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]

[ ”Chosen as one”, meaning they weren’t given even that decision. Even the Crystals are much more lenient with whom they select (not entirely true, a part of her swiftly tells herself, only for that thought to be just as quickly brushed away). Still, a “surprise” like that sounds unpleasant. He and others like him would have no way of knowing before hand, to say nothing of having no mentor or guidance after.

Her nose crinkles at the smell of smoke, but she looks at him sympathetically. ]

I can’t imagine that there’s a “How-To-Dominant 101” class afterward, I can’t…

[ It must have been frightening, to say the least. Rem’s hands clasp together, another thought occurring to her. ] …Can I ask you something? [ From her reserves tone, it seems she means to ask something about him that’s a little more personal. ]

[ramuhs]

If only things were so simple.

[A small, rueful laugh as he remembers his own awakening, and then years later by luck Benedikta's.]

But sure, what is it?

[vermilloci]

[ Eikons are tied to bloodlines, he’d mentioned, with some lineages being lost to time. This would lead to an inability to narrow down who would likely be the next Dominant within all the branches of a family. Additionally, the way he speaks of Eikons suggests that they have their own will, or at least a capacity to select their next vessel. It begs the question of why that particular person within that line.

Perhaps Eikons inhabit their chosen at birth. But unless the Eikon is clairvoyant, they wouldn’t be choosing someone based on merits, values, or personality. Convictions are developed later in life, not at infancy, not to mention how ideals can change.

Perhaps Eikons choose someone when they’re older. Cid is older. …But this doesn’t follow, seeing as Jill and Joshua are not. The former had mentioned the price it demands from them. ”Ultimately, your life.”

She’ll forget them all, then, should they succumb to that toll here. How long they have left would depend on the extent of their Eikon use and the age at which they discovered they were Dominants. With this thought comes another, swift and vicious and troubling, causing her expression to fall: she wonders how, after just meeting them—…

How much time she has left recalling their names, that they existed, that she made promises to try cat cafes, sing sea shanties, or even explore magical options to prevent accidental summonings.

Rem elevates her gaze, her tone more somber. ]

How… young were you? When you found out that you were a Dominant?

[ramuhs]

[Oh? Oblivious to what Rem is thinking, Cid finds the question innocent enough. But as he thinks back on those times, times he doesn't often anymore, a hand slowly runs over his mouth and chin before he answers.]

Eighteen.

[The hand falls as he continues.]

A bit late compared to most Dominants, but there have been later. However, I was also born outside Valisthea, where the Mothercrystals and Eikons were. Came there as a sellsword two years prior.

Why Ramuh decided to wake up then, I couldn't tell you.

[vermilloci]

[ Eighteen... Her eyes widen, close, and then open with sorrow. While she doesn't know his actual age, she can imagine the decades or so that followed his awakening being difficult. She knows what it's like to wither, but she doesn't know what it's like to wither for so long. ]

I'm glad you're still here. [ Genuinely, too, despite the tension earlier in their conversation.

She's glad that he's here. She's glad that this also means Jill and Joshua have more time, so long as they use discretion with their Eikons-- if she's following this correctly. ] It can't be easy. Erm, being Dominant, I mean.

[ramuhs]

[...Ha ha. If she only knew the truth. But her words are a bit surprising, moreso because this is the first time they've really met. So he can only perceive her sentiment as both a platitude and something that speaks to her character, which makes him smile a bit.]

Because I might be able to help with that little pet project of yours?

[A wink as he's clearly teasing her before he takes on a more serious demeanor.]

But a Dominant's life is not easy, no. Even those who are lauded as heroes or celebrated for their strength and power are all but tools in the end. So it's up to the individual to determine their own fate, whether to follow it or choose how they want to live and die.

[vermilloci]

[ She catches the wink, and her stance relaxes, somewhat, but-- oh. His words resonate a little too much at the end, and there it is again, the red sky and sea flashing through her mind. She blinks it away.

Something else clicks, though, and she whispers: ] That's why you want this freedom...

You've could have had it here if it weren't for the accidental summons. [ Rem did so accidentally, but there might be someone, otherworlder or local, who won't be so kind. Whether or not they'd still be able to control them is another matter entirely, but either way, it's frightening to think about. ]

[ramuhs]

[A wry smile.]

While that is part of it, you needn't look like that. Unexpected as it is, aside from just being pulled to some random location, so far that's all there is to it. We're not bound to do anything and can walk away without issue, and so far those who are aware of it are quite understanding.

However, as you can guess we can't always trust in luck or that something else can't be fashioned in this world to do something more than that. It's why I'd rather be prepared and nip this in the bud, as it were.

So while a bit unfortunate, you could say it's also a good thing. We caught it early enough to act on it.

[vermilloci]

Better to act first, with something like that...

[ And, because she doesn't want to sound as if she's pitying them, but instead hopeful for them, she adds: ]

At least, you won't have to worry about being summoned by me. I won't dare again.

[ramuhs]

Given the cost it has on you, I should hope not. But out of curiosity, who can you summon?

[vermilloci]

Oh. [ Only fair to tell him, considering that he told her who the Dominants are.

But, unfortunately, the answer is a little more complicated. ] In my world, there are many I can call... [ She folds her hands together. ] But my magic doesn't feel the same here. [ Hence, her attempting to summon Shiva, and getting Jill instead. ] Erm, I just haven't gotten around to trying who I could or couldn't. Among those you listed, Shiva, Bahamut, and Ifrit are in my arsen-- [ "--arsenal", is what she had been about to say, but seeing as that he just mentioned being treated as tools of battle, she clears her throat, amending: ] ...are within my authorization to call.

