So, as the sixth anniversary of the Calamity draws near, I thought this might be a fun little exercise for people to participate in. We did something similar near the launch of ARR, but given the influx of new and old players alike, I feel as though bringing it back would be a lot of fun. Everyone in Eorzea at the time would have experience it in some way, shape or form. It's in most of our characters backgrounds, but have you fleshed out exactly what occurred that night?
Reading the recent Tales from the Calamity entry over in the anniversary site certainly sparked me to re-chronicle Endemerrin's experiences, and I'd love to read what everyone else has to say!
What did your character experience on that fateful day?
If your post winds up being rather lengthy, please throw it in a spoiler, as to cut down on page clutter!
Reading the recent Tales from the Calamity entry over in the anniversary site certainly sparked me to re-chronicle Endemerrin's experiences, and I'd love to read what everyone else has to say!
What did your character experience on that fateful day?
If your post winds up being rather lengthy, please throw it in a spoiler, as to cut down on page clutter!
Endemerrin's tale
Show Content
Spoiler
Twenty four hours ago.
"So you mean to go, then?" The Dunesfolk canted his head carefully to the side as his inquisitive gaze thoroughly examined the Miqo'te standing before him. There was no hesitation in his response, nor in his body language. The question itself was almost redundant. For all the years they had spent together, he knew what the answer would be. He had done his best to be the father figure the boy needed, but it was a role that was no longer necessary. He had grown into a far greater man than he could ever had hoped to be. It was clear what he needed. A friend. One who would stand by him until the very end. Rorolumu had been ready for this moment his entire life.
"In all the years we've spent in Eorzea," The Miqo'te began. "never have I had an answer so clearly painted in my mind." He drew in a deep breath as his brow furrowed. His expression held firm, if only for the most fleeting of moments. His eyes softened, and a smile gently crept across his features. "I've met so many amazing people. I've found friendships that would last a lifetime. I had dreamed that we would never face such times. That the future would be bright, and we would meet each waking sun with the same optimism that we've had for years. Yet, here we stand, at the end of days." His eyes drifted shut. "I felt it deep inside me the moment we set foot in this realm." Endemerrin opened his eyes and fixed his gaze upon Rorolumu. "This land, it's people," He murmured. "I knew I would sacrifice everything for them."
The two stared at each other in contemplative silence for a few moments, before Endemerrin finally broke the air once again. "And I mean to do just that."
Thirteen hours ago.
"You take good care of yourself, alright, buddy?" A resounding kweh and the playful nudge of his companion's beak echoed laughter from the Miqo'te. "I'll be back soon. Don't give Faustina any trouble while I'm gone, you got that?" He reached a hand up to smooth down the plumage on Geldwyn's neck, prompting the bird to coo with content. "I'll catch you later." He gave the rouncey's beak a final pat before spinning on his heel. His eyes caught a young Sunseeker who was perched upon the outer fence of the stables. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly sauntered over in her direction, smiling almost sheepishly. He already knew she wasn't likely to be pleased with his choice. Most of his friends weren't. Yet, it was one he had to make. Not only for their sake, but for something far greater than all of them. Some had taken it in stride, others were more visibly upset. In the end, though, he felt that they all understood. All that was left was one.
"Hey--" He began, only to be cut off with a rather abrupt hug.
"Come home safe. We'll be waiting."
It was all that really needed to be said. He had mulled over in his head how he would explain to everyone he was leaving, but in the end it really didn't matter. They were his friends. They didn't care about how, or why. They cared about him. Endemerrin exhaled as he wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, you know me better than that." He chuckled lightly. "I'm far too stubborn to die." He pulled away, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I'd tell you to take good care of him, but gods know you wouldn't do anything but. I'll catch up with you when I get back, alright?" He reached a hand up to ruffle her hair slightly before making his way out the front gates of the stables. Everything was in order. It was time to leave. "Keep the wind at your back!" He called out, casting a stray glance over his shoulder before offering up a brief and final wave.
Endemerrin gasped for air as his vision came to once again. The air burned his lungs with each breath, and blood stung his eyes as it trickled down from his forehead. Slowly but surely, the haze left his sight, and the sounds of chaos slowly filled his ears as the ringing in them finally subsided. He desperately struggled to his feet, grasping his axe from the rubble as a legionary made his charge. There was a flash of steel, and the Garlean's body ragdolled through the air as Endemerrin's cleave made contact with his torso. Yet another victim of the mindless bloodshed. He had long since lost track of how many had fallen before his blade.
