[Spoilers] Dark Knights, Am I the Only One?

[-no longer matters-]

Steel is still trying to come to grips with what the hell it is she's becoming.  I've sort of worked with the DRK story quests in that her internal emotional strife and rage is a source of aether, which segues nicely in to her tapping the depths of what was her Inner Beast during her stint as a Warrior.

 

That said, I also still have her as very snarky and ostentatious.  Just because her aether comes from a place of pain doesn't mean she has to wear it like a cloak.  

 

The biggest struggle I'm personally having is finding someone who'd find interest in mentoring my character in the Dark Arts.

OMG hahaha we basically have almost the same story and character here. Minus the needing a mentor part. War's a bit older so she's adjusted to the transition well. I don't want to go into details here but there are story reasons for her going the route she did. (OOC being my XI char was a Galka DRK/THF dps then when it became viable a DRK/NIN Tank, and I wanted to make a female version of him in XIV, and everything else is just falling into place.)

[Seriphyn]

Well, definitely RP FOTM.

[Dravus]

Well, definitely RP FOTM.

 

Funnily enough, reading your post I realised I haven't seen nearly as many people role-playing MCH or AST as I have DRK.

 

Quite a lot of people haven't changed their character's IC class/job at all, luckily. Or their race - so that helps keep things somewhat balanced!

[mongi291]

Isaulde is an actual Dark Knight. Not only she uses a greatsword and uses her emotions to fuel her powers, but she actually stays in Ishgard to protect the lowborn and the outcasts from abuse from the highborn. She's basically more paragonable to a Sultansworn Paladin, than to a free Paladin.

[Hali]

Dail'a, while still only 49 and working his way through the MSQ yet, will be grabbing DRK eventually, and, should I decide to go anything more than "asshole with a big bad sword," which is likely because I've always liked shadow/dark magic that isn't inherently evil, wiull be doing the motion-based power.

 

Granted, I still know very little about the class itself because I have little interest in actually doing it on Corelyn, who is, for all intents and purposes, my main and sole 60 (the only one being MCH since I have problems playing jobs/classes that aren't relevant to the character).

 

But as it goes on down the line, I may think of doing more with Dail'a with DRK stuff because it's right up his alley. Be it through coming up some soulstone or winding up possessed of the power in some way or another, I'm sure I'll figure out an interesting story for it. Might even occur through some FC RP I've been in of late.

[Aaron]

OK so I have a question that kiiinda relates to the topic.

 

To the DRK rpers who don't use the typical parent was a DRK or had a soulstone route (by no means am I berating that route) but take the whole um, how can I put this to make sense? The "I have the capacity and emotion to be a DRK but I don't even know what a DRK is or even that I can use emotions to power my body" route. . . did that make sense? Oh well, to those taking that route I'm curious as to

 

How do you start off such a development to a DRK when your character doesn't even know they have the capacity to be a DRK and won't realize it on their own. Do I have to go the cliche get into a fight and suddenly get so emotional boom DRK powers route? Or can I do a more subtle route like someone else picking up on his capabilities or something?

 

I'm asking because I'm really thinking about tossing Aaron into the DRK by skill but not through name route as it suits his personality. But I don't want to like go in and suddenly get barraged with questions (even though I know the lore) and think I'm doing it wrong >_>

 

Because I will openly admit I wanted the Sith to win in Star Wars after I read their lore and thought the guys were the most badass villians I've ever seen in any media.

 

Doesn't help the DRK attacks slick sound like a light saber .

[ShoggMommy]

I play my DRK as a DRK. It is something that I had considered since I first heard about the class months ago; and as each bit of lore came out I worked extensively on it. When I create a character, I research as much as I can, and I study. For me? Dusk, as she goes by, is not a flavor of the month and she isn't a character that I will abandon in six months, a year, or even longer. I dedicate myself when I make a character. I chose to go with DRK because I enjoy the lore, I have always enjoyed it even since FF4. It is one of my favorite FF's. Because of that I want to do it right.

 

Sure I could have gone with a person who uses a large two handed sword, but SE gave us this lore and I certainly will play it if the storyline allows for it. I'm enjoying it a lot. There's a great deal of opportunity for the job... Both good and bad. So people will run into all sorts. I wish there wasn't so much "I'm a badass emo kid", but eh... I don't rp with those types so it doesn't really matter to me. Besides if they're enjoying it, more power to them. I'll just go play Dusk (Saikhan) with those who do appreciate the character.

