Final Fantasy XIV: A Song of Earth and Sky

[Miho Chan]

In a blink, it occurred. For a single moment, all of those who could see the sky saw eternity. Then, little more than a microsecond later, it was gone, replaced with the clear, blue skies of Hydaelyn, though no one knew the name of the Star they resided on quite yet. Except for the Vaasa Viera, who breathe a sigh of relief as they find themselves out of the void, and back home once more.

Most find themselves next to a deep, freshwater lake, ones which would serve the purposes of their drinking supply for the far future. The United Kingdom, The Der Deutsche Volkssowjetrepublik, The Kingdom of Tirisfal, and potentially the Vaasa Viera, all notice that the altimeters are showing them far above sea level, at least seven point five thousand feet into the sky, with some locations being even higher.

Meanwhile, the Denizens of Hallownest find themselves upon a mountain, seeing the clear, blue sky for the first time in living memory, the land around Dirtmouth surrounded by a literal jungle, one that contains unfamiliar sounds and scents abounds.

Finally, those of the Kingdom of Garem, once more, see the blue skies and clear water, and openly weep, for they have been given a second chance, one that they must not squander.

(Free Turn to establish yourselves, with an Event Turn occurring next week. All players will be given four actions this turn, and one action to use exclusively on the event that will occur.)
@Hydrokinesis @Carstein @mcclay @VoidZero @Cyanios @Sinsystems

 

[Carstein]

As days had gone, this was by far the oddest. Most would wager that it beat out the day they first saw one of the stranger fabricated beasts of the Empire, in terms of personal weirdness. Worst of all, it had the indignity to happen early Sunday morning. Meaning not only was the entirety of London suffering from circadian dysrhythmia, but everyone's breakfast was interrupted.

Sir John French was in the middle of eating a full English, the last before he was slated to leave for the Continent, when it happened. He was dragged away to a meeting, unable to finish.

Hugh Trenchard, head of the Royal Air Force, was in much the same position. Dragged away from a meal to where he needed to be.

Billy Bishop was up, doing morning PT. Edward Mannock was flying an aerial patrol. They both noticed the transferral.

As the hours ticked by, telegrams rushed out to see what had been taken along, and rushed back in to confirm or deny their presence. The air fleets were sent to scout things out, and several proactive British soldiers got busy claiming the virgin land they found themselves in.

By the end of the second day, crop reserves had been opened up, and fields seeded. There would be enough food to tide London over until they could match former levels of production, but until then belts would have to be tightened.

On the third day, airships were sent to investigate the surroundings, and discovered a floating continent.

On the fifth day, the King made an address to the nation. What was left of it, that is. It did much to quell the stirring panic of the masses.

And on the seventh day, people started to meet in dusty, forgotten rooms, speaking of revolution and opportunity. London alone had many of their allies, and there were friends in the royal societies.

London's arrival into this new world was not quite peaceful, and not quite tumultuous. It stayed the course, and would not collapse. Yet.

Orders:
Begin to restart food production, using national reserves of fabricated crops. London cannot starve.

Investigate the surroundings. There are other floating islands(and isn't that strange) and presumably there are people on them.

Begin production of another airfleet. This would have happened anyway, but it's doubly necessary now.

Begin preparations to raise another division of troops from the reserves. The 1st is more than competent, but we'll need more. Sadly, the rest of the BEF was on the continent at the time of transfer, but one can't help what's already done.

 

[Cyanios]

Sylvanas woke up feeling like she should be blaming Jaina for something as she got up from her rest, taking a look from her balcony. "Rather warm today... is it not supposed to be winter?" Sylvanas asked herself, as she noted the fact Brill seemed to be missing suggesting something was wrong.

"Why are we on the edge of the world?" Asked Nathanos, displeased as clearly he should have been with the legions in Northrend and not looking over the edge of the world down to what is appearing to be a ocean long below. "Start scouting, I would like something concrete to deliver to the Dark Lady about where we are." The Ranger-Lord fumed, the garrison in Silverspine giving him distance lest they provoke his wrath.

"Jaina! Jaina!" Alina shouted, getting more and more worried as she clutched the Book of Medivh. First she woke teleported to Windrunner Spire, with the priceless book on her lap but no archmage in sight or hearing distance and the settlement on the edge of a floating island.

Grimacing, Alina decided to take the bad news to Sylvanas as Master Apothecary Faranell noted the air pressure was off and corrected the alchemical vats without thinking on it as there was always more work to do for the dark lady.

Orders:
1. Develop airships, as once it becomes apparent from Silverspire and Windrunner Spire that we are on the edge of a floating continent an air based fleet will be needed for war and shipping of goods. Luckily arcane lets us get away with less balloons for lift.

2. Attack-Bomber, design a multipurpose fighter for hunting other planes and close air support using cannon and attached bombs to damage the enemies of the dark lady as with the new conditions forced upon us it is more important than ever.

3. Scouting, there is a need to establish maps and if our settlements are still connected with each other via roads or waterway. Secondly is establishing our new natural borders and if there is any threats around.

4. Heavy Machinery Factory. While there is considerable parts and machinery produced in the capital city, a majority of the heavy industrial equipment was made in Brill and with the settlement not having been brought over efforts are put toward establishing another factory to fill the gap in Windrunner Spire next to the Steel Mill.

