Knight Kat

Almost every race has an OOC stigma attached. My friend gets teased, and subjected to all sorts of BS for playing a Lalafell, and he plays one of the best Lalafell characters I have ever seen. It's like people sit around and have pow-wows about what stigmas to assign to which race. Au Ra had stigmas assigned to them before they even became playable. I've played a Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te for years with great success, and my Au Ra Xaela has been called a "scale-waifu" more times than I can count, but she is relatively well-liked too. Half the time, the stigmas are mere jokes. Some people take the stigmas seriously. You don't have to play with those people. I promise there are more than enough people who will not make their choice to RP with you based on silly racial stigmas. The personal advice I offer you is learn the lore, practice good writing, always try to improve, make your character with believable strengths and weaknesses and RP cooperatively with others. This will make you and your character loved regardless of their race.

Signing Kiht up for Crystal spotting.

[align=center]Legend of Tyago[/align]

Sign Kiht up for Before Evidence is Lost, please. ^^

Please sign Kiht Jakkya up for No Longer Ignored.

Please sign Qara Hotgo up for Crowd Day 1, for certain. Day 2 is tentative.

Sign me up for Highbridge Kidnappings. Not sure which character yet. I'll decide soon.

Sign Kiht up for Stolen Bloom, please.

[align=center]The Wolf's Song[/align] Kiht Jakkya found herself alert and wary as she awaited the arrival of one whom she shared a confusing past with. Osric said Oschon’s Torch was a grand spot, and it was only upon remembering the context of the recommendation that she also recollected his meaning. It was a romantic place… This added flustering thoughts to her already tense mind. But shortly after, she saw his approach. She could not help but remember all the great sword swings. How many times had this man tried to cut her into pieces? But that wasn’t him. She faced his demon back then, so she would face him now. The huntress was ready for a figurative battle, yet all the man was doing was arriving casually at a location she chose. Life had clearly taken a toll on Kiht… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gharen Wolfsong approaches, steps unbound and not worried of any sort of dangers. "Miss Jakkya, got yer message. What's th' occasion?" Kiht had her gaze turned out into the ocean. Though the light fog seems to make it hard for her to see anything. She squints a bit and leans forward slightly to see if it improves her sight, but she ultimately falls back into a normal stance and sighs. She turns to Gharen. "Greetings, Gharen." She pauses. "I suppose two things... How do you fare?" He shrugs slightly, "Better'n we last met I suppose. Don' need th' cane te get about any more. Though I can still feel th' weakness there. Like somethin's... Off.. likely my aether still. An' ye? Been stayin' safe?" She studies him for a moment. "...It depends on what you mean by 'safe'. I am... Alive. I am also intact." She grows a slight smirk. "I am not sure if my life is ever safe though... It is good to see you stronger at least." Gharen nods to her response with an ever so slight grin. "Well, alive tis infinitely better than th' alternative, no? An' thank ye, It's been slow goin' as far as recovery. Been hopin' te get some trainin' tha' may speed it up but..." He shrugs again. "My people nae wont for stubbornness." "Speaking of your people..." She paces a bit more toward the road. No intent aside from an idle desire to move her legs. "You are Ala Mhigan, are you not? Were you born there?" The Highlander watches her as she paces, "Aye, some five cycles before it's fall." She blinks noticeably at that. "You are my age?" She bites back a smirk. "T'would assume we're about th' same age. Though everyone seems te assume I'm older'n dirt I guess.” Gharen speaks as he moves to what looks like a comfortable spot and takes a seat in the grass. Kiht smiles lightly as she sits as well. "I do not suppose you remember much about where you were born. Do you ever wish to go back?" "I remember bits an' pieces, before th' occupation. Most o' it drowned out in th' background by th' night th' Garleans killed my parents. Dinnae care te go back till I found out th' truth o' who our family was. Now, I feel like it's an obligation, nae only te myself but fer Roen, an' others." The huntress raises a brow. "I had heard rumors of a resistance, so I began to search. I talked to another Ala Mhigan friend, and she lead me to them. They are no mere rumor. Mayhaps what I saw were merely followers, but I also saw those who were not Ala Mhigan, yet they joined their cause." She pauses. "Have you heard of this?" "Aye, got mixed up with them some time ago ye may recall, before our first encounter with Banurein? Mind ye, I've nae had anythin' te do with with them as o' late, been focus'n on recovery mostly. But I've heard rumblin' here an there, whispers among th' refugees." "I have seen the few refugees who brave the Shroud. I have seen how the hearers of Gridania deny them aid; saying the Elementals do not want them there." She sighs at the thought. "So it may surprise you to hear that the Twelveswood and the Ala Mhigans share the same enemy. The Gridanians are fools not to accept it, but the Garleans that encroach from the East... Those are from Gyr Albania." "Aye, dinnae surprise me th' Gridanian's are less than hospitable, many have long memories, an still remember th' Autumn war. Or heard an elder's tales o' it. Te this day it colors thier perception, resentment fer Ala mhigans leads te blindness o' th' more immediate an' dangerous threat. I would see th' empire forcibly removed from th' shroud if'n need be, as I've spent much time livin' under it's canopy." Kiht looks a bit surprised by that, but quickly continues. "Good, then you understand. The Autumn War, it was big enough to be passed down word-of-mouth in my family for generations, but I remember more recently the bombs dropped on the forest by the Garleans before the Calamity, and I am reminded every time I see that Castrum in East Shroud... " "Aye, I was nae there when th' Garlean's attacked, but aye, I can understand yer want te have them gone. I can almost guarantee th' resistance is lookin' te remove tha' obstacle, an has been fer awhile now. Th' gridanian's however, continue te be an issue." She gives him a curt nod. "Fortunately, I am not Gridanian. I was born in that forest as a member of the Jakkya family, and we knew no nation’s authority.... We had to work with them or around them because of their power, but never really part of them. I can not tell you what they will do, but you and your people have some friends in the Twelveswood. And if this resistance takes the fight to the Garleans in the East, I would go as well." "Well, I would thank ye an' be glad te have ye alongside as brethren. Th' resistance would certainly be lesser without yer skills.