Red Crow

Red Crow, before the Facets incident

General:

Red Crow, or 'Red', as her friends know her, came from a small family of Hellsguard Roegadyn. True to their name, their job consisted of guarding one of the several volcanoes in the Thanalan region. After losing her parents to an Amalj'aa raiding party, and her older brother at Cartaneau, she spent a few years wandering the wilds before the search for her brother led her to Ul'dah.

Red's 'backwoods' ways are most evident when in refined company. Though she has grown more accustomed to civilized life, it took her some time to acclimate. Things as simple as titles of respect, such as 'Miss', confounded her, until it was explained that her friends were not confusing her for some other Roegadyn named 'Miss Crow', they were just being polite. Her naivete showed in other affairs, such as her adventures at a 'gala', which she mistook for a physical challenge, and the proper way to drink tea. Some found her innocence endearing, but it was not to last.

Shortly after arriving in Ul'dah, Red made contacts with a group known as the Facets of Eorzea. Though their mission was noble, there were many issues plaguing the group. From sabotaged link pearls to Imperial threats, Red stood with the Facets against their enemies, until the day the group welcomed one of the enemy into their fold. She pleaded with them to banish the known Imperial spy, who had been directly responsible for the harassment, assault, kidnapping, and attempted murder of several Facets, and who had acted with a small squad of Imperials to destroy the Facets' base in Summerford, La Noscea. Despite the overwhelming proof against the Imperial woman, the Facets chose to ignore Red. It was a harsh blow to the young warrior, and she cut ties with the group, leaving one last warning behind: "I can't protect you when you're dumb enough to not only let the enemy in the door, but make a bed for her, too."

Disillusioned and questioning herself, she went back to scouring the wilds for any trace of her brother's whereabouts. Rumors led her all over Eorzea, from the deserts of Thanalan to the sunken temple of Wanderer's Palace, all the way to Mhor Dhona. Only recently, has she been sighted once more among the numbers of Eorzean citizenry, though something seems to have changed about her.

Appearance:

Red is anything but dainty. Just over seven fulms tall, she fit right in with the rest of her family, who were likewise gifted with impressive height, but this same trait makes her stick out like a sore thumb in typical Eorzean company. Mountain life made her tough and resilient to most weather conditions, save the blizzards of Coerthas, and blessed her with a permanent tan. With bright red hair kept at a short to medium length, she usually has it all tucked up under a helm of some sort anyway, so don't expect a particularly neat style or the latest fashion with this one. Her eyes are a very pale golden yellow, and in low light, appear to glow. All she knows is both she and her brother had their mother's eyes; she doubts there's any mystical reason behind their color.

Red is very much a tomboyish sort, and can normally be found in armor, or some type of work clothes with her massive battleaxe close at hand. Dresses and skirts make her uncomfortable; she'd much rather be in some dingy pair of pants, digging up ore or turning out bits of armor and jewelry. She does, however, have an appreciation for lipstick, her favorite color being some shade of berry.

Since her latest return from the wilds, Red's appearance has changed considerably. Her hair has darkened, more closely resembling her brother's, and the armor she now favors is a black set which she has refitted herself. Along with the remains of a scar running over her right eye, Red seems to have given up the one girlish habit she had back in Ul'dah: she no longer bothers with lipstick. The effect gives her a much more stern, significantly-less 'innocent' appearance.

Red Crow, after her return to civilization

Behavior:

Back when Red first came to Ul'dah, she seldom showed any emotional signs of the struggles she'd been through. She didn't hide the fact she'd lost her family though she didn't speak openly about it, and had no idea if her brother were alive or dead, but she'd tell anyone willing to listen, just in case someone might have seen or heard of a Roegadyn man fitting her brother's description. This sort of 'therapy' was normal to her, having come from a very open and honest family. Nothing really seemed to bother her, and she was seldom found to be in anything but a good mood. She could sympathize, or at least empathize, with anyone's plight, within reason (as the Facets incident later proved). Red's loyalty to her friends and compassionate nature were reinforced with aurochs-like stubbornness, and a drive to protect those in need of defending. Some of this changed after the ordeal with the Facets, though.

During her time in the wilds, Red sought to better understand herself. In particular, she wanted to know why her friends would disregard her over a known Imperial spy, and threat to the group. While she followed rumors of Cartaneau survivors, she underwent several challenges and experiences that made her reevaluate how she presented herself to others. She had been naive. She had been foolish and innocent, ignorant of the 'civilized' customs. No more. She found within herself a warrior's will and the power to back it.

