Lsael Elswer

[edit] Basic Info Appearance and Personality Character Info Biography Combat OOC/Author's Notes Gallery & Footnotes  Lsael Elswer "...Can I help you?" Gender Female Race Au Ra Clan Xaela Citizenship Ul'dah Server Balmung Age / Nameday [24-27?] / 22th Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon, (1553) Occupation Freelance Pilot H/W 5 Fm 7 Im / 124 Pz Orientation Bisexual? Alignment Chaotic Good Home The Mists (Ward 7) - Plot 26 & Topmast Apartment (Room 57) "The Lonely Explorer" A black-clad woman leans up against the wall, far from the limelight of the crowd and noise of her fellow patrons. A half finished drink in her hand and an unmarked book on the other, she remains quiet and observant. The xaela occasionally peering from the leather-backed tome... only to catch your fleeting glance. Her crimson and yellow gaze locking with yours for but a blink of a moment. And as fleeting as it was, had came and gone. Returning to the book in which she was preoccupied with. Her posture spoke clearly. Even at half a head taller than most women of her race, she doesn't stand out. Her expression had hints of decisiveness, yet generally uninterested by those around her. With so many people coming and going, not a single soul stopped to give her a passing glance. Yet the woman paid it no mind. Rather, she seemed to prefer the situation that way. Despite this you find yourself approaching this odd xaela. You feel an odd, subtle longing, your imagination mayhap playing tricks on you? Each step closer to her vicinity, and you find yourself stealing more glances than you should. The woman is armed, fire arms hoisted on her back and hips. Machinist's gadgets strapped to her belt with several patches of reinforced armor on her coat and her sleek black sollerets. You can understand now mayhap why most of the patrons avoid her. But you yourself can see... She doesn't have a hint of intimidation. Whilst your curiosity overtakes your thoughts, and your feet straying off your original path. The woman continues to sneak a glance to watch the din of the crowd. Looking out into the bustling establishment without so much a hint of happiness nor contempt for the others enjoying their time. Her head veers at the pink voidsent which hovered nearby, sometimes scowling. Yet while the xaela remains invisible beyond the crowd... your presence has been noted. You feel her sharp gaze turning back to you once more. Heralding your arrival with what appeared to be slight annoyance. She briefly pauses before speaking up. She spoke simply and concise, her tone was subtle and with purpose. With what her lips would not convey, her eyes would carry on, as she meets you with an indifferent yet respectful expression. Like your conversation was a ripple of brine beneath a watery wave of conversations. But this time, your focus seems much clearer. As if the inaudible ringing in your head had just ceased to deafen you, your perception reinvigorated as the sounds of the crowd begin to muffle out from your view. With the xaela's overarching attention has now focused sharply onto yourself, you stand at a slight loss for words before introducing yourself. Not realizing the woman had already spoken up first, now somewhat irritated as she repeats herself to you a second time. "I said, can I help you?" Lsael Elswer (Pronunciation: /Leh-Sail Else-Wher/) How does one spend their "Happily Ever After?" All throughout her life, while trudging through some of the darkest days in her past, A lonesome Lsael often looked enviously up at the sky. Watching the birds flock overhead, the occasional airship flying past and the stars that shimmered from above and beyond. That sense of freedom in its purest form. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a distant dream. So when this wanderlust sell-sword found herself with a substantial amount of gil. After years of scraping to get by and simply reading about her would-be fantasies. It came as no surprise how, instead of a sword, she armed herself with wings. Taking the opportunity to a buy herself new manacutter. A manacutter which she would eventually modify throughout her days, growing into her very own airship. And so, like the past she left behind and with the same stubborn determination. The au ra didn't once look back on her choice. As self-taught tinkerer and repurposer of war machina. A lone wanderer traverses the world by airship. Working as a skilled pilot, mechanic, and even smuggler with the right amount of gil. Lsael put aside her sword, her shield, and other pointy-ended business tools to seek a life flying wherever she pleases. Leaving the burdens of her past as she took to the skies. If you were asked to spend the rest of your life flying high above the clouds with nobody by your side. Would you agree? Would you accept it? For someone like Lsael, who'd choosen to do so. Do you think she regrets it? Appearance Lsael is a young adult Xaela appearing around her mid to late twenties. Standing slightly taller than most women of her race, Lsael last checked herself at just above 5 fulms 7 ilms, which is noticeably taller than the average female Au Ra. She sports a lithe, well balanced and athletic figure having ran about in plate mail for most of her younger days. Her natural fair-skin is accented by dark purplish scales. Lsael's scales bearing no special traits in comparison to those of her other kin. With the slight exception of being slightly lighter in tone compared to most tribal-raised xaela of the Steppes. She has few but notable scars on her body. A large, deep scar on her lower-left side of her waist indicating a very painful flesh wound. A fading, piercing-like scar on her upper right-shoulder visible from the front and back. A large slashing scar, cutting just above her right thigh, just below the waist. And several smaller and fading cuts littering her right arm. Lsael has short black hair with faint red highlights, often preferring to keep it to a minimal length. Occasionally her hair will grow out, but poor maintenance only sees it grow so long. At most often covering only the left side of her face with stray bangs. A habit formed when she was still a sell-sword gladiator, as hair maintenance wasn't an important requirement under a plated reinforced helmets. Once in a blue moon however, she may grow it out long enough to warrant a pony tail. In which any stray comment about it would promptly force the xaela's hand to shorten it once more. Lsael also has heterochromatic eyes. Her left eye is what she describes as her natural crimson red. And her right eye, more recently changed, is a bright crystal yellow. Both are enclosed enclosed within black limbal rings which remained unchanged. Personality Growing up. Most of her life was spent in long periods devoid of any meaningful social connections. Her refusal to admit to her own shyness, combined with a surprisingly docile persona has made Lsael a very silent and reticent character. While she's the type that could go for months on end without any sort of conversation, and be perfectly contempt with such a fate. Those who manage catch wind of her would find it difficult to describe her as asocial, brooding or gloomy. In fact, Reservations aside, Lsael is quite adept in socializing and holding a conversation given a meaningful topic. Her pragmatism and practical approach in all topics of life lets her walk a fine line between seemingly apathetic, and being a rather curious