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kiht found herself relaxing. This man was nothing like the man she had fought. Before Gharen became ‘The Wolf’, she had only talked to him once. Those were tense times. Even if he was kind and respectful, he was Hells-bent on stopping Nero, the man who Roen loved. The love blinded Roen, and Kiht’s loyalty to Roen blinded her. Anyone who opposed Roen could not be trusted – that was Kiht’s mindset back then. Gharen had been in the right, but Kiht and his very sister wanted little to do with him. That is part of the reason why Kiht took on ‘The Wolf’. Even if Roen was away, Kiht became her envoy in an effort to save the man they should have trusted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A smile escapes Kiht as her mind returns to the present, but she averts her gaze. "Gratitude..." She speaks more softly then clears her throat. "I need to learn about them, earn their trust and help them gain support. As the only group looking to take the fight to the Garleans in the East, they are the best option." She lets out an exhale. "That is why I sought to speak with you, and all the other Ala Mhigans I know." "Well, I'm sure you've found them te be both stubborn, an' prideful, a common set o' traits amongst my people. Persist an' ye'll win them o'er, may nae always seem like it but.. A good portion o' us tend te be... A little rough around th' edges. Even I have trouble relatin' te many o' em' a good portion o' th' time." She snorts softly then nods. "Very well, I will be persistent... With respect. They would find it hard to get rid of me." A snicker. "Hells, even Roen can not get rid of me." He grins and shrugs "Well, If'n even my sister cannae shake ye," he says, insinuating the magnitude of his sibling’s stubbornness. "Ye'll have nae problems with th' rest." "Grand." She smiles as she looks back to him. "What of you? I doubt I have to show you where to find the resistance, but what is your plan?" "I have my camp upon th' edge o' th' shroud an' Thanalan. At th' beach I spoke with Melkire te introduce me te someone tha' may teach me th' fightin' arts o' Ala Mhigo, Specifically th' Fists' o' Rhaglr. I've met with her more'n a few times.. Gettin her te train me though has been a challenge howe'er. Bein' in Thanalan though puts me in proximity te Little Ala Mhigo, an' th' refugee camps, tis nae secret tha' there'd be resistance contacts abound there. When I feel I am healed enough, I'll make my efforts again with th' resistance. Tis somethin' I must do I think te see my people home where they belong, nae in th' caves an' squalor they are in now." "To tell you true, I feared what happened may have-. I feared it may have erased too much of your old self. I did not know you much before all the shite happened, but your spirit still seems as strong as it was back when you fought in the Grindstone." Gharen draws in a breath, "There are times when I look back, an' I don' feel like my old self.. I'm.. It's hard te explain, I still have nae memory o' what happened. I find myself doin' things differently, or reactin' te situations differently. It dinnae fee familiar, yet at th' same time, there are times I feel.. Well, whole." "Mayhaps that is normal change. I have changed as well. I use to think I knew everything. I use to think I understood what mattered... But things did not oft turn out how I wanted. It has taught me lessons." "Such is life, one lesson after another, some unfortunately harsher than others. Tis good though, I still recall our first meetin’. You seemed very, rigid in your beliefs, an' I can tell tha' in tha' short time ye've changed quite a bit." Kiht gazes to her hand and flexes it. "I still have my beliefs, but some other things... I have decided to admit that I have not learned everything yet. Honor is more complicated than I thought, and people are not always what they seem at first." "Well I don' question yer beliefs, but rather, jus point out tha' experience has earned ye flexibility o' mind an' self." She glances back to him, and smiles lightly. "You are very kind. It must be in the blood. Somehow you and Roen are both fighters, but also both kind to me. I know what you mean, and you are right. I am not offended by such an insight." "I am sure we get it from our mother's side o' th' family. O' course I'd do well nae te offend ye lest I wind up down range o' yer arrows.” He grins lightly in return at the jest. A chuckle escapes her before she remembers having shot him in the thigh, and she nearly loses her humor. Her face goes straight. ".... Then your mother was wise. I have met many fighters who thought they had to always be of a mind to fight. Their words had to be weapons, and their mood had to be angry." She pauses. "But I have more respect for those who know when they must use weapons and when they do not have to." "Well such severity shows a lack balance in their lives I suppose. A concept I'm sure ye an yers are all too familiar with. Whether it be a balance between nature an' man, or within one's self. Nae always easy to maintain as I've had te learn repeatedly I suppose but, tis a universal constant." "Indeed... It is." She says with mild surprise. Her mind ponders that for a moment. "I suppose I am still learning it myself. Things like mercy and justice can be about balance as well..." She lets out an exhale. "It will be grand to have you as an ally, Gharen." "An' you as well Miss Jakkya, t'would be foolish o' me te let my sister steal yer friendship all fer herself now wouldn't it?." He says and he pushes himself to his feet then turns to offer her a hand to help her to hers. Kiht takes his hand, and he helps her to her feet with little needed effort. She smiles slightly and averts her gaze for a moment before looking back to him. Their hands stay together, and she shakes his. "Mayhaps it would be." She speaks as she grows a mild smirk. Gharen shakes her hand in return. "I think so, though I must say Miss Jakkya, thank ye fer bein' such a good friend te Roen, and te myself especially when I most assuredly did nae deserve it." The huntress sighs lightly as she lets go of his hand. But her smile does not fade. "It is hard to tell who deserved what. All that happened was born from shite I still do not fully understand. You are welcome though. We Keepers are sentimental, and It kept me going. I just had to remember who she was, and who you were... Even if I did not know you well at the time." "Regardless ye have my thanks all th' same, and if'n yer ever in need. I'll help however I'm able." Kiht decides to finally let the man go. "Gratitude, Moonlight guide your path." The Highlander bows, "And to ye Miss Jakkya. I should nae take up more o' yer time." She gives him a slow, casual wave as she paces off. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kiht’s steps were light, but she insisted her stride be disciplined and strong. He was likely watching her go, or so she assumed. The visit to the beach had not yet let her know if Gharen would be recovering well from his ordeal. But this dusk there were no crossed loyalties, no lies, no conflicts of interest and nothing to prevent the Highlander and Keeper from being allies. This is what Kiht had always wanted; comrades who she could fight alongside, and people who would hunt the monsters with her.

