#oc: I'lyanna Zahn

[miqomonkly]

Character Inspiration: I'lyanna Zahn

Short(ish) Story to Start:

I've mentioned it before on a different post and maybe on a different site, but I wanna place it here as a foreward:

I never had an inspiration for Lyanna to start. She was my brainchild, who happens to have a lot of traits comparative to other pop culture icons.

When I first created her my idea was simple:

I wanted a catgirl who wasn't your average catgirl. I wanted one who was strong, who could take care of herself and be taken seriously by the world around her. Having her become a Monk seemed the most logical choice, as that connection to hand to hand combat seemed like a gateway to self-sufficiency.

It's been a long journey for me and her. And even now, I'm still learning about her and her story, and it continues to fill me with joy, pride, and sorrow. And I will continue to learn more as I share her with all of you wonderful people.

So... let's get into it, shall we?

Top Left: Cal Kestis

A rather spontaneous addition to this list, Cal Kestis is a tricky one to connect the dots to. The main connection comes from his life; the life of a survivor. His family - or what he considered his family - had been destroyed in one fell swoop, and those that remained were being hunted. In both of his games, Cal lost people he cared about, or worse, was betrayed by them. Sorrow was ever his companion, and itnled him ever closer to a dark and dangerous path... But through it all, he kept pushing. Fighting for a future where he and others like him no longer had to hide or love in fear, he continued to rise to the challenge.

Lyanna is no stranger to this kind of pain, and she, too, has risen to conquer it. Like Cal, she has lost much, but she will not give in to sorrow and despair. With her new family, she will fight for a world where all can finally know peace and love free from fear.

And she, at the last, my finally heal.

Middle Left: Tifa Lockhart

Tifa is an easy tie-in, and some might see it as a cop out when comparing the two. Tifa is strong, beautiful, and can kick your butt with only her fists and a prayer. To many, she's the shining example of the female companion; always by your side, honest, kind, heart full of gold.

I never made that connection until recently.

I still know so little about Tifa. I never played FFVII, and I never cared enough to look into her when I saw her around the internet. To me, she was just another sexy girl who could kick your butt; a dime a dozen in the video game world (I did have my closed-minded gamer period too, ya know!)

With the FFVII remake, however, I have had more time to see Tifa for her character than her appearance. And the more I learn about her, the more I see the connection between her and Lyanna. Kind and compassionate, fighting injustice at every turn, all while still remaining soft on the inside. Tifa is a fantastic woman, and while I don't think Lyanna will ever reach her level of fame, she is a fine example for my girl to strive to be like.

Bottom Left: Alita Battle-Angel

Once more, another spontaneous connection. What little I know of Alita comes from the movie, and even then, I've only seen bits and snippets of scenes from it. What I have seen, however, is a testament to her character; she sought out answers to her past in spite of the opposition she faced, from enemies and friends alike. And those answers pushed her further to grow and overcome all her challenges... even when she lost those she loved.

Top Right: Lyse Hext

Lyse is, once again, an easy choice. Same discipline, same world, same trials... okay, maybe not the same, but they definitely have some overlap.

In my headcanon, Lyse is as much a factor in Lyanna's story as she is in hers; they both take inspiration from each other whether they see it or not. The more I think about it, Stormblood touches on the darkest parts of Lyanna's depression and grief... so much so that she nears a rather serious breaking point. It is the stalwart faith of one Lyse Hext, as well as the many who value Lyanna as a person beyond her title as Warrior of Light, who manage to bring her back to fighting shape.

Middle Right: Kazuma's Grandfather (Fruits Basket)

This unnamed side character has had more of an impact on me and my character creation than I've realized over the years. I read the manga well over 13 years ago, and the story of this man has stuck with me ever since.

To summarize; the ancient Chinese zodiac is reincarnated over the centuries into human forms. However, there is a thirteen member that is included in this cycle: the Cat, who was deceived by the Rat into not attending the emperor's party. As such, the spirit of the Cat has always been a cursed one, and no one seems to love the Cat as they are not a true member of the zodiac family.

