Jackscarab

Strictly as biology? I find it fascinating. In the absence of an abundance of lore from the developers, I'm comfortable with assuming the accuracy of what you've said -- as a biological foundation upon which miqo'te society established itself. At this point, there's just no telling what hundreds of years of development and out-culture influence have constructed on that foundation. We can't be sure how much the devs wrote and kept in a file somewhere that may color or contradict the species' base biology as you've presented it. But it's still a well-reasoned argument, and good job for assembling it.

I'll be there!

Kannadi's replies, broken up by part. Part 1: The Basics Part 2: Growing Up Part 3: Past Influences Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions Part 5: Relationships With Others Part 6: Likes And Dislikes Part 7: Self Images, Etc.

Took me a while to find this thread, but all right: Busy desk work. Profile with books. Different robe, different angle, same books. (I enjoy the Hermit's Hovel.)

I imagine this to be Kannadi's theme: 7EdDlQ2uAMU Rabao, specifically the Piano Collections version. In short, it sounds the way I picture her. Most of the tunes I feel go with her are heavy on piano.

My thoughts are: Kannadi is well-off enough that bathing, grooming, and laundry are easy for her to access, so she does. She looks conventionally good not by distance from filthy adventuring work, but because she can afford to correct for the effects.

Well done and welcome! Calico seems like a fun sort of person.

Kannadi has an underlying "mirror" theme to her character, so I named her chocobo Alcibiades. On Earth, Alcibiades was a strategically-minded general famous for defecting from Athens to Sparta, and then from Sparta to the Persian Empire, and then from the Persian Empire back to Athens, having been a valuable military asset to all three competing powers. In Eorzea, it seemed like a suitably pompous grown-up name for a little girl to give to her plush dodo and later carry over to her chocobo. I suppose that one could hand-wave the name onto a dead Scholar from ancient Nym -- the sort of name known only to highly literate people, which Kannadi would have read in one of those child-friendly books about ancient historical figures.

Sure, I suppose I could make a Kannadi duplicate for the beta. I may or may not be working that day, though. We'll see!

Kannadi declined to look up as she committed Mr. Wynn's commentary to her journal. "I haven't met them, no. I assumed that they would come in their own time, and that in the interim I might discover something of interest. Which I have." She clapped her journal shut and stowed it in the recesses of her robe. "Alec-something and Javeant were their names, if I recall correctly, but it isn't as though men wear their names above their heads."

And it goes on from there. I'm personally really excited about it, since I used so much materia in 1.0. Pro: Less risk with multiple materia melding Simplified catalysts Simplified materia; no more garbage All old, "cracked" materia can be traded for new materia or "special currency" Materia fits on accessories Gear can have multiple materia slots New materia that reduces spell cast and recast times, and weaponskill recast times (so, pseudo-Haste) Con: Spiritbond takes "significantly longer" The provenance of successfully multiple-melded gear, and the Gambler's Crown (which I have), is diminished slightly due to decreased risk Cracked materia can't be split from its gear; it's converted "as is"

Yep, loud and clear. But look at it this way. Without Hamlet Defense, there will be more people focusing on everything else, and therefore there will be slightly more help available.

Another highlight that I feel is being overlooked: Relic weapons will no longer need Hamlet Defense. Everything else is still required, just not Hamlet Defense.

You're right. The differences were mentioned in the Live Letter, but it goes like this: Arcanist has Carbuncle, and Carbuncle can take on different roles in battle. Summoner has "egi"s, diluted forms of the Primals, each of which has different roles in battle. For example, Titan-egi would tank, Ifrit-egi might melee, and Garuda-egi might spellcast. Scholar has a fairy, which assists in its Scholar's different spells and can change form slightly. Scholar was described as having whole-party buffs/healing such as Regen, as opposed to White Mage which has mostly single-target, high-intensity healing spells. In-character, Kannadi will definitely head for Scholar, though she'll probably take exception to the exposed thighs...

