Martiallais

Going to side with those who say to use it sparingly. It's like spicing a meal, really. Just enough to give the story flavor and pop but not so much that it drowns out everything about the character. Which for some is an easy trap to fall into. I'll admit there are some characters that I have who, eventually, I would -like- to see them wander off into a happy ending (typically once I'm done playing the game or retiring the character). I admit I'm a bit of a romantic at heart (sssh my poor reputation!) so I like the idea of some characters finally getting a bit of hard fought peace at the end of the road. Of course they're going to walk through hell all the way there. *insert evil laugh here* The less fortunate characters usually end up horribly maimed or killed off (I tend to be pretty brutal when the story fits), I think my favorite being a Hunter character who at the end of the game session committed suicide (which resulted in teary eyes from another player), but I also had a paladin who finally married into nobility only to die, become a death knight and basically lose everything and most everyone who he'd known and cared for. It really just depends though. A lot of times for me it sort of becomes clearer as I play the character and such. There's a scene from the "Gantz" manga I wish I could find that captures it well. Basically, in the midst of a terribly vicious battle a character who was up until then regarded as 'second string' at best suddenly begins to have his big heroic moment to save the day! And the next panel he's smashed to bits while the text basically says 'Not everyone is meant to be a hero'. By the same token, I'm kind of a softie in some ways, too? Like I'd actually LOVE to play a character who knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that they would die at X time or once Y circumstances were fulfilled. However, I am not totally sure I'd be able to go through with it and to me, stories like that need that finality to them or there's no point. /endramble

Just gonna axe you a question or three with Aedan. No biggie.

Rosa! *big wave* Hiiiii And welcome out of lurk-dom! Thanks again for beating up Zarek a bit AND helping Aedan scoot towards 34.

I'd been meaning to post here sooner but here we go! Kudos folks! Ameline Valtin: I haven't said it in a while but thank you for all the RP and just fun adventures you provided Mar! It is always a blast interacting with Ameline whether it's lighthearted or serious and I appreciate not only all that but your patience with me all along the way as well! Thank you again, I'm looking forward to more adventures in the future! Evangeline Primrose: Thank you for all the fun RP not just in the Fate-14 events but leading up to and around it as well. I've thoroughly enjoyed Mar and Eva's playful back and forth and to be totally selfish, I've met a lot of characters and been able to expand on Mar's RP itself because of it. Many thanks! Roen Deneith: While I didn't know what to expect from our RP initially, it was a great trip through feels-land! I'm looking forward to much and more of the same in one way or another in the future. And thanks for fielding my silly nooblet wiki questions too. W-day is coming, please look forward to it! Steel Wolf: Whether it's RP, bouncing ideas around, just general OOC shenanigans, or the rant of the week thanks for listening, helping, and overall just being a great pal. Tis so very appreciated. Almost time for raid-fu!

Oh man...so many great choices. I think right now I really love the Heroic Moments/Hunt theme from HW as well as the Zenith theme. I am seriously looking for excuses to RP at Zenith just for the mood the music offers. Others I listen to pretty often (usually at work) would be: Knights of the Round, Under the Weight (Titan), Urth's Fount (Odin), and Torn from the Heavens (Chimera/Wolves Den theme).

Welcome to the party that is Balmung! 8-)

Hello and welcome! Keep keeping the RP alive there on Bryn!

To the OP, I think one thing you can take away from this thread is there's a lot (ha ha! understatement!) of debate around dragoons. Again, I'd say to keep your options open, you'll always find more (IMO at least) RP options by (as someone else pointed out) at least being open to a well done/well presented idea. In the end go with what's fun. That's why we're all here playing pretendy fun times, even if we disagree on how it should be played sometimes LOL. Off-topic/opinion bits beneath the cut:

While he's not a monk (and Zarek's fate is somewhat uncertain at the moment), I'd like to toss Aedan's name into the ring for helping out with all this. He's pro-Rhalgr obviously but a warrior so might take a little finagling.

Ask away! You're bound to get answers of one sort or another. The best advice I can offer? Read what's been linked, and the opinions/thoughts posted here and keep in mind what you like as you play/RP.

Martiallais, in a very small homage to the Hero of Time himself, is left handed primarily. He can obviously use his right for some tasks (like striking/defending with his shield) but I wouldn't quite call him ambidextrous. Aedan however is a heavily leaning right handed and most definitely doesn't use his left for more than small things here and there.

That would take us back to the argument about Ishgardian Duskwights, depending on one's perspective. That said, I'm of the mindset of if it's plausible, go with it. I think a lot of folks feel that way as well, generally speaking. As was pointed out when this came up in the Ishgard RP LS, the server is a fairly big place, far bigger than the RPC. If you come up with a solid character idea and stick with it, you'll find folks that will accept it and play/RP with you. Sidenote, dragoon headcanon below the cut.

