The Races of Man
Elezen
-Elezen Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]According to their own histories, the Elezen are the original inhabitants of Eorzea, having called the realm home since the First Astral Era - a heritage they take pride in to this day. In those bygone times, they lived a pastoral life on the vast fertile plains, but were displaced to the outer reaches as their hereditary lands were overtaken by the Hyur, who had migrated to the realm in great numbers. Time and again they waged bloody war against the Hyuran invaders. In time, however, the two races came to a mutual understanding, and they live in harmonious coexistence to this day.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Valuing discipline and order above all, and with a natural proclivity for organization and collaborative effort, the Elezen made great contributions in the founding of the city-states of Ishgard and Gridania. That these great nations still stand strong centuries later is a remarkable testament to the Elezen talent for governance. On the other hand, their preoccupation with history and tradition, tendency to relive past glories, and propensity for pretentious speech can occasionally alienate them from other races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Though the Elezen adopted the common tongue to facilitate communication with their Hyuran allies, the old Elezen tongue is far from a dead language. On the contrary, numerous words from the old tongue have found their way into common parlance, earning a place in the day-to-day vocabulary of other races.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Elezen are a characteristically tall people, long of limb and slender of build. They are also possessed of a somewhat extended lifespan in comparison to the Hyur. The Elezen once claimed sole dominion over Eorzea, their presence predating that of the other races, and, as such, developed a heightened sense of honor and pride. In years past, the Hyur migration into Elezen lands sparked bitter conflict. At present, however, the mutual understanding reached between the two races allows them to work towards mutual peace and prosperity.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Elezen tend to favor sharply-cut attire that accentuates their slender physiques. Even their functional adventurers' garb is crafted with an eye for fashion, down to the exquisite silverwork that adorns it. The heightened aesthetic sensibilities of the Elezen are not limited to clothing, and can be observed in their numerous contributions to myriad genres of the fine arts.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Leatherworkers are craftsmen who refine the hides, pelts, and furs of Eorzea's wildlife into garments to be worn from head to toe. Foremost among their creations are leather protectives, which are more substantial than cloth, but lighter and more pliable than chain or plate. The Elezen have long been known for their skill in leatherworking, yet for centuries their techniques were heavily guarded. Once they agreed to share their wealth of knowledge, the quality of Gridanian leather goods improved significantly, creating an increased demand for the superior products.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]With a bow in hand and a quiver on his back, the archer strikes at the enemy from afar. In Eorzea, two schools of archery have risen to prominence: that of the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, and that of the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te.
Archers constantly assess the battlefield in order to determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose their arrows, as well as the nature of the shaft, point, and fletching best suited to their foe. It is said that master archers are capable of showering their targets with a veritable deluge of death well before a counterattack can ever be mounted.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]In former times, the Elezen were the sole inhabitants of Eorzea, claiming dominion over her. Traditionally a nomadic people, the tall, slender Elezen believed the realm to be theirs by divine right - a gift from the Twelve themselves. Unfortunately, this belief made the eventual appearance of the Hyur in their multitudes akin to an invasion, and a long history of conflict ensued.
Ultimately, the Elezen diverged into two clans which exist today. The Wildwood Elezen took to the forests in their ongoing fight to protect their homeland against the encroaching Hyur, while the Duskwight Elezen withdrew to caves and subterrane opting instead to avoid all contact with any but their own.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The two most prominent Elezen clans are the forest-dwelling Wildwood Elezen, who make their home in the Shroud, and the reclusive Duskwight. The former have a long history of cooperation with the Hyur, having jointly formed the forest nation of Gridania, while the latter have long since eschewed contact with other races to pursue their own path in the shadowy seculsions of Eorzea's deep tunnels and caverns. As such, the Wildwood and Duskwight each consider each other traitors to their race, and tensions between the two clans continue to the present day.[/quote]
[quote=Velodyna Carp]This scarlet cousin to the maiden carp can most commonly be found in the Velodyna and Hathoeva rivers. A favorite amongst Wildwood and Duskwight Elezen - amazingly one of the few things the clans actually agree on.[/quote]
Wildwood
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The ancestors of the Wildwood Elezen were displaced from their ancestral home on the plains when the Hyurans came, migrating in part of Coerthas, where they established the nation of Ishgard, and in part to the Shroud, where they formed the nation of Gelmorra (the ancient subterranean state taht predates Gridania). Though nowadays "Wildwood" is typically used to refer to the forest-dwelling Elezen, the Elezen of Ishgard, too, share the same common ancestry. As such, Gridania and Ishgard have traditionally enjoyed close relations, with each nation readily coming to the other's aid in times of need.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The forests, of which the Black Shroud is the tangled heart, have been home to the Wildwood Elezen for hundreds of years. Many of the Wildwood, however, have been drawn to the city-states they helped found, such as Ishgard and Gridania. Their fondness for law and order has contributed to a reputation for being haughty and argumentative.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]For hundreds of years the Wildwood Elezen have lived in the relative safety of Eorzea's lush forests. They are blessed with extremely keen eyesight - a contributing factor to their famous talent for archery. With the formation of Eorzea's governments, many Wildwood ventured forth from the forests, drawn either to the exhilarating cosmopolitanism of the cities or the simple nomadism of the plains. There is minimal dimorphism between the two genders, though males are generally considered to be milder and more chivalrous in demeanor, and females are generally considered wiser and more intellectual. Among their Duskwight brethren, Wildwood Elezen are referred to as "Greens," for their love of the forest.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Wildwood Elezen are long of limb, with males and females oft reaching heights of greater than eighty and seventy-seven ilms, respectively. With lifespans one- or two-tenths again as long as their fellow races, their physical maturity is somewhat delayed. It is not uncommon for Wildwood children to look up to their Hyuran friends in their early teens, only to rapidly outstrip them around the age of twenty. Owing in part to their large ears, they possess a sense of hearing keener than that of the other races. The Wildwood Elezen also display a natural affinity for magic, with great mages hailing from this clan seen throughout history.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Living a nomadic existence on the plains, the ancestors of the Elezen originated the art of archery to protect their lands and livestock from outside threats. From the strings of the bow were born stringed musical instruments, and song and poetry in turn. Their long and graceful limbs also lent themselves to dance, and the myriad manifestations of Elezen art and culture quickly spread to the surrounding lands and peoples. The Elezen were also pioneers in fashion, their unique tanning techniques and exquisite accessories earning great renown across the land.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]We Wildwood have lived amongst the trees for nigh on nine hundred years. We share the same tall, slender physiques as our Duskwight brethren, but are known for our sharper vision--a trait which lends itself well to our prowess with the bow. Our clan is also known for its innovative genius. The carpentry of Gridania's immense wooden structures of the leather trade--these and more are the products of Wildwood ingenuity, handed down through the ages.[/quote]
Duskwight
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Making their home in deep forest caves and caverns for centures, the Duskwight Elezen are the descendants of those who parted ways with their brethren after the founding of Gridania, choosing instead to remain in the stone-hewn chambers of Gelmorra and seek out new subterranean sanctums. Shunning the fetters of government and society, a great majority of the Duskwight keep wide berth of the city-states, with some even resorting to brigandry as a means of survival. As a result, they are often looked upon with scorn by the citizens of Gridania, and those who have chosen to make their home in the city often suffer undue discrimination at the hands of their neighbors.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]For the past several centuries, the Duskwight Elezen have lived in the woodland caverns of Eorzea. These cave-dwelling Elezen are the descendants of a branch that split from the main Wildwood clan during the founding of Gridania. The Duskwight despise the "shackles" of urban life, and it is not uncommon for this reclusive people to avoid the city-states altogether.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]Centuries ago, a number of Elezen sought out a life of peace and seclusion in the depths of Eorzea's caves and caverns. Today, they are called the Duskwight, though to their Wildwood cousins they are known simply as the "Greys," after their preference of darkness and stone. As part of their physical adaptation, the Duskwight have developed an acute sense of hearing, capable of detecting the faintest of sounds. This natural gift grants them uncanny awareness, which many have put to exemplary use in the field of hand-to-hand combat. The cave-dwelling ways of the Duskwight persist today, with some among them turning to robbery and pillaging to survive, earning them the scorn of their woodland relatives. There are few differences between the genders, but Duskwight males are often regarded as being more stern and authoritative of the two, while females are often regarded as the more passionate and unyielding of the two.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]The Duskwight are cousins to us Wildwood, and the same blood of the first Elezen courses through both our veins. We are not entirely unlike in appearance, but generations spent in the darkness of caves have created rift enough between our ways of life. Mind you, I bear their kind no ill will. I simply keep the records. And the records state that the Duskwight are generally believed to be...shall we say, unruly, and stubborn. Many turn to thievery and banditry to survive, and are seen as a disgrace to the nobility espoused by the Wildwood. Should you encounter any beyond a city's boundaries, you had best be wary.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Similar in height and build to their Wildwood cousins, the defining trait of the Duskwight is the color of their skin, which has come to take on darker hues after generations of calling shadowy caverns home. For the selfsame reason, they also possess an evolved sense of hearing - their ability to ascertain the source of a sound with unerring accuracy, unaffected by echoes or reverberations, is often likened to that of the shadow-dwelling bat.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The customs of the subterranean city of Gelmorra are still practiced by the Duskwight to this day, from architectural advances developed to stake out comfortable residences in dank, humid caves to mystical wards that serve to stave off the wrath of the Elementals. The Duskwight-fashioned pomanders - urns engraved with mystic glyphs of great power and filled with fragrant herbs - are an art without parallel in the realm. Duskwight cuisine is famous for its use of Mun-Tuy beans, a staple food in the subterranean depths, where they grow in abundance with no need for sunlight. That these dishes have come to be considered a Gridanian delicacy is an ironic twist, given the history between the two clans.[/quote]
[quote=Irielle de Nevelle]Oh, the ruins you see down there are part of the ancient subterranean city known as Gelmorra. For Duskwight Elezen such as ourselves, it represents a valuable and unexpected opportunity to learn more about the settlement where our ancestors once dwelled.[/quote]
[quote=Rolandaix de Nevelle]My work here is far from done, but this discovery brings me one tantalizing step closer to realizing my dream; the restoration of these ruins, and their reestablishment as a settlement for the Duskwight Elezen. Gridanians have long perceived my people as outcasts and brigands, yet if we Duskwight can return a measure of prosperity to this fallen city, we would no longer need to resort to common theft or banditry in order to make ends meet. Imagine it![/quote]
Hyur
-Hyur Naming Conventions
[quote=Lodestone]Over the course of some one thousand years and three great migratory waves, the Hyur have come to be the most populous of the civilized races in Eorzea. Compared to the others, theirs is an average physique, both in terms of height and build. The Hyur champion personal freedom and liberty, and their espousal of an eclectic variety of languages and traditions is a legacy of their diverse heritage―as is their resulting lack of a unified cultural identity.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Hyur are said to have first traveled to Eorzea from her surrounding continents and islands. Some one thousand years and three great migratory waves later, they are now the most populous of all the civilized races. They exhibit a relatively modest physique, both in height and build, and are known for their peculiarly short, rounded ears. Hyur are well suited for traveling long distances by foot, a trait thought to account for their swift proliferation. Their espousal of an eclectic variety of languages and traditions is a legacy of their diverse heritage - as is their resulting lack of cultural identity.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur arrived in Eorzea prior to the First Astral Era, when they were but one undistinguished race among many. Three great migratory waves later, the Hyur had spread from the northeast reaches of Ilsabard to all corners of the realm, expanding their presence and influence to become Eorzea's predominant race, a position they maintain to this very day. As they settled in new frontiers, the Hyur often found themselves in conflict - even outright war - with the native peoples of those lands. Still, none can deny that the knowledge, technology, and ideas they brought with them have served as the driving force behind the rapid spread of culture and civilization in Eorzea.[/quote]
[quote=Albin the Ashen]
