Joshua Rosfield (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
empyreancatastrophe) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
songerein_ooc2024-07-02 07:19 am
empyreancatastrophe) wrote in songerein_ooc2024-07-02 07:19 am
Entry tags:
OOC PLOTTING POST: We Didn't Start the Fire
Hey Songerein! It’s me, ya girl, Gen!
Today I’d like to bring you a player plot that’s been cooking for a long time. Like. A really long time. A plot that’s going to hopefully help us finish the game strong by bridging a few gaps between what the mods have planned and some other loose ends that your characters may want/need an avenue to take care of (see below where I give some hints towards what to expect for Part Two).
The point of this post is to get everyone on the same page, starting with signing up for the first part of the plot as well as getting a rough idea of what your character will likely be doing. Since this will be on a semi-condensed timeline, it’ll be beneficial to everyone involved to have some basic plans set for the next month. Of course, those plans can change, so don ‘t feel obligated to stick with what you’ve started with!
First, let’s talk about what to expect for Part One (July 1st to July 25th):
What if my character doesn’t care about this dumb bird boy, but I want to join in so I can get some perks later on?
First of all, yes, you’re right. He’s very dumb and very bird. Second, you want some hooks? Well, I got your hooks right here, buddy:
Hold up, did you say something about perks?
Sure did! Participation in this part of the plot will earn perks for Part Two (don’t worry, there will be opportunities to earn perks at the beginning of Part Two, as well!).
How do I join in investigating, and does that keep me from doing anything else?
Sign up below with the provided form! Participation does not prevent your character from joining in the rest of the plot, nor does your character have to be part of the investigation to join in later. However, keep in mind that the more people who participate, the more everyone benefits with more options and easier battles in Part Two.
Investigation Sign-Up Form
Now, let’s take a look at Part Two (July 26th – August 1st-ish; it’s flexible)
Are there sign ups for this part of the plot?
Yes! There will be sign ups for three different areas.
Some basic questions:
When do I have to sign up by?
The sooner, the better. I hate to rush anyone, especially since we’re entering endgame and there are a lot of feelings all around, so if you need a bit of time, I understand. If possible, though, please sign up no later thanJuly 5th July 10th for the investigation portion. The future signups will have their own deadlines depending on participation and interest. If you need some wiggle room, get in touch with me and we’ll work something out.
Can characters from outside the game join in?
Absolutely! The more the merrier. I just ask two things:
1) If you or anyone you know plans on bringing in an FF16 character, please inform me, as this will change quite a few things and will require some communication (also to be fair and let them know what they’re in for).
2) If any of Joshua’s past CR is coming in for a visit, please also let me know as that may change a few plot elements, as well!
How do we contact you?
PMempyreancatastrophe, find me on the game Discord, or leave a comment in the Questions thread!
But wait, what’s going to happen to Joshua?
Well, now, that’s up to you folks. :)
Joshua’s fate will depend on how everyone’s characters handle all of the above parts—and I mean all of them, from the investigation process to the final battle(s). I have three different endings planned, with minor differences that can occur depending on character participation.
What I'm saying here is that what you do matters! And for the record, I’m cool with any of these outcomes, so don’t feel pressured to act any particular way. Do what is fun for you!
General Plotting Comment Form
Today I’d like to bring you a player plot that’s been cooking for a long time. Like. A really long time. A plot that’s going to hopefully help us finish the game strong by bridging a few gaps between what the mods have planned and some other loose ends that your characters may want/need an avenue to take care of (see below where I give some hints towards what to expect for Part Two).
The point of this post is to get everyone on the same page, starting with signing up for the first part of the plot as well as getting a rough idea of what your character will likely be doing. Since this will be on a semi-condensed timeline, it’ll be beneficial to everyone involved to have some basic plans set for the next month. Of course, those plans can change, so don ‘t feel obligated to stick with what you’ve started with!
First, let’s talk about what to expect for Part One (July 1st to July 25th):
INVESTIGATION: July 1st to 17th
- It turns out that Local Prince Fire Chicken, Joshua Rosfield, has mysteriously vanished following a massive kaiju battle between two Dragons, Charizilla, and Burning Bird (guess which one he was)
- Those close to him will know that he keeps meticulous records in his journals—this could be a good starting point for where he could be/what is going on (or maybe some information that can come in handy for some stuff later on in the plot HMMM)
- The more people (close to him or not!) that are involved in the investigation process, the more information everyone will get for Part Two of the plot. I’ll provide all the text and/or information you’ll need to read, all you have to do is let me know what your characters conclude afterwards, either by sharing a thread or handwaving it (no matter what their conclusion is, we’ll make it work).