This man, the previous Cat before the character featured prominently in the manga, suffered much disdain and scorn from his "family" simply because he inherited the Cat's spirit. But through it all, he was a kind and gentle man, well acquainted with grief but choosing to smile all the same. Such a man who has suffered as he should have every right to be angry... but he chose kindness.

I see Lyanna in a similar light; she's known grief, pain, betrayal, and suffering... and in spite of it all, she chooses to remain kind and show love to everyone. Only those who have spurned her kindness in too great a manner (Ilbed, Laurentius, and Yuyuhase, for example) are no longer worthy of her life... but even then, she strives to show love to all people, no matter what walks of life they come from.

Bottom Right: Sora Takenouchi

Digimon will always have a special place in my heart, and Sora here has a place even deeper. Quite possibly my first animated crush, there are several connection between her and Lyanna.

First off, her selflessness; Sora was always putting her friends first, doing her best to keep them safe. This could occasionally become overbearing, as she demonstrated with Biyomon on several occasions, but her heart was always in the right place. Likewise, Lyanna does her utmost to care for others and their needs... even at the cost of her own needs.

Along that train of thought, Sora's darkness has, at least on one occasion, drowned out the rest of her emotions and even sense of the outside world. The darkness, sorrow, and despair that Lyanna holds in her own heart has more than once threatened to overcome her and drag her over the edge. But just like Sora, Lyanna has the companionship of dear, tried, and true friends who are there to pull her back from the brink. And their inspiration is enough to keep her going... even at the end of all things.

This was WAAAAY too long coming. The ever so wonderful @chadhunkler tagged me some week or so ago, and I've been trying to get it done forever. I hope it was worth the wait!

I cannot currently think of anyone specific to tag, so if you see this and want to participate, please feel free! And feel free to tag me as well, because I would love to see all of your lovely works!

[miqomonkly]

I'lyanna is taking a note from Tataru and trying her hand at her own fashion boutique!

... and finding out it's harder than she initially imagined. Of course, setting up in Ul'dah was probably not the best choice of starting locations. Thankfully, she has Redolent Rose to offer her some advice, though he insists he does so begrudgingly as the Weaver's Guild doesn't take kindly to competition (he's actually quite soft about the whole idea; witnessing one of his prize pupils rise to make a name for herself!)

Currently, her list of clients is very small, and rarely does she actually charge a number of them. This group includes Ameliance, Kurenai, Zhloe, and the other custom delivery recipients she's worked with in the past. They are always the first to try her designs, and depending on the work involved, allowed to keep the results!

Alongside this, she designs and sews new clothes for the orphans of Menphina's Arms. As "dedicated" as Zhloe is, Lyanna feels a strong desire and duty to those children to help keep them warm in the cold of Idyllshire. This, also, goes without a fee, as she is in reality donating to Zhloe anyway.

So the volunteer work I do on the weekends actually reminded me of a WoL/OC question I've been wanting to ask - does your character (or even characters) do anything outside of their adventuring/doing hero work? Any odd jobs? Charity work? Day jobs?

To answer this myself - Kiyo runs an apothecary out in the Shroud that also has a meager walk-in clinic attached to it (though the clinic services are free. She never charges for her healing work). She also offers clothing mending services for a small fee and, if she's able to spare any time for it, she'll do some bits of volunteer work here and there

As for her brother - when he wasn't joining his sister on her missions, he did mercenary work. His fees would depend on who was asking for his services to begin with. Were you a stuffy noble or snooty merchant? You're getting charged a lot. Traveling families or just merchants trying to make ends meet? He'd hardly charge you anything, if at all. After the whole thing with his sister saving the entire world, he puts a lot of his focus into being a sellsword, but will also train anyone willing in the ways of being a true samurai

[miqomonkly]

Alright, the OC brainworms are strong today, so I'm gonna take some time and write down some thoughts I'm having for new OCs. If I don't, then I'll never do it, and they'll never see the light of day, which is too horrible a crime to imagine! 😫

Alright, first we have:

Derniergeant Noblecoeur

This character is a male Elezen Duskwight. I'm still trying to determine his name; I want it to be something that can be shortened to John.

