SamusKnight2K

[bah though I'd like to attend this I'm feeling fairly doubtful I'll be able to. Tomorrow/Today I'll speak with my boss who's making up the schedule to see if I can't get off early that day. If so I'll post an update here with an IC letter. Mihana would assist by preparing meals for those in attendance and the children. Though she's not a big softie one can't turn away a kid in need after all... :angel: ]

That's only part of the story really Miyu, a reaction was made over one curse word that really didn't need to be made. Without a doubt the reaction to that request should have been handled better. A simple response should have been given, end of discussion and no more. But this has been handled by parties on both ends. Many of us need to know how to get along better with one another. That said since we're also on this topic I will make a apology about my comment in a previous thread towards you Miyu. I can't change how I feel, but I shouldn't have posted that either. Truthfully Gospel I wish you hadn't posted this for everyone to see, part of me worries if people may not take it upon themselves to take action or anything. But like I said it was resolved now, and hopefully it won't happen again.

So, while doing the Monk AF storyline you come across a historian that offers all sorts of tidbits of info regarding the lore of Eorzea including some battles and other stuff we didn't even know! In fact the mysterious dragon at Silvertear Falls seen in the opening cinematic has a name! Interested? Read on to find out. Sil'dihn History [spoil]I need hardly mention that Sil'dihn civilization is now centuries dead. Sil'dih was plunged into chaos in the wake of King Lalawefu's demiseâor the King of Springs, as he was known. Despite the success of his economic reforms, the tax increases he imposed did not sit well with his subjects. This, coupled with a prolonged sequence of untimely droughts, fomented unrest among the people and in time sparked violent unrest throughout the kingdom. Sil'dih was not alone in its want for water. Ul'dah, too, felt the effects of the droughts. The sultan at the time, Sasagan Ul Sisiganâ Ah! But perhaps you recognize the Ul name? The current sultana, Nanamo Ul Namo, represents the second Ul dynasty. She is Sasagan's distant descendant. Now...where was I? Ah, yes! Right, so, Sasagan ordered an attack on Sil'dih to claim the water resources discovered as a result of Lalawefu's flood control acts. But the royalty and nobility of Sil'dih would not remain idle. They mobilized their nation in the face of this crisis, and the people fought with great tenacity against the Ul'dahn threat. The full strength of both nations met in battle, and the end result was an arduous protracted conflict. Though arguably more desirable than surrender, the ruling Sil'dihn elite took little pleasure in having succeeded in uniting the theretofore querulous citizenry to fight. For despite all they accomplished, every day spent waging war dragged the nation's financial affairsâwhich you will recall had only just been brought under controlâback into the mire. To bring an end to the long military deadlock, Sil'dih devised and set about implementing a perverse yet ambitious strategy. It sought to zombify the deceased among its army, that they might fight again. At first, it appeared to have worked. Yet at the height of hostilities, the Sil'dihns lost control over their necrotic creations. The undead turned on their masters, and before long the zombification had spread to a majority of the population. Ever knowing an opportunity when they saw one, the Ul'dahns grasped this turn of events to justify their warânow proclaiming it a crusade to send these zombies to Thal. After seeing to the extermination of all zombies outside the city, they then sealed the gates of Sil'dih, entrapping both the living and dead within. And that, in brief, is a history of the fall of Sil'dih. I only pray that your feeble mind is able to retain it.[/spoil] The Study of Aether [spoil]I shall tell you yet again of the study of aether. As I laboriously explained, aether is not only the source of all magicks, but also the fount of all life. Yet despite its ubiquity, it remains imperceptible to the senses of man. When a living thing dies, the aether comprising its life is released. It has been learned that when this discharge takes place, a portion of that aether remains, lingering in the physical world. No doubt you have come across aetherial crystallizations in the course of your travels. All scholars now agree that these are the physical manifestation of great concentrations of aether. I have a theory, however, that they are not the only such manifestation. Allow me to give an example even you can understandâthat of ghosts, spirits, disembodied souls. Apparitions of the deceased come back to haunt and generally unnerve us? False! These are nothing more than the luminescent glow of aether in the atmosphere. It is possible, though highly unlikely, that you are asking yourself why a portion of the aether remains. Right, well, the amount of aether that can shift between the physical and aetherial realms in any given instant is limited. I call this the aetherial threshold. Any aether present in excess of that threshold is left behind. The more violent or dramatic the loss of life, the greater the amount of inner aether released to take the form of crystals or remain imperceptibly in the atmosphere. And you surely recollect the scene I identified as the most apt to produce such violent deaths? On the field of battle! It stands to reason, therefore, that through the aetherial measurement of such sites, I will be able to reconstruct details of the wars waged upon them. And that, is why this military historian has a deeply vested interest in the subject of aether. Despite all we do know, however, many mysteries remain. The study of aether will no doubt continue to yield fascinating and awe-inspiring discoveries for years to comeâof that I am certain.[/spoil] The Pirate One-eyed Wylfred [spoil]One-eyed Wylfred led a colorful and storied life indeed. He was an infamous pirate who rose to notoriety by wreaking havoc on the high seas, from the Rhotano to the Indigo Deep. He commanded a vast fleet of war galleons, the most notable of which was Dauntlessâa truly fearsome vessel outfitted with eight formidable canons. Whether out of fear or fealty, many bands of pirates sailed under his banners. Among them was one led by Keltlach, whose mind for strategy and command quickly placed him in the good graces of Wylfred. Legend holds that on their first meeting, Keltlach displayed such wit and cunning that Wylfred's captains advised he send the young, ambitious upstart far away to some remote waters, lest in time he come to threaten Wylfred's power. But Wylfred would not heed their counsel, proclaiming instead that in Keltlach he had at long last found his missing right eye. He then named Keltlach his second-in-command and placed a not significant number of vessels under his charge. Wylfred's greatest desire was to defeat his long-time nemesis and then Admiral of Limsa Lominsa, Geisswaen, in the race known as the Trident. By doing so, he sought to secure the title of Admiral for himself. Knowing only violence and intimidation himself, he meant to make use of Keltlach's strategic genius to achieve his end. At the Trident held several years later, all looked well for Wylfred. Yet in the skirmish held at the end of the land phase of the race, events took a dramatic turn... Just as the battle was entering its final phase, the cunning Keltlach, who had been biding his time, far removed from the heaviest of the fighting, turned his cannons upon the man who had given him everything...and fired! Taken unawares, chaos erupted amongst Wylfred and his forces. He fought bravely, desperately attempting to restore order among his men, but it was for naught. His position was overrun, and he was forced to yield before the Admiral, Geisswaen. With Wylfred too weak to continue in the race, Geisswaen went on to claim victory and retain the title of Admiral. He later had Wylfred crucified atop the mast of Dauntless, and placed Keltlach in command of the Knights of the Barracuda. But the Young Dread, as Keltlach came to be known, mysteriously disappeared soon after. None know for sure what came of him. Some speculate that Geisswaen plotted to have him killed, fearing a repeat of his treachery. Others say that the regiment and routine of the Barracudas held no interest for him, and so he sailed off seeking a life of adventure. The site of this epic drama was the land south of Cedarwood. It is said that for moons after, walking but mere steps on that ground would stain one's boots with the blood of those fallen, such was their number. And that is the tale of One-eye Wylfred. Though, with you, why is it I have the sneaking suspicion it has gone in one ear only to rush out the other?