Unfortunately, you won't find anything exactly that same color and pattern. It's unique to Gods Quiver NPCs. But you can get close. Look for the Rainmaker's Tunic on the market board. The design is identical, but the color of the sleeves are purple. You can only dye the main section. Boarskin Moccasins (from crafting or market board) are very similar to those boots. The Serpent Sergeant's Moccasins from the Adder's Nest may look closer to that design, but I don't think they are dye-able. The pants are some kind of trousers, almost all the types of trousers below level 50 look like that. The gloves look like some kind of half-gloves or fingerless gloves. There are several kinds on the market board. There are half-marks at much higher levels, and a full Ash Mask at a relatively low level. Both types can be found on the market board. Some might be special drops. The bow is a composite bow, and there are several kinds of those also on the market board. With the "Try On" feature, you can search the Market Board to see what it all looks like. Most of it should be pretty cheap, but again, it won't have the same exact colors and textures of that outfit. Dying and similar gear can simply get you close to that look.

Qara Hotgo walked through the Zephyr Gate in Limsa Lominsa towards Hawker’s Alley - the market-place of the city. Her pace was hurried as she made her way with intent. Moogles dominated much of the courier service in Eorzea, but there were always people who did not use them, or could not use them. Beastmen who traded with the races of man, refugees who wanted to make sure something got from one camp to another, those who needed something delivered directly to a settlement where Moogles didn’t commonly go and merchants who didn’t trust Moogles with their wares; these peoples gave Qara work. It was what she used to live on, but now she was doing it because she had missed it. The excuse of work to get out into the world to meet people was why she did it. Obligation motivated her to do what she really wanted, but nearly denied herself. She navigated the crowded streets – weaving around people who did not notice her. A smudge of blue paint under her right eye displayed her own little shield against fear and anxiety. With the Blue Spirit of Confidence watching, she was not allowed to feel fear of any kind. Her Kagon arming sword with the purple-hued blade hung at her belt along with her rolls of letters, and satchels of supplies. Her expression was serious until she noticed a familiar Goblin trying to argue with an annoyed Sea Wolf merchant at a stall. Something about Goblins calmed her, and she often felt more comfortable around them than she did her own race. “Listen ‘ere ya… Goblin! I ain’t got copper wire in stock yet. It ain’t been delivered this sun.” The Merchant spoke in his best attempt to remain professional. “Massive uplander told Gobbie that copperstring would be here todaynow. Why you changemind with Bigstix?” The Goblin responded, and as usual, it was hard to tell if he was angry or confused. Goblins always seemed a bit confused. “I didn’ changemind with Bigstix!” The Merchant quickly retorted then face-palmed at his sudden urge to speak like the Goblin. “Hi…” Qara interjected. Both the merchant and Bigstix turned towards her. Their gazes fell on her while she was mid-bow. “Sorry I’m late…” She spoke far more quietly than the two, stood up straight and unfastened a satchel form her belt before plopping it on the stall counter. “Copper wire. Very smelly.” “Yer not late. This Goblin’s ‘ere early.” The merchant corrected her. “Early flyingbird gets the copperstring!” Bigstix declared. “I wasn’ goin’ to sell yer order!” The Roegadyn grumbled. He placed a small sack of gil on the counter, and pushed it toward Qara as payment. “Scalefriend! How does daygo?” Bigstix asked Qara; seemingly familiar with her. She smiled at the Goblin. “Muchbusy, but very peacelike.” “Goodgood, twicegood!” Bigstix placed the gil on the counter to pay for the order then took the whole satchel of copper wire. “Bigstix has to gonow. There is muchto be donenow.” He waved at Qara and began to waddle off. “Bigstix.” Qara turned toward him. “Take Southpath back to Gobbiecamp. Usualway has muchpirates today.” The Goblin paused for a moment then waved back. “Thanksmuch for warning!” The Xaela continued to smile as he walked off when a sudden familiarity hit her, and made her horns tingle. All the positions of the footfalls and voices in hearing range could be identified. Her horns were good at telling her where things came from, and this familiar sound came from somewhere in the crowd. If only she could make out what the voice had said, but the vibrations awoke memories of Othard. Emotions began to surge in her mind as her eyes tensed and tingled; threatening to let out tears. “You are being watched” a deep, masculine voice echoed in her mind. She quickly reached under her shirt, and grasped a dark red stone attached to a necklace. Her fingers curled around it, and she gripped as if trying to crush it. “Shut up! You know nothing.” She whispered sharply to herself. It was odd for the manifestation of her other side to speak to her. It usually only happened when she was under extreme stress, but her day had been peaceful thus far. She began to look around as the world outside her mind came back into focus. The familiarity was gone. The only people looking at her were curious passers-by who heard her abrupt whisper. However, their gazes did not linger long before they went about their own business. Qara let out a sigh. It was time to go home for the day.

