Jancis

Twins!! :lol:

Yay! Cici still is the best at helping keep everyone together. :love: EeeEeee the beautiful Vaughn singing about the strength and powerful of Halone. I'm already melting. :love: Awesome Thank you so much! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So the general consensus is to have it at 5pm Eastern (2200UTC) I have to finalize a location then I'll have the event up. Should have it scouted and settled tomorrow night. With a week to spread the word!

Awesome!! I will grab you in-game to hash out details.:lol: Awesome an actual priest of Halone! I sent you some of my basic brainstorming ideas. I don't know what times you're available and I need to nail that down in the next day. Well can always attend incognito at the very least. EEEeeeee!!! Awesome! :bouncy: I'll catch up with you tonight after work (provided the internet stays up, again. Morning? That's the time I don't have an alarm clock telling me what to do. I'll be up before the break of noon at least. :sleepy: ``````````````` So I lost internet the first time I attempted to post this reply and that was yesterday. I will touch base with as many people as possible tonight and get an event with time posted tomorrow. Thank you all for responding so quickly despite my short notice. :blush:

If you need any help with side characters and fill-in I'll help!

I've been in a daze of candies, baked treats, family and the like, and it's already January! Happy New Year! Looking to continue the pilgrimage event and this month is Halone the Fury! Really excited to reach out to those who are devote to the goddess of war, all things giant ice (glaciers), and Ishgard's matron. I'll reach out to the wonderful people who have participated in month's passed, but I'm also interested if anyone has anything themed their characters would be connected with. Telling a story, sharing about how Halone has impacted your life or the discipline therein. A song or poem inspired by her. Are a priest and willing to give blessings and take sacrifices. Because the timing I have this month the only available day I can do it on is Saturday January 17th. If you can make that, please let me know what general times you're open for. Also looking for other creative ideas, if you have one please reply or shoot me a PM. Really appreciate it!

[align=center]A peaceful dusk hung over the Shroud. Pilgrims gathered outside the wooden walls of Quarrymill. There was the regular bustle of trade from hunters and travelers alike. In the high grass and the shade of the trees were keen eyes, not as festive, watching over the pilgrims in their joviality. [/align] [align=center]For something was amiss...[/align] [align=center]"Poachers..." Lan called out. As soon as they were spotted, they attacked and were met with fierce resistance![/align] [align=center]"Stay close, Pilgrims, we shall be safe." "Stop bein' meanies!" "Damn poachers." "Stay close Pilgrims. We are in good hands."[/align] [align=center]As the bandits retreated back into the woods, sapphire eyes scanned the group before making the order and together the guard fanned out over the forest ruins to secure the way. Only two others stayed behind, Crofte of the Sworn and a woman known only as Lynx, to blend in with the pilgrims themselves. "Well..that was terrifying..." "Ain't a good omen, so much combat at the start of a pilgrimage... the Keeper won't be pleased..." [/align] [align=center]Then, as if to herald a change, through the trees hand-bells rang. [/align] [align=center]"Pilgrims, of all ages and from all points of Eorzea you are welcomed here. Althyk's faithful are honored by your tribute." "As we survey the change of time. As our feet walk across the earth, let us reflect on our past and what has brought us all together." The bells grow in strength, the pilgrims side-by-side. As they pass through the ancient stone walls, a Harbinger stands keeping an eye. As the pilgrims pass, they gather and follow. "We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right." "I'm in a hurry to get things done ~ Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun ~ All I really gotta do is live and die ~ But I'm in a hurry and don't know why." The walls bend, showing an opening toward an old abandon keep, and the pilgrims gather around; their bells quieting for a moment. "Take pause, Pilgrims, and gather around." "At this I would ask you all take time to reflect. Pray bring to mind someone from your past that has help form who you are today. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life." Pilgrims kneel respectfully, others stand quietly, looking thoughtful. Tausenadel nods his head in thought. One eloquent voice, Ciceroix chimes, "That should be easy...as she stands here beside me." giving Ameline's hand a tighter squeeze as he closed his eyes. She wrapped her arm about him, hugging. R'tashana lowers her head siliently. Pink-haired Memeli lowers her head, eyes closed. Her lips curl downwards as she reflects. A few tears start to run down her her face, which she quickly moves to wipe away. Rosette kneels quietly and closes her eyes, reflecting calmly before moving on. "Whomever you have thought of, that you have taken this time to put into the forefront of your mind, as we pass touch Althyk's stone and share that name. We continue on, Pilgrims." "The Keeper bless our memories." In groups the pilgrims went up, touching the stone and reciting names, be it aloud or wordlessly, before continuing on, the bells echoing across the stone bricks. “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” “Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.” "Gather around this rock, Pilgrims, and do come in close to give our guardians some room to not disturb the creatures of the Wood." "As we all gather here together, we realize that time is valuable and something we are given. How we use it, whom we use it upon, are all our choices. And thankfully this day we can spend it on ourselves, reflecting on what the year has brought. What the year of our hard work, what is now memories and recollections." "And you all should feel great pride, not only do you spend your time for your own good and hardships, but for others as well. Those who are brought into your life, who you choose to gift your time to." [/align] [align=center]Settling in the grass by the bayou, the pilgrims rested their feet, looking up at the large stone, ready to celebrate Althyk.[/align]

