Dasair

Xavarian was, in fact, still in his room. He'd not expected a reply so soon, but then again, he was never one for expecting much at all. That made everything just a bit more exciting, and a bit less disappointing. He'd been busy organizing what little was left here. When someone moves, even just part-way, there's always the strange dissonance between the new room and the old; one more bereft of things than the other. And Xavarian had the need to organize them, all the things left behind, even though there weren't that many. Yet. ...Maybe. Imagine what he could do with more space. Beyond that, there was also the careful matter of dividing what he had between two places. Which location would be best for what thing? He'd never much thought of it, not since he had moved his workspace elsewhere from the inn room; the two places, where one worked, and where one stayed, as far as he remembered, were usually one in the same. Even if it may have been many different rooms overall. Focused, he hadn't thought much of the steps outside the door he heard this time. He heard them, of course, but sorting out these remaining papers into the remaining scroll cases was the last thing he needed to do before heading out, and it had most of his attention. ... Until he heard the steps stop at his door. The duskwight probably should have expected a note to be slipped under the door, considering what had happened earlier in the night. He probably shouldn't have needed to freeze, yet again, beyond slooowly turning around to look, once more, at the space under his door for the light shining through in the dark room. But he didn't, he did, and again, the floor froze over when the page slipped through. The duskwight snorted. At himself for being so jumpy, mostly. The man ran a hand through his living mess of hair as though it would help keep it out of his face (which it didn't, of course), at first somewhat embarrassed despite no one being present, but that was all the time he needed for his mild alarm to be replaced with an excited grin. The floor thawed with warmth, the papers were down, and he was up with one swift motion as he made way to wander over, sock-footed and soundless, to the little note that was left. Xavarian unceremoniously plopped himself down right there on the floor to pick the note up and look it over. This was exciting, he'd really never had an exchange quite like this before. No one would ever know what in the hells he would be going on about if he even dared to try anything like it down Below. Of course, he learned to enjoy that, to some extent. There was, of course the Sylphs who'd always liked his riddles, but that was never by letter, only by mouth. He couldn't help but smirk at the parchment scraps these had been written on too; the first already tucked nicely into his elaborate tome, where he tried to place everything important that can fit in there. There was something charming about them, like an afterthought, which in many ways, can be more thought-provoking than a forethought. But his expression changed somewhat upon what he read. A strange sort of concern crept over his features, creased with a furrowed brow, and lips pursed in the anticipation of one who wants to speak, but doesn't want to interrupt. He can't help but glance up at the door when he's done reading, though the shadows that crept through the cracks were gone. He knew he'd heard her leave. He pursed his lips a different way. The scrap of parchment was read several more times on the floor, another while rising and wandering to the table, and once more when the scribe sat, pulling out his pen, and freeing a larger sheet from his stacks of yet-to-be-scrollcased paper. He set the little note carefully to the upper left of his page, and then quickly started writing, scrawling, really, mouthing some things silently as the pen jittered. ___ When he was done, there was all manner of decisiveness to his steps. He was out the door and down the hall without apprehension. ... Then, after an about-face, he was down the right hall without apprehension. Giving Avis' door a once-over, as though it was standing between him and something important, he pursed his lips again. Briefly looked down at his much longer sheet, another translucent, swirling page, and slid it, face down, under the door. The writing remained immaculate, but something about it seemed.. quick, and with feeling. Perhaps it was the elongated, whip-like flourishes, or the slightly harder pressed first letters of lines. Xavarian lingered for a moment, after the page was delivered, looking down at the floor with a hand over his mouth in thought. There were many ways what he wrote could be taken. How would Avis decide to piece it together? She seemed rather perceptive, certainly clever and full of whimsy, but also didn't seem able to read him. 'Seem' being the main word there, of course. Giving up on his concerned contemplation of the floorboards to any passers by, he let out a breath, blew some hair from his face, and went back to finish his organizing before heading out for the night. That didn't keep his thoughts from continuing on about it though.

Oh gosh. Welcome! And to answer briefly (as others have said) that all sounds good! I have a duskwight of a similar mind; out for Knowledge about the world on the unfamiliar 'surface', and trying to learn all he can from everyone he meets. He too is studying thaumaturgey (along with the other Aetherical arts, when he can manage) and has a strange connection to his own Aether that is sometimes problematic. That said, your concept seems perfectly sound to me. :> One of the best ways to find more lore is to play the game, as others already mentioned. I know upon learning that when I joined, that I was inclined to play through a decent amount before I even wanted to begin RPing, just so I didn't mess something up. That said, though, the game is pretty nice itself; there is so much lore that is brought up by the main story quest, just random npcs, and various other side quests, and it's something the game does a really good job at keeping subtle, but there, instead of having it separated from everything else (like some do with journals or books or something). The lore isn't really just dumped on you, but very nicely integrated. I'd also recommend screencapping lore bits you find in game that you might want to look up later, because, as it turns out, you will often find a lot of it mid dialogue. I know this has definitely helped me when I wanted to go back and look for something specific. Lastly, if you settle on a concept and would like to RP sometime, I'd be glad to have our characters meet! I've not actually run into any other duskwight characters (that aren't terribly removed from their culture) thus far for my own to bounce off of, but if you go with this concept, and yours is also out for knowledge, has a proficiency and interest in Aether, and wouldn't mind the company of someone a little.. cryptic, then I would definitely be interested in the two of our characters meeting. :> Feel free to prod me with questions or about RPs too, either here on the forums, or in-game (on Xavarian Mystrife), if you're on Balmung.

