My story is going to be “semi-canon” some things will stay the same, somethings will definitely change, once all the prompts are written for Nyx Week I’ll be able to properly focus on my various long fics again ☺️💙
Also, thank you so much for the likes so far, these are my first OC x Character stories for FFXV (I’ve done plenty of stuff for other games and I have an Ardyn x Reader fic on the go too) so it means a lot to me that people are liking these little prompts 💙🌸
It was very rare for both the Kingsglaive and the Crownsguard to be on guard duty in the same place, but tonight was the exception. The night before the treaty was to be signed. It was predominantly a Glaive operation, but Cor, Violet, Monica and Dustin were also in attendance.
Nyx was standing by the large aquarium, eyes scanning over all the guests, after everything that had happened today, Nyx was hoping tonight would be quiet and uneventful. After a while his gaze fell on Violet, who was talking to Cor a few meters away from the King and Lord Sheild, Nyx couldn’t help but stare for a moment; she was wearing a sleek, backless, black dress and black stilettos which had the typical red soles of a Crownsguard agent, her hair was done up in a tight bun, revealing the tattoo she had of an eagle in flight on her back. She caught him staring and walked over.
“Anything to report, Ulric?” She asked, Nyx smiled briefly, she was always so formal when she was on duty
“Not at present, Lady Amicitia” he met her formality with his own, causing her to let out a light chuckle “it’s a shame we’re both on duty tonight, I’d have asked you for a dance otherwise” Nyx admitted, Violet smiled “you look beautiful.” Violet’s face flushed bright red at his compliment, but before she could thank him, both their ear pieces crackled into life
“Need I remind you both, that you are on duty?” Captain Drautos said, his tone was a combination of annoyed and amused, something the pair had heard from him quite often, they both looked over to where the Captain was stood, he smirked and rolled his eyes before retuning his focus to the party
“He’s right” Nyx said as he shifted back into his parade rest stance, giving Violet a nod “Lady Amicitia”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Chapter 2 of 3!
Fandom: Final Fantasy XV
Rating: Teen & Up Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Characters: Nyx Ulric, Selena Ulric, Libertus Ostium, Nyx Ulric, Nyx Ulric's Mother, Original Galahdan Characters,
Additional Tags: Nyx Week 2023, Storm, Shapeshifting, Sort Of, Alternate Universe - Daemons, Alternate Universe - His Dark Materials Fusion, Attack on Galahd, Canonical Character Death, Blitz, Duty, Royal AU
Summary: But just because it was night didn’t mean he had time for dreams. There was far too much to do just yet.
It’s time to see what Nyx is up to in the His Dark Materials fusion I started with “Comfort in the Shade”. Three snapshots of Nyx growing up alongside his daemon Arete.
Chapter 1: Day 2 of Nyx Week 2023: Storm, Shapeshifter (sort of)
Chapter 2: Day 3 of Nyx Week 2023: Duty, The Right Thing, Royal AU
This is Chapter 2/3 (hopefully). The major character death doesn't happen in this chapter, but it's coming.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Final Fantasy XV
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Nyx Ulric & Family
Characters: Nyx Ulric, Original Ulric Character(s) (Final Fantasy XV)
Additional Tags: Galahdian Culture (Final Fantasy XV), Solheim (Final Fantasy XV), worldbuilding galore, royal au, ancient au, NyxWeek2023
Series: Part 2 of Sword!Nyx AU
Summary:
Nyx Ulric, son of the King of Galahd, tries to take his place as his father's heir as tensions rise in the ancient world of Eos.
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This is the start of Nyx's side of the Sword!Nyx AU. Cor's side started with "The Order of Gilgamesh."
The next place we see Nyx on guard duty is at the party before the treaty signing. Thankfully this one is a little less confusing. We’ll look a little bit at the setting and the people there as well.
Thank you again to @starjunco for the screenshots. IDs are ALT.
As background information, the wiki has information on the previous iterations of this location in the XIII Verses trailers, concept art and various demos. It talks about how the aquarium and dome have disappeared and reappeared, the area itself has changed, and that even the music (“Somnus”) played during this scene is a reference to the trailers. It also tells us there are posters for the Royal Aquarium that is located in the building, and that the picture in the large water display Nyx and Luna talk in front of depicts Etro, who was quite important in earlier versions of the game but has almost no mention in the FFXV or Kingsglaive we got.
Now on to information we can see in this scene itself!
As stated above, the party takes place on the roof of the Caelum Via (which might translate to “Heaven is the Way”; if it were the more obvious “Way of Heaven/Sky” it would be Caeli Via or Via Caeli, though leaving it in the Nominative could just be a nod to the Royal Family) Hotel & Resorts Insomnia. The name itself implies other locations, though we don’t see them explicitly in the game.
Later in the movie (see the white and gold ad on the left behind Glauca), there is an Altissia location advertised, which says interesting things about trade and connections for sure! Wonder which one came first...