- I'll need the conclusions by July 16th. It's okay if your thread (if you choose to have one) isn't finished by that time. I'll just need to know what your characters come up with so I can adjust accordingly!
- Investigation isn’t limited to reading journals/texts. There will be clues around where the battle took place, as well as other places, if your character is more hands on.
- You can sign up to investigate either solo or in pairs/small groups (3 max, please!), just remember that you’ll have to find a way to share the info your characters gather with each other.
- If there is an interest for it, I’ll set up a log post where characters can meet up to discuss their findings or where you can make an infodump comment about what your character plans on contributing. Please tell me if this is something you’d like me to put together! (Totally cool with whatever majority decides, just let me know definitively!)
- In the event that there is no log, or if you cannot participate in it for any reason, there will be a form in the comments of this post to fill out with the results of your characters' investigations.
What if my character doesn’t care about this dumb bird boy, but I want to join in so I can get some perks later on?
First of all, yes, you’re right. He’s very dumb and very bird. Second, you want some hooks? Well, I got your hooks right here, buddy:
- The appearance of these massive creatures, particularly the crater caused by the landing of one small skyscraper sized Phoenix, has raised some concern for the (literal) impact on local wildlife.
- Rumors are buzzing around Orkili about screams heard at night near some of the caves, and there are calls for someone to look into it.
- Maybe related to the above, a small section of Orkili has been experiencing localized blackouts, as if the nostilium is being siphoned elsewhere.
- A volunteer at the Archives can be overheard grumbling about how some jerk borrowed 16 books at once and hasn’t returned them yet. Yeah, there’s an emergency going on, but it’s been like two months. Seriously, dude?
- None of these piquing your interest? No probs. Send me a message or respond to the Questions/Comments thread and we’ll come up with a custom prompt.
Hold up, did you say something about perks?
Sure did! Participation in this part of the plot will earn perks for Part Two (don’t worry, there will be opportunities to earn perks at the beginning of Part Two, as well!).
How do I join in investigating, and does that keep me from doing anything else?
Sign up below with the provided form! Participation does not prevent your character from joining in the rest of the plot, nor does your character have to be part of the investigation to join in later. However, keep in mind that the more people who participate, the more everyone benefits with more options and easier battles in Part Two.
REVEREIN AND THE NIGHTMARE CITY: July 18th to 25th
As the mod notes say, Joshua will be reappearing in Reverein at the start of the event! However, something will be noticeably off about him.
- It could be related to some rumors about a strange figure that's been spotted wandering aimlessly throughout the streets the past couple of nights. (It is. It is absolutely related to that. It's literally him, but your characters won't figure that out until y’all find him so humor me.)
- With the Absolute State Joshua will be found in, and some associated implications with it, he'll need to be brought to the Nightmare City.
- You do not need to sign up for interaction during the event
- I’ll have a toplevel set up and ready to go for anyone interested in this leg of the player plot, along with a bit of a teaser for what’s going to lead us into Part Two
- At the start of this toplevel, and also in a separate post that I'll put up before Part Two is slated to begin, I'll provide a "State of the Realm" style update on what has been uncovered for ease of access to anyone joining in later or for those who'd like a summary.
Now, let’s take a look at Part Two (July 26th – August 1st-ish; it’s flexible)
JOSHUA’S DREAMSCAPE
So! Details here are going to be pretty sparse so we can keep some sense of intrigue and suspense… and also because what characters uncover during the first two portions of the plot will impact the setup for Part Two!
Here is what I can/will say:
- If your character has any secrets, romantic/platonic feelings, evil/mean hijinks, or introspective deep dives you’d like to get out of their system, Part Two will provide an opportunity for it! Characters who complete these threads will also receive perks, and impact how the final fights go. Even if they do something evil.
- Do you enjoy writing fight threads? Well, you’ll have a few different options, up to and including two different flavors of kaiju battle. One that will be completely up to you as a player (small kaiju), and another where you and I will have to roll some dice (large kaiju).
