#talekeepers

[gay-simple-and-chaotic]

Hey, don't cry. Tiny water nymph learns to shapeshift so she can come cuddle her butch wolfgirl crush, okay?

Yes I draw yuri too this one's lazy but it's cute so I thought I'd share it <3

[miqo-tales]

A tiny primer on FFXI, pt 1

With 7.1 approaching next month and with it the Final Fantasy XI alliance raid, I wanted to put something together for FFXIV players that never played the previous FF MMO.

As long as this may end up being, I promise it's not actually going into a whole lot of detail. It's more so to give a general idea of the setting, the different races, and some plot details.

THE WORLD

Final Fantasy XI takes place in the world of Vana'diel, and primarily in what's known as the Middle Lands, composed of the two continents of Quon and Mindartia, and the two islands of Elshimo and Kuzotz. Later expansions feature the lands of Aradjiah to the east, and the western continent of Ulbuka. And there's... other places.

PLAYER CHARACTERS

According to legend, the Ancients tried to reach Paradise, but were rejected and their civilization destroyed. The Goddess Altana wept at the devastation, and five of her tears created the enlightened races. Disguested at her weakness, the God of Twilight, Promathia, cursed the five races by bringing out their darkest emotions and dooming them to eternal conflict.

There are five playable races a player can choose. One interesting difference between FFXI and FFXIV is that the different races in FFXI also have different stats, representing their different characteristics. Fortunately, it doesn't limit what jobs they can be or how effective they are, as gear and gear-swapping can cover a lot of holes.

Minor edit: So FFXIV apparently has stat differences for different races and clans as well. Still, I feel pretty confident saying the FFXI stat differences were far more significant in comparison. If for no other reason than the effect on HP and MP pools. But again, gear, gear-swapping, and player skill make up for it.

Hume - your standard Human race. Hume's are well known for being extremely adaptable. Balanced stats.

Galka - a male-only race with large bodies and incredible strength. Similar to Roegadyn in some ways, but they also have large tails. They reproduce through reincarnation, and the newly reborn Galka has no memories of their past life. However, one Galka, called the Talekeeper, retains all the memories of every Galka's past lives for the last two centuries. Highest HP and VIT, lowest MP.

Mithra - similar to Miqo'te, but Mithra are a bit more cat-like. Alternatively, you could say they are like smaller, slimmer Hrothgar. Only female Mithra are playable (males do exist, but they are extremely rare, and only one ever shows up in-game). Highest DEX and AGI, tied with Galka for lowest CHR.

Elvaan - similar to Elezen, and I'd say specifically to Duskwight Elezen. Elvaan are tall, strong, (dark-skinned!) and super proud. Highest STR and MND, lowest DEX, AGI, and INT.

Tarutaru - similar to Lalafell, but even shorter and with dark brown noses. Tarutaru are intelligent and naturally gifted with magic, even at a young age. Highest INT and MP, lowest HP and STR.

THE MAIN NATIONS

Player characters can start in one of three nations: the Kingdom of San d'Oria, the Republic of Bastok, or the Federation of Windurst. Unlike FFXIV, each nation has its own quest storyline dealing with issues within that specific nation.

San d'Oria - a nation of Elvaan ruled by the d'Oraguille royal family. It's located in the northern part of Quon, and well known for its knights. (If you thought Ishgardians were pompous and arrogant, hoo boy, you've clearly never been to San d'Oria.) San d'Oria used to be a really major power, but then they tried going to war against the other two nations. We'll just say it did not go well for them.

Bastok - a democratic nation located in the south of Quon. It was founded by Hume miners and grew into a nation of mining, crafting, and technology, and is where you find Cid. Galka later settled in Bastok after being forced from their homeland by Anticans. For various reasons, there's a lot of tension between Humes and Galka in the city.

Windurst - a nation of magic, located at the southern edge of Mindartia. It was founded by tribes of Tarutaru, and at one point conquered most of the Middle Lands. Mithra also live here, acting as hunters and a sort of independent military force. Windurst has a truce with the Yagudo, a bird-like race, but it's arguably not a favorable one.

Jeuno - located at a central point between Quon and Mindartia and bridging the two continents, the Grand Duchy of Jeuno is the central point of trade for the Middle Lands, and currently the only nation with control of airships. It has a massive amount of economic and political power, but also declared itself to be neutral. Gameplay-wise, Jeuno is a key spot for several different storylines, and is where players get their chocobo license, their airship pass, and is the central airship hub.

