Maria Zolts

Maria Oria Zolts
Gender	Female
Race	Hyur
Clan	Highlander
Citizenship	Ul'dah
Age	30
Nameday	19th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon
Occupation	Seamstress (Owner of Maria's Alterations)
Height/Weight	6'2 / Not Telling
Orientation	Heterosexual
Relatives	Leran Zolts (Father) Oria Zolts (Mother) Fearless Storm (Husband/Deceased)

Maria Zolts is a Hyur woman whose skill with molding aether secured her a position within the Thaumaturge's guild at the young age of eleven. She later pursued the black and dark arts. Underneath her heavy robes belies a strong and fit body. Her hands are heavily scarred, and she's rarely seen without gloves on. During the ten years where she lived a morose and solitary lifestyle, Maria had thrown herself into aetherial studies, seeking power. She has abandoned her quest and research, and has focused her attention on establishing her shop and settling down.

Basic Info

LIKES ■ Books (Specifically of the magical nature, but she's not terribly picky) ■ Fashion ■ Noise ■ Sweet Food ■ Fire ■ A good brandy and a good joke ■ Large baths (she loves a good soak) ■ People being up front

DISLIKES ■ Insincerity ■ Silence (is probably somewhat claustrophobic as well) ■ Ochu (Don't ask, she won't tell you) ■ Morbol (There's a theme here, obviously) ■ Cruelty ■ Pushiness (There's being assertive and then there's not) ■ Anything too (socially) complicated. ■ Creepy Dolls

OTHER ■ Alignment: Neutral Good ■ Vice(s): Irrationally cranky upon first waking up, can be prone to moments of melancholy and will tend to isolate herself, although she's fairly open about her past there is always a sense of distance between herself and others. ■ Favorite Food: Anything sweet, fish, most fruit. ■ Favorite Drink: Brandy or rum(but she'll prefer the brandy unless the rum is sweet). ■ Favorite Color: Shades of green and brown. ■ Poor at dealing with compliments about her appearance. (Unless she's got a few drinks in her, then she'll give out as good as she gets)

Appearance & Personality

Standing tall and proud, Maria boasts a taut and athletic form underneath her mage robes, one she is not afraid of showing off. Reddish eyeshadow accuents amber eyes, dark lipstick glosses over brown lips. She's recently cut short what was once long wavy dark brown hair. Maria generally tries to stay within fashion when it comes to clothing, combat or otherwise, but will stick with convenience and practicality when necessary. To that end, the only thing that will remain consistent is her color scheme (browns and greens with splashes of red). As a seamstress, she will often try out new outfits and styles.

Maria can be a mixed bag - at times standoffish, others amicable and jovial. Hardly anything seems to ruffle her feathers on the surface. Insults roll off her back like water, if someone flirts with her she'll (somewhat) flirt back depending on whether or not they catch her interest or amuse her. As long as her 'wall' is up, most everything is based off of how amusing something is for her. Rarely takes anything personally, has little interest in digging into anyone's past. While she's fairly open about herself and will allow people to know just about anything they want about her, Maria keeps a firm emotional wall between herself and others. Past the wall resides a fiercely loyal and dedicated woman. Maria becomes fully devoted to anything or anyone she is serious about (Friends, family, etc).

A 'live and let live' character. Maria believes in letting people do whatever they want, so long as it doesn't hurt or affect others negatively. People have to live their lives - their successes, and their mistakes. All of those make for a well rounded individual. And she believes those things should be done without someone else's judgment. "Far be it for me to judge" tends to be a common saying for her. To that end, she will sometimes come off as neutral or uninterested in certain conflicts.

It has been shown that this part of her personality is also somewhat of a way to keep a barrier between herself and others. By letting people make their own mistakes and staying detached, she keeps herself from becoming too invested. When this barrier is tested, Maria has been known to become irritable and frustrated with both the situation and herself. She is uncomfortable when she cannot properly place someone in their proper 'zones' on an emotional scale.

Regardless, her nonchalance about others means she generally doesn't care much about whether or not a person has a less than stellar background. This has enabled her to go on ventures and find items/documents through less reputable channels.

Because Maria grew up in a rowdy home, and spent 10 years isolating herself save for whenever she did merc or other contractal work after her husband's death, crowds/rowdiness reminds of home and good times, while silence brings her to when she was at her lowest point. To this end she dislikes silence and prefers to be in crowded or noisy places, even if she does not personally interact in said commotion.

She doesn't believe in dancing around subjects and will cut straight to the chase, even if it comes out insensitive or cold. Maria knows all too well how short life can be, and believes in not having regrets. On the flip side, can come off as somewhat dense regarding people's affections toward her: if someone isn't outfront with it, she'll blow them off. This has less to do with her actually being dense so much as her being extremely cynical of people's motives and agendas.

