Shoshopu is a shortish Lalafell, a little under three fulms in height, with medium-dark skin. Her hair is a deep, dark brown that fades to a lighter chestnut color at the ends. She keeps it plaited on either side of her face, and tied into a chocobotail on top of her head. She almost always has a cheery smile on her heavily freckled face. Bright green eyes that ever sparkle with curiosity shine from beneath thick, dark and comically emotive eyebrows. Basically, she's adorable. Her notably thick eyebrows, as well as her dark-skinned nose, are features that run in her family.
Scars & Markings: She has no remarkable scars. She has a dark-skinned nose and many freckles on her face and shoulders.
Voice:Shoshopu's voice is very distinctive. It is high-pitched and "chipper" sounding, and her laughter and squeaky giggles can be a little grating to the ears, yet always heartwarming. She is well-spoken but speaks with an interesting cadence that is likely a result of her family's accent.
Clothing: Shoshopu prefers cool flowy shirts and robes in neutral earthtones, such as brown and leafy green. She also appreciates durable leather boots, and hers are often caked with dirt. For combat and spellcasting, she owns an authentic Allagan Summoner's horn and black robes which were crafted as replicas of Allagan magi robes which she keeps very clean.
Shoshopu is an extrovert, loving to meet new people and tag along with them on their adventures. She's intrepid! Curious! And ever the optimist. Determined to improve her craft, Shoshopu will absorb all the information she can about arcanima and magic in general. She will take any opportunity to help someone in need, for doing so often provides learning opportunities, too!
Shoshopu is an arcanist, with competencies in its contagion magicks and in summoning carbuncles. In fact, summoning an emerald carbuncle was her first act as an arcanist. Through training and practice she has become a competent healer as well, with spells such as Physick and even some Nymian spells such as Leeches. She can patch you up, though more intense healing is still beyond her comfort zone.
Shoshopu is also a practitioner of the ancient Allagan art of summoning. She has the ability to summon a Leviathan-egi, and after many moons of practice, she can command the Leviathan-egi as easily as a carbuncle. She can sustain the egi for quite some time and with relatively little effort. Because she has little literature and no formal training, she has adapted the art to her needs and developed various 'improvements'. She's always experimenting to find new ways to make her egi more effective in combat.
She is also gifted with the Echo. Among other things, it grants Shoshopu an uncanny ability to remember just about everything she's read which was written by hand. Although she does not yet have at-will control of it, she also has a special way to take control of her egi that is associated with the Echo, which is detailed here.
1555 - 1571 6AE
Shoshopu was born in the hamlet of The Golden Bazaar in Eastern Thanalan on the 3rd Sun of the Third Astral Moon in 1555, to Hahabaru Uubaru and Ruruza Ruza, preceded by four older brothers. Her nomadic family traveled atop a group of giant tortoises, in a traditional Dunesfolk fashion. Their large family was thought to be the last scions of an ancient tradition that once spanned several tribes. Her parents had the largest tortoise, and each of her brothers had their own tortoise, scaling in size in descending order of age. Being the youngest child, she would ride on her parents' tortoise. She was quite small and frail as an infant, and remained so in childhood. Because of this, she was sheltered by her parents, rarely getting to leave the established premises of the caravan. Though her father was illiterate, her mother, the daughter of a Thavnairian trader, taught her children letters, and Shoshopu became fond of reading.
Sometime in 1563, at the age of eight, she experienced a mysterious vision- during which she had fallen unconscious- of a rain of stars falling from the sky. Her parents, who in her small world were as founts of all knowledge, had no explanation of the experience, and in fact became more fearful for her health as a result of the vision. She launched herself at every new bit of knowledge she could find, hoping to learn something about this vision; she didn't, though in her reading she quickly found enjoyment in maths and geometry. She had the privilege to read more and pursue intellectual disciplines while her brothers had more physical competencies.
As the family could only carry so many non-essential items at any given time, Shoshopu's collection of books and magical trinkets cycled often, exchanging old for new at every stop her family made at the camps and markets throughout Thanalan. The pursuit of knowledge never ceased for Shoshopu, nor did her vivid dreams. She never saw the starfall again, but would often dream of what she'd been reading- famous battles, glorious songs and dancing geometries. In a routine visit to Drybone, Shoshopu saw for the first time what would grab her interest and never let go for the rest of her days: a Dunesfolk mage accompanied by a floating, fiery, horned creature. She slipped away from her parents for a few precious minutes to inquire about the familiar. The mage briefly explained the most basic principles of arcanima before the young Lalafell was dragged back to her family's caravan. Shoshopu never forgot the encounter.
