Askier Mergrey

Askier Mergrey
"What do you mean I shouldn't drink while building a bomb? If I mess up, we'll be dead so fast we won't know I messed up."
Gender	Male
Race	Miqo'te
Clan	Unknown
Citizenship	Garlean
Age	31
Nameday	4th Sun of the 6th Astral Moon
Guardian	Althyk, the Keeper
Orientation	Bi-sexual
Occupation	Bomb making
Server	Balmung

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Character

General

((Askier was part of the Garlean Army the day of the Calamity, and, as a result, was not sent forward in time.))
((Askier is gifted at building explosives))
((He did try to blow up Ul'dah - see "Saga of the Wind Swept Sands" for details
((He is pardoned and is living in Ul'dah as his new home not staying out of trouble. Sorry Osric. =p ))
((His alignment is Neutral as he does not believe in good or evil, just people making choices for reasons that make sense to themselves))
(( Askier is missing his entire left arm due to setting off a grenade while trying to rescue Roen.))
((Askier is suffering from PTSD due to the intense torture he suffered at Crim's hands. The main set off for his flash backs is anyone touching his tail.))

Appearance

Askier is a tall, attractive, 31 years old male, with slight wrinkles starting to be visible around his lips and eyes. His ashen skin stands in stark contrast to the chestnut-brown hair he has come to let hang lose and messy since the end of his trial, feeling as if the different style reflects his new life. His narrow face is covered in numerous scars and face paint that has no real meaning other than Askier thinks it looks rather awesome on himself. His eyes shimmer a bright gold every time they catche the light.

The miqot'te's body is tall, taller than a fair number of hyur, and his body is taught and muscled from years of military service. Should he be caught without a shirt on, a nasty collection of wicked looking scars cover the left side of his torso, as the result of falling off a chocobo onto a whiskey bottle inside his coat. Scars, scabs, and callouses cover his hands.

Behavior

Askier is a bizarre sort of character, often perceived as a naive individual. He is quick to give a smile and even faster to offer to buy someone he has just met a drink as he tells terrible jokes. He feels the most alive when other people around him laugh at something he has done or said. He tries see the best in someone and is fanatically loyal to those he calls his friends, and expects the same dedication from them in return.

Askier will be the first to admit he relies a great deal on luck and refuses to think himself as an intellectual since he has trouble containing his volcanic temper, which is easily set off. However, for all his apparent absent-mindedness, he is a reasonably intelligent being, often able to win word games and riddles quickly and can construct explosive devices with relative ease and knows a lot about them.

Askier views the world as one giant experience waiting to happen and that gods, spirits, and mortal races are all subject to no greater end than what they try to achieve for themselves. He believes that everyone acts for reasons that are logical to themselves, and, as such, calling someone good or evil is pointless in Askier's mind. He sees all things as equal and would gladly help out a stranger. But, because there are those that would harm what Askier chooses to care about, he finds no qualms in killing, viewing it as a normal part of being alive and that the act of killing isn't to be viewed as vile, but that the intentions behind the act certainly can.

Combat

General

Askier fights with his fists and feet, preferring the intimate feeling of his opponent's body against his knuckles. As of late, he has crafted a book made of metal and has been learning to use the blunt instrument as a weapon as sort of tribute to the book that damaged his eye. He aims to become the best melee, book welding fighter Eorzea has ever seen, even if people laugh at him for it. Askier has also been trying to learn magic but, thus far, has been unable to channel the required energy due to his Garlean ancestry.

Tendencies

Likes

• Making bombs
• Socializing
• Playing word games and sleeping.

Dislikes

• Overly picky people
• Being underground
• Being insulted

Hobbies/Talents

• Understands and has designed several magictek devices, most of which are explosive.
• Drinking
• Has a natural affinity with mechanical contraptions

Other

• Askier is missing his entire left arm from when he set of a grenade in an effort to save Roen.
• ...
• ...

Relationships

Family

Father

• Ven'li Mergrey - Deceased. Askier's father was a soldier for the Garlean Empire whose illustrious job was to wrangle up chocobos. His father was also a drunk and was killed by a chocobo stampede when Askier was six.

Mother

• Unknown - All Askier knows about his mother is that she gave an infant Askier to his father and then never came back into his life after she left.

Siblings

• Saravena Ancariis - Askier's younger sister. They share the same father but a different mother. She is an energetic and kind individual and Askier is incredibly loyal to her. However, for nearly two years, she has been locked in a cell, used as leverage by Askier's Garlean superiors to "encourage" him to build his magictek bomb and destroy Ul'dah.