"Rorolumu!" He called out, charging forward through the ash and smoke towards an Imperial Reaper sat down range from him. Not moments ago it had nearly blasted him to oblivion, and it's pilot clearly sought to finish the job. Yet, that decision would prove to be his last. In his tunneled vision, he neglected to spot the Lalafellin Black Mage channeling magic at his flank. There was a sudden burst of flame, and what was once the might of the empire's fist incarnate was nothing but a smoldering heap of twisted metal. Endemerrin hurried over to his companion, relief washing over his face as a red-haired Miqo'te woman stood ever vigilant at the Lalafell's side. She was safe.
"We need to keep pushing! We have to get to--"
It was almost as if the air itself suddenly changed direction, sucking in like a vacuum. Endemerrin felt himself being tugged along ever so slightly, before a powerful gust of wind reversed his direction and sent him tumbling back to the earth. The ground quaked, and a thunderous boom echoed out across the battlefield. As the dust settled, he could only look on in complete disbelief at the massive glowing spire that sat perched in the center of the battlefield. It were almost as if it called a ceasefire, forcing both Imperial and Eorzean alike to cast aside their differences and throw their gazes to the heavens. Dalamud stirred. The moon groaned, and though it had been steadily crumbling throughout the entirety of the battle, it was clear something was truly amiss. A great wave of flame rolled across it's surface, shattering it's outer shell in the process. Nothing could have prepared Endemerrin for what was to come. The silhouette of two great wings unfurled from the apex of the moon, and a blood-curdling growl rumbled out from deep within.
"....What in the hells is-- ?"
The thought couldn't even leave his mouth before a roar of pure anguish and suffering shook him to his very core. Dalamud shattered, and the land was engulfed in flame as fragments of the satellite rained down upon it. He barely had time to collect himself before the massive wyrm cut through the sky, trailing behind him a myriad of destructive flares. Endemerrin could only watch on as the world withered.
But it would not be it's end.
Though the allied forces began to withdraw, Endemerrin and his companions pushed onward against the flow, ears deaf to their cries of retreat. He had made a promise. To himself, to the people he loved, to Eorzea herself. Louisoix Levelleiur was their final hope, and he would see the man protected until the very end. He had given him his word. Together, they converged upon the Archon's position with countless other adventurers. Some were even familiar faces from his travels, friends of whom he had not seen in moons. They had all made the same commitment as he had. They all shared the same goal. His brow furrowed in determination as he took up position at the base of the stone pillar upon which the Elezen was perched. Nothing would uproot them. This would be their final stand. United, they could not be toppled.
A stray flare came whirling through the air, eager to put an end to their desperate act of defiance. Yet there was a resounding boom, and the flames extinguished themselves upon a great shield that had been erected around them. Even still, it was not enough to stand against the elder primal's wrath. Another surge of flame shattered it entirely, and all attempts at reconstructing it were met with even greater opposition. As the smoke began to settle, the great wyrm descended from the skies, parting the clouds with a single flap of his gargantuan wingspan. He let out yet another bellowing roar, but left himself vulnerable for a crucial moment. It was Louisoix's chance to strike.
Great beams of light pierced the heavens, and the Archon thrust his staff in the air. The spires of light seemed to take shape as they rose high into the air. Heavenly spears. They quickly vanished from sight before arcing back down to pierce the wyrm twelve times over. It let out another cry of agony as it struggled against the ritual, though it seemed to be of no use. Another shell quickly formed itself around the elder primal, eerily reminiscent of Dalamud itself. With it, a great array covered the sky, and symbols of the twelve manifested themselves around this new prison. Endemerrin stared on with bated breath as the summoning ritual neared completion. He could feel it deep within himself. This would be it. Everything they fought for would not be in vain. Yet that moment of triumph never came. There was a burst of flame, and the shell was shattered. Endemerrin's heart sank in his chest as the intricate weave of aetheric energy that had filled the skies not moments before faded into obscurity within the hellish flames that took their place.
It was over.
In the end, Endemerrin could not help but feel a wave of relief wash over him. He had long since come to terms with the notion that this battle would be his last. He knew the moment he offered his blade unto the Archon. He made a promise. That he would do everything in his power to protect him, but more importantly, to protect his home and the people he loved. He had done just that. It was all he had ever asked of himself.
In his final moments, he turned to his beloved, drawing her into an embrace as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. His eyes drifted down over her shoulder to the Lalafellin Black Mage who stood at their side. "Goodbye." He mouthed, to which his elderly companion simply nodded. His eyes turned to the heavens, and he watched as the world around him faded to white.
Five years later.
There was a great rush of air, and for the briefest of moments it felt as though he were weightless. The white quickly washed over him, and where once sat rock and flame was the lush, green foliage of what could be nothing other than the shroud. His eyes drifted from Xenedra, down to Rorolumu, who stood in the same place he had moments before. "Are we--" He glanced around at their surroundings, releasing Xenedra from his embrace. "...Is this it?" He laughed tiredly. "Has Thal truly seen fit to grant us a place in his realm?"
