Parth Makeo

Arala has Cait Sith doll named geppetto (has his own profile on the wiki) that for most of the first few weeks implementing him, was like a mammet who couldn't speak. Later he gains a voice and other things. Geppetto is like a young kid with a love for Popotos and says "Doodle" for various reasons. Like a hello, yes or Huh? If you want a better idea of adorable... Fuse A Chao with Yotsuba and you got geppetto Currently I am doing a Carbuncle but I am being super cautious about it being perverted but still dignified. Like yes he wants to see a woman's undergarments but not when there is something important going on. Other than those, there is the black chocobo carrier for P'rita.

[align=center]Xyla was a Witch of the Shroud.[/align] [align=center]Varthamith was a man of high magical intelligence[/align] [align=center]It was natural that the two would find some comfort in each other[/align] [align=center]Yet even fate is cruel to the kindest of souls[/align] [align=center]---[/align] Varthamith had been taken away by the citizens of Amdapor after tracking him down. Performing illegal arts he no longer practiced. Xyla tried convincing them but her words fell on deaf ears. No one ever listened to the witch. It was hard to imagine that she of all people offered to take his place, yet they cared not. His crimes weighed heavy, and they decided to perform a public execution then and there. Xyla at this point was preparing to start a war. She was done with how others treated her, when Varth had been kind to her. It made her sick. The day of his execution brought storm clouds. Waiting to rain on it all. The gallows were set and Varthamith was placed there with a bag over his head. Xyla managed to sneak into the crowd. Her time for revenge would come for the people...and yet she didn't cast magic. She didn't cast spells. Instead she tried one more time to convince the judge from ordering the execution to commence. "Judge. Please, don't take the only thing I have left away from me. My...only happiness. If you take Varthamith from me, I will not hold back in my efforts to kill any and all of those who are here today." A threat. She was met with lances aimed at her throat. The judge stood there on the raised platform with a smug look. "Go ahead and try. You will only be met with the end of a spear. The law forbids any practice or ownership of taboo magic. Including any thaumaturgey. You would be at the gallows as well, but you are harmless." Xyla lowered her head. "...You are right..But you are also wrong." her eyes slowly changed from their beautiful water blue to a pitch void black as she burst the area in flames, sending the guards back. Her eyes set on the judge as she fired a ball of flame towards him. It missed on purpose to hit the foundation, breaking the gallow and sparing Varthamith for the time. The Shroud did not welcome them anymore, and they had to make a getaway. She took the bag off of Varthamith's head as they ran, making sure the rope went with it. "X-xyla...What are you doing?" he was confused. "I'm saving you, idiot! I'm not letting them take away what little joy i have left in this world!" a jump off a small cliff and a dash under hallowed trees and they seemed safe for now to catch their breath. "I...didn't know you cared that much." Varth mentioned as she smacked his face. "Shut up! We need to leave the shroud. I heard of the northern lands. It will be hard, but i know we can make it there." but she was too tired as is. "There they are!" a guard announced. The two dashed off as quick as they could. An arrow whizzed by them, then a few more. Xyla planned to hop off the waterfall and with her magic, she could make it like they hit the water too hard. "Jump with me!" she yelled. Varth was frightened, not wanting to but having no other option. So they jumped.... They fell... And in the water they landed without major issues. The guards wanted to make sure they were dead, so they ordered their men to search the area. --- After a few more minutes, the two emerged from the water and climbed to an embankment. They caught their breaths and with time, they could finally be free. Xyla looked to Varthamith. Her voice gasping at each word. "W-we...Did it..." she chuckled." Varthamith did not respond. "Hey...Varthamith?" she tried to jostle him. No response. "W-wake up. This isn't funny..." she tried once more, feeling his pulse. Cold. In that moment, as if the whole realm came to a sudden stop, Xyla was alone. Varthamith was dead. She turned him over, noticing the arrows in his back that she hadn't seen yet. He shielded her from each one that was aimed at her and yet he still managed to run until the end. "No...please no..Varthamith you can't leave me...I...I don't want to be alone again...Wake up." she sobbed. Tears hitting his lifeless expression. Her cries of anguish alerted the guards who descended upon Xyla. Ready to kill her for releasing a prisoner. They said on that day in the forest...the body of ten guards were reduced to ash. Armor broken and shattered from the ice...and flowers bloomed from where they stepped. --- Xyla didn't dare return to her home. She simply went back to grab a few reagents and a small sphere she got as a present from Varthamith. The orb was cream and yellow colored that swirled within it like magic. The book about Voidsent was there as well. She took advantage of it, and decided against her own judgement to use these arts. She followed all the steps in the book, used as much aether as her items possessed to reinforce it...and with a transfer of Varthamith's soul, she would bind his being into this realm through the sphere. His phylactery. It felt warm...The same warmth that she felt with his hand. "Oh Varthamith...We can be together forever. Please. Rise up once more and let me hear your wonderful voice again...please." Varthamith would rise again. Yet now he had half his skeleton. His body radiated with a cold blue aura. His eyes now husks with magical energy for pupils. He floated there, dressed in a regal robe. His voice was deeper but it was him. "I-i'm...a lich?" he wondered how before noticing Xyla. "See Varthamith? You have your immortality. We can still be together!" --- It is here that all records of the two vanished from archives in Gridania. It is here that the tale ended and began this Era...and it is at this point that a man in dark black robes approached them and asked if they would join in their cause... [align=center]"They will soon pay for what they did to my life. The realm will know my name is Xyla...And with our strength combined, Zodiark will rise once more...and Hydaelyn will fall."[/align] [align=center]-Xyla Prime[/align] [align=center]-END-[/align]