individual. Despite this, she may often come across as oddly rude at most times. Insensitive, blunt, or politically incorrect. Lsael seems to have little care about the worldly ideals and politics unless such topics directly concerns herself. Her far and few acquaintances will note that xaela also remains oddly well mannered. Though stubborn stubborn in her words and ideals, as long as they initiate a conversation with some degree of respect. That sense of trust is easily reciprocated in turn. On the topic of respect, she absolutely despises those who think they are above others. Blind racists, pretentious high-born, politicians and radical religious zealots alike. Having grown up with her own set of struggles, Lsael could easily relate to those less fortunate. Even giving away what little change she could afford if the feeling ever occurs to her. But that's not to say she's the most kind-hearted person around. Having lost hope in herself at one point. Lsael values the strong-willed sensibility which she refound, helping her move along in her life. And so she'll often seek the same out of others. If introduced to a person who has given up with the struggles of life, expecting pity or empathy of their plight rather than facing it head on. Lsael won't find much value in their life whatsoever, and will not hesitate to leave them to their fate. When faced with an unyielding aggressor in an argument. Lsael has learned throughout the years that preemptive aggressiveness works as a proper deterrent. If faced with continuous harassment after being promptly asked to leave her be, for example. Lsael will not hesitate to swing the hilt of her blade or put a bullet in their thigh with no given warning. Whatever action it would take to desist the individual and make a point loud and clear. (While on this note, she's on a low alert criminal list in Gridania for this very reason. Which is why she never frequents the city proper) Trust after all, is earned to some degree. Her pragmatism and social tendencies often leaves the xaela untrusting and wary of everyone she encounters. While Lsael does occasionally enjoy hooking up with a stranger for a night between cities. There isn't much hope for a romantic connection with the girl. Lsael will often feign interest for the sake of enjoyment. After the deed, most partners often describe her as reserved or easily irritated, especially if she was approached for only sex in mind rather than anything else. In which case the au ra would only give up only her last name. As Lsael prefers to keep her distance from strangers before she's gotten a hold of their true intentions. Should Lsael casually hold a conversation with someone, it would be seen as a small form of trust. For this girl to even disclose any personal details about herself at all, would probably mean that she actually likes the person. What little friends Lsael HAS come to trust however, would describe her as much radically different than the other persona's she would sport among strangers. Lsael is much as more talkative, given that they are around to start a conversation. Her tone changes slightly from a formal sense to rather casual dialogue, letting her limsan accent shine through all the talking. They are treated to a rather a blunt and straight-forward way of thinking. The sassy and underlying cynicism that the xaela often brings is divisive at best. Some finding humour, others finding insult in her choice of words. Crass or politically incorrect, Lsael is noted not to shy from the truth of the conversation, often stating her opinion regardless of other's reaction or consequence. Whether this is charming or rude to her friends is dependent on the thickness of their skins. Outside of other's influences however, Lsael is still pretty much a lonesome individual. Years of strife and lonesome hard work has tempered her will. Something which is readily apparent when the xaela is about to fight. She becomes eerily silent, often expressed with a motionless calm and neutral sort of focus in her eyes. Lsael has lost her fair share of fights and brawls growing up, knowing fully well the consequences that awaits the loser, especially to women. This silence is a testament to that, and her focus is the reinforced resolve in which she carries herself through those faults. Lsael's only confidence in a fight lies on sheer force of will. Her tenacity in a fight going sour is unbridled and defiant, and the lessons she had been taught over the years drilled into her instinct. She is very much an amazing close-quarters fighter, her martial prowess the sum of her hard-work and blind resolution to better herself. Despite her martial prowess, Lsael is very much considered average or below median when accounted for her magical and arcane skills. While her endurance, tenacity, strength and quick reactions are well accounted for. Her mental fortitude is also not up to par. Those who have readily teamed up with her in the past have noticed she was much more susceptible to certain mental debuffs when caught in them (such as Charms, Confusions, Fears). Though given a familiarity to attach herself to, she seems quite capable when Lsael is able to apply herself. For example, her Red Mage skills are above par in comparison to any other magic/arcane-based class she has picked up. ■ Alignment - Chaotic Good Character Info / Notes - In terms of self education, Lsael is a very quick learner. Often picking up instructions on the spot. Her writing leaves much to be desired however, with her own notes incomprehensible to none other than herself. To counter this, she'll often opt to doodling instead, though her drawing skills remain questionable at best. In regards to the fine arts however, she is actually quite adept in singing albeit she would heavily deny this. - Instead of keeping a diary, she tends to collect books as keepsakes for special events or jobs. When she was teenager, she would often take high-quality tomes and books as payment instead of gil. This may be due to her experience as a child hiding away in libraries, the one place she could avoid her captors. Rest, respite and an abundant maze of towering shelves were shelter enough in the public libraries which dotted the Limsan upper decks. And so, being around books made her feel safe. Which is probably why there is an overabundance of them in her apartment. And by overabundance, the girl could practically start her own library. From children's picture books, scholastic grimoires to long lost allagan transcripts. Her travels have left her far and wide throughout Eorzea, and each book in her possession is a testament to her lifelong experiences. Note: She's practically read (or skimmed through) them all. - After assisting some adventurers with a Necrologos leve in hopes of attaining the infamous book for herself. Lsael found herself ontop of a treasure coffer with an Atrophied Atomos hiding within. Consuming her satchel of crystals at the time, the creature has stayed by the xaela's side ever since. Gobbling up whatever she would offer it whether it be scrap metal, food, or just general trash. In exchange as a floating trashcan, Lsael found some much needed company for her long travels. The xaela would bless it with colourful nicknames such as "Cheeky Lil' Bastard". But 'Tomo' the atomos' name. It would often be seen floating nearby as Lsael tends to keep it under a strict leash. Seeing as Tomo tends to bite when spoiled with food or float off on it's