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Who: Tidus, Xehanort (

mustknow), and Elidibus (

wewillwewill)
Where: Games, upper carriage
When: Nebula 17
What: Gaming gaming
Warnings: Two nerdy guys and a jock.

The thing with being pals with Tidus is getting involved in his ideas. These ideas, despite how random they may seem, can be for the betterment of his friends! Such as inviting Xehanort - Teddy - and Elidibus to meet him on this day and time for a game, and to learn the ways that people have fun. With other people. For more fun!

He doesn't bother to say who's coming, not really being that organised at the time he invites them with a "Hey, let's try out a game and have some fun!" (really, it's that simple). But they'll get to eventually meet one another, when they do Tidus, up in the carriage getting ready the headsets. He's pulled over a few of the soft squishy shapes, sitting on a square cross-legged when either of the two arrive.

But the moment he sees one or both of them, he swings his head to look at them, gives a "Sup!" and tips his head to the other random acceptable-to-sit-on shapes.

"Pick a square and get cosy. How you feel being a Hero today?"

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Xehanort is not yet aware Elidibus is coming. The Emissary isn't a bad thing of course, they got along just fine every other time they've encountered each other, but playing games with a thousands-year-old person who's idea of fun is More Work?

Well, they'll burn that bridge when they come to it. Asked to be somewhere at a specific time by Tidus means he'll actually BOTHER to be there, and when he turns up in the games car and Tidus is preparing the virtual reality sets, he ... accepts that, he's played with it a little before but not for long.

Space fighters, it turns out, are not his genre.

"That depends, I heard this one has you fighting in a swamp later and virtual swamps are probably as disgusting as real ones." Hey, that's a major concern. "Can we skip that part?"

"It wouldn't be a challenge if there weren't obstacles to overcome" Elidibus mentions. He arrives from a soft billow of shadowy darkness that disappates and seems to have caught the question about swamps. What? He's walked enough lately. While he doesn't express outright surprise at seeing another familiar face present, he's certainly curious and looks at Tidus.

"Xehanort is joining us?" Yup, it appears he's been invited to this game. The Ascian hasn't played this particular one before but he did familiarize himself with the concepts of these machines. Seeing the other two reaching for headsets, he'll approach and do so himself. Anyway he doesn't sound displeased about a third party's presence.

He might have missed Tidus's question about playing at being a Hero. Or the Ascian might just be refraining from remarking on certain ironies in the statement.

Wow, look at Mister spooky entrance coming on in like this is a fancy castle somewhere. Tidus is interrupted from giving an answer - though Elidibus's isn't that different from what he would've said - but he just huffs, somewhat amused from the display. Teddy gets one headset, and so does Elidibus.

"Yup! You're both curious people, wanna experience more, and what's more fun than experiencing multi-player games?" Plenty, but Tidus isn't giving anyone time to answer.

"You two played Hero Quest yet? 'Cause it's either that, or me kicking your butts in Space Racing."

"NOT space racing. I veto that immediately. It's awful." It's probably great fun to some people, but not to Xehanort! "And I'm not here for a challenge, Elidibus. This is about entertainment, which is sometimes also about challenges but they're supposed to be fun, not miserable slogs through virtual mosquito infested bogs. It might have simulated bugbites."

So since he will immediately nope out if it's space racing, that leaves hero quest. "I haven't played much with the VR. One round of space race. Which I am never doing again." He's certainly willing to give the IDEA of hero quest a try, but he's a little uncertain Elidibus isn't going to treat it like another Duty He Must Perform Perfectly. "All I really know about this one I heard in rumor or read in the little synopsis."

"I'd be more worried about the insects' attacks than their inconvenience," Elidibus says with all the experience of a person from a world with ridiculously oversized vilekin. Seriously. A chigoe the size of medium dogs is the least of your worries in Eorzea. But there are regular size pests too.

...Oh right. Entertainment. "...But forgive me. The concept of Hero Quest does sound similar to the every day life of those who live on my Star. Though I've watched someone playing a game with a similar theme before while on this voyage. It'll be interesting to see how immersive this virtual reality world is compared to that handheld device."

He might end up treating this like a task, but at least he understands that it isn't the spirit of their reason for being here today. Effort is being made.

Notably he avoids mentioning Space Race. "If we do try something else, I would prefer the space combat entertainment. It seems challenging." Yeah he would be interested in Star Rise Over Gulati.

Sounds like somebody got their butt kicked in Space Racer. Or couldn't figure out the controls and therefore still got their butt kicked in Space Racer. But message received, and we hope the guys have their wii-shaped controllers, which Tidus will be checking on.