When the Hyuran tribe came to Thanalan some 800 years ago, Albin the Ashen was at the head of one of the columns. Then-native Belah'dians rose against the invaders and prevailed, as history records. Albin was but one of many slain in the abortive conquest, yet his mortal coil still roams the land in search of vengeance.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur boast myriad languages and cultural backgrounds rooted in their respective places of origin. On the other hand, lacking a single, overarching culture, any universal Hyuran sense of cultural identity is tenuous at best. Perhaps owing to this, the Hyur are wont to value personal freedom more so than the other races, distinguishing themselves in wide range of disciplines and industries with little concern for tradition or heredity. As such, they can be viewed by other races as overzealous and unprincipled.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]In times of eld, countless tongues and dialects were spoken regularly by the various peoples of Eorzea. As migration and cultural exchange between the races became more common, a universal language arose, easing the burden of communication between different people. This language, which came to be known as the common tongue, is now spoken by the vast majority of the realm's residents. It is believed that Hyuran priests also played a vital role in the creation of the Eorzean alphabet at the end of the Fourth Astral Era, though the precise details are lost to history.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur of Eorzea comprises two clans: the Midlanders, who settled in the realm's low-lying regions, and the Highlanders, who claimed the high mountains as their home. This does not, however, represent the entirety of the Hyuran people. Outside of Eorzea, Hyur can be found in Ilsabard in the north, Othard to the east, and even as far as the New World, their manifold clans and houses as innumerous as the stars in the night sky.[/quote]
Midlander
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The most populous clan of the most populous race, comprising over half of all Hyur, Midlanders can be found in city-states and villages the realm over, earning their keep in myriad trades and vocations. A highly cultured people, Midlanders have traditionally compensated for their lack of exceptional physical prowess with enterprise and ingenuity, contributing to great advances in all manner of disciplines. Indeed, many of the realm's greatest inventors and innovators have been Midlanders. With some exceptions, a comparatively large number of Midlanders are educated in letters from a young age, giving rise to a healthy population of academics and intellectuals.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Midlander clan comprises over half of Eorzea's total Hyur population. The name derives from the clan's long tradition of settling in low-lying regions, though in truth Midlander lines hail from a wide variety of ancestral homelands. They have established themselves in every city throughout the realm, and can be observed leading lives as diverse as their heritage.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Midlander clan comprises over half the total population of Eorzea's Hyur. They have established themselves throughout every city in the realm and lead lives as diverse as their heritage. Trained in letters from infancy, the Midlanders are generally more educated than many of the other races and clans. Despite the fact that males tend to be slightly taller than females, there are no significant differences between the genders.[/quote]
[quote=Merewina]Midlanders do not possess the endless stamina of the Roegadyn, nor the hawk-like eyes of the Elezen, nor the hound-like noses of the Miqote, nor the deer-like ears of the Lalafell, nor even the muscle-bound builds of their cousins, the Highland Hyur. Then how, you ask, is it that they became the most prevalent race in the realm? Why, I believe it is their creativity and craft, combined with their intrinsic ability to adapt and borrow from other cultures.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Midlanders often display a keen aptitude for magic, with Midlander mages adept in teleportation magic serving a vital role in many an adventuring party.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Quick to adapt to local customs and traditions wherever they settle, Midlanders excel at acquiring and refining new knowledge. For example, it was a Midlander culinarian who created the popular dish known as bouillabaisse, inspired by the simple seafood stews favored by Sea Wolf fishermen. As befitting their status as contributors to the Eorzean alphabet, Midlanders show a proclivity for letters, and have made considerable contributions to literature through the ages. Such contributions also extend to the fine arts - Midlander artists, as one example, were the first to employ perspective in their paintings.[/quote]
Highlander
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Descendants of a people who followed the stars to the mountains of Gyr Abania in the wake of the Sixth Umbral Calamity, the Highlanders founded the city-state of Ala Mhigo, a bastion of military might until its fall to the Garlean invasion two decades agone. Many stayed behind, and now live a toilsome life under the yoke of their imperial masters, while those that fled their homeland now live as refugees in Eorzea. Their numbers are greatest in the Shroud and greater in Thanalan, where their presence has resulted in no small degree of social strife. Among the refugees are those who have put their considerable martial talents to use as sellswords and gladiators.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Highlander name comes from the clan's history of dominion over the mountains of Gyr Abania. Compared to their Midlander brethren, the Highlanders are noticeably larger in build and musculature. Following the fall of their ancestral homeland of Ala Mhigo, many have sought refuge in the bustling mercantile nation of Ul'dah.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Highlanders were the first of the Hyur to reach Eorzea. Their name derives from their long tradition of building strongholds in the mountains. Compared to their Midland brethren, the Highlanders are noticeably larger in build. They adhere to the doctrine of the Twelve, and are devout followers of Rhalgr, the Destroyer. Ancient Highlander practices of tattooing and tooth filing are very much alive today. Of late, Highlanders have become an increasingly rare sight in Eorzea, their number represented almost exclusively by those who fled Ala Mhigo after its fall, and now work in other city-states as mercenaries and sellswords.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Highlanders are noticeably taller and more muscular than Midlanders, with full-grown men reaching towering heights of nigh eighty ilms. Some posit that the impressive Highlander physique is the fruit of countless generations spent residing in harsh, unforgiving mountain climes, where the air is thin and each day a struggle for survival. Though some discount this theory, none can deny that the physical prowess of the Highlanders greatly outstrips that of their Midlander cousins.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]The Highlanders are a clan of Hyur whose name derives from their long tradition of building strongholds in the mountains. Long years at high altitudes endowed them with a stamina that lent itself well to physical activity, and both the men and women are trained in the arts of combat from childhood, which accounts for their thick musculature. They are truly beautiful physical specimens─from a purely scientific point of view, of course.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Like Midlanders, Highlander names have their origins in words of the common tongue. One difference of note is the prevalence of violent-sounding surnames, rooted in epithets and monikers earned on the battlefields of war-torn Gyr Abania. Given names display the influence of Northern dialects, often bearing more than a passing resemblance to those of the Roegadyn Sea Wolf clan. "Bastard son of a Sea Wolf" is an insult often hurled at Highlanders in tavern brawls, not infrequently with painful consequences for the fool who uttered it.[/quote]
[quote=Hyur Naming Conventions]Some Midlanders like to joke that because Highlander names have a very Roegadyn feel to them (in addition to highlanders being very large and muscular), that the clan is somehow “less Hyuran.†Many an alehouse brawl has broken out as a result of a Midlander in his cups uttering such quips as ‘Your mother was a Sea Wolf ’ in the presence of a Highlander. Needless to say, most of these quarrels do not end well for the instigator.[/quote]
[quote=2014 Lore Panel]Q: Why don't male Highlanders have eyebrows?
MCKF: There is a reason. Highlanders are a very violent group of people. Their clan is always warring amongst each other and against the Midlanders as well back in their homelands. They like battle. They fight and the women fight and their children fight, because that's their culture. When you have this culture of everybody being able to fight, it's all about getting the one-up on your opponent. Everyone's good with a sword or a club or whatever, so you need something extra. Everyone expects their opponent to have eyebrows. So if someone goes into battle and your opponent doesn't have eyebrows, it psychs you out and your head gets chopped off. Different tribes have their different rituals but one of those rituals is shaving off the eyebrows to put fear into your opponent.
Q: So they do have eyebrows, they just shave them off?
MCKF: Yeah, it's not a genetic thing. They shave them off or they give themselves scars or pull out their teeth. Things like that to make them look more imposing.[/quote]
[quote=Fruhybolg]Smallfolk tell of how many young daughters were left behind in Ala Mhigo to fight. Turns out most of them Highlander girls swing as word as well as any adult. I'd dearly love to see for myself. The Miqo'te known as the Hellfire Phoenix was a sight to behold, that's for sure, but they say all them Highlanders are possessed of the same fury.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]With a spiritual tradition dating back to times of yore, Highlanders are known to sport wood-carved talismans woven into their underclothes, and votive tattoos adorning their bodies. While some find Highlander aesthetic sensibilities crude, one cannot deny their uniqueness and the manner in which they evoke unadulterated strength of nature. Such ruggedness can also been seen in their preferred fare - Highlanders often dine on simple yet impressive dishes such as massive aldgoat steaks, seared perfectly to seal the natural juices. Overcooking is taboo in Highlander kitchens, to the degree that some consider them raw meat eaters.[/quote]
[quote=Aldgoat Steak]A traditional dish of the Highland Hyur consisting of a thick cut of aldgoat chuck charred over an open flame.[/quote]
Lalafell
-Lalafell Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Stocky and squat of stature, the Lalafell are by far the most diminutive of Eorzea's races. Typically maintaining a youthful appearance even in advancing years, a Lalafell's true age is ofttimes difficult for members of other races to ascertain.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Lalafell are a folk both rotund and diminutive. Small by any race's standards and possessed of a childlike countenance, it proves difficult for non-Lalafell to gauge an individual's age with any degree of accuracy. Originally an agricultural people inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas, they found their way to Eorzea via the burgeoning trade routes. Lalafell are welcoming of outsiders, and share prosperous relations with all of the other races of Eorzea.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]A wee people sporting short, rotund bodies, the Lalafell appear as no more than children to the eyes of most. Many of these nimble folk hail from the islands of the southern seas, where they practice a simple agricultural lifestyle. It was not until the opening of maritime trade routes that the gradual migration of Lalafell to Eorzea began. Now one of the most established races in the realm, Lalafell can be found in great numbers in nearly every city. Though Lalafellin culture places great emphasis on blood relations, individuals are known for getting along amicably with members of all races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Originally an agrarian people hailing from the southern islands, the Lalafell gradually migrated to Eorzea over the years in pursuit of trade. In the Fifth Astral Era, they played a key role in the foundation of the city of Nym on Vylbrand, as well as the mystic city of Mhach in the lowlands of Yafaem. When both civilizations fell to the Sixth Umbral Calamity, the Lalafell were forced to seek new homes. The Nymian Lalafells employed their seafaring talents and returned to the south sea isles, while the survivors of Mhach wandered the lands before eventually settling in the wastes of Thanalan.[/quote]
[quote=DAT Files]Throughout history, the Lalafell passed their histories down through song, which is why even now many use heavy alliteration in their speech.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]While placing great importance on familial bonds, the Lalafell are by no means exclusionary. This is manifest in the cordial relations they enjoy with their fellow races, and the success they have achieved as a race of traders and merchants. Though their singularly business-minded nature can lead to them being perceived as greedy and calculating, few can find in their hearts to entirely dislike the Lalafell, with their inherently bright and jovial nature. As such, examples of Lalafell being persecuted by other races are few and far between.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Masters of Science and Nature, the devilish and the divine, alchemists ensure their livelihood through the transmogrification of mundane materials into wondrous waters─from curative concoctions to potent potables. The Ul'dahn school only recently came to be recognized in scientific circles as a valid branch of alchemical orthodoxy. It is based on fundamental principles originating in the Near East tradition, but draws heavily upon esoteric elements of both Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A distinctive element of traditional Lalafellin garb is the scarf, which also serves an eminently practical function - it can be unfurled to serve as a signal flag on the wide seas or vast deserts, allowing a Lalafell to stand out beyond his or her modest stature. They are also known to favor relaxed, loose-fitting garments that conceal their naturally rotund builds.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As befitting their status as a race of traders, the Lalafell were unsurprisingly among the first to adopt and master the common tongue of the Hyur. Nevertheless, it is said that the old Lalafellin tongue is still spoken today on their island homes to the south.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Lalafell are primarily composed of two clans: the grassland-dwelling Plainsfolk and the desert-dwelling Dunesfolk, with both tracing their roots to the south sea isles. Though slight differences in physical appearance have emerged over the many generations spent living apart, the two clans harbor no particular resentment for each other, and inter-clan marriages are commonplace, with many Lalafell today possessing both Plainsfolk and Dunesfolk blood.[/quote]
Plainsfolk
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Seen in the greatest numbers on Vylbrand, the Plainsfolk trace their history to the maritime traders who settled in Limsa Lominsa to deal in pillaged and plundered wares. In the years to follow, they were joined by their families, who would become pioneers of the greater La Noscea region. While their descendants today are predominantly farmers, there are those who turned to shipping and fishery in those years when skirmishes with the kobolds stalled further exploration of the continent. Today, the Plainsfolk represent a significant part of the Lominsan populace, and are known for their relaxed, comfortable lifestyle.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Plainsfolk have settled in La Noscea and other regions where the ground is flat and easily cultivated. Though many live the life of farmers, it is not uncommon to see Plainsfolk residing in Limsa Lominsa, holding positions in the navy or working in the fisheries. They are well known for their relaxed and carefree demeanor.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The flat landscapes of the Plainsfolk's home islands are dotted with the clan's traditional thatched huts, beneath which lie intricate networks of underground passageways. Their distinct hair coloration - a myriad of earthy and grassy tones - helps them blend in well with their environment, acting as an effective camouflage against would-be attackers. The long, pointy ears of the Plainsfolk are extremely sensitive, said to be able to detect the faintest scampering of the prairie's various fauna.
