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medea10 · 4 years ago

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My Review of To Heart

How did I get into this anime? I have been curious about this anime for a straight-up decade now and the randomizer decided to bless me with something not incest. Thank you Arceus!

Since she was young, Akari Kamigishi has been best friends with Hiroyuki Fujita. Because of kind acts he did for her as a child, Akari has stayed by Hiroyuki’s side. Now that they’re both in high school, something has changed in Akari and it feels more like she’s falling for her childhood friend. Will Akari find happiness with her best friend or will she end up friend-zoned?

And because this is a harem, there are quite a few girls hanging around Hiroyuki throughout the two seasons. Just to name a few, we have the brash friend, Shiho. Then there’s the tomboy type, Aoi. The very silent type, Serika! And then there’s the robotic maid, Multi. Yes, you read right. A robot! This is Japan after all! Oh yeah, there’s also the class rep, an actual American girl, and a quiet girl with supernatural powers.

Akari, girl, you need to step up your game if you’re up against all these chicks!

BETWEEN THE SUB AND THE DUB: Before I discuss all that, let’s go down the ugly story about To Heart for fans in the U.S. The first season (and only the first season) was dubbed by RightStuf (at least I’m certain about that). Everything else wound up undubbed and even unlicensed. To Heart was kind of left in the dust due to what happened when the first season was supposed to release in the U.S. A lot of damaged material was the culprit and this came during the time when animation was transitioning from animating using cells to going digital. So to sum that up, the anime debuted in Japan around 1999, Rightstuf licensed To Heart in 2004 with a release in 2005, and the actual release was delayed to 2007. And in back-in-those-days times, that’s pretty fucking long. I can see why they didn’t want to bother with this series after it took all that trouble to remaster a series many were calling only “OKAY”.

Now then, on with the good stuff! I went in thinking that this was a Geneon reject, but was blown out of my ass to hear voices from New York! Lisa Ortiz, Jessica Calvello, Veronica Taylor, Wayne Grayson, and my personal favorite (not who you’re thinking), Carol Jacobanis! Yeah, surprisingly I didn’t hear Ted Lewis here. But Jacobanis is my second favorite in the NYAV group. I am in nostalgia heaven! Yes folks, these were the same people to give life to many characters from Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Berserk, His and Her Circumstances, Bakuman, Gravitation…OH, gambled and lost! Well, you get my meaning! Thankfully this dub wasn’t as horrific as Gravitation (despite Hiroyuki’s voice actor is well-known for something from that particular anime). Here’s what you might recognize these folks from!

JAPANESE CAST: *Akari is played by Ayako Kawasumi (known for Ursula on Pokemon DP, Saber on Fate/Zero, Izumi on Beyond the Boundary, Aoki on Bakuman, Laura on Index, Yoshida on Shakugan no Shana, and Nodame on Nodame Cantabile)

*Hiroyuki is played by Kazuya Ichijo (known for Hoteye on Fairy Tail and Zafila on Nanoha)

*Shiho is played by Chieko Higuchi (known for Tomo on Azumanga Daioh)

*Multi is played by Yui Horie (known for Hanekawa on Monogatari, Tohru on Fruits Basket, Hanyuu on Higurashi, Minorin on Toradora, Charla on Fairy Tail, Chie on Persona 4, Maria on Umineko, and Riki on Little Busters)

ENGLISH CAST: *Akari is played by Debora Rabbai (known for Mika from Gravitation, Rika on His and Her Circumstances, Leina on Queen’s Blade, and Boogiepop [original])

*Hiroyuki is played by Rich McNanna (known for Jack Walker on Pokemon Movie 9 and Shuuichi on Gravitation)

*Shiho is played by Jessica Calvello (known for Prima on Pokemon, Hange on Attack on Titan, Excel on Excel Saga, Kanako on Maria Holic, Tsukino on His and Her Circumstances, and Aika on Aria the Animation)

*Multi is played by Tara Sands (known for Richie on Pokemon, Soujirou on Rurouni Kenshin, Mokuba on YGO, Badiane on Sailor Moon SuperS movie, Tori on Pokemon Movie ~ Deoxys, and Filia on Slayers Try)

SHIPPING: So remind me what genre this anime is!

HAREM!

We’re watching a harem! But it’s more slice of life than anything romantic. There are a lot of love interests for Hiroyuki throughout the series. It’s just that it doesn’t develop as much as one might think (except for maybe Akari) in season one.

And it’s so easy to think that Hiroyuki is the object of every one of these ladies’ desire. Serika waits for him to come to the club room. Aoi finds him helpful, as does Tomoko and Lemmy. Multi got attached to Hiroyuki’s headpats. As for Akari, she’s got quite the teddy bear collection because of Hiroyuki. After watching all of season one where Hiroyuki is hanging with all of these ladies individually, I thought there would be a moment of jealousy from one or more of these girls. Much to my surprise, that was not the case. It didn’t go down any of those bad-end routes you’d see with things like Kanon, Clannad, or God-forbid, School Days!

But then season two happened…

Ooh boy! First of all, Hiroyuki ended up getting his first confession of love from the most unlikely person ever. Kotone wasn’t even a contender in the first season as she had other issues. In fact, didn’t she have feelings for Masashi in season one? But halfway in the season, she gets ballsy and confesses to Hiroyuki. He rejects her and thankfully it didn’t get ugly (except Akari heard it and got jealous). Lemmy, I also thought wasn’t in play, but here we are! She was apparently childhood friends with Hiroyuki and brought it up when confessing her feelings. That unfortunately came at a bad time as he’s in a quarrel with Akari so he dismisses her.

And then there’s Akari! She’s been able to put on a smile and kind of be a wall-flower whenever Hiroyuki is doing something with one of the other girls. And most of the season, we see him mostly with Aoi and Multi. Thankfully, Aoi never showed romantic interests in Hiroyuki. I much prefer Aoi x Kotone if you want to know the truth. But halfway into season two, jealousy came in like a drunkard in a bar. Akari was definitely pissed when she saw Kotone confess to Hiroyuki and would get jealous seeing Hiroyuki and Multi together so much.

Oh yeah, good old Multi! Yes Multi loves Hiroyuki. Now does Hiroyuki love Multi back? It’s complicated! Because of Multi, Hiroyuki ends up pursuing a career in robotics and as a result spends quite a bit of time with her (pissing Akari off in the process). But because Multi is kind of a malfunctioning robot, who the hell knows if she’ll even remember being with Hiroyuki.

Now are there other boys interested in any of these other girls? The only other boy that has any prominent screen time is Masashi. It’s just that after season one, he’s only seen every so often because he’s busy with soccer. But in season one, it almost felt like Kotone was admiring him from the distance. Don’t get excited because that was just a one-and-done sort of thing before Kotone set eyes on Hiroyuki. Actually, Masashi does reveal his fondness for Akari (at literally the worst possible time). But it seems like Masashi ends up with Shiho in the end. So…whatever!

Hiroyuki DOES end up with someone. Just go down to the end of season two to get that answer.

ENDING TO SEASON ONE: The last two episodes of this season consist around Shiho deciding that she wants to throw a Christmas party at an old hangout from her middle school days! But this isn’t the only nostalgic kick she feels. Shiho ends up remembering the first day she met Hiroyuki and after he took care of a wound she got, Shiho starts seeing Hiroyuki in a new light. Yeah, up until this point, Shiho and Hiroyuki’s relationship could be summed up by saying they both give each other shit every day. Then you have Akari, who is also feeling a little nostalgic with trying to see if Hiroyuki is able to remember things from their past. During the finale however, Akari does develop a cold and has to bail on the party planning.

When Shiho came to visit Akari, it kinda comes out that both girls do care for Hiroyuki. But because this isn’t one of those kinds of romance animes, it really doesn’t get ugly. It’s more of an “I acknowledge your feelings for the boy I like and good luck to you”. Shiho really didn’t do any confessing and we get a cute moment with Hiroyuki and Akari out in the snow.

Let’s see how Season Two holds up!

OMAKE: Nozomi Entertainment also released the six Omake specials that came with releases of the first season. Not dubbed! Just a couple of minute-long specials that range from cute to wildly absurd.

There were also Omake specials in season two that mostly consisted of all the girls fighting each other in almost a Street Fighter or Dragon Ball style.

REMEMBER MY MEMORIES: Five years after the first season aired, To Heart returns with a bit of a time-leap from where we left off last and some slightly improved(?) animation. And if you’re wondering why this season isn’t called “To Heart 2”, there is a series named that already. To Heart 2 is a spin-off of To Heart. It’s just that none of the characters from To Heart are in To Heart 2. ANYWAYS…

It has been a year or so from where we left off. Hiroyuki, Akari and the others are now in their senior year of high school and a lot has changed. Minor character, Kotone who mostly kept to herself in the first season, has found another role in hanging out with Aoi (the chick who’s into martial arts). Serika is still silent, but that blue hue to her hair is definitely not silent. What the hell is with this new animation? And finally, Multi apparently left a year ago and came back in the first episode of season two. Only now Multi has amnesia. A lot has changed since season one, especially when it comes to romance. Buckle up!

ENDING TO REMEMBER MY MEMORIES: Yeah, this season layed on the melodrama really thick compared to the previous season. All the ladies love Hiroyuki and at least half of them expressed those feelings to him. Akari had some conflicted feelings when it came to Hiroyuki. She loves him, but feels like he doesn’t return the feeling due to him hanging around a lot of other girls (especially Aoi and Multi).

Speaking of Multi, this girl has had such the rotunda of computer issues. My stroked-out Dell PC from 2005 had more working power than this girl! For starters, her memories are in danger of being wiped away at several points of the series. We even begin season two where Multi returns after over a year with full-blown amnesia. And since then, Multi had some sort of malfunction issue arise every other episode. This was showcased in the finale, where Multi gets so upset and runs away to the amusement park!

So, Hiroyuki and all of his friends come together to look for Multi. They thankfully found her at the amusement park (during closed hours) and broke into the main-frame to the Ferris wheel. And did I mention these people almost committed assault on police officers? Yeah, these kids are about to have a rap sheet the size of Texas by the end of the episode. Anyways, Hiroyuki, Akari, and Multi ride the ferris wheel and have a nice talk before Multi falls asleep for…

…Let’s say a long time…

Fast-forward to high school graduation! Hiroyuki and Akari seem to be doing a lot better. They’re both going to attend the same college and are pretty much on better terms than when Akari was having a jealousy, bitch-fit. At graduation, they both decided to give each other the Christmas gifts they never gave each other. Because Multi was having another malfunction, they never got to give the gifts. Hiroyuki got a hand-knit sweater. And Akari got a ring!

Hiroyuki wanted it and so he put a ring on it!

During the ED credits, we see the characters we’ve seen throughout these two seasons and what they ended up doing after high school. Lemmy is back in San Francisco. Aoi and Kotone are still doing the fighting matches. Rio is a primary school teacher. Serica is still into the occult. Tomoko is working for her father’s business. Masashi is becoming a big soccer star with Shiho working on journalism (and I think Shiho ends up romantically involved with Masashi).

And we close with Hiroyuki and Akari working with the HMX robots and surprise, surprise, Multi wakes up.

And before you ask, I did NOT watch To Heart 2. And I don’t intend to…at least not yet. I’m saving it for another day and putting it back on the randomizer list.

This anime was…just okay. Yeah, a lot of things were predictable, especially when it came to who the main male lead was going to end up with. Come on, we all know Akari was going to end up with Hiroyuki in the end. If this were the visual novel, I’m sure there were infinite numbers of routes Hiroyuki could take and there’d be a good end to all of the girls. But I’m mostly anime only here! In terms of recommendations, ehh…I feel like there were other better harems you could watch.

Only season one of To Heart got an official release in the U.S., but you might have to search around for any DVD copies as I’m pretty sure it’s currently out of print. Anything else from the series, you’ll have to do some heavy searching to watch all the way through.

Okay, next licensed limbo/unlicensed classics!

What’s that one play everyone and their mother has seen, but you haven’t?

*sighs* Hamilton.

No, the other one.

Les Miserable? Wait, this never got licensed?!

Okay! I guess I’m watching that. I hope I can do well at this review considering I never watched the play, read the book, or watched that film where Russell Crowe can’t sing.

#anime review #to heart #to heart remember my memories #hiroyuki fujita #akari kamagishi #shiho nagaoka #hmx-12 multi #kotone himekawa

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doobler · 5 years ago

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How did Seamus propose?

