Madison Brookstone

Madison Brookstone
Gender	Female
Race	Hyur
Clan	Midlander
Citizenship	Ishgard
Age	20
Occupation	Musician and Astrologian
Orientation	Heterosexual

Basic Info

Madison is the daughter of Sharlayan refugees who fled to Ishgard when the research colony collapsed 27 years ago. Her parents, being academically and aetherically gifted, were able to make a decent living for themselves in the notoriously socially unaccepting landscape of Ishgard. She'd grow up in The Foundation but despite their middle class status, Madison would always find difficulties stemming from being born Hyuran. A recent arrival to the lower city states, Madison joined the Pathfinders as her first real employment. She works as a musician and performer in Neverfar's tavern.

LIKES ■ Visiting the "Lower City States" ■ Speaking with new people and learning new things ■ Astronomical Textbooks ■ Chivalry and Classical Gentleman - Especially Elezen

DISLIKES ■ Raised voices ■ Violence ■ Feeling Alone ■ Not being taken seriously ■ Miqo'te Men

Characteristics ■ She is proficient in many stringed instruments and her voice. She cannot play horns or percussion. ■ She enjoys baking. ■ She is aetherically gifted if somewhat unmotivated. ■ Deeply desires to learn more of Sharlayan and where her family came from. ■ She loves Ishgard, her birthplace, deeply but feels it will never love her in return.

OTHER ■ Favorite Food: She hides it but she loves food. Almost anything. ■ Favorite Drink: A nice red wine or some of Eddard's "Mop Water" ■ Favorite Color(s): White/Pink/Black/Red

Appearance & Personality

Madison is meekly framed and thus appears delicate. She was raised as a lady by her family and tends to carry herself as such except when in familiar company. She is a strawberry blonde with green eyes. She bears no scars or tokens from combat because she's never had to raise a hand against anyone or in defense. She is told she's beautiful but a lifetime of being treated as a secondary option or waved off like a fly leaves her utterly unaware and unsure of this. She prefers not to dwell on it and focuses on other aspects of her personality if the topic of physical form is brought up in conversation.

Madison has not the experience to say she understands true hardship, but she has traveled enough and seen enough of the Calamity's after effects to be sensitive to people's plights. She can sometimes be naive, always wanting to assume the best in people and will usually grant a benefit of the doubt before her trust is broken. Once it is done, however, she will put you through torment to earn it back. She understands poverty, hunger and loss from a very "academic" perspective and thusly tries to analyze people's behaviors to explain why they may act certain ways. For instance, she will attempt to rationalize with -why- a thief stole from her and discuss it rather then automatically resorting to anger or violence.

She never had a difficult time making friends but she could sometimes be withdrawn. A bit of an introvert, she can come across melancholy, especially when upset or angered. If her temper is roused then a bit of groveling or an apology is usually required to get back into her good graces. The girl can hold a grudge and it's not one of her more attractive qualities. Madison can also be prone to spouts of jealously. She can be possessive and result to passive aggressiveness should the situation escalate. Due to her experience and age, Madison can sometimes handle situations poorly. She is not vindictive and never means any real harm but her words can still damage more than she knows. She has a temper and try as she might it can oft flare depending on the situation. She will make an attempt to excuse herself to calm down but if her escape path is blocked than she can become physical.

Madison is aware that she is very lucky in her circumstances and as a result does not shine attention on it. She will often shy away from personal subjects about her background unless she feels she can trust whomever she speaking to. It's been her general experience that once someone knows her background they stop listening to her when she talks. Nothing will upset and infuriate her more quickly than insults being lodged her way over her upbringing. While she can normally deflect these fairly well from strangers, when they come from someone close they cut her deep.

Madison was recruited into the Pathfinders as a non-combatant, however, her studies as an astrologian didn't leave her with a lack of being able to defend herself. She was taught offensive and defensive combat patterns and maneuvers with an array of offensive spells at her disposal. However, Madison is an objector - reluctant to fight offensively unless truly provoked and forced to defend herself or others she cares for. If someone she loved were endangered she would draw a weapon...and hate herself for it later.

Biography

Childhood

As a child, Madison was lucky to have parents who held valuable education and trade skills. As a result, there was sufficient money for her to receive a proper education. Born under the sign of the Spinner, she began to show signs from an early age that she had inherited her mother's talents for Astrology and seeing into the wheels of fate. However, the traditional Sharlayan version of Astrology was akin to heresy in her younger years and Madison began learning the Ishgardian version. However, he mother did her best to guide her along the path and teach her the "proper" way of the craft.