[align=center]The Rain From Doma[/align] Yasu Hasimoto came from a people who have lost just as much as the Ala Mhigans. Kiht knew this, and it meant a unique opportunity. As the Garleans made many enemies, and those enemies continued to gather in Eorzea, the Empire was unwittingly building up an army of refugees that had little to lose, and much to gain from war. Ala Mhigans were known for their martial prowess, but the Domans did not lack it. Yasu was one of the best Raen Archers Kiht had ever met. The middle-aged, veteran soldier was exactly what the resistance needed. However, in order for KIht to ask for Yasu to break from her new life to fight the Garleans again, she would have to remind the Raen of old scars and unforgettable loss. Kiht Jakkya makes her way under the shade of a small tree near Apkallu falls in Old Gridania. Her gaze finds the fair Raen who sits on one of the provided benches. "Greetings, enjoying yourself?" Yasu sat there with her eyes closed, meditating to the sound of the gentle springs. At the sound of her friend's voice, she regards Kiht with a smile. "Yes, for now. Will you sit?" "I see sitting is a custom for you as well. Everyone likes sitting." She mutters, but smiles lightly. "You seem relaxed, or mayhaps it is that clothing." The Raen did indeed look quite comfortable, wearing looser clothing and her hair casually wrapped in a bun. "I take some time to rest here with other people. There is a festival. Lots of life and lots of smiles, it is always good to see." She pauses. "How are you since the battle?" The Keeper shrugs. "I know not what to think. We defeated his men, but he got away. I am not discouraged by that even if many seem to be. Those people we fought were not just hired bandits. They were his comrades. He is without them now, and he will eventually come back for me. I suppose the next thing I must do is see if I can catch him before he is ready to do that." The Doman nods. "I will help you, like always." She reaches over slowly, placing a gentle hand on Kiht's arm. "You are strong but you have many friends that can help you too. These battles are not yours alone." "Gratitude, Yasu. I suppose I will see how many of them are willing to chase a stone." She cants her head a bit. "When this is over, I am taking the fight to them. They have caused too much, and ruined too much. I had nearly forgotten as I tried to return to the past." "If only my people were strong as Eorzeans, we would have been free. But we lost." She says softly. "I am happy enough to be fighting for another home. Maybe, one sun, I will return to mine." "If Eorzea can be free, so can Othard one sun." The huntress reaches to grab Yasu's arm that had extended to her shoulder - the gesture meant to awaken her from her memories. "Yasu... Do not lose pride in your people. The Garleans are no jest, and I tell you many are very afraid of them. We did not win, we fought them to a stalemate, and this war is not over. They wish for us to think that, so we will let down our guard. Mayhaps we can not travel across the sea to save your home yet. But we have to kick them out of our home first. The fight starts here… The Shroud, Gyr Albania, Ala Mhigo, Doma and Othard - they are all linked by this one enemy. We will use the chain they have made, and follow it to the source." Yasu offers Kiht a warm smile, closing her eyes as she looks forwards. "My husband's last wish was for me to find a new life and a new home, when we lost everything. But even his spirit must know, the fire of a warrior's heart only fades with their life." She moves onto a stand. "For each dream taken away from my children, hundreds of their lives will be taken." Kiht rests her hands in her lap. "I will always be a Huntress; you will always be a Warrior. Old ways do not fade easily, not for my kin, and mayhaps not for yours. But for what it is worth to your husband, this new home can not be safe until the Garleans are gone." "I know... That is why I must continue to fight." She turns away and inhales deeply then exhales a heavy sigh. "I will ready everything for the suns to come. You know you may call me anytime you need help, yes?" "Indeed. Moonlight guide your path, Yasu." The Keeper speaks, sincerely. Yasu bows courteously to Kiht in Doman fashion. "Thank you. Sleep well, Kiht-o." As Yasu walked away, Kiht wondered if Yasu had even left the war in the first place. Behind the calm and kind demeanor, Yasu did not hesitate to take up the coming battles. However, who could ever truly move on when one’s children were taken from them? The Ala Mhigans gained another ally.