5. Greeting the Locals. The dignitaries from Eorzea are welcomed and hosted in the royal quarter of Lordaeron by Queen Sylvanas should they be interested in visiting, the Office of Espionage assisting with making sure all the guests are comfortable, nobody gets any bright ideas to spy on state secrets, and suggestions are planted about trade likely being possible once things settle down properly.

When it comes to the Seventh Dawn, things are far less friendly as the flag of truce was only recognized after it was explained to the border guards and suspicion had already set in. While not against working with the group on principle alone, considering the joint organization set up with the Alliance on such matters, efforts are slow to give both parties time to adjust but a brief overview on their magic is given as a token of good faith and possibly avoid any confusion and requests are made for the same from the Seventh Dawn when it comes to the local magic.

 

[mcclay]

Damokles Abgewendet
​

On the night of April 30th, 1919, the German Soviet People's Republic had gone to bed with a great deal of worry. Despite their capture of the Brandenburg area and recent linking up with their Bavarian comrades, the Revolution was still hard pressed. White forces had reformed in old Swabia under military leadership leadership and were pressing north hard. French soldiers, by invitation of the traitorous SPD government in Frankfurt, had occupied the Rhineland. Reactionary 'Freikorps' backed by the Junkers and Italian inspired fascists had risen up in Ost Prussia and Hamburg was a battleground between Fascist, Social Democrat and Communist fighters. To the average Spartacist it felt as though from all sides the forces of reaction marched, a grand sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of the proletariat.

It is for that reason that, on May 1st, even the most anti-clerical Communist may have felt not only was God real but he was also a Communist. Instead of facing down the combined might of every counter-revolutionary in Germany, the Spartacists instead found themselves in a strange new land. It was an unexpected, but not unappreciated May Day gift. One that came with its own complications, but they seemed far more surmountable than fighting off a swarm of Fascist Tod-Soldat, or dealing with the fury of a Incarnate Saint form the French.

Whoever had brought the Republik to this new world had rather rudely forgotten to bring along its telegraph lines, leading to the couriers being sent out by foot and boat to establish communication with the outlying suburbs, towns and rural country side. Despite some rather high nerves in the more isolated rural communities the mood was high as the Worker's Councils met in Berlin to discuss what was the Republik's next move.

 

[VoidZero]

---
The art that is commonly know as alchemy is both simple and complex. General understanding and research around the subject circles around what can be achieved through the art, or how things can be changed with the art. Few, however, understands danger such art brings, be it intentional or unintentional.
---
Date – Lunar Calendar Year Four Hundred Eighty-Seven– Harvest Season
Time – Five Minutes before Noon
Condition – Clear Sky, Solar Solstice, Raging Earth Fire

We are near the end of our project. The hottest strand of solar flame will impact our world in a few moments. Years of work, labor, and war brought us here. Seventeen flame towers circle the peak, they will entrap the solar flame when it arrives. Then we will force it into the slumbering river below. Soon we will conduct grave crime to our kingdom. Through the flaming sword our natural shell will merge with our immortal soul. Through grand murdering we will save the people who survived. Gods, we have no more tears, no more pleas, no more wants. Gods, we will take care of ourselves. Gods, look over the ones we destroyed.

Journal of an unnamed alchemist
---
Within the tallest tower of the Earthen Peak, Oro opened his eyes. He found himself on the floor, alive, and naked. 'Unaccountable anomaly' he thought, then with a gesture his soft youthful body reformed. Flesh turned into molten metal and cool into a towering shape as if pour into a cast. 'This a lot easier, is the land so filled with energy that it loosened energy requirements? The project!' Or throws open the balcony doors and finds himself in a brand-new world.
---
Felix Garem sat and watched. Watching the surviving members of his council stirring awake and silently screaming in their new forms. He once finds the ability to read other's body language useful, but the quiet suffering his subject is experiencing pains him. Felix half wished he had died, but that would be selfish. He'd hope his council will get a hold of themselves; they are not in any real pain. Perhaps he should not have acted to preserve the links between their memory and soul. The process is much less traumatic if he didn't act. Yet can he really say they are the same persons if memory is disassociated? Did he really have the right to any of this?
---
The experience of new existence in a strange new world is blurry yet not unproductive. The Garem-Kin, as they now call themselves, were always steadfast and practically minded. If you are hungry and tired then you eat and sleep, that's their general outlook in life. Whatever isn't bothering you isn't worth worrying about. The acid rain, fire pillars, and moving sludges are for alchemists to think about. The crafter crafts, the barkeep pours, the king rules; everyone have their job to do and not doing your job is more troubling than a thieving thief.

This is not to say the blue sky, the green earth, and clear water didn't have an impact. It did, nothing was done for the first week. Garem-Kin large and small all went out the city to see and memorize everything. So, when of it is gone, they still have something to remember. Some picked up the flowers and the leaves, but it soon charred and crumbled. Then they remembered the forges and foundries, flowers and leaves are fleeting but metal and clay and stone endures.

