RPC Library - User contributions [en]

Jaques Guillaume

2014-07-07T13:36:16Z

Zmunmawr:

{{Infobox-character
| name = Jaques Guillaume
| image = Jaques icon4.png
| imagewidth =
| caption =
| title = '''Recovering alcoholic'''
| gender = Male
| Duskwight clan = Clan Marécage
| race = Elezen
| clan = Duskwight
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value =38
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = Twenty-first Sun of the Third Umbral Moon.
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = Byregot, the Builder
| stat_4 = Residence
| stat_4_value = In hiding
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 =
| stat_6_value =
}}
{{Character-stub}}

==Character==
[[File:Jaques Tiergan.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Art by Tiergan Vashir.]]
This guarded, scowling, and often intimidating looking Duskwight tends to keep to himself. Those observing him may notice how he seems to always move with purpose and carries himself with confidence and balance. Whatever he is wearing will typically be in good repair, although obviously well used.

[[File:Tattoo-larm.jpg|right|armband tattoo.]]

===General===

Server: Balmung

Full Name: Jaques Guillaume

Name & Aliases: Jaques, Tabby, Tabby-elf (which he hates), Jack (usually as an insult or those who are after or know about the bounty.)

Pronunciation (listen to the french version): [http://translate.google.com/#en/fr/Jaques%20Guillaume]

Birthplace: - The Clan Marécage caverns are located in southern Coerthas. In the mountains just north of the Yafaem Saltmoor.

Voice: Deep, mature, masculine.

===Appearance===

[[File:Jaques scarrification.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Scarification banner down right side.]]
Jaques is on the tall and heavy side for an elezen, standing at about 6 fulms 10 ilms and roughly coming in at 240 ponz. Although he is in no way fat. In fact he's more on the well-muscled side for his kind. Instead of the typical grey and ashen skin tones of other Duskwights his is dark brown. His face is is rectangular with a thin, sharp, slightly down-turned nose, fuller lips, and a stern and pronounced brow over narrow, almond shaped bright amber eyes. He has a old scar that runs diagonally down away from his nose on his left cheek and has a fading black tribal like tattoo around his eyes that seems to only accentuate the guarded and impassive scowl that he typically wears. His thick and unruly black hair is kept braided back away from his face at pretty much all times and the thick, full beard is kept trimmed and well groomed. His ears are of slightly longer length than average and upturn slightly at the tips. The lobes are pierced and he usually wears a pair of black dangling claws fashioned into earrings. At his neck he wears a black bone and stone necklace and is otherwise unadorned with such accessories.

Jaques's clothing tends to run on the more practical and simple side rather than anything flashing and flamboyant and seems to prefer more muted and natural colour tones. He's most often seen in leathers of some variety with a pair of metal claws strapped to a heavily pouched belt. He always has a hunting knife strapped to his right boot. He sometimes is seen wearing dark plate armour and sporting a large axe strapped to his back. He is almost always seen carrying a much abused and patched pack.

His layered scarring gives away his life as a melee fighter. If one can see his legs and arms they'd see several minor scars on his knuckles, forearms, shins and knees. All of them of varying ages. He does has a few body scars. Claw rakes run parallel to the spine over his shoulder blades. There is a scar from what was probably a fairly major wound on his right side just above his pelvic bone, going from front to back. Also on his right side, starting just below the armpit and ending just above the old scar is some very fresh scarrification. A tribal-esque banner. On his left side and peck he has a fairly major but fully healed burn scar. He also has a tattoo on his left bicep. A simple thin complete black band. The bottom of the band is lined with red and has a break on the outside of the arm with red orb in the center of the break.

===Behavior===

:'''Motivations:''' Helping those in need, especially those he calls friend. Building a new life for himself and for his love.

:'''Disposition:''' Quiet, cold, distrustful and stand-offish to those he first meets. However he does tend to remain polite. Protective and friendly to those he knows and calls friend.

He tends to keep to himself most times or is sometimes seen associating in smaller groups of people. He tends to be a planner, not liking to go into situations and confrontations blind. His emotions tend to be hidden behind his stern and impassive scowl. He does seem to actively avoid going into places that serve alcoholic beverages. With the only exception being the Bismarck where he occasionally works as as a fill in chef. It takes a bit to rile him but once his temper is lost he does tend to loose it violently. He can be quite opinionated on some things and doesn't have much of an issue sharing them once you can get him talking. However ask something too personal without being trusted and he'll clam right back up again.

Once he does start to open up more of his personality shines through. Such as his dry and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor and his protective nature. He is always seeming to want to know how those he cares about has been and how their fairing. If they're having troubles he usually will offer his assistance freely. Sometimes his protective nature can border on the obsessive and will practically force his assistance or protections on someone, whether it's fully wanted or not. He also tends to live more for others than for himself.

==Tendencies==
===Likes===
::* Working and being active.
::* Training.
::* When he finally understands something about overland culture.
::* Being drunk.

===Dislikes===
::* Money.
::* Wildwoods/Wood Wailers
::* Being drunk.
::* Slavers. A lot.

===Strengths===
::* Excellent at close quarters hand-to-hand combat.
::* Fairly good shot with a bow.
::* Good at picking out edible plants vs. unedible ones.
::* Tracking
::* Hunting

===Weaknesses===
::* Bias against Wood Wailers and by extension the Wildwoods for continually "escorting" him out of towns and to the very outskirts of the Shroud for "poaching" and begging in the small settlements and towns around Gridania.
::* Alcohol. He tries to avoid alcohol as he doesn't know moderation. Once he starts he usually doesn't stop until his body makes him.
::* Is very bad at judging item/service values and is bad with his money.
::* Can be very ignorant of the workings of overland society.
::* Has nightmares and doesn't sleep well unless he takes a sip of a potion Polkah taught him to make. And even then he can only take it if he knows he'll have a safe roof over his head for the next few hours.
::* Very non magical. Can do some limited aetheric manipulations through his training as a monk. But they are his personal aether he's learned to manipulate. His also very non-sensitive to aetheric fluctuations and levels of where ever he is.

===Hobbies/Talents===
::* A really good cook.
::* Fishing.
::* Gambling.

==You might know him from...==

When he was a wandering drunkard from the outskirts of the Shroud in the 3 years prior to game launch. Perhaps you gambled with him, gave him a handout or had a drunken brawl with him. Or perhaps you taunted him and scorned him. Or simply tried your best to ignore him.

Recently, you might have seen him in Ul'dah or Limsa. He seems to have cleaned himself up and has not been begging or drunk as far as anyone has seen.

Very recently you might know him from the Ul'dahn 150k gil bounty that had been placed on his head. The description matches Jaques but the name on the bounty has him listed as "Jack." Wanted dead or alive for harboring the fugitive Vaughn Antain, who has a bounty of 850k gil and wanted alive. These bounties are no longer active.

He is now the owner of The Desert Rose. Those from Ul'dah might have heard of the place at one time or another as a very expensive brothel located in the seedier section of Ul'dah. Current rumor is that the brothel is no longer accepting patrons although the reasons are a little vague and open for speculation.

==Rumors==

===Current Event Rumors===
::* "Backstabbing bastard if you ask me. Which you are. He turned in that whore fugitive he was 'harboring'. Even took a job at the brothel the Desert Rose, which is where he returned the whore to. Then again, maybe the whore Antain deserved it. Should'a seen the list he's wanted for. If even half of 'em were able to be proven he'd be put weaponless into a deathmatch in the pits for a bit of bloodsport." --Immortal Flames clerk
::* "He's runnin' a brothel now. His business partner, Callistus, was doin' some dark magic in the basement and vanished. Vivifan had to do a cleansing. Came back mighty pissed off about the whole thing too. Something about Leviathan." --Ossuary Thaurmaturge
::* "Desert Rose? Aye, I know of the place. Expensive whores there so I aint never been. Not much traffic goin' in or out of it lately though." --Refugee in Ul'dah
::* "He's been bringin' in instructors? What whores need with learning their history I don't know." --Talk over a job offer poster for the Desert Rose

===Common Rumors===
::* "Jaques? Yeah, I've seen him around. Often with some Twelves damned Green. What's that about?" -Prejudiced Duskwight
::* "I've seen him walking around with weapons. claws and sometimes a big ol' axe. But I've never seen him use them. Is he any good?" -Limsian adventurer
::* "He was working to be a full-time chef at the Bismarck. But he hasn't been around much lately and it's a shame, he made the -best- steaks." -Bismarck regular
;;* "Quiet. Doesn't stick around or talk much. But he always brings the catch in on time and to order." -Fisherman's guild attendant

===Moderate Rumors===
::* "He used to drink like a fish. Seems he's cleaned up nicely in the last few moons." -Heard around the Shroud.
::* "Jaques... Jaques... Ah. The Duskwight. He's a poaching bastard. Did you know he's got a fairly long criminal record here in Gridania? Stay away from him if you want to stay out of trouble here." - Wood Wailer
::* "I saw him being quite affectionate towards a couple of different young miqo'te girls. Dirty old man." -Disapproving hyur woman
::* "Jaques has taken a number of jobs from us that he's completed on time and efficiently. He usually takes jobs that involve a rampaging beast or doing various forms of pest control. He's a respected member of the Grand Company." - Maelstrom attendant

===Rare Rumors===
::* "There is this male Duskwight that sometimes gets a room here. Jock? Jack? Something like that. Anyway, he -always- shares it with this Wildwood that I thought was a woman at first, until he changed into his swim trunks. Anyroad, I had to go tell them to keep it down the last time they were here. If you know what I mean. It was so embarrassing!" gossiping Bronze Lake attendant.
::* "
::*

=== Player Character Rumors (Add anything you'd like, true or untrue, just keep it IC!) ===

::* "He likes to keep that Green of his close. I'm not sure if it's true feelings or just as some keep their possessions." -Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah
::* "He's modest, but he's quite the teacher. I mean, I didn't even know what the terms 'Grey' or 'Green' meant outside the Rose until he explained it to me!" -[[Vaughn Antain]]
::*

==Relationships==
===Family===
His living blood family is completely inaccessible to him due to his exile and over the last few months collected those he now considers family. He has recently discovered he has a cousin though marriage walking about in the overworld as well.

===Enemies===
Slavers; Any who threaten those he holds dear;

===Player Character Standing===

<table style="position:center;" width="100%">
<tr>
<center>

:
: ♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing</center>

: ♥♥● '''[[Vaughn Antain]]''' - He is very often seen with this Wildwood, his lover. He tries to keep their relationship downplayed while out in public and around strangers. But he is, in fact, quite in love with this man. Much to the amusement of a few of their friends.

: ♥●'''[[Nihka Mioni]]''' - The quiet yet surprisingly outgoing Keeper is nearly a daughter to him. He worries over her like he'd worry over his own.

: ♥●'''[[R'Shesha Otharn]]''' - This Seeker is also practically a daughter. Providing comfort and a fatherly figure to the girl when she's down.

: ♥●'''[[Chiane N'ardente]]''' - Another Duskwight that has ended up being his confidant in many things. He trusts and respects Chiane immensely and views her as a sister.

: ♥●'''[[Talon Kane]]''' - This hyur he has many mixed feelings about. Headstrong, reckless and an ass. As well as devoted, caring, and selfless. He once viewed him as a brother of sorts. However he hasn't seen the man in some time and that may be changing given recent events and information.

