Thirty-Six
[Written]
I suppose now is as good of time as any...
I would apologize for the numerous delays in getting this out in it's new version, and I would like to thank mi'lady Raine Sage for her numerous contributions to its completion, but this is the guide to Luceti. The previous version was gravely outdated, and so I hope this will better explain the situation we have all found ourselves in. Particularly if you are New Feathers (a word for new arrivals), I pray this is helpful to you. Blues, I hope you enjoy it-- [Mark crossed that out lightly after thinking what the hell, but it's still visible, sorta]
A Guide For Luceti
► The first notable point is that this is another... 'world' called Luceti by the majority of the population. The natural resources here are quite abundant, even if the space itself is small. It consists of a village surrounded by a forest with two sizable lakes hidden within it. There's also a mountain range which had (so I am told) contains an extensive network of caves in it. Beyond that mountain ranges lies an extensive desert with a large ruined temple of some sort in it. Connecting from the center of the village to the edge of this desert is a tunnel system.
► The first change you'll notice... and perhaps the most alarming, truth told... is that you'll find a set of wings on your back. Small and bird-like, they do shed feathers -- a process called molting I am told. They're extremely sensitive and seem to vary in color between individuals, and don't seem to serve much purpose. I have heard tale of people gliding with them, but little more. Still, you would do well to protect them. Injury to them results in a disproportional amount of blood lose and removal of both results in instant death, most likely due to a unbalance in humors.
► The reason you are here is most regrettable... a collection of beings which refer to themselves as the 'Malnosso' (A name which a few have claimed is derived from some tongue called... I believe it was 'Spanish?' Might someone clarify this?) have abducted most everyone here. With few exceptions, everyone is a captive in what is effectively a large civilian prison. [Added notes in Raine's handwriting] Essentially, they have brought us all here to conduct experiments. The experiments may affect us physically or mentally, depending on what it is, and there is generally no warning for when they are upon us. Most of them can end up chaotic -- it is important to keep your wits about you.
► New captives appear to arrive at a monthly rate, going by Sir Albert's calender... [added] If you are interested in obtaining one, extra copies of the calender can be found at the school or at the library. It would appear that the first fifteen days or so are when new arrivals -- commonly called 'New Feathers' by the population -- will come to be here. There seems to be an overly high chance of individuals that know each other from back home. The previous author of this guide believed that this proved that people were 'connected' somehow. An interesting theory... but he seemed so certain of it...
► As for departures... it's unclear as to what becomes of them, but it is (unfortunately) relatively common for people to vanish without a trace, as was the case with the creator of the original guide. The accepted belief by the population is that these vanished individuals... return back to their homelands. This is sometimes supported by individuals who vanish, only to return again with these memories of Luceti in-tact. Which, fortunately or sadly, does not always happen. [Added] However, this does not account for all disappearances. More information on that can be found at the end.
► There are... some issues of space and time in relation to these abductions. Many of the other denizens of this place will be from different 'worlds' than you, and some of them from different points in the timelines of those respective worlds. For example, a person you think you know may well be from your "past" and have not met you. Or perhaps someone you know is from your future. Though I should note something else. It is entirely possible -- and it has happened time and time before -- that you were previously here in Luceti, but might not remember it now. I cannot stress this enough, because it might lead to some people knowing you and you may not know them. It is disorienting, but perhaps you might ask these people about your 'previous self' if you are curious.
► The device you are reading this on is an enchanted book used for the majority of communications in Luceti. It is commonly called a 'journal' or a 'book' by the population. It can display written or voice-recorded messages. Significantly, there is also a ... the previous guide owner called it a 'camera' -- but in essence, the journal records a picture of those using it for the recipients to see. This can be obstructed or the like if you so wish. What's more, an opinion expressed by many is that the journals might have their own sense of humor -- they tend to start recording in what seems to almost be against the whims of the owner. While useful, so not 'trust' these devices.
► These messages can then be specified for specific targets... or for yourself alone. The means of these encryptions are extremely variable, and I think at a later date I'll be explaining the methods I have seen used... and how people bypass them with a process the population seems to refer to as 'hacking. All the more reason to keep things of paramount importance off these journals.