Biography

Childhood

Born in Ala Mhigo, Maria remembers little of her childhood or the turmoil there. Her parents were staunch protesters of King Theodoric's 'Reign of Ruin', but had no desire to join in the building hostilities and rising resistance with a daughter to consider. This caused considerable friction between Maria's parents and their family, who believed her parents weak and selfish for not fighting for an Ala Mhigo their daughter could grow up peacefully in. When Maria turned nine, her parents abandoned everything, clan, family, home, posts, and defected to Ul'dah. It was not done on a whim: they had made arrangements with old friends - a former traveling mercenary group that had settled in Ul'dah and become a part of the Brass Blades.

Maria's parents took what wares and items they could that they could sell and make a fresh start with - some they even stole from their families collection - and managed to get somewhat of a running start.

Oria, her mother, joined the Blades while her father all but disappeared, sending them money monthly from mercenary work. Maria spent her time with her parent's friends, specifically their children, a few of whom were already training for combat. By then Maria was already beginning to show signs of her abilities, but it wasn't until two years later, when she set one of the children's wardrobes on fire (Peaceful Sea) that it was decided to send her to the Thaumaturge's guild.

Outside of her teachings, she spent her time learning various things from the boys. Either the bow, or swordplay - carpentry or leatherworking. No one had idle hands in her 'Auntie's' home, and Maria was one who enjoyed learning and always demanded lessons on anything she didn't know or understand. She caught on best to weaving and the bow. She could never be satisfied with only being proficient with the aetherial arts, not while also sharing space with several growing roegadyn males. To keep up physically, she also trained her body. To her chargin, the years were not kind to her once they all hit puberty.

Teenage

Surrounded by books, tomes, scrolls, and plenty of space to practice and grow, Maria delved deeply into her studies of the arcane. Reveling in her powers and overly cocky, she grew older but not wiser. Not seeing her parents also was a catalyst for her acting out, and she quickly hit a rebellious stage, believing she knew all and the guild had nothing more to teach her. In her infinite wisdom she decided to become an adventurer. Maria, her mother, and her 'auntie' - one of the lifelong friends that had helped her family get to Ul'dah - had a 'discussion' about it which quickly turned to violence. That Maria's first lesson in how she wasn't as omnipotent as she believed herself to be.

She was eventually allowed to leave on one condition - she could not go alone. Blue Willow(Auntie) sent her two oldest sons with her - Mighty Wave(Guardian) and Fearless Storm(Pugilist). During their adventures they met an Elezen conjurer named Vioxax Bijat and another hyur black mage simply known by Julian. They traveled together for a few years, until Maria and Fearless Storm decided to get married.

Adult

Shortly after their marriage the war came, and then the Calamity, and Maria lost her friends and her husband. The loss of Fearless Storm, who had first been like a best friend/brother figure, then a close fighting companion, to lover, devastated her. Instead of going into a depression, she channeled her energy into a deep, simmering rage. Instead of mourning she traveled, wandering aimlessly. She grew close to no one, did odd jobs as a mercenary or seamstress, and pursued the way of the black mage.

For years she moved around Thanalan, avoiding family and friends. Maria changed her name and appearance, covering herself from head to toe so as to be unrecognizable. While doing this she searched ruins and dipped into forbidden research and magics - anything that she could find that would aid her in gaining power. Her end goals shifted constantly - did she want the power to wipe out the Garleans? Did she simply want the skills to eliminate those in power? Or perhaps she simply wanted power so nothing or no one could ever hurt her again. As time went on and she went deeper into the black arts, it eventually devolved into: "Because I need it."

However, her pursuits could not quell the burning rage within, and it became so overwhelming she drew the attention of a strange knight named Adel. This person offered to help Maria control the darkness threatening to consume her - if she abandoned magic for the sword. After some 'discussion', she eventually agreed.

Present

Maria's anger finally subsided through her training, and she began to properly mourn her husband's death. She visited his grave and began to collect money to buy a house - one of the two things they had dreamed of doing together. Through various interactions with others, and by 'locking away' what she felt to be negative parts of herself, Maria began to open up and slowly morph into the person she is today. A year and a half ago she put aside the sword and picked back up her staff, feeling secure in herself once more. She picked back up her research, but shifted the focus more toward the historical. Her aim being to learn from the mistakes of the past so as not to repeat them.

Months ago she was approached by Konner Kinkaid and invited to a company venture. Maria enjoyed being around the people there, felt welcome, and joined the OS&R for a time as their seamstress and offensive magic specialist. She eventually departed from the company and now has all but retired from adventuring altogether. She assists others if needed/asked, and offers consult to other companies regarding historical research, but is not affiliated with anyone nor has any desire to do so.