: ♥●'''[[Orpheus Arkouda]]''' - This often sarcastic pink-haired fighter has earned Jaques respect. Even if at their meeting they nearly came to blows over a misunderstanding. He views the Keeper as a brother of sorts.

: ♥●'''[[Red Crow]]''' - He hasn't seen this beautiful Roegadyn warrior in some time. Strong, witty and caring he sort of had a crush on her for a while. But due to his own mental state at the time and the Roegadyn Burning Mountian, he never acted on the feeling. She is also one of the reasons he decided to start down the warrior path.

: ♥●'''[[Devilish Sarracenia]]''' - This Roegadyn mercenary is similar to Red Crow in some ways. Strong and witty. However she doesn't seem nearly as caring. Dangerous even. He's not fully sure what to think of the woman.

: ●'''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''' - He met this hyur under somewhat unusual circumstances when the man activated a dead linkshell that connected him and several others together through a suddenly active pearl. He thinks Clouse is crazy and reckless. But ultimately kind and honest. So he has a fair amount of respect for the man, even if he hasn't seen him much lately.

: ●'''[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]''' - A Seeker woman he met at the same time as Orpheus and turned out to be Orpheus's close friend. Jaques threatened the two of them on their first meeting... and he still feels bad about it. Especially after learning the woman's phobia of male Elezens.

: ●'''[[Jajara Jara]]''' - He first met Jajara by accidentally walking in on her and Orpheus getting into bed together. Which is how he found out about their relationship. And is still a point that Orpheus likes to tease him on. He's met the woman a few times since and holds her in respect.

: ●'''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]''' - He got quite close to Jaques but had a bit of a falling out together. He still thinks highly of the young man and hopes he's doing well and has finally found a place to belong.

: ●'''[[Nari'il Rynik]]''' - A Keeper woman he's met a couple of times through R'shesha and Nihka. He doesn't know much about the woman and to him seems a bit too hot-headed.

: ●'''[[Remioux Beauvais]]''' - A Duskwight mercenary. Jaques recently learned that this man was related to his late wife, making him the only true family he's had contact with in years. Although he's still not certain how much he trusts this man.

: ●'''[[Burning Mountain]]''' - An older Roegadyn mage. The man seems honest and helpful. And got along well with Red Crow.

: ●'''[[Matillias Goldhammer]]''' - A strange hyur paladin. He's not sure what to think of the man other than he needs to loosen up a bit. Although the uptight paladin was good for a laugh.

: ●'''[[Kestya Nolan]]''' - A paladin woman he's run into on occasion. He thinks she's nice enough but doesn't know her well enough to really trust her or consider her friend.

: ●'''[[Ashe En'Vale]]''' - An enemy. This reckless, self-serving, chaotic, warmongering hyur is absolutely despised by Jaques.

==Affiliations==

WIP

==Personal history==

===After exile===
Jaques had a fairly steep learning curve and a fair amount of culture shock since his exile. He did his best at first, scavenging off the land around the outskirts of the Shroud and never even set foot into a settlement. But then the first winter hit. He had no where to supply and stock provisions and he had to enter the outlying settlements else he starve or freeze to death. He'd scavenge from rubbish heaps for leftover scraps to eat and soon learned the art of begging for handouts. It was that first winter that he stared his decent into alcoholism. For the next three years he became little more than the areas wandering homeless drunkard. His life revolved on either being completely sloshed, or figuring out how to become that way.

A chance encounter with a Miqo'te named Polkah, the first person since the exile to really help. Gave him the nudge he needed to get him on a better path for himself. That story can be found here: [http://facetsofeorzea.enjin.com/forum/m/11780670/viewthread/7977473-jaques-gillaume-recovering-alcoholic]

==Clan Marécage information==
<spoiler>
===General information===

::* The Clan Marécage caverns are located in southern Coerthas. In the mountains just north of the Yafaem Saltmoor.
::* The caverns were discovered by a group of 12 extended families. The Guillaume were one of those families that makes up their clan.
::* The community is highly insular, communal, and are a fairly self sufficient hunter/gatherer society.
::* They have no monetary system.
::* The caverns are not just rough cut walls. Stoneshapers (sculptors) are highly prized for their artistry. Patterns and gems have been carved and inset into the walls, columns and passages. The floors are polished smooth. Sculptures representing Byregot are common.
::* Just over a malm away there is another cave structure that this tribe actively mines for gems and other earth commodities.
::* The clan has been and remains to be fairly successful due to the community's continued sweat blood and tears.
::* For religion they acknowledge the Twelve. But they have strong leanings to Byregot, the Builder. They have rituals and such they perform before excavating a new area in order to ensure a safe excavation and divining where to dig. They also have a few religious holidays in his honor.
::* Those charged with defense of the caverns and any activity outside the caverns are called Guardians.
::* Cave structure and development. Originally the caves where three large connected caverns. With hard labor (and explosives...) over the centuries they have added additional large caverns as well as smaller branches leading to private living quarters. The living quarters are pretty much just for that. They are fairly small spaces and used for sleeping/intimacy/privacy. When a couple newly wed, they will take up a spare living quarter. If none are available then one would have to be hollowed out. Of the original three caverns: The first cavern, the one leading to above ground, is the smallest of the caverns. It is used primarily as a staging and receiving area. Goods that are brought in are processed here. DWs heading out of the caverns use this area to equip, supply and prepare. The second cavern is the largest. This is where games/the arena/festivals/the school/general socializing can be found and is held. Most of the living quarter branches start off from this cavern. The third cavern, still fairly large in size, is the community mess hall. Most of the storage and mushroom crop passages lead off from this cavern. The clan created a fourth cavern deeper than the original three. This one is where the council members convene and work. The only passage from that cavern is the one linking it to the third.
::* During one of their early living quarter expansions, they blasted into a small crevice that extended deeper down into the earth. Right into an underground river. This is where the community's fresh water is now supplied from. When things shifted during the calamity, the crevice apparently deepened and the clan had to rework their mechanical pump to reach their fresh water supply.
::* At the time of Jaques exile there were ~350 individuals that called the caverns their home.
::* Up until very recently there had been no conjuration available in the caverns and so they used more traditional medicines and alchemy.

===Politics/laws===

::* The 12 families elect one head to represent them on the council.
::* The council is responsible for directing and looking out for the best interests of the community as a whole. The clan has notices that 12 families coincides with The Twelve. It is considered a good omen. But it isn't like each seat represents one of The Twelve or anything like that.
<spoiler>
::* In lean years the council takes direct control on rationing and distributing goods.
::* Under the council, prominent family members tend to look after and police their own families.

'''Laws:'''

::* One must provide for the community in some capacity.
::* One will never take the life of another.
::* One will not take more than their share. Especially at the expense of others.
::* Two child per married couple. (This was established at the founding of the clan to help create a stable, predictable population growth. By this point it's tradition and not much push to change the law.)

===Growing up in the clan===

There is a school set up in the main cavern that serves as a place for children to learn about a variety of subjects. They start schooling at about the age of 5. The elders are usually tasked with teaching the younger generations.

A child isn't restricted to a job their parents adhere to. Instead, as part of their schooling, they are tested for a variety of aptitudes and are nudged to fully explore and discover those strengths. A child who shows remarkable physical prowess and skills at combat will usually become the guardians and hunters. One that shows a lot of abstract thought and looks/plans on things as a whole would probably be groomed as a family head, if not a potential council member.

Combat learning (whether physical or magical) was just as manditory to learn as reading, writing, and plant lore.

===Punishment===

The individual accused will stand before the council. The council will review their crime and then a majority vote will take place on the level of punishment.

'''Ostracism'''- The lowest tier of punishment. Most common punishment. The individual will be ostracized from the group for an initial period of 3-7 days with a third party community member being assigned to monitor the individual. They will still be allowed to live amongst the community and their caverns will still provide a roof over their heads. But that will be the extent of that the community will help the convicted individual. They will not get to partake in the communal meals and services.
If the individual didn't simply leave the tribe or die, (both rare) then the individual would be presented back in front of the council for further judgement. The person who had been assigned to monitor the convicted will report their findings of how the convicted performed. If they attempted to make amends with the community (Still providing some service for the community even though they were getting nothing in return for example.) then the individual would be welcomed back into the community. If the convicted didn't try to make amends or deliberately decided to continue to cause issues inside the community, then the council would re-review the individual's punishment. It could be extended if they saw some hope. Or the punishment could escalate.

'''Banishment'''- The middle tier of punishment. Fairly rare punishment. But was known to happen. The individual will have demonstrated that they could not and/or would not assimilate into the community and work for the community betterment. This individual is given a small window of time to supply and say farewells. Then they must leave the clan. They were allowed to visit and share on major holidays, if they wished, to check up on any loved ones they left behind.

'''Exiled'''- The top and final tier of punishment. Reserved for those who actively and intentionally caused some harm to the community. Very rare punishment. The individual, upon sentencing, is immediately cast out with only the Items on their person. Their names are stricken from record as the individual is kicked out of even their family. In the eyes of the clan: The exiled have the duskwight race. But he/she may no longer BE a duskwight. The individual is (obviously) never allowed back to the caverns.

'''Additional notes''':

Usually if the crime isn't large enough to make it to the council, the family heads will punish their own. Sometimes with lesser ostracism but could include everything from a stern talking to, to a public humiliation, or to a caning.

Infanticide, while uncommon, is practiced within reason. Its one of the grim allowances they've made to relieve some of the restriction on a couple only being able to have two children. For instance: because neither gender is viewed more desirable than another, killing an infant based solely on gender is hugely taboo. Couples have been banished for it. But if the babe has a major physical deformity or very apparent diminished mental capacity at or shortly after birth? Then it is generally considered a kindness to help those babes pass on rather than have them not be able to fit within and be unable to contribute to the society.

===Outside interactions/contacts===

Common expeditions out of the caverns.

::* To head down to the saltmoors for fishing, hunting, and gathering.
::* To head to the mine.

Scheduled expeditions out of the caverns.

::* To convene with a couple neighboring clans for joint holidays/customs/and trade.
::* Once a year, after the majority of the trading with the neighboring clans had concluded, and towards the end of the harvest season for the surface dwellers. The clan puts together a caravan of the seasons surplus goods and gems make the many malm journey eastwards. There they meet up with a predominately hyur settlement where they trade for things like grains, textiles, and other resources and luxuries they can't get themselves.
</spoiler>
==Pictures==

===From the clan:===

<spoiler>
[[File:Vedelle.JPG|300px|thumb|left|Jaques's sister, Vedelle.]][[File:Enie3.JPG|300px|thumb|right|Jaques's late wife, Enie.]]
[[File:Youngest daughter.JPG|300px|thumb|left|Jaques's youngest daughter, Yvette.]][[File:Eldest daughter.JPG|300px|thumb|right|Jaques's elder daughter, Lydie.]]
WIP
</spoiler>

===Others===

<spoiler>

Polkah: [[File:Polkah.JPG]]

</spoiler>

==Annotations==
More Duskwight clans on the [[Duskwight Clans]] list.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta’ea]]

[[category:Player Character]]

Vaughn Antain

2014-05-06T16:42:44Z

Zmunmawr:

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!'' {{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn4.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The trouble with resisting temptation is it may never come again."
| title = Commission by [[Tiergan Vashir]]
| gender = Male (really, he is!)
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = [[Llymlaen, the Navigator]]
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 = Server
| stat_6_value = Balmung
}}

== Character ==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

=== General ===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen '''Age:''' 35 (estimated) '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

=== Appearance ===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color '''Eyes:''' vibrant green '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his right hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his left pec with that nipple pierced, usually dressed in fine silks

=== Behavior ===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

== Combat ==

=== Ranged ===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

=== Magic ===

With the aid of a wind crystal, Vaughn is able to manipulate its aether in a way he was unable to before. However, it is visibly taxing on him and often leaves him drained of energy and (sometimes) memory. The crystal itself depletes and tries to collect the nearest source of aether, which is usually Vaughn's own personal aether unless he draws the aether of another wind crystal into him to replenish the one inside.