They are clever and opportunistic people, and crafty with their words. These traits have helped the Plainsfolk excel in the arena of business. The generally accepted view of Plainsfolk males is that they are a cheerful lot, with a weakness for festivals and celebrations. The generally accepted view of Plainsfolk females is that they are a vibrant lot with a penchant for excessive conversations.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Averaging some thirty-five ilms in height, the Lalafell are by far the smallest of Eorzea's races. What they lack in physical strength, however, they more than make up for in swiftness of reflexes and sharpness of mind. Underestimating a Lalafell has been a costly mistake for more than a few men. Hair of grassy and earthen colors is common among Plainsfolk, with dubious theories claiming that these hues evolved to camouflage their bearers from the sight of the fearsome vultures that roam the skies above their island home.[/quote]
[quote=DAT Files]Plainsfolk males─notable Syndicate member Teledji Adeledji included─usually go by their entire full name, rather than first or last name alone.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Lalafellin names are made up of a given name and a "courtesy name" bestowed upon reaching adulthood. The latter is not a family name, but rather unique to the individual. Lalafellin names trace their origins to songs and poems in the old tongue, and are ruled by rhyme, rhythm, and repetition.[/quote]
[quote=Merewina]The Plainsfolk are descendants of the Lalafell tribes who lived on the massive expanses of grasslands covering a stretch of islands far to the south of Limsa Lominsa, across the Rhotano Sea. While their bodies are small, their ears are markedly large and developed- a trait thought to have been once necessary to locate food, as well as detect enemies in the wide expanse of the steppe. One of the theories as to why many of them have green hair is that the color helped them blend into the tall grasses, making them more difficult to find by avian predators such as the giant rocs known to hunt the region.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]On their island homeland to the south, the Plainsfolk lived as farmers, residing in thatched-roof houses connected by subterranean tunnels modeled after ant colonies. Their gardening and horitcultural skills knew no peer, and it was in this capacity that they shined as pioneers of new and theretofore-unbroken lands. Making the most of their light and compact bodies, they traveled remarkable distances in simple-yet-sturdy canoes, developing their own unique seafaring and navigational methods, which they employ to great success as fishermen and maritime traders even today.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As mantis sightings in Eorzea coincide with the time period in which Lalafellin settlers from the south arrived in Vylbrand, it has been concluded that the giant insectivorous vilekin (also found in abundance in the Lalafell's homelands) were unintentionally brought over by the Plainsfolk - eggsacs most likely attached to the reeds from which the clan wove its sea ships.[/quote]
Dunesfolk
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The sons of fallen Mhach concealed themselves in the remote outlands for a time, before venturing into Thanalan in caravans propped on the backs of great beasts of burden. Living a nomadic existence in the sandy wastes, they came to be called by the name they bear today. It was the Dunesfolk who founded the great civilization of Belah'dia, which would later splinter into Sil'dih and Ul'dah, the latter of which prospers still today. Practical by nature and swift to put ideas into action, their temperament is well-suited to seizing business opportunities, and it is little surprise they played such a great role in building Ul'dah into the bustling center of trade and commerce it is today.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Dunesfolk can be found on the scorching sands of Thanalan and other such arid areas. As the founders of the merchant city of Ul'dah, they are famous for their obsession with commerce. A natural inclination to transform ideas into action has served the Dunesfolk well in their business dealings.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the Dunesfolk is their native dwellings - structures affixed to the backs of large beasts of burden. It is in this way that they are able to traverse the vast deserts expanses of the islands which they call home. The luminous eyes of the Dunesfolk are a result of a glossy, protective layer which covers the pupil, an evolutionary response to the region's glaring sunlight.
Many individuals wear a small, traditional gemstone on their forehead, a symbol of their zodiacal sign. They are adamant about scholasticism, placing the advancement of knowledge before all else. Other races tend to perceive male Dunesfolk as introverts who care more for books than the goings on of the realm. Other races tend to perceive female Dunesfolk as gentle souls with a love for fortune-telling and divination.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]While many are familiar with the Dunesfolk custom of attaching a small orb to the forehead as a symbol of their guardian deity, it is less well-known that this practice dates back to - and serves to honor - their ancestors, the sorcerers of Mhach. Another unique Dunesfolk practice is that of feeding their children cups of herb tea infused with minuscule portions of diluted snake and scorpion venom. As such, Dunesfolk raised in traditional households often display a remarkable resistance to certain poisons.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]I myself am a Dunesfolk, as you may have noticed. Our kind is a feisty little bunch, with a long history of life in the desert. From an early age, we are made to drink a traditional herbal concoction to raise our resilience to poison, as nearly all the plants and animals in our native lands are venomous.
But since migrating to Eorzea, this resilience seems to have absolutely no effect─an interesting fact of Eorzean toxicology! And please, take note of my eyes. There is what appears to be a thin layer covering the pupil, yes? That too is an evolutionary response to the environment─our bodies' way of protecting the eye from the harsh rays of the sun and errant grains of sand. Unfortunately, it limits detailed ocular research to Dunesfolk cadavers.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The degree to which the Dunesfolk have adapted to their surroundings can be seen in their tanned skin, able to withstand the harsh rays of the sun that beat down on Thanalan, and their eyes, clear as glass with pupils covered by a thin membrane to keep out the sand. Many are blessed with an aptitude for magic, with Dunesfolk accounting for numerous accomplished thaumaturges as well as high-ranking members of the Order of Nald'thal clergy. Dunesfolk miners also rival the Roegadyn in their numbers and accomplishments, making up for their lack of brute strength with resourcefulness and the ability to delve into the narrowest tunnels.[/quote]
[quote=Urianger]The Dunesfolk have long laced their teas with traces of venom, that they might better survive in a land rife with deadly snakes and scorpions.[/quote]
[quote=Fafajoni]Permit me to tell you something of this place. The name comes from an ancient tongue, Halatali meaning “the land of many shadows.†It was here that our distant ancestors first settled, and─ Bah, you have not come all this way for a lesson in history.[/quote]
[quote=Neymumu]Most don't know it, but Ul'dah was once ours - the Lalafells'. Till the promise of gil brought in all the others, that is. Now I can't talk to half these leeches without looking up. Ruined my bloody neck, it has. This city is our by rights. There ought to be a tax, if you ask me. Aye, all non-Lalafells should pay for the privilege of living here─or at least for being so godsdamned tall! What? Might not my neck complaint actually be caused by gazing up at Dalamud, you say? Well then, we will need to find a way to make that vexatious hound pay as well![/quote]
-Dunesfolk's Beasts of Burden
-Dunesfolk Forehead Gemstones
Far East
[quote=Dark Sleeper]A small freshwater fish originally from the eastern continent of Othard. It is said that the first dark sleeper was introduced to Eorzea by an exiled Lalafellin prince who wished to once again experience the luxuries of his homeland.[/quote]
Miqo'te
-Miqo'te Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A race distinguished by their large, feline ears and supple tail. For reasons that are not entirely clear, female Miqo'te vastly outnumber males, a phenomenon unique among Eorzea's races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Miqo'te are descendants of a hunting people that crossed over the frozen seas to Eorzea in search of prey during the Age of Endless Frost, when famine gripped the land. Cleaving to their old way of life, they have largely accepted their status as one of Eorzea's less populous races. Fiercely territorial and proud of their traditions, it could be said that Miqo'te are unsuited to life in the city-states. Nevertheless, as natural-born hunters given to a nomadic lifestyle, many Miqo'te have achieved great success as adventurers.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Though their presence in Eorzea is lesser than that of the other races, the Miqo'te are easily distinguished by their large, projecting ears and restless, feline tails. The ancestors of this line first made their way to the realm during the Age of Endless Frost in the Fifth Umbral Era, traversing frozen seas in pursuit of the wildlife upon which they subsisted. Instinctual territoriality causes many among them to lead solitary lifestyles. Males in particular are said to shy from contact with others.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The ancestors of the Miqo'te made their way to Eorzea during the Age of Endless Frost, traversing the frozen seas in pursuit of the wildlife upon which they subsisted. Adaptation to a hunting lifestyle has fashioned them with a keen sense of smell, powerful legs, and a tail which provides them with exceptional balance. Miqo'te are known to be very territorial, and many individuals tend to lead solitary lifestyles, particularly males. The few Miqo'te who have made the transition to life in Eorzean society are predominantly female.[/quote]
[quote=Miqo'te Naming Conventions]In the mass exodus which occurred during the Fifth Umbral Era, 26 Seeker of the Sun tribes crossed the seas (which had frozen solid as a result of the Calamity) to Eorzea in search of food and warmer climates. The names of these tribes contained many sounds which were difficult to represent with the existing Eorzean alphabet; but the fact that there were the same exact number of tribes as letters in the Eorzean alphabet was taken as a sign that they were destined to make the new realm their home, and so assigned each tribe with a letter/sound that was closest to its name. Over time, this resulted in the changing of the pronunciation to more closely resemble the pronunciation of the Eorzean letter than that of the original word.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A common trait among all Miqo'te is their fierce pride for their heritage as hunters. Seeing themselves as part of the natural world itself, they prize above all the freedom of the hunt, and do not shun death when old age and infirmity sap them of the physical talents needed to pursue their quarry to their satisfaction. To the free-willed Miqo'te, other races' way of life - their wont to flock together with their own kind, to overrun nature to build cities, to seek safety and stability in laws and alliances - must seem quite curious indeed.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Despite their inherently solitary nature, the Miqo'te adopted the common tongue early on, born of a need to barter with other races to procure materials with which to craft their hunting tools and weapons. Remnants of the old tongue can be observed in the distinctive Miqo'te "huntspeak" - a system of tongue-clicks and whistles used to communicate with companions while in pursuit of quarry.[/quote]
[quote=Fat Cat]Despite convincing research by top academics from around the realm and beyond, most Miqo'te scholars refuse to believe that there may be some ancestral connection between their race and cats (fat or not).[/quote]
[quote=Archer Lodestone Description]The enduring popularity of the bow is a testament to its elegant design, but this simple weapon would be of little worth without the surpassing skill of those who master it - the archers. Projectile techniques such as high-angle fire enable archers to assail their foes with deadly precision even at great distances.
Constant assessment of the battlefield enables them to carefully determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose, as well as the nature of the arrows best suited to their enemy. Together with the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te are widely regarded as most skilled with the bow. The guild's teachings cover a variety of projectile weapons, down to the simplest throwing rock.[/quote]
[quote=Alchemist Lodestone Description]The nature of the alchemical trade demands that its practitioners have intimate knowledge of all facets of existence, be they mineral, metaphysical, magical, or divine. Able to transmute the very essence of matter, alchemists are able to create anything from miracle medications to lethal toxins.
The craft's establishment as a tradition in Eorzea dates only to recent history. It was born primarily of ancient techniques and knowledge brought from the Near East, but has come to contain elements of Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well. The primary tool of the alchemist is the alembic.[/quote]
[quote=Alvak's Spyglass: Much Ado About Aether]According to ancient Miqo’te mystics, aetheric energy permeates all creation even as it exists in its own distinct dimension, parted from the physical plane. If Eorzea might be compared to a colossal creature, aether would be the lifeblood that courses through its veins, supplying it with sustenance.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The agile Miqo'te value freedom of movement above all else, shunning unwieldy armor that might restrict their range of motion. Miqo'te legwear is invariably perforated with a hole through which the tail dangles free, allowing them to maintain their unerring sense of balance.[/quote]
[quote=Loupard]As I'm sure you've gathered from the tail an' ears, Q'yantaa's a Miqo'te, and huntin's in their blood. Could be this plan might actually work...[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Miqo'te are roughly divided into two clans: the diurnal Seekers of the Sun, and the nocturnal Keepers of the Moon. The former hunt during the light of day, while the latter prowl at night, and it is believed this stark difference in habit arose due to unique physical differences between the two. Furthermore, within each clan exist numerous tribes, each with their own unique culture, customs, and hunting methods - it can hardly be said that all Miqo'te of the same clan share a common set of beliefs.[/quote]
Seeker of the Sun
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Unsurprisingly, given their self-bestowed clan name, the Seekers of the Sun count numerous devotees of Azeyma, the Warden, among their ranks. While their overall numbers are not great, their twenty-six tribes are scattered across all reaches of the realm, with small Seeker settlements to be found from the sands of the Sagolii Desert in southern Thanalan to the jagged peaks of Gyr Abania. Yet other Seekers have settled in Limsa Lominsa, drawn to the freedom of pirate life. Many Seekers, particularly those of the younger generation, choose to set off as adventurers, perhaps heeding the same call of the wild their ancestors once heard.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The self-proclaimed Seekers of the Sun are the diurnal clan of the Miqo'te race. Their preference for the warm light of day pervades all aspects of their culture, as is apparent in their devout reverence for Azeyma the Warden, goddess of the sun. Though relatively few in Eorzea, a small number of them have been accepted into everyday life by the other races in the port city of Limsa Lominsa. Others are known to make their home in the region of the Sagolii Desert.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The self-proclaimed Seekers of the Sun are the diurnal clan of the Miqo'te race. Their preference for the warm light of day pervades all aspects of their culture, as is apparent in their devout reverence for Azeyma the Warden, goddess of the sun.