 

-------

 

As for Aaron; I didn't go with a typical route of my character's parents' owning the soulstone. I'm still actually trying to work out the very specific reason how she got her's. It's something that still is in development for me, but it's also not immediately necessary for Dusk as she does not talk about how she got her soulstone to begin with; with anyone. She's a very, very private character.

 

Character development takes, for me anyway, quite a bit of time and bits and pieces fall into place as I rp the character. What I do know is that she doesn't get it through a sudden fight and sudden emotions suddenly happened! And with that in case I don't think you -have- to do it that way. The story is very open for you to create your DRK as you see fit.

 

Oswin for example is very different than Dusk (who was the apprentice of his father). This is both in personality and in the methods of which they gained their stone.

 

As for DRK I would not consider them villains but interestingly a 'chaotic good sith' as it were, and in some ways very much batman in aspects. They've certainly been inspired by not only FF4, but Star Wars and "the Dark Knight" as it were. In the end it's really up to you on what you want out of your character.

[-no longer matters-]

OK so I have a question that kiiinda relates to the topic.

 

To the DRK rpers who don't use the typical parent was a DRK or had a soulstone route (by no means am I berating that route) but take the whole um, how can I put this to make sense? The "I have the capacity and emotion to be a DRK but I don't even know what a DRK is or even that I can use emotions to power my body" route. . . did that make sense? Oh well, to those taking that route I'm curious as to

 

How do you start off such a development to a DRK when your character doesn't even know they have the capacity to be a DRK and won't realize it on their own. Do I have to go the cliche get into a fight and suddenly get so emotional boom DRK powers route? Or can I do a more subtle route like someone else picking up on his capabilities or something?

 

I'm asking because I'm really thinking about tossing Aaron into the DRK by skill but not through name route as it suits his personality. But I don't want to like go in and suddenly get barraged with questions (even though I know the lore) and think I'm doing it wrong >_>

 

Because I will openly admit I wanted the Sith to win in Star Wars after I read their lore and thought the guys were the most badass villians I've ever seen in any media.

 

Doesn't help the DRK attacks slick sound like a light saber .

I think the Class story covers that pretty clearly...

 

You train yourself up to 50 Fray is dead, it's your own desires that fuel the corpseand your own Darkside you face at 50.

 

 

In War's case she happened upon her stone. I'll explore that further on my wiki page when I get to that part.

[-no longer matters-]

I play my DRK as a DRK. It is something that I had considered since I first heard about the class months ago; and as each bit of lore came out I worked extensively on it. When I create a character, I research as much as I can, and I study. For me? Dusk, as she goes by, is not a flavor of the month and she isn't a character that I will abandon in six months, a year, or even longer. I dedicate myself when I make a character. I chose to go with DRK because I enjoy the lore, I have always enjoyed it even since FF4. It is one of my favorite FF's. Because of that I want to do it right.

 

 

Same here Foxberry. I've always loved Dark Knights in FF, and hunted down every piece of spoiler info so I could build War perfectly, and was thrilled to find out it was emotionally powered, it made for me at least (and apparently Steel Wolf too Though I'm sure we are using different angles.) easy to craft a story that could see this becoming a replacement for a Warrior's Inner Beast.

 

I am so excited every time I get to sit down and RP War, because I really put a lot of work into her as a character.

[ShoggMommy]

Same here Foxberry. I've always loved Dark Knights in FF, and hunted down every piece of spoiler info so I could build War perfectly, and was thrilled to find out it was emotionally powered, it made for me at least (and apparently Steel Wolf too Though I'm sure we are using different angles.) easy to craft a story that could see this becoming a replacement for a Warrior's Inner Beast.

 

I am so excited every time I get to sit down and RP War, because I really put a lot of work into her as a character.

 

That's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoy your character and the story. It's a great one. I adore it, I haven't finished it yet but it's such an interesting study on the Id, Ego and SuperEgo.