Kannadi whipped out her journal and a pencil, glad for the distraction. "Really! A man of productivity and learning both. Always good to see." She flipped pages in a practiced hurry. "I've always been interested in animal husbandry, but I've contented myself with study. I've a chocobo myself back home, but I didn't pay his fare this time." She came to a page and started scribbling shorthand. "With what breeds do you work? Rounseys? Coursers?"

Kannadi politely closed her eyes and inclined her head. "Now now, I deliberately chose to de-emphasize the drunkard as a matter of..." When she opened them again, Xenedra was suddenly much closer. "Er, comfort." She cleared her throat. As she spoke, she hooked her pinky finger into her collar and adjusted it for air. "Act? You wound me. I'll have you know I've been in perpetual study of local... fauna...." Her eyes sought an escape and landed on the roegadyn of the party. "So! Mister Wynn, was it? I presume you're a sailor?"

Kannadi smiled, glad for the more familiar face, but with a polite cough returned to her regular composure. "Likewise, Miss Xenedra." She paused. "Closing a bar, you said? Then I suspect your business is doing well. Limsans drink like fish."

More Legati. Wonder what their pseudonyms are. Looks like a bull, a drake and a ram to me. I also wonder if there's a lalafell legatus standing behind Gaius there...

Welp, it happened. As revealed in Sony's E3 press conference moments ago, Final Fantasy Versus XIII is now officially Final Fantasy XV. How does this make you feel? (Might as well have it all in one thread.) My very short opinion: It's still not enough to make me get new hardware, but I'm glad that it will exist. Additional thought: Promoting a side-series title to a main-series title has happened once before. That's how we got FF9.

Kannadi exhaled through her nose. Her name explained everything, did it? Glorious. Twelve know what the everything is. And to what extent the explanation reached. Familiarity? No, none, never saw him before, not even at the parties -- unless he was among the help at one of them? Possible. Tangential social proximity. Would explain knowing the tune. Hmm. "Yes... I'm sure it does," she said. Her diction was so precise she could pronounce an ellipsis. She heard their names, and nodded to each. "Mister Tyonis, Mister Wynn. Hopefully we'll be joined by others in short order. Three seems too small a group for something like this."

"Good, good." The roegadyn approached. Kannadi nodded to him. "Yes, it seems that way. The work sounded promising. I'm not as well-versed on the local monster populations as I should be, so with any luck there will be several already at this... vessel. Aurelias, perhaps." She removed her hat and dipped her head to the men. "But I'm forgetting myself. Kannadi Albedo, of Ul'dah. A pleasure to meet you."

"Whoever," huh? Kannadi's a "whoever." Please put her on the list! I think you know where her references are. As for expression, let's go with "intrigued by something."

Average 78 in Oklahoma... which isn't bad at all.