"You don't have to worry about bugbites," Tidus assures. "The game isn't that advanced-" considering they're still using controllers to game than just mind-controls. "Let's go for that one! The space fighting one's...fussy."

Read: Not relaxing.

"You wanna get used to playing more VR games first. But Knight Quest is a breeze! Why don't we shake it up too and take a class that's different from what we do? Soo- you can be a bard, a sword fighter, archer, healer..."

His VR shades back on proper, he's selecting the game of Knight Quest for them, bringing them to the title screen, and then Character Selection. A quick, "Hey, put on your shades and press any button. You'll see the jobs we've got!"

No better way of going through the different jobs than letting the game do it for you. There's even a Randomly Select button.

"I don't think they have 'desk jockey' as an option anyway," Xehanort murmurs, getting his controller and headset properly arranged. A fully immersive VR game would be interesting too, but perhaps a little more than the train could currently manage.

There certainly is a whole list of things to pick from. And only a few even mean anything to him. After a moment, he selects Random.

Which promptly designates him Warlock. Patron: Celestial.

The little list of what this means earns a slow frown. "I think I'm a mage, that's also a minion. To.. an angel?" There's a long pause. "Does that mean I have to choose every extremely good option?"

Early in his journey on the train Elidibus did at least look around the games carriage and might have even tried out this device once. Well, if his earlier comment related to knowledge about the complicated space fighter game is a hint, he certainly has tried it before. So he's familiar with the controls.

Once everything's sorted out about what they'll be playing, he takes a headset and a seat, arranging matters and picking up the controller. It was tempting to read them all anyway and make the best choice. But then he was aware the best choice for the sake of his companions and engaging in this as entertainment would be to allow the game to choose and then carefully read what was given.

"I suppose it would depend on the game's rules for an angel's patronage. Does it say anything in the description?" Meanwhile, the Ascian is hitting the random select for himself and reading through the results.

"A 'Druid of the Land?'" Elidibus muses aloud. "...It seems a type of conjurer with the ability to take the forms of animals. Interesting. I suppose this would make me a healer of sorts."

Through the headgear, Tidus can see what the other two are doing. And if they're both (or even just Xehanort) are going through the random options, why not him too?

Even if for Tidus, that means clicking it, getting a result - a female paladin - and then clicking Random again. Male wizard, male cleric, female monk. ... no, okay, let's just change that to a guy...!

"Okay, got mine. I punch things!" Here comes Tidus, giving the very simple analysis of what a monk does. He's got this, lads. But he is also swinging a look over to Xehanort's character, then back to his. Hmmm. "Do we all get a patron? I don't see anything for me. I never deal with the extra options."

...just because he's played this game before doesn't mean he's very bright about classes and their perks.

Menu flipping ensues. "No instructions on what's expected for actions. I get bonuses to killing undead though, if they turn up. Don't tell Murphy." It's just a game of course, but it might strike a little too close to home!

Honestly there should be a book to go with all this, but it's not like there's huge consequences if they bungle it as they go. "I think the patron thing is a class feature. From the little synopsis it almost sounds like a warlock sells their soul for power, except.. I'm not sure angels take souls as payment, so maybe they just have a ... friendly deal going on?"

Maybe there's evil angels somewhere! "Punching is a lot more straightforward. Do druids get the option to pick what they turn into? If you get something big enough Tidus and I won't have to walk. Well our characters won't."

Free. Rides.

"I suppose it depends on your definition of an angel. There's always a price for power."

Elidibus watches Tidus flipping through several uses of the randomizer. Which is strictly speaking not random if you flip around until you get something you want Tidus.

The Ascian sticks with what the randomizer gave him in any case, though Xehanort's question about the animal choices and the benefits does earn the researcher a long look.

"It looks like there's pre-selected choices. I'll start with a wolf or a bear but I can add more as I gain levels," comes the answer finally. Hey, it's a video game, of course there's limits because of the game coding. "A horse is one of the choices. Later, there's forms with swimming and flight. It seems there would be more if I switched to the other type of Druid available. It looks like it's meant for frontlines and wouldn't be as strong in spellcasting."

There's a few clicks of the controller as he selects the starting stuff like spells and shape. "I'll cover healing in any case. And I'm selecting the bear form in case of emergencies." Click click click.

Wow, angels sound weird. Or warlocks. It vaguely reminds Tidus of fayths and summoners (maybe?) - close enough that he can settle with that thought and leave it there, the talk of rides gaining his interest next.

He was about to suggest a bear too, but hey, looks like Elidibus knew to pick right without prompt! "This adventure's already starting off good. Free rides, and I've goot... punching things and martial arts. Cool! Easy and simple, just the way I like it."