[Aaron]

I play my DRK as a DRK. It is something that I had considered since I first heard about the class months ago; and as each bit of lore came out I worked extensively on it. When I create a character, I research as much as I can, and I study. For me? Dusk, as she goes by, is not a flavor of the month and she isn't a character that I will abandon in six months, a year, or even longer. I dedicate myself when I make a character. I chose to go with DRK because I enjoy the lore, I have always enjoyed it even since FF4. It is one of my favorite FF's. Because of that I want to do it right.

 

Sure I could have gone with a person who uses a large two handed sword, but SE gave us this lore and I certainly will play it if the storyline allows for it. I'm enjoying it a lot. There's a great deal of opportunity for the job... Both good and bad. So people will run into all sorts. I wish there wasn't so much "I'm a badass emo kid", but eh... I don't rp with those types so it doesn't really matter to me. Besides if they're enjoying it, more power to them. I'll just go play Dusk (Saikhan) with those who do appreciate the character.

 

-------

 

As for Aaron; I didn't go with a typical route of my character's parents' owning the soulstone. I'm still actually trying to work out the very specific reason how she got her's. It's something that still is in development for me, but it's also not immediately necessary for Dusk as she does not talk about how she got her soulstone to begin with; with anyone. She's a very, very private character.

 

Character development takes, for me anyway, quite a bit of time and bits and pieces fall into place as I rp the character. What I do know is that she doesn't get it through a sudden fight and sudden emotions suddenly happened! And with that in case I don't think you -have- to do it that way. The story is very open for you to create your DRK as you see fit.

 

Oswin for example is very different than Dusk (who was the apprentice of his father). This is both in personality and in the methods of which they gained their stone.

 

As for DRK I would not consider them villains but interestingly a 'chaotic good sith' as it were, and in some ways very much batman in aspects. They've certainly been inspired by not only FF4, but Star Wars and "the Dark Knight" as it were. In the end it's really up to you on what you want out of your character.

Ohh I see what you mean. 

 

I think I got a good template on what to do for mine then. 

 

Let the edgy begin! (I'm not serious about the edgy part)

[ShoggMommy]

Ohh I see what you mean. 

 

I think I got a good template on what to do for mine then. 

 

Let the edgy begin! (I'm not serious about the edgy part)

 

War has some really good points here too, actually a lot of people do. It's a great thread full of really interesting thoughts and concepts. If you don't want to be spoiled I'd suggest going through with how Oswin suggested play through 30-50 and see what's all going on. Otherwise you'll have to do a lot of retconning, likely.

[Aaron]

Ohh I see what you mean. 

 

I think I got a good template on what to do for mine then. 

 

Let the edgy begin! (I'm not serious about the edgy part)

 

War has some really good points here too, actually a lot of people do. It's a great thread full of really interesting thoughts and concepts. If you don't want to be spoiled I'd suggest going through with how Oswin suggested play through 30-50 and see what's all going on. Otherwise you'll have to do a lot of retconning, likely.

Oh i hit 60 DRK 3 days into early access I know the lore lol was just trying to figure out how to add my own flavor to it.

[-no longer matters-]

Ohh I see what you mean. 

 

I think I got a good template on what to do for mine then. 

 

Let the edgy begin! (I'm not serious about the edgy part)

 

War has some really good points here too, actually a lot of people do. It's a great thread full of really interesting thoughts and concepts. If you don't want to be spoiled I'd suggest going through with how Oswin suggested play through 30-50 and see what's all going on. Otherwise you'll have to do a lot of retconning, likely.

Another thing I would recommend people to is really pay attention to the level 58 Class quest.

 

It show cases how love can be one of the most powerful emotions to fuel the Dark Knight. I originally thought the quest was silly when they brought Moogles in but the more you think about what they did, and what they evoked in you and Sid. The more powerful that single quest was. It shows that even positive emotions can be used to fuel the abyss.

 

[ShoggMommy]

Oh i hit 60 DRK 3 days into early access I know the lore lol was just trying to figure out how to add my own flavor to it.

 

Ah okay! Yeah you can totally add your own flavor on it pretty easily. Everyone doesn't have to be a carbon copy of Fray or the MC.

[Mercer]

Ohh I see what you mean. 

 

I think I got a good template on what to do for mine then. 

