Melodia

Yeah, the selection is pretty limited and odd. I have an alt character BLM with a relic, so I can buy the relic for Ruru....? LOL! But clothing is limited for me as well (also joined day after Thanksgiving).

((Apologies for any dialogue errors...I don't have the chat logs as a PS3 player and am doing this the day after it happened.)) -Some Days Later- Rurutani was completely nervous. Kage had informed him earlier that Ser Natalie of the Sultansworn wanted to to speak to him. This notion slightly terrified him as he had never met her in person and only knew of her in the city. His father had always drilled into his head the idea that certain folks were at different stations in society and Rurutani's family was one that existed in one of the lower circles. Ser Natalie and the Sultansworn were ones who were much higher up in society, so proper respect and honor were to be given, his father would say, were he still alive. The red carpeting near the Chamber of Rule was impressive and the entire atmosphere was one that was almost overwhelming to the diminutive Lalafell who's life within Ul'dah previously would never have brought him here. No....this was the type of place that Nonotano would have come, but never Rurutani. His life had always been limited to the camps and outposts outside of the city. Thus, he was incredibly nervous about this meeting. Why couldn't Kage have been with him. Then at least he'd have a friend (he assumed they were friends at this point) nearby. But alas, he was going to go through this by himself. He saw the Miqo'te woman approach and was taken aback. First, he noticed she was quite a beautiful woman, but then gathered his thoughts as he was then struck by the authority in which she carried herself. And it was not the garb she wore that projected that authority. That, as his father would have told him, was natural power she was projecting. She spoke first, "You are Ruru correct? I am Ser Natalie of the Sultansworn." Rurutani said yes and bowed courteously to Ser Natalie with the respect due her position. She asked him, "Kage has informed me you have expressed interest in perhaps joining the Sultansworn. Is this true?" Rurutani was surprised Kage had told her but was also glad. "Yes. I'd like to be able to help my city, to be a part of it again. But...." She looked a bit surprised, "Again...?" "I have to tell you that my family....they were killed. Killed by my brother....and I suspect he is still alive out there. If this is a problem and will stop me from joining, I understand," he said, looking sad. She smiled and asked, "Why would that stop you from joining? It is not your past I am interested but your future." Rurutani smiled and said "Thank you." She asked, "How are your skills with a sword? All members of the Sultansworn must be skilled in the arts of the sword and shield." He looked at her and responded he had had some basic training at the local guild in Ul'dah but needed a lot of work. She brightened and said, "Perfect. I will have you work with Kage, in an apprentice role, and he can train you in the skills you need." The idea appealed to Rurutani and he nodded in agreement. "I look forward to it. I will not let you down Ser Natalie." At that she said "No need for the formalities just yet. Once you are a member, we will worry about that then." Rurutani nodded and said it had been his father who had taught him to show respect. He then asked if he should report to Kage and she agreed. He looked at the Miqo'te and expressed his happiness, "Thank you so much, Ser Natalie. You won't regret this." And with that he bowed again and left to go find his new mentor, Kage. His world, it seemed, might be brighter than he thought it would be.

Hey that's me up there! *EEK!!*

OP posts, and at least one guy approves..... http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/GoT_joffrey_approves.gif[/img]

I am glad to see some support. However, I am technically challenged (read: I have no clue how this works) and don't have the means to do this (read: my little laptop can barely run Civilization II, let alone record a podcast). Also my schedule does not really allow for me to do this due to my dad/husband/work time. BUT!! I am willing to help out in any way possible! I think as a community we could make this work. I think if a couple of folks or three maybe (what dynamic works? LOL!) could take the technical apsect lead, then it could formulate. Excited that people are enthusiastic about this.

I was wondering why no one had come up with a podcast related to a combination of things relative to our community here. For example, you could run it for an hour once a week or every two weeks and on the show people could discuss: Upcoming role play events scheduled FFXIV developments Maybe some IC reporting of stories going on Brainstorming ideas for RP events, plots, character development Maybe make one for both the primary servers or one for each? I don't know...just tossing ideas out there and wondering why there isn't one. I'd listen! :thumbsup:

Look, it's a functional outfit, coat hanger included! :cactuar:

Ruru likes to hunt and travel/explore. His curiousity can get him into trouble so maybe he needs to stick to hunting (or take up fishing!).