[/spoil] Finesand Banks [spoil]The Finesand Banks have a rich history indeed. They are found on the west shore of the Velodyna River, at the foot of a now extinct volcano overlooking Rothlyt Sound. The area is a sedimentary basin formed by the deposit of the fine silts and sands carried by the river. Today, it falls within Gridanian territory, but in days past it belonged to my own home nationâAla Mhigo. A century ago, King Manfred came to power in Ala Mhigo and decided to expand the nation's territory in order to promote economic growth. To that end, he ordered the Ala Mhigan army to undertake large-scale campaigns that would eventually lead to the onset of the Autumn War. Naturally, such action was met with vehement opposition from the other nations. Gridania, fearing encroachment along its border with Ala Mhigo, placed the renowned lancer Vainchelon in command of its standing armies and war began. His opponent was Gylbarde, the great general of Ala Mhigo, a fervent believer in the Fist of Rhalgr, and a man who enjoyed enormous popularity among the Ala Mhigan people. The two leaders were loved by their troops, and at the outbreak of war morale on both sides was very high. The armies clashed time and again all along the border, neither general yielding an ilm. But in a galling twist of fate for Gridania, Vainchelon suddenly took deathly ill. After no victor emerged following the Battle of Finesand Banks, Vainchelon devised a new strategy. He ordered his forces to retreat to Camp Nine Ivies, fully intending for Gylbarde to give chase. This would lure the Ala Mhigans to terrain more favorable and familiar to the Gridanians. He died, however, before he was able to see his plan executed. Now, the man who would replace him, Osbern, was extremely ambitious and eager to prove his worth to the Seedseers. Having neither the mind nor patience for Vainchelon's defensive war, however, he ordered a frontal assault on the Ala Mhigan position. When Gylbarde learned of this planâif plan it may be calledâhe secretly deployed troops to the most vital points along the Finesand Banks. The Gridanian forces had scarcely entered the area before they began to suffer heavy losses from highly coordinated Ala Mhigan ambushes. In response, Osbern ordered a forced march, permitting his troops no rest for several days as he attempted to surge through the region. Eventually, exhausted, the Gridanians came to entrench themselves on a hill. But this is precisely what Gylbarde had wanted! He surrounded the hill with six thousand soldiers to deny the forestborn any hope of retrieving water, and then proceeded to rain down barrage after barrage of arrows upon the encampment. In this seemingly hopeless position, the morale of the Gridanians quickly dwindled. Following two failed attempts to break free, Osbern himself lead the van of a third and final charge. In the end, Gridania was defeated. Osbern and several of his officers were captured, and the legendary staff Claustrum, lent him by one of the Seedseers, was taken. This abject defeat accounted for what little morale remained among his surviving troops, and they beat a desperate retreat to Five Hangs with the relentless Ala Mhigans harrying them every step of the way. Gylbarde's victory brought him ever greater accolades from his country, and as a result both he and the Fist of Rhalgr came to wield considerable political power. And that is a brief history of the Finesand Banks. No, no, you needn't thank me. Knowing there is a little less ignorance in the world is all the reward I require.[/spoil] East End [spoil]The East End is just thatâthe eastern end of the Black Shroud. The Autumn War marked the beginning of hostilities between Ala Mhigo and Gridania. The first major victory in that war came at the First Battle of Tinolqa, and it belonged to Ala Mhigo. Defeated, the Gridanians retreated to the safety of Five Hangs. The front was splintered, and afterwards they would resort to opportunistic ambushes, and the constant redeployment of troops to continue their resistance. The Ala Mhigans, confident of ultimate victory, enjoined Gridania to surrender. As conditions, they demanded that all of the East and portions of the Central Shroud be relinquished, and perhaps more disturbingly, that the Seedseers be taken as wards of Ala Mhigo, where they would be met with no harm. Needless to say, Gridania refused. Providence was to be delivered to the forestborn by the neighboring nation of Ishgard. Wary of Ala Mhigo's ambitions for the region, the See appealed to Limsa Lominsa and Ul'dah for aid. The three joined Gridania in her declaration of war against Ala Mhigo, and sent troops to reinforce the front. But this was far from a gesture of charity. It is easy to see what the motives of the See were. Should certain sections of the Black Shroud be annexed to Ala Mhigo, Ishgard's southern and eastern borders would become extremely vulnerable to a possible invasion. For their part, Limsa Lominsa and Ul'dah had virtually nothing to lose by entering into the war, and yet everything to gain by curbing the power of Ala Mhigo in the realm. Even more, victory would place Gridania in their debt. And so it came to pass that these four great nations joined into a grand alliance to combat the advance of Ala Mhigo. The fighting which was to follow would later be named the Second Battle of Tinolqa. The heaviest and most devastating combat took place on a tract of land called East End. In the beginning, there were several small-scale skirmishes, but the allied powers succeeded in foiling the stratagems of Ala Mhigo at every turn. Feeling the tide begin to turn against them, Ala Mhigo dispatched its pikemenâknown far and wide for their effectiveness against mounted units such as the knights of Ishgard. To rally the troops even more, King Manfred himself took to the field to lead them. At first, it seemed as though Ala Mhigo had succeeded in reversing its fortune, as the allies began a slow retreat towards East End. This was a clever ploy, however, designed to lure the pikemen into the dense growth of the forest, where their long polearms would be unwieldy and near useless. It was during these days that the archers of Gridania would prove their value beyond the bow, singing songs of heroism and glory in the field to bolster the allied troops. It is said that this gave birth to the bard tradition. The archers of Gridania excelled at combat in the dense vegetation of the Black Shroud, and their arrows inflicted heavy casualties on the Ala Mhigans. In the end, General Gylbarde was slain, King Manfred severely wounded, and Ala Mhigo completely and utterly defeated. And that is a brief summation of the history of East Endâsite of the end of the forest, and the end of the war both. Do you know, I can almost feel you getting less stupid![/spoil] Monks and The Fist of Rhalgr [spoil]The monks and the Fist of Rhalgr are interesting in the same way as any other organized religionâa sad, pathetic, and humorous way. The brothers and sisters of the monkhood are those souls training in the service of Rhalgr, god of destruction among the Twelve. The Fist of Rhalgr is their order. This barbaric cult traces its origins back several centuries to Ala Mhigo. That simpleton Widargelt is one of their number. The Fist teaches those foolish enough to listen that through rigorous training of the mind and body, and with constant invigoration and refinement, one can approach the sublimity of Rhalgr himself. Such is their power of concentration that they are able to master the aether within their bodies and channel it in a manner that grants them immense destructive power. The monkhood insists on calling this internal essence âspiritual energyâ or âlife forceââbut trust me when I say it is nothing other than aether. Endowed with this brutish, unthinking gift for hitting things very hard, the entire cult have evolved into a sort of clergy with martial proclivities. This was no doubt a result of their main temple being located in Abania Gyrâa region plagued by warfare where knowing how to protect oneself is essential to survival. As the years passed, however, what began as a simple group of religious fanatics fighting to protect themselves grew into an ambitious organization of religious fanatics taking part in the region's power struggles. Those in power in Ala Mhigo grew understandably wary of these war priests who proclaimed all their fights to be fought in the name of a god, and who employed deadly force without the slightest hesitation. And so, rather than make enemies of the monks, they decided instead to use them to their benefit. Through affiliation with the Ala Mhigan royal family, the Fist of Rhalgr was incorporated into the nation's standing army. This not only granted the monks a great deal of power, but furnished them with all of the rights accorded protectors of the citizenry. And their political influence was still growing...