video;

[jiyuujin]

[The video opens on a man who couldn't be called old, neither did he exactly appear young though the way he's dressed suggests that he's some noble from some ancient time. There's a cup of tea beside him and as he moves and speaks, it's with a kind of ethereal grace.]

For those of you from Japan you may be aware that Obon season is upon us. For those not familiar with it, Obon is a time to honor those that have departed the world, celebrate their life and invite their spirits back into our own lives for a few days. That may sound rather somber but it's really quite a joyous affair.

Although the particulars are somewhat unique to Japan, I believe there are similar traditions all over the world. I'd love to hear about them if you are familiar with any of them.

I would also like to extend an invitation to a festival that we will be having in a couple weeks around our home in Caihong. [He says our home as if he's done anything to make his housemates or employees aware of these plans. Maybe this explains the boxes they have been piling up in the back of their estate as of late.]

Make your way to the teahouse, Tsukiyo on the 14th of this month for a night of festival food and dancing. Light a lantern for someone you care about and end it all with a bang. There will be fireworks, to put it plainly. It hasn't quite felt like summer without any as of yet, don't you agree?

I hope to see you all there.

[He pauses here to sip his tea. Seems he's not quite done yet.]

Before I leave you, there is one small inquiry I'd like to make as well. I'm in need of someone capable of repairing a sword. I'm happy to pay for this service and I can guarantee a modest amount of additional business in return.

Comments

[jiyuujin]

It doesn't? But it would be a great deal more difficult to repair were it broken.

[Not to mention he wouldn't be here talking to you but... details.]

[spellspeak]

It's that sort of close-mindedness that halts proGRESS.

[A dramatic sigh before he moves on.]

Well someone adept at gathering informaTION. I have my own methods of COURSE, but one should never limit themselves to what only they KNOW. And of course someone able to take hits should things become violent would be benefiCIAL.

video;

[saigawa]

I think everyone want to know first. You know, just in case.

[Because what if they have plans on that day! If... any.

There's slightest of pauses and a twitch of his cat ears, even though Kashuu look like how he usually is.]

Nope, nothing that would get in my way. [If he can still move around and do things, it's fine.]

[hoasen]

[Being Japan's younger sister (but an older sister to others) means that since these swords are Japan's and are out to save the world? She's going to be doing her best to look after them too. In a way, they're practically family, and she wants to know them all better. She doesn't quite understand their magic yet, but she's getting there.]

You would like someone to help supervise? I will be happy to assist. That is something I am used to. [Good job, army captain.] Perhaps I will come a little later, today I have time.

Hmm, I wonder! If that is the case, I may bring some paper creations for burning. Gifts for the spirits.

audio;

[anti_altruisms]

Have you found someone to repair your sword?

[yakiniku]

That would be ideal, yes. I will see you there.

[liberaltus]

Always important to remind the masses of their humble beginnings even at the expense of everyone losing their collective minds.

Ah, yes, as a Cordis I have noticed some unique abilities though they are overshadowed by my own magic ultimately, I have winter magic that makes the ice magic I can perform here look like child's play. I can also use storm and inferno magic as well.

The speed and agility bit does enhance my fade step though. Fade step allows me to move short distances from one place to another instantaneously, with the additional speed and agility I can continue to move quickly until the cooldown period wears off and I can push it again. So, yes, I've been experimenting a little bit.

Re: text;

[okureta]

I don't want to do it. You just don't really do work unless it's directly inconvenient to not do it.

[huaisang]

Our sword spirits don't really have a physical form like you.

What you're saying is that you are in a war against other sword spirits like yourselves?

[ sounds counterproductive but who is he to judge the conflicts of others? ]

[jiyuujin]

What a fine coincidence. My line of work often depends on our ability to gather information. Though I rather prefer to deal the hits than take them if it comes to that.

[jiyuujin]

That's it? No raising the dead?

[A shame his amusement can't carry through text.]

Ah well, you make it sound as though you've been blessed by all the moons and then some. I can only imagine how useful that must be. Unless everyone of your world shares the same gifts.

I suppose some manner of restorative ability must exist there as well? What of other elements? Such as time. Or the sort of power that allows one to hold sway over another?]

[jiyuujin]

Putting it quite simply, yes. What other purpose is there for a weapon?