"No." Rorolumu cut in, his voice filled with hesitation. "....We're in the Twelveswood." He almost sounded as though he didn't believe the words coming from his own mouth. The trio spent little time glancing between each other before setting out through the trees. No words needed to be spoken. They all sought one thing, and one thing only.
Answers.
Twenty four hours ago.
"So you mean to go, then?" The Dunesfolk canted his head carefully to the side as his inquisitive gaze thoroughly examined the Miqo'te standing before him. There was no hesitation in his response, nor in his body language. The question itself was almost redundant. For all the years they had spent together, he knew what the answer would be. He had done his best to be the father figure the boy needed, but it was a role that was no longer necessary. He had grown into a far greater man than he could ever had hoped to be. It was clear what he needed. A friend. One who would stand by him until the very end. Rorolumu had been ready for this moment his entire life.
"In all the years we've spent in Eorzea," The Miqo'te began. "never have I had an answer so clearly painted in my mind." He drew in a deep breath as his brow furrowed. His expression held firm, if only for the most fleeting of moments. His eyes softened, and a smile gently crept across his features. "I've met so many amazing people. I've found friendships that would last a lifetime. I had dreamed that we would never face such times. That the future would be bright, and we would meet each waking sun with the same optimism that we've had for years. Yet, here we stand, at the end of days." His eyes drifted shut. "I felt it deep inside me the moment we set foot in this realm." Endemerrin opened his eyes and fixed his gaze upon Rorolumu. "This land, it's people," He murmured. "I knew I would sacrifice everything for them."
The two stared at each other in contemplative silence for a few moments, before Endemerrin finally broke the air once again. "And I mean to do just that."
Thirteen hours ago.
"You take good care of yourself, alright, buddy?" A resounding kweh and the playful nudge of his companion's beak echoed laughter from the Miqo'te. "I'll be back soon. Don't give Faustina any trouble while I'm gone, you got that?" He reached a hand up to smooth down the plumage on Geldwyn's neck, prompting the bird to coo with content. "I'll catch you later." He gave the rouncey's beak a final pat before spinning on his heel. His eyes caught a young Sunseeker who was perched upon the outer fence of the stables. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly sauntered over in her direction, smiling almost sheepishly. He already knew she wasn't likely to be pleased with his choice. Most of his friends weren't. Yet, it was one he had to make. Not only for their sake, but for something far greater than all of them. Some had taken it in stride, others were more visibly upset. In the end, though, he felt that they all understood. All that was left was one.
"Hey--" He began, only to be cut off with a rather abrupt hug.
"Come home safe. We'll be waiting."
It was all that really needed to be said. He had mulled over in his head how he would explain to everyone he was leaving, but in the end it really didn't matter. They were his friends. They didn't care about how, or why. They cared about him. Endemerrin exhaled as he wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, you know me better than that." He chuckled lightly. "I'm far too stubborn to die." He pulled away, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I'd tell you to take good care of him, but gods know you wouldn't do anything but. I'll catch up with you when I get back, alright?" He reached a hand up to ruffle her hair slightly before making his way out the front gates of the stables. Everything was in order. It was time to leave. "Keep the wind at your back!" He called out, casting a stray glance over his shoulder before offering up a brief and final wave.
........
Endemerrin gasped for air as his vision came to once again. The air burned his lungs with each breath, and blood stung his eyes as it trickled down from his forehead. Slowly but surely, the haze left his sight, and the sounds of chaos slowly filled his ears as the ringing in them finally subsided. He desperately struggled to his feet, grasping his axe from the rubble as a legionary made his charge. There was a flash of steel, and the Garlean's body ragdolled through the air as Endemerrin's cleave made contact with his torso. Yet another victim of the mindless bloodshed. He had long since lost track of how many had fallen before his blade.
"Rorolumu!" He called out, charging forward through the ash and smoke towards an Imperial Reaper sat down range from him. Not moments ago it had nearly blasted him to oblivion, and it's pilot clearly sought to finish the job. Yet, that decision would prove to be his last. In his tunneled vision, he neglected to spot the Lalafellin Black Mage channeling magic at his flank. There was a sudden burst of flame, and what was once the might of the empire's fist incarnate was nothing but a smoldering heap of twisted metal. Endemerrin hurried over to his companion, relief washing over his face as a red-haired Miqo'te woman stood ever vigilant at the Lalafell's side. She was safe.