Days turned to weeks, and each cycle of the sun and moon made the two closer. Xyla however had yet to make a moving doll. Unlike how Varthamith's work was getting somewhere, her doll use was not progressing. It made her frustrated. "Why...Why will they not move?" her mind focusing as she channeled a sprite into a depleted crystal, then placing it in the doll's head she tried to make it move. Varthamith watched her from afar, picking up the minor faults. When it broke apart again, he finally gave some advice. "The doll needs more Aether. A sprite is not enough. Not even three." he mentioned as he walked up, placing a hand on Xyla's shoulder. He was warm. It soothed her. "I know...but what else is there?" she asked. "Allow me..." Varth stepped forward and examined the crystal. He figured there was a reason why these dolls can't move and it came to him. "You keep killing the sprites when you stuff them in crystals. Instead, why not suppress them? That way they still thrive but they do not suffer so much." he demonstrated, taking a live wind element sprite from a box he had. Xyla nearly hopped back in fear of it attacking. "Don't worry. This one is obedient..." with a minor adjustment to the chest of the doll, placing the crystal back in the head and then wiring up some lines up into each joint and the crystal straight to the suppressed element, he would back off... The body at first stood there silently...and then it jittered...Then it shook. Slowly it raised it's arm as it shuddered from movement...until it broke. Defeated, Varthamith shrugged it off. "Guess it's still a failure...." But Xyla saw it differently. "Are you kidding?! Varth, You made progress! You...You made it move!" her eyes widen with joy and her voice so high in pitch that she was giggling in glee. It was unheard of from her, and Varth just found it adorable. "I guess I did. But let's work on this together." Finally. Xyla could enjoy herself to the fullest. Her life had nothing but grief and misfortune for the last years...and with Varthamith at her side, she felt whole... [align=center]"Varthamith...I love you. Yet why did I hesitate to say those words? Was i scared of the future I saw? The future without you? No...You are there beside me. I see it...and we are eternally bonded in our own way."[/align] [align=center]- Xyla Quintessence[/align]

As the days passed, Varthamith had proven much of his use from Xyla. While he could go into various towns and buy the needed items for Xyla without a problem, she was hard at work with helping him research the means to find his immortality idea. The two seemed like an odd duo but they were comfortable with it. Varth however had some feelings brewing with Xyla. Despite her being a witch, he really did love her company more than anything. On some nights, Varth would make dinner for the two of them out of good faith instead of the slop that Xyla usually made. And tonight he wanted to surprise her with a dish he found out was her favorite. Baked Flounder. Of course no oven existed in her home, so he had to make it elsewhere. The problem was that flounder was expensive, and his family had recently stopped talking to him altogether when he wouldn't explain what he was doing. Yet he saved every bit for this moment. All his Gil he made with odd jobs would pay off. "One flounder, please!" he said with such a bold and prideful voice. The vendor did not deny him, offering a caught flounder that was just the right size. --- While this happened, Xyla started to work on her dolls once more. She attempted to use a small depleted crystal cluster infused with one of the wind sprites of the Shroud. She placed it in the head and attempted to activate it....to see it only fall before her without even a single motion. She rubbed her temple "That's the fifth one that broke...What am I doing wrong?" looking over the notes...until she noticed something among Varthamith's works. A book about very dark magic. Even about summoning Voidsent into this realm. This was not going to fly at all... "Why would he need-no...He wouldn't..." her mind put the pieces together, figuring out what he wanted to do. He wanted to become a Voidsent! --- Sadly Varthamith had all but forgotten about that idea since meeting Xyla. He was so in love that he wanted to change his research badly. Once he entered with the covered baked Flounder in secret he called out. "Xyla! I'm back from town-" and immediately was greeted with his book thrown at his face. "You want to become a damn Daemon!" she spat at him with such distaste. For a witch, she never wanted anything to do with such spells. Varth tried to explain himself "I don't want to anymore-" but it was no good. "You still have this book. Explain yourself!" Xyla huffed in her anger. Varthamith sat the Flounder down quietly and told her... "There is one method in this book that can bind the soul of someone to a magical artifact or any normal object. With enough magical power, and as long as that object cannot be destroyed...The person is immortal, but their body becomes a husk and eventually decays..." Xyla simplified it. "A Lich. You want to be a fuckin' Lich!? That's like throwing away everything that made you who you are! I will not allow it!" her hands ablaze in fire and ready to burn the book. Varthamith held it out and said. "Do it...I don't need this method anymore." Xyla was about to cast her spell when she smelt something faint. A ticking sensation...one that enticed her a lot. Her mouth started to drool and her mind was focused on it. "Is that...Flounder?" she turned to see what Varth had under the covers. Revealing the fresh and hot baked fish with mixed vegetables on the side. Golden brown to perfection. "I spent all the Gil i had to buy one. I...may or may not of read your diary when you were out." yet Xyla didn't seem to care. All she did was sit down and looked to Varthamith. "...No one...has ever been so kind to me..." her eyes slowly watering up, letting loose tears of joy that really made her forget about the voidsent book. Varth lightly held her in his arms. Telling her "...Thank you for being concerned about me." in relation to the book she reacted hatefully to. And yes...the Fish was Delicious.

