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

[vermilloci]

[ He seems more intrigued than before, but not entirely convinced. With the offer laid out, it’s up to her sound more convincing.

Rem nods, and she corrects her posture as she speaks. ] Like ensuring Ramuh can only be summoned by those authorized, but only you have that sole authorization. Others who attempt to summon you will be denied. It’s how we prevent just anyone from calling one that’s personal or… too dangerous. [ For a moment, her expression grows distant, but she’s quick to cover herself, tearing her gaze away from him to the…— sea.

The sea is not black. The sky is not red. This is not her world. ]

Or that’s how it’d work in Orience.

[ A soft cringe— she had been doing well until listing that small caveat. Sound convincing, sound confident. Even if it is true: given they are in a different world, there’s a chance things simply work differently in this realm and more adjustments will have to be made.

Yet so could any other method he’s exploring, and she’s certain someone as discerning as him is already aware. She knows what weighing information and options looks like upon a person’s brow, and that’s him as he regards her-- the level look, observant, keen, and… if she had to guess, patient like the earthen color to his eyes. Perhaps he can afford to weigh his choices. Perhaps he’s not as desperate as her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be standing in front of her, meeting her along the banks of the port, and hearing her out.

Stalling, Rem presses her lips together. At her side, her fingers curl into her palm. ]

No one should have to fear being called. The way I’ll make you forbidden… the keys will be entirely yours. I promise.

[ramuhs]

[And there it is.]

Assuming it works.

[The question of whether such a technique would even work in this world. Having spoken with others, it was clear that certain magic and techniques did not work the same if not at all here, which made some sense. After all, different world, different rules. Even he is beholden to the limitations as he first discovered upon arriving.

That said, it's the first real lead he's had so far, and while not desperate to jump at the first chance offered, there's no harm in learning more about it. Besides, if there are other options, it would allow everyone to choose which method they prefer rather than locking them into one.

He shifts his weight from one leg to the other.]

Let's just assume it's possible or that we decide to try it. What's the cost? I can only guess it's no simple procedure.

[He would be more surprised if it were.]

[vermilloci]

[ From her periphery, she looks back at him. A single brow lifts slightly, which then shifts into a slight cant of her head. It seems she's puzzled by his question. ] For fitting the charter to you, it's my magic, so the cost is mine.

[ --As far as she knows, anyway. Again: different world, different magics. She doesn't think she has to repeat herself on that unknown again.

She blinks once, then, only latently understanding what he's actually asking. A small, embarrassed 'oh' escapes her, and she adds: ] You're the "eidolon", in this case. As for what it'd cost to summon yourself afterward, Jill already mentioned it takes a... "heavy price". [ Their health, she mentioned, and eventually, their lives.

At least with Rem's offer, he wouldn't have to worry about someone else forcing their life essence to drain. Rem had already been worried she had cost Jill some of her life that very same morning. Avoiding that would be ideal. ] I'm sorry, but... I wouldn't be able to change that part for you.

[ramuhs]

[There's a distinct furrow of his brow at that. "Heavy price"... Jill didn't go into the specifics, but she mentioned that Rem was unconscious, and Cid surmised it must be some physical toll.

Regardless, he doesn't like that idea.]

If I'm understanding this correctly, that "heavy price" would have something to do with our own lives, correct? And then there's also the cost you would be paying for doing all this. Unless you can do some group discount, you would have to do this for several people—that's no small price.

[vermilloci]

[ Her brow shoots up, and she frowns, worrying her lip. Is she losing him already? Troubled, insistence quickens the tempo of her words. ]

Wha— no… no. [ Again, her hand lifts to her chest, curling around the clasp for comfort. ] You’re not an Eidolon from my world, you’re an Eikon from your own, you are. [ Rem considers explaining what she perceives the differences to be, but decides against it. That’s not the point. ] Whatever price Jill mentioned Dominants pay when you [ uh ] summon yourselves… that’s the price I expect you’d pay. She mentioned it costs your health, eventually your lives.

[ Her tone grows quieter at the end, somber. It’s their choice to give their health to become an Eikon— no, it should only be theirs, really, and once more she falters. This is absolutely something she’d do for them regardless, and despite all of her negotiation (if it can even be called that) up until now, waging their lack of autonomy against her method to grant it leaves a bad taste in her mouth.

If he refuses, would she be wrong for not providing them an option to obtain the security and freedom they seek?

As for whatever cost of magic she has to pay to make them verboten— her eyes close tightly, then open— why does he care— she can’t lose this— ]

Cid. [ She had seen how his demeanor changed when he first saw her, how he relaxed. Rem levels the timbre her voice. ] …You don’t believe me when I say “I can do this”, do you?

[ramuhs]

[So regardless, it would cost them their aether—their health. One that they may be willing to pay if it would mean keeping their autonomy...but still something that would need to be deliberated.