They are perhaps known best for their striking eyes - the result of their vertically aligned pupils and faintly colored irises. It is also not uncommon for their eyes to be disparately colored from birth, a trait considered auspicious amongst their kind. The Seekers are widely regarded as quick-witted and prone to action, and many exhibit a tendency to bore easily.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]The Seekers of the Sun are a true miracle of evolution at work. Though lean and flexible, they possess immense strength and stamina, and excel at near any physical act─be it bounding amongst the treetops or swimming in rough waters.
Above all that, their powers of expression are also second to none. Yes, Seekers of the Sun make fine study specimens─fine study specimens indeed. Still, it is the males of the race which remain a near complete mystery. An effective medicine requires detailed study of both the male and female of a species, but male Miqo'te are simply nowhere to be found. Rumors say that some reside right here in Ul'dah, but they must avoid people like the bloody plague, because I've yet to set eyes on a single one![/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Roughly a head shorter and smaller of body than the average Hyur, the Seekers are blessed with a wiry strength, surpassing agility, and the stamina to run for hours under the blazing sun - a combination of traits that makes them uncommonly suited to hunting in arid climes. As many Seekers are adept at climbing and diving, they also make for excellent sailors. Among their most striking physical features are their eyes, with their narrow, vertically-aligned pupils and faintly colored irises.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Seekers of the Sun are a highly patriarchal culture, with each tribe centered around a strong breeding male (nunh) whose duty it is to form a harem and lead his people to glory and prosperity. Young males are born and raised as "tia", and must either assume the position of nunh by challenging and defeating an existing nunh in single combat, or leave the community to find a harem of his own. In particularly large tribes, multiple nunh may coexist in the same community, though such cases are rare.[/quote]
[quote=Fernehalwes]When the Seekers of the Sun came to Eorzea from their homelands, there were only 26 tribes. Since that time, there have been some males who, instead of defeating their tribe's nunh and becoming a breeding male by normal means, opt to leave the tribe and form their own. However, it is rare for female Seekers of the Sun to follow these males, so these newly formed tribes almost always die out.
This does not mean that it doesn't happen.
If a male leaves to form his own tribe, he will replace the letter from his original tribe (for example, the "Y" in Y'shtola) with a new one. Since the 26 letters of the Eorzean alphabet are already taken, the new tribal prefix will be often be two letters (Ma -> Ma'shtola) which are of the tribe-forming male's choosing (and all people in his tribe will use that same prefix).
His last name will be Nunh, as he is now the new breeding male (as designated by himself) of his new tribe.
While not impossible (people can do what they want with their names), a Seeker of the Sun choosing his mother's name to be his last, would amount to shunning his culture and adopting the rules of the Keepers of the Moon. There will be some Seekers of the Sun who will respect this, but others who frown upon it.
There are tia within the 26 existing tribes who, instead of defeating an existing nunh, prove their worth to the tribe by extending its hunting grounds. These tia will venture out into the world and claim territory of their own (by either finding somewhere unoccupied, or taking an area by force from another tribe). If they can maintain it for an extended period of time, then they become the nunh of that area, while still remaining a member of their original tribe.
This actually happens quite often. And is far more accepted than merely leaving the tribe to make one's own (which, ultimately makes that person an outcast). This is why you will almost never see Seekers of the Sun with tribal letters beyond the original 26 (like the Ma'shtola I mentioned earlier). There are simply not that many, and those that do exist, rarely admit it, for fear of ostracism.[/quote]
Keeper of the Moon
-Fifty Canon Keeper Surnames
-Keeper Nomenclature section in Encyclopedia Eorzea is incorrect, refer to Naming Conventions post above.
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As might be surmised from their self-chosen name, the majority of the Keepers of the Moon are devout followers of Menphina. They reside and hunt freely in the Shroud, where for many years they came in conflict with the people of Gridania, who saw the Keepers as little more than poachers. In recent years, however, the two sides have reconciled their differences, and today many Keepers hunt in accordance with rules set by the Trappers' League, bartering the furs and meats they procure for agricultural goods and essential commodities. Others, however, refuse to bend to these rules, poaching the woods and laying waste to the natural environment as they see fit.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The nocturnal among the Miqo'te have dubbed themselves the Keepers of the Moon. Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to Menphina the Lover, goddess of the moon. Their tradition of hunting in the thick woodlands of the Black Shroud have for years thrown them into conflict with the forestfolk of Gridania, who condemn them as poachers. Of late, however, many Keepers of the Moon have found some small peace with the Gridanians, and taken to living within the city.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The nocturnal among the Miqo'te have dubbed themselves the Keepers of the Moon. Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to Menphina the Lover, goddess of the moon.
They are distinguishable from their diurnal cousins by their darker fur, larger ears, rounder eyes, more pronounced canines, and longer, skinnier tails. The ritual application of war paint to the face is still regularly practiced, as it is believed the vivid colors grant lunar powers.
The Keepers are known for their reticent and brooding personalities, but are also respected and sometimes feared for their tenacity.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]The Keepers of the Moon are the more numerous of the two Miqo'te clans you will see here in Gridania. Even so, their kind are few enough, as many and more care not for life in the city. They have the characteristic feline eyes and long swaying tails and I daresay that in comparison to the Seekers of the Sun, they tend to be a bit more reticent and reserved. Time was, our own Gods' Quiver used to clash with the Keepers that were out hunting in the Twelveswood. But these days we deal with them friendly enough, trading what crops and hides are to be had.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Save for their longer tail, the Keepers are nearly identical to their Seeker cousins in physical stature, and can be distinguished by their fur, dark as the night fog, and the large pupils of their eyes. Though lacking the physical stamina of the Seekers, they make up for this with a fierce strength of will and unerring instincts. With their keen intuition, Keeper hunters have been known to easily snare even targets concealed in the gloom of night.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]In contrast to the Seekers of the Sun, with their male-dominated tribes and harems, the fundamental unit of Keeper of the Moon society is the family, centered around a strong mother figure and her children. Keepers are known to form small communities composed of two or three families who hunt together. They are also known for decorating their faces with war paint before going on the hunt, a tradition symbolizing their readiness and resolve to strain their hands with blood, as well sending a message to their gods that they are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife should they fall.[/quote]
[quote=Muah Lihzeh]The men of the Keepers of the Moon live a wanderer's life, for they are at their best in small doses. Women and children keep the hearth, ply various trades, and accept game and visits from the menfolk. But King Poach denies women this gods-given rule over matters of family. He forces women to live with him, forbids them to see their sisters, mothers, aunts. Most unnaturally, they lie with him and him alone! So terrible are their crimes that all Keepers of the Moon feel the suspicion and fear cast their way.[/quote]
[quote=Masha Mhakaracca]I grew up in a household as the third daughter of five. As you likely already know, we Keepers of the Moon are not raised with a father, so it was just my mother with us at home. Now, of course, I live on my own. After one of my older sisters moved to Ul'dah, I decided to follow her example and leave the Black Shroud.[/quote]
[quote=Blind Ambition]Can you believe the nerve, this goblin fisherman said I wouldn't be able to outfish him even if he were blindfolded! Well, I took the bet, of course! We Keepers of the Moon do not take insults lying down, especially if they're true! Since he won't be able to see a thing, you can prove him wrong.[/quote]
[quote=It's a Trap]The Keepers of the Moon who make Quarrymill their home have recently been troubled by Taker's Rot poachers who litter the area with their deadly iron leg traps. Three young women and a breeding male have already had to have their legs amputated after suffering wounds from these deadly hunting instruments. To ensure the clan suffers no further causalities, the Trappers' League has put a call out to local adventurers to assist in the search and disposal of hidden traps.[/quote]
[quote=Moon in Rouge]We Keepers of the Moon have a long history of decorating our faces with colorful paint before going into battle. We do this not only to honor the traditions of our clan, but to also let the gods know that we are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife, should we fall at the hands of our enemies. The paint we use is taken from the inedible red berries of a herb known as 'soldier's sore' that can be found growing in the South Shroud. My unit is willing to pay handsomely for any who can harvest the fruit and deliver it to our barracks.[/quote]
[quote=Moon Daisy]Moon daisies are often hung to rafters, trees, or other elevated locations to represent the celestial body when performing holy rituals to the goddess Menphina during daylight hours.[/quote]
[quote=Thunderbolt Sculpin]A rare freshwater fish decorated with a thunderbolt-like pattern down its back. The Keepers of the Moon who inhabit the Black Shroud will eat one of these before a big hunt, claiming that it grants them speed and strength.[/quote]
[quote=Fernehalwes]There are many Keeper of the Moon family names that have been passed down through the generations. The ones you see in-game represent some of the more prominent families that once crossed the frozen seas into Eorzea in search for prey. That does not mean that these are all the names available. There are some families who have chosen to live more secluded lives, and simply have not made an appearance in-game yet. There are also the families who remained in their homeland, or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea. So, when creating a character, you are free to take the surname of an existing family, and inherit their history, or choose a yet-to-be-released surname, and build a new history.[/quote]
Discrepancy in Miqo'te Origins - Meracydia or Ilsabard?
The previously held belief that the Miqo'te originally hailed from the southern continent of Meracydia is under contention due to passages found in the lore book citing their Fifth Umbral Era migration being from Near Eastern Ilsabard. A Meracydian origin is still theoretically possible prior to Allagan occupation, but we don't know for certain the circumstances that lead to their exile to Ilsabard... a continent that was also under Allagan control during the time period. There is an alternative theory which places the origin of the Keeper Miqo'te at Meracydia while the Seekers migrated south from Ilsabard.
[quote=DAT Files]It is believed the Miqo'te first came to Eorzea during the Fifth Umbral Era, fleeing their ravaged homeland on the southern continent of Meracydia.[/quote]
[quote=Sesame Seeds]A tiny seed rich in aromatic oil, sesame is native to Meracydia, and thought to have first been brought to Eorzea by migrating Miqo'te.[/quote]
[quote=Aloe]A thick, spiny-leaved cactus indigenous to the southern continent of Meracydia. The Miqo'te are known to treat severe burns with the cool gel-like substance found inside the leaves.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As is the case with nearly the entirety of the Fourth Astral Era, the great calamity which would end the period is also shrouded in mystery. Tribal legend and local folklore does, however, speak of a seemingly endless winter that brought with it bitter cold, raging snowstorms, and giant rivers of ice. Without the ability to grow crops, much of the population perished, or was forced to flee to the south and its more temperate climes. It is believed that for the years that encompassed the Fifth Umbral Era - or as it is also known, the Age of Endless Frost - much of the Bloodbrine Sea was frozen solid, on one hand preventing fishing and decimating the populations of sea life, but on the other, allowing for the migration of Miqo'te tribes from southern Ilsabard into northern Eorzea - tribes made up of descendants of the very same Miqo'te who were persecuted against and driven from Eorzea by the Allagan Empire almost two millennia earlier. The newly hardened seas of this frigid era provided the tribes with a means around the massive peaks of Gyr Abania that prevented their return in the Fourth Astral Era, and while there was little awaiting them in the rime-encrusted realm when they arrived, their uncanny ability in the hunt granted them a means of survival until the frost had melted.
It was not long after their return to the realm that the Miqo'te learned of the new Eorzean alphabet. Tribal seers were quick to claim that the fact the number of letters in that alphabet - twenty-six - directly corresponded with the exact number of Seeker of the Sun tribes that had made the journey across the frozen seas was most fortuitous, subsequently convincing the tribes that they should each take one of those letters to its name.
