#but it was on behalf of the mol tribe

[brainwad]

Reading stuff about Dawntrail has reminded me half the fandom never paid any fucking attention during Stormblood.

[tallbluelady]

17! 💙

So the most set part of Khaliun's backstory is her tribe - Kahkol. That's the tribe of orphans and outcasts. By the time she was of age, Khaliun figured she could have a better life outside the Steppe and left. As she never felt her tribe was an issue, she kept it as her last name as she traveled to Eorzea. She did fight on behalf of the Mol tribe in the Nadaam, but she never let anyone forget that it was an orphan who became khagan and lead her people to glory.

So when Wuk Lamat came to Sharlyan and explained that she was an adopted daughter of Galool Ja Ja, but no less qualified to become Dawnservant, it resonated with her. Going through the Rite of Succession, Khaliun finds that Galool Ja Ja's legacy was worth keeping, and she was happy to help Wuk Lamat carry it.

Thanks for the ask!

[redwayfarers]

so i made a thing i refuse to edit but here's a stupid little nika and magnai thing that's been in my head all fucking day. with a side of nika + artoirel bc they're THE otp

After the Naadam, Magnai was obviously displeased. The Oronir tribe should’ve won, without any doubt, and the little Mol were supposed to stay just that, little. Yet they’d managed to gather allies - outsiders even - and thus, until the next Naadam, the mighty Oronir are dethroned, and the Mol are just slightly bigger than they normally are.  Even in his displeasure, though, he has to admit that he finds the outsiders interesting. There’s a Doman, Hien, and his samurai friend. There are also hyur - a man and a woman. The woman Magnai cares little about, but the man catches his attention the moment the Oronir warriors bring them before him.  There’s something in his eyes, Magnai thinks. They are of different colors, but that’s the least interesting thing about them. They’re hard, they offer a challenge; when Magnai speaks, they follow the man’s words with equal defiance. He introduces himself as Nika, in a voice that still rings of boyhood, even if his body is that of a man.  Magnai later learns he also sings. But before he heard his ballads and tales, he heard his bow sing in the Naadam, and that’s what stayed with him. Nevermind that he heard Nika actually sing later, in the celebrations of the Mol’s victory, and that there was so much joy in it that it almost made Magnai forget his pride was wounded.  This man is no ordinary outsider, Magnai decides. Not only is he a khagan, but also a bowman that rivals the Oronir, and he sings songs that can make stars weep. Too bad that when their eyes meet, Nika still looks as defiant as he did back before the Naadam even took place.  Even worse, Magnai likes it that way. 

“Care to burn that dinner off, Magnai?” Nika asks. The sun is setting behind the Dawn throne, making his black hair stand out against the warm sea of rays behind him. It paints his skin with light, or maybe that’s the brilliant flash of teeth he gives Magnai as he stretches his neck. “Been sitting for a long fucking time. Isn’t it time for your twentieth daily wrestling or something?”  “That is a form of exercise, khagan,” Magnai responds, voice on edge. He takes another hard bite of meat and chews loudly. “One needs food to do it.”  “I think I know a guy who’d stare at you dead in the face for chewing like that,” Nika grimaces. Then his face changes. “I would like to see him stare you down, though. Just to see who wins. Unstoppable force against an immovable object.”  Magnai frowns. “Who is this man? Are you challenging me on his behalf?”  Nika stares. Then he bursts out laughing, like Magnai just told the funniest joke on the Steppe. Women don’t laugh at him like that, only his warrior brothers and apparently, the outsider khagan. “He has zero idea you exist at all, Magnai.”  “Take me to him! We take the yol and fly to wherever he is!” Magnai drops his plate on the ground and raises his chin. Nika’s face contorts as if he’s trying so hard to not laugh still, and then the mask breaks and he wheezes out even more laughter.  “I am not taking you to Ishgard,” Nika says in between laughs, but Magnai has no idea where Ishgard is, nor who this mysterious man may be, he only knows he doesn’t like being laughed at, and here is Nika, near crying from how hard he’s laughing. His scar scrunches around his forehead as he wipes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Artoirel would end me on sight. I care about a few people’s opinions, and his is one of them, so no, you’re not going to Ishgard, yol or no yol.” Magnai stands up. “You are in the Steppe–”  “And you’re the big bad Oronir leader guy. Brother of the Sun, was it? I respect that. You can make me break a sweat. But!” Nika raises a finger and lifts a brow. “Until the next Naadam, you’re not khagan. If that frustrates you, we can fight it out. But no Ishgard! Khagan’s orders, or whatever.”  He holds Magnai’s stare. Magnai has to admit to himself he likes that, too. 