The girl had to be exceedingly careful about not revealing this to anyone as it could have had her whole family executed. During the period she grew up, the inquisitors were fervent - yet to be revealed for the Zealots and Dravanians they were. Even those of the High Houses were not safe from accusation or wrath. There were days when someone she knew just wouldn't be at the observatory anymore. They'd been forced to jump to their death at Witchdrop in Coetheras.

Teenage

The second part of her education was intended to facilitate her marriage to a highborn gentleman. Madison is classically trained in music and adept at the art. Among her fluent instruments are the violin, cello, harp, harpsichord, piano and her voice. Her parents disallowed horns or percussion instruments, however, as these were deemed too masculine.

As she grew, it was highly encouraged that she grow into a proper lady and she made this her focus as much as her studies in her early years. She would often see the women in the Pillars walk about in fine dress and furs and emulate them - wanting to be just like them. However, one painful truth eluded her at her tender age. The majority of them were Elezen.

The fact that she was descended from Hyuran immigrants would become a major factor in her adolescence. Try as she might, none of the efforts she ever made were good enough and she constantly felt like an outsider in a society that subtly did not want her. The way she bloomed with age only made matters worse. Through showcasing her musical talents and her outward features she did occasionally catch the eye of gentleman that would have made well and proper matches. She took a shine to one particular gentleman only to have him crush her with the proposition of him making her his mistress while he searched for an Elezen wife. Madison's spirit in her society and what she'd been trained to be broke after that. She ceased going to the social events and gatherings her parents insisted she did. She holed herself up in her room with her Astronomy and her music.

Present

Once the Dravanians reared their head again and Ishgard opened the gates to seek help from outsiders, Madison saw a chance for her to escape and see things she'd only dreamed of before. Her parents, while loving, were reluctant to the idea but in the end they gave her some gil and watched as she packed her bags and left home, eager to see the world abroad.

Miscellaneous

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) ■ "Not much to really say about her. Pretty but quiet." -- Waitress at The Quicksand' ■ "I saw her snap and lose her temper once. Twas adorable the way she thought pacing around like that would do anythin." -- Retainer in Neverfar's Tavern' ■ "She's very friendly. Almost naively so. The girl needs a keeper." -- A Company Member' ◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear) ■ "Her parents spared no coin grooming that girl to marry her off and she failed at even that..” -- Gossiper in The Foundation ■ "Classically trained musician, she is. Playin in a damned tavern in Ul'dah. Guess she really is lost." -- A merchant in the Goblet ■ "She always had her own way of going about things. She tended to ignore the assigned readings and find her own ways to do the lessons." -- A fellow student at the Observatory ◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard) ■ "She head her heart broken by an Elezan man who wanted her to be a mistress instead of a wife. I can understand though. He can't well carry on his line with mutts for children.. " -- Merchant in The Foundation ■ "Voice of an angel, that one. She rarely does but iffen ya hear her sing...." -- Gardner in the Goblet ■ "Tis a miracle her whole foriegn family wasn't executed. They're lucky they proved themselves useful and wern't leeches like the majority of refugees..." -- A Gentleman in The Pillars ◢ PC Rumors (Rumors from the character's of other players) ■ "She needs to hire a bodyguard to defend her from the line of 'gentleman', brutes, creeps, and Miqo'men that wish to take her hand for marriage. She has beautiful talents, but I do not think that is enough for the good men of this land. I will teach her the ways of the dirt one day, then she will be irresistible." - Syf Kha ■ "She's a good woman an' has a pretty voice! People say that she carries herself with some kind o' noble upbringin', but I think people jus' ain' used ta polite an' friendly folks anymore. 'm sure she's jus' a regular ol' lass like th' lot o' ya. If not, then 's no surprise where she mighta gotten 'er manners from, eh?" - Talan Dracht ■ "She certainly can turn a few heads! Though to be honest I do not know much about her, 'ave only seen her a few times while hanging out with the Pathfinders. Seems to be the uppity-uppity type though. I think she's an Ishgardian, which I guess would explain!" - Cullen West ■ "She's a very loyal friend, perhaps to a fault; she's willing to help with problems she best stay away from. Even if it's a trait that causes me to worry, it's one that shows the quality of her character. It is a pleasure to have her around the company." - Eddard Holt ■ "Miss Brookstone? O, how sweetly the songbird sings! A more accomplished musician I've hardly met, and the woman herself is near saintly. Alas that the heads she turns are hardly so worthy of her attentions, mine own included." - Zigovali Rigovali