When Topmast Apartments opened, Maria procured a place to stay and moved some of her belongings in. She continued her research in historical magics, until she managed to finally find a small plot of land for a home. With the funds she had managed to save from her odd jobs here and there, she had her home built, and finally began her dream by turning her apartment into an alteration shop. Although it depleted the rest of her funds, she managed to finally open Maria's Alterations (Mist, Ward 5, Topmast Apts SD #6). She currently only takes on clients she already had, and has a request box, but hopes to have regular hours once she gains a reputation and more customers. She plans to consider adoption within the next few cycles, once her business gets off the ground.

Miscellaneous

Quirks & Habits These are things you wouldn't be able to find out through normal IC means and/or just fun facts to know! ◢ Quirks ■ Gets flustered around two types of people: those she greatly respects, those she holds intimate feelings for. Is unfazed by anyone/thing else. ■ Will not argue with others for long. Sees little merit in it. She'll drop a subject if a person gets too heated about it. ■ Closes her eyes and lets out a 'happy sigh' whenever she takes that first sip of brandy. ■ Hums when crafting and is actually an amazing singer. Refuses to sing in front of others. ■ Gets 'static-y' whenever extremely nervous or embarrassed. ■ Tries to take at least 3 baths a day. Absolutely loves soaking in the tub. ■ The one thing she lies - or is elusive about - is her fighting abilities. ■ She loses her accent when she's upset. ◢ Habits ■ Jogs around the Mist area at least once a day to stay in shape. ■ Has a tendency to begin her sentences with 'Well,'. ■ Although she's ambidextrous she tends to use her left hand for most tasks. ■ Every month will grab at least two books from her personal library and re-read them. ◢ Fun Facts ■ Maria is headcanoned as being more full figured than her in-game counterpart. ■ While she gives off an asseritive and almost aggresive air, in private she's soft and affectionate to those she's close/intimate with (ie: her niece Eyngeim, who she spoils). ■ She adores children, and still has her old dream of having a large family. ■ Maria has a highly irrational fear of creepy dolls. There's no trauma, rhyme, or reason to it - she just can't stand them. ◢ Darker Tidbits ■ Has no qualms about killing in cold blood to protect those she cares for. ■ 'Shut off' the darker aspects of herself in order to readjust to society. Being alone/in silence tends to bring that back, which is why she dislikes being alone. ■ Isolating herself from others for so long has made it difficult for her to connect physically with others. Casual touch is not something she initiates, although she doesn't push people away, either. She does enjoy the touch of others, so long as she's comfortable with them. ■ Maria has a deep rooted fear of losing herself to madness. It is the only real fear she has (so far). Abandoning magic for a time and learning to harness the darkness/rage inside of her was what kept her from taking a completely different path years ago. To that end, she has an aversion to using her full potential in any battle unless using magic (as using magic is second nature to her).

