House Mavanix Storyline

[Kylin]

Rather than make a barrage of event posts over the next two months, I'm going to keep this all wrapped up into a single thread. With the Margarah chapter of the story at a close, the House Mavanix story is about to escalate at an alarming rate. I'll update this post (and bump as necessary) with times/dates related to the events. Meanwhile, I'll be working to bring in other RP shells into the mix should they choose to want to participate. Each event will be linked to the calender once they get started. Some of these events will be difficult to ICly "advertise" due to their nature and as such may require creative means of injecting oneself into them should you be interested in being there. Here's a sneak peak of whats' to come...

 

Schedule and Summary:

 

Chapter 3:

 

[glow=blue]Event #1: The Goblin and the Egg[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil][tab=30]Details: Upon arriving at the mansion ruins, the groups of Shimmersong, Corvus Cinis, and Everwatch found the dead body of Kiba Pargux, head of the Mavanix Templars. Vertigo, his murderer, was there to greet the group, indicating that Kiba was a spy for another rival house who intended to send the groups to their deaths in an attempt to further isolate and wreak havoc on House Mavanix. Vertigo then revealed her own mission for the group, along with a large gil reward. Giving a brief history of the dragon egg destined to never hatch and how the house excavated it years ago under Julius's reign, Vertigo also explained why the goblins were allied to the house. The group would take a cursed dragon egg to the Goblin Information Network (GIN) to show the goblins that Elza still possessed the egg to prevent future attacks similar to the most recent one.

 

The group headed to the Black Shroud to intercept the small goblin tribe with the egg, but were quickly attacked by the goblins instead. After besting the beastmen in combat, the lead goblin, Zagadrix, continued to plead with the group for the egg. He claimed that the goblins wished to separate themselves from the house simply to protect his family. Showing mercy, the group handed the egg over with the promise that the goblins would refrain from attacking the house ever again.

 

After the battle, a single lalafell reporter from the Lantern named Mirari was found in the bushes. The group quickly seized her and contemplated her intentions. Frantic, the reporter stated that she was merely told of a possible story happening here at this time by a "priestly looking man from Ishgard." Having no further information, the group eventually let her scamper off.

 

With GIN seemingly out of the picture now, is House Mavanix safe or will the loss of their goblin allies merely be another stinging blow to the collapsing house? What of the fomor and demon who also attacked? And was Vertigo correct in her statement to the group that Xaliel Mavanix is the one behind the massacre? Can Vertigo be trusted? Stay tuned for next time![/spoil]

 

[glow=blue]Event #2: Hydra[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil]Everwatch, Corvus Cinis, Shimmersong, and several freelance mercenaries arrived at the heavily guarded mansion ruins for a briefing by Elza. After stating her distrust in Vertigo and her displeasure in the recent loss of GIN and the artifact egg, the matriarch brought forward a new strategy. The mercenaries would beseech help from Hydra, a peaceful cult of gypsies who worship former Mavanix matriarch Veronica as a goddess. Experts in the supernatural, the mercenaries would be meant to ask for Hydra's help for identifying the voidsent that attacked the Mavanix Mansion with the goblins and undead.

 

Hydra's present camp was located at an old excavation site for House Mavanix. There, the group met Echo Zurova, the high priestess of Hydra. The priestess was welcoming of the travelers and gave them a quick tour of the camp. She showed the old excavation site where the mighty Soulfire Apparatus artifact was discovered by founding patriarch Joachim Mavanix. Echo explained how the artifact was responsible for the house's initial wealth and rise to glory. She then took the mercenaries deeper into the camp and offered her help to identify the voidsent through a spell that utilized astral projection. She explained that she could use the 'particles' the mercenaries may have picked up from being around the mansion ruins to conjure the creature's astral presence, a non-threatening procedure.

 

As instructed, several from the group sat in a circle around three small lit candles. The more skeptical members of the group stayed off to the side to simply watch. As they sat in a circle and joined hands, Echo instructed everyone to close their eyes and focus on re-imagining the mansion massacre. As they focused, Echo began her spell. The candles spewed flames as the astral projection took form in the shape of a demon.

 

After the initial panic wore down, Echo asked the demon its name. It responded in a demonic language, which Echo translated to "My name is Juravis." The Hydra priestess found the name odd considering it was also the name of the first Mavanix templar under Joachim. She went on to explain how Juravis supposedly had an affair with Anabelle Felstar, Joachim's wife, and Joachim placed a mysterious curse on him.

 

Echo asked who the demon served and it responded with "a cardinal from Ishgard." As she asked for the cardinal's name, someone began to interfere with the astral projection spell. Echo screamed as blood streamed down her eyes, screaming that the cardinal had seen them all, and the candles' flames intensified tenfold before the apparition of the demon vanished. The group rushed to Echo's aid but were cut off when more cultists entered and shooed everyone away so they could care for their high priestess.

 

Reassembling at the mansion ruins, the mercenaries informed Elza of what transpired before receiving their pay and going along their way. She promised to be in touch with them again in the near future as the investigation heated up. Who is the mystery cardinal seeming to pull the strings? Is it the same "priestly man" who had the Lantern journalist trailing the group into the Black Shroud? How is Vertigo and Xaliel Mavanix connected, if at all? All this and more coming soon![/spoil]

 

[glow=blue]Event #3: The Escape[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil]Elza promptly summoned help from her contacts list for an emergency mission. The group gathered at the Avalon Heritage Museum and learned that the museum was attacked by Vertigo and a clan of undead creatures. The Soulfire Apparatus, prized keepsake artifact of House Mavanix, was stolen. Several Mavanix guards pursued Vertigo before losing contact with Elza at Camp Horizon. The group headed out and followed the trail to a wounded Mavanix guard, who revealed that Vertigo headed into Copperbell Mines with the artifact in tow.

