FallenFedora

You might say that someone she knows suckered her into going and left her out to dry, or skewed what it actually was as something else. These are usually open ended enough to leave room for doubt without being overly deus ex in terms of the character them self.

[align=center]Stroud and Magdelena[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]For bonus points! Char and Senor Sabotender (This is now very headcanon.)[/align] [align=center][/align]

Despite how well invested in my FC as I am, I'll be watching out for this one - expect IC encounters with a tall dark and broody Au Ra, and a lecherous cat-man in the very near future.

Square just updated the launcher - they're looking into it now.

Not that I've seen on the launcher.

[align=center]Char Lohengrin.[/align] [align=center]Young.[/align] [align=center]Wealthy.[/align] [align=center]Incredibly Sexy.[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]Char is perhaps the youngest entrepreneur and gillionaire in Eorzea today, with a net worth standing in at just over 1.3 billion. His professional ambition is without limitations, and he continues to raise the standard in the Magitek industry. He's also said to be quite the masseur... Despite his success in marketing both weapons and private security to field them, this young devil hasn't grown content to sit at home and count his coins.[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]When he isn't enjoying a romp in the forest atop his personalized set of Magitek Armor, collecting exotic art, or enjoying a rousing game of Triple Triad, Char is applying himself to culinary pursuits; In an exclusive interview, he provided some insight into his life and even agreed to pose for us. [/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"Thank you for taking the time to sit with us, Mister Lohengrin. If you would please, tell us a little about yourself."[/align] [align=center]"Ah, but where to start?" He began with an easy smile. "My mother had a philosophy... She would always tell me, Kitten, in this life you can take nothing for granted. Seize the day, and make it worth more than the last... And so I have; I like to imagine I've applied that principle to every facet of my daily life. The fact that it's made me financially successful is only icing atop the cake."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"I rather detest the sort of men that hoard their wealth, while on the topic. Those who have risen to affluence have an obligation to share it in some capacity or another; It is for this reason I contribute regularly to charities and even helped to establish an orphanage for displaced children - completely non-profit. It is the right thing to do... That's how I want to be remembered, as a man who did the right thing, despite how easily it would be to ignore the situation our world is in."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"We understand you're something of a gambler, and frequent the Gold Saucer. Is there any particular reason you choose to use them for most of your social events?" [/align] [align=center]"When I'm not losing all of my money there?" He took a moment to chuckle. "They're probably the only ones who can put up with my ridiculous requests. I was hosting a fundraiser one evening and asked to be escorted by Senor Sabotender of all things - I wanted to do something that had never been done before; They agreed outright and that little Cactuar walked me right up the red carpet. It was actually rather adorable."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"So you aren't paid to sponsor them?"[/align] [align=center]"Heavens no. The Gold Saucer is only the finest establishment I've ever had the pleasure of stepping foot in, and it is always a struggle to see myself out. If the proprietors were not so deadset on maintaining it, I'd have bought it outright!"[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"Moving right along, as you've already established your mantra and vision in your management of 'Laughing Armaments', you've been seen with more than your fair share of pleasant company - are there any contenders for a ring?"[/align] [align=center]"A gentleman would never kiss and tell."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"Do you have a particular preference when it comes to who you choose to spend your evenings with? What would you define as beautiful and attractive?"[/align] [align=center]"Beauty is in all things; especially people. I cannot limit myself to a gender, a stereotype or even a particular color of hair. There is not an ugly soul in all the world, I firmly believe that... Though my personal definition of beauty would have to be a reflection of one's heart. Having said that, I have no preference at all save that I enjoy the companionship of those adept at holding conversation."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"A lot of people say that you're a native of Garlemald, is that true?"[/align] [align=center]"I still haven't found the third eye, but you are more than welcome to look where I may not." He winks at me with a coy expression on his face, his tail coming to a rest in his lap. "Though to directly answer the question, I was raised there by my foster family. While I cannot condone the actions of the nation as a whole - I am grateful to have had a place to call home. I do not think anything would make me feel ashamed to have simply lived and breathed in any one place."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"Obvious aura of mystery aside - why the sunglasses?"[/align] [align=center]"They help to keep from being blinded by the majesty of beautiful women such as yourself." He laughs. "In all reality, I'm actually just sensitive to bright lights. I cannot stand to keep my eyes open for very long when surrounded by them; artificial or otherwise."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"Last question... Would you mind if I just gave your ears a ruffle?"[/align] [align=center]"Meee-ow."[/align]

