Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
at adventu, we believe that colorful story and plots far outweigh the need for a battle system. rp should be about the writing, the fun, and the creativity. you will see that the only system on our site is the encouragement to create amazing adventures with other members. welcome to adventu... how will you arrive?
year 5, quarter 3
Welcome one and all to our beautiful new skin! This marks the visual era of Adventu 4.0, our 4th and by far best design we've had. 3.0 suited our needs for a very long time, but as things are evolving around the site (and all for the better thanks to all of you), it was time for a new, sleek change. The Resource Site celebrity Pharaoh Leep was the amazing mastermind behind this with minor collaborations from your resident moogle. It's one-of-a-kind and suited specifically for Adventu. Click the image for a super easy new skin guide for a visual tour!
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Where better to search for action, adventure, and forgotten knowledge than in the middle of a treacherous swamp known for its ancient, hidden knowledge and hordes of undead? Jessie had long been drawn to the call of the Metaia Temple. How could she not? The place positively exuded mystique, magic, and secrets. It was like a siren call, forcing her onward, further and further into the dark, sweltering marshland. [break][break]
Her clothes were light and airy, meant for traveling, combat, and a hot, humid environment. But even so, they stuck to her uncomfortably. Everything was sticky and gross. And the smell. That was something else. Insects buzzed around her head, but after hours of travel through the festering swamp she’d grown used to the incessant noise. Overhead, the sky was dark and ominous, threatening even more rain and wetness. A rumble of thunder sounded in the distance. It wasn’t far off now. [break][break]
Jessie grumbled and pulled the hood of her traveling cloak up over her braided and bound hair. Not like it would really protect her much if the deluge started, but it might give her the modicum of protection. As she continued walking, she wondered who her fellow adventurers would be. The notice board seemed to imply that this was a group effort to delve into the dark, labyrinthine passageways beneath the haunted ruins of the Metaia Temple. She shivered despite the heat, hoping she wasn’t going to end up alone. This was a mission of adventure and secrets, but one she knew she couldn’t handle alone. Maybe she’d meet someone from the Dragonblades here? This seemed like the type of mission that the mercenaries would be all about. [break][break]
It didn’t take long before the sky opened above her and the torrent of rain began. It dripped and rippled down through the heavy leaves above, soaking her to her very bones. But at least it was a tiny bit cooler. Silver linings. She had to hold onto silver linings here, else she might be tempted to turn around and march her way back to Torensten and give up on the life of an adventurer before it even really began! [break][break]
But thankfully she saw her destination in the distance, in a break in the dense swamp foliage. There were the crumbled ruins of the once great and mighty Metaia Temple. She practically vibrated at the sight of it, just imagining the secrets hidden within! The treasure, the knowledge, the forgotten histories! What could she learn about Zephon? About why she was here? Part of her wanted to run in and start now! But she was smarter than that. There would only be death waiting for her if she ran in alone without a plan. [break][break]
So Jessie crept up carefully, near the entrance but not too close. She stood beneath a ruined piece of building that created a nice overhang to keep her out of the torrential rain. Of course the damage was done and she would probably be wet forever now, but at least she wasn’t getting more wet as she waited hopefully for companions to meet up with her. [break][break]
In the distance, even over the sound of the rainstorm, she heard a bloodcurdling moan, the horrific sound of something wrong. Something dead, something lost and forgotten. She shuddered and felt reflexively for both her gun and sword. Both there, strapped to her belt and easily accessible. They were comforting. And she took a deep, calming breath, trying to ignore the unholy screams of the undead echoing through the temple. Her eyes were watchful, flickering between the entrance to the temple and the edge of the swamp.
Swamps and marshes were not, in fact, Terra friendly places. Terra had her sense of style, and she rarely deviated from it. And that sense of style included elegant high heeled boots. High heeled boots and traversing a marsh did not go together. Particularly when it was raining. Terra might have been a fighter, used and trained in the ways of magic to battle by the Empire, but most could see she was dainty, sweet, and not the type of person you could imagine trekking through a swamp in the pouring rain.
Had anybody known Terra was coming, they might have expected to see a muddy, sodden, miserable girl trekking through the marshlands.