[jiyuujin]

I truly appreciate it.

[Is it weird to bow over the phone? Oh well he does it anyway.]

I'll be around all day, just let yourself in. If it's not too short notice, you can bring some along and we can sort out the necessary details together.

ooc; happy to move this to action if you like

[jiyuujin]

[Oho he loves this game.]

Is that so? Tell me, how exactly do I seem to you? I could use the boost of confidence as well.

Re: text;

[jiyuujin]

Then how do you explain all the work I've gone to putting this together for everyone?

[jiyuujin]

Oh I wouldn't dream of imposing.

[He says that but...]

You're free to stay in your room if you'd rather not be bothered. I'm sure there's someone else who'd be happy to take center stage among all the talent we have here.

[jiyuujin]

[There's an audible sigh over the network.]

No. Dozens of people capable of working on technology I could only dream of before before coming here. But not a hint of anyone that knows how to handle a simple forge.

[He's starting to think this is his punishment for being careless.]

[anti_altruisms]

I see.

[ There is a pause, then- ]

I am not a blacksmith in the traditional sense, but swords are a specialty of mine. Depending on the damage, I may be able to repair it.

[jiyuujin]

I own a teahouse together with other members of my world. The sort of place where geisha would go to entertain to their clients. I thought it pragmatic given the circumstances of generating the currency here.

[Ah her smile is reminiscent of so many of his own. He offers one in return.] Were I the sort to do such a thing I might have made you an offer already. Or cast a spell to lead you astray.

video;

[jiyuujin]

I'd appreciate it. I'm not in a position to turn down any help at this point.

[It's been pretty discouraging especially considering it means his life is under constant threat until it's fixed. Better to think about fun things like festivals.]

While I don't mean to presume that family is more important for our nation than anywhere else but I suppose it arose from necessity of caring out ones filial duties even after death. It's a time for families to gather. They clean the graves of their loved ones, purify them and say prayers for them.

The altars in one's home are decorated with food and offerings that might please the deceased. These offerings serve to guide home spirits that might otherwise go astray. Finally, to celebrate their return, it's customary to hold large public dances.

These days the dance festival is a somewhat more secular affair but I'm still fond of it's meaning. [Well he's been around since the beginning of it after all.]

[spellspeak]

Oh? That's quite the coincidence INDEED. And of COURSE, if one is skilled enough there's no need to be taking any damage at ALL.

[hoasen]

[Let's move it to action!!]

In that case...very well, I'll come over. I'll just need to collect my items, and I will be there as soon as possible! I might not have all the paper creations, but I can bring something to see if we can make some.

[She might be able to make it relevant for their version of the ghost festival as well.]

[liberaltus]

Necromancy tends to have that association, but technically I don't raise the dead. It's more about binding spirits that are drawn to death an creating a great deal of fear, or even controlling the flow of time.

No, not everyone can use magic, you have swathes of mages though and then you have a great number of those who cannot use and typically fear magic. Granted, of the mages that there are less than a handful that uses Necromancy as a specialization.

There are a number of branches and specializations, as I've just mentioned time control falls under the Necromancer specialization. There's Spirit, Force, Entropy, Elemental, Arcane, Nature, Healing, Fade, Shapeshifting, Creation, Primal, and Necromancy branches. Then there are forbidden branches like Blood magic and branches of magic that can only be performed by Darkspawn called Blight magic.

[okureta]

[ ...Well now he's Booboo the Fool. Oof. ]

Shut up! That's not something you can keep up all by yourself, right

video;

[mcring]

[ The value of family, huh? Cleaning their graves and saying prayers... Morbid, but nice. Noctis never thought of doing something like that, but— He nods. ]

I like the sound of that.

[ It doesn't really apply here for him. The tombs of anybody he loves are all back home on Eos. But there are plenty of places around that would work for praying. By the water sounds nice. Or one of the gardens, maybe stupidly early in the morning. And, of course, the festival, and everything. ...Maybe not the dancing part. But everything else. He'll have to check it out. ]

I've never heard of having altars at home, either. Not like... I mean, besides statues, or something.

[ Statues of your ancestors in battle armor primarily made for public consumption probably don't count, he figures. ]

Do you have something like that in your house here?