This has been something I found myself subjected to before -several- times over when I was RPing a baddie on another game some time ago. I've found that I have to now explicitly tell people that my character is going to lie to them, and break immersion and remove the surprising elements of the story I'm trying to tell just to appease a particular crowd and prevent them from telling me that I've just 'Meta-gamed my own character to suit my own circumstances'. Most people enjoy the 'intrigue' based RP, but there's just as many out there that want it all laid out in a crisp and neat time table, with the who, what, where and why. I can't fault them, but these are the ones I tend to avoid. I prefer giving a vague outline of what's going to happen, with room for player choices and interactions to change the course of the story, and let it go from there. Not everyone is a fan of this, and that's quite alright. I'm inclined to agree with the sentiments that fair grammar, punctuation and the like is a must, but I have some leniency for those whom do not claim English as their primary language. Details don't need to be rampant, but I'd like enough to paint a picture in my head when it comes to emotes, and for those details to fall within what is reasonably possible within the setting. Beyond that, I've found several well fleshed out characters in the most unlikely of settings just by playing out my lecherous Miqo'te businessman (you know and love him Sig.) and making passes at people before revealing through interactions that he isn't the shallow ERP seeking turd that I'm sure a lot of people take him for; Not every character is the one you see at face value, just as it is with people. It can swing both ways - the cool looking RPers can turn out to be absolute crap down the road with little to no consistency and the wall flowers making only one or two posts can turn out to be the multi/para posters you've been trying to find this whole time that are stooped in story. As for my own personal input? I'm in general agreement with Sig; While we don't need to participate in all forms of roleplay, we shouldn't rule anyone out as being beneath us either, unless they're -really- scraping the bottom of the barrel... So long as it fits the setting, and seems relevant therein, I'm inclined to at least acknowledge that it is there, regardless of whether or not I choose to jump into it. It's a big server, and there's a lot of people to share it with. In the end, RP is just one giant book with a helluva lotta authors. Just my two cents worth.

I like what I'm seeing in here - do you do a transition from paper pencil to digital or do you free hand it all on a program? And if so, which program and brushes do you use?

[align=center]FfR9tw6MYHA [/align] 29. [align=center]Today. I killed you. Your family will never know your presence within their house again. Your child shall not know the face of it's father. Your wife will never again know your loving embrace, nor the brushing of your lips upon her own. You, like all the rest, are a blight. You wear your mask of appearances as surely as any other, but in truth - You are just as corrupt as the rest living upon this cursed insignificant world that is Hydaelyn. [/align] [align=center]I will put an end to it. Top to bottom, it will all burn. The foundation razed, the earth salted, and life purged. You are but a memory - a hollow and distant echo as indeed this horrid world shall one day be. Within your pages, you are but the monsters whom lay claim to be men... You are cowards afraid of your own collective destinies and responsibilities to own your sins. I will right such wrongs now in blood.[/align] [align=center]You are but the first of many sacrifices.[/align] [align=center]The masked Au Ra glanced over the familiar words before throwing the journal into the all consuming blaze that now roared in the hearth. He watched in silent contemplation as the flames licked clean the leather binding and reduced the words to ash as empty as he felt them to be. He turned from the fireplace and gazed now at the piano in the corner. "Death becomes us." He said softly, before moving to sit before it and lift the keycover to breath life into a melody as dark and brooding as the man at the keys.[/align]

[align=center]ui1gTHY0an4 [/align] 28. [align=center]What I saw today was ghastly. A mass of nightmarishly long cords drawing along the walls and roof, coming together in a twisted mass above a single cylidrical tube which they sealed the Au Ra inside of several times in the day. They would lock the chains binding him to an indent at the center before sealing him inside. His screams are otherworldly, ushered forth at the mere push of a button.[/align] [align=center]The lead scientist, one Ashorea Mo'Thana, assures me that it is a necessary step to realizing Char's dream - but what dream could but worth such suffering? Six times he was subjected to such torturous displays and throughout each he locked his eyes upon my own. I can see the blood red glow emanating from them, despite the darkness. It clutches at my very soul - this animosity hidden within. Whatever the man was, I suspect there is but a hollow husk that assumes his face.[/align] [align=center]The scientists refuse to shed any details into their experiments when I ask, save for the vague answers that usually fall within the spectrum of 'It's for the future'. What future has such a thing as this? Better to abort this abomination now before it is loosed to live in a world alongside my child...[/align] [align=center]I have but one final day remaining at this station before I am bid to depart. I must needs steel myself and quell my protests but a single cycle of the sun.[/align]

