Plot Devices

[111]

(Hopefully this is the right Forum for it)

 

Items and places have character, just as people do, and this thread is to acknowledge and catalog the various artifacts and items that give flavor to the world. Hopefully they will spread ideas and inspirations to others. Remember they do not have to be canon, but they should be something that others can consider using.

 

I'll start off!

 

The Subject of Wealth and Public Governance, Volumes 1-5

Type: Book

 

"What did you think about his theory about the quality of roads and estate taxes?" Evangeline looks up from her own book.

 

Klynzahr drops the book onto the desk as she searches the shelves for the next volume, "Aye... interesting lass, though he neglects to consider the effects of materials prices."

 

The Elezen hops up, eyes bright, "Oh ho... I wondered if you'd catch that."

 

Public Knowledge: Yes, the books are well known among scholars and politicians.

Description: These books were written by the renowned Lalafellien Scholar ShiFu ShiShifu, and describe the effects that concentrations of wealth have on the governments of Societies. In Ul'dah it is read by Monetarists and Royalists alike. Royalists use it as an example of the corrupting effects of money, while Monetarists use more like an instructional manual, to best manipulate the system.

Where to find it?: The book is widely carried among Ul'dah book merchants, and many well stocked libraries, it is also enthusiastically recommended to others by Evangeline Primrose.

 

(Edited the Post a bit)

[111]

Ishgardian Heretic Brands

Type: Aetherical Tattoo

 

Orrin's smile turns to a grimace and his hand moves to his lance as Evangeline's hair shifts to reveal her brand. The Dragoon looks at her with disgust, "You neglected to state /why/ you left Ishgard, witch."

 

Public Knowledge: Some, especially to those involved with Ishgard

Description: These Aetherical tattoos are given to those in Ishgard guilty of minor and moderate heresies, they are typically imprinted onto a cheek. The dragons effect all in some way, and the Inquisitors cannot kill them all. The brands are color coded, and allow the other members of the populace to properly shun their bearers. Those branded with lesser heresies are typically given the worse possible jobs in the city, while those with greater brands are usually exiled or killed.

 

A list of brands and example crimes:

 

- White Brand: Minor Heresies

- Saying a prayer to the drakes in order to avoid death.

- Having a prohibited idol or text on your possession.

- Know of prohibited activity, and keep it secret.

 

- Black Brand: Moderate Heresies (Typically Exiled)

- Attend a prohibited meeting (cultist)

- Distributing prohibited texts or artifacts

- Speaking against the holy power of halone

- Aiding a heretic in any way

 

- Red Brand: Severe Heresies (Typically Executed)

- Actively work to support the ideals of the drakes

- Take the form, drink the blood, or speak the words of drakes

- Murder or Kill in the service of the drakes.

 

The Tattoos can only be removed by special techniques known by the inquisitors of Ishgard.

 

Where to find it?: On the cheek of some Heretics, in the laws of Ishgard.

[Verad]

The Goblet Housing Authority

Type: Organization

 

Public Knowledge: Highly public, to the extreme consternation of the adventuring class.

Description: The Goblet Housing Authority (or GHA) exists as a bureaucratic arm of the Immortal Flames charged with overseeing the care and maintenance of the Goblet housing districts and their many residents. Unlike many branches of the Flames, this is a largely civilian-run entity which relies on the support of Flames assigned to the wards as a security and enforcement measure.

 

The GHA's goals are twofold - ensure that the Goblet maintains its status as an adventurers-only housing center, and that the Goblet remains attractive enough a housing district that adventurers choose it over the Mist and the Lavender Beds. They fail at both in an awe-inspiring fashion.

 

With regards to their first goal, a number of non-adventuring entities like mercantile groups, criminal syndicates, small business and research centers have managed to enter the Goblet by registering their organizations as adventuring companies through legal loopholes and through maintaining a minimum monthly amount of leves performed by their members. There is very little the GHA can do about this given the influence wielded by these collective groups.