Yes, "John." I know it's considered to be a boring name, but this name has special meaning to me, and I would be remiss to not give it to a character I play.

The idea behind John is that he is a bit of a self insert, though not quite; he's a shy sort of fellow, can be awkward to be around, and is actually very intelligent! And deep beneath the weird and knowledge, his heart is bigger than that of a dragon.

Speaking of dragons, John actually spent a good portion of his life in Ishgard. After his parents, former Duskwight bandits, died in an ill-conceived raid on a Gridanian supply caravans, he was passed around between several "caretakers." Each would pass him off quickly as his desire to be one of them was nonexistent. Eventually, the boy would stow away on a diplomatic envoy to Ishgard.

Once more, fate would conspire against him; the envoy was attacked shortly after crossing into Ishgard by none other than the Dravanian Horde. No survivors... except John.

Temple knights arrive sometime after, and take the little Duskwight back to Ishgard. There, he meets a younger Stephanivien, and discovers the wonders of Machinstry.

I have to stop there. I wanna write more, but I've got two others to introduce and this post feels long already XD

Minnow Merigyem

Minnow is a Hyuran Midlander girl. She was born to a woman by the name of Nevva; she never learned her birth father's name. During her youth, her mother became betrothed to a Roegadyn man named Wastlahz, a sailor in work for the Admiral.

Though he was more often out at sea than at home, the leave he accrued allowed him anple time to watch his little Minnow grow into a fine young woman. The two shared many a tale of ne'erdowells and scallywags, adveture and treasure, all while their mother laughed and sang along to their boisterous sea shanties well into the night. When Watslahz finally proposed, it was with his soon to be daguther's blessing.

The marriage was due to take place around her 17th summer. Unfortunately, it was that same summer Garlemald made their move on Cartenau. Their little family had been in Gridania, making the final preparations for the ceremony when word of Dalamud's descent reached them.

Wastlahz took the fastest carriage he could find and herded his family inside, riding west to try and get to the coast. They made it as far as Eastern Thanalan...

Then Bahamut emerged. Their cart was caught in the raining debris and Megaflare.

Nevva didn't make it.

When the chaos finally settled, Minnow's father by bond carried the lifeless body of her mother to Drybone. There, they mourned for a great while, both devastated by the sudden, painful loss of one they both cherished so dearly. Minnow couldn't imagine a world without her...

But the courage of a single Miqo'te woman, with tearstained cheeks and a heart of gold, pushed her forward.

😏

NEXT CHARACTER!!

Tijin Denijin

Tijin Denijin is a lalafell of a peculiar nature. Son of a wealthy Ul'dahn family, it was expected that he would fall in line and study to become the proper heir to his family's estate.

This was not at all what Tijin had in mind!

Ever since he was a whelp, Tijin was loud and slightly obnoxious, but lovable all the same. He would often do crazy and rambunctious things just to get people to laugh or react in any manner. It gave him a spark of joy, of excitement, though his parents assured him he would grow out of it.

Now, he is almost forty summers old, and he can assure everyone that he has certainly not outgrown it!

Leaving his parents at the age of twenty, he joined with a caravan of performers to make his way across the continent. He would dance, sing, and pantomime his way into the hearts of many, leaving them with a smile and a flamboyant bow.

Then the Calamity came.

His caravan was destoryed; friends he had grown close to annihilated in the blink of an eye. Everything he had once enjoyed... gone.

Save for him.

He awoke in the care of the conjurers of Gridania, having slept comatose for nearly seven moons. When he learned the fate of his Caravan, he was dumbstruck and heartbroken. All he had worked for and with, no more?

What was he to do? He had nowhere to go, no means to get home... would his family even accept him?

