Okay guys your at the door of one of the most powerful wizards in existance. I know that Lightwave wanted training, and Merlin is the best guy to do it, unless you want me or Tempo to do it. And Tempo you can ask him about Ansem, but I think Aarik already commented about that. Feel free to use Vog as needed.
Rag-tag Hope-Discussion
- Thread starter Shaderic
- Start date
Well, I present this video:
Birth By Sleep Radiant Garden footage with Merlin
He appears around 2 minutes into this video...It shows he WAS in Radiant Garden around the time that Apprentice Xehanort would've shown up. As such, he may know of BBS's events, and may be able to rpovide the info I need.
Of course, I'll leave that up to Shaderic.
EDIT: And more evidence that Merlin might know something about Apprentice Xehanort:
Merlin meets Terra(around 1 minute in)
..If he met Apprentice Xehanort, he could mention how much he looked like Terra...Which may make us think Master Xehanort pulled a Grand Theft Me.
Birth By Sleep Radiant Garden footage with Merlin
He appears around 2 minutes into this video...It shows he WAS in Radiant Garden around the time that Apprentice Xehanort would've shown up. As such, he may know of BBS's events, and may be able to rpovide the info I need.
Of course, I'll leave that up to Shaderic.
EDIT: And more evidence that Merlin might know something about Apprentice Xehanort:
Merlin meets Terra(around 1 minute in)
..If he met Apprentice Xehanort, he could mention how much he looked like Terra...Which may make us think Master Xehanort pulled a Grand Theft Me.
Hmm... I'll need to think about that.
Anyway, brief bit on Hyper-realization.
Remember the insanity gauge? The higher it gets, the more physics falls to the wayside?
Yeah, Hyper-realization forces Insanity DOWN! WAY DOWN!! That's why the even the Heartless ships that didn't get hit exploded. Their Insanity couldn't hold them together anymore.
Hows that for a unique superweapon? Also, please note: You can't use Hyper-realization without some really high tech support.
Also, it and gummis? Don't mix. Don't even try.
Anyway, brief bit on Hyper-realization.
Remember the insanity gauge? The higher it gets, the more physics falls to the wayside?
Yeah, Hyper-realization forces Insanity DOWN! WAY DOWN!! That's why the even the Heartless ships that didn't get hit exploded. Their Insanity couldn't hold them together anymore.
Hows that for a unique superweapon? Also, please note: You can't use Hyper-realization without some really high tech support.
Also, it and gummis? Don't mix. Don't even try.
Dang it Shaderic, stop flipping insanity around!
Also, I just discovered... ____ Space.
Still don't have a name for it.
It's where you end up if you leave Gummi Space without being at a World.
Also, Gummi are universal constants, they work everywhere, because they are a part of ALL Worlds, regardless of the World's insanity, they even worked on Earth, which might be the sanest world in existence.
Although... Enforcing a splinter of reality into G-Space WOULD cause SOME kind of reaction, really weird reactions, explosions would be some of the more minor ones.
The Insanity Gauge Extremes:
Earth 100/100
Gummi Space 0/100
____ Space -100/100
EDIT: In case it's not clear, I couldn't get out of the 'area' fast enough, so I dropped us out of Gummi Space instead.
We DIDN'T see what happened.
Also, the ship has no windows, except the Cockpit Gummi, It uses uses monitors hooked up to cameras instead, you all were in the main area in the middle of the ship, there're couches and stuff there, The Crimson ____'s cockpit only has one seat at the moment, and it's a TAD cramped.
Also, I just discovered... ____ Space.
Still don't have a name for it.
It's where you end up if you leave Gummi Space without being at a World.
Also, Gummi are universal constants, they work everywhere, because they are a part of ALL Worlds, regardless of the World's insanity, they even worked on Earth, which might be the sanest world in existence.
Although... Enforcing a splinter of reality into G-Space WOULD cause SOME kind of reaction, really weird reactions, explosions would be some of the more minor ones.
The Insanity Gauge Extremes:
Earth 100/100
Gummi Space 0/100
____ Space -100/100
EDIT: In case it's not clear, I couldn't get out of the 'area' fast enough, so I dropped us out of Gummi Space instead.
We DIDN'T see what happened.
