NEW DATE for Second Battle of Carteneau - Sunday July 25th @ 6pm EDT (Crystal DC)
My wife is being induced TOMORROW (Wednesday June 16th), so obviously the previous date time no longer works, especially wrangling a toddler AND a newborn ;)
The original post was as follows, but we will be revising the event premise and planning in greater detail for showtime!
Following our “comeback tour” with the Battle of Paglth’an [1] [2], we are happy to announce our next big event for FFXIV’s Death Unto Dawn Part 2! Taking what we learned with our previous foray (which was our first large-scale event in over 2 years), we will be refining our system to offer an even smoother experience that brings your OCs close to the main story action!
This military-themed MSQ event will take place in a “stand-in set” for the Carteneau Flats. 5.5 Part 2 spoilers goes without saying. All Crystal RPers are welcome to this event on the Balmung server. Read on to learn more!
Link to our Discord server: https://discord.gg/rqnE2bjKRj
Link to our Carrd: https://4thcombinedbrigade.carrd.co/
Second Battle of Carteneau - Saturday June 19th @ 6pm EDT (Crystal DC)
Following our “comeback tour” with the Battle of Paglth’an [1] [2], we are happy to announce our next big event for FFXIV’s Death Unto Dawn Part 2! Taking what we learned with our previous foray (which was our first large-scale event in over 2 years), we will be refining our system to offer an even smoother experience that brings your OCs close to the main story action!
This military-themed MSQ event will take place in a “stand-in set” for the Carteneau Flats. Due to developments in the main story of FFXIV, tempering of your characters may be possible (albeit temporary), as is RPvP as a consequence...
5.5 Part 2 spoilers goes without saying. All Crystal RPers are welcome to this event on the Balmung server. Read on to learn more!
Link to our Discord server: https://discord.gg/rqnE2bjKRj
Link to our Carrd: https://4thcombinedbrigade.carrd.co/
This event will have a fixed structure to accommodate the potentially large number of players in attendance (over 30 last time!). In addition, an event guide will be written for participants to have access to on the day.
Prelude: Up to an hour before the official start time is some unofficial RP for our characters to get to know each other, set at the Immortal Flames outpost in Carteneau.
Act 1 (“Trash mobs”): After an initial clash of our RP army with a large enemy force, our characters split up into pre-determined squadrons to fight the enemy in easier-to-GM “mini-events”.
Act 2 (“Boss fight”): A lunar primal will descend upon the battlefield, potentially tempering your character and resulting in an RPvP sequence following modified Grindstone rules (including the ability to gang up). Don’t worry! If the heroes are defeated, a “deus ex machina” is planned to save the day ;)
Act 3: Rather than have an unofficial denouement, an epilogue will be rolled into the official event time to allow our characters to properly process the battle. This would involve tending to the injured and tempered with porxies etc!
As can be found on our Carrd, please keep in mind our 3 guiding principles:
We do NOT do DND-style tabletop events: Your characters are not arranged on a board with a defined number of enemies who have a set amount of hitpoints you have to whittle down. In most cases, there is a vaguely defined enemy force. This allows for a large-scale military conflict to be properly simulated.
Roll first, THEN emote: Outside of RPvP, your characters will roll to meet a success/fail threshold, then emote accordingly. This is contextual, and depends on the specific GM post.
It's on You, the Writer: In order to alleviate as much stress as possible from the GMs, it is expected that event participants take the initiative in writing their character out in whatever happenings are taking place. We are here to provide a creative platform for your characters to be a part of something greater than themselves, rather than have RP spoon-fed directly to you. When something happens, take the initiative! Be bold and confident in writing your character in a structured but freeform story. That isn’t to say your characters will be ignored by the GMs, however, quite the contrary...
In addition, patience and grace are required for these events. All 4 of the GMs are older adults with significant RL commitments, including a parent of a toddler and incoming newborn. It can feel stressful, especially RPvP, to be part of these large-scale events; but don’t worry! If you keep the above in mind, you WILL have fun being a Big Damn Hero of FFXIV’s Main Story Quest!