Once again, the Garem foundries hums. Only time will tell if they are treading their old paths.
---
Orders:

Research Project – Of Energy, Of Mana, Of Aether
Begin researching this new and unfamiliar energy that seemingly exists everywhere. Such unpreceded source of energy will surely change Garem's understanding of alchemy.
'A world so filled with energy and life and wind, oh how blessed we are. This gift will not be squandered and wasted by lesser. Our task has just begun.' -Grand Alchemists Oro

Research Project – Shell to protect, but whom?
Begin developing a method to surround settlements of Garem-Kin in magical bubble. The mistakes of earth fire poison can not be repeated in this new world. Thankfully Garem-Kin is freed from limitation and needs of flesh.
'Ancestors, I will make you proud. Spirit of our kingdom will flourish.' -King Felix Garem

Research Project – Burden of Many, Carried Not on Backs
Begin development of the steel rail project. Mining cart and mining rails are old tools, now we just need to figure out how to efficiently connect our settlements using it.
'We used to have animals and river boats right? Where did they go? Roads doesn't grow legs, do they?' Alchemist Lisa Smith

Governance Order – To Fade Away the Horrors, To Bring Forth Happiness
'We have earned a second chance at life. It is our will that moved heaven and earth and freed us from shackles of the past. Rejoice fellow Garem! Celebrate this new existence! Share with your neighbors and friends your joys! Sing! Dance! Create!'

Spoiler: Shelved for now

[Not Active] Shelved Research Project – Our new existences quite literally changed warfare. We need not worry about things like wound, bleeding, sickness, or eating. This simplifies nearly every aspect of logistics including equipment of soldiers. Coppershells in standard steel armor can only be threatened by siege grade or magical attacks. As such we should instead figure out means to avoid being struck by such attacks. Like building up heated air in our shells then releasing in a burst. Sounds crazy but what if it works?

 

[Sinsystems]

Hallownest Turn 1
​

Hornet glared at the expanse of green below, where once there had been the endless sands of the wasteland that surrounded her home there was now an expanse of green that eclipsed even Greenpath in it's verdant growth. She had yet to see it for herself but a similar story existed on the other side of the mountain, reports of a line of similar vegetation ending in a cliff that plunged to depths unknown.

Her Kingdom....a term she would never get used to...was in chaos that would take time to quell. It was impossible to hide what happened from her people and already they had confirmed that whatever brought them to this place did not take the entirety of Hallownest. The tunnel to Greenpath confirmed as much, with it now just leading to the floor of the green expanse that had replaced the wasteland. It would take time to calm their hearts and reestablish order, already she had dispatched envoys to the other tribes in her domain so as to assess how they faired.

The sound of feet upon the stony ground and the wet squelch of a dragging body. In moments the source of the sound made itself known as Ghost pulled the corpse of some strange shell-less beast up the cliff path, it leaving a red trail behind it rather than the white expected of bugs. Noticing her watching the Vessel waved at it's sibling, warranting a chuckle from Hornet.

Perhaps she was worry too much, Hallownest had weathered the Infection and she had her sibling by her side. They'd overcome this as well.

Orders:

1. Ghost Mapping: The transition has caused much confusion, not to least of which in terms to the lay of the land and tunnels of Hallownest. The obvious examples being the new entrances caused by the Fog Canyon now breaching the surface or the new surface entrance into Deepnest, but there are no doubt other smaller entrances that need to be found. Additionally there is the surface jungle to scout and the new openings to below beneath the Distant Village and the City of Tears.
   
   As such a large scale scouting effort will be launched, organized as followed:
   • Surface Team: Composed primarily of Beetles and Mantis, they will scout out the surface jungle around the primary entrances into Hallownest (Dirtmouth, Fog Canyon and Deepnest Surface Hole) with a focus starting from the Northern section near Hallownest's mountain. Their job will be to get a rough map of the surface, gather up samples of the fauna and flora and generally report back the state of things. Ghost will technically be part of this group but will likely wander off on it's own at some point and come back with it's own maps having slaughtered anything that tries to attack it.
   • Tunnel Team: Composed primarily of Beetles, this team will utilize existing maps of Hallownest's tunnels to check which regions were left behind during the transition and discover any smaller openings to the surface.
   • Bottom Team: Technically two teams, one composed of spiders that will begin from the Distant Village hole and the other composed of Sentries skilled at flight. They will go down through the holes to the underside of the island (not that we know that IC yet) and explore as best they can to understand the layout and conditions of the area down there.
     
2. Hungry Bugs: It's a sad reality that with the loss of Greenpath the food situation within the Kingdom just became a lot more precarious, as while the population was still much smaller than during the Pale King's reign there is no escaping the fact that the infection had ruined much of our food producing infrastructure. Until now we've mostly made do with harvesting some of the vegetation from Greenpath and general hunting of some of the smaller beasts in the tunnel. Now the easy source of green food is lost.
   
   As such to make up difference gathering and hunting teams will descend upon the surface jungle, keeping to areas scouting by the Surface Team they will gather what edible plants they can find and hunt some of the strange shell-less beasts that dwell within to be turned into food supplies for our population.
   
   
3. Unrest within the Dark: It would be impossible to hide the transition from the people, already there were those speaking about the new openings and strange creatures that reside on the surface. As such efforts must me made to calm the people, for those who reside in Dirtmouth and the City of Tears the act is simple as a speech to reassure them that the matter was being handled and that their Queen won't fail them. For the Mantis tribe it is even simpler as it merely would require a reminder of Hornet's strength by engaging the Mantis Lords in a duel before the tribe.
   
   As for Deepnest.....Hornet expects that there would be many upstarts who believe to exploit the situation, as such she'll have to gather up some of the Stalking Devouts to remind the spiders just who was in charge and eliminate any who thinks to rebel against her authority, as is the way of that place.
   