Everything had gone perfectly so far. The charity dinner had gone off without a hitch, unsurprisingly. Akihiko's older twin siblings were eeriely flawless in a way that still made Seamus a bit uneasy. His own family had been on their best behavior in return. There were no food fights, no embarrassingly loud arguments, his father had been amazingly polite through the entire affair and everyone was getting along swimmingly.

Under the dinner table, he held Aki's hand.

"Again, thank you all for your attendance," Koji steepled his hands together, his smile subtle but warm. "We hope you enjoy your meal and look forward to your participation in tonight's festivities."

"Now please, dig in," Kotone finished, clapping her hands twice to summon forth a near army of wait staff. "We'll need you all properly fed for the auctioning later!"

"Hey, amazing job, you two," Seamus beamed when the pair made their way over. "I'm sure we'll raise far more than last year--"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, you and your competitive streak," Koji waved him off, leaning in close. "What's the plan?"

"... Huh?"

"The plan!" Kotone chimed in, whisper-yelling. "You're gonna do it tonight, right?"

"... What?"

"Propose!" The twins groaned in unison.

"Oh! Yes, right!" Seamus patted his left hip. "I've got the ring and everything. After dessert, I'm taking him on a walk around the gardens and I'll. Y'know. Pop the question."

"It better be as magical as our baby brother deserves." Kotone's eyes shone with a devilish gleam.

"We chose this venue only for it's perfect amenities," Koji agreed. "If you're not down on one knee surrounded by this country's most opulent collection of exotic flowers--"

"Let's just say Siobhan will be the Engles' new eldest child."

Seamus swallowed thickly as they turned and left. Beside him, Akihiko's eyes were narrowed.

"What was that about?" He asked, slowly taking another bite of his salmon dinner.

"Ah, y'know," Seamus replied casually. He took a bigger sip of wine than he intended. "Their usually bullying."

Akihiko didn't respond, still looking rather untrusting. He pursed his lips, his thoughts quickly distracted by food.

Thank the gods, Seamus thought.

The gardens were just a gorgeous as the twins had claimed. Bathed in ethereal moonlight, Seamus felt like he was walking through a dream.

Akihiko looked just as charmed, his arm threaded through Seamus' as they strode side by side. He looked beautiful, as he always did, snow white hair framing his face perfectly, his smile bright enough to knock the air from Seamus' lungs. As they approached the gazebo set in the garden's center, his heart began to pound. The ring in his pocket seemed to weigh a hundred pounds.

"I'm glad our families are behaving," Akihiko sighed. He looked a bit tired but happy as he leaned against white iron railing. "I was worried a fight would break out between your dad, Peter, and David over who got the last cocktail shrimp."

"I made sure they understood not to fuck around." Seamus replied smoothly.

"You totally gave them your best death glare, huh?" Akihiko laughed.

"Hey, it's well rehearsed, we fight a lot of monsters that deserve that look."

Standing shoulder to shoulder under the stars, the pair chuckled together. A gentle breeze kicked up and the moon shone brighter. Akihiko looked like an angel. Inhaling deeply, Seamus opened his mouth.

"You're about to propose, aren't you?"

He snapped his jaw shut so fast, he bite his tongue. Akihiko turned to him with a lopsided smirk.

"I could see the outline of the box in your pocket the moment I saw you earlier," Aki beamed. "And you've been so particular about tonight being perfect, I knew something was up immediately."

"I-- er, well, I was--"

"Can I see it?"

Seamus swallowed thickly as he reached for the little red box. He opened it and Aki's eyes went wide. It was a rather simple gold band that seemed to sparkle an array of iridescent light as it was twisted back and forth.

"I forged it with help from my dad," Seamus spoke softly. "I uhm. Mixed together shards from my old broken sword and that scale you gave me ages ago and ground them into fine powder, then sort of. Folded them into the gold which is why it... Sparkles."

"That's really incredible, Seamus." Akihiko smiled as he slipped it on.

"So... You like it?"

"I do."

Seamus stood there for a moment, glancing between the ring and his partner's face. When Aki tilted his head forward, raising his eyebrows with a goofy smile, his words finally sunk in.

"Oh! Oh!!!" Seamus gasped.

He wound his arms around Aki's middled and hefted him up into a bear hug. They twirled and laughed under the moonlight. Seamus felt a bit light-headed, tears prickling in his eyes.

"So-- you will? Really?" He asked, holding the Dragon tight against him.

"Of course, dumbass," Akihiko smiled, the sheer affection on his face bright enough to blind. "You're my partner."

"And I am yours."

#tiny fic #seamus engles #akihiko shinozaki #koji shinozaki #kotone shinozaki

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smashpages · 6 years ago

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Harvey Awards announce 2018 nominees

After taking a year off to regroup and prepare for arrival at their new home, the Harvey Awards have announced their nominees for 2018. It’s a very slimmed-down list of categories — just six, when typically they’ve had more than 20.

The most noticeable change is the lack of any awards recognizing creators; instead, the six categories recognize specific works. The other oddity is the addition of a “Best Adaptation” category, recognizing films and TV based on comics. Both of these changes have received criticism from comic creators since the nominees were announced yesterday.

But the Harvey Awards are no stranger to controversy. In the past they caused a few raised eyebrows over their nomination process, which led to some interesting and unexpected choices in each category. Per the press release, “Nominees for this year’s awards were selected by a handpicked group of diverse industry voices and will be voted on by eligible industry professionals.” The release doesn’t mention who they were specifically, but this quote gives a little more context: “We are proud to announce the nominees for the new slate of Harvey Awards. By opening up the process to librarians, educators, retailers and more, we believe that we have an accurate representation of this year’s best graphic works,” said Nellie Kurtzman, co-chair of the Harvey Awards Steering Committee.

For the five comic book-focused awards, the nominees are pretty strong and deserving of recognition, so I hope the controversy around the category changes doesn’t take away from that.

The awards will be announced on Oct. 5, the Friday of the New York Comic Con. Here’s the complete list of nominees:

Book Of The Year

Black Hammer: Secret Origins By Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart (Dark Horse) Boundless By Jillian Tamaki (Drawn And Quarterly) Everything Is Flammable By Gabrielle Bell (Uncivilized Books) Hostage By Guy Delisle (Drawn And Quarterly) Kindred By Octavia E. Butler, Adapted By Damian Duffy And Illustrated By John Jennings (Abrams Comicarts) Lighter Than My Shadow By Katie Green (Lion Forge) Monstress By Marjorie Liu And Sana Takeda (Image) My Favorite Thing Is Monsters By Emil Ferris (Fantagraphics) Roughneck By Jeff Lemire (Gallery 13) Shade The Changing Girl By Cecil Castellucci And Marley Zarcone (Dc Comics) Spinning By Tillie Walden (First Second) The Best We Could Do By Thi Bui (Abrams Books) The Customer Is Always Wrong By Mimi Pond (Drawn And Quarterly) The Flintstones By Mark Russell And Steve Pugh (Dc Comics) The Prince And The Dressmaker By Jen Wang (First Second)

Digital Book Of The Year

Bandette By Paul Tobin And Colleen Coover (Monkeybrain) Barrier By Brian K. Vaughn, Marcos Martin And Muntsa Vicente (Panel Syndicate) Check, Please!: #hockey By Ngozi Ukazu (Checkpleasecomic.com) Not Drunk Enough By Tessa Stone (Ndecomic.com) The Tea Dragon Society By Katie O’Neill (Teadragonsociety.com)

Best Children Or Young Adult Book

Brave By Svetlana Chmakova (Jy) Real Friends By Shannon Hale And Leuyeun Pham (First Second) Spinning By Tillie Walden (First Second) The Prince And The Dressmaker By Jen Wang (First Second) The Tea Dragon Society By Katie O’Neill (Oni Press)

Best Adaptation From A Comic Book/graphic Novel

Atomic Blonde (Focus Features) – Directed By David Leitch. Adapted From “The Coldest City” (Oni Press) Black Panther (Walt Disney Pictures) – Directed By Ryan Coogler. Adapted From “Black Panther” (Marvel Comics) The Lego Batman Movie (Warner Bros.) – Directed By Chris Mckay. Adapted From “Batman” (Dc Comics) Logan (20th Century Fox) – Directed By James Mangold. Adapted From “Wolverine” (Marvel Comics) My Friend Dahmer (Filmrise) – Directed By Marc Meyers. Adapted From “My Friend Dahmer” (Abrams Comicarts) Preacher (AMC) – Developed By Sam Catlin, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg. Adapted From “Preacher” (Dc/vertigo) Riverdale (The CW) – Developed By Roberto Aguirre-sacasa. Adapted From “Archie” (Archie Comics) The End Of The F***ing World (Netflix) – Written By Charlie Covell. Adapted From “The End Of The F***ing World” (Fantagraphics) Thor: Ragnarok (Walt Disney Pictures) – Directed By Taika Waititi. Adapted From “Thor” (Marvel Comics) Wonder Woman (Warner Bros.) – Directed By Patty Jenkins. Adapted From “Wonder Woman” (Dc Comics)

Best Manga

My Brother’s Husband By Gengoroh Tagame Anne Ishii (Pantheon Graphic Library) My Hero Academia By Kohei Horikoshi (Viz Media) My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness By Nagata Kabi (Seven Seas) Tokyo Ghoul By Sui Ishida (Viz Media) Your Name By Makoto Shinkai And Ranmaru Kotone (Yen Press)

Best European Book

Audubon: On The Wings Of The World by Fabien Grolleau And Jerémie Royer (Nobrow) California Dreamin’: Cass Elliot Before The Mamas & The Papas by Pénélope Bagieu (First Second) Flight Of The Raven by Jean-Pierre Gibrat (IDW) The Ghost Of Gaudi by El Torres And Jesús Alonso Iglesias (Magnetic Press) The Ladies In Waiting by Santiago García And Javier Olivares (Fantagraphics)

#comic books #Smash Pages #Harvey Awards #Harvey Kurtzman #new york comic con

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applejuice-fr · 6 years ago

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17. Post a picture of your clan’s prettiest dragon.

Okay, so here’s the thing: Personally, I think it’s Orion, but the problem is that I rarely ever think of my dragons in terms of prettiness - I think of them in terms of “cool”, “awesome”, “intimidating”, “interesting”, “cute” or “looks weird but has lots of personality”, so it’s hard to judge for me, really. Lore wise, the prettiest gals are Aster and Kotone, and the prettiest boys are Thanatos and Orion (again). But none of these dragons ever get any, or if they do just very little attention from other players. (I guess my taste is just that weird.)

So which of my dragons do players like?? For some reason, everyone just loves Morpheus. And they have done so for almost 3 years now. And ... I don’t get it?? Like, don’t get me wrong, I love him! I got him from my best friend, he has lore, I went through the pain of getting the materials for his accent - but I just don’t think that he’s that special in terms of looks - he has no special colors, no fancy genes, and his apparel was thrown on at random -, especially in contrast to dragons like Orion, Phoenix or Mars for example, which at least imo look way better than him.

People also really love Nightcrawler; I’d say he’s gotten just as many compliments as Morpheus by now, so these two deserve to be here together. (Top: Morpheus, bottom: Nightcrawler)

At least with Nightcralwer I can agree. He does look stunning.

#flight rising in 50 days

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millenniumkid-blog · 7 years ago

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❤유✈☠

munday questions

❤How long have you been RPing?: overall, since i was about 7 (i’m 21 now, so about 14 years) playing dungeons and dragons with my dad. online, since i was about 10 (11 years) and literary since i was about 12 (9 years)

유Who was your first muse?: first ever muse was a dungeons and dragon that i don’t remember very well but i know they were a rogue and loosely inspired by zidane from final fantasy nine. first online muse was my warrior cat oc, silversky, my first semi canon muse was a trans girl canada from hetalia, first full canon muse was joshua from twewy, and my first canon muse on tumblr was lyra/kotone from pokemon hgss

✈Is it easier to write angst, fluff, or crack with your muse?: yugi is pretty easy for me to write, like, in general, so i don’t really think there’s any kind of rp thats easier for me than others!!! i guess it’s easier for me to rp with other ygo characters than with characters from other medias and ocs but ???