[mobius-art]

⚔ Knight of the Talekeep ⚔

[vatinyan]

A Talekeeper from Burrow Tales

Doing some more drawings to flesh out bits of the ttrpg world and its concepts.

(Psst you can get Burrow Tales here:)

Itch: https://whitecat.itch.io/burrow-tales

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/vatina/shop

DrivethruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/480848/burrow-tales

[iona-xiv]

Quiz - Tragic Role

sweet supporting character:

i wanna be your grandma so bad, please let me pinch your face and knit you a sweater. you're most likely the best friend of the protagonist, and there's some possible overlap between you and the narrator. you're sweet and try very hard to be selfless. you watch the ones you love descend into darkness, and make every effort to help them through it all. it's not enough. you keep trying to make it enough. you provide comic relief, a listening ear, a hug, advice── any method of support you can think of. your own personal tragedy isn't documented. sometimes you wish it was, even though you're the one who ensures it is not. you want people to care for you the way you do for others. but you refuse to ask for it, so you wait for others to read between the lines. they usually don't. at least you're the one who gets to survive the tragedy. no matter how many times you beg to trade places, it is always you at the end, sitting at someone else's grave.

Quiz here Tagged by: @aethermimic (Thank you so much!) Tag you're it!: @gentleerzulie, @Sparto, @shibaikyatto, @notarchonzachlol, @ramius-xiv, @madalyn-maeve, @airis-ray, @talekeepers, @laladventures, @jump-n-dive, @bunbunwithagun, @deep--dive, @spellsandtales, @hakai-zonapher, @colddsnap, @uldahstreetrat, @zylphiacrowley, @jujuna-ffxiv,@sie-sharp, @arbiterofthedead,@aliceinnightmare, @remexnidifugous, @lann-a-p, @zhauric, @cassieoctavia, @ashenbun, @it-maple-moff, @talesofkiruu, @lovelucide, @thewarfist, @hares-and-hounds, @lightyouarelikes, @lal-ffxiv, of course and always please ignore this if you don't want to do it/have already done so, and please do it if you would like to share!

[purple-link]

Alisaie and Purple Link

FFXIV Write 2024 Story Entry

Spoiler: Story takes place after WoL reaches Garlemald in Endwalker, but but before the Tower of Babil dungeon. Story will be largely sfw, but will adhere to FFXIV's level of mature storytelling.

Chapter 5: Stamp

The water inside of the sunken vessel was murky, and not very bright. Despite all the bright lights still somehow lit across all the halls, the grim-colored metal made it difficult to discern a light source, or even how deep a hallway could go.

It was all prettily lit, but no more.

Purple Link looked at Alisaie, who grimaced slightly.

“This could take forever,” said Alisaie, matter-of-factly, “The vessel stretches out for a mile, and the ship was deep enough to house a thousand soldiers.

"This ship was built on the eve of total transition from seafaring expeditions to almost total air armadas. This last must have been built using similar technology that informed those flying cylindrical Dreadnoughts.”

Purple Link gave her a wry expression.

There’s that look again, Alisaie uncomfortably thought, Why does he make me think of my father when he looks at me like that?

“What? I went to the same school as Alphinaud, I’ll have you know,” said Alisaie, in a huff, “I did well enough to be exceptional, probably one of the best students in the whole of the Studium…

"Next to my brother.”

Purple Link nodded quietly, and looked again in the hallway.

The brightly lit Ceruleum coral reef did not enter into any other part of the ship besides the engine room. They were unlikely to find their artifact in there.

“I’m afraid most of my magic is in destruction, even as a Red Mage,” said Purple Link, meagerly, “And I lack the skills as a summoner for me to depend on a Carbuncle. I don’t know what we could use as a light underwater.”

“But there is an option,” said Alisaie, confidently, “And we have it on hand as a Red Mage ourselves.”

“Oh?” asked Purple Link. Alisaie nodded, and drew out her Hailstorm Rapier.

It was a glowing, crystal blade that twisted all along the tang, into a beautiful display. On one end was a powerful, emphasized point, and on the other was an ornamental handguard that formed into two sharp points.

Damned handguard points poked into your sides something nasty, he remembered, but they were worth it.

“Good thinking,” said Purple, and he put away his Talekeeper rapier, and brought out his own Hailstorm.

Alisaie’s was glowing a bright pink, while Purple Link’s lit a light-blue, though in some lights, it could be as purple as he was. Oftentimes, he considered it more purple than blue, and left it at that.