In the months that followed, she began exchanging her old books for gil instead of different books. She saved money in this manner up until the next time the family stopped in Ul'dah to barter and resupply on her 16th namesday. It was that day in the market stalls Shoshopu found exactly what she had been looking for: a Carbuncle's ruby and a grimoire. The family returned to the desert that night, and Shoshopu didn't sleep until she successfully conjured her first Carbuncle.
After her first successful demonstration of arcanima, Shoshopu's parents finally began to see that she was no longer in need of their constant supervision, at least whenever she had Carbuncle by her side. She would join her brothers on their foraging excursions, where she gained firsthand knowledge of Thanalan's flora and fauna. It was also during this time that Popoto, a tortoise that hatched the day Shoshopu was born, was designated as her personal tortoise.
1572 6AE - 4 7UE
During the chaos of the Seventh Umbral Calamity, Shoshopu's family, like many others, sought refuge in Ul'dah. The devastated, barren landscape could no longer support their nomadic lifestyle, at least for a time. However, the influx of travelers to the city proved a great opportunity for Shoshopu to learn more about arcanima, from bartered books and the words of fellow arcanists. Her family took up a more permanent residence near the outside walls of the city, and for the next few years, Shoshopu would venture into the city daily in her search for knowledge and experience. She and her brothers- but mostly her brothers- would occasionally steal food to get by. The youngest brother, Babariyo, would also participate in underground fighting rings, on which his siblings would place bets. It was in this way the family got by during their time in Ul'dah. Once the dust had settled, and the ports opened up once again, Shoshopu bid farewell to her family and set sail for Limsa Lominsa in the fourth year of the Seventh Umbral Era to join the Arcanist's Guild.
5 7UE – Present
And so after an uneventful and quiet voyage, Shoshopu arrived in the grand city of Limsa Lominsa, and collapsed unceremoniously right at the docks. In her unconsciousness she had nightmares, again of falling stars, this time accompanied by a fleet of burning ships, then the sensation of drowning... She awoke with a start, finding herself in the arms of a large Roegadyn with salt-and-pepper hair, a face smeared with oil and grease, and an odor of alcohol. Fyrilsunn Fiandoensyn. Apparently worried for her safety, the shipwright had taken it upon himself to watch her until she awoke. The diminutive Lalafell was intimidated by him at first; he must have been at least seven and a half fulms tall, and three fulms wide, and was a man of few words. However, Fyrilsunn proved to be an amiable fellow, and Shoshopu was happy to count him as her first new friend on her latest adventure.
Shoshopu easily made her way into the ranks of the Arcanist's Guild, and with Fyrilsunn's guidance, she began to learn the ins and outs of the city alongside her craft. Once she felt she'd learned all she could within the bounds of Limsa Lominsa, she obliged her urge to wander, this time with Fyrilsunn for companionship. The two became fast friends, and once the felt they had exhausted all of La Noscea of its adventure, the two looked to join a a greater cause, finding themselves in the Maelstrom 81st Foreign Levy, where their adventures would continue...
Color Key
♥ In A Relationship: Shoshopu is romantically involved with this character.
♥ Romantic Attraction: Shoshopu is romantically interested in this character.
♥ Sexual Attraction Shoshopu is physically interested in this character.
♥ Platonic Love/Family: Shoshopu considers this person family.
♦ Friend: Shoshopu considers this person her friend.
♦ Friendly Acquaintance: Shoshopu considers this person mostly friendly, or as an ally.
● Good Standing: Shoshopu has no specific feelings about this character, however they left a good impression.
● Neutral: Shoshopu has no specific feelings about this character.
● Bad Standing: Shoshopu has no specific feelings about this character, however they left a bad impression.
♠ Dislike: Shoshopu doesn't consider this person a friend, and will talk if needed, but try to avoid them.
♠ Hate: Shoshopu considers this person an annoyance, and will try to avoid them. Conflict can happen.
♠ Fear: Shoshopu is terrified by this character, and will try to avoid them at all cost.
♠ Rivalry: Shoshopu considers this person a rival, and will try to initiate conflict every time she gets to meet them.
♥ Family Member: This character is related by blood to Shoshopu.
✔ Business: This character is either Shoshopu's employer, employee, or coworker.