=== Melee ===

Axes, swords, and fists are not in Vaughn's comfort zone. He has been training rigorously, however, to overcome this weakness. He is especially weary of axes, as is noted by his wincing and hesitations whenever he or another uses the viscous weapon around him.

== Tendencies ==

=== Likes ===

::*cooking
::*gardening
::*singing/playing his lap harp
::*spending time with friends

=== Dislikes ===

::*mean people
::*the color grey

=== Hobbies/Talents ===

::*Sings with a light tenor.
::*Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::*Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

== Relationships ==

=== Family ===

'''Father:''' Ambroise Antain (deceased) '''Mother:''' Thalandria Velengrais (deceased) '''Brother:''' Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

=== Associations ===
<center>
::♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing
</center>
:♥♥●'''[[Jaques Guillaume]]:''' This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy.

:♥♥●'''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton:''' (deceased) The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sasha Levvine]]♥♥●'''Sasha Levvine:''' (deceased) The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●'''[[R'shesha Otharn]]:''' This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●'''[[Nihka Mioni]]:''' Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:♥●'''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]:''' This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:●'''[[Clouse Sydonis]]:''' While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●'''[[Jael Laksha]]:''' While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●'''[[Ashe En'vale]]:''' Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●'''[[Chiane N'ardente]]:''' A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.

:●'''[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]:''' An adorable miqo'te woman he met while trying to settle a dispute among her and her friend Orpheus, and Jaques. He wishes there could have been more time to bond with her over their common fondness of apple deserts, but those plans crumbled before they could start.

:●'''[[Orpheus Arkouda]]:''' The other miqo'te he met during a dispute in Coerthas. He seems to get along better with Jaques, as Vaughn's shyness leaves little for them to talk about.

:♥●'''[[Devilish Sarracenia]]:''' This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.

{| style="width: 100%; position:center"
|}

== Rumors ==

===Current Event Rumors===

::*"Last I saw the Wildwood, he was in with some Duskwight. They had me put a wind crystal in the blonde's chest, but wouldn't let me keep him for a few moons to monitor him. Now I hear his memory is poor. Hmm, I tried to warn them..." ''--Ossuary mage''
::*"Yeah, he's been around. I remember his hair kept moving as if there was a breeze. Not much breeze in an enclosed space though." ''--Quicksand waitress''
::*"The whore was returned to the Desert Rose, so go ask there." ''--Burning Blades sergeant''

=== PC Rumors ===

''((Feel free to add your own below!))''

::*"Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." ''--Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate''
::*"You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." ''--overheard from a hyur man''
::*"-uncontrollable laughter-" ''--Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah''
::*"He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." ''--[[Jaques Guillaume]]''

== History/Timeline ==

=== Early Life ===

==== The Desert Rose ====

'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.

==== What It Was To Be Family ====

Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".

==== Holiander ====

Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Holiander Antain]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

==== A Short Engagement ====

In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

=== Life as a Pirate ===

==== Captain von Kanton ====

A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''. [[File:Ateryu1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton]]

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

==== The First Year ====

It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

==== Introduction to Loss ====

The Captain was an arrogant man, and in his arrogance he believed he could control the primal Leviathan. To do this, he required a book that was in the possession of a Gridanian noblewoman. This noblewoman, '''Silveaux De'leann''', married Holi shortly before Ateryu purchased Vaughn. So the solution was simple; Ateryu would send a message to the De'leann estate claiming Vaughn wished to see his brother at sea. Ateryu would then invade her estate, kill everyone inside and take her book, while Vaughn would kill Holi to prevent any risk of retribution.

Vaughn took the plan hard. While he didn't understand the reasoning behind summoning the primal, he understood killing the person he worked so hard to keep alive was unnecessary. He loved his brother, but he loved Ateryu and lived only to please him.

With gritted teeth, Vaughn did as his lover asked. He met with Holi on the Sea of Jade, sneaking aboard to take him quickly and to not have to look at the horrible deed. However, Holi turned to face him, pleaded against Ateryu's wishes, and offered Vaughn freedom through himself and his wife. When Vaughn reluctantly refused, Holi surrendered, writing a letter to his dear Silveaux with a lock of his hair enclosed in an envelope. After beheading his brother, Vaughn kept the letter and lock with him, praying for his brother's forgiveness.

==== Enough is Enough ====

Ten cycles passed with the Captain, every cycle seeming worse than the last. Vaughn was tortured, tormented, forced to watch his loved ones die (some by his own hand), and look on helplessly as the Captain murdered his way around Eorzea.

The time came when Vaughn finally mustered the courage to stand up for himself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with him. He slowly crawled out of their bed to the nightstand where Ateryu kept his rusty, dull dagger. After stifling his own tears, Vaughn plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left him numb for months. He took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed him, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When they made port eight months after the Captain passed, Vaughn sneaked away and hasn't looked back.

=== The Free Slave ===

==== One Step Forward, Three Steps Back ====

Over the next year, he took up formal archery training out of respect for his kin, training in Gridania and earning rank within the God's Bow. He took orders well, earning the respect of his comrades, but also regressing to his former self. He became a shell of what he tried to become, open to nothing but the commands of the General of the God's Bow.

During that same year, he visited his former home of Ul'dah. There, he learned of the poor folk that couldn't reclaim their homes near Vesper Bay relocated to Crescent Cove, Jerrah among them with a ten-year-old boy. Out of curiosity, he traveled to the Cove and met '''Richtor Garalad'''. He recognized instantly that the boy had Thalandria's bright blue eyes, and was his son.

Vaughn attempted to speak with Jerrah about his suspicions, but she pushed him away as quickly as she saw him. She recognized Vaughn as the reason she lost her family in Vesper Bay and refused to let him see Richtor. However, this did not deter him, and the two managed to meet and spend time together in the late hours and whenever Jerrah went to market to sell her wares. Vaughn taught Rictor to use the bow in the Gridanian style, as it was taught to him. The two grew close very quickly, but when Jerrah found out about them spending time together behind her back, she attacked Vaughn and warned him to never return.

==== Facets of Eorzea ====

Vaughn then left Thanalan and the Black Shroud behind, finding little joy in anything there. He made his way to Limsa Lominsa, and enlisted with the Maelstrom to use his skill as a Bowman against the pirates he once fought alongside. Again, he rose quickly in rank, blindly following orders with ability and precision. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble there as well. '''Admiral [[Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn]]''' learned of Vaughn's affiliation with pirates and discharged him, though honorably as he did nothing against Limsa or her armada.

This was still enough to send Vaughn into another spiral of self-doubt and wandering. While sitting on the docks, watching the ships sail into the sunset, he was approached by three miqo'tes: '''[[R'shesha Otharn]]''', '''[[Nihka Mioni]]''', and '''[[R'khen Tia]]'''. They talked until the early morning hours, Vaughn making them smoked salmon right on the pier. After, R'shesha approached him about joining her in trying to convince her Free Company, the '''Facets of Eorzea''', that the Garlean threat was right on their doorstep and they should be idle no longer.

Vaughn spoke with their then leader, '''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''', who seemed to admire Vaughn's spirit and desire to help wherever it was needed. Clouse enlisted him in the Company, and Vaughn had a new home and purpose once again.

==== Corruption and Hope ====

The first mission Clouse sent Vaughn on was an ongoing investigation on '''[[Ashe En'vale]]''', a chaotic and charismatic red-haired hyur. Along with fellow Facets '''[[Chiane N'ardente]]''', '''[[Jael Laksha]]''', and R'shesha, Vaughn tracked and conversed with Ashe, eventually "joining" his side so he could report information back to Clouse and the rest of the Facets. It backfired, and after getting another Facet involved, '''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]''', Vaughn was in a position he did not want to be in. Ashe imbedded a corrupted crystal into Vaughn's chest, allowing the Elezen access to a hidden power inside him. A power he could not easily control.

[[File:Vaughn Jaques.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Vaughn with Jaques]]The crystal opened his mind to blind hatred and rage, while also giving him the power to create fire from nothing. However, instead of being afraid, Vaughn took it as an opportunity to strengthen himself while he used the power to help others, with the intention of also using it against Ashe. A newfound boldness overtook the meek Wildwood, and he was finally able to tell fellow Facet '''[[Jaques Guillaume]]''' exactly how he felt about him. After a few more encounters, and actions that turned away brother-like An'nai, the two started dating.

It was then that Vaughn started to feel not quite himself. His body temperature continued to rise, though he never felt sick. He neither ate nor slept, and Jaques convinced Vaughn to give up the crystal, or lose himself to it. Vaughn agreed, and they went to Nihka for help, as she had been studying the corrupted crystals and knew best how to rid oneself of it's influence. After fighting through the ritual to not only keep the power but take in the countering aether, Vaughn was left weakened and nearly dead. However, both Jaques and Nihka watched over him until he was able to regain his strength and returned to being the shy, yet comfortable Elezen they knew and cared for.

==== A New Beginning ====

After a few moons, and a falling out with the Facets, Vaughn and Jaques became much closer, to the point where one will rarely go anywhere without the other. The loss of touch with the aether around him made Vaughn want to try with a non-corrupted crystal to harness the power once again. With a bit of convincing, Jaques agreed to allow Vaughn to receive a wind crystal in the corrupted crystal's place.

The adjustment took a toll on them both, but through a few techniques Jaques taught him through his monk training, Vaughn was able to contain the power and shield his crystal from taking in random (and his own) aether. Currently, he is able to use the crystal to enhance his other combat skills, as well as new skills Jaques is helping him train in.

== Annotations ==

This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

File:Vaughn4.jpg

2014-05-06T16:41:56Z

Zmunmawr:

Vaughn Antain

2014-05-04T17:30:12Z

Zmunmawr: /* Corruption and Hope */

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!'' {{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn3.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The trouble with resisting temptation is it may never come again."
| title =
| gender = Male (really, he is!)
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = [[Llymlaen, the Navigator]]
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 = Server
| stat_6_value = Balmung
}}

== Character ==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

=== General ===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen '''Age:''' 35 (estimated) '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

=== Appearance ===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color '''Eyes:''' vibrant green '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his right hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his left pec with that nipple pierced, usually dressed in fine silks

=== Behavior ===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

== Combat ==

=== Ranged ===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

=== Magic ===

With the aid of a wind crystal, Vaughn is able to manipulate its aether in a way he was unable to before. However, it is visibly taxing on him and often leaves him drained of energy and (sometimes) memory. The crystal itself depletes and tries to collect the nearest source of aether, which is usually Vaughn's own personal aether unless he draws the aether of another wind crystal into him to replenish the one inside.

=== Melee ===

Axes, swords, and fists are not in Vaughn's comfort zone. He has been training rigorously, however, to overcome this weakness. He is especially weary of axes, as is noted by his wincing and hesitations whenever he or another uses the viscous weapon around him.