[align=center]Honor's Last Candle[/align] Never did Kiht Jakkya think she would adapt to, nor appreciate, anything aside from the Shroud. However, La Noscea was not so unfavorable anymore. The sea air no longer burned her nose, and the judgement of nature did not feel as ever-present as it did in her home forest. She could enjoy the breeze, and the weather. There was a big lack of shade during the sun, but dusk brought a fairness to the air that she enjoyed. The Keeper knew 'he' was on this island, but she did not know where. She still had eyes in many places like a stubborn spider who kept rebuilding her web even as countless strands were destroyed by the weathering of time and life. Every time he called her ‘little sister’, the guilt would strike her like lightning. She had to drop this final burden of the past if she was to truly continue into the future. "Osric, are you there? Do you still have this thing?" Kiht called into the linkpearl. "....... course I still have this bloody thing. It's mine, ain't it?" "Indeed, but with how we have gone through linkshells in the past... Nevermind. I need to speak with you." A grunt. "Well, there's this pearl... 'n' if y'don't trust it, or you need t'speak with me in person... that's a tad tricksier. I'm. Ahhh. On Vylbrand. Where I'm wanted. Head, axe, that sort' of thing." He was ever the man of discretion. When she first met him, he did not even speak his real name. He had always acted like someone who was trying to avoid notice. She supposed that came with his life. But this time, she needed to talk to him face to face. She would not hide behind the linkpearl. "What I need to speak with you about is not really meant for the ears of others. I mean, I can tell you over the pearl if I must. It may become awkward..." "Nah, nah... come t'Red Rooster. There's a, um... shite, the hells would you call this, Kana? A storage room? What'd the man tell you when y'asked t'rent out the space?" "Storage, love." Another voice spoke; Kanaria's voice. His wife was with him. She was surprised. However, she was not afraid to let Kanaria hear the truth as well. This involved her too, and she has always had a calming effect on him. It was good she was there. ".....I know where that is. Worry not." "Aye, but it's got a table 'n' chairs 'n' everythin'-- oh! Oh. That's good. Be seein' you soon, then." "Indeed." Red Rooster Stead… How ironic that this was the place she first asked that woman to help her. The place she used her knowledge to help the Exiles interrogate that assassin. This is the place she first stepped into the mud, and even when one wades in with the intent to step out soon after, they will find that their feet are still dirty until cleaned. "That's why I asked you t'rent it out. Bad enough that I can't afford t'be seen by jacks 'n' the Storm." Osric Melkire sighed. "Pissin' Red Rooster... used t'bunk in the Quay when I needed to." Kiht arrived and heard the voices. Despite her intent, she was not too nervous. It was time to clean off her feet. She sniffs the air as she enters the storage room then closes the doors; making a light creaking sound. "Osric?" "Round the corner!" Osric smirked at Kiht, and Kanaria wore her usual smile. "Lo, Kiht." The couple sat upon stacks of boxes behind a wall in the corner of the warehouse. It was dim and dusty, and Osric looked like a vagrant pirate who had brought a fair maiden into a secluded place for a seedy affair. But even Kiht would not speak such a thought to them. Kiht glances between them and smirks lightly. "How romantic." "You ain't seen romantic 'til you've been to the Torch on the right night." Kanaria spoke sarcastically with a smirk. "Very." "Like the night I found you under attack? Well, that was day I suppose..." "..." Osric scowled. "That doesn't count." The huntress lets out a soft snort. "Nay, I suppose it does not..." Her expression grows more serious. "Mayhaps this is not the best time, but I am not sure when that would be. I need to speak with you about the past... So that I can look to the future." Osric blinked and shifted to face the Keeper. "Been a lot o' that goin' around. Reflection 'n' foresight, that is. Fair's fair; you've helped us more'n we can count, 'bout time we can help you." Kanaria tilted her head slightly, curiosity showing within her lavenders. Kiht nods slowly. "Have I helped you, or have I simply tried to undo what I may have caused?" She lowers her head a bit. "I do not know anymore... That sun on the beach, well, you reminded me of a mistake I had made. I am not sure you know the extent of it." Osric had the gall to look ashamed. "Errrr... don't mind what comes out o' my mouth. Gods know, 'n' so does Kana, that I'm one t'rave, rant, and ramble.... That said, might be best that you explain. From the beginnin'." She shakes her head slowly. "I lied to you... Mayhaps it was long ago, but I did do it. I thought I knew what honor was, but I was a girl. I might still be a girl. Experience has humbled me, and..." A pause. "I do not even remember what lies were told by people and what truths were revealed. It was one problem after another." "Truth 'n' lies went hand in hand back then," Osric murmurs. "We were still learnin' where we each stood, with 'n' against whom." "I let her go... The first time. I let that monster go." She tries to meet his gaze. "I do not even fully know why. Fear I would not admit, or mayhaps I fooled myself into thinking I knew honor. Mayhaps I just did not have it in me to kill her right then and there." "You speak o' Banurein." Kanaria glanced up to Ossy then back to Kiht. Kiht slowly nods. "You know she got away from me, but what you do not know is the first time I could have killed her. We were in the midst of Gridania, but I could have. She was helpless..." "...and y'chose Mercy over Justice." Osric spoke those words with a casual air... but the emphasis on them was clear. The Keeper’s expression turns to stone neutral, but with a hint of tension. "I did not know what justice was back then. I was not the law, not the military. I was barely more than one who hunted animals. I had fought before... After the Calamity, but it is different when the one you face is helpless before you; no weapons, no emotions. Just a woman sitting on a bench..." Kanaria interjected. "Did you know she would come to ruin us all at that point in time?" Osric glanced at Kanaria. "That's a fair point. Did you?" Kiht closes her eyes and shakes her head. "Nay, I did not..." Kana pursed her lips lightly, thinking for a moment. "Hmm... Then there is no reason to be beating yourself over this." She sat up, folding her legs to one side. "It would be very different if you had known." Kiht opens her eyes. "I am not sure it is that simple. I will not lie again. I knew she was wanted. Osric told me to let him catch her. I had a choice, and I chose to talk to her first. I wanted to know if she was truly deserving of the fate the Flames had in store for her. I did not know Osric well at the time, and I judged wrong." Osric frowned. "What's past is past. She disappeared, aye, but the only one likely t'hold you t'account for that is Grimsong... 'n' she ain't here, 'n' we're not like to tell her." Kanaria bowed her head in a slow nod. "I see." Lavenders looked up to Ossy then returned to Kiht. "Aye, we are good at keeping things hush, hush." "Still leaves us wonderin' what brought this up, though. You said you're lookin' to the future." The Keeper's ears lower. She reaches to untie her bandana. It was getting uncomfortable on her head. Everything was uncomfortable... "Mayhaps you misunderstand. I am not worried about the law. It is you two who were most hurt by my choice." Osric snorted. "Don't rightly see how. Banurein leaves us well enough alone. It's Roen 'n' Gharen 'n' Delial she plays with. Worst thing t'come o' her for us was Cedric mistakin' Kanaria here for Raelisanne." He shrugged. "Was tryin' to catch the bitch on account o' Grimsong turnin' her coat. That was her condition." Kanaria nodded. "Yes, that was a /fun/ time. I've never been detained in my life." "...there was that one time where y'--" Kanaria's gaze jumped to her bonded, eyeing him. "When I what?" Osric seemed to wilt before her eyes. "...nothin'. Forget I said anythin'." Kana pursed her lips at him and returned her gaze to Kiht. Kiht nearly snorts. "Then why were you so angry? Hells, I put this off for so long because I expected I would have your daggers at my throat." She pauses. "I helped to fix Gharen, I am not sure all that she did to him could be undone. Delial has shite she has done as well, she has no right to judge, and I already told Roen this..." Osric stared at Kiht, and worked his jaw for a moment or two. "I had a lot o' cause for anger, back then. I'd better explain...." Kiht's fists tighten at her sides. One clenches her bandana. "May as well. My feet are stuck here for a time..." He reached up and pulled his own bandana off, shaking his hair loose with a sigh. "Five cycles, I'd served with the Flames, the night I saw you 'n' Xydane speakin' with Erik." "Two o' those, I'd spent drillin' new recruits. Wastin' m'life away, as it were, on account o' pissin' off the rich 'n' wealthy somethin' fierce. For that, I'd spent two moons in the oubliettes. The Blades gave me these." Osric ran his fingers over his left cheek, and his right eye. "I was sick 'n' tired o' bein' pulled around, powerless... helpless... no purpose...." Kiht's gaze remains fixed on him as he speaks, but she is still tense like a statue. Osric shrugged. "Stumblin' across Vale's handiwork? Discoverin' that Mynhier had gone missin'? That a Garlean coeurl was plannin' on blowin' up half the gods-damned Jewel? That gave me purpose. That gave me room to work with. 