Reima Awen

"Reima Awen"
Gender	Female
Race	Hyur
Clan	Midlander
Citizenship	Ishgardian
Age	23
Occupation	Messenger
Height/Weight	5 fulms 3 ilms/106 ponz
Marital Status	Betrothed
Relatives	Gauvain Gilrouis (Father) Lucienne Gilrouis (Mother) Babayo Bayo (Adopted "Aunt")

Author's Note: This page is still under construction.

"What good is our still having a world to live in, if we are afraid to find what it is we are living for?"

Basic Info

Originally “Gwennyth Gilrouis” before the events of the Calamity, the Ishgardian-born young woman suffers from severe dis-associative Amnesia in the wake of Dalamud's fall and so goes by what name she could “remember” to assign to herself. After spending five years living as an outcast among the people of Ul'dah and finding work as a seamstress and courier, the strangeness and intrigue of her abilities as a Hearer finally drove Reima toward Gridania, seeking out those who might offer insight into the whispers she ever hears on the wind. Since then, she has embraced her abilities as a healer and “communicator”, and seeks to do what she might to heal the wounds left on the world.

She had, however, remained an outsider to the people of Gridania as well, and while she has come to accept the state of her broken memories, there remains in her a sense of unshakable displacement, and a void in her that even the song of the Elementals can't fill. Coupled with a plague of cryptic dreams that she wants to believe are from a time before the moon fell, Reima's burning passion for knowledge and the unknown drive her to plunge eagerly into Hydaelyn's mysteries in the hopes that some day she might find an answer to her own.

Appearance

Physical Appearance

■ Build: Slight, slender ■ Height: 5 fulms 3 ilms. ■ Weight: 106 ponz. ■ Skintone: Fair

■ Hair Color: Dark auburn ■ Hair Style: Typically worn loose, or in low plaits. ■ Eye Color: Grey-hazel ■ Voice: Soft, lilting

Reima is slight and slender of figure, with porcelain-coloured skin that lends itself to a delicate, almost doll-like appearance. The faintest dusting of freckles mark her shoulders and nose as a remnant of years under the Ul’dahn sun, and the apples of her cheeks are eternally rosy. Thick, ruddy-brown hair is worn long and falls to her waist, occasionally tamed by low plaits for the sake of practicality, or accentuated with hairpins and other ornaments. Her eyes are large, and a greyed hazel colour reminiscent of a forest in the wake of a summer storm. They peer eagerly out at the world around her with a vibrant energy.

The girl walks with a spring in her step and at times almost seems on the verge of dancing, cutting a cheerful, upbeat presence in the face of others. When alone, she is far more subdued--bordering on melancholy, or perhaps just thoughtful. She gesticulates often, as though accustomed to speaking to those unfamiliar with our language. Even while silent, however, Reima’s hands are almost constantly fidgeting; be it toying with the hem of a sleeve out of nervous habit, or fiddling with the crystal pendant around her neck. Aware of the tic, she’s prone to keeping her fingers laced or her hands folded.

Apparel

Reima’s dress will vary dependant upon climate and function, but she prefers loose, comfortable tunics and dresses bound in place by cinchers and belts, over leggings with high, laced sandals or tall boots. She favours yellows and whites in her clothing, as well as earthen greens, or the rose and burgundies of dawn. While she seeks durability in her dressings-especially with her shoes--Reima still has a fondness for light, breathable fabrics. She enjoys elaborate embroidery or other adornments on her articles as long as they aren’t overdone, and is usually wearing some pair of dangling baubles in her ears, or metal cuffs.

No matter the clothing, what remains unchanged is the presence of a certain piece of jewelry; a sliver of clear crystal, set and suspended from a simple silver chain around her neck.

Mannerisms

■ Has a tendency to lose herself in "deep thought" while in public. ■ Often toying with her jewelry or hems. ■ Occasionally appears to be speaking to herself.

Personality

By nature a bright and cheerful person, Reima is rarely seen without a smile on her face. She bears a genuine love for even the simplest aspects of the world around her, and so tries--despite whatever hardships she may have faced--to view most things with an optimistic attitude and a youthful enthusiasm. This coupled with the way in which she wears her heart quite visibly on her sleeve, lead many to believe Reima a rather naive individual. While that assessment might be true, it doesn’t stop the young woman from trying to be taken seriously.

Behind the smiles, however, is an unspoken loneliness and solemnity. Reima is aware that despite having lived five years of her life as a refugee in Ul’dah, she’s never quite fit in as one of its people. Coming “home” to Gridania and facing treatment no different than that of any other outsider has established the Calamity as having stolen away not only the bulk of her memories, but her place in the world as well. To this day, she finds her greatest comforts alone in the presence of those things that others cannot see or hear.

