wewillwewill | Apocalypse How Application

Apocalypse How

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Name: Maruah
Age: 46
Contact: PM or discord: Everyworker#8128
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Character Name: Elidibus

Age: Unknown but at least 10,000-12,000 years.

Canon: Final Fantasy XIV

Canon point: Endwalker Patch 6.0 Main Story Quest, Hope Upon a Flower

History: A link to the wiki is here

The canonpoint I am drawing Elidibus from resulted in his true death. As such he will arrive in Gloucester as a ghost. His personal Convocation Stone will be his bond-object. (see Inventory)

Personality:

Focused: Even before the world was Sundered, Elidibus was known for his ability to focus on a task, "his dedication for work bordering on obsession", as Lahabrea once remarked about his work in a fragmented memory from before the world was Sundered. Even without thousands of years of experience, his attention to detail and willingness to study all available options to find the one more suited to move foward with. And after many thousands of years, it remained a prominent, though far more tragic trait as his memories crumbled that nothing would stop his drive to finish his duty save death. ...And a small act of unsolicited altruism from the present Warrior of Light.
Perceptive: He misses little. He will observe patiently and with an eye keen for detail, for each nuance can provide a clue on how to best speak the right words or lay the correct plan that will inexorably lead them down the path toward the final goal. Elidibus is found to be able to disseminate information very quickly and rapidly, though he might not be quick to reveal what he's learned depending on the circumstance. For instance in Pandaemonium he readily observes Erichthonios's unusually strong emotional ties, both love and hate, for mother and father respectively, mentioning that it was beyond what was normal in their society. He had early suspicions about Hesperos' involvement, though true to his willingness to wait and be certain, he did not do more than mention he had a theory before he was sure. This perception has likely often saved himself from peril by being able to prepare for the possible dangers that may come.
Open-Minded: Elidibus is open to considering all possibilities. Though sometimes we may seem him be rigid or fixed, it is often because he long since came to a conclusion on the matter. Emet-Selch mentions that he is a worrier, but 'rarely errs' and this is shown in his ability to engage in calm and rational thought before arriving at a conclusion. Even driven by his duty and barely any memories of 'himself' remaining, he still was prone to studying the larger picture before reaching a decision on how to proceed. There may have been a few exceptions to this trait, though based on the events in Shadowbringers, the duress of having lost Lahabrea and Emet-Selch, to the Warrior of Light, whom he had originally thought to be useful as a pawn, were probably affecting his psyche even if he didn't remember the bonds that caused such grief.
Cunning: Elidibus is without a doubt wise... and cunning. Countless times in the game we are given examples of how his machinations have come to fruition. In Heavensward he is responsible for a sudden escalation in the Dragonsong War and convincing the Archbishop to embody the Primal of the great King Thordan. He has convinced a group of heroes who knew what Ascians are and knew he himself was one, to shed their mortal bodies so they might traverse the rift to another world to create strife that would save their own. He shows no qualms in using these methods to achieve his ends, but especially if it means fulfilling his duty.
Diplomatic: Whatever his true purpose, Elidibus is often courteous and polite, even when speaking with an enemy. He shows preference for discussion over conflict. In the past he acted for the sake of reconciliation and becoming a bridge to bring understanding between two opposing factions. In the halls of Pandaemonium, even while seeking to make a fair judgement, he eases the tensions between Erichthonios and Lahabrea by proposing a third option which would open a path to continuing forward. Even over the millennia, when Elidibus's machinations often took a darker turn, there were still times his actions and efforts did good. Heroes were mentored and guided nearly as much as villains and even his own allies, for one of the Emissary's tasks were to make certain the worlds were kept in a state of balance until the time was right to tip them into a Rejoining.

Suitability: Wrested from a well deserved rest and bound to an Entity on an unfamiliar star, Elidibus will quickly focus on researching a means to free himself from these constraints, particularly those that bind his powers and natural gifts. To this end he will use all of the resources at his disposal and not be so foolish as to turn away from the support the ADI can provide; he is definitely no stranger to blending in while hiding his personal goals. He will also not turn away from instilling fear to regain the powers at his disposal. If the means to this end also requires he help save this world from an impending apocalypse, then so be it. Should any of his brethren show up, this will only increase his desire to find a solution for their plight.

Powers/Abilities:

Abilities (non-magical)

