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« player event » 🌪️ the eye of the storm

Who: Garuda & YOU.
Status: Open log.
Where: Eltrut, Nogard.
What: Benedikta Harman has primed into Garuda, and is wreaking havoc on the Leviathans.
Warnings: Violence, Final Fantasy XVI spoilers.

"The Warden of the Wind. She takes the form of a fearful harpy, summoning storms and tearing into the flesh of her prey with hawklike talons. Such is the Eikon's frenzy for destruction that even allies of the Dominant of the day are wont to begin fleeing the battlefield when dark clouds gather overhead."

The morning of May the 4th starts out like any other: calm waters, clear blue skies, ships coming and going from their ports. However, all of that is about to change—and abruptly—as Benedikta Harman soars over the ocean after learning the painful truth about the fate of Cidolfus, and of herself. Her wrath now unbound and unmatched, all coming to a head as her aether bursts at the seams, a storm gathers on the horizon. With every angry beat of her wings, the skies turn a dark, eerie green, the winds grow stronger, and Garuda's voice is louder as laughter rings clearer for the first time since that one fateful dawn...

Benedikta & Garuda's Wrath (Final Fantasy XVI spoilers)

Her wings are tired, her face stings with the burn of sharp tears and sharper winds that follow after her, but she does not stop. She cannot. Any other day, she would never make it this far, but her body and the air are dense with her aether that she can fly farther and faster than she has ever managed—in no particular direction, so long as it is a direction away from him. Away from the place where she thought home could be. How naive she was to think that anywhere could be; how ignorant of her to have lit even the smallest spark of hope that things could be any different than before.

Reckless to think that trusting anyone, especially after a whole life of never affording to, would end in anything but deceit.

They all leave. They always leave.

Just like they had then, six years ago on that fateful night in Stonhyrr, those claws of betrayal coil tight around her throat and sink deep into flesh. Only this time, who is there to catch her?

The thought of that wide, open freedom that always followed Cidolfus wheresoever he went frightened her to no end. To her, it meant the unknown that came with running away, being whisked on the back of the winds, to a place where she would not know if, when next she landed, there would be a ground beneath her feet. His betrayal left her on her back once before, and she had been fool enough to take that risk again. Six years in an empty pursuit in his absence, chasing what she thought to be stability, power, and even love in another—her king, touch-starved and hunting any warmth that she could find, is what had her listening to the promises he whispered into her ear again. It is what made her take that plunge into that vast unknown, made her lean into his easy-going benevolence...

And look at where it has led her.

Back then, she had King Barnabas to pull her back on her feet. He would show her a better world, through what they both knew to be empty platitudes, and hearts that did not belong to the other, but she would be loyal. She would be good. She would be everything that Cid could not be. She would do his bidding to prove to him—and most importantly, to the rest of the world, and to herself—that she could be valuable. Powerful. Yet, what she thought was love, she realised in hindsight, was nothing more than a passion for his insurmountable power. A stable place above all the rest who thought they could cut her down. And it was his power that gripped her like a vise—she feared him, and yet, she was still loyal.

Look at what trust and loyalty have wrought.

Destined to loneliness and desperation.

Falling, falling...

Alone and afraid, a wrath now unbound as she soars over the bone dragon's head. Fumbling in the dark, she is trying to catch the pieces of herself that have shattered and are now being scattered into the wind—how the fuck is she supposed to put herself back together now?

A tool for love. A way to atone for his past sins. A way to "save her" where he could not before, and to fulfill a promise he could not uphold the first time. To make up for past mistakes so that he may now live with himself. Because that was all she was, wasn't she? A remnant, a ghost of a broken past that haunted him.

A tool for war. Even in death, she was nothing more than that. The king that she pledged her utmost fealty to then saw fit to use her however he wanted. Her body was desecrated and turned into an instrument to fuel the war between cruel men and crueler gods. Nothing more than a vessel for power. Nothing more than Garuda.

Falling...

So why does she refuse her? Why has she been so afraid of her? She should embrace her Eikon again. Become one with her once more, all fangs and no mercy, because that was all she was ever seen as: a source of power, of redemption, but they were not her own. They were never to be her own.

