FallenFedora

RPing as an entertainer myself, I can tell you that it's a challenge often tackled very differently player to player. Stroud makes use of the piano, so it becomes much easier to just write off the need for vocal input and queue up a few piano remixes of songs, or yank the occasional Chopin piece from youtube for atmosphere if anyone in the scene happens to be interested in deepening the immersion. Given he's a Xaela, I like to make use of his tail while performing though, to give him a sort of exotic and arrogant flare to his performances, using it to take the place of his hand for a slower piece, so he can drink or take a drag from his cigar while sitting at the piano. I also like to accentuate his body movements, such as 'bobbing' with his shoulders, doing the 'exaggerated Beethoven', his movements in sync with the music... lends a more passionate persona, I like to think.

Char Lohengrin couldn't keep from smirking, as he folded the letter up and pushed it across his desk towards the lead researcher, Ashorea Mo'Thana. "This cat has serious style; But I think somewhere along the lines he forgot there's still a wide divide... Maybe he thinks he can bridge it." The Miqo'te opened his humidor and thumbed through a few cigars before settling on one, rolling it between his fingers as he pulled it out. "Mister President; Something like this might upset the very tempestuous balance. If I may be so bold, it might impact our sales." The Elezen replied, handing the letter off to the nearby Wendell Higgs whom took it in hand and looked expectantly to Char, whom concerned himself more with finding a lighter, than this controversial piece of parchment. "The hell are you? My sales representative? You're paid to oversee the egg-heads, not my bottom line. This 'Couerl of Garlemald' isn't anything special. Just another idealist with too much time on his hands, and access to too much paper... If anything he should apologize for stealing those two and a half minutes of my life in reading that." After shifting several drawers about, buried under a few loose documents - he found the golden cylinder and depressed the button as he drew it to the herbal sleeve clenched tightly in his lips. A flame emerged and he took a few measured puffs before exhaling a cancerous smog into the room. "The general discontent isn't going anywhere; Eorzeans want Magitek - we'll sell them Magitek. The soldiers in Garlemald? They want Magitek. We're going to give them Magitek. We aren't playing politics, we're playing a market. Whoever this individual is, let them have their moment... But do so, outside of my profit margins. One man won't change the atmospherics... Now, unless you have something important, burn that damn thing and get back to work." The woman stood her full height and shook her head, before departing - Wendell not far behind her. Char stood up and moved to gaze pensively outside the window, looking up towards the night sky as he continued to puff at his cigar. '...I sincerely wish you the best of luck... Idealists are often short-lived, with good reason...' He thought silently to himself.

[align=center]Xaela Corpses Found in Ul'dah - Inspectors Baffled![/align] [align=center]Another string of violent deaths in the Thanalan region targeting Auri refugees of Xaela descent has surfaced, this time in the city-limits of Ul'dah itself. Three females, all identified as having shared descent with the Qalli clan, were found in the later hours of the night by two tavern-goers whom decided to work their way home through the back alleys leading away from the Sandstone. They reportedly tripped over the bodies in their drunken stupor, and quickly drew the attention of the guards with their terrified screams.[/align] [align=center]The area was quickly isolated, and placed under a strict cordon until the area might be examined, and the deceased could be relocated; A first hand account, provided by one of the two men under the pretense of anonymity, described the state of the unfortunate Xaela as "grotesque" and "unimaginable". Their throats were slit, and horns removed. Inspectors theorize that they were murdered separately at various times throughout the day, and then later deliberately piled together in the alley. At this time they've no leads; However they suspect that whomever is behind this attack is also responsible for the one seven months ago, whom is as yet at large, given the ostentatious manner in which the corpses were displayed with full intent of discovery.[/align] [align=center]Citizens are urged to exercise caution, and report all suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. [/align] Story: Royle Harper

