first ⚡ a topic on summoning

[ramuhs]

Type: Text
Sender ID: ramuhs
To: General public
Subject: Summoning other creatures and people
Warnings: None except maybe FFXVI spoilers in their respective threads?

[// PUBLIC PORTION //]
A curious question to my fellow riftfarers — to those who are capable of "summoning" or calling upon powerful beings or even people, how does it work in your world? Any particular requirements? Contracts?

And have you any luck doing so while here? Any changes you've discovered?

[This is a general broadcast type post, so anyone can threadhop if they'd like to swap stories or anything! Cid will be reading everything...with very keen interest.]

[// PRIVATE TO FFXVI CAST //]

In case you're wondering what this is about, while on that ghost ship a girl somehow managed to summon me from a rock she had—materia she called it. She also knew about Ramuh and some of the other Eikons from our world.

Given there was no warning and that she might not be the only one, thought I should give everyone a heads up. For now I'll be trying some tests with her to see how it works and will share the results.

Comments

[yuezun]

As are this venerable one's. To what extent this venerable one is not yet certain.

[His expression opened and though he did not smile, he looked far kinder than he had until now.]

This venerable one would face you in spar to test these limits, Dominant of Ramuh, Eikon of Thunder. As a vessel of a god, your power is likely to be closer to this venerable one's than anyone who cannot claim to be a god or the holder of a god's power.

[ramuhs]

[...Hmmm. He's noting the difference, and as...stiff as this guy has been. Although it's all going out the window when he asks to spar—]

Didn't I just say not to have grand ideas?

[A small sigh.]

While I won't mind sparring, I doubt in my current state I'd be as strong as you think.

[This is the one time Cid will think too bad Barnabas isn't here—]

[yuezun]

This venerable one does not see the need to know what is or is not possible as a 'grand idea'. It is necessary. If this venerable one does not know what limitations have been placed on his power, he cannot make accurate decisions. Be it in the heart of battle or otherwise.

[His brows creased in a frown as this was a very real problem for him.]

Testing these limits is.... difficult. Mortals are far too fragile. It is possible you may not be.

[ramuhs]

Oh no, I am very mortal.

[Very very mortal.

...]

You said your powers are on par to a god in your world? What are you then?

[yuezun]

Gods are what the immortals of Shuiyuntian are called. This venerable one is Dongfang Qingcang, Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe and most powerful being in the Three Realms. The eternal enemy and killer of gods.

[He tilted his head in consideration.]

Mortals would not understand the difference. To them, this venerable one is also a god.

[His tone did not change and he stated all of it the way one might comment on the weather.]

[ramuhs]

[...Boy. 1) That is quite the title and 2) eternal enemy and killer of gods. Somehow, and perhaps because of the delivery, all those titles are more amusing to him. Again, the one time he's going to wish Barnabas was around. They can fight each other and he'll root for Dongfang—]

You say you are a killer of gods. That already begs a lot of questions, but first of all: how do you treat mortals then?

[He may be a little skeptical, too, but he'll give the guy the benefit of the doubt. He certainly behaves not quite...normal.]

[yuezun]

[He shrugged.]

They are mortals. Until coming here, they have been largely beneath this venerable one's notice. This venerable one has not had reason to interfere in their lives since he conquered Yunmengze, the Mortal Realm of the Three Realms, more than thirty-thousand years ago.

[Daqiang's lips finally lifted in the ghost of a smile.]

Some of the mortals this venerable one has met since his arrival have proven very interesting. When this venerable one met Yuffie, Yuffie introduced this venerable one to a food called 'da-chao beans' that this venerable one found to be more satisfying than many other mortal foods he has tried.

[ramuhs]

[...All right. Aside from his funny way of talking, he doesn't seem so bad. With having rather not so great experiences with the so called god of his world, he can't help but be wary of any actual ones. But so far he seems more hands off, which is a plus.]

And why did you kill other gods? I'm presuming there must have been a fair number of them.

[All these realms and all.]

[yuezun]

[Que instant transformation from quietly happy to coldly hateful.]

The immortals of Shuiyuntian have oppressed Cangyanhai and the Moon Tribe for hundreds of thousands of years. They chased our ancestors when the first of the Moon Tribe left the Celestial Heavens and crossed the Memory Loss river upon being betrayed by her immortal lover. They have taken our homes, claimed our lands, slaughtered our children, and named us criminals for not accepting their condemnation of us after Yannv was betrayed. The hatred of the Moon Tribe will not be avenged until every last god in Shuiyuntian has been slain, their leaders skins carved off to make lanterns of them, and their primordial spirits burned to ash that they may never reincarnate again.

[Delivered in that, you guessed it, coldly bored tone.]

[ramuhs]

[...

Just a low whistle on his end, which fortunately Dongfang can't hear. He wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't that... And hearing it all, he can at least understand a little more.

Of course, it's just his side, so he can't make a judgment either way. Nor is he one to really make a judgment—just as his own motives are, Cid was essentially taking the role of villain to achieve his own goals.

Regardless there's one thing he can take away from this: don't ever get on this man's bad side.]

And so you took it upon yourself to exact that vengeance. But while I understand your motivations, you do realize that will only perpetuate a cycle, where they see you as the same evil and someone else will do the same to you and your people.

[yuezun]

You are unfamiliar with the truth of this conflict. You assume that this venerable one 'took it upon himself' to exact vengeance. This venerable one exists to be the ruler and weapon of his people. The sword at the front of their army. A monster capable of doing whatever must be done. Because nothing less could protect them. He was forged in Hellfire for this purpose and this purpose alone. If this venerable one had not been able to achieve what he has, his people would no longer exist. The armies of Shuiyuntian would have wiped them out to the last child at a time that this venerable one's voice had not yet cracked with the first sound of the adult he would become.