Rurutani narrowed his eyes and sighed. He'd ben hoping for something a bit more permanent and this sounded like contract work, something his father had always warned him about in the past ("Son, a contract is just one ripped document away from being kicked to the curb."). However, the work sounded interesting and he had enjoyed his time in Gridania so going back would be a welcome trip. He smiled and said "Thank you, Kage. I appreciate the offer and am glad to have the work." He wondered and then asked, "Do you think this will get me in your boss' good graces? I am looking for more long term work. And I'm willing to do whatever is necessary....well, we'll talk. Let me get my gear and I will meet you at the airship landing dock." He was eager to get going and felt a chill wind in the air that made him think leaving sooner than later would be the best option for all involved.

Fifth Astral Moon, Day 15 I pity him. I truly do. Nonotano wanders around the camp as though he is in charge of of something, barking orders at the men and carrying himself as if he were someone of importance. The truth of the matter is, the man is on borrowed time. And that time is running quite short. Thorin has grown tired of the little Lalafell and his arrogance. I agree. Who is this man who isn't even a proper Garlean wandering about as if he ran this place? And that is Nonotano's problem. He carries himself in position that isn't based in reality. He is boastful and proud and egotistical and his personal quest for revenge against his brother places us all in jeopardy. Add into that the fact that Thorin also believes he is the reason that the K'rthan crystal is missing (stolen more likely) and I can literally see the Lalafell's days counting down before my eyes. I am not sure he is aware of it (How could he be? The man believes he is untouchable even as he limps about the camp) but he is drawing ever closer to Melodia's whims. All it would take is but a word, a gentle push from Melodia or myself even to Thorin, and the Lalafell would find himself begging for the swift death that would never come from the hands of Melodia. Yes....for certain....the man's time was clearly running out. Tick tock...tick tock.

I think this is an area I struggle with, in terms of emotes. Some folks seem to have excellent motions and emotes and I feel so basic with my "Rurutani smiles." As for a true bard rp, I think that's a cool idea that could be fleshed out, especially with so much tavern rp.

Fourth Umbral Moon, Day 21 My morning was fraught with distress. Melodia had delivered the pouch to Thorin with such glee that was rarely seen in the woman, save for when she was about to execute or torture someone. Thorin looked exceedingly pleased by the contents of the pouch and gestured for me to join him and Melodia in his tent. As I entered I was cautious because any summons in the presence of the woman ran the incredibly high chance of not exiting alive. "Come in, boy." Thorin said quietly, and yet his voice seemed happy. I walked to the makeshift table which was assembled with crates and the three of us stood around it. The tent was dimly lit and the camp was quiet outside, which lent a mysterious air to the three of us, which seemed to be not lost on Melodia as she smirked for her own reasons. Thorin looked at me and spoke softly "we have faced incredible hardship out here in this wasteland, of that I am certain we can agree." Melodia and I nodded almost in unison. "That hardship is about to come to an end, thanks to the little man from Ul'dah." With that, Thorin opened the pouch and dumped the contents onto the table. It was a gem, finely cut and the deepest color of purple, about the size a small fruit. "This, boy, is the future of the Empire." I stammered a bit and asked "Wh-what is it?" Melodia laughed and extended her index finger and slowly ran it down my cheek to my chin before pulling it back (which both excited and terrified me) as she said, "You truly are clueless, aren't you?" "This, boy, is the K'rthan Crystal. When coupled with the right staff, it works not unlike a charm on others." Thorin smiled as he said this. I was still confused. "But...so how will this help?" "Because....bending the will of a few key players in Ul'dah and the surrounding areas will allow us to move more freely and infiltrate far more deeply than we could have achieved before. At least that's what we've been told," Thorin said. "So, the Lalafell, Nonotano.....he got this?" I asked, somewhat skeptical. "He did....and if he's wrong, I'll make sure he's never wrong again." Melodia was practically drooling at the last sentiment, as I imagine she was fantasizing about some form of mutilation toward the Lalafell. I leaned in and looked closely at the gem, still doubting but hoping that maybe the stone would work in the way promised. Thorin leaned in and - - - - (THIS PORTION OF THE ENTRY WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RECOVERED).

