldn't get in trouble... and hadn't she brightened their day? Maybe they'd meet again. She continued her entry. "Unfortunately, the Blades don't know who owns Gabriel and Sons. The obvious answer is "Gabriel" but this is Ul'dah, so clearly a Monetarist owns it, and isn't necessarily open about their ownership. The ship is now set to be completely dismantled, in search of hidden compartments that might have more illegal substances on them. The company Westwind Construction has been hired to begin the dismantling process in the next few weeks." She turned the page in her journal, tail twitching a bit. Red creeping up on her cheeks as she remembered what had happened after. She'd gone to find crew to speak with, the former sailors. Flush with her success with the Blades, as it were, gone to see if she could find any of the sailors here or there around town. "Ever been with a wolf, lass?" An alley, barrels. The massive sea wolf, grinning down at her. Her hands, eager... "Dammit, An!" She buried her face in her pillow, tail swishing, until she was able to focus back on what she was doing. That whole evening had been.. unproductive! She moved on to the next page, clearing her throat at herself. The next page, the next day, where she'd gone to find other sailors to talk to. "Many of the sailors talked of how there was nothing illicit. Insisting they weren't a smuggling ship. Others, however," - a little drunk and a little horny, she thought to herself with a smile - "said there was something special on the ship. A secret delivery the nature of which they ignored, but knew it was important. The Captain would know, but is inconveniently deceased." Who else would know? The Captain may have kept notes about it in his log. But secret things... well.. you don't want to write those down where they're easily found. "Perhaps his first mate might have known more, but he seems to have already taken a commission on another ship and left Vesper Bay. Which is not uncommon, or suspicious; many of the other crew have already taken on other contracts, and left town. Only one remains unaccounted for: a man named Garven." An sighed, putting down her quill. Her entry terminated there, as did her trail. She could try to find this Garven, on the off-chance he knew anything... but where? Odds were just as well that if he knew too much, he'd been weighed down with rocks and dropped in the bay. She closed her journal. Maybe tomorrow would yield more answers.

Just want to make sure this is deliberate; so today's event is in the middle of the afternoon, 3pm EST / 2pm CST, right?

Edited my signup because I'm busy the night of the other event!

UNLESS NEWER/OTHER PLAYERS WANT THE SLOT I would like to sign up for A Refugee Slaughter on Anstarra. She is an advanced character, but not really a combat chainsaw, so if that's okay, great. Also as a GM I can help with rules questions, if need be.

I'm signed up yay! Though for reference I am also declaring interest and hopes to be on reserve for like all the other events ;D Most specifically The Party Never Stops because whee~

All's full, except for event b)! And since it's the closest, as we get near, I'll probably just let in anyone who wants to go. Details can be figured out~

