❇ COMPLETE IC GUIDE ❇
All of the following information is given to the characters upon arriving into Aprigen. It's stored as a PDF-like file on their laptop, and they can refer to it at any time. The guide holds general information and what is written is exactly what the characters receive. This guide may be updated at a later time.
welcome to aprigen
Welcome to the world of Aprigen! This guide should serve as a resourceful tool for you to understand our world and what you must do during your stay. Upon arriving, you should have received a notification on which faction you're staying at. Please introduce yourself via logging into the appropriate network server!
We hope you enjoy your stay!
aprigen
The world of Aprigen is a unique place compared to other worlds. There are five main territories ruled over by a powerful being called an Eidolon. But ultimately, this world is ruled by emotions, because that's the Eidolon's source of power! Without the Eidolon's help, Aprigen would cease to exist, or at least we wouldn't have everything that we do now.
You may have noticed that all the cities are floating and are in bubbles. That's no illusion, each city really is in a floating bubble. The ground below is also designed like a chessboard, though it is a barren place and is called the Wasteland. Still, it's pretty cool, right? The cities will also sometimes move. Don't worry about that, that's just the Eidolon's work. And above us all is the realm of Pandora, which is believed to be where the Eidolon's actually live.
Aprigen is also a highly technologically advanced world that also employs the use of magitechnology. You should be able to find all the comforts of home and more during your stay. We have hover cars, cruisers, motorcycles, trains, ships, and airships at your disposal. To travel to the different territories, all you need to do is pass through the magical pink doors. That's right, the same one you used to get here! They act like teleportation gateways and makes traveling a breeze. You can find them at various points of the cities and there will be an attendant at each one to help you through.
However, there is a limitation with the doors. Only a small number of people can go through at once. For cargo travel and large groups, we suggest using the airships instead. The time travel isn't that long, though, about a day or two. It depends on where the cities are at the time. The longest is five days, and that's if the cities are at far ends of the Wasteland.
Speaking of the Wasteland, the only way to get through is through an airship. There's no other way down!
Oh, and don't worry. You can't accidentally fall off the edge, either. There's a protective bubble barrier around the city, though you can't see it. It's there, though!
who are you
You are a special guest in Aprigen, and the locals may call you "otherworlders". Because it's true, isn't it? You're from another world!
However, you may have noticed something is missing that you've had all your life: your name.
Just for some reason, you can't seem to recall it and no one else around you knows. You remember everything else as clear as day, but when it comes to your name, you're just at a loss! Where did it go, you ask? Well there's only one person who could tell you that, but in order to get it back, you have to find it yourself. Think of it as a journey of self discovery!
So what should you call yourself while here? Well, we already gave you a new name, silly! Don't you like it? Well if you really want to use something else, you can, but you're stuck with that name until you officially change it yourself on your profile. There's also your online handle, you know! You could always use that unless it's something odd like xXxPuppy376. That would be rather difficult to say, wouldn't you agree?
your mission
You were brought here for a reason. Upon arriving, you may have noticed a crystal phone strap attached to your new cellphone. To return home and remember your identity, you need to fill the crystal with emotional drops. Once it's completely filled, you will remember your name and can take it to the main shrine of your base faction where it will be collected.
Why do you need to fill this up in order to remember who you are? That's for you to figure out!
emotional drops
There is no monetary currency, but there is a kind of currency that exists in Aprigen. As said before, emotions play a very important role here. Emotions are converted into small, different colored drops, and are collected into the crystal. Not only do the Eidolon's use them, it's actually how we buy things! That's right, these emotional drops are our currency and are automatically filled whenever you experience any kind of emotion. Convenient, isn't it?
The Eidolon of your faction will automatically absorb a certain amount of drops every so often, so you might discover that your vial will have a little less in it than before. But that's all right, it's not too hard to fill it back up!
It is possible to "trade" your drops with someone else. Just hold the crystal and think of which one you'll need. It will automatically seep through the bottom of the crystal and crystallize! To absorb someone else's emotion, just touch the tip of the crystal to the crystal drop and it will automatically be absorbed.
But when you absorb the emotion, you'll also feel that emotion for a brief period of time, so be prepared!
Note: Some territories will require an emotional fee. Only Diadora does not require this entrance fee.
the crystal
You should have received your crystal upon arriving. It's attached to your phone! Don't lose it. If you lose it or it gets stolen, you'll have to get another one from the main faction shrine and start collecting emotions all over again.