own. - Having been raised around pirates and Roegadyns, she's grown to have a very high tolerance of alcohol. Thus, Lsael is often caught with several hard drinks when visiting taverns or bars. Most notable, she's often found spiking her own drinks, as Lsael would often note that 'normal alcohol just doesn't give the right kick anymore'. It is a special tonic crafted by the idylshire's resident goblins. Which is actually just a strong consumable form of industrial grade alcohol - Due to the circumstances of her arrival to Eorzea, Lsael doesn't actually know where her birth place, origin, or home country is. Though she had recently taken a hint when a large score of Doman refugees began moving into Mor Dhona. Many of which approached the clueless Xaela in their native tongue, asking for directions. It seemed like only those who hail from Far East can recognize enough of her facial features and mistake her mannerisms as a far eastern upbringing. Meanwhile Lsael had taken the strangers' assumptions as pointless, finding their customs and traditions to be quite queer even to herself. - Presently, Lsael is inducted as a Lieutenant in the Immortal Flames. She once served proudly as an auxillary member of the Maelstrom. Discharged following her brother's demise in the Calamity, as her enlistment was insisted despite the age restrictions. - Lsael still lives in the Topmast Apartments in Limsa Lominsa, and was just recently recognized as a Lominsan citizen following the Dragonsong War. Though her origins still could not be traced, as the xaela's own recollections with the matter are lacking... What little official records are around show that she has worked as in private security as mercenary, part-time freight smuggler for the war effort , and for a week or so as a scullery maid. Along with this she also has claimed to have once been a courtesan, a rogue, an amateur cartographer, and treasure hunter. - Lsael's believes her full name is a combination of two slurred instances. Her first name was when she was found by her stepfather, repeating after him when he said the words "Let's set sail. I've enough of this place" whilst dipping in and out of consciousness. Attempting to repeat after him whilst half conscious, the small girl could only speak the first two words. The Roegadyn leaning close and mistaking the child's mumbling as her attempting to introduce herself and her name. Her last name was given to her by her stepfather. Knowing that giving her his own last name would never identify the Xaela as his own flesh and blood. Instead He gave her the name "Elilswyr", a combination of the old Sea Wolf words meaning 'Exiled/Foreign' and 'Big'. A pet name to the tiny au ra he first met and a testament on how he first encountered the feisty young child jumping onto a garlean soldier and trying to stab him with his own knife. Due to growing tomboyish personality, he joked about how a male's naming convention fit her perfectly. Though senility and constant drinking over the years took a toll on the old Sea Wolf's speech pattern. To the young impressionable child, the old man's slurred words "Elilswyr" came across to the young Lsael as "Elswer" (("Let's Sail Elsewhere")) As a Pilot - Her airship is a custom made cruiser, built ontop of the manacutter framework by the Skysteel Manufactory and Garlond Ironworks. Over the years, the ship has taken up many iterations and changes until it's become nigh unrecognizable as a manacutter, but more of a functioning airship. - The ship is almost three times the size of a normal manacutter, and heavily modified. Built over the years from Garlean, Sky Pirate, Ironworks, and Skysteel parts alike. It's chassis was built from a remnants of a downed Imperial Hypersonic Assault Craft. The hull was scrapped and cleaned to serve as the base. Utilizing two propellor based corrupted crystal engines to power the turbines at regular flight levels (with sufficient aethercurrents within the area). As well as the addition of two ceruleum powered jet turbines to facilitate high altitude flight without the depending on latent aether. With four engines in total, the abundantly larger chassis was required to fit all the specialized parts and equipment within the hull. As well as a sizeable cavity within in order to store any equipment or freight. Ice-resistant materia have been melded onto the joints and moving parts to prevent icing in high altitude. Lightning and fire resistant materia melded in pockets within the ship's frame to isolate and contain any ruptures or fires inflicted onto the ship. And wind-resistant materia melded into the outer layer of the hull to maintain structural integrity during high wind currents at cruising speed. The ship may not have been built to take punishment from gunfire or attacks, but it does allow for a unique flying experience, especially with the ship boasting a top cruising altitude as high as 40 thousand fulms when flying above or near relevant aethercurrents. Without them, Lsael's ship can reach up to 60 thousand fulms above sea-level on a whim. But would she would never allow herself to go that high up unless given a good reason. - One specialization to note is the remnants of a magitek vanguard chassis that is mounted around the middle of the hull. Placed just between the seperated pilot and passenger's seat (it's a two-seater airship). Taking inspiration from the Castrum incident with magitek reapers. Lsael had commissioned the goldsmith's guild to meld a modified mammet's core onto the broken, original vanguard core. Once it was done, she had it linked to most of the primary functions and flight controls of the airship. As well as syncing up basic controls and automatic tracking onto her aetherotransformer. If she manages to fall out of the cockpit mid-flight, this would allow her ship to dive under autopilot and track her descent path. An emergency autopilot rescuing her, and voiding the reason to bring a harness or parachute. This modification also allows her to put the manacutter in a hands-free auto-pilot. Allowing for a brief time to sit back and relax, or do some mid-flight repairs. - Due to the open cockpit designed and the ship's high altitude cruising ability. A majority of the ship's specializations and general performance replies heavily on Lsael's own physical prowess and experience. Her years growing up as a Disciple of War has increased her endurance and pain resistance substantially, helping the xaela cope against the open hazards of the high-altitude flying. The amount of force her body is subjected to in tight turns and dives. Not to mention the the brutality of the cold and heat that await above the clouds. Despite all this, Lsael has always felt like she had been preparing for this role all her life. And her adoration with her career is fitting given just how much enjoys flying. - With the staggering amount of modifications and changes to the ship, the maintenance and repair cycles remain arduous and lengthy. It isn't rare for Lsael to be grounded for a week or so at times. And being privately owned and built, she must see to the repairs all by herself. But to the lone pilot, it's all worth it in the end. Biography and Past OOC Note: *Still subject to revision for timeline matching/accuracy etc. Is meant to give an insight to Lsael's life compared to the events of the game. Sorry for any oddities in the following ;-;* Arrival to Eorzea Show text The farthest back Lsael's memory could take her was in