 

Let the edgy begin! (I'm not serious about the edgy part)

 

War has some really good points here too, actually a lot of people do. It's a great thread full of really interesting thoughts and concepts. If you don't want to be spoiled I'd suggest going through with how Oswin suggested play through 30-50 and see what's all going on. Otherwise you'll have to do a lot of retconning, likely.

Another thing I would recommend people to is really pay attention to the level 58 Class quest.

 

It show cases how love can be one of the most powerful emotions to fuel the Dark Knight. I originally thought the quest was silly when they brought Moogles in but the more you think about what they did, and what they evoked in you and Sid. The more powerful that single quest was. It shows that even positive emotions can be used to fuel the abyss.

 

 

 

This right here is a very important distinction on the origin of the Dark Knight's powers. The dark powers can be brought out through anger, hate, sadness, suffering but they are not essential. Other emotions can be used as fuel as well, the point is to bridge that gap from the Ego to the Id.

 

The Void is a complex concept, it's a power source that is created through hate and resentment but can be nurtured through love and compassion. There has to be the violent, powerful separation that splits the soul in two but there also must be the reconciliation of that split and becoming 'whole' again as well. Being a Dark Knight involves a journey that rends a man down to his most base features and then must be built back up again stronger than ever.

 

In the end the Void is fueled by powerful emotion.  The most common are hatred, anger and suffering but they aren't pure emotions. Compassion for the weak and love for family gives them just as much if not more power because those emotions are essentially bottomless. They do not poison the mind and soul as hate does.

[Talon Morrigan]

Talon was originally intended to be a DRK from the moment he was dreamt up in my head. And ironically his story evolved through rp to support this. As a dark knight, he draws his strength through his emotions not some inner demon or fae that's bound to him, but instead he pulls from a variety of things. His anger at being betrayed and cast aside, his hatred of corrupt politics and the abuse of power, and his fear of not being strong enough to protect those dear to him. 

 

I was amused to discover after reading a few of the first posts that the "Sith" mindset truly does apply here and with that came the realization that I'd taken on the mentality of my Sith Sorcerer ><.  But hey if the shoe fits, strap that bad boy on and march eh?

 

Still given Talon's past and the events that have surrounded him, I can happily state that I feel the "Fueled by Emotion" thing can work very well, and provides just as much fodder for rp as a DRK who's "Possessed by a Voidsent".  And for those whom jump aboard the "I hate EMO DARK KNIGHTS"  train all I can say is that I'd much rather be part of a story or rp where my character is painted by who he is and the choices he makes rather than falling back on the "A Voidsent made me do it."  Perhaps it's just me, but I kinda like the idea of being in charge of myself and my char. And when Talon looses it.. it's because situations and events slipped past his ability to control them. And that opens a whole new world of rp opportunities!

[-no longer matters-]

Talon was originally intended to be a DRK from the moment he was dreamt up in my head. And ironically his story evolved through rp to support this. As a dark knight, he draws his strength through his emotions not some inner demon or fae that's bound to him, but instead he pulls from a variety of things. His anger at being betrayed and cast aside, his hatred of corrupt politics and the abuse of power, and his fear of not being strong enough to protect those dear to him. 

 

I was amused to discover after reading a few of the first posts that the "Sith" mindset truly does apply here and with that came the realization that I'd taken on the mentality of my Sith Sorcerer ><.  But hey if the shoe fits, strap that bad boy on and march eh?

 

Still given Talon's past and the events that have surrounded him, I can happily state that I feel the "Fueled by Emotion" thing can work very well, and provides just as much fodder for rp as a DRK who's "Possessed by a Voidsent".  And for those whom jump aboard the "I hate EMO DARK KNIGHTS"  train all I can say is that I'd much rather be part of a story or rp where my character is painted by who he is and the choices he makes rather than falling back on the "A Voidsent made me do it."  Perhaps it's just me, but I kinda like the idea of being in charge of myself and my char. And when Talon looses it.. it's because situations and events slipped past his ability to control them. And that opens a whole new world of rp opportunities!

Exactly! I'm really happy with how this thread turned out. I'm glad there so many of us out there doing the emotionally fueled Dark Knights! *high fives to you all!*

[Aaron]

My angst forbids me from high fiving you.

