Xavarian Mystrife

Xavarian Mystrife
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Gender	Male
Race	Elezen (Duskwight)
Clan	Mystrife
Citizenship	Unaffiliated
Age	~20 (young adult)
Deity	Thaliak, the Scholar
Namesday	24th Sun of the 2nd Umbral Moon
Alignment	Chaotic Neutral

Xavarian Mystrife is a thing. And this is a huge WIP, as you will soon find. 'Tendencies' is the only section remotely done right now, but anything is subject to change as of current.

Character

♦ General

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Xavarian Mystrife is a young, excitible duskwight mage, eager to explore 'the surface' world by the darker hours and learn as much as he can about all he can get his hands on. Subjects of Aether and power particularly have his ears, and he takes to studying this prevalent force as it occurs throughout Hydaelyn: how it can be used, what its capabilities are, where something new may be discovered; but in his search for knowledge, he hopes to encounter any number of different people along the way, even despite his nervous-seeming demeanor. By trade, he claims to be a mage, an adventurer, 'a scholar of sorts', an artifact / relic hunter, a bookbinder, bookmender, or a scribe, depending on the situation.

Xavarian keeps selectively quiet about being part of the Mystrife Clan, which he often refers to as 'the Family'. It's unlikely that non-Shroud dwellers would be familiar with the subterranean duskwights, or know much of the group's history. However, that doesn't make Xavarian any more forthcoming about information on them. In fact, he seems to grow a bit more wary at mention of his family, his 'home', or subjects relating to where he came from, and will likely answer any inquiry with vaguer or a change of subject. (Not that vaguer from him is uncommon in the least.)

When dealing with Xavarian, it's likely one might notice occasional shifts in the temperature near him, typically between cold chills and notable heat. And he may be often seen with a dark-colored chocobo whom he calls Vathen, generally packed with all sorts of bags, satchels, and scroll cases. Ruins, places of aetherical potency, or darker corners of the outdoors are likely places to find him, whereas he tends to avoid bustling cities for more than quick trips, and keeps his distance from larger crowds and bars when at all possible.

♦ Appearance

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Xavarian is about a 6 fulms, 8 ilms tall duskwight elezen. Xavarian's build is a bit more slight than the average elezen might be, having shoulders less broad, and limbs a bit lacking in length. His skin is a dark, charcoal grey, with bright teal eyes that squint and dart about, starkly contrasting the bright, crimson markings around them. His face takes a rounded, ovular shape, with a single scar visible on the right of his jaw trailing down his neck just a small ways, and a large, bridgey nose above often-pursed lips. His quite dark, subtly red-streaked hair is a living mess that only seems to curl further down the ends and flip out whenever it can, and he appears to have an uneven number of gold piercings favoring one long ear over the other. The clothing Xavarian wears gives him the impression of someone arguably well off – a theme seems to be the colors black and gold, but there are a number of red accents, and a silver symbol that repeats itself often on clasps and motifs on these clothes. Most often, he's seen wearing a split coat, something that falls nicely on either side of the chocobo he travels on. Packs and pouches of all sorts line his belt, staff strapped to his back, and a large tome at his side. On a single shoulder seems to hover an odd, aetherically placed red gemstone of sorts, right in the middle of one of those repeating symbols, large and made of some silver metal like a poor shoulder guard. From certain angles the floating gem looks like an eye… however, it doesn’t appear to have any real purpose, and simply remains in place like any other part of his clothing might.

♦ Demeanor

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Xavarian, in short, is somewhat awkward and cryptic by first meeting. He seems to have any number of thoughts, many of which change at any given moment, wherein he tries to account for all possibilities, and his speech reflects this by a large amount of pauses, corrections, and amendments to his own words. However, below the bumbling, Xavarian is extremely curious, intellectually minded, and quite excitable about the subjects of his interest. On certain topics, instead of his awkward and carefully corrected vaguer, he seems to ramble on about them 90 malms per minute, thoughts spilling out of his mouth before he has a chance to grab them and keep them in. Likewise, when he speaks he often gestures, as though these vague movements somehow convey words that he can't always get out of his head. It's not a stretch in the least to call him somewhat eccentric. But this said, he values intellectual thought, logic, and reason, and is not afraid of being wrong or being corrected. He will often go with the choice that 'makes the most logical sense' and brings him closer to his goals.