Rurutani took a deep breath and checked the note again, ensuring it was correct. He wanted to get her attention, but was starting to wonder if this was the best way. He resigned himself to the fact that Miqo'te was intimidating and rather than clam up at the last second, he wanted to make sure he asked what he wanted without ending up in a cell somewhere for public stupidity. He checked the area and saw a few folks down the way but no one was close enought to the Sultansworn office to notice him in any detail. He quickly tacked the notice on the board next to the office and walked away, afraid she might bound out of the office at any moment. The note read: "To the Sultansworn known as Natalie, I am looking for work, perhaps within the Sultansworn, if you'll have me. My name is Rurutani and I know one of your members, Kage. I look forward to hearing from you."

Fourth Umbral Moon, Day 20 The winds were fierce today and the sand was stinging as I tried my best to keep up with Melodia. Her and I had been tasked by Thorin to tread close to Black Brush Station, while avoiding being seen in order to check on something vital near one of the creek beds in the area. Melodia seemed to know where we were going and my job seemed to be one of fodder in case of detection. As she had a similar disdain for me as I had for her, we did not speak on the trek and by the time we had gotten close, I had the impression I was walking alone. That, however more pleasant it would be, was not the case. Melodia walked ahead with her head held high, the whipping sandstones hitting her face be damned. Her raven hair swirled around in the wind and at times the image made me imagine she was made of aetheric elements; and then I remember matter-of-factly who she is and I feel my skin stuck by gooseflesh. She was as dangerous and cruel as any primal the Empire feared and I often wondered why they tolerate her presence (I may need to edit this later....I fear she may find it). We approached what appeared to be a small cavern entrance at the creekbed and the Melodia brought her hand up to signal a halt. She glanced back and said "Keep watch. If anyone approaches, you have my permission to kill them. Or you can die and it will improve the day. Either works for me." She then walked toward the entrance stopped. She seemed to be examining the right side of the entrance and feeling for something. As I watched her I hated and admired her at the same time. She was the strongest woman I had even seen and yet she was an untamed beast in so many ways. I truly do fear if Thorin ever perishes, how this young woman might exist in the world without his calming presence on her. I fear for the world. I heard a small click and saw her shift a small stone to the right on the cave entrance, revealing a small pocket in the side of the rock. She turned and smiled at me, a genuine happy smile. She then reached inside and pulled out a small paper and what looked like a pouch. She looked at the paper first and muttered "Seems that little fool was right. He's earned the right to live another day." She glanced into the pouch for a brief moment and then nodded before putting the pouch and the note into her belt. I knew better than to ask but as she approached me and stopped she seemed to read in on my curiousity. "What we got here today....the damn Lalafell was right. Now, earn your keep today and maybe the both of you'll live to see the sun rise tomorrow." With that, she pushed past me and, with already sore feet and raw skin from the sand, we began the trek back to the camp.

Erik I would hold off any clothes for me as it looks like Ruru may not be going after all (see bulletin board).

The Lalafell was angry. He'd been made a fool of by people he barely knew and was still fuming. He approached the board and saw his ridiculous ad. He frowned and reached out quickly, tearing the advertisement for himself to the ball off, crumbling up the paper before storming off. He felt that maybe the ball might not be the place for him.

LOL!! *Hides in shame*

http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ku-xlarge.gif[/img]

Ditto this for Ruru. How that touch is initiated or the meaning behind dictates his response.