 

Delving into the mines, the group tracked Vertigo down deep within. However, not all was as it seemed. The masked miqo'te revealed that the artifact in her arm was merely an illusion, nothing more than a boulder. She then revealed that the real Soulfire Apparatus was with the REAL Vertigo in route to Xaliel Mavanix. Removing her mask, the false Vertigo was nothing more than an undead corpse summoned by the mysterious "cardinal" to ensnare Elza's mercenaries into a trap.

 

After the revelations, the fake Vertigo activated a crystal that in turn, activated numerous other crystals positioned outside of the mines. These crystals, while full of energy, blocked the flow of aether into the mines and prevented all forms of magic...including teleportation. Trapped inside, the group was forced to face off against a swarm of undead creatures who emerged from the chamber behind them. After narrowly escaping the battle, the false Vertigo revealed the real trap. Numerous sleeping bomb creatures were strapped to the ceiling and walls throughout the mines. With a quick flick of a wrist and a tossed dagger, the zombie leader caused one bomb to self-destruct and cause a huge chain of self-destructs throughout the mines. The mines began to collapse in around the group, forcing them to flee for their lives as rubble crashed in around them.

 

The group largely managed to escape the near death, though Yssen and Xenedra got trapped inside a cavern with no way out. The group reentered the mines to rescue the two, with the recently arrived Nel Celestine and Elza in tow this time. Several miners arrived on the scene and eventually freed the mercenaries from their prison.

 

The Soulfire Apparatus and real Vertigo were long gone though. The group discussed their potential next move. Elza claimed that she would enlist in the aid of Ekidnah Mavanix to help uncover the enemy. But in the meantime, what will Xaliel do with the artifact he has? What's Vertigo's role? And who is the mysterious cardinal seeming to pull all the strings, including that of a demonic monstrosity known as Juravis? The end of the harrowing House Mavanix chapter edges ever closer as the final chapter begins![/spoil]

 

Chapter 4:

 

[glow=blue]Event #1: Long Live House Mavanix[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil]Mercenaries from several groups assembled at the mansion ruins at Elza's behest. There they witnessed a grisly sight: a male lalafell, likely a thief, was pinned in a bloody manner onto the exterior mansion wall above the house doors. Ekidnah Mavanix greeted the group, issuing a warning that dark energy was festering within the manor and that the spirit world was growing restless. She then promised, as per Elza's request, to help prepare the mercenaries for the battle against the mysterious cardinal, Vertigo, and possibly Xaliel Mavanix. To do so, she stated that one must first understand the past. The seer brought out a crystal ball that instantly emitted a projection of images before the group. Images of House Mavanix's past were shown as Ekidnah explained in minor detail each era of the house, starting with founder Joachim and his origins, his discovery of the Soulfire Apparatus, his wedded bliss to Anabelle Felstar, and much more. She chronicled the reign of Darian, Darius, Veronica, Julius, and Cartius Mavanix, detailing their greatest accomplishments and failures. She even revealed that Decretum Umbra, the part of the family that was perceived to be at war with House Mavanix, had merely been trying to protect the house from an internal threat.

 

After revealing the vast history of House Mavanix, Ekidnah explained that she would reveal the second side of Nymeia's tapestry: the future. The images began to change, first showing the interior of the Mavanix Mansion. A red-haired woman, looking almost identical to Veronica Mavanix, hovered over the corpse of Everwatch member Flandre. The scene shifted to reveal Kylin standing on a bridge in Coerthas, smiling faintly as he watched Shimmersong member Yssen plummet to his death below. The scene shifted once more to a temple-like setting, where a priestly looking man stood before an altar, his hood obscuring his hyur-like features. Members of Everwatch, Shimmersong, and Corvus Cinis entered behind him. The scene shifted again, still showing the temple. The demonic creature known as Juravis appeared and ripped a demonic claw through Ariel's chest before turning around to snap the neck of Arkky. In the same temple, Vertigo appeared and pierced Alothia through the chest with a dagger. The scene shifted to show the temple flooded with corpses of the mercenaries, only Juravis and Vertigo left standing.

 

The future began to reveal itself to the watching mercenaries, now showing the headquarters of Corvus Cinis burning to the ground as several Sultansword guards stood outside and watched. The scene changed again to reveal Eva Ianeira running through Ul'dah, a larger Dalamud overhead in the sky. Several Sultansworn corner and one slices his sword down at her as the scene quickly shifts once more to show Shimmersong leader, Sha, running frantically through Thanalan as an airship hovers overhead. Numerous arrows rain down upon her as the scene changes again to show Everwatch leader, Oskar Helvig, running atop a Thanalan mountain. A highlander guard blocks his path and then proceeds to pierce him through the abdomen. Ekidnah then cuts off the spell, indicating that it was viewing a part of the tapestry not of significance to the upcoming battle.