[align=center]1-0QOdoTDWY [/align] 27. [align=center]Several days have passed, and the reason for all the secrecy regarding the 'package' we were meant to deliver has been made manifest. It is a man, not at all unlike a Doman in appearance. They escorted him just past me in chains; even blindfolded I could feel his gaze settling upon me as he passed, cementing his first encounter forever I should think. It was as if the first time I had placed my feet upon the battlefield, the fear of the unknown gripping me firmly.[/align] [align=center]I shook it off, and have made regular habit of keeping a firm hold on my weaponry while near this Au Ra. They escort him in and out of the central chamber of the building we now cycle through, day and night. He enters in fair health and emerges looking as if someone who has weathered a storm, reeking of ceruleum and sweat. I do not know what happens in that chamber, nor do I wish to... However I suspect I will have little weight on the matter as tomorrow marks my rotation into the room for the security detail. [/align] [align=center]I have but three days to endure before I may put this entire affair to rest and indeed, the majority of my past dealings with this organization. It is my hope that Dahlia and I raise you upon a fertile field, earning honest coin through crop. I wish nothing of this life upon you, save for the sum total of my mistakes upon these pages. [/align]

[align=center]KWooB4tpQ9I [/align] 24. [align=center]We are now, upon the final month of Dahlia's pregnancy and you are expected any day now. The changes in my life are expected to continue mounting. Char Lohengrin has effortlessly purchased the media's favor and in effect, the sympathy of the masses. He dances them like puppets now, as if a practiced artist. I observe very little of the man I knew in earlier years in him anymore of late... He grows obsessed with the question of what a 'Dark Immortal' might be. [/align] [align=center]When I question him as to the origin of such a phrase, he only rests a palm against my shoulder and tells me that I may one day soon discover the answer. I am unused to such maneuvering around topics from him, and suspect our friendship is now in question. In truth I am eager for your arrival, my child, if only to relieve myself of the burden that is this mass of intrigue. I am well into my mid-years and cannot imagine such stress to be tender upon my heart. [/align] [align=center]Per my proposal, he has agreed to dismiss me outright with a sizable bonus paid to myself and my wife for the sacrifices made in support of the company and in recognition of his own safety. His last assignment is but fifteen days long... I am to oversee the delivery of a package to Eorzea upon the airship 'Absolution'. The journey will take naught but a day's time and the remaining thirteen days are merely to establish the Eorzean research branch's presence.[/align] [align=center]I am informed that such an endeavor is sure to be dangerous as it presents our competitors an opportunity to wage an industrial shadow war, as it were, and strike a decisive blow; I remain skeptical to such an outright attack. If we are to suffer such a critical strike, it will be caused from within, not from without. I have in company my finest colleagues and each is worth the salt of a thousand armed men. They all field the latest magitek weapons and armor. Loathe as I am to even consider the thought - we are truly better prepared than any who may think to lay us low. I refuse to be denied what I am rightly due - I will not falter. Not with the thought of meeting your gaze very nearly realized.[/align]