[/spoil] The Fate of The Fist of Rhalgr [spoil]I confess I find great joy in studying the demise of a religionâand even greater joy in recounting it! The power of the Fist of Rhalgr grew unchecked in Ala Mhigo, and it was eventually named the state religion. After this, its influence over political, economic, and cultural spheres of life became even more considerable. Needless to say, this did not sit well with one and all. Among them was the last and most ugsome of Ala Mhigan royalty, the King of RuinâTheodoric. The rise of the Fist meant a potential rival for power, and he would not suffer the monkhood to encroach on his prerogatives. To counter their claims of religious righteousness, he simply conjured his own out of thin aether, proclaiming that the throne was his by divine right, given him by the word of Nymeia herselfâwife to Rhalgr. He then banned the worship and likenesses of Rhalgr and all other gods, and demanded that the prayers and praises of Ala Mhigo be given to Nymeia and her alone. In doing so, he sought to establish his own absolute, uncontested rule. Naturally, the Fist and other worshippers of Rhalgr throughout the nation rose in protest, precisely as Theodoric had known they would. He used the uprisings as a pretext to imprison several high-ranking monks, whom he then tortured until they confessed their order's plans to topple his rule. In 1552 of the Sixth Astral Era, Theodoric led a vast army to the site of the monkhood's main temple and surrounded it. Monks and novices and devotees, including the elders, refugees seeking shelter after the fires of war had turned their homes to ash, servants and peasants hired to do no more than till the fieldsânone were left alive. The monks fought heroically, but were hopelessly outnumbered. With the massacre of that day, nearly all of the monkhood perished. The elders, the keepers of the tradition and its knowledge, resided within the temple grounds. It was thought that all versed in the ways of the chakra were lost... But then what of this Widargelt simpleton? Just who is he? Perhaps the end of the Fist was not the end of the monks after all.[/spoil] Silvertear Falls [spoil]My dear, poor (playername). What you do not know about Silvertear Falls could fill a book. And hasâmultiple times over, I'm sure. Since ancient times, the Falls and the region of Mor Dhona in which they are located have been believed to be the seat of a great spiritual energy, as less advanced peoples were wont to call it. So old are these beliefs that the tomb of Xandes himself, the first emperor of Allag, was built deep beneath the surface of Mor Dhona, in the hope that the mystical power which resided under the lake would raise him from the dead. Oh, there are any number of legends and myths surrounding the place. I think the oldest and most widely known would have to be that of the dragon of the Falls. I do not claim to be a folklorist, but I can certainly provide the general tale. There was the birth of Althyk, god of time among the Twelve, and in turn, His younger sister Nymeia, goddess of fate. And then there was water, and through it the Silvertear Falls came to be at the center of all that was. Here was the source not only of water, but the fount of all magic as well. Now, when water came into being, so too did the great dragon Midgardsormr. Brother Time and Sister Fate, fearing the Falls might fall into the hands of evil, ordered Midgardsormr their protector and warden. Much later, with the arrival of man, would Midgardsormr be worshipped as the guardian deity of Silvertear Falls. Have you been to Silvertear Falls? Or are you as untraveled as you are unread? Have you gazed upon the enormous dragon corpse, frozen as a statue with wings outspread? If you have, you have gazed upon Midgardsormr. That tragedy is but ten years old. After invading my home of Ala Mhigo, the Garleans launched a fleet of airships led by the monstrosity Agrius. They flew for Silvertear Falls, knowing it to be the greatest concentration of aether. And then, as those horrific instruments of evil loomed overhead, casting the dark shadow of death, the surface of the lake suddenly parted and burst skyward as Midgardsormr emerged to defend his waters. The battle between Midgardsormr and Agrius has since come to be known as the Battle of Silvertear Skies. The dragon fought with divine strength and purpose, and after a fierce and grueling struggle, succeeded in bringing down the airship. As it fell into the lake, the impact caused the ceruleum onboard to detonate, and Midgardsormr was killed, his corpse charred black in the conflagration. The structure formed by the wreckage of Agrius and the entangled remains of Midgardsormr is now called the Keeper of the Lake. For many religious and mythological enthusiasts, it stands as proof of the existence of the gods. For most people, however, it serves as a grim reminder of the horrific, dare I say deicidal, power of Garlemald. Why did that dragon appear that day? Was it truly the Midgardsormr, the legendary guardian of Silvertear Falls? Such questions and more remain unanswered. For my part, I make the entire debacle for an elaborate Garlean fabrication, acted out to near perfection. But let us put aside dragons and empires, and speak instead of mine own latest discovery at the lake! The aether of the area is in an extremely chaotic state. I had long thought this to be a result of the Battle of Silvertear Skies, but have learned that this is not the case! The disturbances I have observed do not all derive from a single source. Beyond the imperceptible aether emitted by the Keeper of the Lake, there are even stronger aetherial waves coming from deep below the earth to the east. I have studied these waves in great detail, and discovered that they can be used to reconstruct an image of their source. And I believe their source is a tower! An enormous, vast, gigantic, underground tower! Do you not see? Of course you don't... It could only be the lost tomb of Xandesâthe first emperor of Allag of whom I spoke mere moments ago. But wait, there it more to tell! You see, it is impossible that a normal building, however large, could release so much ethereal energy. An immense crystal on the other handâthat most certainly could. Putting these observations together, I had no choice but to conclude that the ancients' seemingly fanciful references to the tomb being wrought of crystal were not so fanciful after all! And that is the history of Silvertear Fallsâor as much as I am willing to expose that meager mind of yours to in one telling. If only there were some way to access this crystal tower beneath the surface... It would prove my theory and be the discovery of the century![/spoil] The Last King of Ala Mhigo [spoil]As I likely explained if you have ever bothered to ask me about monks and the Fist of Rhalgr, the King of Ruin, Theodoric, was a ruthless despot and tyrant. It should come as no surprise then, that he was the last king of Ala Mhigo. But the tale of his rise and fall is the stuff we historians live for! Theodoric's lust for power was such that nothing less that absolute rule would appease him. To counter the political influence of the Fist of Rhalgr, he proclaimed his kingship to be the product of divine willâordained by Nymeia herself. What followed was a crusade which sought to exterminate the monks entirely. Yet it was the truly depraved acts of barbarism to come that would shake Ala Mhigan society to its very core. This ensuing era of terror was what earned Theodoric the title âKing of Ruin.â After the massacre at the Fist's main temple, religious opposition to Theodoric nearly disappeared altogether. He then began purges of the Ala Mhigan royalty, seeing any and all potential pretenders to his throne dead and buriedâregardless of house, loyalties, or standing. Beheadings were commonplace, carried out daily. Before long, it looked as though Theodoric would have no heads left to take. But he then turned his wrath upon any soul with a claim to the throne, no matter how remote. After that, it was to be the empowered nobles and wealthy merchants. Fearing for their lives, they professed their innocence to the queen, pleading for her to stay her maniacal husband's hand. She attempted words to assuage his lust for power turned lust for blood, but he was deaf to her appeals. Finding no recourse, she conspired with a group of nobles to murder Theodoric. Yet before the regicide could take place, one among them betrayed their plot, and for their treason, the king saw them all less a head. This only served to compound Theodoric's paranoia and insanity. Distrustful of all, his purges now became little more than random executions, claiming of the lives of noble and beggar and all in between. It is not difficult to imagine what transpired next. The palace became a despicable gathering of sycophants and backstabbers, and the common folk scarce left their homes. Seeking heads on which to lay blame for worsening conditions, Theodoric turned the axe upon his most loyal followers. When the oppression became too much to bear, the people revolted and stormed the palace. The royal guard cast aside their vows and allowed the Ala Mhigans to pass. A noble revolt? For the best, no? False! It was the absence of leadership and solidarity in the wake of this chaos that prompted Garlemald to attack! In the end, Theodoric was lucid enough to judge suicide preferable to death at the hands of an angry mob. He ended his own life, and with it, his reign of ruin and his own bloodline. Or so it was thought at the time! But Theodred, a nephew to the king, was hidden by his mother in a remote temple of the Fist of Rhalgr which had survived the purges, and thus he escaped his uncle's fury. And that is the history of the last king of Ala Mhigo. And many a lesson there is to be learned from it! It is only a pity you are too dull to do so.[/spoil]