[This marks the last previously-written story that I find worth transplanting from Kannadi's Lodestone blog. Unlike the others, I originally posted it in "real time" from her journal-writing perspective.] 15th, 4A: Met cousin Zulfiqar & Wife passing the Rudius, & congratulated him re: recent Victories. Received polite thanks from him for recent Services to his siblings. Usual vacant smile, empty nod from Wife. Further inquired his opinion of Grand Companies, considering rapid all-hours construction of Immortal Flames headquarters caused no surplus of sleep in recent weeks. He seemed quite Enthusiastic, for him, about the prospects of service to the Sultana, but Ambition was clear in his face as it is always in Grandmother's. Slight chance that he has designs on eventually replacing Mr. Aldynn, in the fullness of time. Would not put it past him -- the desire, not the success. Kept quiet regarding my own opinion. Further study of these Companies is needed. 24th, 4A: Have Recruited myself provisionally into the varied Grand Companies. Valuable insight into perceptions of each re: themselves, others. Limsans too aggressive, Gridanians too proud. Met Spectre, repeatedly, in course of Duties. Encountered him before, only recently learned his name, that being Urianger; noticed he carried weapon of the Arcanists. Most curious and intriguing ability he had, of summoning Scalekin familiars. Part of an Arcanist's trade, or something else?... Also ventured briefly into Maws, Darkhold. Remarkable diversity of monster life. Encountered Garleans elsewhere. Suspect connection with Assassin assemblies in Halatali... Most unpleasant events surely in the offings. Must provide fullest Support to Immortal Flames when opportunity arises. 27th, 4A: (Pinned to a notice board, clearly a page torn from a journal…) Colleagues: Terrible happenings. Cousin Zulfiqar’s wife Evangeline murdered in home, while Z. himself participated in Gladiatorial event. Clear assassination. Throat slashed. Nothing of value missing. Culprit entirely guesswork; could be unknown amateur as easily as Shade, Lachesis, Teiatimay &c. Funeral to be held privately. Priest from her native Ishgard to visit, deliver Rites. Burial impossible there, for various reasons. Will be occupied with Duties pertaining to funeral for some days. In lieu of flowers, send nothing, for nothing is needed. Z., & by extension Family, now has small yet lucrative foothold in Coerthan regional commerce, by dint of deceased wife. Aforementioned Duties to be active prevention of newfound additional Wealth from further Corruption among remainder of cousins, at behest of Mother & Father. ~ Kannadi Albedo 2nd, 4U: Funeral today. Multiple Worthies of the city attended, dressed somberly yet expensively, lavishing Lamentation on the widower. Such conceit. There were some genuine grievers, to be sure, but too many too eagerly introduced their Daughters or turned their words to Ingratiate themselves to the man who, unlike them, now has a foot in the otherwise Iron-Barred gate of Ishgard. Spoke at length with Zulfiqar; no new evidence, but for the assailant fleeing East. East, where lies Halatali, and the suspicious recent Assemblings of Assassins in the rocks thereof, protected by the land and ravin’d Antlings and roaming Amalj’aa. Implored him to leave the hunt to the Brass Blades, for whose efforts Grandmother paid well. 3rd, 4U: That foolish man went on his own. A failed effort. It is a Wonder he was not devoured. 4th, 4U: Brass Blades returned with new detail, necessitating my insight. They had discovered among the Belongings of a scouting Assassin, several bottles of clear liquid. Two were determined upon testing to be none but sugared water; two others, Antling trail-marking fluid. Two and two made four, so to speak; intent was clear to me. Very clever of the killers, to tame the wild Antlings to their service by providing them sweet and easy Calories on a daily schedule. Zulfiqar not deterred by news. Has employed Rasim to devise Alchemical method for bypassing not only Antlings but Assassins. Rarely have I seen him so driven. And little wonder. Surely a Chief of Assassins waits in the innermost of the hide-out rocks. Few others would know more about the murder… 5th, 4U: Tonight: a pleasant distraction from recent days: a Social Event far afield in the Black Shroud, held by Ms. Blue. Met with some Colleagues; Mr. Meillune handling Academy grounds well. Mr. Naystar looked well, as did Ms. Black & Ms. Nhacara. Mr. Elku seemed distant. Ms. Gjin seemed more at home, contrary to her reticent acclimation to Ul’dah. Ms. Xenedra remains a fine dancer. 