• Jin'li Epinoch Adin and Rema's slave and prize operative. The kit suffers from numerous disease and is very sickly, but is a lethal shot with a gunblade. It was Jin'li who watched over Askier's sister for two years and helped Askier ship in his needed magitek parts. Askier hates the male with a burning passion and wishes to kill Jin'li should they ever meet again, especially since learning that Jin'li survived the attack in Ul'dah that kill Adin and hacked off Rema's head. He is Askier's half-brother through their mother but neither knows it, despite the similar facial features they have.

Friends

• Delial Grimsong - A tall, secretive woman Askier first met in Uldah looking for recruits. Askier promised to use his network of spies to find Delial's brother in exchange for her help. Since then, she has become one of his most valued allies. While they don't agree on specific tactics, or Askier's wardrobe, the two share a similar world view and Askier finds her ruthlessness for the sake of family immensely refreshing. He enjoys speaking and joking with her though he knows that she finds him rather naive; but Askier is okay with that. Delial is not the kind of woman you show all your cards to right away.

• I'khalo Belho - A small, young miqo'te woman. Askier first met her when the young bard was trying to write a song. Needing a muse, Askier acted as one for her. Since then, Askier has taken an older brotherly stance towards her, viewing her as a second sister. She is naive, headstrong, and playful and reminds Askier of himself and his sister when they were young. He is fiercely protective of her but has become distant as of late. I'halo shunned Askier after she learned of his Garlean roots and her reaction still stings when he thinks about it, especially since he tried to give up booze for her.

• Kahn'a Od'hilkas - A member of the Red Wings and, in Askier's mind, a male with a mythical knight quality. More so then even Erik, Kahn'a proved during "Saga of the Wind Swept Sands" to be Askier's greatest challenge, something he had never expected. Unlike Erik, who Askier was able to influence with thoughts of games and rules, Kahn'a stands resilient to Askier's tact. Dogmatic, loyal, headstrong and blunt, Kahn'a repeatedly disrupted Askier's plans; not through sheer brilliance but by simple perseverance. But any spiteful feelings for Kahn'a have evaporated. Askier feels a deep connection to Kahn'a since the male not only saved his sister, but was willing to put his life and his reputation on the line by helping Askier fake his own death by acting as Askier's killer. Askier wishes to pay his debt to Kahn'a above all the rest because he feels as if he owes Kahn'a the most for all the hardship he put him through, and because he desires to be around him.

• Osric Melkire - A Flame Sergeant midlander Hyur. At one point in time, Askier though the man was beneath thinking about, having broken Osric's knee and finding his fighting to be sub-par. However, that all changed the day Osric returned Saravena to him. Over time, Askier has come to see that it is Osric is far more influential than his rank would lead one to believe. Osric planned out how to fake Askier's death and save those Kahn'a cares for the most, and, by doing so, has forever made Askier in the hyur's debt whether he wishes it or not.

• Kanaria Galanodel - A woman who has truly came out of nowhere only to play a large role in Askier's time in Ul'dah. Askier first met her briefly when his Free Company superior, S'honji, was scolding Askier for fighting in public. Askier was polite but left quickly once S'honji was distracted with her. However, Askier encountered her again, discovering she was both easy to talk and dignified, a combination of traits he rarely found together. Askier managed to convince her to help him under the false pretense of being a merchant in need of armed escorts. However, Kanaria, Askier discovered, is an incredibly loyal person, eager to help Askier even after she learned of his true motives, desiring only to help him get his sister back. Since his trial and the freeing of his sister, the woman's honesty and incredible eagerness has Askier often turning to her when he feels confused and is in need of guidance, acting a sort of shrink for the emotionally volatile miqo'te Askier has developed strong feelings for her, but makes a conscious effort to restrain them since she is engaged to Osric and the Garlean has no intention of jeopardizing another relationship.