- We’ll also have to roll dice for anyone fighting the Final Boss
- To anyone who’s played/watched Final Fantasy XVI, I have two words: Cinematic Clashes
- To anyone who hasn’t played/watched Final Fantasy XVI, I present: Cinematic Clashes
- To anyone who hasn’t played/watched Final Fantasy XVI and is actively trying to avoid spoilers PLEASE DO NOT CLICK THE ABOVE LINK (thumbnail technically has a spoiler, but there's no context; the first two minutes is stuff you see in the demo and the first minute should be safe, but don’t say I didn’t warn you; also this is your obligatory blood/violence warning including an incident involving a dog (he’s fine))
- BASICALLY, if you want your character to have the chance to either a) reach some closure and/or b) do something really badass and/or show off how strong they are, Part Two is for you.
Are there sign ups for this part of the plot?
Yes! There will be sign ups for three different areas.
1) Any threads involving the character closure segment will need to be done in pairs or small groups (no more than 3, again!). You can also sign up your character for a random pairing with another. I have a contingency plan in case we have an odd character out. Unlimited slots
2) Large Kaiju fi—it’s Phoenix. Okay? You’ll be fighting Phoenix. Big surprise, I know. (the small, player led kaiju fight is a surprise, tho). Limited Slots
3) Final Boss. Limited Slots
Some basic questions:
When do I have to sign up by?
The sooner, the better. I hate to rush anyone, especially since we’re entering endgame and there are a lot of feelings all around, so if you need a bit of time, I understand. If possible, though, please sign up no later than
Can characters from outside the game join in?
Absolutely! The more the merrier. I just ask two things:
1) If you or anyone you know plans on bringing in an FF16 character, please inform me, as this will change quite a few things and will require some communication (also to be fair and let them know what they’re in for).
2) If any of Joshua’s past CR is coming in for a visit, please also let me know as that may change a few plot elements, as well!
How do we contact you?
PM
empyreancatastrophe, find me on the game Discord, or leave a comment in the Questions thread!But wait, what’s going to happen to Joshua?
Well, now, that’s up to you folks. :)
Joshua’s fate will depend on how everyone’s characters handle all of the above parts—and I mean all of them, from the investigation process to the final battle(s). I have three different endings planned, with minor differences that can occur depending on character participation.
What I'm saying here is that what you do matters! And for the record, I’m cool with any of these outcomes, so don’t feel pressured to act any particular way. Do what is fun for you!
Questions/Comments
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Is ill-advised phoenix vs. phoenix combat still on the table even if the characters don't have CR
Just, y'know, asking for a friend
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Character Investigation Results Form
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Character(s) | Journal(s): Joshua Rosfield |
Preferred contact: PM or Discord!
Any plans you may have:
/stares vacantly at the entire post
For an actual answer, I'll be working mostly behind the scenes for the investigation portion! That said, I'm happy to throw Torgal (Joshua's brother's wolf, who he currently has custody of) into a few threads to get the ball rolling as needed. There's also a lot of IC writing that I've put together (and will be putting together!) to hand out for what I'm hoping will be an immersive experience for everyone!
For the Reverein/Nightmare City portion, I'll be keeping to Joshua's toplevel. While there are details that I'm holding onto for now, I'm really looking forward to smaller character interactions before diving into the big stuff in Part Two.
For Part Two, I have some mechanics that I'm hoping will make the fight threads feel like an actual video game. I'm also planning some mechanics that will have characters and players helping one another out in real time through the threads you write. Please look forward to it!
Anything else you'd like to add:
Just wanted to share my appreciation to everyone who shows even a little bit of interest in what I've cooked up, and a special thank you to the mods for allowing my shenanigans. I'll have something lengthier/sappier when we get to Part Two. (ಥʖ̯ಥ)
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Character(s) | Journal(s): Anastasia Romanova |
Preferred contact:
Any plans you may have: Having been close to Joshua for some time, Anya is understandably worried for him since last month’s event and she is going to find a way to find out about what happened to him and of course save his behind in the process.
She will try to investigate about his whereabouts before this month’s event and will be asking on the journals if anyone has seen Joshua recently and that she wants to look into the situation. Anyone who is interested can join her and search for clues. At the Reverein/Nightmare City portion, she will try to save the poor guy and she is going to need a lot of help: help to get Joshua back to normal eventually and take him to the Nightmare City.