Signing up for Tomb of Trickery D= I'LL SHOW YOU MEAN VOICE

Fraught and hard-fought are the first steps into the cold, with foes appearing on all sides, and darkness lurking around every corner. Yet light gleams, and hope springs, as paths are forged both straight and winding, and the tossed coin of war and peace yet rolls upon its side... ACT II: Cold Winds Blow Scene II: Winding Roads a) There Goes the Neighborhood (Friday, July 15th, 2016, 8 pm CST) Word has gotten out to local groups of 'concerned citizens' that there exists within the Goblet a group of war criminals, murderers and cannibals who have somehow bribed their way into holding land. What begins as angry protests may quickly turn to violence; the Goblet Housing Committee needs order-minded Adventurers to help keep the peace. "It's not enough that they were maimed and enslaved by their own people, now they can't even find peace among ours? How far can anyone be pushed, even - or especially - those battered so thoroughly into submission?" 1. Nihka Mioni 2. Zanzan Yanzan 3. Enju Abbagliato 4. X'cinna Ares b) Ruination (or: Arby and Akiko's Super Happy Funtimes Adventure) (Tuesday, July 12th, 2016, 8:30 pm CST) [Anyone signing up for this needs to be approved ICly by Arby or Akiko or both, as it is by IC invitation only! That said you can express interest OOCly and figure out if it's possible to join, we're not TOO picky =D] Working at the behest of their sponsor, BEST OF FRIENDS Arblis Ellhis and Akiko Nomura are off to explore a terribly obscure little dungeon, and bring back anything of interest. Chance of buried Allagan monstrosities is considered moderate-to-high. What could possibly go wrong! "I advise bringing allies with open minds, or whom you expect to be able to dupe all the way through to the end. Unless of course you don't mind more bodies left to rot on the wayside, once the matter is concluded..." 1. Arblis Ellhis 2. Akiko Nomura 3. Deidre Carpenter (maybe) 4. R'shesha Otharn c) One Does Not Simply Walk Into Xelphatol (Wednesday, July 13th, 2016, 8:30 pm CST) Honor-bound to his mission, and tired of delays, a veteran Dragoon forges a path directly into the cold heart of the north. To scout is the goal, yet is there truly any way to avoid encounters with the Falling Stars' Home Sept's lethal guardians, and their cunning Warlord..? "Outsiders come to visit. I wonder if they bring more interesting things. Let's find out." 1. Orrin Halgren 2. V'aleera Lhuil 3. Virara Wakuwa 4. Chrysta Levail d) At Any Price (Sunday, July 17th, 2016, 8 pm CST.. or Friday or Saturday! Depending!) A reclusive and staggeringly-wealthy Monetarist has taken interest in the Falling Stars prisoners still in Halatali. Using her catspaws, the Brass Blades of the Order of the Aster, she has arranged for the purchase and transfer of the tribal warriors in question. Soon they will be brought to her castle-like compound for purposes unknown... but news of the transaction has reached underground channels, and now come those who would see the dangerous miqo'te free, before they would allow a Monetarist to get hold of them. "Money talks in Ul'dah, yes, this is known. Sometimes the only defense one has from the machinations of the rich and powerful - or simply bored! - is to pass beneath their notice. Alas. Now there will be blood." 1. X'bree Ares 2. Evangeline Primrose 3. S'imba Tia (if Friday or Sunday) 4. Lan Darklyn Reserve List 1. Zaphir Zurlac 2. Jana Ridah - c) NOTE: There are numerous pre-sign-ups for this round; in future rounds I'll probably just make it open, depending. But this is because of IC implication and various PCs pushing certain agendas. If someone finds they are being left out of or have missed several events and would like to get in on one, please contact me and I'll do my best to fit you in, if not this time, then definitely in the next round.

[Redacted!]