[align=center]"I feel as if life itself is nothing but misery and despair...That this world should return to the start...Maybe then...i can regain Happiness in Hydaelyn's wasteland of pain."[/align] [align=center]-Xyla Quintessence[/align] Deep within the Shroud, in an era before most would think about lived a lone Elezen woman of the Wildwood variety. Her hair as black as the night sky and eyes of bright sea blue was both a sight to behold, and a monster to deter from. For in this era she is what many would consider... A Witch. Xyla was her name. And she had nothing to do with the civilians. In fact, her offer was to help those who needed it when and if they were brave enough to ask. She had magical powers of a variety of elements and could see into the future faintly. Yet it is for these reasons that people do not approach her as commonly as most would say. Some say she would take your firstborn for her work. Others mention of a man who pissed her off and had his face melted off. Yet one truthful and unheard voice mentioned... [align=center]"She just wants to be left alone..."[/align] Xyla was abandoned by her family from all ties after she predicted her mother's death so accurately. They accused her for her mother's timely demise. Yet all she said was "I told her about the rock...I warned her..." And it went unheard. So she fled to the forest where she would find her place among solitude..... ---- One day, a young Elezen man with fair skin, amber eyes and white hair stumbled upon the home of Xyla on his trip. He called out as he noticed the hole in the rock formation. "Hello? Anyone in there?" hoping to not be rude. This young man was the young Varthamith Von Netowa. A man who sought to get away from the Shroud due to his research being ignored and not funded. Research on how to extend life beyond normal means. He didn't hear a reply so he tried asking again. "Hello? Does anyone live here?" ...And a reply came through in a soft, gentle yet seductive manner. "Xyla lives here...and you are?" she didn't show herself yet. Instead she opted to hide in the shadows. The Elezen male replied back with a smile "I am called Varthamith. You can call me Varth for short. Tell me...why do you live here?" hoping to see the woman that tied to this voice. "I live here because of those who don't understand my brilliance..." to which Varthamith replied "...I'm looking for a place like that myself. Mind if I take a break here?" Has he had no idea who Xyla was? Maybe he cared not for history as he walked through the hole and found himself in a dark tunnel. At the end, a single door blocked off the rest of the cave and on the other side, he would widen his eyes in awe and surprise. The interior of Xyla's home had a variety of magical items, reagents and even a small table in the center with a single glass ball for her scrying. The back room covered in a light purple drape as the candles around emanated in a purple glow. Xyla slowly emerged from the back as she stood there just about Varth's height. To see the woman before him brought his rose to a rosy red fire. Never had he seen an Elezen woman this pretty before, and one who was living in a cave no less. He wanted to speak but Xyla had the first word as she giggled. "Are you love struck with the face of a witch?" Varthamith shook his head. "N-no! A witch? Blasphemy! Witches are old and have warts on their noses. You are...just beautiful." admitting to her what he saw there. Xyla smiled as she sat down in her chair. "Well isn't that a nice compliment. So you wish to stay here then? I could use someone who can help me gather and buy reagents. I'm running low on Mythrite Sand for one of my dolls." offering a simple delivery service to stay in her place. Varthamith asked "Dolls? You...make them?" Xyla then reached in from the back to pull out a life size mannequin doll without hair or any other features. It looked so real otherwise. "Yes. My little dream is to one day make an artificial being act real enough to socialize with the populace." [align=left]It's when Varth had a moment of relief as he thought his ideas were insane. "For a moment, i thought I was the only one with insane ideas. I'm currently researching on ways to create immortality in mortals. So far...no one has funded my research." admitting it to her face, Xyla humbly motioned him to sit. She sat on the opposite side, peering into his eyes with a light smile. Varth had a hard time trying to focus. He was captivated and drowning in her eyes. Her hair was vast like the night sky. Then, she laughed. "You ARE in love with me already! Oh you are such a foolish one!"[/align] Varth didn't know if it was an insult or not, but he countered it with "And what if I am? You don't seem too irked by my plans..." Xyla smiled and replied... "Neither did you."

i want to try it but...beta buy in spells disaster to me usually. It's not affording it but rather enticing people who normally do not do the normal beta thing of testing and what not to get goodies for a game they may barely play. Pre-orders are one thing but making it where you can't get the items they list on the beta invitation site through other means is kind of a (and pardon my language) Dick move in the industry. So far it looks good and i eagerly wait for the live version. Just...I hate buy in betas.