that cramped and dark container aboard a Garlean transport ship. Lsael along with the four-score dozen other children, taken from several different corners of the occupied empire were being shipped off to a destination unknown to them. Their overseers supposedly recruiting them due to their aetheric prowess, off to be tested and bred to grow up and fight for the empire. Making the mistake by labeling them as "special cargo". While the contents remained a mystery, This information caught the attention of one notorious privateer crew. Expecting some expensive and worthwhile plunder, they moved to intercept and the hidden children were soon caught in the ensuing battle. Lsael's container caught a molten grapeshot round in the first volley. Shredding a large hole into their container. Many of the children were perforated into a red mist almost immediately as torn bits of molten metal and shrapnel shredded the unprotected cargo within. Luckily, having been forced against the opposite side of the container, the wall of bodies blocked most of the carnage for Lsael. The young Xaela soon found herself crawling out of the bleeding hole gasping for air and choking on warm fog of blood from the other children. And her first act upon freedom? A frenzied assault on the nearest garlean soldier. Caught off guard from the boarding pirates, the man struggled to get the little girl off. The pirates were bewildered, watching this little xaela, a race many of the crew have never encountered before, swiping the guard's darksteel knife and began scratching and stabbing her way around the grown man. Finishing off the soldier who managed finally managed to throw Lsael off, the pirates picked up the young girl along with three other surviving children only to find the remnants of the "special container". While the dead children were quite the lost cause, there was other loot to be plundered in the ship as the crew helped themselves to whatever they could find. The aging captain of the crew however, was shocked at the mangled innocent corpses inside the containers, and took it upon himself to care for the four survivors. One of which caught his eye especially. The foreign little black-scaled girl who was slipping in and out of consciousness, carrying her to his cabin as she was more wounded than the others and needed the rest. "-Let's sail elsewhere-. I've had enough of this place." Were the first words Lsael's ears heard after the ringing in her head had ceased. Repeating after her newfound protector, she could only whisper a slur of the first few words. This was how her future step-father assumed her first name, "Lsael" Early Childhood Show text Having given his own son such an undesirable and violent upbringing. The old captain of pirates and Lsael's rescuer, had decided to adopt the young Xaela as a second chance in a life which he had originally taken for granted. Leaving the care of his crew to his second-in-command and aforementioned son, he took his share of the plunder and left to retire. He bought a small cottage by the cliff-side in Red Rooster Stead. The young Xaela following after the aging Seawolf with much anxiety. It didn't take long for Lsael to warm up to the old man. His infectious charisma and wisdome rubbed off on her young mind fairly quickly. He taught her how to properly read and write. Clothed and fed her. At nights when the young girl couldn't sleep, he would often share his tales of daring-do and sailor's myths. Stories he was told as a child himself, the kinds that the young xaela was enamored with. Lominsan pirate admirals of the past, famous rogues and mythical scoundrels. And with each story Lsael was smitten by the prospect of adventure and open seas. Though it was far from his intentions, Lsael pestered him to teaching her how to fight like in the stories. She learned the basics of how to hold or a dagger, As the old man only had Roegadyn sized weapons with him at the time. He more than happily demonstrated for Lsael, despite his age showing off the skills and combat experience tempered from from years of pirating. While some of the old pirate's habits did not completely die out from retirement, such as drinking, swearing, and fighting. The young Xaela emulated and idolized her father, much to the amusement of her visiting stepbrother. She loved to copy the two men, swear as they do, and even sipping on their ale at the joking request of her step-brother. For a time, Lsael's life was in complete bliss... ... That is an old bad blood re-emerged. A bitter and violent rival from a separate pirate group from long ago, seeking revenge on the aging Sea Wolf for past dues. Having thought the matter was settled years ago, the old man was oblivious to the impending attack. Barging into his home, beating and subjecting him into agonizing pain. Lsael could only cry in fear and plead, as these men maimed and humiliated her father. When he tried to fight back, they retaliated by taking advantage of the young Xaela, and threatened to rape and kill Lsael if the Roegadyn struggled... By the time the Yellowjackets had arrived by a tip from the locals, they found blood smeared across the wooden floor and dragged out to the back of the home. The old man's body was recovered at the bottom of the cliff-side, tossed from above. His daughter was never officially recorded as a Limsan civilian, as the old Sea Wolf didn't see it as a relevant issue at the time. Though the locals that knew the father and daughter tried to state the missing girl's description. As far as the authorities were concerned, the 10 year old girl never even existed in the first place. Childhood-Pre-teenage Years Show text Lsael couldn't be asked to recall much of her life after that ordeal. Mourning the death of her father and reeling from her assault. Her captives were more than willing to drug her to keep the foreign girl 'compliant' which served to push the girl into a deeper shock. They naturally cared little in how they would handle the small xaela. And since Au Ra were a rarity in Limsa at the time, they quickly put the young girl to work. Her captors owned several unlicensed pleasure barges under the shadows of the lower decks, and put her to work as a premium. Abused, mistreated, and held against her will. She would try many times to fight back and escape, only for the despair to be beaten back into her head, literally. ...One attempt proved successful however! As the girl ran tearfully hid away into Hawker's Alley in blind desperation. But the busy halls of Limsa's lower decks was no place for a lone young girl like her self. Her darkened horns and reptilian tail did not help either as she stood out from the crowd, heightening her chance of recapture. But due to the neatly arranged clothing that were provided to her from the other older courtesans, Lsael managed to find her way to the upper decks. Seeking solace within one of the several arcanist libraries that dotted the city's more distinguished district. The doormen mistaking her for a scholar's or merchants daughter, she bided her time behind books as often as she could. Feigning ignorance or making up excuses for an absent parent to the custodians as she slept between the high rows of bookshelves in the library. Reading to pass the time and only leaving to find food in the busy markets below. Lurking away from sight, pickpocketing and stealing what little food she could in order to feed herself. Come nightfall, she would sneak between the