He broodes on this dilemma for weeks while being tended to. He nearly gave into despair when a family with a young boy was brought into their care. The child was sullen, quiet... cold. The devastation wrought upon the world had touched the poor boy with a numbing finger, consigning him to a life of apathy and nhilism...

If Tijin didn't do something.

And sure enough, he did something.

Well enough to stand, the lalafell began to jiggle and jive in a way that caught the boy's eye. Soon, a smile would spread on his face. Then his parents, the chirurgeouns... soon, everyone in triage was laughing and signing in a way that would not be heard for some long time again.

Tijin didn't know what his future held. But he would be damned if he didn't go out and bring a little light to this bleak world.

Aaaaand that marks the end of my current OC ideas. There is still SOOOO much I wanna write about them, but first, I need to get a few things squared away... namely, actually create them in game! XD

Don't worry! You'll see lots more of these guys to come, I promise

...though if someone wants to shoot me an idea or two for my Elezen's name, I'd be grateful xD

[miqomonkly]

5. "I can't move."

"Look out!"

The shout was almost too late; so focused had I'lyanna been on pummeling the coeurl's side that she had failed to notice the levin charge building across its gargantuan whiskers. At the last second, she made a dash to get away, sprinting like it was--

Schzzk!

The pain was something else. Every inch of her skin tingled, like millions of tiny daggers were stabbing her over and over again; this was almost drowned by the sudden sensation of every muscle in her body contracting all at once. Legs, arms, lungs, heart - nothing was untouched.

All of this lasted for a second before it was replaced by a total and complete numbness throughout her form; caught in her sprint, I'lyanna tumbled over herself, scuffing and scraping along the ground until she she at last came to a stop.

Careless, she chided herself. The coeurl was far from defenseless; she'd known that and still charged in like an ox, hoping to end the fight before it had begun. Now, she shuddered and rasped as she fought to regain control of her body. She had to get up. Had to -

Even before she could see it, the Miqo'te knew she was in danger. The thuding was paws on the ground, a low growl crescendoing to a roar. Claws out stretched, jaws wide...

Yalms.

Fulms...

"RAARGH!!"

The second roar of a far less beastial combatant pierced her ears, followed by the anguished yelp of the monster before her. It tumbled out of her view, replaced by the poised form of the Midlander who'd intercepted it. Her axe swung round once more before she squared off against the beast.

"Derniergeant!" Minnow hollered, bracing to charge again, "Keep it off balance! Don't give it a chance to rest!"

"As you say!" came the soft, measured reply as several cracks of black powder resounded through the chamber. The Marauder rushed forward, another war cry upon her lips, as the smaller figure of a Lalafell dashed into Lyanna's view.

"Hold on, my dear!" Tijin urged as he slid next to his fallen comrade. "I'll have you up in a jiffy."

Would that warmth could fill her breast at the bravery and work of her friends; but at that moment, all she could feel was the numbness of unchecked levin surging through her body.

"I... can't... move..." she managed to stammer.

"Fear not!" The Conjurer proclaimed with the wave of his wand. "I've moved a far greater crowd than you! This shouldn't be but a trifle."

Tijin's jocular assertions were met with a loud groan as his esuna took effect upon the Miqo'te. Along with the warmth of relieved tension from paralysis, the registration of several bruises and at least one minor laceration flooded her renewed senses. Thankfully, these would pass as a minor bit of healing came quite quickly afterward, which gave I'lyanna plenty of time to retort, "Is that really the best you can come up with on the spot?"

"In fairness, I'm not normally fighting for my life as I jest," assured the Lalafell. "Much less so four lives at once." As he spoke, he twirled away and thrust his wand toward the threat in question, unlesshing a blast of Aero in the process.

It would not be for a long while that I'lyanna would look back on these memories and laugh. These memories of a simpler time, where all they thought to do was make the world a better place. Where they stood by each other's side as strangers, and yet as close as any friend or family they had ever known.