   
4. Honeyed Words: Thankfully the Hive was brought along in the transition, which pleased Hornet as despite being isolated for a long time they would be quite the asset to her Kingdom. It was fortunate that Ghost knew of a route into their territory and that it was still open, so an Envoy of Hallownest would be sent to the Bees with Ogrim acting as bodyguard and secondary point of interaction as he demeanor has always put others at ease.
   
   Hopefully the envoy will be able to learn what troubles the Hive and lay the groundwork on convincing them to rejoin Hallownest proper.

 

[Hydrokinesis]

Vaasa City State
Turn One​

When the familiar skies of Hydaelyn came back into view, the haze and aimless void passing into history, it was a cause for celebration. But, at the same time, it was a cause for concern. What had changed when they were abruptly removed from the world over fifty years ago? The Matriarchs were uncertain and while many rejoiced in the streets of Vaasa and the surrounding towns many were readying themselves for the unexpected.

The world would need to see that they weren't gone, that Garlemald hadn't completely wiped them out. But there was more to consider, like the newfound altitude the city state found itself at and the other islands surrounding the Vaasa city state. Younger Viera eager to start their pilgrimages also made themselves known rather quickly, petitioning the Matriarchs to allow them to go below to Hydaelyn as well to continue their learning among the various peoples. So plans were drafted and the Matriarchs and heroes quickly put them into action.

The first thing to happen was telling the world that the Vaasa Viera weren't gone, something best done with their flagship airship, the Sibylla. From it's place tied off against Vaasa's massive Community Hall the largest of the Vaasa Viera's airships began to rumble to life. Along the interior spirits, were coaxed into place and pressure was raised slowly in steam boilers. Swarms of Viera also saw to checking the internal ceruleum gas cells for leaks and filling the water stores. And lastly, cargo and passengers were loaded.

With everything set, Klang Huang Vaasa guided the behemoth of a zeppelin away from Vaasa city and towards the lands beneath. Klang's goal was simple enough, visit the various friendly city states and nations and hopefully restart diplomacy. The choice of airship also had the added benefit of hopefully being such an iconic vessel that the Vaasa Viera still on the ground, and those who were previously friendly with Vaasa itself, would see it and recognize the return of the city state.

In another part of Vaasa city the more normal airships were also prepared and launched with Wardens of the Forest's Edge upon them for scouting missions. Preliminary looks had revealed many islands around the one housing Vaasa City State and it wouldn't do to avoid them in favor of the Vaasa Viera burying their heads into the proverbial sand. Plus, there were some Viera that made their interest in exploring the new foreign lands known; what secrets did these new countries hold and what could be learned from them? But the Matriarchs urged for caution to be taken, because who knew what dangers might lie with foreign people. Those seeking pilgrimages to these new lands would have to wait until how they reacted to foreigners was figured out.

The last thing the Matriarchs, and the hero Kailani Hazan Vaasa, pushed for was the start of Aetheryte development. The University had, at one point, attempted to figure out a method to create Aetheryte but with the acquisition of enough natural Aetheryte to suit the Vaasa Viera's needs that plan was put on hold. Now, however, with the city state being so high up in the sky the need for it had returned. What better way to get between the ground and the skies than teleportation? An Aetheryte network that linked the existing way stations and the city of Vaasa would be perfect, an easy way to get from place to place without relying upon an airship. The hardest part was just figuring out how to create the Aetheryte itself but the scholars weren't going to give up easily.

And so, as the scholars studied and airships flew, the citizens of the Vaasa City State, rejoiced. They were home and this was a cause for celebration and maybe a good enough cause for a national holiday. Throughout the streets of the city and towns people started up festivities; these ranged from singing and dancing to baking sweet treats and sharing them to mock fights and displays of magic. Today was a happy day and the fight against Garlemald could wait until later, there was time before the Garlean Empire would turn their sights back upon the Vaasa Viera and those Viera were delighted to make the most of it.

Actions:

Spoiler

1. Diplomacy, sort of:
   

   1. Deploy the massive zeppelin Sibylla to visit the Eorzean city states and conduct diplomacy and show that the Vaasa Viera are still around.​
2. Scouting:
   

   1. Deploy regular airships to the other floating islands to scout them out and see what is upon them now.
      1. Diplomacy with them may be attempted in time.​
3. Research Action:
   1. Figuring out how to construct new Aetheryte that functions no differently from normal Aetheryte.
4. Creation of a New Holiday
   1. The Vaasa Viera not engaged in something else are going to spend a day, most likely two, celebrating the fact that they're back home.

 

[Miho Chan]

Alexandra sighed as she finished her kata, heading to the door of her private room within the Rising Stones and unlocking it, immediately causing the frantic knocking upon the door to cease, the door being thrown open with great vigor as a young messenger boy burst into the room, his face flushed from exertion.

"Miss Lee! We have a problem!" The boy all but yelled, the young miqo'te giving the messenger a flat look as she winced, the sound of his voice grating against her sensitive ears.

"What is it, lad," She replied curtly, "Out with it."

"There's a floating continent that just emerged from the west!"

Alexandra's eyes widened, before she internally groaned, "Let me guess, Alphinaud sent you?"

The boy nodded, handing the miqo'te a sealed letter before rushing out of the room, likely to deliver the same message to the rest of the scions. With a world-weary sigh, Alexandra took a seat, read the letter, stiffened, and teleported to the Limsa Lominsa's Aetheryte with a groan.

