Difference between revisions of "T'shina Vashka"

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(Employment History)
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| stat_3_value = Mated to Tenha'a Rendha
 
| stat_3_value = Mated to Tenha'a Rendha
 
| stat_4 = Free Company
 
| stat_4 = Free Company
| stat_4_value = Tomial Order
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| stat_4_value = The Gilded Rose
 
| stat_5 = Character Blog
 
| stat_5 = Character Blog
 
| stat_5_value = http://www.tshinavashka.tumblr.com
 
| stat_5_value = http://www.tshinavashka.tumblr.com

Revision as of 21:32, 4 March 2015

Gridania-transparent.png T'shina Vashka
Shinaprofile.jpg
"I was always told to dream and one day, they will come true. I am finding that they are harder to come by."
Clan Leader of the Aurora
Gender Female
Race Miqo'te
Clan Seeker of the Sun
Citizenship Gridania
Age 20
Date of Birth 13th Sun of the 4th Astral Moon
Martial Status Mated to Tenha'a Rendha
Free Company The Gilded Rose
Character Blog http://www.tshinavashka.tumblr.com
Server Balmung
This character article or section of a character article is a stub -- a small, but growing, work in progress. If you're the creator of this character, why not consider expanding it?

Character Basics

T'shina Vashka (pronounced Tuh-shee-nah Vah-shh-kah) was born to the Condor (T) Tribe, sired by one of the three Nunhs, T'vashka Nunh, and the Seamstress T'morah Grosta originally of the Eft (E) tribe. No longer associated with the Condor Tribe other than blood relation, T'shina has created the Aurora Tribe, a mixed tribe of Keepers and Seekers who value the traditional values that Tribes give the Miqo'te and a way to merge this with city life to modernize.

Appearance

Height: ** fulms and ** ilms || Weight: Average || Age: Twenty Years

By appearance, T'shina is easy to look over. Nothing about her screams that she is remarkable but quite average in a lot of things. Her appearance often not as well kept as most Miqo'te that can be found in the city. The young woman is a little shorter than average, often causing for her to be teased for her height and has caused a bit of a complex. Her stature can often be that of bent or slouched when she doesn't think eyes are on her but when she is conversing with someone she will straighten up and become more prominent in her stature. Her own dominance coming into play. Her skin is often pale but the longer she has been in the exposure of the desert sun the darker it has gotten to adjust to the climate. Along her cheekbones she has freckles that come out more the more she is exposed to the sun and along her shoulders, collarbone and hipbones there are a noticeable amount of the little peppered dots that give her skin a little more character. Along her cheeks there are a pair of stripes that nearly blend with her skin tone, natural from her heritage on her mother's side, the stripes also being found along her hips, two over the hip bones and barely noticed with the blending of tone. Her ears and tail are often quite expressive, particularly her ears as they are often in motion. Her tail can often be seen in a relaxed state unless annoyed or if she is seeking her own comforts.

Her face can be seen as round in appearance making her seem quite youthful and making her pouts seem even that more childish when she huffs and puffs. Her lips plush and full with a natural dark tone to them that accentuate each expression a little more because of their prominence in her features. Behind these full lips would be a set of fangs known to Miqo'te but due to her Seeker heritage they are not as pronounced as that of her moon walking cousins. Her eyes are large and almond shaped, with large irises and the signature slitted pupil that is the trademark of the Seeker clan. The color a dark, deep royal blue making it difficult to see the pupil that has caused her to be mistaken for a Keeper on more than one occassion. These eyes often hidden behind her bangs slightly but ever watching the things around her and doing her best to catch the little details so that she doesn't miss a thing. Along her nose there is a noticeable scar. Her eyebrows are thin and often furrowed due to her need to analyze everything around her, though often they are hidden behind her thick bangs. Her hair is cut short in the back to keep of her neck so she doesn't get too hot and long in the front and gathered up in hair clips so that it is easier to manage. Keeping the length makes her feel more effeminate. The color a deep coal and scattered through out being the natural white hairs that often is tipped.