What the... Why is Calzien on that list?! I never agreed to enter! Cal is too shy for any of that, someone would have to either trick him into it or convince him. The guy's ICly supposed to be rather scrawny. Not saying I couldn't do it, but he's all too insecure to get up there and strut himself off for a competition. EDIT: Also looking at the time listed, I have a strong doubt I can make it anyway unless I can get off early that day.

After talking with a few LS members tonite Gospel maybe a slight cap should be put on the OOC chitchat. If there's nothing really going on RP discussion-wise, then it's probably okay. But pretty frequently I see chatter going on between two individuals (I won't point names or anything.) that have absolutely nothing related to RP beyond just casual real life chatter. Again, I have absolutely no problem with the OOC chatter as that's just why the pearl exists. But if you're going to have a lengthy discussion about how cute your pet is or your favorite music band with like one other person it's probably best better taken to tells or an alternate means. It's a difficult line to draw what might be okay and what's pushing it. But just tonight as I was doing Ifrit runs I poked between my filters and there was this huge discussion mostly between just two people that really had nothing to do with RP. Again, I am not saying that it has to be about RP or only RP. I myself like to relax and have a casual talk sometimes. But there's a difference between a longwinded discussion that's pretty much involves nobody else, and one that pretty much anyone can get involved in. So yeah, some way to kind of curb it I guess... Sorry if that doesn't help, I'm rather tired right now as I type this and I'm really out of ideas for recommendations.

