#Syrio Nessaire

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[RE] Roleplay Recap: Week 12

Welcome to another Roleplay Recap! The weekly blog where I give you a glimpse into my roleplay shenanigans! Enjoy! Like what you read? Likes & Reblogs always appreciated! Ko-fi tip jar on the blog!

Katja Our resident firecatte met up with the necromancer’s construct, Litany, along with her friend Valeria Camena. They were hoping to interrogate the familiar on more details about Rihad and his background with the Vanguard, but Litany claimed to have told them all he knows. It was a curious conversation where they learned a little more about the enigmatic armored man. After speaking to him…

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[RE] Roleplay Recap: Week 7

Welcome to another Roleplay Recap! The weekly blog where I give you a glimpse into my roleplay shenanigans! Enjoy! #FFXIV || #FFXIVRP || #FFXIVRoleplay || #BalmungRP || #BalmungRoleplay

Gospel Gospel encountered Zerey Zeyad in Ul’dah while she was traveling amongst her allies to recruit additional troops for his coming battle with the Masaki. While she made her inquiries with him on the status of the Hashima insurrection, Gospel let it slip that she had finally decided to part ways with her paramour, Syrio Nessaire. It gave Zerey something else to focus on for a while instead…

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A Journey Beyond the Horizon Gospel Lightfaith & Syrio Nessaire By: @squaffle

Amazing art of my beautiful Gospel and her paramour, Syrio. Mixing martial might and healing magic in Endwalker!

Squaffle never fails to make my characters come to life with her gorgeous art style and attention to detail. An artist well-worth following and commissioning!

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💙 BLUE HEART - do they miss their s/o easily? how do they act when their s/o isn't around?

Gospel and Syrio have a long, storied history together but Gospel does find that she misses him when he's not around. Without him, Gospel is, perhaps, a bit more reserved, a bit more... boring?lol without Syrio. He brings out the fun and fun-seeking side of her moreso than anyone else.

Aultena and Edgard have an equally storied (but tumultuous) history full of its ups, downs, and sideways. However, Aultena having been on her own and self-reliant for most of her life finds that she doesn't miss Edgard much when she's not around him. She absolutely acknowledges that he's made her a better person, though. She's learned to be more patient, more social, and more forgiving through the idiot dragoon's antics.

Thanks for the ask, @nutley-rp!

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FebHYURary 11th: Begin

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[RP Journal] Reach for the Light: Nine

Dearest Mama and Papa,

So much has happened, I wonder where to begin. Now that you are fully aware of the machinations of Galen, it makes me worry for the both of you all the more. He is a horror and will stop at nothing to goad me to return to him. For all that we are still Eternally Bonded, I have no love for him at all anymore after the suffering and pain he’s attempted to extort me through. But to be free of him, I must needs recover the Ring, which he keeps close to him. I find myself in the company of strange allies these days, in light of this. Chiefest among them has been Arden Reeves, a perhaps entirely-too-earnest young man that wants what he cannot have. Yet, in spite of this, he still uses everything in his power to help me, even to his own detriment. I know Mama will wring her hands in worry and Papa will take his hammer to go beat on some metal in the shop when you both learn this, but ever have I been honest with you.  The man is possessed of a voidsent named Kerrigor.  It is through the power of that voidsent that Arden has been able to defend me from some of Galen’s worst onslaughts. But I don’t think that wins him anyone’s approval.

In helping Syrio Nessaire overcome his struggles with his own voidsent villain, Ilaroth, I find that I empathize with those unwillingly playing host to them more and more. Even my own experiences with Galen -- being a prisoner to powers you have no control over, living with a certain fear and dread. They are feelings I know all too well. 

Still, I refuse to let any of us be beaten like this, so I have resolved to take Syrio to various places of aetheric potency, both to reattune him to each element that is core to his swordsmanship style, as well as reaffirm his confidence. It appears to be working, after a visit to Nym for its high wind-aspected aether, and a visit to Urth’s Fount for its Water. Now I must needs find places for the remaining four elements. 

In talking to Syrio, we feel it would be in my best interests to look into Holy or Astral-aspected magic to combat Galen’s curse. While no healer has been able to remove it, we surmise that there might be a way to attack Galen through it. After all, if he can reach me through my bond to my ring, the same should be said of the reverse, right?

So, my journey takes me back to Ishgard, so you know you both will see me soon enough and Mama can weep and rail at me for a few bells while Papa grumps and blusters in the corner, all while telling me that he trusts my judgment. While there, I plan to visit with a friend, Reynard Silvaire, who has recently lost his adopted father, which breaks his heart. I know I would be the same if I lost either of you, so I empathize greatly with his grief. 