✖ Deceased: This character has passed away.
?Hidden Feelings/Unknown: This character has one or more of any of the color keys above, but Shoshopu isn't fully aware of it yet.
NPC
Hahabaru Uubaru♥♥( NPC ) - Father
Loud and charismatic, often encouraging of mischief, but he knows when to get serious. Born of a long line of Dunesfolk nomads. Completely and entirely illiterate. Shoshopu loves him very much and despite the eventual disparity that formed between their cultural values, she regards his opinion very highly.
Ruruza Ruza♥♥( NPC ) - Mother
A calm, quiet, deeply maternal figure. Born into a family of rich Thavnairian traders, and was very well off in Ul'dah before meeting and falling for Hahabaru. It is she who taught Shoshopu how to read. Shoshopu takes more after her than her father.
Sosoida Gogoida ♥♥( NPC ) - Eldest Brother
He takes most after their mother. He is quiet, serious, and responsibility-oriented, fully intending to carry on the family's traditions, even if he has to do it on her own. Shoshopu is glad that at least he remains with the family, for she feels guilty for mostly leaving "the life" behind her.
Fifilao Zizilao ♥♠( NPC ) - The Outcast
Shoshopu's third oldest brother. He resembles his mother, but looks nothing like his father, with his pearly pallor and pink hair. It's likely Hahabaru isn't even his father at all, but it's a very touchy subject! He's kind of an arse, and Shoshopu's least favorite brother, though she doesn't harbor the ire for him that her father and Fifilao's two older brothers do.
Babariyo Nunuriyo ♥♥( NPC ) - Youngest Brother
The youngest of Shoshopu's four older brothers. He's very mischievous and a decent pugilist. Participated in underground fighting rings during the family's time as refugees in Ul'dah. He's Shoshopu's favorite brother.
Popoto♥( NPC ) - Animal Companion
Hatched the same day that Shoshopu was born, Popoto is a female adamantoise that serves as Shoshopu's mount and future foundation for her home, as per her family's readition. Large enough to ride but not yet large enough to mount a howdah upon, Popoto lives in the extensive chocobo stables of the 81st, dining on the finest vegetables (that were meant for chocobos). She is very tame, takes orders well (from Shoshopu), and enjoys being patted upon the nose.
Sona Vali♦( NPC ) - Ok' Zundu Ally
While working jobs for House Haillenarte, the 81st spent some time building good relations with the local beast tribes of the Sea of Clouds while stationed at Camp Cloudtop, and Shoshopu was one of the members assigned to the task. Sona Vali is a young Vanu Vanu who was merely half Fyrilsunn's height when she and Shoshopu first met. Sona is very curious about Shoshopu and the netherlings' lifestyle, and she and Shoshopu became fast friends. When Shoshopu gets to visit Ok' Zundu, Sona asks of "Fyril Sun", "Zigo Vali", and Shoshopu's adventures.
A fellow 81st member. Shoshopu and Auriana haven't spoken much lately, because they've been assigned away from eachother often, though they are somewhat close. Auriana and Fyrilsunn still speak rather frequently, though. Shopu can't decide if she sounds like she's doing better or doing worse, from what she's seen and heard, but she's always willing to lend a helping hand.
A mysterious stranger who apparently considers her a friend, though the feeling isn't mutual. Shopu is frankly terrified by his abilities, and whenever she's around him she's constantly on edge, worried that he'll snap. It doesn't help that he doesn't seem to know how to ask for information without sounding extremely creepy or threatening, and what's worse, he can't seem to grasp the concept. She keeps her opinion of him to herself, only warning others that Eligor is more dangerous than he appears. She believes his actions speak for themselves.
The very first person Shoshopu met coming off the boat from Thanalan to La Noscea. Waking up in his arms and seeing his face is her earliest memory of Limsa Lominsa. They're something of opposites, but they complement eachother. In fact, she finds great comfort in what is their most visible difference-- their size-- and can often be found clinging to him, sitting on his shoulders or resting in his arms. It's not so simple a combination of "brains and brawn", though. Fyrilsunn isn't learned in magic, but he is clever, being trained in naval engineering in his time in the Maelstrom, and he's a skilled craftsman besides. When he's actually in a talkative mood, Shoshopu relishes the chance to pick his brain.