It is not uncommon even today for massive floating islands of ice to appear in the winter moons along Eorzea's northernmost coasts - the Farreach. In the Fifth Umbral Era, however, these frozen mountains were said to have appeared as far s
Elezen
-Elezen Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]According to their own histories, the Elezen are the original inhabitants of Eorzea, having called the realm home since the First Astral Era - a heritage they take pride in to this day. In those bygone times, they lived a pastoral life on the vast fertile plains, but were displaced to the outer reaches as their hereditary lands were overtaken by the Hyur, who had migrated to the realm in great numbers. Time and again they waged bloody war against the Hyuran invaders. In time, however, the two races came to a mutual understanding, and they live in harmonious coexistence to this day.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Valuing discipline and order above all, and with a natural proclivity for organization and collaborative effort, the Elezen made great contributions in the founding of the city-states of Ishgard and Gridania. That these great nations still stand strong centuries later is a remarkable testament to the Elezen talent for governance. On the other hand, their preoccupation with history and tradition, tendency to relive past glories, and propensity for pretentious speech can occasionally alienate them from other races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Though the Elezen adopted the common tongue to facilitate communication with their Hyuran allies, the old Elezen tongue is far from a dead language. On the contrary, numerous words from the old tongue have found their way into common parlance, earning a place in the day-to-day vocabulary of other races.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Elezen are a characteristically tall people, long of limb and slender of build. They are also possessed of a somewhat extended lifespan in comparison to the Hyur. The Elezen once claimed sole dominion over Eorzea, their presence predating that of the other races, and, as such, developed a heightened sense of honor and pride. In years past, the Hyur migration into Elezen lands sparked bitter conflict. At present, however, the mutual understanding reached between the two races allows them to work towards mutual peace and prosperity.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Elezen tend to favor sharply-cut attire that accentuates their slender physiques. Even their functional adventurers' garb is crafted with an eye for fashion, down to the exquisite silverwork that adorns it. The heightened aesthetic sensibilities of the Elezen are not limited to clothing, and can be observed in their numerous contributions to myriad genres of the fine arts.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Leatherworkers are craftsmen who refine the hides, pelts, and furs of Eorzea's wildlife into garments to be worn from head to toe. Foremost among their creations are leather protectives, which are more substantial than cloth, but lighter and more pliable than chain or plate. The Elezen have long been known for their skill in leatherworking, yet for centuries their techniques were heavily guarded. Once they agreed to share their wealth of knowledge, the quality of Gridanian leather goods improved significantly, creating an increased demand for the superior products.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]With a bow in hand and a quiver on his back, the archer strikes at the enemy from afar. In Eorzea, two schools of archery have risen to prominence: that of the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, and that of the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te.
Archers constantly assess the battlefield in order to determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose their arrows, as well as the nature of the shaft, point, and fletching best suited to their foe. It is said that master archers are capable of showering their targets with a veritable deluge of death well before a counterattack can ever be mounted.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]In former times, the Elezen were the sole inhabitants of Eorzea, claiming dominion over her. Traditionally a nomadic people, the tall, slender Elezen believed the realm to be theirs by divine right - a gift from the Twelve themselves. Unfortunately, this belief made the eventual appearance of the Hyur in their multitudes akin to an invasion, and a long history of conflict ensued.
Ultimately, the Elezen diverged into two clans which exist today. The Wildwood Elezen took to the forests in their ongoing fight to protect their homeland against the encroaching Hyur, while the Duskwight Elezen withdrew to caves and subterrane opting instead to avoid all contact with any but their own.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The two most prominent Elezen clans are the forest-dwelling Wildwood Elezen, who make their home in the Shroud, and the reclusive Duskwight. The former have a long history of cooperation with the Hyur, having jointly formed the forest nation of Gridania, while the latter have long since eschewed contact with other races to pursue their own path in the shadowy seculsions of Eorzea's deep tunnels and caverns. As such, the Wildwood and Duskwight each consider each other traitors to their race, and tensions between the two clans continue to the present day.[/quote]
[quote=Velodyna Carp]This scarlet cousin to the maiden carp can most commonly be found in the Velodyna and Hathoeva rivers. A favorite amongst Wildwood and Duskwight Elezen - amazingly one of the few things the clans actually agree on.[/quote]
Wildwood
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The ancestors of the Wildwood Elezen were displaced from their ancestral home on the plains when the Hyurans came, migrating in part of Coerthas, where they established the nation of Ishgard, and in part to the Shroud, where they formed the nation of Gelmorra (the ancient subterranean state taht predates Gridania). Though nowadays "Wildwood" is typically used to refer to the forest-dwelling Elezen, the Elezen of Ishgard, too, share the same common ancestry. As such, Gridania and Ishgard have traditionally enjoyed close relations, with each nation readily coming to the other's aid in times of need.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The forests, of which the Black Shroud is the tangled heart, have been home to the Wildwood Elezen for hundreds of years. Many of the Wildwood, however, have been drawn to the city-states they helped found, such as Ishgard and Gridania. Their fondness for law and order has contributed to a reputation for being haughty and argumentative.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]For hundreds of years the Wildwood Elezen have lived in the relative safety of Eorzea's lush forests. They are blessed with extremely keen eyesight - a contributing factor to their famous talent for archery. With the formation of Eorzea's governments, many Wildwood ventured forth from the forests, drawn either to the exhilarating cosmopolitanism of the cities or the simple nomadism of the plains. There is minimal dimorphism between the two genders, though males are generally considered to be milder and more chivalrous in demeanor, and females are generally considered wiser and more intellectual. Among their Duskwight brethren, Wildwood Elezen are referred to as "Greens," for their love of the forest.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Wildwood Elezen are long of limb, with males and females oft reaching heights of greater than eighty and seventy-seven ilms, respectively. With lifespans one- or two-tenths again as long as their fellow races, their physical maturity is somewhat delayed. It is not uncommon for Wildwood children to look up to their Hyuran friends in their early teens, only to rapidly outstrip them around the age of twenty. Owing in part to their large ears, they possess a sense of hearing keener than that of the other races. The Wildwood Elezen also display a natural affinity for magic, with great mages hailing from this clan seen throughout history.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Living a nomadic existence on the plains, the ancestors of the Elezen originated the art of archery to protect their lands and livestock from outside threats. From the strings of the bow were born stringed musical instruments, and song and poetry in turn. Their long and graceful limbs also lent themselves to dance, and the myriad manifestations of Elezen art and culture quickly spread to the surrounding lands and peoples. The Elezen were also pioneers in fashion, their unique tanning techniques and exquisite accessories earning great renown across the land.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]We Wildwood have lived amongst the trees for nigh on nine hundred years. We share the same tall, slender physiques as our Duskwight brethren, but are known for our sharper vision--a trait which lends itself well to our prowess with the bow. Our clan is also known for its innovative genius. The carpentry of Gridania's immense wooden structures of the leather trade--these and more are the products of Wildwood ingenuity, handed down through the ages.[/quote]
Duskwight
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Making their home in deep forest caves and caverns for centures, the Duskwight Elezen are the descendants of those who parted ways with their brethren after the founding of Gridania, choosing instead to remain in the stone-hewn chambers of Gelmorra and seek out new subterranean sanctums. Shunning the fetters of government and society, a great majority of the Duskwight keep wide berth of the city-states, with some even resorting to brigandry as a means of survival. As a result, they are often looked upon with scorn by the citizens of Gridania, and those who have chosen to make their home in the city often suffer undue discrimination at the hands of their neighbors.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]For the past several centuries, the Duskwight Elezen have lived in the woodland caverns of Eorzea. These cave-dwelling Elezen are the descendants of a branch that split from the main Wildwood clan during the founding of Gridania. The Duskwight despise the "shackles" of urban life, and it is not uncommon for this reclusive people to avoid the city-states altogether.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]Centuries ago, a number of Elezen sought out a life of peace and seclusion in the depths of Eorzea's caves and caverns. Today, they are called the Duskwight, though to their Wildwood cousins they are known simply as the "Greys," after their preference of darkness and stone. As part of their physical adaptation, the Duskwight have developed an acute sense of hearing, capable of detecting the faintest of sounds. This natural gift grants them uncanny awareness, which many have put to exemplary use in the field of hand-to-hand combat. The cave-dwelling ways of the Duskwight persist today, with some among them turning to robbery and pillaging to survive, earning them the scorn of their woodland relatives. There are few differences between the genders, but Duskwight males are often regarded as being more stern and authoritative of the two, while females are often regarded as the more passionate and unyielding of the two.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]The Duskwight are cousins to us Wildwood, and the same blood of the first Elezen courses through both our veins. We are not entirely unlike in appearance, but generations spent in the darkness of caves have created rift enough between our ways of life. Mind you, I bear their kind no ill will. I simply keep the records. And the records state that the Duskwight are generally believed to be...shall we say, unruly, and stubborn. Many turn to thievery and banditry to survive, and are seen as a disgrace to the nobility espoused by the Wildwood. Should you encounter any beyond a city's boundaries, you had best be wary.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Similar in height and build to their Wildwood cousins, the defining trait of the Duskwight is the color of their skin, which has come to take on darker hues after generations of calling shadowy caverns home. For the selfsame reason, they also possess an evolved sense of hearing - their ability to ascertain the source of a sound with unerring accuracy, unaffected by echoes or reverberations, is often likened to that of the shadow-dwelling bat.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The customs of the subterranean city of Gelmorra are still practiced by the Duskwight to this day, from architectural advances developed to stake out comfortable residences in dank, humid caves to mystical wards that serve to stave off the wrath of the Elementals. The Duskwight-fashioned pomanders - urns engraved with mystic glyphs of great power and filled with fragrant herbs - are an art without parallel in the realm. Duskwight cuisine is famous for its use of Mun-Tuy beans, a staple food in the subterranean depths, where they grow in abundance with no need for sunlight. That these dishes have come to be considered a Gridanian delicacy is an ironic twist, given the history between the two clans.[/quote]
[quote=Irielle de Nevelle]Oh, the ruins you see down there are part of the ancient subterranean city known as Gelmorra. For Duskwight Elezen such as ourselves, it represents a valuable and unexpected opportunity to learn more about the settlement where our ancestors once dwelled.[/quote]
[quote=Rolandaix de Nevelle]My work here is far from done, but this discovery brings me one tantalizing step closer to realizing my dream; the restoration of these ruins, and their reestablishment as a settlement for the Duskwight Elezen. Gridanians have long perceived my people as outcasts and brigands, yet if we Duskwight can return a measure of prosperity to this fallen city, we would no longer need to resort to common theft or banditry in order to make ends meet. Imagine it![/quote]
Hyur
-Hyur Naming Conventions
[quote=Lodestone]Over the course of some one thousand years and three great migratory waves, the Hyur have come to be the most populous of the civilized races in Eorzea. Compared to the others, theirs is an average physique, both in terms of height and build. The Hyur champion personal freedom and liberty, and their espousal of an eclectic variety of languages and traditions is a legacy of their diverse heritage―as is their resulting lack of a unified cultural identity.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Hyur are said to have first traveled to Eorzea from her surrounding continents and islands. Some one thousand years and three great migratory waves later, they are now the most populous of all the civilized races. They exhibit a relatively modest physique, both in height and build, and are known for their peculiarly short, rounded ears. Hyur are well suited for traveling long distances by foot, a trait thought to account for their swift proliferation. Their espousal of an eclectic variety of languages and traditions is a legacy of their diverse heritage - as is their resulting lack of cultural identity.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur arrived in Eorzea prior to the First Astral Era, when they were but one undistinguished race among many. Three great migratory waves later, the Hyur had spread from the northeast reaches of Ilsabard to all corners of the realm, expanding their presence and influence to become Eorzea's predominant race, a position they maintain to this very day. As they settled in new frontiers, the Hyur often found themselves in conflict - even outright war - with the native peoples of those lands. Still, none can deny that the knowledge, technology, and ideas they brought with them have served as the driving force behind the rapid spread of culture and civilization in Eorzea.[/quote]
[quote=Albin the Ashen]