In the Dreamscape portion, Anya is going to be having her feelings for Dmitri and her yearning for family to be unleashed. Besides from it, I’m just going to wing it to see where it might go. Going to be very interesting to see how this will be played out.
Anything else you'd like to add: Nothing at this time for now
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If she goes looking for clues, let me know what in particular she's looking for and where, and I'll see if there's anything I can send your way! If you'd like to make it an official thing, feel free to fill out the form and post it under the Sign Up Thread that I totally did not forget to make.
(I did forget. I'm sorry. 🫠)
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Investigation Sign Up
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Anastasia Romanova |
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): Journals, Investigation, & Battlefields
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? Yes
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid? N/A
Best way to contact you (provide method and info): I can be reached on Plurk (
Interest in catch-all log: Yes
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Naoya
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): "Yes". aka he's going to be nosy and poke into everything and anything that he can.
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? Yes
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid? Not really. Naoya's been through a lot and also I know (almost) all the spoilers so.
Best way to contact you (provide method and info): Discord (artematthew), Plurk (
Interest in catch-all log: Yes
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Zelda |
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): Anything related to the archives, for starters: any journals or writings he may have left there, interactions he had with staff/volunteers. Zelda is the head of the archives, so she is closely involved with any happenings on that front. She also has a vested interest in Orkili and is pretty knowledgeable on how their power grid works, so she'll be inclined to investigate there and assist in repairs if she can. If the findings of her investigations lead her to other locations, she is bound to pursue them.
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? Yes
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid? Anything related to sexual assault beyond being mentioned in passing.
Best way to contact you (provide method and info):
Interest in catch-all log: No, but ultimately I could go either way.
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Eustace |
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): Journals, battlefield
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? Yes
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid? None!
Best way to contact you (provide method and info): Discord or plurk (you have my number--)
Interest in catch-all log: Sure
EUSTACE IS VERY WORRIED
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Gina Lestrade
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): So Gina does work as a detective/investigator, so if someone does contact her about Joshua's appearance, she could investigate his journals/writing and the battlefield. Otherwise she could come in from investigating some of the other phenomena like the screams from the caves.
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? Yes
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid? None
Best way to contact you (provide method and info):
Interest in catch-all log: Yes
vague hand gestures plotting comment
Character(s) | Journal(s): Zelda |
Preferred contact:
Any plans you may have:
Since Zelda is the head of the archives, the grumblings of her staff and volunteers will be her impetus for joining the investigation. Her participation in the investigation will largely revolve around anything she can discover at the archives (things Joshua may have left there, interactions he may have had with the staff) and the happenings in Orkili. She's pretty knowledgeable in how Orkili's reactor and power grid function, so she will be inclined to try to assist with any repairs as well as investigate the siphoning of nostilium.
Whether or not she gets involved with the Nightmare City portion of part 1 will probably depend on the results of her investigations. /vague hand gestures
As far as the Dreamscape portion, /more vague hand gestures. I'm definitely keen to have Zelda participate, but I don't know what mental/emotional state she'll be in. She has a big role to play in Sheik's noctaere event, which is also happening in July.
But I am quite intrigued to fight kaiju. Zelda can even potentially bring her own kaiju in the form of the Light Dragon!
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Regarding Nightmare City and the Dreamscape portions, no worries on not having any solid plans for either! There are a few things that may change depending on investigation results (that I'll update everyone with!) that may influence your decision either way along with whatever emotional state Zelda is in following Sheik's Very Bad Day.
As for the kaiju fights... everyone can always benefit from more dragons. If you're down to have her bring the Light Dragon, so am I!
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BUT AS FAR AS KAIJU. what are your thoughts on light dragon vs phoenix? bc i think that could be amazing
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FOR THE KAIJU my thoughts are yes, please. It'd be really cool to see these two duke it out!
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Character(s) involved | Journal(s): Kazuya
What they wish to investigate (e.g., journals/writing, battlefield, extra prompt, etc.): where his bestie went when he woke up from his dirt nap :( also fighting i GUESS by fighting i mean getting the shit beat out of him by joshua bc he cant hurt him... thats his bestie
Are you okay with Final Fantasy XVI spoilers? as long as i have zero context its FINE
Are there any heavy topics you'd prefer to avoid?¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Best way to contact you (provide method and info): u know where i live
Interest in catch-all log: mayhaps.......