[align=center]The Dark Lord, Illuminated?[/align] [align=center]In a most unexpected reveal during a charity auction this past Friday, the otherwise mysterious and reclusive Dark Lord of Ul'dah made a very public appearance in the Twelveswood. Rumors suggest that he bid lavishly against those many gathered throngs in order to garner the attention of a particular woman in attendance, perhaps at the mercy of cupid's arrow? Others suggest that it was but a publicity stunt urged on in order to increase revenue for the upcoming performance of Maria and Draco as the Dark Lord himself cites later in the evening.[/align] [align=center]After gifting the as yet unidentified Hyuran woman the spoils of his victory, and just after all bidding had closed out, however is where the story begins to blossom. As many within the more artistic community are aware the Dark Lord has been anything but transparent in his personal life, save the occasional silent donation towards efforts targeted at assisting those displaced refugees that flock in droves to the Jewel of the Desert. Transcribed below, is an account of his rousing speech, and the first instance he has publicly given his name.[/align] [align=center]"Lords and Ladies; I bid you great thanks for attending a gathering dedicated to no more innocent or noble a cause than that of simple coexistence... Than a promotion of well being and shared livelihood among our neighbors. Among the many of us this evening, are strangers and friends alike... Such illusions of difference were, I should imagine, dispelled fair swift as many socialized, laughed, and of course, bid lavishly. [/align] [align=center]Some among you know of my work - As the 'Dark Lord of Ul'dah' - a mere actor portraying the various faces of fiction from Maria's own Draco to the Beggar Prince... Each facade has shown to me the many faces of man. There are feats of heroism to be seen in each as equally as acts of maliciousness and evil - not least among them, the evil that is indifference.[/align] [align=center]Tonight I come before you, not as the Dark Lord, not as a fanciful work of fiction, pianist, courtier, nor anything more than Stroud Forscythe, a humbled man. His origins no different than that of any other - born into this world with a shrill cry from the first piercing of light upon departing his mother's womb.[/align] [align=center]I would boldly declare for any man here, the like of a saint, whom has as not once in their lies looked in the opposite direction as come the moment when the weak and feeble - less affluent and even 'inconvenient' were immediately present. When even the thought of their being, if only for a mere moment, was seen as troubling.[/align] [align=center]I myself confess to guilt of such a crime. We have all done so... Perhaps many of us here have even been victim to it; Tonight, whilst we may never truly rise beyond what is inherit to our nature, as to avoid that which is displeasing to us in one form or another, I do not ask for saintly pursuits nor contribution of coin from any one party, be they affluent or not.[/align] [align=center]No, tonight I bid you but offer a single thought. From that thought of the destitute and lesser off, is a foundation. A single word upon which every man and woman present can attest by virtue of merely being here - Opportunity. From Ishgard to Ul'dah, refugees are a common enough sight. Misfortune or birth having placed them into desolation... I bid you think upon one single individual or greater gathering, and ask yourself were you as they were, to what ends of the world would you travel to arrive to where you stand today? How bloody would your feet become for pain of distance? How exhausted? How... humble?[/align] [align=center]Tonight I only want that one moment's thought to the misplaced - for we are, all of us, joined as living creatures before we are anything beyond; Ul'dahn, Ishgardian, Limsan or otherwise. Tonight, we are a free people. A unified people... Though this is a union of banners, I know with that single, nourished, thought opportunities follow that we shall in time become a truly unified people! [/align] [align=center]This exchange of word is not for Eorzea, not for Sharlay, or Othard... Tonight I herald Hydaelyn and all her children... for we are all joined in the grace of her breath, which fuels our lungs and grants us that gift most precious - Life."[/align] [align=center]The Dark Lord went on to thank those gathered in attendance for paying their attentions to his words and purpose for being that evening, before making a point to contribute a sizable donation of exactly one million gil to those charity event organizers, the Twelve Oaks, as thanks for having given him a platform upon which to deliver his hopes and expectations to the people of Eorzea.[/align] [align=center]Was this just another performance for 'Stroud Forscythe' the Dark Lord of Ul'dah, or is this a desperately needed spark and voice dedicated to give those destitute parties due representation among high society? Time and intent shall tell. In either circumstance, sales for the upcoming recital have seen a dramatic upturn, leaving very few seats or boxes available for purchase.[/align] [align=center]If nothing else, he has continued to remain a controversial figure among the entertainers of Ul'dah - and perhaps - the wider circles of Eorzea's eccentric elite.[/align] Story: Tetiru Tiru

I await with baited breath; I'm also going to bring -everyone- have enough beer.

] Coming Soon To The Jewel Threatre in Thanalan Witness the Timeless Struggle of Love Defeated at the hands of the Eastern Prince, Ralse, Draco is lost to the battlefield and thought dead; His beloved, Princess Maria, is taken on as the General's prize to secure his line throughout the Western Lands and further expand his empire... Err long the stirrings of vengeance wake the hearts of many enraptured by love of woman and country. Starring Lord Cedric Holmes as... Draco The Dark Lord of Ul'dah' as... Draco's Shadow Lady D'nangho Tyaka as... Maria Lady Shiro Qalli as... Maria's Shadow Lord Sorell Shaufette as... Prince Ralse Lord Beckett Shaufette as... Ralse's Shadow Featuring Edgar De'Rosso as the presiding Impressario 'The Starlight Song' Leturu Turu as acting Master of Music Musical Orchestrations Performed by the Moonlight Venture Members of the Gladiator's Guild as the Stalwart Soldiers of East and West Tickets available now, starting at 10,200 gil per seat, 40,400 gil for second story private show boxes seating parties of four, and 70,800 gil for third story private show boxes seating six with complimentary catering services provided. All reservations must be made three weeks in advance and tickets provided at the door.