[align=center] So relaxing[/align]

Well we are going North for the next one! Halone should be a hoot!

I am floored by the turnout this month. I know it's during the holiday weekend and everybody has been pulled to their extreme with all the little things and family togetherness. - Thank you for fighting off the Keeper Poachers that nearly brought the pilgrimage to its knees! We pilgrims are hearty lot and fought them off! - Huge thank you all the Guards, Lynx, Coatleque, and the amazing lineup from HoD that paved the way safely for all the pilgrims to make it through. - Lan and company, Alcyone, Uni, Alys, Kairi, Etheral, Faolan, Alistair, Leanne, W'zota, Worren, and Val were placed all down the walkway watching with great eyes. I tried to get screenshots at the time (while walking, I fail) and tried to capture the feeling, but it was really amazing to be walking through a line of guards. Then for most of the event they were lined out along the waterfront to set a perimeter. Fantastic!! It was powerful. I don't know how else to describe it. - Our performers! Koporo had a touching glimpse at himself, Iskierka shared a beautiful story about the stars and one in particular, Vaughn's moving bittersweet tale of memories and loss, Tausenadel's unbelievable and far fetched tale of time travel and... termination..., and Nathan's sweet song about a very special first. I know the lineup ended up being different than first posted and we surely missed the others who tried and just couldn't squeeze extra holiday time this month, but overall it really worked out so thank you everyone. - Another big thank you to Iskiberry for not only telling a lovely story, but also sticking around for another two hours to tell everyone's fortune. I didn't get to read all of them myself yet, but the card choices and a glimpse to the future was very fun to listen to and the attention given to each was just right considering how many were in line. - A biased thank you to my company Coral for keeping me from panicing and having a level head and also for so many of them coming along with and sharing in the event. - An un-biased thank you to everyone else who came to the event regardless. I saw a lot of groups and there was a lot or room to spread out to enjoy the stories or just be out in the shroud together so it all worked out perfectly. I tried to pick a venue which had room to be quiet in nooks or have a good stage for people to sit together at. I have 44 pages of log to sort through and a ton of screenshots to edit. I'll get the story up as soon as I can! So happy! :lol:

The pilgrimage is tomorrow! I hope everyone has had some time to recover from the last couple weeks. :sleepy: Very excited to have so many people involved. If anyone has any questions or need a RP reason to show please let me know. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: [align=center][/align]

Spray bottles typically don't make cats resentful, but it by itself is only so much of a deterrent without it being enforced with a good habit in place of a bad habit. So expect him to get use to getting a spray in the face or hearing the water bottle and trying to sneak around it regardless. Considering you have a coon mix, he's bound to have a ton of energy and want places to go. My friend works for a cat shelter and they get a lot of abandoned coons because they become a rambunctious handful. I suggest finding episodes of My Cat from Hell and watching the ones that deal with big cats. Some cats you can walk on a harness and they like it. Since he's young, you can probably still temper him into tolerating the harness with putting it on then rewarding him. After that can go for a walk and explore the area he so badly wants to see. Otherwise if that's not option, having high places to stoop and watch help. Some people have had to put one by the door or a window near the door so the cat can see outside without going outside. All else fails, play a lot with him. Wear him out until he wants to bat at the toy but is just laying there panting. Get that need for going out to stalk prey out of his system. Hope that helps.