---

The gleaming airship floating over Limsa Lominsa was, all in all, a rather impressive construct, especially one that wasn't made by the Garleans, or, as far Alexandra was aware, one that wasn't made with Cid's expert guidance. Regardless, the Viera aboard had claimed to be from a City State that had quite literally disappeared over fifty years ago, at the height of Garlemond's conquest of Illsberad. As far as the good Admiral of Limsa could verify, it was true, and thus, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn had been summoned, both to serve as diplomats, but to ensure that they had the opportunity to say their piece.

"Lost in thoughts, Alexandra?"

The voice of one of her dearest friends broke her out of her musings, and the young miqo'te turned to face her friend.

"No, just wondering exactly what new adventures await. Lest you forget, the Empire will soon be at our doorsteps, unless we take the fight to them, as planned by the alliance at the moment." The Warrior of Light replied, smiling at Alisaie. "Your brother has been busy, as always I see."

The younger girl nodded, "He has. Him, Y'shtola, Uriange, and Thancred are already aboard the airship. I believe we were the last to arrive."

"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting." Alexandra replied, "Come Alisaie, let us make haste for the docks.

---

Summary of Event:

There are currently dignitaries from Eorzea visiting the Floating Continent, Centered in the Vaasa Viera's City State. For those that have eyes, they could see the contingent of Airships arrive, Most notable being the huge zeppelin that was followed by three other smaller airships, all bearing the crest of the Garlond Ironworks (though none of you would recognize it as anything but a sigil)

Additionally, the Warrior of Light and her Companions, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, are making their way around the floating continent, establishing contact with all the cities they can find. Starting with the Vaasa, they will move on to the UK, then Tirsfall, then Garem, then Germany, then Hallownest. They will come each time bearing the flag of truce, and only truly enter if welcomed.

Additionally, the Scions are more than willing to share their knowledge on the state of the world, and, of course, share their magical expertise if needed. Uriange, Y'shtola, and Alexandra are all expert mages, after all.

 

[mcclay]

Zentrale of the DVSR - Samstag, 8. Mai 1919 Meeting Notes
​

Present: C. Luxemburg, C. Liebknecht, C. Brandler, C. Zetkin, C. Meyer, C. H Duckner, C. Thalheimer, C. Stein
Absent: C. Jeogiches, C. K Duckner, C. Spartacus


C. Liebknecht: I believe that is everyone except for Jeogiches, Kate and the ever absent Spartacus?

C. Luxemburg: It looks so, yes.

C. Zetkin: I still thinking holding out a seat for this....mass creation is quite silly. It helped us during Berlin, but it has not shown itself willing to speak the Zentrale since the darkest days of the siege. I welcome its...his council, but I would rather we at least not count its absence for the purposes of quorum.

C. Stein: We keep the idea-man's seat because the idea-man is with all communist-proletariat. Even kobold keep extra space in mine for Christ-Savior, just in case. Jew-men of the topsiders keep empty seat for dead-ones, yes?

C. Luxemburg: That is so, yes. And furthermore, as Comrade Marby has stressed to all of us several times Spartacus is sustained off of our belief in him and the Revolution. The more we let it enter into the workings of our Republik, the more benefits it will have over time.

C. H Duckner: I still do not like that we let Marby rise so high.

C. Luxemburg: I am not...ecstatic about it either but from all accounts he seems to be truly repentant. The GKM seems happy with the man and he did more than was expected during the Freikorp attacks, so until he gives us a reason to distrust us we should let the situation continue on as it is."

C. H Duckner: Still, I wonder if we should at least prevent him from accessing the Tanz archives-

C. Liebknecht: Comrades, please. We can discuss the matter of Tanz and Comrade Marby after the meeting is over. I would like to get the main orders of the day finished.

C. H Duckner: Of course.

C. Liebknecht: Onto our missing comrades. Spartacus is as unaccounted for as always, so I believe that Comrade Thalheimer had Jeogiche's report and Hermann had Kate's?

C. Thalheimer: Yes, Comrade Jeogiche reports that the steel workers unions have quickly restarted production with relatively few hiccups. The work is not as efficient as it would be if done by professinal shipyard workers, but it is going smoothly. He also requested to, and I quote, be "moved somewhere less fucking boring."

C. Liebknecht: I'm sure he did. I'll ask him to go with the boats hes overseeing up the river. That should slake his thirst for action.

C. Meyer: God help us if Leo is the first one some new and unknown nation meets of us.

C. Luxemburg: He'll hold his tongue unless they're outright monsters, and if so I'll support every angry word he'll say.

C. Liebknecht: Right, we can trust his judgment. Hermann?

C. H Duckner: Yes, Kate has reported that the telegraph lines are going up smoothly and we should be able to speak to Frankfurt soon. She, myself, Meyer and Clara also had a proposal for the Zentrale, if there is time to speak it.

C. Liebknecht: There is, yes.

C. Zetkin: Thank you. Yes, the four of us were hoping that we could start on the proposed education reforms soon. The printing presses in Berlin are going unused and every day we wait a child goes without proper learning. I especially worry for the girls. Out in the rural villages little has changed to give them a better future, even since we won.

C. Libknecht: Right, let us start the vote.

The voting starts. It is 8-0 in favor

C. Liebknecht: Excellent. I'll bring it before the Congress of Councils, though I expect it to face as much opposition there as it did here. Now, onto the main meat of today. Rosa?

