Vasque Desmarais

Vasque Desmarais
"Some of us are so sharp, we could just cut ourselves."
Gender	Female
Race	Hyur
Clan	Midlander
Citizenship	Born in Ishgard
Age	31
Marital Status	In a relationship
Occupation	Leader of Twelve & Seven Free Company; Physician and Surgeon
Height/Weight	5' / needs a sammich
Alignment	Neutral Good

★Vasque is a physician and surgeon, as well as a traditional conjuror/arcanist-type healer. She studies crystals and aether and their applications in medicine, and is fascinated by the history of medicine, as well as anatomy and physiology. If your character has a similar bent, hit her up! She's always looking for fellow sawbones.

Additionally, Vasque is the Leader of Twelve & Seven, a Neutral Good FC engaging in all sorts of contracts, from simple caravan escorts and bodyguarding to research, reclamation and recovery and custom crafting. If your FC has need of our services or would like to cross-FC RP, send her a /tell!

Basic Info

Vasque Desmarais ((Vask DES-muh-ray)) is an intellectual powerhouse wrapped in a small, blonde shell. There is nothing that doesn't interest her, nothing that she doesn't wish to know more of. Her gift manifests itself in an almost profound grasp of language and emotion, one that brings both comfort and strife to her life and the lives of those around her. Vasque's life has taken her all over the world, and for the most part her experiences, both good and bad, have made her more understanding and kind. Despite that, she most certainly has high expectations of people and does not suffer fools gladly. Her standards for herself are high, and she often doesn't understand why other people are not so demanding on their own character.

★You can generally assume any personal character knowledge here is NOT something easily accessible on an IC level! Vasque is very private and keeps her own counsel.

LIKES ■ Rain / Thunderstorms ■ Medicine / Research ■ Cooking and Dining for and with others ■ Books and Libraries ■ Taking care of others ■ Redecorating her space ■ Intellectualism, Philosophy, Conversation ■ Watching/working with talented people.

DISLIKES ■ Violence ■ Willful ignorance ■ Snakes ■ Maliciousness, Lying ■ Xenophobes ■ People who lack the backbone to admit their mistakes.

OTHER ■ Vice(s): Lust, workaholism, not taking care of her own health. ■ Food: Alligator Salad [1] ; Cho's teriyaki on ANYTHING...if you can get her to eat in the first place. ■ Favorite Drink: Wine, tea.

Appearance

Vasque is petite and slim with very pale blonde hair and large, inquisitive hazel eyes. Her body is fit and toned, mainly because she enjoys running and training at skills and jobs she is never likely to use. Full of energy and rarely still, Vasque is constantly on the go. Her metabolism runs at full tilt, and she often has trouble keeping on weight. Coupled with a workaholic personality and some history of serious hunger, food often falls off Vasque's radar, closely followed by her clothes falling off her body.

Her face is very pretty, prettier than she herself realizes, and this gives Vasque a sweet unselfconsciousness that seems to draw in those around her. She's got more than her share of admirers, and finds herself having to "let 'em down easy" more often than she would like. She dresses well, and prefers to wear black, white, pink, and red.

Eyes	Hair	Skin	Body Type	Voice	Clothing	Notable Features
Pale Hazel, almost wheaten	Very pale blonde, almost towhead in spots	Pale, like cream or porcelain	Petite and fit	Educated and confident, with a hint of Ishgardian accent to it, unnoticeable to most.	She likes to look good. Especially in pink or red.	Two beauty marks on her face, one on her right cheek, and the other under her bottom lip, to the left. A scar across her throat, well healed but visible.

Behavior & Personality

Vasque is bright and quick, and she makes friends easily, but she tends to get lost in her own thoughts. An excellent doctor, she is much in demand for both her medical skills and her professionalism, and sometimes she finds herself overwhelmed by the demands of her busy company. She likes to curl up in her room with her mate, Chokho, or a book, when she needs to unwind.

Vasque is very, very dedicated to her field and has set a very high standard for herself in terms of training and education. She believes a doctor never stops learning, and that training takes years, if not decades, to master. She finds it troubling that so many young healers believe their few years of training make them 'experienced' and will often become stern when a student insists they are an "expert".

She is a "pleaser" and often goes out of her way to make others happy, even at her own expense. She has recently been working on saying "no" and making what she herself wants a priority, but she occasionally falls into old habits and says things she cannot ever make good on.

Vasque has a very hard time with willful ignorance and stupidity; she will go out of her way to teach or help someone, but the moment they display any hard-headedness about something that is factually wrong, she practically writes them off, and it is very hard to get back into her good graces once she has done so. She has no patience for people who cannot admit their mistakes, nor people who cannot cannot understand that their actions have consequences. Though she seems hard on others at times, she is far harder on herself.