RELATIONS ♥ Mated/Lovers/Dating    ♥ Romantic Interest/Crush/Affectionate    ♥ Sexual Desire   ● Friendly    ● Neutral    ● Negative ♥ Ausaux Grimand - This Duskwight, or Shader as he's wont to call himself, met Madison by random chance. She crossed paths with him and Forgotten Treant at the same time in Ul'dah. The way he spoke and carried himself drew her to him instantly, like a moth to a flame. It took all the courage the girl had to spark conversation with him. A conversation that he was, to her surprise, very willing to have. The days after they met were wrought with strife, with the two seldom having a moment alone due to Ausaux's business engagements. However, as time went on the initial spark between them grew into something far more. Madison remains convinced he saw her coming, divining through his magic. Current events and attempts on his life have pushed him into hiding and, when faced with the choice, Madison went with him. She dropped everything immediately to be at his side. His frequent absences pain her far more than she admits and she struggles to balance the amount of time she finds herself alone. ♥ Eddard Holt - Try as she might and despite her efforts to bury it, Madison can't seem to squelch what draws her to him. Beneath his growly, tough exterior lies the man she swore she saw at the beginning and despite his efforts to hide it her current predicament has brought that man out in him more than he knows. She's told him as much, wanting to remain honest with him despite her temporary departure from the company. Eddard even came to visit her in Gridania during one of the few moments she found herself able to venture into the city proper. Their nightly talks over her linkpearl have become something of a habit and something she enjoys very much. Madison is beginning to find it exceedingly difficult to keep anything from Eddard, revealing to him far more than she thinks any of her current companions would be comfortable with. ● Shay Baien - Madison met Shay the same night she met Ausaux and Treant. The three have been in an arguement ever since about Shay's insistance regarding the battles he claims to have been in. Madison did her best to remain impartial on the subject, not siding one way or another but the situation heated until it broke out in violence one evening. After that Shay revealed things to her that caused her to question the man's sanity and she distanced herself. She still cares for Shay and worries for him, wondering where he got off to after they parted ways. His absence was not lost on her. ● Syf Kha - Madison loves Syf and considers her a good friend even though she's wholly unaware of the tribal implications the girl brings to the table. Madison would happily engage in them while being unaware of how seriously Syf takes it. ● Talan Dracht - Talan strikes Madison as a genuine sort. Truly kind, truly gentlemanly. A bright spot in an otherwise very gray world. She finds herself strangely protective of him. ● Chief Neverfar - The namesake for Neverfar's tavern. A cheerful Roe and an excellent storyteller. Barring that, Madison doesn't know much of him. He is often away on business, leaving much of running things to fall to Eddard and herself. ● Forgotten Treant - A good friend of Ausaux and, by his claim, an older brother to the man. Madison valued his insight and advice regarding many things but she's realizing he has a belligerent streak to him that needs to be reined in. One part of her secretly enjoys it though. It keeps him youthful. ● Dante Thalmos - When Madison originally met Dante she didn't expect to know him long if at all. She thought he was a peculiar sort, rude and impertinent yet with a very excellent sense of humor. She often found herself wanting to glower at him as often as she found herself laughing at his quips. Unbeknownst to everyone but Dante and Ausaux, Madison endangered herself greatly to try and heal the dragoon but she learned much from the process. She's confided in him about her desire to get stronger and he cautioned her against losing herself in the process. ● Alfort Vaulant - ● Luminous Moon - Though they only met a few times, Moon had a strong impact on Madison. Here was a woman that managed to be herself and be crass and still maintain the company of gentleman. How did she do it?? Didn't they grow tired of her..?? Amazement could be a term to describe it. The memory of her bluntness and her words carry on with Madison as she tries, and often fails, to incorporate it in to her own behavior. She wonders what might have become of her. ● Reilan Orycia - ● R'vi Lyrre - A business associate of Ausaux's. Their initial introduction did nothing to help Madison become fond of her and her current living situation and proximity to Ausaux downright irritate her. Despite this, Madison does her best to be polite to the woman and would attempt to be friends with her if the gesture was mutual. ● Footnotes and OOC Information I created Madison to be a very "normal" character. She is an embodiment of "K.I.S.S" (Keep It Simple Son) and while I do not shy away from placing her in extraordinary circumstances, Madison herself will never be exceptionally powerful or remarkable. As of this time, she will always just be a woman. Mature themes in RP is fine and keeps it interesting. I have no issues with violence, sexuality, drug use, crime, etc. If I trust the people involved I will roleplay out almost anything - even things I usually limit out. Approach me with your idea and I'll likely be on board. However, please ask before your characters perform any actions that will affect my character or a physical or emotional level. I reserve the right to ignore actions that will cause affects to my character that I do not want to roleplay. I.E. Disfigurement, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, Death. Please be aware that Madison's actions or feelings do not reflect on you as a person. I appreciate IC/OOC separation. I am very very strict about the lore and adhere to it and will not engage in lorebendy plots with strangers.