► For everyone who had significant unnatural abilities (ranging from magic to... any myriad of other abilities, including, it seems, technological ones) chances are that your abilities have been severely weakened. Going on my analysis of what people have claimed to been able to do as compared to now, by and large the limit seems to be about fifty I believe that is the gist of what I have been hearing... percent of the person's original capacity... sometimes more, sometimes less. The speculated reason for this is a defensive mechanism of the Malnosso. It it worth noting that the 'increase' from about ten percent of one's abilities to about fifty was relatively recent.
► In this land, there are many spirits, which one can make a covenant with and use magic. It appears that all denizens of this village are able to do so, and the powers of these spirits are extremely variable. Aside from this, all denizens of this village are now able to... speak with animals as if they were men. It's sounds so silly, but... many of us have gained friendships with various animals. One thing that is worth noting, however, is that none of these animals might broadcast over the journals -- that is to say, we cannot understand their speech through this spell. It's a curious detail, but I've tested it personally.
► I mentioned magic one can use by making pacts with the spirits of this land. Well, to my understanding, there are a half-dozen branches of these spirits, each of which has a greater collective being which is what one usually converses with. By utilizing their energy you can make use of their abilities to manipulate the elements and heal people. ...More information about this topic can be gained by attending the school.
► There is, as I understand it, some manner of barrier that surrounds the lands near the village. The edges aside from the one beyond the mountains are a little vague, but beyond the mountains it extends into the desert... or so we assume. I know not if anyone has ventured there, but even taking the aforementioned tunnel system it as a few day's march to the desert and we know not how far in from there. From what else I have heard, it It reaches up seemingly indefinitely into the sky and into the ground as well. Truthfully, I've never visited it... This barrier has thus-far probe to be invulnerable to any attack thrown at it. Even attack which normally disturb or destroy ushc things have proven to be quite ineffective.
► To those that this sounds so silly but... have the ability to shift between worlds normally, or otherwise open some sort of portal you will not be able to do it. There is no known method of escape either directly from the world or through the barrier... either by sky or ground. It's regrettable, but we are working on it, I assure you.
► I know not what tongue you are native to, but unless it is the common tongue of Elibe, I assure you that it is not the one I am writing in. While everyone seems to be speaking their own tongues, they are, unless they try not to be, understood. That is to say, it seems the majority of the population speaks 'Japanese' and most of the time people seem to understand it... though there have been occasions where I haven't understood others, so I can only assume this is based on willpower. That is, if one wills deception (or the tongue is uncommon even at ones homeworld) it will not be translated. Or at least this is our best theory.
► This may or may not be alarming to some, but there are many more species here than humans and dragons. I have yet to make a detailed study on this, truth told, but one which had gotten much publicity are vampires... Which I fear the majority of the village knows more than it wants about due to a previous incident. I should make a poll of sorts sometime... [There is a small note here which reads "Honestly, Mark" in Raine's hand-writing, but it too is crossed out] The majority of the people here are human, however, or at least of a form which resembles as a human. Other beings -- even animals -- have been known to appear as captives... though there was one curious case. A while back, a man named "Sonic" claimed to have originally been a creature called a 'hedgehog' but in Luceti received a human-like form. This may or may not have been a unique case.
► This sounds so ludicrous, but... Death is not eternal in Luceti. When one dies, it appears that one returns in an upwards of a full week with some loss. These losses range from memories to senses to many myriad of other such things. The previous author of this guide called it the 'death penalty.' Death penalties range from blindness to memories to a keepsake of sorts, but the vast majority of them appear to be either losses of bodily functions or losses of memories. They have thus far proved irreversible to conventional means, but on papers we recovered a while back, as I understand it, they claimed that some might be able to be reversed... if we had the means. By the same notion that there may be people from your future, there may be people here that you know to have died, for the ability of the Malnosso to cheat death does not seem limited only to those that die in Luceti.