With clothing, the girl doesn't often wear anything that could be considered nice. The nicest thing she owns would be the hempen tunic that she was mistaken for a dress but she wears anyway. Most of her clothing is worn out and some of it looks as if it has been patched up before. The color often prominent in her palette of colors being a dark red as it is her favorite. Most of her clothing does not fit properly and is often seen as too big, due to when she lived with the Condor tribe most of her clothing was loose and flowing as it were and only covered what was necessary when it came to weather. Her boots are well taken care of as she believes that a good pair of boots is all you need when you are traveling. Often she carries a knife but she always carries her shortbow with her, not feeling comfortable without a weapon of sorts. If she is ever without a weapon it is best to be assumed that she is paranoid and looking for one in nearby items.

Noticeable Scars
  • Across her nose.
  • Along her left side there is a cut.
  • Her left shoulder has a puncture scar.

Personality

Skills

Archery (Training since the age of 8)
Spear (Training since she was 10)
Acrobatics (Life of living in the trees and later as a Hunter)
Hunting (Took the role of Hunter at the age of 12)
Leatherworking (Sufficient. Been training since she was 17)
Weaving (Novice.)
Cooking (Poor)
Singing (Talented)
Instruments (Learned in Drums, Guitar, and Tambourine)

Likes

Fruits
Music
The Wilds
Dancing
Rain


Dislikes

Arrogance
Womanizers
Loose Women
Those Who Did Not Earn What They Possess
The Ocean (Primary Fear: Leviathan)
Public Submission
Misconceptions of the Miqo'te Race/Society

Strengths

Determination
Empathy
Stubborn
Compassionate
Protective
Mother-Complex

Weaknesses

Stubborn
Empathy
Mother-Complex
Low Self-Esteem
Over Analytic
Crippling Fears

Other

Alignment: Neutral Good
Favorite Food: Oranges
Favorite Sweet: White Chocolate
Favorite Drink: Orange Juice
Favorite Color: Wine Red
Favorite Season: Spring
Favorite Weather: Misty Rain
Favorite Time: Dawn/Sunset

When first meeting her she can be seen as cold and stand offish. This is something that she has developed since she was young to protect herself emotionally after being emotionally abused in her youth. This often results in her coming off as closed off with how she stands and the way she looks at others. By watching them, studying them, and trying to predict their next action by her observations. All of this stemming from her distrust for others and how hard it is for her to do so.

Becoming on friendly terms however is not difficult and she will open up and speak quite willfully. She enjoys conversation and can usually talk about any given thing whether it turn into a debate or just continuous agreement. Her morals and all that she is often laid out before others easily when you do get her talking. However, just because she will talk does not mean she will give out all her secrets or the secrets of her friends. She is quite careful about important information and feels that most information about herself cannot be used against her. When you do get her to talk about more personal things she is starting to gain a small amount of trust for you and has then started to call you a friend but do keep in mind, that does not mean she trusts you. Not at all.

Trust is something that she doesn't give very willingly and only a few people have it. These people able to be counted on one hand though she does want to be able to rely on others and others on her. This is causing a distress in the girl as she does want to trust others but her own paranoia and the people who have hurt her in the past get the better of her and she can easily find reasons to not trust someone. There are stages to knowing when you have gained any form of trust though.

The first step you will notice, should you be paying attention, is a thing she has about people touching her. Often if you are a stranger or someone that she has not had any interaction with, she does not like being touched. When you have become acquainted enough then things will become more just a shoulder bump, hip bump, shaking hands or a tentative hug. More trust will gain her touching you with her tail and maybe, just maybe, her letting you touch her ears. Though the ears are a thing that bothers her because she doesn't understand the fascination with them. When she has completely given her trust she actually will be a very touchy person. She likes to feel the contact of being around others and knowing that someone is there to watch out for her just as she is there to watch out for them.

On top of gaining her trust and allowing her to open up that stand offish shell seems to melt right off. She does her best to seem mature and level headed and in most cases she is. She's very passionate about many things and stubborn in her beliefs and feelings. But she will get excited fairly easily and not be afraid to show her little panics and insecurities (which there are many of). These small behaviors have gotten her called cute (which she will profusely deny that this exists). But overall she seems to be a more empathetic person once she has opened up.