Strengths Reima is kind-hearted, generous, and compassionate. She is given to putting others before herself and willing to bend over backwards for their benefit, and “cares far too much about everything”. She will adapt to the social comforts of others, be it on a personal or cultural level for the sake of propriety, as well as a means of empathizing. She seeks to listen to and learn about those who come into her life, be it through conversation or observation, and will always look to offer support to those in need as a willful pillar of strength. She is both intelligent and curious by nature and willing to try new things, showing interest in what those close to her hold dear and seeking to discover exactly why that is. She holds thoughts of grand adventure and so welcomes the sporadic as an opportunity for this, rather than an inconvenience. She sees the obstacles in her path as personal challenges to overcome instead of impassable walls, and will thus give her all in rising to meet those challenges.

Weaknesses Because Reima is gentle and trusting to a fault, she leaves herself open to being taken advantage of by those who would exploit her kindness and naivete. In her desire to make those around her happy, Reima often finds herself forgetting her own needs and wants, becoming the proverbial doormat or running herself ragged in the process. She will prefer to bottle up any negative emotions or signs of stress so as not to “burden others”, but this only leads to depression and anxiety. She has a difficult time managing stress and will seek solitude before assistance. She can be headstrong, especially when it comes to aiding others or in doing what she feels to be right, and is like to put herself straight in the path of danger through good intentions. Once she gets an idea in her head or finds something to cling to and fight for, it’s difficult to make her budge on the matter without protest. On the other hand, shyness and uncertainty will keep many of her thoughts internalized. Some also find Reima to be too cheerful to the point of being absurd, and assume that she’s running from reality.

Tendencies

Likes ■ Warm winds and rain, and summer thunderstorms ■ Thriving gardens and the scent of sodden earth ■ Heights and scenic vistas, thoughts of flight ■ Music boxes, mammets, and other curiosities of cogs and springs ■ The idea of ancient artifacts, lost civilizations waiting to be uncovered, and the romanticism of adventure ■ Teas, curries and other spiced cuisine, mushrooms, cakes, candies, and nuts ■ Music, history, legend, folk tales and song

Dislikes ■ Cruelty, spiteful behavior, and mean-spirited individuals ■ The dark, and most certainly being alone in the dark ■ Cold temperatures and the biting winds that chill one to the bones ■ Dry explanations ■ Being treated as a child, or having her opinions valued less for her youth

Favorites ■ Favourite Food: Curries ■ Favourite Drink: Spiced black teas ■ Favourite Place: Rootslake and Urth's Gift in the Southern Shroud ■ Favourite Color: Yellow ■ Favourite Animal: Birds

Hobbies and Talents

■ Reima appears to have been gifted with the abilities of a Hearer, and is thus able to commune with the Elementals of Hydaelyn and, to a degree, other inhabitants of the Aether. Her time spent with the Conjurer’s Guild has cultivated her skill as a healer and the capability to borrow the blessings of nature for the boons they might offer ■ She is fond of growing things and gardening, having kept a small patch of herbs for medicinal uses while in Gridania ■ She bears some small musical talent with pipes and harp. While she also enjoys singing and dance, she prefers to keep those pastimes a secret between herself and the Elementals ■ Reima is a passable seamstress and weaver, working looms as a trade following the Calamity

Combat

Reima's rapier; a gift from her tutor

As someone who seeks to avoid conflict, Reima doesn’t have much in the way of true combat aptitude. Her studies as a Conjurer have allowed for the manipulation of elemental energies as an offense, but it isn’t something she prefers to exploit.

As a healer, she utilizes both ritualistic verbals and somatics with the aid of an unworked wand of wood. One might suggest that the woman is wind-aspected, as her primary healing and shielding "spells" appear to call on the Elementals of air for assistance.

She’s appears to hold some small skill with a bow, which has been put to use during her extended field studies in the Twelveswood.

Most recently, she's taken up the art of swordplay beneath Ser Draco Nobis. Finding her ill suited to the harsh regiment of his own combat methods and wanting to see her smaller size and dexterity put to use, he's made the decision to educate her in fencing. The blade Reima wields was commissioned by Draco, and bears a motif of rose and thorn.

Biography

Overall, under renovation.

Fragments of a Past

Under renovation.

After the Calamity

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The crowded, desperate, and sorrowful streets of Ul’dah were the first of Reima’s new memories. All that happened prior to the fall of Dalamud was an unknown, save for her name. She knew that something awful had happened--everyone knew. Eorzea had been left in ruins, and the young woman found herself utterly lost and alone.

Fortune would come in the form of a Dunesfolk Seamstress, Babayo Bayo, who took pity on the bedraggled youngling sleeping outside her shop front night after night. It was Babayo who took the girl in, washed her and clothed her, and put her to work as an apprentice weaver. Reima obliged without question, thankful for the turn of fate. The Lalafell proved to be a stern but nevertheless compassionate guardian, and Reima would spend the next five years eking out a new life amongst the people of Ul’dah.