• Grieving Hound - Askier's closet friend. She is reserved, tall, and bluntly honest to a fault. The two first met when they both applied for the Harbingers of Dawn Free Company on the same day. They decided to patrol the roads near Limsa Lominsa together and keep them safe, destroying several gnoll war parties. There was an instant connection between them and they often drank together, laughing and recalling their adventures. Hound tolerates Askier's excessive drinking and childish antics well, often simply shaking her head and laughing. Askier feels completely relaxed around her, almost too much so. Hound, slowly grew tired of the politics of the Free Company, and left for the mountains. Askier, alone and missing his friend, purchased his now trademark coat and plunged into the swirling snows to find her. There, Askier spent many nights trying to get Hound to come back. Their time in the mountains culminated with them joining a hunting party and killing a dragon. Once the beast was dead, Hound decided it was time to return to the south. Askier seized his chance and convinced Hound to help him destroy Ul'dah. Hound, however, had no plans to do so and saved Siha from Askier's kidnapping attempt and fought against him. Hound revealed she did it to save him and their friendship has mended.

• Raven Gorehand - A tall,female summoner with a powerful affinity for magic and a friend of both Hound and Askier. Raven and Askier were simple aquaintances for a long time until he needed help. Raven surprised him with her eagerness to help him, participating in several attempts on Kahn'a's life. Her ability to slip from reserved woman to wicked fiend with ease makes her a terrific ally for Askier and he values her and her powers immensely.

• Itarliht Syhrkoensyn - A massive Roe who spoke up for Askier at his trial. After Askier faked his death, Itar hunted for Askier, seeking to offer his help, feeling they were kindred spirits. Once Askier returned to Ul'dah, Askier learned of the connection he two had through the marks they both bore. Askier once enjoyed the company of the blunt but incredibly intelligent Roe. Askier, once, fondly called him "Big Guy." Askier and Itar abducted Roen as part of plot to keep her safe, though Askier feels bad dragging his large friend into the middle of it, since Itar had been having reservations prior. However, Crim went, in Askier's mind, to far, forcing Roen to do things the miqo'te found despicable, borderline torture, and confronted his former friend. The two became livid and fought, culminating with Askier forced to surrender to save Roen's life, though not before he blew off his own arm. Askier despises the brute and wishes he could kill him with his bare hand.

• Kraz'a Axrial - An armored juggernaut of a miqo'te whom Askier first met when Kraz'a defended him at his trial. Their friendship has been a peculiar one. Originally, curt and distant to Askier, their relationship changed when Askier took Kraz'a aside and spoke with him, managing to slip in past Kraz'a's emotional barriers and help the younger miqo'te make peace with an issue that had been plaguing Kraz'a . As a result of that conversation, Askier found himself liking the young miqo'te and adopted a friendly stance towards him. A stance that intensified after their most recent encounter, where Askier found his lips pressed to Kraz'a's and wanting more. Since leaving Kraz'a, Askier is eager for future run in's with the red-haired miqo'te should he be fortunate enough to have them.

• Siha Xinkei - Captain Mynhier's adopted sister. Siha is a very sweet Moonkeeper who Askier met for the first time at Erik's ball. Askier charmed the young woman easily, making her smile and asking her to dance as he pretended to be a simple merchant, realizing she was the perfect leverage again Erik, should something go wrong with his plan. His desire to abduct the young woman was, in fact, encouraged by Erik should Askier succeed in his plan, but her kidnapping went badly. Askier enjoys her company and her polite manners and since his Trial, the two of them have made up and Askier has offered to teach the young female how to fight wither her fists.

Enemies

• Adin Adonis Askier's Employer and former commanding officer inside the Imperial Military. Was killed in Ul'dah.

• Jin'li Epinoch Adin and Rema's slave and prize operative. The kit suffers from numerous disease and is very sickly, but is a lethal shot with a gunblade. It was Jin'li who watched over Askier's sister for two years and helped Askier ship in his needed magitek parts. Askier hates the male with a burning passion and wishes to kill Jin'li should they ever meet again, especially since learning that Jin'li survived the attack in Ul'dah that kill Adin and hacked off Rema's head. He is Askier's half-brother through their mother but neither knows it, despite the similar facial features they have.

Others

• Drumstick - A young chocobo Askier purchased when he and his sister first fled the Empire. The mount has been with Askier through thick and thin and has saved Askier's life on several occasions. Askier cares a lot for the bird and would be devastated if anything happened to him, despite the fact Askier named the bird 'Drumstick' to remind him which part to eat first if the miqo'te were ever starving.

• Sizha'to Chalahko - A male Keeper whom Askier isn't exactly sure what to make of their acquaintanceship. The two keepers share deep feelings for the same miqo'te, though it was Askier who backed off, unwilling to destroy an already established relationship once he learned of it's existence. He has apologized to Sizha'to, feeling both regret and pangs of jealousy over the ordeal and makes an effort to be as civil as possible whenever they cross paths.

