Kodaro Ba'rococo

Kodaro Ba'rococo
Gender	Male
Race	Miqo'te
Clan	Seeker of the Sun
Citizenship	Ul'dah
Age	20
Sexuality	Bisexual
Occupation	Adventurer, Soldier, and General Do-gooder
Guardian	Azeyma, the Warden
Namesday	18th Sun of the Sixth Umbral Moon

This character article or section of a character article is a stub -- a small, but growing, work in progress. If you're the creator of this character, why not consider expanding it?

Character

General

Kodaro Ba'rococo was abandoned on the doorstep of a Lalafell shopkeeper in the Silver Bazaar on or near the night of his birth. The family took him in and raised him as one of their own without hesitation, and due largely to their successful (if shrewd) mercantilism were able to give Kodaro and his two older sisters a happy and comfortable childhood. When he wasn't helping around the shop or the home he spent much of his idle time fishing or swimming in the bay, but the highlights of his younger life were the family trips to Ul'Dah. It was on one of these trips that he saw the pugilist Annaliese Swiftstrike fight in the Bloodsands, kindling his lifelong passion for the martial arts. Ko's life was otherwise pleasantly uneventful, save for on his tenth nameday where, after years of pestering, his parents reluctantly gave him a box of training scrolls and instructional manuals they had bartered off of an Ala Mhigan trader. From then on the young Seeker devoted several bells each sun to his private practice, and though clumsy at first his natural athleticism would increase his gains as he grew.

His simple life continued in a pattern of tending to his duties at the shop, training on his own, and idling his time away by the waterfront until approximately five cycles ago when business began to dry up at the Bazaar. The Ba'rococos had been wise enough to see the writing on the wall and after packing up anything they couldn't sell off, moved in to a modest home in the city. They managed to find work with the Weaver's Guild and recently their income has been complemented by Kodaro's not inconsiderable adventuring profits. He has sworn to himself to provide his adoptive family with the same protection and care they so lovingly gave to him.

On one of his early leves in Drybone, he met up with the group that would in time grow to become the 81st Foreign Levy. Despite his rough patches and rows with its members, he still considers the Company to as close a family as the one that raised him.

Recently, Kodaro was forced to return to Ul'dah to tend to his long overdue duties to the Immortal Flames. At their "request" he has cut all ties with his former family in the 81st. He bears no grudge to either party and hopes to one day patch things up with his former Company, even if it is just as a friend and not a member.

---

Appearance

Kodaro has more or less stopped growing taller only recently, leaving him at a respectable (for a Miqo'te) five fulm, six ilm. His strict conditioning regimen and near constant training have layered his lithe frame with compact, functional muscle. The Seeker’s tail is curiously short at a scant eight ilm, and his black-tipped ears are ragged and notched. His body is peppered with scars from his years of adventuring and Bloodsands matches, most notably the heavy webwork that creeps from beneath his eye patch, a smaller scar on his right cheek, and a wide scar running from his left pectoral to his right hip. He has a series of identical tattoos on his arms and legs that are more recent additions; circular sigils on his shoulders and hips and thin bands of blocky glyphs around his biceps, elbows, and wrists with matching sets around his thighs, knees, and ankles.

---

Behaviour

Kodaro's behavior is best summarized as exuberant, indefatigable, earnest, and caring. He’s by and large an open book, with no room in his heart for deception. He may not see good in everyone he meets, but he often assumes the best about them until they can prove otherwise. His open-hearted honesty leads him to be easily mislead, and he could be described as being overly-trusting. Despite his profession, he loathes killing and will always seek a peaceful resolution to any problem before resorting to violence. However, should things come to blows, he will strike to make sure the threat is completely neutralized.

---

Your Character May Know Him If...

• They've served with the Immortal Flames Foreign Battalions, where he is currently a Second Lieutenant
• They've recently been inducted in to the Maelstrom, where as a liaison officer he oversaw the hand-to-hand training of fresh recruits
• They follow or participate in the matches at the Bloodsands, where he's risen through the ranks with an undefeated recored (6-0)

---

Combat

Kodaro’s fighting style developed primarily through tireless practice and the study of the scrolls that were gifted to him; a style known as the Nine Weapons of Ala Mhigo. He utilizes his fists, feet, knees, elbows, and head with brutal efficiency, and even without the use of his aether moves with staggering speed and force. His years of experience enable him to analyze the actions of his opponents and target any weakness therein. For more than a cycle, he’s been studying Ala Mhigan monastic practices and while he’s only able to utilize six of his chakras, each that he opens adds a significant amount of speed and strength to his already considerable abilities.

