Difference between revisions of "Cyrilaux Ardouin"
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"Hold your tongue. We're talking about ghosts of the past. While I may carry the memories of the man you knew as Cyrilaux Ardouin, we are not the same individual. Not anymore."
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By all accounts, Cyrilaux and his brother should have been doomed to the rest of their days as street urchins in some forgotten corner of the Brume, or executed in one way or another like the rest of his kinsmen. Yet it was by the divine grace and enormous political influence of Lord Edmont de Fortemps that the two managed to survive. The nobleman and head of House Fortemps somehow miraculously convinced the other high lords and Archbishop himself not only to spare the boys from certain death, but put them under his official protection. Lord Fortemps argued that two children so young could not possibly have been involved in the Dravanian plot, and that showing mercy on them would prove a popular gesture among the plebian masses. As the bodies of House Ardouin burned or hanged in the streets of Foundation, Archbishop Thordan VII surprisingly acquiesced to the request – though rumors that this was done to cast doubt over the reputation of the otherwise pristine House Fortemps certainly circulated. | By all accounts, Cyrilaux and his brother should have been doomed to the rest of their days as street urchins in some forgotten corner of the Brume, or executed in one way or another like the rest of his kinsmen. Yet it was by the divine grace and enormous political influence of Lord Edmont de Fortemps that the two managed to survive. The nobleman and head of House Fortemps somehow miraculously convinced the other high lords and Archbishop himself not only to spare the boys from certain death, but put them under his official protection. Lord Fortemps argued that two children so young could not possibly have been involved in the Dravanian plot, and that showing mercy on them would prove a popular gesture among the plebian masses. As the bodies of House Ardouin burned or hanged in the streets of Foundation, Archbishop Thordan VII surprisingly acquiesced to the request – though rumors that this was done to cast doubt over the reputation of the otherwise pristine House Fortemps certainly circulated. | ||
− | And so both Cyrilaux and Valmont were adopted as wards of House Fortemps, with the caveat that any further Dravanian attacks within the city would fall directly to Lord Edmont himself to claim responsibility. Cyrilaux was assigned as the personal retainer of | + | And so both Cyrilaux and Valmont were adopted as wards of House Fortemps, with the caveat that any further Dravanian attacks within the city would fall directly to Lord Edmont himself to claim responsibility. Cyrilaux was assigned as the personal retainer of Artoirel, Edmont’s middle son and heir. The two boys were very close in age and became fast friends. Even though Cyrilaux had become a mere servant, over the years the bonds between him and the young Fortemps children grew to become as a second family to him – the older brothers he never had, and siblings to fill the gap left by Rinelle’s untimely death. He especially looked up to Haurchefont Greystone, Edmont’s bastard oldest son, as the two were in multiple ways outcasts from proper Ishgardian society that they lived in and served. Cyrilaux especially wanted to become a knight in his footsteps, and convinced Haurchefant to teach him all he knew in the ways of sword and spear. |
Over the next decade, the Fortemps’ influence molded Cyrilaux into a well-rounded and hardworking young man, even if his own ties to and trust of the aristocracy had been forever severed by the attack on his family in his childhood. Unfortunately, Ishgardian clergymen had not forgotten Cyrilaux’s early history – Holy See inquisitors would never let a suspected Dravanian traitor be accepted into knighthood. Still, Cyrilaux had developed the heart of a public servant, and arranged to leave the service of House Fortemps and enlist as a supply runner for the Temple Knights. At this time, the military had been ramping up for an imminent attack from the dragons – the lesser moon of Dalamud had grown so large in the sky during the past months that it was causing widespread aetherial disturbances all over Eorzea. Correspondence with the other three city-states had made it clear that this phenomenon was the result of inconceivable machinations of the Garlean Empire. Though the newly formed Eorzean alliance was preparing for a massive counterattack against the Garleans on the plains of Carteneau, the official policy of Ishgard was to not spare a single soldier away from the efforts of the Dragonsong War. | Over the next decade, the Fortemps’ influence molded Cyrilaux into a well-rounded and hardworking young man, even if his own ties to and trust of the aristocracy had been forever severed by the attack on his family in his childhood. Unfortunately, Ishgardian clergymen had not forgotten Cyrilaux’s early history – Holy See inquisitors would never let a suspected Dravanian traitor be accepted into knighthood. Still, Cyrilaux had developed the heart of a public servant, and arranged to leave the service of House Fortemps and enlist as a supply runner for the Temple Knights. At this time, the military had been ramping up for an imminent attack from the dragons – the lesser moon of Dalamud had grown so large in the sky during the past months that it was causing widespread aetherial disturbances all over Eorzea. Correspondence with the other three city-states had made it clear that this phenomenon was the result of inconceivable machinations of the Garlean Empire. Though the newly formed Eorzean alliance was preparing for a massive counterattack against the Garleans on the plains of Carteneau, the official policy of Ishgard was to not spare a single soldier away from the efforts of the Dragonsong War. |
Revision as of 16:27, 25 September 2017
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A newer member of the Wood Wailers of Gridania. According to some of the older villagers, Cyrilaux appeared in the Twelveswood shortly after the Calamity of the Seventh Umbral Era with nary a gil or tale to his name. At first glance, he gives the impression of a man of little ambition, seemingly content with keeping out of the spotlight while serving as a mid-level member of the Lancer’s Guild. Despite clearly not being a Gridanian native, his uncanny skill with a spear has helped him earn the trust of the local populations as a reliable, if not unadorned, soldier. His somewhat stiff and noble mannerisms divulge his true background as Show text
used to being in the company of lords.
Cyril has been known to carry a spear since taking his first steps in Gridania about five years ago. When on duty as a member of the Lancer’s Guild, Cyril wears the standard Wood Wailer uniform complete with mask. Otherwise, he typically sticks to unassuming clothing so as not to stand out, seemingly by deliberate choice. While he has been a part of the Gridanian military for at least a few years now, he has never been said to have been seriously injured. Thus, it is unknown what caused the prominent scar on the left side of his face.
Aspects That Stand Out:
When on duty, he will often be found in areas of the Black Shroud, or in Gridania, keeping the peace. He will leave the Twelveswood on official assignments and missions.
Almost as if by deliberate choice, Cyrilaux is content with his role as a steadfast, reliable, yet unambitious member of the Wood Wailers, and very rarely speaks of his own hopes and dreams beyond his standard duties. As a traveling companion, he is happy to let others take the reins, merely providing the support – both in battle prowess and as a motivator – to see others reach their goals. Despite this, he is no stranger to taking command, and would never allow the lack of clear direction or leadership steer a group towards failure, at least in responsibilities to friend and realm. Yet these same qualities would serve to betray his own deep desires and disparage his hidden potential. Something is keeping him shackled – fears, doubts or something more sinister? Without a push in the right direction, he seems intent to live and die without experiencing all that Eorzea has to offer.
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■ Aliases: Cyril, Cyr ■ Citizenship: Gridania ■ Allegiance: Order of the Twin Adder ■ Nationality: Show text
■ Hair color: Dark Brown ■ Eye color: Light blue ■ Alignment: Neutral good ■ Favorite Food: Bouillabaisse ■ Favorite Drink: Doman Tea |