When the Hyuran tribe came to Thanalan some 800 years ago, Albin the Ashen was at the head of one of the columns. Then-native Belah'dians rose against the invaders and prevailed, as history records. Albin was but one of many slain in the abortive conquest, yet his mortal coil still roams the land in search of vengeance.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur boast myriad languages and cultural backgrounds rooted in their respective places of origin. On the other hand, lacking a single, overarching culture, any universal Hyuran sense of cultural identity is tenuous at best. Perhaps owing to this, the Hyur are wont to value personal freedom more so than the other races, distinguishing themselves in wide range of disciplines and industries with little concern for tradition or heredity. As such, they can be viewed by other races as overzealous and unprincipled.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]In times of eld, countless tongues and dialects were spoken regularly by the various peoples of Eorzea. As migration and cultural exchange between the races became more common, a universal language arose, easing the burden of communication between different people. This language, which came to be known as the common tongue, is now spoken by the vast majority of the realm's residents. It is believed that Hyuran priests also played a vital role in the creation of the Eorzean alphabet at the end of the Fourth Astral Era, though the precise details are lost to history.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Hyur of Eorzea comprises two clans: the Midlanders, who settled in the realm's low-lying regions, and the Highlanders, who claimed the high mountains as their home. This does not, however, represent the entirety of the Hyuran people. Outside of Eorzea, Hyur can be found in Ilsabard in the north, Othard to the east, and even as far as the New World, their manifold clans and houses as innumerous as the stars in the night sky.[/quote]
Midlander
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The most populous clan of the most populous race, comprising over half of all Hyur, Midlanders can be found in city-states and villages the realm over, earning their keep in myriad trades and vocations. A highly cultured people, Midlanders have traditionally compensated for their lack of exceptional physical prowess with enterprise and ingenuity, contributing to great advances in all manner of disciplines. Indeed, many of the realm's greatest inventors and innovators have been Midlanders. With some exceptions, a comparatively large number of Midlanders are educated in letters from a young age, giving rise to a healthy population of academics and intellectuals.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Midlander clan comprises over half of Eorzea's total Hyur population. The name derives from the clan's long tradition of settling in low-lying regions, though in truth Midlander lines hail from a wide variety of ancestral homelands. They have established themselves in every city throughout the realm, and can be observed leading lives as diverse as their heritage.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Midlander clan comprises over half the total population of Eorzea's Hyur. They have established themselves throughout every city in the realm and lead lives as diverse as their heritage. Trained in letters from infancy, the Midlanders are generally more educated than many of the other races and clans. Despite the fact that males tend to be slightly taller than females, there are no significant differences between the genders.[/quote]
[quote=Merewina]Midlanders do not possess the endless stamina of the Roegadyn, nor the hawk-like eyes of the Elezen, nor the hound-like noses of the Miqote, nor the deer-like ears of the Lalafell, nor even the muscle-bound builds of their cousins, the Highland Hyur. Then how, you ask, is it that they became the most prevalent race in the realm? Why, I believe it is their creativity and craft, combined with their intrinsic ability to adapt and borrow from other cultures.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Midlanders often display a keen aptitude for magic, with Midlander mages adept in teleportation magic serving a vital role in many an adventuring party.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Quick to adapt to local customs and traditions wherever they settle, Midlanders excel at acquiring and refining new knowledge. For example, it was a Midlander culinarian who created the popular dish known as bouillabaisse, inspired by the simple seafood stews favored by Sea Wolf fishermen. As befitting their status as contributors to the Eorzean alphabet, Midlanders show a proclivity for letters, and have made considerable contributions to literature through the ages. Such contributions also extend to the fine arts - Midlander artists, as one example, were the first to employ perspective in their paintings.[/quote]
Highlander
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Descendants of a people who followed the stars to the mountains of Gyr Abania in the wake of the Sixth Umbral Calamity, the Highlanders founded the city-state of Ala Mhigo, a bastion of military might until its fall to the Garlean invasion two decades agone. Many stayed behind, and now live a toilsome life under the yoke of their imperial masters, while those that fled their homeland now live as refugees in Eorzea. Their numbers are greatest in the Shroud and greater in Thanalan, where their presence has resulted in no small degree of social strife. Among the refugees are those who have put their considerable martial talents to use as sellswords and gladiators.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Highlander name comes from the clan's history of dominion over the mountains of Gyr Abania. Compared to their Midlander brethren, the Highlanders are noticeably larger in build and musculature. Following the fall of their ancestral homeland of Ala Mhigo, many have sought refuge in the bustling mercantile nation of Ul'dah.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The Highlanders were the first of the Hyur to reach Eorzea. Their name derives from their long tradition of building strongholds in the mountains. Compared to their Midland brethren, the Highlanders are noticeably larger in build. They adhere to the doctrine of the Twelve, and are devout followers of Rhalgr, the Destroyer. Ancient Highlander practices of tattooing and tooth filing are very much alive today. Of late, Highlanders have become an increasingly rare sight in Eorzea, their number represented almost exclusively by those who fled Ala Mhigo after its fall, and now work in other city-states as mercenaries and sellswords.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Highlanders are noticeably taller and more muscular than Midlanders, with full-grown men reaching towering heights of nigh eighty ilms. Some posit that the impressive Highlander physique is the fruit of countless generations spent residing in harsh, unforgiving mountain climes, where the air is thin and each day a struggle for survival. Though some discount this theory, none can deny that the physical prowess of the Highlanders greatly outstrips that of their Midlander cousins.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]The Highlanders are a clan of Hyur whose name derives from their long tradition of building strongholds in the mountains. Long years at high altitudes endowed them with a stamina that lent itself well to physical activity, and both the men and women are trained in the arts of combat from childhood, which accounts for their thick musculature. They are truly beautiful physical specimens─from a purely scientific point of view, of course.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Like Midlanders, Highlander names have their origins in words of the common tongue. One difference of note is the prevalence of violent-sounding surnames, rooted in epithets and monikers earned on the battlefields of war-torn Gyr Abania. Given names display the influence of Northern dialects, often bearing more than a passing resemblance to those of the Roegadyn Sea Wolf clan. "Bastard son of a Sea Wolf" is an insult often hurled at Highlanders in tavern brawls, not infrequently with painful consequences for the fool who uttered it.[/quote]
[quote=Hyur Naming Conventions]Some Midlanders like to joke that because Highlander names have a very Roegadyn feel to them (in addition to highlanders being very large and muscular), that the clan is somehow “less Hyuran.†Many an alehouse brawl has broken out as a result of a Midlander in his cups uttering such quips as ‘Your mother was a Sea Wolf ’ in the presence of a Highlander. Needless to say, most of these quarrels do not end well for the instigator.[/quote]
[quote=2014 Lore Panel]Q: Why don't male Highlanders have eyebrows?
MCKF: There is a reason. Highlanders are a very violent group of people. Their clan is always warring amongst each other and against the Midlanders as well back in their homelands. They like battle. They fight and the women fight and their children fight, because that's their culture. When you have this culture of everybody being able to fight, it's all about getting the one-up on your opponent. Everyone's good with a sword or a club or whatever, so you need something extra. Everyone expects their opponent to have eyebrows. So if someone goes into battle and your opponent doesn't have eyebrows, it psychs you out and your head gets chopped off. Different tribes have their different rituals but one of those rituals is shaving off the eyebrows to put fear into your opponent.
Q: So they do have eyebrows, they just shave them off?
MCKF: Yeah, it's not a genetic thing. They shave them off or they give themselves scars or pull out their teeth. Things like that to make them look more imposing.[/quote]
[quote=Fruhybolg]Smallfolk tell of how many young daughters were left behind in Ala Mhigo to fight. Turns out most of them Highlander girls swing as word as well as any adult. I'd dearly love to see for myself. The Miqo'te known as the Hellfire Phoenix was a sight to behold, that's for sure, but they say all them Highlanders are possessed of the same fury.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]With a spiritual tradition dating back to times of yore, Highlanders are known to sport wood-carved talismans woven into their underclothes, and votive tattoos adorning their bodies. While some find Highlander aesthetic sensibilities crude, one cannot deny their uniqueness and the manner in which they evoke unadulterated strength of nature. Such ruggedness can also been seen in their preferred fare - Highlanders often dine on simple yet impressive dishes such as massive aldgoat steaks, seared perfectly to seal the natural juices. Overcooking is taboo in Highlander kitchens, to the degree that some consider them raw meat eaters.[/quote]
[quote=Aldgoat Steak]A traditional dish of the Highland Hyur consisting of a thick cut of aldgoat chuck charred over an open flame.[/quote]
Lalafell
-Lalafell Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Stocky and squat of stature, the Lalafell are by far the most diminutive of Eorzea's races. Typically maintaining a youthful appearance even in advancing years, a Lalafell's true age is ofttimes difficult for members of other races to ascertain.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Lalafell are a folk both rotund and diminutive. Small by any race's standards and possessed of a childlike countenance, it proves difficult for non-Lalafell to gauge an individual's age with any degree of accuracy. Originally an agricultural people inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas, they found their way to Eorzea via the burgeoning trade routes. Lalafell are welcoming of outsiders, and share prosperous relations with all of the other races of Eorzea.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]A wee people sporting short, rotund bodies, the Lalafell appear as no more than children to the eyes of most. Many of these nimble folk hail from the islands of the southern seas, where they practice a simple agricultural lifestyle. It was not until the opening of maritime trade routes that the gradual migration of Lalafell to Eorzea began. Now one of the most established races in the realm, Lalafell can be found in great numbers in nearly every city. Though Lalafellin culture places great emphasis on blood relations, individuals are known for getting along amicably with members of all races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Originally an agrarian people hailing from the southern islands, the Lalafell gradually migrated to Eorzea over the years in pursuit of trade. In the Fifth Astral Era, they played a key role in the foundation of the city of Nym on Vylbrand, as well as the mystic city of Mhach in the lowlands of Yafaem. When both civilizations fell to the Sixth Umbral Calamity, the Lalafell were forced to seek new homes. The Nymian Lalafells employed their seafaring talents and returned to the south sea isles, while the survivors of Mhach wandered the lands before eventually settling in the wastes of Thanalan.[/quote]
[quote=DAT Files]Throughout history, the Lalafell passed their histories down through song, which is why even now many use heavy alliteration in their speech.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]While placing great importance on familial bonds, the Lalafell are by no means exclusionary. This is manifest in the cordial relations they enjoy with their fellow races, and the success they have achieved as a race of traders and merchants. Though their singularly business-minded nature can lead to them being perceived as greedy and calculating, few can find in their hearts to entirely dislike the Lalafell, with their inherently bright and jovial nature. As such, examples of Lalafell being persecuted by other races are few and far between.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Masters of Science and Nature, the devilish and the divine, alchemists ensure their livelihood through the transmogrification of mundane materials into wondrous waters─from curative concoctions to potent potables. The Ul'dahn school only recently came to be recognized in scientific circles as a valid branch of alchemical orthodoxy. It is based on fundamental principles originating in the Near East tradition, but draws heavily upon esoteric elements of both Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A distinctive element of traditional Lalafellin garb is the scarf, which also serves an eminently practical function - it can be unfurled to serve as a signal flag on the wide seas or vast deserts, allowing a Lalafell to stand out beyond his or her modest stature. They are also known to favor relaxed, loose-fitting garments that conceal their naturally rotund builds.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As befitting their status as a race of traders, the Lalafell were unsurprisingly among the first to adopt and master the common tongue of the Hyur. Nevertheless, it is said that the old Lalafellin tongue is still spoken today on their island homes to the south.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Lalafell are primarily composed of two clans: the grassland-dwelling Plainsfolk and the desert-dwelling Dunesfolk, with both tracing their roots to the south sea isles. Though slight differences in physical appearance have emerged over the many generations spent living apart, the two clans harbor no particular resentment for each other, and inter-clan marriages are commonplace, with many Lalafell today possessing both Plainsfolk and Dunesfolk blood.[/quote]
Plainsfolk
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Seen in the greatest numbers on Vylbrand, the Plainsfolk trace their history to the maritime traders who settled in Limsa Lominsa to deal in pillaged and plundered wares. In the years to follow, they were joined by their families, who would become pioneers of the greater La Noscea region. While their descendants today are predominantly farmers, there are those who turned to shipping and fishery in those years when skirmishes with the kobolds stalled further exploration of the continent. Today, the Plainsfolk represent a significant part of the Lominsan populace, and are known for their relaxed, comfortable lifestyle.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Plainsfolk have settled in La Noscea and other regions where the ground is flat and easily cultivated. Though many live the life of farmers, it is not uncommon to see Plainsfolk residing in Limsa Lominsa, holding positions in the navy or working in the fisheries. They are well known for their relaxed and carefree demeanor.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]The flat landscapes of the Plainsfolk's home islands are dotted with the clan's traditional thatched huts, beneath which lie intricate networks of underground passageways. Their distinct hair coloration - a myriad of earthy and grassy tones - helps them blend in well with their environment, acting as an effective camouflage against would-be attackers. The long, pointy ears of the Plainsfolk are extremely sensitive, said to be able to detect the faintest scampering of the prairie's various fauna.