That doesn't sound like a bad idea Shurin. As for the linkshell I'd hate it to become a RP discussion only shell. Many of us just chat, be silly or talk about everyday life. RP chitchat happens too so it's not all about real life stuff. If it gets to be too much I just tune it out myself. @Riik - Don't be afraid to ask for RP! Some may be busy so it won't always happen, but we're all generally friendly! There's one other guy I know who's the same really, very shy and timid about flat out asking. Plenty of us would be more than willing to RP with you. Just give it a shot! EDIT : My bad meant Riik not Riil, haha. What I get for responding via a cellphone. :3

Interesting thought... Makes me sad though that Miqo'te male aren't released yet so I can't enter Calzien into this. Ah well, good luck!

I'll just note something... while making it publicly known what you do could have an impact on the community as a whole we need to remember not to turn our backs on our friends either. I don't know, maybe it's just easier for me since I'm not overly affected by some actions. However I strongly agree that things like cursing and sexual innuendo have no place in the linkshell, at all. Smaller LS communities where you're with your friends or like-minded people who don't care about it, there it's perfectly fine if you want to curse up a storm or go graphic with your discussions. But not in Intermission. @Miyu - All due respect Miyu, but stop acting like it revolves all around you. You were part of the problem with the original linkpearl thus why Gospel took over in the first place. The idea you had about bringing the community together was grand, and I commend you on this. But personally, you as a leader of any linkshell, I'd rather not be apart of. I'm sorry. To get back on subject now, I've had very few issues with generally anyone. In fact I often tend to be pretty forgiving despite something somebody does. I'd rather make friends than enemies and it's always been one rule of mine, if you don't enjoy RP, why do it in the first place? All I ask is please remember things we do/say when we RP or go off on one of our discussions over a public linkpearl like Intermission represent more than ourselves. While we certainly don't represent all the RP on Besaid (Soon to be Balmung now.) in the community it paints a general view that can affect everyone. Sadly though it's more or less a stereotype we cannot get away from. What you do in private is fine, and it's fine to admit if you're a guy playing a girl, or if you eRP, none of that matters. What matters is when you go into random discussions like this throwing around innuendo or swearing constantly. I think I'm getting a little off track... So yeah, do what you do Gospel and keep on being you Gospel! :cheer: *wanders off into random obscurity*

Thanks Oskar, and to reply what you wrote on the comments there: Doesn't really need to be plausible reason for someone coming across the satchel and its contents. Anything works, just as long as there's explanation how they came to possess the satchel and journal, it's kind of like an opening introduction to the whole thing. Maybe someone visited the area and found it lying there, it could have been before, it could have even been after. Anyway, Mihana would be well known in the Adder's Nest as well. She's earned the rank of Serpent Sergeant Third Class (I kind of hate that it's gotten so easily but meh.) so her name is known there. I'm hoping a few more people step in within the next few days. If nobody else chimes in by Wednesday I'll just go with Oskar finding it. While I really would like to just let anyone and everyone join beyond the intial stage of who finds in the problem with that is the journal contains very personal information dear to her so she'd be trying her hardest once it's found to minimize just how many people see it. Doesn't mean somebody else can't really get involved, RP could take a turn that someone else learns about it. It's only that I'm trying an attempt at RPing outside of the usual circle of people I know. That's the entire purpose of why I put this together, somebody finds the journal, it starts a reason for Mihana to interact with somebody besides those she knows. Be it good/bad, contact is at least a good thing regardless. Where it turns after that is solely depending on the individual, they've got a key into the personal thoughts behind her and a means to get past her attitude if used properly. Return it, never read it. Earn her respect perhaps and things could go differently. Be a snoop, try to trick her with the information you know and return the journal. Use it as fodder to get something you want and have a little revenge or just be a huge arse because you feel like it. All goes once the journal's in your hands.