 

Ekidnah reinforces the fact that the future is not final and that a single loosened thread can unravel the entire tapestry. She quotes Veronica Mavanix as stating "the only means to defeat fate is to embrace it." She then states that she'll attempt a powerful spell that will view a very specific portion of the tapestry in order to hopefully reveal the cardinal's identity. As she prepares the spell, she notes that Kylin entered the mansion before the group's arrival and has not come out yet. The mercenaries head into the mansion ruins to find him as Ekidnah readies her spell. Inside, the group encounters Kylin near the top of the basement stairs. He states that he wished to visit his father's coffin, but the house was far more frightening than in the past. The group escorts him into the Mavanix Catacombs, where they discover that Lady Anabelle Felstar's coffin is missing. In addition, the lock to Cartius's coffin was broken and the man's body was not inside. As the group contemplated the possibility of grave robbers, Ekidnah's scream sounded outside.

 

The group rushed outside the manor to come face-to-face with the demon, Juravis. Ekidnah's bloody corpse rested beneath the monster's feet. The creature let out a roar at the battle-ready mercenaries before teleporting away. Ekidnah was no more and the group quickly contemplated the next move. After much debate, they teleported themselves and Kylin to a safe place in Gridania, unaware of the red-haired ghostly woman watching them from a third floor window of the mansion.[/spoil]

 

[glow=blue]Event #2: Dearly Departed[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil]Not all details included due to the length of the event and the number of happenings within. Elza contacted members of Everwatch, Corvus Cinis, and Shimmersong by pearl or messenger bird with a frantic message requesting they meet her outside her Gridanian home. Kylin had been kidnapped by Xaliel and was going to be sacrificed to the Soulfire Apparatus. The group assembled and Elza quickly handed over spell materials to Leanna to scry for Kylin's location. As Leanna began the spell, Elza explained that she found a note from Xaliel in the place Kylin was staying, stating: "I'm sorry that it's come to this, but you know what I have to do."

 

Elza then explained the Soulfire Apparatus in greater details. Created in a foreign land beyond Aldenard by a tribe that worshipped a god of fire, the totem was said to be enchanted by the fiery god. Sacrifices were made to the artifact in an attempt to keep the fire god sated and happy. Souls began to accumulate inside the artifact. Eventually, tribe witches learned that you could revive some of the souls within through slight modifications to the enchantment. By killing one individual, a soul would be released from the apparatus and switch souls with another nearby individual. Two souls for the price of one. It would later be discovered that it was possible to choose which soul to revive instead of leaving it to the whims of the apparatus. By sacrificing someone from the same bloodline as a trapped soul, a soul from that bloodline would be the one released. About 210 years ago, Joachim managed to gain the artifact. He, his father, and brother attempted to use it to revive a loved one, not fully realizing how the artifact really worked. Joachim's father offered to be the sacrifice, but Joachim's brother was the soul taken in exchange for another. As such, the Mavanix family was ended. Joachim had to rebuild from scratch and rediscovered the Soulfire Apparatus in Eorzea during an excavation.

 

Elza stated that it was clear Xaliel was intending to revive some other Mavanix by sacrificing Kylin, but which one was anyone's guess. As she continued to worry about her brother's safety, Leanna pinpointed Kylin's location at the Mavanix Mansion ruins. The group quickly headed out.

 

They arrived at the mansion to find a young dark-haired hyur, Xaliel, holding a dagger to Kylin. The Soulfire Apparatus sat nearby, its menacing smile never wavering. Xaliel remained frantic, explaining that the house needed a powerful member to fight the enemy. Survival was the only option now. The group explained to the youth that he misunderstood the artifact's power and that his own soul be lost in the spell. Xaliel refused to believe it, stating that Vertigo explained that the soul swap didn't work as they were trying to tell him it would. Eventually, the group managed to wriggle their way between Xaliel and Kylin but the victory was short lived. The ghost of Darius Mavanix instantly materialized behind Xaliel and ripped out his heart in a grisly sight, letting his blood flow to the Soulfire Apparatus before the ghost dissipated into the air. The artifact was thus activated and turned the sky red, transformed the water in the nearby fountain into pure fire, and caused a red mist to engulf the mansion courtyard. As soon as the effect began, it just as soon ended. Everything reverted to normal quickly.

 

As the group began to think the ritual failed, Kylin came to consciousness and was helped to his feet. His groggy gaze first shifted to the corpse of Xaliel, sending him into near shock. He was sent into even further shock upon seeing the shambled mansion grounds, asking how long it's been and where Carmilla was. The group then realized that it wasn't Kylin at all. Kylin quickly teleported himself and the apparatus several feet from the group, introducing himself as Joachim Mavanix. He has been slumbering inside the artifact for about 150 years. Carmilla and Decretum Umbra were to release him earlier so he could save the house from the imminent threat, but clearly they failed. Joachim stated that he could see the enemy clearly now: Cardinal Felstar. And he further accused the mercenaries of being the cardinal's pawns. The group pleaded with the Mavanix founder to release Kylin and entrust the future of the house to him. Joachim refused, stating that Kylin was not even a Mavanix! Several ghostly howls then sounded from within the mansion and Joachim gave it his full attention. He states that Veronica Mavanix seemed to have a backup plan prepared to save the family. The founding patriarch snapped his fingers and teleported the group inside the mansion foyer, the lobby doors slamming shut as they appeared within.