 

With regards to the second goal, the GHA would be much more effective at making the Goblet attractive to adventurers if they weren't so fixated on fulfilling the first goal through the second. In their efforts to remove illegal residents through the careful examination of their lawns and estates for damage, garish decoration, and other property violations, the group have become fussbudgets in the extreme, more interested in whether the grass on one man's lawn is too high than in ensuring the vacant building nearby isn't full of marmots. Every so often this attitude provides a success for the organization, ousting a "free company" that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

 

As such, the GHA are largely regarded as a nuisance to most residents of the Goblet, but one they must pay even a tiny amount of lip-service to if they wish to keep their posh lodgings. 

 

As an organization, the GHA is divided into branches for each of the Goblet's wards. Each branch has a divisional chief who manages a number of different housing inspectors. The work is regarded as not being well-paid enough to be worth the hassle of dealing with adventurers and their petty intrigues, but housing enthusiasts clamor for the posts all the same.

 

Where to find it: Live in the Goblet. They'll turn up.

[111]

Dr Falapu's Soothing Herbal Laxative

Type: Medicine

Mikh'as ears flex down and he stares at R'elend's face. "What?" he asks meekly.

 

R'elend tosses him a small tin, "I actually gave you this."

 

The tin is labeled, "Dr Falapu's Soothing Herbal Laxative. Powerful and Effective, Or my Name isn't Falapu!"

 

Mikh'a fumbles and barely catches the can, looking down at it. His fingers grip at it carefull and he tosses it to the side before running off suddenly as R'elend laughs.

 

Public Knowledge: Widely advertised around Eorzea

Description: This powerful herbal laxative can be taken orally or... through other orfices. It is a thick black paste with a slightly minty flavor, and comes in a shiny metal tin. Each tin has enough medicine for dozens of uses, and is reasonably priced.

 

Description of effects by minutes after exposure -

0 - 3 Mild soothing effect and minty flavor

3 - 5 Pleasant numbing feeling in stomach

6 - 8 Sudden cramps and pain in abdomen

8 - 10 Extremely powerful expulsion from the rear.

 

Where to find it?: At your local chemist.

[111]

Somnium

Type: Drug/Painkiller

The woman is distraught and wailing, from both the physical and emotional trauma she has just experienced. Evangeline says soothing words and tips the vial to the woman's lips, a silvery fluid inside. The woman's eyes go glassy almost immediately, her breathing slows, and she looks at them with a calm, detached expression.

 

Public Knowledge: Widely used both as a medical substance, and a recreational drug.

Description: This refined compound is based off of Eorzea's second most prevalent drug, somnus (The first being alcohol). While Somnus is lightly treated, and its potency can vary greatly, Somnium is a refined mixture, faster acting and far more powerful. Capable of being injected or ingested, the silvery fluid is a powerful painkiller, relaxant, and depressant, which is also highly addictive. The effects depend on the dosage.

 

- Small doses : Pleasant euphoria, freedom from worry, warm numb sensations

- Moderate doses : Absence of pain and anxiety, slurred speech and slowed motor response.

-High Doses : Dreamy, sleeplike state which is difficult to wake from.

-Overdoses: Body shut down and death due to lack of breathing.

 

Where to find it?: Drugdealers, smugglers, and surgeons. Somnium is a more glamorous version of the common drug, and can be found by criminals and healers alike.

[Goodfellow]

Way back when I started a similar topic for books that had some ideas thrown about, particularly on pages 2 and 3.  It sort of fizzled, but I have actually referenced several of the titles in my rp (forum, pm, and in-game).  Namely the one below.

 

Ahldklind's Old & New Tales

Type: Book

 

"So," she said, voice artificially bright, "How's me learnin' gonna go, then?"

 

She held the book as if it was some strange, foreign artifact.

 

His big, dumb grin became bigger and dumber and he replied, "It's a book, girlie.  Ye open it."

 

Public Knowledge: Its stories are widely known and referencedthroughout Eorzean culture and it enjoys a place of primacy in beginning texts for children first learning to read.

Description: A collection of stories and fables collated bythe otherwise unknown, and possibly pseudonymous, roegadyn editor Ahldklind.

Where to find it?: Any one of its numerous editions should be found in most any library and it is common in the collections of almost any school, tutor, or educated caretaker.

[111]

(To add onto yours Goodfellow!)

