Final Fantasy Infinity Redux

"...!"

Even with them expecting some sort of attack, the fact the spell had left them reeling and struggling to stay upright, using that staff for support was probably the only thing thing helping that as the White Mage struggled to concentrate on a spell before casting Cure on Strago to at least keep someone who could do damage in the fight.

[[Note: Croire took only half damage from the Flare, since it had taken a Defensive position.]]

[[Also Strago drank Marcia's Ether; he was almost out of Mana by now]]

K-BOOM! Went the Frag Grenades! It left the the two remaining robots teetering on their chains!

And then SMAAASH! Hector's Punch knocked one into the other, reducing both to so much junk.

COMBAT OVER [1]

"Huff... I'm glad that'sover.." Strago groaned.

Then he was surrounded by bright light, and felt much better.

"Oh! Thanks, young lad!" Err, it was a lad, was it? kind of hard to tell...

He then looked around, and saw that all the prisoners had apparently escaped. "OK, let's all get out of here before reinforcements arrive!"

"But before we go... let's trash this place!

Strago decided to try one of the spells he had just learned, and cast Flare on a machine, which quickly exploded (Booom!!)

[[Players: feel free to have your players wreak havok in any way you want ]]

[[Oh and also, pick a color. Yes I have a reason. ]]

edited 19th May '18 4:25:59 PM by Sijo

After stashing the remaining sphere away, Marcia grinned. She pulls out a few grenades and threw them all over the place. Unsurprisingly, they blew up magnificently. To rub more salt into the Empire's wounds, she sprays "Fairies rule, Geshtal's Empire drools!" everywhere.

[[green for Marcia. Fairies are wind elemental, ya know.]]

edited 19th May '18 4:34:06 PM by josh6243

(Huh. Would've thought it would've ignored defense considering that's how Flare usually works in FF. W-Well, if that's the call, okay. Sorry. >.< )

"You don't...need to praise me, I was just...doing what I can do to help, that's all. And...I-I think we've got more i-important things to...worry about r-rather than inquiring about what I am." Croire nervously replied, adjusting their hood to hide their eyes and face which had gone a slight shade of red from embarrassment.

They didn't exactly have much of an interest or anything that looked like it could be clobbered with a staff, so the White Mage kept an eye out for possible reinforcements...along with anything lying around that wouldn't exactly be missed. After all, it'd probably be best these...people didn't have it.

(Silver is Croire's favorite color, so...)

"WRRRRRRRYYYYYYYY!"

Yes, that was a Jojo reference.

And yes, Hector smashes up the facility, as well as doing something he thought about doing before: He wrecked the machine with the whatever crystals and took as many as he can carry, before motioning to the others to do the same.

[[I'll do gold. Why? Hector resents Tifa Lockhart, and Gold (or yellow) represents one of two people Tifa has had a real challenge with: Yang Xiao Long. Also, I'm gonna main her so hard in Cross Tag Battle, so that.]]

[[Wren: I guess you're right. But I was afraid Cloire would be hurt too badly. Let just assume Mighty Guard reduced the damage then]]

"WOOM! WooomboomBOOM!! The factory was literally blowing up, as a chain reaction of explosions began!

"LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" Strago shouts. He and the others -and the few soldiers left inside- all run outside!

And then, the factory is obliterated in a TREMENDOUS explosion!! [1]

"Woof!" Strago says, as the shockwave knocks him on the ground.

As he gets up, he sees a blue crystal on the ground. "Hmm, a surviving piece of Magicite. Probably extracted forcefully from someone. I should just destroy it...''

"...But I have a feeling I will need it. Besides if I don't pick it up, someone else will, probably for evil purposes."

He picks up the gem. He focuses his will, and the crystal is suddenly wet!

"Water, eh? I cannot learn that spell, but I should be able to cast it as long as I have the crystal- and enough Mana."

[[Players: you find Magicite of the chosen color near yourselves as well. You decide if you keep them. The Green one casts Aero. The Silver one increases the powers of Summons. The Gold One is Command Materia that boosts any combat ability (excluding magic and Summons) but it tires the user.]]

edited 20th May '18 6:36:43 PM by Sijo

Phew! That was a close call. Everyone had escaped from the factory in time.

Marcia glances over at Strago and watches him use the blue magicite. It seems he has quite the affinity with it. Then again, he breathed water in that earlier fight, so the two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

"C-cool," exclaims Marcia. "I guess you, um, have a k-knack for the color, um, blue."

Marcia picks up a nearby green crystal and accidentally activates it, causing her hair to fly up! Since Marcia was a fairy, this magicite must've chosen her or something. "H-huh?! What's...what's this?!"

edited 21st May '18 8:04:16 AM by josh6243

"Huh? What's this?"

Hector had found a Magicite crystal on the ground, a gold one, and picked it up. He focused a bit, and he flared up with a slight golden energy.

"Huh, that's neat."

He put it in his pocket for safekeeping.

(Fair enough. A-And again, sorry. >.< )

"T...That was...something. Not used to that many explosions..." Croire meekly admitted, glad that the threat for the time being had passed. "...Although I'm guessing w-we'll be seeing plenty more soon enough..."

