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[astralera]

Hello,

As we are well into the first week of the new month we are due to have some new arrivals, provided the current pattern continues.

I thought it might be prudent to put together a rudimentary information packet.


The World

The planet is called Aellyn, and the city we are kept in is called Havenwell, and presumed to have been the capitol.

There are four seasons resembling spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

There are twelve months per year, four weeks per month, seven days per week, and twenty-four hours per day.

The first two weeks of each month tend to bring in newcomers. The last two weeks of each month tend to have odd events and/or festivals. (Note: consume food/drink offered by the natives at your own risk. They often come with unwanted side-effects).

The world beyond Havenwell’s barrier is toxic wasteland that cannot sustain life. The city is the last bastion of life, so far as we are aware.

Havenwell has four patron deities, and there is a temple dedicated to each of them located in the cardinal directions. Rawna (North), Ohma (South), Ainea (East), and Diacht (West).

The Gods

Rawna
- apathy, logic, and negative emotions.
- a draconic male ‘humanoid’ with silver scales.
- holds an iridescent orb.
- sacred animal is the dragon.
- representative colours are silver and ‘rainbow’

Ohma
- knowledge and wisdom.
- genderless ‘humanoid’ with feline features.
- holds a roll of parchment.
- sacred animal is the cat.
- representative colours are blue and gold.

Rawna and Ohma are often depicted together to represent the sciences and balance of the mind.

Ainea
- compassion and empathy.
- small female ‘humanoid’ with mouse-like features.
- holds seeds in cupped hands.
- sacred animal is the mouse.
- representative colours are pink and purple.

Diacht
- honesty and honour
- genderless ‘humanoid’ with avian features (specifically the raven)
- holds a balanced scale.
- sacred animal is the bird.
- representative colours are red and white.

Ainea and Diacht are often depicted together to represent the arts and the balance of the heart.



The Importance of Touch

The people native to this world were technologically advanced to the extent that they transferred their souls into the forms you see today. Unfortunately their deities require physical touch between two (or more) people with organic bodies to empower themselves and, subsequently, the protective barrier around the city that keeps us all from dying a horrifically painful death.

As for the specifics regarding ‘touch’:
- all ‘positive’ physical contact counts; holding hands, a hug, sitting with your legs touching, et cetera.
- sparring does not count as ‘positive’ physical contact. (yes, this is stupid.)
- all ‘positive’ forms of physical contact are valued equally; i.e., sexual relations are not given more monetary value than holding hands. You could say it is about the ‘quantity’, not the ‘quality’ of contact.

Each person’s respective deity will deign to grant boons to those who engage in more touch, though do not punish those who refuse. Despite this, the natives do tend to look more favourably upon those who are more willing to empower their beloved gods.

Currency and Housing

The local currency is called dora.

Regardless of how much you do or do not touch another you will be given enough of a monthly stipend to afford the basic necessities you require for survival, so you needn’t worry about rent and utility bills.

You are not required to remain in the residence you first acquire. You are also not forced to keep the poor quality furniture, and over time can upgrade your belongings to something more palatable. Likewise, the replicators can be upgraded over time as well. These upgrades can be purchased in the Shopping District.

Food

The replicators in the townhouses are limited to making simple base ingredients. They can be upgraded to produce higher quality/more varied ingredients, or even whole meals. Replicators found in the ‘upper class’ housing district have more options.

No, it’s not just you. Don’t worry. The food really does taste like that. The ones who made the replicators can’t recall how things taste and so are understandably limited, though the quality has improved somewhat over the past year and there are scientists still working on it.

If you would like food that tastes 95% accurate as opposed to 75% accurate, the pet café Affurgato can be found in the entertainment district. There are cats there that you can lavish affection upon should they deem it acceptable.
Some replicators have also been upgraded with wholly accurate versions of food and/or meals. There is an outdated document HERE that people can fill out for skill and/or ingredient exchanges.

Jobs

There are jobs available to those who wish for them. The myriad research laboratories will accept employees, however you will not be given any privileges from the start no matter how intelligent or experienced you may be. You will be relegated to doing ‘grunt work’ and over time, presumably, will earn the trust of your employers.

