R U M O R S
Feel free to add a rumor of your own if you like! Don't be afraid to drop me a note so I can see it too!
◢ Common Rumors - Easily overheard. Use these freely!
■ "That man? Ah, he's jus' a mercenary. Tends to pick jobs that mostly revolve around fightin' and beatin' the stuffing outta someone - but what mercenary doesn't these days?" - Patron at the Quicksand.
■ "I see that one wandering about Little Ala Mhigo from time to time. He doesn't speak much - just arrives, drops off food, and suppplies to the people there - and leaves."" - Refugee.
■ "Tiergan - eh? He used to be quite the successful gladiator at the Coliseum back in the day. Haven't seen him fight in a little over three years though." - Grizzled Gladiator.
◢ Uncommon Rumors - A little more difficult to hear. Use sparingly or ask first!
■"I see that one leaving the city all the time. Sometimes it's just for a usual job or mission. Other times, he vanishes for days and sometimes comes back bloodied and bruised. He'll say he was simply on a rough job - but the look on his face says it was something much, much more sinister then that. Best not to keep close company with that one, I say." - Nosey Chocobo Keeper.
◢ Rare Rumors - Very rarely overheard. Please ask before using!
■ "That one's a slave, or at least he used to be. Fought on the Bloodsands for one of the most brutal men alive. It's a miracle he's even free." - Ul'dahn Pickpocket.
■ "I hear a criminal lord that goes by the name 'Omen' used to own that one. Would pay good coin to have him brought back too. The man rarely lets his slaves loose - usually the only way out is a mountain of gil or death." - Black market informant.
◢ Player Character Rumors - Feel free to add rumors of your own!
■ "Aw, yus! He's m'big cousin! But I call him m'bro cus I can. He's brave an' all. S'got a big sword too! But he thinks he can tussle wiv'is mitts better than me and that's jus' bonkers! I love 'im like crazy, but no one c'n tussle like I can!" - Caen Jabari
■ "We have a way with each other. If you've a issue with him; you've a problem with me. So pray you have no issues with him..." - Teld're Eska'aldren
■ "Tiergan? Oh, we go back a ways, heh. One of a handful I'd have at my back at a fight. Of course, I prefer him on his back, but. He needs a break now and then." - Zaius Rhal'seer
■ "Meine liebe Katzebruder. A man of honour and compassion. I would entrust my life tae him, and I hope he would say the same for me. I have seen him many a time put himself in harms way tae protect others, and it is this selflessness that earns him the well-deserved respect of his peers. In short, he is a dear and trusted friend... And surprisingly well-built, for a cat. A pity." - Brynhilde Wulf
■ "Wyzntier is as I call him. White Beast. It is as it sounds. He is cruel and merciless if you are a threat, as beasts are. Wild, free, untamed, he has no hesitation in a fight should you truly wish one so skilled. He would embrace this beast, too, whole-heartedly. Yet he is the white of a canvas; full of potential. The events that shall happen will shape him, perhaps in the ways that he wishes to be or perhaps in ways she fears. Yet, to remain so blank is impossible for one who believes himself unable to avoid bloodshed." - Staelufre Lysmerl
■ "Please help my friend! He is sick! If not help he die! I need find way help him! Anything! Medicine or magic!" - Flickering Ember
■ " Strong and nice. Always want help other, even bad people! He help me understand things not know. I feel safe with him always. But, you not take his food if want live. " - Flickering Ember
■ "Friend of mine and a damned good fighter. Why do you ask?" - Jaques Guillaume
■ "Sir Vashir is a master of pain. He takes it and understands it. Watches out for his kin to prevent it or replace it. One of the few to understand who someone was and someone is. Knock on his door, though, he always keeps it locked." - Jancis Milburga
■ "An interesting man... He smells like Master. He stinks of blood." - Virara Wakuwa
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R E L A T I O N S
♥ Romantic Attraction – ♥ Physical Attraction – ♥ Platonic Love – ✔ Business – 💔 Emotional Conflict – ● Positive – ● Negative – ● Neutral – ≈ Unsure
A kind, but peculiar "Au Ra" - this Wood Wailer of Gridania came across Tiergan while he was gravely injured and escaping a large group of hunters that wished to capture him alive. To Tiergan, Aidan is one of the few rare individuals who would help a stranger without expecting anything in return. In all of the miqo’te’s interactions with the lancer, Aidan continuously displayed a sense of earnestness and compassion that Tiergan found oddly innocent despite the Wailer’s capacity to fight and hold his own in combat. This innocence sometimes makes Tiergan a little uncomfortable, as with all the wrongs he’d committed in the past, the miqo’te feels extremely undeserving of Aidan’s rare brand of empathy, generosity, and kindness. Tiergan occasionally stops by Aidan's home, dropping off small gifts of appreciation at his doorstep and sometimes accepting the lancer's offer to stay over for a warm meal cooked by a kind heart.