 

Four large portraits appeared above the group, floating in a circle. Each had a title: 'Darian, the Exalter,' 'Darius, the Inquisitor,' 'Julius, the Guardian,' and 'Veronica, the Sybil.' Joachim explained that the house had a number of Veronica's enchantments on it. One of the enchantments trapped the souls of the Mavanix leaders inside the house to keep their presence in this world. Another enchantment caused those inside the mansion to give off the aura of being part of the Mavanix bloodline. Thus, if anyone was sacrificed in the house to the Soulfire Apparatus...the Mavanix leaders could be revived again.

 

Ariel launched a quick attack against Joachim just as a specter of Darian Mavanix appeared and deflected the assault. Ghosts of Darius and Julius then appeared inside the foyer. Joachim released the Soulfire Apparatus and let it float up to the paintings, stating he'd go to Ishgard to depose of Cardinal Felstar while the ghosts sacrificed the mercenaries for their revival. With that, Joachim/Kylin teleported away just as an anti-aether barrier erected itself over the mansion grounds, preventing any other forms of teleportation in or out of the mansion.

 

The three Mavanix specters then attacked, leaving the group no choice but to defend themselves. In mere minutes, Veronica Mavanix herself appeared, stating that she had foreseen this day and it ends with the mercenaries' demise. Nel pleaded with Veronica to reconsider her plan as the other mercenaries battled the Mavanix ghosts. But the pleas fell short as the matriarch launched a powerful psychic shockwave and caused furniture all around the mansion to begin flying about wildly. A deadly fight with the Mavanix leaders raged on for some time. Yssen, Ariel, Riku, Leanna, Gerik, Miyuki, Nel, and Flandre battled for their lives against the deadly specters.

 

Attacks against the ghosts merely caused them to dissipate briefly before reforming again and again. As the group grew more weary by the minute, Yssen used a desperate strategy: He used his monk training to absorb the plethora of aether beneath the mansion, causing the spirits to lose their connection to the world of the living. Darius burst into nothingness first, followed by Julius and Darian. Veronica made it clear that she'd be waiting for the adventurers in the other world when mortality caught up to them before unleashing a last powerful attack that caused the mansion to begin collapsing upon itself. Yssen redirected his gathered aether at the mansion door, providing an escape for the group just in time as the mansion crumbled. Before Veronica burst into light, she quickly teleported the Soulfire Apparatus back to Joachim.

 

As the battered group tried to recoup from the battle, they realized that the mission was not yet over. Quickly, they hurried after the Joachim-possessed Kylin to Coerthas, locating the mage at Griffon's Crossing. Joachim revealed his sadness over Veronica's failed plan before stating that he'd finish off the cardinal's pawns himself. He then unleashed the full power of the Soulfire Apparatus, causing walls of fire to rise around the bridge. Countless fiery hands reached out for the groups, the souls inside the artifact seeking release through spilled blood. The group battled through the flames and fiery hands toward Joachim as he fired off numerous flare spells. As the battle raged on, a crow swept in and dropped off a parchment before Yssen titled "Soul Dispersion." Yssen, realizing it was some kind of spell, handed it to Leanna who promptly began to cast it. The Soulfire Apparatus began to react as numerous spirits flung from it, Joachim gasping and wondering how such a spell came under Leanna's possession. The group protected the mage from Joachim's assault as she finished the spell, causing more spirits to fly from the artifact. Joachim stated that the released souls would have nowhere to go and were thus damned. He also made it clear that he'd return one day somehow and get his revenge on the cardinal's pawns. And if they had passed from the world of the living by then, Joachim promised to burn the flesh from the bones of their next of kin. With that, the fire mage released one last attack to force the bridge to crumble. Leanna's spell caused his soul to then be ejected from Kylin's body as Kylin's soul returned. The bridge crumbled rapidly as the group hastily made their escape, the Soulfire Apparatus plunging down the mountain with the collapsing bridge, its menacing grin never once ceasing.

 

After reporting back to Elza, each of the three groups were rewarded before heading off to receive some much needed R&R. With Xaliel and the Soulfire Apparatus out of the picture, along with just about all of House Mavanix, only the cardinal, Juravis, and Vertigo remained in the picture. What fate awaits the group in the coming final battle?.[/spoil]

 

[glow=blue]Event #3: The True Face of Evil[/glow] COMPLETE

[spoil]The mercenaries arrived at the mansion ruins, overhearing as Elza argued over the pearl about the sudden inability to access House Mavanix's gil. After she got off the pearl, she recounted to the mercenaries that an informant of hers had discovered that a Cardinal Felstar was en route to Nald's Reflection in Thanalan. His only escort appeared to be Vertigo. The mercenaries organized themselves and headed to the temple.

 

There, they came face to face with the cardinal. Vertigo and Juravis were nowhere to be seen. The cardinal was revealed to be none other than Cartius Mavanix, now known as Cartius Felstar. He recounted how he staged his death and his motive for doing so. He then revealed how he masterminded every last detail of House Mavanix's demise. Please see the third story post in this thread for details of the plot.

 

After the revelations, Cartius also revealed that he was setting up the mercenaries the entire time to take the fall for the death of House Mavanix. They'd be wanted as Ul'dahn criminals by the morrow. With that, he summoned Juravis and then disappeared with Vertigo. The group did battle with the deadly demon, nearly being wiped out before managing to succeed in finally sending the 200 year old monstrosity to its grave.