Also, here's a totally useful link for Timezone conversion. http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/ For you or anyone else wanting to convert the maintenance times. (I might try this too, that is making an alt after maintenance, tbh.)

The thought-of duskwight was pacing. The kind of pacing that's only just brief, between two fancies, when you think of something to accomplish, rise to do it, and one thought's replaced in stride by something else entirely. What were you doing? Pacing, apparently. Or so was Xavarian's answer to that question, when he heard someone walking outside his door. With hearing as excruciatingly keen as his, he'd always had the mind to pay attention to anyone moving outside doors. Because being locked behind one so long, it had almost become like a game of guesses and mind-made tales. What are they doing? Where are they going? What state are they in, by their steps, can he tell? What had they just returned from? Rivers of possibilities would rush in and flood his mind, in the several second passing of whomever it may be outside his door. And of course, the ever present question; Were they there for him? ... Should he be ready to fight, to hide, or to welcome? Almost always, it never got that far. So much was it rare that anyone came for him that it was more an idle ritual to muse about than any real alert, more fun to imagine than worry to prepare for. But not this time. This time the steps came closer. They stopped outside. Xavarian furrowed his brows in his mid-thought pacing, and now the door had his attention. He was looking at the space beneath it, in fact, to see how the light from outside played with the shadows of whomever was standing there. It would tell him a bit about their size, at least. He hadn't noticed how he'd frozen, both in ceased movement, and the air around him, as the temperature dropped to a harsh cold. The note that slid under the door nearly made him jump out of his skin and freeze the floor over. He heard the steps moving away then, soft, unimposing, amidst whatever various ruckus he heard from the nearby rooms, (likely ruckus he often tried hard to ignore) and back down the hall. With a blink, it took him a moment to process maybe he should have looked to see who it was. "Hells-" Well, too late for that now. Time to see what that was about. And so, a number of transitions began. Apprehension very quickly became intense curiosity, as the duskwight silently made his way over to the letter on his floor. Frost became heat and pursed lips became grins and sparks as he read the note. Oh. Oh. --- Despite all the trouble, he's still not lost his smirk. Finding places. Never his strong suit. But it never fell short of a small journey. After he'd written something of his own, he'd left the room and started wandering about the inn... only to remember he didn't actually know if Avis had a room at the inn. Maybe. Did he know that? This required a stop in the middle of the hallway, which eventually became a seat pressed against one side of it, when some less cognitive, more alcohol filled patrons came stumbling by. So he read his notes. At some point, he realized he had stood and started walking while reading his notes, as though he actually knew where he was going. He didn't. He found himself at the inn's entrance into the Drowning Wench, and, well, he certainly didn't want to stay there. When the innkeep opened the gate, he, as per usual, made with haste to slide himself nervously around the edges of the bar, out into the open night air of the port city. He walked a ways out to find a nice quiet spot where he could see the ocean. ... Until he remembered he wasn't actually there to watch the ocean. He wasn't actually there for anything, what in the hells was he doing? With a snort, the duskwight headed back towards the Drowning Wench, repeating his almost ritualistic ilming around the bar walls, before finding himself in front of the Innkeep again. The man always seemed rather jovial, and that time was no different. If anything, he likely found amusement in the duskwight's tendancy to always skitter along the walls like a mortified house pet. "Ah-" The duskwight paused. What was he doing? "Lost?" The innkeep just smiled. It's a joke, but this guy always seems to look somewhat lost, and he really couldn't help it. "Oh- er, n-" Xavarian paused again. "Not.. exactly. Maybe. Actually, could you tell me if one by the name of Avis has a room here? She would be about this tall-" A gesture was made, indicating the stature of the woman. "Hyur, dark hair, curious disposition..?" It wasn't without some laughter, raunchy implications, lots of stuttering, some huffs, flaring embers, and a few 'calm down, buddy's later that Xavarian was wandering through the halls again with his answer. Then he just had to find the place. It had certainly been a journey. But as it was, all manner of hall searching later, he'd done it. A smirk of triumph was allowed for a victory he considered none too small. He'd found it in the same night even! This was definitely something to be proud of. An unsigned 'note' on an interesting grade of paper, near translucent, in which the swirling grains could be seen, was slipped under the door for Avis. The page was too sturdy to be folded well, but it was placed face down. With a dorky grin, the somewhat excited duskwight then, quickly and quietly with a half 'running through the house' sort of pace, escaped the scene of the .. note. What a nerd.

Iqhii - Hyur - Woman - scar on face (recent) - blond hair - says 'you can say that' often~ - Attacked in the Shroud - A couple days back - Doesn't know who or what it was - looking for clues - hasn't yet asked the Wood Wailers - Doesn't seem to be from the Shroud - certainly isn't saying everything - wary (though cannot be blamed) - found near Gridania Theories - in this area: - raptors - occasionally hostile fungars - elemental disturbances from time to time - Potentially unfriendly others seeking to steal from her - some imps are known to be around at times - If she had anything of interest: - bandits - thieves - hunters (either mistake or on purpose) - ixal - Any number of other possibilities depending on where she'd come from. - May have been followed. - Wrong place, wrong time. - Other factors in areas unseen Sylphs - may have been about to see something - though she mentions hearing no chimes Meeting - later, sometime in the same area - Outside Gridania - Prepare to take her to bandits' stronghold.