Also, the ship has no windows, except the Cockpit Gummi, It uses uses monitors hooked up to cameras instead, you all were in the main area in the middle of the ship, there're couches and stuff there, The Crimson ____'s cockpit only has one seat at the moment, and it's a TAD cramped.
In terms of the Merlin thing, here're the basics:
1. Did Merlin ever meet Master Xehanort and/or Apprentice Xehanort?
2. If yes to either, how well does he know them?
3. If no to both, which of the apprentices HAS Merlin met, if any?
..This "Search fot the culprit" thing is like a mystery novel of sorts: Merlin would provide the next big clue, but wouldn't be enough to solve the case.
1. Did Merlin ever meet Master Xehanort and/or Apprentice Xehanort?
2. If yes to either, how well does he know them?
3. If no to both, which of the apprentices HAS Merlin met, if any?
..This "Search fot the culprit" thing is like a mystery novel of sorts: Merlin would provide the next big clue, but wouldn't be enough to solve the case.
Well, you guys are face to face with Merlin, and as I have plans for the evening, I've gone out to get cookies. Feel free to bring me back at any time. After everything is said and done I'll stay at Merlin's when you guys leave, at least until the others arrive. I want to learn scan, and I'm going to make it more useful than it was in the game. Nothing broken, but worth using.
As for me, Merlin will probably tell me to work with what I have, and teach me Scan...Also, depending on what Shaderic says, if he has anything that'll give me a clue as to who is responsible for the Heartless becoming a threat, he'll give me that clue. Basically, I'm using the Linked List Clue Methodology trope for this subplot.
... Eeeh.. this is probably a bad thing to say, but between alot of things... I just don't have the inclination to continue this anymore. It as fun... at first. But, as time went on... yeah. The Lighthouse Federation was the last thing I really came up, and had fun playing with. And that was mostly done on my own time, just dreaming stuff up.
At this point, I'm not sure if I really want to continue with this. I think we've lost a little too much inertia. And alot of the fun, for me anyway, came from exchanging 'posts'. We've pretty much dropped out of that.
So, I just want to hear your opinions on this. Because the way this is structured, story-wise, we can only serve a very limited capacity. We've basicaly written ourselves out of anything 'really' major, inverse. We don't have anywhere near as much effect as we'd like, and that's killing us. And, when you can't effect anything... Well, I'm finding it a little boring.
At this point, I'm not sure if I really want to continue with this. I think we've lost a little too much inertia. And alot of the fun, for me anyway, came from exchanging 'posts'. We've pretty much dropped out of that.
So, I just want to hear your opinions on this. Because the way this is structured, story-wise, we can only serve a very limited capacity. We've basicaly written ourselves out of anything 'really' major, inverse. We don't have anywhere near as much effect as we'd like, and that's killing us. And, when you can't effect anything... Well, I'm finding it a little boring.
Point.
...
Thinking...
What we need, first of all, is more posts, getting rid of them killed the last thread and it's killing this one.
Second, we need something we CAN DO, instead of just aimlessly wandering around, an enemy we can actually fight right now, not after we've leveled up to 8-10.
Maybe the lighthouse federation or something.
We sure as hell can't fight the Heartless on any level that actually matters at the moment.
...
Thinking...
What we need, first of all, is more posts, getting rid of them killed the last thread and it's killing this one.
Second, we need something we CAN DO, instead of just aimlessly wandering around, an enemy we can actually fight right now, not after we've leveled up to 8-10.
Maybe the lighthouse federation or something.
We sure as hell can't fight the Heartless on any level that actually matters at the moment.
Late night ideas that just won't let you sleep ftw.
Well, for the massive redirection and giving us something to do.
We could pull a KOTOR for one, and have us set back in the time line far enough not to effect things properly. Haven't played or seen much of Birth by Sleep, but if there was supposed to be a keyblade for every wielder, well that's a heck of a lot of people with strong hearts. They either turned out that way or perhaps the order might have had some way to boost them.
The thought that popped into my head was either the lot of us being sent back to that time, and maybe even setting up that broadcast someone saw about what to do when you get heartless on your world. Anyway, the point would be us joining that order maybe not as full on Keyblade wielders, but at least aligned and possibly being sent on missions. Bringing back the post aspect with after action reports and writing posts to each other with TFF.