 

House Mavanix was no more. Cartius had succeeded in his plot. And worse yet, the mercenaries were about to be framed for everything...[/spoil]

 

---

 

In addition, a number of "Avalon Profiles" are being posted that have some behind-the-scenes stories to help fill in gaps of the family's history. The stories span multiple generations. You may view House Mavanix's ICly written history on the wiki here: http://www.ffxiv-roleplayers.com/wiki/index.php?title=House_Mavanix

 

Avalon Profiles:

 

Profile #1: "When Fire Reigns" (Soulfire Apparatus) [DONE]

 

Profile #2: "Ignition" (Joachim Mavanix) [DONE]

 

Profile #3: "Ethical Oversights" (Mavanix Academy) [DONE]

 

Profile #4: "Business Nomenclature" (Margarah) [DONE]

 

Profile #5: "Goblins, Ships, and Assassins! Oh My!" (Avalon Templars) [DONE]

 

Profile #6: "Long Live House Mavanix" (Keepers) [DONE]

 

Profile #7: "Patriarch of the Damned" (Cartius Mavanix) [DONE]

 

Profile #8: "Ambitious Beginnings" (Kylin Mavanix) [DONE]

 

Profile #9: "The Duskwalker" (Vertigo Mavanix) [DONE]

 

Profile #10: ??? (Seraphine Winter) [MISSING]

 

Profile #11: "The Lost Dynasty" (Decretum Umbra) [DONE]

 

Profile #12: "Queen of the Night" (Elza Ashfen) [DONE]

[Smiling River]

I believe I've sent you an IC PM regarding Elza. Is she out of commission until much later or... what? She made a promise that I was looking forward to her keeping.

 

Also, we are taking on Haughtpox Bloatbelly NMs because Mtoto notified Oskar that she suspects Goblins behind the attack on the Mavanix house, and said that if they escaped to Coerthas, they would be going through the Shroud. At the moment Everwatch is notified that these goblins near Treaspeak may know something about that.

[Kylin]

Yeah, I've been super busy/overwhelmed in both RL and the RP world these past few days so it's been hard to do too much.

 

The goblin NM was actually going to be part of the first listed event . But if everyone else is already planning to do it, I'll have to think of something else now >.>. Curse you RPers! Now I'll have to make everyone fight one of those lv 90 goblins out there or something :twisted:

[Smiling River]

If those NMs /are/ part of the plot though, wouldn't it make sense that we find something out, since we are in essence killing the Goblins that are related to this story, as you said. Although this would be outside of your OOC planning, if we happened to come upon it through IC means with no OOC spoilers/metagaming, IC'ly we'd find w/e it is ahead of your planned event... which can also spin off into interesting RP.

 

Your event will need to be altered, but that's world-RP for you. Otherwise it seems you OOC'ly are keeping the event just for the sake of it, even though IC'ly things would happen differently. Doesn't matter to me, but I was just going by IC, and it would suck if we hit some OOC boundaries in the process just because it was unplanned.

[Kylin]

Due to people quitting/vanishing on me, I've reached a touchy spot in the storyline that needs to undergo some tweaks. This is why it's taking so long to announce schedules for the events. Sorry about that.

 

I have however created a "storyline linkshell" specifically for this plot. Anyone is welcome to join as long as they understand the following:

 

1. It is 100% IC.

2. It will be dissolved immediately after the story concludes.

3. It will be quiet save for before/during/immediately after the events.

4. You must have an IC entry into it (a lot of you will have no problem with this as is).

 

Once I know who's still interested in everything and their general schedules, I can get the events rolling again hopefully as early as next week. Thanks for your patience!

 

On a sidenote, a couple of Avalon profiles have been updated ("Duskwalker" and "Goblins, Ships, and Assassins! Oh My").

[Kylin]

Dear Corvus Cinis,

 

As the head investigation team hired out by House Mavanix, you are hereby summoned to help with the next phase of the investigation. In an attempt to seek out those responsible for the brutal slayings of numerous House Mavanix members, the Mavanix Templars will be forging ahead with a crucial plan that will hopefully reveal our reclusive enemy. Please meet at the Mavanix Mansion ruins in Ul'dah (down the street from the thaumaturge's guild) on the 3rd sun of the upcoming moon at the 20th bell. For security purposes, the gate to the mansion courtyard will be locked. A key is included in this envelope to unlock it. Please keep it safe. We look forward to your cooperation.

 

Kiba Pargux,

Head Templar of House Mavanix

 

 

Dear Sentinel's Ark,

 

Lady Elza informs me of a contract between House Mavanix and your organization. As such, you are hereby summoned to help in the next phase of the investigation into the House Mavanix slayings. The meeting will take part at the Mavanix Mansion ruins down the street from the Thaumaturge's Guild at the 20th bell of the 3rd sun this upcoming moon. We look forward to your attendance.

 

Kiba Pargux,

Head Templar of House Mavanix

 

 

Dear Shimmersong,

 

I have been informed that your group has been quite instrumental in helping House Mavanix a great deal these past several moons as the house grapples with a growing tragedy. As such, you are hereby invited to assist in the investigation being prepared (with compensation of course). If interested, please meet at the Mavanix Mansion ruins in Ul'dah on the 3rd sun of the upcoming moon at the 20th bell. Thank you for your continued support to the house.