Magnai’s vindicated heart soars when he has Nika in his room, pressed against the wall with little room to move, let alone escape. The indignancy on his face, expressive as ever, makes Magnai laugh, tall and powerful over him.  “What now, khagan?” Magnai asks, his delight obvious.  Nika claws at his skin and attempts to kick him in the shins. His hair’s in disarray, his clothes too. All of this delights Magnai to a degree he hasn’t felt in a long, long while.  “Don’t lord over me, you asshole,” Nika bites out. His breath comes out faster.  “What now, khagan?” Magnai repeats.  Nika pulls him by the horns. “This is what, you giant lizard,” he says roughly and kisses him hard. 

“We can count on you in Doma, then?” It’s the last night before Nika and the outsiders leave, with a promise of the Xaela and their yol in the upcoming battle, and it’s also the last night Magnai has to look at the uninterrupted expanse of Nika’s skin. He’ll miss it; he’ll miss its touch, he’ll miss the silky black hair, but above all, he will miss Nika’s defiant, mismatched eyes.  “Yes. Nothing threatens the Steppe.” Magnai leans on his elbow. “Good to know. Garleans are shit for everyone.” Nika settles on the bed. “What?”  “You are leaving tomorrow. I’d like to look at you.”  “No khagans this time around?”  “By the time you come to the Steppe next, you will not be one.” Magnai smiles. “You are not my Nhaama, but this was pleasant.”  “I lack tits to be your Nhaama, for one. Number two, even if I had them, I’d still not be the woman you want.” Nika turns to the side and grabs the covers. Small firelight illuminates the scar on his hand. “You don’t need tits to be a woman, but you know what I meant. As a final word of advice on that, women like it when you’re not an acerbic and prideful fuck.” He laughs, but it’s a shaky sound. “Take it from me. Otherwise, this was pleasant for me too.” Magnai laughs. “I’ll see you on the field of battle, Nika. Together, Nhaama or not, we will bring the Garlean empire to its knees. Nothing defeats the yol of the Xaela.”  Nika raises a hand. “Don’t have a drink with me, but here’s to seeing Garleans fall once and for all. And to you finding that damn Nhaama.” He then smiles, and it’s a soft, gentle thing. “I think I already found mine.”  In the morning, as Nika is flying off to save Doma, Magnai watches him go. He will really, really miss Nika’s eyes.

[heretic-altias]

FFXIVWrite Day 1 - Envoy

In which I actually touch on how Altais is technically leader of the Steppe.

Don't know my characters? Here's a basic breakdown to help you out!

~

Rare is the leader who can almost forget they even lead a nation. But the Steppe was no normal nation, and Altais was an even less normal leader. What time does a Warrior of Light have to stick around and lead the Steppe tribes? It made far more sense to let the Mol, as the tribe that she fought with, handle things. Still, Altais was the Khagan of the Steppe. It simply slipped most people’s minds among all the other feats she was known for.

Yet someone clearly remembered, for Altais’s linkpearl rang as Solar made their way out of the meeting with Vrtra after toppling the Tower of Zot. She gestured for the others to continue on ahead and stepped off the path to take the call.

Cirina was quick to greet her, which wasn’t unusual in itself. While the Mol handled daily life on the Steppe, she usually called Altais about large scale action. What was unusual was the other person on the line.

“Hello Altais, this is Lucia Junius representing the Eorzean Alliance” she was greeted formally.

Altais had never actually been good at diplomacy. She had won the Steppe through her fighting abilities alone, and she was not the one Solar chose to speak on their behalf usually. She was far too blunt, far too impatient. So she could imagine Cirina cringing as she replied.

“Lucia? You’re representing the alliance now?”