As he mulls over this, he sees that change, and there's a heavy, pregnant length of silence before he finally answers.]

If I'm to be honest—I have my doubts.

[His arms shift, uncrossing from his chest so that his right hangs loosely while his left rests idly on the hilts of his swords.]

Not to offend, but you already passed out trying to summon Jill, which makes me question what effect it will have on you. Thus while I admire your efforts and sympathy to our situation, I couldn't in good conscience have you bear something like this alone. And that's just if this can work in this world.

More than that...

[He tilts his head slightly as he regards her.]

I'm trying to figure out why you would be so willing and practically desperate for this trade of favors. I do not doubt there's sincere good will, but I haven't forgotten what you asked for in return.

[And by the way he's studying her, she may be able to sense that he's not just concerned about his own—but for herself as well.]

[vermilloci]

[ Years of battle and training has only ever honed her reflexes, making them nearly automatic. Already on edge, this proves to be a detriment to the conversation.

Her eyes snap to the motion of his hand drifting to his hilt, his words become distant. In the same moment her body pivots, heel dragging back behind her, and her arms going up. A glimmer of crystalline white light shimmers with a silhouette of her weapons, solidifying into two short swords, one pointed toward him, the other away.

A quick reaction time is of the utmost importance in her world, but here, on-edge, her mind has yet to catch up with her body in registering that he means no harm. It’s his left hand, not his drawing hand opposite the blades, that rests on his sword, after all.

…

………

She blinks.

Oh. ]

[ramuhs]

[The moment he sees Rem shift her stance, he stops and narrows his eyes. Immediately his fingers clench over the hilt of his smaller blade. While she later judged correctly that his drawing hand was still at his side, he has two swords for a reason—and his left is just as deft, especially for the shorter blade. However, while he instantly has his guard up, he doesn't move more than that.

Instead, he waits, and when he sees her realizing it...]

Well, those are quite the reflexes.

[His fingertips drum against the hilt of his blade, as if indicating he realizes why she reacted the way she did.]

Which begs the question—what were they training you for?

[vermilloci]

[ Her knuckles turn white upon the hilt of her blades, strained in tempering what would have been a strike. A breath sucks in through her teeth, then, slowly, she lowers them both. She glances at his hand that grips the smaller of his swords (not his opposite hand, she notes; a dual-weilder, like her, then?), and then back to him. It seems he... understands, in some sort of way. Moreover, he's not shifted further to retaliate.

Waves crash upon the breakwater once, twice, soundless against a nigh palpable tension, until it finally retreats like the current. Rem's weapons vanish into that same light from which they were conjured, and she raises her hands with a slight tremble, palms up in a sign of peace.

Still, her voice is low with caution. ]

The same reasons, I'm guessing, you know how to use two blades at once, too.

[ Offensive only. Be strong enough and you won't need bucklers. No shields for those who are but weapons. Not just anyone can dual-wield, but among those that do, she finds that any of these reasons suffice. ]

[ramuhs]

[He continues to eye her, though it's not out of complete wariness. Just...studying, as if trying to figure out what she's gone through. And he'll just give her a light cant of his head before he waves off her sign. She really doesn't need to—he can feel it from her that she doesn't mean to harm him.

And even if she did...

Well, he can stand on his own.

But there's just a smallest quirk of his lips, a small rise of his shoulders as a breath of laughter escapes him.]

Depends. Not all people pick up a blade to join some army. Many can learn on their own just to protect their own, be it land or people.

However, with those skills it's clear. Which is all the more unfortunate if my guesses are true.

[Young men and women joining to fight in any kind of army or regiment is not uncommon at all, but it always depends on the reasons. Especially with how quick she was to defend herself. Or rather, how quick she feels she needs to defend herself.]

But you don't have to worry about anything from me. [An idle wave of his hand.] If anything I should apologize if I startled you or made you feel so uncomfortable.

[vermilloci]

[ Her hands lower to her side. Bereft of weapons to hold, her fingers pad into the thick fabric of her skirt.

It’s not the wave of his hand or his admittance of startling her that eases the stiffness of her posture, but the first part of what he said. Rem’s chin tucks down. ]

Then you understand. [ She’s quiet, but sincere. There’s reach within her voice, tentative and fragile, as if seeking some other sort of common ground. ] What it’s like… wanting to protect.

[ … ]

[ramuhs]

I do, aye.

[A small nod.]

And that thing you want—will that help you do that?

[vermilloci]

[ Silence on her end, and then she answers with a solemn nod. ]

[ramuhs]

Is there a reason why you're not telling me what exactly it is?

[vermilloci]

It’s… private.

[ramuhs]

[He looks at her for a moment before he half turns and slowly starts to walk around as if packing as he recites from memory what she wrote to him before, counting off each item with his hand.]

Something that was "one magical" and "held a lot of power" but now "inert" and made of "potent conductor material." "Weapon or crystal" and must be "defunct" but not "brittle."