• Roen Deneith - A woman whom Askier knew very little about. He encountered her once while acting as security for Delial at a meeting and Roen made a negative impression on him then. Askier was planning on not meeting her ever again if he could help it. Problem was, he couldn't help it. He was hired to kidnap Roen to keep her safe as part of plot concocted by one of her friends. Askier agreed and, after a rather improvised abduction with the help of Itar, has her hidden away.

• Erik Mynhier - The Red Wings Unit Captain. Askier first approached him planning on toying with him and setting up a game of cat and mouse between the two. He had heard rumors of Erik's delight of challenges and hoped that by setting up a system of rules with the man, his plot would succeed with ease since he viewed Erik's network of agents as the only true threat to his operation. However, Askier discovered he and Erik were kindred spirits and, to his own surprise, found himself liking the man, who even honestly said, they could have been friends if it hadn't been for Askier's desire to destroy Ul'dah. The man has been missing for some time now and Askier is anxious for the man's return, wanting to apologize and thnak the hyur for everything his subordinates did for him.

Rumors

Common Rumors

• "Askier can't read." It's a lie Askier tells about himself.
• "How can someone drink that much and be okay with themselves?"
• "I'd say it's not normal for someone to always be this much fun to be around, but I'm having such a good time!"

Moderate Rumors

• "Heard he likes men and women equally in the bed."
• "Don't make him mad, he'll snap your neck soon as look at ya."
• " The man faked his own death and went into hiding because some Garlean spy master was trying to kill him and his friends that he set up that bomb in Ul'dah to save his sister for them."

Rare Rumors

• "I heard Askier knows how to destroy a city with a device of brass and magic."
• "More than one of that man's drinking buddies have been found dead the next morning."
• "Word is he killed some of his own friends the day he deserted the Garlean Empire. "

PC Rumors

• "He should have stayed dead. He should very well have stayed dead." - Delial Grimsong
• "Don't give me that look! He's... changed, or maybe I have. He taught me a lesson I will never be able to repay him for, yes, I shall give him all I can to ensure he lives. The light he appears under when I look at him now is much different. I can see family, freedom, and loyalty, but also much more. I want to know him." - Kahn'a Od'hilkas
• "I blame Askier." - Osric Melkire
• "Askier? He's a damned interesting one he is. Quite the smooth, suave gentleman when he wants to be, absolutely amazing kisser as well. What do you mean how do I know that?!" - Kraz'a Axrial
• " "Grab this box, bring it back to Ul'dah," he said... Askier started this rock rolling and it has not quit! I'll never forget the change that he brought out of me, he's helped me become more than I ever thought I could be. For this, I will always be grateful. Dinner? What about dinner? Oh... Sorry I don't kiss and tell.~" - Kanaria Galanodel
• " "He has suffered for one of my masters before, and he shall do so again in time." - Jin'li Epinoch
• "Askier.... Askier.... Askier... He's lied to me. Used me. Betrayed me. In return I did the same to him. Or so he thought. I did what I had to do to save his life. Not that he deserved it. If the courts decided he would be executed I would have offered my axe to do it." - Grieving Hound
• "Right now, I don't know if I could honestly let go of the things he had done. He wanted to destroy a city with many in it and wanted to kill people who I considered friends and a loved one, amongst others. Suddenly, he wants to change. I don't completely buy it yet. If I had to describe Askier in one word, it would be 'frustration.'" - Sizha'to Chalahko
• "Aye, he has done me wrong. But when I asked him not to die, he promised me he would live, even when death was the easier choice. He has suffered enough in my eyes." - Roen Deneith
• "Squawk!" - Drumstick

History/Timeline

Birth and childhood

Askier was born in the Garlean Empire to Ven'li and a female he knows nothing about. His mother stuck around long enough to birth him and recover before leaving Askier with his father. Ven'li was stationed in an open plan and was responsible for taming chocobos. Ven'li was a distant father and Askier only remembers him from his smell of booze. Askier's sister, Saravena, was born five years after he was to another female. Askier's father was killed when Askier was six. Askier was sent to live with his father's brother, who was a woodcutter near a river.

Life in the Garlean Lumber Camp

For the next 10 years, Askier and Saravena lived relatively uneventful lives. They helped their uncle deforest large swathes of the land to send the lumber down river for the Garlean war machine and learned simple schooling from traveling scholars.
This simple life was violently interrupted when a group of anti-imperial soldiers assaulted the camp and burned many of the workes and the woods in an attempt to hurt the lumber supply to the Garlean military. Askier and Saravena escaped but their uncle was lost in the flames.
Lost, the pair eventually reached a city. There starving, and forced with some unpleasant options, Askier enlisted to serve the army to earn money for his little sister to eat.