Skills

★Not all Vasque's skills are reflected by her in-game job. She is gifted in magics but is also a surgeon, a researcher, and a scientist. Additionally, an aetherically sensitive individual would find Vasque simply -brimming- with the stuff, like a wellspring of magical capability just waiting for an outlet.

Vasque is a gifted doctor and surgeon. Raised almost entirely by her librarian/researcher father, she has been studying the natural world since she was a very small child. Naturally bright and inquisitive, Vasque turns her considerable knowledge and talent toward any professional problem she encounters, and often will make connections cross-discipline that are astonishing and insightful. Fluent in several languages, including ancient ones, she has spent many years studying history, philosophy, religion, and linguistics.

Vasque has spent much of her life in the study of anatomy and physiology, and her skills in non-magic healing are formidable. Though she is well-versed in arcanima and conjury, it is often her skills as a surgeon that save lives, especially in situations were her patients are aetherically-sensitive.

Though Vasque tends toward traditional conjury and arcanima, she is gifted aetherically and has developed some of her own procedures in aetheric healing. She pushes the boundaries of what is 'do-able' and never doubts that she can make something happen...with enough practice and determination.

All this focus on intellectual pursuits hides somewhat Vasque's lack of talent as a fighter. She is physically fit and not at all clumsy, but weapon skills do not come easily to her, even when she works at it. Though she did for a time make an attempt to follow her mate's path into shinobi, Vasque now recognizes that her true gifts are in healing, and she has made peace with the fact that she cannot be good at -everything-. She is content to let the talented fighters in her company take charge, and she is more than willing to patch them up when they come home from their battles.

Vasque has risen to the challenge of leading her Free Company, the newly re-named Twelve and Seven. She came upon this job rather suddenly, and has put aside her research in order to focus on nurturing the health of her Company as a whole, instead of as individuals. Throwing herself into the task, Vasque is currently seeking talented people to join her staffing company, be they fighters, scholars, or business-people.

Biography

CHILDHOOD

The Banner of her Homeland

Vasque Elisabeth Desmarais was born the second child to Laurence Desmarais and Elisabeth Binoche in Ishgard. Laurence was a renowned researcher and librarian for the Holy See, and his scholarship in the fields of history, philosphy, and language were both the source of his fame and his reason for eventually fleeing to Coerthas. Vasque's mother was one of the dragoons of legend, and was killed in the Dragonsong wars when Vasque was a very small child. Her older brother, Julien Laurence, died as a boy in Ishgard under circumstances Vasque herself rarely talks about.

After the death of her mother and brother, Vasque's father become more reckless and outspoken about his scholarship, drawing unwanted attention from the Holy See and the Inquisitors. Worried for his small daughter, he packed little Vasque up, along with a few precious volumes and a family scrapbook, and headed south into the Central Highlands.

Easily finding work at the Observatorium, Laurence settled in and began once again to work on his scholarship, drawing attention via his masterful publications about astronomy throughout the ages. Vasque was brought everywhere with him, thanks to a paranoia about leaving her anywhere out of his sight, and her father never spoke to her as a child, but always an equal. Vasque thrived under his tutelage, and her every interest was indulged, making her a prodigy in not only the eyes of her father, but his fellow researchers.

Vasque as a young girl

When Vasque was about seven, her father received an offer to become one of the Head Librarians at the prestigious Gridanian Library, and he accepted with gracious excitement. The opportunities for his gifted young daughter were numerous, and soon Vasque was being tutored by some of Gridania's most talented scholars. Vasque was fortunate to land several apprenticeships and her drive and talent won her the respect of her masters. By the time she was fourteen, her focus was almost exclusively on medicine.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD

Vasque continued to study, forging ahead of her peers and indeed her fellow scholars in the fields of anatomy and physiology. Her father's sensitivity to aether made learning alternative medicines a priority for her, and she would often beg, borrow, and even steal bodies upon which to learn. Though her obsession with cadavers disturbed some, Vasque was undeterred and her insistence on this field of scholarship has saved the lives of many.

ADULTHOOD

The Calamity changed Vasque's life forever; her beloved father was killed when a flaming tree collapsed onto their home in the Shroud. His loss is something Vasque never really got over, and she poured all her energy into the recovery effort, working tirelessly to help the wounded. She gave herself over to her scholarship once the dust had settled, locking herself away in the recesses of her mind to try and forget the profound loss.