Under Onuma’s tutelage, he began studying the use of sword and shield, and he’s adapted her teachings to better fit his precise form of fighting. He uses his sword and shield as extensions of his own body, striking and turning aside blows with either, with a notable preference for using his blade for thrusts rather than cuts.

More recently, he’s taken to the use of a halberd in combat. Due largely to his martial experience, he’s taken quickly to using every part of the weapon to devastating effect.

Tendencies

Likes ■ Sunlight ■ Sparring ■ Spending time with friends ■ Cactuar ■ Gil ■ Physical activity

Dislikes ■ Rain ■ When his friends fight ■ Voidsent ■ Dishonesty ■ Revenge

Hobbies/Talents ■ Fishing ■ Cooking ■ Close combat ■ Adventuring

Favorites ■ Favourite Food/Drink: Rabbit pie / Prickly pear cider ■ Favourite Place: Basking in the sun, preferably on a dock with fishing pole in hand ■ Favorite Weather: Cloudless afternoons ■ Favorite Season: Late spring ■ Favorite Color: Green ■ Favorite Scents: Busy kitchens, the sea, clover

Relationships

♥ Romantic Interest ♥ Sexual Desire ♥ Platonic Love ● Good Standing ● Neutral Standing ● Poor Standing

Friends and Allies ♥● Noor Falmah – Kodaro trusted the woman he thought to be his true love with his hopes and dreams, fears and worries, and loved her with every fiber of his being. He was devastated when she chose to leave him so soon after agreeing to be bonded and still struggles to understand why. His heart still aches, but he's trying to move forward as he knows she'd want him to, though in his heart of hearts he still carries a spark of hope that one day they can be together again. ♥ ● E'lios Tia – While he has only recently come to know his birth father, Kodaro has grown attached to the man in an astoundingly short period of time. Kodaro holds everything he does in high regard, and seeks to earn his approval and respect with his every action. ● Auriana Wynter – Kodaro respects the woman greatly. They've served side by side in numerous undertakings, and the only thing he respects more than her abilities is her resolution under adversity. ♥ ● Tahla'li Tayuun – Their time apart has given Tahla'li a clean slate in Kodaro's mind. He cannot forget their time together, although now he seeks mostly to get to know him again. That so much time has passed with so little communication is painful for the Seeker. ● X'linwh Tia – (Deceased) While he isn't by any means "over" Lin's death, he is much more at peace with the fact. After returning his fallen tribemate's axe to his sister, he was able to in some way lay Lin to rest. ● Dawson Colwell – Ko is always happy to see this sometimes aloof Hyur, though he rarely gets as much time with him as he'd like. He is still very fond of the man and wishes to learn more about him, but in the meantime is content in the knowledge that he has been training Rahn'a and other members of the Company in conjury. ♥ ● Y'lyfriel Sikah – Kodaro's come to think of her as something of another older sister. He admires her for her voracious appetite for knowledge and the dedication she shows to developing new skills. She is second only to his mate in those who's mind he respects. ● Orcrist Saragin – Kodaro considers this man his mentor, despite his instances to the contrary. He has been instrumental to Kodaro's understanding of the Ala Mhigan monastic orders, and he is forever be infallible in the young Miqo'te's mind. ● Fen'rin Taveck – Kodaro has been increasingly surprised by this man since ever they've first held conversation. While he first considered him to be nothing more than a curiosity, he's grown to understand Fen's power through his works with him. Kodaro is increasingly impressed with the man's abilities, and looks forward to fighting alongside him in the future. ♥ ● Rah'na Lihzeh – Kodaro's feelings for his little brother have cooled due largely to frustration, though he still holds him close in his heart. Ultimately, he wants the Keeper to come in to his own, but doesn't understand his frequent relapses in to despair or his reluctance to discuss his problems. ● Kikira Kira – Kodaro grew attached to this particular Dunesfolk quickly. Whether her devotion to her studies or her desire to aide the poor of Ul'dah, he finds himself frequently in agreement with all she has to think. He has and will continue to sacrifice for what she holds dear. ● Rinha'li Dhavha – This skittish Keeper is something of a curiosity to Kodaro. He understands very little of his background, but is continuously impressed by the depth of his knowledge on a growing array of subjects. In recent times, he has found himself increasingly impressed with Rin's confidence, resourceful thinking, and more-than-occasional displays of outright brilliance. ● Ralamano Nulumano – Their infrequent communications aside, Kodaro holds Ralamano in high regard. He respects the man in more ways than he could list, and will forever be grateful for any council he's offered; past, present, and future. There are not many he'd like to get to know more. ● S'aerdha Tia – Kodaro has at long last grown fairly close to the errant magister. He owes him a debt of gratitude for both his help in developing his monastic studies and for his efforts in designing his tattoos to help him in controlling his aether. Though he still finds his aloofness off-putting, he actually considers the man a friend. ♥ ● Solelle Frilaix – Kodaro respects the woman immensely, and was crushed by her statement that led to the suspension of his rank in the Company. If there's anyone he trusts more than Onuma in martial matters, it is her. He's enjoyed any mission they've undertaken together, and wants to grow closer to her once again. ● Ehrinn Thorn – Kodaro first met Ehrinn in a sparring match for Maelstrom assessors and was impressed with her right off the bat. From her swordsmanship to her archery to her scouting skills, she frequently finds new ways to win his respect, and there are few recent recruits that he believes to be more competent than she. ● Shoshopu Shopu – Kodaro has been fond of this particular Lalafell since the day they met. Her willingness to throw herself into the jaws of adversity for the sake of her friends has been a staying point in his feeling for her. ● Fyrilsunn Fiandoensyn – Ko holds a particular respect for this man, both his prowess and determination alike. They've fought together since their earliest days, and the young Seeker's feelings towards his strength in particular drive him to improve himself. He's never been anything short of inspired by the man's raw strength. ● Leo Arkwright – Events through the past cycle have shaken Kodaro's perception of the man to their core. He hold a great respect for Leo's abilities and commitment to the 81st, but he questions his frequent absence. Regardless, he'd share the front ranks with him any day. ♥ ● Seda'li Tayuun – Kodaro consider's Seda'li a true friend, although their history is spotted at best. He's been able to see the good in his heart, and through better understanding him has only grown closer. He still considers him one of his best friends. ♥● E'liah Tia – Eli's recent changes have done little to alter his feelings for his new sister. He adores his kin above all others, and wants nothing more than her happiness. He's more protective of her than perhaps he should be, but E'liah will forever be one of his closest kin. ● Lynn'wo Vahnal – Kodaro has grown increasingly fond of the Seeker. Despite the tales he's hear about why he shouldn't trust him, he considers him a good friend. He's always amused by his antics, but usually wishes he'd take a more respectable approach to adventuring. ● Adalhaid Rask – Despite their time apart, Kodaro has not forgotten Ada. He has long respected her devotion to the martial arts and hopes only the best for her. ♥● O'sona Tia – Sona is one of Kodaro's favorite people to spend time with. Once their divergent origins are cast aside, Kodaro considers the kit to be one his family members and eagerly awaits any time the two are able to spend together. Of his numerous 'siblings' O'sona is his absolute favorite.