As time went on, flickers and fragments of Reima’s previous world would slowly begin to return. It began with quiet, whispered voices that she could barely understand. Before long, there were dreams as well; memories of green. They came as visions of sprawling forests and secret glades with their carpets of flowers. Gradually, the voices that Reima picked up on the winds began to make more sense, and the connection she once shared with the Elementals creaked open like a door with hinges that had been long rusted shut.

Reima knew of Gridania, shrouded in the safety and sanctity of the Twelveswood, and knew too of the conjurers of Stillglade Fane. She knew that they were a folk who could speak with the unseen things of this world--that were the world--and began to wonder if they might aid in riddling out the voices and their whispers. Knowing that there was a “something” to be fulfilled in her, Reima resolved to make her way north toward the Black Shroud. Bidding farewell to Babayo and thanking the Lalafell for everything she had done, the young woman took up what few belongings she kept and, in the warm seasons of 1577, caught a caravan bound for answers.

Present Day

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For just over a year, Reima studied with the conjurers of Stillglade Fane. Returning to Gridania had sparked a surge of newly returned memory--she could heal before, she knew, and so much more that seemed familiar--but the whole of her past was still lost to the fires of the Calamity. All the same, the girl accepted the way things were, and the bond between she and the Elementals began to strengthen anew. Reima understood the whispers now--most, at least.

Her dreams did not cease, and carried with them now a far stranger nostalgia. In those rare, disjointed visions were grand, spiraling towers that touched the skies, while now and then there was sight of a gallant, smiling figure obscured by a blinding light. While Reima tried to justify her previous dreams of green with a desire to study her connection to the Elementals in Gridania, it was these more surreal images and their dusty familiarity that perplexed her. Perhaps, had they not come so frequently, she would have forgotten them altogether. Instead, they lingered in her mind as though they’d been a part of her all along.

Fueled by incorrigible curiosity and an adventurous spirit that grows all the more free by the day, Reima is determined to continue filling the voids left in her mind and heart. To that end, she holds on to the strange visions that still plague her and to those whispers that she cannot yet identify, developing a fascination with the uncharted lands and ancient secrets of Hydaelyn. To this day, as she seeks to do what she might for a world that’s given her a new life, she keeps the company of invisible friends close beside her and a crystal suspended over her heart; the comfort of both a guide toward whatever she might uncover.

Relations

♥ Romantic Interest ♥ Platonic Love ● Good Standing ● Poor Standing

Friends ● Kumomo Kopli (NPC) : A moogle of the Twelveswood, Kumomo has taken it upon himself to act as Reima’s constant chaperone. Having met during Reima’s field-study with the Conjurers of Stillglade Fane, the two became a curious pair of confidants who were eager to learn more of one another’s people. Bossy, egocentric, and overprotective of his “charge”, the moogle never fails to make his thoughts on a matter known to Reima while ever remaining out of sight. ♥ Arcian Martell : Arcian was among the first--if not the first--that Reima truly opened herself to. She views the Mhigan like a sister, and takes comfort in the woman's honesty, loyalty, and the easygoing demeanor that offsets the turmoil of frenzied days. Reima, quietly, places Arcian as the unsuspecting heroine in some rollicking, romantic adventure. ♥ Brave Horizon : Like Arcian, Reima sees Brave as a much-loved sister. The stark differences in their personalities give Reima a glimpse into a hitherto unknown world beyond her own innocence, but what Reima sees before anything are the Roegadyn's strength, devotion, and affection for those she calls family. She admires the love between Arcian and Brave as something true. ♥ Brynhilde Wulf : Were you to ask her, Reima would say that it was a chance meeting with Brynhilde beneath the merciless sun of Drybone that nudged the course of her Fate in its current direction. She loves and respects the towering, gallant woman for her stalwart leadership and maternal compassion, and fosters a subconscious wish to make her proud. ♥ Draco Nobis : The knight who appeared to--quite literally--whisk Reima away into the mad adventure her life has become, Ser Draco at once awes and infuriates her with his strict sense of duty and dazzles with his courtesies. A nostalgic familiarity found Reima drawing closer to the old weapons master, seeking to provide a pillar on which he might lean with his burdens and, unwittingly, offering up her own. Her teacher and confidante, Reima seeks comfort in his shadows. ● Eliane Dufresne : Under construction. ● Graeham Ridgefield : Under construction. ● Jayson Cross : Under construction. ● Juleaux Dufresne : Under construction. ● Kail Gerrad : Under construction. ● Kyraeth Vale : Under construction. ● Leon Greymoon : Under construction. ● X'Septha Dhen : Under construction.