[align=center]fpEE3a5aU4w [/align] 3. [align=center]"This will shake the very foundation of everything my father has built - in either success or failure there will be rampant changes. I cannot promise your safety at any juncture in this affair in either event. I can only promise my utmost." These were the words that cemented our conjoined fates. This Miqo'te... No this man had weathered the most curious of odds and proven ever that he was my friend - his rise to power would see me rise even higher alongside him. I had no doubts as to this point, and so it was that the twenty-ninth day of the ninth month came to pass.[/align] [align=center]I recall sitting in my office, conveniently positioned at the top floor of the corporate headquarters just meters away from the president's office and the boardroom. We were the first responders and the last line of defense. The elite. Tonight, we were to fail in our duties. Each and every one of us. I watched the clocks in obsession, waiting for the appointed hour to present itself. My fingers danced against my wrists in anticipation, running the scenario over in my head a thousand times, conjuring contingencies and thinking of solutions to any unpredictable elements that might present themselves.[/align] [align=center]That is when it happened. A gunshot silenced the laughter and voices around me. I was on my feet instantly, weapons in hand screaming orders. I kicked down the door, leading the charge with a fierce gusto. We entered Goenfal's office in the method to which we drilled several months in the event of an internal breach... only to find the man himself dead on the floor with none other than my friend Char Lohengrin reclining in his chair. It was there that all my fears and unrest were quelled by virtue of - what else? Coin. [/align] [align=center]I was the first to accept as we agreed, leading each under my command to surrender the adrenaline rush in favor of such an amicable offer as was made. When they were made to disperse and I was dismissed several hours later, I knew what I had done to be horrid - even one such as I whom has spilled oceans of blood in his time - knew it to be a betrayal. Dahlia could read the disdain in my eyes and silently embraced me, making me swear that when our child breathed his first, I would leave the fold. I could not refuse - not after that night. I cannot cling to my soul, and to the coin.[/align] [align=center]You, my darling child, are to be my redemption. [/align]

[align=center]1hePyVpEjgE [/align] 2. [align=center]Though the marital life was one I quickly settled into, love alone would not set aside the burden of financial obligations one incurs if they expect to live comfortably; To this end I remained the Lohengrin's retainer and personal bodyguard to Char Lohengrin and was ever grateful to service such understanding employers. The house of Lohengrin is responsible for the rise of it's own fiscal success through use of it's privatized security forces and affordable weaponry, that most notably strives ever towards remaining an innovative force on the battlefield.[/align] [align=center]For my continued services to the house, Goenfal commissioned a specialized suit of armor that the company planned to field in the coming days, and a paired gunsword that required time to adapt to my own style focused on a more traditional blade. The difference in my own observed results was near immediately apparent, and I was not the only one taking notice. The president decided to separate me from my charge and instead formally induct me into the company as a fully compensated member of a security detail. Admittedly, there was a loss of some coin at first, though such oft comes when removing the middle-man, or making him your own, as the case was.[/align] [align=center]Very quickly did I prove myself time and again as a proactive member of the organization, stepping forth to demonstrate my mettle time and again, much to your mother's chagrin. It was not long before I was made head of my own squad... In truth the privilege of such a position irked me at first as I had never had any experience in directing others, though as all mankind must, I adapted. [/align] [align=center]Though it oft dishearten Dahlia to see me off as I tarried forth to do as I must to earn my coin, it further upset her to see the tolls it took upon my body, and the changes that began to manifest within my soul. She had never been in agreement with the taking of lives for profit, though to her credit, she had never confronted me on the matter in-so-much as merely voiced discontent whilst supporting me as a proper wife should. Her love was much greater than her concern - and as that concern grew, so did her love. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and such.[/align] [align=center]So it was that I continued onward, soaking myself in the blood of the fallen to progress the endless ambitions of the Laughing Armaments' corporate name, ever entangled with the president's own son as my closest friend. It was four months after you'd made yourself present with the bursting of Dahlia's waistline that he approached me with a plan to secure the seat of power himself, and encouraged a transfer to internal security. He confided in me that I would need to earn the absolute and unquestionable loyalty of those positioned under me...[/align] [align=center]I arranged several scenarios and invested several drinks and much time in propagating such emotional connections betwixt these men and myself, to the point that I often thought I had now blurred the lines between the initial intent and friendships. When I felt comfortable with what we had nurtured, I reported back to my friend that we were prepared at last to undertake our joint venture.[/align]