== Tendencies ==

=== Likes ===

::*cooking
::*gardening
::*singing/playing his lap harp
::*spending time with friends

=== Dislikes ===

::*mean people
::*the color grey

=== Hobbies/Talents ===

::*Sings with a light tenor.
::*Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::*Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

== Relationships ==

=== Family ===

'''Father:''' Ambroise Antain (deceased) '''Mother:''' Thalandria Velengrais (deceased) '''Brother:''' Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

=== Associations ===
<center>
::♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing
</center>
:♥♥●'''[[Jaques Guillaume]]:''' This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy.

:♥♥●'''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton:''' (deceased) The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sasha Levvine]]♥♥●'''Sasha Levvine:''' (deceased) The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●'''[[R'shesha Otharn]]:''' This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●'''[[Nihka Mioni]]:''' Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:♥●'''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]:''' This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:●'''[[Clouse Sydonis]]:''' While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●'''[[Jael Laksha]]:''' While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●'''[[Ashe En'vale]]:''' Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●'''[[Chiane N'ardente]]:''' A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.

:●'''[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]:''' An adorable miqo'te woman he met while trying to settle a dispute among her and her friend Orpheus, and Jaques. He wishes there could have been more time to bond with her over their common fondness of apple deserts, but those plans crumbled before they could start.

:●'''[[Orpheus Arkouda]]:''' The other miqo'te he met during a dispute in Coerthas. He seems to get along better with Jaques, as Vaughn's shyness leaves little for them to talk about.

:♥●'''[[Devilish Sarracenia]]:''' This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.

{| style="width: 100%; position:center"
|}

== Rumors ==

===Current Event Rumors===

::*"Last I saw the Wildwood, he was in with some Duskwight. They had me put a wind crystal in the blonde's chest, but wouldn't let me keep him for a few moons to monitor him. Now I hear his memory is poor. Hmm, I tried to warn them..." ''--Ossuary mage''
::*"Yeah, he's been around. I remember his hair kept moving as if there was a breeze. Not much breeze in an enclosed space though." ''--Quicksand waitress''
::*"The whore was returned to the Desert Rose, so go ask there." ''--Burning Blades sergeant''

=== PC Rumors ===

''((Feel free to add your own below!))''

::*"Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." ''--Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate''
::*"You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." ''--overheard from a hyur man''
::*"-uncontrollable laughter-" ''--Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah''
::*"He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." ''--[[Jaques Guillaume]]''

== History/Timeline ==

=== Early Life ===

==== The Desert Rose ====

'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.

==== What It Was To Be Family ====

Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".

==== Holiander ====

Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Holiander Antain]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

==== A Short Engagement ====

In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

=== Life as a Pirate ===

==== Captain von Kanton ====

A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''. [[File:Ateryu1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton]]

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

==== The First Year ====

It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

==== Introduction to Loss ====

The Captain was an arrogant man, and in his arrogance he believed he could control the primal Leviathan. To do this, he required a book that was in the possession of a Gridanian noblewoman. This noblewoman, '''Silveaux De'leann''', married Holi shortly before Ateryu purchased Vaughn. So the solution was simple; Ateryu would send a message to the De'leann estate claiming Vaughn wished to see his brother at sea. Ateryu would then invade her estate, kill everyone inside and take her book, while Vaughn would kill Holi to prevent any risk of retribution.

Vaughn took the plan hard. While he didn't understand the reasoning behind summoning the primal, he understood killing the person he worked so hard to keep alive was unnecessary. He loved his brother, but he loved Ateryu and lived only to please him.

With gritted teeth, Vaughn did as his lover asked. He met with Holi on the Sea of Jade, sneaking aboard to take him quickly and to not have to look at the horrible deed. However, Holi turned to face him, pleaded against Ateryu's wishes, and offered Vaughn freedom through himself and his wife. When Vaughn reluctantly refused, Holi surrendered, writing a letter to his dear Silveaux with a lock of his hair enclosed in an envelope. After beheading his brother, Vaughn kept the letter and lock with him, praying for his brother's forgiveness.

==== Enough is Enough ====

Ten cycles passed with the Captain, every cycle seeming worse than the last. Vaughn was tortured, tormented, forced to watch his loved ones die (some by his own hand), and look on helplessly as the Captain murdered his way around Eorzea.

The time came when Vaughn finally mustered the courage to stand up for himself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with him. He slowly crawled out of their bed to the nightstand where Ateryu kept his rusty, dull dagger. After stifling his own tears, Vaughn plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left him numb for months. He took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed him, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When they made port eight months after the Captain passed, Vaughn sneaked away and hasn't looked back.

=== The Free Slave ===

==== One Step Forward, Three Steps Back ====

Over the next year, he took up formal archery training out of respect for his kin, training in Gridania and earning rank within the God's Bow. He took orders well, earning the respect of his comrades, but also regressing to his former self. He became a shell of what he tried to become, open to nothing but the commands of the General of the God's Bow.

During that same year, he visited his former home of Ul'dah. There, he learned of the poor folk that couldn't reclaim their homes near Vesper Bay relocated to Crescent Cove, Jerrah among them with a ten-year-old boy. Out of curiosity, he traveled to the Cove and met '''Richtor Garalad'''. He recognized instantly that the boy had Thalandria's bright blue eyes, and was his son.

Vaughn attempted to speak with Jerrah about his suspicions, but she pushed him away as quickly as she saw him. She recognized Vaughn as the reason she lost her family in Vesper Bay and refused to let him see Richtor. However, this did not deter him, and the two managed to meet and spend time together in the late hours and whenever Jerrah went to market to sell her wares. Vaughn taught Rictor to use the bow in the Gridanian style, as it was taught to him. The two grew close very quickly, but when Jerrah found out about them spending time together behind her back, she attacked Vaughn and warned him to never return.

==== Facets of Eorzea ====

Vaughn then left Thanalan and the Black Shroud behind, finding little joy in anything there. He made his way to Limsa Lominsa, and enlisted with the Maelstrom to use his skill as a Bowman against the pirates he once fought alongside. Again, he rose quickly in rank, blindly following orders with ability and precision. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble there as well. '''Admiral [[Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn]]''' learned of Vaughn's affiliation with pirates and discharged him, though honorably as he did nothing against Limsa or her armada.

This was still enough to send Vaughn into another spiral of self-doubt and wandering. While sitting on the docks, watching the ships sail into the sunset, he was approached by three miqo'tes: '''[[R'shesha Otharn]]''', '''[[Nihka Mioni]]''', and '''[[R'khen Tia]]'''. They talked until the early morning hours, Vaughn making them smoked salmon right on the pier. After, R'shesha approached him about joining her in trying to convince her Free Company, the '''Facets of Eorzea''', that the Garlean threat was right on their doorstep and they should be idle no longer.

Vaughn spoke with their then leader, '''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''', who seemed to admire Vaughn's spirit and desire to help wherever it was needed. Clouse enlisted him in the Company, and Vaughn had a new home and purpose once again.

==== Corruption and Hope ====

The first mission Clouse sent Vaughn on was an ongoing investigation on '''[[Ashe En'vale]]''', a chaotic and charismatic red-haired hyur. Along with fellow Facets '''[[Chiane N'ardente]]''', '''[[Jael Laksha]]''', and R'shesha, Vaughn tracked and conversed with Ashe, eventually "joining" his side so he could report information back to Clouse and the rest of the Facets. It backfired, and after getting another Facet involved, '''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]''', Vaughn was in a position he did not want to be in. Ashe imbedded a corrupted crystal into Vaughn's chest, allowing the Elezen access to a hidden power inside him. A power he could not easily control.

[[File:Vaughn Jaques.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Vaughn with Jaques]]The crystal opened his mind to blind hatred and rage, while also giving him the power to create fire from nothing. However, instead of being afraid, Vaughn took it as an opportunity to strengthen himself while he used the power to help others, with the intention of also using it against Ashe. A newfound boldness overtook the meek Wildwood, and he was finally able to tell fellow Facet '''[[Jaques Guillaume]]''' exactly how he felt about him. After a few more encounters, and actions that turned away brother-like An'nai, the two started dating.

It was then that Vaughn started to feel not quite himself. His body temperature continued to rise, though he never felt sick. He neither ate nor slept, and Jaques convinced Vaughn to give up the crystal, or lose himself to it. Vaughn agreed, and they went to Nihka for help, as she had been studying the corrupted crystals and knew best how to rid oneself of it's influence. After fighting through the ritual to not only keep the power but take in the countering aether, Vaughn was left weakened and nearly dead. However, both Jaques and Nihka watched over him until he was able to regain his strength and returned to being the shy, yet comfortable Elezen they knew and cared for.

==== A New Beginning ====

After a few moons, and a falling out with the Facets, Vaughn and Jaques became much closer, to the point where one will rarely go anywhere without the other. The loss of touch with the aether around him made Vaughn want to try with a non-corrupted crystal to harness the power once again. With a bit of convincing, Jaques agreed to allow Vaughn to receive a wind crystal in the corrupted crystal's place.

The adjustment took a toll on them both, but through a few techniques Jaques taught him through his monk training, Vaughn was able to contain the power and shield his crystal from taking in random (and his own) aether. Currently, he is able to use the crystal to enhance his other combat skills, as well as new skills Jaques is helping him train in.

== Annotations ==

This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

Vaughn Antain

2014-05-04T17:29:21Z

Zmunmawr: /* Corruption and Hope */

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!'' {{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn3.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The trouble with resisting temptation is it may never come again."
| title =
| gender = Male (really, he is!)
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = [[Llymlaen, the Navigator]]
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 = Server
| stat_6_value = Balmung
}}

== Character ==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

=== General ===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen '''Age:''' 35 (estimated) '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

=== Appearance ===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color '''Eyes:''' vibrant green '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his right hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his left pec with that nipple pierced, usually dressed in fine silks

=== Behavior ===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

== Combat ==

=== Ranged ===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

=== Magic ===

With the aid of a wind crystal, Vaughn is able to manipulate its aether in a way he was unable to before. However, it is visibly taxing on him and often leaves him drained of energy and (sometimes) memory. The crystal itself depletes and tries to collect the nearest source of aether, which is usually Vaughn's own personal aether unless he draws the aether of another wind crystal into him to replenish the one inside.

=== Melee ===

Axes, swords, and fists are not in Vaughn's comfort zone. He has been training rigorously, however, to overcome this weakness. He is especially weary of axes, as is noted by his wincing and hesitations whenever he or another uses the viscous weapon around him.

== Tendencies ==

=== Likes ===

::*cooking
::*gardening
::*singing/playing his lap harp
::*spending time with friends

=== Dislikes ===

::*mean people
::*the color grey

=== Hobbies/Talents ===

::*Sings with a light tenor.
::*Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::*Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

== Relationships ==

=== Family ===

'''Father:''' Ambroise Antain (deceased) '''Mother:''' Thalandria Velengrais (deceased) '''Brother:''' Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

=== Associations ===
<center>
::♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing
</center>
:♥♥●'''[[Jaques Guillaume]]:''' This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy.

:♥♥●'''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton:''' (deceased) The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sasha Levvine]]♥♥●'''Sasha Levvine:''' (deceased) The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●'''[[R'shesha Otharn]]:''' This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●'''[[Nihka Mioni]]:''' Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:♥●'''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]:''' This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:●'''[[Clouse Sydonis]]:''' While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●'''[[Jael Laksha]]:''' While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●'''[[Ashe En'vale]]:''' Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●'''[[Chiane N'ardente]]:''' A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.

