Kendha'to Burwani
Contents
Character
General
Given name: Kendha'to Burwani - "Burwani" is a common surname, passed down through many generations among the Keepers of the Moon through matriarchal lines. As such, many Keepers bear it but are not necessarily related by blood.
Aliases/Nicknames: Among those who struggle with Miqo'te naming conventions, Kendha'to is sometimes known as simply "Ken."
Current residence: Kendha'to follows the traditions of his clan, making his home in the Black Shroud but rarely lingering in one specific place. With the increased activity of the Ixal in the area, he finds himself moving camp much more often than in the past.
Romantic status: Single
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Religion: Kendha'to traditionally honors Menphina the Lover, revering the light she provides in the darkness of the night. Of late, he also finds himself increasingly drawn to Her divine lover, Oschon the Wanderer, admiring the freedom He espouses as well as the love He shares with the moon goddess.
Appearance
Height: Standing at 5 fulms and 8.2 ilms, Kendha'to is quite tall for his race.
Weight: He is about 150 ponz, lean with plenty of muscle - particularly in the legs.
Other: Kendha'to's appearance has been described as feral and distinctively wolven, particularly in the face. Nonetheless, he is unmistakably Miqo'te in the way he carries himself, moving with cat-like grace and impeccable balance.
Behavior
Voice: Possessing a gravelly voice, he often growls more than speaks.
Demeanor: He remains extremely reserved among other races, but is rather easy-going and even jocular among fellow Miqo'te - even Seekers of the Sun once acquainted with them. He was raised in a typical Miqo'te clan, and as such, greatly respects strong female Keepers. However, he has become accustomed to living by his own means and will bluntly contest attempts to exert any semblance of authority over him.
Intelligence: Kendha'to is literate and displays a quick wit, but having lived in the wilds of the Black Shroud all his life, is rather clueless about life outside its borders. He has had increasing contact with Gridanians in recent years, often coming to the city for trade (or beer) but still finds even their ways strange and foreign in many ways.
Combat
General
Style: Prefers stealth and range, employing his bow to snipe his enemies from afar. When pressed into melee combat, he uses his speed and agility to great effect in hand-to-hand combat, erupting in a flurry of agile kicks and punches. At these times, he is not averse to using his claws in the absence of a readily available dagger or handaxe.
Specialization: Kendha'to is, at his core, a hunter and is most adept at using the traditional Miqo'te shortbow. He has seen his fair share of combat with Ixali and bandits, and is also quite adept at defending himself with his hands and feet if necessary.
Strengths: Possessing especially keen eyesight, Kendha'to is quick to find weaknesses in a slower opponent's defenses. At night, of course, he is even more effective; the night is the domain of the Keepers of the Moon. He also uses the shorter height of Miqo'te to his advantage, employing a bob and weave defense that allows him to slip under or to the sides of incoming attacks.
Weaknesses: When forced to short range, he is very much a "swarmer," as a pugilist might categorize his style. He pressures his opponents, throwing flurries of punches and kicks. This requires him to close distance with his foe, and against an opponent with better reach, doing so will leave him vulnerable to attack.
Tendencies
Likes
- Independence
- The Black Shroud
- A good tale
- Rain
- The thrill of the hunt
Dislikes
- Ixal
- Being told he "can't" do something
- Daylight, hot weather
- Closed spaces; feeling restrained
- Failure
Hobbies/Talents
- Woodcraft - Kendha'to fletches his own arrows and carves his own bows. Has been known to trade carvings in Gridania on occasion.
- Hunting - Possessing keen sight and hearing, he has proven an adept tracker.
- Dancing - A lover of music, Kendha'to loves to dance to a well-played tune, but only when in good company.
Other
- Favorite Food/Drink: Antelope venison (cooked rare) and clear springwater. Occasionally treats himself to wine or ale in the city.
- Least Favorite Food: Vegetables. However, after traveling with Tefh to Thanalan, Kendha'to was introduced to the culinary wonder of wonders that is the pepper. (Best served with meat!)
- Favorite Color: Pale, silvery blue. Also believed to be a color of power among his clan.
- Favorite Creature Not For Eating: Chocobos. Although he prefers to use his own feet for travel, he finds them "kinda cute" - though he'd never admit it.
- Least Favorite Creature: Ixal - by far.
Relationships
Family
"Burwani" is a common surname, passed down through many generations among the Keepers of the Moon through matriarchal lines. As such, many Keepers bear it but are not necessarily directly related by blood. The Burwani family of Kendha'to's line belonged to the Whispering Wind, a relatively small clan of nomads who wandered the Black Shroud and southern Coerthas Highlands. It was comprised of three families: Burwani, Xihndal, and Jaghna.