The Grimoire is complete! I sent it, it has just been sent, I.. I actually tried to watch the Moogle to see where it may have taken the package, but lost track of it. It? Him? I [blot] I am simply excited! And nervous. By Thaliak's scrolls, I hope I made no glaring mistakes. I hope I didn't make a mess of this, my first commissioned tome on the surface! And a Grimoire no doubt! I tried my best to keep it simple, and it is rather.. quite plain. Well, compared to most Grimoires requested, at least the true ones that are meant to be used as a Grimoire in some fashion. [a few spots] It is still of quality, of course! I hope. I did try to take the materials as far as I could, and choose them of the best standard. But 'not fancy', plain, simple were what was sought, with no additions. So it was made to the absolute lowest grade that the Family would ever have let out of their doors from me. I need to stop tapping the pen on this page. Like I am waiting for something. Nothing will come if all goes well! Only if it doesn't, I suppose. I should be endeavoring to get nothing but here I am, writing nervous and tapping my pen all over my pages. Hells~ I just hope it is liked, and I hope that the Moogle gets it to Lafiaht in time. She did request it be sent that way, I should just trust her, she certainly knows more of these matters than I. And it was so difficult not to make the Grimoire better! Such a strange thing, when you know you are working below your abilities, and yet it is such an important thing to be working on [blot] yet requested to be at that par. But it is something of merit, to be used, a first test, and bought by [blot] by someone who actually enjoys my company. Someone fond of. This is such a grande endeavor! And yet, needed to be incredibly simple. My first commission on the surface, the first one I handled myself, without any in the Family through the middle, the first not strictly overseen, not dictated by their own call of price. The first for me, the first for one who knows me beyond my work, and a first of it's own, a step into new Knowledge for the one it's meant for, and a gift all the while. It is all so important. She said it would not be the last time she seeks a tome, so perhaps I will have another chance to create something exquisite later. I hope, despite its simplicity, that this is still exquisite enough. I'd just be really pleased if it serves the purpose it was meant for. That it is a great gift for Lafiaht to give her mate, and that they are both happy with it. [a few more spots] By the hells, I need to get up and do something.

A few quick notes. Or, I suppose, more a recollection. I met Asheloux again while collecting wind crystals for the Grimoire. He was, as expected, as rude as ever~ He had it in his mind that I should leave the place I was in, despite myself being there before his arrival. He'd nearly tripped into me, which was rather amusing~ Of course, I did not oblige his.. strongly worded 'suggestions'. Why leave when all I need is right where I am, and I can make him uncomfortable~? It hardly seems up for debate~ There were, however, a few interesting things to do with this brief endeavor. First, (though not in any order) he did mention his eye, after I briefly mentioned something vague about my Aether. It apparently was an injury obtained from attempting to reverse engineer some old Allagan machines he'd uncovered somehow. They were in fragments, and there were also crystals involved, that he'd found around Mor Dhona. He claimed he didn't 'gather much from that' himself, though this is what he considered to be fair trade for the vague information I had given him. I can't argue~ He also mentioned that I was the first to.. cause him actual pain by having so much Aether centered in one place~ Is it odd to be both a bit worried and flattered about this~? I suppose that just results in my general amusement, though he seemed relatively amused about it too, despite reminding me how much I made his stomach churn. He really does deserve to be bothered rather often for what he gives, though I find it interesting that I, in particular, give him so much difficulty. ... It.. actually makes me wonder. . . [blot] Does he actually see what it was before? Is what it was before even still there? Or hasit changed into something else entirely now? And would his.. sight pick it up as harmful as it once was? Certainly it does seem to affect him... [spot] He also mentioned something about it being unfortunate I'd not been killed somehow. Not surprising, given how much he adores me, but something to note, I suppose. The Family did always say to note everyone who may wish to kill you, and really, it's quite a logical sentiment. Lastly, he'd mentioned that he was studying wind crystals and their possibilities of flight. ... Which is interesting, though this was right before he left rather abruptly to.. throw up or something. I'd really not had the time to ask him about it, but.. immediately I thought of Lafiaht, and her endeavors to get to the Nymian Ruins. Perhaps, should I see him again, I will ask about this... or even, when I am not so busy, look into it myself. Though, really, I should get back to working on the Grimoire. [a few blots] It is nearly complete! Which is exciting.. despite my tired words here. I will finish a bit more, get these wind crystals set, then rest. There's not much more to do now.

“What..?” Xavarian murmured to himself, breath barely seen in the cool air that his unbalanced Aether had partially chilled further. The mage had certainly not been expecting what he found that crisp night in Limsa. A letter and a gem, from some unknown source, had somehow found their way into his possession. How odd, he'd not told many where he could be found... though truth be told, he still didn't know that much of message delivery here. Perhaps he'd spoken enough for it to count. The duskwight had many questions, but his inspection of this gem set them all aside for now. This gem was crimson. He’d barely looked over the letter itself before he felt the strange Aetherical connection the small item had with the near surroundings. A momentary sideglance is given to a gem of his own – a half sphere cut, crimson colored stone, that appears like a cat’s eye at certain angles -hovering above his shoulder, and then down to this new one in his palm. There was a raven engraved into its center; were not ravens symbols of Knowledge? Then he felt it collecting the Aether it'd connected to. Xavarian gave it all his attention, attempting to discern just what it was going to do. Was this like his own? Was there need to replace it perhaps..? This wasn’t from his family, was it? Certainly Soli would have- But his thoughts stopped abruptly to a frozen alarm when the gem’s collected Aether then began to lightly trace his own. It didn’t hurt, it all seemed rather benign, but it felt to him as though he was comfortably alone, and then a soft touch from some unseen source ran delicate fingers along his neck. The duskwight shuddered, but didn’t dare let go of the thing. Instead, he momentarily froze, near literally, as the temperature around him dropped to frigid and, had he not been holding his breath, it’d have come out in white puffs. The Aether then abruptly seemed to whisk away, and for just a moment, the mage stood stunned, before instinct and determined curiosity had him attempt to follow whichever direction it headed. Of course, Limsa is a rather unforgiving port city- you can keep going one way if you want to end up running off a balcony, or falling into the ocean. Still, he followed what he felt as long as he could keep track, but when it was soon lost, he wrote down the direction that it went. "What in the hells..?" Standing there for a moment, Xavarian was perplexed, if not rather bothered. Perhaps the letter would tell him more. Perhaps he should actually read it. With a furrowed brow and a huff, the duskwight sets back to head to his room, both letter and gem in hand. He’s going to sort out just what that was about. ((Posting the little blurb I'd sent in an earlier PM with minor edits. All these reactions are pretty great.))