Xavarian also has a sense of humor. When he isn't struggling to get some thought across in speech, (or sometimes when he is) he often speaks with a lilt to his voice and a smirk on his face. He smiles, grins, and snickers fairly often, having a somewhat mischievous (though at times, paranoid) take on life. More often than not, he'll laugh at himself, realizing how his own antics might come off to others, or sometimes being proud or amused of his own vaguer. Granted, what amuses him isn't always what you'd expect to amuse someone, and it may get him some strange (or mortified) looks now and then...

When speaking or left to his own devises, Xavarian tends to shuffle around some, lean against something, or sit down if he has the chance. Along with this, he's likely to pull out a large book he always seems to carry with him, and start writing notes mid conversation. Though it'd be soon clear that he's still aptly listening, and will often continue the conversation like this while asking questions and writing simultaneously. Common expressions include any number of amused smirks and smiles, pursed lips, huffing, darting eyes, squinting, and weird faces.

Even though Xavarian will awkwardly approach people that catch his interest, he often feels much more comfortable with little to no company, and in a state of study. Caught alone (or mostly alone) Xavarian often mutters to himself, speaks to Vathen (his chocobo) as though he were a person, or becomes entirely caught up in what he is doing, so he will hardly notice much else around him. When focused on a task, an experiment, or even his own thoughts, he becomes very difficult to distract, and may become agitated if disrupted.

A list of traits include: Cryptic, Vague, Mischievous, Curious, Silly, Chaotic, Amused, Determined, Questionable, Dorky, Strange, Paranoid, Verbose, Intelligent and Intellectual, Eccentric, Relativist, Rational, Reasonable, Diplomatic, Morally Grey, Strong-Willed, Awkward, Typically Withdrawn, Introverted, Observant, A Goober

Vague History

For Associated Duskwight Clans

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Show text

The Mystrife Clan has long been devoted to both Knowledge and Power, delving into various underground ruins for artifacts and relics of all sorts, researching Aetherical phenomena from the benign to the 'forbidden' by others' scope, and overall being a clan to go to for trade of information. They collect more than merely relics, however, and are interested in both knowledge and items that may hold any significant power, use, or interest. They will occasionally lend tomes they've amassed, or small copies of sections for whatever they consider to be 'equivalent' trade. As such, they have made a number of deals with other duskwights, or any who would venture to find them in a designated location in the night- though the former, of course, being the most common. They were known for making deals with all sorts of families, accepting some from those who are just scraping by, rejecting some from those who are wealthy, but doing the inverse just as often. Somewhere they have their ways of selection, but by how sporadic it is, all sorts interested in their services would make the attempt. When one couldn't trade items or wealth, they made a trade of knowledge; and good knowledge can come from any source.

It was never easy to see nor keep track of all the members of the clan. Many were often off doing some sort of work for the family. While others tended to be kept close and out of sight. Whichever one of these Xavarian was, he was never seen that often, mostly when the family was packing up to make another move (which they did frequently), occasionally by the side of another member, or was given the task of delivering documents or commissioned tomes to any duskwights in a near radius. Few may have spent some time with him having sribework done for them; he would sit in a designated place with them, listen to what they sought written, and take it down as requested. But he was hardly seen about; his family name was far more known than he, though occasionally some odd rumors drifted between ears about him.

One was that he was sick. Stretches would go by where, even if requested for for scribing, the family would insist he was unavailable. Some say they felt strange when near him, but then again, some felt strange when in the presence of any of them. Others claimed they swore they saw glints of what looked like ice or crystal on him at times, and afterwards he'd go unseen for long stretches; certainly something is off about that! Considering what the family would do for power and knowledge, some wondered if something happened and they were studying him, though others found that completely ridiculous. The Mystrifes hold family in such high regard, why would they ever do such a thing to one of their own, when they have so much at their disposal, and so many other means? Though nothing went further than whispers - since whispering about the Mystrife family itself was likely to get back to them one way or another.

