Aya

I would have thought that being able to jump really well and fast would be a minor thing compared to throwing fire from the hands and creating magical faeries. I still do not get the objections. Who says there are not inexperienced dragoons who cannot jump well? That's never been implied anywhere. That's like complaining that experienced thaumaturges ought not be able to cast fireballs. Sure there may be young ones still learning how to, but no one would think to object to an experienced black mage lobbing one. Only Dragoons seem to be coming under this additional layer of scrutiny and nitpicking about physics.

Yes Verad exactly that! ^^ There really are no hard and fast rules though and different things always strike players different ways. Just have to do your best to navigate such conundrums and have fun!

Or that could be a difference between the Dragoon "job" (a class of Ishgardian warrior) and the title itself. Paladins have a similar asymmetry. And sorry Warren that particular argument just kind of riled me because it's a damned if you do damned if you don't moment. I also don't like "the aether did it" but it's absolutely essential to understanding and accepting EVERY job, and most classes in the game. Leaving Dragoons to hang in the wind as the only job that has to be realistic and believable is... I don't know.

Who knows what sort of targets Dragoons likely use? They're probably trying to hit very specific points on a dragon since so much of the beast is not worth the risk of a jump attack to strike! Learning to hit targets the size of marmot hardly seems unreasonable in the realm of FF. I certainly agree that any concept can be played poorly, but there seems to be a serious "lol dragoon" current throughout this thread. I don't like to see anyone's RP dismissed out of hand, especially with an air of superiority; it just isn't nice! Dragoons know how to jump in combat. They know how to do so very well. They've spent their lives learning to do just that. They've honed skills that are unlike any in the real world, and can accomplish aerial feats only possible in fantasy. Just flatly stating, "it's stupid to jump in combat because believable" is not going to count as a valid justification for being a jerk in my book.

This thread is is kind of depressing. When I first noticed it I thought to myself, "I've never actually seen a stigma against Dragoons in RP, I'm really not sure it exists" (stigma in PvE being a completely different matter). But, what this thread has done is confirm that it does in fact exist, that very stigma being expressed so clearly and earnestly in this thread. But why? Believability is, of course, important, I agree entirely, and am always a proponent of it. But what is being said here is essentially, "Physics, biology, chemistry, etc, these are all incredibly important. We must agree on them as a standard so that we all have an idea of how this world works. That said, this guy here can launch fire from his hands, she can cause fatal wounds to mend with mystical power, this guy can smash things like his fists are made of steel, this fellow can use his bow like an area-effect death cannon, these things are all great, and understandable, within our 'realistic' framework. Jumping though? That's ridiculous! How could you ever hit anything that was moving? It just doesn't make sense! It bends believability too far! Now, you'll have to excuse me, I must go create a magical faerie to do my work for me." I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what possible reason their is for dismissing jumping entirely out of hand, while every other completely ridiculous and unrealistic class ability is accepted without the least objection. Warren's point is especially absurd. Yes, the Dragoon story pretty much sucks. Its all about the player being the "one", and with possession of the soul crystal just learning how to do all of these things without having to put any effort into it. The player just happens to be the Azure Dragoon! I just want to make the point that any RPer who tried to use this story as his own story, would be excoriated by the lot of you: dismissed as power-player and whatever other negative terms you like, for trying to claim something so special and unique for himself. Indeed I've heard this put succinctly as, "Dragoon is fine as long as you're not playing the Azure Dragoon." So, we've both dismissed the story entirely as the basis for any character to be a Dragoon, and then turned around to use this self-same story as justification for stating that Dragoons have no believable reason to be able to leap so high! Yes, if you're not the fire-breathing bad ass who exists in the story, you're going to need a different reason for learning how to jump in combat. That shouldn't really surprise anyone. Somehow "unleashing the beast" qualifies someone for the ability to utilize aether, but years of training in Ishgardian martial arts, which put their emphasis and effort into the ability to make aerial attacks, does not qualify someone with the ability to utilize aether to make their jumps? Not only is jumping essential to the concept of a Dragoon (every single ability has to do with jumping), but Dragoons are literally the most common job in Eorzea (although the vast, vast majority are in service to Ishgard). Dismissing their ability to jump is to essentially write-off one of the most numerous advanced fighting styles in Eorzea. I really don't know what else to say to those refusing to accept Dragoon's jumping ability as canon. Shall we take the believability razor to other jobs and classes as well just to see what we end up with? Thaumaturges who hit people with sticks? Conjurers who literally throw rocks? Melee classes without their non base-attack abilities?