Languages: Without the backing of his Ancient birthright, Elidibus still knows many languages and would probably be a quick study. Modern Eorzean is implied as 'English with different alphabet symbols' and the spoken bit may be close enough to be understood even before seeing the paper. Similarly, Hingashi may be similar enough to Japanese to have a basic understanding of its spoken form.
Martial: Elidibus is a capable fighter. Though most styles of combat from his world are amplified by the manipulation of aether, he still knows the basics. Sword and shield as well as great axe are canonically shown but it's likely he's familiar with at least the basics of many fighting styles given his long life and numerous incarnations as a Warrior of Light.
Diplomat: Elidibus is extremely skilled in the talents of a diplomat. Besides the weighty decisions he might have made on behalf of his people, he would also act as a mediator to facilitate reconciliation. He is a master of manipulation and words, guiding heroes and whispering in the ears of nations and villains.
Advisor: Known for his decision making, Elidibus was granted white robes at a young age for his kind; a symbol that he is pubically recognized as an advisor; this before he was nominated for the seat of Elidibus.
Mental Resilience: While his birthright does enhance his mental defenses, Elidibus has a strong will and fortitude. He was able to keep enough sense of self while embodying the heart of Zodiark and capable of withdrawing himself from the entity.... mostly whole. Though he was aware that time wore his memories away and left him only with the burning obsession for a duty he could not remember why he fought for, Elidibus still kept faithfully moving forward, until he was literally forced to stop.
Fast Learner: Elidibus seems to be something of a prodigy when it comes to picking up new techniques. He is seen copying spells he's only seen cast once or twice at great proficiency. Various stories imply he is very studious by nature. While he can't learn everything 'instantly' he is likely to pick up new skills and languages quicker than most even without his Ancient gifts.

Powers (magical/birthright) - Ghosts in FFXIV canon were normally manifestations of the memory or emotions of the person. Ancients like Elidibus seemed able to linger as something more substantial (as an actual spirit) and still retained their powers. Abilities listed below need to be fueled by fear generation. I humbly ask for your patience with the writing.

Ancient: Ancients are a powerful race of man many leaps and bounds above mortal humans; bordering on gods by comparison. They possess psychic-like abilities which manifest in mortals of the FFXIV world as water-downed pieces known as 'The Echo'. Elidibus is capable of witnessing past and present events from afar, from people, places and objects. In addition, he is able to comprehend spoken languages and in turn be understood by those normally unable to understand what language he's speaking.
For Elidibus these would be considered passive abilities and as natural as breathing. I'm not 100% sure how to handle the balance of fear generation to keep them active and would truly appreciate advice on the matter! (Light feeding can keep them basic but would diminish the strength? Moderate to heavy would keep them fully charged?)
Aethersight: Many if not most Ancients were gifted with the ability to see the flow of aether(FFXIV's name for lifeforce/magic energy) and recognize individual souls. Though the sheer range and clarity of his colleague Emet-Selch may not be his purview, Elidibus is no slouch in this department. When active through feeding on fears, this would allow him to sense spells, wards, and enchantments and even study the pattern of their construction.
Ancient and Aethersight: Aether/the flow of aether does not exist in the world of Apocalypse How as it would in the FFXIV world. Essentially, these would be knock-off abilities that Elidibus' Entity would be mimicking. As a result, if he is not feeding, they would be non-functional. Welcome to being a baseline human, buddy! Light feeding would bring them back in a watered down version. He would need to feed heavily and continuously to get them up to the strength they are in canon.
Creation Magic: The ability to use aether to literally will something into existence. Anything an Ancient can imagine could be created with the right focus and application of aether. This included beasts and sentient life as well as objects. Canonically Elidibus is shown to reshape another's constructs but is also capable of crafting seven fighters on par with the player so he certainly has a strong gift. Ancients working together can create greater works than they could alone.
Besides needing to feed on fears to access this skill, the requisite aether/energy would ALSO be required. Creation magic for living creatures will need to be limited to things with the intelligence of animals. These should not be characters in their own right, and we fully approve of these coming out twisted and horrible! For all other creation, you have the option that items Elidibus creates will be permanent but cursed in some manner to make them far less desirable than they might otherwise be, OR anything Elidibus creates will be temporary in nature and drain his fear reservoir before vanishing. He can have fun discovering this if he ever creates clothing that just vanishes randomly from his person.
Ancient Cooperation: Given it would be two different entities potentially intertwining, it would actually be more cursed and horrific for everyone involved. If it's a temporary, rather than cursed item, though, it would last longer, but it would drain both characters' fear reservoirs.
Talking with Emet-Selch's player who is also applying (unnecessaryflourishes), I would also like to keep the ability to create sentient life intact. However it will be tainted so that anything they try to make with sentience will be twisted toward their aligned Entity's nature. This could become a player plot, particularly if they work in concert and come up with this horrible double entity aligned THING that escapes. Just let me know if it's better to nix the ability to do sentient life!
Ancient Sorcery: Elidibus is a consumate sorcerer and shows adeptness at handling nearly every element. Most canonical appearances show basic magic additions to martial techniques (As he possesses the bodies of Zenos and Ardbert). But during the Pandaemonium storyline we see he is able to readily handle a complex system of powerful wards while they were under attack and still be able to perform other spellcasting. In addition teleportation, warding and binding/sealing chains are part of his skillset. It is likely he is familiar with or could cast most spells available in FFXIV.
The strength and limits of his spells will greatly depend on the amount of fear he has garnered. Low level spells would need little, high level spells more moderate while ancient sorcery would require a large amount of gathered fear.
Warrior of Light (Primal): It is revealed in the Shadowbringers expansion that Elidibus is the original and first Warrior of Light and has repeated the role countless times through the ages on different reflections of the world. He called on this form and empowered it with the fragments of heroes called out of time and space as well as the prayers of mankind to face the player in a final showdown. The Warrior of Light wielded a sword and shield like a paladin, though he had many abilities outside of the norm, including quintuple cast, an amplified version of Dark Knight's Unleash and combined elemental and holy magic sword enchantment. A more expansive list can be found here.
Elidibus will no longer be able to manifest this primal's 'adds' (the seven spirits summoned to his side) but the (sleeping) ability to assume this form will remain with him. See below.
Transformation: Many ancients were capable of taking on a powerful 'true form'. This was suggested as a means to unlock their full potential but was in ancient times seen as an indiscretion to do so pubicly. Thus it was reserved for extreme emergencies or very private work. The form was described as 'what the ancient envisioned to give them the strength they needed' and sometimes showed signs of private concerns or desires. If Elidibus had a transformation before the world was Sundered it has yet to be shown. Currently, he would manifest as the Warrior of Light if he was ever capable of it.
Important! This ability is currently (and may be always) completely LOCKED. No amount of fear will power this transformation unless a complete paradigm shift happens with Elidibus himself. This is because the Warrior of Light represents the hope and salvation of mankind which is the complete antithesis of the Entities. Something else must happen (if it ever does/could) for this to unlock. I am fine if it never does.
Ascian (former): Elidibus is an Ancient who had ascended/transcended to an immortal state by leaving their corporeal body behind. They are a distinct existence from a ghost as they are not dead. One of the most frightening abilities of an Ascian is to possess a mortal body; most are able to only possess corpse. Elidibus is(was) one of the few who are also capable of taking a living host. Without a physical body, Ascians are able to travel safely through what is known as the rift between worlds; a nebulous darkness that stretches between the fourteen shattered parts of their original world. Ascians could merge together to create a 'Prime' form.
Elidibus has died and exists as a ghost in this world so he is no longer Ascian. However he retains the knowledge related to Ascians and how to achieve that state. One exception may be the Prime form as this is more a merging of two souls than an ability specific to the Ascian state (suggested through the events of the second wing of Pandaemonium).
Heart of Zodiark (former): Elidibus was once the core vessel for the elder Primal Zodiark. Zodiark has since been destroyed and Elidibus himself has died. Strong marks of his connection remain on his psyche, even if a great deal was washed away when his memories were restored. He also has knowledge few could handle, of having once been part of countless souls, guiding them to work together as one.
With Zodiark gone, this is written in only as a footnote about the experience.