She led excursions into dangerous territory, and fought until her people were safe. She began to make a name for herself, and with it came the respect she'd been lacking before. Now, when she gives an order, people listen, and their obedience is rewarded with victory. No longer does she act like some silly girl from the hill country. She is the last of her line. She is the bane of Primals, and the nightmare that haunts Imperial dreams. She is the warrior Red Crow.

Retainer Files on Red Crow:

3rd Sun of the 5th Astral Moon, 7th Umbral Era

Personal Journal of Baenstymm Klynblaetsyn

Though it is not required, I have found it beneficial to maintain a record during my services as a retainer, not only to ensure the quality of my services, but for nostalgia’s sake as well. It seems adventurers are a short-lived sort these days, with this being my third assignment in twice as many years.

I currently find myself under contract with one Red Crow, a Hellsguard woman possessed of talents with both the sword and great axe. Though I am well-trained, there is always a certain degree of nervousness, for lack of a better term, I feel before the initial meeting with a new charge. I like to know all I can about a charge beforehand, so I may prevent awkward conversations or unwelcome questions. However, there is a noted lack of information on this charge.

She is preceded by a reputation laden with feats of heroism and bravery that rival those previously under my care. Her adventuring began in Ul’dah, where she trained as a gladiator. Her deeds gained her such notoriety that, in time, she gained favor with the Sultana and became the personal envoy of Flame General Raubahn Aldynn. It was during an assignment under the Flame General that she came to Limsa Lominsa, and there soon returned after her duty was complete to begin training as a marauder. Again, after a relatively short time here in Limsa, her deeds earned her an audience with Admiral Merylwyb Bloefhiswyn. Renowned for her expertise and unshakable determination, it was only a matter of time before others of similar skill and conscience sought her out.

Her deeds, from defending the helpless to recovering lost or stolen property, are numerous and indicate someone who cares for the common folk. Her victories, especially those earned despite facing insurmountable odds, cast her in a fearless light. However, I can find no record of a personal life. She has no permanent address, though she seems to prefer the inns of Ul’dah and Limsa Lominsa. None have heard her speak of a family, save a brother thought lost at Cartaneau.

Despite all she has accomplished, she seems a rather private individual. I can only hope Fate is more kind to her than It has been to those who have come before her. In the meantime, I shall do my utmost to fulfill my role as her retainer. My thoughts will have to wait; I am told she has arrived.

-Klynblaetsyn

4th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon, 7th Umbral Era

Personal Journal of Baenstymm Klynblaetsyn

The initial meeting with my new charge was… interesting. As is customary with the hiring of retainers, it is the charge’s prerogative to don their caretakers with a ‘nickname’. Many have suffered under this allowance, myself included. During this meeting, that minor concern was quickly erased. Apparently, Red Crow was told of this tradition, yet rather than address me with some silly or derogatory title, she simply asked me my name. I told her, and she gave a nod. I asked if another would please her more, knowing Seawolf names are sometimes hard to pronounce, but she shook her head, even laughed a little. She said my mother saw fit to give me such a name, and, as she put it, “I’ll be damned if I undermine the woman who birthed a beast like you.” I have to admit, I am rather large, even for a Roegadyn. Still, I find her candid demeanor somewhat amusing, if not even refreshing, after… well, I shall leave it at that.

We exchanged pleasantries, to an extent, and I quickly learned she does not like titles of any sort. I pride myself with providing the utmost in courteous service, so it is only natural that I address women with titles of ‘Miss’, ‘Lady’, or ‘Madam’. Red Crow would have none of this business, and insisted she does not know a ‘Miss Crow’, and she very seldom misses her mark. I laughed despite myself; I forget sometimes that the Hellsguard names are meant to describe and help merchants or employers remember a specific Hellsguard. As for ‘Lady Crow’ or ‘Madam Crow’, she made a face and shook her head fervently at either option, insisting yet again I address her as ‘Red’. Never have I had such an informal charge! Then again, I am beginning to believe Red is unlike the typical charges we retainers are trained to serve.

She does not quite know what to do with a retainer, I feel. Case in point, after our meeting, she turned to leave. As is my duty, I fell in step just slightly behind and to her right. Several times, she glanced back at me, each time her expression growing more curious. We were nearing the Drowned Wench when finally she spun around, brows furrowed and hands on her hips.