Trust me when I tell you that I totally appreciate the sentiments of digital vs. traditional art, as I'm still working out my own kinks with the blending and color spectrum end of things. Usually I just end up cheating my way through it by smashing a boatload of colors in the same spectrum and just rubbing them all around with the smudge tool until they 'seat' within the lines. Many are my feels for you. Just the same, I have to say you've got a very nice style - fluid and crisp. I'll be keeping an eye on you buddy, you're going places. If you're looking to get help on coloring guides, there's a plethora in step-by-step format up on deviantart, a quick google search should set you straight. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[align=center]Xaela Found Dead in Thanalan![/align] [align=center]In the early morning hours, before the desert sun had shown past the horizon, it was discovered by a caravan of traders on approach to Ul'dah that two Xaelan males were brutally murdered and left to rot in the open heat, for all the crows to feast. Inspector Zaberelli responded immediately to the scene, followed by several members of the Brass Blades, in hopes of ascertaining both evidence of whom commited this atrocity, and a potential motive for this heinous crime, which as yet has no suspects.[/align] [align=center]Whomever is responsible, it was immediately made apparent that the two men, identified as brothers Lorthran and Timins of the Iriq tribe, had been put to death prior to being strung about the neck and left to swing freely beneath a long dead tree. Multiple lacerations marred the bodies, indicating a fierce struggle of blades ensued. Most notable was the seemingly deliberate removal of the Xaela's horns from their heads.[/align] [align=center]The inspector was loathe to speculate in regards to the matter, and would not give a formal statement, but he urges all of the Auri refugees and citizens alike to take precautions as they go about their daily lives. [/align] Story: Royle Harper

*Stroud is a 'functional alcoholic'. *He's also is a habitual smoker. *He finds the presence of household pets soothing. *He tends to lift his chin whenever he's gauging someone. *Absolutely loves opera of any kind. *Will find a corner to himself if more than five people are in the same enclosed space.

So in just a little over twenty minutes, everything is gone. Everything. Some folks even have multiples - watch the markets, because I'm pretty sure we can expect a few to go up for twice the initial price. I almost feel kinda bad for everyone that stayed up well into the night with hands in prayer and blood pressure through the roof just to come up empty. GG. But it's not like any of you didn't already know that was gonna happen, right?

Stroud Forscythe It never mattered to him how brightly the Thanalan sun burned through the clouds and cast it's brilliant rays across the well paved stones of Ul'dah, this place was as dark and desolate as the deepest dungeons to his eyes. From the heights of power housed from among the affluent to the dismal street corners sheltering the despondent, all were equally beyond hope... Dreams turned swiftly to nightmare upon the realization that they'd never awake this lucid sensation they'd all labelled life, even the man whom gazed from the mirror, longing for release. A feeble mortal coil tying everything to one singular moment - bound forever by ambition and petty desire... For these things, the rich, poor, or otherwise would dance to a merry tune, forever disguising the silent battle waging on 'twixt any two people whom drew breath - The mirthful glee one might draw upon stepping another into the dirt to advance their own selfish whimsies... '...No more... It has to end...' Even as such ambitious wishes doomed him to join in the waltz.

Looking for a generally cynical-minded individual with a piss-poor outlook on people and everything else in the modern world of Eorzea? Maybe someone with musical talents and a capable dancer? Perhaps you just want to soothe the troubled Xaela with a large chip on his shoulder? If yes to any or all - you my friend could be well on your way to making the acquaintance of one Stroud Forscythe! I typically frequent Ul'dah or Limsa - always happy to meet new faces! (Don't be shy now! )

You might give wordpress a try, it's something I've used before in the past when doing something similar for characters I've had before in the past for other games.