Medical Conditions

  • Had a previous brain tumor that affected her sight as well as mobility. Would have killed her around the age of 16 however it was able to removed when met with an Ul'dahn merchant who had connections to save her. She has now lived past the expectancy that the Seers of the Condor Tribe had expected of her. It was removed around the age of 6 or 7.
  • Has a heightened sense of smell due to the distorted eyesight as a child, body making up for the downfall. It is now something that makes it difficult for her to be in certain situations. (Cannot be around a Malboro. Period.)
  • Is prone to frequent headaches, particularly when under stress or under heightened negative emotions. It is told to her it is due to the surgery that she had undergone.
  • Plot Point! The Shadows and Aetheric Pool: A pool of aether sits where the surgical point and scar is when she had the surgery to remove her tumor. This pool of aether feeds off of her negative energies, fueling shadow like aether manifestations. These shadows are never seen but can be heard when she is in complete distress or panic. They have been known to go after those that have tried to remove the aetheric pool during the process but have yet to cause damage to others. These shadows also feed into her insecurities and doubts and should the doubts become too strong she has gone into a deep sleep and when no one is around the shadows have pulled at her harmed her to further give her fears to feed themselves. Those who can see aether will notice the concentration of aether but the shadows are rarely around when she is around other people. Should she be caught and the Shadows believe she is alone, the shadows can be seen in a similar aether reading as Void magic but not completely so. Their appearance are that of shadow like ghosts with long fingers with sharpened ends. Their eyes are holes that go all the way through and their mouth is often is seen as if it sucking the air around them to pull in the negativity. As of now, no actual 'cure' has been found.

Employment History

  • Locke's Hard To Find Items - { Current Employer } A shop in Ul'dah run by Cyril Locke that consists of Hard to Find items in which she goes to retrieve. Now run by his daughter Althena Silverstar and her husband as well.
  • Blacktalon Vanguard - { Former Member } Mercenary Free Company run by Kolhi'to Embhre. Left due to a lack of work and no personal feeling of being able to connect.
  • Free Wing Society - { Former Member } Staffing Company run by Lilithium Altair. Worked as a jack of all trades. Left due to conflicting interests with the Free Company Leader.
  • Tomial Order - { Former Member } An Adventuring Company that aids the efforts in Mor Dhona run by Sabathius Kath'Lani and Sukina Cassady. Was hired due to recommendation from Tenha'a Rendha. Left due to idleness.
  • The Gilded Rose - { Current Leader } A Tavern/Cafe that is in the works that T'shina runs. However, it seems something might be going on behind closed doors.

Gossip and Relations

Rumors

Some of these rumors are untrue or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC!

◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard)
"Never see that girl without a bow on her. Bet she's some kind of mercenary." - Quicksand Patron
"She's in the markets enough, always got a fresh kill or some new leathers. Every time she does that she is there for hours trading the things she trades those for." - Ul'dahn Merchant
"The Vashka runt? She'd follow after the Nunh that visited and always stopped to listen to the Bards." - Gridanian Citizen
"Can't get that girl on the ferry. Seen her look like she's going to, even pays the gil before she just turns around leaving her money behind." - Limsan Ferryman
◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear)
"She's always watching out for trouble at the Quicksand when she's in. Why I don't mind when she gets in the kitchens." - Momodi of the Quicksand
"Always in male company. I always wondered if she was a woman Nunh." - Nosy Woman
◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard)
"Heard the girl sing once when she coming in from the desert. Pretty voice she has. She shut up really quick when she realized I was listening." - Ul'dah Chocobo Wrangler
◢ PC Rumors (Rumors from the character's of other players)
"She is one of the most welcome sights I ever see at the Quick Sand." - Aya Foxheart
"Such a sweetling! A bit firey with a certain shyness around that is mixed with caution, I wouldn't trade her for anyone in the world." - Lilithium Altair
"Shina is my baby sister, and I regret not being there for the majority of her upbringing. I love her dearly, and I miss her so. She truly is a wonderful person." - T'rahz Vashka
"I have really come to admire the amount of determination, and dedication, T'shina holds. She is incredibly ambitious, and driven, to reach her goals in life. She's an excellent listener, and a good friend. I enjoy being around her, and I am honored to be apart of her clan. I just hope I can make her proud of me, one day." - Chika Ito
"I have met her once or twice.. And I can say now.. She is a very rare type of woman. The type you wish to be around, no matter what mood you are in. She is both an excellent friend and a kind stranger. She is living proof that a good friend always starts out as a kind stranger saying hello. And I am happy I met her." - Kyrsaria Venmortis

Feel Free to Add More!