“We use the foci,” said Alisaie, “to light up the crystals. Put a little more aether into the blades, and they should be suitable for our efforts.”

Purple Link nodded, and he focused his aether into the Hailstorm. Soon, both their blades, and the crystals in their foci, lit up so brightly, the rest of the ship could be visibly discerned.

“Right,” said Alisiae, confidently, “Barring the possibility of predatory fish, or electric eels, we should be just fine splitting up to find this artifact. Anything I should know?”

“It’s an old celebratory symbol,” said Purple Link, “While I don’t think it should be a statue, it would be worth it to default on anything that looks wolf-shaped.

"However, if you think it might be something else, be sure to give me a tap.”

He poked the linkpearl on his ears, and Alisaie nodded.

“I’ll let you know,” said Alisaie, “Be sure to do the same.”

“Right,” said Purple Link.

Together they began the arduous process of scouring a Garlean wreck to find a barely described Lupin diplomatic symbol…

…

The Wolf Burglar grumbled as he fingered the last of his anchors. The rope was binding. The Hrothgar was strong, and while the Lupin also carried some of his species' strength, it was still no match for that of the Warrior of Light.

As he freed himself, he looked at his surroundings.

The storm had subsided almost immediately after the dunking of the Warrior of Light. The water returned to gentle laps on the eastern shores of Sakazuki.

The campfire was doused, the wood dampened. It had taken at least a day for him to finger his anchors, and while he worked on the knots, he noticed that while Purple was able to put away his tent and his part of the camp, the Wolf Burglar’s was in shambles.

That had hardly been an issue, he thought. The Wolf Burglar traveled light. Even his father's sword was little more than carry-on.

After the last of the anchors had been loosened, and he was able to walk around freely again, it was high noon on a day after the storm.

He yearned for something to eat.

“I really hope that damnable storm hadn’t ruined my stores of food,” said the Wolf Burglar, “The fish was delicious, but it’s going to take forever to find new wood on this barren volcanic rock. At least my emergency rations should be okay…”

As he shuffled through his sack, he heard someone traipse exhaustedly alongside the shore. The Wolf Burglar looked up.

It was Alphinaud, tiredly dragging himself along with a large branch of wood. That seemed to be properly good timing, that.

After breaking up the walking stick into several pieces and using it to stoke the flame around the campfire and its damp wood, the fire was roaring again. Alphinaud was shaking.

The Wolf Burglar had on hand only a slightly damp blanket, and he used it to cover Alphinaud.

“Oh, thank you,” said Alphinaud, pausing only a moment to sneeze, “I really do hate swimming.”

After a moment to warm, the Wolf Burglar begged a story. Alphinaud was more than pleased to explain his situation.

“Shortly after we contacted your party,” said Alphinaud, “We reached the edge of the storm that was engulfing Sakazuki. The wind was monstrous.

“We were thrown about like hail in a storm,” continued the Elezen, “While I need not worry for my sister, as she had been blessed by the Kojin, to breathe underwater, I hadn’t found the time to ask it for myself, and I currently cannot spare a moment.”

“Still, that storm was intense,” said the Wolf Burglar, “If the Warrior of Light hadn’t anchored my body to these rocks, I would have been thrown in the drink after him.”

“Indeed,” said Alphinaud, “I only recently reemerged on the northern shore of Sakazuki, although I hadn’t realized it at the time. Despaired and exhausted, I grabbed what you rightly determined was a large limb off a nearby tree and dragged myself along the shore, thinking I was heading for the settlement to the east of Sakazuki…

“Or I may have just been delirious,” he added, uncertainly, “Quite literally my only other thought besides nourishment was ‘Please, Hydaelyn, please don’t make me go in the sea again.’”

“I don’t blame you,” said the Wolf Burglar, “I’m only just barely aware of the blessing of the Kojin, the ability to breathe underwater. In the storm, I had forgotten the Champion of Eorzea could perform such a feat.”

They looked around again.

The task they had performed out here, to survey the Ruby Sea’s seabed, seemed a bit like yesterday’s news. Purple Link and Alisaie were not around, to use their mounts to help in the search, and a more currently pressing matter was whether or not either of their friends were okay.

Not that the Wolf Burglar considered them friends, but seeing the Warrior of Light get thrashed around and deposited in the sea was still traumatic enough to need to talk about it.

“You…think they’re going to be okay?” said the Wolf Burglar, worriedly, “Your sister…and that warrior?”