☠Who is a muse you would want to play?: ive always wanted to rp as vivi from final fantasy nine because he was my fave character of all time growing up and i used to take this little plush of him i have everywhere with me but i’m too much of a shy meme to rp as him and probably never actually will especially cuz the ff9 fanbase is... so dead (but there’s a cute vivi blog i follow which makes up for it all they can do what i could not)

#TY BUNNY ILU #ooc #about mun #duelstar

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mr-rockadopolis · 8 years ago

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To Kill a Dragon

Time is a fragile stream. The obstruction of a small pebble can hurl its direction into a wide array of ripples. To kill, or to be killed, such decisions faced a young assassin; Think with precision, leave no trace behind, move onto the next mission. Truly, it was a simpler time for the crimson skinned Au Ra. However, to be in the Red Dragon Syndicate, you have to be willing to die, and be born again, not as a person, but as a weapon. All of them-- his weapons-- are wielded at the quiver of Akuma’s lip.

...Though, he can never forget his first forged weapon.

Part I: The Dinner

“Sir, we’ve been getting some harassment from the Bureau of Tariffs and Domestic Weaponry. They’re questioning the legitimacy with this partnership you’ve had across the sea towards Eorzean merchants-- questions I’m sure you don’t want to answer.” “Forget the Bureau, your son has been drawing unnecessary attention towards the Syndicate; his brothel business was ambushed by an opposing organization. We expect it to be Madam Uno’s clan--” “Sir, also, we’re being asked by Lady Kotone to ease on these ‘demonstrations’, she’s having trouble talking to the Doma and Eorzean governments about who’s behind it and--” Advisors, they all peck and bob their heads for a scrap of food, and all can be so easily silenced with a slamming hand to the table.

“What was the purpose of hiring you?” Akuma’s voiced grinded against the gravelly vocal chords, deteriorated by years of use of fine smoked weeds. “While you all pettifog, I keep losing judgement as to why I’ve hired you in the first place. I forged this organization with my bare hands from the ground up, while you all plucked the nipples of your mother’s breast. You really think /I/ need advisors?! Who advised me to kill my competitors, no one! Who advised me to begin a vast drug empire across this land?! No one!!” Akuma roared violently, slamming the table repeatedly as the advisors were silent, nervous as they looked to each other as to what the fearless leader would do.

“Sir, I--” “Enough, get out, all of you, out, out, out....!” He chided with a dismissive hand to each advisor. “I need a break from all this.” He groaned. It appears as though the dim-lit meeting had begrudgingly concluded. Akuma sat at the very end of the table in his throne like chair, a skimpy secretary holding a clipboard stood by his side. She leaned down, as his perverted nature looked at the cleavage she was obviously pandering towards him. “Sir, your son is waiting to see you.” She whispered towards his horn. “Bring him in...” He nodded, as the doors to his grand study pried open. Akuma got up, walking from the council’s table towards behind his luxurious desk. Taking a seat, he’d lean back rotating the chair towards the window and barely acknowledge whoever entered even if it was his own kin.

“Father?” That voice was not of his son, but his daughter. To his surprise, it was actually the twins that entered. There was an annoyance in his hum, knowing dealing with his daughter was rather taxing; though his secretary did tuck a fat cigar between his lips, lighting it quickly as he puffed smoke through his nostrils. “Akira.” Akuma turned his chair to face his son, as Akira smirked in his devious way, reminiscent of Akuma’s own youth.

“...Kura.” There was a rather detachment in his words, eyes darting to his daughter. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” His voice sounded rather condescending. Either way, his son snickered a bit, donning a beautifully fitted Kimono. Kura, on the other hand, was definitely her mother’s daughter, wearing attire suitable for battle. “Mother wants to know when you’ll come down for the dinner.” Kura said stagnantly.

“We planned to have dinner on our anniversary...” Akuma groaned agitatedly, lifting one hand towards his temples and rubbed them profusely.

Akira chuffed, “...It /is/ your anniversary.”

This is what’s become of the once loving family. Mundane schedules for eating dinner, having offspring make appointments just to see their own father.

In anycase, the aged, crimson skinned Au Ra set aside the busy schedule and accompany them downstairs to his wife, Nachin. It seems as though she’s been waiting for a while, as she sort of glared at Akuma once he entered the dining room.

Sadly, the dinner itself wasn’t one to boast. Hardly a word exchanged, as the servers presented them with fine meals and were the only ones in the room who wore smiles. Akuma and Nachin sat across from each other in their large table, and the twins on the same end. Akuma focused on his food; niether looking up, or even acknowledging his wife. There were many things that plagued his thoughts-- it was a busy week. Nachin had thoughts plaguing her own mind, but for an entirely different reason. Uncertainty and guilt washed over her expression.

Part II: An Au Ra Named Sakura

Despite growing apart for many years, Akuma agreed to at least one thing to his wife-- spend the entirety of their anniversary together, and Nachin had a whole day definitely planned. After the sad dinner, Nachin informed the twins to not disturb them as she would take him to a little trip around the gardens in the back of their mansion. Nachin worked for years on the garden, and had a surprise for her husband. Akuma agreed to wearing a blindfold-- albeit hesitantly. “Nachin. This is childish, where are you taking me?” She wouldn’t answer, simply pulling his hand as they walked towards the back garden. Finally, she let him take off the blind flood. His eyes widened, a smile-- a real and genuine smile-- formed and he nearly teared up from such positive emotions. Cherry Blossom Trees; he looked at her in astonishment and slight confusion. ‘Sakura…’ she said with a soft whimper, and the stern Au Ra gasped lightly.

“You haven’t called me that in years...” They embraced, as Nachin began to sob slightly into his fine kimono, and even the steely Au Ra wasn’t immune to such emotions and fell to his knees with their arms wrapped around each other.

“What happened to us, Nachin?” He said with a cracked voice, as she shook her head and looked up at him. Both shared a passionate kiss, one that’s been absent in their lives for what seemed like ages.

For the next few hours, it was as though they resembled the young lovers who once travelled together; conversing and sharing laughs, holding hands and locking arms as they passed through the busy mansion, filled with their organization’s members. They all looked at each other dumbfounded-- no one has seen them this close in years, and it was confusing them profoundly.

Eventually, the couple would retreat to a secluded part of the mansion, as they simply sat down holding each other, and talked-- really talked. It’s been years since Akuma’s shared his feelings, his doubts, and simple concerns that floated around his head. She’d hear how he was worried about the future of the Red Dragon Syndicate. How he’s feeling older, weaker, and even scared of the growing world. Nachin was finally speaking to Sakura; it’s been too long. “We’re we good parents, right..?” He asked, nuzzling her horns with his own. Nachin, being as supportive as ever, believed they were.

“I see Kura, and see your strength in her eyes. I know I’ve been hard on her, but that’s because I care. Maybe I’ve been too easy on Akira, but he’s always been a fragile boy. I think he’s just like me, easily hurt and overreacts…” He snorted a slight chuckle.

“Please, Nachin. I know we’ve been going through a ‘rough patch’. But look around you. Everything we have...it’s really for you, for our family.” Nachin nodded, still torn on what she must do. To her, these were most likely pretty words. She knew Akuma had a way with those, a way to manipulate. Most likely, a week from now everything would go back to the dull, unfulfilling life of an aging assassin-- an assassin out of work, an assassin losing touch, and an assassin he created. Like a sharp weapon sheathed for too long, it begins to rust. Though its use remains the same.

The day was coming to an end, and the dark evening would soon blanket their guarded castle. Nachin kissed his lips, and instructed him to meet her in the quarters they used to sleep together in. For the last few years, they were in separate rooms. He nodded, as she skipped off like the young Auri she used to be. He smiled affectionately, taking this time to go back towards the garden and sit under the tree she planted.

The petals fell upon him slowly, as he mediated with closed eyes. Akuma reflected on his life. What led to this point? There was little happiness left to it, so what was the point of such success? Has he lost his way? He thought back to the cave when Nachin and Akuma claimed each other. After a long session of lovemaking, he can envision the young couple simply talking into the long night; their dreams, their aspiration. He wanted to recreate the syndicate for the advancement of Au Ra everywhere. Prove them to be the master race; but it seems as though Matsumoto’s curse was casted over Akuma. He’s no better than him-- extorting drugs, crime, and giving a bad name to Au Ra. He opened his eyes and sighed, ‘It’s time for a change…’

Part III: To Kill A Dragon

Akuma was making his way towards the room, a strange smile plastered onto his face. Eventually, he’d cross paths with the twins as they were walking towards the opposite direction in the hallway.

“Akira.” He said softly, as his son lifted a brow and was ambushed with a hug.

“W-what are you doing, father!? Are you well?!” He hasn’t hugged his son since he was a boy.

“Kura…” Again, he ambushed her with a hug, and pecked her lips like a father would his small daughter. Kura blushed, as she hasn’t been kissed by her father since she was a toddler. “What’s gotten into you?!” She pushed him away, as Akuma chuckled. “Remember, my children-- your father loves you.” He extended his hand and ruffled both their hairs as he continued making a lovestruck stride towards Nachin. The twins were sort of disturbed, but rather flattered and eventually cracked a smile.

Finally, Akuma reached the room, as he instructed the guards in front of it to leave-- he wanted extreme privacy with his wife. Entering the room, Nachin was wrapped in that old pink yukata from years past. Akuma was awestruck, flushed with emotions as he wiped away a tear.

“You still have that old thing?” He said jokingly, as he walked towards the bed. Nachin nodded, parting the yukata and presenting the bare body for her husband; despite his affairs, Nachin remained completely faithful. It’s been too long since they’ve laid together, as he slowly moved his hands over her body, eventually leaning down to wrap his lips around her own. Nachin’s tail lifted up playfully, curling towards his wrist, and in return, his tail made it’s way to caress the side of her thigh.

“Wait..” He said, as he took a step back reaching behind his kimono and presented her with a present. It was an old picture frame, a memory that captured a trip to the beach. Nachin would remember how much he insisted on taking a vacation day away from the syndicate to the beach, only to have it ruined by sudden rainfall.

“It took me ages to find this photo..” He laughed a bit, “I remember when it rained, I thought it was going to ruin the trip I planned for weeks-- oh, the tantrum I threw..” He paused for a moment, looking down at the photo as one thumb ran over her portrait. “..but you said you loved the rain, and we stayed.” Eyes glowed with those golden halos, “Remember that, my Nachin?” He looked at her with an affectionate grin. Nachin would nod, as she began to sniffle and tears welled up. At first, he simply sat by her side, and looked at the mirror across the room.

“How’ve we aged...no longer are we the young handsome couple, hm?” He wrapped one arm over her’s, simply looking at their reflection, and comparing it to the photo she was now holding onto her fingers. There were no words to be exchanged, she simply knew he preferred her at any age. Despite all the others, it really was her he truly loved. He began to peck her neck with kisses, as she leaned her head away and allowed him access.

She’d feel his hands begin to make it’s way onto her body, feel his weight began to crawl on top of her, and the warmth of his pride intertwine with the fertility of her womanhood. He refused to look away, as he gazed at the mother of his children, his best friend, his Nachin. Her legs wrapped around his waist, locking his body into her’s and keeping him still. His mind was too set onto the pleasure, the affection, as he was getting close. She knew him, knowing it was almost time. Nachin began to pull her hand away, crawling fingers ran towards under the pillow.

“N-Nachin...I--” Her hand suddenly swept quickly across his neck, wielding the blade he forged for her so many years ago. Akuma began to gurgle onto the blood as Nachin was sprayed with the blood that spewed from arteries. Hands quickly tried to wrap around the wound, desperately trying to stop the bleeding from seeping any further. His eyes widened as she kept her legs wrapped around his waist. He looked down at her, and she’d see the look of betrayal, confusion, and sheer sadness. Nachin couldn’t look away, she was not the type to do so. Blood bathed her, and the golden ringlet glow that met her silver glowing ones were starting to fade; life was escaping him. Akuma couldn’t speak, but similar to the first time he said it, his lips mouthed out those beautiful words.

‘I love you’.

The deed was done, and his lifeless body lay limp over her. She simply looked up at the ceiling as his blood drained onto her petite figure and sacred bed. At first, there was just a blank expression in her eyes-- too often has she had the burden to take life, but this wasn’t just any life. She began to breathe heavily, panting. Her arms wrapped around his cold shoulders as she clenched her eyes and shuddering breaths shook her entirely. How badly she wanted to scream, to cry out and let those horrible emotions flow. All she could do was roll his body off of her and lay him on his back; those golden ringlet eyes will never glow. Those words will never echo from his lips. The last thing she’ll see of him is the bloody figure of his body eerily staring at her, never breathing.