library once more. Arranging the books as if she was but a sleeping child, awaiting her scholar parent's return. ...Though one day, during her daily food runs and pick-pocketing the stalls. She was caught pick-pocketing by a bus boy who happened to be a fledgling member of the rogue's guild. Reporting the incident to his master, news spread of a lone auri girl spread throughout the ear's of limsa's underground. Though it wasn't the boy's intention as he was simply trying to do right by the stall owner, Lsael soon found herself in the hands of her captors once more. Her coming punishment much more severe. The news of a new foreign lay wasn't that fairly big of a deal. Her escape alone slowly made it's way through the local's ears. An exotic scaled young girl, hailing from a race exclusive to the far east. Throughout the multiple iterations, there were enough that often stood consistent. And despite the snail's pace of it's spread, after three long years it finally made it's way to the ears of the right man. Not even half a day upon hearing this rumour... Another fight brakes out in the lower decks of the city, with yet another pirate group out for revenge. This time however, it had exploded into an all out brawl within the red light district. When the room to her door was broken down, and the would-be client ontop of her thrown aside, did Lsael looked hazily up to her would-be rescuers. The guilt and confusion hit the young xaela, yet no tears fell from her eyes as her step-brother finds her after so long. Now leading her father's previous crew, he had bolstered enough numbers to take revenge for the murder of his father. With victory at hand, they were now faced with a smaller problem. Drugged and beyond relief, beaten into submissions. They were left with a young girl who refused any attempts in communication. With little choices open to them, and under the split opinion of the crew. They continued to care for Lsael despite her distancing herself from them. For the most part, many took care of her out of respect for their dearly departed captain. Early to Late Teens Show text If there was something that the father and son shared, it was their charisma. And while breaking the shell which Lsael's mind hand enclosed itself was no easy task. It took almost a year before the chains of abuse and mistreatment were finally broken from her mold. Under her stepbrother's guidance along with the welcoming members of his new-found crew, they welcomed her into their motley family and slowly restored the fire within the Lsael's small beating heard. Lsael felt safe among their company. Her brother's infectious bravado helping spark her fiery spirit as Lsael quickly learned her role within the ship. Adopting her newfound life sailing the seas and acting as a sort of child-like mascot of the crew. A mold able little-sister figure to all, they taught her how to fight, how to drink, and how to live off the bounty of the sea. Her newfound family trained her with axes and lances. Shortswords, bucklers, bows and pistols. The girl was quick on becoming a trained rogue and marksman. Hoping that what little assistance she could provide would benefit her new home in some way. Come victory or loss, it had been so long since she felt that same sense of family she had been missing since her father's death. Cherishing the crew and her newfound life, she helped spread this cheerful optimism with her new family, hoping her life sailing high seas would never end. Though met with the rare failures, The crew's eventual successes would even earn them the attention of the Admiral. Before long they were formally inducted under the Maelstrom's command. What cause for celebration that was. With their newfound recognition and allowed to keep the loot gathered from over the years. The ability to freely engage garlean supply lines with no consequence, and a steady pay for their efforts was a rarity in their line of work. To earn gold while doing piss all but train drills and fight. It was a career change the crew gladly took. Even their first assignment seemed such a simple task as well. Assigned into guard duty in an island just off of Aleport. Whilst news of war were beginning to spread across the realm, their crew wasn't even stationed at the frontlines. When a call to action had sent most of the Maelstrom diverting to the Cartenau Flats. Their crew was stationed under the acting command of Captain Symond. Tasked to safeguard one of the area's most important structures whilst it reached the final stages of it's construction. The newly built lighthouse which sat at the Isles of Umbra, Pharos Sirius... ...Lsael would never forget the sound of screaming that night. The pungent smell of burning flesh. When the shards of dalamund descended on the realm, and the brilliant the barrage of terraflares scorching the land. One of such flares struck the side of the building. The insides of the structure engulfed a furious blaze and tainted corrupted aether, molten rock and metal. If it wasn't for her being with a handful of the crew patrolling the shoreline, they surely would have perished along with the others, who stood guard and slept within Pharos Sirius' walls. The shockwave the of terraflare flung the Xaela and the other Maelstrom soldiers some fulms back. The agonizing screams of those burning alive echoed like a kettle from within the lighthouse. Her fellow crew mates had to pin the Xaela down to prevent her from running into the inferno, prying the red-hot stones which blocked the entrance with her bare hands. Crying desperately for her brother's response and the lives of her crew and family whom burned within. With the heat radiating so intensely, her head ringing from the blast, and the burns and bruises weakening her resolve. Lsael could only scream and squirm as the surviving maelstrom carried the young woman away. The pain of her loss numbed the newfound burning feeling that embedded itself in her eye. Having been blind in her right eye for most of her life, for some reason the close contact with the crystalizing corrupted aether restored her sight. Changing the hue of her iris from red to a bright yellow. ...Lsael lost consciousness not long after that, and awakened to the soft beckon of what seemed to be... a woman in her dreams... Her whispers beckoned Lsael to feel, hear, and think. But before she could even question the vague concept she woke up, still lying in the sand with the smoldering blaze of the lighthouse. The rest of the surviving Maelstrom, the remainder of the crew, had all but abandoned each other to fate, scattering like the ashes that bellowed from the lighthouse. A lot of her memories became fuzzy after that.. With no form of support from the Maelstrom, who ever busy repairing the damage from the calamity. Lsael was alone once more, this time with no clear goal or destination. With the surviving crew scattering to find new lives for themselves, it didn't take long for the disheartened xaela to lose hope. She sold herself for what she could. Exchanging comfort for what little gil and food wasn't melted or burnt after the dreadwyrm's wake. Offering her sword arm, her body, or even both at the right price. This shameless and reckless way forced her to blindly walk a path unknown even to herself. Probably even under a drunken stupor after trying to drink her cares away, as Lsael eventually makes her way to Ul'dah. As a hopeless and abandoned lone teenager. As long as there was food to