Some other ‘off-worlders’ (a.k.a. victims of deific kidnapping) have businesses of their own and may be willing to hire assistance. Likewise, the network can be used to offer specialty services in exchange for dora.

Public Facilities:

- There is a large Botanical Garden run by the research centres. There is a small entrance fee.
- The research centres also run two large Zoos. Again, there is a small entrance fee.
- There is a Bath House in the south east. It contains not just a public bath, but also a swimming pool. [*]
- The Arena is in the north west. It has been restored most recently. [*] It is an adequate area for the battle-inclined to train and spar.
- The Factory is to the south west. The equipment requires specialized use of touch with another to utilize. [*]
- There is a medical clinic called the ‘Havenwellness Clinic’ [*] run by a native researcher and former veterinarian named Doctor Rojir. Use at your own discretion.

Shopping District:

- Clothing & Tailor Shops (the best one is [[ her native friend’s shop name & location goes here ]])
- ‘Adult’ Toys & Accessories (for custom requests go to the tailor shop recommended above)
- Home Upgrade & Real Estate
- Food Replicator Add-On and Upgrades
- Valeo Potions & Apothecary (run by Regis Lucis Caelum)
- Petals and Pages; a library and place to cuddle
- Miscellaneous goods & services

Entertainment District:

- Affurgato Pet Café
- VR Cafés
- Theatres
- Cinemas
- Dance Clubs
- Museums
- Café (no food; just comfortable seating and poetry reading)
- Reading Circles
- Libraries
- Et cetera
- (Note: there are no bars/pubs/taverns)

Jail

If you cause harm to the sacred animals, are a persistent and disruptive public nuisance, assault others, try to sneak into prohibited areas, and/or otherwise engage in more harmful and/or unlawful acts, you will be thrown in jail overnight.

It will suppress all of your powers and/or abilities (save for those necessary for your survival).

It is a very 0/10 experience I do not recommend it.

Why is the World Dead/Dying?

Because gods.



Why is the Outside Dangerous?

The atmosphere is not conducive to life. It is a poison. If you manage to leave without protection you will feel the burn within your nose, throat, and lungs immediately. Your eyes will sting. Your skin will itch, then hurt. After thirty minutes the growing fever in your flesh will cause you to lose all sense of coherency, and if you are not returned to the safety of Havenwell’s walls you will die a horrible death.

Recovery is slow, but can be expedited by engaging in physical contact. Symptoms are fever, aches, chills, nausea, occasional vertigo, et cetera
My estimate is recovery takes one to two weeks on average, though your lungs may remain irritated and sensitive for longer.

For more information on what is beyond the barrier see HERE.



What Do We Know?

It depends on who you ask.



For some more information on active research see HERE.

For more comprehensive information I suggest visiting the Information Center run by Research Chief Verstael Besithia.

Some information gained from the archives (not accessible to off-worlders currently) and available on the public network is as follows:

•

"I used to have a lady love,
she journeyed through the sea,
Her fins were as the mourning dove,
a mated pair were we.
Our bodies tangled, hand in glove,
a queen and devotee,
But she was called to rise above,
our bond not meant to be.
Though I endure, bereft, belove,
I have her guarantee,
I'll be the one she's thinking of,
a little dove told me."

•

Log 285, regarding experiment 73
"We really don't need food, right? Rawna, preserve me. This is going to fry my internal processors. I wish people would stop complaining about it. We don't need to eat!"

•

"When bold and brave [illegible 1] ruled the skies, wily and cunning [illegible 2] slithered in the dirt, afraid of rearing His head lest it be rent from His body. But He knew that Time was patient and just as cunning as He, so He made a pact and He waited. Millennia passed and a millennia more, and still bold, brave [illegible 1] scanned the skies, keeping watch over Aellyn. His Time would come soon though because He could feel it stirring in the air, in the water, in the very hearts of the creatures that plod the ground above Him. Soon the Rending would come and then He would take His rightful place."

•

Experiment Number 920194
"Log 83. Without a method of reproducing our original cells, I fear this whole venture is simply impossible. We cannot create life out of nothing. We saw how well that went last time."