I would love to see what you can do, I can offer one character if you wish to do it. Xyla Quintessence (doll 401) Her wiki link is in my signature. To help you compose... She is smart, mysterious, and an artificial being who wants to understand emotions. Need more to help? Just ask what you need :3

I already clicked what i wanted on the posts but if there is one kind of RP i enjoy...It's anything that involves a group of people rather than like myself. It's why I had been working on this event for over a year or so. Hoping to try and entice others to a more story driven RP that will also include their characters with a great finale. I can't reward anything awesome to everyone like an NPC but my intent is to hopefully make this into the RP records for Balmung. So in truth, I enjoy making RPs enjoyable in some way. Scenarios or otherwise. I know not a lot of people will join in and i know some people will be on the whole 'Immersion broken' when I attempt some things that are a bit on the line between good and bad RP. And while this game's lore is already intact, that shouldn't stop us from 'Adding' some sort of Community Event that can go alongside with it or be something server side that others can be aware of. Ludicrous i know, but i'm aiming for the stars as best as I can!

[align=center]Elsewhere[/align] [align=center]Xyla Prime stood among a new batch of dolls. One with an elemental rune etched into their heads. Each one different from the other like her other copies. It wasn't until the brown haired and brown rune marking Elezen approached her.[/align] [align=center]"Master. Number Six hundred thirty nine has been killed by Four Zero One."[/align] [align=center]Xyla halted her process of creating Mythrite fragments to angrily glare at the doll. "And you sat there idly while she did that?!" a swift arm grabbed at the doll's neck. Forcing her to struggle in pain. Gasping. Now Xyla wasn't one to care about her dolls one bit, but Four Zero One was a special creation to her and Varthamith. A being made with Au Ra DNA as oppose of Xyla's own. She never anticipated that she would harm other dolls. This was news to her.[/align] [align=center]"M-my...creator..." the copy gasped before being tossed to the wall. With an intimidating voice she cried out "The moment she steps outside of the city walls, capture her and bring her back to me. It's about time she stopped playing with those Augmentations and return them to their rightful owner..."[/align]

[align=center]Different and Interesting. Those words together never sat right with Quint at all.[/align] [align=center]She was different for the wrong reason.[/align] [align=center]She was interesting because of who made her.[/align] [align=center]No matter how much it was true to them, they would never understand until it was time.[/align] [align=center]All she could do though was reply to the best of her ability.[/align] [align=center]"You are a kind one, that's for sure. Talking to a witch like me." She couldn't put a smile on despite her trying. It was like any sense of emotion had faded from this person. But soon enough, Quint caught from the corner of her eye an Elezen in a robe. No doubt it was one of 'Her Kin'. Knowing that some of those accursed copies were still around made Quint stand up from her chair. "Pardon me, but i have some business to attend to...."[/align] [align=center]Without another word, Quint followed the hooded figure. Waiting and wanting to strike. The figure continued walking down the street, reaching the inner section of Ul'dah. From there, Quint waited for the perfect chance. When no one was around she would begin. A wave of her hand created a small wall before the figure to block her path. [/align] [align=center]"What are you doing in Ul'dah still? Haven't the rest of you returned to the cold north?" Quint asked with an intimidating glare. Her hands hovering just between the crystal of fire. The figure grinned.[/align] [align=center]"Xyla wanted us to spread more rumors...and hopefully convert new followers to the cause. Like what you should be doing as well."[/align] [align=center]Quint did not enjoy that idea. "No. I left on my own choice. All communications lost. And i will do whatever it takes to stop Varthamith and Xyla." the fire building up more. Yet the figure sighed.[/align] [align=center]"If you must kill me do it now, number four zero one."[/align] [align=center]That was the last straw. Calling her by the production name. With a flick of her wrist, the ball of flame made it's mark on the figure's head first. Slamming it into the wall behind her. As the Elezen body started to burn in a lifeless manner, the wall returned to the earth and ash would be left in it's wake.[/align] [align=center]"I am not a doll, anymore. I'm Not Xyla. I'm Quint."[/align] [align=center]Even still, a pain shot through her heart. A feeling she couldn't describe but it was one where she wanted to clench her chest in pain, a cry of agony and help. Yet none of that came through. All she did was stand there and stare at the pile.[/align]