Relationships

Love/ Mate Sexual Desire Platonic Love
Clansman Friend Neutral Enemy
◢ Family
T'mora Grosta - The closest to her in her family. Her mother and her caregiver. Shina is Morah's only living daughter having had several still births before hand, many believing she'd never be able to properly conceive but the Seers of the clan gave her hope. When Shina was born, Morah was declared sterile and was no longer used for breeding purposes but due to the "defective" nature of her daughter she was treated poorly. On top of her own mistreatment, the two remained always there for one another and it was hardest for Shina to leave her mother behind when she had left the tribe, knowing she'd be lonely but her mother always remained supportive and strong and forever will Shina believe that Morah is the strongest of the tribe having such a strong and kind heart.
T'rahz Vashka - Older sister. Though most were her sister, T'vashka was her sire as well. They held a somewhat close relationship when Shina was a child, often being protected by the older sister when things got rough. However, when Shina was starting to come into everything after her illness was taken from her, T'rahz was taken by a Nunh of the Raptor clan and she hadn't seen her until she got older. They crossed paths briefly to find that T'rahz had been released and was looking to see all of Eorzea before settling down.
T'reehl Tia - Her closest companion growing up and one of the few people she trusts fully. They went through much of the same treatment as children and thus had bonded quickly. Often the two found the world around them fascinating, going on late night Moogle hunts when the other heard trumpets or chasing down imaginary creatures when the others their age wouldn't play with them. Together they were able to keep each other's spirits up and it was together that they left their tribe to find their happiness. They traveled much together until recently when their paths seem to have split in different directions.
T'vashka Nunh - A man to be admired and with wisdom beyond his years. He turned much of the tribe around during his time as Nunh and has been contested only a few times. Often he took time to spend with T'shina and teach her things that others would not. Many believed he took pity on her but he knew there were greatness in her future. It was because of this that he was the one who had made the deal with Cyril Locke to get the surgery that Shina needed. It was he who pushed her to find more for herself, knowing that she would never truly feel comfortable within the tribe nor be happy. However, he wanted to hear her stories of her travels and know what she is doing so he asks that she does visit. The one thing he has always told her was to follow her dreams and "Do what makes you happy." He has supported her decision in starting her own clan as it follows his advice to make herself happy and he believes that is the path in which she was suppose to take.
◢ Friends
Adokenai Kodomo - A young Lalafel boy that she's grown quite fond of. One of the few people that didn't take too long for her to allow to touch her considering their second meeting he fell asleep in her arms. She tries to teach Ado all the things in the world that she can when she can so that he'll be alright. Happy to take him out and about in the world and even gave him a wooden sword to play with. After a falling out with his mother, T'shina has not been able to see the little boy she has grown fond of and she finds it leaves a dull aching pain when she thinks about it, realizing she did love the little boy as if he were her own. Still she keeps her eyes out for him every time she is in Ul'dah.
Althena Locke (Silverstar) - The two met when she was seven. Her father being the one who had actually gotten T'shina the surgery she needed. During her recovery, Althena was a big part of her life as she would tell her stories and help her with her rehabilitation. As she got older, Althena has been there to make sure she is never without. T'shina has been known to visit her weekly just to check up on her.
An'zero Tia - At first she was uncomfortable around Zero with his quick compliments and light flirting but she has grown accustomed to him. She has brought him into her tribe since he agrees with many of her views in clan life and customs. She has been working on his stubborn and dominant attitude toward her and is prone to hitting him but it is because she cares. She has watched him mature, especially after he took in the Lalafel child Nanapo.
Aya Foxheart - A waitress at the Quicksand. T'shina finds her to be quite friendly and often feels the want to keep an eye out for her. So, Shina finds this person to be quite pleasant to be around. There are times when she goes to the Quicksand just to be able to watch her work and observe how well she does with people. She considers Aya a friend despite them never being out together outside of when Aya is working but if she does see her, she does make sure to say hello.