C. Luxemburg: Yes. Around three days ago a large zeppelin was spotted rising up before dipping below the clouds, far to the south. Besides moving the Red Army to an alert nothing much happened until this morning when three more zeppelins, one giant and two smaller ones, who came to that selfsame place in the far south. At noon one of the small zeppelins was seen departing and heading east before setting down. It then went back north, to the large land mass we seem to be on. Judging by its pattern of movement I believe that it is an expeditionary force of some kind from the world below.

C. Stein: Just happy to know that world is below. Sky-land deep, but not as deep as Erde-Mutter. Maybe one day kobolds return to ground, seek Mutter-Bosom.

C. Liebknecht: I believe the rest of us can share your feelings, if not the specifics. The question proposed before the Zentrale is this: What is to be done about these visitors?

C. Zetkin: I am surprised you even have to ask. We should welcome this group with open arms. We are in a strange world and know nothing of its peoples and ways. In the name of common sense we should treat with them, to say nothing of internationalist unity and universal brotherhood!

C. Luxemburg: I agree completely. We could hardly call ourselves Internationalists if we turned away what seems to be an open hand.

C. Meyer: I would like to at least suggest caution. We do not know how diplomatic this expedition is, or who is it made up of. I say we speak with them, but keep them away from at least Berlin until we know their demeanor. For all we know they could be the Freikorps or the arch-reactionaries, taken to this world as we were.

C. H Duckner: I also think that we should at least keep them away from the Volkstag. Inviting this unknown group into the heart of the Revolution is not something we would have even dreamed about during the Revolution. I fear we our losing our caution too quickly. This new world may prove to be just as full of the forces of reaction as the old one.

C. Thalheimer: We will not know what this world is full of until we meet with its people, and we'll do a damn poor job of meeting with them if we make them loiter on our front stoop. Bring in the Rote Leichen as bodyguards if we must, but we should meet with this delegation in good faith.

C. Stein: I am not so sure it is peace delegation. Prussian-men sent small group of flame-spewers into mines when treating with kobolds. Killed many kobolds and slave-took the rest. Republik should be wary-careful, lest we all end up dead or slave-took.

C. Liebknecht: I for one think that we should invite this delegation in, but keep it under watchful eye. Have the Rot Leichen and even Marby, he is a powerful mage, watch over us as we meet with them if we must. If we are to form a brotherhood of all nations in this new world, we cannot have our first action be one of paranoia and suspicion. Now, before I call the vote, are there any other points of discussion.

Head-shaking all around

C. Liebknecht: Good. First we shall vote on if we should meet this delegation with open arms in the Volkstag. If that fails we shall vote on if we should meet them in a more limited function somewhere on our borders. If that fails we shall vote if we should meet with them at all. Now, let us begin the vote.

The voting happens again, 5-3 in favor of meeting the delegation in Berlin

C. Liebknecht: Excellent, I'll begin drawing up proposals for the meeting to give to Congress. I believe that is all the main points of action we have to day. If there are no other comments, this meeting of the Zentrale is adjourned.

 

[VoidZero]

----
"Five million four hundred twenty-one thousand two hundred forty-one."

"Five million?"

"Yes."

"It is wrong, it must be wrong." King Felix's face twisted. "No, even the at the height of Kingdom—"

"Only two and a half at most, yes. I am not unaware of the achievement of our distant forefathers." Alchemist Oro said calmly. "However the soul engine tells no lie. These are all the people we have, and at the moment will ever have."

"We do not have 'LIVES' ORO!" Felix shouted, angry at his friend and at himself. "WE DID NOT KILL THEM TO HAVE THEM."

Oro averted Felix's gaze. "Setting it aside, it is clear that our action had some unintended effects. Judging by the number of souls slumbering, I can conclude that we have no reason seek return to our world. As such I suggest we temporarily decrease the rate we revive our kind."

"Very well. But know this, they too, are deserving of this new world."

"Deserving or not is not the question, Felix. Neither of us can predict what the outside world thinks when we literally quintupled our population." Oro meet his friend's eyes. "We would look like monsters."

'and who's to say they are wrong?'

----
Event Order

By the order of King Felix, the eternal, all foreigners be they goblin, orc, centaur, merman, human, beast-kin, demon-tribe, or other, shall be intercepted peacefully and given adequate quarter, to be met by the Wondering Alchemist. You may use large Garem silver pieces or such to achieve this task.

If they are travelling through the method of flight, then you are permitted generate a smoke signal though any means, provided the source is extinguished after.

In the event the foreign speech proves difficult to understand, you shall use adequate means to foster a trade language. You may use small Garem gold pieces or such to achieve this task.

Regardless, the foreigners are to be treated as guests. You are permitted to defend yourselves.

 

[Sinsystems]

Hallownest Event: Visitors from a Foreign Land
​

Life in the surface Jungle had changed much since the arrival of Hallownest, as without the sheer barren nothingness of the wasteland that once surrounded the Kingdom there was little stopping the wildlife of the tunnels from spreading to the surface. In most places this was limited, as despite access to the new environment much of the creatures of Hallownest preferred the tunnels they had been spawned in, but around the largest of surface entrances the line between the jungle and Hallownest was rapidly becoming blurred.

No truer was this than in the southern jungle where Deepnest opened to the surface, within days the beasts began making forays to the surface seeking fresh meat and easier prey. Many of the jungle animals died within those first few days, unused to to savagery of the Deep Beasts that were only driven back to their subterranean homes by the blinding light of the sun.