 

Kiba Pargux,

Head Templar of House Mavanix

 

 

Dear Everwatch,

 

Though time has passed since your assistance to House Mavanix during the Margarah fashion duel, our debt to you has not been forgotten. Lady Elza has recently been having meetings with a member of Ul'dah's Syndicate of whom the house is close to, Chief Foreman Fyrgeiss of Amajina and Sons Mineral Concern. The Chief Foreman has agreed to apply pressure on Director Eolande of Frondale's Phrontistery to retract its charges against the group brought forth in the Lantern not long ago. While we can not promise the results you may desire, we want it known that we are indeed attempting to keep our end of the bargain.

 

In addition, we feel that further assistance to House Mavanix, should you wish to give it, may also show that Everwatch is not against the interests of Ul'dah's elite and further solidify the case in your favor. House Mavanix is preparing a new and aggressive investigation into the house member slayings as of late, headed by Corvus Cinis. A meeting will be held at the Mavanix Mansion ruins in Ul'dah on the 3rd sun of the upcoming moon at the 20th bell should you wish to assist in the investigation.

 

We thank you for your continued support to our house and look forward to your future expansion into Ul'dah.

 

Kiba Pargux,

Head Templar of House Mavanix

 

((OOC Info:

[spoil]When: Sunday, June 3rd at 8pm EST

Where: Thm guild (to be used as instanced area--Mavanix Mansion ruins)

Details: The dropped gate leading into the mansion courtyard will be /locked./ Please do not progress through it until everyone has gathered. Only a designated member of Corvus Cinis (Alothia if in attendance) will have the key to the gate.

[/spoil]

 

))

[Kylin]

((Those not in any of the 'invited groups' can still attend so long as they contact me. We can come up with IC arrangements for your character's presence ^^))

 

"Dearest Corvus Cinis,

 

My brother has briefed me on the recent dramatic entrance of Vertigo and the tragic death of Kiba Pargux. I am none too pleased with the decision to hand over the house's priceless artifact to GIN, nor am I as trusting of Vertigo's intentions as others appear to be. But what's done is done. I have another mission for you if interested, this one coming directly from me rather than a third party. The risk of danger is likely to be low for this mission and as such, payment will be lower than previous and/or future jobs.

 

I will be waiting outside the Mavanix Mansion ruins 3 suns hence at the 20th bell. The courtyard gate will be locked and each attendee will need someone else in attendance to vouch for them in order to get past the guards. Should you wish to undertake this job, I look forward to your attendance.

 

Sincerely,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

Matriarch"

 

"Dearest Everwatch,

 

My brother has briefed me on the recent dramatic entrance of Vertigo and the tragic death of Kiba Pargux. I am none too pleased with the decision to hand over the house's priceless artifact to GIN, nor am I as trusting of Vertigo's intentions as others appear to be. But what's done is done. I have another mission for you if interested, this one coming directly from me rather than a third party. The risk of danger is likely to be low for this mission and as such, payment will be lower than previous and/or future jobs.

 

I will be waiting outside the Mavanix Mansion ruins 3 suns hence at the 20th bell. The courtyard gate will be locked and each attendee will need someone else in attendance to vouch for them in order to get past the guards. Should you wish to undertake this job, I look forward to your attendance.

 

Sincerely,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

Matriarch"

 

"Dearest Shimmersong,

 

My brother has briefed me on the recent dramatic entrance of Vertigo and the tragic death of Kiba Pargux. I am none too pleased with the decision to hand over the house's priceless artifact to GIN, nor am I as trusting of Vertigo's intentions as others appear to be. But what's done is done. I have another mission for you if interested, this one coming directly from me rather than a third party. The risk of danger is likely to be low for this mission and as such, payment will be lower than previous and/or future jobs.

 

I will be waiting outside the Mavanix Mansion ruins 3 suns hence at the 20th bell. The courtyard gate will be locked and each attendee will need someone else in attendance to vouch for them in order to get past the guards. Should you wish to undertake this job, I look forward to your attendance.

 

Sincerely,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

Matriarch"

 

"Dear Misericorde,

 

News of your group has reached my ears and has peaked my interest. It is to my understanding that your group delves into the "cursed" or even the supernatural. I believe such specialty will be crucial in an upcoming investigation attempt regarding the crisis in House Mavanix. As such, I would like to hire you out to assist in the upcoming investigative efforts. Compensation will of course be given for your time and trouble.

 

I will be waiting outside the Mavanix Mansion ruins 3 suns hence at the 20th bell. The courtyard gate will be locked and each attendee will need someone else in attendance to vouch for them in order to get past the guards. Should you wish to undertake this job, I look forward to your attendance.

 

Sincerely,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

Matriarch"

 

((OOC:

[spoil]When: Saturday, June 9th at 8pm EST.

Where: Thm guild (again, instanced area representing old Mavanix Mansion).

What: Will require minor travel, no /planned/ (planned being key word) combat, and will focus primarily on story elements. Estimated completion time is about 1 hour, 15 minutes.[/spoil]))

[Kylin]

((

 

Please note: This is an OOC ad, not IC. Due to the nature of the event, it cannot be advertised IC. It will be an "emergency" mission that happens spur of the moment. However, I figured I could at least advertise it OOCly so those who are interested can ensure they are free at the designated date/time.