For the next few hours, she’d lay next to the dead Akuma, sobbing uncontrollably into her pillow, mostly muffling the cries that would most likely alert the guards. After a few more hours, she simply tucked herself next to the deceased husband, and closed his lids. She’d caress the side of his cheek and pretend that their life ended happily. All throughout the night, she’d simply love him one last time, holding and using his body as a familiar support, and once morning came, simply pressed her lips against his forehead and bid him farewell.

@whispersofnachin @euphie-rants

#ffxiv rp #rp #au ra raen #au ra xaela #balmung #ffxiv

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miileskine · 8 years ago

Text

kinda a followup to the queer silver fic, also warning for menstruation stuff and silver is totally a bro who'd do you if you wanted a kid

Gold is three years old when he realizes that the people around him, his mother, his grandparents, genuinely don’t know he is a boy. The skirts and dresses feel right, but the daughter and girl do not. So he tells them.

It’s obvious the adults think it’s just another game of his, but still, they humor him; oh, there are some slip-ups in the beginning, some she and her here and there, but it gets better. His mother cuts his hair per his request and presents him to the neighbors as her son.

(She’ll stop when he’ll be tired of the game, she thinks. She’ll stop when he’ll ask her to.)

(He never does.)

Gold is seven when he meets Crystal.

The girl is crazy strong and so stupidly brave, they hit off almost instantly. They fight and they play and they do stupid pranks and nerdy stuff together.

He never comes out to her, not really. Children are what they are, Crystal literally couldn’t care less about what’s in between Gold’s legs. Moreso, the gender on his ID has long since been changed.

Though, he does tell her that people thought he was a girl for a while. They both find it absolutely hilarious.

Gold is twelve when his chest starts growing.

It’s terrible. It aches and itches and how the fuck did Crystal go to puberty when she was traveling with him? What the fuck.

She laughs at him, because she’s been there, grown that, and he flips her the bird, because fuck her that’s why. He’s going to grow bigger breasts just to piss her off, just watch him.

(He’s twelve the first time he meets his father, too.

The man is every bit the asshole his mother implied he was, and then some.

Norman says, “I thought I had a daughter.”

Gold glares and says, “You were wrong.”

Gold hates him, but he has to give credits where credits are due; the man consistently refers to him as a young boy from now on.)

Gold is thirteen when he gets his first periods. It’s every bits as terrible as books say.

He’s back in Johto for an errant at the time. Precisely, he’s hanging with Silver at the Dragon’s Den when the cramps start and his underwear start to dampen.

Gold… does not take it well.

He moderately freaks out. And by moderately he means extremely.

Silver hugs him tight until his crying stop, rubbing his back and whispering an endless string of it’s okay, it’s okay, we can wash your clothes later no problem, it’s okay, breathe Gold breathe

Eventually, Gold manages to calm down enough to be left alone. Silver rushes to the pokemon center, and comes back with a box of pads, painkillers and a bottle of warm water to put on his stomach. Gold will literally never thank him enough.

(Silver asks a few questions about boys and bodies afterward, but doesn’t press any boundaries. Gold wonders if he’ll have to use “she” for Silver in the near future.)

Gold is fourteen and back in Hoenn when Crystal buys him his first binder.

“You are getting pretty big.” she states simply.

Getting it on is more embarrassing than expected, and he has to ask for her help for that. (Hey, how was he supposed to guess he should put it on like a skirt, as opposed to a shirt?)

But the thing is amazing. It flattens his chest enough to not have to correct strangers about his gender anymore, it isn’t too tight, he can breathe, and it’s not even that hot.

He loves it.

Gold is sixteen when he moves to Sinnoh.

Getting away is more of a necessity than a want at this point. Kanto and Johto constantly remind him of cold snow and sharp winds, and Hoenn… No. Just no.

(He still dreams of drowning, tight darkness, and bright burning light, and choking, choking up there among the cloud and between the stars.)

(They all do.)

But Sinnoh, Sinnoh is different. It’s completely new, absolutely unrelated to anything they’ve done so far.

They can all get better there. Gold can get better there.

(And they do.)

Gold is twenty-three, he has a stable job, a beautiful wife, a cozy house, and he sees.

He sees children from all around the region visiting town for their journey. He sees Kotone’s little boy, crawling toward him and calling him ‘uncle’. He sees the toy commercials on TV and the children’s books about local legends.

Gold is twenty-three, and he has an idea.

Crystal agrees, which is not surprising, and even call it a “damn good idea”, which is. Kotone agrees, because she’s Kotone, and there isn’t anything out there she isn’t down for. Silver agrees, because he’s the best bro ever. (Sibling? Nah, bro is a gender-neutral term.)

And so the arrangement is made.

Gold has turned twenty-four a month ago when he tackle-hug his wife on the bed.

“Whoa, whoa- what happened? Did you find money or something?” she asks, surprised.

Gold’s grin almost reaches his ears.

“Better. I’m pregnant.”

#boi i swear i had some flashbacks from art college because i met a couple who went through the exact same struggle lmao #mii getting fan stuff #submission

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original-character-archives · 8 years ago

Photo

((Created and Edited in my Sims 4 Game))

Pics 1. Close up of eyebrow scar. 2. Just smiling 3. With her adoptive dad, Kotone.

Name: Ecaitz Yürei Ee-Kites Age & Date of birth: Ecaitz does not know her birthdate, but she knows that she is 15. Species: She is part demon. Her mom was a type of elemental demon known as an EtamilIa while her father was a human. Gender: Cis female Orientation: Heterosexual Fandom: Original character from my Netherworld series.

Warnings: Tornadoes, Death, Bad Weather.

Biography: Ecaitz the Demon kid was born in Japan to Udazken and Hanshiro. Udazken was a type of demon that was known as an EtamilIa, and she was on the run. EtamilIas are special because their bones and blood are highly valuable to dragon slayers. At the time, Europe was having an extremely bad problem with dragons attacking people. Things were bad, and slayers were resorting to some cruel ways to get rid of the beasts. Udazken was on the run from some hunters when she found herself in Japan. Not knowing what to do, she came up with a plan. If her child was mixed with a human then their blood would be different. She saw a lot of her family members getting slaughtered and she did not want that date for herself. She met a man by the name of Hanshiro Iwata and much to her surprise she eventually fell in love with him. He was a fisherman and he had a rather quaint and simple life that she liked. He liked her because she was strong willed and someone who would speak her mind. Although he was a fisherman, she would secretly help him out by making the sea conditions perfect for him. They eventually became pregnant and she gave birth to a little girl who she named Ecaitz. Things turned for the worse when the hunters eventually found her mother. Not wanting them to find her daughter, she told her husband to flee with their baby to a certain home and she would fight them off. He did as she said and he made his way North to Hokkaido. Their fight was bad and people heard about how a tornado came through and destroyed a small homestead where three people had died. Hanshiro made it to the place that she said and he was surprised. It was a small home that he and his daughter could stay in. They had all of the things that they needed to live and she had even left him some valuables that he could sell. After loosing the love of his life, he stayed single for a long time. He devoted his time to raising his daughter. As she grew up, Hanshiro noticed that she was just like her mother. She liked being outside and she was just as strong willed as she was. He was afraid that the hunters would come after her, so he homeschooled his daughter, teaching her what she needed and buying books for her. By the time she was 10, Ecaitz was an exceptional child. She spent her time hunting and helping her dad. One day Hanshiro was out in a rather tricky part of the sea when he slipped on his boat and fell into the water. Although he was a great swimmer, the waves were just too strong and he lost his life. Ecaitz didn’t really know where he was so she decided to look for him. She eventually found her father and she was devastated. She buried him at the shore and she tried to figure out what she would do. For a long while she lived in her own. She was an excellent hunter, and she learned how to fish from her dad, so she had no need to ask anyone for help. She was like this for 3 years. She did try to go into the city to see what was going on but she found it overwhelming and scary. There were rude people who called her names, and she even got into a fight with a guy because he tried to take her bag, and she seriously hurt him. She went back to her home and had no interest in going back to the city. She was minding her own business at home one day when she noticed something strange in the floorboard. When she lifted it up she found a beautiful looking sword that had a green sheath. Something about the weapon scared her but she couldn’t leave it. She took it outside and she gave it a few swings only to find out that the sword was one that made wind and lightning appear. She was still creeped out by it, so she just wrapped it up and slung it around her back. She was out making a net when she heard someone walking up. She met the guy with an arrow poised to his face. The guy was young, maybe 30 years old and he had pink cat eyes. When he spoke his Japanese was flawless. He introduced himself as Kotone and he said that he was there because he needed the sword. She was suspicious of him but he explained to her that he was there for good intentions. As they talked she noticed that there was something odd about him. He they spoke some more and he told her that he was from the Netherworld. He was actually half-human and half-death god. He was Ethiopian and Japanese which was interesting to her to. He was extremely kind and they talked for a long while. He reminded her of her dad, and she felt extremely comfortable around him. It was time for him to go, but before he left he told her that he knew what she was going through. That if she needed someone to be a friend that all she had to do was write his name with this symbol and he would be there to talk to her. For a few months, Ecaitz would summon Kotone just to talk. She enjoyed speaking to him and they had a lot in common. He knew more about the outside world than her, so he would accompany her to the city when she had to go. She admired him because he ignored rude people. She asked him how he did it and he told her “When you reach my age, you see that people like that are only hurting inside. Be yourself and don’t let anyone get to you”. She liked this advice, and when he wasn’t around she would go to the city by herself. From the money that her parents left, she would buy clothes, destroy them and rebuild them for herself. She loved doing this a bit too much. One day, Kotone appeared and he made a suggestion to her. He said that he wanted to be her teacher. That she had a lot of potential and being with humans was okay, but she would be better with people like her. She could stay with him just as long as she worked on improving her fighting skills. She liked this, and within a week she was traveling to the Netherworld. It was amazing and as Kotone said, there were other demons and people there. People that she could be herself around. For a year she lived with Kotone and he was a great teacher. He helped her to control her powers and he was even a great archer too. Before the year was up, Kotone asked her to move in. She asked him why and he said that she was like a daughter to him. He respected her and he felt that she could be his apprentice. She accepted and he officially filed papers to become her adoptive dad.

Appearance: Ecaitz is a girl who has a rather distinctive appearance. She has thick eyebrows, the left one having a scar on it. Piercing yellow eyes that almost look like a Hawks, dark skin and jet black hair. She is of Basque and Japanese heritage, and she strongly favors her mother. She is normally seen with her hair down, but she usually has it in a ponytail with a bang on the side. Most of the time she is seen wearing a green and red Kimono that is long on the right side but short on the left. She’s an Archer and she can move easier in her outfit.

Personality: Despite her mean look she is an extremely sweet kid. She is really calm and cool when it comes to different situations, and one of her most defining characteristics is that under pressure she is extremely focused. If she disagrees with something then she will not hold her opinion back, and if she is upset then she will probably fight the offender.

Favourite & Least Favorite things: Favorite things: Hanging out with her friend Nero, Sewing, making textiles, making arrows, anything with fish, and archery.

Least Favorite things: Rude people, Necromancers, Nazzaereno because he creeps her out, and her mom’s sword.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Ecaitz is an elemental demon so she is extremely strong when she is outside. Being indoors dampens her powers and she’s not as strong. Some of her mental strengths are her focus, her determination, and the fact that she will not give up easily. Her weaknesses are the fact that she worries that she’s not as strong as her mother, her powers are still new and she can loose control of them, and she can get intimidated by anyone who is stronger than her.

Additional notes: 6 Ecaitz facts! 1. Despite what everyone thinks, she is not related to Nazzaereno. Not everyone with black hair and yellow eyes is related.

2. She likes making armor for her dads friends.

3. She says that she is a “girl who likes to shoot arrows and kill fish, and that it is perfectly normal” .

4. Her best friend, Nero is 26, but he is like an older brother to her. He’s 9 feet tall and she can stand on his shoulders to get a better view of things.

5. The Kimono that she wears represents the Basque flag and she made it herself.

6. She can shoot 10 arrows in 1 minute if she is running and about 15 if she’s stationary.

#racial discrimination #original #death #murder #submission #oh wow how detailed!!!!!!!!!!#evangelionunitkenway

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trulyevilbob · 7 years ago

Text

L5R Adventure Flowers on Black Soil

Flowers on Black Soil by TrulyEvilBob RPG adventure for Legend of the Five Rings 4th Edition (may be used with other editions with a little effort). The only other book necessary for this adventure besides the core rules is “Enemies of the Empire” which contains a few of the threats.