A former-slave of the Garlean Empire, Tiergan first met Angora at the slave sanctuary known as the Phoenix Rose, quickly coming to respect her both for her friendly nature, her bold escape from the clutches of the Garlean Empire, and the fact that she hails from Gyr Abania. Entrapped in much of the same madness Tiergan often finds himself embroiled in, as well as terrifying struggles of her own, Angora carries herself with a kindness and grace Tiergan would describe as noble. As time passed, Tiergan's trust and appreciation for Angora grew, eventually developing into a sibling-like bond that solidified when Angora honoured him with the title of 'brother'. He now considers her to be as his own blood, watching over her and constantly thinking of her safety.
A gentle Raen Au Ra with the ability to heal using the sun and stars. They first met when Ashmira arrived swiftly to answer Tiergan's desperate call for aid when he thought a friend to be in grave danger. Over time, Ashmira continued to prove herself to be a thoughtful, caring woman, selfless and self-sacrificing even to the cost of her own health. Though Tiergan often frets over her potential to heal until it appears to do damage to her own body, the miqo'te carries a deep appreciation for her generosity, compassionate nature, and her most excellent cooking skills.
A platinum-haired Ala Mhigan with a stern, but quiet demeanor and devastating latent power. Tiergan regards Avenio with a deep respect born from the man's silent diligence, no-nonsense attitude, and terrifying skill in battle. Tiergan has ever regarded the fellow Ala Mhigan as a strong, reliable friend, able to weather the brutal assault of misfortune Nymeia often imparts upon the people of Gyr Abania as though he were a bulwark forged of iron. The towering highlander often displays moments of shy, social awkwardness when it comes to anything resembling intimacy whether it be romantic or platonic, giving Tiergan no end of amusement whenever Avenio's lover - 'Faolan Woodlock' becomes the subject of discussion.
As one of the first and truest friends Tiergan made since his escape from slavery, Brynhilde shattered apart Tiergan's initial mistrust with her forthright attitude and drive to aid the poor, exploited, and less fortunate masses around her - even when it came at the expense of her own safety and happiness. In short time, Tiergan came to deeply respect Brynhilde and her goals, finding her to be intelligent, pragmatic, and highly skilled in both leadership and combat. Over time, their friendship as only grown, with Tiergan privately considering Brynhilde one of his closest and truest companions. He would come to her side at a moment's notice, would follow her lead to the ends of Hydaelyn if asked, and quietly believes her life is far more important than his own - both for the future of the people she watches over ...and for the future of Ala Mhigo.
Time and time again, Tiergan began receiving random boxes of cookies, sweets, and sometimes even entire meals in his mail. At first, he did not eat them, thinking them to all be poison or some kind of trick - but after having them tested very thoroughly by a friend, the miqo'te rapidly became puzzled as to why a stranger was sending him so much food. It wasn't until later (after devouring several boxes of cookies and cupcakes) that Tiergan discovered the woman had the wrong mailing address and had meant to send the food elsewhere. However, she was so incredibly pleased by the fact someone loved her food that much, that she continued sending more of her culinary creations to the miqo'te regardless, often giving her various food experiments to Tiergan to see if they were any good. Unfortunately for her, Tiergan savors and devours literally every thing she sends. After she received a warning from another that Tiergan might have been getting fat from all of the sweets and hearty meals she'd sent him, she began sending the man salads, which Tiergan still ate, but with much greater sadness. Tiergan attributes much of the fact that he hasn't starved to death when not close enough to Zaius' home to Cheyne.
Tiergan first met D'lyhhia during Hallow’s End when he was turned into a [REDACTED] by one of the overzealous transmogrifying mages and D’lyhhia was kind enough to help him return back to his true form. She could have abandoned him at any point during their extremely troublesome quest to have him restored back to a miqo’te, yet she patiently continued to aid him when she really had no reason to and had nothing to gain out of it. Because of this, Tiergan views D’lyhhia as kind-hearted, generous, and one of the few genuinely good people still left in Eorzea. He offered up his skills as a swordsman (mainly so that he’d have an excuse to protect and watch over her) along with nearly all of the gil he had on his person at the time to swear her secrecy about exactly what had happened and what he was turned into. He absolutely detests her Dodo and only hasn’t tried to roast it for dinner out of his deep respect for D’lyhhia.