Tighter, the claws squeeze, and Benedikta screams and screams until she can no longer breathe. Until it is no longer her own screams, but Garuda's.

This wretched world... With wretched people...

Liars. Maggots. All of them. They all knew, and they lied.

She is afraid, but she is angry, and she has learned that it is easier to let in the rage than it is the fear. It was at Garuda's hand that she had died before, but that would not happen this time, that voice promises her. Garuda will protect her, swathe her in her comforting winds and rip apart everything that has and could hurt her.

The sky above Nogard falls dark, almost black. The waters rage as the wind abruptly picks up, lightning cracks, and a violent, swirling gale descends, only growing.

Let me help you. Let us show them what happens when they hurt you. Again and again...

If only Barnabas could see her now in all her strength. All power coursing through her pulsing aether, not an ounce of humanity left. This is what he wanted, isn't it?

She can at least take solace in the fact that Cidolfus is here. He could not keep his promise, could not save her, and instead, he lied to her, deceived her. In return, she will hate and hurt with all her love. She will let the fury take her. She will tear it all apart, and he will have to watch, knowing that he did this.

So much for your fucking redemption now.

DIE, DIE... DIE...

And from that whirling gale, she emerges. No longer is it Benedikta at the eye of the storm, but the true Warden of the Wind, the Eikon, Garuda, a reckless harpy with four wings wider than any bird's, claws that could split a man open in a single swipe, and fangs that could rip flesh from bone. With them all bared, her laughter echoes across the sea and sky.

Freedom. She is untethered, let out of the cage that Benedikta chained her in for so long.

And she will ravage this world in her name. Now fall...

WEATHERING THE STORMS

The moment that Nogard senses that something is amiss, its flesh will reform to protect itself and the villages within from the worst of the storms. While the Leviathan does get battered and the winds persist even after its body takes shape, Fang and its docks will be saved from the tidal surges that are bound to come and, upon seeing Garuda take off in the direction of Eltrut, the dragon will follow after her, roaring across the seas to send a signal of warning to the others to either flee or shield.

Heeding its call, the Naughtilust and Norhpip will retreat while Elah comes to their aid. Paladins will be encouraged by Elah to assist with rescue efforts—brave the storms and head out to sea to help. Those who do not wish to face the harpy's wrath can take refuge on the whale's back. But it will be Eltrut that will receive the brunt of Garuda's attacks, and where her magic will be most potent, the build-up of her aether coming to a head when she lands on the turtle's back.

Harsh, hurricane-like winds will assault Eltrut, and with them, a sense of dread and trickles of sadness fall upon the Leviathan. With Eltrut docked at an island, it's easier to see what is about to happen: the tide recedes, and on the horizon, the shadow of a giant tsunami wave guided by the wind approaches. While Eltrut can shield itself with its bubble, it will still need some help!

Using whatever magic is available—and necessary—everyone will have to work together to help Eltrut withstand the worst of it and, when the tide hits, it's best to be holding onto something, or someone, as Eltrut will be knocked around a bit before stabilising. Unfortunately, with the water's far too choppy to swim in, everyone will have to wait it out and work together to reduce the magic, and hope that someone comes along soon to take care of the harpy that keeps tearing through its shields.

🏝️ On Land. For those stuck on Eltrut or Nogard, the storms are just as fierce. With winds strong enough to rip the trees from their roots, shatter glass, and throw large objects around, it is imperative that people help each other find shelter and safety, and those with shielding magic use it, especially around the docks. Help the locals, assist the merfolk that have been washed up back into the water. There are weaponsmiths asking anyone with a set of hands to help craft things like harpoons and arrows that will be useful against the creatures that now roam the Leviathans.

🌊 Out at Sea. Crews will need to batten down the hatches and work together to weather the storms as well as rescue anyone else, including locals, who might be out there. Though, it is recommended that people try to outrun them as that is one big wave that is heading for Eltrut. Thanks to Garuda's magic, some of the wildlife have grown wings, and sharks are chomping down on boats and even leaping onto decks in search of a good meal.