Recently, Xavarian is no longer seen in the caverns, and again, cannot go requested for.

The latest rumor of it involves the Mystrifes sending up one of their own to learn of the surface world, that some of them think there is something worth having or knowing up there. Some doubt it; the Mystrifes are proud, what need they with anything of the suface dwellers? Others see it reasonable; there's a lot they may be missing down here, why not send someone up for a peek? Others still are excited- imagine what sort of things they might bring back! Perhaps they'd have another reading of stories, or histories we can listen to, we wouldn't want to be left behind those surface dwellers, would we?

It's possible that the unfortunate soul they sent up might be 'that sick, smiley scribe who we never see.' But it's just as possible they're merely keeping that one locked away again, and sent someone much more capable. And who's to say they sent anyone at all? Best keep quiet about it, they have other scribes.

For Anyone Else

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The Shroud

For quite a time, during the nights, the duskwight might've been seen around Little Solace, spending time with the Sylphs. He always seemed incredibly cheerful with them, pleased to help them how he could, even if he fell behind them at times in their haste. Regardless, he would gladly partake in their customs, join them in (and be subject to) their tricks, give them any number of gifts, and sometimes be seen sitting among a group of them, exchanging riddles. He soon gained the name 'Rhyming One' around Little Solace, and it never ceased to please him when addressed by it.

It's unclear how he got his first inklings of Conjury. Perhaps someone explained it a bit to him during inquiry, or perhaps he made enough trips to spy on 'the walking ones' with the Sylphs to pick something up. But he found he could use his own abundant Aether for healing, and decided to see if he could figure out more. A lot of trial and error was to be had, and occasionally, his struggles gained small pointers from passing adventurers, or conjurers who caught him during his attempts. Clearly, he learned the way he had started going about it was all wrong. There may have been an attempt made to go to Gridania, in order to learn more.

However, the attempt made was never quite an attempt fulfilled.

Thanalan

By the time Xavarian got to the Thaumaturge's guild, he was a mess. However, that very mess made it clear just how much Aether the duskwight had, and the guild was quick to take him in and teach him. Xavarian took to the studies of thaumaturgey like a fish to water, near literally. Some in the guild would say that it really seemed to give him quite a bit of life, and in turn, he devoted long hours to studying, practicing, and discussing theory and application. His ambitions were high, and he was willing to learn from near anyone who would speak to him. Though close to the outset of his studies, his Aether would take uncontrolled turns even when he wasn't meaning to cast. Despite the duskwight's promise and diligence, the guild of thaumaturges also preferred their resources intact.

They decided it would be better for him to practice more in the field, to get a handle on his Aetheric inbalances, especially now that he seemed much more lively than when he came in. They would call him back when the time was right. Xavarian gladly took to this suggestion.

More Recently

The dark duskwight and his charcoal feathered steed may be seen in the night time hours doing gods know what outside the cities. Often times, there is Aether involved. Others, there is climbing over ruins, peering into holes, running all about the land and stopping at various formations, inquiring from unsuspecting travelers about Aetheric anomalies, or talking to his chocobo about their current situation. All the time, there are notes being taken.

Currently

LIVIN THE NERD LIFE in some ruins, poking spriggans and tripping over rocks. 300% would recommend.

★ RP Hooks and Potential Connections ★

General ■ Xavarian has a large amount of Aether in his person, and various things either held or on him occasionally seem to mitigate it. If your character can sense that sort of thing, they may find him interesting. ■ Xavarian is a giant nerd who would always appreciate the company of other nerds. ■ Xavarian often investigates ruins, or explores and wanders throughout Eorzea doing various things, and wouldn't at all mind someone else interested coming along. ■ Xavarian, at times, often has a lot of artifacts, scrolls, relics, and so forth in his tow. Trade with him, rob him, oogle at him, stop him for questioning; any and all are free to happen. ■ Anyone who spent a great deal of time around Little Solace during the night hours may recognize him.

