i got told to do this, but may i introduce you to anima blair, the song upon the wind


annie as she prefers to be called fled from the invasion of the east by the garleans and ended up in dravania where her family got murdered by temple knights thinking that they were consorting with dragons. understandably, she's still a little bit mad about it (she hates halone, temple knights and ishgard). she ended up growing up as a hunter in the dravanian hinterlands and had a pretty good time up there, moving to eorzea later on to get some jobs.

her jobs include bard, machinist (her shoulder got dislocated so she picked up a gun whilst it healed), dragoon, ninja and reaper. she's mostly a bard though. i don't really roleplay in ffxiv but i do enjoy making up things - at one point she was also something akin to a forgemaster from castlevania working with voidsent. she's also the oc that i use for everything too. anima blair my beloved daughter.

i have another warrior of light who is a viera scholar and he left the woods to pursue stories about alexander, wanting the ability to reverse time itself so that he could save his dead husband. didn't work out for him that well tbh.

cutting my teeth on the new extremes and i really like them!! lots of healing to do & very active fights makes safi a happy healer.

i've not had staff experience, but i have run what would basically be considered "events" as quests, so i have some input i guess.

i feel like approaching it with the story that you want to tell in mind is the best way to do it. i plan for forum rp events the same way i would plan for a dnd session - i write out the characters & their motives, some notes about how they speak and what they want, what info they have and then make it a sandbox for players to interact with and people seemed to really enjoy it? i think events need to be something that you couldn't just do in a normal thread and instead should be a single tight narrative with space for people to do what they want in it. i also really enjoy dming and it's genuinely something that i could do everyday without bothering me

it's that thing of if you make the event interesting, people will want to do it and so you have an event that will be successful. 

another thing is time-limits, for the love of god, if you're trying to keep pace in a narrative events have timelimits of a couple of days just so you don't lose the momentum/interest and have an event that lasts 3 months (which. i did. oops. it was fun tho it was very long it was extremely fun.)

ffxiv is on maintenance. i have not beaten elden ring, and i don't even think i'm close. messmer i love you but like,,,,,,,, oh my god can u fucking chill

i killed the boss after, i killed the dragon god at the top of the mountain, but yet im getting my ass handed to me by a skinny guy with a spear and a man riding a boar.

03 - Beloved
Marika bathed the village of her home in gold, knowing full well that there was no one to heal.

---

The flowers are not enough.

Once upon a time, these flowers grew at the foot of her parent’s garden. Every summer, too many would grow and her mother would complain, dutifully hacking back the stems and taking a few for a vase on her table. She’d get rid of them next year, she’d say, and when the winter came, she would tut and shake her head. They deserved another season, another chance to grow.

The flowers are growing again, and her mother is gone.

The flowers cover the entire garden, the path up to the house. They grow through the floorboards and from the rafters of her childhood room. Her world is swallowed in white flowers, half-expecting them to take root in her lungs and spill the same white petals stained with blood from her throat. Every year, she tries to come back to here, but it grows harder and harder with the passage of time to willingly rip apart the sutures and revel in the pain as raw as it once was.

It would be better to move on, she thinks; it would be a pity to forget that she loved her home once, that she had people who loved her.

The house that she grew up in on a small street - her hometown was not large by any means, but she was on a small street even by their standards - near to the town hall. Her father was always busy with the affairs of the town, a man that everyone looked up to and knew. Sometimes he would take her alongside him, his beloved heir, his beloved daughter that was a shadow of himself so much that he truly believed that the gods had made a copy to replace him. After he was gone, he would leave the wellbeing of their people in her hands.

There are not enough graves in this place. She tried to erect enough graves, one a year when she was younger. But time gradually held less meaning; faces faded, names were forgotten. Her town did not keep records because history was a living thing to be told, and so she forgot it. The tunes were all that she had left, humming the various histories that she had forgotten because there was no one else left to remember them.