☁️ In the Air. Male gryphons from The Hideaway's island will arrive to aid those who wish to take to the skies for search and rescue efforts. They are still wary and a bit erratic from being attacked earlier on the island, so working together to earn their trust will be imperative. Offering them food or small gifts such as feathers or beads will appease them, as well as protecting them from oncoming attacks from their fellow birdkin. Once in the air, riding on gryphon-back will take some getting used to, as they will always travel in pairs, and will employ tactical maneuvers to dodge the debris and any creatures that attack.

With their homes partially destroyed by the massive wave, some of the merfolk have come to aid not only their own that have been washed up onto land, but those who hope to alleviate the stress on the Leviathans, whether it be rescue efforts or fighting off the birds and winged sharks. They have offered their herd of seahorses for people to ride on, but they are a bit temperamental, especially with all the chaos, so they will need to be calmed first before they can be ridden.

All threads will be worth 4 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

It isn't just the violent skies and seas that pose a problem. Garuda's magic has somehow affected all of the birdkin and bird folk alike across Nogard and Eltrut. What once were peaceful, friendly creatures have now turned on others, as well as each other, and will be attacking and fighting on the streets.

More than that, while some birds have transformed into menacing beasts large enough to pick up a whole person—sometimes two—there are also dozens and dozens of Wind Elementals that have spawned all around the Leviathans, all of them under the command of Benedikta's sisters, Chirada and Suparna, the strongest of them. They hardly ever leave one another's side, but when they are provoked, they will not hesitate to attack. To make matters worse, when threatened, they will tether their aether to each other to make themselves more immune and to regenerate. They are fast, agile, with wide wingspans and talons that will rip anyone apart if they manage to catch them. They are weak to lightning magic and can be held off by the plumes found throughout the forest, and destroying them will buy time for those fighting the smaller Egis to defeat them... However, be warned, they will only respawn again elsewhere, and will keep doing so until Garuda is chased away. (Note: this video of their boss fight can be referred to if needed.)

🐦 Birds and Birdfolk. Beware of feathered friends! Garuda's magic has made both the birds of the islands and the bird folk particularly aggressive. Bird folk will be quick to anger, and those caught up in the worst of the effects will attack anyone unprovoked for so much as looking at them. The only cure for this is taking out the Wind Elementals that have spawned, as they are what sustains Garuda's magic. In the meantime, until they can be destroyed, luring them further away and outside of town or finding a humane way to knock them out for the time being will work to help alleviate the threats at the eye of the storm. Cats will also be effective against them. Be careful, however—the birds are capable of stealing the breath of anyone who wanders too close, strangling them through lack of air.

🌪️ Wind Elementals. Minions of Garuda herself, these Wind Egis will indiscriminately pick out anyone they find to assault with their large wings, sharpened talons, and powerful wind magic. Men will be carried out to sea where they will attempt to drown them, while women will be carried to "safety" in the nests that the birds have built within the forests. Defeating them is the key to weakening Garuda's magic, so take them out by any means necessary. Note: Players are free to use and control the Egis however they want.

🪹 Within the Nest. For those caught in the nest, escaping on the ground will be the only way out as horrific winged beasts and Egis guard the skies. Beneath the trees, people will need to carve out a path through the messy vines and thorns. It will be safer with a partner, as all sorts of horrors lurk. Eldritch hummingbirds, cassowary, magpies, human-sized hawkmoths, guineafowl, pelicans, and a strange breed of geese that are prepared to feed on or tear apart anyone who might threaten their nest.

There will occasionally be white plumes that will flutter down from the skies. These feathers are from Garuda's wings, and gathering them will provide a ward to protect one from harm for a short period of time. They can shield against one hit or act as a repellent to the birds and the Egis before they are destroyed. Search for them in the treetops and the vines, gather them, and they should be shared so that everyone can make it out of the forest safely. If anyone is able to collect enough of them, they will have healing wind properties that can mend small wounds and cuts.