Reynard has given me a license of nobility that permits me access to all parts of the city, even those normally closed to outsiders. I think that will be of great help in my search for Astral magicks, since the Church and the Scholasticate are rumored to be rather close-lipped when it comes to outsiders. 

Lastly, I find myself uncertain with what to do with the situation regarding Zerey, the fact that he hides from facing his ordeal with the Hashima speaks volumes for how much they have broken him. He has no self-worth or so little as for there to be none. Try as I might to get him to see that worth, he balks every time he draws close to seeing it. Even now he hides from me, perhaps I was wrong to push him the last time we spoke -- but I see greatness in him if only he would grasp it for himself!

And then there is Valeria Camena.  After our last foray into the Great Gubal Library to speak to her voidsent patron, I think she’s the last person that has any right to lecture me about my friendship with Arden. She has made a number of deals with it in the past, speaking about how ‘honest’ a voidsent it is.  It is not even attached to a person, just another monstrosity feeding off people, albeit in different ways, this one.  At least when there’s a person involved, I can find some glimmer of humanity that separates them from their dark counterpart. 

I have so many other worries beyond these, but these are foremost on my mind. Perhaps my time in Ishgard will be good, to get away from Ul’dah and all of its troubles, both from friends and the Chantry itself.  As Rurunpa Chechenpa and Reynard have both told me -- I cannot help everyone. I must needs take time for myself and my own concerns. I must find time to rest.

I can think of no better place to do that than in the heart of my family.  I will see you soon.

All My Love,

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[RP Journal] Reach for the Light: Eight

Dearest Mama & Papa,

As always, I pray these letters find you both well and happy. From everything Papa wrote in your last letters to me, the dragonets seem to be taking to the work in the smithy rather well and there is a symbiotic learning between the lot of them that has made a new man of Papa. Given his preoccupation with his new, scaly apprentices, I took a commission I’ve been wanting to another smith in Ishgard, if you’ll both forgive me.  Vandros Kamdin, the smith in question, seems a capable man and will do his best work for me, I’m sure. I’ve been to his shop and seen his wares and they’re comparable to Papa’s work, if not better in some regards. I know Papa will grump and grouse at that, but he cannot be a master at every form of shaping metal, no matter how hard he tries. We all know aetheric attunement has always been elusive for him, hence the need for his new draconic helpers. I fear, though, that I will need this new weapon before any of Papa’s new styles are ready for testing. Rest assured, I’m at least in good crafting hands; you both taught me well and my appraising eye is perspicacious.

(Courtesy cut for length)

Life continues on, as it ever does. It might please Mama greatly to know that I have found it in my heart to give way to Syrio Nessaire. After the journey we’ve been on these past few moons, I found fewer and fewer reasons to deny him. He’s there for me when I need someone, and I for him. He knows me better than most anyone, even myself sometimes. My needs are met before I even voice them, no matter how inconsequential seeming they might be. There is a zest and a zeal to him, a thirst for life and adventure beyond the horizon -- things that were sorely missing from my life. Now that he reminds me of them, I want to take the reins in hand and ride rampant into the future.

I know Mama will find all of this horribly romantic and I know Papa is already preparing himself to give Syrio a talking-to. Know, above all else, that I am exceedingly happy, perhaps even content. When in recent years have I truly been able to say that?

There are developments beyond this, however, that I will speak of the next time I return home -- concerning Galen. Things I have long kept from the both of you that should, rightfully, come to light. I know the both of you will be both disappointed and outraged, but know that I plan to do something about him. I refuse to live in fear of him anymore -- and the two of you know that I live in fear of very little, if that lends you any of the gravity of what I have to tell you.

The Seventh Chantry continues to do well, we find friends and allies more and more with each passing day. Few members that prove up to the task we ask of them, but such is the way of Free Companies. You recruit, you test their mettle, and see who is left by the end. Still, our needs as a Company proceed apace, so there is no rest for the weary. Thanks to Vocemre Cemre’s potions, mine are well on their way to recovery after our tussle with the voidsent that held Syrio. Everyone is all right and hale; even I suffered little damage for once. Mama would be pleased.

Speaking of Vocemre, there are curious developments regarding him. He went to Dusk Vigil to procure a relic left behind by one of his old comrades and succeeded in the endeavor -- but to what detriment? When last I spoke with him via linkpearl his voice seemed strangely... feminine. This is not the first time I’ve been witness to transformative magicks that change the gender of people I know. I can only hope that it hasn’t changed him... her?... too far from the Vocemre I know.  Vocemre’s enthusiasm for alchemy persists, regardless.