:●'''[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]:''' An adorable miqo'te woman he met while trying to settle a dispute among her and her friend Orpheus, and Jaques. He wishes there could have been more time to bond with her over their common fondness of apple deserts, but those plans crumbled before they could start.

:●'''[[Orpheus Arkouda]]:''' The other miqo'te he met during a dispute in Coerthas. He seems to get along better with Jaques, as Vaughn's shyness leaves little for them to talk about.

:♥●'''[[Devilish Sarracenia]]:''' This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.

{| style="width: 100%; position:center"
|}

== Rumors ==

===Current Event Rumors===

::*"Last I saw the Wildwood, he was in with some Duskwight. They had me put a wind crystal in the blonde's chest, but wouldn't let me keep him for a few moons to monitor him. Now I hear his memory is poor. Hmm, I tried to warn them..." ''--Ossuary mage''
::*"Yeah, he's been around. I remember his hair kept moving as if there was a breeze. Not much breeze in an enclosed space though." ''--Quicksand waitress''
::*"The whore was returned to the Desert Rose, so go ask there." ''--Burning Blades sergeant''

=== PC Rumors ===

''((Feel free to add your own below!))''

::*"Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." ''--Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate''
::*"You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." ''--overheard from a hyur man''
::*"-uncontrollable laughter-" ''--Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah''
::*"He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." ''--[[Jaques Guillaume]]''

== History/Timeline ==

=== Early Life ===

==== The Desert Rose ====

'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.

==== What It Was To Be Family ====

Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".

==== Holiander ====

Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Holiander Antain]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

==== A Short Engagement ====

In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

=== Life as a Pirate ===

==== Captain von Kanton ====

A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''. [[File:Ateryu1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton]]

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

==== The First Year ====

It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

==== Introduction to Loss ====

The Captain was an arrogant man, and in his arrogance he believed he could control the primal Leviathan. To do this, he required a book that was in the possession of a Gridanian noblewoman. This noblewoman, '''Silveaux De'leann''', married Holi shortly before Ateryu purchased Vaughn. So the solution was simple; Ateryu would send a message to the De'leann estate claiming Vaughn wished to see his brother at sea. Ateryu would then invade her estate, kill everyone inside and take her book, while Vaughn would kill Holi to prevent any risk of retribution.

Vaughn took the plan hard. While he didn't understand the reasoning behind summoning the primal, he understood killing the person he worked so hard to keep alive was unnecessary. He loved his brother, but he loved Ateryu and lived only to please him.

With gritted teeth, Vaughn did as his lover asked. He met with Holi on the Sea of Jade, sneaking aboard to take him quickly and to not have to look at the horrible deed. However, Holi turned to face him, pleaded against Ateryu's wishes, and offered Vaughn freedom through himself and his wife. When Vaughn reluctantly refused, Holi surrendered, writing a letter to his dear Silveaux with a lock of his hair enclosed in an envelope. After beheading his brother, Vaughn kept the letter and lock with him, praying for his brother's forgiveness.

==== Enough is Enough ====

Ten cycles passed with the Captain, every cycle seeming worse than the last. Vaughn was tortured, tormented, forced to watch his loved ones die (some by his own hand), and look on helplessly as the Captain murdered his way around Eorzea.

The time came when Vaughn finally mustered the courage to stand up for himself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with him. He slowly crawled out of their bed to the nightstand where Ateryu kept his rusty, dull dagger. After stifling his own tears, Vaughn plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left him numb for months. He took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed him, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When they made port eight months after the Captain passed, Vaughn sneaked away and hasn't looked back.

=== The Free Slave ===

==== One Step Forward, Three Steps Back ====

Over the next year, he took up formal archery training out of respect for his kin, training in Gridania and earning rank within the God's Bow. He took orders well, earning the respect of his comrades, but also regressing to his former self. He became a shell of what he tried to become, open to nothing but the commands of the General of the God's Bow.

During that same year, he visited his former home of Ul'dah. There, he learned of the poor folk that couldn't reclaim their homes near Vesper Bay relocated to Crescent Cove, Jerrah among them with a ten-year-old boy. Out of curiosity, he traveled to the Cove and met '''Richtor Garalad'''. He recognized instantly that the boy had Thalandria's bright blue eyes, and was his son.

Vaughn attempted to speak with Jerrah about his suspicions, but she pushed him away as quickly as she saw him. She recognized Vaughn as the reason she lost her family in Vesper Bay and refused to let him see Richtor. However, this did not deter him, and the two managed to meet and spend time together in the late hours and whenever Jerrah went to market to sell her wares. Vaughn taught Rictor to use the bow in the Gridanian style, as it was taught to him. The two grew close very quickly, but when Jerrah found out about them spending time together behind her back, she attacked Vaughn and warned him to never return.

==== Facets of Eorzea ====

Vaughn then left Thanalan and the Black Shroud behind, finding little joy in anything there. He made his way to Limsa Lominsa, and enlisted with the Maelstrom to use his skill as a Bowman against the pirates he once fought alongside. Again, he rose quickly in rank, blindly following orders with ability and precision. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble there as well. '''Admiral [[Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn]]''' learned of Vaughn's affiliation with pirates and discharged him, though honorably as he did nothing against Limsa or her armada.

This was still enough to send Vaughn into another spiral of self-doubt and wandering. While sitting on the docks, watching the ships sail into the sunset, he was approached by three miqo'tes: '''[[R'shesha Otharn]]''', '''[[Nihka Mioni]]''', and '''[[R'khen Tia]]'''. They talked until the early morning hours, Vaughn making them smoked salmon right on the pier. After, R'shesha approached him about joining her in trying to convince her Free Company, the '''Facets of Eorzea''', that the Garlean threat was right on their doorstep and they should be idle no longer.

Vaughn spoke with their then leader, '''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''', who seemed to admire Vaughn's spirit and desire to help wherever it was needed. Clouse enlisted him in the Company, and Vaughn had a new home and purpose once again.

==== Corruption and Hope ====

The first mission Clouse sent Vaughn on was an ongoing investigation on '''[[Ashe En'vale]]''', a chaotic and charismatic red-haired hyur. Along with fellow Facets '''[[Chiane N'ardente]]''', '''[[Jael Laksha]]''', and R'shesha, Vaughn tracked and conversed with Ashe, eventually "joining" his side so he could report information back to Clouse and the rest of the Facets. It backfired, and after getting another Facet involved, '''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]''', Vaughn was in a position he did not want to be in. Ashe imbedded a corrupted crystal into Vaughn's chest, allowing the Elezen access to a hidden power inside him. A power he could not easily control.

[[File:Vaughn Jaques.jpg|150px|Vaughn with Jaques]]The crystal opened his mind to blind hatred and rage, while also giving him the power to create fire from nothing. However, instead of being afraid, Vaughn took it as an opportunity to strengthen himself while he used the power to help others, with the intention of also using it against Ashe. A newfound boldness overtook the meek Wildwood, and he was finally able to tell fellow Facet '''[[Jaques Guillaume]]''' exactly how he felt about him. After a few more encounters, and actions that turned away brother-like An'nai, the two started dating.

It was then that Vaughn started to feel not quite himself. His body temperature continued to rise, though he never felt sick. He neither ate nor slept, and Jaques convinced Vaughn to give up the crystal, or lose himself to it. Vaughn agreed, and they went to Nihka for help, as she had been studying the corrupted crystals and knew best how to rid oneself of it's influence. After fighting through the ritual to not only keep the power but take in the countering aether, Vaughn was left weakened and nearly dead. However, both Jaques and Nihka watched over him until he was able to regain his strength and returned to being the shy, yet comfortable Elezen they knew and cared for.

==== A New Beginning ====

After a few moons, and a falling out with the Facets, Vaughn and Jaques became much closer, to the point where one will rarely go anywhere without the other. The loss of touch with the aether around him made Vaughn want to try with a non-corrupted crystal to harness the power once again. With a bit of convincing, Jaques agreed to allow Vaughn to receive a wind crystal in the corrupted crystal's place.

The adjustment took a toll on them both, but through a few techniques Jaques taught him through his monk training, Vaughn was able to contain the power and shield his crystal from taking in random (and his own) aether. Currently, he is able to use the crystal to enhance his other combat skills, as well as new skills Jaques is helping him train in.

== Annotations ==

This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

Vaughn Antain

2014-05-04T17:29:01Z

Zmunmawr: /* Corruption and Hope */

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!'' {{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn3.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The trouble with resisting temptation is it may never come again."
| title =
| gender = Male (really, he is!)
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = [[Llymlaen, the Navigator]]
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 = Server
| stat_6_value = Balmung
}}

== Character ==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

=== General ===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen '''Age:''' 35 (estimated) '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

=== Appearance ===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color '''Eyes:''' vibrant green '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his right hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his left pec with that nipple pierced, usually dressed in fine silks

=== Behavior ===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

== Combat ==

=== Ranged ===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

=== Magic ===

With the aid of a wind crystal, Vaughn is able to manipulate its aether in a way he was unable to before. However, it is visibly taxing on him and often leaves him drained of energy and (sometimes) memory. The crystal itself depletes and tries to collect the nearest source of aether, which is usually Vaughn's own personal aether unless he draws the aether of another wind crystal into him to replenish the one inside.

=== Melee ===

Axes, swords, and fists are not in Vaughn's comfort zone. He has been training rigorously, however, to overcome this weakness. He is especially weary of axes, as is noted by his wincing and hesitations whenever he or another uses the viscous weapon around him.

== Tendencies ==

=== Likes ===

::*cooking
::*gardening
::*singing/playing his lap harp
::*spending time with friends

=== Dislikes ===

::*mean people
::*the color grey

=== Hobbies/Talents ===

::*Sings with a light tenor.
::*Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::*Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

== Relationships ==

=== Family ===

'''Father:''' Ambroise Antain (deceased) '''Mother:''' Thalandria Velengrais (deceased) '''Brother:''' Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

=== Associations ===
<center>
::♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing
</center>
:♥♥●'''[[Jaques Guillaume]]:''' This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy.

:♥♥●'''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton:''' (deceased) The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sasha Levvine]]♥♥●'''Sasha Levvine:''' (deceased) The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●'''[[R'shesha Otharn]]:''' This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●'''[[Nihka Mioni]]:''' Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:♥●'''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]:''' This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:●'''[[Clouse Sydonis]]:''' While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●'''[[Jael Laksha]]:''' While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●'''[[Ashe En'vale]]:''' Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●'''[[Chiane N'ardente]]:''' A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.

:●'''[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]:''' An adorable miqo'te woman he met while trying to settle a dispute among her and her friend Orpheus, and Jaques. He wishes there could have been more time to bond with her over their common fondness of apple deserts, but those plans crumbled before they could start.

:●'''[[Orpheus Arkouda]]:''' The other miqo'te he met during a dispute in Coerthas. He seems to get along better with Jaques, as Vaughn's shyness leaves little for them to talk about.

:♥●'''[[Devilish Sarracenia]]:''' This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.