For those at The Roost (the Hideaway crew's island), the gryphons will be up in arms, not only because one of their nests has been destroyed, but because Benedikta's uncontrollable magic has bled into them, too. The female gryphons, led by the Matriarch, will attack the males, and a fight will break out among them. The males will flee down into the Roost to seek help, but the females will surely soon follow. Killing the gryphons is not an option, and anyone who threatens the lives of the females will have to get through the males in spite of this war, so they will need to be chased off for now. In return, the males will allow anyone to ride on their backs and carry them to Eltrut should they wish to help there.

All threads will be worth 4 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

THE LADY OF THE WIND

For those few who are brave enough to encounter Garuda and live to tell the tale, and those fewer who are daring enough to chase her down seeking to clip the vengeful harpy's wings, they will likely not have to look very far. Garuda is a mischievous and wicked Eikon, chaotic, as if she were made of the winds and storms herself, and through all of the destruction she brings, she also finds enjoyment in taunting others, sometimes swooping down or over one's head just to toy with those on the ground before flying off again.

If she is feeling particularly naughty, she may even kidnap a few, scooping them up in her claws and flying them off someplace else... just for fun. Whether it is the nest, into the sky, out to sea, who knows, but one thing is for certain... one does not want to be engaged with her for long, lest they wish to feel just how sharp her claws and fangs truly are...

Try as they might, however, it will take the might of another full Eikon to take her down, and the battles will end as Ramuh, the Warden of Thunder, makes his appearance and chases her away from Eltrut, and they will face off against one another over the ocean.

Note: This portion of the log is closed to those who signed up for an encounter with Garuda. Please leave a starter at your designated top level down below! They will be worth 6 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

This is the designated log for a player-run (

garudas) mini-event. After revelations came about surrounding her fate, Benedikta Harman primed into her full Eikon, Garuda, and she is now ravaging the seas, skies, and land.

Players are free to make their own top levels and tag around, and those who have signed up to face Garuda can leave their starters beneath their designated top levels. Information can be found on the OOC post and please direct any questions here. New players/characters are free to tag into this as well, as this is all occurring after their arrival.

The event and its effects will last less than one day ICly and will have a resolution, so there will be no bearing on anything afterward. Any post-Garuda events will be on the main monthly log that will be going up, including Leviathan clean-up and helping the mermaids after parts of their underwater dwelling were ruined by the wave that hit Eltrut.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He looks up and desperately looks at G'raha. It's not fair. He can't fly around.]

I'm not going to stand here and wait?!

[Zack swings his weapon again, taking out another hunk of rapidly growing vines in his path toward G'raha. And when a pair of angry geese (why is it always geese) come down at him he attacks them with a fast blast of tri-thundaga magic. Soon enough, he'll make his way to the wall of the rounded nest.]

Tell me you're okay?!

[ G'raha is still in that maid attire. He's too busy scaling down - all of the birds seem to be avoiding him. all of those cat features and the like seems to be enough to spook them off. ]

They aren't attacking me! So please!

[ Don't get yourself hurt if it can be avoided. ]

I swear I'm fine!

[ But those heels do cause him to slip. Thankfully he catches himself! ]

[Zack... squints.]

What are you wearing?!

[He swears he can spy something pink and frilly. And are those heels- Stay focused, Zack. This isn't the time to be wondering about something like that.

Because there's large human-sized hawkmoth coming down and it almost swipes right past G'raha to knock him off balance. Zack growls and casts another tri-thundaga spell at it before he starts to climb up the side of the nest as well. He'll meet G'raha halfway if he has to. All while slashing down birds that are attacking.]

Nevermind that!

[ What is Zack doing? Is he so determined to fight through all of these birds though it is hardly necessary? The man must truly be worried, but Raha is unharmed. There is no need. Eventually he huffs and just kicks off of the wall of the nest.

No, Zack won't have to climb far. Because G'raha casts Float and gently begins to levitate downwards. Of course the birds are still attacking which means he begins to sling spells towards those creatures as well. ]

[Zack looks up to catch sight of G'raha Tia, in all his catwife glory, floating down slowly in a pink and white maid's dress, stockings and heels. That airflow is just right that there's probably even a peek up that frilly skirt if G'raha isn't careful.]