“The hells’re you followin’ me for?!” Oh gods, how I fought back the laughter! With some difficulty, I kept my composure and explained to her the duties of a retainer; how, if she wished it, I would tend to her market affairs for her, buying and selling items of interest, keeping her armor and weaponry clean and in good working order. And, in the event of her time spent in the city, if she should desire my presence simply for the company, I was obliged to comply. I must say, she’s not one to hide her emotions, for she quickly took on a look of bewilderment.

“What about your family? Things you wanna do? Godsdamn, you’ve got better things to do than babysit a grown woman!” Again, it took a significant amount of willpower to maintain my humor at her rough manner of speaking. I informed her that, as a retainer, it was my sole duty to see to her every need and comfort as long as she required. I explained that I was contractually-bound to remain within city limits, so while she is gone on duty, I remain behind. After her affairs are in order, then I may have time for my own needs. As for my family, I took the job as a Retainer in order to stay in the city and close to my elderly father. No sooner had I finished explaining than she gave a stern nod and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Then I want you to take the rest of the day and go see to your dad.” I was nearly speechless. I believe she took my surprise as preparation for an argument, because she pointed a finger at me and settled those pale, unblinking eyes on me. “If I need you for somethin’, I’ll ring that little bell in my inn room. Until then, get outta here.”

Never have I dealt with such a brash, rough-toned woman, but perhaps this is common for Hellsguards? Still, as unrefined as she may be, there is no denying she has a sense of honor about her. By her presentation, she commands respect, but she gives it as well. She can be stern, but she seems quick to smile and draw similar emotions from those around her.

I am very curious to see what becomes of Miss Red Crow.

-Klynblaetsyn

9th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon, 7th Umbral Era

Personal Journal of Baenstymm Klynblaetsyn

It has been some time since I last documented my thoughts and recollections. Much has happened in a short while, and only now do I find time to gather my thoughts.

The morning of my second sun as Red Crow’s retainer began in a flurry. I arrived shortly after a summons to find her donned in full plate, her marauder’s axe across her back, and her hands busy packing a large backpack with various sundries. Naturally, I assumed she had called me to assist, though when I moved to do so, she stopped me with an upheld hand.

“I got this; just wanted to let you know I’m gonna be gone for a few suns on duty.”

I understood, and expected a list of duties of my own to see to in her stead, but Red just looked at me. I realized she must not understand, so I asked. She chuckled and shook her head, admitting she had forgotten she had ‘help’ for once and had already seen to business. I was growing concerned that if this pattern progressed, I would find myself either growing lazy and complacent in my duties, or she would release me altogether. Perhaps my concern showed on my face, for next I knew, she was holding out a handful of small stones to me.

“I forgot this, though. Hang onto these for me; keep ‘em safe for when I get back.” It was a small task, trivial at best, at least until I took the objects. I realized immediately they were materia. With that, she hefted her pack onto her shoulder and made for the door. She stopped suddenly; I thought perhaps she had changed her mind. What little I know of Red…

“You have a good visit with you dad?”

I informed her I had, though I was surprised by the question.

“He doin’ alright? Need anything, either of you, while I’m out? I should be in the Ul’dah area.”

I was, for lack of a better term, floored by her interest in our welfare. I suppose I wore such an expression, for she chuckled at me and nodded. She instructed me that, should I think of anything, to send a letter to the Ul’dahn adventurer’s guild, in the care of Mistress Momodi. With that, she left, leaving me standing dumbstruck in the middle of her room, holding a handful of materia.

For several suns, I busied myself with various odd-jobs and tasks. I secured Red’s materia as asked, saw that her room was well-tended for her return, then spent my remaining time with my father and seeing to my own business. With no idea when Red Crow would return, I kept myself busy the first few suns. However, I would be remiss if I did not admit to growing concern when, by the fourth moon, I had neither seen nor heard anything from my charge.

Quite before dawn this morning, I finally received a summons. Regardless of the time, I rushed to the inn. I found Red’s door slightly ajar and, when I studied it further, noted what appeared to be a strap from her pack was blocking the door’s closure. Fearful of the state in which I might find her, I knocked gently, but received no reply. This only heightened my concern, and I pushed the door open. She was collapsed across the bed and wrapped in bandages. Her armor, I found, was stacked neatly behind the door, and I realized then my summons had been accidental. It appeared that, as well as preventing the door from closing completely, her pack and slipped against the armor, shifting it just enough to knock the summoning bell from its pedestal nearby. Red must have been unconscious the moment she hit the bed, for the bell still lay on the floor by the doorway.