{| style="width: 100%; position:center"
|}

== Rumors ==

===Current Event Rumors===

::*"Last I saw the Wildwood, he was in with some Duskwight. They had me put a wind crystal in the blonde's chest, but wouldn't let me keep him for a few moons to monitor him. Now I hear his memory is poor. Hmm, I tried to warn them..." ''--Ossuary mage''
::*"Yeah, he's been around. I remember his hair kept moving as if there was a breeze. Not much breeze in an enclosed space though." ''--Quicksand waitress''
::*"The whore was returned to the Desert Rose, so go ask there." ''--Burning Blades sergeant''

=== PC Rumors ===

''((Feel free to add your own below!))''

::*"Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." ''--Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate''
::*"You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." ''--overheard from a hyur man''
::*"-uncontrollable laughter-" ''--Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah''
::*"He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." ''--[[Jaques Guillaume]]''

== History/Timeline ==

=== Early Life ===

==== The Desert Rose ====

'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.

==== What It Was To Be Family ====

Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".

==== Holiander ====

Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Holiander Antain]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

==== A Short Engagement ====

In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

=== Life as a Pirate ===

==== Captain von Kanton ====

A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''. [[File:Ateryu1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton]]

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

==== The First Year ====

It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

==== Introduction to Loss ====

The Captain was an arrogant man, and in his arrogance he believed he could control the primal Leviathan. To do this, he required a book that was in the possession of a Gridanian noblewoman. This noblewoman, '''Silveaux De'leann''', married Holi shortly before Ateryu purchased Vaughn. So the solution was simple; Ateryu would send a message to the De'leann estate claiming Vaughn wished to see his brother at sea. Ateryu would then invade her estate, kill everyone inside and take her book, while Vaughn would kill Holi to prevent any risk of retribution.

Vaughn took the plan hard. While he didn't understand the reasoning behind summoning the primal, he understood killing the person he worked so hard to keep alive was unnecessary. He loved his brother, but he loved Ateryu and lived only to please him.

With gritted teeth, Vaughn did as his lover asked. He met with Holi on the Sea of Jade, sneaking aboard to take him quickly and to not have to look at the horrible deed. However, Holi turned to face him, pleaded against Ateryu's wishes, and offered Vaughn freedom through himself and his wife. When Vaughn reluctantly refused, Holi surrendered, writing a letter to his dear Silveaux with a lock of his hair enclosed in an envelope. After beheading his brother, Vaughn kept the letter and lock with him, praying for his brother's forgiveness.

==== Enough is Enough ====

Ten cycles passed with the Captain, every cycle seeming worse than the last. Vaughn was tortured, tormented, forced to watch his loved ones die (some by his own hand), and look on helplessly as the Captain murdered his way around Eorzea.

The time came when Vaughn finally mustered the courage to stand up for himself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with him. He slowly crawled out of their bed to the nightstand where Ateryu kept his rusty, dull dagger. After stifling his own tears, Vaughn plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left him numb for months. He took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed him, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When they made port eight months after the Captain passed, Vaughn sneaked away and hasn't looked back.

=== The Free Slave ===

==== One Step Forward, Three Steps Back ====

Over the next year, he took up formal archery training out of respect for his kin, training in Gridania and earning rank within the God's Bow. He took orders well, earning the respect of his comrades, but also regressing to his former self. He became a shell of what he tried to become, open to nothing but the commands of the General of the God's Bow.

During that same year, he visited his former home of Ul'dah. There, he learned of the poor folk that couldn't reclaim their homes near Vesper Bay relocated to Crescent Cove, Jerrah among them with a ten-year-old boy. Out of curiosity, he traveled to the Cove and met '''Richtor Garalad'''. He recognized instantly that the boy had Thalandria's bright blue eyes, and was his son.

Vaughn attempted to speak with Jerrah about his suspicions, but she pushed him away as quickly as she saw him. She recognized Vaughn as the reason she lost her family in Vesper Bay and refused to let him see Richtor. However, this did not deter him, and the two managed to meet and spend time together in the late hours and whenever Jerrah went to market to sell her wares. Vaughn taught Rictor to use the bow in the Gridanian style, as it was taught to him. The two grew close very quickly, but when Jerrah found out about them spending time together behind her back, she attacked Vaughn and warned him to never return.

==== Facets of Eorzea ====

Vaughn then left Thanalan and the Black Shroud behind, finding little joy in anything there. He made his way to Limsa Lominsa, and enlisted with the Maelstrom to use his skill as a Bowman against the pirates he once fought alongside. Again, he rose quickly in rank, blindly following orders with ability and precision. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble there as well. '''Admiral [[Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn]]''' learned of Vaughn's affiliation with pirates and discharged him, though honorably as he did nothing against Limsa or her armada.

This was still enough to send Vaughn into another spiral of self-doubt and wandering. While sitting on the docks, watching the ships sail into the sunset, he was approached by three miqo'tes: '''[[R'shesha Otharn]]''', '''[[Nihka Mioni]]''', and '''[[R'khen Tia]]'''. They talked until the early morning hours, Vaughn making them smoked salmon right on the pier. After, R'shesha approached him about joining her in trying to convince her Free Company, the '''Facets of Eorzea''', that the Garlean threat was right on their doorstep and they should be idle no longer.

Vaughn spoke with their then leader, '''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''', who seemed to admire Vaughn's spirit and desire to help wherever it was needed. Clouse enlisted him in the Company, and Vaughn had a new home and purpose once again.

==== Corruption and Hope ====

The first mission Clouse sent Vaughn on was an ongoing investigation on '''[[Ashe En'vale]]''', a chaotic and charismatic red-haired hyur. Along with fellow Facets '''[[Chiane N'ardente]]''', '''[[Jael Laksha]]''', and R'shesha, Vaughn tracked and conversed with Ashe, eventually "joining" his side so he could report information back to Clouse and the rest of the Facets. It backfired, and after getting another Facet involved, '''[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]''', Vaughn was in a position he did not want to be in. Ashe imbedded a corrupted crystal into Vaughn's chest, allowing the Elezen access to a hidden power inside him. A power he could not easily control.

[[File:File:Vaughn Jaques.jpg|150px|Vaughn with Jaques]]The crystal opened his mind to blind hatred and rage, while also giving him the power to create fire from nothing. However, instead of being afraid, Vaughn took it as an opportunity to strengthen himself while he used the power to help others, with the intention of also using it against Ashe. A newfound boldness overtook the meek Wildwood, and he was finally able to tell fellow Facet '''[[Jaques Guillaume]]''' exactly how he felt about him. After a few more encounters, and actions that turned away brother-like An'nai, the two started dating.

It was then that Vaughn started to feel not quite himself. His body temperature continued to rise, though he never felt sick. He neither ate nor slept, and Jaques convinced Vaughn to give up the crystal, or lose himself to it. Vaughn agreed, and they went to Nihka for help, as she had been studying the corrupted crystals and knew best how to rid oneself of it's influence. After fighting through the ritual to not only keep the power but take in the countering aether, Vaughn was left weakened and nearly dead. However, both Jaques and Nihka watched over him until he was able to regain his strength and returned to being the shy, yet comfortable Elezen they knew and cared for.

==== A New Beginning ====

After a few moons, and a falling out with the Facets, Vaughn and Jaques became much closer, to the point where one will rarely go anywhere without the other. The loss of touch with the aether around him made Vaughn want to try with a non-corrupted crystal to harness the power once again. With a bit of convincing, Jaques agreed to allow Vaughn to receive a wind crystal in the corrupted crystal's place.

The adjustment took a toll on them both, but through a few techniques Jaques taught him through his monk training, Vaughn was able to contain the power and shield his crystal from taking in random (and his own) aether. Currently, he is able to use the crystal to enhance his other combat skills, as well as new skills Jaques is helping him train in.

== Annotations ==

This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

2014-04-08T02:07:49Z

Zmunmawr:

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!''
 
 
{{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn3.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The trouble with resisting temptation is it may never come again."
| title =
| gender = Male (really, he is!)
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Patron Diety
| stat_3_value = [[Llymlaen, the Navigator]]
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
| stat_5 = Relationship Status
| stat_5_value = Taken
| stat_6 = Server
| stat_6_value = Balmung
}}

==Character==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

===General===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain
 '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie
 '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen
 '''Age:''' 34 (estimated)
 '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

===Appearance===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain
 '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color
 '''Eyes:''' vibrant green
 '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his right hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his left pec with that nipple pierced, usually dressed in fine silks

===Behavior===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need
 '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened
 '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love
 '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt
 '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

==Combat==
===General===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

==Tendencies==
===Likes===
::* cooking
::* gardening
::* singing/playing his lap harp
::* spending time with friends

===Dislikes===
::* mean people
::* the color grey

===Hobbies/Talents===
::* Sings with a light tenor.
::* Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::* Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

==Relationships==
===Family===

Father: Ambroise Antain (deceased)
 Mother: Thalandria Velengrais (deceased)
 Brother: Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

===Associations===
<table style="position:center;" width="100%">
<tr>
<center>

:
: ♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing</center>

:♥♥●[[Jaques Guillaume]]: This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy. Currently, the two have been in hiding due to a bounty placed on their heads by Madame Sasha.

:♥♥●Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton: The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Sasha]]♥♥●Sasha Levvine: The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●[[R'shesha Otharn]]: This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●[[Nihka Mioni]]: Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:♥●[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]: This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:●[[Clouse Sydonis]]: While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●[[Jael Laksha]]: While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●[[Ashe En'vale]]: Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●[[Chiane N'ardente]]: A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.

:●[[Xiaoli Vorgan]]: An adorable miqo'te woman he met while trying to settle a dispute among her and her friend Orpheus, and Jaques. He wishes there could have been more time to bond with her over their common fondness of apple deserts, but those plans crumbled before they could start.

:●[[Orpheus Arkouda]]: The other miqo'te he met during a dispute in Coerthas. He seems to get along better with Jaques, as Vaughn's shyness leaves little for them to talk about.

:♥●[[Devilish Sarracenia]]: This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.
</table>

==Rumors==
===Common Rumors===
::* Was born and raised in the Desert Rose brothel in the deep undercity of Ul'dah. He left twelve years ago.
::* Traveled with a small-time, but merciless, pirate crew on their ship, The Blood Nymph, for ten years.
::* Spends most of his time around Limsa Lominsa working with Maelstrom.

===Moderate Rumors===
::* May share an inn room in Limsa Lominsa with his partner. This has not been confirmed, however.
::* Has a tendency to switch sides of a battle if payed enough. Payment may not necessarily mean gil, either.
::* Once wanted for arson, burglary, forgery, high teason, piracy, and murder in Ul'dah. The current bounty is 850k gil, alive. His partner, "Jack", is also wanted, dead or alive, for 150k gil on the charge of harboring him. Both bounties have been listed through Ul'dahn enforcement, and posted by "the proprietor of the Desert Rose". This bounty has since been inactive.

===Rare Rumors===
::* While a pirate, he murdered many people, including his parents and his brother.
::* He may have been involved in a certain noble's downfall and eventual assassination.

===PC Rumors===
''((Feel free to add your own below!))''
::* "Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." --Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate
::* "You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." --overheard from a hyur man
::* "-uncontrollable laughter-" --Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah
::* "He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." -- [[Jaques Guillaume]]

==History/Timeline==
===Early Life===

====The Desert Rose====
'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.
 

====What It Was To Be Family====
Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".
 