“Whom? Purple Link?” said Alphinaud, and he chuckled, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he could survive on the surface of Menphina without a protective suit.”

“That I can believe,” said the Wolf Burglar, “I’m asking about you.”

“Oh,” said Alphinaud, curiously, “And I suppose this is another generous aspect of the noble thief.”

The Wolf Burglar grimaced, and he stood up to walk along the edge of the shore. He stopped and stared out at the Ruby Sea, his tail twitching lightly and his arms folded.

“Did…Did I strike a nerve?” asked Alphinaud.

“I don’t need to be thief,” said the Wolf Burglar, “to be courteous. I am only here on behalf of Lord Hien and Hakuro Whitefang. I think it’s important to uphold our long-honored traditions.”

“‘Long-honored?’” asked Alphinaud, quite intrigued. The Wolf Burglar turned around and stamped a footpaw in the sand.

“You adventurers!” said the Wolf Burglar, “You never pay attention! I am talking about an artifact that is important between Lord Hien’s people and mine!”

Alphinaud looked inquisitively at the Lupin. The Wolf Burglar pouted for a moment or two, and then started in realization.

“Oh, that’s right,” said the Wolf Burglar, “You weren’t here. I explained all to the Warrrior of Light.”

“It seems as though it bears mentioning again,” said Alphinaud, “I do remember the artifact was important between the two of you, but you never explained why.

"Normally, this level of secrecy is beheld at a state of espionage deemed on the brink of teetering.”

The Wolf Burglar folded his arms again, and appraised the young Elezen.

“Hmm,” he said, finally, “Your reputation preceeds you, Alphinaud Leveilleur.”

“Is that what this is?” asked Alphinaud, “Are you worried your people might not honor your agreement?”

“I think enough years have passed that such an artifact is no longer necessary to keep the peace,” said the Wolf Burglar, “But the ceremony is still appreciated, and the monument would be greater reinforced if all the services were honored.”

“‘Monument?’” asked Alphinaud, “Are you talking about the artifact?”

“You catch on quick, Scion,” said the Wolf Burglar, smiling, “All right, I’ll level with you…”

…

Purple Link felt like he could have been searching for hours, and still find nothing. There were a lot of cast aside possessions, discarded uniforms, and floating cups, silverware, and Garlean paraphernalia that he had to sift through.

The doors opened well enough, even underwater, although the sliding door mechanisms made the Ceruleum dim and flicker at times.

He wondered if it was as spooky for Alisaie as it was for him. He pondered briefly about whether or not they should have split up…

He shook his head.

No, that’s what lead to this argument in the first place, he thought to himself, I know Alisaie can survive down here, even on her own, I have to believe that. I have to put my faith in her.

He opened another door, and used his sword to take a look-around. Swimming inside, he almost bumped his muzzle against that of–

He gulped!

–It was the moldering remains of a Garlean soldier! He could depict humanoid nose-holes and empty eye sockets, but could also tell all the skin hadn’t…yet left the body.

He heaved for a moment, and in his panic, very briefly forgot he could breathe underwater, and started to choke.

After a couple of expectorations, realizing only too late that he might have swallowed salty sea water, he calmed down again.

…This looked like the bridge of the ship. There was the helm, although it was more newfangled than the wheel he was familiar with. It looked more like handles that you can pull and push, up or down.

Floating bodies seemed to litter the place.

A bit calmer now, he let his curiosity get the best of him. He looked around at the bright lights and the glistening port window, covered in seaweed and coral.

It almost looked like a blanket of seaweed was covering the windows.

Purple Link was oddly soothed by the waving curtain of seaweed, and almost distracted himself long enough to feel something bump his head. It bounced off and floated away in the water, slowly heading towards the helm.

He rubbed the spot and turned around-

Geeze! Another face-to-face encounter with a dead body!

He very gently and very respectfully pushed it aside, noticing that the thing that bounced off his noggin was a golden cylindrical object, about the size of his palm.

He reached for it in curiosity.

He'd almost mistaken it for a Doman seal, the kind used for signing documents.

The golden object had a simple design, but in its simplicity it cast an expert hand at its craftsmanship, correctly divining that it was of special importance.

The biggest clue is that it didn’t look like anything here, brightly reflecting the light given off his Hailstorm.

He waved the blade over it.

It was very obviously wolf-like in its appearance, but that could mean anything. Lord Hien and Hakuro didn’t explain that it had to be a statue.

The fact that it was a wolf in design was probably a really big clue that it had something to do with the Lupin.