I thought to call for a healer, but quickly realized what I took to be bandaging was dirty, but not bloody. The wrappings seemed to be strategically placed, and I knew then they acted to protect against the heavy, chafing plate armor she wore. Seeing all was well, I pulled a cover over her and turned to leave. I was moving her pack away from the door when she spoke.

I stopped, thinking perhaps she had awoken, but when I turned back, she appeared to still be sleeping soundly. No sooner had I reached for the doorknob again, than once more she spoke, this time clearly.

“Can’t find sun. Come home. Help.”

Perhaps it was the early hour; maybe it was her exhaustion. But whatever the reason, Red Crow did not sound like herself. She sounded very much like a scared young girl, and I found it unsettling. I did not wish to wake her, only help her rest, so once more I made my way to her bedside, this time to tuck the sheet in around her. The furrow eased from her brow and with a sigh, she fell silent once more.

I have a feeling what I witnessed was a ghost of a very private memory. Red has yet to speak of a family of her own, living or otherwise. I find myself speculating on her sleep-speaking; was she lost from them? Stolen away? Perhaps the latter, considering whatever dream or nightmare she was trapped in, was apparently very dark. Then again, maybe it’s only a dream her tired mind conjured. It’s none of my business, I know, but I can’t help but wonder.

-Klynblaetsyn

11th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon, 7th Umbral Era

Private Journal of Baenstymm Klynblaetsyn

After a full sun of rest, Red Crow finally regained consciousness. I cannot say exactly when she awoke, only that she summoned me (on purpose this time) around mid-morning today. I arrived at her quarters to find her bathed and clad in traditional Hellsguard clothing, looking much more lively than when last I’d seen her. She seemed in good spirits, calling me in shortly after I knocked at her door.

She was sitting at the small table, tending her armor and weapon. She gestured to a nearby seat and began asking about what she’d missed in Limsa Lominsa while she was away. I picked up a gauntlet and began cleaning it with a rag from a pile on the table while I informed her of the day-to-day business in the city. Before I could finish the one glove, another knock came at the door. I discovered Red had ordered room service. I could hardly refrain from casting her a look of disapproval; after all, I could easily have gone out to procure provisions for her had she but asked.

She chuckled and motioned to the seat again, and informed me my duty today was that of ‘company’. I agreed and took my seat once again, after the inn’s help left the room. As I picked the gauntlet back up, I caught Red giving me a curious look. I informed her that I could tend armor and keep company simultaneously, and at that she laughed, but nodded. I have come to realize that, left to her own devices, Red would have little use for a retainer, therefor I must make my own work to stay useful.

No sooner had I set back to work, than she surprised me yet again by pushing a plate of food in front of me, then began gathering items onto a second dish. I politely declined the offer, but she would hear nothing of it. She insisted with, “I don’t eat in front of people, and I don’t talk to the back of anybody’s head, so eat the damn food already. I ordered enough for an army, anyway.” I could hardly argue with such eloquence.

So passed our late morning, cleaning, chatting, and discussing various topics between bites of food. I had earlier considered asking her about the dream, but there seemed to be no traces of its phantasm left, so I opted to let it go. It’s not my place to pry, anyhow. She did, however, volunteer several tales from her recent adventure, and while her stories were interesting, to say the least, one in particular stood out. Apparently, Red had received an invitation, along with –many- others, to a gala event. I could only imagine her storming the gates in bloodied armor, her axe dripping gore from a recent battle, all while people dressed in the latest finery looked on, appalled! She surprised me when she said she’d actually ‘cleaned up’ before she went. I learned soon after, that meant a quick dip in a stream and the donning of the very clothing she currently wore, no doubt wrinkled at the time from suns stuffed in a pack. She admitted she had no idea what to expect, but soon learned a ‘gala’ is a line-standing event, to see who can wait the longest. The ‘winners’ then get ushered into a building and packed in until the floors groan in protest, again culling the ‘weak-willed’. Those who stick it out, are rewarded with a table, food, and company of a few decent people. I cannot say if there were other notes of interest, for by this time, I was laughing so hard, I could scarcely catch my breath! When she admitted defeat at the ‘hands of the gala’ when dancing was expected, my eyes streamed with laughter! I know she simply does not know of these civilized activities, but her tale… it was as if she had gone in search of a glorious quest, rather than a social gathering!