[align=center]Quint wanted to reply. To answer, but from what she was told by Arala it was hard not to.[/align] [align=center]"You can't let anyone know about you being a doll."[/align] [align=center]At this time, Rihxo just met Quint. Much like others before her. She may never know if they meet again or not. Instead, she lied with her Monotone voice and straight as board face.[/align] [align=center]"I've never experienced the emotion."[/align] [align=center]It was all she could say to prevent her knowing what she is. She pulled a book to her face to somehow evade the question further that delved into her being. All she wanted was to try and blend in. But her oddity and the crystals didn't help much. Some just accused her of being a witch simply because of how she did magic. It seemed completely unnecessary. [/align] [align=center]"Maybe i will, maybe i will not. It all depends on future events...But even history can repeat itself..." and strangely, she started to say something completely random.[/align] [align=center]"Time is but a flat circle....Everything we have ever done or will do, we are going to do over and over and over again." dreading what the future held for her, Quint fell silent in her own sorrow. The book that she was reading was closed.[/align] [align=center]"I told you she was a witch." one random patron said to his companion, as if betting if she was not.[/align] [align=center]A woman nearby scoffed. "Time...Such ideas that witches have."[/align] [align=center]A third patron just shrugged. "...Eh. So long as she doesn't harm anyone, I don't care what she says. Stupid Witch."[/align] [align=center]Yet even when their voices could be heard, Quint seem to not react much. Her emotion spectrum does not exist so much. But even anyone could feel at the last bit sorry for her. [/align]

[align=center]"Fascinating..." Quint was too busy writing down notes as is to even answer her about rambling. She added a few more to the conversation. "So on one account, it's just a warm feeling. You say it's good and bad feeling when the heart pumps blood at a higher than normal rate. Maybe that is why some people faint during such odd circumstances..." and with another note she continued.[/align] [align=center]"Love seems to be this emotion that is on a higher plane than joy. A sort of Euphoric feeling and a high moment. Such a feeling then can involve moments of physical contact that only such people between their emotions can consider like tight embraces, hugs, fondling, sexual intercourse, and cuddling." was she some sort of encyclopedia? This woman was odd...[/align] [align=center]When she looked back up to Rihxo, she noticed something off about her face. "Your cheeks are ablaze. Do you have a sickness coming on? A possible fever?" Quint offered as she allowed the crystal of water to float over as if to inspect her. This woman seems to be both smart but generally clueless.[/align]

[align=center]"You have other kin as well? I have...well...." she started to count. Quint used all her fingers in a moment then looked to Rihxo. "It's a lot more than most have." not wishing to bring up the number of possible other dolls with the same name. For being the Four hundred and first one, she rather not mention it or be related to such horrible monstrosities.[/align] [align=center]"In any case, you do not need to be special to be interesting. Average is all about how you precede as 'Average' in your eyes. I am sure with enough time, you will not think about yourself as that." Quint spoke as she pulled the cookbook out and overlooked with it open to all. She tried to take another chocolate to show she was indeed like her, yet still nothing to the taste. She couldn't admit it though. [/align] [align=center]"And if you have a passion for love, mind explaining it to me?" Quint openly asked and admitted "I am not too versed on the whole love thing much. Mind explaining it to me more?" with a tilted head of curiosity, she waited.[/align] [align=center]Some people was wondering why she was talking to Quint...Hopeful that the Miqo'te would just leave.[/align]

[align=center]"So she saw one of those four like Zan did..."[/align] [align=center]"It can mean many things. It can mean that a creature like that will be fought at some point or that it's a warning if something is not stopped. It can also just be of another possibility that we may never see." she opened her journal, a book hidden in her robes, and wrote down Rihxo's vision. Keeping any and all records to understand what is going on. Her notes were of various accounts as well. She closed it before anyone could see them. Quint turned her attention back to Rihxo. "I wouldn't take it as serious. You will probably never have to see such a thing in your life."[/align] [align=center]Despite the tone she had, it was clear that Quint was trying her best to be reassuring. The glasses she moved up again to prevent them from falling. Yet now was the awkward part. She had no idea how to continue the conversation. "W-well...Uhh..." Quint redirected her attention to the hand guide of sloppy text and flipped through the pages like made before halting.[/align] [align=center]"Are you...an Angel?...Because you must...of fallen from heaven..." Quint read from the lines, then noticing the chapter she flipped through it and said something else. "...Enough about me...What about you?"[/align] [align=center]Whoever wrote this book was either a lady's man or just some kind of idiot.[/align]