They are clever and opportunistic people, and crafty with their words. These traits have helped the Plainsfolk excel in the arena of business. The generally accepted view of Plainsfolk males is that they are a cheerful lot, with a weakness for festivals and celebrations. The generally accepted view of Plainsfolk females is that they are a vibrant lot with a penchant for excessive conversations.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Averaging some thirty-five ilms in height, the Lalafell are by far the smallest of Eorzea's races. What they lack in physical strength, however, they more than make up for in swiftness of reflexes and sharpness of mind. Underestimating a Lalafell has been a costly mistake for more than a few men. Hair of grassy and earthen colors is common among Plainsfolk, with dubious theories claiming that these hues evolved to camouflage their bearers from the sight of the fearsome vultures that roam the skies above their island home.[/quote]
[quote=DAT Files]Plainsfolk males─notable Syndicate member Teledji Adeledji included─usually go by their entire full name, rather than first or last name alone.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Lalafellin names are made up of a given name and a "courtesy name" bestowed upon reaching adulthood. The latter is not a family name, but rather unique to the individual. Lalafellin names trace their origins to songs and poems in the old tongue, and are ruled by rhyme, rhythm, and repetition.[/quote]
[quote=Merewina]The Plainsfolk are descendants of the Lalafell tribes who lived on the massive expanses of grasslands covering a stretch of islands far to the south of Limsa Lominsa, across the Rhotano Sea. While their bodies are small, their ears are markedly large and developed- a trait thought to have been once necessary to locate food, as well as detect enemies in the wide expanse of the steppe. One of the theories as to why many of them have green hair is that the color helped them blend into the tall grasses, making them more difficult to find by avian predators such as the giant rocs known to hunt the region.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]On their island homeland to the south, the Plainsfolk lived as farmers, residing in thatched-roof houses connected by subterranean tunnels modeled after ant colonies. Their gardening and horitcultural skills knew no peer, and it was in this capacity that they shined as pioneers of new and theretofore-unbroken lands. Making the most of their light and compact bodies, they traveled remarkable distances in simple-yet-sturdy canoes, developing their own unique seafaring and navigational methods, which they employ to great success as fishermen and maritime traders even today.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As mantis sightings in Eorzea coincide with the time period in which Lalafellin settlers from the south arrived in Vylbrand, it has been concluded that the giant insectivorous vilekin (also found in abundance in the Lalafell's homelands) were unintentionally brought over by the Plainsfolk - eggsacs most likely attached to the reeds from which the clan wove its sea ships.[/quote]
Dunesfolk
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The sons of fallen Mhach concealed themselves in the remote outlands for a time, before venturing into Thanalan in caravans propped on the backs of great beasts of burden. Living a nomadic existence in the sandy wastes, they came to be called by the name they bear today. It was the Dunesfolk who founded the great civilization of Belah'dia, which would later splinter into Sil'dih and Ul'dah, the latter of which prospers still today. Practical by nature and swift to put ideas into action, their temperament is well-suited to seizing business opportunities, and it is little surprise they played such a great role in building Ul'dah into the bustling center of trade and commerce it is today.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The Dunesfolk can be found on the scorching sands of Thanalan and other such arid areas. As the founders of the merchant city of Ul'dah, they are famous for their obsession with commerce. A natural inclination to transform ideas into action has served the Dunesfolk well in their business dealings.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Character Creation]Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the Dunesfolk is their native dwellings - structures affixed to the backs of large beasts of burden. It is in this way that they are able to traverse the vast deserts expanses of the islands which they call home. The luminous eyes of the Dunesfolk are a result of a glossy, protective layer which covers the pupil, an evolutionary response to the region's glaring sunlight.
Many individuals wear a small, traditional gemstone on their forehead, a symbol of their zodiacal sign. They are adamant about scholasticism, placing the advancement of knowledge before all else. Other races tend to perceive male Dunesfolk as introverts who care more for books than the goings on of the realm. Other races tend to perceive female Dunesfolk as gentle souls with a love for fortune-telling and divination.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]While many are familiar with the Dunesfolk custom of attaching a small orb to the forehead as a symbol of their guardian deity, it is less well-known that this practice dates back to - and serves to honor - their ancestors, the sorcerers of Mhach. Another unique Dunesfolk practice is that of feeding their children cups of herb tea infused with minuscule portions of diluted snake and scorpion venom. As such, Dunesfolk raised in traditional households often display a remarkable resistance to certain poisons.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]I myself am a Dunesfolk, as you may have noticed. Our kind is a feisty little bunch, with a long history of life in the desert. From an early age, we are made to drink a traditional herbal concoction to raise our resilience to poison, as nearly all the plants and animals in our native lands are venomous.
But since migrating to Eorzea, this resilience seems to have absolutely no effect─an interesting fact of Eorzean toxicology! And please, take note of my eyes. There is what appears to be a thin layer covering the pupil, yes? That too is an evolutionary response to the environment─our bodies' way of protecting the eye from the harsh rays of the sun and errant grains of sand. Unfortunately, it limits detailed ocular research to Dunesfolk cadavers.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The degree to which the Dunesfolk have adapted to their surroundings can be seen in their tanned skin, able to withstand the harsh rays of the sun that beat down on Thanalan, and their eyes, clear as glass with pupils covered by a thin membrane to keep out the sand. Many are blessed with an aptitude for magic, with Dunesfolk accounting for numerous accomplished thaumaturges as well as high-ranking members of the Order of Nald'thal clergy. Dunesfolk miners also rival the Roegadyn in their numbers and accomplishments, making up for their lack of brute strength with resourcefulness and the ability to delve into the narrowest tunnels.[/quote]
[quote=Urianger]The Dunesfolk have long laced their teas with traces of venom, that they might better survive in a land rife with deadly snakes and scorpions.[/quote]
[quote=Fafajoni]Permit me to tell you something of this place. The name comes from an ancient tongue, Halatali meaning “the land of many shadows.†It was here that our distant ancestors first settled, and─ Bah, you have not come all this way for a lesson in history.[/quote]
[quote=Neymumu]Most don't know it, but Ul'dah was once ours - the Lalafells'. Till the promise of gil brought in all the others, that is. Now I can't talk to half these leeches without looking up. Ruined my bloody neck, it has. This city is our by rights. There ought to be a tax, if you ask me. Aye, all non-Lalafells should pay for the privilege of living here─or at least for being so godsdamned tall! What? Might not my neck complaint actually be caused by gazing up at Dalamud, you say? Well then, we will need to find a way to make that vexatious hound pay as well![/quote]
-Dunesfolk's Beasts of Burden
-Dunesfolk Forehead Gemstones
Far East
[quote=Dark Sleeper]A small freshwater fish originally from the eastern continent of Othard. It is said that the first dark sleeper was introduced to Eorzea by an exiled Lalafellin prince who wished to once again experience the luxuries of his homeland.[/quote]
Miqo'te
-Miqo'te Naming Conventions
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A race distinguished by their large, feline ears and supple tail. For reasons that are not entirely clear, female Miqo'te vastly outnumber males, a phenomenon unique among Eorzea's races.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Miqo'te are descendants of a hunting people that crossed over the frozen seas to Eorzea in search of prey during the Age of Endless Frost, when famine gripped the land. Cleaving to their old way of life, they have largely accepted their status as one of Eorzea's less populous races. Fiercely territorial and proud of their traditions, it could be said that Miqo'te are unsuited to life in the city-states. Nevertheless, as natural-born hunters given to a nomadic lifestyle, many Miqo'te have achieved great success as adventurers.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]Though their presence in Eorzea is lesser than that of the other races, the Miqo'te are easily distinguished by their large, projecting ears and restless, feline tails. The ancestors of this line first made their way to the realm during the Age of Endless Frost in the Fifth Umbral Era, traversing frozen seas in pursuit of the wildlife upon which they subsisted. Instinctual territoriality causes many among them to lead solitary lifestyles. Males in particular are said to shy from contact with others.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The ancestors of the Miqo'te made their way to Eorzea during the Age of Endless Frost, traversing the frozen seas in pursuit of the wildlife upon which they subsisted. Adaptation to a hunting lifestyle has fashioned them with a keen sense of smell, powerful legs, and a tail which provides them with exceptional balance. Miqo'te are known to be very territorial, and many individuals tend to lead solitary lifestyles, particularly males. The few Miqo'te who have made the transition to life in Eorzean society are predominantly female.[/quote]
[quote=Miqo'te Naming Conventions]In the mass exodus which occurred during the Fifth Umbral Era, 26 Seeker of the Sun tribes crossed the seas (which had frozen solid as a result of the Calamity) to Eorzea in search of food and warmer climates. The names of these tribes contained many sounds which were difficult to represent with the existing Eorzean alphabet; but the fact that there were the same exact number of tribes as letters in the Eorzean alphabet was taken as a sign that they were destined to make the new realm their home, and so assigned each tribe with a letter/sound that was closest to its name. Over time, this resulted in the changing of the pronunciation to more closely resemble the pronunciation of the Eorzean letter than that of the original word.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]A common trait among all Miqo'te is their fierce pride for their heritage as hunters. Seeing themselves as part of the natural world itself, they prize above all the freedom of the hunt, and do not shun death when old age and infirmity sap them of the physical talents needed to pursue their quarry to their satisfaction. To the free-willed Miqo'te, other races' way of life - their wont to flock together with their own kind, to overrun nature to build cities, to seek safety and stability in laws and alliances - must seem quite curious indeed.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Despite their inherently solitary nature, the Miqo'te adopted the common tongue early on, born of a need to barter with other races to procure materials with which to craft their hunting tools and weapons. Remnants of the old tongue can be observed in the distinctive Miqo'te "huntspeak" - a system of tongue-clicks and whistles used to communicate with companions while in pursuit of quarry.[/quote]
[quote=Fat Cat]Despite convincing research by top academics from around the realm and beyond, most Miqo'te scholars refuse to believe that there may be some ancestral connection between their race and cats (fat or not).[/quote]
[quote=Archer Lodestone Description]The enduring popularity of the bow is a testament to its elegant design, but this simple weapon would be of little worth without the surpassing skill of those who master it - the archers. Projectile techniques such as high-angle fire enable archers to assail their foes with deadly precision even at great distances.
Constant assessment of the battlefield enables them to carefully determine the most advantageous ground from which to loose, as well as the nature of the arrows best suited to their enemy. Together with the longbow sentries of the Elezen military, the shortbow hunters among the Miqo'te are widely regarded as most skilled with the bow. The guild's teachings cover a variety of projectile weapons, down to the simplest throwing rock.[/quote]
[quote=Alchemist Lodestone Description]The nature of the alchemical trade demands that its practitioners have intimate knowledge of all facets of existence, be they mineral, metaphysical, magical, or divine. Able to transmute the very essence of matter, alchemists are able to create anything from miracle medications to lethal toxins.
The craft's establishment as a tradition in Eorzea dates only to recent history. It was born primarily of ancient techniques and knowledge brought from the Near East, but has come to contain elements of Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well. The primary tool of the alchemist is the alembic.[/quote]
[quote=Alvak's Spyglass: Much Ado About Aether]According to ancient Miqo’te mystics, aetheric energy permeates all creation even as it exists in its own distinct dimension, parted from the physical plane. If Eorzea might be compared to a colossal creature, aether would be the lifeblood that courses through its veins, supplying it with sustenance.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The agile Miqo'te value freedom of movement above all else, shunning unwieldy armor that might restrict their range of motion. Miqo'te legwear is invariably perforated with a hole through which the tail dangles free, allowing them to maintain their unerring sense of balance.[/quote]
[quote=Loupard]As I'm sure you've gathered from the tail an' ears, Q'yantaa's a Miqo'te, and huntin's in their blood. Could be this plan might actually work...[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Miqo'te are roughly divided into two clans: the diurnal Seekers of the Sun, and the nocturnal Keepers of the Moon. The former hunt during the light of day, while the latter prowl at night, and it is believed this stark difference in habit arose due to unique physical differences between the two. Furthermore, within each clan exist numerous tribes, each with their own unique culture, customs, and hunting methods - it can hardly be said that all Miqo'te of the same clan share a common set of beliefs.[/quote]
Seeker of the Sun
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Unsurprisingly, given their self-bestowed clan name, the Seekers of the Sun count numerous devotees of Azeyma, the Warden, among their ranks. While their overall numbers are not great, their twenty-six tribes are scattered across all reaches of the realm, with small Seeker settlements to be found from the sands of the Sagolii Desert in southern Thanalan to the jagged peaks of Gyr Abania. Yet other Seekers have settled in Limsa Lominsa, drawn to the freedom of pirate life. Many Seekers, particularly those of the younger generation, choose to set off as adventurers, perhaps heeding the same call of the wild their ancestors once heard.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The self-proclaimed Seekers of the Sun are the diurnal clan of the Miqo'te race. Their preference for the warm light of day pervades all aspects of their culture, as is apparent in their devout reverence for Azeyma the Warden, goddess of the sun. Though relatively few in Eorzea, a small number of them have been accepted into everyday life by the other races in the port city of Limsa Lominsa. Others are known to make their home in the region of the Sagolii Desert.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The self-proclaimed Seekers of the Sun are the diurnal clan of the Miqo'te race. Their preference for the warm light of day pervades all aspects of their culture, as is apparent in their devout reverence for Azeyma the Warden, goddess of the sun.