*whispers* I'm actually in game right now, though currently RPing elsewhere. That said, we could totally add each other now, no problem. *u*

Belated, but all of this sounds wonderful. The first is unlikely, as Xavarian prefers not to go anywhere near bars (especially Ul'dah's if he can help it; too loud and crowded) and the second would take some serious effort (as a bookbinder, a mage [with constantly unstable Aether], AND someone who values Knowledge above everything, he is super careful to treat his books to withstand a LOT and makes them to be of the highest, most durable quality he can manage, especially those created for his personal use... Destroying one of them might be the fastest way to get him to absolutely despise someone), but the rest seem completely great. Likewise, if Null would find himself outside the city later on, there are soooo many ridiculous things that we could do there. *u* I'm afraid being in the city limits Xavarian to being a bit hasty about whatever he's attempting (though he could be stopped, of course, by curiosity and mayhem), albeit his nerves could easily (accidentally) start catching things alight, or freezing things over. To throw some immediate thoughts out of my own, Xavarian could be poking around something he really shouldn't be insofar as someone's wares, to which Null shows up and starts doing the same, and the merchant thinks that they're working together to steal from him, sending some muscle after the both of them to get them to shove off. ... Or Xavarian could have left a trail of ice on the ground unintentionally and hid himself in a dark alley due to the sun rising recently and man, is it bright, damn the daylight hours (this is a problem for a light sensitive duskwight); meanwhile this nervously induced ice trail of his causes people walking to inexplicably slip on ice in the desert and maybe Null falls prey to the sliding, or curiosity about where that ice trail is going. Either way, Xavarian would probably notice a curious Miqo'te poking around not very far from him (or get slid into). My dorky character could totally be making the trip into the city to briefly check into the Thaumaturge's guild about something, and have it be a case of I only wanted to be here for a little while, and look what happens. Running into a lost, terrified Null who starts making all manner of messes for him. I like the possibilities you thought up too, and would really be down for the last three. *u* ... Xavarian would so try to help someone attempting magic. And... well, if Null were lost, and Xavarian found him, it would definitely end up being a wild goose chase for 'home' in the city, since Xavarian never knows where the heck he's going. Which could also be fun and hilarious. I wasn't able to catch you last night, but I'll definitely try again today! :> I'm excited for this to happen. (I will also note that both Avis and Asheloux are amazing to play with as well. 300% would recommend.) Edited to add some silly possibilities.