The Dark Lord turned over a few pages along the paper until another article had surfaced regarding the masked 'hero of the people' to tear at his attention. His glowing crimson eyes glossed over the details of the latest killings, taking the time to commit the poisons mentioned in the paper to memory that he might pursue a line of inquiry among his peers at a later date; If it was good enough for one whom was clearly crafting a wall of bodies where-so-ever he wandered, it aught be enough for a swordsman's edge. He paused a moment, that he might bring his teacup to his lips and tease them with the warm brew that began his every morning. The sun was just breaking the horizon and filtering in through the window, and despite the glimmer, he still found the world beyond the glass to be horribly dark. He thought quietly on how he may have misjudged this Viper upon his first reading of the man and his methods... This was one whom likewise saw into the blackened abyss that was mankind's darkened heart, even if perhaps tainted himself. He turned his attention back to the sprawling sea of words detailing The Viper's accomplice and thought perhaps that perhaps in time, what had begun as a simple tale of mere vigilante justice might yet conjure an orchestra of justice - however skewed a perception thereof might be. As he finished his tea, he cast the papers aside and pressed his own ornate gold mask against his face, drawing the leather bindings about his horns that it was taut against him and veiled his eyes from the world at large. "You, like so few in this world, are making terribly swift waves in a woefully small pond."

[align=center]Cynical Laughter[/align] [align=center]In the early morning hours as the desert sun rose overhead, the Laughing Armament's corporation suffered another setback this year in the form of an unprovoked attack from within their Thanalan branch. The aggressors originated from within the organization's own private security ranks; The very same that they pride themselves upon hiring out to the wealthy and elite, citing that it's advanced magitek weaponry sets them above mere sellswords. [/align] [align=center]At the time of press the company's spokesman, Windel Higgs, released a public statement. "These three individuals in question have not long served from within our fold, and have been identified as problematic among their peers... Rest assured that we are looking into the matter, and at present taking considerations in terms of the scrutiny paid to those employed to avoid future mishaps such as this, and that our customers continue to receive only the most professional and firmly disciplined armsmen we might provide."[/align] [align=center]Contrary to this statement, however, it has been revealed through extensive inquiries that those three individuals in question, so named Deus ban Baelan (28, Hyur - Male), Screaming Eagle (23, Roegadyn - Male), and Ciel ban Tosca (20, Hyur - Female) have served for some several years among their rank and file, and have been employed across the high and low of Hydaelyn's social elite. When the inquiry was raised for statement, neither Windel Higgs, or President Lohengrin could be reached. [/align] [align=center]Further surrounding the mystery about the incident, are whispers from within the company that the three had taken into their possession experimental and untested weaponry and armor, refusing to part with it well after it had been issued, prior to their assault and murder of four other members of their company before fleeing into the night. The three identified have had their likeness rendered by artists and a bounty issued for the three - any and all information regarding them should be forwarded to the Brass Blades of Ul'dah immediately. [/align] Story; Sorell Blanth

Situation dependent - I'm running two characters throughout a very long winded plot at the moment, where either (or both) can die at key points. They can kill each other, or fall off the wagon during an event, but it's all in keeping with a certain measure of 'Influence Points' matching a certain tally in one direction or another throughout the course of the story - if they don't meet a certain threshold... Well... "You have chosen... poorly." And also interactions or combat with those involved would of course factor in. It can end up incredibly dramatic at the end, or fall incredibly short beforehand.

Build the first server-wide nightclub. Profit.

I have to agree wholeheartedly - I cannot think of a time, in any game in which I've roleplayed - in which any single character I've interacted with over the years took a moment to reflect on the significance of the act of taking a life, or examined the consequences on the psyche. You're absolutely right - the vast majority seem to just shrug their shoulders at the prospect, war torn Eorzea or not. Unfortunately my main is an omnicidal nihilist who looks at the world with the most pragmatic of mindsets, so it isn't best expressed through him the reactions of taking a life, my alt is more suited to it, given he reacts with genuine regret and compassion well after giving the order to one of his lackeys to see someone dead, despite never once pulling the trigger himself. He forces himself to rationalize that it was for the best and to his own benefit at the end of the day, but the guilt is there, and it is swelling.