By default, it will look like a rainbow of colors, though one may dominate depending on the required emotion. Once it's full, you'll remember your name and identity, and be able to leave!
weapons/espers/magic
Some areas in Aprigen are dangerous, and there are wild creatures roaming around in some of the territories. Therefore you have received a special gift. Each crystal holds an esper that will be granted to you upon arrival. Some will fit your personality, others will have the complete opposite. In other words, it can be random. Here's the list of the possible espers you could have:
- Efreet - the element of fire, it looks like a floating flame with a face
- Undine - the element of water, a blue mermaid like sprite
- Gnome - the element of earth, a miniature mole
- Sylph - the element of air, a small bird that can come in various colors
Your esper will not only give you additional elemental power, but also have your weapon if you don't already have one.
- Sword/Gunblade
- Spear
- Bow & arrow
- Gun/Rifle
- Staff/Rod
- Gloves/Boots
- Dagger
The espers also don't really speak. Think of them as your familiar or aide!
brands
You might have noticed a strange tattoo or mark appear somewhere on your body. This is just an indication of what faction you belong to. It is possible to change factions, but if you do, that means the brand will also change, which is kind of painful. Though other Otherworlders won't be able to tell which faction you are without the brand, even if it's hidden, the locals will somehow be able to tell who you belong to. Here are the following designs:
eidolons
The Eidolons have been mentioned a few times, but you're probably wondering who or what they are exactly, right? Well here's a super brief history lesson!
Eidolons are great,powerful beings that basically act like higher spirits or gods in the world of Aprigen. They are devoid of any emotion and have crystals as cores. In a way it is like their heart, but it's also where their power comes from. They derive their power from the emotions of human beings, which are apparently very powerful and an efficient power source.
Each have a unique form and all have a mechanized/technological motiff in them, covered in gears and metal with some sinew and flesh. They are truly awesome beings to behold, and are really seen in person, though there are statues and paintings of them in their designated shrines.
Bahamut of Pandora:
Known as the King of Dragons, Bahamut is the current main ruler in Pandora. However, how he came into power could be considered by some both tragic and horrific. The domain he once ruled over is actually now the Wasteland. Once a noble, refined Eidolon who was just, the Wasteland was once called Eden. He prospered and fed on the emotions of "power", "perseverance", and "satisfaction".
However, though the people he ruled over prospered as well -- for they were always full of those emotions -- they became hungry for even more power. As they always had to give their own to Bahamut, they would always look to find more so that they could keep some for themselves. Selfishness, greed, and lust for more power soon grew and Bahamut became affected by it as well. He, too, wanted more power and soon began consuming more emotions such as "anger" and "need" that come along with these emotions.
Though the other Eidolons could see what was happening and cautioned him, he did the unthinkable: impatient for more power, he consumed all who lived in Eden, absorbing of the people, fauna, flora, buildings, everything. What remained or managed to escape became twisted from the aftermath. Absorbed in their own greed, the survivors turned into monsters themselves and ran wild through the now barren wasteland.
Feeling no remorse, for Eidolons cannot feel such emotions on their own, Bahamut struck down and stole the powers of the others who rose up against him. He now resides in Pandora, the souls of those he absorbed still inside him and empowering him. He is content in reaching the ultimate power. For now, at least.
Odin of Ariat:
The Lord of Death always atop his six legged horse Sleipnir, Odin had watched Bahamut rise and fall with emotionless eyes, as if he knew the once mighty King of Dragons would go down his dark path. Some of his followers believe he did. As one who always deals with death, he knows the way of humans moreso than the others. But he cares the least about human emotions, and only consumes what he needs to build his own power and live.
For one who believes in natural order, Odin sees Bahamut's methods as wrong. Not because his actions were morally unjust, but that was not the way they as Eidolons were supposed to act. He also felt some personal slight as Bahamut breached into his territory and stole lives. In fact, the lives Bahamut absorbed were not dead: they were still living even if in spiritual form. Eternal life should not be allowed to anyone but the Eidolons, and he seeks to rectify it. There was also the fact that he had been weakened and his own powers absorbed.