"...could 'ardly believe my eyes. Who'da thought it, yeah?" Gunther leaned an arm against one of the pillars of the entry gate, an action which allowed him to loom over the girl standing there, and to tickle her chin with his other hand, as he did now. Her white tail flicked in the air, but the much larger hyur barely noticed; her sort were always flicking their tails this way and that. He knew what they liked. "Who'da thought my fav'rite girls'd end up here! In th' bloody Goblet of all places!" Gunther laughed, and flashed a grin over this one's head, at another pair who were sitting in the shade. "'ow'd you end up in this house anyroad? Someone buy you all up? Knew it was too damn good t'be true, out there'n the desert. Twoscore whores prettier'n any an honest Blade could 'ope to afford on a year's wages, jus' ripe for the pickin', 'specially once them damn Flames moved out." He leered at her, tilting her chin up to look at her pretty eyes. She blushed a bit, and that was damn appealing. "What was it you went for, that first time? Slice of aldgoat steak? Up for an encore-ey, Whorri?" Gunther laughed crudely at his own wit. The girl shook her head, drawing her chin out of his grasp. "This.. my name is Orri. And is different now. Is not prisoner. Clipped are not... refugees. Bright Ones, now." Her voice had that same rasping huskiness from before, and Gunther shook his head, barely listening to the words. Just the sound of it got his blood roiling, and other things stirring. "Yeah yeah. Look, whore." He completely ignored the spear she had in her hand, as before; there was no way she'd use it. Instead, he grinned, and moved up close, forcing her to move back against the pillar, cornering her. He lowered his voice, smirking. "I get it. You moved to the city, got a taste o' civ'lized life, taste o' gil, you gotta up your rates. Hey, I get it, welcome to Ul'dah." He reached down, suddenly, putting his hand between her legs; she gasped. "But don' try to give ol' Gunther a line 'bout things bein' differen'." He moved in closer, and she squirmed, her leathers rustling against the stone. "I know what you tribal girls are like. Hot t'be touched, hot t'be fucked. So why don'tcha jus' stop tryin' to run up the price, an' get on yer knees where you be-" His next words were lost in a high-pressure rush not unlike a squeak, forced out as Orri shifted her stance and lifted her knee with force akin to a chocobo's kick. The massive hyur crumpled to the ground, gasping and retching; the miqo'te girl watched him, tail lashing, cheeks still flushed. Then she cocked her head, took two steps, and kicked him in the stomach so hard that he actually vomited, his breakfast streaked with blood. Then she stepped back, watching him, her face once more expressionless and alert. "Is different now," she insisted, without raising her voice, as though continuing a conversation in all civility. "Orri's.. my leg is healed, and other Bright Ones learn things. We learn value, of us, of skills, from Guilds. We learn value of our bodies, of sex." She casually poked the man's side with the butt of her spear, making him flinch. "You cheated us, you and other Blades. But like say; is Ul'dah. Yes? Well, no more cheating. If Blades want sex, pay fair price, and us, only if we want it too. If not, go away." She poked him again, in the rump this time, and he began working himself to his feet, wiping off his mouth, face red in a rage. "Y-you Twelve-damned who-" He was cut off suddenly, red turning to white as faster than he would have believed the tip of her spear was at his throat. He froze. She tilted her head, her expression... chillingly empty of anything like anger. He knew he could die, right here and now. "Is not a nice word, Orri learned. Is insult." The spear lifted, and suddenly he was on the tip of his toes. "Gunther can leave now." A slight pressure, pushing him back.. slowly.. until he got clear, at which point he stumbled back several paces. Then several more, getting a safe distance before turning and snarling. "You.. you sodding whores ain't heard the last o' me!" He wiped his mouth again, stumbling away several more steps. "This ain' over!" On he went, cursing, and staggering, the girl watching him from the gates of the estate the whole way. When he was out of sight, one of those who had been in the shade came over to Orri, and punched her in the shoulder. The spear-holding girl blinked, and looked at her. "Why scare him off? This one might have liked to play with." Orri grimaced, and shook her head, tail lashing. "We must not.. not act like Clipped, Naya. Are Bright Ones now, like Nihka says. Bright Ones are worthy of respect." She said the words with a tone almost of ritual, as though speaking a memorized verse or coda, or perhaps a creed. Naya huffed, but nodded. "Bright Ones are worthy of respect." They both looked out in the direction where the hyur had departed. At length, the unarmed girl pursed her lips. "Why does respect mean no sex?" Orri growled. "Naya..." "You wanted him, too. How long since you have lain with a male?" "Shut up." "We could have shared him." "I will stab you..."

Once more the Hosts and Hostesses are lined up... even as the line outside grows!

Host Club Hyyyype! 1 hour 12 minutes and counting~

It's always a delight to see new people! Definitely looking forward to it~

I'll totally put An up as a sub for Save the Kids~

So for those of us not keeping up, how will Apartments work? Is it basically like an FC room but independent, with no exterior decorating?

Thank you for the forewarning~ I will look to the reserve list!

The first foray into Xelphatol met with mixed results, as Dederu Deru has been rescued, along with four Brass Blade regulars and one Stone Torch. After escaping, the Aetheryte to the cold lands was once again disabled, presumably by X'indro, so-called Warlord of the Home Sept, and his warriors. It seems that further excursions will require a fresh start...

Yeah, sometimes people poke me directly on skype when I announce things! Cuz they don't have immediate access, and whatnot. Since you DID miss the last round, too, I think I'll just make c) one of those 5-slot events and stuff you in.