Acquaintances, Enemies, and Rivals ● The Maelstrom 81st Foreign Levy – Despite frequent disagreements with the leadership and the vengeful direction the Company had taken before Kodaro was forced to depart, he holds his former Free Company in the highest of regards. He owes much of his development and progress through the years to their constant influence and can only hope they feel the same. He regrets not having the chance to say goodbye before being forcibly withdrawn back to Ul'dah at the behest of the Immortal Flames and wishes them the best in the future efforts. One day, he hopes they can meet together again as friends. ● Meilyn Saragin – His early understandings of her were largely mislead, but all the same Kodaro still consider's his mentor's sister to be bar none one of the best combatants he's ever had the opportunity to fight alongside. ● Wyra Nimh – While her occasionaly proclivities towards brutality may give him pause, Kodaro can at least respect the Keeper's martial prowess. He finds it difficult to approach or converse with her, but all the same he considers her a valuable ally. ● Brielle Ashenfist – Kodaro has an immense respect for this woman. While they've never fought side by side, or even against one another, he holds her time in the 'Sands inviolate. That she lauds any praise upon him at all for his actions in the arena is always a blessing. ● Awyrbyrt Fyrilsunnsyn – Kodaro has never been short of anything but stunned of the young man's skill with a spear, and his desire to bring about the best in his part of the world resonates closely within the Seeker. Every chance to fight alongside him has been a thrill. ● Sighard Albrecht – Kodaro was shaken by his last impression of the Hyur, but all the same he considers him to be a valuable ally. He looks forward to the day he and Sigard can share a battlefield. ● Erimmont Leguard – Despite his infrequent interactions with the former Flames captain, Kodaro carries immense respect and gratitude for the man; primarily for representing Rhesh'ir during his court marshall, but almost equally for his generous letter of introduction to the Immortal Flames Free Brigade. Ko finds his wit to be engaging and earnestly wants to learn more from him; however he hopes to put his embarrassing first impression behind him. ● Lotan'to Jiub – Kodaro regrets that he never got to know Lotan'to better following his unfortunate demise. He feels that he owes the man a debt of gratitude for Onuma teaching him his current abilities with the polearm. ● Emilienoix Bellegarde – Despite Kodaro's outright hostile feeling for him, Emil has- against all odds- earned some measure of Kodaro's acceptance and respect after choosing to fight with the 81st against Leviathan. Ko still doesn't trust him much farther than he can throw him, and tires quickly of his boastfulness, but he's past believing the man is out to harm his beloved 81st. ● Stahl Shepherd – Ko knows very little about this man other than he's reliable in a fight and skilled with his weapons of choice. He's gone on sorties alongside him several times, and at the very least knows that he can be counted on to follow instructions and think quickly in battle, which is more than Kodaro can say about other recruits. ● O'vitah Nuhn – Kodaro has seen this older Miqo'te around fairly frequently and has fought alongside him several times, but knows next to nothing about his background. While he finds some of the older man's dalliances inappropriate, he at least values his wisdom and skill-at-arms. ● Ranirus Crithalos – Kodaro despises this man. His frequent lies and double-dealings have left a bitter taste in his mouth. While he's tried to reach an understanding with him, he struggles to overcome his distrust. ● Ferai Caolann – Kodaro doesn't know where they went wrong. One day he was asking the older Seeker to be the Best Man at his forthcoming bonding, the next they weren't speaking. He hopes the best for Ferai despite his shallow and dark view of the world and his insistence on being little more than a tool in someone else's hands rather than make his own decisions.