► ...Which brings me to the papers. You may never find them if you are a recent arrival, but during the time when the tunnels were first explored, many papers were found detailing captives' histories and selves before and during their stay in Luceti. It went into somewhat uncomfortable detail on things which had been done to them here, as well as, in places, including notes by an unknown author (most likely Malnosso). These papers provided us with some insights, for they not only included people at the time, but everyone who had been here before.
► In terms of housing... there are many houses which can house comfortably over a half dozen individuals. Aside from this, there are community houses with many more but smaller individual housing units. I have heard some others have been building houses aside from this, however In truth, I much approve of this... In fact, due to space if nothing else, I urge those with stills in carpentry to consider this route... or at lease to step forward. I would like to speak with you. [There was something else written here, with Raine's handwriting, but Mark has vigorously crossed it out to the point of illegibility]
► [insert] It is important to remember that the Malnosso run Luceti-wide 'experiments' from time to time, which seem to last between one and three weeks, and often cause the population significant grief. While some are far more dangerous than others, they all have given the population of this village much to consider. [Added] A page detailing some of the previous and more notable incidents in the village is forthcoming. Again, it's important to remember that there is nothing that can be done to avoid these of your own power. It is also sometimes difficult to tell that there is an outside influence to these experiments until it's too late. For the more serious matters, people look to the Blue Rogues and Brave Vesperia members for assistance, as well as a few others.
► Aside from these 'experiments' there is also a habit the Malnosso have of abducting individuals to commit to what can only be called personal experimentation. The results of these kidnappings are often quite... unfortunate. They happen relatively regularly, particularly when there isn't a larger experiment happening, but there doesn't seem to be any theory as to who is chosen and why. These kidnappings appear to be performed by some automations that serve the Malnosso who have frightening strength and speed. No kidnappings have been prevented as of yet, but with the increases in our capabilities... it seems like it may be possible soon.
► Luceti is, as I have said, a small village. Within this village are a large number of shops, none of which seem to require any form of currency, as strange as it sounds. These shops are run by native filial... though none of them seem to have much in the way of spirit. By and large, anyone can find anything here... except, I am told, for higher forms of technology than what I am familiar with. Until recently the Malnosso also denied 'firearms' but at this point they now seem to allow them, but limit the projectiles that they use. Listed below are particularly notable locations in Luceti.
► The Jasmine Dragon: As I understand it, this facility was previously run by a man named Iroh, but since his vanishing it has become managed by a girl named Katara... Who appears to also be gone so I'm not sure if its still functioning. The focus of it's menu was tea -- a drink formed of hot water and various leaves. The atmosphere, from one or two of my visits, is ... cozy. And the management appears a tad lax. It is located towards the center of the shopping area of the village.
► The Bakery: The previous owner has vanished, I believe, but it appears to be a store focused almost exclusively on pastries and sweet foods which are often bread-like in nature. It's altogether an enjoyable location. Similar to the Tea Shop, it is located towards the center of town.
► Azzip Pizzeria: It is managed by a man named Duo Maxwell, and focuses on some dish called... pizza. In truth, I've never tried it, but I'm told it's excellent. It too is located in town, and I believe Duo said that he does deliveries as well.
► Good Spirits Bar: The bar has undergone plenty of shifts in hands since it popped onto the scene some time ago, but currently the tavern is run on and off and Gaila-- Sir Guy Cecil, with assistance of his associate, Asch, as well as a woman named Maeryl Stryfe. It promises a welcoming atmosphere and good, erhm, spirits if you'll excuse the pun.
► Flonne's Flowershop of Love: This facility was converted from House #46, and focuses on the distribution and growth of flowers. It is run by a young girl named Flonne, whose disposition seems to be overwhelmingly cheerful. I am told the selection is quite varied. Also living there is a shadow that identified as 'Aros' and a being called a 'prinny' which runs deliveries for customers of the shop. Though prinnies... apparently explode if thrown, so please do not man-handle the creature.
► Lloyd's Awesome Smithy: This 'facility' is truly House #19 and is run by Sir Irving. His skill with many fields of craftsmanship, despite his age, is phenomenal, and I cannot do anything less that recommend him without end to anyone that might require something built for them... not to put too much work on him, of course.