Family ■ If your character is a duskwight of the Shroud caverns who had ever sought others for information, either already held or to be obtained, they may know of the Mystrife family, and possibly Xavarian. ■ If your character is a duskwight who ever had a book made, legitimate or forged documents created, or any other sort of scribery done, they may know of the Mystrife family and/or Xavarian. ■ If your character is a duskwight (or was a dweller of the 'shady side of the Shroud') who is interested in books, artifacts, relics, Aether, 'uncommon knowledge', or history, they may have heard of the Mystrife family.

Tendencies

Likes ■ Aether (Its study, use, application, experimentation, theoretics, etc.) ■ Mages + Magery ■ Experimenting and the Unexpected ■ Obtaining Knowledge and Power ■ Puzzles + Riddles ■ Exploring ■ Ruins + Caves ■ Books, Tomes, and Scrolls ■ Relics + Artifacts ■ Causing little mischiefs ■ Darkness ■ The Sylphs ■ Black, Gold, Red ■ Cushions ■ The Sea ■ High Places

Dislikes ■ Light ■ Being treated poorly (esp. due to being a Duskwight) ■ Destruction of Knowledge ■ Destruction of Aetherically Intriguing Objects / Beings ■ Partaking in Physical Combat ■ Those who severely lack intelligence ■ Gridania ■ Crowded places ■ Having Secrets Revealed ■ Loud noises ■ Being kept against his will ■ Getting in trouble caught (esp. by his family)

Hobbies/Talents ■ Aetherically Adept: Though still learning on many fronts, he has a strong talent and interest in studying and weaving Aether. ■ Riddles and Puzzles: Very good at solving puzzles and riddles, and actually, has a penchant for creating them himself. ■ Seeking Knowledge: From everyone, everything, all the time. ■ Reading and Note-taking: If there are words on a thing, he'll try to read them. And if he can't, he'll take them down in his notes so he can read books on how to read them. And then take notes on the books he reads too. As well as taking notes on the person who talked to him about where he can find the books. ■ Book-binder and Tome Mender: Can make books of low to good quality, and though better at the simple literary sort, he's also capable at creating Arcanist tomes. In addition, he has the skills to restore and mend old tomes of either variety that have seen better days, though may fall short on Arcanist grimoires where an Arcanist-tome mender may do better. (As he is not an Arcanist himself, some of the intricacies may be lost on him.) ■ Scribe: Can write letters, notices, and various other texts in a variety of scripts for those that need the service. May or may not also be decent at forging documents and copying signatures. ■ Exploration and Travel: Very curious, and knows how to hold his own on various expeditions. ■ Artifact / Relic Retrieval: Decently apt in methods of relic extraction and transportation. Not the best, not the worst, but has had a hand in it a number of times. ■ Excellent Hearing: As per most duskwights, Xavarian has great hearing, to where it surpasses his eyesight as his primary sense.

Weaknesses/Faults ■ Control of Aether: Despite his strong interest and ability at casting spells, controlling his Aetherical potency is more of a challenge; at times it manifests in small ways when not intended, and can be problematic in certain situations. ■ Poor at Physical Combat: Might be able to block a few strikes with his staff, but that's about the best luck he'd ever get. If he tried to punch anyone else, he'd probably hurt himself more than them. ■ Socially Awkward: Stumbles around a lot in social interactions that aren't revolving around his subjects of study, might ask a lot of odd questions, and is often vague or cryptic. Understanding what he's asking isn't always easy. ■ Terrible Directional Sense: Despite his travels, he often gets lost. ...Basically anywhere he can get lost. Even if a map shows him where to go, there's only a percentage chance he'll make it, barring all else. Luckily, he finds interest in just about everything, so being lost isn't often an issue on his own. ■ Addictive Personality: Though it manifests often in ways of getting sucked into projects with little regard to his health, if he finds something particularly appealing, he may grow obsessively attached to it, or insistent on seeing an objective through to completion. (This doesn't apply to people so much, but moreso things like power, substances, ideas, etc.) ■ Light Sensitivity: Moreso nocturnal than diurnal, he has a light sensitivity that would be comparable to most people stumbling about in the dark. He can see fine in darkness, but when it gets brighter, he has a much more difficult time discerning things.