Right to the point. Lucky for the Xaela, Lucia knew Altais. She was in a relationship with another member of Solar, and was familiar with all of them.

“The Alliance has asked a favor of us. They would like us to send troops to assist in an operation in Ilsabard against the Telophoroi” Cirina explained quickly.

“We’ve been dealing with them ourselves already. What are the details?” Altais asked.

Lucia was quick to explain the formation of the Ilsabard Contingent, heading north to fight the Telophoroi and aid the Garleans.

“Once the details are finalized, Solar and the Scions should be contacted to join us as well” Lucia finished.

“We’re striking at their heart then? A good plan. Give them our full support Cirina. If Solar is going, I can lead our troops myself”

“You have our thanks. I will send Cirina the details for the troops anon” Lucia said, bidding them farewell and leaving the call.

“You still need to work on your speaking officially” Cirina noted when the two of them were alone in the conversation.

“It worked out didn’t it? But don’t worry, if a long term envoy is needed anywhere you know I’d send you anyway. Or let you choose someone from the Mol” Altais pointed out.

“Except for this”

“For this they need military, not diplomacy. That I can do. The Naadam proved that”

“That I know well. We can continue this conversation when this war is won. Stay safe for now, and I will speak to you again when we’ve gathered for the mission” Cirina conceded.

“I already fought my way up a tower and survived just fine. Don’t waste time worrying about me” Altais assured before letting the call end.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she tucked the linkpearl away. Leading the Steppe was easy enough on the Steppe itself. The Xaela listened to strength and certainty and she had plenty of that. But the tact with which one needed to navigate international conversations was something she’d quickly realized was beyond her. Of course she was aware she was too blunt, and too direct, but she didn’t know how to talk in the polite indirect way most proper politicians did. She mostly coasted simply because she happened to know everyone they were in contact with personally as a Warrior of Light. Or when there was time to discuss beforehand, Altais would make decisions in private with Cirina and then let her deliver them.

Still, if nothing else her directness would lead others not to question her choices.

The call had been short enough where Altais quickly caught up to Solar. 

“Was that important?” Zelda asked as Altais fell in alongside her.

“Steppe business. You’ll hear about it soon. I won’t waste time spoiling the surprise” Altais answered.

Zelda nodded and the group continued on until they reached the aetheryte plaza where they teleported back to Sharlayan.

Only a few steps away from the Sharlayan aetheryte plaza, Zelda’s linkpearl rang.

[joiedecombat]

I think I missed you reblogging it last night, but for the ship meme! Meiyi and Sadu and/or Magnai

Ahahahaha oh dear.

Magnai... almost zero chance there. The only way they could possibly work as a couple would be if Magnai got over the image he has built up in his head of his perfect dusk maiden, and got way less desperate about finding a partner. As things stand, Meiyi is only slightly under Sadu on Magnai's list of "absolutely the opposite of what I am looking for, are you crazy," and she finds him a laughable manchild.

In the unlikely event that Magnai were to get over himself that little bit - at least enough to stop comparing every woman he meets against a standard so ethereal he literally couldn't recognize his ideal woman if she walked up and bit him on the ass (and doing it out loud to boot) - they would be the kind of couple who never stops squabbling. Meiyi will, in fairness, have done some humbling by the time she returns to the Steppes in Stormblood and has to interact with Magnai, but there's still not enough room in the Dawn Throne for both of their egos. They'd be hilarious to watch, probably, as long as you're not in the line of fire... but also exhausting and probably not great for each other as partners.

Meiyi and Sadu work a bit better - Meiyi actually respects Sadu, and vice versa - but there's still the problem inherent to pairing up two extremely confident, strong-willed and highly temperamental people. Plus the added friction that's going to come from Meiyi fighting on behalf of the Mol instead of her own tribe, what the hells (though I figure Sadu will get over that eventually since it leads to the Dotharl getting to fight some pretty badass battles. Aldo pointing out that it means Meiyi has to come back to fight in the next Nadaam will help there, too).