====Holiander====
Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Holiander]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

====A Short Engagement====
In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

===Life as a Pirate===
====Captain von Kanton====
A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''. [[File:Ateryu1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Captain Ateryu von Kanton]]

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

====The First Year====
It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

====Introduction to Loss====
The Captain was an arrogant man, and in his arrogance he believed he could control the primal Leviathan. To do this, he required a book that was in the possession of a Gridanian noblewoman. This noblewoman, '''Silveaux De'leann''', married Holi shortly before Ateryu purchased Vaughn. So the solution was simple; Ateryu would send a message to the De'leann estate claiming Vaughn wished to see his brother at sea. Ateryu would then invade her estate, kill everyone inside and take her book, while Vaughn would kill Holi to prevent any risk of retribution.

Vaughn took the plan hard. While he didn't understand the reasoning behind summoning the primal, he understood killing the person he worked so hard to keep alive was unnecessary. He loved his brother, but he loved Ateryu and lived only to please him.

With gritted teeth, Vaughn did as his lover asked. He met with Holi on the Sea of Jade, sneaking aboard to take him quickly and to not have to look at the horrible deed. However, Holi turned to face him, pleaded against Ateryu's wishes, and offered Vaughn freedom through himself and his wife. When Vaughn reluctantly refused, Holi surrendered, writing a letter to his dear Silveaux with a lock of his hair enclosed in an envelope. After beheading his brother, Vaughn kept the letter and lock with him, praying for his brother's forgiveness.

====Enough is Enough====

Ten cycles passed with the Captain, every cycle seeming worse than the last. Vaughn was tortured, tormented, forced to watch his loved ones die (some by his own hand), and look on helplessly as the Captain murdered his way around Eorzea.

The time came when Vaughn finally mustered the courage to stand up for himself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with him. He slowly crawled out of their bed to the nightstand where Ateryu kept his rusty, dull dagger. After stifling his own tears, Vaughn plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left him numb for months. He took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed him, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When they made port eight months after the Captain passed, Vaughn sneaked away and hasn't looked back.

===The Free Slave===
====One Step Forward, Three Steps Back====
Over the next year, he took up formal archery training out of respect for his kin, training in Gridania and earning rank within the God's Bow. He took orders well, earning the respect of his comrades, but also regressing to his former self. He became a shell of what he tried to become, open to nothing but the commands of the General of the God's Bow.

During that same year, he visited his former home of Ul'dah. There, he learned of the poor folk that couldn't reclaim their homes near Vesper Bay relocated to Crescent Cove, Jerrah among them with a ten-year-old boy. Out of curiosity, he traveled to the Cove and met '''Richtor Garalad'''. He recognized instantly that the boy had Thalandria's bright blue eyes, and was his son.

Vaughn attempted to speak with Jerrah about his suspicions, but she pushed him away as quickly as she saw him. She recognized Vaughn as the reason she lost her family in Vesper Bay and refused to let him see Richtor. However, this did not deter him, and the two managed to meet and spend time together in the late hours and whenever Jerrah went to market to sell her wares. Vaughn taught Rictor to use the bow in the Gridanian style, as it was taught to him. The two grew close very quickly, but when Jerrah found out about them spending time together behind her back, she attacked Vaughn and warned him to never return.

====Facets of Eorzea====
Vaughn then left Thanalan and the Black Shroud behind, finding little joy in anything there. He made his way to Limsa Lominsa, and enlisted with the Maelstrom to use his skill as a Bowman against the pirates he once fought alongside. Again, he rose quickly in rank, blindly following orders with ability and precision. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him out of trouble there as well. '''Admiral [[Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn]]''' learned of Vaughn's affiliation with pirates and discharged him, though honorably as he did nothing against Limsa or her armada.

This was still enough to send Vaughn into another spiral of self-doubt and wandering. While sitting on the docks, watching the ships sail into the sunset, he was approached by three miqo'tes: '''[[R'shesha Otharn]]''', '''[[Nihka Mioni]]''', and '''[[R'khen Tia]]'''. They talked until the early morning hours, Vaughn making them smoked salmon right on the pier. After, R'shesha approached him about joining her in trying to convince her Free Company, the '''Facets of Eorzea''', that the Garlean threat was right on their doorstep and they should be idle no longer.

Vaughn spoke with their then leader, '''[[Clouse Sydonis]]''', who seemed to admire Vaughn's spirit and desire to help wherever it was needed. Clouse enlisted him in the Company, and Vaughn had a new home and purpose once again.

==Annotations==
This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

[[category:Wiki Templates]]

[[category:Player Character]]

2014-03-07T22:14:18Z

Zmunmawr:

''The information on this page is mostly OOC knowledge, and contains spoilers. If you wish to be involved in any of his past, please message first. Thank you!''
 
 
{{Infobox-character
| name = Vaughn Antain
| image= Vaughn1.jpg
| imagewidth =
| caption = "The hells are too good for one such as I."
| title =
| gender = Male
| citizenship =
| race = Elezen
| clan = Wildwood
| stat_1 = Height/Weight
| stat_1_value = 6 fulms 4 ilms/145 ponz
| stat_2 = Nameday
| stat_2_value = 1st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
| stat_3 = Relationship Status
| stat_3_value = Taken
| stat_4 = Server
| stat_4_value = Balmung
| stat_5 =
| stat_5_value =
| stat_6 =
| stat_6_value =
}}

==Character==

'''Vaughn Antain''' is a short and willowy Wildwood Elezen, specialized in stealth, archery, and assassination. However, he is not prideful as most of his race is, and is rather content being in the background. His odd behavior has led to many strange reactions, most often being mistrust.

===General===

'''Full Name:''' Vaughn Auréle Antain
 '''Nickname(s):''' Pretty Boy, Blondie
 '''Race:''' Wildwood Elezen
 '''Age:''' 34 (estimated)
 '''Occupation(s):''' Companion, pirate, archer, bard

===Appearance===

'''Skin:''' fair with a slight golden lustre, smooth as porcelain
 '''Hair:''' thick but silky, golden blonde in color
 '''Eyes:''' vibrant green
 '''Distinguishing Features:''' small tattoo on his right heel (a purple rose), small brand on his left hip (Blood Nymph pirate crew symbol), organic scarification on his right pec, usually dressed in fine silks

===Behavior===

'''Motivation:''' Helping those in need
 '''Temperament:''' Mostly calm, but becomes angry when a friend is threatened
 '''Fear(s):''' his own emotions, love
 '''Negative Trait(s):''' appears closed off, neurotic, can be a bit too blunt
 '''Sexuality:''' Pansexual

==Combat==
===General===

Vaughn is a marksman of all disciplines. Since he was young, he has shown an affinity to throwing weapons, granting himself a set of silver daggers fashioned with the intricate emblem of the Desert Rose, the brothel in which he was raised. His precision with the thrown weapons was helpful in learning the bow when he was bought by a pirate. He has continued through the years to show a gift for archery, thrown weapons, and pistols.

==Tendencies==
===Likes===
::* cooking
::* gardening
::* singing/playing his lap harp
::* spending time with friends

===Dislikes===
::* mean people
::* the color grey

===Hobbies/Talents===
::* Sings with a light tenor.
::* Often plays on his lap harp, intricately carved mahogany in the shape of a dragonfly.
::* Is a very talented artist, creating works with uncanny realism.

==Relationships==
===Family===

Father: Ambroise Antain (deceased)
 Mother: Thalandria Velengrais (deceased)
 Brother: Holiander Antain (half-brother, deceased)

===Associations===
<table style="position:center;" width="100%">
<tr>
<center>

:
: ♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Sexual Desire    ♥ Platonic Love     ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing</center>

:♥♥●[[Jaques Guillaume]]: This Duskwight was once stand-offish towards Vaughn, but still seemed to tolerate him being around. As his lover, Vaughn has a deep admiration for Jaques, and offers the Duskwight his assistance freely. They are often seen together, though Vaughn does his best to keep his emotions in check for Jaques's benefit, as he understands the Duskwight's need for privacy. Currently, the two have been in hiding due to a bounty placed on their heads by Madame Sasha.

:♥♥●Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton: The pirate Captain bought Vaughn from the brothel for his own amusement. At first, it was handy having your own personal whore, but then the passion turned to abuse. Vaughn spent much of the plunder he stole from the Captain to pay for healers to undo the intensive scarring left by the lash and leather collar he was hung by as punishment for disobeying orders. Captain von Kanton was Vaughn's first obsessive love, placing him a god among men in his eyes. Though the Captain made him do the most horrific deeds, Vaughn loves him still.

:[[File:Sasha1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Sasha]]♥♥●Sasha Levvine: The lively daughter of Madame Levvine was Vaughn's closest friend at the brothel they were raised, and inherited the establishment when her mother passed away. After many years apart, he sought her out to make amends for the deeds he had done while under Captain von Kanton's influence. He was offered a job in the Rose as a teacher for the young soon-to-be companions, but ultimately refused. This led to Sasha demanding he return, or face punishment.

:♥●[[R'shesha Otharn]]: This young miqo'te was the first person in two years to walk up to Vaughn and talk to him. While he was extremely shy at first, R'shesha became someone he could confide in. He cares for her deeply, and feels for her as a sister.

:♥●[[Nihka Mioni]]: Another miqo'te who was there when he met R'shesha. Though she didn't speak much to him at first, he took a liking to her, and now calls her one of his dearest friends and sister.

:●[[Clouse Sydonis]]: While the hyur was kind at first, Vaughn distrusted him while under the influence of a corrupted aether crystal. However, he still likes the man, and considers him a friend.

:●[[Jael Laksha]]: While this hyur is liked by Vaughn, and they seem to have pleasant conversations, he was not trusted. Now, the hyur has not been seen, and Vaughn wonders about his well-being.

:♥●[[An'nai Tir'Atha]]: This miqo'te and Vaughn had a near instant connection based on how they grew up, and views him as a brother. He envies and admires An'nai for his independent spirit, hoping to better himself on the miqo's example. Lately, the miqo has not been seen, and Vaughn worries for his well-being.

:♥●[[Ashe En'vale]]: Ashe...oh, Ashe. This charismatic hyur seems to be drawing Vaughn in deeper into his web of destruction. Whenever he's with the man, Vaughn becomes a puppet to his every whim. It is that realization Vaughn doesn't trust himself much around him, as his chaotic nature is reminiscent of Captain von Kanton. This had not gone unnoticed, and made Vaughn more paranoid around his friends.

:♥●[[Devilish Sarracenia]]: This strong, confident, but ultimately abrasive Roegadyn is often seen around Ashe. At first, Vaughn didn't really care one way or another for her, but after learning of her "stalking" his love, and of her betrayal that was more of an assistance, he ended up not liking her very much.

:♥●[[Chiane N'ardente]]: A strong-willed, beautiful Duskwight, Chiane caught the attention of Vaughn on several occasions. However, his affections for her "brother" Jaques deterred him from making any advances. Never mind the thought she would probably try to gut him. Still, he does hope for a friendship between them, and will go out of his way for Jaques's sake to be as courteous as possible toward her.
</table>

==Rumors==
===Common Rumors===
::* Was born and raised in the Desert Rose brothel in the deep undercity of Ul'dah. He left twelve years ago.
::* Traveled with a small-time, but merciless, pirate crew on their ship, The Blood Nymph, for ten years.
::* Spends most of his time around Limsa Lominsa working with Maelstrom.