► The Clinic: This appears to be similar to an apothecary's house or a "hospital" as other worlds know it.. Many people use it to recover from injury or illness, and the staff seems relatively large by the standards of Luceti. There are many rooms and many forms of treatment able to be put to use here. It is run by Lord Lute and his... husband... as well as a myriad of helpers.
► The School: The school here is something that Mi'lady Sage has been trying to establish, with mixed results in termed of attendance. It is a sizable building which seems to be designed as a place of formal education on general subjects. Not all that disssimilar to my own mother's habits... It is also worth noting that one of the few remaining sentient Filial is said to dwell here most of the time; a woman named Carol.
[This paragraph has been crossed out quite thoroughly; the writing below is notably not Mark's and recognizable as Raine's]
► The School: As surprising as it may seem to some of you, there is a school available in Luceti. After all, learning is a valuable tool, and it also serves well to give those of you with too much time on your hands a place to put that restless energy. Simply because we are in a new environment does not mean that we should not continue to learn while we can. The subjects that are being taught are varied, with a number of teachers and tutors who are willing and available to be of service to those who require it. The headmistress is a woman named Carol, one of the few remaining Filial. Other instructors include Raine Sage, Gelda Nebilim, Miss Yoko, among a few others who provide more specialized courses. And notably, assistance with learning how to communicate with the spirits and putting the magical abilities to use are also discussed here.
► The Library: There is a rather extensive library in town. Though it has previously been destroyed, it is now in tip-top shape, and has a large selection of various works from various nations and... 'worlds.' Sir Aziraphale said that he had intentions to look over it, and now there is a system in which when you take a book, you are expected to return it. I believe he is also keeping a tally of the books in the library's possession, including borrowed materials. I suggest you speak with him if you seek a particular text.
► Naturally, in a place such as Luceti, organizations will start to spring up. There are a few notable ones in Luceti, though few of them are truly official. The previous author of this guide extrapolated his thoughts on a few of them for later dates, but I do not think that many of them are still relevant. Below are organizations known to me.
► The Blue Rogues: Borne from the same roots as Sir Silverberg's original patrols, the Blue Rogues are a vigilante force spearheaded by a man named Vyse. While pirates in name (some Rogues refer to their champion as 'Captain') they commit to actions more akin to militia. Their organization is loose, but all of the members are dependable and capable fighters. They consider the protection of the town and its people to be their current priority, but I believe their stated objective is to raid the Malnosso, once able. They are credited with many acts of heroism, most notably the defeat of a villain named Diavolo.
► Brave Vesperia: Brave Vesperia is a guild whose roots lie in another world entirely. Due to several key members of the guild being here (most notably a stand-in leader, Yuri Lowell) they decided to re-found themselves here in Luceti, and since have picked up several more members. Like the Rogues, their primary talent is fighting, but the members of Brave Vesperia are a little more rounded, on average. Their stated objective is to service "justice," and punish the unjust, though they also take odd jobs on the side. Their official leader [insert] Karol Capell is only recently arrived, however, so I know not if the guild will change any thanks to that.
► The SOS-Brigade: ...Truthfully, I still know next to nothing of this, might someone inform me as to what it's purpose is? It appears to be headed by a man named Haruki Suzumiya and is based in House #10. They did run a festival though, and their stated objective is... odd. If you want to try to make sense of it, please see this.
► I do not know if this organization ever had a name, but prior to the current bouts of violence and insanity brought forth by a man named Diavolo, I believe there was an attempt to create some manner of unified force under Diavolo's counter-part, who I cannot recall the name of off hand How... vexing. Regardless, as a result of Diavolo, this obviously fell through. Irrelevant.
► [Whatever was written here seems to have been completely erased.]
► Canard: [This first sentence is in Raine's handwriting, but the rest is in Mark's] A small organization dedicated to welcoming New Feathers. The leader is a friendly girl named Colette. It also runs a tour I believe, as well as other such things people would need to get to to adapt to life in Luceti. Other notable members include a man named Haseo and the affore-mentioned Aros, so feel free to consult any of them for further information than this guide provides you. Nothing is a substitute for experience, after all.