The young proprietor of the Bistro Fork Inn. Unusual circumstances threw the two miqo'te together along with several others residing at the Inn, forcing them to become allies, if not friends. Eir'a's calm, patient nature, youthful innocence, and eagerness to prove himself as a true Ishgardian willing to combat the Dravanian threat have charmed Tiergan and earned the innkeeper Tiergan's silent respect and admiration. Though they have not known each other for very long, Tiergan likes what he sees thus far and looks forward to seeing how the youngling gradually develops into a proud lancer capable of slaying dragons.
A kind and gentle woman Tiergan met while crossing the Black Iron Bridge. Unusual circumstances drew the two together and it was in speaking with the woman at length that he learned of Ellemeare's compassionate nature and her eagerness to aid a stranger in order to prevent greater harm. However, the more cynical part of Tiergan's mind worries over whether he can truly have faith in her kindness or if it is merely a ruse to draw him into further danger.
One of the few individuals able to coax Tiergan out of his fear of romance and intimacy, Tiergan fell fiercely in love with the duskwight gladiator who once exhibited all of the qualities he viewed as noble in a world filled with cruelty. Their friendship and eventual romance was chaotic, full of ups and downs as danger loomed over them and close friends in various forms. With time, both men began to change - Tiergan, weathered and battered down by his struggles with a powerful artifact, and Eruantien by his growing desire to use any means necessary to protect that which he held sacred. Eruantien eventually broke off their relationship, citing Tiergan himself as the reason, leaving the miqo'te devastated and heartbroken. Initially keeping all of the daggers and swords Eruantien crafted for him over the course of their friendship and romance, Tiergan slowly gave the weapons away one by one, until all that remain now are the seven swords and a dagger. Save for a single greatsword, all of the blades were crafted for Tiergan during his initial friendship with the Lightning Prince - the time with Eruantien that Tiergan cherished most and looks back upon often.
A young conjurer hailing from the forests where the Shroud borders the very fringes of Coerthas, Faolan is a woodsman plagued by frightening, primordial spirits and a destiny his family utterly failed to prepare him for. Tiergan admires Faolan for his compassion, his independence, and the man's ability to survive even the most brutal of nature's winters. Yet after repeat encounters with the terrifying beings lurking at Faolan's back, and gaining insight not only into the youth's mind, but the deep and terrible history of his bloodline, Tiergan fears that something horrifying lies on the horizon: a power too immense to fight and a destiny nearly impossible to change. Through events Tiergan can hardly explain, the mercenary feels an affinity with Faolan's elder brother, Oisin and unconsciously views Faolan as being something like a younger brother he is determined to protect at all costs - even if Faolan himself believes it is impossible.
Once a feral child of the Thanalan sands, Flickering Ember is a cherished friend that Tiergan often views as a little sister, only one that is far taller and stronger than he is. To Tiergan, her open, innocent, and honest view of the world is like a breath of fresh air and despite her lack of social grace and her inability to speak properly, Tiergan finds everything about the young roegadyn teenager to be endearing and sweet. Tiergan is fiercely protective of Ember (as anyone would be upon meeting her) and often frets when it seems she's about to tumble right into danger.
Once considered to be a friend, Tiergan now sees Ja'ren as nothing more but a traitor. After learning of hunters determined to capture the younger miqo'te, Tiergan warned Ja'ren of those in pursuit of him. Succumbing to fear, the archer resorted to drastic measures in order to evade his pursuers, going down a path that would put the lives of others at risk in order to protect his own. Attempting to halt Ja'ren's plans, Tiergan stood in the archer's way, asserting that he and other allies could work together to protect the youth. Hoping to be able to talk the younger miqo'te down and use their friendship to get Ja'ren to see reason, Tiergan's trust in Ja'ren was completely shattered when the youth instead attacked, firing arrows into Tiergan's body and even calling upon the weapons of a hated enemy strike Tiergan down so the bard could pass. He now regards Ja'ren with mistrust, anger, and suspicion - the bonds forged between them never truly recovering.
To Tiergan, Jancis is a steadfast and reliable companion. The healer who, without fail, has always come to his aid whenever he has desperately called for help. Selfless, honest, and compassionate, Jancis represents the kind of person Tiergan ultimately hopes to become and the kind of individual he wishes others would emulate more often. One of his deepest wishes is to eventually repay Jancis for all of the kindness she's shown him, and to be able to respond swiftly should the day come when she needs at last needs his help instead of the other way around.
A pale-haired Seeker from the deserts of Thanalan, J'azhar is a thoughtful soul with a soft-heart and a keen eye. Tiergan finds J'azhar's careful, thoughtful way of speaking endearing and is warmed by the younger miqo'te's eagerness to care for others in small, simple ways.