Of course, there was much more to Terra than her fashion choices, and the people expecting to see that would be surprised, because that was not what arrived. Instead, people would have had to look to the sky to see her approaching. Terra was brave, and would traverse a swamp if necessary, but she wasn't stupid. She wouldn't do it if it wasn't necessary, and she could fly. So, rather than a rain sodden, inappropriately dressed teenager, instead, what approached was a glowing pink being, apparently mostly naked, with fur clad hands and feet, and her hair flying behind her. The magical aura around her fizzed and hissed as the rain hit her and she descended into the tree line. She could feel the magic in this place. It was pulsating and emanating from the temple. If she was ever going to find answers about the nature of magic on Zephron, it was here.
She landed, and was immediately surprised to see Jessie. Forgetting for a moment she was in her Esper form, she gave an excited wave with a clawed hand. "Jessie! You're here!" she called out, delighted. She paused, and then remembered. "Oh, right, um, hold on," with a flash of pink light, Terra turned back into her human form, quickly putting her cape's hood up. "Ewww. It's horrible here," she said, taking in the rain. "I didn't know you were coming on this adventure. This is going to be fun!" Terra seemed delighted her new friend was there. She had been worried about teaming up with strangers, but teaming up with Jessie was totally different! She wondered who else would join their squad.
Unfortunately, her enthusiasm was tempered by an ominous moan from the direction of the temple. "Ugh. I hate the undead. I hope I've got enough white magic ready," she smiled uneasily.
[attr="class","exhausted"]Deep inside we're nothing more than scions and sinners
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
In the rain Do light and darkness fade
This warrior of light was no stranger to swamps - or marshes for that matter. The thick humid air, the putrid stench of various dead creatures trapped 'neath the murky waters. And the vilekin - by the Twelve the vilekin!
It was more than capable of ruining anyone's day. It was only by the grace of his years of learned scouting, traveling, and survival, that he survived his own travails without much of an issue. However, some wouldn't find themselves so lucky...
His crystalline blue gaze laid upon the unfortunate remains of what appeared to be an incomprehensible creature. Perhaps in it's life it was an unlucky chocobo or something of the sort - however now it was all but unrecognizable - picked clean of it's flesh and left to rot half sunken in the depths below.
Focusing his gaze forward as well as his thoughts - the fate of the poor creature left his mind as he foraged his way through dense foliage and questionable muck as he eyed the temple that laid deep within the heart of this death trap of a place. While his expression was neutral his eyes glittered with satisfaction and relief. Any longer and he was tempted to quit this quest in it's entirety!
That was a lie of course, he'd made it this far - he was not about to abandon such a well tread venture - however the thought did cross his mind once or twice. But that was then, and this was now. So, with a confident yet cautious stride the Au Ra male carefully made his way to the entrance - only for his eyes to glimpse a flash of... green hair?
And was that another person? He was not aware that others had taken his quest - perhaps they were treasure hunters? Grimacing he thought of the so-called "treasure hunters" who met their demise at The Wanderer's Palace and quickly felt a feeling of unease settle in his stomach. Doubly so if there were Tonberries.
It would be in his best interest to stay on high alert. As he prayed silently to the Twelve that this adventure into the depths of this forsaken place would end without much casualty. Something about this place felt... wrong... twisted.
Not unlike the Palace of the Dead. Even without the echo at his disposal his keen sense of perception coupled with his various experiences in crypts, manors, and the like told him that this place was far from a vacation retreat.
This temple felt like death.
Walking up to the pair was probably a bad idea - in fact - sneaking ahead of them was probably the best course of action. However, Hideyoshi felt that these two were not a danger to him and instead decided to forgo his usual paranoia and trust his gut instinct to interact with the two fair hyur women.
Hoping that his presence and offer to aid them would make this dungeon dive smoother. After all, he was no stranger to jumping into the unknown with a couple of well treaded adventurer friends.
His steps were silent - a habit of his upbringing and training as he quietly made his way up to them. Even with his large frame and intimidating appearance it wasn't uncommon for him to catch people off guard on and off the battlefield. Knowing he would have to be more vocal he spoke as he padded towards them giving a friendly if polite greeting.