Avis - Requested to meet by linkpearl - Prof. Jigumundo's assistant - Meet her at Moraby Docks - The place not far from the interesting, explosive, Calamity formations Avis - Hyur - Woman - Nearly dropped her book into the sea - Finds my choice of words entertaining - Quite curious Interested if flares of flame are common to my embarassment - curious about the Aetherical anomolies - Also curious if I "truly live in a cavern" Didn't quite answer about the anomalies Did answer about the caverns~ [blot] She asked if she had permission to 'experiment on me' - mentioned she had a good sense of research ethics - Unlike the Prof. - "I'd completely help myself to it if I'm allowed." Resides in Limsa - notes that I am serious about my profession I noted experimentation rights depend on the experiments - that I will retain all freedoms - and all ability to refuse and react - I can't help but be curious what in the hells she'd do, though~ She noted my 'meticulous'ness - she prefers to write after the fact She is also a scribe~ - said I am 'giving her a run for her money' in the field I mentioned the mind filling in things different than they took place, as to why I write things down as they come. - Her reply: "The mind does, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. Writing after, not before, makes for greater clarity of thought as well." Her scribe work description (and mention of myself) - "I do, informally - accosting strangers in taverns when I need gil and they need written confessions done for them. Recently, though, one of them deigned to point out to me that there are now more legitimate means of procuring that aid... I found an Elezen proclaiming a scribe's wares and teased out the name 'Xavarian'." Seemed... very interested in Aetherical sparks jumping around on me Her thoughts on 'accosting people at bars' - "Those haunts are where men and women have the greatest need of a coherent letter. There is much to unearth from such sites, and you might find it profitable someday." - Also mentioned me making an empire out of my abilities I mentioned I've my reasons for remaining out of bars - also asked if she'd thought about doing more. She has considered it - would rather spend her time on 'other forms of self-improvement'. - Such as traveling - Or doing as she pleases I mentioned my sparks so she might ask her curiosities - "I would be very much in demand as a sword dancer if I had a quarter of your very demonstrative aetherical qualities. It is an enjoyable enhancement to body language. Are you not wary that it might give away your inner thoughts?" I asked if she could tell what I was thinking by my Aether. - She said the would need to conduct some more experiments on me to be sure~ - Thought I didn't believe her given purpose for meeting - At least, it seems, she cannot see my throughts~ - Asked then, what was on my mind. She is a student in Arcanima - in that Arcanima resembles language She belittled Knowledge - "Knowledge? What a stiff, prickly word. No wonder the Professor picked you out. I prefer 'information'. 'Secrets'. 'Tales'. 'Sentiment'." I explained exactly how doing such a thing is ridiculous and illogical - though she may choose slighter, more specific facets as she wishes, I will stick with Knowledge. [blot] She also said I had a nice voice - and should use it more. - Can one really be that interested in hearing me speak? Her reply - "My dear Xavarian, I believe we are on the same page here. This has all merely been an issue of word choice. I consider myself an artisan of the written word, so some words appeal more than others in variously subjective ways. But. I will henceforth consider all communication between us as a transfer of knowledge." - It seems we may merely have different diction Avis' outlook - "The word "stories" represents most of what I stand for. The experience of a sentient being in its varied shades and hues across space and time. The scientific pursuit can be said to be a subset of that." - I mentioned a slight lesser accuracy in place for interpretation - She said: "I wouldn't go as far as to slight the value of accuracy, but... we cannot help the way we see, feel things. There is value to subjective experience. Pure objectivity is a useless dream, and.... not at all fun." I mentioned she might do well working with Wind and Water - She was curious. - Asked why I thought she would be good with Conjury She also noted that there is merit in my way of taking down words~ - "It's what I said earlier about 'living in the moment'. There is an honesty in there that no other attempts to capture will ever accomplish. There is merit to your peculiar way of punctuating conversations with writing, then. Though it is not at all intrusive or disruptive. Which is curious, too." I explained a bit about the elements - how the two mentioned seem to suit her - that they might like her - She said: "I doubt they'd like me very much. I'd make them dance, throw up fountains and whirlpools for me if I could, just for the sight of it. Then write about this display of 'natural' beauty." She wished me to teach her - I mentioned that I am not the best teacher - Though I will try - Note: I really must practice my conjury more when I am not [blot] A trade of Knowledge - I will attempt to teach her what little of Conjury I know - She will teach me more of Arcanima - Between her and Lafiaht, I should get varying methods, and more practice Avis on teaching - "I'm the most capricious teacher I know. Expect nothing less than the most questionable indignities."

Oh gosh, what a nice thread. I'd be quite willing to throw my character at Null for a chance at him being... any one of those things you mentioned, really. Because considering Null's backstory, and my character's tendencies, it could honestly go any which way. Xavarian Mystrife is essentially a well-off mage somewhat 'new to the surface world' himself, the only things he really knows about it being what he's experienced so far, what he's heard from other duskwights, and what he's read in books. He'll not much talk about his origins, but he's a generally soft-spoken, yet excited, nervous, yet somewhat rambly, cryptic, mischievous nerd out in a grand search for Knowledge about the world. ... And he considers Knowledge to be anything from facts written on paper, to experiences of all kinds. Though a scribe and bookbinder by trade, he's got some odd issues with his overabundant Aether he hopes to figure out, seeks to delve into all kinds of ruins for artifacts and what have you (for his family), and barely ever is found within city walls. He highly values intelligence, both in himself and in others, but has quite a soft spot for the curious and eager to learn. ... Despite all this, he'd not in the least decline more questionable endeavors, especially if there's knowledge to be had, and he loves experiments. In short, based on Null's story, Xavarian's got a bit in common with Null, and a bit in common with that wealthy mage, and I just can't help but wonder how throwing the two together would end up going. It could be adorable, or completely terrible. And I'd be so down for 'adventure' type RPs, or what have you; I basically never have my character meet anyone in cities. That said! If you're interested in Null and Xavarian meeting, feel free to PM me here, or poke me with a whisper in-game sometime so we can sort out timezones and schedules and get them in the same place. I totally don't have any idea how they'd get along, but I'd be willing to see.

Oh, no problem. And that's after 6pm so at least one of us might be around. :> (Or at least I'll try to be on around then, so go ahead and give a prod later should you get on.)

*whispers* I can get on now to toss you an invite, if you'd like. I'm typically on sporadically earlier EST (often 10am - 2pm range, though not always), or closer to evening (6pm onward) in the same timezone. Can't quite speak for the other two, but I do talk to one of them on a fairly regular basis, so there's that. One of us should be able to get on at a time that works for you. :> I personally am poking around the forums more often than I am in-game, unless I've got something planned, so seeing something here is a good way to alert me specifically that you'd like in. Or anything else, for that matter.