Sometimes she wondered if they resented her for forgetting them, and then other times she wondered whether they would appreciate that she tried. Other times, she wondered whether the dead would even look her way.

Still, there are flowers left upon their graves that had long been reclaimed by the wilderness. The stone is faded because she was never proficient with masonry and did what she could, but it has become a mass grave, a remembrance. It was all that she could do. Death must not spare those that Death holds dear, and so there she stood, eyes wet with tears and hands shaking with a bunch of flowers that have long since taken over everything in this town, the world stopping to turn for just a moment whilst-

( the goddess of death doesn’t mourn, but the stars shine brighter over the ruined town. she is the incarnation of night and chaos, and it is her very gift to let the stars shine for the dearest departed. she has long since given them the greatest gift of all, a merciful arrow through the skull that drags them down to the sea of chaos, primordial resting grounds of all things great and small. )

( the god of rebirth knows that there is nothing left to give life too, so he gives the ruins to the beasts and flowers that now take everything. he wept once for those that were cut too short, but who will weep for him? he bathed the town in a golden glow, and yet who would bathe him in the soft gold of restoration? a tragedy like this must not come to pass again, and the night must die if he is to see it through. )

( the god of order stands in an eternal vigil, for after all, one day the stars will fall and one day the flames must come for rebirth. until that day, the order remains stalwart. he must protect even that which he wishes to look away from, for that is the order of this world. )

i used to be called cyantist because i liked the pun (scientist / cyantist ). but then i got tired of explaining it to people so i changed it to velkhana after the monster from mhw because she's gorgeous. then i changed it to safi'jiiva to match a friend and that stuck with me.

i change my icons like all the time - currently its messmer from elden ring because................... he impaled me and i needed to go lie down for a bit tbh

good evening, happy shadow of the erdtree to all who celebrate! before i go dark, i'd like to make a few updates:

• we have decided to use a full 5e system for staff moderated events. for those who are uninterested in hard stats, we are currently debating allowed "sheetless" characters, but we will also be willing to offer assistance to people wishing to learn. these will include custom classes, new spells and a modified system for ease and smoothness in play by post format.
• our setting is written, we are currently working on editing & adapting systems & skinning
• to give a teaser, spoilered is published a primer to Vanaheimr to let you get to know our wonderful city and give a teaser about the setting. hope you enjoy it, it's been a pleasure to develop and i can't wait to share it with you guys
  btw, this isn't even half of everything that has been written,,,
• we still aim to release after dawntrail, within 1-2 months afterwards - we will have a more concrete estimate soon.

SPOILER: Click to show

The city of Vanaheimr is the centre of Alingaror, a hub of commerce and culture that was once the crown jewel of the Aegyl Empire, an entire world suspended above the firmament that was brought low by wars with humanity and their warmachina leaving only Vanaheimr to remain. Still, the city stands proud and free as the last home of the Aegyl - a city of wonders, traditions and faith that refuses to be conquered.

Geography
Vanaheimr is located within Greater Vanaheimr, a cluster of floating islands including Hel, the Isle of Wyverns; Alfhiem, the Sacred Isle and Niflheimr, the Blue Isle - with the isle of Vanaheimr being named after the city. An artificial climate provides the Isle of Vanaheimr with temperate even weather and 4 distinct seasons, as well as shielding the city and surrounding settlements with protection from the winds created from high altitudes.

The city itself is built atop a series of Lakes, known as the Tears of Remire, that have been diverted and manipulated to create a series of waterways, canals and rivers that run through the city. Boats are a common mode of transport for races that are not blessed with wings, as few bridges exist in the older quarters of the city as the Aegyl possess the ability to fly.

The vast majority of lakes are located in the Old Vanaheimr, the centre of power and the original city that was built before the Amaranthine occupation of the city. Here, the House of Garuda and Hall of Countless Gods can be found as the centre of the city's religious efforts and the Wyvern Keep, the home of the Monarchy and headquarters of the Featherguard. The city's commercial heart, the Grand Bazaar, is also located in the old city as well as the city's entertainment district colloquially known as the Lake District or the Lakes of Remire.