6th, 4U: Zulfiqar remains bent on infiltrating Halatali Assassins. Caught him in a Reverie; heard some worried mutter from him about a Prince, or at least something similar to the ear. Didn’t press the point. So much must weigh on him, the poor man. 11th, 4U: Academy Meeting, some days past. Had little to contribute, yet volunteered self for promising Venture with Ms. Blue et. al. Have of late been assisting Rasim in gathering certain materials. He claims to be nearing breakthrough in alchemical infiltration aides, but will say no more. Typical of him. Zulfiqar grows impatient for results. Typical of him. Some manner of Event transpiring re: bombs. Nadra positively giddy for it, as it gives her License to run about everywhere in that Swim-Suit without consequence, and puts her into close proximity of Young Men similarly attired. Leyla reportedly shares my feelings about it. First wisdom from her I've seen in ages. Post-Script: That shameless -----! Now she, too, gallivants the city in that Getup! Honestly, there are Assassins about, has she no sense?! What Value could there possibly be in such exhibition anyway? 14th, 4U: Breakthrough! Rasim is a genius! Promoted at once to Favorite Cousin! Sworn to secrecy, even in this Writing, for fear of someone discovering the Recipes and intricate Alchemical Methods of producing them. Even the Ingredients, he said, must be kept secret. But truly, who ever will read this? And who knew that simple Olive Oil had such potential applications, to say nothing of the rest of it? The Batches are only a trial sample, of course. Zulfiqar and I will employ them in our Infiltration of the Assassins this very night, for reasons of his impatience. Should all go well, Rasim will personally approach the Flames for distribution among their ranks, and even the Sultansworn. Perhaps the Ironworks could find uses for them as well. Truly, truly impressed with him. These concoctions will Revolutionize ecological studies. Oh, but more. Silent, scentless, unseen Spies among the Amalj’aa… perhaps even among the Garleans! Brilliant, just brilliant!! The moment approaches. We depart tonight. Zulfiqar can take whatever Justice upon the Assassins’ Leader he likes; I go only to test Rasim’s inventions, and provide Advice on whatever beasts lie within the rocks. I daren’t ask my Colleagues for assistance… for one thing, there are neither Oils nor Powder enough for more than two bodies. For another, it is too dangerous to risk any but myself. I will tell them the relevant details afterward. In the event of Disaster… well, Plans are sufficient to prevent that, but surely this journal will be discovered. I shall leave it here, upon my Desk, with full will and intent to return to it by morning. 15th, 4U: Mission successful. The one who slashed Evangeline’s throat was discovered to be the assassin Lachesis. The Sultansworn have added her name to his file. Rasim is already at work, refining and strengthening his Inventions for to one day reveal them to others. I will say no more of the matter. ( Nothing else appears on the page. ) ( The next several pages in her journal have been neatly torn out. ) ( Known to no one but Kannadi, the torn-out pages of her journal are tucked safely in the same folder in the same drawer in the same cabinet in the same Legal Magistrate’s Office as her recently-updated Last Will & Testament. ) ( The last page bears her signature and thumbprint in black ink, and personal document seal in red ink. The preceding pages read as follows, in a formal longhand obeying more conventional capitalization rules. ) Account of the Happenings of the Night of the 14th Sun, 4th Umbral Moon, Year 1572, in Halatali: I, Kannadi Aranmula Albedo, do attest and certify the following account to be factual. Should I die, and should there be the slightest odd circumstance surrounding my death, I declare the chief suspect to be my cousin Zulfiqar. The reason will be made clear. On the night of the 14th, 4U, I accompanied him to a rock cavern being used as a hideout by a large group of assassins, who had cleverly half-tamed local antlings as a carnivorous defense. Zulfiqar’s stated purpose was to locate and slay the assassin leader, whom he had surmised was responsible for the murder of his wife Evangeline. My purpose in accompanying him, requested by him, was twofold: 1). To provide to him advice on how best to evade or slay whatever monsters may have been kept inside. 2). To test the alchemical infiltration means newly and secretly invented by my cousin, and Zulfiqar’s brother, Rasim. I agreed, and thus went with him. Rasim’s gifts were his latest inventions: an oil which he called Deodorizer, a second oil he called Silent Oil, and a fine-grained substance he called Prism Powder. They were absolutely indispensible to our infiltration. Using them in generous quantity, the movements of Zulfiqar and myself gave no scent to be tracked, no sound to be heard, and indeed no sight to be seen. We bypassed the horde of alert antlings outside, and made our way within. Around a particular bend, we paused to reapply our oils and powder, for they began to wear off. An assassin saw us, whom we subdued. He informed us, under extreme duress, of the location of his leader. Zulfiqar removed the assassin’s head and we proceeded in silence and out of sight. Soundlessness and invisibility availed us well. We proceeded down into the rock tunnels until we reached the very doorstep of the leader’s quarters. We quickly dispatched the two guards, an activity which stripped us of our boons, and entered. Within was a surprisingly well-furnished room. There at a desk sat a Midlander man whom I identified as