Oh gosh, oh gosh. Hello, I am one of those 'philosophical roleplayers' you mentioned, not only due to generally leaning towards philosophical thought, but also because one part of my double major happens to be philosophy (for the sheer fact that I took so many classes in it due to enjoyment that I found I could major in it, oops). There are so many answers to this question, and since philosophy was brought up, I will start with how I tend to consider myself (to the chagrin of most other philosophers) a 'relative Relativist' (not an official term, but just one I use for simplicity); such that I believe that there is no set or unchanging objectivity, and that things shift depending on the perspective and framework in which you look at them through, yet despite all this I myself do have solid opinions about what I feel is right. I just acknowledge that what I think is not universally 'right', and that others are likely to always hold differing views. So it's not the most extreme form of relativism, where one gets caught in traps of being unable to say anything is wrong. I know what's wrong to me. I know it might not be universally considered that way, maybe I even think it should be sometimes, but I acknowledge that it isn't. To me, 'Truth' depends on the lens you're looking through, and what you choose to consider most important, by either category, situation, or some other perspective oriented framework; a person can never look at anything 'outside themselves' without their own bias to it, either by their understanding, their experiences, or even just by thinking in various languages, they'll always be restricted by their perception somehow. Thus, I feel one can't ever see 'objective Truth', and the closest they can reach is to choose a 'set of rules' to adhere to, so to speak, which would lead them to 'Truth by these given parameters', or 'Self-Truth', but never 'Universal Truth' that counts for absolutely all cases, all of the time, ad aeternum. We all, even given empathy and all else, can only really live within our own lives as of current; we don't live the lives of others, lest we would be ourselves and also those others too. (Though I suppose in part, how roleplaying itself attempts to push these boundaries is part of why it interests me.) But that is the tiny summary of my general philosophical stance. ... All that mess aside, to address the question incredibly simply then, my answer to 'What is the meaning of life?' given my views is simply 'What you make of it.' I feel this can cover all spectrums, from those who believe there is a 'greater purpose' to those who don't and rather wouldn't, it can be quite positive, or just as negative, but the thing that it is, no matter what, I think, it is quite empowering. It gives responsibility of one's life to one's self, but doesn't dictate that anything out there necessarily need be the source of 'success' or 'pleasure' other than whatever the person wants it to be. It isn't that it is 'there's no answer' it's that 'there can be any answer, and you get to decide'. So you aren't necessarily 'wasting your life' doing the things you enjoy, even if they aren't necessarily 'productive', instead, you are simply enjoying your life. If you, on the other hand, feel you need to make some kind of lasting difference in the world, then by all means, go for it and make that difference, and you'd be living well. Of course, one can always ignore what they believe counts as 'what they make their meaning of life' to be, and be upset that they aren't achieving it, but that too is on them. Or others might not consider the meaning of life at all, and be perfectly fine that way. To me, it's relative. :> Edit: IN ADDITION. I WOULD LOVE THIS. All caps because EXCITED. If you do this sort of thing, I would definitely definitely be interested. *u*

I've gotten my first Grimoire commission on the surface! I [blot] well, I really should likely be working, but I am too excited~ I must spill some of these thoughts onto a page. I really wish to make this book a spectacular one. Though the simplicity of it was requested, a Grimoire can be simple, yet still excellently crafted and comfortable in most ways, yes? And as a gift! That Lafiaht would come to me for something for her mate, something I would consider a rather important request, I must try my best not to disappoint her, or him. Which reminds me.. when she mentioned that her previous partner merely left her with nothing in the desert... How incredibly dreadful. She seems pleased enough now, having found another, living in a place she is clearly fond of, so I do hope it turned out for the best, but I could not help but be... upset. What a terrible thing to do. [a few blots] But now she is in Limsa as well. Or, at least, close enough. I take it somewhere in the Mist, staying with her mate. No wonder my package reached her so late. However, it did reach her, which was excellent, even if belated, and did answer a number of questions. Namely that I cannot trust Moogles with my deliveries, and for anything that I feel must be timely or important, the old ways are best. ... Though she did request I leave the Grimoire with them this time. Hrm. Also, hunting a dragon~ What an exciting goal she has. I can't say I've ever truly seen one, save for zizz, if they even count (they really aren't that close, are they?) or puks. Though the more I consider, the more I feel it may be wise to accept Lafiaht and her partner's assistance through Coerthas. Clearly they have been there, and [blot] were I better with healing magics, I may actually be able to help them more. [a few more spots] Really, I should be practicing. What will happen if Soli should ask that I assist her on one of the Family's requests, and I am so poor at it? Perhaps, though, getting various commissions and the interest of those Above would.. dissuade such a request, for now. Clearly I am gathering Knowledge this way, promoting further alliances, of a sort. They clearly know the uses, they'd had me doing it for years. [a few more spots] Though by the same thought, wouldn't it be exquisite to actually help Soli? To actually do something of merit on an outing for the Family, save for [a few blots] well, I suppose what little they did have me do before was certainly of merit. No other could have done it, I suppose, I [spot] I know it was important. I merely.. I can't say I've ever had so much mobility, so much freedom, it's always been by their direction, decree, guidance, what was best for the Family. But here.. Here I can set my own trade price; I am seeking Knowledge, and that Knowledge can be for myself as well as otherwise, not just merely by their decree. Being able to have a part in what is to be, a part that is my own, to be able to learn all of what's around me, to be able to see and assist Soli in what she does as well, instead of her needing be the one to 'handle my affairs' as she likes to put it. Thus far, coming Above has been.. far beyond anything I've even considered to expect, and there is only more yet~ I'll.. I'll need to practice. I wonder about the healing geometries in Arcanima. As I understand it, it is quite flexible and self- sustaining as an art, so perhaps there are a number. Perhaps more can be devised if there aren't~ Clearly they are there, though, as I've been asked for Grimoires that would accentuate that sort of magic. ... Perhaps I should ask about that, should Lafiaht wish for specifics.. when she meets to teach me~ [there is a bit of a flourish to that tilde] That will be so incredibly exciting, I really cannot wait~ Not only will I be able to see Lafiaht doing something she seems quite a bit to enjoy, gaining Knowledge all the while, but I will actually be able to use the Grimoire I made for myself! Or.. one of them. Certainly not the ridiculous ones I made as a child, but the latest one, the one that begs for use every time I see it, yet I've never had the ability. Soon though! Soon I will~ Well, should all go according to the plan, of course. Or even just somewhat in the direction of the plan; plans are ever wont to change, regardless of all else. An off-path saunter towards the plan would suit me fine enough~ First, I must make an exquisite, yet simple Grimoire. I feel I may need to keep reminding myself of that in my excitement. For the Knowledge gained, I merely wish it to be worth the price I asked~ But there is no use if it is not what Lafiaht, or her partner, desires. Simple, remember to keep it simple. Despite its simplicity, it must be up to standards, even if only the lowest ones I'd be willing to lay hands on, and I'll need a few materials yet. I should set out soon, I've not much time, and would rather not be horribly rushed~