"Hello." He said with a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes feeling somewhat guarded. "I was not expecting others to be here as well."
He looked down at the two as he crossed his arms. "This is unexpected, but not unwelcomed." He looked at the entrance to the temple with a stern frown before he trained his attention on the brown haired and green haired women.
"I hope you don't mind if I join you on your quest?" He asked before introducing himself. "I am Hideyoshi Shirogane, it is a pleasure to meet you."
(tagged)⏤ @jessie, @terrabranford, @ultros. (notes)⏤ Ahhh I'm so rusty!
Just rolling around in the muck. The monsters here weren't that bad, nothing he couldn't handle or hide from. Even managed to learn some spells here and there. Really, he never got the idea where people thought this place was terrible. The neighbors may have been a bit noisy, but at least they weren't making enough of a ruckus to raise the dead. Well, uh. Okay. That may have been the wrong wording, at least, as Ultros rolled around in the marshwater. Ahh, it was so nice to have a place to just relax and enjoy himself with everything else going on. He rolled onto his back, tentacles splaying out as he lurked beneath the mire. But the steps alerted him, disturbing the waters with their unnatural footfalls. There were others here, they were beginning to congregate, and well, that was interesting.
What were they doing in his swamp?
Slowly raising himself above the muck, his red eyes peered into the distance to see who the newcomers. Okay, they looked like adventurers. There was one lady, brown haired, really pretty. A tall guy, yuck, that was already a no for him. Too scaly and muscly, definitely not his type. That only left the other. What immediately stood out to him was the vibrant green hair. Though she seemed so familiar and... Oh. Oh! Oooh...! It started to hit him! The pretty one! The green one...! The green one...! Yes, yes, he remembered her! His eyes went wide with excitement, and his cheeks flushed red beneath the muck. He could just go up and get his tentacles and...! No, no, had to be smart. Otherwise she'd just set him on fire again. No, he had to be clever, he had to be subtle. Ultros had to play his cards right. Terra was the real prize here.
And so he sunk back beneath the mud, reemerging a minute later as he took his chance to approach the growing group. Except... things were a bit different. Namely there was a soaked stovetop hat on his purple, squishy head, a monocle over one of his red eyes, and a mustache over his... mouth? Was that what it was? His tentacles wriggled upwards in anticipation as he stared directly at Terra and Jessie. The other guy, meh. "'Allo 'allo, I am Justa Gaia." He gave a wink as his purple, slimy flesh squelched with the minor action. How the hell that monocle didn't fall off was nothing short of a miracle. Or the mustache. Or any part of this ridiculous disguise. "Pleased to meet both of you uh, lovely ladies."
He turned to Hideyoshi. And who was this meathead? "And you." Just be nice for now!
There are many tales of the Marshlands told in hushed whispers in temples and around the flickering shadows of campfires. These mucky trails are home to those that skate the line between life and death. This is a cursed land where corpses are as plentiful as the snakes, lizards, and other monsters which call this dreadful place home.
With the help of guides and maps, the journey here has been relatively uneventful. With the bogs flooded high with the heavy first quarter rains, most of the undead are buried in the muck below. That doesn’t make the trip any more pleasant, however, over the rain and the smell and the constant whine of mosquitos seeking fresh blood. The travelers come across the ruins of the once great temple of Metaia where the dead never sleep.
Introductions are made in that dark, oppressive place, shadowed by the heavy cloud cover of the rainstorm. Visibility is low, and even outside of the city walls, the moans of the dead carry over howls of the wind.
Before them is a cursed city haunted by abominations on blood stained altars. Behind them is a flooded nightmare of low-hanging trees and shallow, overflowing waterways home to lamia, tonberry, and marlboro. Before they can so much as finish their conversation, the waters bubble around them. A shadow lurks beneath the thick fetid waters. It slithers closer and then-
Tentacles erupt around them, violet and wet, followed by red eyes and a mouth of sharp, uneven teeth. Its mouth is half-obscured behind a layer of what looks to be dirty, matted fur, and some kind of black column protrudes from its head like a spine.