:blush: No fair, Edda is so going to get over her whole Garlean fear and give him another lease on life. Plus with her fancy aether powers and his... convoluted ones.. Jancis just has some hero-adoration going on! ignorefranz.exe No, no, Jancis... Edda's aether is poison to all who touch her, even filthy Garleans. What he needs is the gentle and patient touch of a real woman, not someone who will shove her foot down his throat every time he looks a bit off. Not unless he's into that sort of thing... *Drags Franz back into the conversation* But.. but, see she only does that to look strong because of the way her father has treated her, as if she's some porcelain collectible. And Franz surely admires that strength! And he likes feeling useful. He's a hero afterall! Jancis is more useless than anything to him and couldn't possible understand like Edda does. Right Franz?

[align=center][/align] Pilgrims can be seen entering the towns and cities, wrapped in thick linens and woolen robes, enjoying the festive time of Starlight exchanging presents and pleasantries. Dried lavender bundles and tied satchels of lavender buds were handed out to kin and strangers alike from the priests in the cities, giving a soft comforting scent despite the cold of the year. Tokens of clay are tied to them, the symbol of Athlyk upon them. Bells ring and songs are sung. Old and young come together and travel, talking about business from the past year and how time sometimes flies by. As they pass through, more pilgrims join in, travelling together. Some travel to share their griefs or joys from the year. Some travel to ask for blessings for the coming future. Some wish to know more of their own future, looking for diviners to give them insight. Reasons aplenty, they travel on to Quarrymill in the South Shore. [align=center]We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.[/align] [align=center][/align] Event Details

I adore you. It's perfect :love: Thank you

Updated top post with our performers and other special guests that will be in attendance to help our pilgrims get around. This is the week of Christmas for many of us, and we've all been busy role players throughout all the holidays this month, so I will not be able to advertise in game as much this time around. I'll make a Bulletin post of NPCs and hearsay running about as pilgrims make their way to Quarrymill! A lovely end of the year get together that should have a unique feel to it. Hopefully. No pressure. :bouncy:

:blush: No fair, Edda is so going to get over her whole Garlean fear and give him another lease on life. Plus with her fancy aether powers and his... convoluted ones.. Jancis just has some hero-adoration going on! [align=center][/align]

You are so nice to crop and post all of these! Thank you so much! I love all the beautiful styles. Roen so lovely! And someone came in the swan dress! Le Swoon!

Continuing from a PM to help me understand the snowball thing, thank you Chach Captain :blush:, I'll sign up tentatively and stop being shy about it. I'm usually free weekends or evenings EST. Um, I guess the winterjackets are fitting.

I fail to see the need to point out a select few people. My understanding is there have been off-and-on two to three "Sworn" at any point and in the past two weeks there's now five who in some form or another have listened to people around them and gotten involved with plot lines by offering help and assistance. Which in role play is typically all it is. I know that time is limited given the busy school and training schedule. I know that the Free Company has nearly weekly plot line events so it is not as if Kale is not busy. I read a story that involves at least two other fantastic role players which is basically heralding Kale's new position as this top of the line Bloodsworn or whomever they are suppose to be. I have waited for specific role play people to do plots with that fall through because something happened. I have gotten whispers and announcements upon everything like an advertisement, including this thread. Otherwise I am growing highly weary of the audacity and childish tone that is taken about other role players for being involved and willing to listen to other plot lines and go with it. Players are not NPCs to simply talk about in poor light and the tone I am taking from this "advice thread" is more "Why do they get to play; what about me?" as opposed to "Hey, I see they're doing a great job at playing and what are some ideas I can get to mimic that?" Perhaps it would be an idea to make a thread in the Making Connections board and get some more brainstorming there. Or hang out around the people that are part of Ul'dah and keep Kale involved and offering help, regardless of his brash attitude. He can bring in more guys, he can pull some rank and make something happen, he knows so-and-so. Also, make an excuse for a character to be somewhere instead of needing a personal invitation in. The worst that can happen is the plot line has enough people already and the only role play is a cameo spot now and then; not always going to be that way. The reason other people have a spot and get invited is because they offered. If anything, the amount of venting and attention mongering is going to dissuade people from wanting to "deal with it" and dissuade them more from giving a clear reason as to why. Which at this point is singling out one group and making a mountain out of a molehill on fabricating how involved one character is. Offering is really simple, can do it either IC or OOC. Example is as a healer I will have Jancis notice and listen to problems then approach someone. Or if it is someone I know I can send a whisper and say "Jancis knows a lot about poisons if you need" or "My character knows an alchemist for this problem" and take it from there. Don't go overboard using NPCs for every reason, but use them to make role play happen. Use them like a comma. Hear rumors on the streets, have tie ins with groups, Jancis will hear from the conjurers time-to-time, priesthoods, Maelstrom, people who live in farmsteads in La Noscea. Hope that helps. Congratulations, attention received.

