Aerostein Epitaph

Aerostein Epitaph
"If you can't live freely, why bother living at all...?"
The Lone Wanderer
Gender	Male
Race	Hyur
Clan	Midlander
Citizenship	Gridania
Age	24
Build	5 fulms 8 ilms, 145 ponz
Occupation	Wanderer
Guardian	Althyk, the Keeper

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Character

Aerostein Epitaph is a mysterious young man from the Shroud wandering Eorzea for reasons currently unknown. Most likely to be free and do what-so-ever he chooses.

General

Full Name: Aerostein Epitaph

Nameday: 18th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon, 1554

Marital Status: Single

Sexual Orientation: Homosexual

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Origin

Aerostein Epitaph was born on the 18th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon in 1554. His birth name is Aaron Stone. His mother was a respected conjurer in Gridania, and his father a black mage from parts unknown. Having his mother die shortly after birth, Aero was raised by the conjurers in Gridania.

Early History

Aero began his training as a conjurer early on as a child having a natural affinity for the art, particularly both elements of air and stone. Instead of playing like most children his age, he would prefer to read and write, furthering his education. He was something of a golden child growing up. Being good-natured, naive, innocent, and many other things he was loved by all. Eventually, by 13 , Aero would hear the voices of the elementals making him a hearer. Having risen in the ranks at an alarming rate, by the age of 17, he was already an accomplished conjurer. However, at the age of 18, Aero would leave Gridania to see the world after the calamity. Believing life was too short to just sit around and die in a backwater town.

Life In Limsa

Having left his home in Gridania to broaden his perspective in life, Aero would venture out into the cruel lands of Limsa Lominsa. Not particularly happy with the smell of the sea and all the fish, he knew he was far away from home. He would first visit the Arcanist guild to become more powerful, but it didn't work out well for him. Finding their art to be a joke, he found himself at a loss. Originally, he would prove easy prey for pirates and other brutes. Being pick-pocketed often, and made the target of cruel jokes. In order to make coin, and toughen himself up, he would enlist in the Marauders guild for a time. Eventually, he would come across M'raj Mercenary while taking a joint-job from the Maelstrom and made a friend of him. The two would apparently meet each other by chance taking jobs. Aero would soon get tired of life in Limsa, seeking more power and knowledge he would venture to Ul'Dah at the age of 21.

Life in Ul'Dah

The physical training from the Marauder's guild would prove valuable upon reaching this city. Being able to stand his ground somewhat against larger men who would cause him harm. It was here, he would know what it meant to live lavishly. Spending much of his hard earned gil on finely-crafted clothes, accessories, and drink. He would eventually visit the guild for thaumaturges and found out he excelled in the art, and loved the power it gave him over others. Being young and foolish, this power went to his head and he began to use his magic recklessly. Dabbling in forbidden magics, and using his thaumaturgy without regard for innocent people around him. Even causing houses to catch fire once, and nearly killing an entire family due to showing off. Fearing he would lose himself like his father, he vowed to never use that magic again. Aero would mostly work with adventurers and mercenaries to keep his coin flowing to support himself. He would soon miss his home, and would travel back shortly before his 24th namesday.

Back to Gridania

On a dark night traveling through the shroud alone, he found himself surrounded by Miqo'te poachers. Relying soley on his conjury alone, he was outmatched by the sheer amount of them. Bruised, bloody, and nearly defeated, he broke his own vow and dispatched the lot of them with his thaumaturgy. Freezing their bodies in place and encasing them in stone, he turned the tide in his favor. However, he missed their leader and barely dodged a blade aiming for his throat. He suffered a deep cut to his left cheek. Aero now furious, set the bandit on fire, incinerating him alive. Shaken at the fact, it was the first time Aerostein had directly taken someone's life. Also the fact, he enjoyed it...

Back in Gridania

While happy for a while, to be back home, something about Aerostein had changed. He was no longer the sweet, loving golden child he once was. No longer was he naive to the ways of the world. No longer was he a weak child. After many falling outs with others of the guild about how magic should be used, he was deemed as a failure. After spending some time back home, he seriously considered what he wanted in life. He wanted to be free, and soon enough it was only a matter of time before he would take off again. A few days later, he would be gone again. Vowing only to return to important business to conjurers.