What do you mean, nevermind?!

[HOW DOES HE NEVERMIND THAT.

Meanwhile, Zack's body is running on pure adrenaline now. He climbs up to a larger section just below where G'raha was floating down from. He slams his greatsword down into the ground and holds his arm out.]

Come here, I'll catch you! I know you're running out of magic!

[ Zack is allowed a peek! Anyone else might have to fight both Raha and Zack though. And Zack isn't wrong. Even while maintaining the Float spell, G'raha is chasing off birds with other spells. He is exhausting his aether and quite fast. ]

Is this really the time to be concerned with it!?

[ The outfit isn't what they should be focusing on! Rather, he notices that Zack is favoring one arm. Even bracing it against himself as one is held out for Raha. ]

A few more fulms! [ Just a bit more! A little more so he doesn't just collapse into Zack. ] Please be careful!

[ And then, when he is about 2 or 3 yards above Zack, he drops the spell. Exhausted. ]

[He's concerned! He's concerned!! About more than just G'raha's skirt whooshing up thanks to the wind but because he was caught up there in the nest in the first place. Who took G'raha he just wants to talk.

Luckily, G'raha has enough in him to work that floating spell and Zack is sure to brace himself to catch G'raha with his good arm just as he releases it. In a rush of wind, frills and bird feathers he catches G'raha just under the arms and spins the both of them to ease G'raha's landing on his feet. Zack winces in pain from it but he doesn't say a word about it.

Because as soon as G'raha's on his feet another hawkmoth swoops down at them and Zack's grabbing his weapon again and slicing it out of the air. He's using his body to protectively shift and shield G'raha from the attack.]

[ Raha can feel the way that Zack tenses up even as he spins them both around. His mouth opens, as though he is going to say something about it. Because that's what they should be concerned with!

But then Zack is moving. Pushing Raha behind him and picking up that sword. The hawkmonth doesn't even realize that it has been hit, cut down, until it's too late. Raha almost feels sorry for it, trying to duck around Zack to get a look at it. ]

Zack... I am okay.

[It's a relentless attack but Zack is still running on adrenaline right now and he's not taking any more chances. If any of the attacking birds come at them to try and hurt them he's going to do everything he can to stop that from happening. Broken shoulder or not.

As soon as the immediate threat is gone Zack then plants his weapon into the ground again and turns back to G'raha to pull him into the hug.]

I'm so god damn glad.

[Protective Zack is protective.]

[ But Zack that's not really necessary! G'raha is not incapable of defending them both. Even if his aetherial reserves are low, he can always switch to more traditional weaponry as well. The Miqo'te isn't helpless.

Before he can express such thoughts, Zack is shoving that massive sword into the ground. Rah gives a small 'oof' as he is soon held fast. Red eyes go wide before blinking. Arms wrap around Zack in return. ]

Are you all right? You just attacked those avian creatures with one hand.

Fought the big bad bird.

[Zack frowns deeply because he's actually not proud of that fact. The fight had been brutal. And yet... Something familiar about her...]

I think my shoulder's broken.

[But that doesn't matter right now. He knows G'raha isn't useless he knows he can hold his own. But he had to do something anyway. He couldn't just sit there idle. He had to do what he could to help G'raha too.]

You... Fought Garuda? Benedikta?

[ G'raha is already pulling himself away. Partially in shock but also to look at that shoulder. He touches it gently, tugging at Zack's clothing to push some of it aside so that he can inspect. ]

Zack...

So it was her, huh? I had a bad feeling about it.

[He shakes his head. He'll let G'raha get a good look. It's definitely a broken shoulder which is bruising and swollen under the fabric of clothing. It needs to be properly tended to but he hasn't got that far yet.]

Do you know anything about what the hell happened to her?

I've a vague idea. Extreme emotional distress, though I know not the source.

[ His fingers are gentle in their exploration. Trying to feel where the break is and how bad. ]

We need to get back to your ship or in town. I can work my magicks there.