Favorite for the holidays (or any time) is my food hero Alton Brown and his creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/creamy-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html With half&half in the mix, they come out stupid creamy and does not require gravy (though also tasty with gravy). They are requested year after year for holidays. Easy to make and easier to devour. [align=center][/align]

Sweet Jupiter jazz, you caught me afking in my god awful spirit bonding hat. NOW PEOPLE ARE GOING TO THINK I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRESS MYSELF. Do you understand the crisis I now face...? That hat is whack. :love:

Lovely. If anything it'll be a lot of fun to politely insult people under the guise of a compliment and formal chatter. Such searingly delicious lalalalala

Wanted to ask what the NPC atmosphere will be like at the Ball. I've heard some people talking about attacking others at the Ball and in my imagination I see a ton of well dressed guards and considering the event is being held at a sanctum it's kind of sacred land that would kind of nullify it on an aether level? Still looking forward to this event.

[align=center]((Event Recap complete!))[/align] Only a month later :blush: It was actually much easier this past event to sort out stories and dialogue but given the holiday season it was squeezing it in around my regular goofing around schedule. Big thank you to all our performers: Nathan and Coraliza's duet and being eye candy to some pilgrims. Ojune's story with actors (which went even better than I imagined) as well as being around long afterwards to share secrets! Ciel's sharing a beautiful song by Hayley Westenra that really set a lovely immersion to the whole event. Xenedra's story of how the rain came to pass, which is one of her many stories you can find on her wiki. Also for hanging around passing and trading secrets! Leanne's lovely song, another original. Also for talking it up with Chach, Chuta, and Annunu getting bard tips from a couple older sorts. Chuta for telling another original light-hearted story. Eva for sharing a very powerful and inspiring parable. I had no idea she had been doing them for months and it was lovely to finally see one. Also big thank you to the RAIN! The timing was stupid perfect on it twice when it rained on Chuta's story, giving the man something to grump about (in good humor of course) as well as clearing up at the end of Eva's inspirational story. I don't know if a DM was watching or what, but it was TOO perfect! Other thanks yous: - Want to thank Eva again for staying even longer at the event when people started lining up loosely to get her blessings. I know she was planning on getting ready to depart and then I yelled "If you want a blessing from Eva this is your last chance" and then she ended up being held another hour. Thank you so much for sticking it out, Also thank you to Caen who waited for her. :blush: - Reinette for being every helpful and handing out seeds of blessings to others and listening to their concerns and wishes. Her ears are big for a reason and she uses them well. Hehehe - Oscare for being such an attentive and involved pilgrim! He was the fiercesome Black Morbol and he also admired how handsome Nathan is to the point of being flustered and bashful. Great role play. - R'lexia and Finecia for sharing stories with everyone around, bringing their friends along, and leaving blessings at the site. - Tausen, Sigurd, L'aenoh and other Coralites for supporting me and being around to talk and add to the atmosphere, even if it was creepy stuff like drowning. - Coatleque aka Cici for hanging out with new role-player Cassandra and talking for quite some time about locations and feelings about the Twelve, it's a nice log to peek at. Cici is always helpful with being the guard and watching the event for things I miss; keeping people in range and an eye for newcomers. - Z'enath for being a stoic guard and giving me a lot of inspiration to start doing these pilgrimages in the first place. I miss you. Feel free to add your own thoughts and logs! IC or OOC. Either way I'm really happy that this seems to be wanted as a monthly event. ♥

Thanks to my friend Kohu who got me a sneak peek inside the bakery as it was still under construction. Cute layout, a very warm atmosphere. The screenshot hides it, but there's a comfy floor pillow next to that fireplace that someone is going to claim and never relinquish! I was also excited to hear about the room for reservations. Will definitely be back to buy some sweet treats. The first was free and now I'm hooked! lalalalala