 

*Dark side aura slowly shows as I sit in the corner with a gloomy anime shadow*

[ShoggMommy]

To explain things a bit more with the id, ego and super ego. This is an abridged version of Freud's teachings. While it's not incredibly indepth, it is a good starting point for those who are curious of the id/ego relationship going on here. http://www.simplypsychology.org/psyche.html

[LiveVoltage]

As Julli said earlier, Sarnai is a Dark Knight but from Orthard (which I conveniently refer to the Dark Knights from Orthard as the Ortharian sect)

 

Her training and existing knowledge of the darkside stays true to the lore as well as her general application of it. The only difference between her and a Dark Knight from Coerthas is while they struggle to suppress and push away their Darkside, she embraces her darkside and trys to completely dominate over it, turning it into her subject rather than a constant threat to her mortal being. Shes still prone to fit's from her darkside however, but it hasnt tried to dominate over her.

 

The only thing that's different about her is that since shes not from the Coerthas sect of the knights and from the Ortharian sect, their personal and sect code differs quite a bit, which even I wrote it out a bit to define her code a bit since she's from Orthard. Let me pull it out real quick.

 

(NOTE: This is not a cannon code but something that I personally drafted up which Sarnai largely operates under when going about her daily life as a DRK or dealing with certain situations.)

 

1. A knight is the true idealization of freedom and the embodiment of defiance. we defy all rules and all codes except the code of the Knight and the individual knights personal code. This is because that we defy and break all rules to right the wrongs that other knights from outside the order are afraid to commit because they are afraid to lose their positions, power and material items in society.
   
2. We are justice incarnate. The blade of righteous that cannot be stopped with things such as petty death threats to others or threats to us. Our justice, regardless if it is just or unjust, is absolute and so are our blades, which will destroy all that is in our path to see the justice done.
   
3. A knight of the order is by no means meant to share the spotlight and fanfare with warriors of the light. We are warriors of the dark and we wage our fights in the shadow or away from prying eyes, where most cannot see us. Secrecy and anonymity are our best friends. We must hid our existence for those outside of the order are ignorant and cannot understand the true nature of how our power works. Thus, we leave the fanfare to those with shields of light and go about our lives living in the dark. 
   
4. If you are discovered by outsiders and are being hunted then members of the order cannot help you lest the order is discovered at large. We all carry the weight of our sins, the defiance of laws, the death of those who got in our way and our actions are things we must all be individually responsible for and own up to when our time comes.
   
5. Your sword brothers and sisters are now your true family. Though you may or may not share the same blood as them, you are code mbound to help them if they should ask of your blade to right a wrong that is too big to right by themselves. While you also might not have personal codes that fall in line with each other, you must still honor, respect and help your sword brothers and sisters should they ask.
   
6. Never, ever betray your sword brothers and sisters for any reason. To do so is to damn yourself to the deepest and most treacherous place of the seven hell's.
   
7. If a brother or sister is overtaken and dominated by their Darkside then they are a beast, no longer a noble knight. Thus they must be killed before they can commit wrongs to the innocents.
   
8. Never be afraid to call upon aid from your sword brothers and sisters and even outsiders at times, but be wary of the outsiders, for they are not to be trusted as they are not indoctrinated into the order like us.
   

 

As for her personal code, she is planted firmly between Chaotic Good to Chaotic Neutral. While she likes to help others, she also trys to live a normal life outside of the order, making an honest living.

[Mercer]

As Julli said earlier, Sarnai is a Dark Knight but from Orthard (which I conveniently refer to the Dark Knights from Orthard as the Ortharian sect)

 

Her training and existing knowledge of the darkside stays true to the lore as well as her general application of it. The only difference between her and a Dark Knight from Coerthas is while they struggle to suppress and push away their Darkside, she embraces her darkside and trys to completely dominate over it, turning it into her subject rather than a constant threat to her mortal being. Shes still prone to fit's from her darkside however, but it hasnt tried to dominate over her.

 

The only thing that's different about her is that since shes not from the Coerthas sect of the knights and from the Ortharian sect, their personal and sect code differs quite a bit, which even I wrote it out a bit to define her code a bit since she's from Orthard. Let me pull it out real quick.

 

(NOTE: This is not a cannon code but something that I personally drafted up which Sarnai largely operates under when going about her daily life as a DRK or dealing with certain situations.)