Blazerro Draken - A Doctor that she has worked as an assistant to in the Tomial Order. She quickly befriended him and looks after him when he's injured, often scolding him. His endeavors of seeking revenge on a Dragon alone has caused her to worry greatly for him but she is not sure how to help him and hopes that he doesn't get himself killed. Luckily, he didn't get too hurt and has returned home safely. Despite not being a member of her clan she sees him much like she would family, however this is not something she will admit out loud since he had not accepted to be part of her family. She trust Blazerro with quite a bit and will confide in him or just simply visit him to just tease him.
Cain Lear - The first Roegydn that she decided to call friend. They don't get to talk often but they get along quite well. She hasn't heard or seen of him in quite some time so she does find that she wonders where he has gone.
Chika Ito - A woman that T'shina connected with very well and quickly. The concern and care that the woman takes in the things she does and the friendly manner she does it in drew her in. It was the stern way she holds herself and the genuine way that she is that has kept Shina there. There are many things that the woman does that confuses her, particularly when it comes to her way of love but she tolerates even if she doesn't understand why she moves so quickly. Chika has offered to teach her many things when it comes to domestic life that T'shina can't seem to grasp properly like cooking but due to Chika living in La Noscea it has been hard to visit her to learn these skills.
Cy'xanne Nunh - A Miqo'te she met and soon they realized they had many of the same ideas and were trying to implement a similar clan structure for a mixed culture. However, where hers is slowly growing, his has not seemed to fill out. This has caused her to offer her own clan for him to be part of should he give up. Often when they meet she finds that she can comfortably talk with him on different things and uses his wisdom of the world and of people to learn from.
Estrelaint Becquerel - A friend she knew from when she traveled often and had spent time in Ishgard. He had gotten her out of some trouble with the law in Ishgard and is currently repaying him by trying to keep him out of trouble while he's barred from the city himself. Even if he does see heretics around every corner. She finds his consistent flirting to be amusing and finds that she enjoys his compliments that appear to her to be quite honest. Of course they got in a little trouble together and it is just a matter of time before they see it through.
Gunnolf Hellfire - A blind Lalafel ex pirate who ran into her quite literally. Though she sees a lot of wisdom in him and finds him enjoyable to be around.
Jeanne Bealieu - An Elezen emissary that T'shina met at the Quicksand all because she looked as bored as the other. They had met once again and though Jeanne did not remember her, T'shina remembered her. Often T'shina will actually see if she sees the woman but has not seen her about as of recent and wondering if maybe her work in Ul'dah has been completed.
Jijiko Ririko - The brother of Althena, he had helped during T'shina's recovery as well. The Lalafel was very good for her confidence in her youth. However as of late he's been grinding her nerves when it comes to the respect of nature and life where his views completely contradict her own. This has put a rift between the two but she still considers him like family.
Kal Numara - She knows that she likes a good drink and a good time. Which, Shina finds so strange with her carefree attitude but that might be the pirate mentality. Shina finds comfort in her outward approach to life and the way that anything can be a good laugh. It had been some time since she has seen the woman.
Kaohastraal Aeseroix Ghislan Nightwing - She isn't sure why she connected so easily with the outgoing Roegydn but she did and often finds his stories entertaining. However, with him taking residence in the Mists as of late she hasn't seen him since she is not comfortable being in the area. He is full of surprises and keeps her on her toes, quite literally! She does like to sit and listen to his stories and she will stand by that he tells some of the best. Though recently she had received a letter from Ox telling her that an incident had happened and that he is now the Highlander known as Ghislan Nightwing. T'shina knows that the name is familiar but that is all and does not truly understand the implications of what had happened, which is often when it comes to the type of magic that Ox, or now Ghislan, is associated with. Recently, he has returned from his absence but now as himself rather than the dual personalities that he once had before. She had not met the other entity of himself and is almost thankful she hadn't, not wanting to tarnish her thoughts of her friend.
Kolhi'to Embhre - A Keeper Miqo'te that she respects but has not forged any lasting relationship with. She worked for him in Black Talon Vanguard.