But today, as she regained her footing and faced down their adversary; as Minnow leapt upon the coeurl's back and hacked at it's spine; as Derniergeant hammered round after round into its hide; as Tijin mocked and heckled it from afar, all while protecting and aiding his comrades...

Today, all she could think about was picking up her knuckles and giving this monster a piece of her mind!

This was SO much fun to write! I'm so sorry it took me so long to answer this, but thank you for giving me a chance to just write. I look forward to doing more of these in the future!

[miqomonkly]

Hey, y'all!

I started this blog as a gpose account, wanting to share cute screens of my girl I'lyanna as well as build her story around them. Sadly, due to other issues beyond my control, my sub is currently offline, and I spend more time reblogging others screenshots than crew8tng my own.

That being said, I'm still working on developing the stories of my Warrior of Light and her three comrades. Every ask I get allows me to build their lives further and expand their stories. So please, feel free to contribute and help me flesh out these blorbos that we might all get a chance to know and love ❤️

It's been a bit since we did a headcount, kupo! Especially in the wake of social media being weird; this might serve as a good way for people to connect with each other. Please like and reblog this post if you are an active Final Fantasy XIV blog focusing on one (or more) of the following: roleplay, writing & worldbuilding.

It does not matter how active you are at all three, only that you participate in some of it and would like to follow more likeminded people.

The bigger this post gets, the more people can have a look through and follow people they like the look of! You can also use the reblogs to give a little blurb about yourself or even make you're own separate post tagging @mooglemeet that I will reblog for extra traction!

This headcount was posted 8/19/2023, to help gauge overall activity of users on it!

[miqomonkly]

I'lyanna is probably something like a bulldog or a Rottweiler. She can come off as intimidating and is 1000% capable of tearing you apart, but in reality, she is soft and warm and loves cuddles. Sure, she's been through tough times and may have a couple dozen scars from fights and struggles that weren't her fault, but all she really wants is to be happy and loved.

Minnow is something of a Labrador; always full of energy, always waiting to do the next thing. Her loyalty is without question, and she's down to fight if the need arises. But she, too, is a good soul trying to bring joy to herself and the people around her.

Derniergeant is relatable to a Maine coon cat. He can seem pretty serious and formal in most of his life, but in reality, he's just a sweetheart. Outside of combat and most formal settings, he'll often become easily flustered once a situation goes awry. He'll laugh and joke with the best of them, but also had a habit of curling up in a ball somewhere away from others and napping. Gotta keep up the emotional energy somehow!

Tijin is Bengal cat. Hands down. He will often get into trouble just because he gets bored easily, but he's also fun to be around and highly intelligent. Making friends comes easily to him, but those friends had best be prepared for a wild ride as they get to know him better.

8/24/23

In terms of personality is your wol(oc) more of a cat or a dog?

[miqomonkly]

I need to answer more question. Hmu!

Thanks, @mimble-sparklepudding for providing some prompts!

Herbal OC Questions.

A little list of OC questions based on the folklore of herbs in Northern Europe. Please note that this is by no means an exhaustive list and the symbolism and use of herbs changed over time and varied between different communities (for example in the Early Middle Ages, Parsley was associated with mortality and death, but by the Renaissance and later it became associated with lasting pleasure and festivity).

Rosemary - Memory, Mental Acuity and Recollection of Information.

What is your OC's earliest memory? Is it one they would sooner forget or do they recall it with fondness? Do they genuinely remember it? Or have they just been told about it so often by their family or community that they can picture it clearly?

Does your OC find it easy to remember names or faces? Do they need to write things down in order to remember them properly? Perhaps they rely upon others to remind them?

Has your OC ever memorised information for use in public - such as a prepared speech, a song they have practiced, or a story that is part of their cultural heritage?

What is something that can instantly take your OC back to a previous time in their lives, whether happy or sad? A distinctive scent? A piece of music? The taste of a specific food?

What impression does your OC leave upon others? How are they generally remembered by those who have met them? Is this how they would actually want to be remembered?

Sage - Prosperity, Prudence and the Accumulation of Wealth.