He wishes for Bahamut to pay for his sins by suffering the worst possible emotions one could have: "fear", "despair", "regret", "anger", "hatred", and worse yet "apathy". As Eidolons, they do not feel emotions, so to be eternally cursed to never even have a taste would be the worst fate imaginable. He is the only one of the Eidolons who does not have a balance of emotions.
Blessings: Increased Strength/Power
Shiva of Lakai:
Known as the Goddess of Ice, next to Odin she, too, has the least capability to feel emotions. Only knowing the coldness of ice and winter, any other emotions are foreign to her. In fact, the realm she ruled over used to be like a frozen tundra that could only be survived by the toughest of people.
However, after Bahamut had weakened her powers, the land had warmed and she began to feel a new different kind of emotion: "love". Before she had mostly felt "fear" and "reverence", as she had believed that those were the only emotions one needed. But as the once frozen tundra became more like a tropical island with beautiful sunsets, she could see the beauty and feel the adoration her people now felt from it. She soon felt a warmth in her crystal heart and soon craved for more.
Once a cold ice queen, Shiva longed for those feelings of "passion", "love", "joy", "adoration". Of course, she also would also feed on "jealousy", "sadness", "guilt", and other such emotions for those were also rampant in her domain. Now she believes that through these strong feelings of love she would be able to regain her powers anew and be able to take down Bahamut. He had taken his powers of selfishness, and she believes hers to be of a more gracious. Of course, she does not realize that her own actions are also out of greed.
Blessings: Increased Magic and Charisma
Leviathan of Veja:
In the form of a long sea serpent, Leviathan ruled over the oceans and water. Like the others, when his powers weakened, so did his realm. Once predominantly water, it became dry land with high mountains and deep caves. Not a fan of dryness, and knowing he did not have the strength nor power to return it to its former underwater glory, he instead brings eternal rain.
Calm like the waters, Leviathan proceeds in a more philosophical approach. He prefers to use that of wisdom and foresight, and believes such emotions will be what brings Bahamut's downfall and help rise to the top. He consumes emotions such as "calm", "perseverance", "nostalgia", and "trust", as well as the negative emotions that come along with them, such as "frustration", "impatience", "confusion", and more.
Blessings: Increased Wisdom/Foresight and Speed/Dexterity
Carbuncle of Nikeboru:
As the Spirit of Good Luck, Carbuncle is the most playful and arguably the "youngest" of the Eidolons. While she disproves of Bahamut's actions, she has little interest in the actual power struggle going on. She is the most lax of the six Eidolons and only wishes to treat her people well and have fun.
Perhaps it was due to her very nature, but she suffered less than the others. She kept her "high spirits" and continues to rule her domain like the large carnival that it really is. She feeds off the emotions such as "happiness", "joy", "excitement", "surprise", "optimism", and "amusement". However, while she does take in some negative emotions to balance out, she only takes one type: "disappointment".
In that way she is very much a child as she really does not want any type of negative feeling.
Blessings: Increased Vitality and Luck
Alexander of Diadora:
The Lord of Judgement, Alexander works differently than the other Eidolons. Though he knows that he must consume emotions, he was never pleased by the idea. He found that indifference actually allowed them to be more clearheaded in their thoughts, and in some ways thought the same way as Odin. However, he also saw the virtue of human life and their emotions, for it brought color into their lives.
Unlike the others, he does not choose any certain type of emotion, and instead absorbs the strongest of whoever resides in his home. In this way, he actually takes in all emotions, though at a rather balanced state. This process is slower than the others, for he has to consume at a slower rate so as not to become imbalanced. That is why his territory is known as the "neutral" zone.
After Bahamut's destruction, Alexander believed that they should end their ways and find something else to fill their void. They would need more than the traditional emotions that they have consumed for eons. What he means by that, however, no one knows, and no one knows what he is planning. However, it is believed that he is not participating in the current power struggle.
cities & factions
As mentioned before, there are 5 cities, though only four are actual factions. Then there is the Wasteland below and Pandora above. Upon arrival, you will be placed in one of the four factions and will arrive in either that corresponding faction or the neutral zone, Diadora.
Each faction is named after their corresponding city and focus on helping each other out to serve their Eidolon. While the network can be universally accessed, each faction does have its own private server that the members can access.