•

Transcript of radio transmission from other city-states:

Transmission Received
Date: ACN7199
Origin Point: Colony #90'13'7KV

This morning dew reminds me
Of the night when we first met
When still our hands could touch each other
And breath was in our breast.
Now how I miss those aches and pains
That once I did protest
When your gentle hand laid upon mine
And brought me comfort and sweet rest.
Through many years we toiled
Under sensation lost, bereft
Still always we were happy
Without the looming fear of death.
Each day we greeted fondly
Each night we called our best
Until this morning when I found
Your soul had gone and left.
Now hear my final plea, oh Gods
Though little you may care
Please, Rawna, take it away from me
This empty hollow, I can't bear.

~In Memory of [NAME REDACTED]

•

Presumed radio transmission:

"Does anyone have any more Sildar ores? We're running low here and it's getting kind of desperate. We have Nicean ore to trade."

•

(A diary, presumably written by a farmer. Either pre- or post- an event called "The Change")

The scientists say that once our impact on the environment is lessened that the soil will bounce back and things'll grow better. Not that we'll have any reason to grow things anymore, really. No one'll be eating anymore. Guess we could do contests, grow 'em just to keep something to do. Feels like the city folk aren't really thinking about what it'll do to us out here in the satellite communities, but what're you gonna do, right? It's always been that way.

•

"Papa says he's going to be different, after tomorrow. Like Auntie. He said, 'hug me so hard it hurts!' I tried, but he laughed instead. I think he's happy, but everybody's acting weird. Mama isn't gonna do it, she said she has to wait until after [illegible]

She has to wait until after someone is bigger, and we'll do it when we're grown up, too.

I don't know if I like it yet, but when I turn into a robot I want laser hands."

•

Scouting Transcription #9A3201; Agent #1HQ6NWI Interview

Running protection on trade route between home base and Colony #09'07'1UB and spotted new flora growth in Sector 7. Flora is brown stemmed, ruddy broad leaves with yellow spots and large fuchsia flowers with blue pistils and yellow tendrils. Surprisingly beautiful, but do not suggest approach or documentation. Agent #2HQ7BYR got close in an attempt to take a sample and upon contact, went completely inactive. Attempts were made to remove Agent #2HQ7BYR from the plant's immediate vicinity, but the tendrils wrapped around his body and began to burn through his chassis. Agent #8HQ7IAG was also lost in the recovery effort. It just...It tore right through them. It burned straight thro-- [...] Sector 7 is overrun and it is my suggestion that we cordon it off and reroute to avoid.

<Interviewer's Note> Agent #1HQ6NWI is now on administrative leave pending psychiatric evaluation.

•

Log of [NAME REDACTED] RE: Experiment 73
Log #94

Without taste buds, this seems like a lost cause. And honestly, do we even need to eat or is it just to keep up the appearance of normalcy? Is it simply a programmed instinct that remains within our souls despite no longer having a physical requirement? More study is required. However, I believe I am very close to breaking the code necessary to give us the ability to "taste" in a fashion. I will keep you updated.

•

Log of [NAME REDACTED] RE: Experiment 1 Aftermath
Log #600321

We were wrong.

Oh Gods, forgive us. We were wrong. But we can fix this. I can- We can fix this. We just need to reverse the process. It can't be that hard, right? We could create metal bodies, so flesh should be simple. We just need to find some original genetic material. There still must be some in the archives somewhere.

Some off-worlders were also given messages a handful of months past:

"The world began as thus: it was a rock. He came upon it first, and loved it immediately, this empty rock where nothing lived. He burrowed deep inside and devoured it inch by inch, teeth breaking upon the surface and growing anew. Through Him, over time, the stone became soil. The soil grew fertile through His work, yet all was still naught but rock and soil.

Then the Winged Lord appeared, uncertain of the path He was to walk. He was hungry, so He clawed at the stone to find where His prey crawled."

"He dug deeper and called the dead to join Him while the Winged Lord spread life further and deeper upon the surface. So the two chose their domains.

In the core of the star, He nested. The dying sank to Him and He welcomed them with open jaws, ever hungry. Their bodies became the rock, became the soil, and so grew anew. Above the world, the Winged Lord circled, delighting in all that He had brought. But a deep sadness came upon Him as he watched them sink into the soil, going to His friend, His enemy, the one which He could not reach."

"Balance must always be kept. Nothing shall die here that He does not allow. Your sacrifice is balance, and balance must always be kept. Some must die or all shall perish. These were their promises and their demise."