Rumours Easily Overheard Rumours ■ "The little guy with the weird way of speaking? Heard he was raised by Lalafell." - Drybone Barkeep ■ "I think I saw him training last night well after sundown. I don't know where he gets the energy!" - Brass Blade Guard ■ "I hear tell he knocked some guy's block off for picking on one of his friends! Who'da thought the runt had it in him?" - Ul'Dah Citizen, near the Gate of Nald Somewhat Difficult To Overhear Rumours ■ "He's been moving up the ranks with surprising speed. We're thrilled to have him 'on loan' as it were from the Flames to help train our own recruits." - Maelstrom Commander at the Aftcastle ■ "The damn kid works us like mules, but I think we're gettin' a break soon! I heard he's going back to Ul'dah to try his hand at the Bloodsands." - Maelstrom Private at Moraby Bay Player Character Rumours ■ "He talks funny." - X'linwh Tia ■ "He's gone out of his way to help me more than once... even when I didn't deserve it." - Tahla'li Tayuun ■ "He's a kit with a lot of ambitions, and the fact that he knows how to cook is a plus for me; Menphina knows we'll need it with all the mouths we have to feed. Still, I worry for his safety sometimes, jumping headlong into things without always thinking of the dangers that come with them. A respectful and agreeable kid, though, otherwise; whoever adopted him were saints to take him in and raise him. I should like to think Hydaelyn would be a more bitter place without him." - Onuma Ahntifi ■ "So far as I have known, Kodaro is the best thing to have come from Ul'dah. His dedication and strength are unwavering. I...worry for him, at times. I have seen eagerness lay waste to the best, but it merely tempers my resolve to protect mine companions however I can" - Y'lyfriel Sikah ■ "He's a wuss. He thinks he's tough, but he'll wait for a man to be defenseless before he corners him." - Lynn'wo Vahnal ■ "I usually base it on who actually listens to who, and who has a brain on and off the field. Kodaro displayed that early on. He's young, but serious-minded, unlike the rest of them. He's also a brilliant strategist, a natural leader" - Rhesh'ir Zhwan History/Timeline Though he's only recently begun practicing as a pugilist, Kodaro already shows great promise in the art. While training in Drybone, he fell in with Rhesh'ir Zwhan and Co, becoming fiercely loyal to them in a short amount of time. Since their arrival in Black Brush Station, he has pursued his training with a renewed vigor in order to better protect his erstwhile family. After arriving in Ul'Dah with the rest of the tribe, Ko was accepted for further training at the Platinum Mirage. He has redoubled his efforts at improvement and continues to show advancement. Despite his training schedule, he's still found time to pursue independent and contracted adventuring, and is currently seeking a more stable employer. While focused on strengthening himself, he's also determined to strengthen the bonds within the tribe as well. Footnotes Theme Song: The Thermals - The Sword By My Side TV Tropes: Determinator, Skilled but Naive, Undying Loyalty Alignment: Neutral Good Gallery