 

A is for Aldgoat

Type: Alphabet Primer

"O is for Odin....Oodin...Ooooooodin." G'leo repeats to himself for the fifth time in the past six hours.

 

G'leo yawns and stretches out in the sun, "Reading is easier than fighting sandworms... but not as exciting." He muses with a sigh before returning to his studies in "A is for Aldgoat".

Public Knowledge: One of, if not the most common book young (and literately challenged adult) Eorzeans will use to learn their letters.

Description: No one knows when the first edition of this classic was made, and countless copies and varieties have spread. Some books differ on animals used:

 

Many state that C is for Couerl while some insist that C is for Chocobo

 

Likewise some are fancy, printed on fine paper with elegant illustrations, others are cheap, flimsy things, on thin paper. However all have a number of pages, each with a picture of the animal in question, and a large illustration of the letter alongside.

 

Where to find it?: Schools, Orphanages and Booksellers.

[FreelanceWizard]

A cool thing to do would be to post these on the wiki, tagged with one of the Stagecraft categories, for posterity!

[Goodfellow]

Coincidentally, Natalie, I've RPed several (typically older) editions of Ahlklind as including an alphabet primer in the front or back, so that's a nice bit of synergistic thinking.  A is for Aldgoat could even explain why such an appendix isn't universal. 

 

And you're right, FW: that would be a cool thing to do.

[111]

Sounds like a good idea when we're done!

 

Ceruleum Explosives

Type: Explosive

Another arrow would have been loosed, except for that BOOM that shattered the wheel, sending wooden splinters and the Miqo'te flying off the mount. Exploding wheel off the wagon however, ROCKED the entire thing to the side, and the driver tumbled forward, his face planting into the wooden plank. The knife he held disappeared under his belly.

 

Evangeline holds up her shield to block the splinters of the blast, grinning at the effects, "It seems that ceruleum powder was worth the cost."

Public Knowledge: Widely known and used, generally by miners and engineers.

Description: Ever since ceruleum deposits were discovered by the Amajina & Sons mineral concern, Ul'dah has been extracting the volatile component for various uses. Originally sold to the Garlean Empire before the war, it is now used domestically, for Eorzea's burgeoning fleets of airships and other mechanical devices.

 

However Ceruleum is an incredible volatile and energy rich substance, and can be mixed with other explosives to improve their potency. The only danger is the instability of the material can cause it to go off without warning. The more ceruleum an explosive contains, the more powerful, but also the more dangerous to carry. Some brave souls use pure, refined ceruleum itself as an explosive, however these mixtures are so unstable, that even jolts and drops can set them off.

 

Where to find it?: Mining camps, Northern Thanalan, Magitech devices or Airships.

[111]

Buff Van Darkblade Serials

Type: Pulp Fiction

 

Buff's sword drips with the blood of slain cultists, their bodies strewn around him like so much trash. "Your reign of terror ends here! Queen Voluptia!"

 

"I wanted the world..." The queen hisses, looking over his rippling and somehow perfectly oiled muscles. "Yet now I only want you!"

 

Buff strides up, "The weakest walls... of those of the heart." He grabs the woman and kisses her deeply as she melts in his arms.

Public Knowledge: Widely printed and circulated

Description: Eorzeas Greatest Hero, Buff Van Darkblade can be found on the pages of cheaply printed booklets in every corner of Eorzea. Often written by different and conflicting authors, the character has taken on a life of his own, and his terrifying, inspiring, and bodice ripping adventures are a favorite of many in Eorzea, young and old.

Each serial describes a different adventure, some popular ones include:

 

Buff Van Darkblade and the Hounds of the Void

Buff Van Darkblade and the Succubus Queen

Buff Van Darkblade versus Bahamut

Buff Van Darkblade saves the Starlight Festival

Buff Van Darkblade goes to Camp

 

Where to find it?: Scattered about Eorzea.

[Gegenji]

I've used a couple "hero storybooks" in some RP with Chachan. He keeps a collection of them, all of them with rather noticeable similarities to stories in the real world.

The Stupendous Mining Brothers

Type: Book Series

 

"What're we gonna do now, Mamaggio?" Luluggahj questioned his stout older brother, peering worriedly at the swarm of Bombs heading their way from beneath the imagined security of his mining helmet. Mamaggio scratched idly at his sidewhiskers in thought before noticing one unexploded Bomb from the initial attack.