It was a warzone on an ecological scale, the two ecosystems struggling against each other until either side won or a stalemate was reached and a new symbiosis came into being. But until then it was survival of the fittest at it's finest, from the smallest of spider colonies spinning great webs in the treetops to catch unsuspecting birds to the battles between Dirtcarver's and the larger predators of the jungle.

For many it would be a green hell that held death around every corner or within ever bush, especially at night when the creatures of Deepnest were the most active. But to the members of the Spider Tribe it was like home and few knew how better to navigate such a hostile environment like Tara and Tula, the Devout twin who were Queen Hornet's defacto representatives among the tribe.

'Do you see them sister?' Tara signaled to her sibling in their personal hunting signs, 'Strange creatures.'

Tula agreed with her sister, the creatures they were observing were truly strange. Lacking shells they reminded her of Flukes, they were fleshy things that at first glance seemed weak as they huddled around their fire as if it would protect them from the darkness...yet her instincts were telling her that something about them was dangerous, that one in particular amongst their number was a warrior equal to that of the Ghost.

'We must tell the Queen at once' Tula signaled her sister, 'You observe until I returned.'

Tara nodded as her sister disappeared into the shadows, her massive frame moving without a sounds leaving her sister to continue her observations in silence. For the rest of the night and every night since the strange group could feel the eyes on them, the sense of a predator stalking the shadows just out of sight.

It was their welcome to what would become known as the Deep Jungle.
-------------------------------------------
Orders:

Upon being informed of these strange creatures Queen Hornet dispatched orders as to how to deal with them, knowing that she needed information she deigned to speak with these creatures but only on her terms. As such her orders are this:

1. The newcomers will be observed from the shadows and as much information is to be gained from observation as possible before initial contact is made.
2. Once we are ready lure the creatures to a predesignated location using various methods like intentionally leaving a trail and other such methods.
3. The chosen location is one which will allow Queen Hornet to have an advantageous position should hostilities break out. She along with Ghost an escort (both hidden and not) will meet the group and initiate first contact. Primary goal will be to discover who and what they are, for they resemble no bug that Hornet has ever seen and if they are involved in Hallownest's arrival in these strange lands.

 

[Carstein]

Orders:
The foreigners are to be received with all respect due to their position as dignitaries and diplomats. Meetings with the prime minister are to be fast-tracked.
The UK is to present itself as strong. Make a full show of our air fleets, our fabrications, and have our best soldiers on display. The Empire is not to let a scrap of dignity fall away, regardless of our unsteady position.

The visitors are to be squeezed for every piece of information they can be, politely of course. Feelers should also be put out regarding trade deals, so our companies can re-establish themselves and bring wealth to the Isle.

 

[Hydrokinesis]

Alexandra sighed as she finished her kata, heading to the door of her private room within the Rising Stones and unlocking it, immediately causing the frantic knocking upon the door to cease, the door being thrown open with great vigor as a young messenger boy burst into the room, his face flushed from exertion.

"Miss Lee! We have a problem!" The boy all but yelled, the young miqo'te giving the messenger a flat look as she winced, the sound of his voice grating against her sensitive ears.

"What is it, lad," She replied curtly, "Out with it."

"There's a floating continent that just emerged from the west!"

Alexandra's eyes widened, before she internally groaned, "Let me guess, Alphinaud sent you?"

The boy nodded, handing the miqo'te a sealed letter before rushing out of the room, likely to deliver the same message to the rest of the scions. With a world-weary sigh, Alexandra took a seat, read the letter, stiffened, and teleported to the Limsa Lominsa's Aetheryte with a groan.

---

The gleaming airship floating over Limsa Lominsa was, all in all, a rather impressive construct, especially one that wasn't made by the Garleans, or, as far Alexandra was aware, one that wasn't made with Cid's expert guidance. Regardless, the Viera aboard had claimed to be from a City State that had quite literally disappeared over fifty years ago, at the height of Garlemond's conquest of Illsberad. As far as the good Admiral of Limsa could verify, it was true, and thus, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn had been summoned, both to serve as diplomats, but to ensure that they had the opportunity to say their piece.

"Lost in thoughts, Alexandra?"

The voice of one of her dearest friends broke her out of her musings, and the young miqo'te turned to face her friend.

"No, just wondering exactly what new adventures await. Lest you forget, the Empire will soon be at our doorsteps, unless we take the fight to them, as planned by the alliance at the moment." The Warrior of Light replied, smiling at Alisaie. "Your brother has been busy, as always I see."

The younger girl nodded, "He has. Him, Y'shtola, Uriange, and Thancred are already aboard the airship. I believe we were the last to arrive."

"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting." Alexandra replied, "Come Alisaie, let us make haste for the docks.

---

Summary of Event:

There are currently dignitaries from Eorzea visiting the Floating Continent, Centered in the Vaasa Viera's City State. For those that have eyes, they could see the contingent of Airships arrive, Most notable being the huge zeppelin that was followed by three other smaller airships, all bearing the crest of the Garlond Ironworks (though none of you would recognize it as anything but a sigil)

Additionally, the Warrior of Light and her Companions, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, are making their way around the floating continent, establishing contact with all the cities they can find. Starting with the Vaasa, they will move on to the UK, then Tirsfall, then Garem, then Germany, then Hallownest. They will come each time bearing the flag of truce, and only truly enter if welcomed.

Additionally, the Scions are more than willing to share their knowledge on the state of the world, and, of course, share their magical expertise if needed. Uriange, Y'shtola, and Alexandra are all expert mages, after all.