I think this is an excellent point. In my short time here I have seen many folks talk about roleplaying in only a few specific spots and yet....there's whole world out there and I see fantastic rp places I would love to try. Why always sit in the the Quicksand or the Limsa decks when there are beautiful beaches, tranquil spots in the woods, or even darkened castle settings in Coerthas? Why not play as though researching the crystaline formations in Mor Dhona, or exploring dangerous mines outside of Camp Overlook? I think there are amazing opportunities all over the world and yet I see so many limit it to the same tavern every time and it's a shame because the world....the world is pretty damn amazing. :thumbsup:

*looks around sheepishly* So, how did you do it? *Hides*

Don't be embarrassed. My wife tried this quest multiple times and no matter what nothing was happening so I wasn't sure how to make it work either.

Fourth Umbral Moon, Day 10 It had been a long day as we had set up camp in a new location that was a full day's march away from where we had been. Not that it mattered much as the scenery hadn't much changed from the reddish-brown rock desert I had gotten used to before. Once we had set up the camp, the men had begun to drink some ale and relax a bit, which was a good thing as everyone has been on edge lately. Thorin had also been drinking, perhaps a bit too heavily and as I was finishing arranging the gear in his tent he stumbled in and sat down on the stool near the side of the tent. He heaved a deep sigh and looked at me as I was finishing moving some small crates to the side. "You need t' relax boy. Take a seat." His words were slurred, but only slightly. He motioned for me to sit, and so I looked at the crates, deciding they could hold my weight before sitting down and awkwardly looking around the room while Thorin continued staring at me. "You and I don't talk much, boy. And y' look as if a primal itself has walked into the camp. Speak your mind, son." He reached over near his bed and pulled out a half empty bottle of wine and poured two glasses, offering me one, to which I graciously took, drinking a small sip before looking up and seeing Thorin was still looking at me to speak. I cleared my throat and asked "May I speak freely, sir?" "I told you to speak, boy, so speak freely." I breathed deeply and then the words came out, "Why are you doing this sir? I mean...I have known you for some time and, uhm...I don't doubt your loyalty to the Empire...but it just seems like we are doing, uhm...more...than we are ordered to be doing here? Maybe? Uhmm...." My eyes darted to the floor and I could feel my face go flush red as I said it and I had a moment where I feared I would be dead within a minute for having said it. When I realized I wasn't dead, I looked up and saw Thorin sipping his cup and then he set it on the ground before leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "My loyalty to the Empire's none of your business son, but b'cause you had the guts to ask th' question I'll answer. I do what I do because th' Empire doesn't go far 'nough in its business out here." I was puzzled by the answer but Thorin wasn't finished, so I remained attentive and quiet. "All this talk of the beastmen and primals....it's good. I truly do believe we are doin' the proper thing here by culling that lot from the world. But 'tis not enough, boy. Not enough by far. He drew a sip from his wine and closed his eyes as he spoke quietly. "I have a son, you know...not much younger than y'rself. Brave lad, fighting for the Empire....not unlike you." He smiled at the last but just as quickly, the smile faded. "Had. I had a son. He's gone now. Butchered by a tribe of savages in La Noscea." I started to try to say I was sorry for his loss when he continued, "So I fight f'r him. To make sure his memory isn't washed away in some damn mine somewhere with the filth and stink of the beasts that put him in the ground." He opened his eyes and looked straight at me and I saw a fire of hate deep in those eyes as he continued, "The Empire is hell bent on these beastmen, which I support, and yet these citizens here, be they the desert folk out here or the lot dwelling in the woods....they get a pass. Oh, we'll conquer 'em, conscript 'em, but they get a damn pass. And that's the problem. It's by their apathy...their lack of courage to purge these beasts from the land...that's what caused m'boy to be killed. And I'm not soon to f'rget that, boy." I realized then and there that the mission had become a personal one for Thorin. "If I've my way, boy, we'll burn these lands to the ground, both beasts and the folks that live here. Men, women and children....they all need to go. And I aim to make that happen, even if it takes me one village, one home, or one caravan at a time." He drank the remainder of his cup of wine and threw the cup to the ground. "That, boy, is why I do what I do. You c'n go now." I hesitated for a brief moment when he raised his voice, "I said get out boy before I skin you alive." I stood and bowed before quickly exiting the tent to the cool night air.

Maintaining a low profile and trying to survive would be the primary goals of Ruru. Probably would want to live in a small town somewhere away from the craziness of the world.