Grimoire for Lafiaht's Mate "Gotta have enough pages so the writer has room for mistakes, yeah?" "book for a beginner" "While I don't think he’ll be pursuin’ the art like I do I want ‘em to have enough room t’learn." He's a Highlander - big guy - small for the race "Gotta be able to fit in his hands proper so maybe somethin’ you can hold?” “Not a fancy sort of man—no bells or whistles, probably make the cover leather.” Tan Might find me in the meantime for anything additional Thoughts: - Standard, Leather, Beginner's Grimoire - Minimum additions (weight customizing only perhaps?) - Simplistic design (perhaps only include the symbols and spell bindings that will circulate the Aether throughout the tome.) - Lowest-grade quality that the Family would allow to be parted with. Payment - Trade of Knowledge - Will teach me some Arcanima - Non-specified (I left it to her discression, I'd just like anything, really.) Drop point: Moogles at the Mist. Lafiaht may wish to watch a tome being made at a later time - when both are less busy. - A logical thought~ Moogles - didn't take anything from Lafiaht's scrollcase - Which she did recieve! - Albeit late. - Unclear whether they went through anything - Appeared unopened anyway

... First of all, that leading answer was absolutely amazing. I'm sitting here not even knowing how to convey what I want to in response. But I'm quite glad that I'd asked you that question, because reading that was both inspiring and thought-provoking in its own right. It's quite clear where your passion lies. I'm gonna try not to derail this thread by leaping headlong into how I agree with you, how language itself is almost a living entity that shapes our lives and understanding far more than people often give it credit for, and how incredibly fascinating it is to brush up against the barriers that words create and expand for us. But! I will say I think there's little doubt you're on your way to where you want to be, and hope you make it there~ Second! Yes, good. I hope you're liking the game so far! Unfortunately, my highest 'healing' class is 22 Arcanist (15 Conjurer, and then there's 50 Black Mage, oops.) But if that's in your range, feel free to whisper Xavarian Mystrife if I'm around and you need more queue people, or if you just want to take down things quick and a pocket healer would be nice. :> As for RP, you can totally send me a tell about that too! I'd be happy to have our characters meet sometime. My character is actually a duskwight elezen mage (who's most certainly still striving for Aetherical mastery) working as a scribe and bookbinder, and he's only recently come to the surface to learn.. just about everything he can. He's a total awkward nerd, but also on the mischievous side, and likes to experiment and explore just about everything... that isn't crowded. Or terribly loud. ... At night. Definitely not sketchy at all. *cough* But if you're interested in having your characters meet someone like that, feel free to poke me here, or in game. :> I'd be happy to play with you.

Hello and welcome! Also happy holidays and hope you have a good break from school as welll~ I too approve of this music you've posted. It's pretty great, not even gonna lie. And since you opened yourself to questions, I'm going to be a nosey butt, and ask a few: What do you like most about studying English? Writing? The 'rules' of the language itself? Everything? Of course, you don't need to answer if you'd rather not, I'm just curious as I'd always been interested in the subject of English. And that just spilled over into semantics when I got heavier into philosophy, but it's just neat how language changes and shapes our worldview. But that aside, I've got a more game related question: Are you new to the game, or are you ready to RP? Because if the latter applies, I'd totally like to hear more about H'elah and Jodeth. :> Let us all nerd out about characters. But if you'd rather not let the secret out just yet, that's fine too. Also, if the former applies, and you ever need someone to join you in dungeons or something, feel free to send me a tell on Xavarian Mystrife, and I'd not mind running something with you. Depending on what class you're playing, the gueue times can be.. lengthy.

[between these pages is a folded letter, with writing underneath in the book itself.]

... This is super weird for Xavarian, especially right now. His family would expect that it would be for them. And it might end up being for them. But it also might end up being for himself. He's right on a teetering brink between the family loyalty that was hammered into him despite them keeping him in solitude, and his newfound freedom, and all he's finding that was potentially kept from him. He doesn't actually find value much in his own person, but instead in what he's after. Anything purposely standing in the way of what he's after is a problem, but if his family goes about achieving it better than he does, then they deserve to be around more than him. In his mind, anyway. Due to that, with actual people, it is honestly a tossup and can go either way. Insofar as friends, though, he has no one that close to him yet, and certainly not close enough for him to sacrifice himself over. All that said, Xavarian would sacrifice all of them and himself for Knowledge, hands down. So that could end up any number of ways. If he had some knowledge he felt needed preserving, or a strong will to gain a certain sort of knowledge, then he'd fight for himself. If someone else had knowledge he felt needed preserving, he'd give himself up to keep it intact. If there were some societal group that held untold amounts of knowledge he felt needed preserving, he'd fight for that. If more than one of them had knowledge that needed keeping, he'd fight for whichever one logically could hold it best. ... And this is one part of why he is such a morally skewed character, because what he perceives as relevant knowledge will shift, and likewise, who actually holds it may also shift. ...He's.. had way too much time to himself to think abstractly. TLDR: He'd lay it all down for a situational, fluid concept before any current loyalties. But in terms of current loyalties, it's a toss up between himself and his family. What would make the difference would literally be what the situation was in that moment. ... If he thought he had friends, it might be for them, but he'd never fight for the faceless 'Eorzea'.