Andrew the Blade Gentleman, the 7th-most-wanted criminal in Ul’dah. There on the desk, carefully nestled in a simple wooden box, sat an egg the size of a lalafell’s head. Andrew greeted us, and inquired as to what had kept Zulfiqar. I closed the door as the men exchanged banter. Then arguments. Then threats. Then both men drew their weapons and set about a fierce duel, the victor of which was Zulfiqar. I find my hand shaking as I write this. I cannot commit to paper the words I exchanged with my cousin before and after the duel… but I must give account. These are the facts, as revealed to me by both Andrew and Zulfiqar: Years ago, my cousin Zulfiqar married an Ishgardian woman, Evangeline Middlewind. This gained him certain degrees of access to the bastion city-state which were impossible for the ordinary Ul’dahn. With this access, he eventually came into contact with a tiny sect of Ishgardian heretics calling themselves the Blood of Bahamut. Running in dire contrast to the Holy See, these Bahamutans worship dragons, provide them with food, and sabotage the operations of dragon-hunters. It was from them, approximately one month ago, that Zulfiqar acquired the egg of a Deep Brachioraidos, one of the most terrible of all land dragons. It was his intention to hatch the infernal dragon himself and raise it as a beast of war. With the Brachioraidos under his command and in the service of Ul’dah, the Garlean threat would, theoretically, be as nothing. That egg was the very same which sat upon Andrew the Blade Gentleman’s desk. And here lies my cousin’s true nature, the deviousness of which nearly makes me sick… Zulfiqar sought out the Blade Gentleman, told him the story of how he came by the egg, and feigned second thoughts about holding such a potentially hazardous item. He offered to sell it to Andrew, and accepted a large sum of gil for delivery. A delivery which he never made, nor ever intended to make. Enraged, yet ever polite and equitable, Andrew employed the assassin Lachesis to take the due egg, as well as interest –- not in gil or jewels, but the blood of Zulfiqar’s wife. That man… my cousin planned it all along. He deliberately reneged his deal, so that Andrew would react by bringing the egg into his subterranean lair. And the death of Evangeline? I quote him –- my cousin, that is: “She was more useful in death than in life.” And quite so, given that her few yet important Coerthan land titles are now his. I quote myself, in response to his revelation: “Why bother with the egg at all, cousin, if you just wanted someone to kill your wife?” This is why: No one in Ul’dah would allow him to actually raise a Deep Brachioraidos if it became known that he purchased it from heretics. War with Ishgard would be inevitable. But if it were merely an accidental discovery, deep in the uncharted tunnels below Thanalan, he was convinced -- the fool! -- that even the Sultana would look the other way in order to gain such a weapon. For that, he requested my help, there in the furnished room with the dead well-dressed criminal lying in a pool of blood. Not three minutes distant from telling me that he killed his wife through two proxies, he requested my help. I quote him again, and I swear upon my life that every word is true: “All I need is the word of a respected ecologist that I came upon this egg by accident. You have encountered fell beasts in the depths before, have you not? Say that you saw me find the unattended clutch. Say that I destroyed them all, save for this one. You will be believed, your prestige will grow beyond measure, and you shall have a great dragon to study. But most of all, Ul’dah will become invincible. Will you do this for me, cousin? Will you do this for your nation?” I cast Shadowsear upon the egg. It boiled and burst. The fetal dragon inside was reduced to pieces, strewn about the room with egg fluid. Zulfiqar, enraged, took up the Blade Gentleman’s sword as a trophy and cast a spell of teleportation, shouting withering invective as he vanished from my presence. Roused perhaps by the shouts, there came a knock at the door. I took hold of the largest shard of egg that remained, and teleported myself back to the Sultanate. All that I have written is true. The egg shard resides now within the removable shell of the black ceramic tortoise upon my bookshelf. Inspect it; none but I know it is there. I have committed these facts to paper, for fear that my cousin may one day seek vengeance. I thought I knew him. Now I know not to put any vile deed beyond him. With the strongest desire that my fears never come to pass, I am and remain, ~ Kannadi Albedo

Thanks again! The dialogue formatting and the little concrete details are just how I write. I mostly write screenplays for my own creative project just because I can, so my prose comes out very... economical. I don't like wasting time, being vague on important things, or being specific on unimportant things. I do like crafting dialogue, utilizing terrain in fight scenes, and extrapolating logical consequences of canon. And I've worked with young children before, so I went for "authentic cute" in young Kannadi's delivery.