New Vanaheimr boasts the heart of education with the Feol College and the various machinist workshops that are in the Industrial District, as well as the industrial beating heart. The Skydocks provide places for airships to dock and be repaired, as well as the Skysteel Manufactory that produces the city's airships, the finest that can be found in all of Alingaror.

Further afield of Greater Vanaheimr is the isles of the Diadem, a vast collection of floating islands that boast extreme weather conditions and wildlife charged with aether. The Diadem contains some of the most valuable resources that one might be able to find but is also one of the most dangerous places in the world where the air is thin and even humble insects can be life-threatening monsters.

Demographics
Most major races can be found in Vanaheimr, although ancestrally the sky-borne city belongs to the Aegyl. The nobility and the monarchy are almost completely Aegyl, with the ocassional hume, miqo'te or viera that has managed to achieve Goldenblood status through great deeds for the city. The Silverblood and Freefolk have become a melting pot for the vast collections of cultures and ideals that make up the world of Alingaror, reflecting the status of the city as the very centre of the world.

Government & Politics
A constitutional monarchy, Vanaheimr is in turn governed and run by the Royal Family, the House of Feol-Tyr, in name. Whilst they technically have absolute authority over the city and it’s laws, they work with the Scales and Sky Pirates - a representative from the royal family, a counsel of two nominated leaders from the Scales, the Lady of the Winds and the 5th member, a position that is always reserved for the Admiral of the Sky Pirate Fleet. These are known as the Golden Counsel, and they meet twice a month to discuss matters of trade, security, traditions and any other things that may matter.

On a day to day running of the City, Lords manage the taxes and welfare of their individual boroughs that are known as Wings. There are eight Lords within the city, one for each Wing of the city. One of the Lords of the city is nominated at the Governor of the City, acting as a right hand to the ruling Monarchy.

Trade is largely overseen by the Scales Trading Guild, which is actually a collection of smaller merchants guilds that often bicker and argue amongst themselves. The seats on the council belong to the leaders of the two largest companies, the Forges of Titan and the Crystarium. The Scales pay a tax to the Monarchy in return for governing trade and regulations in the city on behalf of the Crown.

The city has a formal class system. Common people are known as Freefolk, and this contains people who work in normal everyday jobs - agriculture, small tradesmen and business, manufacturing etc.etc. Whilst they may not live luxurious lives, Vanahiemr is notable for a relatively decent standard of living to those who are considered average citizens.

Above them are those known as the Silverblooded. These are minor noble houses, merchants, artisans and those with enough coin and income to maintain their status. Silverblooded pay a sum of money each year to have themselves certified as a Silverblood, which allows them to participate in politics of the city and gives them a voice, as well as generally making life easier.

The highest status that one can achieve is that of Goldenblood. The status is earned either through being born into a position of power and wealth, or by achieving great deeds and being bestowed upon you. The status is hereditary, with fully blooded children of two Goldenblooded individuals automatically considered a Goldenblood. The only to this rule is the Admiral of the Sky Pirate fleet, who is automatically considered Goldenblooded and, as an exception, does not need to earn their status through bloodlines.

As a general rule, all Sky Pirates are outside of these rankings. Their perception is based off their position in the Fleet, as well as their reputation and the reputation of their crew.

Economy
Vanahiemr uses its status as a free city to enforce itself as the best place to trade and do business. Merchants from the nations below will often travel to Vanahiemr via airship to ply their trade with other nations, using the neutral ground to business with warring countries without the possibility of being robbed or rejected along the way. Traders also often hire Sky Pirates to protect their goods, fleets and merchants vessels, creating a thriving mercenary industry.

Outside of a trading hub, Vanahiemr itself is a powerhouse of airship manufacturing, boasting the Skysteel Workshops that produce the finest airships in the continents. Artisan crafts are also abundant with access to materials from all over the continents, as well as the import, processing, and exports of crystals.