Don't mind Tidus being the one here who isn't fussing over his movelists or what he can possibly do, unlike his companions. "You two tell me when you're ready. We should do a sidequest soon as we get one - that's the best way of feeling out spells and moves."

See? Easy.

Xehanort squints beneath his VR helmet. "I think the only definition of angel that matters is what the game defines them as." Maybe he'll find out more during the game.

Bears are okay but frankly a horse would have been better in his estimation. He makes no comment about whether a bear or a horse would be better for emergencies, but he's absolutely thinking it. "It looks like I get a heal spell alongside all my damage spells, so I guess I can put that to use later. Let's start it up."

Already said is already done, but -- "Oh do monks get any skills for breaking and entering and stuff? Aren't there always treasure chests to pick open?"

No, that's rogues.

Yes but the horse wasn't a starting option. Also Elidibus might, however practical the option, have had some small issues with being a proper mount. A bear is fine. Just fine and if there were an emergency, it could be used for... well, emergencies.

"Rogues and ninja specialize in--" the Ascian begins to say before looking toward Tidus as well. Maybe the game defines things differently. He also looks at his list of spells again which, unsurprisingly, lack thief skills. Pass Without Trace also comes later.

"...Yes, let's start if we're ready," Elidibus agrees decisively. He realizes it's way too tempting to linger in the menus and maximize the potential of all their characters. Best to start before he gets too caught up in asking after the others' skill choices. It'd defeat the purpose of random!

It's ok, bears are good too. Tidus would check if stealing is one of his character's skills, but with the 2 agreements for starting, Tidus tells Xehanort, "I'll check after the cutscene," pressing confirmation for being ready, then waiting on the other two to do the same.

And when they do, there's a short loading screen before a storyboard narration begins. 'The kingdom has long lived in peace and prosperity,' it explains, as watercolour-esque art of said kingdom is shown, along with everyday people doing everyday things, dressed up in medieval aesthetics.

'Until-' A beast is shown within a mountain, at its peak, the narrator speaking of an age-old force waking from a slumber. And how it threatens to bring ruin to the entire world, if the mystical power to vanquish the beast for once and for all is not found.

'You are the chosen few, the Warriors of Peace...'

Their characters shown on the screen, as the music swells, and the story shares how they are the ones who the fate of the world rests upon, before the screen turns dark...

...and they appear outside the castle walls, within the city. Tidus's character is instantly running as soon as the controls work, doing a spin and a few jumps.

"Hellllooo, Kingdom of Somewhere!" he greets cheerily. "Today I'll be... Torhnok! Saviour of the land!"

Now let him do a few punches as he continues to test out the controls on this monk class. NPCs do their business around them, pleasant music playing in their ears.

"I wonder why it's always a kingdom and never an empire." This is murmured during the introduction, but not loud enough to actually interrupt it much. It;'s already a familiar tale, fairytales always start out much the same way!

But he's paying attention to the entire thing. Mostly because he's never actually played this before therefore what it does and what it's capable of is all new.

Getting a better handle on the controls takes longer, but he's nothing if not dedicated. Menus open, menus close, a nearby cabbage is set on fire with what looks awfully like a laser, the NPCs don't seem to notice the flaming cabbage as of yet, and Xehanort... is pretty sure he has a better idea of what does what now.

"..Oh, we should.." His character swivels as he scans nearby buildings for signs. "Find a potion seller. Never go anywhere without a potion or six. .. Are there potions? There better be."

"I believe it's a matter of theatrics. Empires are oft portrayed as the more sinister faction," comes the equally quiet response.

You do not know Emet-Selch for twelve thousand years and not know theater tropes.

The first thing on entering the world that Elidibus bears witness to is a flaming cabbage. Well, and the cause of it. At least the game's people don't seem to be conditioned to react poorly to watching a piece of their crop get lit on fire by an adventurer. But just in case he checks and affirms the selection of a water creation spell.

Keeping an eye on the burning cabbage for further development, Elidibus then starts to look around. "Those look like shops," he says and points to indicate a particular direction of buildings with signs fitted neatly to them. "I agree. Antidote and something to prevent Paralysis as well as healing potions. How much in starting funds do we have?"

It may be worth mentioning that he has noticed Tidus' enthusiasm. He is simply letting the youth get the excitement out of his system uninterrupted. Absolutely not just ignoring it.

The avatar for the Ascian's druid character is that of a half-orc male dressed in simple leathers and looking like your standard fantasy forest dweller. Status windows will list him as 'Liam Mei'.