I suppose now is as good of time as any...
I would apologize for the numerous delays in getting this out in it's new version, and I would like to thank mi'lady Raine Sage for her numerous contributions to its completion, but this is the guide to Luceti. The previous version was gravely outdated, and so I hope this will better explain the situation we have all found ourselves in. Particularly if you are New Feathers (a word for new arrivals), I pray this is helpful to you. Blues, I hope you enjoy it-- [Mark crossed that out lightly after thinking what the hell, but it's still visible, sorta]
A Guide For Luceti
► The first notable point is that this is another... 'world' called Luceti by the majority of the population. The natural resources here are quite abundant, even if the space itself is small. It consists of a village surrounded by a forest with two sizable lakes hidden within it. There's also a mountain range which had (so I am told) contains an extensive network of caves in it. Beyond that mountain ranges lies an extensive desert with a large ruined temple of some sort in it. Connecting from the center of the village to the edge of this desert is a tunnel system.
► The first change you'll notice... and perhaps the most alarming, truth told... is that you'll find a set of wings on your back. Small and bird-like, they do shed feathers -- a process called molting I am told. They're extremely sensitive and seem to vary in color between individuals, and don't seem to serve much purpose. I have heard tale of people gliding with them, but little more. Still, you would do well to protect them. Injury to them results in a disproportional amount of blood lose and removal of both results in instant death, most likely due to a unbalance in humors.
► The reason you are here is most regrettable... a collection of beings which refer to themselves as the 'Malnosso' (A name which a few have claimed is derived from some tongue called... I believe it was 'Spanish?' Might someone clarify this?) have abducted most everyone here. With few exceptions, everyone is a captive in what is effectively a large civilian prison. [Added notes in Raine's handwriting] Essentially, they have brought us all here to conduct experiments. The experiments may affect us physically or mentally, depending on what it is, and there is generally no warning for when they are upon us. Most of them can end up chaotic -- it is important to keep your wits about you.
► New captives appear to arrive at a monthly rate, going by Sir Albert's calender... [added] If you are interested in obtaining one, extra copies of the calender can be found at the school or at the library. It would appear that the first fifteen days or so are when new arrivals -- commonly called 'New Feathers' by the population -- will come to be here. There seems to be an overly high chance of individuals that know each other from back home. The previous author of this guide believed that this proved that people were 'connected' somehow. An interesting theory... but he seemed so certain of it...
► As for departures... it's unclear as to what becomes of them, but it is (unfortunately) relatively common for people to vanish without a trace, as was the case with the creator of the original guide. The accepted belief by the population is that these vanished individuals... return back to their homelands. This is sometimes supported by individuals who vanish, only to return again with these memories of Luceti in-tact. Which, fortunately or sadly, does not always happen. [Added] However, this does not account for all disappearances. More information on that can be found at the end.
► There are... some issues of space and time in relation to these abductions. Many of the other denizens of this place will be from different 'worlds' than you, and some of them from different points in the timelines of those respective worlds. For example, a person you think you know may well be from your "past" and have not met you. Or perhaps someone you know is from your future. Though I should note something else. It is entirely possible -- and it has happened time and time before -- that you were previously here in Luceti, but might not remember it now. I cannot stress this enough, because it might lead to some people knowing you and you may not know them. It is disorienting, but perhaps you might ask these people about your 'previous self' if you are curious.
► The device you are reading this on is an enchanted book used for the majority of communications in Luceti. It is commonly called a 'journal' or a 'book' by the population. It can display written or voice-recorded messages. Significantly, there is also a ... the previous guide owner called it a 'camera' -- but in essence, the journal records a picture of those using it for the recipients to see. This can be obstructed or the like if you so wish. What's more, an opinion expressed by many is that the journals might have their own sense of humor -- they tend to start recording in what seems to almost be against the whims of the owner. While useful, so not 'trust' these devices.
► These messages can then be specified for specific targets... or for yourself alone. The means of these encryptions are extremely variable, and I think at a later date I'll be explaining the methods I have seen used... and how people bypass them with a process the population seems to refer to as 'hacking. All the more reason to keep things of paramount importance off these journals.