 

"You know what they say," Mamaggio stated, rolling the Bomb towards him with the toe of his boot before kicking it up into his hand with surprising deftness. "Bombs can always bomb Bombs."

Public Knowledge: Relatively well-known as an enjoyable, if somewhat oddball and childish, book series rumored to be vaguely based off the Lalafellan brothers of the Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern.

Description: A currently ongoing series of adventures about a pair of Lalafellan Miners who stumbled into a strange world under attack by an evil Adamantoise.

Where to find it?: Booksellers, most notably around Ul'dah.

 

~*~

 

The Couerl Prince

Type: Fantasy Book

 

"Happybe worrynot."

 

"... What?" Sander asked, looking at the pair of beastmen in confusion.

 

"Happybe worrynot," the Goblin repeated with a little dance, spinning around the young couerl. "Goodsaying be!"

 

"Happybe worrynot," the Qirin echoed, giving an eager nod. "As good as shinies to me."

Public Knowledge: A storybook that has come under fire somewhat for painting the Noscean beastmen in a positive light, but copies still seem to circulate despite the Maelstrom's general dislike of the story.

Description: A tale of the young couerl Sander, raised to be the King of the Jungle, whose birthright is stolen when his uncle's machinations result in Sander's father being trampled to death by goobbues.

Where to find it?: Booksellers.

[111]

DR FALAPU'S MIRACLE PERSONAL CREAM

Type: Genital Rash/Wart Cream

 

R'elend nods slowly, "Aye, this one time I..." He coughs, "Friend of mine 'ad a real bad case of ‘a crotch rot. Had to go to three alchemists before 'e found a cream at would do it."

 

The travelling doctor smiles, "No need to be embarrassed. Do y- Does your friend still have any of this cream left over? It'd be interesting to see what was used."

 

R'elend nods awkwardly, "Aye... he err..." He rubs the back of his head, "Was done with it. I just decided to hold onto the can. I'm pretty sure it worked on err... him." He produces a small tin from his armor, "DR FALAPU'S MIRACLE PERSONAL CREAM" - Do not Ingest.

 

The doctor takes a quick glance at the tin, and blinks. "Oh, I've heard of this one. It's... It's good that it worked for your friend. It can be expensive. Do you know if he paid much for this one?"

 

 

Public Knowledge:  Like all of Dr Falapu's products, the cream is quite well known for its efficacy and quality. 

 

Description: A subtle dark tin of a strong smelling medicinal paste. Daily application to the affected area will cure most venereal diseases in one to two weeks. Relatively pricey compared to other products.

 

Where to find it: At your local chemist.

[ExAtomos]

Hoping I'm understanding this correctly...

 

Historia Eorzea, 22nd edition.

Type: Academic book series

 

Alberich Blackblade adjusted his glasses in shock. "Edited by Hahabiri Yayabiri?? That insufferable prig with the overinflated ego?!..." Alberich quickly coughed to hide his outburst. He furiously flipped through more pages. His piece about Amal'jaa migration to Zan'rak was rewritten to be nearly unrecognizable and the articles on Sil'dih mining and commerce were gone completely! The nerve of that fellow... He must still be bitter about being passed over for Department Head by Doctor P'rion Tia. But the Doctor DOES have deeper pockets and many estimable, and more threatening, friends. SURELY, Hahabiri realized he never stood a chance...

 

Public Knowledge: If you've gone for some sort of secondary education, you know of it... and probably dread it.

 

Description: Three volume set of weighty books.

 

Where to find it: Any library of some stature

[111]

Hoping I'm understanding this correctly...

 

 

Yep! It's just a place to add little objects, themes or organizations that you've invented for various scenes or plots.

 

So someone can read through it and be like "Oh, I need a history book, that sounds cool." 

 

Stuff like that.

[ExAtomos]

(ok cool. )

 

The Anthropology of the Remaining Plainsfolk Tribes, Their History, and Potential Integration into Modern Eorzean Society

Type: Academic book

 

The Guildmaster interrupted. "Yes, one of the most organized minds here and with such a barbaric upbringing. Quite the change, isn't it?"