Entity Affinity: Elidibus is known for his keen insight and investigative skills. In the Unsundered World, he was often chastised by worried colleagues and friends for working to the point of obsession. But to him, the thoroughness in which he investigated was paramount as the decisions he made based on his knowledge would ultimately shape vital decisions for their beloved world. He spent millennia as an Ascian, observing countless civilizations and his fellow conspirators alike, sometimes to the point where even they were suspicious of his true motives. And he possesses knowledge few could deal with having; once being the heart of Zodiark and the horrors of what happened to his kins' sundered souls in the aftermath of the Sundering (spoiler: they didn't sprout up full-formed people in the beginning). For this reason I've chosen The Eye for his affinity.

Inventory: Elidibus will arrive with stone constructs representing thirteen of the fourteen members of the Convocation, including his own which as a ghost he will be bound to. (Pictured, all but the last one.)

Each stone represents an (incomplete) concept, based on the knowledge and memories of the individual imparted into the crystaline material by Elidibus, Lahabrea and Emet-Selch. While a normal 'concept' could allow an Ancient to use their creation magic to manifest it, these stones are not on that level. Instead, they were used to witness or experience the memories imbued or restore these and skills to one of the fragmented reincarnations of the original in question.

Regarding the Stone Constructs, the ability to transfer memories would be possible in this world. For curses, we can offer that using the stones on non-Ascians to transfer memories will result in the memories being warped such that they convey something that Elidibus didn't mean to have come through. Basically, their curse is that they will ruin whatever intended diplomatic or manipulative (or even just heartfelt) intentions Elidibus had in sharing them. If he tries to imprint a new memory on the stone, that memory will be removed from him/the person trying to do this, resulting in a jagged hole in his memory and the only access to it being through the imprint.

I'm unsure if these will require a curse or how to handle a curse related to their use. But I was thinking that if Elidibus or one of his fellows were using them to witness memories, it would only require the typical Entity 'fuel' for the appropriate powers. But if someone were to try and use them to imprint the memories on an individual, it would be very catastrophic if it could happen at all. (There's no canon example of it occurring.)

Only Elidibus, Emet-Selch or Lahabrea (and presumably any full Ancient) could canonically use the stones to transfer memories. Whether this would be different if they fell into someone else's hands remains to be seen. By and large, these would be precious keepsakes of lost brethren and ICly Elidibus would have no reason to use them for any other purpose.

Besides the stones, Elidibus will have white robes and a red mask of his office.

Samples: Here is a toplevel for another game I'm applying for which covers a few different interactions.