eat and what little gil left in her purse. Be it a dark street corner or under the shade of tree in the wilderness. Any form of respite would do. Post-Calamity / Young Adult Show text While the details of this incident remained unclear to her, evIen to this day. Lsael recalls one of her latest clients, who happened to be paying her to double as a guard and escort, had a lengthy and heated disagreement with the Xaela. Leaving his service along with some stolen gil, this merchant in question looked to hire a gang to take back his property and make an example of her. A bloody fight broke out, threatening to outnumber and take advantage of the wounded woman. It was moments that followed which attracted attention of a group from the gladiator's guilds. Settling the business with the would-be thugs, they were impressed with how the xaela conducted herself under such odds, and invited the girl to join their guild, much to Lsael's hesitation. She didn't think much of her admission at first. The sword and shield was a simple enough weapon to utilize, she thought. But Lsael soon found out a woman's consequences of underestimating a group of foes. Literally getting away by the tip of her horns, it didn't take long for her to harden her resolve in changing her reckless way of thinking. She knew then something would need to change if she were to survive. Though every menial job that came her way proved to be mentally taxing. This blind ambition to better her sword arm was the only thing that drove the young woman out of her shoddy bed each morning. Sellsword work was hard sweaty work in Ul'dah. Most often boring beyond relief and as hot as the seven hells, it payed for her food and lodging well enough. But despite the introduction of a sense of balance in her life, Lsael had always lacked a definitive goal. She often had little to look forward to. While her feats in battle and dungeon crawling began to gain momentum in correlation to her skill, the guild leader Mylla decided to take an interest into the matter. One day leading Lsael to an acquaintance of her's among within the illustrious sultansworn. The knights in shining armor. She recognized the status of the men in the old stories she was told as a child. But growing up in a cruel reality, the Xaela knew better than to simply continue to follow Mylla's instructions with little to no thought. It wasn't until after she had endured her trial with Jenylns did she shine in her eyes slowly came back. The trials and lessons, the victory and betrayals over those they thought could be trusted. While it unfolded before her like some queer story told to her as a child, the talks of oath keeping and brotherhoods often flew over the xaela's head. But slowly Lsael began to take these men's words by heart. And after some forgettable battle against the monetarist forces, she gazed down on her soulstone with a odd epiphany... Until now, she had let others decide her worth... It had never occurred to take no consideration of other's opinions, and take matters into her own hands no matter what. Lead the life she wanted lead without regret for any others or for herself. And so for the first time in 5 years, the xaela who always walked with her head lowered to the ground, finally lifts her gaze to face forward. Everything from her father's death leading up to that faithful coerthan night seemed like a passing dream, as if Lsael had awoken from a long and hazy nap. At least now, for the first time in a years, Lsael could clearly see the opportunities which have been available to her all this time. And she spared not a single moment to grasp at any and every passing opportunity that she possibly could. 7th Astral Era - Five Years Hence / Current Show text With that fiery spirit restored in her hearts, she would go and master a multitude of combative crafts over the years. A quick learner, and even quicker on her feet. She found herself chasing leve after leve. The jobs serving as a source of income and practice for what ever combative art she prided herself at the time. She even found a part time job aiding as a escort-guard for the Scions. It was around this time Lsael had become more attuned to her 'Echo' ability, though still completely unbeknownst to her. But seeing as the primal gods had nothing to do with life at the time, and the echo's unwieldy aspect of activating involunatarily, she often found herself as a freelancer of sorts. Picking up odd jobs and what ever specialist jobs she qualified for. Though it paid rather well at times, she quit those jobs rather frequently. Even though her constant lust for adventure had her travelling from one side of the realm to the other, Lsael still remained very much alone. Spending vast amounts of time out in the world with nothing but the clouds and the stars above her, the clothes she could carry and the weapon on her side. After the repetitive nature of her sellsword and mercenary work started to get to her. She felt a lull in heart, chasing what seemed to be and endless cylce of ventures she could not escape. Staring at the sky, Lsael was quick to envy the birds which soared high above her. It was around this time she had rekindled her childhood fascination with airships. Able to travel to faraway lands, off to wherever one might please. Airship journeys were always exciting for Lsael, having only been on two rides up until this point in her life. With the desire to seek adventure through her own means, the Xaela decided to work on this opportunity early. Reading as many books as possible concerning how to fly, maintain, and even build her own airship. Saving up the gil she had earned in her odd jobs. For the longest time, this had been Lsael's one and only true goal in her life and she was absolutely determined to see it through to the end. With the opening of Ishgard to outsides and the help of the Skysteel Manufactory. She took the chance and bought her own customized Manacutter. At that point, there was nothing holding her back from the beckoning skies. Present Now an experienced pilot by her own right. Lsael had more or less set aside her sword in exchanged for the machinist's trade as it better coincided with her new career. Picking up some trade specializations and skills, she quickly got to work in improving the schematics and design of her own ship. Making it bigger, and faster. Fly higher than it was originally thought possible and all due to the determanation of one girl. When money became tight, she used these newfound traits of her ship to her advantage, offering freight services and sometimes even smuggling goods over garlean barricades in exchange for a fair amount of gil. Though maintaining and repairing her ship remained a long and arduous task, there was nothing more satisfying to her than flying several hundred fulms above the clouds, and so Lsael continued her newfound trade. Combat and Technique As a child, she grew up with her father's stories of graceful fighters doing flips and turns mid-combat. Though now, as a grown woman and competent fighter herself, she quickly realized this just wasn't feasible in full plate armor while engaged in rough terrain. Rather, throughout her work in Ul'dah as well as her experience as a privateer at one point. Lsael has developed a minimalist style of fighting. Inspiried by the thaumaturge's guild upon watching the mages practice "stutter stepping". Her fighting style is has grown to be a hybrid mix of brute force and minimalist evasion. A