"What's the difference?" comes the question from a guy who knows little to nothing about imperialism. But oh, Empires, he's heard that word a few times!

But who cares about on fire cabbages? Unless anyone wants to put it out, which isn't Tidus, hearing the fuss about shops, and jumping his character off from the small wall he was starting to climb up, to then move over a small bridge over a stream.

"I know where the potion shop is! We geeet, 200? 300?" A quick look at his menu- "--500 starting. Plenty for potions. You should break open crates too, click up against everything. Potions are easy to find. Oh, I think you can buy spells in some shops too?"

"I want to save an empire sometime. If it's as storybook as possible, the Emperor or Empress will need an evil advisor." Not that this is relevant whatsoever to the current mission, scanning the quests.

500 starting WHAT though? Must by munny by the context, and as it seems Tidus knows where he's going, Xehanort steers his painfully stereotypically Blond Elven avatar after him. "I don't see anything about penalties for stealing so I guess if it isn't fixed to the floor see if it fits in your inventory."

Which might be why his character just stuffed an entire gardening shovel into a pocket. Who knows when it might be useful!

"No, wait, I have a negative alert. Apparently my angel patron doesn't like stealing, so one of you will have to grab everything not fixed to the floor, or I guess trade it to me."

"Usually governance. Of particular note is their policy on their conquered territories." Imerialism vs Monarchy that is. But really going into detail doesn't seem to be needed right now.

"Gold appears to be the primary currency for this game," Elidibus reports. Burning cabbages are left alone as he moves closer to Xehanort's elf avatar. "An alert?" Really. He appears interested and looks thoughtful. "Let me know if you receive another warning, if it is one of your companions that commit the theft."

Well in this case, it'll be the sickle that was next to the garden shovel. For further experimentation, he'll even offer it to Elfhanort to see if the angel protests. It's best to be thorough.

But eventually he'll move on, meaning to head up the street- probably in the same general direction as Tidus- and check out what the shops have to offer.

"Spells sound as though they would be more expensive than potions. Perhaps we should start with arms and armor first."

There's a small hum as Elidibus explains the difference, Xehanort's musing getting a "Advisor? Why's it always an evil advisor?", recalling the last time he played this game, and someone assumed the advisor was behind the plot.

His avatar is dressed up like the typical fighter gamer stereotype, in baggy pants and a simple shirt, arms wrapped up in bandages, down to the hands. Waiting for the pair to have their stealing escapades, while he keeps an eye for anything else along the way.

And when they stop outside the shop, he's making his avatar jump on the spot again as he speaks.

"We can check the prices. Best thing to do is to kill a bunch of fiends and then come back with the money and buy what you need. You can get stuff from quests too."

(*jump* *jump* *twirl*)

"Because if evil is obvious and on the throne, heros line up to defeat it and the game's over faster, and having a good Emperor but an evil Advisor means that the heros don't have to rebuild an entire nation's government after the evil is stopped, they can just go for the next adventure." It's nice and neat that way! Save the kingdom without being responsible for it!

Happily this game isn't so advanced that discussing this kind of thing might get them unwanted attention, the NPCs continue on their ways as if nothing is happening.

They don't even notice Elidibus stealing a sickle. "No, apparently it's fine if you steal things."

Tidus' hopping in place repeatedly really conveys a desire to keep going. He's not sure how or why, but it does, without ever actually saying so. Once he catches up, Xehanort's avatar hops once or twice in place. "Well we need practice with the combat commands anyway, let's go find some monsters."

Is the jumping infectious? While Elidibus hardly considers himself to be catching the disease, this is his first time playing the game and it makes sense to test the controls as he moves to catch up. Looking up, left and right, down, jogging, running and walking. His orc druid avatar might have been avoided by the NPC populace if they were programmed to respond to weird peculiarities. They absolutely are not and so it might just seem strange to his boon companions.

His last efforts give a running jump- with some decent distance- and a full height jump. Just to see how high up someone can go. Not at all because of the others, clearly.

Meanwhile, an AI companion wolf that had been ~~idle resting~~ laying down at his original point of entry is now ~~pathing~~ finding a place to settle near the avatar's legs. Fortunately at this low level stage it's a small wolf.

"I too wish to see the combat. Let's buy a few basic potions quickly and find the starting fields then, if it would be best to gain more money before buying in earnest." There's a pause as Elidibus looks around.

"Can these quests you speak of be picked up by one for the party, Tidus? Or must they be gathered individually? It might be best to split our efforts to move on more quickly if we can share them."

There are a couple NPCs in sight with a few [[!]] over their heads even now.

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