Given the nature of other disciplines in FF, Dragoon and its jumping ability hardly seems like a leap (see what I did there? ^^) We have fire leaping from hands, the ability to throw rocks, or restore life force with invisible aether, and even the ability of monks and ninja to utilize aether to aid their melee attacks. It doesn't seem like a shock that Dragoons, practiced as they are in an "aerial" form of combat to fight dragons, would be able to leap and control their descent in such a way as to land an attack. That's not to say that its realistic (its not), but neither are many of the fights I watch, nor is magic itself, nor is any of the vast myriad of things that people wave their hands and exclaim "aether" about. Given that its a firm and fast part of FF lore, and cemented in FF XIV even more firmly through explicit character abilities for a job that is known to be the most common in the realm, it seems even more silly to dismiss the idea out of hand. As to why don't they just jump instead of walk? Why don't ninja in ninja-anime constantly leap or sneak to get around? Its probably because walking is casual, and efficient both mentally and physically. Something like leaping, even with aetherial assistance, would still no doubt take a great deal of physical exertion and mental focus. Not something you would just do to get around like a two-legged rabbit (Bugs Bunny, Dragon Slayer). So, I say, let dragoons be dragoons.

:(

[align=center][/align] [align=center]A Sunny Daydream[/align] (Written on the occasion of my being away for a month on Holiday) Her eyes were closed, but she felt the sensation of sun-heated sand beneath her feet, and wiggling between her toes. A giggling-pleased expression snuck upon her lips, while luminous rays soaked her skin. She opened her eyes to the view of white sand beach extending before her, as far as the eye could see, lapped by lush green fields on one side, and the slow, steady roll of blue-green white-topped waves upon the other. Breathing deep of the sea-air, she leaned forward drawing her feet along into quick, long strides, each finishing with a soft landing in the endless sand. She took off with a motion as graceful as beautiful, leaving long golden locks trailing behind her, being tossed ever so gently in the breeze. In the distance she heard friends calling her name, "Ayaaaa!" She closed her eyes again, never slowing her stride, embracing the moment of carefree fun beneath the sun's warmth. Again she heard her name called, this time with the sound of shortness, "Aya!" The third call was accompanied with the tap of a small foot upon tile, "Aya, you'd better stop day dreaming this instant." Aya blinked, the warmth of the sun, and the feel of the beach instantly dispelled. "Aya, are you listening to me?" came Momodi's clear, agitated voice. Aya blinked again, turning her attention to the diminutive proprietress. "I...?" she blinked again as Momodi tapped her feet, furrowing her brow in frustration, "I am sorry, but you're going to have to stay on late tonight. And tomorrow." Still looking slightly befuddled, Aya stammered in reply, "But.. tomorrow's my day off...!" she implored, eyes widened with dissappointment. "No buts!" stated Momodi, raising her index finger as flourish. "You know we're short-handed, and I need you tomorrow night." "I..." she stammered again, a sense of resignation coming over her, "Of course, madam." she gave her head a little, polite, bow. The Lalafel turned and withdrew back to her stool in the center of the bar, while Aya turned her attention back to the overhead rail into which she was sliding the glasses and cups she had just finished cleaning and drying. As she pushed the next pint into place, golden strands of her bangs fell across her eyes. She blew them away, with an expression of frustration. It had been just that sort of day, no week (or more). Her hair was a mess. The straps of her top strained and stung her sensitive skin. The top had seemed like such a good idea earlier in the day: cute and flirty, perfect for the light evening she had expected. But long hours had a way of ruining many a terrific idea. Her feet, accustomed as they were to heels, ached with tired soreness that begged, along with the rest of her body, for a warm bath. She sighed softly, turning her attention back out to the bar, full of the usual suspects and patrons. She smiled softly, with that pleasant and sweet look that usually made her attention so welcome. Her bangs fell, covering her eye again. A few watched and smiled in appreciation of the unintentional cuteness. Aya sighed softly under her breath, and turned her attention back to filling the racks. She closed her eyes. She felt the sun's warmth upon her cheeks. She sighed softly once more, feeling the sand beneath her feet, and she smiled happily to herself.