technique revolving around 'grazing' her opponent's attacks. Standing her ground with blocks and parries of her own, or even pushing back with hits that are unavoidable. With her training as a gladiator and a steady shield. Her style is accentuated with immediate and brutal counterattacks. Stand your ground, press forward, anticipate and punish. Her high spatial awareness, combined with short skips and dashes allows her to maintain the proper striking distance while returning blows with concentrated efficiency. This style proved widely successful throughout her days in the gladiator's guild and as a free paladin, and has proven it's worth to this day. While this technique placed her in some vary dangerous positions. Her scrupulous thinking and quick reactions made sure the risk was often worth the reward, and helped set her apart early on from the rest of the fighters. Even now, she still continues this fighting style out of habit. While Lsael now formally works as a machinist. Even when given the advantage of ranged attacks. Lsael would much rather prefer close-quarters, allowing her to recognize the full potential from the tools and experience. "Seeker of Blood" | "The Flame Dynast" LIKES Alcohol and Strong Drinks Growing up in Limsa Lominsa, this is a given. Even her father and step-brother were rather fond of this little aquired trait of hers. Sporting an alcohol tolerance so high that it would put a grizzled Sea Wolf to shame. It's no surprise that Lsael would often carry around a flask, or a stash of hard liquor stowed away in the corners of her apartment. Books Unbeknownst to those who haven't yet stepped foot into her apartment. Reading is second lifestyle for the xaela. With no formal education under her belt. This self taught au ra took it upon herself to pick up the knowledge that would benefit her the most. Skipping most subjects that does not interest her, unless the illustrations are wonderful that is. A good picture is often the only criteria the pilot looks for, as Lsael is particularly interested with folklore books and subjects about flight. Music and Singing Probably the rarest trait one would ever see the xaela display. Though Lsael herself has yet learned to play any musical instruments, she's quite an natural singer. When she was younger, due to the weight of plate armor, carrying an instrument along would be a needless burden. An odd decision given that this is her excuse even now... And so Lsael would sing once in a blue moon. And she's gotten quite good at it from an outsider's perspective, though Lsael vehemently refuses to believe so. DISLIKES Gridania (in general) It "Smells funny" would be the first words that would come to mind. As the xaela isn't very fond of the area, or it's citizens, or the forest's way of life. She just doesn't like Gridania in general. The winding paths and shrubbery just seems needlessly disorientating. But few friends would come to realize that Lsael and the locals have a history of not getting along all too well... Hopelessness While Lsael will take it upon herself to help someone in need. She has a growing hatred against those who've resigned themselves to their fate. If that's how an individual sees them self, then that's how Lsael will see them as well. She sees no point in helping someone that refuses to help themselves. Drugs While the remains quite the avid drinker. There's no denying that Lsael has seen her share of hardships, some which no little girl should ever go through. Yet sometimes even a brief relief from one's suffering can mean all the world, as a young Lsael found out the hard way. It took some two years to break out of that habit, and the Calamity didn't help with that. After clawing her way up from the gladiators into free-paladin, and then to a pilot in turn. To this day Lsael refuses to take any sort of recreational drugs or smoking habits, and may often frown on others to do so. QUIRKS Avid Book Collector Closer to an obsession really. At one point in her life, Lsael would start accepting rare and high quality tomes instead of gil for services rendered. Her apartment serves as a testament to this. Magitek Tinkerer While she has no formal education with the matter, Lsael enjoys to mess around with smaller magitek pieces on her spare time. This small and continued hobby would eventually help her find odd jobs in previously Garlean-occupied territories. As tinkering turned into repurposing, developing the war-machina that was left into helpful civilian use for the good of the common man. Disciple of War Jobs Her main jobs, in order from most to least used are. Machinist -> Paladin -> Rogue -> Monk -> Samurai -> Warrior -> Dark Knight -> Dragoon -> Red Mage. Blades And Such Lsael has found herself much more "in tune" with slashing techniques than most. With the exception of her machinist of course. Jobs such as Paladin, Samurai, and Dark Knight. Their uses in regards to aether and proper form aside, comes much more naturally to her. But What About Magic? This xaela was never very fond of spells, given the amount of time needed to utilize them and the readily accessible options many of the 'Disciple of War' jobs boast. While that may be Lsael's explanation for it, the real reason comes to a previous incident concerning her "Darkside" during her tenure learning the Dark Knight's trade. Seeing White "Darkside" Lsael's Darkside has probably been the most problematic for her to deal with. While she has no problems with the martial aspect of the job (which is wields rather adequately) it's was the summoning of her "other" version which arose her problems. Faced off against her darkside, rather than accepting her innermost wishes, she attempted to kill it off. Resulting in a form of "blockage" within herself, leaving Lsael with very limited access in terms of manipulating aether. Personal or otherwise borrowed. Not to say she can't cast any kind of magic anymore, just not as efficiently as she able to in the past. "Echo" Seeing into the past aside, this power of Lsael's remains dormant in the most part. With the xaela only getting hints at whether or not she even possesses it, frankly Lsael pays it little to no mind. Her ability is noticeably active once the limbal rings in her eyes turn from black to white. Activating only when her body feels it is in grave danger, or under enormous stress. It allows Lsael to change the focus of her job crystals mid-combat, giving her the instinctual flexibility in a fight. While only activating thrice or so since the Calamity, one thing the xaela had noted is that swapping to her dark knight crystal seems to lock her from changing yet again. Until whatever fight she's in ceases at least. Weapons Augmented Lost Allagan Pistol Though stated as a 'pistol' given the various attachments to the weapon. Lsael treats this more as a multi-purpose carbine than anything. Obtain soon after the liberation of Ala Mhigo, while Lsael worked in the area helping repurpose the leftover garlean equipment. Revolver of the Wanderer This heavy pistol was among the first firearms Lsael carried with her extensively. Though not as heavily used as her newer Allagan weapon nowadays, the heavy bottom side of it's reinforced barrel is full of chips and scrapes. A testament to it's reliability in parrying close-quarter attacks. It still serves as a good club or so in some cases. Sword and Shield While admittedly she had dropped them in favor of learning the machinist's trade. Years