Shoshopu has come to develop something like romantic feelings for Fyrilsunn. Though she's painfully aware that he doesn't feel the same way about her, she's come to accept this, and knows he still cares very deeply for her. From time to time Fyrilsunn becomes... interested in other people, but Shoshopu trusts him to never leave her behind. Working together, the two haven't met an obstacle they couldn't overcome. But one thing has yet threatened to come between them, but Shoshopu is very forgiving and sympathetic towards him, and would stay by his side to help him conquer his inner demons.
Shoshopu's second-oldest brother. Jujuwai's a bit of a scoundrel, but he's got a good head on his shoulders. Unlike their oldest brother, Sosoida, he's not stuck on their old lifestyle, and intends to seek his own fortune, as Shopu had. She was surprised at first to see him taking up arcanima, but his natural talent for maths and tinkering lent itself well to it. She also thinks he still tries way too hard to look cool.
Shoshopu's rival in cuteness! It's a completely friendly rivalry, of course. Shoshopu respects her courage and her work ethic, and loves to spend time with her. In spite of their different upbringings, they both have similar interests and attitudes. They're both adept arcanists, though Kikira specializes more in healing, which Shopu believes rounds them out well. They also share a mutual fondness for carbuncles and have similar aesthetic taste.
A good friend in the 81st who goes by "Sparrow". He can be dramatic and overly emotional, but he's proven time and again to be a friend to her, providing her comfort and assistance when able. He's also the source of several of the good cards in her Triple Triad deck. Though he's had his own share of problems lately, Shopu has no knowledge or ability to offer input on them, which is both to her annoyance and regret. If she could, though, she certainly would!
A Lieutenant of the Maelstrom 81st Foreign Levy, Shoshopu has singled him out to be the smartest member, whether or not he actually is, probably because they are both Dunesfolk Lalafell of intellectual inclination. He is also something of an older brother figure to Shoshopu (in addition to the four brothers she already has), always looking out for her well-being. She looks up to him highly and hopes to someday match his strength in arcanima and willpower. Shopu also thinks Ralamano admirable in his concern for others, but should for once take care of himself. Perhaps someday she'll have to when he can't.
The Captain of the 81st Maelstrom Foreign Levy Company. Having served under him for a few years now, she respects him as both a friend and leader. Though she knows little of his personal life from before the point when she and Fyrilsunn joined the 81st, the Captain has seen the company through many hardships since she's joined and has proven himself to be resilient, loyal, and trustworthy.
A fellow arcanist, Shopushopu finds his shy behavior endearing, thinking it belies his magical potential. She loves chatting with him about arcanima, as he is knowledgeable in areas she currently is not yet. He calls her "Master Shoshopu", which honestly makes her feel pretty awesome. The two most commonly discuss the finer aspects of arcanima and he is constantly surprising her with his innovations, things he finds small that she sees greater potential in.
R'miah has fit right in with the rest of the 81st, though it took some time for her to officially join. As Rhesh'ir's lover and something of a second mother to Riel'a, Shoshopu sees some aspects of Y'lyfriel in R'miah; but in those reminders she also sees the many ways in which R'miah is not her...
Shoshopu is vexed by Ruruni, wife of Eligor Abigor. Ruruni herself seems very sweet and likes to offer her assistance, so why is she with such a terrifyingly dangerous individual like Eligor? In another world she and Shopu would be friends, but her association with Eligor has Shopu keeping Ruruni at arm's length.
A very kind and motherly figure. Senelle has great inner strength and emotional fortitude, which Shoshopu greatly respects, and she often finds herself confiding things in Senelle she would speak of to no one else. This Elezen has a way of working Shoshopu's secret worries out of her, and she's always happy to help with them afterwards. For many reasons she feels eternally indebted to Senelle, though life often takes them down different paths, and Shoshopu doesn't find many opportunities to return the favor.
A person Shoshopu greatly respected as a friend, leader, and scholar. From her very first day in the 81st Foreign Levy, Lyfriel was a very important and supportive figure for Shoshopu, and always seemed to have an answer to every question. Shoshopu had so much she wanted to learn from Lyfriel, and now she'll never have the chance to. The autographed, first-edition tomes on Allag and summoning that Lyfriel gave to her are the Lalafell's most prized possessions.
Though Zarek was a part of their company since before she joined, Shoshopu still doesn't know much about him. He's an intriguing and powerful figure, and his quiet, strong, and compassionate nature reminds her of someone else she regards highly. His apparently deep trust and respect for her is as flattering as it is flustering.