Also on the Insomnian building are the same number/coordinate system we puzzled over on the bridge at the Nyx’s Neighborhood deep dive. There, the bridge had the coordinates N35-41-39, W13-19-36, here the hotel has N35-41-39, W13-21-28, which seem to be rather close indeed.
There is a helipad here (with some sort of crest on it), which raises interesting questions about the state of Lucian air travel. It would seem odd that this exists solely for the possibility of Niflheim visitors, but other than the modified Regalia we don’t otherwise see Lucian aircraft.
There are three tiers of seating at various levels of proximity to Aldercapt and Regis. Nyx (and possibly Drautos) seems to be the only visible guard on duty across all three levels. Even if he takes the posting very seriously (using it to dodge Luna’s attempts to talk, and as a distraction during the talk itself) that does seem to imply he is either the very last line of defense for Luna and/or Regis or just there to look pretty.
Perhaps they negotiated down the number of guards they could each bring, but it does raise the question of where Clarus is...
The water motif continues with this small waterfall and river. It could be a sign of the connection to Altissia (perhaps the chain started there), perhaps a sign that nature or the imitation of it a luxurious novelty in the midst of the very tight urban area, a boast of wealth to pump the water that high and maintain the cleanliness, or perhaps merely a cover to mute the noise of the city and conversation. (though the fireworks likely do an excellent job of that tonight, as well!)
The area is otherwise decorated with the ubiquitous gothic arches of Lucis and geometric patterns, and solely uses a dark blue, maroon, black, gold, and hints of white. Which, appropriately enough, will be the strict colors used in the guests’ dress.
A better view of the middle tier, showing bamboo-like greenery areas and a survey of our crowd. The central gate on this level, through which the water appears to originate, is topped by a six-pointed star or flower, likely a reference to the astrals, which is a nice detail.
The lamps have an art deco feel, perhaps indicating either the age of the hotel or the age it wants to appear, or just a general Lucian aesthetic. I do wonder if the low lighting is less comfortable for the guests from beyond the Wall, who might prefer brighter illumination at night.
You can also barely make out Nyx next to the Aquarium, Regis on the balcony, and Aldercapt and two other important figures from Niflheim making their way up the stairs. Perhaps they were dropped off on the helipad or came through the tiled walkways into the hotel itself.
A close-up of Aldercapt’s robe and the back of the truly bizarre helmet we’ll see a better view of later as the people toast to the Emperor.
And Nyx shows up! Notice how he is very definitely not looking at the Emperor or the commotion.
If we pull our eyes away from our main character, we can see a very interesting statue of a woman in draped clothing with wide sleeves holding a sword above a very colorful collection of bottles. There is a matching statue on the other side. Who or what does she represent?
Beyond her is a/the wall, topped by what seem to be glowing tanks of some kind. These could either be illuminated water towers beyond the (Citadel) Wall, or some sort of light/magical storage atop the wall that helps keep it running, perhaps to replace the ones Ardyn destroyed on the Founder’s Day Attack.
If we pull our attention back to the foreground, between Nyx and the Emperor is a nice grouping of the eight NPC models (four appear male and four female) used in this scene. Keep an eye out for them elsewhere. From left to right: Gray Suit/Gray Hair, Dress with Cap Sleeves/Short Dark Hair, Dark Suit/Medium Hair, Dark Suit/Dark Hair, Blue Asymmetrical Dress/Shoulder-length Light Hair, Maroon Ruffles/Bun, Suit Dress/Short Light Hair, Gray Suit/Dark Hair.
This fountain combines many of the elements of this design - light, water, and statues. And look! Fireworks in other colors! They do exist! It’s also fun to see the light/dark contrast between the two sovereigns.
Another view of the scene, showing the lovely delicate railing of gold and glass. Lurking behind the main figures are Drautos in the background as well as the priest-looking Niflheim Dignitary, similar to the figure who said “Release the Daemon” in the opening battle.
A nice shot of Aldercapt’s robes from the front, showcasing many interesting symbols. The dragon in particular is very neat. Though the cut of his shirt and the harness-like straps across his coat are a bit odd, they are clearly very well made. Nyx is also lurking in this shot. Hi, Nyx!
Here also is the promised front view of the ridiculous helmet. Presumably there are some sort of screens inside, scanning the area and at least allowing him to walk, though the skullcap and the rest of the helmet are also just odd. The collars are very reminiscent of Ravus’s outfits even in Tenebrae before his mother’s death, showing the cultural crossover and similarities.
The crowd shot of the middle tier shows some very familiar faces, and some oddities. The statues from the bars are also found on this level, and if the central part truly is water-filled as it appeared earlier, those poor guests on the rear squares had quite the journey to get to their spots, not to mention the servers!
Aside from a nice view of Aldercapt's bracers and Regis's cane and brace, we can see the priest-like figure again, and Ardyn! Everyone is still toasting obediently.