Aedan Steelweaver humbly reporting to aid in the judging the contest as needed.

"The Boissieus are whom you seek, Ser Knight. While the lord is of kind heart and a warm soul, his son is far from such. Do with this information as you see fit, but do not forget the terms of our...arrangement." "I am ever a man of my word, Doctor Bresson. You have my thanks." - - - - - Finding himself once more amongst the Pillars, Martiallais paused to take in the view. Though it was oft stated in jest, to say those who called this place home lived among the clouds was rather close to the truth. To say that all nobles were evil or sought to trod upon their lessers was as foolish and short sighted as believing all of them pursued Ishgard's interests above their own. The truth, like a great many things in life, lay along the grays not so dissimilar from the clouds drifting by without a single care. By comparison to other estates he'd seen in passing, the Boissieu home was small, which still was leagues beyond that which most called home. Knocking politely at the door, the knight cast his eyes heavensward and frowned. "Snow, to be sure, but how odd..." Blinking once, he thought he'd seen something more but discarded it as a servant opened the door. Clad in black pants and a white shirt adorned with matching black buttons, the brown haired elezen bowed his head. He appeared young but decently fed, his voice carrying a faux-authority with his crisp tone. "Greetings Ser Knight. What brings you to the Boissieu estate?" Offering the servant a polite smile in return, Martiallais bowed slightly. "Greetings and hail. I am here to speak with the Lord Boissieu. May I?" Motioning to the doorway, there was a moment of silence before the servant stepped aside, allowing the knight to enter. Remaining in the entryway, Martiallais looked around slowly, nodding his appreciation of the decor. It appeared very much like a -home- rather than an extravagant exercise in entertainment, as some high born residences were. From the corner of his eye, he could make out the servant idly smoothing his hands and and forth over one another. "You will forgive me, of course, for my unannounced arrival. Is the Lord in?" Giving a shake of his head the servant cleared his throat before speaking. "No Ser, he is outside the city on business. Mayhaps you would like to speak with the young Lord in his stead?" Considering it, Martiallais shook his head slowly. "No, thank you. The matter can wait until his re-" Throwing open one of the doors along the corridor, an elezen wearing a bright blue shirt that flared about his wrists strode forward, the jewelry adoring his lanky frame marking each step. "Just -what- is the meaning of the delay Nicol-...and who might you be ser?" With a shift in both his tone and stance alike, the very one in question approached Martiallais, scoffing as his dark eyes looked over the knight. "I trust you have good reason for coming into my home unannounced." Closing and opening his eyes once, Martiallais gave a well practiced bow. "Indeed, Ser Boissieu. I would ask forgiveness for the intrusion, however, as I am here to speak with your father." "And just what business would -you- have with him?" Placing a hand to his puffed out chest, the young noble smiled brightly as he continued. "Surely, whatever matters they are can be entrusted to me." Drawing a breath and summoning his patience, the knight parted his lips to speak up when another figure emerged from the same doorway that the young lord had flung open. "Calm yourself, Perceval." Strolling towards the pair, he lazily brushed back his auburn hair. "Whatever could be worth riling yourself so?" He didn't recognize the elezen initially, it was only when he spoke that Martiallais' eyes widened slowly. It was a face that he was certain he'd never forget. Partly as he'd hoped, nay prayed, the man had perished in the time following the Crimson Moon's fall. Recognition bloomed a second later in the elezen's bright blue eyes as he reached up to sweep fingertips over the single scar. It marred an otherwise flawless face and it was rather clear that for a moment, he was within memory as his touch along the mark became akin to how one would caress a lover. "Heuloix." Silence reigned as Perceval looked back and forth between the pair. Seconds ticked by before with shaking hands, Martiallais was able to compose himself enough to nod. His eyes never left the man and in his mind, he pictured naught else but driving the blade at his side into the chest of, "...Ser Zauvard." "That is -Lord- Ceiroix Zauvard to you," he corrected, offering a smile that was equal parts pleasant and malicious. Tension filled the room before finally Ceiroix burst into laughter, clapping Perceval on the shoulder. "I trust whatever business you have with Ser Heuloix here is of the highest import." "Then the two of you know one another?" Perceval asked, moving to stand by his friend, watching as Martiallais' face shifted from that of surprise to stone, jaw set and eyes locked on Ceiroix. "Quite well, even." Ceiroix began, lowering his hand as his eyes locked with the knight's. "While he is surely among the most loyal to Halone, the same cannot be said for mmm..." trailing off, he tapped his chin dramatically. "well their names are of no import, after all. A heretic is a heretic after all." Martiallais' world seemed to shift dramatically, the duskwight closing his eyes as he felt sure if he moved he would either fall or fall upon the man with all the fury Halone was known for. Clenching his fists and pressing them behind his back, he tried his damnedest not to show the effect the words had upon him. Hearing this man of all people speak of such things while honorbound not to act. It was a level of the hells all it's own. Swallowing now that his throat suddenly felt as dry as Thanalan, Martiallais bowed his head, making certain his voice would not fail him as he moved to speak. "Enjoy your day, I shall speak with the Lord at another time." Hesitating, he knew what protocol demanded was to follow and the way the pair watched him, they were certainly expecting it. Though there was an echo, a sense of physical pain as he bowed his head to the pair, the ache of a wound reopened within him was far worse. Turning promptly, Martiallais moved stiffly as he took his leave, feeling at least one pair of eyes upon his back until he'd left the Pillars. - - - - - When Martiallais finally did return, he was covered in the snowy downfall of the walk back to Falconwing but more importantly he felt emotionally spent. It was one thing to discuss the matter that would never truly remain in the past but to come face to face with he one who orchestrated it was entirely something more. His thoughts were too jumped and his body felt like lead frozen beneath a sheen of ice. Removing the only the armor pieces that would prove most bothersome, he collapsed into his bed. It was only the sound of voices moving up and down the hallway outside his small room that kept him from drifting off completely. For once, he quietly cursed the large ears on his head that let him pick up the stray bits of conversation floating around. "I hear she's as big as an auroch!" "Who?" "Some Roegadyn they found down in the Brume." Martiallais groaned into his pillow. "Halone help me, no rest for the righteous."