Diadora:
Ruled over by Alexander, Diadora is considered a neutral zone. Everyone is welcome and is designed like a futuristic modern city. The locals are rather friendly and are willing to help out whenever necessary. Those from other factions are also welcome to reside in Diadora without having to pay any emotional fee. There is no faction.
Ariat:
Overseen by Odin, Ariat is one of the darkest territories in Aprigen. It is not for the faint of heart, for only the toughest and coldhearted reside here. Though it, too, is like a city, it is more like the slums and there is hardly ever any places of color here.
Ruling emotions: The darker spectrum of emotions; variations of "fear", "despair", "regret", "anger", "hatred", "apathy", etc.
Entrance fee: Drops of any kind of dark or apathetic emotion.
Lakai:
Ruled by Shiva, Lakai is a romantic, tropical island paradise filled with romantic get away resorts and vast jungles and beaches. The water is crystal clear and inhabited by an assortment of sea creatures, both common and exotic. The weather is almost always perfect, with occasional light storms. This can depend on Shiva's mood.
Ruling emotions: The romantic and wistful spectrum of emotions and their opposites; variations of "passion", "love", "joy", "adoration", "jealousy", "sadness", "guilt", etc.
Entrance fee: Drops of either "love" or "jealousy"
Veja:
Controlled by Leviathan, Veja is a land filled with forests, high mountains, and deep caves. It is almost always raining, from sudden downpours to light drizzles, with very few dry periods during the day. Despite the constant rain, the temperature is usually temperate. The locals have made most of their lives within the trees and the caves, yet despite the deep recess into nature, it is still very modern with what some might recognize as oriental influence. There are several pagodas and pavilions outside of the main city. It is also where most of the scholars can be found.
Ruling emotions: The calm and studious spectrum of emotions and their opposites; variations of "calm", "perseverance", "nostalgia", "trust", "frustration", "impatience", "confusion", etc.
Entrance fee: Drops of either "calm" or "impatience"
Nikeboru:
Run by Carbuncle, Nikeboru is considered to be the liveliest and most fun place in Aprigen. Essentially a giant carnival and amusement park, Nikeboru is where most of the entertainment can be found, ranging from circuses to thrill rides to chocobo races, and more. Casinos abound and the night life is vibrant. Newcomers may recognize the strange creatures with a pompom on their head. Moogles pretty much run this place and are the official mascot for the city. It is also considered the city that never sleeps and always parties.
Ruling emotions: the energetic spectrum of emotions; variations of "happiness", "joy", "excitement", "surprise", "optimism", "amusement", etc.. She only takes one negative emotion: "disappointment".
Entrance fee: Drops of any kind of happy emotion
Wasteland:
The Wasteland is the giant chessboard looking area beneath the floating cities. It is barren and overrun by wild beasts, some far more dangerous than others. However, the floating cities do require some of the resources in the Wasteland and will employ hunters to gather the materials. Otherwise, it's an "Enter at your own risk" type of place and for those who want to test their strength against the mighty beasts that rule the area. Hunting, either just for game or living, is also big here. The biggest and most dangerous creatures there are the Bandersnatch and the Jabberwocky.
Pandora:
The realm of the Eidolons. No one really knows what's up there, but that's where the Eidolons reside and where Bahamut rules.
creatures
There are a lot of different types of creatures that live in Aprigen. While the Wasteland holds the largest and most ferocious, all of the territories also have their own share of unique animals. Some are tame, but there are also dangerous, wild animals that lurk outside of the cities. Some Otherworlders might be familiar with some of the animals, as they might resemble those from their own home.
Some creatures of note that you might see a lot are the chocobos and moogles. Though the world is modern with modern magitech powered vehicles, some people still like to go by chocobo, especially those who live out in rural areas. They're very friendly, and love gyshal peppers. Moogles are also friendly, and not only do they run most of Nikeboru, but also a lot of other major companies. So don't be surprised if you see one running a store or restaurant. They also run the main mail system.
Keep a look out for tonberries, though. They mostly lurk in the dark places, particularly in Ariat. If you see one, just run away! They may look small, but are super deadly!
There are others, like the cactuars, but you'll probably be able to handle yourself just fine. Don't forget you have your own weapon! So far there haven't been any huge problems of wild beast invasions, but you never know...
where to go from here
Now that you know the basics of Aprigen, you can go wherever you want! Find a place to live, get a job, find other Otherworlders also in Aprigen, it's your choice.
Good luck!