Or a hat.
”’Alla ‘allo, I am Justa Gaia.”
The dim light glints off a piece of glass the monster has fashioned over one of its deep red eyes. Its rows of sharpened fangs pokes out from behind its strange moustache which is so ridden with swamp water that it looks like the pelt of something that died in the water three months ago.
Behind them, the gate to the city is broken and rusted. It’s easy to squeeze through the gaps and enter the ruined town beyond. The walls at this point seem more a measure to keep the dead contained rather than keep any intrepid explorers out. However, the gap does seem a tad narrow for a monster of tremendous size and octo-pedal mobility.
Jessie shifted from foot to foot as she waited, staring out into the pounding rain. Every once in a while, another sound of the walking dead filtered out from the ruins. Screams of the damned that curdled her blood. She shivered. Surely she wasn’t going to have to go in alone right? Her arms were wrapped around her body, trying to preserve what little warmth she had left. [break][break]
Soon someone, no-something, came towards her. The being was pink! Completely and utterly pink! With fur! Jessie yelped and took a step back as the creature greeted her like a friend! Jessie had met quite a few strange people in Zephon, but certainly she would have remembered a furry pink woman… right? Just as she was about to try to stammer out her confusion, the form seemed to realize that something was weird here. A flash of pink light later and the girl from the cafe in Torensten appeared before her! Terra! Well, it seemed she had some secrets. [break][break]
“I would have never in a million years guessed that was you! Neat trick!” She’d have to ask for clarification sometime, but for now a simple answer of magic was enough to appease Jessie. Terra was nice and sweet, who cared if she could turn into a furry pink beast? “Yeah, this place is disgusting. But I’m glad you’re here too! I was starting to be worried I’d have to go in alone and, well. I’m not sure I’m up to that task.” [break][break]
Another moan interrupted the two girls and Jessie groaned. But as Terra mentioned white magic, she felt more encouraged. That was like healing magic, right? That would definitely be useful against undead swarms! “I’ve got lightning magic, but I don’t know exactly how useful that is against them! Hopefully it’ll be enough.” [break][break]
A brief silence lapsed between them as they waited, companionable staring off into the rain. It didn’t take long before another approached, a man this time and one Jessie definitely didn’t recognize. He was very large with a handsome face, but what immediately caught her attention were the coiling horns on either side of his head. They looked like the horns of some great dragon! She was immediately caught off guard, just as she had been when Terra approached her. But she recovered quickly as he greeted the two of them in a friendly manner. [break][break]
“Nice to meet you, Hideyoshi!” she chirped and stuck a hand out in introduction. “I’m Jessie Rasberry,” she said with a grin. “I had personally hoped I wouldn’t be alone on this quest, so the more the merrier in my opinion. I don’t know about you two, but I’d rather be in a team if I’m about to go into an undead-infested temple.” With introductions out of the way, Jessie started to wonder when they should enter. She started to ask her new companions this very question when… out of the depths of the swamp something emerged. [break][break]
Tentacles! Slimy purple tentacles! Jessie yelped and immediately found her gun, unholstering it without a thought and training it on the beast! She might have shot first and asked questions later had it not opened its great toothy maw and talked. She was caught so off guard that she just stared for a moment, taking in the ridiculous… hat? Monocle? What was this thing?! [break][break]
Justa Gaia. [break][break]
Was this a joke? Were it not for the obvious sounds of undead in the temple, Jessie would be thoroughly convinced this was an elaborate setup. Or maybe some deity was playing a prank on them. She turned her gaze helplessly to Terra and Hideyoshi. Her gun was still in her hand, ready to shoot if this strange creature did anything. But… it didn’t seem hostile?
The male voice drew Terra from her thoughts, and her delight at seeing Jessie, as somebody new approached. He didn't look like any human being Terra had seen before, and for a moment, she wondered if he might have been an Esper. She didn't feel any magic when she looked at him, but her senses were strange in Zephron, and even then, it wasn't like she could just magically detect an Esper with no issues anyway. Sometimes she just had a feeling...