[The break is fairly bad. His arm won't be useless but it's bad enough that it should be in a proper cast or sling for a while. He is also bruised up from her talons stepping on him so hard.]

The Seventh Heaven's nearby. Let's get back to it before any more of these birds want to peck our heads off.

[He moves to pick up his weapon again.]

[ He is concerned. Of course he is concerned. Zack had come all the way over here with that sort of a break? Had thought about climbing and fighting creatures at the same time? What kind of fool... ]

Zack Fair, if that comes to pass then I will be the one engaging in combat. You've done quite enough.

[ Says the Miqo'te in a maid outfit and low on mp. As soon as that blade is settled, G'raha wraps an arm around Zack's waist. He has every intention of escorting him back while actively hissing at any birds that draw close. ]

Yeah, says you who barely got that last spell off?

[He sees you, G'raha. He knows G'raha is at his limit as well. They're both two peas in a pod right now so all they can do is hobble back towards the beach together while supporting each other's bodies.

Luckily it seems like the farther they get from those giant nests the fewer attacking birds there are.]

[ All because G'raha is just cat-like enough that the birds really don't want to chase after the two men slowly making their way towards the beach. Then they'll need to reach the docks while the winds and the like are still roaring and causing storms to brew.

Zack isn't wrong to call out Raha in return. He is also exhausted. ]

I am not the one with a broken bone. You will only injure yourself further if you continue.

[ Bickering like a married couple... ]

And you'll make yourself pass out if you keep casting.

[Bickering... Up the dock to the ramp of the ship they go.]

We'll just have to rest the old-fashioned way. Set it and put my arm in a sling. That'll work until we get back to somewhere safe.

I've a few more left in me before I end up passing out. At least this is the sort of thing that can be remedied by a good night's sleep, unlike your condition.

[ Up the ramp they go and further into the ship itself. Raha has the route memorized at this point. ]

If I am the one to set it, you have to actually rest. Let others handle what is going on outside, love.

[No need to go down to the cabin right this moment. Zack's going to collapse into a seat there left on the deck.]

Yeah. You're going to have to set it right here before I can move any more than that.

[It's starting to really burn now that the adrenaline is starting to wear off. This is going to hurt but it needs to be done. He knows G'raha might try to slip in another healing spell but he can't stop him now.

Still... He's worried about all of this. What a battle.]

I will cast a sleeping spell on you, ser, before you can think to move anywhere beyond this bed. Remember the demands you made of me when I was stabbed.

[ He gently sits Zack in a chair. They need him to be here first and then Raha can get the man situated in bed. One step at a time.

Fingers slide along Zack's jaw and he tilts his chin up. Just to press a kiss to Zack's brow. ]

This is going to hurt, love.

[ And without warning or giving Zack time to brace himself, G'raha places hands on that shoulder and sets it back into place with a sickening snap. ]

[He sits. And then he's getting a nice distracting kiss to his brow oh-]

Yeah, I-

[SNAP!!]

ARRRGHH!!

[The pain hurts like nothing anyone can ever describe!! The snapping of a bone setting back to the spot where it's supposed to be. Hurts and he's yelling from the sharp blast of pain but ... He's more than aware that G'raha did it exactly how anyone should set a bone. Quick, without warning and as painless as possible. Because as soon as the shoulder is set it hurts but it's a throbbing hurt after a few painful wheeezes of breath.]

Thanks... Love you too.

I apologize for the pain. A necessary evil, I fear.

[ He already has his hands hovering over the shoulder. Casting curative magicks to help with the pain and to quicken the natural healing that an injury of this magnitude is going to take. ]

We don't have a sling, so we are going to use my scarf. Thankfully for the both of us, I left it here this morning.

Yeah... Don't I know it.

[Yup, he's not new to having to get bones set to heal properly. It isn't his first broken bone and it won't be his last one. But the shoulder bone is a rough place to get a break.]

I'd hate to get your scarf all ruined like that.

[He moves to stand so they can get to the cabins but he's also taking G'raha's hand so he stops casting so much magic.]

I'm okay, I'll be okay.

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