A turning point came when Vasque became one of the victims of a rash of kidnappings by pirates and was forced into slavery aboard the ship "Jackdaw." Repeated blows to the head during her abduction rendered her completely without memory when she awoke aboard the ship; all she knew was her name, and the only possession she owned was a simple leather collar that had been made for her by someone Vasque no longer remembered.

Fresh off the Boat

Vasque's considerable intellect had little else to focus on while she was slaving away shipboard, and she learned the ins and outs of sailing, navigation, marine life, and more; when she was doing hard labor, all her thoughts were focused on trying to remember who she was.

Eventually, her ship was boarded and sunk off the coast of Limsa Lominsa, and Vasque clung to flotsam and was washed ashore believing herself to be a sailor far younger than she really was. She ran into few people she knew, but one contact, Nazeru Auronas, would prove to be the link to her past that eventually brought Vasque's memory back.

Vasque was taken in by Nazeru and joined her Free Company, Eclipsis, making many new friends there, including Chokho Viqqoh, who would eventually become the most important person in Vasque's life. Vasque's journey to remembering was a rocky one, full of tumultuous relationships both personal and workaday, and led to her finally leaving that company to join a more active one that had a need for a talented doctor - The Free Wing Society.

Her start at Free Wing was a good one, but the company itself had a lot of change in the works even before Vasque signed on, and before she knew it, their leader and several officers had departed, leaving the group rudderless and without direction. Though a few good people stepped up in the interim, Free Wing struggled to find it's footing and it's purpose. Within six months of signing her contract, it was Vasque herself who was asked to lead - and she took the job in earnest, determined to do the best she could for the company that had become her home and family, learning from both the successes and failures of those who came before her.

PRESENT DAY

Northern Exposure

Vasque has embraced her role as leader of the Free Wing Society, now renamed Twelve & Seven, having jumped into it with her customary determination and drive. Her dedication to her company has won her the respect and admiration of her staff and officers. Confident about their future, Vasque has begun selectively hiring talented people to join their ranks.

She currently lives in the Lavender Beds with her mate, Chokho Viqqoh, and the two of them are happily ensconced in a cozy room in their Free Company Lodge. Together they are carving out a relationship that is a mixture of both their traditions, and they eagerly anticipate a long and happy life together.

RUMORS

Some of these rumors are untrue or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC!

◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard)

■ "That girl can carry her liquor and sing a shanty, but she's no pirate."

■ "She's really brought that company around. Good people. Tight-knit."

■ "She saved my kid brother in the camps in Ala Mhigo. Good doctor."

◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear)

■ "Heard she cuts up corpses. No idea where she gets 'em."

■ "She's always with that black miqo'te...strange, both of 'em."

■ "Ishgardian name on a hyur...wonder if she's one of them Inquisitors."

◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard)

■ "Be curious to know just how many bodies she's stolen...seen her in the dead of night up around the cemetery at Drybone."

◢ PC Rumors (Rumors from the characters of other players)

■ "She's an amazing doctor, and an all-around smarty-pants. I'm glad I get to have her as a friend." - Cassandra Lachance

■ "She has the most adorable giggle...erm...did I say that out loud...?" - Aldyet Lannis

■ "One of the most caring and talented people I know, she's saved my life in more ways than one. Just don't piss her off. She's the one who'll be patching you up after all." - Lyuri Felnica

■ "Ah, a woman after my own heart. I respect her, and truly wish I had the time to get to know her better. Her skills, views and charisma are oft a rarity. Truly beautiful, a flower, if you would. Though even the rose has its thorns, no?" - V'lanya Mei

■ "Vasque... you want me to sum up my feelings for her? Better take a seat then, we're gonna be at this for a long, long time. In the interest of time though, I'll leave you with this. There is nothing I wouldn't do for this woman. She is the love of my life, and I would march the world to it's death to save her." Ennara Calian

(Add your own if you know Vasque!))

RELATIONS

♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Interest     ● Good Standing     ● Watching

♥ Chokho Viqqoh - Vasque and Chokho met when they were dating other people, and their first encounter started off poorly but quickly improved. Within weeks they were the best of friends, though there was something under the surface that made Vasque wonder, and Cho's playful nature, good judgement, and unique outlook captivated Vasque. Over time, they became very close, and difficult relationships drew them closer until, finally, they both proclaimed their love. Cho continues to be the most important person in Vasque's life and she can hardly imagine a time when Cho -wasn't- her heart and soul. Recently, Vasque was added to Chokho's family scrolls - the only hyur ever to be given that honor.