'n' it grew, 'n' grew, 'n' grew... more 'n' more. I could stretch m'wings. At a word, folks'd line up t'speak their secrets 'n' desires, because I'd forged connections. Links to a chain, one that I held.": "...and then you balked me." "You balked me, 'n' then all the folk I'd gone t'such lengths to ingratiate m'self with, to earn their trust... they started lookin' at me funny. Lookin' at me sidelong." "I /hated/ that, 'n' I hated you for bein' the cause." Osric scowled... but not at Kiht. At himself, more like. "I missed m'chance at Banurein. Epinoch came along, and after the chaos he left in his wake, her pawn... Taeros... his power 'n' influence grew. Mine was left in /pieces/." "Now d'you get it? Now d'you understand? I was a child throwin' a tantrum." She goes quiet for a moment as she frowns. "I was a child trying to be a Matriarch. Mayhaps we had much in common... Even if our lives made us something different." "Aye. I stopped hatin' you, y'know. After that talk we had o' jackals." Osric fell silent for a moment, and then... then he whispered four words across the room to her. "After you accompanied Roen." Kanaria Melkire thumbed over to Ossy. "You should see him when he's sick. Anyroad, I believe we've all moved on from that point, yes?" "...oi!" Osric pouted. Kiht raises both brows, and is made speechless for another moment before she gives a slight nod. "So, little sister. We clear? You don't owe me anythin'. I was a fool, same as you." The Keeper lets out a long exhale. "I recently learned that I need to understand honor. It is not something I have just by following a code. And that is why I am here. Not only to confess, but to tell you what I plan to do about it." Osric leans to one side, towards Kanaria. "I hate confessions. Remind me o' gods-damned Ishgardian orthodox." "...go on, then." Kanaria snickered lightly, he was such an arse. "We are clear, but I still feel I need to do something." She speaks after a pause. "That's life, aye. We keep movin' or else the guilt gets t'us. This about Banurein in the end, then? Or are y'still goin' on about apologies 'n' Justice 'n' makin' things right by payin' off debts?" "In the end, who did she serve? That monster in woman's form." Kiht asks as she regards Osric. Osric blinks. "Huntress, I know not." His frown deepens, and he looks to Kanaria. "I'm startin' to talk like /him/. Slap me, next time." "Garleans... I did not tell you that either? .... Shite. That part was not intentional. I mean, she serves herself, but she gets support from Garleans." "...that'd explain Jameson's ceruleum-powered suit." Osric pinches the bridge of his nose. "Ain't a soul in Ul'dah who could make somethin' like that, not since the Ironworks moved to the Toll." "That it would, and I will slap you." Kana adds. "I said next time!" Osric shuffles away from Kanaria and blows her a raspberry. "Yes next time, not now." "So. Garleans." Kiht relaxes her posture a bit more now that the two are playing around. "I have decided to hunt monsters. I will not shy from ending them. But there are monsters at the throats of Eorzea as we speak. Those Garleans." "...if you're meanin' their forces stationed at their castri, or the gods-damned spies 'n' informants they've slipped into our midst, good on you." Kanaria lofted a brow at her but said nothing, her thoughts her own at the moment. "But I /won't/ be hearin' o' you takin' on m'earlier request without the others. That's /suicide/." Things were going smoothly, Kiht thought, and everything felt normal with Orsic interrupting her long, speech-like statements. People loved to do that to her… "Many times they have encroached into East Shroud from Gyr Albania, and Castrum Orriens sits there in my home like a giant boar that thinks it is supposed to be there. I am tired of it. Are you not tired of them?" She asks like a grumpy old person who wants some kids off her lawn. "...I am," answers the Lominsan after a moment's hesitation. He glances towards Kanaria. "But I've certain obligations, and... truth be told... my interest ain't in Oriens but what lays beyond it." He looks back to Kiht. "Word from the Flames has it that more 'n' more men and women are bein' sent north, to be stationed with the Resistance. I know one too many good souls... many o' which I instructed... t'just sit 'ere and not do what I can t'bring them all back home." Osric speaks up again, before Kiht can. "That said! We're resolvin' business at the moment, both here 'n' with the Dauntless. Ain't sure how long that's like to take." Kiht curtly nods. "Then you know as well? While Orriens and the Shroud -are- my concern, that is not my solution. Nay, I heard rumors of the resistance; the only people with the spine to take the fight to the Garleans in Gyr Albania. I am not Ala Mhigan, but I and a few of my friends have been thinking of joining their fight." Osric eyes Kanaria, catches her attention, and just... stares at her. "Give us a moment, Kiht. While y'do, I've a question t'put to you." Kanaria shifted her gaze up to Ossy, she glanced back to Kiht a few times before giving him an odd look. "Ask me anything." Kana smiled up to him and nodded. "Are you doin' this out o' concern and a genuine stake? Or jus' because you're feelin' guilty as all hells?" He asks Kiht. Kiht turns and paces for the door. "Call me back when done." The huntress was surprised, and it seemed she surprised them. As she waited outside the warehouse, her mind had not left it. Even when she made it clear what she did, and why it was wrong, they let it go. It was like an old burden she had forgotten about had been lifted from her shoulders. She was unaware he hated her once. Though the revelation did not surprise her. The Keeper’s old code had always been something most did not understand. Justice had always been something she saw akin to laws from city-states. Their idea of ‘justice’ was something she was never interested in. It was not this breach of Justice that made her regret her choice… It was how much she misjudged Raelisanne, and how she let someone go who brought suffering to others. Kiht let an enemy of Eorzea go even if the woman claimed not to be. She let a Garlean go even if the woman claimed not to be one. In Kiht’s protest against city-state ideas of ‘Justice’, she overlooked a far simpler justice… Enemies and their allies must be stopped. Garleans bombed the Shroud before the Calamity, and they continue to try to invade. Anyone who works with them is not just an enemy of the city-states, but an enemy of those who call the forest home. "Kiht? Y'can come on back, now." Osric's voice came through her pearl. Kiht made her way back in. Her answer had been made long before she left the warehouse. He did not know how long she had been thinking on this. "Your answer first. Then ours." An audible breath escapes Kiht. "This place is stuffy." She composes her thoughts. "I am doing this for stake and concern. I give you my word. It is simply the guilt that opened my eyes. Made me see I have to fight the battles of those who fight the ones that invade my home. I must care for others; not just my little corner of the woods." Osric considers that for a few moments. "That... is the answer of a matriarch. Yes. Our answer is yes." Kanaria nods in agreement. The Keeper smiles. "Grand.... What are you saying 'yes' to?" "We'll help. Soon as we're clear of our own dangers, which we will be. Soon enough, anyroad. We'll come with when the time's right 'n' knock down the gates o' Oriens on both ends. Down the path 'til Ala Mhigo we'll go, if need be." "On one condition." Kiht grows an expression of understanding now. "Grand! That is good to hear. I... Do not have as many allies as I once had. I am glad you two are still among them." She perks a brow. "What is the condition?" "...Been some time since our paths crossed often." He throws a meek grin Kanaria's way, then turns back to Kiht with pride. "We've two daughters now. One's adopted, the other's blood. You'll understand if we keep our distance from the worst of it, for their sake." "Aye." She blushed softly thinking of their little ones. Her eyes blink as her mouth goes slightly agape. Her ears perk up as she grows a grin. "You have children?" Her voice squeaks a bit. But she quickly clears her throat. "....Indeed, I understand. I am glad... I mean, congratulations." As she concluded her talk with the two, and said her farewells, she could not help but feel some of her old strength return. She heard one more thing uttered from Osric as she left. "...That wasn't what I expected." It was not what she expected either. The most challenging thing in nature is balancing fear and bravery. It is easy to get wrong; even for the oldest and wisest of us. It felt like every cycle brought her more caution. Wisdom tempered much in her. However, she was not ready to get rid of her bravery, and this dusk reminded her that she still had it. She will no longer feel shame when he calls her ‘little sister’.