This looks like so much fun!! ^^ I wish I knew MAGIC!

Aya was pretty easy to come up with.. it was the shortened form of the character name I had used in TERA, and I was starting FF with the friends I had made in TERA, and I liked the continuity. It fit the theme I was going for, which was generally Scanadanavian/Norse in nature, and it really does seem to fit in with the FF world really well! Its also turned out to be a fun name, since "Yay Aya!" uses only two letters!! The last name was harder. I knew from the start, according to Highland lore, that it would probably not be a birth name, but instead a given name. It took me a very long time to stumble on Foxheart, and I honestly cannot remember the inspiration for it. It did turn out to be just about perfect though, the fox is an excellent symbol for Aya. "Foxy" is also just the nickname for her, so I like it even more

I love using mine as my barmaid's uniform! I can't imagine why you wouldn't be able to use it

I still doubt I'll try SCOB, but good! There's still hard-nosed content available for those able to push it There's no (good) reason to prefer that casual players be forever locked out of old content.

Ishgard would seem to have no need or interest in fighting anyone other than Dravinians, and is over-specialized, but one can imagine that a regiment of Ishgardian Dragoons would be a boon to any combined Eorzean army

A former Ishgardian knight would indeed be a likely target for both Witch Hunter's, and Inquisitors, at least until the expansion You will also find that there's a large community of Ishgardian exiles (and sort-of-exiles, like Aya) who are good friends for trying to avoid such trouble

Awwwwww, I would totally be in for this! Aya would dance all night long! but I won't be able to make it!

Full disclosure: I've never used a glamour in this game. I like being able to differentiate IC and OOC with gearsets! ♪If I were a boy even just for a day I'd roll out of bed in the morning And throw on what I wanted and go♪

I'm always so happy when people enjoy the Quick Sand, even if I'm not able to spend as much time there as I want to!

Luuuucky! The both of you!

That second pic... "GET ME OUT OF THIS CRAZY THIIIING!"