If you have any more questions, join our Discord server up above!
There are too many damn good screenshots to include from yesterday’s Battle of Paglth’an! Here is a personal favourite, which shows Lunar Bahamut dropping into Zolm’ak Citadel as a cameo to incinerate a force of Alliance troops before moving on elsewhere.
Huge shout-out to the 30+ players who attended and made the event a great comeback for the 4th! It’s the first time hosting these MSQ events in over 2 years.
There will be more to come in the run-up to Endwalker, using what we learned in managing a large group of RPers to formalize our GM systems. I’m honestly surprised it went as well as it did as a first foray for a new group!
If you’re interested in joining our CWLS/Discord-based community to catch further Death Unto Dawn and Endwalker military-themed events, do hop in here: https://discord.gg/rqnE2bjKRj
Battle of Paglth’an - Sunday May 16th @ 7pm EDT (Crystal DC)
Since the Telophoroi’s emergence, mysterious towers have appeared all across the Three Great Continents, with no doubt nefarious intent. As one of many measures taken in response, the Eorzean Alliance has commissioned a reserve regiment led by Flame Commander Khaleed Quartzwall, a veteran leader of both adventurers and soldiers alike, most famously during Operation Rhalgr’s Beacon.
Intermittent skirmishes against the Telophoroi at the frontier has seen little reason for the regiment’s activation and deployment...however, with a dark moon rising, the fates may have aught else in mind...
This military-themed MSQ event will take place in southern Thanalan as a “stand-in set” for Paglth’an’s Valley of No One and Zolm’ak Citadel. Uniformed soldiers and adventurers are heeded to answer the Alliance’s clarion call!
5.5 Part 1 spoilers goes without saying. All Crystal RPers are welcome to this event on the Balmung server. Read on to learn more!
Link to the temporary Discord server: https://discord.gg/mdmR5YyBE3
The meeting point is the Immortal Flames encampment at X: 18.0 Y: 18.0 in southern Thanalan, just down from Little Ala Mhigo on Balmung. In-character, this locale is also an Immortal Flames encampment, located in Paglth’an and serving as a staging area for the event regiment.
I need...
Co-GMs - Experience necessary, particularly with events that focus on teamwork, inclusivity, and action set pieces!
Soldiers and sworn adventurers from the Alliance armies - As a military operation, uniforms will be required, though the uniform requirements will pull from the wardrobes of multiple expansions.
Possible antagonists - This can be in the form of “NPCs” riding dragon or magitek mounts; due to the MSQ story situation, it is unlikely to be “RPvP”, but bad guy stand-ins to take down are welcome!
Photographer(s) - A photographer does not necessarily have to be a participant!
DJ - Someone to run the BGM for the event.
If you’re interested, go ahead and join the temporary event Discord server here: https://discord.gg/rqnE2bjKRj
FAQ
How can a large-scale combat event even work?
I have led and co-led similar events before in the 2017-18 timeframe, alongside some fantastic GMs. The key is to have multiple GMs in constant communication with one another, prioritizing fun and heroics over anything else. Because an MSQ event already has a pre-determined outcome, the focus is on what is easiest for maximum enjoyment.
Examples of previous large-scale combat events I have led or co-led:
Liberation of Ala Mhigo #1, #2, #3, and #4 (RPvE, RPvP)
Operation Heavenly Hammer (RPvP)
The Second Grand Melee (RPvP)
The Calamity Returns (RPvE, RPvP)
What will the combat system be?
This is TBD, but will be a system that focuses on the above philosophy of “the most fun for the most amount of people”. For example, it may be a traditional roll vs roll when the event is split into smaller squadrons, but for the finale, all participants will be instructed to simply roll over a certain number then react accordingly. The latter system allows for grand scenes to take place, such as the heroes clashing with an indeterminately large number of enemies in a massive melee.
My character is super tough, a Warrior of Light, and has special permission from their Grand Company to wear what they want!