 

1. A knight is the true idealization of freedom and the embodiment of defiance. we defy all rules and all codes except the code of the Knight and the individual knights personal code. This is because that we defy and break all rules to right the wrongs that other knights from outside the order are afraid to commit because they are afraid to lose their positions, power and material items in society.
   
2. We are justice incarnate. The blade of righteous that cannot be stopped with things such as petty death threats to others or threats to us. Our justice, regardless if it is just or unjust, is absolute and so are our blades, which will destroy all that is in our path to see the justice done.
   
3. A knight of the order is by no means meant to share the spotlight and fanfare with warriors of the light. We are warriors of the dark and we wage our fights in the shadow or away from prying eyes, where most cannot see us. Secrecy and anonymity are our best friends. We must hid our existence for those outside of the order are ignorant and cannot understand the true nature of how our power works. Thus, we leave the fanfare to those with shields of light and go about our lives living in the dark. 
   
4. If you are discovered by outsiders and are being hunted then members of the order cannot help you lest the order is discovered at large. We all carry the weight of our sins, the defiance of laws, the death of those who got in our way and our actions are things we must all be individually responsible for and own up to when our time comes.
   
5. Your sword brothers and sisters are now your true family. Though you may or may not share the same blood as them, you are code mbound to help them if they should ask of your blade to right a wrong that is too big to right by themselves. While you also might not have personal codes that fall in line with each other, you must still honor, respect and help your sword brothers and sisters should they ask.
   
6. Never, ever betray your sword brothers and sisters for any reason. To do so is to damn yourself to the deepest and most treacherous place of the seven hell's.
   
7. If a brother or sister is overtaken and dominated by their Darkside then they are a beast, no longer a noble knight. Thus they must be killed before they can commit wrongs to the innocents.
   
8. Never be afraid to call upon aid from your sword brothers and sisters and even outsiders at times, but be wary of the outsiders, for they are not to be trusted as they are not indoctrinated into the order like us.
   

 

As for her personal code, she is planted firmly between Chaotic Good to Chaotic Neutral. While she likes to help others, she also trys to live a normal life outside of the order, making an honest living.

 

I personally would be cautious about having an Othard order versus Coerthas order considering it's explicitly stated that the first Dark Knight was Ishgardian. I'm sure it's possible that the teaching could have spread to Othard before the closing of Ishgard's gates but having an independent sect kind of messes with established lore.

 

 

The actual code you've written though is how Ishgardian knights carry themselves written out in rule form. Every point you make is exactly how a DRK should carry themselves and associate with other DRK.

[Thorgar]

Ive not read very much on Dark Knights, I was going to make it an extension of his Berserker rage.  A bit vague but i plan on filling in the details as i get them lol.

 

to those of you who know the lore on this better, is that path for Dark Knight workable?

[LiveVoltage]

Interesting.

 

Also, I have had this discussion with people in the Ishgard LS about DRK lore. The first Dark Knight technically had several pupils (otherwise how would there be modern DRK's that we could learn the art from?) and the lore doesn't really say what happens to the pupils, so my head cannon is that one of them left Ishgard and came to Orthard and taught a few Au Ra the trade of the DRK before he passed on, which has been passed down by an unknown few since.

 

This falls nicely in line with how many Au Ra DRK's there actually are in another LS called Scales of Orthard.

 

ie: Its a head cannon formed from the number of IC DRK Au Ra's at any rate.

[Mercer]

Interesting.

 

Also, I have had this discussion with people in the Ishgard LS about DRK lore. The first Dark Knight technically had several pupils (otherwise how would there be modern DRK's that we could learn the art from?) and the lore doesn't really say what happens to the pupils, so my head cannon is that one of them left Ishgard and came to Orthard and taught a few Au Ra the trade of the DRK before he passed on, which has been passed down by an unknown few since.

 

This falls nicely in line with how many Au Ra DRK's there actually are in another LS called Scales of Orthard.

 

ie: Its a head cannon formed from the number of IC DRK Au Ra's at any rate.

 

Sounds pretty spot on then, yeah I would say that the ruleset you listed is perfect for any DRK not just Otharian. It makes sense considering the vast number of Au Ra DRK around with the very anti Au Ra attitude of Ishgard.