After a few moments to compose myself, and a few more spent in comfortable silence, we returned to cleaning the armor. I paused a moment to ask a question of her gala experience to find her fixated on one particular segment of her chest plate. The humor had vanished from her countenance, in its place an expression I was unfamiliar with. Though her brow remained smooth, and no frown distorted her lips, she had gained an unsettling glare directed at something caught between two of the segments in the armor. She was eerily still, sitting perfectly motionless, not even a blink of an eye to belie the life in her. Only one hand moved as she pulled free a strip of what appeared to be dull, black leather. With that death-stare still on the object, she bound it in one of the cleaning cloths, then resumed her business with her armor. For a moment, I sat in wary silence, looking between the small bundle and Red. Was it my place to ask?

I was thinking how best to approach what must be a delicate situation when she spoke. “Amalj’aa.” I felt my eyes widen and my gaze immediately fell back to the cloth.

“If I’m close to one of their territories, I make a special trip, just for them.” She couldn’t mean that was a –piece- of one? The question must have been written on my face, for she looked up at me and gave a nod. “If I find an encampment, I clear it. I keep an eye on ‘em, ‘cuz they’re known for reusin’ old camps from time to time. That, though,” she nods to the bundle, “that’s gonna get burnt. I don’t keep trophies, if that’s what you’re wonderin’. But I don’t spare them any neat, tidy little cuts either. Pieces fly off sometimes. Looks like that one just stuck with me.”

I know there is no love lost between citizens of Thanalan and the Amalj’aa, but Red seemed to harbor a particularly violent hatred of the beastmen. My mind churned with unasked questions. Perhaps she feared what I was thinking, for she spoke again.

“Few years back, a group of those bastards came through my family’s place. It was just me and my parents; my older brother, Killing Sun, had gotten involved with the war and was supposedly stationed nearby. Near Cartaneu.” While she talked, she kept her attention on her armor, her face that same, strange blank expression as when she’d liberated the beastman offal from her armor. “We knew they were comin’, and that there were a –lot- of ‘em. My parents sent me out to look for Sun. I know now it was just to protect me. There’s no way I could’ve got to him and made it back in time.”

She reached for an oilcloth and gave a quiet sigh. “Never did find Sun. Wasn’t anything left worth savin’ when I made it back home, except for my cookpot.” She nodded near the door, where she had stacked her armor upon her return. There, tied to her pack, was a medium-sized black iron pot with a lid and ladle secured in place. I looked back to her, just in time to see the first sign of that unsettling expression finally breaking. A faint twitch at the corner of her mouth gave way to a soft smirk, “I’m terrible with it, but it’s alright. Thing’s enchanted. Put it over a fire, and nothin’ll bother your camp all night.”

I only smiled in return. What do you say after hearing something like that? An apology doesn’t seem appropriate. Instead, we just let silence settle in around us once more, and we returned to cleaning the last of her armor. We spoke later on, just idle chat. I let her guide the talk, and avoided any questions that might stir up those hurtful memories.

After learning about this, I can’t help but feel some degree of guilt for overhearing her speaking in her sleep. I also feel sorry for her, the poor girl left to fend for herself in the wake of war and violence. I imagine this is why she avoids speaking of her past. Red doesn’t seem to feel sorry for herself, and I believe she doesn’t want others feeling sorry for her either. Perhaps I should tell her how I found her that night?

-Klynblaetsyn

Random Red Crow Facts:

• True to Hellsguard beliefs, Red is wary of alchemists. However, she's a little more tolerant of them, after learning they make healing potions, which she likes.

• Red believes her cookpot is magic. "Put it over a campfire, and nothin'll bother your camp all night!" she boasts. Little does she know, it's not the cookpot, but the horrible smells coming from it that drive would-be predators away.

• Red was named by her older brother, Killing Sun. "Red" came from her fiery red hair, which resembled their mother's. "Crow" came from her habit of mimicking him when she was small. Rather than annoying him, he found ways to make it a game between them, thus strengthening their sibling bond.

• Despite her new-found confidence as a warrior, Red is still stricken with bouts of shyness in social situations, especially around flirtatious men. She tries -really- hard to hide it.

• Red hates to dance. She also hates wearing skirts or dresses, though that's not to say she doesn't look good in them.

• Red has an irrational fear of things in her navel. She's somehow convinced herself that something in or near her belly button is going for her intestines. She tries to keep it covered -at all times-.

• The Black armor she rebuilt and refitted for herself was once her brother's. It is all she found of him after years of searching. According to Ul'dahn records, he fell at Cartaneau. The armor was a pet project he'd been working on since before he left home.