That’s great! But that’s not really how militaries work, where everyone must be uniform (geddit?). The focus of this event will very much be teamwork because it is a military operation, and not a series of lone wolves trying to pull off their ultimate attacks without regard to their compatriots. This allows for inclusivity, where everyone is given a role and purpose, and nobody is sidelined. Combat being directed by an IC leader enables this. Do not be put off by by the military theme or IC strictness; everyone is included and can be a hero with this style of event!
If you have any more questions, join the temporary event Discord server up above!
[Balmung] The Golden Gala!
Dec 29th, Gold Court, Ul’dah 8:00pm EST
Master Doc: https://tinyurl.com/gg-gala18
The Golden Gala returns for its fourth straight year! Originally founded by Jaliqai Qulaan and Ryssmyna Syvynmhaswyn, the Gold and Glory Hunter’s Guild continues to host what we hope will be a wonderful and golden the evening extravaganza. Join us for a night of singing, dancing, eating, and our favorite White Oliphant game!
Singing:
We’ve arranged for three wonderful performances! The Crawford’s have managed to wrangle entertainment from their own company! Please welcome to the Golden Gala the first time performance from their staff with G&G’s Starlight Crew!
Rumors have been swirling that later in the evening Savo Kesslivang, Ul’dah’s favorite homeless punk creature, will emerge from her resident sewer to sing horrible, horrible, possibly holiday-themed songs. There might even be a special guest appearance from Lucky Sparrow sensation, E'rin Rae!
And to keep things classy, Palazzo Aldenard musicians Elphanse Silmontaix and Caelholdt Kavanagh have come together to create an intimate musical duo focused on intoxicating lyrics and the dreamy combination of smooth guitar and sultry singing. Their band, The Poisoned Apple, will have you tossing out your antidotes!
White Oliphant Game:
This event is based off of the real-life White Elephant gift exchange game in which players take turns selecting and stealing gift boxes from one another, in the hopes of taking home something especially nice. We’ll be supplying all the gifts and boy, has the prize pool grown! We will be giving away several million gil worth of items at this year’s event – for free! There’s no cost to sign-up for this event, so even if you don’t win big, you’ve nothing to lose!
To sign up, please either:
* Send an Ask or Chat to @aegir-ffxiv
* Send a Discord PM to Aegir#5138
* Send an in-game /tell to Aegir (any Aegir, I’m all the Aegirs)
* (please don’t send a message to for-gold-and-glory, the messages for this tumblr are wonky and don’t seem to always go through)
Once you’ve done one of these three things, wait for me to respond to you with confirmation to ensure that I didn’t miss your sign up!And remember thatsigning up is completely free! That’s right – you could take home hundred of thousands or even millions of gil in free prizes! (Or you could end up with a worthless-but-hilarious gag gift. But hey, it was free!)
For those who sign up, be sure to check back at @for-gold-and-glory on December 26. This list will describe the way each box is wrapped and if there’s anything special about it, so it may contain clues to the boxes’ contents! So you’ll definitely want to check that our before Event Time and decide which you’re most interested in!
We’ve got a great line up this year, with gifts ranging from minions to valuable materials to hilarious gag gifts. Remember, signing up for our White Oliphant contest is FREE!
This years S-Rank prize is super exciting:
You get a car! Your alt get a car! All of your alts get a car!
To sign up, please either:
* Send an Ask or Chat to @aegir-ffxiv
* Send a Discord PM to Aegir#5138
* Send an in-game /tell to Aegir (any Aegir, I’m all the Aegirs)
* (please don’t send a message to for-gold-and-glory, the messages for this tumblr are wonky and don’t seem to always go through)
The turnout for the Accession Ceremony was amazing, and there were so many talented speakers and performers there. Thank you everyone who came out to show your pride for a fully reunited Eorzea, not to mention the organizers and leadership that put in months of planning to make this happen! I cannot begin to speak on how much effort went into the making of this event, and how well it went because of that.
Thank you all for letting me take part, and put a little bit of Sif’s heart on display for all to enjoy.