[align=center]CCMkh8MRMNQ [/align] [align=center]Stroud adjusted his mask and allowed a nigh maddening grin to pry his lips apart until fanged teeth were all that held his lower jaw to his upper. Shadows danced along his face, conjured by the crackling fire he'd only just breathed life into. His hands danced over the leather bound cover of a journal he'd kept in his possession for several months now before moving to unlace the straps holding it shut to review it's contents just one last time. "Young fool... Black is the heart of man, blacker still was your own..."[/align] [align=center]'For My Children - The Brightest Song I'll Ever Write' 1. My name is Stroud Aan Forscythe; An Imperial sellsword and pianist. At the behest of my wife, Dahlia Forscythe, I have taken to transcribing my life's exploits to these pages in hopes that we might someday share the varied tales with the child we are now expecting... And where more fitting to begin, than at the moment first my life changed and set in motion the blissful series of events that first lead me to join hands with my beloved? T'was several moons ago, following one of Moriarty Eckart's grueling and critical lessons regarding the harpsichord. I was but an amateur, starting upon the road to the melodious arts thinking myself to become practiced in the ways of the nobility by virtue of having simply earned my first fair wage in service to Goenfal Lohengrin as a retainer to his adopted son, Char. I will confess that I first silently questioned why it was that I would be made to safeguard a Miqo'te in so scrutinous a manner, having been given scant few details in pertinence to whom this 'man' was that roamed to and fro in so whimsical a fashion as to have been more inclined towards his outward feline heritage than those of his father. The coin, however, was outrageous for a task so trivial - How could I say no? It did not take very long to determine that the Miqo'te was heir to the throne, as it were, simply by virtue of proximity. I would stand just beyond the door as his father berated him, before they would storm off in opposite directions, leaving his mother to weep in solitude. Try as I might to ignore what I needn't know - My hearing is unfortunately very acute. It was on the evening of the twenty-second day of the third month that I pierced the veil of secrecy that was his life... Being the stalwart and unwavering shield meant to shade the young man from any and all harm - I followed after him when he fled the Lohengrin house in tears. His father had taken his words beyond what I feel were necessary to instill the discipline he wished for his adopted child; In truth I think he felt ashamed of his heritage, more so as the years had gone on and people began to speak ill as they are oft wont to do. But of this I can only speculate, though I digress. He had a fancy for the bridge just outside of Garlemald, where the waters flowed crisply with the soft influence of the spring winds. He confided in a moment of weakness that he did not want the mantle that his father was breeding him for - that the weight of such responsibility was suffocating. The classes were strenuous upon his mind, and his father no more a stabilizing influence than a torn paper bag held overhead amid a torrential downpour. I made light of my own piano recitals and we both shared a laugh. When he had calmed, we spoke idly for quite some time, until a young Elezen woman was captured and imprinted upon my eyes. This was to be the moment I met your mother. I recall the simple garments she wore... The sharp ears, and even sharper eyes... Even the viridian green lipstick she was wearing. She approached, and taking stock of the cigar the Miqo'te and I were sharing, inquired if she might have one as well. As we'd only one to ourselves - we opted to include her in our late night circle. We exchanged name and title alongside a few idle pleasantries before the late hours took hold of us with the first subdued pangs of hunger. Being gentlemen, we invited her along for a very late supper. Elated she trailed after us, taking an arm captive from the both of us. We were fortunate to find a restaurant open at so late an hour, though to our good fortunes, the option presented itself. We parted ways upon conclusion of our meal, though not before she deigned to pass along a linkpearl. Char could only smirk as she skipped off into the moonlight. I escorted him home, and was excused for the next two days. I decided to spend them in Dahlia's company, eagerly passing the hours away in anticipation of what I might gleam about her next... Naturally such emotions only grew until I took it upon myself to consolidate my funds and pass myself off before her father in hopes of winning his blessings. I was rejected outright due to my name and what it means to be a citizen of the empire through annexation... That you read this now, clearly we did not allow that to stop us. I sought my ward's influence and he made great use of his own name to sway her father's decision. In such times as these, it is beneficial to make use of any and all connections one has forged - and those built upon friendships, more so. Char Lohengrin had taken it upon himself to request the honor of being my best man, and I was ever so delighted to accept. The ceremony was as you may imagine; Vainglorious. I spared no expense, nor did it hurt that I served as retainer to the Lohengrin house. Goenfal himself contributed to our dowry and helped to offset a majority of the financial concerns such as the banquet processions. The wine flowed, the music was beautiful, and the dance beyond words. My eyes reflected the passions locked within her own that would later result in your conception. Even as I know not at this time whether you are to be a boy, or a girl, I know ever that your mother and I shall love you with all we may muster, and make your life as fortunate and blessed as our own has been. [/align]