Sakes, it seems like so long since I’ve written and there’s still so much to tell you of -- the excursion with Gils Vikar to rescue his friend’s ward, the ongoing troubles with Devonna Warren -- troubles I cannot help with, which you both know chafes me to no end -- the chirurgeonic skill of Deldeli Ririyadi, who gave me some needed healing after the incident with Gils’ little side mission.  Oh!  I am reminded, you’ll find attached herein the schematics for a shield I must needs commission in recompense to Master Deldeli, that will eventually go to his friend, Roy Chamberlain. 

As you can see, I keep myself busy, so there’s no need to worry at all.  I’ll be home in a sennight to visit with you both and so Mama can reassure herself of my well-being.  Who knows, maybe I’ll bring Syrio with me so she can fawn over him properly.

All My Love,

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[RP Journal] Reach for the Light :: Seven

Dearest Mama and Papa,

We have safely rescued our friend and Companymate, Syrio Nessaire. I’ve kept him at my apartment in order to help facilitate his recovery and so that someone is on-hand in case he needs anything. And also because it soothes my own worries. He has been a good, dear friend to me and I want for nothing save his full recovery. I find I miss our adventures across the face of Eorzea and spending time in his company. 

Things with him always feel so natural; I don’t have to be his leader or offer him guidance, save when he seeks it for himself. I don’t have to hide who I am or suppress parts of myself that might be shameful or humiliating. He has taken every truth I’ve had to tell him in stride, supporting me no matter what my decisions were. Moreover, he makes me feel young again. I know, I know, I’m not that old. He simply makes me laugh, makes me appreciate life and the living of it more, he reminds me of everything it is that we fight for.

(Courtesy cut for length)

Valeria Camena is the only other member of our Company that sustained some manner of negative impact from our fight with the voidsent. She has an overabundance of aether now that causes her to be very jittery and nervous, but I’m hoping to find my latest acquaintance, a Hrothgar apothecarian, Vocemre Cemre. Yes, I know his name seems distinctly lalafellin, something I plan to ask him about later. He is a good, kind soul that has only been of help to me of late, though, so I can hardly begrudge him the oddness of a name.

I had a long talk with Zerey Zeyad and it amazes me still how far we’ve come over the past six moons. We’re friends now and I think he might even have a begrudging respect for me. I’m learning more about him and his past, this Hashima family he was part of, and his brother. I can see why he is the way he is now with these glimpses. He has never known a family like ours, has never known love and support as I have known it.  Neither has Valeria.  Nor even Syrio. It polarizes just how fortunate my life has been.

I am no orphan. I have parents who love, respect, and help me when I need it. My childhood was as it should be, laughing and playing in Ul’dah. Working with the both of you, too, of course, but I was still allowed to be a child. I knew happiness and prosperity. I never knew hunger or hardship until I went off to war. It was there I learned just how rare something like our family is. It makes me value it all the more, and I thank you both for being such wonderful parents.

Know that I am well, just putting my Companymates back together, which I must now get back to.  I will write again soon, and likely visit not long after. There is, after all, a competitor blacksmith I must size up!  And assure of my well-being.

All My Love,

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17. Are they more shaped by nature or nurture — who they are, or what has happened to them? How have these shaped who they’ve become as a person?

Gospel is, by design, a product of nuture. Much of who she is and what she's become has been through the influence of people beyond herself. In her childhood, it was her parents; proud, hard-working blacksmiths and merchants who didn't take the gifts they were given for granted. It was from them that she learned the value of hard work, how to haggle and survive in a marketplace, to be fair and kind to one's neighbors (because you never know when you might need something from said neighbor), and just generally being good to the people around you since the next patron at your shop could be anyone.

As she came of age, it was her "uncle" Thellarin, who trained her to the ways of combat and took her with him as his squire when he went to travel the world with his Free Company. He taught her perseverance and grit, to never back down from a challenge but instead find a way through it, that a warrior is only as strong as the comrades at his back. War is not an arena for singular heroes, no matter what the stories say.

Later in her life, once she joined the Maelstrom, her captain, Esmeralda Harlock taught her the ways of the sea, to chart a course, navigate by starlight, when to push men past their limit and when not, and most of all how to enjoy life in the spur of the moment, because you never know what lies around the next shoal. She learned to find value in people from all walks of life and that some are oft deserving of a second chance, while others are not. She learned to gamble and to carouse, to swear and to savor the scent of the sea.

In the present day, she's always learning new things from her Companymates in The Seventh Chantry. Valeria Camena has taught her that not all things are as they seem; Sakura Riyuzaki, that even the smallest voice can hide a lion's courage; Syrio Nessaire, that the world is worthy of taking the time to fully appreciate; Zerey Zeyad, that the smokescreen some people hide behind is easily drawn aside with enough patience. And that's only a handful of things among the hundreds in the time that she's known them.