How important is money or material wealth to your OC? Do they believe it is possible to ever have "enough"? Or is there no upper limit to their desire for riches?

Is your OC a spendthrift? Or do they carefully consider each minor expenditure? Do they generally have a sensible idea of how much something should cost? Or are they easily manipulated by cunning merchants and beguiling promotions?

Has your OC ever experienced a dramatic change in their personal wealth or financial security? Were their family once very poor or very wealthy compared to others in their society? If they were once wealthy and are now impoverished, then who do they blame for their reduced circumstances? If they were once poor and now find themselves wealthy, to what do they credit this change in fortune?

How sympathetic is your OC to those who are poorer or in more desperate circumstances than themselves? Do they see them as blameless victims of circumstance? Perhaps they might even work to try to alleviate the material hardships of others? Or do they sneer at the poor? Perhaps seeing them as a resource to exploit or simply as an expendable nuisance?

How does your OC obtain money? Do they have a regular income? Or do they live off inherited wealth? Do they earn money from different jobs or quests? Or are they reliant on the kindness and charity of others?

Sweet Marjoram - Love, Happiness and Fidelity in Marriage.

To what degree is your OC dependent upon other people for their happiness? Are they relatively self-sufficient? Perhaps even mistrustful of others? Or do they need to be surrounded by friends or in the company of their family in order to be happy?

What does your OC believe to be the ingredients of a happy marriage or relationship? Do they believe that they could provide these things to another person? Do others see their expectations as reasonable? Or are they quite demanding of themselves and any potential partner?

Could your OC ever forgive a lover or spouse who was unfaithful to them? If they have an open relationship then is this reliant on them not hearing about their partner's peccadillos? Or is learning about their sexual adventures all part of the fun?

Through what gift or gesture might your OC signify their love or devotion to another? Does this reflect the culture in which they were raised? Their personality? Or simply the preferences of the partner in question?

Does your OC believe it is acceptable to admire another's beauty, even if they are in a committed relationship with someone else? Do they feel guilty if they find themselves admiring or lusting after an attractive stranger? Or do they believe it is no issue when they find their eye wandering, but would be outraged were their lover or spouse to do the same?

Lemon Balm - Sleep, Relaxation and the Banishment of Care.

Does your OC find it easy to relax? Or are they constantly tense or anxious? Has this always been the case or have they experienced significant trauma or harm in the past which has made them particularly fearful or tense?

Does your OC have a regular sleep routine? Or does it vary depending upon circumstance? Do they generally sleep for the same amount of time every night (or day)?

What does your OC do to unwind or to calm themselves? Do they use alcohol or drugs? Or do they meditate or pray? If they are in a relationship then are there things their lover or spouse knows will reduce their tension - perhaps through providing a listening ear, a relaxing massage or sexual release?

What is your OC's greatest source of anxiety? Does it relate to how they are perceived by others? Or their ability to adhere to their own standards or values? Or are they most afraid of harm coming to those they care about?

Does your OC have any recurring dreams? If so then do they attribute any meaning to these? Do they find themselves reliving previous experiences? Or witnessing visions of a possible future? Do they ever talk about their dreams to others?

Catmint - Ferocity, Courage and Quarrelsomeness.

How quick is your OC to anger? Can they fly into a fury, seemingly out of nowhere? Or does it gradually build like a gathering storm?

What motivates your OC to be courageous? A sense of honour or duty? A need to maintain a reputation for fearlessness? A bloody-minded refusal to be pushed around? A wish to protect the vulnerable? The need to win against all odds?

What subject is your OC most likely to argue about? And who are they most likely to argue about it with?

Does your OC often bicker with others? Do they complain frequently? Is this due to genuine dissatisfaction or anger? Or is it done in a slightly tongue in cheek fashion?

When was your OC the most angry they have ever been? What about this situation made them so angry? Was it the person who provoked them? The injustice of the situation? Or their own powerlessness in the face of circumstance?

Sorrel - Affability, Pleasantness and Agreeableness.