"Uh, hiya," she gave a small wave. "I'm Terra," she smiled with a nod. He seemed friendly enough, and, well, it would be easier with three of them. "Of course! I don't think going in there alone is a good idea," she admitted, nodding to Jessie who had suggested she didn't want to go in alone. It was interesting. She remembered Jessie saying she wanted a change, but she had never thought Jessie was an adventurer. Then again, Terra didn't think of herself as an adventurer, but here she was. Adventuring. Well, she thought it was a good job to take and her magic would be useful, since she needed to do something to make gil, and now she knew Jessie was here, she certainly couldn't abandon her newest friend to venture in there alone!
It was then that something burst forth from the swamp, and Terra turned, ready to fight. Huge, slimy, purple, and multi-tentacled...
...it was also wearing a hat, but, there was no doubt about it.
Ultros.
"Quickly! Get back!" Terra's hand went to her sword hilt, ready to fight as she took up her position. She had tangled with Ultros enough to know he was much more dangerous than he apparently let on, and-
-wait. What did he say his name was?
"....Oh, sorry!" she suddenly apologised, moving her hand away from her sword. He was called Justa Gaia. Not Ultros at all. AND he was wearing a hat and monocle, and Ultros never wore those. Plus he had a moustache. Ultros didn't have a moustache. So it couldn't be him. And to be fair, Terra didn't really know what species Ultros was, except 'big purple octopus'. Was she being... mean... if she just assumed ALL big purple octopuses were Ultros? Like the people who were afraid of her just because she was an Esper? No. She had to be better than that. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else! It's nice to meet you, Justa. I'm Terra," she smiled her friendliest smile, hoping to make up for her Faux Paus.
She gave Jessie a look. Terra wasn't very good at looks that conveyed entire sentences. She hoped this look said 'yes he's a giant purple octopus but that guy's got horns and I can turn pink and fly so who are we to judge, besides he wants to help out and seems nice'. She mostly conveyed this by raising her eyebrows slightly and smiling a little bit. She wasn't sure if it really helped get the message across.
"Um, are you here to help raid the temple, Justa?" she asked, still trying to sound friendly and sweet. "I mean, we should probably get inside. My boots are sinking in the mud and my cloak isn't going to keep the rain off for long," she wrinkled her nose a little in disgust. "Jessie, lightning works, but white magic is more effective. Stay close to me and I'll keep you safe, okay?" she said, adventuring-Terra being replaced, just for a moment, by surrogate-Mom Terra. She knew that she was powerful with magic, and she definitely wanted to keep Jessie safe. "Let's go!"
And then Terra didn't move. She paused for a moment, looking down to see her high heeled boots had sunk into the muck. She jolted them a few times, but she seemed pretty stuck. She grasped Jessie's arm for support. "Uh, maybe we go together, until we're inside?" she asked with a slightly sheepish smile. She was sure Celes would have told her off for wearing such impractical footwear on this mission. Still, at least that was the only thing Celes would tell her off for. The rest of this mission would go perfectly, she was sure! After all, she had three solid companions by her side, and she was certain she could trust them!
[attr="class","exhausted"]Deep inside we're nothing more than scions and sinners
[attr="class","rhythm"]
❝
In the rain Do light and darkness fade
It seemed pretty standard faire at first, the two women, Terra and Jessie were pleasant enough. Hideyoshi could tell they were kind hearted just by their introductions. However, when the purple squid.... Or was it an octopus? Appeared, calling it self "Justa Gaia" - the Au Ra could already feel a familiar headache coming along. And no, it wasn't the echo. It was the migraine he often felt when dealing with a certain inspector and his shenanigans.
Not only that but the aging warrior of light felt a scarce familiarity with "Justa" he was sure he would've remembered someone as distinct as him - but ever since coming to this new world his memories have become quite hazy. All rush of colors, thoughts, and feelings he couldn't quite pin down.
So if he had met the tentacled fellow - he couldn't remember exactly when, where, or why. He felt that a simple nod wouldn't get his point across as usual as the quiet soul spoke up "I agree that we should all go together. It will probably be safer in a party... We have no clue what dwells within this place... Who shall take the lead?"