[align=center][/align] [align=center]A Limsan Sunrise[/align] Her blue eyes looked out toward the horizon, savoring the orange, pink, and violet hues summoned across the distant sea by the rise of that day's sun. Though the evening had been late, Aya never liked to miss a chance to catch a Limsan sunrise. Eyes that could have strained with tired fatigue, instead reveled in the sight. The balcony made for the perfect vantage point: high above the inner waters of the port, above a quay that hummed with activity below. She glanced down at the sailors and longshoreman loading a trade ship for its next voyage. For what distant shore was it bound? The opportunities seemed endless. A soft smile crept upon an expression both serious and reflective. She took a moment to take the last sip of hot coffee, the aroma and taste of Ul'dah upon her lips. As she set the cup back down she glanced upward again, the smile softening as she took in the sight of the distant sea. She drew his pipe to her lips; with a couple of puffs she released the fragrant, wispy smoke into the air. It was his balcony, afterall, where she lounged in the early morning. His silk robe she wore, strained taut by a figure it was not designed to contain. It was his guest room in which she had spent the night, like most nights she found herself in the distant port city. It was the Harbinger's Tavern night that so often drew her here. Always a pleasure--she reveled in every eve she could make. They were a moment away from Ul'dah, a moment of enjoyment, a moment of pleasure away from daily travails. Lady Covington and Val, her beau, always offered far more hospitality than Aya had ever deserved. She welcomed it without hesitation. She drew from the pipe, pulling the long, dark, lipstick stained stem from her lips she released a ring of smoke, holding its form as it rose, before slowly dissipating. "Things never stop changing..." she thought to herself. The conversation of the evening before had only served to remind her: surrounded by old friends, and new friends, she could not help but notice how life seemed to change so quickly. Raik had talked of one man's life lost, and another's in shambles, both acquaintances of hers who would never be the same as she had last seen them. While the Dubious Duskwight's life had turned upside down over the past week. Whatever the real source of his new found wealth, he had not put it to use for liberation, but instead double-downed on responsibilities that seemed to grow faster than he imagined they could. She recalled the furrow of his brow, the look of tired, almost withdrawn concern. How different it was from the look of the friendly, if eccentric, fellow she had first met moons ago. Where destitution had made him jovial and pleasant, if desperate, success now made him seem worn, and frayed around the edges. She tapped the bowl of his pipe against the arm of his chair, checking for the sign of embers still burning. "How long has it been?" Every week she returned to the flat, hoping to find him, or at least some sign he had been there. But every week it was obvious: no one had entered the rooms since she had last left. It was disappointment; and left her with a certain sense of loneliness that she could not quite pin down. The breath of sea-air transported her in time, reminding her of a a childhood touched by the city. In that moment it all seemed so relevant, so close, as if she could reach out and live it again. The very streets upon which she had first grown up, where family became loyalty, and friends, allies. What of that pirate woman from the night before? Maybe it was the taste of Ishgardian vodka, but the conversation had only served to remind her of bitter memories. The blithe manner in which she spoke of her "work", the notes of celebration of successful pillage--it was exactly what Aya disliked most about Limsa, and the people who called the city home. They could always offer rationalization: "it is our way of life", "we only take from those who deserve it", "its just the way the world is", but each sounded more of an excuse than the last. In the end, it was always the same: the strong take from the weak. A vicious cycle she had seen repeated again, and again through her young life. She drew in once more, shaping this time a pair of rings rising together. Her breath productive, if exasperated. The woman had been having such fun, and who was a silly barmaid to dampen it with a dose of reality? She allowed her thoughts to escape again, crossing her legs as she set them upon the balcony's railing. Lounging beneath the sun as it rose higher into the sky, feeling the warmth of its rays against her skin. The evening's finale had been something to remember: out upon the beach, a bit of sparring between Berrod and Val. It was not so much a contest, as if the highlander being something of a living statue weren't enough, his martial skill, and talent in channeling aether were to be put on full display not to pummel, but to test. Val could not help but seem outmatched: the smaller Miqo'te was a man who could own the streets with fist and bottle, but it was was obvious who was schooling whom. She smiled softly as she remembered the unfolding scene: there was a trepidation in Val's step, but a revelry in the opportunity. Berrod had avoided his early attempts to connect, drawing on the very power of the elements, and daring Val to do the same. He thrust the Miqo'te into a desperate position, moving fast, with a determination for victory if Val did not stop him. But the opening in his defense was intentional: he would give the student the opportunity, but the student would have to seize it on his own. When the ocean moved at Val's command, the sand-covered highlander went down in an undignified heap. Val had been pushed to the edge, and had found the will. For Berrod, it was success in defeat. The thrill of that moment rushed through her as she recalled the almost child-like look that had come across the tough's features in that moment of success. She had been so happy for him, and never more fond of both. She let out a soft laugh, the smile reappearing on her lips as she drew on the pipe one last time. There was an airship ticket, waiting to bear her back to Ul'dah for another night's work in the hustle-and-bustle of the Jewel of the Desert. She had to leave soon if she were to catch it. Maybe next time he would be here.

Evangeline has many contacts among the refugees and poor, given her work with them. She doesn't really have any contacts with the more 'criminal' aspects of the underworld, since she views them to be as bad as the criminals running ul'dah :cactuar: Ahem, I said "respectable" people. ^_~

Granted, there are some "respectable" people out there with underworld contacts

Ooooooooh..! I wish I had known it were going on!

The Ul'dahn underworld is a wild and shifty place :-]

Aya's an Ala Mhigan refugee whose family intentionally did not settle at Little Ala Mhigo, and she continues to be a little wary of them :-]