They are perhaps known best for their striking eyes - the result of their vertically aligned pupils and faintly colored irises. It is also not uncommon for their eyes to be disparately colored from birth, a trait considered auspicious amongst their kind. The Seekers are widely regarded as quick-witted and prone to action, and many exhibit a tendency to bore easily.[/quote]
[quote=Vavaki]The Seekers of the Sun are a true miracle of evolution at work. Though lean and flexible, they possess immense strength and stamina, and excel at near any physical act─be it bounding amongst the treetops or swimming in rough waters.
Above all that, their powers of expression are also second to none. Yes, Seekers of the Sun make fine study specimens─fine study specimens indeed. Still, it is the males of the race which remain a near complete mystery. An effective medicine requires detailed study of both the male and female of a species, but male Miqo'te are simply nowhere to be found. Rumors say that some reside right here in Ul'dah, but they must avoid people like the bloody plague, because I've yet to set eyes on a single one![/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Roughly a head shorter and smaller of body than the average Hyur, the Seekers are blessed with a wiry strength, surpassing agility, and the stamina to run for hours under the blazing sun - a combination of traits that makes them uncommonly suited to hunting in arid climes. As many Seekers are adept at climbing and diving, they also make for excellent sailors. Among their most striking physical features are their eyes, with their narrow, vertically-aligned pupils and faintly colored irises.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]The Seekers of the Sun are a highly patriarchal culture, with each tribe centered around a strong breeding male (nunh) whose duty it is to form a harem and lead his people to glory and prosperity. Young males are born and raised as "tia", and must either assume the position of nunh by challenging and defeating an existing nunh in single combat, or leave the community to find a harem of his own. In particularly large tribes, multiple nunh may coexist in the same community, though such cases are rare.[/quote]
[quote=Fernehalwes]When the Seekers of the Sun came to Eorzea from their homelands, there were only 26 tribes. Since that time, there have been some males who, instead of defeating their tribe's nunh and becoming a breeding male by normal means, opt to leave the tribe and form their own. However, it is rare for female Seekers of the Sun to follow these males, so these newly formed tribes almost always die out.
This does not mean that it doesn't happen.
If a male leaves to form his own tribe, he will replace the letter from his original tribe (for example, the "Y" in Y'shtola) with a new one. Since the 26 letters of the Eorzean alphabet are already taken, the new tribal prefix will be often be two letters (Ma -> Ma'shtola) which are of the tribe-forming male's choosing (and all people in his tribe will use that same prefix).
His last name will be Nunh, as he is now the new breeding male (as designated by himself) of his new tribe.
While not impossible (people can do what they want with their names), a Seeker of the Sun choosing his mother's name to be his last, would amount to shunning his culture and adopting the rules of the Keepers of the Moon. There will be some Seekers of the Sun who will respect this, but others who frown upon it.
There are tia within the 26 existing tribes who, instead of defeating an existing nunh, prove their worth to the tribe by extending its hunting grounds. These tia will venture out into the world and claim territory of their own (by either finding somewhere unoccupied, or taking an area by force from another tribe). If they can maintain it for an extended period of time, then they become the nunh of that area, while still remaining a member of their original tribe.
This actually happens quite often. And is far more accepted than merely leaving the tribe to make one's own (which, ultimately makes that person an outcast). This is why you will almost never see Seekers of the Sun with tribal letters beyond the original 26 (like the Ma'shtola I mentioned earlier). There are simply not that many, and those that do exist, rarely admit it, for fear of ostracism.[/quote]
Keeper of the Moon
-Fifty Canon Keeper Surnames
-Keeper Nomenclature section in Encyclopedia Eorzea is incorrect, refer to Naming Conventions post above.
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As might be surmised from their self-chosen name, the majority of the Keepers of the Moon are devout followers of Menphina. They reside and hunt freely in the Shroud, where for many years they came in conflict with the people of Gridania, who saw the Keepers as little more than poachers. In recent years, however, the two sides have reconciled their differences, and today many Keepers hunt in accordance with rules set by the Trappers' League, bartering the furs and meats they procure for agricultural goods and essential commodities. Others, however, refuse to bend to these rules, poaching the woods and laying waste to the natural environment as they see fit.[/quote]
[quote=Lodestone]The nocturnal among the Miqo'te have dubbed themselves the Keepers of the Moon. Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to Menphina the Lover, goddess of the moon. Their tradition of hunting in the thick woodlands of the Black Shroud have for years thrown them into conflict with the forestfolk of Gridania, who condemn them as poachers. Of late, however, many Keepers of the Moon have found some small peace with the Gridanians, and taken to living within the city.[/quote]
[quote=1.0 Lodestone]The nocturnal among the Miqo'te have dubbed themselves the Keepers of the Moon. Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to Menphina the Lover, goddess of the moon.
They are distinguishable from their diurnal cousins by their darker fur, larger ears, rounder eyes, more pronounced canines, and longer, skinnier tails. The ritual application of war paint to the face is still regularly practiced, as it is believed the vivid colors grant lunar powers.
The Keepers are known for their reticent and brooding personalities, but are also respected and sometimes feared for their tenacity.[/quote]
[quote=Prosperlain]The Keepers of the Moon are the more numerous of the two Miqo'te clans you will see here in Gridania. Even so, their kind are few enough, as many and more care not for life in the city. They have the characteristic feline eyes and long swaying tails and I daresay that in comparison to the Seekers of the Sun, they tend to be a bit more reticent and reserved. Time was, our own Gods' Quiver used to clash with the Keepers that were out hunting in the Twelveswood. But these days we deal with them friendly enough, trading what crops and hides are to be had.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]Save for their longer tail, the Keepers are nearly identical to their Seeker cousins in physical stature, and can be distinguished by their fur, dark as the night fog, and the large pupils of their eyes. Though lacking the physical stamina of the Seekers, they make up for this with a fierce strength of will and unerring instincts. With their keen intuition, Keeper hunters have been known to easily snare even targets concealed in the gloom of night.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]In contrast to the Seekers of the Sun, with their male-dominated tribes and harems, the fundamental unit of Keeper of the Moon society is the family, centered around a strong mother figure and her children. Keepers are known to form small communities composed of two or three families who hunt together. They are also known for decorating their faces with war paint before going on the hunt, a tradition symbolizing their readiness and resolve to strain their hands with blood, as well sending a message to their gods that they are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife should they fall.[/quote]
[quote=Muah Lihzeh]The men of the Keepers of the Moon live a wanderer's life, for they are at their best in small doses. Women and children keep the hearth, ply various trades, and accept game and visits from the menfolk. But King Poach denies women this gods-given rule over matters of family. He forces women to live with him, forbids them to see their sisters, mothers, aunts. Most unnaturally, they lie with him and him alone! So terrible are their crimes that all Keepers of the Moon feel the suspicion and fear cast their way.[/quote]
[quote=Masha Mhakaracca]I grew up in a household as the third daughter of five. As you likely already know, we Keepers of the Moon are not raised with a father, so it was just my mother with us at home. Now, of course, I live on my own. After one of my older sisters moved to Ul'dah, I decided to follow her example and leave the Black Shroud.[/quote]
[quote=Blind Ambition]Can you believe the nerve, this goblin fisherman said I wouldn't be able to outfish him even if he were blindfolded! Well, I took the bet, of course! We Keepers of the Moon do not take insults lying down, especially if they're true! Since he won't be able to see a thing, you can prove him wrong.[/quote]
[quote=It's a Trap]The Keepers of the Moon who make Quarrymill their home have recently been troubled by Taker's Rot poachers who litter the area with their deadly iron leg traps. Three young women and a breeding male have already had to have their legs amputated after suffering wounds from these deadly hunting instruments. To ensure the clan suffers no further causalities, the Trappers' League has put a call out to local adventurers to assist in the search and disposal of hidden traps.[/quote]
[quote=Moon in Rouge]We Keepers of the Moon have a long history of decorating our faces with colorful paint before going into battle. We do this not only to honor the traditions of our clan, but to also let the gods know that we are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife, should we fall at the hands of our enemies. The paint we use is taken from the inedible red berries of a herb known as 'soldier's sore' that can be found growing in the South Shroud. My unit is willing to pay handsomely for any who can harvest the fruit and deliver it to our barracks.[/quote]
[quote=Moon Daisy]Moon daisies are often hung to rafters, trees, or other elevated locations to represent the celestial body when performing holy rituals to the goddess Menphina during daylight hours.[/quote]
[quote=Thunderbolt Sculpin]A rare freshwater fish decorated with a thunderbolt-like pattern down its back. The Keepers of the Moon who inhabit the Black Shroud will eat one of these before a big hunt, claiming that it grants them speed and strength.[/quote]
[quote=Fernehalwes]There are many Keeper of the Moon family names that have been passed down through the generations. The ones you see in-game represent some of the more prominent families that once crossed the frozen seas into Eorzea in search for prey. That does not mean that these are all the names available. There are some families who have chosen to live more secluded lives, and simply have not made an appearance in-game yet. There are also the families who remained in their homeland, or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea. So, when creating a character, you are free to take the surname of an existing family, and inherit their history, or choose a yet-to-be-released surname, and build a new history.[/quote]
Discrepancy in Miqo'te Origins - Meracydia or Ilsabard?
The previously held belief that the Miqo'te originally hailed from the southern continent of Meracydia is under contention due to passages found in the lore book citing their Fifth Umbral Era migration being from Near Eastern Ilsabard. A Meracydian origin is still theoretically possible prior to Allagan occupation, but we don't know for certain the circumstances that lead to their exile to Ilsabard... a continent that was also under Allagan control during the time period. There is an alternative theory which places the origin of the Keeper Miqo'te at Meracydia while the Seekers migrated south from Ilsabard.
[quote=DAT Files]It is believed the Miqo'te first came to Eorzea during the Fifth Umbral Era, fleeing their ravaged homeland on the southern continent of Meracydia.[/quote]
[quote=Sesame Seeds]A tiny seed rich in aromatic oil, sesame is native to Meracydia, and thought to have first been brought to Eorzea by migrating Miqo'te.[/quote]
[quote=Aloe]A thick, spiny-leaved cactus indigenous to the southern continent of Meracydia. The Miqo'te are known to treat severe burns with the cool gel-like substance found inside the leaves.[/quote]
[quote=Encyclopedia Eorzea]As is the case with nearly the entirety of the Fourth Astral Era, the great calamity which would end the period is also shrouded in mystery. Tribal legend and local folklore does, however, speak of a seemingly endless winter that brought with it bitter cold, raging snowstorms, and giant rivers of ice. Without the ability to grow crops, much of the population perished, or was forced to flee to the south and its more temperate climes. It is believed that for the years that encompassed the Fifth Umbral Era - or as it is also known, the Age of Endless Frost - much of the Bloodbrine Sea was frozen solid, on one hand preventing fishing and decimating the populations of sea life, but on the other, allowing for the migration of Miqo'te tribes from southern Ilsabard into northern Eorzea - tribes made up of descendants of the very same Miqo'te who were persecuted against and driven from Eorzea by the Allagan Empire almost two millennia earlier. The newly hardened seas of this frigid era provided the tribes with a means around the massive peaks of Gyr Abania that prevented their return in the Fourth Astral Era, and while there was little awaiting them in the rime-encrusted realm when they arrived, their uncanny ability in the hunt granted them a means of survival until the frost had melted.
It was not long after their return to the realm that the Miqo'te learned of the new Eorzean alphabet. Tribal seers were quick to claim that the fact the number of letters in that alphabet - twenty-six - directly corresponded with the exact number of Seeker of the Sun tribes that had made the journey across the frozen seas was most fortuitous, subsequently convincing the tribes that they should each take one of those letters to its name.
It is not uncommon even today for massive floating islands of ice to appear in the winter moons along Eorzea's northernmost coasts - the Farreach. In the Fifth Umbral Era, however, these frozen mountains were said to have appeared as far s