The curtain rises once more, and the tale begins anew. Across a frozen waste, mountains looming on the distant horizon, the heroes must now travel into the very heart of the lands of those who stand as their enemies. Be it for vengeance, justice, or to save those they love, they come... But in this place, where outsiders do not come, hearts freeze, and fear drifts upon the very winds... ACT II: Cold Winds Blow Scene I: Breaking the Ice a) Grave Concern (Monday, June 13th, 2016, 8 pm CST) [Possible social, likely combat] Dederu Deru, ambitious scion of Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, has decided to boldly go where no lalafell had gone before; unto Xelphatol, north of the Shroud, bringing with her a mixed force of Iron Torches supplemented by Brass Blades of the Order of the Aster. Recently, a desperate call for help has trickled into official channels: most of their force lies dead, their aetheryte disabled, paths to escape cut off. The Concern has turned to Adventurers in their time of need... "Attacks in the dark, and anyone who tries to repair the aetheryte is targeted and killed. They are besieged; go well-armed, and expect the worst." 1. R'elend Tia [Evangeline Primrose] 2. Kiht Jakkya [subbed: Kuina Kusushi 3. Enju Abbagliato 4. Nheu'a Polaali [subbed: Renaea Algiernis] b) Into the Dark (Wednesday, June 15th, 2016, 8 pm CST) [social, combat?] U'jakata Tia, Thaumaturge Most Puissant, has not given up on finding the Wyrmtear; if anything, losing a hand has made him more determined. With the blessing of Flame Captain Maximillian Maximus, he intends to visit Halatali, where the eight tribal warriors who were captured were interred. He wants to know more about the Falling Stars, and their lands and ruler, before following the trail. Interested Adventurers are welcome to join him, as an impromptu escort... "Anger, yes, and retribution, Minna. I will stare them in the eyes, these killers, yes, and they will speak, or they will scream! Well. Better they speak, my ears, they do so flinch, and more nightmares I do not need..." 1. Zanzan Yanzan (tentative) 2. Virara Wakuwa 3. R'shesha Otharn 4. Leanne Delphium c) Following the Light (Saturday, June 18th, 2016, 8 pm CST or earlier) [Exploration, maybe combat] Frances Lorieux, scion of the prestigious Lorieux family, accompanied by Rienne of the Wood Wailers, heads north. Holding the leash of the voidtouched golden firedrake Sparkle, who can lead them toward the Wyrmtear and thus toward X'zarann Silverfall Nunh... and thus to Garri, Frances' captive friend (and bearer of the Echo)... she is not to be deterred from her quest, and yet remains far from stupid. The lands of the Falling Stars will be rife with peril, and she would have an escort at the very least... "Stubborn girl. All these lives risked for a starveling street rat from Ul'dah. Though she is bold, I will admit, and clever... still, I fear what may have already happened to her in the hands of those monsters." 1. Lan Darklyn 2. Orrin Halgren 3. Aigiarn Kha 4. Deidre Carpenter 5. Jana Ridah d) Render Unto Him (Saturday, June 11th, 2016, 5 pm CST or earlier) [invite-only, social, combat, Fallen] A brave young mother and Adventurer, compelled by her own faith in others and a need to seek the peaceful way, has accepted an offer to be escorted unto the Nunh of the Falling Stars. Darkness surrounds the path, and perhaps only those who see differently might also walk it... "What is this, that my dagger brings to me? A flower, blooming in the night. A pretty thing. Will it flourish or wither, I wonder, in the cold..." 1. Nihka Mioni 2. Akiko Nomura 3. Arblis Ellhis [sPECIAL NOTE: Unlimited signups. This Event can only be entered by those who are interested in walking on the other side, with the Falling Stars, at least for a time; future events involving those who join at this or future times will have restricted access. PVP may eventually result. Requests to be involved in this manner must be directed to me by private message. Story-based consequences up to and including supernatural and other coercion may result; join only if you are okay with this!!] Reserve: 1. Zaphir Zurlac - c)