We may not always know what's going on but we'd at least have things to do, we may not always understand what the bigger picture is with the missions, but the 'Hey go help these people' should be obvious if order was like some sort of knighthood.
The other idea was to form a sort of order ourselves and possibly running interference with offworlders that are using knowledge of a worlds canon events to enrich themselves. Heartless we can't fight and would be dodging, other humans however... Well we'd at least stand a chance depending on if they have their own G-Space derived powers.
It's not perfect, but we'd have more reason to be moving around and actually doing things. Lighthouse could even be behind it, using 'the ends justify the means' and basically screwing over several worlds stealing their McGuffins/plot devices for fighting the heartless instead of leaving it to shaky fairy tales about a keyblade wielder saving them, and adds shades of gray to the game. One of the over arching plots could even be them attempting to create their own keyblade with as many pure hearts as they can find instead of the seven princess' of heart.
In the end we'd be fighting, well people like us, with a tech head start and less morals.
Well, for the massive redirection and giving us something to do.
We could pull a KOTOR for one, and have us set back in the time line far enough not to effect things properly. Haven't played or seen much of Birth by Sleep, but if there was supposed to be a keyblade for every wielder, well that's a heck of a lot of people with strong hearts. They either turned out that way or perhaps the order might have had some way to boost them.
The thought that popped into my head was either the lot of us being sent back to that time, and maybe even setting up that broadcast someone saw about what to do when you get heartless on your world. Anyway, the point would be us joining that order maybe not as full on Keyblade wielders, but at least aligned and possibly being sent on missions. Bringing back the post aspect with after action reports and writing posts to each other with TFF.
We may not always know what's going on but we'd at least have things to do, we may not always understand what the bigger picture is with the missions, but the 'Hey go help these people' should be obvious if order was like some sort of knighthood.
The other idea was to form a sort of order ourselves and possibly running interference with offworlders that are using knowledge of a worlds canon events to enrich themselves. Heartless we can't fight and would be dodging, other humans however... Well we'd at least stand a chance depending on if they have their own G-Space derived powers.
It's not perfect, but we'd have more reason to be moving around and actually doing things. Lighthouse could even be behind it, using 'the ends justify the means' and basically screwing over several worlds stealing their McGuffins/plot devices for fighting the heartless instead of leaving it to shaky fairy tales about a keyblade wielder saving them, and adds shades of gray to the game. One of the over arching plots could even be them attempting to create their own keyblade with as many pure hearts as they can find instead of the seven princess' of heart.
In the end we'd be fighting, well people like us, with a tech head start and less morals.
Good point, GhostElder..I don't wanna see this die. The second idea makes sense; we could fight other survivors of Earth's end who are corrupted by power.
Right now, though, Sora'd be returning to Traverse Town for the events of the second visit(The Opposite Armor brawl, and Riku and Sora's reunion.)....After that and meeting to discuss our goals, we'd go our seperate ways again... BTW, should we try to keep Riku from believing what Maleficent is saying after Riku and Sora meet again(thus changing the story), or just leave that be? The main thing that keeping the "post" style from being used is we're waiting for us to have our big meeting(where we'd organize).
Also, we could end up learning about Organization XIII, and try to ruin whatever they're cooking up before Roxas joins; also, we could investigate the origins of the Heartless threat, along with going to worlds that Sora doesn't go to.
EDIT: My ideas for arcs(mainly investigations):
The Origin of the Heartless Threat(we'd investigate what caused the Heartless to become such a threat; Tempo's major subplot is this, as he wants to clear Ansem's name, and right now, he's waiting to learn what Merlin knows, if anything, about Ansem's apprentices; Merlin should know at least enough to allow Tempo and whomever decides to help his investigation to know where to look next)
The Legend of the Keyblade(where did they come from, and what role did they play in the history of the worlds?)