How easy is it for others to get along with your OC? Are they easy-going and tolerant? Or stern and exacting? Do they often find themselves picking fault with others and criticising them? Or are they able to view their faults and foibles philosophically - or even with affection?

How quick is your OC to forgive the transgressions of others? Do they bear grudges for extended periods? How important is it that the other person admits their fault?

What do your OC's friends like most about them? What might they consider their "best" quality?

How polite is your OC? Are they courteous and considerate of others? Or gruff and tactless? If they are polished in their manners then is this always a positive quality? Or perhaps something calculated and employed whilst engaged in political or social intrigue? If they are rough in their manners then is this always a bad thing? Or does their lack of external gloss actually reflect their honesty and integrity?

Does your OC always need to be right in every discussion? Or are they sometimes willing to concede a point for the sake of social harmony (or simply a quiet life)? Are there some topics upon which they will never compromise their position? Or can they usually simply shrug and let others be wrong? Does this vary depending on whether the subject is relatively trivial or of great importance to them personally?

Sweet Woodruff - Humility, Modesty and Service to Others.

Is your OC ever boastful or prone to vainglory? Is there something they have achieved that they can't help mentioning at any given opportunity? Do they like to remind others that they are particularly beautiful, powerful or smart?

Is your OC willing to help others, even without receiving praise or reward? Or will they only stir themselves to assist another person if they stand to benefit in some fashion from doing do?

How does your OC respond when someone praises them or pays them a compliment? Do they become embarrassed? Do they minimise their own achievements or even change the subject? Or do they revel in the praise and admiration of others? Are there some things they are more comfortable with being praised for than others? Might they be quite content to be lauded for their martial skill or academic ability, but mortified to be complimented for their beauty or sexual allure?

Does your OC see themselves as being of particular importance compared to the general population? Do they consider themselves to have greater value than the common folk? Perhaps because they are capable of achieving things that regular people are not? Or because they were born into a position of wealth and power? Or even because they have seen things that would drive ordinary people to madness or despair? Conversely, if your OC maintains that they are no more special than anyone else, how realistic is this position? How different are they really when compared to the average person? Are they actually in denial about their own significance?

How much credit does your OC give to others for their own success? Do they see themselves as having achieved things only through cooperation and working with others? Or are they convinced that they have accomplished everything purely through their own efforts and ability?

[miqomonkly]

I'lyanna

I'lyanna has spent the majority of her story broken by grief; it has been the one thing that has kept her from reaching her fullest potential, as she has finally come to realize how trapped she was by it. Naturally, that kind of pain doesn't just "go away." But Lyanna also recognizes that it doesn't have to be the focal point of her life.

She lost her old family... but from that loss, a truly beautiful thing has been born. Her comrades - nay, her new family - have helped her make peace with the darkness in her heart, and now she strives to fully heal and come into a new age of life.

She'll always be up for an adventure. And she is always willing to lend a hand in hard times.

But for now... it's stime she focuses a little on herself.

Minnow

Minnow had set out to be an adventurer to prove herself; there had always been a deeply rooted thought that, had she been strong enough, she could've saved her mother. She's been told countless times, by Watslahz and others, that what happened that night was never her fault, and she has always accepted and taken small comfort in it... but the feeling never went away.

Now, after countless victories and just as many losses, Minnow can finally see herself for who she truly is; a woman who may feel powerless at times, but who is far from helpless. And while she knows she can't save everyone, she will do her damned best to do so. And most importantly, she doesn't have to do it alone.

Originally, Minnow had planned to return to her father's fishing troupe. It was a simple, peaceful life, and one she grown quite fond of... but it wasn't the life she was meant for. Having fought to the edges of two worlds, she knew hers was a more active calling; one of action and decision, not idleness and rest. So she took up a job as a privateer for the Maelstrom... loke her father before her.

Maybe one day, she'll find someone who will convince her to leave this life behind. But for know, the wind was at her back and the endless sea lay before her.

Where will it take her?