With the magicite resting by his foot, Croire hesitated for a moment before picking it up. The expression on their face seemed to be a slight smile as if it seemed to be nostalgic.

''...It's a crystal...sort of...although it looks different to the one I can remember..." Croire quietly commented holding up his Magicite to the sky. It didn't seem to have any powers compared to Strago and Marcia's, but then again...maybe it had some other purpose when they got stronger, who could say.

[[@Wren: Sorry, were you expecting a different crystal? I googled Silver Magicite and that was the only one I could find. We can change it into something else if you want.]]

"OK people, let's beat it before Kefka and his people come back"

The group mounted their chocobos and sped away.

-Speaking of which-

BOOOOMMM!! was heard all over the region when the facility exploded. Naturally, Kefka and his army, who were midway to Thamasa by this point, heard it as well.

"NO! THE FACTORY!!" the madman screamed, and immediatelly turned his Magitek Armor around. The rest of his squadron followed.

But by the time they arrived, the only thing they found were smoking ruins.

The clown-like soldier stood gazing at it in a quiet rage. [1]

"Who. Is. Responsible. FOR. THIS!!!"

[In the background, Wedge and Biggs quietly slipped away]

"I'll will FIND them! And I will MAKE THEM PAY!!!"

.* * * * * * * *

Elsewhere:

"So, Thamasa is safely evacuated? Good, because I fear Kefka will take his anger on it, even if only by burning empty buildings" Strago commented. He was particularly relieved to know that his granddaughter Relm was safe too.

"Still... this isn't over. We never did find out why Gestahl wanted so much Magicite. Besides, Kefka will probably try to find us. I'm sorry to say that we might have to stick together for a while longer."

" We need to make plans... but, let's rest first." He pulled out a small packet of folded cloth out of a pocket, then tossed it on the ground.

In the blink of an eye, the packet had unfolded itself into a tent large enough for the whole party to sleep in. [2]

Once inside, Strago continued.

"Anyone has got any suggestions? We could go to Vector, the capital of the Empire, to snoop around."

[[Players: you can make suggestions about the next course of action]]

edited 21st May '18 4:31:34 PM by Sijo

"Why, um, don't we split up...?", replies Marcia. "The Empire will, um, expect on their Capital s-soon. If we catch them off-guard, they won't, um, know what to do."

"I don't know if splitting up is the best thing to do, to be honest. It's only four of us now, and the more we split, the harder it becomes, especially since some of us are only really capable in a certain field, like me and my offense."

"You, um, have a point there... The Empire could be p-planning for that out...outcome. We're better off in a group. You, uh, are good with protecting the weaker members in the group.'''

Planning.

"Erm, well...if our numbers are an issue...maybe we should check other...towns as well? If it's their capital, it's not exactly going to be easy to get past tons of those s-soldiers..." Croire sighed, folding their arms.

"T-To be honest...I wouldn't mind i-if we had a map to know where exactly we are for starters and what other towns are around..."

[OK, I;m feeling better today. Let's continue]

[Wren: we don't have a map because this is an original world with ALL the features of the various FF Worlds on it! So for example, all cities and towns exist in it... somewhere. I was planning on figuring where on the go. But let's see what I can do.]

"We have an advantage on our side: anonymity" Strago explains. "Presumably, Kefka has no idea who we are. They will be on the alert yes, but we might still slip through if we are subtle."

Upon hearing their suggestions, Strago agreed that it was safer that they stay together.

At Cloire's suggestion, the old man nodded, but said, "Alas, the closest I have to a map is this" he says, holding a curiously mostly-blank map. [1] "Some odd fellow named Mappingway gave it to me years ago. It only shows you places where you have been. Still it is useful to find your way back, I guess."

"Anyway, I know where Vector is. Its to the Northwest, far from here. We'll need an Airship to get there. We'll have to hire one. Don't worry, I know where. But for now, let's rest."

[Players: you can make comments, or get your characters to know each other better for now]

edited 23rd May '18 7:08:02 PM by Sijo

"T-that's a, um, good idea," said Marcia.

She takes a look around the area and points out a small town named Timber. It's surrounded by lots of trees, but manages to be a main hub for trains.

"Why, um, don't we s-stop here... I, uh, hear this... this town is, um, the main headquarters of one, um, of my favorite magazines, Timber Maniacs. It's got g-great fighting tips. Maybe we, um, can use that to fight the Empire?"

edited 24th May '18 11:13:46 AM by josh6243

(So, sorta like Final Fantasy V with the worlds merging and whatnot. Fair enough.)

"True...I-I mean, if Vector's far from h-here and they don't pay much a-attention to us or e-even think we're potential r-recruits...we might have a s-shot. A-Although, a-again, we might need a q-quick exit i-if they catch on and I don't t-think..." The White Mage paused, frowning a little. "Who or w-what's a Kefka anyway...?"

Even with the mostly blank map, it didn't take much for the spellcaster to put why the map was in such a state. Why it only had where they'd been written down was something that didn't make sense. Still, it was better than nothing and Croire gratefully thanked Strago regardless.

