Anima Module - Intros

A massive crowd has gathered in the main square of Chaville.  Normally reserved for one of the largest open-air markets in the region, today the square is taken up by the bulk of a ship unlike any the people of Gabriel have seen before.  Workers flock around its three massive hulls, bringing luggage into the smaller two on the port and starboard sides and various crates into the main hull through a loading hatch.  The ship bobs slightly as heavier objects are wheeled onto it, suspended above a set of massive balloons.  From each side, a red carpet has been rolled down a ramp and off to the sides of the square where large tarp-covered stands have been set up for the passengers to wait.  Of course, their numbers include you.

	The area surrounding the barricades protecting the ship and you from the hoi polloi is filled with people.  Not only curious onlookers, but buskers and vendors have come to take advantage of the trade.  Outside of the few other fenced off areas for the merchant's council, nobles, and a full orchestra, you can barely move an inch without being offered a vaguely amphibianesque balloon or one of the popular new types of cart food, the spicy Ruger wrap.  As the time for departure arrives, bands in key positions around the square kick into a cheerful song to backup the orchestral unit.  Men and women wearing finely pressed uniforms and carrying streamers run up and down the sides of the red carpets while their comrades hand out confetti and balloons to the crowds.  In perfect sync, men in military uniforms open the gates and doors on either side of the square and give a sweeping bow as a conductor takes his place at the top of the stairs to the ship, ready to check tickets.  Passengers begin to walk down the carpets to the excitement of the onlookers.

	Entering the ship, you're directed to turn immediately left, emerging into a massive seating area with floor-to-ceiling mirrors on the sides.  You are all conveniently seated at the same booth.  Once everyone is on board the ground crew shuts the doors and begin to untie the numerous mooring lines keeping the ship in place.  A young man with well-ironed pants and a white silk shirt enters and takes his place at a small bar. Four soldiers follow him in and take their own places, two at the door you've entered through and one each at a set of doors on the other side.  Making sure everyone remains seated, they grip small handles on the walls as they wait.

	From the windows you can see as ten teams of 30 men strain to keep the ship steady with massive ropes.  For a moment the music outside stops before some unseen individual gives the signal.  At once confetti is fired into the sky from cannons, the men let go of their ropes, and the orchestra and bands triumphantly belt out the anthem of Gabriel as the ship moves upwards.  You feel strangely heavy for a moment as the ship accelerates towards the sky but the pressure quickly dissipates even as the ground rushes away from beneath you.  Balloons, kites, and paper lanterns are released from the city and accompany you as you pass over the high buildings and into the sky, land and sea stretching out below you.

	With the turbulence of the ship's ascension passed, the bartender begins to unlock cabinets and set up the bar.  One of the soldiers claps his hands to gather attention for a moment before explaining: you will be asked to remain in the observation room for a time while your rooms are prepared and the crew ensure the stability of the flight.  A waitress and waiter soon arrive to take orders for drinks from the bar or various foodstuffs.  Lunch will be soon, after all.