Just for reference sake, here's the thread that I do believe Anthony was referencing. It may go well with the discussion. http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=8267&pid=107904#pid107904

Sasha usually brings interesting discussion threads to the forum! One can definitely appreciate posts that get the gears going.

Cross posting a couple of these from one of the other threads but here we go! Martiallais - To strike the right balance between elegant and asskicking of course. M3Jredj3n7k Bonus Track - For those intense battle (and unashamed fan) moments! 0iKTdlgmlW0 Aedan - Big, monster killing axe swings in slow-motion deserve a suitably epic tune! ERW6ePVI-As Bonus Track - Prepping for that big mission and/or making an entrance with style. sUZ5wNobS-E

Legend of Zelda is probably the classic that most defined my childhood (I mean look at Martiallais LOL). I even had one of the shiny golden cartridges. With each iteration of the game I became more and more of a fan. Right behind that (and on a different spectrum) was the Megaman series. I know I broke (and had to use my allowance to pay for) 3-4 new controllers as the older games were what I've dubbed 'Nintendo Hard'. But I still loved them and still love (some) of them now. Games like Street Fighter (hello, going to school with little bandaids on), Streets of Rage, Double Dragon/Battletoads, Contra, and Castlevania get an honorable mention. I was actually behind on the RPGs and ended up going back playing a lot of the classics that people have mentioned here much later. But Xenogears is still a personal favorite RPG till this day. Speaking of late, another one I came to later was the Metroid train but I distinctly remember my little brother, who was the bigger fan, complete with posters of Samus on his walls, finding out at the end of the second game (I think?) that she was in fact a girl. At first he was pretty shocked but she's still one of his favorite characters to this day. Gotta love gaming memories with family right?

Ameline is awesome fun, whether it's RP or PvE I always have a blast hanging out with her!

I'm actually not sure where Martiallais would fall, somewhere between party diplomat and the shining knight/paladin type tank. He's the good character who actually IS as good a person as they portray with a few mandatory secrets. And if recent RP is any indication, he also serves as the occasional listening ear to the main character, offering sage advice. Aedan is without a doubt the big brother/teddy bear bruiser of the party. He joins up with the group early on and will stick with them through the entire game. He serves as the one who never lets the party's spirit fall, despite how dark things seem. Eternal optimist with a big persona and big axe, he could become a fan favorite.

Mar will be there with shield, sword, and (polite) snark ready.

I'd most definitely throw my warrior in on this. 8-)

Rise thread, rise! That aside, I recalled (or at least think I do, admittedly it could all be in my head) reading somewhere about Ishgardians believing mythril resisted or helped resist temptation by dragons, is that actually stated anywhere or did I just grab that out of a passing cloud? EDIT: Found my own answer here....now if I can get it to quote. Oh well. Found it here under Voilinaut's armorsmith text: http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=8267&pid=107904#pid107904

This is a throwback one of Ameline and Mar pre-HW! A few shots from Devereau & Trisselle's wedding. Cool posing on Aedan with Saga.

For Halone! For Great Justice! Martiallais is so there. 8-) Also really tempted to roll up Aedan's Fate-14 sheet to toss him at the other event...