Once seen as a gentle and compassionate healer, a chain of events peeled back the mask to reveal the venomous, cunning serpent lying in wait beneath. Manipulative, highly-intelligent, and powerful in magic, Tiergan fears beautiful Kianousha like no other. Her powers are alien and unnatural. She sees into him as easily as one might see through glass. His pride dictated that he not flee upon her approach and instead feign bravery. This ultimately proved to be his downfall as he fell victim to the shamaness' power. The symbol of a serpent was carved into the flesh of his left arm, winding from elbow to shoulder, unleashing all of the man's worst traits that he desperately worked to keep buried. Desire, hunger, fury, need, obsession - his thoughts turn to her often, flagging wildly from the need to have, kiss, and worship, to the need to kill and destroy. While part of the gladiator maintains enough good sense to avoid her until he's sorted out how to undo the woman's curse, not a day goes by where Tiergan does not think about marching to her living quarters to demand something of her. Though whether that 'something' is his freedom or her touch is impossible for him to say.
Initially encountered when a lone crazed woman repeatedly attempted to ensnare both men in a love triangle neither of them wanted to take part in, the two miqo'te eventually became friends through their mutual aversion of their pursuer's obsession. Tiergan rapidly came to appreciate L'aenoh's blunt, forthright nature, finding it refreshing in a world filled with hidden social queues, hints, and societal rituals that were often impossible for Tiergan to decipher. Eventually a brotherly bond developed with Tiergan viewing L'aenoh as the kind of sibling he might have had in a Seeker community. Though the warrior is now living in peaceful, but distant mountains to recover from all the insanity he's gone through in recent times, Tiergan thinks of L'aenoh often, hoping to one day visit when Tiergan's own life has settled down - or at least become marginally less chaotic.
To Tiergan, Osric is a good man forced to do terrible things. Locked in a cycle of hardship and sacrifice, many would likely argue the hyur is selfish to put the lives of family and friends above the lives of innocent strangers. But having caught a glimpse into the dark world Melkire is forced to tread, Tiergan isn't certain he would have acted any differently. Indeed, the miqo'te would argue instead that it is one thing to claim you would give up the lives of those most precious to you for the sake of others; it's quite a different thing entirely to actually do so.
Gorgeous, compassionate, courageous, and strong. For Tiergan, there are not enough words to describe the spirit, beauty, and fierceness that is Portia Bartel. Having met and fallen in love with her when she was a gentle healer fearful of her abusive husband and bereft of her family estate, Tiergan is privately in awe of the woman Lady Bartel has gradually become: a powerful mage who gained power on her own terms, took back the estate that was hers by right, and struck down the man that would dare control her future. The more time passes, the more Tiergan's affection and attraction for Portia grows, and the gladiator wrestles privately with it every moment they share together. Yet love is not as simple or clean as it is in fairytales. With a life constantly mired in blood and conflict, a life spent ever on the run, with a violence roaring in the gladiator's very blood and history - Tiergan feels there is little he could offer to Portia's dream of a comfortable home, a father for her child, or a loving family. Not when his every step seems destined to be one steeped in bloodshed.
Reinette is a quiet, careful woman, a chirurgeon by trade who works to heal both minds and bodies. Tiergan first encountered her when forced to undergo a mandatory physical examination while working for the Coral Sea. He obliged her requests for information only after securing a promise that the file containing his medical history would be sealed from all save for Reinette and Jancis. It did not take long for the woman to quickly take note of all she saw in Tiergan, how despite his body bearing all the scars - it was his mind that truly carried the brunt of the damage left by the brutality of the life he'd once led. Knowing the miqo'te's pride would prevent him from accepting therapy in its plainest terms, she instead talked the former-gladiator into paying her occasional visits to keep a lonely elezen company. These visits provided Tiergan a safe space to speak of all that he felt, a place to gradually soothe the emotional scars of his past. And while Tiergan is slowly becoming more aware of what his time with Reinette is truly for, the miqo'te has come to find that he appreciates the moments for what they are, willing to set aside his pride for the sake of the kindness and healing Reinette offers.
A mysterious woman of power and elegance. Tiergan met Rivienne while seeking to seal away a powerful artifact that ultimately do great harm if opened. Speaking with Rivienne was like speaking with a lioness, her every word and action exuding grace and power. While the gladiator is curious to know more of the bow-maiden and exactly who she is, the air of mystery around her also puts him on edge.