Family ♥ Babayo Bayo (NPC) : A sharp-tongued Dunesfolk seamstress and weaver who has served as Reima’s surrogate guardian since shortly after the Calamity. While she puts on a cantankerous front, Babayo’s warm-hearted sympathy leaks through for those she cares about, though that doesn’t prevent the woman from holding those people to high professional standards. She’s dearly fond of teas, and Reima still makes a point to meet her “Aunt” for a cup at home no matter the circumstances. ♥ Gauvain Gilrouis : A bowman and ranger who was in service to the Holy See and stationed in Ishgard proper. Outside of his duties in defending the skies above the city walls, he was one of those men responsible for maintaining communications between Ishgard and outlying fortresses due to his skillful handling of the messenger falcons. By appearances, he was tall and lean, marked by the dark curls of his hair and a slightly crooked, hawk-like nose. He was beloved by his daughter and once sought to nurture her skill in archery after their relocation to the Shroud. He is presumed dead in the wake of the Calamity. ♥ Lucienne Gilrouis : Under construction. Acquaintances ● Devereau Beauregard : Under construction. ● Martiallais Heuloix : Under construction. ● Sophia Grave : Under construction. ● Teetering Owl : Under construction. ● Trisselle Ganathain : Under construction. Ways Parted ♥ Bertrand Irons : Betrand--the gruff physician--quickly became a steadfast fixture in Reima's world. While their lives often see each one passing by the other, Bert has a knack for making a paternal appearance when Reima finds herself subconsciously needing it most; be it through late-night meals or a shoulder on which to let free her secret tears. ● Striding Oak : Under construction. Enemies & Rivals ● Louis D'Monchette (NPC) : Under construction.

Rumors Some of these rumors are untrue or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC! ◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard) ■ "There's something not quite right with that one. Always talkin' to things that ain’t there." ■ "Reima? Ah, she's been a good courier when we don't have the means for another. Pretty sure she just likes an excuse to spend more time in the markets, eh? She gets this glimmer in her eye with some of the curiosities they're hawking out there." ■ "Chatty lass, that one, once you get 'er going. Likes 'er questions. Likes 'er stories." ■ "Girl's got the same itchy feet as any 'venturer, she just ain't doin' anythin' about it." ◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear) ■ "That girl has been digging into something, for certain. Asked me if I hadn't spoken with one of those academic lot lately. Keeps buying me old books no matter how torn apart they are. Junk." ■ ■ ◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard) ■ ■ ■ ◢ PC Rumors (Rumors from the character's of other players) ■ "Darling Reima. She possesses beauty and courage a-plenty, and a heart of gold to match. She is as a daughter any mother would be proud of." - Brynhilde Wulf ■ "Lady Reima is a kind hearted, charming young woman. To others she may seem like a wall flower, dainty, and otherwise clumsy...But I know she has potential." - Dartanon Nobis ■ "Lady Reima is probably the most positive person I have met. She is always looking at the upside, and is admirably able to pick up just about anyone's spirit." -Leon Greymoon ■ "She has a real lovely way with words. I hope one day she does something with her creativity -- she'd put most bards to shame." - Striding Oak ■ "Gem among coals that girl, can get more done with a smile than I can get done with a blade." - Kail Gerrad ■ "Oh she's precious, really! Her positiveness is refreshing and there's no one other person I would love to talk about ruins and lost artifacts throughout the night than her. She makes sleeping parties fun." - Septhaja Hellebore ■ "She is kinder than most I have met during my travels. I foresee great things from her in the future." - Graeham Ridgefield ■ "♪Lady Reima of Green, so it would seem, is a light and fine maiden before thee. But with just an ire stare, best you beware, even a dragon would flee.♪" - Khuja'sae Fashonti

Roleplaying Connections

You might know Reima if…

■ ...you've done business with the seamstress Babayo Bayo in Ul’dah since the Calamity (Year 1572 ET). Reima would make deliveries and perform some mending work. ■ ...you’ve spotted her while shopping along one of the Exchange Avenues, in Ul’dah. She could often be found browsing the stalls and speaking in a friendly manner with merchants, and so may appear to be familiar. ■ ...you've heard word of the girl's search for scholar and historian from one of those merchants, or of her penchant to poke into the unknown, from the same. ■ ...you’ve frequented the Stillglade Fane in Gridania at any point since the launch of FFXIV ARR (Year 1577 ET).

Contacts and Out-of-Character Information

■ I thoroughly enjoy random roleplaying, and I welcome walk-ups! Please send me a "/tell" if you think I might be OOC, as I am still trying to absorb the game's main story content. ■ You can reach me at the RPC through a private message to "Reima". ■ Feel free to contact me through my FFXIV Character Tumblr, as well!

Footnotes

Theme Song: Key to My Heart (Piano)

Original template by Bancroft Gairn, using modifications from an older version of that template as seen on the page for Valerie Vaulefort.