KIHT FOR SCOUTING THE TOWN. MUST HAVE. ty ^^

[align=center]Guild Report: Band of Keepers Fight Injustice[/align] [align=center]By Elviane Tinville of The Raven[/align] As stated in my previously corrected report, ‘Identity of King Poach of the Coeurlclaws Revealed’, I have found a truth far deeper and more heroic than the identity of said King. What I have for you is the beginning of a movement; a band of heroes who stand up for love and fight injustice. Keepers of the Moon who have said enough is enough, and take the fight to the groups of outlaws who give the more oppressed races of the Twelveswood a bad name! Simb’a Fuhkintia, now revealed to be a mixed-clan Miqo’te who is actually named S’imba, met with me near the Botanist’s Guild on one fateful night not long ago, and explained how the confusion happened. I found the sketch of him to be -very- accurate, but as a show of peace, he came to me unarmed. The suspected alliance between the Red Belly Wasps and the Coeurlclaw Poachers is lead by one horrible Elezen named Archford! S’imba further revealed that the dastardly alliance has now gained Garlean support! This rising threat may finally gain the attention of the Gridanian military. More on that later. For now, Archford has set out to kidnap or assassinate a Moon-Keeper woman named Kiht who S’imba confessed his undying love for. Truly, love is what made this brave hero come forth to reveal this information to me. Together with Nihka’to, S’imba and Kiht take on both forces of outlaws and their greedy, Garlean co-conspirators for the sake of love, justice and redemption for their race! However, Archford is said to be hiding and secretly building his forces for a strike at the band who I now affectionately call “The Usurpers”. S’imba desperately prepares for war as he struggles with coming to terms with his feelings for Kiht, and dealing with the growing jealousy of Nihka’to who is also in love with the same woman! Upon further investigation, I found little information on the trio since S’imba never offered out their family names. However, I would reward any people who come forth with information about The Usurpers, and extend invitations to any members of The Usurpers who would be willing to join me in an interview. Some local Moon-Keepers are already rallying in favor of The Usurpers while other Gridanians are not so convinced. One orphaned Moon-keeper praises them as her new icons while a local Wood Wailer has branded them as another potential group of poachers who may be simply fighting in a feud with the Coeurlclaws. Only Althyk will tell as his holy hour-glass relentlessly pours the sands of time. Keep watch for my reports in the future as I continue to cover this matter like a hungry raven watching a garden. May Menphina the Lover guide these heroes true.

[align=center]Corrected Report[/align] *Pasted below the original* Earlier I wrote a report on the identity of the Coeurlclaw King. Unfortunately, new information has come forth from a young male Miqo’te who was framed in the report, and the results of the Wood Wailer investigation are in. Young Simb’a Fuhkintia is not King Poach, and the Fuhkintia Moon-Keeper family have been found innocent. In fact, the name was born from a misunderstanding. The young man’s name is S’imba, and he refused to speak his family name. The young S’imba fit the sketch all so well, and he has Moon-keeper eyes. I suspect he is a mixed-clan Miqo’te. The rarity of male Miqo’te combined with the Wood Wailers spotting him during a battle with the Coeurlclaws lead to him being falsely framed as the King. They are wrong, and I was wrong. His testimony has revealed a far more heroic truth that was covered by this misunderstanding. Keep your eyes open for my up-coming report that will detail that truth, and reveal a story worthy of song!

[align=center]Guild Report: Identity of King Poach of the Coeurlclaws Revealed![/align] [align=center]By: Elviane Tinville of The Raven[/align] Many of you know of them – the band of brigands and bastardettes known as the Coeurlclaws that infest South Shroud, and poach, pillage and plunder! They are the worst the Keepers of the Moon have to offer, and it is a wonder that the Elementals have not dealt with them by now! Until recently, the leader of this savage Clan was known only as King Poach, or the Coeurlclaw King. He is elusive, and clever. Attempts to apprehend him have always been thwarted, and he continues to sit upon a throne of poached bones and hides. However, some brave Adventurers and Wood Wailers have come together to share information on the savage King, and they now have a more complete profile on him than ever before! *There is a sketch of a male Keeper. He is shirtless with over-exaggerated muscles like a Roegadyn. He holds an ornate great sword with one hand, and a war axe in the other hand. The expression on his face is furious, and he wears fur leggings with scruffy hair tied in a bandana. * This is the most recent appearance of King Poach; drawn by a rather skilled and artistic Wood Wailer! A wealthy merchant, who has decided to remain anonymous, has offered 1,000,000 gil to any registered Adventurer who captures King Poach alive, and brings him to justice! And now, Adventurers are more informed than ever before to apprehend the Carnivorous Claw King! A brave, anonymous Duskwight has stepped forth to reveal the real name of King Poach: Simb’a Fuhkintia! The Fuhkintia Keeper of the Moon family is outraged, and they deny all association with the Coeurlclaws. However, the Wood Wailers saw fit to conduct a full investigation of the family, and it is currently still underway. Further information from our daring Duskwight witness has confirmed that the Coeurlclaws and the Red Belly Wasps may be forming an alliance that could threaten the Southern settlements of Gridania! I boldly approached the Gods Quiver about this, and asked one stalwart ranger for her opinion on the matter. Could such an alliance of lawbreakers become a military threat to Gridania, and will the Gods Quiver get involved? The following is her response that she demanded I quote word for word. “Uh… Well, any large force of people could be a military threat… But-“ That is when I thanked her for her time! She was quite busy. But it is confirmed; the Gods Quiver see this new alliance as a growing military threat, and it is up to you Adventurers to cut off the head of the Coeurl before it is too late!

This is guess-work based on observations of Miqo'te culture because there is just really nothing I've seen that gives us info on how they perceive same-sex couples. You probably know Keeper males wander. While I don't see it as outside the realm of possibility that they visit their family on occasion, they are very independent, and live by their own individual creed. Because the Lorebook also states that family/sept (for Keepers) and tribe (for Seekers) customs vary a bit from group to group, I doubt Keeper males choose to abide by any one set of customs. As they visit other Keeper septs, they would encounter new customs they would have to adapt to for the short-term. Emphasis on "be adaptable" means I doubt there would be any feeling of betraying a code or custom. However, a feeling that he might be discarding his role for the survival of his race might be there. But I think that depends on the character more than anything, and I would advise you do what you think is more fun to play around with. Now, as for the man he's fallen for being a Seeker, we are also dealing with a lack of info. We know there are several half-Seeker half-Keeper NPCs in the game. I just still don't know how it's perceived. I assume there will be those who want to abide by Clan purity; otherwise, Seekers and Keepers would have merged long ago. But your character can't have biological children with this man he loves, so there is literally no "harm" aside from what I stated above. Also, keep in mind the Goddess the Keepers worship the most is Menphina the Lover. There is argument that can be made for Keepers being accepting of love regardless of who that love is for. In the end, the lack of specific info means you can do anything you want with this. Again, I'd say do what you think will be more fun to play out.