Fallen Survivors(People who survived Earth's destruction decide to use their knowledge to gain profit; we'd try and stop such efforts)
..Also, I'm thinking maybe ONE of us could gain the Keyblade(so far, the only known qualification to become a Keyblade wielder is to have a strong enough heart.); think how Star Wars Galaxies handled players becoming Jedi(it was a long process)
Right now, though, Sora'd be returning to Traverse Town for the events of the second visit(The Opposite Armor brawl, and Riku and Sora's reunion.)....After that and meeting to discuss our goals, we'd go our seperate ways again... BTW, should we try to keep Riku from believing what Maleficent is saying after Riku and Sora meet again(thus changing the story), or just leave that be? The main thing that keeping the "post" style from being used is we're waiting for us to have our big meeting(where we'd organize).
Also, we could end up learning about Organization XIII, and try to ruin whatever they're cooking up before Roxas joins; also, we could investigate the origins of the Heartless threat, along with going to worlds that Sora doesn't go to.
EDIT: My ideas for arcs(mainly investigations):
The Origin of the Heartless Threat(we'd investigate what caused the Heartless to become such a threat; Tempo's major subplot is this, as he wants to clear Ansem's name, and right now, he's waiting to learn what Merlin knows, if anything, about Ansem's apprentices; Merlin should know at least enough to allow Tempo and whomever decides to help his investigation to know where to look next)
The Legend of the Keyblade(where did they come from, and what role did they play in the history of the worlds?)
Fallen Survivors(People who survived Earth's destruction decide to use their knowledge to gain profit; we'd try and stop such efforts)
..Also, I'm thinking maybe ONE of us could gain the Keyblade(so far, the only known qualification to become a Keyblade wielder is to have a strong enough heart.); think how Star Wars Galaxies handled players becoming Jedi(it was a long process)
Who says the survivors would be from our earth?
800 billion worlds, there were likely at least a few that were lower on the insanity scale but things were a bit... grittier, darker there. There could even be ruthless versions of us or family members among them.
Heck it could even be a criminal organization that hijacked a travelers gummi ship for themselves and once their world started to go, they got out with as many of their family and people as they could.
On the Keyblade note, if someone is going to receive one, I'd actually say an NPC that Shaderic controls, just so it isn't one of us.
---
Though thoughts on keyblades, Kairi in 2 was able to wield one if even for a short time when she was given one. I'd say yes her heart was strong since she was a princess of heart. But that opened up the line of thought that some people might be strong enough to wield a keyblade but not necessarily strong enough to attract a specific one's attention/call one.
Hence the organization's thought to speed things up once they make their bid for kingdom hearts, take people to the keyblade graveyard, see if they resonate/are strong enough to draw one out. Sure that person becomes a heartless magnet too, but then they're expendable anyway.
So people start showing up with keyblades that aren't necessarily strong enough to start fighting off the heartless they're now attracting, but surely they'll take out at least a few before they become heartless themselves.
Though if anything that's a season 2 plot.
800 billion worlds, there were likely at least a few that were lower on the insanity scale but things were a bit... grittier, darker there. There could even be ruthless versions of us or family members among them.
Heck it could even be a criminal organization that hijacked a travelers gummi ship for themselves and once their world started to go, they got out with as many of their family and people as they could.
On the Keyblade note, if someone is going to receive one, I'd actually say an NPC that Shaderic controls, just so it isn't one of us.
---
Though thoughts on keyblades, Kairi in 2 was able to wield one if even for a short time when she was given one. I'd say yes her heart was strong since she was a princess of heart. But that opened up the line of thought that some people might be strong enough to wield a keyblade but not necessarily strong enough to attract a specific one's attention/call one.
Hence the organization's thought to speed things up once they make their bid for kingdom hearts, take people to the keyblade graveyard, see if they resonate/are strong enough to draw one out. Sure that person becomes a heartless magnet too, but then they're expendable anyway.
So people start showing up with keyblades that aren't necessarily strong enough to start fighting off the heartless they're now attracting, but surely they'll take out at least a few before they become heartless themselves.
Though if anything that's a season 2 plot.
I have found the Lighthouse Federation Battle Theme!
It's grand, and has the right touch of 'Eerie' without being overly evil.
But moving on to adress actual issues...
No Keyblades for us. Not until what I'm tentatively calling 'Second Voyage', anyway. I like the idea of the Org using Hope's Grave. Again, another tentative name. Because that's what it is, to me. The Graveyard of the World's Hope's. But that's too long, so Hope's Grave.