Present

Aerostein, now 24, travels from place to place, mostly alone on his own. He is most often seen in Ul'Dah, often spending his coin in taverns. For coin, he works for a small tribe of beastmen somewhere south of Ul'Dah. While in the city, he often sells his talents in healing to those in need on the side. It has been rumored he is a spy working for an unknown crime faction, blackmailing noble families to afford his lifestyle, but whether this is true or not, is unclear.

Appearance

Aero stands at about 5 fulms & 8 ilms and weighs about 145 ponz. He has a somewhat toned build despite studying primarily in the arcane arts. He has a very pale complexion and sports light blonde hair with black highlights. He has purple eyes, and a scar on his left cheek. Also has a pair of star tattoos right above his cheek. Aero is most often seen wearing white or black clothing of fine quality, though it's not uncommon for him to wear dark blues and purple. He also seems fond of rosegold and mythril jewelry.

Personality

Aero is usually mostly polite and independent, preferring to do things alone. He is mostly reserved and somewhat cold, preferring to keep mostly to himself. Despite his good looks, he is rather innocent when it comes to more intimate matters. Has a habit of falling for people much too quickly, and much too easily. Blushing whenever complimented, or even at the slightest touch. He, however, can be quite stubborn and a bit self-centered at times. Aero also has proven himself to be somewhat vain. Although, he does care for his friends. Recently, however, he has been much more sombre due to having his heart shattered. Smiling less often, and being much more prone to mood swings.

On the other hand, Aero can be rather temperamental and unforgiving to those who disappoint him. He also believes feelings like love are a weakness and can be easily exploited. Though, he can't help but become fascinated by the idea. After some time in the real world on his own, and spending much of his time in the company of mercenaries he generally places little value in most people's well-being and is not averse to killing when pushed. As seen when he burned a bandit alive for scarring his face.

Despite his quiet demeanor, he is a difficult man. He does not reveal much of his past, nor himself. He is often misunderstood, and secretly believes most people have hidden intentions. While not usually intentionally malicious, he values his personal freedom above all else and may harm an innocent if necessary to obtain his goals.

Combat Art

Fighting Style

Having a natural gift for magic, Aerostein prefers the art of both conjury and thaumaturgy to deal with his enemies. He has also secretly trained a little in the use of axes to toughen his body. Although, his talent in casting by far exceeds this. Due to his lack of physical strength, his axeman-ship is sub-par at best. He mostly fights only in self-defense, and would rather not overwhelm another unless truly necessary.

Tendencies

Likes

• Freedom.
• Beautiful people.
• Expensive and shiny things.
• Wine.
• Thunderstorms
• Voidsent.
• Power.
• Corrupting the innocent.
• Grapes.
• Mirrors
• Watching fat people eat.

Dislikes

• Laws and rules.
• Rude people.
• Cheap men.
• Ignorance and intolerance.
• Limsa Lominsa
• The self-righteous.
• The idea of love.
• Do-Gooders.
• Fish

Fears

• Getting close to people.
• Dieing.
• Rejection and being in-love.
• Being poor.
• Losing himself and becoming a monster.

Hobbies

• Reading and writing tomes.
• Shopping, and otherwise spending gil.
• Traveling.
• Drinking at taverns and spreading gossip.

Trivia & Secrets

• Was born as Aaron Stone.
• Took 'Epitaph' as his surname due to his love of writing them.
• Does not consider himself good nor evil. He simply is.
• Hates the fact his skill in conjury is far greater than his talent in thaumaturgy, as thaumaturgy is the more powerful art.
• Has a soft spot for both moogles and kittens.
• He is colorblind.
• Often tries to cover up his insecurities through being vain.

Other

• Favorite Color: Plum
• Favorite Food & Drink: Aldgoat Steak & Grape Wine/Juice.
• Favorite Flower: Iris
• Favorite Creature: Moogles

Relationships

Family

• Imogen Stone (Mother) : Imogen was a conjurer who died shortly after giving birth. Aerostein was raised by the conjurers in Gridania where he perfected his talent in conjury. According to the conjurers, he resembles much of his mother.

• Unnamed Man (Father) : Not much is known of Aero's father. All that is known of his father, is that he was a black mage who was never in his life. Rumor has it, this man is still alive and that Aerostein is seeking him out.

• Siblings : It's possible he may have half-siblings, but none are currently known.