Thanks for the ask again, @charm-in-spades!

Wanna ask something of your own?

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Character Summary: Gospel Lightfaith

Alias/Nicknames:  Gos (to most), Gosling (to her parents), Gender: Female Age: 35 Zodiac: (Astrology) Earth Capricorn, (Chinese) Yin Wood Ox Abilities/Talents: Battle (sword, shield, some aether manipulation), Blacksmithing (both arms and armor), Dancing, Swimming

Alignment: lawful / neutral / chaotic / good / neutral / evil / true

Religion: The Twelve (particularly Thaliak) Sins: envy / greed / gluttony / lust / pride / sloth / wrath

Virtues: charity / chastity / diligence / humility / justice / kindness / patience

Languages: Common, Conversational Doman

Family (Living and/or Story Relevant) Alexander Lightfaith (father) Marina Lightfaith-Naor (mother) Kaleo “Allura” Naor (maternal grandmother)

Friends:  Valeria Camena:  Ward and Free Company Leader Zerey Zeyad:  Companymate and Friend Archambaut Vremaix: Friend and Beloved Syrio Nessaire: Best Friend and Confidante Sexuality: heterosexual / bisexual / pansexual / homosexual / demisexual / asexual / unsure / other

Relationship Status: single / partnered / married (???)  / widowed / open relationship / divorced / not ready for dating yet / it’s complicated

Libido: sex god / very high / high / average / low / very low / non-existent

Build: slender / average / athletic / muscular / curvy / other 

Hair: white / blonde / brunette / red / black / silver

Eyes: brown / blue / gray / green / black / other (purple)

Skin: pale / fair / olive / light brown / brown / dark / other

Height: 5’9”

Scars: A wealth of scars ranging from mundane to magical with the most noteworthy being a long laceration to her left thigh, spanning almost from knee to hip; a large, mottled scar on her right shoulder that appears to be a burn mark of some type.

dogs or cats || birds or bugs || snakes or spiders || coffee or tea || ice cream or cake || fruits or vegetables || sandwich or soup || magic or melee || sword dagger or bow || summer or winter || spring or autumn || past or future

A few songs that remind you of them: Within Temptation - And We Run ft. Xzibit Poets of the Fall - War (Official Video w/ Lyrics) Within Temptation - Somewhere

Tagged By: @flamesworn and @eligos-venator :: Thank you both for the tag, I always enjoy doing these!  ^_^ Tagging: @therpperson, @thehouseofvs, @thefreelanceangel, @steelharp​ -- and YOU if you’re reading this and you feel like doing the thing!  Just be sure to tag me at the end so I can come and read your responses!  ♥

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[RP Journal] Reach for the Light: Five

Dearest Mama and Papa,

It’s been some time since I’ve written, but I certainly hope that you’re settling in well in Ishgard and that your new wyrmling apprentices aren’t being a handful. I know Papa has much to teach in terms of the smithing trade, so it’s something of an honor to see his techniques immortalized by dragonkind, to be kept through the ages in their long memories.

The Seventh Chantry has been actively recruiting of late; we’ve managed to add the aforementioned Magnus Horne and Riley Parker to our ranks, along with the sweet-natured Sakura Ryuzaki.  I think they’ll all be fine additions to our ranks.  Having spoken with Sakura myself, she takes the situation in the Chantry in stride far better than I might have hoped, but then all of the people I have thus informed have been rather accepting of it all.  Oh, how I wish I could tell you both the full truth of things, but rest assured that I don’t not only for your safety but for your peace of mind. I can only hope that such gatekeeping of information makes me more of a daughter to be proud of in your eyes than the opposite.

(Courtesy cut for length)

Mama has always said that matters of the heart could be complicated, even messy at times, but what is there to do when the heart that is so complex is not your own?  Every time I think I get to a good place, where I think I’ve finally found a trusted friend, someone I can just be myself with -- I find that the only person I can really do that with is Archambaut Vremaix.  As much as I’d like to be close to Zerey Zeyad and Valeria Camena, I am looked upon as a leader and as a comrade, first and foremost.  I find I maintain a certain amount of -- distance from them and my recent conversations with Valeria have proven to me exactly why.  As a leader, I cannot allow my feelings to be manipulated or abused; to allow those same feelings to cloud my judgment.