♦ Related Images

[a lovingly crafted book, artist Xavarian Mystrife]

Relationships

❤ Crush ❤ Platonic Love ❤ Romantic Love ❤ In a relationship ● Good Standing ● Neutral Standing ● Poor Standing

Those Close ● ❤ Solivuire Mystrife – Xavarian's quiet, "tiny", rogue-esque, informant, cousin, working 'under cover' at times as Xavarian's retainer in order to 'take care of his affairs'. Typically they get along. However, typically Solivuire makes a point of climbing in through Xavarian's inn-room window unnanounced, (if he's staying at an inn,) and typically Xavarian has a thing or two to say about it, which she thoroughly ignores. They act a lot like odd siblings. Odd siblings that can have conversations with expressions, and only a few choice words. Solivuire thinks she's the only reason Xavarian has managed to stay alive this long out here, despite her frequent absence in his endeavors. Xavarian just plots how he can lock her out of his room.

Those Further ● Lafiaht Dwinani – Xavarian is fond of this Keeper Arcanist, even though their meeting consisted of accidentally knocking her from a wagon by a misplaced spell while he raided a small caravan. That she wanted to speak with him at all after was a sign well taken; nevermind they seem to share the same waking hours in the night. Her tough and intelligent, if vague, demeanor is welcome company, and Xavarian finds himself pleased to have had their paths cross on every such occasion. ● Jigumundo Darkbore – Though he only just met the Lalafell Professor of Aetherical studies, he is quite excited about the potential endeavors that had been spoken between them. When Jigumundo offered to take Xavarian as a student in Thaumaturgey, it was not something he was like to refuse. The Lalafell strikes Xavarian as one willing to do quite a bit for the sake of Knowledge and Power, nevermind having an affinity for nearly all of Xavarian's own interests, so he is someone the duskwight certainly looks forward to knowing better. ● L'yhta Mahre – The approach of this energetic Miqo'te sorcerer inspired any number of ideas and goals for Xavarian, and while not intentional, he certainly was grateful for the unexpected knowledge. Though he finds he knows very little about her beyond her nonchalance about jumping off balconies into the sea, and that she really doesn't care for children, he's eager to take her up on an invitation to meet again. ● Ellemeare Valastriehl – A quiet mage met by chance on several occasions, she has overall been fairly friendly to Xavarian, and somehow, seems to think more highly of him than he'd have expected for knowing someone in such a short time. Still, he hasn't heard much from her since she expounded on some troubles of her own, and Xavarian occasionally wonders if the mess she was in grew to be over her head. ● Chachanji Gegenji – A young, excitable Lalafell blacksmith hells-bent on being a hero. His enthusiasm and eagerness to learn endeared him some to Xavarian, and though he knows little about what the Lalafell seeks to know, Xavarian offered to help all the same. The result of their meeting inspired Xavarian to more aptly practice his small knowledge in Conjury, so should the time come to teach anything to the eager learner, he can do so with at least a little aptness. ● Warren Castille – Though the paladin was certainly friendly during their small meeting, from Xavarian's discerning, he seemed quite law-bound, causing Xavarian to be a bit wary. Unsure what may offend, or be the 'wrong thing to say / do', he feels like he needs to be careful around Warren.

Rumors

◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard)

■ "What a freakin' nerd." -- A Dasair

■ "Look at his NOSE." -- An observant drunkard

■ "Don't get too close, you might get bumbling mage cooties." -- A weirdo

◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear)

■ "I heard he sleeps with his books." -- A brothel worker

■ "Stole one 'f me mate's spare legs on 'count of 'm callin' it a 'relic'. Bet the creepy coot took me mate seriously, by the looks've 'is finger wigglin'. *spits* Finger wigglers, can't trust 'em." -- A pirate

◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard)

■ "Psst. Everything you heard in this section is in progress, don't take it seriously." -- Xavarian's Player

Player Character Rumors

(( Feel free to add some!))

■

♦ Footnotes

Links:

RP Preferences and Directory Page
Character Journal: The Books of Xavarian

More on Character:

Xavarian: Sins and Virtues (11-26-14)

(I'm also very serious about my WIPs. 8| Extremely serious.)