Eorzean Alliance Accession Ceremony for Ala Mhigo (4.4 spoilers) - Sunday 9th December @ 18:00 EST
Together we have defeated the dreadful XIIth Imperial Legion and brought freedom to Ala Mhigo. Now we come together once more to celebrate the accession of our newly-liberated brothers and sisters into the Eorzean Alliance. This historic occasion marks the first time the realm is united and together in arms, poised to face the challenges of this tumultuous star as a single force. As the leaders of the five city-states are scheduled to meet in the castle of Ala Mhigo, the Alliance military will be hosting a ceremony for the free companies of Eorzea in the city below, inviting prominent adventurer leaders to show their support with rousing speeches and revelry!
Located on the tenth and eleventh plots of the Goblet butte’s sixteenth ward, Nanasha Garrison serves as the base of operations for the Immortal Flames 4th Combined Brigade, a mixed regiment of professional soldiers and proven irregulars. Led by a Flame Commander of the Bloodsworn, the Garrison is not just a staging area to sortie operations across wider Thanalan, but a location that allows a greater level of liaising with the adventurers and free companies of Ul’dah.
The two structures of the site include the Garrison proper, as well as the Annex, which at this time serves as the residence for the commanding officer. The Garrison’s exterior compound is both a training yard and parade ground.
A higher-resolution album is available here. Alternatively, you may click the heading of each area for a larger image.
GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor includes the commander’s recess and the chancery, where the main functions of regimental administration take place.
Antechamber
The antechamber is the main entrance to the Garrison. Like the Hall of Flames in the capital, it is open to the public. Visitors and other guests may wait here until someone on duty sees to them, for they are not permitted past the antechamber without an official escort.
Commander’s Recess
The office of the Flame Commander is accessible via the right door from the antechamber. The commanding officer leads the regiment from here, with some private accommodations for esteemed guests, such as the latest liquors from the Alchemists’ Guild kept in stock.
Chancery
Through the left door from the antechamber, the chancery is the main duty office for the day-to-day administration of the regiment, allowing for the drafting of missives, the management of moneys, and the maintenance of official records. A busy thoroughfare, the main stairwell to the basement areas built deeper into the butte are accessible from here.
UPPER FLOOR
The upper floor is dedicated to more communal functions, including a mess hall, assembly room, and lounge for visitors.
Mess Hall
Somewhat more generous than a regular Thanalan army kitchen, but nothing in comparison to even the most modest of Ul’dahn eateries, the mess hall cooks breakfast, dinner, and supper daily, with a midsun meal available as a snack to be taken away for the duty shift. Available meals vary and depend on ingredient stock levels. There is also Ul’dahn sunset wheat ale and Ala Mhigan arak available on tap. See the full range of meals here.
Assembly Room
The assembly room is located across from the mess hall, and is an area for classroom instruction, mission briefings, and regimental meetings. Common Grand Company literature is stocked here and available for general use, ranging from contemporary operations manuals to military treatises from Thanalan’s history.
Lounge
Nestled in an intimate alcove and featuring fanciful upholstery on solid carpentry, the lounge is reserved exclusively for entertaining esteemed guests to the Flame Commander. It must be kept in tip-top shape otherwise; any Garrison personnel found making use of this space without prior permission will be subject to disciplinary action.
LOWER FLOOR
The lower floor is the main living space for the Immortal Flame soldiers posted at Nanasha Garrison. Spaces include bunks for junior and senior personnel, a washroom, and a desk for the clerk on duty.
Barracks
The barracks has enough bunk space for twelve troops of soldier or junior petty officer rank, as well as a table for social use. Only salaried personnel of the Immortal Flames are permitted to reside here. Unsalaried soldiers or soldiers who own property elsewhere are forbidden from living at the Garrison.
Senior Quarters
Located adjacent to the barracks, the senior quarters are for salaried personnel of the regiment who hold senior petty or junior commissioned officer rank. With only three bunks available, space is competitive, and thus typically reserved for regimental staff only.