(I am aware I am not the most knowledgeable of us, so if I am missing any key information or any of this information is incorrect, please inform me of what corrections I need to make. Thank you.)


Welcome to Havenwell.

Comments

[astralera]

[ Stay strong. Keep the faith. At duty's end, we will meet again. We will. We will. ]

The Scions had all been safely returned.

[ The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it. ]

It was a beautiful day, but— [ Her voice falters, and she does her best to restrain her emotions. It is not her place to grieve what she had helped to take. ] ...Your poor, sweet boy was no longer there to see it.

[forgarlemald]

[And just like that, his breath is gone from him. My poor, sweet boy.]

[The words alone allow the memories to come flooding back, and all those carefully contained emotions follow with such overwhelming force. Just as on that day he feels heat prick at the corners of his eyes, and he turns away, takes a long, shuddered breath to remain steady and remain calm...]

Ricon. [His sweet, sweet little boy.] I...see.

So it was the Sapphire Weapon.

[And it makes no sense. They took down the Emerald Weapon. They took down Rex, he was there and he will have that guilt forever burned into his soul. And if Era has no memory...]

[How could he possibly tell her?]

[astralera]

[ The way Gaius says that...

Era looks down at her feet. Carbuncle moves to press itself against the man's leg; a firm, warm, anchoring weight. Meanwhile, she allows her tail to hang low, curling tightly around a leg, and helping her remain grounded. She lets out a short, damp breath. Her fingers twitch, itching to dig into the loose scales on her hands, though she refrains. ]

...Rex comes after, doesn't he?

[forgarlemald]

Yes.

[Blunt. Quiet. Era always was a bit too perceptive for her own good, sometimes, but...he doesn't elaborate. He doesn't think he can, when even just that single word causes his vision to swim and blur, his chest constricting terribly tight.]

[And she doesn't need to see it. He crosses his arms, back still to her while he tries to wrench himself back into some respectable state of control.]

We saved Allie. Alfonse and Rex left her behind, for us to take her back.

[astralera]

[ She lets out another small breath, wavering and wet with emotion. When she dares glance up to see his broad back facing her Era struggles with the urge to offer some comfort. Would he want the hands that killed his children to touch him?

As her internal conflict rages on she begins thoughtlessly picking at the scales on the back of her hand, pulling a loose ones free and then squeezing them in her palm with force enough that the sharp edges cut flesh. She stops once she feels the sting of pain, staring at the blood on her hand.

How fitting, she thinks, pocketing the scales for later use.

Seeing Gaius still struggling, Era steps forward to his flank and holds out her uninjured hand in silent offerance. ]

[forgarlemald]

[It's a long moment before he even notices the offer. Time needed for the burning of his eyes to subside, and to be able to speak again without worrying about the strain of his voice. The grief, the fear, the guilt, all carefully tucked away for a time that was always some nebulous later, that never seemed to come.]

[So it's a moment before he turns back to Era, looking a little more presentably contained. And another moment still as he looks down at her offered hand, as if he has to understand why its there.]

[It's so small compared to his own, he thinks, calloused fingers engulfing her hand completely as he takes it. And that carefully maintained neutrality cracks just a little when he pulls her close, bandaged arm going around her in a loose embrace.]

...we're going to save Alfonse. Cid will have all the information he needs when they finish breaking down Emerald, and we will stop him.

I know that we will.

[astralera]

[ An embrace is not something she would have ever expected from Gaius van Baelsar of all people. Not after all they had faced as enemies, and now all she has done as his ally. She forgets to breathe at first, uncertain, but once she draws breath she nearly falls apart, quickly pressing her forehead to his chest, hiding her face from sight.

It is not her place to break down now, nor is it her right. She has to be strong for her comrade, after all she has done. ]

...An external jammer to prevent the Oversoul from activating. [ Her voice is unsteady, but does her best to sound more confident than she feels. ] And when we are done I will ask Urianger to help us free their souls from the cores, so they can be together once more in the aetherial sea.

Mother will keep them safe for you, until the day you can hold them once more.