Basically I think Meiyi and Sadu could have some mindblowing and slightly terrifying sex if they were inclined to, but in any kind of long term I think they're too much alike to make it as partners... especially as Meiyi is probably less inclined to follow her lead than Sadu would like. Sooner or later they'd hit a breaking point where Sadu delivers an ultimatum and Meiyi openly flouts it, and it'd be an ugly scene.

[biff-adventurer]

What does your muse think of the Naadam? Do they think it was right for foreigners to participate?

FFXIV MSQ-RELATED ASKS

This got long! TAT

Biff has mixed feelings about the Naadam! He loved participating, and he loved proving himself through Bardam's Mettle. (He would have gone separately, not in party - but whoever among his friends joined him in the Naadam, also tested themselves in Bardam.) He also loved the rush of winning a series of battles against the strongest in the Xaela homeland.

Since the Xaela themselves didn't seem to mind - at least, that is what the text as I read it suggests - he was alright with it? Despite having won the title "Khagan", he doesn't consider it appropriate, given his foreigner status. He'd much rather see Cirina bear it, since the Mol are rightful dwellers of the Steppe. On the other hand, along with some other Steppe NPCs, my OC Alun refers to Biff as her "khagan" and ultimately chooses to follow him at the close of her arc.

Biff also thought Hien clever, given that Hien was a prince without an army at the time. A good faith assumption regarding Hien's plans could be that he only wanted the Xaela to fight on his behalf temporarily, as the Khagan is usually the strongest participant in the Naadam that year. Still, it feels icky that it isn't stated before the Naadam, but rather comes as a shock to them after they claim victory. I assume Hien knew that no one would heed their request unless they first proved their strength. But Biff wonders about that, as politicians can sometimes forget that people deserve respect despite what is at stake regarding matters of the state.

Biff feels that it would have been more honest to ask for help outright, be told to prove themselves, and to then enter the Naadam with the Mol tribe. He disagrees that the Mol were too weak on their own, and with Hien's claim that their victory would look all the more impressive if they won on the side of the weakest tribe. That sort of attitude puts Biff ill at ease. He prefers to be direct, honest and faithful in others.

[livvyplaysfinalfantasy]

Hien formally requests permission from Temulun, khatun of the Mol tribe, to fight on behalf of her people. Cirina protests, and we can see the reason for her earlier deflections when speaking of the Mol and the Naadam: though the khatun has divined that the elder gods wish for the Mol to participate in the Naadam, their lack of prowess as warriors means that they have next to no chance of victory. Hien replies that it is precisely for that reason why he must ally with the Mol, so that the tribe’s success would be attributed to his capabilities as a leader and further convince all Xaela to follow him into battle against the Empire. Only with Temulun’s assent are Cirina’s doubts assuaged.

Before you can join with the others in preparing for the Naadam, however, Temulun reveals to you a prophecy of sorts. She refers to you and those around you as stars, and cautions that though some may “flicker and fade, though not from memory,” they will all provide you with strength and salvation. Even after completing 4.0, I feel like Temulun’s words have yet to be fully realized; we’ll have to see how much bearing her prophecy will have on the expansion’s overarching plot. It’s such a sweet moment, though, one that honestly had me a little teary when I was going through the story as my Sea Wolf.

[otherworldseekers]

What does your muse think of the Naadam? Do they think it was right for foreigners to participate? || Magnai is looking at your muse in the eyes and, after a short hesitation, asks them if they’re his Nhaama. How do they answer?

Oh these are great questions!

Severia accepts the Naadam as part of Xaela life. Xaela believe they were created for battle and while they chose not to war with their Raen cousins, battle is still very much a part of their identity.

Doing this story as a Xaela is a bit weird and especially fraught for Severia as she was pretty much forced to leave the Steppe at such a young age. And when she returns she has no tribe. This is unthinkable. When she connects with the Mol she is accepted into the tribe fully despite the mark of taboo she bears. So she is not an outsider when she participates in the Naadam, and her companions are allowed to participate because she requests it.

Oh my god, Magnai. I think she would seem to him like his Nhaama. There is something of the moon about her. I think she would be somewhat bewildered and not know how to respond. Not that she would consider it, but just because it's so unexpected and she's not the sort of person who can just argue with a stranger. I imagine it would be Lyse who would put Magnai in his place on behalf of her friend.