As is common among Keeper clans, the Whispering Wind was Matriarchal. Any new Matriarch was chosen among the matrons of each family based on clan contributions, decided by vote. To help ensure the clan leader acts in the interest of the entire clan, the other family's matrons were empowered to unanimously vote against any Matriarchal decision. Historically, however, this was almost unheard of.
Males were typically expected to become craftsmen, medical caretakers, Lorekeepers serving as historians or advisors to family matrons, and Guardians charged with protecting the clan. Females were commonly the hunters, scouts, and traders of the clan. However, it was not unheard of for males or females to step outside these bounds, or for Guardians to serve as hunters (or vice versa) in times of necessity.
The destruction wrought by the Elder Primal Bahamut proved devastating to the Whispering Wind, with the scant few survivors scattered to the four winds. Kendha'to had recently become a Guardian, and largely blames himself for failing to protect his clan, believing himself to be the sole survivor. Rather than seeking to join another clan, he chose a solitary life. He tells others (and himself) that he continues to live this way because he enjoys the freedom, but this is only half true. Inwardly, he fears "failing" another clan as he did the one he was born into.
Friends
Tefh Jinjahl - Kendha'to met this Keeper female by chance in Gridania. He soon formed a fast friendship with her, despite often feeling confused by her strange and often dog-like mannerisms. Recently, the unworldly male agreed to travel with her to Thanalan, not only to see more of the world outside the Shroud, but also to learn more about the wild female and how she lives. They have since grown closer in friendship. Kendha'to remains somewhat guarded in regards to her shows of affection, choosing to accept it as "Tefh being Tefh."
M'jumalis Yashna - He and M'jumalis also met in Gridania, where she successfully coerced the recalcitrant Ken into trying a Starlight Celebration cookie. She was the first Seeker of the Sun he had spoken to at length. He greatly respects her seeking independence from her tribe, finding the Seekers' ways strange and foreign. He likes her for her kindness, and finds her very amusing! However, she frequently flusters him when she teases him about his friendship with Tefh - apparently believing they're lovers.
Keiran Aislinn - The two males met at the Roost one sun, when Kendha'to approached the table where Keiran was seated with Tefh and M'jumalis. Their meeting went sour when M'jumalis made a teasing remark about Kendha'to and Tefh, prompting Keiran to storm out of the inn. The two spoke later, with Keiran apologizing for the outburst. Ken respected that. He now considers them to be on good terms and hopes to speak to his new acquaintance further very soon.
Kiht Jakkya - A scout of the Shriekshroom clan, Kiht came upon Kendha'to as he was moving camp to evade suspiciously watchful Ixali eyes. The two discussed the plight of both of their clans at great length. He found himself admiring her strength and spirit, and agreed to instruct her in archery to better aid her dwindling clan. Of late, she often becomes annoyed with Kendha'to for reasons he cannot fathom but finds greatly amusing - so he tends to escalate these situations with gentle teasing. Despite this, he holds the young huntress in very high regard.
Enemies
None for now, save for the Ixal.
Rumors
Common Rumors
- Woodwailer: "That one keeps to himself, rarely staying in the city longer than it takes to ply his trade. Keeping an eye on him all the same; he looks like trouble."
- Hyur Leatherworker: "He mainly deals in hides, but I have also viewed his scrimshaw. Bone tools are hardly in demand, but those elaborate carvings are beautiful, not to mention the admirable effort to waste naught of the slain animal."
- Lalafell Botanist: "He has a mean, feral look to him. Why do we let these types inside our walls?"
Moderate Rumors
- Elezen Quiverman: "We encountered some Ixal on our patrol. An arrow loosed by a hairy beast of a Miqo'te felled one that would've taken my head, and two more besides. When I offered my thanks after the battle, he just glared at me and disappeared back into the trees."
- Hyur Merchant: "He and some other Miqo' with a painted face were wrestlin' in the rain just outside as I was closing shop one night. Of course I didn't try to break it up! They were like wild animals with claws to match!"
- Hyur Riverporter: "Heh. If you ain't Miqo'te or tradin' with him, he ain't got nothin' to say to ya."
Rare Rumors
- Travelling Merchant: "Never, in all my years, have I seen such! There is a beast in the Twelveswood, and it's no Ixal! Nobody'll believe me, but I saw it watching me from atop a tree! It's a.. um, a monkey-wolf or somethin' and it's all hair and claws!"
- City-Dwelling Miqo'te: "I.. thought I saw Matriarch Kendha's son. But wasn't he killed five years ago?"
PC Rumors
(Feel free to add any rumors here if you've met Kendha'to in-game.)
- He is much more personable than he looks. Just, do not ask him to fish with you; he is awful at it. -Kiht Jakkya
Annotations
This Template was created by Deirdre Ta'ea