"We need to keep pushing! We have to get to--"
It was almost as if the air itself suddenly changed direction, sucking in like a vacuum. Endemerrin felt himself being tugged along ever so slightly, before a powerful gust of wind reversed his direction and sent him tumbling back to the earth. The ground quaked, and a thunderous boom echoed out across the battlefield. As the dust settled, he could only look on in complete disbelief at the massive glowing spire that sat perched in the center of the battlefield. It were almost as if it called a ceasefire, forcing both Imperial and Eorzean alike to cast aside their differences and throw their gazes to the heavens. Dalamud stirred. The moon groaned, and though it had been steadily crumbling throughout the entirety of the battle, it was clear something was truly amiss. A great wave of flame rolled across it's surface, shattering it's outer shell in the process. Nothing could have prepared Endemerrin for what was to come. The silhouette of two great wings unfurled from the apex of the moon, and a blood-curdling growl rumbled out from deep within.
"....What in the hells is-- ?"
The thought couldn't even leave his mouth before a roar of pure anguish and suffering shook him to his very core. Dalamud shattered, and the land was engulfed in flame as fragments of the satellite rained down upon it. He barely had time to collect himself before the massive wyrm cut through the sky, trailing behind him a myriad of destructive flares. Endemerrin could only watch on as the world withered.
But it would not be it's end.
Though the allied forces began to withdraw, Endemerrin and his companions pushed onward against the flow, ears deaf to their cries of retreat. He had made a promise. To himself, to the people he loved, to Eorzea herself. Louisoix Levelleiur was their final hope, and he would see the man protected until the very end. He had given him his word. Together, they converged upon the Archon's position with countless other adventurers. Some were even familiar faces from his travels, friends of whom he had not seen in moons. They had all made the same commitment as he had. They all shared the same goal. His brow furrowed in determination as he took up position at the base of the stone pillar upon which the Elezen was perched. Nothing would uproot them. This would be their final stand. United, they could not be toppled.
A stray flare came whirling through the air, eager to put an end to their desperate act of defiance. Yet there was a resounding boom, and the flames extinguished themselves upon a great shield that had been erected around them. Even still, it was not enough to stand against the elder primal's wrath. Another surge of flame shattered it entirely, and all attempts at reconstructing it were met with even greater opposition. As the smoke began to settle, the great wyrm descended from the skies, parting the clouds with a single flap of his gargantuan wingspan. He let out yet another bellowing roar, but left himself vulnerable for a crucial moment. It was Louisoix's chance to strike.
Great beams of light pierced the heavens, and the Archon thrust his staff in the air. The spires of light seemed to take shape as they rose high into the air. Heavenly spears. They quickly vanished from sight before arcing back down to pierce the wyrm twelve times over. It let out another cry of agony as it struggled against the ritual, though it seemed to be of no use. Another shell quickly formed itself around the elder primal, eerily reminiscent of Dalamud itself. With it, a great array covered the sky, and symbols of the twelve manifested themselves around this new prison. Endemerrin stared on with bated breath as the summoning ritual neared completion. He could feel it deep within himself. This would be it. Everything they fought for would not be in vain. Yet that moment of triumph never came. There was a burst of flame, and the shell was shattered. Endemerrin's heart sank in his chest as the intricate weave of aetheric energy that had filled the skies not moments before faded into obscurity within the hellish flames that took their place.
It was over.
In the end, Endemerrin could not help but feel a wave of relief wash over him. He had long since come to terms with the notion that this battle would be his last. He knew the moment he offered his blade unto the Archon. He made a promise. That he would do everything in his power to protect him, but more importantly, to protect his home and the people he loved. He had done just that. It was all he had ever asked of himself.
In his final moments, he turned to his beloved, drawing her into an embrace as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. His eyes drifted down over her shoulder to the Lalafellin Black Mage who stood at their side. "Goodbye." He mouthed, to which his elderly companion simply nodded. His eyes turned to the heavens, and he watched as the world around him faded to white.
Five years later.
There was a great rush of air, and for the briefest of moments it felt as though he were weightless. The white quickly washed over him, and where once sat rock and flame was the lush, green foliage of what could be nothing other than the shroud. His eyes drifted from Xenedra, down to Rorolumu, who stood in the same place he had moments before. "Are we--" He glanced around at their surroundings, releasing Xenedra from his embrace. "...Is this it?" He laughed tiredly. "Has Thal truly seen fit to grant us a place in his realm?"
"No." Rorolumu cut in, his voice filled with hesitation. "....We're in the Twelveswood." He almost sounded as though he didn't believe the words coming from his own mouth. The trio spent little time glancing between each other before setting out through the trees. No words needed to be spoken. They all sought one thing, and one thing only.
Answers.
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