(As promised since there were no other replies the journal has been found by Milton and given to Oskar. If you wish to still participate feel free but the journal is now in his hands. Thanks for reading.) In the headquarters of the Order of the Twin Adder sits a row of benches against the fall wall on the upper level. Beneath the bench nearest to the railing a small brown burlap satchel rests. When opening this bag the following contents are found: * A few gil coins, one or two have some deep scratches in them though they otherwise appear to be like any other ordinary bits of gil pieces. * Two potions, one has been sealed, the other is partially consumed. *A small spherical object, a forest green in color. Closer inspection reveals it to be a linkpearl of some sort. * A somewhat worn journal made of aldgoat leather dyed a forest green and silver trim along the edge. The binding and cover has a few dents, scrapes in it over the countless summers of use. The pages inside are written with a steady hand though the penmanship tends to be on the sloppy side. If one were to look at the first page of the journal several odd sketches litter the page along with the owner's writing. At the bottom is a name, "Mihana". OOC INFORMATION [spoil] This has been listed on the lodestone under my blog and can be found here. If responding please post a comment there on my blog. Responses can be posted here too, but posting it on the blog where I can check it more easily is preferred. Thanks. :3 I'm sorry if this isn't in the correct area, it's not really a sever-wide event but a 1-on-1 type RP thing (More if whoever finds the journal involves others.) just open to anyone who wants to join in. While I don't really have an exact date yet when I'm closing this, the first 10 entries on my lodestone post will probably be it. To be fair, I'll do a /random in-game based on the order of the entries listed, and the number of people who apply. If more than one person wants to team up with somebody else to find the journal (IE you find it but give it to somebody else with you.) that's fine too. So again, please post a response there than here if responding ICly. The Lowdown: On February 19th Mihana had fallen asleep on the bench in the Adder's Nest located in Gridania. The officials had moved the sleeping Miqo'te from the location to a different room in the nest but not without accidentally leaving behind a satchel containing the personal journal belonging to Mihana. Currently she hasn't come to realize it's missing and by now it should have been found by someone. But who? This was before Everwatch's scheduled training exercises so from that point on it could have been found and taken. In order to try broadening my RP perspectives I'm leaving it open as to anyone who has visited the area can claim finding the satchel and its contents including the journal. You're free to do as you please with it and the contents. But there is a rule to this. * The journal can not be destroyed. You can drop it, kick it, drool on the pages, cause a little damage to it (Preferred that you don't do any of that.) but please refrain from deciding to torch it, throw it into an abyss, feed it to a friendly raptor or give it to a certain band of Opo-Opo in a certain place. The goal is to get this back to Mihana as without the journal how can I post more entries? Destroying it or tearing out pages would have to be reflected in my entries on the lodestone and I'd prefer not to delete all of my entries or rewrite them so please, don't destroy or deface it? Thank you. That's it, one way or another the journal should eventually get back to her and should remain intact within reason. How it gets back to her/what you do after finding it is entirely up to you! If you want to join in please post a response in the lodestone comments of my entry in an IC format saying how you came across the satchel and its contents. The linkpearl inside is a direct link to Mihana so you'll have a way to contact her. Thanks and hope to see what happens! Mihana's gonna flip when she does discover her journal is missing...[/spoil]

While I do want a RP server or one designated as one officially I'm wondering if this is a good idea. Trolls are picking up on the whole thing and are starting to troll us on the official forums. Not to mention I ponder if groups will just purposely join our server of choice with the intent on trolling us. Easy to doubt the idea, but it's still very much possible if somebody's enough of an ass.

If you visit the NPC who gives the regional levequests there's an option at the bottom called "Information". There's a tiny tidbit in there about how aetheryrtes work, teleportation, and returning. Basically the theory that people use aetheryte stones or whatnot is incorrect. I went through it and got the information: On Aetheryte Travel, Teleportation, and Anima (From Totonawa, The Quicksand, Ul'dah. Choose "How do I get to and from a levequest?") On Aetherial Gates (From Totonawa, The Quicksand, Ul'dah. Choose "How do I reach aetherial gates?") And an extra piece... On Levequests (From Totonawa, The Quicksand, Ul'dah. Choose "What are guildleves?") On Faction Leves (From Totonawa, The Quicksand, Ul'dah. Choose "What are faction-sponsored levequests?")

Okay, here's what I mean... It could just be said that Garleans speak both the common tongue (Eorzean or in this case, likely Hydaelyn) and their own language. The point I'm trying to get at however is where is it that Garlemald citizens are said to have their own dialect? As it's understood, Eorzea is part of the "Three Great Continents" according to the Lodestone. All but Eorzea were conquered by Garlemald and thus converted into a single realm ruled by the Imperials. I'm not going as far to state that it's impossible for them to have their own language, but merely understand as to where it came from is all. So far I haven't found anything that hints they do, but more evidence pointing towards that they all share the same language. As more lore is revealed to us I'm simply wondering as well how that will be handled if it is revealed that Garlemald commonly speaks the same tongue as found in Eorzea.

I've noticed there's several people who RP as being former Garlemald citizens. Seeing how there's several Garleans living in Eorzea (I won't name the NPCs as to avoid spoilers.) this isn't a problem at all. But what does strike me as curious is everyone acts as if Garleans have their own form of language. However quests as of late (including the recently introduced Grand Company ones.) depict Garlean soldiers speaking the common tongue found here in Eorzea. Overall it just has me curious, where was it ever mentioned that Garleans had their own language? I'm not trying to dictate ways to RP, but it simply had me curious. Also, if it's true that the imperials don't have their own dialect will RPers still continue on pretending that they do? EDIT: I know it could be chalked up to that since the "Echo" allows us to understand all forms of dialect from beast tongue to other unknown languages. Yet that doesn't explain how even NPCs can understand dialect from Garleans, and that no mention is ever made about it.