But again, Second Voyage.
Time Throwback: No. If only because that would basicaly mean re-starting and would be very... dues ex machina to me.
VS Lighthouse: Yes, this just requires some building up. I'd need to flesh out the Lighthouse faction a bit more though. Suggestions?
Tempo: We have ZERO canon knowledge. This has been made very clear. So, even if we knew Riku was there, why the heck would we interere, really? And there's the matter of Malificent kicking our collective asses if we so much as tried.
The Org isn't even around yet, and I'm not even planning on them showing up until Second Voyage.
On your investigations: Origin of Heartless, sure! Clear Ansem's Name: Yeeaa- No. There's no real reason to believe Ansem is something other than a guy who was involved in Heart research. But, feel free to investigate him. You could bring up something interesting about the 'Reports' you find, though. Like how they sometimes seem to be written by two different people...
Your other investigation ideas are good, they just need some clearing up before we can use them
Now that I've covered that stuff...
Spoiler, for I've started planning ahead again.
"A name? What's that got to with anything? And why the hell would we need a name? Until now, it's just been 'Us' and 'We' and 'Survivors'. We don't need fancy titles, or some weird code. All that mattered to us, was that we lived, and that we did the right thing. You think you're so grand, at the top or your tower? Why don't you guy come down off that high throne of yours, and we'll teach you a lesson?"
It's grand, and has the right touch of 'Eerie' without being overly evil.
But moving on to adress actual issues...
No Keyblades for us. Not until what I'm tentatively calling 'Second Voyage', anyway. I like the idea of the Org using Hope's Grave. Again, another tentative name. Because that's what it is, to me. The Graveyard of the World's Hope's. But that's too long, so Hope's Grave.
But again, Second Voyage.
Time Throwback: No. If only because that would basicaly mean re-starting and would be very... dues ex machina to me.
VS Lighthouse: Yes, this just requires some building up. I'd need to flesh out the Lighthouse faction a bit more though. Suggestions?
Tempo: We have ZERO canon knowledge. This has been made very clear. So, even if we knew Riku was there, why the heck would we interere, really? And there's the matter of Malificent kicking our collective asses if we so much as tried.
The Org isn't even around yet, and I'm not even planning on them showing up until Second Voyage.
On your investigations: Origin of Heartless, sure! Clear Ansem's Name: Yeeaa- No. There's no real reason to believe Ansem is something other than a guy who was involved in Heart research. But, feel free to investigate him. You could bring up something interesting about the 'Reports' you find, though. Like how they sometimes seem to be written by two different people...
Your other investigation ideas are good, they just need some clearing up before we can use them
Now that I've covered that stuff...
Spoiler, for I've started planning ahead again.
"A name? What's that got to with anything? And why the hell would we need a name? Until now, it's just been 'Us' and 'We' and 'Survivors'. We don't need fancy titles, or some weird code. All that mattered to us, was that we lived, and that we did the right thing. You think you're so grand, at the top or your tower? Why don't you guy come down off that high throne of yours, and we'll teach you a lesson?"
Shaderic said:
VS Lighthouse: Yes, this just requires some building up. I'd need to flesh out the Lighthouse faction a bit more though. Suggestions?
They're a rag-tag group that's gone from idealistic, to unfettered knight templars. The final goal I think should either be getting their worlds back, or finding a way to utterly destroy darkness. (Though that brings up the usual need for balance and is usually the shtick of a single mad boss rather than an organization.)
During their own journeys I see them as having become a group that works well together and relies on each other, presenting a united front which is the reason they've gotten as far as they have. In this universe such bonds have power, not the sort that will over power grand evils or goods, but it lays out a foothold for victory.
They have earned every victory so far it hasn't been easy, it's been downright hell and they've lost people along the way. But they have also gained new comrades, people that are willing to do what in necessary for their goals, for vengeance, for triumph, for salvation. They may not all be from the same world, but they have shared the same sky, and been forged into a keen weapon.
The technology, is a mix of magic and science, possibly with some gear specifically tooled for use against heartless, along with all that Aarik has found out about making Gummi weapons and more. Some of their people have just enough sadistic glee to make use of the gummi's as ranged/gun weapons.
