Asterians Qrtly | Winter 2024

C O S M O S T H E O F D R I F T E R S

Asterians THOSE PEOPLE FROM ASTER AGAIN

Letter from the Editors The Free Company Asterians was created on January 23, 2021 by a small group of friends on the Adamantoise World, Aether Server. Over the last three years, we have grown exponentially from less than 10 members when we started to now over 40 members among our ranks. We raised funds to purchase a medium sized house in the Lavender Beds, lovingly dubbed “Splash Mountain” for its proximity to an observation deck overlooking a stunning waterfall.

Together we have played thousands of hours of Final Fantasy XIV, got to know each other outside of the game, created unforgettable memories, shared our characters’ stories, and inspired each other to create works of art.

In our first ever newsletter, we will be highlighting the work of those who signed up for this winter’s Secret Saint Starlight Exchange. Modeled after a real tradition (Secret Santa), the Secret Saint Starlight Exchange encourages members to create gifts for one another.

Names were matched randomly and we hope that everyone enjoyed working on the prompts they were given by each of our wonderful FC members.

We want to thank everyone for being part of our FC. We appreciate everything you bring to our group and we look forward to many more years of creativity and community to come.

With all our love,

Asterians The

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Those People From ASTER Officially celebrating 3 years of Free Company fun.

“What a good looking group!” shouts a

Hrothgar passing by several people piled up in multiple Regalia Type-G car mounts. Some moments just stick and this became a somewhat unofficial motto for these moments that bring us all together.

ASTER is a Free Company that was formed on January 23, 2021 by several friends who were playing through the MSQ at different points. Some had been playing for years at that point, some were picking it up after a hiatus, and some were totally new.

Over time, the FC grew, and since then, the group has gone through so many different experiences together including Eternal Bonding ceremonies, saving up to buy a house in the Lavender Beds, and several art parties!

ASTER is a bustling online community now with a Discord, quarterly events, and so many plans for the future.

As the Asterians look towards the new horizon in Dawntrail, there is so much to reflect on from the last 3 years that have made this game so memorable.

those people from aster | ASTERIANS winter 2024

those people from aster | ASTERIANS winter 2024

those people from aster | ASTERIANS winter 2024

those people from aster | ASTERIANS winter 2024

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Starlight Exchange A showcase of this year’s Secret Saint Starlight gifts

C old weather does not stop the Asterians from bringing each other a little extra warmth-- one such way of spreading the joy is through the Secret Saint Starlight exchange. It is open to all members of the Free Company as well as friends from other servers who are part of the Discord group. Each year, there is a sign up in late November, and then the gifts are collected by Saint Nymeia, and distributed.

This year, we also wanted to highlight everything created for the exchange in the first edition of Asterians Quarterly.

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Yoshiro Animation created by Han twitter.com/_maihan | Watch on Google Drive

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Agi’to Art created by Niko @waveknight on tumblr

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Crystal Art created by Meg @_libraryfairy_ on twitter and @meguhime on tumblr

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Crith Video created by Sara @Starry_Kingdom on Twitter | Watch on Youtube

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Seishin Excerpt from a fanfic created by Crystal @LoyalFlutist (Twitter) and art by Devi

Ever since the day they first met. Love, at

first sight, was a concept that Seishin did not believe in at the beginning despite his nature. Not only did Styrnael capture his heart, but so did Bertram. Seishin bit his lip and brought his other hand to gently hold his loved one close. With both Styrnael and Bertram by his side, both bonded with the wedding bands officiated in front of their Free Company and allies that fateful day, he grinned.

“I’m so… so lucky to have you both.”

Married to his loving wife and husband.

Cherished by them. Though Seishin surrounded himself with allies, the two made his life far more special, his heart fluttering and his smile frequent. The lifestyle weighed heavy on his shoulders and chest, threatening to buckle his knees and submit him to despair, yet he felt stronger than ever with them by his side.

He spared a glance at his hands.

The blood that trickled in between his fingers, running down to his wrist and knuckles, smearing his reputation as some peacemaker hadn’t returned. Not today– not right now. Seishin’s brows arched, his smile faltering, albeit for a brief moment.

So long as they’re with him, he can keep going.

Styrnael… Bertram…

Thank you.

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Styrnrael Music video created by Thanna @ThannaOcto on Twitter / Twitch | Watch on YouTube

highlights - Starlight Exchange | ASTERIANS winter 2024

starlight exchange

Thanna A Sea Shanty created by Jon Twitter: @burtoj; Tumblr: sladez.tumblr.com performed by Meg

ait by the shore in the cover of night W “Give em hell girls!” Ready for a fight Setomi and Rez were right there by her side The Dark Heart’s in port riding on the tide, OH! Chorus: Hartwyn, o Hartwyn Wherever your heart goes Hartwyn, o Hartwyn Wherever the wind blows Hartwyn, o Hartwyn Your heart is in the sails Hartwyn, o Hartwyn A neverending tale The moon was on high over Thavnair Everything was right, raiding’s in the air We’ll take them tonight, the merchants and their wares We’ll take them by force, to the Sisters say your prayers, OH! Chorus Thanna aimed high but overshot her mark Her vision then doubled and everything went dark She took to the sea to find another star But her ocean’s opened wide, she’s searching for a spark, OH! Chorus Back on the shore she let the Dark Heart go She didn’t know it then but the legacy would grow The magic within her that burns in ancient souls She carries Jeroct’s wishes, and with Octo on she goes, OH!

Listen or download here: http://tinyurl.com/thannatale

SPRING 2024 ISSUE WILL RELEASE APRIL 23 - SUBMISSIONS DUE APRIL 21

A Stay Classy, ASTER!

Special thanks to all the Secret Saint Starlight participants and readers like you!