Kyrsaria Venmortis - A friend of Chika's that she saw briefly and was introduced to. She is assured she is a kind and warm individual but she got to see the woman unleash a fiery temper on another. In the next meeting in which she had lost her memory, it would seem that the woman has not lost that fiery temper of hers and the passion that fills her, especially when it comes to the welfare of the children around her. Nymira Valeroyant, now Kyrsaria Venmortis, has no recollection of meeting T'shina before and thus she is curious as to whether or not any recollection of her memories will be good for her or not.
Lambert Arkwright - A person that she is uncomfortable with due to the random large amount of gil he had given her. Since their meeting and him finding out she was a mercenary. After some time she found out he was down on his luck and taking the gil that she had put away she returned to him so that he could try and get back on his feet. She has not seen him for quite some time.
Leon Maxwell - A Midlander teenager that she finds amusing to make turn red since it is so easy. She respects him since he can hold his own and enjoys his company. She did not see much of him since she had left Black Talon Vanguard but she had heard that he was dying and that someone she dislikes had saved him.
Matthias Silverstar - The husband of Althena, she has gotten work from him a couple of times. She finds his antics amusing. Often she can get work from him and will do as he says without a second thought unless she figures he's kidding with her.
Mouse Wytchwood - A young girl who has a lot of secrets about her that Shina can guess just by observing. She has not seen much of Mouse at all and does not worry much on it.
Nanapo Napo - The adopted daughter of An'zero and an honorary member of her clan through it. T'shina is often not sure how to handle the brilliant youth but does keep an eye out for her and treats her as if she was her niece.
Rock Shattermountain - A friendly highlander/Roegydn that she finds to just be enjoyable to listen to. His sense of being kind to everyone sticks with her so she enjoys his out there personality. She is prone to running into him and has found that she is comfortable enough to tease him.
Sarial Hawke - Someone that Shina had met through Lilithium and the first woman to ever flirt with her intentionally. She was surprised by this but does enjoy speaking with Sarial. It was through her she found out about a former friend's lie causing distrust.
Tenha'a Rendha - A man she had known for quite some time and worked with on more than one occasion through their association through Cyril Locke. For the longest time she fought the feelings she had felt for him before she finally gave in and let it be known. They retained their friendship even when he said he didn't want a relationship because of a condition that he has. Despite knowing this she did grow a jealousy streak but did her best to hide it. Eventually, Tenha'a did ask her to be his mate, feeling for her the same way and wanting to be with someone he trusted. They've been together since and she has been doing her best to try and help him with his condition. However, his behavior often leads to much of her own insecurities and doubts when it comes to her illness. He has most currently proposed to become her life mate and do things in a traditional sense with a ceremony before the clan and told her that she was the cure to the illness that had plagued him for so long. She cherishes the moments she has with him and despite not being seen in his company often, she is quite happy with Tenha'a as her mate.
Toff Vaughnn - He can be a grumpy Miqo'te but he gets excited and she finds that she can easily get excited along with him. They have a same respect for nature and she respects him for it. She finds it easy to tease him and is comfortable around him. She had invited him to the Aurora so that he could learn more about his heritage.
U'zhan Tia - A person she met at random and they agreed on a lot of the same ideas and forged a quick friendship. She thinks often of her friend and worries often if he is alright. They have developed a close relationship in which she will often say that he is an important person to her and one of her best friends. She can be found in his company often and knows that when he disappears he always returns.
Varicar Rhylas - She had done only one job with this person and found he will make a profit on what it is they are doing. He seems to be quite laid back to her but she has yet to figure him out and probably never will. He seems to have taken a change of name from Kagewoe Erasus to Varicar Rhylas but is quite the same person she had met before. He is still quite intriguing to her.
◢ Enemies
Liandri Mei - When she had met Liandri, something rubbed her the wrong way. When she learned of how she treated her best friend, it only got worst and now the dislike continues after how she broke U'zhan's heart. She will never have a good word to say about her.
Lilithium Altair - A woman that she wants to be friends with but there always seems to be something that gets in the way. However, she has given up when the promise that Lilithium made that could have saved their friendship was broken. She does not trust the woman and probably never will at this point. After hearing some mistreatment of Adokenai, T'shina has become quite hostile about the situation and how unhappy he has proven to be. Thus, any redemption has gone down.