Click to shrink...

Vaasa City State
Event One​

With the festivities over and the daily life in the city state finally returning to some state of normalcy the Vaasa Viera. There was still a quiet hum of excitement that never left as the possibility to learn more and explore had once more presented to the younger Viera, while scholars were eager to discover what those who'd been away might now know. Reconnecting with the Viera communes spread throughout the city states other than Limsa Lominsa would have to wait but at least some of the Vaasa Viera were able to be brought back when the Sibylla returned with the Limsa Lominsa and Scions of the Seventh Dawn envoys. Those envoys led to the the Vaasa Matriachs calling upon their own hero for a discussion to plan out just how to handle what was about to happen.

Callwen Elizabeth Vaasa, the current Head Matriarch, eyed the Sibylla from where she sat on a balcony atop Vaasa City's Community Hall. "I foresee no problems providing an area for the Scions to operate from, but I can't help but be wary about the other countries near ours." The older Viera woman leaned back on her chair, legs crossed beneath the steel and glass table a few Matriarchs and Vaasa's Defender were seated around. "We know nothing about their goals or their ideals, we can only hope that they're amicable to some form of cooperation." Her ruby eyes eventually turned away from the Viera zeppelin and looked around at those seated with her and there was no missing the conflict present there.

Vaasa's Defender, Kailani Huang Vaasa, chuckled with a shrug. "Perhaps, but if Garlemald attacks sooner rather than later, I don't think it'll be too big of a concern." She paused to take a sip of a dark orange tea. "It's likely to be a repeat of what happened before we vanished, we'll have unlikely allies and friends put there by adversity. This time, though, the Scions seem to be spearheading such a thing. I can't find a fault in their logic either, nor can the other sages."

A more muscular Viera than the first two leaned over the table and idly stirred a spoon around within her cup of tea. "I'd like to not have a repeat of what happened more than fifty years ago, personally. We lost too many, but I understand the concern, Callwen. The initial scouting reports... A few of the new countries look similar to Garlemald and that's got some of the Warder commanders concerned. But they haven't been hostile, yet." Yaotl Osyth Lyss dropped her spoon and started to spin her teacup. "And, Kailani's already volunteered to be our envoy with the Scions, which removes some of my concern." With a soft sigh the Military Matriarch eyed the blonde Defender.

"Mhmm! I'm curious about them and their cultures, and it's not like I don't know how to protect myself." Kailani spoke up with a smile to try and reassure the Military Matriarch. "Although... I get the concern. There's been times when we were unwelcome in countries before, and that never ended well." Yaotl let out a grunt in agreement and Kailani smiled a little wider. "I'm just hopeful that the Scions handle this with tact, but we won't exactly know for sure until we see them in action."

After a short pause when neither Kailani or Yaotl continued, Callwen turned her attention over to one of the Viera that hadn't spoken yet. "Mehrnaz, everything is set for the Scions with regards to their living arrangements and supply needs?" The conflict in the Matriarch's ruby eyes was gone and in its place was just determination. Regardless of whatever was going to happen to her country, Callwen would do her best to ensure it survived.

Mehrnaz seemed a bit startled at being addressed, her fluffy black ears perking up. "Uh, yes, Callwen? It wasn't a problem to get them a place to operate out of, nor is there an issue with food or tradesmen for their equipment." With the moment of surprise passed her ears settled and she crossed her arms beneath her bust. "They're going to be situated close to Vaasa's Aetheryte so they shouldn't be hard to find. There was some discussion on their part between being near the University or the Aetheryte, and some interest from someone named Cid about our airships."

Before Callwen to speak up another Viera seated at the table wearing attire that wouldn't be out of place on an industrial worker spoke up. "Let 'em be curious! It's not like we're hiding what we've done. If they approach you again about it, direct them to me and I'll give 'em a rundown on the airships. Well, either I'll do it or Veda will." Ida nodded her head towards the Scholar Matriarch with the mention of her name. Veda, for her part, seemed more engrossed with the pad of paper she was scribbling on than the actual goings on of the meeting, but when Callwen glanced towards her the scholar gave the Head Matriarch a thumbs up before returning to the work she didn't want to stop.

"I guess that concludes the serious part of the meeting. Unless anyone has any other points they'd like to bring up?" Callwen said with a final look around the table. When no one made a move the older Viera continued, "Then on to lighter topics, Kailani you may also go, I'm sure you're eager to work with the Scions." With leave granted the Defender rose from her seat, bowed slightly towards Callwen, and departed. "Can I get an update on the various sectors now that we're back in real space? Is the altitude affecting anything?"

With Kailani's departure the conversation over tea settled into the more normal day to day operation of Vaasa City State. Drinks were had and pastries were eaten as the various Matriarchs conversed about each of their responsibilities. Meanwhile, Vaasa's Defender hurried on her way to join the Scions before they could vanish on the Sibylla towards one of the rather varied countries nearby the floating continent that now housed her homeland. For the scholarly hero there was just so much to do it seemed and there was oh so little time for the Scions and herself to finish everything. At least, if her hunch about Garlemald's unending aggression held true.

Event Action:

• A Welcome Reception​
  • The Scions of the Seventh Dawn are welcomed as honored guests and are given whatever they need within reason. The Vaasa Viera are happy to share if the Scions are happy to share in turn, this also includes sharing magical knowledge should the Scions wish to visit the University.​