of conditioning and practice has made the tried and tested weapon probably the most consistent within Lsael's potential arsenal. To the point where her experience with the craft had left her to quickly pick up on learning the dark knight's greatsword, and samurai's katana exceedingly quickly. OOC/Author's Notes ***** NOW FOURTH OFFICIAL PASS. REARRANGEMENTS/EDITS/ADDITIONS INCOMING. Recently had a chance to sit down and look at some stormblood lore, so i'm kicking out some kinks wherever it applies. I'm now fairly certain she was being shipped off to Ala Mhigo though I still haven't come up with her life/origins between ages 1-7ish. ***** Name origin -seems- fine, but I feel like it still needs some a looking over. Currently too lazy to look at Sea Wolf naming conventions again. This profile could easily be modified to fit the "Warrior of Light" head cannon in the game. As her hearing Hydaelin's voice was implied as early as the Calamity, during the fall of Pharos Sirius. When the eye sight on her right eye was restored. Though I doubt she'd be old enough to be running the 1.x story at the time... While in-game heights make it hard to distinguish her implied character height. But i'm not so deperate to change to male models just to try and prove it. (I always found that a bit odd when people do that...) To put it into perspective, she's about as tall as an average male miqo'te, Yet no taller than the highest average midlander. Why are au ra so damn short. I know it's cute and all, but still... Tenacity and skill speed... Oddly enough the two stats which best describes Lsael aren't exactly the best. They're still rather fun to meld though lol. I'm fairly fond of that PotD title, "Lonely Explorer". It matches her lifestyle in-character, my actual playing style in-game, and also her initials "L.E.". I don't think I'll ever wear another title at this point... People keep asking me if the last name is a reference to Elder Scrolls. To be fair, I didn't know Elsweyr was an actual province until, like a year into playing Skyrim. Originally, the OC 'Lsael' was meant to be an "illiterate orphan" type character. The last name is just the incorrect of spelling of "Else where" as I often played 'Lsael' as the wandering/nomadic archetype I (STILL) NEED TO UPDATE THESE SCREENSHOTS Quick Origins Write-up: (note this is a mock-up origin, so things like dates and other specifics are left open ended for a reason. this is mostly for my sake, and actually doesn't reflect her IC-wise.) Show text Born to a Xaela mother and Raen father. Her mother, having born to the Tumet clan, failed their coming-of-age test as she was rescued from near starvation by a travelling merchant family. Knowing that her family would never accept the likes of her kind once more. She would be taken in by the merchant's family and raised amongst their own kind. Eventually serving as a ninja to a lord that ruled a village just at the outskirts of the Doman area. A Raen man, having been trained as a samurai, was quick to befriend this foreign beauty, and the two were enamoured with each other. During the early occupation of the Doman regions, their village and kin were among the first to spark the fledgling ideas of rebellion. This was quickly and savagely put down, and made as an example to the other villages. With the man presumed dead, and the woman mother taken captive, raped, and used to "breed" a new generation of fighters for the garlean empire. Upon giving birth a child, the mother stabbed the baby's right eye in an attempt to kill it. Fearing it may be the child of the one of the many men that tormented her. As the baby cried, she opens her remaining eye. Revealing a crimson red, similar to that of the woman's dead lover. It was then Lsael's mother was full of regret, crying in desperation as she true child was taken away. Some years after, a fellow clan put together a covert a rescue effort to retrieve those under garlean captivity. Despite the Garleans knowing of the attempted rescue plan beforehand, a handful of warriors managed to break out what prisoners they could find at the cost of several lives. Lsael's mother among the the prisoners that were retrieved, and so imagine her surprise to reunite with her Lsael's father having presumed to be dead for years now. Though not in one piece, and missing an arm, he was very much alive and well. Such a joyous reunion was enough cause for celebration for the couple, but the now childless-mother could never bring herself to tell her husband about their missing firstborn child. The one she had forsaken upon birth and whom she tried to kill. The woman swore to hold this secret to her grave, as several years later the couple decided to start a family. Blessed with another daughter. Years after this baby girl grew into a fine young lady. But the mother had grown deathly-ill. A festering sickness she had contracted all those years as a captive. And so with her dying breath, and requesting her husband be absent from the room. She tells her young daughter about her ordeals, and reveals to her the possibility of an older sister. She asks her daughter to find her missing sibling, and rescue her from the garlean's grasps if she could. Riddled with grief and regret while lying on her deathbed, the mother wished to make whatever amends she could. Fearing that child may be fighting a war she was not meant to. The dying woman entrusts her younger daughter with her ashes and what little proof her their family heritage. Hoping that the little sister's mission would cure her sibling from the garleans grasp and return her home to the family. (tldr: Lsael's blood parents survived and she has a little sister. She is half xaela, and half raen. her little sister is looking for her to bring her back home.) Gallery and Footnotes Theme Song(s) & Inspirations: Sable // Blood Rage Accent/Dialect: Semi-Casual and occasionally Formal. A mix of Ul'dahn and Ishgardian when approached? Most of her tone and tendencies is taken from her books and little interactions with others. When present among other Lominsan natives however, she will revert her 'normal accent' which shows her familiarity growing up in Limsa Lominsa. Having trouble approaching her?: While Lsael isn't the type to walk up to random strangers to strike conversation. She will openly respond when treated fairly with respect. If she's in the Quicksands or in a tavern, most likely she's drinking or about to be drunk. Her pet atomos is known to cause trouble when she isn't looking as well. Either gobbling up something that isn't her's or biting the people who spoil it with food. Current Long Story Arc?: After a week-long, and mostly lackluster trip across the seas. The Far East held no promise of treasures for the pilot. With many of her would be salvage found sunken at the bottom of Doma Castle's drowned ruins, and losing her travelling companion somewhere in Kugane. The lone auri pilot bit the bullet and simply returned with what little plunder she could find and sell. Resigning herself to re-purposing work back in Ala Mhigo, A chance meeting suddenly finds her under the employ for a group of weapon smugglers. In which Lsael first advises... and decides to take up. /c/ This template was created by Deirdre Ta'ea, then modified/mixed from Franz Renatus, Leanne Delphium, Bancroft Gairn, and Jaliqai Qulaan. Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you! For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, click here.