[align=center]Quint wasn't really affected by it. Simply because she has not built that emotion into her being yet. But when she complied to the idea, Quint used a finger like a baton to guide the four crystals around to before her. She quietly chanted with both her hands together as they formed a square formation, then flipped on one tip. The earth on the bottom, Fire and Water on the sides and Wind at the top. The crystals soon shot forth lines of their respective element into the the neighboring crystal. When linked, they formed a new element. Between the wind and fire, Lightning surged between them. From Water and Wind, it froze like ice as the chilling wind fell off. From the earth and fire, Lava encased in a harden black shell was formed and from the Earth and Water, grass and water were in harmony.[/align] [align=center]"I will show you the future of what may be or what will be. The result will be up to you on if you choose to believe it or not....For there are always many chances to change your future. There are only possibilities." [/align] [align=center]And almost in a flash, a bright purple and pink portal spawned in the diamond like shape. swirling constantly. She held this together with both hands emitting some Aetherial properties.[/align] [align=center]"Please. Stick your hand into the portal as deep as you wish. When I say to pull out, please do so." Quint instructed as she waited...Waited to show one of many possible futures to befallen her or even in general...[/align] [align=center] [/align] [align=center]"P-Pull out now!" Quint said with haste and worry. These portals she made were handy but they only can be made to open for a few minutes. Her hands trembled and it seemed like the portal would collapse. Only then when Rihxo's hand escaped the gap, Quint would drop her arms as the four interconnecting crystals detached and hovered back behind Quint. She huffed for a little while then finally slowed her obvious exhaustion down. She felt worried if the woman she met had seen something not of her fate. "Tell me what the future showed you? No details are needed. Just remember to keep calm. The vision you saw will most likely not come to pass, but it's not out of the realm of probability." [/align] [align=center]While this all happened, patrons who did look over at Xyla were obviously not sure about her way of magic.[/align]

[align=center]Xyla- Or rather Quint- Started to see what Rihxo was doing. The tin with the chocolates and how she casually ate them, she didn't want to feel out of place too much. So she plucked one of the pearls and popped it in her mouth. To many it would taste sweet...but to Quint, it was like air. Taste was far from her reach. Yet even in her moment she would try to seem as if she was tasting it. [/align] [align=center]The question of why she was here was a question that Quint has lied in her answer time and time again. She couldn't tell random people of her plight. Not while her creator shared the same name as her. Especially not now. "I come from a small place to read. The books that have been stored all seem interesting." She replied. But then her attention was again on the book for socializing. In it she read an instruction.[/align] [align=center]"I am also a scryer. I can see into the future of one of many possible scenarios with varying results each time. They are true but not true. Some people see good others see bad. The same people see just the opposite in their emotions when they did it again. If you like, i could scry for you on a future if you will allow me." she offered with such a professional air about it. [/align] [align=center]Now however people can say it, not everyone can see into the future. Yet Xyla had this one trait about her that gave off a mysterious vibe.[/align] [align=center]A passing patron overheard her talk of scrying as he warned Rihxo openly.[/align] [align=center]"Don't trust the witch. She might steal your soul." [/align] [align=center]And walked off. Leaving Xyla to retract her offer a little. Sighing. [/align]

[align=center]With the hand offered to her, Xyla raised a single finger, picked up the book with the sloppy text on it, and read it over. [/align] [align=center]"If someone offers you a hand it usually means they want to help you up even if you are not injured or on the verge of death. At times it's considered a gesture of good intent." and with a shut of that book she took the hand.[/align] [align=center] [/align] [align=center]Standing up, she twirled a small finger. At her command the crystal enveloped in the wind resonated and lifted the stack with ease beside her. She held the book on socializing close to her chest as she followed Rihxo to a table. There, she would once again motion her hands to allow the books to stand beside the chair she sat at. Her posture straight and stiff. Almost no life to it. she opened that same book of awful hand writing and read off from it.[/align] [align=center]"...I am Quint, and you are?" Xyla's voice only monotone. No joy or sorrow. The four crystals just behind her shoulders just floated there.[/align]

[align=center]The voice of a Miqio'te caught Xyla's attention as she stared up from her book. The dark brown eyes with pinkish umbral rings looked up through the glasses on her face. Her lips seemed straight as if she took no jokes when in truth it was just how she was.[/align] [align=center]"Reading." She said in the most monotone voice possible. Xyla flipped a page before speaking again.[/align] [align=center]"Reading about the internal structure of various humanoid beings on the planet. Organ structure, Bone placement and shape, Extra bits like the dormant flame sacs and that extra bit in Miqo'te to allow them to purr." she spouted on like a tutor when in truth her curiosity for such learning arts was like a child. Among her books were a cookbook, three books on history and another on playing instruments. She then thought back to how people's rumors about her bring a witch due to the crystals and how she used magic would probably get to others. She placed the book gently back down.[/align] [align=center]"I didn't feel the need to take a seat at a table occupied by others or empty with more than two chairs. It's a waste and i wish to not inconvenience anyone who may be looking for a table for their companions." the way she spoke was detailed rather than to the point. Oddly enough one of the books at the top was put together on it's own with sloppy hand writing.[/align] [align=center]'Communicating with People'[/align] [align=center]"If sitting on the floor is not allowed, I will find another place then."[/align]