(tagged)⏤ @jessie, @terrabranford, @ultros. (notes)⏤ Ahhh sorry for the wait!!!
The gun in his face, he'd been getting used to. That, that was a common reaction to him in this world. Place had no manners. All a buncha savage barbarians who didn't know royalty when they saw it. Still, that steely look she gave him, ooooh, he was pretty okay with that. He could still work with it. It was Terra's reaction that caused him to panic inwardly. Oh no, the jig was up! He'd been had! Ultros couldn't believe it as Terra reached for her sword, protectively telling the others to get back. But, how?! How in the world had she seen through his disguise?! It was perfect, what more could he have done to make it work?! His eyes widened as he prepared to let loose a wave of black ink. He just needed to blind her then he could take that moment to flee back into the swamp. Preferrably with her in tow but sometimes compromises had to be made.
Wait, what was this about a raid? He just lived here. He didn't know anything about a raid. Ultros looked into the temple, hearing the moans of the dead. "Uh, yeah." He lied through his giant, sharp teeth. "There are some uh, relics here..." Come on, think of something! Something dashing and heroic! His eyes squinted for a moment as the plan came into mind. "I take care of orphans and they're sick and these relics can cure them!" Brilliant, Ultros. Sometimes, he amazed even himself. What were they gonna do, say he was lying about helping orphans? No one would be such bold enough to do something like that! Granted, it was probably pretty low for Ultros, but meh, he'd deal with the consequences of that, later.
A tentacle reached up to wipe at one of his eyes. "Little Alex has a really bad cough, and he's not gonna make it without an item from here." His tone wavered for a moment. But Hideyoshi had a point; who was taking point? By all accounts the answer was obvious. One of the members of this group had been so thoroughly beaten down that by all rights they shouldn't be there. Durable beyond reason, Ultros was obviously the best choice to take the role of Tank. But, pffft. Ultros was not kalamari to be munched on, and his brain was too brilliant to feed some undead peasants! Like hell he was going to be the meatshield for some meathead. All stoic and quiet, trying to be some bad boy. Instead, despite Terra reaching for Jessie, Ultros reached over to try and grasp Terra to get her out of the mud. One could almost here the soft "Uwee-hee-hee..." Under his breath.
With their rather unconventional party assembled, it’s time to enter the damned and forgotten city. The slimmer of the three manage to slip between the gates easily, but Justa Gaia has more difficulty with his monstrous girth. The gate is easily forced open, however, with the strength of the others and after some effort, they all make their way inside.
The night is thick with death. Its anguish howls on the wind. The air is thick with humidity and blood. The city has long evacuated. Those still with breath in their lungs are all long gone. What they left behind is a shell of a city bustling with the shells of what had once been its people. The undead come in all shapes and sizes. Some are only months old. Their flesh is sunken and gray. Their jaws are slack until they notice the fresh blood that has stumbled into their midst.
It is a long, dangerous trek through the city. There is no keeping track of the zombies which stagger into your path, hoping to rip flesh from bone with their oversharp nails. They are held together by a dark magic that does not lose its hold easily. Only by destroying the head or crippling its limbs are you able to stop them in their tracks.
It’s a great and dangerous battle. Still, the four intrepid adventurers persist.
The temple rises up in towering arches forming a kind of semi-circle at the heart of the city. A strange magic permeates the air, shimmering like a dark forcefield around the temple’s spires like ivy. The stairway to the temple is shattered into rocky pieces, and at the entrance above it, indistinct figures slump into the shadows, moaning softly. The smell of the dead is thick here -- sour, wet, and rotting.
Whatever curse has consumed this place, it knows better than to leave its heart unguarded. Through the ironwrought gates, you can see a mass of dark figures stumbling through their eternal vigil. The gates are locked -- perhaps to keep you out or perhaps to keep the monsters inside. There are easily dozens of them crowded together in the courtyard. Though they haven’t noticed you, it’s only a matter of time.
They stand between you and the temple’s main entrance. While it’s possible to follow the fence line to try to find another route, there’s no telling if one could be found, and the seconds tick by until the horde notices you and you lose the element of surprise.