Life as a soldier

Askier would spend the next four years being bounced around from one tour of duty to the next. During that time, he took to learning about magitek and started messing around with spare parts he stole. He discovered he was rather good with making random parts work together and his tinkering eventually caught the eye of an officer in the engineering branch. The officer had Askier transferred to his unit and Askier quickly excelled in his new job, causing a good amount of interest amongst the military brass when it came to new explosive devices. One such device of Askier's was loaded aboard a Garlean airship and was planned on being us the day of the Calamity, destroying his device before it could be detonated. At seeing the immense power of the primal that day, Askier deserted his post, concerned only with keeping his sister safe. He returned home and fled with her south till they came to Eorzea, where they lived as traveling mercenaries for three years.

Life as a freelance mercenary

Life as a freelance mercenary was good for Askier and Saravena. They travelled and used their coin to live well. Askier began drinking more and more heavily during this time, much to the concern of his sister, who was unable to stop him. Askier used the money he made to keep his sister well taken care off as he spent the left over research what few books he could afford, trying to better himself. Askier also tried to put his past behind him, and, while he still continued to study bomb making with the few books he could find written about magitek, it was simply for academic reasons. He was enjoying his life and considered himself extremely lucky.

Life as a Garlean Saboteur

But the good luck ran out. Askier was recognized by a Garlean spy near Ul'dah and, after tailing Askier, came up with a plan. He forces Askier to build another bomb, in Ul'dah. Askier refused initially but the agent took Askier's sister hostage and made the demand: "destroy Ul'dah or she dies". Askier gave in immediately for his sister and has been working on building his bomb for over a year and a half, shipping in the needed parts slowly and piece by piece to avoid attention.

Saga of the Wind Swept Sands

((Askier's IC summary of Saga of the Wind Swept Sands"))

To whomever finds this, This may be my last time sitting down to write, and I will be considering this as my last testament. The purpose of this testament is to chronicle the past two years, and, more specifically, the past few weeks that have led to me sitting in this cell.

I begin when Saravena was taken, as that was the catalyst for all of this. Saravena and I had been wandering and working as mercenaries for the three years after my desertion from the Empire following the calamity. It was a good life. However, my drunkenness proved our undoing. Like my father, the drink is my vice and I was drunk and loud too often back then. A servant of my former captain during my years in service to the Empire, hence forth referred to as “my employer”, recognized me. I do not know how long they followed after us, or planned, but they struck without warning. Saravena found a knife to her throat and I with a choice many say should have been harder to make than I found it to be. I agreed to save Saravena’s life by destroying Ul’dah with a bomb of my own creation.

For the next two years, I moved in secret, slowing shipping in my needed parts a few at a time to keep myself from drawing unwanted attention to myself. I joined the Harbingers of Dawn during this time, hoping to find companionship to distract my mind from what I was doing. Although I found most inside the Free Company to be as full of schemes as I, I did find a few genuine companions, though only one I felt comfortable telling everything to, which I did. Hound, I know you cannot read and I apologize for lying to you about me not being able to do so for so long, but if this should ever be read aloud to you, know you are more than a friend, you are family.

Hound hinted I should stop and try to find another way, but I dismissed her. What could the two of us do against “my employers” shadows? I was afraid and continued on, though I regret now not heeding her.

I was allowed to see my sister during these two years on rare occasions. Always at a location “my employer’s” slave, Jin’li, picked, and only for a few moments. I began to grow impatient, wanting her back.I started making ripples in my haste. Ripples Erik Mynhier began to detect. I realized this and grew angry. I was too close. So I made a move that, in hindsight, saved both Saravena and all of Ul’dah: I confronted Erik.

Erik, should you see this, know that I have always judged a leader by how his enemies view him and his men revere him. 'A friend to all' is the title I bestow upon you. I came to you, trying to trick you into playing this game by my rules, to bend you to my will. But even then you showed me respect as I revealed half-truths to you. I should have realized then, when you let me walk away, that you had already won. You had already placed your prize pieces upon the board,

Kahn'a Od'hilkas and Osric Melkire.