===Moderate Rumors===
::* May share an inn room in Limsa Lominsa with his partner. This has not been confirmed, however.
::* Has a tendency to switch sides of a battle if payed enough. Payment may not necessarily mean gil, either.
::* Is currently wanted for arson, burglary, forgery, high teason, piracy, and murder in Ul'dah. The current bounty is 850k gil, alive. His partner, "Jack", is also wanted, dead or alive, for 150k gil on the charge of harboring him. Both bounties have been listed through Ul'dahn enforcement, and posted by "the proprietor of the Desert Rose".

===Rare Rumors===
::* While a pirate, he murdered many people, including his parents and his brother.
::* He may have been involved in a certain noble's downfall and eventual assassination.

===PC Rumors===
''((Feel free to add your own below!))''
::* "Antain? Not much goin' on upstairs, not since th' Cap'n up 'n dis'peared." --Truder, former Blood Nymph pirate
::* "You know, I could have sworn he was a woman, the way he carried himself, the way he dressed. Much, much too pretty for any man to be." --overheard from a hyur man
::* "-uncontrollable laughter-" --Callistus, Stoneshaper of Ul'dah
::* "He isn't like most other Wildwoods. Which is to say he's not an arrogant condescending ass." -- [[Jaques Guillaume]]

==History/Timeline==
===Early Life===

====The Desert Rose====
'''The Desert Rose''', an underground brothel hidden in Ul'dah, boasts pleasures for any taste. It is a place of debauchery, unregulated by Thanalan law, and run by the ruthless business woman, '''Madame Tatyana Levvine'''. Though it is not often addressed, companions (also known illegitimately as "whores") are considered as and treated like slaves, and have their own hierarchy.

Every companion at the Rose bears the same rose-shaped tattoo on the heel of their right foot, but are one of four different colors based on status. Those with the black rose are those who were not born to the brothel and are there to work off a debt of some sort. They are not allowed to partake in any sexual activity while indebted, and the Madame usually turns them out as soon as the debt is paid, so as not to "blacken the pool" of desired companions.

Second in the hierarchy are those with a green rose. These are slaves born into the brothel but found lacking in either attractiveness or demeanor. These are the people seen distributing the others with tea, food, and whatever else is needed, and do not partake in any of the events.

A red rose determines those who were born in the brothel and used as companions. This is the most common mark in the Desert Rose.

Finally, at the top of the hierarchy, are those with a purple rose. These companions have been deemed worthy to mate and create children, and are the highest in value, therefore, the most expensive. There are very few of these companions, usually about eight males (one for every race and sub-type) and twenty-four females. However, numbers fluctuate depending on if the Madame deems a child of a mated pair to exceed her high standards of attractiveness, demeanor, and pliability.

Each mark of those born into the brothel are determined and inked when the child becomes of age to work at fifteen years old.
 

====What It Was To Be Family====
Vaughn was born the only child of '''Thalandria Velengrais''' and the first child of '''Ambroise Antain''', two of the Wildwood resident companions picked to be parents based off certain qualities each had. He was then handed off to a wet nurse so his mother could get back to her shape and work again. Still, Thalandria would sneak in at night to care for her child, wanting to know what it felt like to be part of a normal family.

When Thalandria was caught feeding her child, Madame Levvine took her to the "dungeon" and punished her for her insolence. She was whipped and had her mammary sacks removed so the incident could not happen again. They were replaced with a soft, pliable substance to maintain the shape and softness of real breasts, but she would never again be able to feed a child. After all, she was not meant for caring for children; she just needed to make them.

Ambroise, on the other hand, was encouraged to be Vaughn's role model and teach him what it was to be a companion. The lessons started when Vaughn was two years old. He learned to do the basic duties such as cleaning, serving tea, and aesthetics. Between showing at an early age to have a knack for beautiful color and pattern combinations, and his pale and soft complexion, Vaughn earned the nickname "Marthette", or "Little Lady".

Even though Ambroise followed every rule and was considered to be the most well-behaved companion, he did have a small rebellious streak. When Vaughn was three years old, he became the older brother to Ambroise's and '''Cosette Nâdiya''''s son, '''Holiander'''. This one transgression, as Cosette bore a red mark, had Madame Levvine castrate Ambroise and remove the purple mark on his heel, replacing it with a green one.

After witnessing such an event, three-year-old Vaughn did what he could to keep himself out of trouble. He did whatever he was told to do as soon as he was told to do it. Ambroise still trained him and Holiander, as was his duty.

Unlike Vaughn, Holiander was rambunctious and payed little attention to what was expected of him. This didn't become apparent until the boys were ten and seven, respectively. It was around this time when Holiander started showing signs of illness, which Madame Levvine called "proof of ill-breeding".
 

====Holiander====
Vaughn did everything he could to keep his little brother out of the Madame's sights. Though it became easier when Holiander fell ill, it just made Vaughn even more worried for him. By the time he was nine, Holiander had a difficult time breathing. By ten, he couldn't walk.

The years seemed to degrade him more and more, until he was completely bedridden with constant fevers by the time he was fourteen. His skin and hair blanched to stark whiteness, and his usually bright aqua eyes were a pale shade of blue.

[[File:Holiander.jpg|150px|thumb|left|Holiander]]Vaughn, now seventeen, grew into a beautiful young man. In contrast to his half-brother, he had shining golden hair and brilliant green eyes. Though he had a fair complexion, it shone with a subtle golden glow. These qualities had Madame Levvine give him the purple mark, making him take the place of his once-beloved father.

However, he still couldn't leave Holiander to his fate. Vaughn resorted to stealing the jewelry in Madame Levvine's private quarters whenever he was invited back there for recreation. Any gift that he was given by a patron was just as quickly turned into the markets for gil. Even his best friend of the Rose, Madame Levvine's own daughter '''Sasha Levvine''', helped with collecting valuables to sell during monthly trips to market. Everything Vaughn could save was spent on concoctions from the alchemists to try and heal Holiander.

For a while, it didn't seem to work. Holiander became delusional and saw those around him as demons trying to take his life. Except for Vaughn. He saw his older brother as the one guardian angel he could trust, and would only eat or drink if it came from Vaughn, or "Aulucien" ("Golden Light") as Holiander called him.

Holiander started to recover eight months into his treatments, as Vaughn became able to discern what his illness actually was. It took an additional two months after that before the fevers would subside and Holiander could think once again. Unable to remember his name, he started to call himself "Alaire". Vaughn corrected him on multiple occasions, but Holiander didn't like the way it sounded. Instead, to satisfy his brother, he decided to go by "Holi" as it sounded happier.

====A Short Engagement====
In order to bring gilflow to a mostly underground business, weekly trips into the markets were a necessity. Two companions, a male and a female, were sent with various pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other items unneeded in the brothel for trade. Each companion took with them one of the slaves with the black mark as a retainer.

Being the most beautiful male, Vaughn often made the trades. He insisted Holi should be his retainer, keeping him out of the brothel for as long as possible. It also gave him a chance to be just a person out with family, which made the brothers' bond even stronger. This arrangement went well for a few years, until Vaughn started noticing one of the other vendors.

'''Jerrah Garalad''' sold many varieties of fish her and her family caught in the small village of Crescent Cove. She had beautiful, sun-kissed brown skin and dyed parts of her dark hair red. What drew him to her the most were her brilliant blue eyes. They sparkled when she laughed, and she laughed often. She became his one glimmer of hope for a normal life, and they were soon engaged.

She promised Vaughn that he and Holi would never become someone else's property once they were married. Still, she was a poor woman and such an arrangement would take time. Soon after their engagement, however, Madame Levvine kept both Vaughn and Holi under lock and key, and told Jerrah Vaughn abandoned her. Since then, Madame Levvine had Vaughn take Sasha with him whenever he went into the markets to deter any more of his "nonsense".

===Life as a Pirate===
====Captain von Kanton====
A few months passed since Vaughn and Jerrah parted ways, and it was during a scheduled market day when he and Sasha were approached by '''Captain Ateryu Mica von Kanton'''. He stood a couple ilms taller than Vaughn, making him an intimidating hyur to say the least. His short dark hair, sharp brown eyes, and tanned sea-kissed skin only added to the allure Vaughn felt. He was dark and mysterious, yet frightening, and the Elezen had a hard time pretending to be disappointed when Ateryu bought him from the brothel to be his personal slave upon his ship, the '''Sea Nymph'''.

Ateryu was a superstitious man, and having Vaughn aboard sated the crew's need to have a woman tend to their needs without having one, as they were "bad luck". In order to keep the Elezen in an amorous mood to be able to take the crew at their whim, Ateryu also stocked himself with ''aetheri'', a highly addictive and expensive drug the Rose often used for the same purpose.

The Captain kept Vaughn on a tight leash, only allowing him to do or say things Ateryu allowed. He was not allowed to have a thought of his own, and the slightest hint of one caused Ateryu to beat it out of him until he was once again the submissive slave Ateryu purchased.

====The First Year====
It didn't take long for Vaughn to learn his place in Ateryu's crew. The first few months consisted of bending to the depravity of the crew, nothing much different than what he was already used to from the Rose.

By the seventh month, however, Ateryu became more possessive of his investment. He no longer allowed the crew to touch the Elezen, and outright killed those who even whispered his name. Vaughn spent most of his time locked in the Captain's quarters, expected to be ready whenever Ateryu wanted. Which was often.

Over the next few months, Ateryu started to talk to Vaughn. His tone softened around him, and he became more tender with him. Ateryu confessed love to him, branding him with the symbol of his crew on the inside of his left hip. However, around his crew, Ateryu still humiliated him with public lashings and strangulation, though he killed any of the crew who tried to join in on the "fun".

This was also the time when Ateryu charged Vaughn with a mission.

====Introduction to Loss====
<spoiler>
''(OOC) This section is not done, and contains information to remind me of what happened. It will be expanded upon when I am able.''
 
<spoiler>

Ten years passed with the Captain, and no matter how viscous or manipulative he was, I am not proud to admit I loved him. He murdered thousands, forced me to make my first kill (my own brother), and treated me like scum in front of his crew. Behind closed doors, however, he was passionate, and knew exactly what to say to keep me in his company. I was ever the foolish one.

The time came when I finally mustered the courage to stand up for myself. The Captain was sleeping in his bed, exhausted from the day of village slaughter followed by his forceful ways with me. I slowly crawled out of our bed to the nightstand where he kept his rusty, dull dagger. He loved to use that to torture innocents. Anyway, I picked it up, and after stifling my own tears, I plunged the dagger straight through his throat.

The event left me numb for months. I took the helm of the ship, pretending the Captain was just ill so as not to rouse suspicion. The crew believed me, or they just didn't care as long as they got their share of the plunder. When we made port eight months after the Captain passed, I snuck away and haven't looked back.

Over a year later, I found a new path for myself. I took up archery out of respect for my kin. Though, there may be the other side to it: you can't get close to your prey. It keeps you at a distance so you never see the fear and you never have to feel sorry as long as you don't look afterward.

Currently, I notice that I've been regressing to old habits in order to make a living. I'm finding I'm keeping myself open to try and please others, however it pleases them. Some are simple favors, like helping with the harvest. Others...well, I do have a talent for activities behind closed doors. It's left me back to trying not to speak out of turn, and as far as getting back in "my place." I promised myself I would never go back to that uncertainty. I failed.

It's too late for me to learn a new life. All I can do is keep smiling and pretend everything is where it should be. Maybe if I keep pretending, it will become a reality. Maybe...
</spoiler>

==Annotations==
This page will be updated as necessary.

This Template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]]

[[category:Wiki Templates]]

[[category:Player Character]]