A woman whose mind is as nimble as her body. Staelufre seems able to read others as easily as she's able to slip a knife into their hearts. Where as many might dismiss Staelufre for her unique way of speaking, Tiergan has found the rose-haired assassin to be clever and insightful, keenly aware of all that happens around her and all that she sees within others. The ease with which she was able to know Tiergan's spirit initially unnerved the gladiator, but with time, a sibling-like bond developed as Tiergan came to appreciate Staelufre's bright personality and sharp instincts in the many trials laid out before them. While the rose-haired assassin occasionally places herself in situations that leave Tiergan brimming with concern, at the end of the day, the gladiator trusts in Staelufre's words and judgment, often seeking her out for advice and offering his own to her when asked. As her brother, Staelufre granted the Tiergan the honour of providing her with a name, to which he called her "Steigifenix" - Rising Phoenix in the roegadyn tongue.
A fierce monk and proud daughter of the Spine. Sylvan Rain is a woman of power in both heart and body, able to resist temptations that left countless others buckling beneath the pressure. Though Tiergan has not known the woman for very long, he admires the Hellsguard woman's strength, nobility, and willingness to look beyond herself in times of adversity.
The calculating Nunh of the Chimera Tribe. Tiergan first encountered Ta'kheo through a mercenary contract in which he was to capture the man alive. Combat with the man was fierce and somewhat invigorating with Tiergan finding excitement in the Nunh's savagery, aggression, and eagerness to whatever it took to win out in battle. In the end however, Tiergan's experience on the Bloodsands won out as he impaled the Nunh's shoulder with a blade coated in a potent sleeping poison. Once the nunh was unconscious, he tended to the man's wounds, took steps to ensure he was cared for and fed, before handing him off as per his contract. Recent circumstances have forced the two together again, with Ta'kheo responding in a surprisingly helpful and understanding manner - though understandably Tiergan isn't quite ready to trust the man he'd once attacked just yet.
Drawn together through unusual circumstances, Tiergan's initial encounters with Wyra'li did not go well - one such meeting even ending with the sickly cat slugging Tiergan's across the face. Due to his own history however, Tiergan could sympathize with the teal-haired bard's deeply-rooted mistrust towards others and worked to be patient (or at least as patient as someone like Tiergan could manage to be) with Wyra'li's suspicion. Eventually, the gladiator's efforts were rewarded with friendship and a very slowly developing trust. One that Tiergan valued all the more, knowing how difficult it is for the other miqo'te to relinquish. Despite being troubled and anxious over his crystalline affliction, Wyra'li often shows a capacity for compassion, thoughtfulness, and strength that sometimes catches Tiergan off-guard and leaves the gladiator wondering just what the bard was like before his life-threatening ailment.
A silent, stoic lalafellin monk, what Virara lacks in size she makes up for in strength and precision. Tiergan quickly came to respect the young woman's fierce battle prowess and willingness to dive into the heat of combat to defend others. During their conversations, Tiergan learned of Virara's master - an important figure in the lalafell's life who Tiergan shares certain traits with. While initially Tiergan felt honoured by the comparison, much of that changed as he came to learn more of Virara's complex relationship with her master and the enemy in pursuit of her.
The quiet, but ever watchful guardian of Kianousha Mol. Tiergan knows little of exactly who Yishunsen is and what he is like. However, one need not spend hours in the au ra's presence to gain a sense of the air of lethality and power locked away behind that calm outer shell.
Lover, rival, enemy, friend. Tiergan's history with the towering onyx-skinned keeper is long, tumultuous, and complex, rife with enough passion and violence to last several lifetimes over. One moment they could appear as close as lovers and in the next, Tiergan could look ready to tear out the other man's throat. If asked, however, Tiergan would acknowledge that Zaius is the one man that knows him best out of anyone - perhaps sometimes even better than himself. For many years, pride prevented Tiergan from openly acknowledging his deep attraction to the elder miqo'te. Even now the gladiator wrestles with the intensity of his conflicting emotions, love, lust, and anger often funneling into endless cycles of sensual intimacy and wicked violence. Zaius's very presence calls to all of Tiergan's darkest desires, the ones he works hardest to keep buried, while giving the halfbreed a glimpse of the savage beast Tiergan fears he could become. By all rights, he should leave the man, yet even in all of Zaius' madness and cruelty - the powerful monk represents the one unchanging constant in Tiergan's life: He is the one individual in nearly a decade who has never betrayed him, who always had his back, who was forever the man he presented himself to be. Tiergan could trust that the wild, savage monk would never be struck down, broken or killed, never taken from him. Zaius would always be there, the unchanging obsidian beast with dancing mad-eyes. And thus, Zaius' presence provides a bizaare, twisted form of security and foundation in a world where all things are ever changing and precious few people can be trusted not to betray.
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