Maariya Genhu
 Ser Maariya Genhu
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 "A Paladin is a pillar of their people." | |
| Gender | Female |
| Race | Miqo'te |
| Clan | Seeker of the Sun |
| Citizenship | Ishgard |
| Place of Birth | Ul'dah |
| Guardian(s) | The Twelve |
| Nameday | 11th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon (Age: 34) |
| Occupation | Knight-Banneret of Ishgard |
| House Affiliation | House Durendaire |
| Former Titles | :
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Work in progress!
Background Summary
Early Life:
"You sure you want to bet on the Dancing Sapphire? She's rather young ain't she?."
Ul'dahn Coliseum Spectator—
Maariya Genhu was born in the Jewel of the Desert. Ul'dah, the vibrant stone city of commerce, religious practice and power. Born in the lower social caste to an artisan family settling in the city proper after abandoning tribal life, Maariya grew up disconnected from Miqo'te culture and traditions. Growing up in the smithy of her family, she learned about the tools of war and the basic laws of Ul'dah's trading ways. She found herself especially fascinated by the Gladiator customers who sought out her father for equipment maintenance and the forging of new weapons for the arenas. Specifically a Highlander male by the name of Baldwyn. A personal friend of the family and frequent visitor whose stories she adored and whose matches she watched whenever her family did allow her so.
It was not to last as several years later her family succumbed to an Amalj'aa ambush on a travelling caravan out in Thanalan, leaving her orphaned. It was then when Baldwyn decided to take over the role of parenthood and raise her to the best of his abilities. This was to be her ticket into the life of a Gladiator. What started as a simple means to defend herself, Baldwyn taught her the ways of the blade and varies other weapons until she was old enough to become a member of the Ul'dahn Gladiator's Guild. It was there she honed her talents until her first debut down on the Bloodsands.
Going through years of coliseum life, she tested her mettle against beast and fellow man alike, downing and besting foes with swift strikes and impressive agility. For her fighting style and iconic blue hair and equipment, she earned the gladiator name; The Dancing Sapphire of Ul'dah.
Beginning to amass a small fortune of prize money, Maariya became well acquainted with higher tiers of Ul'dahn society at the numerous parties she and other top Gladiators were invited to. It was here she made some of her first friends. Fellow Miqo'te employed by a wealthy business man and brothel owner. before long it became common habit she'd visit them after a battle to have them see to her injuries. She was specifically drawn to a timid Keeper by the name of Lireh. A young woman she found to be in a precarious situation, with her unwillingness to perform the role of courtesan.
Ul'dah's Elite:
"To be a Paladin is to be a pillar for our people. We carry the weight of our society upon our shoulders and we stand firm as a bastion of justice and hope. We never budge, we never crumble. Not for as long as a single innocent has need of our shield. Remember this, Maariya. And never lose sight of what it means to be a Paladin, Free or otherwise."
Braxton Ashlund—
As Maariya made a name for herself and earned enough money to forge herself a life in the ever coin swallowing city of Ul'dah, Maariya mustered her courage to confront the one fascination she had aside from her own gladiatorial life. The Sultansworn. Said to be among Ul'dah's very elite fighters and staunch protectors of the Sultanate. If she still had one dream, it would be to become Paladin. And as fortune would have it, her wish was granted, but at no small price.
Among the many commandments of the Sultansworn, she had to retire from her sport and likewise part with many comforts she had earned and replace them with new hardships and trials. In her final act as Gladiator she poured a vast majority of her wealth into the Ul'dahn brothel, purchasing the freedom of her friend; Lireh.
Now with scarce a gil to her name she could leave that life behind and under the careful guidance of Braxton Ashlund, a veteran member of the Order she blazed through the many trials of the Sultansworn over the course of several years, eventually earning her the right to call herself Paladin. It was then now long before she knelt before the Sultana and pledged her shield to the royal line of Ul.
It was not long after she was knighted and rose as a Sultansworn that the turmoil across Eorzea reached its peak and the dreaded Battle of Carteneau would soon erupt. Chosen to fight alongside the forces of the Immortal Flame, Maariya journeyed to central Aldenard where she did battle against the Imperial legion.
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Basic Info
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History and Backstory
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Personality