 

Shimmersong and Corvus Cinis can be contacted by Elza easily via the private linkpearls each have given her. Everwatch /may/ be able to be contacted through Crystalline should any dual members be present at the time. Anyone without ties to these groups will need to either contact me in advance to work in your attendance or come up with a clever reason for being at the right place at the right time.

 

When: Sunday, June 17th at 8pm EST

Where: Will be contacted via linkpearls and/or emergency carrier birds. OOCly, the initial meeting place will ultimately be Thal's Respite near Drybone. ICly, it will be used as the Avalon Heritage Museum owned by House Mavanix. The event will then move elsewhere as the action unfolds.

What: Emergency mission by Elza. Danger is abound! The Soulfire Apparatus is stolen!

 

))

[Kylin]

Bump to remind everyone that this is tomorrow.

 

Also, updated some of the story posts (Patriarch of the Damned and Ambitious Beginnings..Duskwalker is also completed for those interested in Vertigo's roots).

 

Also to the also, I'm considering removing Event #2 from the chapter 4 series of events. After careful analysis, I've determined that it's mostly just unnecessary filler. The event consisted of several fun mini-games, but again, it's just filler material. So I'll probably skip over it. Which means after tomorrow, only 3 more events left in the storyline! And for those who choose to be involved, things are gonna get ugly at the finale :twisted:

[Kylin]

With only 3 in game events remaining, I've hammered out the schedule for the final chapter of this story! This is still tentative and subject to change (particularly event #2 if I'm unable to find willing bodies to help with it). Please note that part 1 of "Ignition" has recently gone up. The remaining story posts will begin to tie everything together for the ultimate finale that will hopefully go down in history for the RP community :twisted:

 

The story tag refers to a story post with the "Avalon Profiles" that are largely posted on Archavalon's old forums and Crystalline's forums. Event tag is obviously for the in game events.

 

Schedule of events (tentative):

 

^[[story]]Ignition, part 2: June 24th (Archavalon and Crystalline forum post only)

^[[story]]Long Live House Mavanix, Part 1: June 28th

 

^[[Event]]Event #1 (Long Live House Mavanix): June 30th

 

^[[story]]When Fire Reigns, Part 1: July 2nd (Archavalon and Crystalline forum post only)

^[[story]]When Fire Reigns, Part 2: July 5th (Archavalon and Crystalline forum post only)

^[[story]]Long Live House Mavanix, Part 2: July 6th or 7th (Archavalon, Crystalline, and RPC posts)

 

^[[Event]]Event #2 (Dearly Departed): July 7th

 

^[[story]]Ambitious Beginnings, final post: July 12th or 13th (Archavalon and Crystalline forum post only)

 

^[[Event]]Event #3 (The True Face of Evil): July 14th

 

^[[story]]Long Live House Mavanix, Part 3: July 15th or 16th (Posted on RPC, Archavalon, and Crystalline forums.))

 

 

I'm in need of 3 individuals each with a spare character slot for Event #2. You must be able to attend the event (it could be a bust without you ) and be at least semi-comfortable with RP fighting (without using dice rolls). If interested, please contact me in game, via PM, or via this thread ASAP and I'll divulge further details about said character. This particular event will be a big one, lasting possibly upwards of 3 hours long (with a small break about midway through) and contain more action than all other events combined >.>. Thanks and looking forward to the culmination of everything!

[Kylin]

The following letter arrives at the headquarters of Corvus Cinis, Everwatch, and Shimmersong:

 

Good day to you. As we have discussed in our previous encounter, I have prepared an offensive against the house enemies. My cousin, Ekidnah Mavanix, has agreed to assist in this endeavor by utilizing her knowledge and magic in whatever way deemed fit. She has agreed to meet with you on the 30th sun of this moon outside the Mavanix Mansion ruins at the 20th bell with a plan to finally reveal the Ishgardian cardinal's true identity.

 

I will not be in attendance, as to not draw attention by the enemy who is no doubt watching my every move. In addition, I do not wish to have more than one Mavanix in the same spot to further avoid drawing the attention of the cardinal or Vertigo.

 

Ekidnah looks forward to your attendance, though I ask that you be prepared for anything and to not once let your guard down.

 

Warm wishes,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

 

 

((OOC info:

[spoil]When: Sat, June 30th at 8pm EST

Where: Thm Guild (used as mansion ruins as usual)

What: Meeting with Ekidnah. Primarily story driven content regarding historical information, a terrible glimpse into the near future for all involved parties, and a small tidbit of action at the very end~[/spoil]

))

[Kylin]

Added a brief summary for the latest event. The next (and semi-finale) event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, the 7th around 7pm EST. This may change though depending on numerous factors. I'll keep you posted. I'm still seeking individuals who have spare character slots willing to help with the event. Should I not be able to find abled bodies, I'll just have to play all involved characters somehow .

 

Some things to note about the next event: There will be a lot of RP fighting. The enemies to be battled will be "larger than life" type of foes and thus will be considered quite powerful. We will NOT be using the /random system some may utilize when they do combat. I trust all participants to act rationally and within reasonable boundaries. Should there be any 'disputes' about a battle, I will make the final judgment call. Please note though that I will never inflict traumatizing damage to a character unless the player grants permission beforehand in /tells or whatever. That's simply not my style and that is, in my opinion, god mode. Should you wish for your characters to suffer terrible injuries for whatever reason, lemme know though and I'll be more than happy to accommodate you since this is a perfect opportunity for this kind of thing . I will, however, always allow your character to respond to assaults as you, the player, wish them to.