Shoshopu met this loquacious Lalafell at the Runestone, as a spectator. It took her an embarrassingly long amount of time to figure out he wasn't just flirting with her for the fun of it! Though she sometimes struggles to convey her feelings with words (for they are complicated by her aversion to sexuality, and her relative feelings for Fyrilsunn as well), her love for Zigovali burns passionately. She's very grateful for his respect for her personal boundaries... and for his defense of her honor, even if he goes a little overboard sometimes. They are engaged to be wed and intend for their ceremony to follow the traditions of her nomadic cultural roots.
This girl can cook! The easiest way into good standing with Shoshopu is through her stomach, it would seem. Z'koa is also polite, compassionate, and an all-around agreeable and likable person. Shoshopu respects her aptitude with animal handling, and is most interested in an apparent psychic connection she made with Shopu's adamantoise, Popoto. She's curious what the particulars of this ability are and how she could help Z'koa utilize them.
Name Goes Here( Status Icons Go Here )( NPC ) - Title Given By Character Goes Here
Text, text, text, text.
Some of these rumors are untrue, speculation, or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under the Player Character category!
NPC
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◢ Common Rumors - Easily overheard. Use these freely!
■ "Shoshopu runs that magic tournament in the Mist every fortnight or so. Spellguard, she calls it." -Curious mage
■ "Shoshopu... oh, yes! She's from those turtle riders, right? I haven't seen her in a while." -Ul'dahn refugee
■ "She likes to talk so much, she makes me feel exhausted." -Tavern patron
■ "She's 'n odd sort. Clings to this one ol' Roegadyn like a damned barnacle." -Lominsan pirate
◢ Uncommon Rumors -A little more difficult to hear. Use sparingly or ask first!
■ "I've heard... she's a summoner now. I've never seen the like, but I'd love to." -Arcanist Guild Member
■ "Last I 'eard she and some friends won it big in a Triple Triad tournament. Dunno if 'at's related to the missin' tortoise, though I 'eard the Gold Saucer 'ad some." -Thanalan trader
■ "You should've seen her at Runestone XXXVII! She went undefeated, with a spectacular finish too! What a show it was!" -Runestone Enthusiast
◢ Rare Rumors -Very rarely overheard. Please ask before using!
■ "That one. She's always lookin' for weird trinkets. Gems, bits of metal, chunks of driftwood. Wonder what she does with it all..." -Lominsan merchant
PC
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◢ Player Character Rumors -Feel free to add rumors of your own!
■ "I once saw Shoshopu summon a Leviathan-egi. I've never seen another summoner conjure one. She's worth keeping an eye on." War Bear
■ "Shoshopu's got brains, I'll give her that~! I've never been bested so easily in Triple Triad before. Her abilities as a summoner are unparalleled, and with recent happenings, she might just have a place as a mentor to quite a few! Maybe myself, should I ever pick up a deck again." Lynn'wo Vahnal
■ "Shoshopu! Sublime, supreme, and oh so lovely an individual! Her ability in arcane affairs iz admirable; I've never met an arcanist that iz her peer. She iz also possessed of a brilliant mind, a pure heart, a melodious laugh, beautiful eyes..." Zigovali Rigovali
■ "Eyebrow Lady's snake of water has the scent of home. She knows the feeling of being among many of her blood. She understands the gift of Aether, how to be generous with words... Many things I can learn from, and to the last I am an inept student." Virara Wakuwa
■ "Shoshopu's yer proof that size doesn't reflect strength. Lass ain't just good at what she does, she pushes the boundaries of the whole study. If that ain't bloody impressive fer someone so young, ah don't know what is." Brielle Ashenfist
■ I will play mature content and themes as long as they make sense for the characters. Down for combat, temporary injury and incapacitation.
■ Ask about long-term and/or permanent injury, disfigurement/mutilation, stuff like that. I really prefer to discuss long-term things in advance.
■ I won't play permanent character death or anything involving sex with this character. She finds it extremely uncomfortable and I find the thought of her in a sexual context pretty uncomfortable as well.
Disclaimer
■ OOC communication is important to me! Don't be afraid to share your thoughts with me and I'll try to not be afraid to share mine with you! I'm not a very sensitive or easily offended individual myself, so please feel free to let me know in advance if you have any themes you're uncomfortable with or potential triggers we should avoid if you think it's something that might come up. It's just something I try to be conscious about.
Links Out
Links that lead off the wiki, but are technically relevant to the character.