The Aurora

The Aurora is a tribe based off of mixed traditions in the evolving world of Eorzea and the need to move with the times as well as preserving old traditions that give the Miqo'te their culture. Keeping to the traditional value of having a tribe to build community and give safety to the members of the tribe and to give a sense of comfort. Mixing both Seeker and Keeper traditions of having ceremonies, gathering and having a sense of order to further create a growing atmosphere for the future of Miqo'te and their life connected with the city but remembering and continuing to celebrate their roots as more tribal beings. In the Aurora there are no Matriarchs or Nunhs. There is no superiority of females as there are in Keepers and there are no exclusive breeding rights as there are in Seekers. Everyone is equal and all have a right to choose.

The Clan

  • T'shina Vashka - [Leader]
  • An'zero Tia - [Clan Member]
  • Tenha'a Rendha - [Clan Member]
  • U'zhan Tia - [Clan Member]
  • A'kari Neneh - [Initiate]
  • Chika Ito - [Initiate]
  • Toff Vaughnn - [Initiate]

Ranking

  • Leader - No proper title has been given just yet, just leader. The one who looks after the others and mediates. The one who gives the direction that clan should go in.
  • Council - Highly believed that when many are involved, no one person should lead. When numbers grow those of the Council will be appointed to help dictate how to take care of the others.
  • Mentor - Any who find themselves deemed a Mentor were at one time or another a rank before and seen good enough at what they do that they teach others how to be better at it. There is usually only one Mentor in a specific skill at a time, never more.
  • Protector - Those who are mostly trained in martial skills are considered the Protectors of the clan and will come to the aid of any who are in trouble (which is the obligation of any member of the Aurora but more so those who are given this title).
  • Provider - There are many who fall into this category. They are those who bring something to the clan to further keep them healthy. In most cases it is often those who gather food (for those who are unable to care for themselves or should we just grow large as a whole), hunt, and/or make weaponry or clothing. Though this is for all to participate in, they are those who are responsible for it.
  • Healer - There are not many gifted with this art but those who are well taken care of due to how hard it is to find someone who is gifted with the talent of healing and caring for others.
  • Clan Member - Those who are a member are those who haven't found their role within the clan but have passed their Rite of Passage.
  • Youth - Those who are still considered underage in the clan who have not gone through their Coming of Age Ceremony.
  • Initiate - Those who have been brought into the fold and testing the waters.

Traditions

There are many traditions that will come to shape the Aurora as things go on. Many traditions going with most Miqo'te practices (such as ceremonies for the coming of age, finding your place in the clan, birthing, life mates, etc.) These traditions being adjusted to fit more to the new standards of living in the city but keeping to that of the Tribal ways of Seeker and Keeper Society. What has become very important is blending the two cultures of both Keeper and Seeker traditions and modernizing where it is needed to move with the times that are shaping the world around them.