Friends

• M'raj Mercenary : M'raj is a Miqo'te whose known Aero for the longest. Showing up suddenly in each others lives as if it were fate. Despite not being a mercenary himself, Aero has taken many jobs with M'raj in the past. The two have had their many differences in the past, but has only strengthened their bond. They are close friends, and have a respect for each others company. Aero sometimes worries M'raj may be leading a lonely life, but it is unclear if M'raj is aware of this. Regardless, he is likely Aero's best friend.

• Cedric Riordan : A mysterious Hyur with a deep past. Cedric is an attractive man Aero first noticed by chance in Gridania. They didn't officially meet until later at the Quicksand in Ul'Dah. After learning of the man's history they developed something of a strong bond and chat often, even sharing wine on occasion. Vowing not to let anything happen to Cedric, as he is one of the few people Aero would do anything to protect. Aero is very fond of Cedric, worrying over his well-being quite often as he is being hunted. Eventually, they would even go on a date, with both confessing their love for each other. Aero loved this man greatly, being his first love and the first person he's had intimate relations with. Unfortunately, Cedric broke it off with him believing Aero needed someone better for him. Despite being heartbroken, Aero still fully intends to fight on Cedric's side when the time comes in the inevitable battle.

• Artorias Mason : A vengeful Hyur with seemingly much in common with Aero. Apparently a powerful warrior who has trouble staying in control of his actions. They met briefly on occasion at the Quicksand. While not happy hearing Artorias almost killed someone close to him while showing little remorse about it, Aero doesn't feel the need to label the man a monster. The two have been on friendly terms ever since, he even invited Aerostein to a beach party. Aero genuinely worries about this man as Artorias seems to have few friends, and many enemies. Although, he does wonder at the things he hears while eavesdropping on Caen's friends, he continues to give Artorias the benefit of the doubt.

• Bexley Nelhah : A young Miqo'te who once bought Aerostein food at the Quicksand. Aero likes the boy, but thinks he is a bit too naive and has too much energy for his own good. He hopes to toughen the boy up and enjoys teasing him, calling him Ginger. He has a soft spot for the keeper, hoping he doesn't come to any real harm.

• Caen Jabari : A curious Miqo'te boy with a love for yellow. Aero finds his carefree and lively demeanor endearing. The two have chatted little on occasion. Aero even gifted the boy some wine in good spirits once. Caen won Aero's favor for shielding him from harm, when introduced to Augustine. Aero's opinion of the boy improved much more so after this. He was the one who suggested Caen secretly write to Artorias.

Enemies

• Rhodri Braddock (Rival) : After losing the affection of someone to this man once, Aero has held a grudge ever since. They say his talent rivals that of his own furthering his distaste of the man, though it appears one-sided.

Others

• Kiterina Firewing : A female Miqo'te Aero met through M'raj. Aero doesn't know much of her, but he finds her to be very beautiful and is fond of her gentle nature.

• Alaraien Eldryn : A handsome Hyuran man who is most often seen in Bexley's company. Alaraien's strong desire to help and protect others often puts Aero off. Despite this, he merely only tolerates him out of respect for Bexley. That, and he finds the man pleasing to look at, to say the least.

• Avalt Laguz : A Hyur Aero mistaken for someone he loves. This man resembles much of Cedric. Feeling much pity for this man, Aero has offered to help free the supposed 'criminal'.

• Dietrich Dracht : An apparent gentleman of sorts that Aero finds charming. Aero met Dietrich in the gold court of Ul'Dah. Despite being teased by this man, he has taken a liking to him. Aero is currently interested to know more of this man after he helped Aero in tough times.

• Augustine Frost : A man who nearly got into a fight with Aero outside the Quicksand for delivering a message to Caen, from Artorias. Augustine seemed ready to inflict pain upon Aero, and the feeling was indeed mutual. Aero naturally doesn't like this person, but respects the fact Augustine is protective of Caen.

• X'Yue Tia : A flirty Miqo'te Aero met through Cedric. Aero tends to blush around this man at how casually he talks of sex. It is rumored, Aero would contact this man later in private to help him seek someone out.

• Garrett Slater : Aero would first hear this name from Caen, after Caen mistakenly believed it was he who once mentioned Aero prior to their meeting. Eventually, the two would meet briefly in Ul'Dah. Originally put off by the fact this man doesn't drink and his distaste of Artorias, he would later respect the man a little for his reasonable attitude in handling Augustine.

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