Erik, I don’t know how many moves ahead of me you were or how you intercepted Jin’li’s letter to me, but you played it all so well. There I stood, in Vesper Bay, waiting for the shipping manifest from Jin’li that would reveal where I was to find the final three parts for my device. I recall how my allies and Delial Grimsong… I do not call Delial an ally because she is something more, a schemer as great as myself and as close a friend as one can have with such a dangerous creature. She was using me to help her own ends as much as she aided me out of a kindred bond to save our siblings. I have digressed.

There we stood, with the manifest in hand, my eyes reading over it greedily, when Kahn’a and his allies attacked us. Looking back, I realize just how far Kahn’a has come since Vesper Bay. Back then he was just a scared kit while now he… during Vesper Bay, he was no real threat. The only reason I lost the manifest was a result of the hyur the woman, Daphine, smashing my eye with her book and Osric attacking my flank while I recoiled in pain. Osric certainly would have captured me and ended it all then and there had my chocobo, Drumstick, not come to my aid.

After Vesper Bay, I nursed my wounds in secret. Delial did what she could for me, but my eye never healed properly, and even now, bright light causes it to weep blood profusely. I wanted revenge and so I hunted for it during the week until my last three parts would arrive. I found Kahn’a in an alley and thrashed him violently, hoping that my assault would stop Kahn’a for good. Instead, my violence caught the eye of my Harbinger of Dawn superior, S’honji, and his friend at the time, Kanaria Galanodel. Eager for more guards to help me recover my packages, I lied to them both, pleading for help recovering my shipments for “my employer” saying they were harmless artifacts. S’honji immediately mistrusted me, but Kanaria seemed to be eager to help a man in need.

My allies gathered at the “Coffin and Coffer”, being Delial,Hound, Siha, Kanaria, and S’honji. Everything should have been easy. We split into two parties. Delial, Kanaria and Shonji went to The Silver Bazaar. Hound, Siha, and I went to Crescent Cove.

But Hound betrayed me.

Just as I had recovered my second part and planned to kidnap Siha, Kahn’a arrived. Hound then stepped forward and raised her axe against me. Outnumbered four-to-one, I was forced to swim for it with my part. Wet and half-naked, I rendezvoused back in Ul’dah with Delial’s team where we secured the two parts we had recovered and then proceeded to location number three, the graveyard near Camp Drybone. Osric,Hound, Siha, Kah’na, Daphine, and Jana were waiting for us. After a standoff, we came to blows, though it was my party that was forced to yield, all of us bloodied and beaten, save Kanaria, who proved to be a more dangerous combatant then I had ever expected,certainly more than S’honji, who fell to Osric’s blows swiftly. I broke Osric’s knee before fleeing on Drumstick once more, a battered Delial thrown unceremoniously across my saddle.

That night, I finished the bomb, even without the third part. As my lethal creation hummed intolife and the sinister glow burned into my eye, I will admit I felt pride at all I had accomplished. I had almost, single-handedly, done the impossible, something the might of the entire Imperial military had not been able to do: I had Ul’dah by the throat. In that moment, I was akin to Bahamut, a force of sheer destruction unable to be stopped. The timer on my bomb was ticking and would detonate in one week.

Then my heart sank and my stomach twisted into knots as I realized, without a shred of doubt, I didn’t want to go through with my plan. The reality of what setting the device off would do, and what would happen to Saravena if I didn't let it go off, slammed into me. Depressed and confused, I started to drown my emotions in alcohol.

For the next week, a war raged inside my mind, part of me playing the demon. I encountered Kahn’ain the streets of Ul’dah and my companion Raven and I tormented him, trying to break him of his will to fight. But I saw in his eyes he wasn’t afraid anymore. He was fighting back and I felt fear. I began to grow confused, and in my confusion, I acted, proceeding in an action that had repercussions in my mind and added fuel to my doubt. I might have even killed Kahn’a at that moment had Kanaria not intervened. I left, my mind wrapped in the fog of doubt and no amount of fiery liquor could burn the fog away.

My conscious rose up in me, begging me to seek help. But from who? Hound had betrayed me and it would be some time till we mended our relationship. I thought I was alone again.

I wasn’t. I know now that Kanaria was working with Kahn’a, but she found me sitting on some crates and managed to wring the truth of my goals and who I was from my lips without a bit of force. I was so desperate and wracked by guilt I needed to confess. Kanaria’s response amazed me. She did not shun me, but offered to help me to the bitter end. I left her, still confused but with the realization I wasn’t alone. I wanted to see Kanaria again, to talk to someone. She used this desire to break down my defenses and convinced me to meet with Kahn’a and Osric. During the meeting, I gave them a copy of the book I had written on explosive magitek as a token of good will. In return, Osric offered a plan:

Ask "my employer” to let me see my sister one last time, but instead of me going, he would and free my sister while I waited with my bomb, swearing to disarm it the moment Saravena was safe.