♥ Aldyet Lannis - Aldyet was Vasque's first serious relationship, and she fell very hard for this sweet woman, eventually accepting her marriage proposal. Poor decisions throughout their relationship drove a wedge between them that eventually could not be ignored, and the two parted ways. Recently, though, they have managed to find a balance in their relationship and are pursuing that in earnest, happy to find themselves close once again.

● Ennara Calian - Ennara and Vasque originally met through Nazeru while Vasque's memory was gone, and a one-night-stand left both of them feeling ambivalent. A chance encounter later made them rethink their initial impressions, and Vasque found in Ennara someone who shared her intellectual interests. Soon, time researching and talking drew them closer, and now Vasque considers Ennara one of her closest friends and confidants.

● X'raena Tsuhne - Vasque met Raena when she was taking care of a mutual friend, and the two became closer when Vasque developed a medicine to ease Raena's symptoms. Raena and Vasque are close friends and share a love of all things mechanical, and after Aldyet Lannis lost her hand (an operation which Vasque herself had to perform) Raena fashioned a mechanical hand for Aldyet, based on some specs from Vasque. For this, Vasque can never thank the woman enough.

● M'Jumalis Yashna - Jumalis and Vasque began their relationship in a disagreement over a fellow company member, but any conflict quickly faded when the two women found in one another a like mind and a keen intellect. As driven and talented as Vasque herself, Jumalis has become a close friend and confidant, and one of Vasque's most trusted advisors as she takes over as leader of Free Wing Society.

● Lyuri Felnica - Vasque met Lyuri purely by chance when she saw the woman wandering around looking lost and sad. Their first conversations piqued Vasque's curiosity, and eventually Vasque would be called upon to save Lyuri's life, and more than once. This has drawn them close, and the two women have dinner together as often as they can.

● Xiao Ohmsford - Cho's little sister is one of the most important people to Vasque, and someone she would do anything for; indeed, Vasque has taught Xiao to read and to cook, as well as how to better interpret her enigmatic big sister. She wishes they were closer and that she had more time to spend with the woman.

● Ciciru Ciru - This wisecracking teenage lalafell got Vasque's attention in Pearl Lane when she was in dire need of medical help; Vasque has been her guardian ever since. Though Cici has grown up a lot and gone through tumultuous changes, Vasque thinks of her a the little sister she never had.

● Salem Nuhn - Salem's reveal about his past gave Vasque an unexpected gift, and though she does not see him often, he remains in her heart.

● Cassandra Lachance - Vasque knows there is more to this young woman than she lets on, but whatever Vasque herself has discovered, she keeps a lid on. Vasque is very pleased to see how much Cass has grown in her role in her new Free Company, and tries to visit as often as she can.

● Ludivine Goultard - Vasque and Ludi had a brief burst of mutual attraction that they both agreed was best left alone; the two women have remained good friends, and Vasque tries to get out to Ludi's Sunny Side Bar event in Eastern La Noscea every fortnight in order to catch up with Ludi and Cass both.

● Aliciena Leach - Alice is a newer member of the company, and one who is both a closed book and wears her heart on her sleeve. Alice's self-defeatist attitude frustrates Vasque, but her earnestness soften her toward the woman. Alice needs patience and understanding, and Vasque hopes to be able to offer Alice some.

● Nazeru Auronas - Nazeru remains one of Vasque's most difficult and rocky relationships. A lot of strife, pain, and misunderstanding have driven the two of them to separate sides of the world, and Nazeru's inability to let go of Vasque has made the Highlander hard to the point of cruelty where Vasque is concerned. Despite their having once been lovers and friends, Vasque has decided to sever all ties in light of Nazeru's conduct.

● Skratti Bowens - Vasque met Skratti before the restoration of her memory, when she introduced her to oranges...and soon after, the woman disappeared. Vasque helped Skratti out when she returned with some medical problems, and though the two seemed to get along alright, Skratti's sudden departure from the company, leaving her emotionally distraught lover Lyuri without a word, turned Vasque cold toward the woman. There is little Skratti could say to make that right in Vasque's mind.

Inspiration

A few of the pieces I like best are showcased below:

Gravity for Grace - Vasque and Cho's relationship in a nutshell.

I Don't Know - Vasque genuinely loves people and sees the good in everyone around her, even in the little things. She notices much and misses little.

Our Love Is Easy - The anthem of Vasque's love for Cho.

Classical Gas - Vasque's mind never stops working, never hesitates, and this relentless and syncopated piece brings that to mind.

Two of Us - "We're on our way home."

Collide - Vasque and Aldyet's Anthem.

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Template credit goes to Bancroft Gairn... Stolen via Cho. All thanks to them both.