RELATIONS ♥ Romantic Interest ♥ Platonic Love ♥ Sexual Desire ● Good Standing ● Poor Standing ● Unknown FAMILY ♥♥ Fearless Storm (Husband/Deceased)* - They grew up together(along with his numerous siblings) and their childhood/familial-esque relationship matured as they did. Their romantic relationship and marriage, while brief, was intense and happy. She lost him at the Battle of Carteneau and went into a rage that lasted a decade. She still has yet to visit either of their families, although she ran into his brother Peaceful Sea a while back. ♥ Peaceful Sea (Brother-in-Law/Childhood Friend)* - Fearless Storm's younger brother, who is around Maria's age. The two of them were the closest out of all of Storm's siblings. He was also the one whose wardrobe was lit on fire (and he in turn shaved her head). The two of them were similar in both personality and temperament, so he was not surprised when she disappeared after Storm's death (he wasn't pleased, but not surprised). They recently ran into each other in Wineport, where Maria learned he had married and had a daughter (Eyngeim Frydmerlwyn). While he can't visit often due to needing to run his farm, he does allow Maria to babysit her niece (who adores her, thinking Maria is a 'witch') occasionally. Like a typical older brother type, he is very protective of Maria and wants her to find happiness. ♥Eyngeim Frydmerlwyn* - Maria's four year old niece. Her mother is a Sea Wolf, and so she was given a Sea Wolf name (Frydmerlwyn means 'daughter of Peaceful Sea'). She loves witches, chocolates, and chocobos. * = NPC FRIENDS & ASSOCIATES ●Maral Oronir - Back in Maria's mercenary days, she was hired to aid a group of Xaela refugees from being involved in a debt/trafficking scam. Most of the refugees were teenagers to young adults - Maral being one of those teenagers. Ever since then the young au ra girl has felt she owes Maria a life debt (which Maria disagrees, but she's hardly one with the energy to try and stop someone from doing what they want). While Maria hasn't interacted with her much beyond the occasional run in every now and again, she does think fondly of Maral, and is always pleased to hear positive things about her. She does believe Maral tends to worry about her a bit too much, however. ●Emiko Tano - They've only met recently, but Maria has a feeling they'll become closer acquainted over time. ●T'alisa Rina - They met a while ago at a bar when some guys tried to make moves on them and failed miserably. T'alisa tells the details of the story a little differently than Maria does, and considering Maria can be capricious about certain things, it'd be better to believe the miqo'te's story. They've been friends since, and Maria has taken to spoiling T'alisa a bit, bringing her treats whenever they meet. To this extent, T'alisa tends to look around eagerly whenever Maria appears, hoping for something delicious. ●Gilawafe Archimtirios - Maria met this protector-for-hire at Maral's company hall. While he is part of a different company, he seems to be welcome there as if he were one of their own. Their interactions were (and sometimes still are) awkward at first, yet they seem to be growing some semblance of friendly familarity. Maria enjoys their exchanges and does not seem to mind his brooding nature. She has no real idea what he thinks of her, but assumes he doesn't mind her, since he tends to initiate conversations and indulges her whims. At times she finds him perplexing, others confusing. All the same she finds his presence comforting. ●Cain Lear - A man she met at the Quicksand who has become a staunch and close friend. Since she's met him he's been the first and only person she's truly opened up to and relaxed around. His uncomplicated and laid back nature compliments her own, and his acceptance of her gives her a sense of nostalgia and security. ●Sashana Star - Emreg's 'lass'. Maria doesn't know much about her beyond that, but with the way Emreg speaks of her, she belives Star must be someone very special. Maria hopes to get to know her a little better. So far she thinks Star is cute. ●Emreg Belthen - A freelancer she met at the Drowning Wench. A flirtatious man who has little qualms regarding checking out her body and trying to make her blush. She finds him funny, and so far he's been a loyal and good friend. It's her hope that they can go on a venture together sometime. ● Chloe Traemane - Chloe was Maria's first 'customer' after officially becoming seamstress when she was in the OS&R. They reunited recently in Idyllshire and exchanged contact information. Maria hopes they can continue their friendship. ● Neiven Tarrila - Maria thinks Neiven is hilarious and loves talking to her. She's seen the miqo'te around Ul'dah every now and again and they've waved to each other in passing. Maria hopes she can sit and have a chat with her again sometime. ● Rhysati Riviera - They met at the OS&R hall, and spoke while Maria was moving into her new room. Maria finds Rhysati to be troubled and while she has no desire to help her, per say, she does want the other girl to feel like there's an open door for her to go to - no strings attached - if she ever wishes to let a load off. They've met a few times now off and on, and she tends to enjoy Rhysati's company whenever they do run into each other, generally at the Quicksand. OTHERS ● Mithra "Silver" Thorne - She met Mithra in the OS&R, but the young miqo'te left due to personal reasons. She ran into her weeks later, and the two rekindled their friendship. Mithra seems more subdued and withdrawn than when she was in the company, but seems to enjoy her company well enough. Maria sees Mithra as a cute sister-figure and hopes they stay in contact this time. Mithra has seemed to have disappeared, which has Maria worried. ● Rhisi Kinkaid - Pretty much the person who had been the deciding factor for Maria joining the OS&R. Rhisi's calm and patience, along with her honesty and open-mindedness moved Maria and reminded her of the past. They have not spoken since she's left the company. ●Konner Kinkaid - The leader of the OS&R. Although she has seen him around since she left the order, he has not acknowledged her presence when she's waved or otherwise, so she's decided to leave it alone. ● Kagato - Initial thought was that he was the company's drunkard, as there wasn't a time she saw him when he wasn't trying to down some type of alcohol. After getting to know him, she finds him to be funny and likes his sense of humor. After an incident in PotD, Maria's feelings toward Kagato were mixed. She believes that people should make their own mistakes, but was shaken up and upset by his recklessness and had tried to get involved. Her feelings have drifted toward more along the lines of neutral, as she could not decide how to interact or react to him. ● Felix Drake - She did not know what to think of Felix. On one hand he was nice and somewhat flirty, but on the other she got the distinct impression he'd run for the hills if one attempted to get too close. Maria couldn't decide how to act or react around him, and so eventually settled for keeping a polite distance. ●Destiney Delvanguard - Tall dark and handsome elf lover. In all seriousness, Maria liked Destiney and found her to be pleasant to work with. ●Oni Dephor - She worked with him a few times and they didn't speak much. She had no real idea what to think of him beyond "weird", and was pretty sure everyone who talked about him in any sort of depth wanted to sleep with him. The only consistent things she knew about him was that he's not entirely organic and that he likes to lick things.

Gallery

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  Happier Times

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  Sunset

Footnotes

Maria Zolts can be found on the Balmung server

Updated: 11/05/16

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