[He stops and looks at her, hand raised.]

Now it doesn't take a genius to know that this isn't some trifling object and makes me wonder what you could be using it for, let alone if this could lead to something dangerous.

Right place this time

[vermilloci]

[ Her eyes follow him as he paces, A method to grant him a way to prevent others from summoning is not enough of payment alone, it seems. Freedom’s price comes with questions.

Moreover, he’s by far established he is perceptive, shrewd. Any explanation or defense at this point would be giving him extra information, more pieces he can put together.
Either she risks that, or she stops here. ]

I… need to make something. [ Clearly, something this world doesn’t have. Similar to the spell she’s offering him, it’s fair to assume whatever she wishes to try won’t work, either. ] To protect others… and to survive.

[ But shrewd men aren’t moved by the kindness of their hearts. Rem bites on her bottom lip, fighting back a feeling of loss. ]

I’m offering you summoning autonomy. Is that not enough?

[ramuhs]

[Hmmm.

He could probably loosen up, given what he already has in mind. But he's going to push a little more.]

Let me ask you this. Is the thing you're making destructive? Would it harm others?

[It's clear she doesn't want to talk about what it is, and that's what gives Cid pause. What could it be that she's trying to make that she has to be secretive about it? To survive? And while she appears trustworthy enough to not be making some kind of weapon, he's not one to just blindly accept a deal that could harm others—no matter how much it would benefit him and the rest.

And he knows the others would feel similarly.]

[vermilloci]

[ Her brow cinches, and she’s quick to reply. ]

No, of course not.

[ She seems insulted that he would suggest it! ]

[ramuhs]

[Hey, he has to be sure. But her answer does amuse him.]

To your proposal, I'd have to ask the others...but I think I already know the answer.

But even if not, I'll still help with your request, see what I can do. Can't make any promises as it may be difficult finding what you want. However, I have a condition.

I want to be involved in whatever you're trying to make.

[In other words, he wants to see what it is she's doing. Supervise.]

[vermilloci]

[ A lengthy pause precedes her answer as she weighs the offer.

And she considers, if only for a moment: what would Class 0’s “Mother” say? ]

…Okay. [ A hint of reservation wears her tone, and then she adds: ]

But you can’t tell anyone else.

[ SHE EXTENDS HER HAND. People do that with deals right?? ]

[ramuhs]

[......HM. Normally he would take that head readily, but a certain bird is harping in the back of his mind. So he's staring at it for a moment before he looks up at her.]

At least let me inform my group. They were part of this initial negotiation, and I would need their help if I'm to find this elusive material of yours.

[vermilloci]

[ Ah.

Her hand lowers, but just slightly. ]

…Who else?

[ More than him and Jill, it seems. ]

[ramuhs]

There's seven of us in total.

[Which he can guess would be quite significant.]

Me and Jill you've met. Clive, Dion, Joshua, and Benedikta are the other four Dominants at risk of being summoned, so only natural they should know the full extent of this deal if I'm to tell them of your offer.

[A small pause before his expression softens.]

Then there is my daughter who is not at risk, but she's a genius and has a knack for building from anything you give her. Not to mention she's used to working with material similar to what you've described.

[A light smile.]

Actually about your age, I reckon.

1/3

[vermilloci]

[ "Seven--" Her eyes widen at the mere mention of the number, and her fingers almost curl back into her palm. Almost, because as he lists the names, familiarity flashes within her eyes at the mention of one other upon it. Seven people are a lot more with whom to share this with, when she would far prefer discretion. Yet there are six of these people who, potentially, can seize the reigns of their power back into their own, if Rem is able to help them even just temporarily.

Jill. Jill is kind. A touch reserved when it comes to being silly, but she saw the spark of it there, the interest in trying new things, the parrot of a pun in return. They had spoken of attending a cat-cafe together, and Rem is certain she will enjoy it.

And Joshua-- he is soft-natured, helpful. He had promised to sing for her next they meet, and with this, Rem is certain he will be fairly terrible at it.

As for Cid... She thought him shrewd, but here he is saying he must inform his brethren even when, without a set deal, he can lose this potential opportunity her magic provides. She would think having this option would allow for some measure of silence to others, especially if it could ultimately benefit them.

...But then it occurs to her that it doesn't matter; throughout their conversation, he's plied information out of her, piecemealed at a pace that she hadn't caught, to the point that she's told more than enough. Now he knows she'll be searching for a hallowed relic regardless, now he knows she wishes for as few others as possible to know, and if she withdraws, now he can tell the others anyway for what she seeks. If this had been his ploy all along, she'd fallen into it like the naïve girl she is. Negotiations are not her strong suit.

Yet, it doesn't seem he means any ill-will, even if it's become obvious that the upper hand has always been his own. That's not shrewd. That, too, is kind, the same sort within Jill and Joshua. ]