Premise: The Seppun have lost contact with one of their revered sensei and the PCs are tasked with finding out what has happened to him. During the adventure they find a secluded town where a kenku kills humans, a besieged mountain guardian (O-Fuuro), and corruption from within. Era: This adventure is meant to be used in any era, but works best in the contemporary setting and less so in divergent settings like the 1k Years of Darkness. PCs: This is for starting PCs. Player may make their own characters for this adventure but there are 4 pre-generated characters that work wonderfully for the story that I recommend using. Here are their character sheets: Akodo Toya Akodo Bushi 1

Armor TN: 20 (5 from armor); Reduction: 3

Rings:

Fire: 2; Agility: 3 Air: 2 Earth: 3 Water: 2; Perception: 3 Void: 2

Skills: Athletics 1; Battle 1 (Mass Combat); Defense 3; Horsemanship 1; Kenjutsu 3 Kyujutsu 1; Investigation 1 (Notice); Lore: History 1; Lore: Law 1; Sincerity 1; Tea Ceremony 1

Honor: 6.5; Glory 1.0 ; Status 1.0

Advantages: Absolute Direction 1 You always know where north is. Irreproachable 2 You gain +1k0 against temptation rolls.

Disadvantages: Driven 2 Prove Self You will sacrifice your friends, family and honor in pursuit of your goal. No roll.

Techniques: The Way of the Lion Either ignore Armor TN from Armor or +1FR when attacking. +1k0 to first melee attack against an opponent in a skirmish or an opponent who declared a Raise against you since last turn.

Outfit: Light Armor, Sturdy Clothing, Daisho, Bow with 10 arrows, 5 Koku

Traveling Pack: Bottle of Water, 6 Candles, Daisho Stand, Fan, Flint and Tinder, Small Tent, Cloak, Week's Rations, Wicker Umbrella, Whetstone

Akodo Toya has been traveling with Bayushi Kotone for far too long for her tastes. Appointed as a yojimbo (bodyguard) to the Scorpion for no fault of her own but because of a falling out her family suffered with their liege lord, Toya has served the courtier grudgingly ever since. She tries to be honorable to a fault, as if that could compensate in some way for the many breaches of the code her charge commits on a daily basis. She is quite good with a sword, although the constant service at different courts has driven her slightly rusty of late. Toya is getting steadily fed up with her charge's attitude, and is trying to do everything in her power to gain enough recognition to hopefully be assigned to a different posting. Her one joy is the friendship she has forged with Kotone’s spiritual advisor, Isawa Shuu whose conversations about bushido and philosophy have given Toya a bit of peace in this troubled time.

Relation to other characters:

Bayushi Kotone: Your charge

Isawa Shuu: Friend and moral compass

Kitsuki Zukoku: Your charge's assistant Bayushi Kotone

Bayushi Courtier 1

Armor TN: 15

Rings:

Fire: 3 Air: 2; Awareness: 3 Earth: 2 Water: 2; Perception: 3 Void: 2

Skills: Calligraphy 1; Courtier 3 (Gossip); Etiquette 3; Investigation 1; Lore: Law 1; Sincerity 3 (Deceit); Temptation 2; Knives 1

Honor: 2.5; Glory 1.0; Status 2.0

Advantages: Crafty 2 If you make an unskilled Low Skill check, you act as if you have a 1 in the skill Social Advantage: Magistrate 6

Disadvantages: Failure of Bushido 3 Compassion You must spend a void to act on behalf of someone of lower status or social position than yourself.

Techniques:

Weakness is My Strength When making a Contested Social Skill roll, gain a FR every 3 points of Social or Mental Disadvantages the target possesses. +1FR when spreading gossip and need not Raise to hide the source of gossip.

Outfit: Extravagant Clothing, Wakizashi, Jitte, Calligraphy Set, 5 Koku

Traveling Pack: Bottle of Sake, Fan, Lantern, Mask, Pillow Book, Sake Cup, Set of Dice, Small Hand Mirror, Cloak, Wicker Umbrella

Bayushi Kotone has seen many a court in his short career, and has been appointed to a prominent position as Emerald Magistrate just a little while ago. He understands the game of the courts, and has had a personal experience with the seedier elements of Rokugani society. Practical and realistic, Kotone has climbed the social ladder both in the name of his clan and to ensure personal stability. A nice hefty wage that is sent back to his family is also quite nice. He likes to think of himself as the typical Scorpion the other Clans might imagine, although in reality he is perhaps a bit too lazy to maintain a good image of the scheming powerhouse that he'd like to appear to others.

Relation to other characters:

Akodo Toya: Your bodyguard

Isawa Shuu: Spiritual Adviser

Kitsuki Zukoku: Your assistant Isawa Shuu

School: Isawa Shugenja 1

Armor TN: 15

Rings:

Fire: 2; Intelligence: 3 Air: 2 Earth: 2; Willpower: 3 Water: 3 Void: 2

Skills:

Calligraphy 1 (Cipher); Lore: Theology 2; Lore: Spirits 2; Medicine 1; Meditation 2; Spellcraft 2; Divination 2; Staves 2; Etiquette 1

Honor: 4.5; Glory: 1.0, Status 1.0

Advantages:

Sage 4 When making an unskilled lore check you act as if you have a 1 in it.

Touch of Tengoku 5 +2k0 to resist Shadowlands taint

Disadvantages: Fascination 1 You have an unhealthy fascination with spirits that may lead you to foolish acts

Gullible 4 Opponents gain +1k1 when using Deceit against you

Phobia 1 When confronted by spiders all your TNs are increased by +5

Techniques:

Affinity: Water Spells

Isawa's Gift: FR on all Spells in your affinity

Spells:

Sense: Choose an element. You can sense if anything is wrong with spirits of that element in the area

Commune: Choose an element. You can ask spirits of that element a question for every raise you make

Summon: Choose an element. You can summon 1 foot square of that element. It hovers until you lose concentration and then it falls to the ground.

Bo of Water (water): You create a staff made of water. It is better than a normal staff. Only the person the spell is cast on may use the staff. If that person loses the staff it disappears. It disappears after 5 minutes.

Path to Inner Peace (water): You heal a person a number of wounds equal to your spell casting roll -15.

Reflections of Pan Ku (water): You can understand the powers and abilities of an item.

Envious Flames (fire): You shoot a fire bolt that does 2k2 damage.

Extinguish (fire): You put out all flames in 100 foot radius of you.

Courage of the Seven Thunders (earth): You can target a single person to give them +5k0 if of a clan or +3k0 if not to fear checks.

Blessed Wind (Air): You increase your Armor TN against arrows and other non-magical ranged attacks by +15.

Outfit: Robes, Wakizashi, Jo, Scroll Satchel, 5 Koku

Traveling Pack: Bottle of water, Divination Kit (coins), Fan, Incense brazier, Lantern, Flint and Tinder, Wide-brimmed hat, Tatami Mat, Sweets, Parchment and Charcoal (10)

Isawa Shuu was born under a lucky star and given the blessings of the dragons in his life. He became a very studious priest focusing on the spirits that give him his blessing so he may better understand his destiny. His background has afforded him some advantages in his life, but has found he still must prove himself from time to time. Working in concert with magistrates is one of those times. When investigators find their way blocked by spiritual or magical means Shuu has been called on to consult. Bayushi Kotone is one of those that call on his skill the most. Since his time with Kotone, he has become great friends with his bodyguard, Akodo Toya, and they spend much of their free time together talking about philosophy like bushido.

Relation to other characters:

Akodo Toya: Your good friend

Bayushi Kotone: Your work partner

Kitsuki Zukoku: Your scholarly peer

Kitsuki Zukoku

School: Kitsuki Investigator 1

Armor TN: 18

Rings:

Fire: 2; Intelligence: 3 Air: 2; Awareness: 3 Earth: 2 Water: 2; Perception: 3 Void: 3

Skills: Courtier 2; Etiquette 2 (Courtesy); Investigation 3 (Interrogation); Kenjutsu 2; Medicine 1; Meditation 1; Sincerity 1; Lore: Law 1

Honor: 5.5; Glory 1.0; Status 1.0

Advantages:

Clear Thinker 2

Higher Purpose 3 Solve Crimes

Disadvantages: Contrary 3 - Must roll to resist getting involved in arguments or solving tense situations Can't Lie 2 - Cannot Lie or hide the truth. Must roll to resist correcting someone who is lying Techniques: Kitsuki's Method +1FR to all Investigation Skill rolls. +Perception to Armor TN.

Outfit: Traditional Clothing, Wakizashi, Knife, Calligraphy Set, 4 koku

Traveling Pack: Blanket, Bottle of Water, Chopsticks, Fan, Lantern, Pillow Book, Cloak, Walking Stick, Week's Rations, Wide-Brimmed Straw Hat

Kitsuki Zukoku is a young and over-eager scion of the Kitsuki family and Dragon Clan. Since he was a kid, he's been dreaming of one day following the footsteps of Kitsuki Kaagi, his great great great uncle. He finally began that journey a little while ago when he was assigned a yoriki (deputy) to the Magistrate Bayushi Kotone. Elated by the many possibilities this assignment opened to him, Zukoku was quick to cause much displeasure to his new superior, especially since his particular manner of carrying on investigations often comes head to head with the more relaxed and politically correct ways in which Kotone likes to handle magistrate duties. Nevertheless, Zukoku keeps dreaming of fame and fortune, and sees every new assignment as an opportunity to demonstrate time and time again exactly how superior the Kitsuki Method is to the old ways.

Relation to other characters:

Akodo Toya: Your boss's bodyguard

Isawa Shuu: Your scholarly peer

Bayushi Kotone: Your boss

Now that your players have their characters you may introduce them to the story.

Set-up: The details of the adventure set-up can be done in game for a bit of flair, or the characters can begin in the mountains with a preamble given to them. Seppun Kazuhiro has long been one of the great sensei of the Imperial Families. He has taught students for generations but in his late years decided to break from the Imperial dojo to live a more reclusive life away from the politics of the capital. Deep within the mountains he started his own dojo, Bright Rock Dojo, where he chooses his own students. With a man of Kazuhiro’s stature in the area, a small village sprang up around the dojo both to support it and as a way for the Seppun family to keep an eye on Kazuhiro. The Village of Pleasant Fortune at the base of Fuurosanyama time to both protect him from their enemies and make sure he does not stray too far from the Seppun ideals. In recent months, all communication from both Kazuhiro and Pleasant Fortune’s Village Governor, Kasuga Nanao, have stopped. The PCs have been tasked with traveling through the mountains to the village to deliver a scroll to Kazuhiro and return with a report or letter from both the village and the dojo.

The mountains (the mountain range can be anywhere in the empire) are dangerous to travel without the right guide, so the PCs were able to hire Tatu, a local man who is not only an expert hunter and survivalist but a very spiritual and superstitious man. He hunts both by skill and by watching for “signs” from the kami. Tatu knows exactly where Fuuroyama and Pleasant Village is but, a few hours from the village, Tatu finds a most disturbing omen. Tatu: No school. All rings at 2. Skills: Medicine 1, Athletics 2 (climbing), Hunting 3, Knives 1, Kyujutsu 2, Craft: Cooking 1, Craft: Tanner 1, Commerce 1, Stealth 2 Honor: 2.5 Part 1 Setting: The standing stone, somewhere in the mountains, hours from Fuuroyama A strange stone about a meter tall sits obviously on the road as a marker. The standing stone has a flat surface cut in a single stroke and foreign, unreadable characters carved into the face. There are pretty, pink geraniums growing at its base. These characters carved into the stone are Kenku, but the PCs have no way of knowing so without Lore: Kenku or a spell. To them it just looks like scratches, but it is a warning telling them to turn around, and that evil is ahead. Tatu, while he doesn’t know how to read the characters, knows that the stone is a warning and that those who ignore these stones wind up dead. He believes whole heartedly that there is nothing but evil and death ahead and will not continue. If the PCs insist (which they should), Tatu tells them they are very close and should follow the road they are on for a few hours until they arrive at the village (by late afternoon). If the PCs threaten Tatu to continue he will be resolved, saying that at least he will not die on unhallowed ground where his soul might be corrupted, but if given any opportunity will simply slip away from the samurai who obviously are crazy.