► For everyone who had significant unnatural abilities (ranging from magic to... any myriad of other abilities, including, it seems, technological ones) chances are that your abilities have been severely weakened. Going on my analysis of what people have claimed to been able to do as compared to now, by and large the limit seems to be about fifty I believe that is the gist of what I have been hearing... percent of the person's original capacity... sometimes more, sometimes less. The speculated reason for this is a defensive mechanism of the Malnosso. It it worth noting that the 'increase' from about ten percent of one's abilities to about fifty was relatively recent.
► In this land, there are many spirits, which one can make a covenant with and use magic. It appears that all denizens of this village are able to do so, and the powers of these spirits are extremely variable. Aside from this, all denizens of this village are now able to... speak with animals as if they were men. It's sounds so silly, but... many of us have gained friendships with various animals. One thing that is worth noting, however, is that none of these animals might broadcast over the journals -- that is to say, we cannot understand their speech through this spell. It's a curious detail, but I've tested it personally.
► I mentioned magic one can use by making pacts with the spirits of this land. Well, to my understanding, there are a half-dozen branches of these spirits, each of which has a greater collective being which is what one usually converses with. By utilizing their energy you can make use of their abilities to manipulate the elements and heal people. ...More information about this topic can be gained by attending the school.
► There is, as I understand it, some manner of barrier that surrounds the lands near the village. The edges aside from the one beyond the mountains are a little vague, but beyond the mountains it extends into the desert... or so we assume. I know not if anyone has ventured there, but even taking the aforementioned tunnel system it as a few day's march to the desert and we know not how far in from there. From what else I have heard, it It reaches up seemingly indefinitely into the sky and into the ground as well. Truthfully, I've never visited it... This barrier has thus-far probe to be invulnerable to any attack thrown at it. Even attack which normally disturb or destroy ushc things have proven to be quite ineffective.
► To those that this sounds so silly but... have the ability to shift between worlds normally, or otherwise open some sort of portal you will not be able to do it. There is no known method of escape either directly from the world or through the barrier... either by sky or ground. It's regrettable, but we are working on it, I assure you.
► I know not what tongue you are native to, but unless it is the common tongue of Elibe, I assure you that it is not the one I am writing in. While everyone seems to be speaking their own tongues, they are, unless they try not to be, understood. That is to say, it seems the majority of the population speaks 'Japanese' and most of the time people seem to understand it... though there have been occasions where I haven't understood others, so I can only assume this is based on willpower. That is, if one wills deception (or the tongue is uncommon even at ones homeworld) it will not be translated. Or at least this is our best theory.
► This may or may not be alarming to some, but there are many more species here than humans and dragons. I have yet to make a detailed study on this, truth told, but one which had gotten much publicity are vampires... Which I fear the majority of the village knows more than it wants about due to a previous incident. I should make a poll of sorts sometime... [There is a small note here which reads "Honestly, Mark" in Raine's hand-writing, but it too is crossed out] The majority of the people here are human, however, or at least of a form which resembles as a human. Other beings -- even animals -- have been known to appear as captives... though there was one curious case. A while back, a man named "Sonic" claimed to have originally been a creature called a 'hedgehog' but in Luceti received a human-like form. This may or may not have been a unique case.
► This sounds so ludicrous, but... Death is not eternal in Luceti. When one dies, it appears that one returns in an upwards of a full week with some loss. These losses range from memories to senses to many myriad of other such things. The previous author of this guide called it the 'death penalty.' Death penalties range from blindness to memories to a keepsake of sorts, but the vast majority of them appear to be either losses of bodily functions or losses of memories. They have thus far proved irreversible to conventional means, but on papers we recovered a while back, as I understand it, they claimed that some might be able to be reversed... if we had the means. By the same notion that there may be people from your future, there may be people here that you know to have died, for the ability of the Malnosso to cheat death does not seem limited only to those that die in Luceti.