And released! The guests can finally sit down. And Luna makes her appearance. How long has she been here? Have fun counting the doppelgangers in this scene as well.
There are tropical fish and sharks in the aquarium, as well as the mini-leviathans. Perhaps another nod to an Accordo origin? Or perhaps the Lucinia Sound and other waters around Cavaugh are warmer than expected.
The wings on the sculpture surrounding the painting is somewhat reminiscent of the armor of the Lucii.
Look at how massive and ornate this whole setup is. The entire area below this upper tier must be support for the aquarium. Fish, a painting, the massive gold and black thing inside, the mirrors in the supports… this is a major display of wealth and technology. It’s no wonder the party was set here. Not to mention it is slightly more neutral ground, for both parties’ peace of mind. Also, note the violin and piano players. They are working hard!
In addition to being nice shots of Luna and Drautos (and the Kingsglaive cuff), these images show off the painting of Etro fairly well. Is she being supported or bound by the organic pillar-like things on either side of her? Her legs are bare, but she is wearing an ornate collar and shirt. What is the lore, Square?!
It’s also very interesting that Drautos and Nyx are set up in corresponding places. What is Nyx’s position that he and the Captain are the only visible guards here? And yet Nyx is not wearing a dress uniform of any kind even here, just the standard uniform with his silver trim and double chain.
Notice how closely Drautos watches Nyx and Luna's conversation, though, and his odd expression as he looks up. Is he smug things are proceeding as he planned, or something else?
Thank you for sticking with us through another deep dive. We hope this was able to help your creative works (especially for Nyx Week!) and maybe even start some discussions. We’d love to hear your thoughts, disagreements, and little things you might have noticed!
Thanks so much for everyone who voted and proposed prompts. We really appreciate your help. Thanks to you, we have a date - June 4-10, and a collection of great prompts. We've organized the highest-voted prompts so that each day has a theme, three prompts, and a color palette, except for the final day which is a free day.
The rules will be the same as last time: write, draw, etc using at least one prompt (or palette!) for the day, and try to post it on the day with the tags #NyxWeek2023, the appropriate day and the prompt, and we'll reblog or retweet as we can, with a summary post for each day and the whole week at the end. If you post late, that's perfectly fine. What we want is more context for Nyx, so whatever time we get it is great!
For easy reference, here are the prompts for each day:
Day 1 (June 4): Danger: Rescue, Captivity, Blades
Day 2 (June 5): Power: Magic, Shapeshifter, Storm
Day 3 (June 6): Duty: Right Thing, Royal AU, Ring
Day 4 (June 7): Companionship: Comrades, Soulmate AU, Home
Day 5 (June 8): Ends: Fear, Galahd, Sunset
Day 6 (June 9): Hope: Comfort, Hero, Dreams
Day 7 (June 10): Free Day.
And the hex codes and color names (just for fun) under the cut:
Day 1
#FCF7A5 Calamansi (Yellow)
#E3894A Jasper Orange
#772037 Claret (Red)
#1E257E St. Patrick’s Blue
Day 2
#1C0D0F Licorice (Brown)
#2895B3 Cyan Cornflower Blue
#5651EA Majorelle Blue
#131643 Cetacean Blue
Day 3
#908157 Dark Tan
#5C3C49 Eggplant
#232740 Yankees Blue
#2E3B29 Black Leather Jacket (Green)
Day 4
#6F8D61 Russian Green
#9E796C Burnished Brown (Light Pink)
#111B21 Eerie Black (Dark Green)
#76525E Deep Taupe (Dark Pink)
Day 5
#7AB398 Green Sheen
#DED3B3 Desert Sand
#1B3937 Medium Jungle Green
#1C113D Dark Purple
Day 6
#2E241C Raisin Black (Brown)
#646E80 AuroMetalSaurus (Silver)
#9E3A24 Deep Dumpling (Red/Orange)
#C2A16A Camel (Gold)
Fun fact: each of these was taken from concept art or official art related to Nyx. You'll see each one when we post the day's prompts.
Good luck to everyone! We look forward to seeing what you create!
Okay. You're in the glaive. You've tried magic. Now what? The paper part of the assessment for specialization. The practical portion to foll
We're back with another quiz, this time on what track you might take in the Glaive! (It's much nicer than the last one, we promise).
It should be fun, but it is also blatant bribery to take our SURVEY about our last event (Nyx Week 2023) and maybe next event (Legends 2023 and/or Lore 2024)! We've extended the deadline until Saturday as we only have had 3 responses so far. (Thank you to those who filled it out; we love you greatly)
Even if you didn't participate in Nyx Week this year, or don't care about Legends, we want to know that! Even if you just want us to stop doing events and just post interesting quizzes and deep dives, that is a valid response.
As a more blatant bribe, if we get at least 5 more responses, we will post the long-teased map deep dive. We also have some other fun things planned for the lead-up to Legends if there is enough interest.