Part 2 Setting: Forested ridge an hour from Fuuroyama

As they travel closer to the village they find more patches of beautiful, pink geraniums. When they crest a ridge they will be able to see Fuuroyama in all its glory, covered in green forests, pink and red from the flowers in bloom, with a white snow cap. Soon they have a feeling of eyes on them and notice a shadow flit overhead. An investigation (spot) check TN 15 will tell them something impossibly large and black just flew over. Any raises made will give them the information that a kenku (humanoid bird creature) has just passed overhead and landed in a tree 10 meters ahead. When the PCs approach (within 7 meters) he drops down from the tree canopy to greet them, ready for any trouble if the PCs want to fight. He introduces himself as Hakuryu and gives them as honorable a warning as he can, telling them to turn back now because he has quarantined the village. He explains there is a great evil on the mountain and is attempting to keep it contained. Anyone who leaves the village is suspected of harboring the evil and therefore their life is forfeit, but as long as they stay there he will attempt to root out the evil and destroy it. He warns the PCs that if they proceed any further they won’t be allowed to leave, as he will not know if the evil has crept inside them. He will not accept help from the PCs, saying he does not trust them and works alone. He will not reveal his tactics to the PCs, saying that if they are corrupted his plan will be revealed to the enemy, nor will he trust them. If Hakuryu is attacked, he will straight up murder the PCs the best he can, and has more than enough power and skill to do it. If threatened he will demonstrate his skill by slicing a boulder in half the same way the standing stone was created, in one skillful stroke. The GM should make a show of it by rolling lots of hidden dice so the PCs feel in way over their heads. Should the PCs not take the Kenku’s advice, or if they are somehow able to recruit the Kenku (which should be immensely difficult since he is distrustful of humans, is being hunted by the villagers, and believes any of them could be corrupted) use the statistic block from Kenku Swordsman, Enemies of the Empire page 179.

Hakuryu will leave after his point is made, answering only a few questions. Persistent questions will make him frustrated with ‘stupid humans’ and will leave, telling them one last time that they have been warned. Part 3 Setting: The heroes arrive at the Village of Pleasant Fortune At the base of Fuuroyama (mountain) is the Village of Pleasant Fortune. The village is not walled and it is easy to walk right in. The outskirts have a few herding farms and small gardens. The farmers will be very respectful and pleasant to the PCs, as will the peasants on the streets of the village. Many of them will even be happy to see samurai and will ask if they have been sent to protect them from the Kenku that has been killing people. The information of the peasants is as follows (and can be earned through role-play or with etiquette (conversation) rolls TN 10 for a piece of information with raises going towards extra information): - The evil kenku has been killing off anyone that leaves the mountain and is the source of their troubles ever since he killed magistrate Kasuga Somasu.

- The Kenku has killed 5 villagers, 3 children, a Monk (Dairou, a name which the peasant may or may not know,) and magistrate Kasuga Somasu. - The Kenku has unleashed an evil spirit that eats children in the dead of night. The three children in the information above can also be attributed to this spirit. Only children have seen this spirit, so adults will be hesitant to speak of it. If asked what it looks like, the children will give wild stories such as a glowing bat, a swarm of fireflies, or other such nonsense. The only clues will be that it glows with a green light and flies. The villagers are hopeful that the samurai have arrived to save them, but if told they are not here to stop the Kenku, or rather won’t, the villagers will quickly abandon the samurai, disillusioned. Part 4 Setting: Rising tension at the Kasuga Manor The largest building in Pleasant Fortune is the governor’s two story home. This is the home of Governor Kasuga Nanao and her husband Kasuga Yuu. It isn’t hard to find, and any villager can point it out. It is decorated with large banners of the Tortoise clan, who are the servants of the Imperial Families. The grounds have a garden and a shed, which are locked and gated. The main door has a gong to announce visitors. When the PCs use the gong, Kasuga Yuu will answer dressed in common samurai clothes of the Tortoise. He will be pleasant and invite them in for tea while the governor is summoned. The place seems dark and smells of mildew, but Yuu will act as if nothing is wrong. If the smell is pointed out in any way, the offending PC will lose honor for a minor breach of etiquette. Yuu will brew tea for the PCs personally while a servant fetches the governor and will act as if he is willing to answer any question the PCs pose, but he will instead turn his answer to the story of how his son, Kasuga Somasu the Magistrate was killed by the Kenku. After the first messenger was killed, Somasu said he would deliver messages himself and kill the kenku if it got in his way. Somasu was killed, which Yuu will describe as a murder. Once the story is told, the governor will enter the room with her guard (two samurai). The governor is dressed in fine silks of her station. She will formally welcome the PCs and ask if she may join them for tea. She will accept any message from the PCs and will tell them she shall prepare a message for them to take back, which will be ready the next day, plenty of time for them to visit the dojo and return. She will confirm that every messenger sent out has been slain by the Kenku and asks how the PCs will deal with him if they are to return. She will scoff at any mention of “evil” saying she has not seen any sign of it, and if the PCs insist, she will demand more proof than the word of a creature that killed her son. She will correct the record on Dairou the monk, stating that he went missing and is presumed dead, and she will have some information about O-Fuuro Shrine (for example that it is before the dojo on the mountain and the other monk is Toshi) and that O-Fuuro is the spirit of the mountain that the people revere. If Seppun Kazuhiro or the Bright Rock Dojo is brought up in any other manner than having to travel there to deliver a message she will become unhappy. She dislikes the fact that the “old man” has no courage or resolve to help the town in its time of need. She says their students could easily dispatch the Kenku, but they refuse. She will ask if the PCs will convince Kazuhiro to take action but will not press the issue. She says the dojo itself is still ahead of them up on the mountainside and that they should arrive by evening. Once the meeting is over, she thanks them for visiting and will expect them tomorrow so they may pick up her correspondence. Kasuga Yuu Stats found in Part 12

Kasuga Nanao Kasuga Smuggler 2

Air 3

Earth 3

Fire 2

Water 3

Void 2

Initiative 5k2

Attack: Knife 4k2+2

Damage: Knife 4k1

Armor TN: 20

Wounds: 15 +3, 21 +5, 27 +10, 33 +15, 39 +20, 45 +40, 51 Out, 56 Dead

Honor: 4.4; Glory 2.7; Status 2.5

Skills: Commerce 2, Etiquette 3, Investigation (Notice) 2, Lore: Underworld 1, Sincerity (Deceit) 3, Stealth 3, Theology 2, Knives 2, Tea Ceremony 2 Kasuga House Guard

No school Air 2 Earth 3

Fire 2; Agility 3 Water 3 Void 2 Initiative 5k2 Attack Katana 5k3

Damage 6k2 Armor TN: 25; Reduction 3

Wounds: 15 +3, 21 +5, 27 +10, 33 +15, 39 +20, 45 +40, 51 Out, 56 Dead

Honor: 2.0; Glory 1.0; Status 1.0

Skills: Kenjustu 2, Athletics 2, Etiquette 2 Part 5 Setting: Traveling Up the Mountain The PCs pass the blacksmith on their way out of town, as it is the last building. Make sure they hear the pounding of hammer on steel as they continue up the mountain. As they travel up the mountain, they will encounter their first patch of tainted flowers. The soil will turn black as pitch and the flowers that grow from it will turn from pink to blood red. They will get a unsettling feeling from the flowers, as if they can detect their presence or perhaps someone is using them to spy on passing people. If picked, the flowers will bleed human blood. Magical attempts to detect what they are will open the user up to kansen (Willpower vs TN 10 to resist taint) unless they immediately stop their attempt. Reflections of Pan Ku will allow the user to see the goddess of the mountain, a woman in a pink kimono with a halo around her head. She sits still like the mountain, but slowly her fingers begin to bleed. A pool of her own blood forms below her, but she does not move.

Part 6

Setting: O-Furro Shrine During their travel up the mountain towards the dojo, they will encounter the Shrine to O-Fuuro and meet the monk Toshi. The shrine is devoid of any taint and has peaceful ponds and statues devoted to O-Furro, the Earth Dragon and Benten. The monk will explain that he knows about the taint and has been doing cleansing rituals on as many of these tainted areas as he can, but his partner Dairou went missing a few days ago. He does not believe the Kenku is behind it, but is trying to help, though he cannot convince anyone other than Seppun Kazuhiro of it. He does believe the children who say there is some monster lurking on the mountain, but he does not believe it to be a ghost because he cannot detect a ghostly spirit. He has been very busy, especially since Dairou has disappeared, trying to stop the spread of taint onto Fuurosan to keep his goddess safe. Toshi Thousand Fortunes Monk 1 Air 2 Earth 3 Fire 2 Water 2 Void 3 Honor: 5.0; Glory 1.0; Status N/A

Skills: Athletics 2, Jiujutsu 1, Lore: Theology 2 (Shinto), Lore: Elements 1, Meditation 1, Medicine 2, Etiquette 1

Advantages: Spirit Sense: May sense ghost and spirits in the area with a TN 10 void check. Kiho: Earthen Fist, Earth Needs No Eyes, Cleansing Spirit Part 7 Setting: Bright Rock Dojo The PCs finally reach Bright Rock Dojo at the end of the day. As they enter, they interrupt a ceremony in progress. Yasuki Dai, a young crab samurai, is being honored for his excellence at the dojo with a new sword. It is very elegant and bejeweled. After the ceremony, Kazuhiro will speak with the PCs. He is dressed in a simple kimono, which he wears casually, and does not stand on ceremony and honor. He offers them food and board. He seems fine and reports there have been no incidents at the dojo, but he is concerned about what is happening in the village. He has no idea what is really happening, but the villagers insist on attacking the Kenku. He is against this, and so he has withdrawn his help until the focus changes. If the PCs ask for help in investigating, he will only agree if they do not want to harm the Kenku. He offers the service of his students, but such investigations will have to wait until the morning. He invites the PCs to stay the night and gives them two small rooms next to his. He will deliver his report to the Seppun family in the morning so they can take it back to the Imperial City. Seppun Kazuhiro Seppun Guardsman 5, Heaven’s Kiss 1 (a technique created by Kazuhiro) Any roll Kazuhiro needs to make assume is 7k4, except Kenjutsu which is 10k5. Honor 6.5; Glory 6.2; Status 3.0

The GM may make up any story or description of Heaven’s Kiss they wish. Consider it an Advance School with only one rank. If the PCs wish to find and take scrolls about the technique later the GM can create the details as the PC grows and learns more about the mysterious school. Students

Kazuhiro has 5 students, and they can all be interacted with. The GM can give them as much prominence or as little as he wants. As a quick and dirty rule, whenever they have to make a roll give them 4k2 or 5k3 when they have to make a roll. Miya Miko (Rank 1 Seppun Guardsman) A no-nonsense woman who likes to control others. She has a strong sense of duty. Seppun Chikasa (Rank 0 Samurai) A kid who has a great deal of potential and a natural talent with a sword if only he’d apply himself more. Seppun Yuuki (Rank 1 Seppun Guardsman) Yuuki doesn’t seem to notice things around him. He always looks inward rather than outward as if he has inner demons that he never wants to talk about. Otherwise he is polite but quiet. Otomo Tomoyo (Rank 0 Samurai) She always seems like she has something to prove. She will take insult very easily saying things like “You don’t think an Otomo woman can fight?”

Yasuki Dai (Seppun Bushi 2) Dai is charismatic and will try to charm the pants off any female samurai. He is very skilled and proudly shows off his new sword to anyone that asks. He has a full stat block found in Part 8. Dai’s sword is engraved with a crab emblem and has silver and ruby in the hilt. The blacksmith’s mark is also featured prominently, and PCs can remember it is the same mark as the smith in town. Spells can show its true, sinister purpose if they are cast upon the blade. Part 8 Setting: Bright Rock Dojo Night

Yasuki Dai has killed everyone in the night. The PCs may make a raw perception roll, as they should all be asleep. The PC that rolls the highest, or any PC that rolls over a 15, wakes. They will hear a scuffle happening in the training hall. If they go to Kazuhiro first they find he is dead in his room, killed while sleeping. The students are not in their room. As the PCs enter the dark training room they will see two shadows dueling and one fall dead. As lantern light flashes across his face, the PC can identify him as Yasuki Dai surrounded by the bodies of his fellow students, their blood soaking into the floor. High above in the rafters cackles Ken’ichi the Nukekubi. Dai will attack the PCs relentlessly while saying dark things like “I serve my new master now, the steel! It will show you the truth, come closer so you can hear my master’s words.” Ken’ichi will attack from the celling to aid Dai, bantering and calling the PCs “Delicious Morsels.” “I can taste your fear, and it gives me power.” “Soon you will be in my master’s thrall.” Ken’ichi will not be hurt much, as he has the invulnerable ability, but as soon as Dai falls, Ken’ichi will retreat. Remember to use his Fear ability the first round he is spotted. Yasuki Dai’s sword is a work of art. It not only has rubies in it, but it is also engraved with the crab mon and the stamp of the blacksmith from Pleasant Fortune. If Reflections of Pan Ku is cast on the blade, it will evoke kansen (willpower TN 15 or gain taint) unless they let go of the spell immediately. If the PC continues, he will see the sword being hammered out on an anvil and then being cooled in a basin filled with blood. If, as a GM, you want to be graphic, you can explain that the blood being used is that of the missing children. Either of these clues should give the PCs the hint to seek out the blacksmith.