Interesting thought, but claiming ownership over the Mineral Concern would actually clash with the in-game lore. The tavern already has an owner, who from the NPC reactions, appears to only hire women he intends on bedding or has hope to do so with. Unfortunately you wouldn't be able to really kick people out either if they were to cause some disruptions of ban people from coming either. Take this for example. Sanctus Refero, a trading company, has ICly taken up the Astalicia as their headquarters and base of operations. Alona Rhys rents out parts of the ship to do their business from. Now, because of this, their employees have to live with and coexist with all manners of scum including the pirates and marauders that lurk around or show up on the ship. The company has a "security" branch that's in charge of keeping peace. Now, since the area is only rented out as well, they can't really kick anyone off the ship or ban them from coming on board. This is the same scenario you would have to deal with regarding the Mineral Concern. People can come and go as they please, drink themselves drunk, or do whatever they really want within reason of course. The idea of using it as a main place of roleplay is an excellent idea, but I'm afraid that's already the case. It of course, just comes down to people making more frequent use of it and being respectful of others in the area too who are already there.

As someone who rarely ever visits anymore I'll just state why. Drama. Drama and from what it was at the beginning, judgement. People were quick to look at something and judge it without really giving it a chance. Drama between linkshells began and others stepped out. Over time the RPC became a place that people had thought of as elitists who governed RP their ways and shunned you if you thought otherwise. This isn't my view on it, but from what I have heard as well as to why others wouldn't use it. For me personally it was due to a plan regarding playing a character out as a Miqo'te male. Majority of the community back then shunned it, I even got private messages saying "You do this and we won't RP with you" and ultimately I scrapped the idea. Nearly 7 months later I said to hell with it and did the plan. As it turns out people were actually supportive of it and loved the idea. Had I not listened to the community back then and done what I had initially done I wouldn't have created a character I wasn't happy with and ultimately deleted later on. The issue back then was everyone was trying to make specific "standards" on what should be allowed, and how it should be done without giving it a chance. This likely became as to why others left the RPC or no longer use it. But back on the topic (Sorry for a major rant there.) having an LS leader section I think would be a bad idea. I can't honestly state why, but reading some of the reasons people have there I'd have to agree. Overall however, I'm undecided on it.

Well... I suppose I could drag Mihana in for it. Sign up one Mihana Zhralyia! I'll have to figure out some clothes for it tho.

I may be off on this, but I believe that's 1:30PM Pacific Time. EST is generally 3 hours ahead of PST so that sounds about right.

Gospel! About time! *throws a Coblyn at him* Anyhow, ICly the Maurader's Guild (AKA Astalicia) is headquarters for Sanctus Refero so you'll find everyone there pretty often including myself. Ah but welcome to the RPC!

Aaaah~ Poor Mihana was only worth 80K! I'm guessing it could have been because you can't really see who's up on the stage half the time. For future references I think descriptions of the character's appearance should be included in their introduction on-stage. One guy was looking for a fiery-haired Miqo'te which Mihana is, but missed out probably because she was invisible to most people.

Oh yea, just a note by the way... But isn't February 5th a Saturday? It's marked down as Sunday.

No worries Nana! When you get online I'll help you get there!

(Haha sounds fun! *evil laugh*) Full Name: Mihana Zhralyia Age: 22 Gender: Female The gender you prefer for your date: Male, preferred. But being just a date any gender will do. Your interests: Hunting, archery, cooking, seeking out treasures. Your dislikes: Seriousness, long-winded lectures, being bored, treated like a child, rain. What you look for in a date: No Roegadyn, unless you can show me why I should date one. I'm not some damsel looking for a gallant knight on a Chocobo to sweep me off my feet. If you're that type, keep on moving pal. I like to tease, have fun. Deal with it. But if you're nice and we get along then you're doing something right. Places, don't care as long as I'm not getting all wet from the rain. (OOC Note: At this time Mihana is rather involved with someone already. But to see if their feelings for one another are real, she has suggested they date others. Should their time apart with other people show their feelings are true, then it is meant to be between them. Both parties have agreed on this thus Mihana will begin dating others. As with all RP, actions between others can influence the outcome so don't bid thinking your character is a one-night date! If somehow they have a way to sway her heart in their favor it could come to pass. Just don't expect a "Romance-In-A-Can" moment. ) (OOC Note 2: Seems I kind of confused someone on the one-night date thing... What I mean is that while Mihana may be involved with somebody, she will still be dating. If after the end of her date there is enough reason, she may agree to go on a second date with her bidder too. What happens beyond that is purely up to RP.) (EDIT: Entry edited.)

I think as long as someone gives consent to use the Echo, doesn't try going about telling everyone by blabbing about the hidden group, and doesn't try to act out every piece of the main storyline, I just might accept the whole use of the Echo. For example, no doubt in the way the FF stories usually go, our characters will most likely somehow save Eorzea from a grim fate. That said, not everyone can suddenly be the "hero" of the day and save the lands. In fact if someone even tries this my character will downright look at them as if they're nuts. If you try to forcefully do something using the Echo without my consent (IE read something that was written OOC and suddenly bring this up ICly without any way of knowing outside of Echo use.) I will flat out blist you on the spot and just pretend your character had a mental breakdown right there, whatever amuses me. Quite honestly I'm strongly against the use of the Echo, even if it can be tweaked with a little use, as according to the storyline, none are supposed to even be aware of this ability, or even speak of it. And in fact, as the storyline goes... Should you be found out, expect others to either want to kill you, have you exiled, thrown in jail and locked away, or utterly shunned. From what I can see, I don't believe it actually alters a history or what happened, but the person you used the Echo on just may realize you're not actually a part of that should you be seen in the memory. At that time, the person on the outside, will suddenly become aware you pulled some sort of strange ability and invaded their thoughts. So be careful, be VERY careful using this and either be prepared to be the victim of possible death threats IC, or hated ICly by many.