Vanahiemr itself does not have an abundance of natural resources. Food is often imported from regions such as the Riviera and Twelveswood, and raw ores are often imported from provinces within the Empire. Whilst the islands can produce enough crystals, most of these are aspected to the element of wind and lightning, so other crystals are often imported from other regions instead.

Military
Not all of Vanaheimr's military might is consolidated under the might of the Crown, unlike most monarchies. The military can be split into three groups: the Sky Pirates led by the Admiral of the Fleet, Cadice Renard; the Featherguard led by the Princess Lady Astrid Feol-Tyr and the Steel Scales Company, various mercenaries that have been recruited underneath the banner of the Scales Company.

The Sky Pirates are required to swear an oath to the city and the Admiral - to protect Vanaheimr and her people in their times of need. Outside of this, the sky pirates are allowed to operate however they wish to - so long as the laws of the city are obeyed and the code of the pirates are not broken.

Alongside the Sky Pirates, the city's guard are known as the Featherguard. They are provided a wage by the Monarchy and trained to protect the city, serving as the police force. The Featherguard answer to the Lords as well as the Monarchy. Elite soldiers are hand-picked and trained by the Prince/Princess to become the Wyvernguard, a bonded force with the Wyverns of Hel. They can muster an army of around 3000 well-trained troops.

The Steel Scales are a military force that are paid for by the Scales Trading Company and are usually used to guard warehouses, protect trading ships and act in the interest of the Scales. Whilst they used to be able to muster an army to rival that of the Featherguard, treaties with the Crown have seen them reduced to around 1000 soldiers that can be called upon to disincentivise war.

Religion
Official sanctioned religious worship in Vanaheimr belongs to Garuda, the Lady of the Winds and Ultima, the High Seraph. Religious worship is led by the Lady of the Winds, a Princess from the Feol-Tyr line who renounces her claim to the throne and ties to her family to serve as the leader of Garuda's Priesthood.

The city does not outlaw the worship of the Twelve, and has shrines dedicated to the Twelve in the Hall of Many Gods, alongside the Grand Shrine to Ultima. Ultima's priests serve as a council to the Lady of the Winds as well as her own Priests of Garuda.

The city reveres birds as they are sacred to Garuda, and it is illegal to kill or harm a bird within city walls. The Priesthood of Garuda are often called falconers or featherkeepers as one of their duties is to care for the birds in the city. These priests are often called upon to bless airships, recruited to serve as protection against foul weather and winds on long journeys and serve as judges in small community court cases.

The priesthood of Ultima serve the community as midwifes and undertakers, overseeing both the beginning and end of the countless lives in Vanaheimr. They are denoted by their masks of golden alloy and long trailing veils with golden embroidery on the hems of lotus petals, as well as carrying censors to burn incense of lotus wherever they may be found believing that the scent wards off interlopers and evil spirits.

The priests of the Twelve can be found in much smaller numbers, acting in a myriad of roles to those that believe in them. The devotees of the Traders are an exception, working for the Scales Company, and enforce contracts, oversee the minting of coins and the central bank of Vanaheimr.

to the lands between again, there is no way im finishing this before dawntrail even with my yoshi-p approved week ;v;

i only play six characters max, and two of them are very situational.

my brand is miss anima blair, my beloved little meow meow of suffering, and i think it's fun to make them fit to a new setting and translate them into it. they can diverge from their "baseline" p quickly through experiences and stuff and it's interesting seeing them get tested on their ideals in new ways bc they suck and they're thrown into sucky situations. can never truly explore the facets of a character.

ahem:
- the entire discography of yorushika, crane wives, hozier and mountain goats as a bisexual woman, meow meow of suffering
- the reason gay people don't have rights, blonde man, and the sadness that you only see in eastern european gay porn
- martyrdom and repression
- you are not immune to hot lady knight w/ repression
- sad man makes guns, discovers that he hates violence
- megalomaniac is actually the most pathetic girl you've ever met, and she's gay and as durable as a wet paper towel