 

Ralin bristled. "The Plainsfolk Tribes are not barbaric, sir..."

 

Anderagon turned the book around, displaying a drawn image of tribal warriors swarming and taking down a giant crab. Ralin sighed. The artist had captured the fighters' extensive tattoos and the smeared blood on their bodies with gruesome detail. "Remarkable." He closed the book with a snap and sat down. "You have the tattoos from your youth, yes?"

 

 

Public Knowledge: Little to none outside of stuffy academic types interested in niche histories and anthropology. There may be ten copies out there.

 

Description: It's not an overly large volume. Perhaps written 40-50 years ago. It contains the usual archaic (read Victorian) idea of transforming an "uncivilized" culture into one more in line with modern, urban society.

 

Where to find it: A few libraries, government offices, and private collections.

 

(Why yes, I do work in academia... why do you ask? >.>;;; )

[ExAtomos]

Drinks

Type: Booze and non-booze (but mostly booze)

 

 

Top Shelf

Ilsabardian Brandy (limited supply)

Reaver's Rum

Baron's Choice Whiskey

Dragon's Blood Mead

 

Wines

Black Vine brand

Seiza no Kai Sake

Rolanberry Dessert Wine

 

Ales On Tap

South Shroud's Best Dark Ale

Four Houses Ishgardian Pale Ale

VK Special Brew (seasonal)

Slick Eft

Bogy Root Special

Poacher's Notch

 

Mixed Drinks

Ifrit's Hellfire

Landslide

My Fair Lala (contains cactus juice)

Pink Subligar

The Fury

The Squishable Leech

Wailer's Delight

Wight Skull

Ramuh's Beard

 

Non-alcoholic

Foundation Chilled Tea

 

Public Knowledge: If you drink...

 

Description: Just a list of brand names and mixed drinks

 

Where to find it: Any bar other than dives

[ExAtomos]

(How about businesses?)

 

Titirenu Beberenu, Fine cloth goods and bespoke tailoring.

 

 

Type: Merchant

 

"My dear, are you even listening? The client wants only the best vanya silk used for her dress... decorated with pearls and crystals. You are able to craft this in time, yes? If not, I'm sure there are other dressmakers who are looking for work..."

 

 

Public Knowledge: If you are wealthy or in the garment making industry, you may have heard of this prick guy.

 

Description: Tanned with dark hair, this Dunesfolk is accustomed to dealing only with the richest clientele. He speaks condescendingly or ingratiatingly, depending on status. He tends to pull out a scented handkerchief from his inside his glove and wave it in front of his face if he is displeased.

 

Where to find it: Horizon

 

Wait... Horizon?? Yes. There is a very good chance that this merchant pads his fat wallet more with his sketchy shipping business than his merchant front.

[ExAtomos]

Funerary Rites for the Virtuous Fallen (in game)

Type: Book?

 

Cocobezi: "Oh, Prelate Yayake... She can recite the three hundred and seven verses of the Funerary Rites for the Virtuous Fallen, but the simple task of keeping our names straight seems ever beyond her grasp."

 

 

Public Knowledge: Thaumaturges, probably any priest or officer over funerals

 

Description: Unknown if this is a book or some sort of memorized poem. Since the THM guild has an extensive library, I feel it's safe to assume it's been written down.

 

Where to find it: Mentioned in THM guild intro.

[Morningstar1337]

Eh why not? (The following item is fanon/headcanon and doesn't not actuality exist in-game)

 

Mistbeard: The Legend Never Dies.

Type: Book

 

"Sergeant Rhiki of the Maelstorm has been overseeing the new recruits. She noticed all of them reading about the Legendary Pirate Mistbeard and chastised them for being distracted...before taking a copy herself."

 

(I apologize for the short form, this is just something I whipped up in short notice. If I have the rank wrong, please correct me)

Public Knowledge: Everyone in La Noscea and the various docks and ports

 

Description: Its a dramatization of the adventure of the Pirate Mistbeard. Think a mix of Pulp Novels and Non-fiction, there are seven volumes, with the final one being written at the beginning of Merlwyb's reestablishment of the Maelstrom. This is about the persona, not the people beneath the mask.