It won't really effect my role play. I already grew use to a lot of RPers playing their characters as 'Jobs'. One of my characters even knows the arts of a 'Job' now. What interests me the most is the part of the New Disciplines entry that states there are emerging new 'Jobs' and Mechanist is simply the most prominent. What other new disciplines are out there? I would love if the lore book stated some other examples even if those 'Jobs' are less prominent.

I'm signing Kiht Jakkya up for Warning the Farms

That entry in the Lorebook is an error, or a blatant contradiction that may not be resolvable, and may have to be ignored. Here's my argument. http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/63112-Race-Naming-Conventions?p=1014930&viewfull=1#post1014930 This is the naming conventions post that is still up on the FFXIV forums. This is what was used to give us our conventions on Au Ra names too.

Sl33t, I LOVE the amount of detail you put in this post. This kind of thing was something I wanted to do in the past, but I joined the game right as people were coming from 1.0, and was rather alone with my character theme. Kiht Jakkya has only ever met one other Keeper wilderness nomad, and that character's player has long since left the game For three years, she's had to walk the line between her heritage and the civilized world. I don't regret it, I've made many friends, but in her heart, she is still a traditional Keeper. I don't know if Kiht would fit, and I don't know how much spare time I would have on her for another LS, but I am very interested in how things go. If things slow down a bit, maybe I can arrange RP with the LS members on Kiht or her sister. I'd join if you don't mind someone who would be observing the channel, and participating in OOC discussions most of the time. RP would depend on an opening in my unpredictable, but busy schedule.

Hi, so I’ve played a Keeper of the Moon who was raised in a traditional/old fashioned family for nearly three years now, and I’ve read all the lore I know of. I’ve also spent many hours theory-crafting what Kiht’s childhood and life would have been like before she entered into the life in which I’ve played out over the last three years. Some parts of your questions can be answered with lore while other parts need a little theory-craft. Instead of echoing the lore already posted above, I will confirm and tell you what I think. I would say: not usually. Adult males wander, and their birthrate is far lower than that of females. There is a greater chance that a male will sire many children with several different partners in his lifespan, and as he leaves one mate behind, that mate may meet a different wandering male later. Most lore I have seen has Keepers talking about being raised by their mothers. No mention of the father. However, I thought of one possible way for Keepers to know of their fathers. I think it’s possible a male may wander back to a mate he has had before, and may meet his children. I think this might be uncommon, but I don’t see why it would never happen. People can develop preferences, and I could imagine a wandering male developing a preference for a certain female or group of them. Why not? Males are named based on birth order, but because they don't usually stay with the family as adults, I doubt it plays any part in social hierarchy. My theory is they are named by order as a means of showing how many sons a single female has. I could imagine it being a prestigious thing for a female to have many sons since they are usually so rare. Otherwise, why give them their mother’s name along with the suffix? I believe Keepers might care who the mother of a male was, or they’d just give them random forenames. Females -may- have social hierarchy based on birth order because they usually remain with the family, and that likely means the eldest daughter will inherit roles, responsibilities and property of the mother. This is just an assumption on my part. I'd imagine most fathers don't usually grow close to their children since they would have them with multiple mates through their lives. As you already saw, this is pretty backed-up by lore. However, mothers do raise their children directly, and this includes their sons and daughters both. I really don’t think males could survive as lone wanderers unless they were strong and knowledgeable. They are probably taught how to hunt, fight and survive on their own. This means lots of training from their family which would be made up of mostly females. I’ve never seen lore to suggest males are given the boot as children. This would be a horrible idea. Males are rare enough by birthrate, and to make a small minority even smaller by casting them out to grow and survive in nature seems like Keepers would be inviting extinction. The Black Shroud is -not- a safe place. I’d be more willing to accept that males are grown and trained until they come of age then are given an encouraging boot. It is insinuated that adult males are only welcomed in short spurts. So my theory is they prepare the boys for a long, nomadic life. Some have hypothesized that males are treated as lesser, or downright abused. But I don't think so. Abusing males would make them fearful of females, and less likely to visit with their "gifts of game" for some romance. Keepers also worship Menphina the Lover as their patron goddess. "The Lover". Unless all males are born as masochists, I don't see abuse as being true to Menphina. I only mention this because I see it as a common theme for many male Keeper player characters to think females are horrible because they abuse males. I don’t think that’s actually common lore-wise. Keepers live in small, tight-knit groups of two or three families. These groups seem to be informal as they are often nameless. There’s been countless arguments about what to even call a Keeper group (clan, sept, tribe?). The lore doesn’t name them. To me, this means the members of these groups would have to be highly cooperative, and every member would be important because of limited numbers. That said, Keepers are known to have a reputation for tenacity. This shows in most Keeper NPCs you encounter. Females can’t rely on males to serve much of a role in their society, so they take on every job that needs to be done. Males are independent and solitary, so they have to be tough, “lone wolves” or they die to a house-sized scorpion or something. I imagine this tenacity can breed tensions and rivalries. But within families, this is likely kept in some kind of check for the sake of close-knit cooperation. I respect you for going into this sort of detail with your character while using the lore for reference. This has come up a lot. The typical approach is: his mother could be blessed for having male offspring more than most other females. I doubt it would be seen as crazy; lore wouldn’t mention naming conventions for up to ten sons if it -never- happened. It’s just very rare. That said, I’d bet you the family would raise all the boys the same way they raise any boys. Also keep in mind that there can always be exceptions to rules and commonalities. Let the lore inspire you and guide you, but not dictate what your character must be. Sometimes it’s fun to be contrary too.

Kiht will be attending for sure! I will see if I can muster up a team. Got nearly four weeks after all.

Signing up Qara Hotgo for Roe Country for Old Men, please. Just need to revise her sheet to the new rules.