There is no cycle to perpetuate, Dominant of Ramuh, Eikon of Thunder. Shuiyuntian saw us as evil the moment Yannv chose to lead our ancestors across the Memory Loss River and they have sought our destruction in every millennia since.

[ramuhs]

[...Whoo. This is certainly quite a lot. Not that he really intended to learn this fellow's life story, especially on their first conversation. So he taps his finger against the desk, weighing his options. Part of him is saying he should stay far, far away from this guy.

And then the other part of him, that meddlesome part, thinks otherwise.

Why are immortals so complicated—]

I'll say this is a lot more than I can fully comprehend, but at the very least I can understand your position. An unfortunate one, given the circumstances.

[yuezun]

[He frowned, the cold hatred bleeding into confusion.]

How is this venerable one's position unfortunate?

[ramuhs]

Mostly because of what happened to your people. Were it not for that, there would have been no need for you become such a force to protect them. Fights and wars would still arise, of course, but this sounds to be of a larger scale that is difficult to comprehend.

[Though he also thinks Dongfang a bit unfortunate, but he also doesn't know everything or how he feels about it. So he won't say anything.]

[yuezun]

[He wasn't certain what Ramuhs was attempting to express with his words. It read almost like... pity, perhaps? Or was it simply the recognition that Ramuhs was too mortal to grasp the fullness of the conflict that shaped the very foundations of the Moon Tribe? Probably more the latter.]

Your attempt to understand is honorable, but do not waste effort trying to grasp what is beyond your reach. There is no point to such an exercise. The conflict exists in the Three Realms, not this place.

[He waved a hand dismissively, indicating the end of his willingness to continue that line of discussion.]

Do you truly believe yourself too mortal to be of aid to this venerable one?

[ramuhs]

[Yeeeep he thought as much, but it's fine. Ever the exercise between mortal emotions and immortal...not-emotions.

But that is the question, isn't it. He's fairly certain he will get a lot of flack (and screeching) if he agreed to this madness—]

Before I answer, could you not try your powers on, say, some remote mountain somewhere instead? Or rather, what kind of "spar" would this entail?

[yuezun]

[How to explain this so that the mortal vessel of a god could understand?

...Hrm... he'd have to be very clear about the logic behind his choice to find a someone to spar with, wouldn't he?]

This venerable one has not explored this world enough to know which lands hold magical treasures and clues related to finding a way to open the path back across the River of Stars and which do not. Testing this venerable one's powers on a random formation without knowing what it contains poses a risk of obliterating more than this venerable one wishes. This venerable one testing his powers on a formation already mapped on the backs of the God-Beasts that protect the settlements of this world would also be unwise. With two of the God-Beasts currently ailing and needing care after the battle with the 'Ghost Ship', it is clear that their constitutions should not be carelessly risked in such a manner. And so long as this venerable one is beholden to their protection in this world, he is obligated to come to their aid when they are threatened.

Had the attack on the God-Beasts not resulted in such injury, this venerable one would have assumed he would have time to explore and test his limits at his leisure. That is no longer an option.

As for the spar, since you are weaker than this venerable one, this venerable one would allow you to strike him as hard as you can, as many times as you can, until, and if, he is brought to his knees. This venerable one's ability to summon lighting has been restricted, so it would be an excellent means of testing him as he cannot call them upon himself. Having struck this venerable one, this venerable one will have a clear idea of your capability to harm him or defend against him in a fight. Any further exchanges of blows could be determined at that time.

[ text > video; private ]

[ramuhs]

Sounds like a lot of work.

[Oh he really wishes Barnabas was here now because he would be the perfect training dummy.

And again, root for Dongfang.

He shouldn't.

He really shouldn't.

Maybe ask Clive instead—]

[ > video; private ]

But all right. One time.

[Hi, Dongfang, meet the face of the one behind Ramuh's vessel. And he looks to be a little pensive, as if not wholly committed to the idea.

Because this is a terrible idea, and if any of the others knew he agreed they would throw hell, but he would rather himself test this guy than them. They may have their youth, but he has the experience... And something of a fresh start. It would also be a lie to say he isn't also curious about his own limits, having tested it a bit back on the ghost ship.

Not that he expects much, what with his powers not at their full potential. But he is also a bit wary of this guy. So far he seems on the friendlier side, but... Better to know than not.

Also Cid took the liberty of ensuring this connection will stay private both ways.]

[video; private ]

[yuezun]

[He noticed the 'private' flag show up as the response flickered and the tainji mirror was engaged. He was putting great effort into ensuring his face was not known to the general public.]

That should suffice, Dominant of Ramuh, Eikon of Thunder. There is an island not far from where God-Beast Elrut is currently resting. It is not large, nor does it hold much of value. This venerable one was told it was explored prior to the battle and no one found anything of interest. However, it is very rocky, low to the water, and there are places where the stone is flat enough to survive a short trial by lightning. When should this venerable one expect you?

[A pause, and then he inclined his head in a formal manner.]

You may address this venerable one by his given name of Dongfang Qingcang.

[video; private ]

[ramuhs]

Dongfang... [Uh...he'll have to work on pronouncing his name, but not right now.] Right. Just call me Cid. Prefer that over Ramuh.

[Hearing that whole title was making him feel weird.]

But that sounds fine enough. Give me a few days, got some things to take care of first.

[Such as deciding whether to tell anyone or not—]

[video; private ]

[yuezun]

...'Cid'.

[He tested the word slowly in his mouth. Frowned. Nodded.]

This venerable one will await your call, Dominant Cid.

[He inclined his head again and 'hung up'. Strange term for closing the mirror.]

[[Log here]]