► ...Which brings me to the papers. You may never find them if you are a recent arrival, but during the time when the tunnels were first explored, many papers were found detailing captives' histories and selves before and during their stay in Luceti. It went into somewhat uncomfortable detail on things which had been done to them here, as well as, in places, including notes by an unknown author (most likely Malnosso). These papers provided us with some insights, for they not only included people at the time, but everyone who had been here before.
► In terms of housing... there are many houses which can house comfortably over a half dozen individuals. Aside from this, there are community houses with many more but smaller individual housing units. I have heard some others have been building houses aside from this, however In truth, I much approve of this... In fact, due to space if nothing else, I urge those with stills in carpentry to consider this route... or at lease to step forward. I would like to speak with you. [There was something else written here, with Raine's handwriting, but Mark has vigorously crossed it out to the point of illegibility]
► [insert] It is important to remember that the Malnosso run Luceti-wide 'experiments' from time to time, which seem to last between one and three weeks, and often cause the population significant grief. While some are far more dangerous than others, they all have given the population of this village much to consider. [Added] A page detailing some of the previous and more notable incidents in the village is forthcoming. Again, it's important to remember that there is nothing that can be done to avoid these of your own power. It is also sometimes difficult to tell that there is an outside influence to these experiments until it's too late. For the more serious matters, people look to the Blue Rogues and Brave Vesperia members for assistance, as well as a few others.
► Aside from these 'experiments' there is also a habit the Malnosso have of abducting individuals to commit to what can only be called personal experimentation. The results of these kidnappings are often quite... unfortunate. They happen relatively regularly, particularly when there isn't a larger experiment happening, but there doesn't seem to be any theory as to who is chosen and why. These kidnappings appear to be performed by some automations that serve the Malnosso who have frightening strength and speed. No kidnappings have been prevented as of yet, but with the increases in our capabilities... it seems like it may be possible soon.
► Luceti is, as I have said, a small village. Within this village are a large number of shops, none of which seem to require any form of currency, as strange as it sounds. These shops are run by native filial... though none of them seem to have much in the way of spirit. By and large, anyone can find anything here... except, I am told, for higher forms of technology than what I am familiar with. Until recently the Malnosso also denied 'firearms' but at this point they now seem to allow them, but limit the projectiles that they use. Listed below are particularly notable locations in Luceti.
► The Jasmine Dragon: As I understand it, this facility was previously run by a man named Iroh, but since his vanishing it has become managed by a girl named Katara... Who appears to also be gone so I'm not sure if its still functioning. The focus of it's menu was tea -- a drink formed of hot water and various leaves. The atmosphere, from one or two of my visits, is ... cozy. And the management appears a tad lax. It is located towards the center of the shopping area of the village.
► The Bakery: The previous owner has vanished, I believe, but it appears to be a store focused almost exclusively on pastries and sweet foods which are often bread-like in nature. It's altogether an enjoyable location. Similar to the Tea Shop, it is located towards the center of town.
► Azzip Pizzeria: It is managed by a man named Duo Maxwell, and focuses on some dish called... pizza. In truth, I've never tried it, but I'm told it's excellent. It too is located in town, and I believe Duo said that he does deliveries as well.
► Good Spirits Bar: The bar has undergone plenty of shifts in hands since it popped onto the scene some time ago, but currently the tavern is run on and off and Gaila-- Sir Guy Cecil, with assistance of his associate, Asch, as well as a woman named Maeryl Stryfe. It promises a welcoming atmosphere and good, erhm, spirits if you'll excuse the pun.
► Flonne's Flowershop of Love: This facility was converted from House #46, and focuses on the distribution and growth of flowers. It is run by a young girl named Flonne, whose disposition seems to be overwhelmingly cheerful. I am told the selection is quite varied. Also living there is a shadow that identified as 'Aros' and a being called a 'prinny' which runs deliveries for customers of the shop. Though prinnies... apparently explode if thrown, so please do not man-handle the creature.
► Lloyd's Awesome Smithy: This 'facility' is truly House #19 and is run by Sir Irving. His skill with many fields of craftsmanship, despite his age, is phenomenal, and I cannot do anything less that recommend him without end to anyone that might require something built for them... not to put too much work on him, of course.