Yasuki Dai Seppun Bushi 2

Air 3

Earth 2

Fire 2

Water 3

Void 2

Initiative 5k3

Attack: Katana 5k2+5 (reroll 1s)

Damage: Katana 6k2

Armor TN: 20

Wounds: 10 +3, 14 +5, 18 +10, 22 +15, 26 +20, 30 +40, 34 Out, 36 Dead

Honor: 3.5

Tech: Roll additional dice equal to school rank against social rolls to stop you from your duty. +1k1 against ambush. Spend void to add honor to attack and damage for the turn. Ken’ichi

Weak Nukekubi (Description - Enemies of the Empire pg 271)

Air 1

-Ref 2

Earth 2

Fire 1

-Agility 2

Water 2

Initiative 3k3

Attack: Fist 3k3 or sword (complex while in body), or bite 4k3 (complex)

Damage: Fist 3k1, sword 5k2, or bite 3k2

Armor TN: 15

Wounds: 36; dead

Taint Rank: 3

Special Abilities:

Fear: 3

Swift 2 (+2 water for movement)

Flying Head: Can attach and detach as a simple action. If detached during the day it dies.

Invulnerable head only

Part 9 Setting: Returning to Town At this point the PCs have many options. They can spend the night in the bloody dojo filled with the dead. If they do they can regain their void but lose honor equal to half of their honor rank rounded down. They can also travel to the Shrine of O-Fuuro, which isn’t far. If they wake Toshi, the monk will tend to their wounds the best he can, and they can stay the night so they can regain void. If they go back to town as soon as they can (which should be encouraged, as any leads at the smith may grow cold) they must make a hunting roll to safely traverse the mountainside in the darkness. The TN is 15 and those that fail take 1k1 points of damage. PCs can make a raise to help one another, effectively giving them a +5 to their roll. Part 10 Setting: The Blacksmith

If at night: They find the blacksmith’s shop and home cold and dark. No one is there, and no one is sleeping in the bed. If the PCs make investigation checks, in the middle of their investigation, Ken’ichi’s head attacks. During the first round, any PC that made the investigation check (TN 15) finds that there is a hatch under the anvil, and they have to get the anvil off of it. Every round, the PCs may make an Athletics check to move the anvil. Every roll moves the anvil slightly; the GM should add up every roll made. If all the rolls made together reach 50, the anvil is successful moved off the hatch. Under the hatch is a coffin with Ken’ichi’s body. Only killing the body will destroy the head.

If during the day: The smith will be empty, as Ken’ichi has gone to warn Yuu of Dai’s failure. The PCs can investigate the area and find the hatch and coffin, but no body will be inside of it. In both instances, inside the coffin will be a note from Kasuga Yuu detailing the construction of the cursed blade as described in Part 8.

Part 11 Setting: Kasuga Manor At this point, the PCs will probably go to Kasuga Manor to confront Yuu. This will be an extremely delicate mission that can go wrong very quickly. If the PCs assume that the Governor herself is in league, they may attempt to attack the Manor. If they do so, they may lose an ally. The PCs should be allow to take this route, but when they find out they are in error they should lose honor for being duped into committing a criminal act. If they confront the Kasuga, Nanao will be the only one home and will state that Yuu is working in the shed. If Nanao is told about the events that have happened she will disbelieve unless a sincerity (honesty) check is made TN10. Even with the check made, she will never believe Yuu is behind the act unless she is given the note. Once she reads the note, Nanao will break into furious anger and tears. She will help the PCs in any way and employ them to hunt her husband down. If the PCs ask to use her guard, she will be hesitant, saying if Yuu were to return she would be defenseless, but she can be persuaded with a courtier (manipulation) roll TN20 to release one, or both with a raise. If the PCs check the manor’s shed, they will notice the blood red geraniums growing around it, but when they enter they find it is just a workshop where one can make clay or work wood. If they make an investigation (search) roll TN15 they can find a hatch that leads to a secret basement. Inside there are shackles riveted to the wall and a bowl of old food. On the wall near the shackles is a strange script scratched into the wall that a shugenja can read warning of a plan to taint the shrine and that the spirit O-Fuuro is in grave danger. The monk Dairou was being held here until Yuu could complete his plan, but the arrival of the PCs has accelerated things. The PCs should be getting the full picture of what has happened here: Kasuga Yuu is a Maho Tsukai and the blacksmith was his ally in darkness. He plans to taint the spirit of the mountain in order to gain a powerful ally, but he need to destroy the largest threat to his dominion here, Seppun Kazuhiro. Now he is at the Shrine of O-Fuuro to finish things. The PCs should get a sense of real urgency that they must stop Yuu. Any sort of detour will result in a ‘bad end’ to the adventure. (For example, tracking down the Kenku for help). Part 12 Setting: Shrine to O-Fuuro Between the PCs and Kasuga Yuu lie the peaceful ponds and statues of the shrine. Both monks of the shrine, Dairou and Toshi are hung upside down and bound from the arms of the statue of O-Fuuro. Blood from their wounds drips down onto the pink geraniums below while Kasuga Yuu wields a knife that he uses to cut into them ceremonially. Yuu has four peasant warriors with him, two at the entrance that use spears to engage the PCs, two with bows that are closer to him to protect him personally. If the PCs failed to dispatch Ken’ichi he will be here in his human form and will fight to protect the ritual. When the PCs arrive, Yuu will only spare a moment to banter saying, “I cannot abide this interference. Take care of them,” before his minions attack.

His minions will also monologue creepily saying things like: “The dreams, the nightmares! If I feed them enough blood they will stop! Make them stop!” and “The flowers need me. I will tend to them until I die. So pretty. I will feed them your blood.” Yuu will cast spells, slashing the monks to cast, or himself as a last resort. Kasuga Yuu Kasuga Smuggler 2

Air 3

Earth 3

Fire 2

Water 3

Void 2

Initiative 5k2

Attack: Knife 4k2+2 or by spell

Damage: Knife 4k1

Armor TN: 20

Wounds: 15 +3, 21 +5, 27 +10, 33 +15, 39 +20, 45 +40, 51 Out, 56 Dead

Honor: 1.1; Glory 1.0, Status 1.0; Taint Rank: 2

Skills: Commerce 2, Etiquette 3, Investigation (Notice) 2, Lore: Underworld 1, Sincerity (Deceit) 3, Stealth 3, Lore: Maho 3, Spellcraft 1, Theology 2, Knives 2

Special Abilities: Spells:

Blood Rite (Earth 1) - Heal 1k1, +1 To any trait for 10 mins, target gains +1k1 taint

Disrupt the Limb (Water 1) - +15 TN when using a limb range 50' for 10 rounds

Inspire Fear (Air 1) - Target gains a phobia 3 of caster's choice for 1 hour.

Spreading the Darkness (Earth 2) - Transfers taint from one person to another

Tech: Gain +1 Lang for the advantage, +2k0 with peasants, do not lose honor or glory with low skills in service to their clan, any clan samurai who slanders them or physically attacks them without provocation loses 4 honor.

Peasant Warrior

No School

Air 2

Earth 2

Fire 2

Water 2

Void 2

Initiative 2k2

Attack: Spear 3k2 or Arrows 3k2

Damage: Spear 4k2 or Arrows 4k2

Armor TN: 20

Wounds: 10 +3, 14 +5, 18 +10, 22 +15, 26 +20, 30 +40, 34 Out, 36 Dead

Honor: 0; Taint Rank: 2 Part 13 The End If the PCs defeat Kasuga Yuu then they will be able to finish their mission. They save both monks, and because of this they will spread word of your heroic deeds to the people. All PCs will gain 3 glory. Kasuga Nanao will be saddened by events but will thank the PCs for their efforts in helping her bring order to their land. If they agree to be gentle in their report of the failure of the Kasuga she will make sure the Kasuga see them as allies. Any PC can use the advantage Kasuga Contacts 2 points: When using Lore: Underworld skill to gain information in any port city gain one free raise. The Kenku, Hakuryu appears to the PCs as they leave the village area. He thanks them for stopping the plot he couldn’t, apologizes for underestimating them, and gives them a special Kenku fan that shows they are a friend to the bird folk. With that the PCs set off into the sunset or sunrise.

Bad End If the PCs fail, O-Fuuro becomes a powerful tainted spirit known as a Hannya (Enemies of the Empire pg. 248). This may lead to an entirely new adventure in which they must stop the Hannya from winning the hearts and minds of the people and corrupting the village fully. Other Rewards Other glory gains: 1 glory for every fight won. -1 glory for every PC killed. -1 glory for every fight lost. 2 glory for a successfully completed mission by their employer. XP: Depends on how fast you want your PCs to progress and grow Slow progression: 3 XP Medium progression: 6 XP Fast progression: 9 XP

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illegiblewords · 3 years ago

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ILLEGIBLE’S TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE FAVORITE EORZEA COLLECTION DESIGNS: FEMALE

I’ve mentioned in the past, the main thing that made me start playing FFXIV properly was seeing people’s character designs. I’m still honestly blown away by the creativity and range of approaches people bring to this game, so I’ve decided to be an absolute madwoman and break my favorites into subcategories to share with anyone curious.

And to be clear. I’m not going to do something so broad as “oh top ten in-general :3″ because that would be sensible. No, I’m going to do it for all the current combat jobs. And all the current races. And different genders within the races and combat jobs as things stand. And I’m going to make a face-focus subcategory. And there are gonna be LOTS. Because I seriously cannot understate how inspired I’ve been by this community, and after however many years I just feel the need to vomit some incredible visuals I’ve encountered at you guys lol.

NOTE: In an abundance of caution, I want to stress this list isn’t a value judgment on anyone but a fragment of things that blew me personally away. Looking at the DRK sections it will be immediately clear that I Illegible really like that edgy dark knight aesthetic lmao, but there are plenty of non-edgy dark knights that I also love to bits. Other people might not like edgy dark knights. Due to a combination of size and search constraints plus trying to keep gear somewhat varied, these glamours are just what wound up on this particular list of mine. I could make another list one day. Other people can make lists too that are totally different.

Also, I was originally going to make a single post that went over male and female options presented in the character creator but straight up tumblr wouldn’t let me save because it got too big. You can see the male character post here.

Without further ado, let us begin.