Derniergeant

The self exiled Duskwight had never really thought of his future much. Even while serving in the Manufactory, he had always believed he would work there until the end of his days. Now, however, after years of adventure and hardship, he finally has the freedom - nay, the desire - to choose his own path.

And what he wants most is to build.

There is much work to be done, too. Ishgard is still working to heal from the wounds of the Dragonsong War, and while much of the repair work has been done, there is always room to grow. His talents could be used once more at the Manufactory, and he would happily serve under Stephanivien again!

Of course, the love of his life still serves trying to rebuild Ala Mhigo; he would be remiss if he didn't put in a great deal of time with her and her people. Such was his promise to her upon the Azem Steppe; his oath to her the night of their victory; his whispered affirmations the day he left for Ultima Thule. He would not abandon her, just as she had never abandoned him. This he did swear.

And, of course, the rumors of private islands was all the more tantalizing...

Tijin

His time adventuring taught Tijin more about himself than he'd ever realized. He'd gone from a wandering performer to one of the heroes of the star. It was a title he had never sought to achieve, but one that he held with pride and would seek to honor for the rest of his days!

So how, then, does the hero of the star choose to live those days?

Why, he goes back to performing of course!

Across the bounds of the star, the Lalafell had seen not only the wondrous works of art in all nations but also how those arts lifted the spirits of all they touched. How could he not go and take all he had learned and use it to make a bigger, better troupe than he had ever been a part of?

Of course, he would do more than sing and dance, and he certainly wouldn't be alone doing it! Nay, he would accept those with a heart to sing and a soul to dance, one and all from all and one! And together, they would seek out the sorrowful and downtrodden and aid them in any way they can. Be it healing, hunting, building, or even just a small song in a local tavern, the Denijin Troupadors would bring a light to the dark wherever it may need be!

And he would do it all with a smile.

8/22/23

what are your wol(oc)'s dreams for the future?

[miqomonkly]

I'lyanna

I'lyanna learned her combat skills from her father, whereas her sister learned from their mother. At the time, Lyanna was far more interested in doing things with her hands, including fighting. As such, her father, whom had always been far more of a brawler than a leader amongst his former clan, took to teaching her the basics of hand to hand combat to train her to protect their family should the need ever arise. And traveling on the roads, outside the jurisdiction of most law, the need sometimes felt to be an ever present one.

Minnow

Minnow was actually taught earlier in her life by her mother. Growing up on Vylbrand was always cause to need to defend one's self, either from pirates, creatures, or kobolds. So Nevva, wanting to keep their daughter safe whilst Watslahz was away, taught her the basics of self-defense... which, admittedly, were only just that. Following the incident with the wolf and the wood axe, however, Watslahz knew Minnow would need far more than a basic knowledge of she were to become something special.

Derniergeant

Derniergeant was neglected as a child more than he cares to admit. For quite a while, he barely knew which end of the sword was dangerous, let alone how to hold one effectively. After abandoning his clan and setting off into the unknowns, and after the subsequent dragon attack upon his caravan and his adoption into House Hallienarte, Stephanivien began to teach him how to use a firearm; much less clumsy and far more comfortable for the young Duskwight at the time, though even he can't say for certain why it comes more naturally than swordsmanship.

Tijin

Tijin, by far, has had the least combat training out of he and his companions. Certainly, in some of his sketches and bits, a mock fight with choreography and hours of practice would be performed regularly, but such things rarely translate into practical skills. It wasn't until well after the Calamity that he even began to practice martial combat with only a modicum of success. Arriving in Gridania really gave him the break he needed; fascinated by the elementals and the nature of Conjury, the young Lalafellan man worked and begged and practically wormed his way into their ranks to learn a thing or two about the craft. It was only then, with proper training and a dedicated, passionate group of students and teachers that he began to realize his potential as a healer and a fighter.

8/21/23

Who taught your wol(oc) to fight?

[miqomonkly]

Just... Her 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

8/17/23

What is something that you just love about your wol(oc)?