 

The semi-finale will possibly last as long as 3+ hours. Please be prepared, though I promise it will be non-stop action from the start and will never have a dull moment :twisted: . There will be at least one opportunity to 'rest up' if needed (bathroom break, etc).

 

Another note to keep in mind: The Soulfire Apparatus artifact will be present in this event. For those not familiar with its lore, keep the following in mind: it has a powerful enchantment upon it that prevents any non-Mavanix and/or individual not 'blessed' by a house patriarch/matriarch from touching it. Should someone try to pick it up, it will simply be too heavy to do so (it would be like trying to lift a house).

 

I'll keep you posted about the schedule. Please let me know if you're able/willing to help. Looking forward to this all finally wrapping up! For those who have followed both in game events and posted stories, you may be thinking that everything seems disconnected and confusing. But I promise the finale will tie EVERYTHING together and bring the entire puzzle into perspective.

 

In addition, I have a new "epic" of sorts prepared for the involved parties, though it will be completely different in nature. There will not be "planned events" like this storyline and it will largely be spur of the moment things. It will not focus at all on any of my characters and instead will put the focal point on individual linkshells. Those who saw the future visions at the last event can get a glimpse of what may be happening and you can probably figure out where this is all going at this point . It's primarily meant to be a 7th Umbral related storyline for us all to enjoy leading up to 2.0 and unite different RP groups ICly, though the ball will largely be in everyone else's court in terms of involvement and the choices made. But I've said enough now...let's get through these last two events first!

[Kassandra Dawn]

Sorry to have missed the last one, we had nasty thunder storms two nights in a row and I was anxious about losing power.

 

Might not be able to help out this saturday as well, hubby has some thingy planned with friends so I'll probably be out until late.

[Gerik]

So exciting Kylin!

I think I'll be joining this Saturday

[Kylin]

Details put up on the calendar. Can't reveal too much IC info due to it being an emergency last minute mission. But there will be a posting up at each adventurer's guild about 15 minutes prior to the event start time so freelancers or other shells that haven't been able to sneak in have a shot at getting involved. Lots of action awaits!

 

As a teaser, here's the theme song for the upcoming battle (the lyrics and tone fit perfectly ):

 

[Kylin]

Bump to remind everyone that this is tomorrow. I still haven't seen any of the characters I need created so if anyone is willing to do that, let me know ASAP. I'll be at work all day today and tomorrow so there's not a lot of time left for preparations. Should I be unable to find anyone willing/able to create the characters, I'll simply assign 3 event attendees control of the characters and we'll just have to pretend they're there .

 

Also, the story posts (Avalon Profiles) are mostly done now. The short story with some info about the Soulfire Apparatus is done ("When Fire Reigns"). The "Long Live House Mavanix" story only has one post remaining, which will come after the finale.

 

Hope to see a big turnout tomorrow!

[Kylin]

The following letter arrives at the HQs of Everwatch, Corvus Cinis, and Shimmersong:

 

Friends,

 

An informant of mine who managed to briefly get into Ishgard has discovered that a "Cardinal Felstar" will be going on a short pilgrimage to a temple in Thanalan several suns from now. I will continue to have my associates keep tabs on the situation. His scheduled trip is for the 14th sun at the 20th bell. Please meet me at the Mavanix Mansion ruins for a quick briefing and preparations. This will, hopefully, bring the nightmare to an end once and for all.

 

I hope to see you all soon. Please keep this information confidential. Should the cardinal learn of our planning of an assault, he could cancel his trip and we would possibly lose our one and only chance to end this madness.

 

Warm wishes,

Elza Ashfen Mavanix

 

((OOC--

 

When: Saturday, July 14th at 8pm EST

Where: Starts at mansion ruins (thm guild)

Details: Finale to the House Mavanix story. Will include obligatory and cliche looong monologue by villain to wrap up story elements, an epic battle, and a wrap-up that deals with the fallout that will follow. Will need to form one party at the event start for instanced fight. Should we have more attendees than a full party, a second party will be formed and be given their own separate battle.

 

Misc. Notes: The end of this story will transition involved groups/individuals into a new 'storyline,' though it will differ from the House Mavanix plot in that there won't be many (if any) planned events. It will largely be a spur of the moment, as-you-go type of thing that will constantly be changing depending on individual choices. The new arch will help bring groups together and possibly create enemies amongst some depending on the choices made by individuals and/or linkshells. The story will also be meant to keep RPers together for the 7th Umbral happenings as we all head into 2.0 with a dramatic finish to 1.0 ^^

 

))

[Kylin]

Just a note that I will mention multiple times on the day of the event: DO NOT KILL THE MOBS INSIDE THE RP EVENT LOCATION. They share a placeholder spawn timer with other mobs that aggro. Should the aggro mobs pop, it will greatly disrupt the RP. I will be ensuring that the aggro mobs are replaced with the non-aggro mobs just before the event. So as long as nobody kills the mobs to show off or out of boredom, we should be fine.

 

Also, here's another teaser just because. My selected theme music for the final battle :twisted:

 

[spoil][bBvideo 425,350]

[/bBvideo][/spoil]