COMBAT JOB GLAMOURS

PALADIN

- Sword Oath by Ariadne Lacroix

- Chevalier by Erin Arckanger

- Neo - Halone’s Sword by Goelia Sarantia

- Commander by Nya Nya

- Bellona - Goddess of War by Aurora Hearts

- Kirin by R'yo Aderyd

- In All Innocence by Lohia Aihol

- Pink Paladin Princess by Mepis Pheles

- Protector of the Creed by Kirin Anderfels

- Ivalician Spud Knight by Augwyn Usynthota

WARRIOR

- Savage by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Bonk by Toasty Steambun

- Vinland Reaver by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Insurmountable by M'rhene Tia

- Cerberus by Lohia Aihol

- Freyja by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Warrior by Beso' Neko

- Fierce Red by Verona Lunich

- Regal Warrior by Sonora Swift

- KWEH!-rrior by Nitus Hyenborn

DARK KNIGHT

- Demon Knight by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Demon DRK by Rosdy Mry

- Abyss by Vexa Crow

- Ritter by Miyu Fubuki

- Berserker princess by Allia Aenor

- Abaddon by Alma Sophia

- Furnace Knight by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Dark Divinity by Siren Sokute

- Absolution of Faith by Paragon Moon

- Druid DRK by Rosdy Mry

GUNBREAKER

- Flux by Flash Galathynius

- Ending SB by Una Veil

- Soldier E-075 by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Lost Allagan Future-Punk Knight by Nge Lik

- Neo - Wasteland Dust by Goelia Sarantia

- Blade’s Resolve by Erin Arckanger

- Sand Crawler by Sveta Raybrant

- Daring Gunbreaker by Radi Sativadi

- Bozjan Warfront by Keres Amiya

- Neo - Royal Guard by Goelia Sarantia

DRAGOON

- Leviathan’s Envoy by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Durium by Mihna Nhokiri

- Crimson Dragoon by Kotone Khatayin

- Heavenly Knight by Ciel Leblanc

- Gold Dragon Knight by Makenshi Dragonsbane

- Athena - The Goddess of War by Lohia Aihol

- Ryubi Warrior by Korkana Ryubi

- Native Warg by Schan Starfall

- Stranger from Across the Ruby Sea by Vederah Kilmister

- Onion Knight by Tess Tickle

SAMURAI

- Of Crimson Plumage by Cyrene Devana

- Crimson Wanderer by Sierra Delacroix

- Warmonger by Ethelin Aldren

- Yoroi of the Black Dragon by Mog Champ

- Cute war criminal by Nunui Nui

- Sirens Beckon by Adeline Grace

- Black Tide by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Kotetsu by Leisha Aysheen

- Neo - Universe’s Echo (SAM) by Goelia Sarantia

- Samurai Vagabond by Tranquil Rain

NINJA

- Midori no Ninja by Dezel Windriders

- Phtonos by R'yo Aderyd

- Neo - Flower Bowknot by Goelia Sarantia

- Church Assassin by Ien Torr

- Little Bat by Messenger Pigeon

- Birdkeep by Nya Nya

- Astrological Sign - Taurus by Leisha Aysheen

- The Nothing by Vederah Kilmister

- The Trickster by Little Toussaint

- Bloodborne-inspired Rogue by Valentyne Louvier

MONK

- Night Walker by Madoras Yorigami

- Elegant Scavenger by Mia Fletcher

- Wild Rose by Ihon Nuzhysa

- YAOI HANDS FROM HELL by Cool Mom

- Astrological Sign - Cancer by Leisha Aysheen

- Neo - Fist of Suzaku by Goelia Sarantia

- Sting Like A Bee by Arsibra Therion

- Orochi no Kaze by Liesel Mahora

- Heavensent by Ren Sakurai

- The Burn’s Wraith by Arsibra Therion

BARD

- Cherry March by Toasty Steambun

- Scarlet Vagabond by Rena Nox

- Suzaku’s Champion by Kotomi Krios

- Serpent Elite Hunter by Vesper Amaris

- Rathian by Nya Nya

- Obsolete Ribbon Bard by Karielle Davva

- Ronkan The Huntress by Raven Ashfell

- Peacock Elegance by Lohia Aihol

- Purple Rain by Franya Mohali

- Aoidos by Miyu Fubuki

DANCER

- Sidereal Goddess by Leisha Aysheen

- Crepuscule by Lohia Aihol

- Loving Blue Dancer by Kaisa Miyahara

- The First Ride by Kirin Anderfels

- Armored Bladedancer by Flower Blossom

- Masked Dancer by Aoi Umi

- Dancer of the Flame by Lohia Aihol

- Apothecary by Leisha Aysheen

- From sands to ashes by R'yo Aderyd

- The Monkey King by Stole Your'cat

MACHINIST

- Skysteel Valentine by Pastel Alerion

- Artic War by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Allied Officer by Mihri Ninaka

- Neo - doomsday by Goelia Sarantia

- bang bang shoot by Vegetable Juice

- Infiltrator: Lancehead and Gunmetal by Flash Galathynius

- Ruby Engineer by Lys Aludra

- GOBBIE BOOM! by Loki- Kun

- Wanderer: Dirt and Grit by Flash Galathynius

- Mysterious Stranger by Paragon Moon

BLACK MAGE

- Taker of Souls by Cassiopeia Fauconnoix

- Ruby Moon by Dezel Windriders

- The Dark Illusionist by The Fashionista

- Ferryman by Ien Torr

- Wayward Temptress by Atsinquela Athenruse

- Cybinki by Binki Bowie

- Wicked Wolf by Binki Bowie

- Black Mage by Fuu Min

- Neo - Demon Caller by Goelia Sarantia

- Paglth’an Black Mage by Erin Arckanger

SUMMONER

- Egyptian chocolate by Graceful Khamseen

- Summoner Goddess by Noire Faye

- Broken Nobility by Ylynna Aethis

- Black Bishop by Rosdy Mry

- Caller by Nya Nya

- Cute Magical Assistant by Lohia Aihol

- The Magus’ Apprentice by Pastel Alerion

- Oracle by Vesper Amaris

- Bismark by Lohia Aihol

- Siren Call by Atsinquela Athenruse

RED MAGE

- Aristocratic Intellectual by Vederah Kilmister

- Neo - Top Student by Goelia Sarantia

- Diligent Musketeer by Nitus Hyenborn

- Battle Bride by Rena Adyrin

- Neo - Golden Dance by Goelia Sarantia

- Elegant Musketeer by Yoko Okoy

- Meadow Musketeer by K'uro Hana

- Bozjan Duelist by Livia Illia

- Battlemage by Sagume Kishin

- Ruby Mage by Cyane Monis

- Caster of a Thousand Steps by Burning Heart

WHITE MAGE

- Shadowless Healer by Vinilite Beoulve

- Gridanian Medic by Luna Ariana

- Sands of Time by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Fae Healer by Amaya Nakamura

- Legacy by Larisse Larassier

- Neo - Silence Demon by Goelia Sarantia

- Vampire Chronicles by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Neo - Theresia by Goelia Sarantia

- Mechanic Heart by Ashia Luin

- Greatwood Druidess by Isilian Volantia

SCHOLAR

- Neo - Steam:Dream by Goelia Sarantia

- Timekeeper by Lohia Aihol

- Scholarly Grace by Joyce Blythe

- Neo - Checkmate by Goelia Sarantia

- Neo - Admiral by Goelia Sarantia

- Curator of the Great Library by Vederah Kilmister

- Fae Scholar by Miyu Fubuki

- Sharlayan Schooler by Lia Tales

- Druidic Knowledge by K'uro Hana

- Fairy Tales by Luma Rose

ASTROLOGIAN

- Sharay by Leisha Aysheen

- Oracle by Xiah Bajihri

- Ice Sight by Juicy Beefcake

- Winter Vibes by Verona Lunich

- Soothsayer by Nya Nya

- Goddess with a thousand jewels by Eji Ka

- Astrological Sign - Geminis by Leisha Aysheen

- Dark Astrologian by Zabine Fortemps

- Neo - Aromatherapy by Goelia Sarantia

- Cosmo Astrology by Katie Kox

BLUE MAGE

- I’m Just A Fool by Lohia Aihol

- azure by Persephone Athanasios

- Cute and Blue by Lia Tales

- Sapphire by Hana Rose

- No title by Goelia Sarantia

GLAMOUR SPILLOVER

HYUR MIDLANDER

- Skydruid by Dezel Windriders

- Shield of the Light by Ezelion Rykana

- Drachen by Nya Nya

- Jade Dragon by Ophelia Au'rel

- Faerie King by Naleia To

- Villainous Stride: Stalwart by Celer Acedius

- Souls Legacy by Ihon Nuzhysa

- forgiven impunity by Persephone Athanasios

- wanderer by Persephone Athanasios

- Off With Their Heads! by Binki Bowie

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Faerie King by Naleia To

- Makai Elemental Guide by Shard Nuphar

- Shield of the Light by Ezelion Rykana

- Discount Red Mage by Bb Channel

- Off With Their Heads! by Binki Bowie

HYUR HIGHLANDER

- Tequila Sunrise by Kirin Anderfels

- Flame Kissed Soother by Karielle Davva

- Dancer of Ala Mhigo by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Vampire Hunter by Dezel Windriders

- The Red Princess by Asra Ashryver

- Black Hare by Lominn Lomi

- Overseer by Ien Torr

- Falcon of Light by Tess Tickle

- Waiting in the Shire by Tess Tickle

- Alexandrian Ninja by Tranquil Rain

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Warmonger by Ethelin Aldren

- Bozjan Warfront by Keres Amiya

- The Red Princess by Asra Ashryver

- Black Hare by Lominn Lomi

- Vampire Hunter by Dezel Windriders

ELEZEN

- Alexandrian Huntress by Louise Aquitaine

- The Forgotten Knight by Nova Kie

- Halone’s Royal Guard by Isilian Volantia

- Theatrics by Giomeo Wind

- Aeolian Tempest by Ariadne Lacroix

- East Hingashi Company Admiral by Louise Aquitaine

- Death’s Embrace by Ophelia Au'rel

- Seeing Leadwitch by Flash Galathynius

- The Golden Dahlia by Yurina Dia-oerb

- Wings of Fate by Louise Aquitaine

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Theatrics by Giomeo Wind

- Vinland Reaver by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Legacy by Larisse Larassier

- Eorzean Army Lady by Dezel Windriders

- Wandering Weaponmaster by Ariadne Lacroix

LALAFELL

- Winter Doll by Lohia Aihol

- Pistachio Colored Velveteen by Corrigible Argyros

- Flippant Eulmoran by Vederah Kilmister

- Priestess of the East by Liesel Mahora

- Samurai of Darkness by MsYue

- Lominsan Guardian by Mizora Saphira

- Valerian Hunter by Ashia Luin

- Wolf Warrior by Lalatua Ul'tua

- Breath of the Wildwood by Vederah Kilmister

- Fields Little Demoness by Liesel Mahora

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Cute war criminal by Nunui Nui

- Fierce Red by Verona Lunich

- Priestess of the East by Liesel Mahora

- Winter Doll by Lohia Aihol

- Pistachio Colored Velveteen by

MIQO’TE

- Mercantile Machinist by Nadya Lesrekta

- Western Ninja by San Kyu

- Astrologian Noble by Amira Lynn

- Gemmaster's Collection - ft. body piece by Sonora Swift

- Meiyo by Lohia Aihol

- Bozjan Thief by Specter Saruu

- Lavender Knight by Lohia Aihol

- Lycan by Aya Mihaal

- Desert Mirage by Lohia Aihol

- Aloe Vera by Lyn Saikuma

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Lycan by Aya Mihaal

- Mercantile Machinist by Nadya Lesrekta

- bang bang shoot by Vegetable Juice

- Dancer of the Flame by Lohia Aihol

- Bozjan Thief by Specter Saruu

ROEGADYN

- Blonde Ale by Kirin Anderfels

- Edenchoir Holy Knight by Marien Fury

- Dark Fae by Sahl Suh

- Thaliak’s Maiden by R'yo Aderyd

- Paladin II by Fuu Min

- Electric Princess by Anais Silverclaw

- My my, such unruly guests! by Sarafina Vadrel

- The Regal Magister by Rohariel Hellwitch

- Green Riding Hood by Tranquil Rain

- Assassin of the sands by Graceful Khamseen

FAVORITE MODELS:

- From sands to ashes by R'yo Aderyd

- Ice Sight by Juicy Beefcake

- Blonde Ale by Kirin Anderfels

- Dust and Shadows by Sarafina Vadrel

- Egyptian chocolate by Graceful Khamseen

AU RA

- Astrological Sign - Pisces by Leisha Aysheen

- Edenmorn by Kyary Valentine

- Amaranthine by Atsinquela Athenruse

- Garlean Warlord by Teresa Stormhand

- Wandering Priestess by Toasty Steambun

- Queen of the South by Leisha Aysheen

- Baphomet by Madoras

- Lone Wonderer by Bright Dancer

- Druid by Leisha Aysheen

- Dreadnaught Viking by Ormr Kishna

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Midori no Ninja by Dezel Windriders

- Garlean Warlord by Teresa Stormhand

- Dreadnaught Viking by by Ormr Kishna

- Demon Knight by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Ivalician Oni by Leisha Aysheen

VIERA

- Yanxian Rounin by Siddh Brumedecendre

- Wealthy Merchant by San Tokki

- Desert Dancer by Erzulie One

- Dark Knight Guard by Valentyne Louvier

- Sands of Amber by Erzulie One

- Worthy Sacrifice by Erzulie One

- Lilac Wicca by Clodagh Lunaria

- Royal Musketeer by Ashia Luin

- Violet Tides by Siddh Brumedecendre

- Street Style by Yoko Okoy

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Rathian by Nya Nya

- Explorer by Yliana Oria

- Paglth’an Princess by Ximena Reign

- Cosmo Astrology by Katie Kox

- Desert Dancer by Erzulie One

#Eorzea Collection #Final Fantasy XIV #FFXIV #FF14 #Final Fantasy 14 #FFXIV Glamour

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