Washroom
Featuring newly-invented machina called “showers”, this washroom is unlike any other found at Immortal Flame outposts, using heated water pumped from the Sultana’s Breath windmill. The barracks clerk offers bathing supplies, who will additionally ensure only one gender at a time is permitted in the washroom. Violations will see severe punishments.
BASEMENT AREAS
Accessible via the chancery on the ground floor, these areas are built within the rocky butte beneath the Garrison’s lower floor.
Infirmary
The infirmary is currently manned by a physicker, a journeyman alchemist as his assistant, and various contracted personnel. A wide variety of medicines are supplied to the regiment through Frondale’s Phrontistery to ensure the garrison’s continued well-being. Stock ranges from that which is freely available (such as lotions, essences, and feminine hygienics) to powerful medicines which can only be prescribed.
Gaol
The Garrison’s gaol is typically used for misbehaving troops, but can sometimes be utilized for peacekeeping duties within the Goblet and adjacent capital city. There is a large holding cell and two smaller cells for solitary confinement, as well as an area for interrogations.
Shrine
The Order of Nald’thal maintains a chapel here for the spiritual health of the garrisoned Immortal Flame soldiers. Services are conducted here thrice a sennight by an Order priest or priestess, with private confessionals available by appointment. The shrine is always open, and can also be used for other ceremonies such as bondings and funerals.
Eorzean Alliance Accession Ceremony for Ala Mhigo (4.4 spoilers) - Sunday 9th December @ 18:00 EST
Together we have defeated the dreadful XIIth Imperial Legion and brought freedom to Ala Mhigo. Now we come together once more to celebrate the accession of our newly-liberated brothers and sisters into the Eorzean Alliance. This historic occasion marks the first time the realm is united and together in arms, poised to face the challenges of this tumultuous star as a single force. As the leaders of the five city-states are scheduled to meet in the castle of Ala Mhigo, the Alliance military will be hosting a ceremony for the free companies of Eorzea in the city below, inviting prominent adventurer leaders to show their support with rousing speeches and revelry!
Similar to our very successful Ishgard rally two years ago ([1], [2]), we will be hosting a rally in the Ala Mhigan Quarter to line up with the 4.4 story events of Ala Mhigo joining the Eorzean Alliance! This event will happen in parallel to the corresponding MSQ sequence off-camera. With an opening and closing bard act, we invite prominent characters (preferably Ala Mhigan!) to come forth and deliver a speech, while the uniformed men and women of the Eorzean Alliance will stand in formation nearby. Come be part of history!
((Giveaway announcement in the OOC section at the bottom!))
“It’s that time again friends! Wow, the moon went by so quickly. We have another wonderful edition of The Paissa Press for all of you all. We were so overwhelmed by the support that we received about last edition, it was quite wonderful.
This volume has a spooky theme given that All Saints’ Wake is right around the corner! Keep your eye out for our amazing themed featured columns. Llinos Silvernail makes her Paissa Press debut with her Creepy Couture article! L’rinhi Kett returns with another yummy dish. Leei Awan had a rockin’ review of the beloved Savo. Don’t miss The Lonely Hearts Club, which you could enter to be part of too. And of course… another world famous Aegir comic!
Look out for our couriers who are handing out copies in every major city!”
((We really cannot thank our fans enough. You have been the driving force behind this publication. Thank you all! You can access the newspaper via our open link to Google Drive.
It would help us tremendously if you would all be kind enough to reblog and likethis post. One re-blogger will be selected at random for a prize from the Mog Station on October 15th, 2018!
Adding others to help spread the word @balmungrp @ffxiv-balmung-rp @balmungroleplayers))
Your performances at our Calamity Retold event on 14th September were incredible! I may even have got a little misty-eyed for some of them! See some screenshots HERE thanks to Jean Ashdale. A larger album is available here, as well as some additional shots by Ciel Sauveterre (1, 2, 3).
We were not worthy of such a tremendous effort! Thank you for being part of our event and making it that much more memorable :)
kaledo-art
jacobvanloon
baratheonpilled
turnnoffyourmind
ellievsbear
stormborns
pixelskylines
romaincrisis