Asheloux Wildwood Arrogant - Clearly knows nothing of Duskwights - Also clearly cares little for amicable first impressions Appearance - Fair skinned - long, dark and light hair - One eye is abnormal, almost like icy glass - wears shaded glasses, even at night; likely due to his 'sight' - Also wears well-tailored clothing; likely well off Met when he was taking notes on the ruins about Bronze Lake. I can tell he has a sufficiently strong Aetherical presence. Not named 'Very Interesting' despite his reply to my question after his own~ - Also thought I was serious when I made mention of it - Either assumes severely low intelligence of me, seeks to be demeaning, or has no concept of jest. Likely all of them. Studied me upon seeing me - apparently saw something of interest - circled me speaking to himself - "You look more like the aetheryte crystal over yonder rather than a dirty cave dweller." - "Tell me, what kind of fool wanders around with this much Aether on their person. It's rather astounding, really. You'll make a man like myself go blind with it all in one place." Can apparently see Aether - I have half the mind to cause it to increase just to bother him~ Though that is hardly 'diplomatic' of me, I suppose. - I asked if it were a skill or by design, considering his eyewear. - removed the spectacles of sorts to show his unaligned unmatching eyes. (The former thought is rather amusing though~) - "Unfortunately for you, this is not something you can easily replicate as I do not know what exactly caused it, aside from my own carelessness I'm afraid." - Apparently it was a mistake, or unintentional. - Says it's useful for his studies. He insulted Vathen. - called him a lowly pack mule - Asheloux doesn't carry his own materials with him, apparently~ - Or is just that illogical and inefficiant to not request assistance~ I said as much. - Also noted 'ease' has little to do with what can be done - And that him knowing what happened would be useful, but not necessary. I think I offended him~ - "You may work alone, but I have a score of researchers under me and a team of body guards behind them. As long as you rule them with an iron fist and the noose of detailed instructions, little mishaps have happened. Anyone who does not follow my instruction and still lives to tell about it is simply replaced." - That sounds dreadful. Impressive, but dreadful. - I wonder if he restricts their learning and experimentation by only exactly what is approved by him. - He also seemed proud of this.. self-proclamated law. Asheloux's studies - Various magics - "Everything from what was, is, and could be." - Thinks interest in Aether is natural. Offer made - "As you seem interested in it yourself by the look of your load, I'll let you take a gander as to what it was I was studying that very day." - Likely could see what was in the various packs I had, due to their Aetherical potency. I mentioned his description of rule sounded dreadful - he thought I believed that he killed his own researchers. - ... And explained that he didn't. - "I watch them kill themselves and if they fail, then I let them go. I don't allow sloppy work in my order." Despite his previous offer to show me what he was working on, he restated he wasn't actually inclined to. - especially one with my "particular background". - Mentioned if we met under more favorable circumstances he may share - For a Trade of Knowledge I offered that he tell me what kind of knowledge he was after, or let me choose something myself. - Guess what he picked between chance or decree~? - "If next we meet, I expect to know more about the strange flows around you and why I feel like I've been to bloody Coerthas and back." - "Maybe then I will gift you with what I was studying, and what I know about this accursed eye I was gifted with soon after."

Hah, yeah, I had to figure that one out too. Hopefully it helps! Also, if you have other weird run-ins with wiki code, I've found a thing that helps me (since I can logically parse through some of the code as is, just don't know how to do all the things I want done) is browsing other people's pages, until you find one that has the element you like, then going to 'Edit' to see how they coded it. Not necessarily to steal their whole template format or anything, but like.. say, to figure out how to place an image, or to make a spoiler box or something. So long as you don't change anything on their page, I doubt anyone would mind. Or at least, I wouldn't mind if someone looked at my wikipage codings. And you can always ask them or credit them if you're looking for more than just 'I wanted to know the wiki code for hiding text' or something. :>

You likely need to upload the picture as a file onto the wiki first, then link to the wiki version of the file. You don't use the traditional < img > html to get them to work, either. You just put the filename where you want the image to be (at least for most of the templates) and don't worry about other coding. But if there's another problem, I'm not entirely sure what it'd be. D:

Xavarian is pretty well-off from a pretty well-off family, but part of me wonders if there might be a disparaging difference between the economics of the 'surface world' (aka all of Eorzea as we know it) and 'below' where the Duskwights of caves make their homes. Considering the vast majority of the latter seem to be portrayed as 'fighting for survival', it might take a lot less to be considered 'well-off'. But maybe not too! We don't know quite how their system works. But basically, Xavarian is considered 'rich' in that perspective; whatever the cave-dwelling duskwights consider to be wealthy, if they have any unified sort of trade. I imagine he's at least 'well-off' in comparison to above-ground-Eorzeans too, but unless the scale is tipped the opposite way I think it is, I doubt he's at the level of effortlessly able to buy several mansions or anything. He still certainly will work for pay when he feels he 'needs' to. Though, unfortunately, one of the first people he got along with smacked him in the chest, and told him not to tell anyone he's well off, or he'll get robbed, so he's been paying special attention to keep it a loosely guarded secret. (Not that it keeps him from dressing well, or having fancy things; gotta tempt fate a little bit.)