RL Info (if you want): RL Name: (Prefer not to say, but I'll sometimes tell people if I'm comfortable, otherwise it's Sair or SamusKnight2K though I'll usually just go by Sair when IG or with other people who know me.) RL Age: 29 Country: USA Timezone: PST (GMT -8 I think.) RL Gender: Male Server: Besaid --Why do you like to RP? Because it's a sense of immersion you can't get with your traditional RPG games. It's enjoyable and well, you don't need a valid reason to RP, do you? I just RP because I love to! As I've gone I've greatly adapted my style by viewing how others do it which helps me become more descriptive. Not to mention it makes wonderful stories and you meet such great people too! Some of the greatest people I've grown fond of or became friends with were met through roleplaying. Basic info --Characters: Sair Gammonari (Hyur Midlander Male) Mihana Zhralyia (Seeker of the Sun Miqo'te Female) --Current primary linkshell: The Spectral Wardens RP Preferences: --RP style (Casual, moderate, or heavy)? I pretty much go moderate to casual depending on the mood. At times I can be fully in-character (Minus maybe a few OOC remarks here or there.) but I also like to joke and chat in a casual manner OOC. --Are you willing to RP a fight scene in game? If so, preferred method of combat? (/randoming, skill based, etc) In personal preferences, I can't say how comfortable I am with these. Skill-based ones ala DnD style I find too boring. I'll act out a fight scene just to an extent maybe, but I still overall prefer to avoid them. --Are you willing to take major injuries in game? (ie limb loss, comas, etc.) A form of coma, mortally wounded or broken/fractured bones perhaps... Just no stuff like amputation, losing an eye, anything that would seriously scar them. Also nothing that absolutely pushes them off the deep end into insanity. I had a character in FFXI before that turned all emo because of certain actions. It was so bad I just couldn't stand RPing them anymore. Best suggestion is ask before you do if you intend to inflict serious harm on one of my characters. --Under what circumstances, if any, would you allow your character to be killed off? Unless I choose to, no character is to ever be killed off. As stated in the previous question, I can be open to mortally wounded or coma scenarios. Maybe they suffer such an injury it puts them into a state of coma for awhile. But this will have to be discussed first and for now long. Faked deaths are always a possibility as being badly wounded but slowly recover. --Are you willing to RP romance in game? How far are you willing to go? Eh, can go in any direction I suppose... But I'm not really a fan of the whole "eRP" genre. What I'd prefer to follow is a fade-to-black style as people call it. The two lovers kiss, they embrace and... Aww, the lights went out! Romance scenes are some of my favorite, but I prefer to keep the characters aloof not immediately tying them down. Mihana is a little bit of a flirt but never sleeps around and Sair's too much of a gentleman to even consider the idea before marrage. How far characters can or are willing to go can vary particularly on how comfortable I am with the person. I've done some or implied moments in the past and while enjoyed, the relation didn't feel as special anymore. Overall it's just something best left to be discussed. I do RP two different characters so there are some preferences such as Sair (the male) is straight. Mihana (the female) is mostly straight, but I'm kind of open to either end for her. I feel the characters have to actually be in love however, I don't do forced match-ups or insta-romance-in-a-can setups. It was tried before, didn't work out. Things end up feeling too artificial and I just don't like it... --What kind of non-romantic RP relationships are you seeking? (family ties, etc) Friends, rivals, adopted brothers/sisters, the standard kind of stuff. For Sair he would want people he could trust and protect (He's one of those fairy-tail knights types.) and Mihana has always tried to hide her softer side with a rash, tough front. So for her people she can trust in again after having her trust broken. --How far from the actual lore are you willing to stray? It varies greatly based on what is being agreed on. I'm not heavily into lore but one thing comes to mind: If it doesn't really exist/belong in the game, then it's a big "no". Such as unless SE allows time-travel or dimensional stuff like they did with FFXI, it won't fly here. There have been cases in the past where I strayed from lore myself but soon everyone became flying angel gods or half-espers ala Terra style. It felt too out there so I prefer to stay with what's actually possible in the game. And no using people from other video games! That means I don't wanna see a guy named "Goku" who came from planet Earth to Hydaelyn wishing on a dragon's glowing orange balls, that they oddly have seven of... Poor dragon! --Views on chat functions (IC vs OOC in /party, /linkshell, /say)? I don't mind either really, I use IC and OOC (sometimes to the excess on OOC) however if it grows to be a problem in interrupting an RP in progress then it can be an issue. I've tried to keep myself using OOC tags when normally chatting in /say since I can't be certain the presence of other RPers and will almost immediately switch to using OOC tags if I see others using it in the vicinity. --Will most of your RP be confined in a single linkshell or will you try to RP with as many as possible? Most RP is often confined to a single linkshell, but only because I'm somewhat shy of just going in and joining random RP. I've been working on getting past that. --How do you prefer to be contacted? (PM or post in this thread) PM, /tell in-game, contacted in-game, or respond to this thread, I personally don't care. If you do contact me in-game please be sure to say more than just "Hi" if you send a tell or I might not respond. I can be pretty friendly otherwise. Be sure to mention your name on the forums here then or if you have a question about anything you've read. Thank you and see you in Eorzea!