[align=center]Unidentified Corpses Discovered in the Shroud [/align] Near Bentbranch Meadows, three bodies were found in an outcropping shrouded within the Twelveswood following a strange fluctuation of aether last week. Two Hyurans - male and female - and that of a bear; By all accounts, the dead surfacing in the woods is not an uncommon occurrence, save for when it involves plants having taken root in their bodies, post-mortem in a ravaged state. Expert botanists and well traveled investigators were contacted to assist in making sense of the scene. One professor ,Ivanich Klemford, was cited for commentary. "I've never seen anything like this, though from what I might gleam of the wither in flowers protruding from the victim's eyes, and the flayed stalks that took root within the bodies, it is clear to me that a parasitic relationship had formed in which the plants had derived life - however cruelly established the form - from their hosts; I cannot speak for the inspectors who as yet have no leads as to the reasoning behind obvious signs of battle, but I can attest that in my twenty years of studying all that is green and Godly, I've not seen any such seedling as these. I should like to rule out the possibility that any more linger, but with flora so abundant in the Shroud, I would encourage everyone to report the slightest discomforts to your nearest menders for examination until this incident is resolved." The two desiccated Hyurs have yet to be identified by name, and the investigation is as yet on-going. Any and all information should be brought to the attention of the local authorities. Article: Shinolo Nolo

The Dark Lord tilted his chin upright at her, having observed her every action in silence from behind his immaculate golden mask as she lead him ever onward through the blistering winds of Coerthas. Despite the heavy furs he hid himself within, the shrill cries of the air ripped through him to the very bone. Never once had he deigned to aid her when she engaged a stray draconian creature, nor had he cause to unsheathe his blade; This was her venture - and hers alone. The crystal along his neck blazed brilliantly with the sheer gravity of such negative emotions as the two warriors gave off. The ferocity that was their combined hatred reflected in a single red hue, unto itself as if a fire. He expressed his discontent but once, stepping atop the aevis' severed head as he passed over it in her wake, leaving a fading trail of blood as he trudged onward along the line drawn in the snow by the intimidating blade that looked very nearly as large as the woman wielding it. This moment filled him with a silent satisfaction as he observed the glow of the crystal, still exerting it's dark influence over her from afar. He had no idea what it was she experienced, nor could he interpret or control the whimsies of this shard hanging from his neck - whatever it was, however, held his attention and filled him with a sense of anticipation. There were no words offered or exchanged, even as he heard her own clearly. He crossed the threshold of the courtyard with her, armor clinking at intervals beneath the coeurl furs, his feather and bead fetishes swaying about on their own accord with the breeze still whispering along the air. He continued to demonstrate an indifference to her actions all the way up to their emerging in an open plaza, snow piled over the ancient and long abandoned stone floor. Then it happened - she stood still as an oak, stalwart and focused on something unseen; She cried out, before raising her blade to rip through the air as if to rend an imaginary opponent. He could not fathom what had just transpired, nor could he imagine it had to do with the soulstone he'd procured from an Ishgardian Dark Knight in the wake of their encounter - No, this too was likely the work of the crystal. He moved to tenderly set a plated hand atop her shoulder. "Lady Delacroix?" He asked in a soft and convincingly concerned manner, tilting his head to convey it further beside the implied question. This seemed the tipping point to his eye, he need but be careful in how to maneuver her along her designs... Though if those that hunted him were to be trusted in habit, it would not take more than a convenient interruption.

Stroud Forscythe set the article aside as he looked over his own golden mask in his palms. "Clearly a man of some conviction... But in the grand scheme of things, nothing more than a straight razor amid an endless field of chaff...." He affixed the mask to his face, tightening the straps about his horns until they were taut. It was nearly time for his recital.

[align=center]Stroud pulled the flyer posted along the notice board, looking it over in both hands from behind the veil of his golden mask. 'How incredibly vague...' He thought to himself, before folding it neatly and sliding it into his waist pouch. 'Castrum Meridianum... If memory serves that's a Garlean holding. If nothing else I should be most pleased to meet this woman.' He ran a hand through his brilliantly blue hair and moved to the Quicksand's bar to begin pursuing a lead. With the demand for entertainment at a low with the holiday season, it's not as if he had any other source of income. [/align]