"Fighting tips...? I mean, maybe if there's books on White Magic there...I g-guess it's worth a shot?"

edited 24th May '18 5:13:07 AM by TheRealWren

"Magazines?" Strago asked with a raised eyebrow. He was obviously doubtful that would be useful.

but then,

"Hmm... this may actually be a good idea... first, Kefka will not dare to look for us in another Empire's territory. Second, Timber is a trainway center. We could catch a train to Vector instead of aan airship."

"Very well, unless someone has a better suggestion, we will head to Timber tomorrow, after everyone has rested."

{The Next Day]

The group continued to ride their Chocobos until they arrived at the forest-surrounded town. [1]

After leaving their Chocobos at the local stable, they proceeded to ask around about Timber Maniacs, and are directed to the office where the magazine is produced. Strago buys the latest issue for 1 Gil.

He begins reading, then his eyes open wide!

"By Odin's horns!!" he exclaims.

He points at the title of an article: Emperor Gesthal declares war on Emperor Mateus!

"So that's it! That's why Gesthal wanted so much Magicite... he's preparing to go into an all out war with Mateus!!"

"This... is madness! How many people will have to die to appease these power-hungry monsters!?"

"We... have to do something. But I have no idea what..."

Then he noticed something else in the magazine: Timber's Rebels still resist Galbadian army.

"Rebels...? If we could get their help. But how?"

[Players: feel free to suggest some way for the party to contact the Timber Rebels]

"Well, I uh w-was going to suggest free potions, but no one will...will believe t-that. What you guys h-have in mind?"

"Problem is, rebels usually are hard to find. After all, they are being pursued as well" Strago pointed out.

He was about to discard the idea when he noticed something else in the magazine:

"President Vinzer Deling [1] to pass by Timber in his next train cruise"

"Hmm? The Galbadian president will soon pass by here?" he noted. "Oh, if *that* does not draw the rebels out, nothing will. We better keep an eye on the local trainway. If we help them catch a tyrant, they might return the favor. What do you fellows think?"

edited 25th May '18 4:04:17 PM by Sijo

"Alright... Not gonna question h-how someone elected got mad...mad with power, but I'll stop him if it means the, um, rebels can help us. What, um, time does the train for..."

Marcia sarcastically coughs before resuming her sentence. Clearly, she had a low opinion of Deling.

"Ahem, his majesty come?"

edited 26th May '18 12:59:39 AM by josh6243

(Sorry about the delay, been unwell and had to some work related things come up.)

"Aside f-from negotiating and c-convincing them we share a s-sort of common enemy...? L-Like, I know i-if some don't like words...I guess a s-show of strength is one way...? Or at least when pirates are inv- ...O-Oh, I guess another...potential t-threat showing up is...some way to get t-their attention."

Of course, the White Mage looked just as confused at who these people being mentioned actually WERE. Or what a train was for that matter.

"Can't really object t-to that logic...if we've got the opportunity...well, m-might as well make the most of it."

"That's probably the best idea, the whole "take down a tyrant" thing."

Hector shrugged.

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" Strago said, trying to sound wise. He was actually quoting someone else, but he could not remember who.

Anyway. Let's keep watch over the train station, and see what happens."

At the railroad, they saw a wide variety of trains, coming and going. [1]

To pass the time, he told the youths a ghost story about The Phantom Train, a supposed vehicle that transported the souls of the dead to the Afterlife. Then he laughed and said, "This but a tale to frighten children, of course."

Then they noticed renewed activity: Galbadian soldiers surrounded the train station, and sure enough, a regal-looking train arrived, from which stepped the President. Besides him, a curiously beautiful woman stood. [2]

"Hmm. Who is that? His wife?" Strago wondered aloud.

"Nevermind. OK, the rebels would be idiots to attack now. But they likely will after the train leaves, probably intercepting it somewhere along the forest. Let's go get our chocobos and scout ahead for a good place where we can jump in when needed."

—A short while later—

The party was hidden among some trees along the railroad. Then, they heard the sound of the train passing by.

They waited. If nothing happened, they would allow it to go by.

''PWOOOM!*

"Well, that counts as something" Strago said. "JUMP!"

All of them jumped, landing on the train. No guards came out, further proof they were busy inside.

The group found an open hatch and snuck inside. Soon they saw a group of teenagers clashing with Galbadian Soldiers [3]

"We are here! To help!!" Strago shouted, as he ran over to a soldier and shouted, Goblin Punch!

His fist glowed, and it struck the soldier powerfully, knocking him out.

ROUND ONE! [Players, write your fights with a Galbadian Soldier!]

edited 26th May '18 5:24:59 PM by Sijo

"Aero!"

Marcia quickly pulled out her green crystal and focused her fairy magic into it. A tornado quickly sucks up a poor Galbadian soldier and slams him into the wall.

The Galbadian soldier sighs and mumbles, "Join the army they said.... See the world, they said. Jeez!"

The soldier passes out.

edited 26th May '18 5:30:30 PM by josh6243