[ramuhs]

[That is certainly quite a few of them already... And while she tried, he still caught it, and even if she hadn't, it would still lead to his next question.]

And for what purpose would you need them? Especially at the cost of your own health?

[vermilloci]

[ Once regarded as war deities, they're now used as siege weapons, but that feels not at all appropriate to mention. ] You can probably guess this, but we use their might to turn the tide of battle. [ And then she pauses, looking at him.

Really looking at him. Peering, in fact. Maybe even... scrutinizing!

Rem only knows the summons that are listed in the Crystarium, and the Dominion's catalog of Eidolons numbers in the thousands. A mere mortal would never be able to achieve the power needed to call or bank them all-- only a l'cie would be capable of such a feat. However, she remembers spending endless nights studying to help her magic grow, pouring over scrolls and books far past archive hours; and she remembers the name of Ramuh listed next to his depiction. Humanoid, a wise magus, and lightning-type.

It occurs to her that she doesn't even know what their Eikon forms look like, and since she's never actually seen Ramuh, curiosity gets the better of her. Now she must inquire!

At last, Rem's nose crinkles, and she straightens. ]

I have to ask, I do. Do you, um... [ How to ask this without coming off as eager to learn! Unfortunately, Rem doesn't quite succeed, as she appears to perk up as she continues. ] When you summon yourself, do you have a [ She brings her hand to her chin, mimicking the action of stroking a longgggggggg beard. ] And a... staff? With a horned horse on it?

[ramuhs]

[He feels a little strange finding himself under that scrutinizing gaze, wondering what's going in that head of hers... But then at her questions, and at her eagerness, he can't help but chuckle a little. Is that what it is? Curious?]

Rather than "summon," we shift and transform into our Eikon. It's called "priming." As to Ramuh himself... [Another chuckle at her mimicking.] Aye, he's an ancient old man with the long beard and robes with a staff.

A horned horse however... [He has to think. He's held and stared at that staff many times, so it's not as if he can't remember it. But he rubs his chin in thought.] That I do not remember seeing on it. Suppose that must be something from the Ramuh of your world.

[vermilloci]

It’s.., ah, the horned beast is actually another summon, too… [ Her voice drifts. Because W O W. Oh, wow. Okay no horned horse staff, but he does apparently magically grow a long beard, and as he rubs his chin, she wonders if his Ramuh’s beard is— ] Is it fluffy?

[ —and she asks this aloud before stopping herself. She’s only ever seen depictions, and according to the texts the Ramuh of Orience apparently has a beard that resembles clouds. Obviously she must ask what it’s like, because she hopes that, due of the toll his Eikon demands, he won’t ever have to prime again.

Is it fluffy, or is it prickly like static…! ]

[ramuhs]

[Just a blink as he looks up at her and stares at her for a moment.]

Eh?

[What's fluffy??]

[vermilloci]

Your beard! [ She immediately clarifies, eye glimmering with an enthusiasm that hadn’t been there before. ] Er— Ramuh’s beard.

Like clouds, or… Or is it prickly like static?

[ramuhs]

[Just another blank stare before he laughs. A real, loud bellowing laugh as his shoulders shake and he half hunches over.]

Ramuh's beard—clouds—hah!

[He's been asked many questions about his Eikon before, but never about the old fart's beard—

Oh man, that's a good one. And he might have needed that what with everything else that's been going on. So after a few more moments, he finally calms, shaking his head.]

Maybe not a cloud, but it is surprisingly on the softer side, with a lot of volume to it.

1/2

[vermilloci]

[ It was a serious, curious question!! And yet, she finds herself surprised at not only the thunder (hah) of his laugh.

Caught off guard, her jaw quietly slackens as she simply stares at him for a few moments longer.

…

Then her expression softens.

And then a corner of her mouth twitches. ]

[vermilloci]

[ And then, at long last, a smile forms upon her lips in which it seems to not only melt away the wariness etched into her mien, but to bring added warmth to her eyes. ]

No cloud-beard, mm? I’m shocked, I tell you.

[ Pun absolutely intended. ]

[ramuhs]

[Catching it, he just chuckles.]

It certainly moves and floats like a cloud. Should I ever be able to prime, I'll let you have a chance to touch it. Maybe it feels different to others.

[vermilloci]

[ She raises her hand, covering her lips as she chuckles, mirth resonating in the sound. ]

I wouldn’t be able to give you a comparison, but… [ Her smile is kind, appreciative, and her eyes shine with the silly soulfulness of laughter. Even if she’d hope he would have no need to prime, this is amusing to think about. She would not dare touch an Orience-Ramuh’s beard. ] I’d be first in line to try, I would.

[ramuhs]

[Well wait until she hears that he discovered he turns into a mini-Ramuh. But that will be in the future—]

I'll be sure to let you know.

[A wink.]

Anything else you wish to know?

[vermilloci]

[ She will squish the bitty in a hug— ]

Mm… no. [ Well, maybe she does have other questions, but they can be asked later if they’re truly important. Rem’s hand falls from her mouth, and she places it upon her chest. Already she’s feeling a touch fatigued, but maybe that’s only because she’s finally allowing herself to relax in his presence.

A good thing overall, really. ] Not right now, anyway.

[ramuhs]

You know how to reach me if you do.

[And he still remembers what she said about a horse related to Ramuh...hmmm.]

But I think you could use a bit of a break. I'll get back to you on what the rest say about your proposal.