Changes In Life Ceremonies
  • Coming of Age/ Initiation Rite - At the age of sixteen and/or when a new member of the tribe joins, they will go through their initiation. The first part is fairly quiet as the Leader and/or Council member will give the Initiate a choice between a spear or a bow and give them a single knife. This is their weapon that will help them. They are given a day's worth of supplies and are sent into the depths of the Shroud/ Thanalan/ La Noscea to learn to survive. They are left there for three days and must fend for themselves without going to the towns. On the third day they meet with the Leader and/or Council member to be received back to the clan. A celebration is then scheduled for their return and there is a feast. The Initiate is then named a member of the clan and painted with black by the Leader. A prayer will be said to Azyema and Menphina as they are the sister goddesses of the Miqo'te.
  • Rite of Passage - For each rank it is different in execution but generally the same. When one of the clan decides their path for the clan then they will go through a trial for that particular path. Once they have completed their trial they will make their vows before the clan and the Leader or Council member who is in charge of their path will paint their face with the respected color of their path. A feast is then held in their honor.
    • Protector - They will go through a trial of combat to find where their skills lie. They are painted in red.
    • Providor - They will go through a trial that involves identifying what is edible and the respects of nature. They are painted in green.
    • Healer - They will go through a trial of medical which involves learning their knowledge in healing in both magical and/or physical means. They are painted in blue.
  • Rite of Ascension - There are two types of this ritual but they end in the same manner. The first part is fairly priviate as they come before the Council and Leader to give their vows. A mentor is often tested and the council must be tested by other mentors in their field. Once they have passed their test they are presented before the clan already dressed in their colors and make their vows to the clan as well. A feast and celebration are often accompanied by the ceremony.
  • Lifebinding Ritual - It all starts with attraction but courtship in marriage is handled differently. As most know, the world has changed and many date and take time in choosing their life mate. However, traditions should be upheld when a mate is finally chosen in the more permanent manner. It usually starts with the male or should it be two women or two men, one will step forward to the other. They will present a gift but it is usually not jewelry but a token of affection that shows their own skill that they are able to care for the other. Traditionally, a woman will accept the gift and should she agree to the marriage she will make a gift in return, often to depict that she can take care of the home. Often it is a piece of embroidery. However, this gift can be whatever is suited. When a gift is returned then it shows an acceptance and they will announce to the Council of their decision. In old traditions they would be presented by the leaders of the clan and that would be done. However, the Aurora have adapted the tradition to constitute more city like traditions of a marriage ceremony where the pair will dress nicely and say their vows before the clan and friends. This is one of the few celebrations that will include those outside of the clan. After the ceremony their will be a celebration with singing, dancing, drink and food. After the celebration it is expected that the couple to disappear for a few days.
  • Coming of Life - When a life is to come to the clan it is a cause for celebration in itself. New life is something to always celebrate no matter the circumstances. Those who are healers and are versed in the care of children will often meet with the mother and/or father regularly to make sure that both are mentally sound and that the mother is remaining healthy. Raising a child is something done by the clan but primarily by the mother and so all must be prepared. There is a day of quiet on the day of the birth to give the mother a chance to relax and often keep stresses from her so that she can bond with her newborn. Once the child is two weeks old they are presented to the clan and there is a more humble celebration. The chlid is marked with a black dot at their forehead to signify that they are accepted among the clan.
  • Time of Mourning - When a death comes to the clan it is a tragic thing but even in death there is a reason to celebrate the life that the person had once lived. The body is often dressed in something nice that represents who they were and laid upon a pyre as prayers and time is taken to say good bye to the mortal form. The immediate family or those chosen will set fire to the pyre and there will be a time of silence until the flames die down. Soon after the clan with gather together and give a time of remembrance and sing, drink, and eat to the one who has fallen and share tales of their memories.
Change of the Seasons
  • New Year - At the beginning of each New Year it is known that it is represented by a new one of the Twelve. And so, it is customary for those of the clan to come together in a prayer for the New Year and to ask the patron of the year to bless the year for their clan. Depending on who represents the year depends on the kind of offering is given to the Twelve. Usually, it is a night of drinking and celebration.
  • Menphina's Respite - Taking place during the month of Menphina (February) it is a time to establish your connection of love of all forms to those within and without the clan. Often, small tokens of affection are made for each member of the clan or those who are close to them. This can range from wooden carvings, small dolls, embroidery, to even pelts and other such large displays. Often they are a show of one's own skill or just something they believe the other will like. This is not a grandiose celebration like most but it something more intimate for the members of the clan.
  • Matron's Bounty - When the Harvest Season begins the Providers are often hard at work as well as the rest of the clan. This is a time to start preparing for winter and making sure that there will be enough food in the stores to last the winter. A feast is prepared once the harvest is complete and reflection is given to the year thus far. Prayers are given to Nophica for giving the clan was needed for them over the warm season and that she rest well before she returns her bounty in spring. If the harvest brought in is particularly good those outside of the clan will be invited to the feast.

More to Come

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