[forgarlemald]

[It's an odd thing, hearing the Mother Crystal invoked in regards to him. But regardless of his own feelings on the gods of their star, Hydaelyn included...there's some reassurance in the young woman's conviction, his hold on Era tightening just slightly.]

I shall be holding her to that, then. But until then...

[Until then, they need to find a way home. They do none of his children good while they're stuck here, and while he has only ever had the highest confidence in Cid's abilities...]

[The embrace lingers perhaps a little overlong before he reluctantly steps away, allowing Era to have her space once again.]

Come then. You'll need to tell me all about your time here, first, if we're to work on returning.

[astralera]

[ Era shivers faintly as cool air rushes back in now that her comrade's warmth no longer keeps it at bay. It isn't cold by any means, but there is a definite chill as the echo of winter has yet to fade. It is a combination of this and the reluctance she noted in his manner that prompts her to reach out and take his hand again, curling the fingers of her uninjured right hand over his. She holds her other hand to her chest, curled and flickering momentarily with the glow of healing aether to repair the minor cut on her palm. ]

It has been... painfully uneventful. There is no use for adventurers when there is naught to explore, but my husband and I do our best to find ways to remain in shape both mentally and physically.

[forgarlemald]

[He allows her to take his hand without protest, and tightens it in a warm grip without hesitation. He doesn't remember her being quite so open to touch before, even casual little shows of comfort like this...but a warmth settles in his chest, and though he doesn't embrace her again even after seeing the shiver, he does move in closer, so she can still share in the body heat. And he nods as he listens, all the while looking around them for a place they might sit and talk a little more comfortably...]

[Up until he needs to pause a moment. To replay the last handful of words she said through his head.]

[Because he heard...something that doesn't quite parse correctly, he's pretty sure.]

Your husband.

[astralera]

I— Yes. [ The blush on her face reaches down to the scales on her neck, and though she's flustered she does seem happy as she confirms it. ] Ardbert, a Warrior of Light from the First.

[ The more she speaks the more obvious it becomes just how hopelessly lovestruck she is...

(Though there is also the faintest sense of defensiveness as she continues on, as though such happiness is something she doesn't deserve. That she has to give logic and reason—an explanation—for something so selfish.) ]

Our souls were once one... Soulmates in the most literal of senses. Matrimony was an inevitability.

[forgarlemald]

[Gaius can't recall a time he's ever heard her sound so...enamored. He can't even recall a time he's even seen the young woman blush, the color washing across every inch of her pale face and neck.]

[But it's certainly endearing to see, his startled expression softening out to something...well, still somewhat confused, yes. But there's a fondness there, too, and a gentle, reassuring squeeze on the hand he holds when she sounds almost defensive over the admission, for reasons he can't for the life of him understand.]

Your souls were... The business with the sharded souls you explained to me before, correct?

[Not that he entirely understands that, even now. But he can imagine the gist of it. And Ardbert, whatever he is to her...the way she speaks of him is enough to know that she's happy.]

[In the end, that's more than enough for him.]

This Ardbert, then. [There are benches nearby, that he leads her over to. Making sure to stay close enough that he doesn't have to see another shiver from her, and fully expecting carbuncle to follow them.] While I've no doubt that you could handle it yourself if needed, I can only hope that he's treating you with all the care you deserve, else I may need to sit down and speak with him myself at some point.

[astralera]

[ Had she been looking to his face Era would have been confused by his expressions, but she keeps her head down and shoulders faintly raised; an unconscious posturing meant to mask the feelings painted across her face. It is a contrast to the self-assured confidence Gaius would be accustomed to seeing from her. At home she was the Warrior of Light. Eorzea's champion and Hydaelyn's chosen.

Here, she is just Era, a stranger she isn't sure she likes. Someone who has little worth in the confines of this world, and no real place.

The squeeze of her hand prompts her to return the gesture in reflex. Gaius' question is answered by a nod, and she is more than happy to stay near the man's side as he guides them to a nearby bench. ]

He treats me like I am something precious. [ Era speaks quietly, her tone filled with fondness, and laced with both confusion and awe. ] He knows I will not break, but treats me so gently all the same.

[ She continues in almost a whisper, as though confessing a secret: ] Sometimes it is still strange to me, being reminded that touch can be so... tender? It is nice. Touch used to be only pain, but now it is warmth and safety.