[align=center]Xyla had yet to buy anything from the vendor as she looked among the variety of fruit to choose from. She then sat up and walked off, down the strip to see other vendors and what they sold. She enjoyed looking at the various trinkets and toys. It made her more than curious for history and what things are. The four crystals that hovered behind the Au Ra did make some people look at her questionably. Not sure if those things were lethal.[/align] [align=center]She then felt it was time to visit the Quicksand. Oddly enough she found it much easier to read with voices around her. Though taking up a table for herself felt rude. So she opted to find a nice wall, eased herself into a sitting position and with the small bundle of books she carried, would unlatch and begin reading them. Her glasses pushed up once more to prevent from falling on the ground as her eyes looked to the words. [/align] [align=center]'Anatomy of Humanoids and More' was the book's title.[/align] [align=center]Xyla, being a doll, had no organs in her aside from a brain. Effectively making her head the only section that can kill her. Her inner workings were of various materials that made up the soft Hyur skin but with the Au Ra sample, scales were in various locations along with her horns. Because of this, her need for food, water, sleep and anything else to maintain a healthy body has been eliminated...But because of this her body is indeed frail. Her physical skill is not grand. So she sat there, idly reading the book as a few people passed and looked at her with an odd glance.[/align] [align=center]"She's weird for an Au Ra."[/align] [align=center]"Reading on the floor? There are plenty of open seats."[/align] [align=center]"Those crystals on her...i don't like their look."[/align] [align=center]So she sat there, reading the books she had. Though if someone approached her, she wouldn't mind talking.[/align]

[align=center]"My name has no meaning anymore. With so many dolls at my command, the only name I need to be called is Xyla. A universal name given to those who are just empty shells. But in order to distinguish me from the others, I call myself...Xyla Prime."[/align] [align=center]-The Black Witch of the Shroud, Xyla.[/align] [align=center]Elsewhere in the world, far in the northern lands. Where the snow blankets the ground and the nights are suffocating to walk through there is a young looking Elezen woman. Her hair as black as the night, her eyes merely empty mirrors in color of ebony, yet her pale like skin easy to identify with such dark parts. The attire she wore was Elegant, Fashionable...and made for war. Heavy fur lining on the robe keeps her warm and the hourglass like design meant to seduce the eyes on her body. She started harvesting some minerals in the harshest environment known to the inhabitants of Ishgard. It was her ideal condition.[/align] [align=center]"Ma'am! This place is dangerous. You should seek shelter before it picks up!" the voice of a male traveler concerned for another, yet Xyla didn't seem so...disturbed. Her body slowly stood up with an armful of Mythrite nuggets and with a smile she replied.[/align] [align=center]"It's not the land that is dangerous..." the sound of cracking ice came from underneath the roaming traveler. A spike shot up, narrowly missing him. In a panic he froze for just the right amount of time.[/align] [align=center]With a creepy smile, Xyla finished with a more potent Aetherial aura.[/align] [align=center]"...It's me."[/align] [align=center]Crack! An icicle erupt once more, impaling the adventurer through the gut as more shot up to skewer him in place. His death was swift and with minimal mess. Xyla casually walked over to the corpse and examined it with a sort of glee. She gently pinched his cheek then his arm. [/align] [align=center]"Flimsy. Not enough fat. His bone structure is below normal..." she sighed, retracting the ice before an earth like hand burst from the snow to grab and drag him into the soil. Not to hide the body but to return the nutrient to the land. She lamented "Why must only traders come through here? I need a good, strong body for testing." casually walking through the snow. Leaving behind nothing but a single drop of blood from the now buried man's body.[/align] [align=center]The sheer mention of the woman's name may bring some older residents from the shroud, especially the more superstitious Elezen to panic. For her name is...[/align] [align=center]Xyla Quintessence, The Black Witch of the Shroud.[/align]