It was beautiful, hand-crafted, and even looked like a wolf, with the tail finely detailed and one paw raised up and open.

It seemed to be an important object in its appearance, but he still couldn’t understand why it could be so important to the diplomacy of the Lupin and the Domans that Purple Link almost certainly had to risk his life.

He tapped two fingers on his ear, twice, and thought of Alisaie.

“Not a sausage,” admitted Alisaie, over the linkpearl, “How’s things on your end? I keep looking into the eyes of dead soldiers and sifting through their belongings. I think I’m in their barracks.”

“Same,” said Purple Link, “I think I’m on the bridge. I’m pretty sure I found a statue.”

“A statue?” asked Alisaie, and she groaned frustratedly, making Purple Link smile in sympathy, “Oh, great, it’s another fetch quest. We’ve retrieved so many discarded and abandoned things from folks - Why can’t we just beat up bad guys, like usual?”

“I’m with you there,” said Purple Link, “But this…statue is golden. It’s pretty much the only thing in here that’s not covered in seaweed.”

“...Interesting,” said Alisaie, thoughtfully, “I think that might be an important detail to remember. Let’s see if we can find similar things in this ship, and then bring them up to the surface.”

“Righto,” said Purple Link, “I feel like we’re finally nearing the end of this quest.”

“I feel the same,” said Alisaie, “Let’s meet back at the entrance of the hole and discuss our findings, although, as usual, I think you may have found exactly what we’ve been looking for.”

To be continued…

[quad-weave]

Talekeeper & Tailkeeper

Matching WoL and companion glams

I noticed Eorzea Collection added a section for your chocobo companion glams, so I had to share my cute Chocobo... Kwutie. 😌 My chocobo matches one of my favorite Red Mage glams, and for good reason, as it's Red Mage barding :)

Kris is wearing...

Weapon - Talekeeper Replica

Body - Augmented Exarchic Coat of Casting in Wine Red Hands - Ruby Cotton Fingerless Gloves of Casting Legs - Eastern Lord Errant's Trousers Feet - Atrophy Thighboots in Wine Red

Earrings - Black Carnation Earring

Kwutie is Rolanberry Red and has...

Head - Wild Rose Barding Body - Red Mage Barding Legs - Red Mage Barding

These pictures were taken near Tailfeather with MoonsShade's Snack Screenshot shader!

[myrfing]

my morsels:

sch: last resort zeta, omega codex

ast: pleiades, blade’s providence

whm: masakaki shin. there’s a lot of nice whm ones actually but i dont look at them because I don’t want to play whm you cant make me my longtime love for staves and crooks

drk: greatsword of divine light 🩵🫨

pld: ok I do just use crystarium sword with shield glamoured off. law’s order bastard sword and shield were really nice though without glow

war: (strike) ravel keeper’s axe is beautiful actually

gnb: the impassionate tide or the nabaath manatrigger

nin: elemental daggers for years now.

mnk: BLADE’S SERENITY

sam: scaevan magitek samurai blade LOL mostly to match with the pvp plugsuit for 9000 years. otherwise blade of light from sosex

drg: absolute lance or that new dog tomestone one.

mch: blade’s ingenuity

brd: crystarium composite bow. it’s like pld where I like slightly more lowkey practical looking weapons

rdm: classical smallsword, talekeeper

everything else: i dont knowwww

[kate-aksy]

Comic by @shayromi

VK: https://vk.com/album-177375151_260973824

Masterpost

[gay-simple-and-chaotic]

realized I'd forgotten to post this one! Meet Shiloh, The Harmony, god of unity! Featuring their "on the run/in hiding" form, Shy!

mold spore mold spore mold spore (Shiloh uses they/them btw)

[galacticsabc]

Twitter banner with my newly acquired tomato rapier.

[mobius-art]

Map of The Talekeep

[opalmoon-ffxiv]

Opal Moon

[thefreelanceangel]

[sara-bateson]

Finished the last 4 relics I wanted to work on over the past week and broke down and decided to buy the Southern Front lockbox mount ‘cause my rng is so bad trying to get it via opening lock boxes.

[shayromi]

Fanarts for @talekeeper-tales‘ fanfic, Seven Days across Seven Lifetimes. It has seven chapters with seven different lifetimes ( a fransweek fanfic). I’ve read it so many times now. I love it ;w; <33

Chapter 4 is a quantumtale fic, creator is @perfectshadow06 Chapter 5 is a dancetale fic, creator is @teandstars