As someone whom RP's through use of an alias - never once in any case to date ICly using my display name (Stroud's name by birth) I can identify with cases of confusion through long term RP, wherein I have to sometimes correct people by stating that he has not given his actual name... Though I haven't run into any issues of this resulting in negative altercations, I wouldn't be surprised to see it. I don't see an Ishgardian with an alias as being any more or less common than anyone else working with one - some mercs would prefer a 'handle' to their given name anyway, I'm sure, so maybe a little more common than less. *shrug*

While I myself do not support the idea of 'world-hopping', I do however agree that from a lore perspective, however iffy, it is feasible (See The Void - as it is described to link parallel universes) but entirely impossible for us as players to make use of from a game mechanic stance or to feasibly use it as a roleplay concept without a plethora of negative backlash. I'd be more inclined to support the idea of being 'out of time' instead, and even that's incredibly iffy - While you're more than welcome to the idea and making use of it, be prepared to be outright ignored at worse, and at best, dismissed ICly as being insane. Just my weigh in.

I'll push the word out through the guys I know - hopefully I'll be able to bump elbows myself.

((Anyone and everyone interested in pursuing L'raha Nuhn will first need to confirm IC that the artist's rendition on the poster is in fact him, and then send him a tell letting him know that you're looking to collect for finer details. Happy hunting!))

[align=center] Pinned to several walls around Ul'dah, a wanted poster can be found around nearly every corner with the following details scrawled upon it. WANTED Dead or Alive Unidentified Young Adult Male Miqo'te REWARD 500,000 gil MURDER DEBAUCHERY LARCENY ESPIONAGE BY DECREE OF THE BRASS BLADES OF UL'DAH Wanted in connection to the Laughing Armaments espionage incident, the heartless kidnapping and murder of Natale Fairbrook, Theft of Objects in Excess of 20,000 gil in Value, and Theft of a Maiden's Virtue. Individual is a Miqo'te of medium build and average height possessing hair as white as snow with pierced ears. He has two pronounced scars, the first over the right eye and the second along the left cheek in a crossing pattern. Last seen travelling in Eastern Thanalan in the company of an unknown female Miqo'te. Both are to be considered armed, aggressive, and extremely dangerous. Interested parties are to either return alive or dead the unidentified male to the custody of the Brass Blades, or other legitimate arbitrator of law to receive payment upon confirmation of the individual's identity. Recompense shall not be paid to relatives or interested parties for injury or death suffered in pursuit. [/align]

Char Lohengrin could only laugh in response to the scantily clad women positioned aesthetically around the Hyur. "Twelve, is that all they could get? That one's too 'horny' and the rest... I mean, look at their tails..." He shook his head, sipping from his glass of scotch. "Sir. You can't see their tails... No wait, I see half of one." His bodyguard said as he leaned forward to inspect the picture with rising interest. "That's the point. It's distasteful. Why hide a single aspect of their beauty? Do I cut numbers from your coin purse because I don't care for your rates? No." The Miqo'te male adjusted his sunglasses and nodded to two Auri colleagues whom brought a large stack of advertisements for Laughing Armament's weaponry. "Like an artist whom only finished half of his painting, these are unfit for the eye. Remove them, pin our advertisements up, and then burn the rest." Char sauntered off, waving at tonight's latest conquest to join him on his arm, guard in tow. "Let's not split hairs. I'll keep one, you keep one and we'll just pin these over the rest." The advertisers shared a smirk as they set to work. "You want to give them a try when we're done here?"

Well look at you! Welcome to Hydaelyn! If you're looking for a solid stock of people and a place to call home, you might give Wayfarer's Rest a once-over, or shoot RiniKett a PM. The FC is small, but they're real friendly. If they don't sit well with you, or you don't feel keen to the domestic life - I'm always looking to add to my personal contacts for passive plots and interactions. Hope you settle into what you're looking for around here buddy!