(Open to any and all players. A Pre-event story to set things in motion for what will come soon) [align=center]"My name brings much pain. Mentioning it fills my mouth with a noxious gas. It's letter combination is toxic. A name that shall haunt me forever...My name is Xyla." -Doll Number 401[/align] [align=center]In the city of Ul'dah, when the sun is just rising above A small Au Ra looking woman walked down the road. She had long black hair, black eyes with bright Umbral purple rings. Her skin a deep shade of blue, bordering purple and her scales as black as the night. Accompanying her were four oddly floating crystals in the shape of stars. A red one set ablaze, a blue one dripping with water, a brown one with a shell of a rich mineral and a green one swirling in it's own vortex. These hover just behind Xyla's shoulders and head. This woman up until now has hidden from sight but with time creeping up, she would need all the help she could get. Yet one problem came up...[/align] [align=center]Mentioning her name will surely cause much confusion and anger.[/align] [align=center]A name that not only she had, but her creator has as well.[/align] [align=center]Never the less she continues on her merry way down the stone paths in the grand city of Thanalan. Her small stature could be lost in a crowd without even trying, yet those four odd crystals were a dead giveaway. As she walked, Xyla noticed a child who tripped and fell. A young boy with a slight scratch on his knee. She calmly approached the child and knelt before him. In her monotone voice she asked...[/align] [align=center]"Mind if I see your leg?"[/align] [align=center]The young child, clearly holding his pain back nodded with a pouting expression. Xyla calmly brought out the wind and water augmentation crystals, channeling the energy they held to create a faint mist that covered his knee. The healing process was accelerated and soon he felt no more pain at all. Like the wound never happened. As the boy was going to say something, his mother came in and snatched his arm, dragging him as she spat out.[/align] [align=center]"You keep away from my child, witch!"[/align] [align=center]Witch. That word again. It wasn't uncommon for Xyla to be compared to her creator despite not being similar in looks. In fact, this Xyla always wanted to call herself Quint to make it easier. So with that incident, Xyla felt a pain in her body but couldn't really tell what it was.[/align] [align=center]"...What is this emotion that keeps coming up? It places a pain on my chest as if I want to cry." Xyla quietly mentioned as she stood up once more. She decided to take a trip to the marketplace to find anything new. Approaching the square, her eyes looked around to find the vendors selling various goods. Nothing caught her eye so far at least but with enough time she would halt at a vendor with apples. The various colors of red and amber tempted her, but she could not even taste them. In fact, she had no real reason to consume anything. It was just a pleasure she hoped to one day have.[/align] [align=center]"Apples. Bore from a tree in the rose family. Used in ciders and pies, can be crushed into paste or even eaten raw. Crisp yet sweet at times. Some are tart." she went on to say, being the little bookwork she was. The thin glasses pushed back up into her face. [/align]

Quick Update: I posted this on the calendar date for the event but decided to repost this here. Since not everyone plays on computer, I will do my best to keep track of notes on paper. Any and all battles will do a similar role system to the Grindstone with slight modifications since this involves NPCs as well. * Players get 5 hits rather than 3 * If the character is considered one who can heal, they can do just that to one or all party members (Using a heal prevents using it for three rounds but heals up to two hits). You are also free to take a hit for another party member if you so wish if they fail their defense roll (Limited to ONE intervention per person. NOTE: This does not prevent your character from getting hit if you choose to take the hit. So please keep that in mind.) * there is no death. Only case of death is on you and your character. * Depending on the turnout, the Health of the NPC(s) will change in value from their initial starting value. The more there are, the more health they have.

Wait huh? I played as a mage exclusively since BC and not once have i really complained about my DPS. Whomever is whining must either not know how to gear/rotation or plays fire. I never felt a nerf in my life as a mage...aside from Amplify magic being added in WOD...then taken away in 6.2. Bye Bye raid utility.

They also offer "linear paths winding around the content that is largely static." Both EVE and ArcheAge offer the ability to enforce some sort of legislation upon the game-world, and for ArcheAge, this is rather superficial to begin with (i.e., you can only control pre-designated areas, and build in pre-designated areas, and trade with pre-designated people). Even with EVE, if you go ahead and google "Is EVE a Sandbox MMO," you'll get plenty of debates on that very subject, with some people preferring to call it an "Open-Ended MMO" instead, meaning that this isn't nearly as clear-cut as people seem to think. The problem is that people have different definitions as to what constitutes as "railroading" in an MMO. You can certainly say that some MMOs have more freedom of choice than others, but exactly how much Choice you must have in order to switch classification from one to the other is not at all clear-cut. If you wanted to, right now, you could log into WoW and pick flowers all the way to the level cap. It might be a weird choice, but that's a choice that the game allows you to make. If you look at all games through the choice of what they "Allow" you to do, then you'll get a very different viewpoint than if you look at it through another lens. I'm not arguing that WoW hasn't lost a lot of the former open-ended nature that it had during Vanilla (even EVE has thrown some of this away; it used to be notorious for its lack of hand-holding, which they changed in future patches), just that at its launch, it wasn't strictly a "Themepark." However, unless we have a proper definition of what exactly the dividing line is, then we won't be able to resolve this argument. Speaking of leveling however you want... Remember the talk of the neutral pandaren who managed to level all the way to 100 and never pick either horde or alliance? Yeah...he did it all through herb and mining. It was insane. Some even decide to do the Iron Man Challenge with legit leaderboards. If this is against the forum rules to link to other websites i am sorry, but it's kind of hard to just copy paste it. However if you want to see the rules for it, i suggest you do it. http://wowchallenges.com/index.php?Show=IronManRules And plenty of even long playing wow vets can sometimes mess up once in a while. Even watching some youtube videos of it can be fun and exciting since they only can wear up to white gear (no stats) and all.

I feel the same (despite now just touching LFR for valor) and to be fair they nerfed HFC Normal to the point of it being essentially an LFR version. They removed some abilities and stuff to make it so accessible that LFR is completely moot by now. Only reason is for Valor for upgrades (if you need it)