That night, after the meeting, as I drank by the light of my bomb, I smiled. I remember it. For the first time in a long time, I saw a light at the end of this tunnel and it wasn’t a light of destruction.

But the truce nearly failed.

I had gathered my allies and Delial, still not entirely trusting Kahn’a and Osric. Kahn’a arrived with his troops and my mind immediately took it as betrayal but I waited. I was willing to humor them as they looked on at my bomb with terror. But then I heard Kahn’a say the words that broke my will that night. He looked straight at me and uttered: “Saravena is dead, Askier.”

My mind snapped, I started dancing around, cackling, wanting to kill everyone and everything, wanting to set off the bomb, and I know I would have, had Kanaria not held me back. My allies and Delial refused to fight, they heard Kahn’a as he tried to explain Saravena was, in fact, still alive; that Osric had saved her after all. In my grief I failed to hear, and I was shot by Kahn’a’s arrow. After that, I remember very little as Daphine drugged me. But I know the bomb was disarmed and I was taken to this cell, where I have resided this past week, thinking.

I was visited later by Kanaria and Kahn’a, who brought in an unconscious Saravena and placed her in my arms. Osric had kept up his end of the bargain, though they had almost lost her. I confess I wept for hours, both relieved that she was safe again after two years and ashamed for nearly breaking my end of the truce.

But Jin’li isn’t done with me it seems. He still lives and conspires for “my employer.” If I ever see that runt again, I’ll sink my teeth into his throat and tear it out. Kahn’a and Osric tell me that Kahn’a is being forced to play a game for“my employer” much like the one I was forced to, though this time, it is not Ul’dah he wants destroyed, it is me for failing him and letting Osric make a fool out of him.

I feel no hatred for Osric, Kanaria, or Kahn’a. Rather I view them as family. They simply tried to keep what they cared for safe and they were willing to help out a total stranger and his sister while doing so. How could I ever judge someone for that? Kahn’a especially has gone from my greatest foe to something I find myself surprised by. Raven, Kanaria, Osric, Hound, Kahn’a, Vali,even you Delial, I owe you all a debt I can never repay but will try.

I have one last scheme to play. One, that if all goes well, will free me forever from this madman, though the price will by high for some near to me, but they have agreed and once again I am left in awe of their selflessness. I will stand trial soon and accept my punishment, be it acceptable to me. S’honji plans to convict me and execute me, but I have no plan on dying. Not until I return “my employer” for his years of kindness.

In conclusion, I did not write this for pity or forgiveness. In truth, part of me will always be proud of what I have accomplished, though I am grateful that I never had to set off my device. No, I write this so that, no matter how history remembers me, there will always be a record from my own pen that proves that I am nothing more than a simple Garlean miqot’e, whom was fallible, foolish, and devoted to those he loves.

Askier Mergrey,

Trial by Gunblade Fire

Askier went to trial for his crimes during the "Saga of the Wind Swept" but he went to live and be free, not suffer S'honji's punishment. Kahn'a was confronted by Jin'li and forced to play the very game Askier had been. This time, however, Askier was the target, and those Kahn'a cared about most were the hostages. Kahn'a came to Osric and Kanaria and told them, and the three worked out a way to trick Jin'li and free Askier from Jin'li's master. They would fake Askier's death in front of everyone. Askier was asked to trust Kahn'a to shoot at hi with the gunblade Jin'li had given him. Askier, seeing the young male forced to make the same type of choice he was and realizing the risk Kahn'a was taking to spare his life, agreed without hesitation, having come to trust Kahn'a, Kanaria, and Osric completely. The only other person who was to know was Saravena. During the trial, Askier stood mostly silent, letting those who would speak for him do so. They added to the plan. Then Askier stepped forward, giving Kahn'a a shot he couldn't miss. The other male took it and hit the metal covering they had slipped under Askier's shirt. Askier flew backwards into Osric, who pinched a set of nerves, sending Askier into a state of near death. To add to the effect, Askier bit a whole in his tongue to let blood ooze out. Osric rushed Askier away and revived him, though the bruising from the shot forced Askier to limp. Osric escorted Askier to an airship and sent him to Limsa. Askier, in immense pain, passed out aboard the ship, a free man for the first time in years.