"Hear... Think... Feel..." The voice resounds within his head. "Hear. Think. Feel." It repeats again, louder still. "HEAR! THINK! FEEL!" It demands in it's thunderous and deep voice, filled with dark intent. The ethereal male voice lingers still within his horns, echoing from the deepest recesses of Stroud's own soul. This was the voice of the crystal, or so he liked to imagine. The object of his own obsession, and the sole weapon he might utilize against the whole of mankind. Those corrupt and abusive entities that squandered the gift of life, whom wrought only darkness and suffering in the wake of their meager existence. A shrill wind picked up, and the shiver running up the Xaela's spine brought him back to the reality of the Coerthas wastes. He was kneeling against the ground in pain, gripping at his forehead. He opened his eyes and found his helmet looking back up to him from the snow, jet black with red accents atop it, coupled with bead and feather fetishes hanging from the horns. He sighed, reaching out to collect it and return it atop his head where it belonged, shielding his visage from any and all whom might gleam his face. He stood his full height, the jet black armor creaking with the movement. He took a moment to gauge his surroundings... He was alone, not even a bird in the sky to sing songs of companionship. Naught but snow before him, and snow behind him - trapped within the endless blizzard blowing in every direction, mirroring the tempestuous nature of his own heart. As the thought crossed his mind, he reached for his waist pouch and produced a rather large pill. He forced himself to swallow it, the lump catching in his throat a moment leaving him with a grimace as it passed. This was the sole reason he deigned to venture to Ishgard... the Elezen had merely given him a pretense to leave, and if it meant he might sink his hooks upon her to further his own influence? But icing atop a bitter cake. He consulted the dark red crystal hanging from around his neck. It was glowing brighter, it's corrupt hue manifesting to indicate that there was an Aether Current nearby calling out in festering darkness - a darkness he himself had seeded but a few weeks prior. All he needed to do was release a portion of the crystal's power and taint the flow of aether in a region... Given some time, it would amplify in the area, growing in density and power; All he'd need do then, is reabsorb it back into the crystal and continue on his way. He'd done this countless times, but the trick was to find areas that wouldn't dilute the aether entirely, or spread it beyond his reach. The beastkin of the realm managed aetheryte shrines that worked quite well as focal points, but most were too well guarded for any one man to manipulate without negative consequences, save for the one he'd used deep within the Shroud. The Dark Knight pushed onward with the crystal now aflame with the dark energies inside resonating in kind to those lingering in the very air. He unlaced it from himself and held it outright. "HEAR! THINK! FEEL!" The voice echoed again within his head, as darkened energies made themselves manifest and began snaking along each other before flying towards the crystal. A brilliant flash encompassed the man, as the energies coalesced around his figure, ultimately filtering into the crystal. Two minutes passed in this manner, as the aether pooled upon the object in his hand. A fury of images flashed vividly within his mind; Such lucid recollections bringing with them even the sensations of moments long past... The tears of a sister long abandoned, a young man innocent to the world put to rest at the barbed tip of a lash, the laughter of an arrogant Miqo'te echoing all around - and always the slaughter of men. Inevitably such visions would pull to Carteneau, and he would experience it's entirety in seconds. Every emotion, every pierced heart, the mass collective of pain and agony that had first given this crystal form ripped it's away throughout his body and mind... and then the brief sense of nothingness before he was aware of the world around him once more. When the last of the taint had been removed from the aether flows and absorbed within his crystal, he exhaled a long labored breath. Though the road before him was long, and arduous, this act was but another step forward upon it - and with each passing day, he grew closer and closer to the end. A final definitive end. "...Feel...Feel...Feel..." The crystal resonated within his head, before these thoughts too gave way to the crying gale whipping snow everywhere. He closed his eyes and turned to depart; Now he had time to commit towards Ishgard, and the foolish Dragoon so set upon it's region. [align=center]"I've need of but one vessel to shatter the endless cycle born of mankind's blackened hearts... If you shall not be molded anew, then I shall find another to take up this cup in your absence."[/align]

So much this right now. I've had this issue before in the past with people being unable to see the distinct line between IC and OOC - more so with my playing a villain. Those that did, were sometimes very off-put by the lengths the character would go as a baddie - and weren't very keen on the fact that he would lie frequently IC, but never once bothered to ask OOC (though I never thought much of telling them he was lying to their face OOC either at the time.) about it. I don't care to revisit this type of scenario again, especially as I'm tailoring a story around a baddie... But it's hard not to reflect back on that situation, but I'm so sick and tired of playing a neutral or kind-hearted individual to appease a niche.

Being a semi-displaced Xaela myself - with a very dark personal storyline that's only just now starting *wink wink* - I can whole heartedly recommend Wayfarer's of Eorzea - they run an IC inn that's got off the ground conducting regular events, with a small but friendly community. While Stroud isn't the biggest fan of other Au Ra in general, I can see quite a few subplots coming of this - especially considering he favors blades and axes. If you find yourself interested give 'RiniKett' a message over the RPC or add her in-game under 'L'Rinhi Kett' you might also try 'L'raha Nunh' or myself - Stroud Forscythe. Even if you don't settle into our little niche I look forward to running into you out there in the world. Best of luck and happy hunting!