► The Clinic: This appears to be similar to an apothecary's house or a "hospital" as other worlds know it.. Many people use it to recover from injury or illness, and the staff seems relatively large by the standards of Luceti. There are many rooms and many forms of treatment able to be put to use here. It is run by Lord Lute and his... husband... as well as a myriad of helpers.
► The School: The school here is something that Mi'lady Sage has been trying to establish, with mixed results in termed of attendance. It is a sizable building which seems to be designed as a place of formal education on general subjects. Not all that disssimilar to my own mother's habits... It is also worth noting that one of the few remaining sentient Filial is said to dwell here most of the time; a woman named Carol.
[This paragraph has been crossed out quite thoroughly; the writing below is notably not Mark's and recognizable as Raine's]
► The School: As surprising as it may seem to some of you, there is a school available in Luceti. After all, learning is a valuable tool, and it also serves well to give those of you with too much time on your hands a place to put that restless energy. Simply because we are in a new environment does not mean that we should not continue to learn while we can. The subjects that are being taught are varied, with a number of teachers and tutors who are willing and available to be of service to those who require it. The headmistress is a woman named Carol, one of the few remaining Filial. Other instructors include Raine Sage, Gelda Nebilim, Miss Yoko, among a few others who provide more specialized courses. And notably, assistance with learning how to communicate with the spirits and putting the magical abilities to use are also discussed here.
► The Library: There is a rather extensive library in town. Though it has previously been destroyed, it is now in tip-top shape, and has a large selection of various works from various nations and... 'worlds.' Sir Aziraphale said that he had intentions to look over it, and now there is a system in which when you take a book, you are expected to return it. I believe he is also keeping a tally of the books in the library's possession, including borrowed materials. I suggest you speak with him if you seek a particular text.
► Naturally, in a place such as Luceti, organizations will start to spring up. There are a few notable ones in Luceti, though few of them are truly official. The previous author of this guide extrapolated his thoughts on a few of them for later dates, but I do not think that many of them are still relevant. Below are organizations known to me.
► The Blue Rogues: Borne from the same roots as Sir Silverberg's original patrols, the Blue Rogues are a vigilante force spearheaded by a man named Vyse. While pirates in name (some Rogues refer to their champion as 'Captain') they commit to actions more akin to militia. Their organization is loose, but all of the members are dependable and capable fighters. They consider the protection of the town and its people to be their current priority, but I believe their stated objective is to raid the Malnosso, once able. They are credited with many acts of heroism, most notably the defeat of a villain named Diavolo.
► Brave Vesperia: Brave Vesperia is a guild whose roots lie in another world entirely. Due to several key members of the guild being here (most notably a stand-in leader, Yuri Lowell) they decided to re-found themselves here in Luceti, and since have picked up several more members. Like the Rogues, their primary talent is fighting, but the members of Brave Vesperia are a little more rounded, on average. Their stated objective is to service "justice," and punish the unjust, though they also take odd jobs on the side. Their official leader [insert] Karol Capell is only recently arrived, however, so I know not if the guild will change any thanks to that.
► The SOS-Brigade: ...Truthfully, I still know next to nothing of this, might someone inform me as to what it's purpose is? It appears to be headed by a man named Haruki Suzumiya and is based in House #10. They did run a festival though, and their stated objective is... odd. If you want to try to make sense of it, please see this.
► I do not know if this organization ever had a name, but prior to the current bouts of violence and insanity brought forth by a man named Diavolo, I believe there was an attempt to create some manner of unified force under Diavolo's counter-part, who I cannot recall the name of off hand How... vexing. Regardless, as a result of Diavolo, this obviously fell through. Irrelevant.
► [Whatever was written here seems to have been completely erased.]
► Canard: [This first sentence is in Raine's handwriting, but the rest is in Mark's] A small organization dedicated to welcoming New Feathers. The leader is a friendly girl named Colette. It also runs a tour I believe, as well as other such things people would need to get to to adapt to life in Luceti. Other notable members include a man named Haseo and the affore-mentioned Aros, so feel free to consult any of them for further information than this guide provides you. Nothing is a substitute for experience, after all.