Life After Death

Askier arrived in Limsa and kept a low profile. But Adin and Jin'li were no fools. They hunted Askier down and shot Askier off a cliff after tricking Osric into revealing Askier was alive. Askier fell from the cliff and saw the starry heavens and during that moment, a mark was burned onto the back of his neck before he slammed into the ocean and lost consciousness for several days as Osric's siblings saved him and took him to Lady Grace for healing. During that time, Osric, Kahn'a, and Kanaria hunted down Adin and Jin'li and killed them both. When Askier awoke, his ruined eye was fixed by Lady Grace's healer and his wounds as well. He rejoiced when he learned he was a truly free miqo'te. He returned to Ul'dah, where he encountered Adin's replacement, Rema, briefly as she told him she was calling off the attacks on Ul'dah for a time. Askier now calls Ul'dah his home and was looking to relax.

Slipping into old ways

But that was not to last. Askier encountered the massive Roe Itarliht Syhrkoensyn, who mentioned the mark on Askier's neck and explained they were both part of a small collection of similar fellows with similar marks. Askier has agreed to help his new allies discover the purpose of the marks. But Itar was not done with Askier. Itar informed Askier there were several old allies of Askier's in need of aid and Askier offered to help without hesitation, even if doing so might reawaken his negative image amongst certain people.

Meanwhile, Askier was contacted to identify the explosive used on Lady Grace's ship. Askier agreed and determined the device but was accused of setting it himself and snapped angrily, viewing the cheap explosive beneath him. Askier has sworn to prove to Lady Grace how talented his skills are one way or the other.

Time as a Terrible Kidnapper and Torture and Freedom

Askier worked odds jobs for awhile, growing bored and listless, wanting the action he had come to enjoy, almost crave like a drug, during the past five years. Osric kept telling him to stay out of trouble, but the problem was, Askier wanted trouble, wanted the trill of being at the edge. And Askier finally got his chance and he pounced on it.

Askier was approached by a member of the Brass Blades to abduct Roen Deneith and detain her long enough to draw out a wanted fugitive so the fugitive could be killed. Askier pretended to take the job for the massive amount of gil he was promised, but, in truth, Askier really just wanted the job to make him feel alive.

Askier had planned to take his time organizing and setting up a proper job, but while Askier was trying to recruit the first of his hired muscle, Itar, Roen walked up to them and the pair of males tricked her, hit her over the head with a shovel, drugged her, and rode north to Coerthas to hide.

Askier had planned on the kidnapping being a rather pleasant affair, even going so far as to purchase whiskey and books for Roen to pass the time. But Crim had other ideas. The Roe proved merciless in his actions, forcing Roen to engage in acts that borderlined on torture, acts that left Askier uncomfortable. Askier attempted to repair the damage done by Crim by offering aid to Roen's brother but Crim snapped and took to punishing Roen. Askier reached his limit, furious at the way Crim was treating the hyur female and threw a bottle at Crim's head. Crim turned on the miqo'te and the two males fought, parts of the house being blown to bits by explosives.

The fight ended with Crim, Roen, and Askier outside the house in the whirling snows, Crim pressing a sword to the female's throat, swearing to kill her if Askier did no drop his explosives. Askier had his mount, Drumstick, flee to act as message to anyone who would look for him before he took out a linkpearl from his ear and removed all but one explosive from his person. Askier then pulled the pin on the last explosive and blew his left arm off to the shoulder, doing so for several reasons. Crim was forced to abandon the building and took a wagon loaded with Askier and Roen south where they stole a boat.

The three sailed for a couple weeks, during that time Askier was violently tortured, an experience he will never forget. Askier and Roen were rescued and Crim slain during an exchange on the docks of Crescent Cove. Askier was healed over an extended period of time, though his mind is still suffering as he tries to come to terms with what happened to him.

Joining the Red Wings

Following Askier's release, Kahn'a offered Askier a chance to keep himself busy by joining the Red Wings. Askier agreed to do so, so desperate to find a means of work to keep his brain off the memories of the boat.

Music I rp Askier with:

Voltaire - When You're Evil
Bastille - Pompeii
Freedom Call - Warriors
Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit
Within Temptation - Angels
Grounds for Divorce - Elbow
Otto Waalkes - Grund zum feiern

Messy template of doom by: Kahn'a Od'hilkas