My friendships must, clearly, come from outside the Chantry but even then I seem to make a mess of things. Syrio Nessaire has been a wonderful companion and someone I’ve enjoyed spending so much time with.  Were I a girl ten years younger and my heart not already belong to Archambaut, I might have been smitten with this handsome-faced, dashing young swordsman -- but neither of those things are true and I have been honest with him in both regards.  Perhaps, still, like the others I am too… relaxed around him, too at ease.  I must keep him at arm’s length, like everyone else. I do not look to hurt him and nor do I look to give him hope where I know there is none.  He is both young and resilient, he will find a woman his age and worthy of his heart.  I simply need to give him the space to do so.

In other news, I may have surreptitiously launched an unwitting acting career.  I met the playwright and director, Ciel Morvoisieux at the Shroudrose Teahouse Happy Hour this week.  I was given the role of a Fae Temptress in his impromptu play and he spoke verily of how inspired he was by my performance, calling it ‘angelic.’  I never would have thought it possible that I could have a life on-stage.  Wouldn’t grandmama be proud?  Still, I don’t know how much time I’ll have for it with my work with the Chantry.  To say nothing of the absolute ridicule I’d suffer at their hands if they knew.  Zerey would likely not even feel my performances worth his hard-earned gil. I suppose what they don’t know won’t hurt them, though.  I almost look forward to encountering this playwright again.  It was a genuinely splendid time. 

While at the Teahouse, I had cause to meet a pair of Ishgardian botanists as well.  Nasrinne Filois and Pascalle Dubois were both very pleasant conversationalists and welcome company as we awaited the stage performances. It continues to amuse me how many Ishgardians seem drawn to me; is it my coloration, reminding them of the snows of their homeland?  Or is it something in my demeanor and carriage?  Or perhaps they just like a pretty face.  Whatever the reason, I find more often than not that my elezen acquaintances are Ishgardian.  It’s a peculiarity that I shall always find endlessly amusing.

I suppose this is enough for now.  Know, always, that I am well and taken care of.  Archambaut sees to that -- and he sends his love as much as I send mine.

Always Yours,

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July 2021 Roleplay Shenanigans

So much great roleplay and so many great stories we were part of this month!  Love and gratitude to everyone that contributed:  @therpperson, @thehouseofvs, @nightraid-hq, Project: Ishgard, Besheke Maiingan, Kevyn Thornrough, Galen Gate, Syrio Nessaire, Nan’to Vaadrage, Ardent Tempest, Lynnlee Maxwell, and so many more!  

I am always so very grateful for the time you invest in me and my characters and the stories you offer along the way.  Here’s to even more fun and craziness in August!

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[RP Journal] Reach for the Light: Six

Dearest Mama and Papa,

Is it ever possible in this life to be friends, true and genuine friends, with people you must needs supervise for the sake of work? Sometimes, I wonder... 

Every time I make progress with people like Sakura Ryuzaki, I feel like I take two steps backward later on. Every time I get a bit closer, something else pushes them farther away. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t know how to balance between being a friend and being a leader -- or if they don’t know how to balance their perception of me. Or perhaps both.

I feel so walled off from my Companymates majority of the time, as if I somehow hold them all to some impossible standard that they must all meet or face my ire. What is it about me, about the way I interact with them, that instills this in them? It’s not an isolated problem, they all do it to some degree. As much as I want to be both friend and peer, I can never seem to break this barrier. If I’m doomed to simply be Superior and Leader, perhaps I should simply embrace that role and look for my friendships elsewhere. Then, at least, I don’t feel so disappointed.

It is, perhaps, why I enjoy Syrio Nessaire’s company as well as I do. When I’m with him, I’m just Gospel. Despite the fact that he works with and for the Chantry, I feel like he treats me no differently than any other peer. He doesn’t feel the need to silence himself or his opinions; doesn’t feel the need to put on a different or brave face because I’m in the room. He’s not afraid to be himself and be vulnerable in front of me. We laugh, we cry, we have fun together..

<For a moment, the writing seems to trail off here, as if Gospel struggled to write further. Or, perhaps left off writing at this point, only to resume in a clearer, more confident hand later.>

Much is going on in The Seventh Chantry of late, which makes me all the more glad that you are both safely ensconced in Ishgard. Void-touched powers are rearing their ugly heads again and I find that I must meet them head-on for the sake of a dear friend. I cannot say what dangers this brings, but rest assured I’ll do my level best to stay out of the infirmary this time.

All My Love,

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[Journal] The Returned

Dear Mama & Papa: It’s been a while since last I wrote, of course, I visit you more frequently these days so I suppose there is less need, but still. It is as much a beloved pass-time as it is a habit for me on occasion, but also a comfort when I find myself troubled. There are few better into whom I can confide than my own loving parents, after all. Syrio Nessaire has returned from Corvos. I…