[align=center]The Lohengrin Weapon[/align] [align=center]Despite numerous setbacks suffered this month by the Laughing Armaments corporation, chief among them the attack on their Eorzean headquarters earlier in the week and the death of the former president, Goenfal Lohengrin at the start of the month, President and Chairman Char Lohengrin appeared before a crowd of magitek enthusiasts during a rare public appearance in the waning hours of the day in Mor Dhona. [/align] [align=center]Accompanying the Miqo'te was a security detail comprised of three men, each armed to the teeth with the latest weaponry the company had been fielding, and an imposing magitek juggernaut piloted by a Lalafell. President Lohengrin addressed the crowd as one would a friend, expressing his interest in those whom find passion in the combining of metal and magic, commenting '...This field is yet infantile, and it will fall to your hands to further pioneer it. Age may promise the wisdom and methods behind something, but it is the youth that will ever bring innovation and imagination to the table. I look upon those gathered here today and smile knowing that this tradecraft of mine - of ours - is in capable hands."[/align] [align=center]He made motion to the juggernaut, which primed it's cannon and aimed skyward as the President continued to speak from the podium to the many wide-eyed masses staring now in awe. "Such innovative minds as yours have made Laughing Armaments the success that it is, even in the face of adversity" he said, citing the incidents earlier in the month. He beckoned to an Elezen woman standing nearby whom he introduced as none other than Ashorea Mo'Thana, the head of the company's research and development departments. "Thank you all for coming out to see us today - but we all know it's not for my winning smile or his stage presence."[/align] [align=center]She began speaking briefly on the improvements made over the earlier iterations of their magitek armor, citing increased durability and better range of movement in rugged environments before moving on to explain that the weaponry was the end result of 'artificial crystal' technology. "It is no secret that we've been delving into an as of yet uncharted realm. Today, we show you the fruits of our explorations." At her word, the primary weapon system hosted within the chasis of the armor delivered an ear shattering spectacle of light as it produced a visceral beam of pure energy ripping through the very clouds above. The display drew cries of excited and wondrous applause.[/align] [align=center]Doctor Mo'Thana described the weapon in some detail, seemingly content however to dance around questions into the specifics of their design. "The photon cannon, dubbed the Lohengrin Weapon, has been amplified tenfold through the use of manipulated ceruleum flows coupled with deaspected crystals within devices of our own make that allow them to act in such a way as if the light of the sun through a magnifying glass." She noted that the weapon was still in the testing stages of development and that it was unlikely to become available to the consumer anytime soon before returning the spotlight to the President and seeing herself off stage.[/align] [align=center]"Even without the primary tools at our disposal, we at Laughing Armaments rise to challenges with gusto. I will not see us shirk before those that mean to hinder us. I will not see this craft stalled at the say of some vagrants that cannot differentiate a gyroscope from a wooden plank. With tools in hand and the understanding gleamed in-so-far from the object of our research, our imaginative youth, our pioneering geniuses, conceived of the Lohengrin Weapon... [My] Conceited name not withstanding... and drove ahead that we might share this brief glimpse into the future with all of you today."[/align] [align=center]The President opened the floor to questions, several of which were directed towards the state of affairs within his company. He expressed regret that while several of those under his employ were injured, that they would continue to drive on and further establish their presence within Eorzea adding that they were 'not ruling out the possibility of employing further talented bodies'. The inquiries only grew in response to questions regarding his security entourage - and more specifically, their weapons. In keeping with his usual charm and coy mannerisms, he replied only that they were 'not sharing their favorite toys with the other kids'.[/align] [align=center]As the display concluded, President Lohengrin expressed his appreciation once again for those in attendance, and made it clear that regardless of whatever scenario presented itself, he and his company would be prepared to meet it - in such a way that he was 'promised the opportunity to keep laughing'.[/align] Story: Hett Jacer

Honestly, citing the previous titles I've played and the implied themes from the 'dancers' in them compared to the Miqo'te in Ul'dah it doesn't seem a far cry to make the comparison to prostitutes (though of course in the earlier titles, they were more kid-friendly about it, but no less suggestive. Looking at you FF IV) Though, you could also make it less suggestive at your own discretion by means of being purely an entertainer as part of a troupe doing theatrics rather than shaking that ass in the middle of the street for pennies. Just my interpretations, take from it what you will.

Dear Yugiri, Unfortunately the state of affairs regarding our realm popularity -and- population make creating a character from scratch a pain. I would recommend transfering - if only for the ease of doing so, but if you're committed to building from the ground up, you could always try to create a character just after maintenance, or immediately prior to. Regards, Stroud Forscythe Balmung, Public Relations (But seriously. It's gonna be a headache trying to do it on the weekends, and I would assume you've tried to play the field from 3-5AM. I personally had to dip into my wallet to bring two guys over, but it was -well- worth the cost. I'd suggest making more than one alt if you're planning or even think you might have need for more than one character. Cheers and good luck!)