This isn't a fight taken lightly these people are a mirror darkly of us taken up to eleven and given a couple years head start. We are out numbered, out gunned, and can be out thought if we're not careful.
Right now everyone else has their hands full, this organization is operating mostly in the back ground staying around worlds that have not become aware of G-Space on purpose and they intend to keep it that way. Merlin and Squall's group may want to do something about it, but have their hands full and nearly overflowing already without going out to try and be galactic peace keepers.
Someone has to do something.
I will not wait for a hero to solve problems when people need help.
Far future snippet...
Play Me during scene
___________
"Come on..."
My sweaty hands grab the controls. I've seen them do this. They just grab and go.
"Come on... Come on..."
They're coming now. I can hear them shouting outside.
My hands won't stop shaking. But I won't let go.
My teeth are grinding together, and my jaw is locking up so much it hurts.
But I can't stop! This is my only chance to escape!
"Work, Damnit! Work!" I say between my clenched teeth and hissed breathing.
"You're surrounded, you damned Remnant! Give up, and get out of the ship. You can't hide."
Hide? Did they really think I was just 'hiding' inside this fighter?
Shaking hands are holding dual joysticks tightly, as I realized they didn't even think I could fly.
Could I fly though? Did I just not have it me?
I am an American Airman.
I'm just a maintainer... I fix things, I can't-
I am a Warrior.
Can I really do this?
I have answered my nations call.
"I am...an American Airman..."
Bio-link Established.
"My mission... is to FLY-"
Lights danced across the panels of the ship, as it came to life in my grip. I could feel my jaw relaxing, even as I continued the Creed.
"-FIGHT-"
The cannons fired, and blew away the guards. The feeling of the gun's powered gave me an incredible rush! Was this the 'Sympathy' they spoke of?
"And WIN!"
The engines warmed up, the heat seeping into my back, even as I was pushed back into it by the G-forces.
"WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!"
________________________
Gaahh... That did not come out how I wanted it to.
I need to work on my writing... alot.
Gist of snippet: I'm hijacking an empathic ship. I can't get it to start, as it apparently requires something special from it's user before it'll go. Also, I'm using the beginning of the Airman's Creed, not something awesomely original, but I've been seeing the poster whenever I look up from my computer, so I felt compelled to work it in for some reason.
If Kurt was going to get a Reality Marble, the Creed would be his chant. Mostly because I'm too lazy to go original.
Play Me during scene
___________
"Come on..."
My sweaty hands grab the controls. I've seen them do this. They just grab and go.
"Come on... Come on..."
They're coming now. I can hear them shouting outside.
My hands won't stop shaking. But I won't let go.
My teeth are grinding together, and my jaw is locking up so much it hurts.
But I can't stop! This is my only chance to escape!
"Work, Damnit! Work!" I say between my clenched teeth and hissed breathing.
"You're surrounded, you damned Remnant! Give up, and get out of the ship. You can't hide."
Hide? Did they really think I was just 'hiding' inside this fighter?
Shaking hands are holding dual joysticks tightly, as I realized they didn't even think I could fly.
Could I fly though? Did I just not have it me?
I am an American Airman.
I'm just a maintainer... I fix things, I can't-
I am a Warrior.
Can I really do this?
I have answered my nations call.
"I am...an American Airman..."
Bio-link Established.
"My mission... is to FLY-"
Lights danced across the panels of the ship, as it came to life in my grip. I could feel my jaw relaxing, even as I continued the Creed.
"-FIGHT-"
The cannons fired, and blew away the guards. The feeling of the gun's powered gave me an incredible rush! Was this the 'Sympathy' they spoke of?
"And WIN!"
The engines warmed up, the heat seeping into my back, even as I was pushed back into it by the G-forces.
"WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!"
________________________
Gaahh... That did not come out how I wanted it to.
I need to work on my writing... alot.
Gist of snippet: I'm hijacking an empathic ship. I can't get it to start, as it apparently requires something special from it's user before it'll go. Also, I'm using the beginning of the Airman's Creed, not something awesomely original, but I've been seeing the poster whenever I look up from my computer, so I felt compelled to work it in for some reason.
If Kurt was going to get a Reality Marble, the Creed would be his chant. Mostly because I'm too lazy to go original.