Jahan Nejem

(Heavy WIP.)

Jahan Nejem
"Honor those that came before you."
Gender	Male
Race	Hyur
Clan	Midlander
Citizenship	Gridania
Occupation	Soldier / Instructor
Age	33

Character

♦ General

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If there were a phrase that would best define Jahan Nejem it would be "Grounded in tradition", this Midlander is quiet, stubborn, and blunt. With these qualities, most of those that have met Jahan come away with the impression that he is a difficult Hyur to interact with.

♦ Appearance

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Those first encountering Jahan are often drawn to the Midlander's dark brown skin tone, which causes him to stand out amongst the lighter skinned denizens of Gridania. Any questions raised by his particular skin hue quickly give way as they draw closer to him and are confronted by the weathered features his slightly broad triangular shaped face hosts. Slight wrinkles and creases are firmly etched into his face. Complimenting those features is a faded scar that stretches from underneath Jahan's neck to his left cheek. Perhaps the most striking of his facial details is his piercing gaze, courtesy of his hooded almond shaped eyes and angled brows.

Not one for sloppy appearances, Jahan keeps himself neatly groomed, which is reflected in the man’s tendency of keeping his black neck-length hair always combed back or gathered into a short ponytail. Always sporting a degree of facial hair, he is keen on keeping it even and neatly trimmed.

Bodywise, Jahan stands at five fulms and eight ilms, placing him at the average height for male Midlanders. His overall physical physique is of one who has undergone rigorous martial training from an early age. Though he lacks the towering physique Highlanders and Roegadyns possess, Jahan's finely tuned body allows himself to go pound-for-pound with much heavier opponents.

Numerous scars of various severity litter his shoulders, arms, and hands. Also blemishing most of the back of his right shoulder is a twisted patchwork of wrinkled pink skin, the remnants of a grave burn wound. Surprisingly enough, Jahan's torso is relatively free of any major scarring.

♦ Equipment/Apparel

Jahan favors a combination of chainmail and leather to maintain a balanced mixture between mobility and protection. Holding the rank of second lieutenant in Gridania's Order of the Twin Adder, he adorn's his long chainmail coat with the Grand Company's colors and sigils that denote his status within The Order. On an odd point, Jahan prefers to forgo any reliable head protection, instead choosing to wrap his head within a cotton turban.

Accustomed to the basics, the Hyur keeps himself void of any gaudy jewelry or baubles. This leads to the widely apparent fact that he has no knowledge of fashion and the like. When off duty the man simply throws on whatever garb of his is washed and pressed. This often results in him nearly always being seen wearing his work boots with a simple pair of cotton trousers and a well-kept vested tunic. He is also inclined to wear long-sleeved shirts or any such clothing that keeps his entire upper body covered and his scars out of sight from those with an inquisitive disposition.

Perhaps the most precious of Jahan's worldly possessions is the simple greatsword he is rarely seen without and the peculiar curved dagger he keeps sheathed at the front of his waist.

Standing a full fulm taller than its owner, Jahan keeps his greatsword always within reach. Those familiar with weaponsmithing can easily see its steel metalwork is plain in its design. The greatsword itself shows that it is well maintained, but the various small nicks running across its double-edged blade alludes to the weapon’s heavy usage. Its hilt is the only feature of the weapon that appears to be the only piece that's been regularly replaced. In contrast to the Hyur's favored weapon is his curved heavily ornate short blade. Exquisite in its design, the dagger’s wooden hilt is engraved with motifs that emulate the turbulent winds of an oncoming storm. The contours of these carvings converge into the single small black gem set within the blade’s pommel. Though, the strangest feature of this weapon is is the winding black lines that have been forged into its metalwork.

♦ Behaviour

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Jahan draws all of his social graces, morals, and views of the world from the ageless traditions that have been passed down his family line. He believes that these traditions are supreme and will do everything in his power to ensure that he adheres to these unique philosophies, regardless of the land's laws or anyone else's objections. Strict observance of these particular codes has resulted in Jahan being an aloof sort, although he can quickly become stand-offish and a bit of a firebrand when confronted by any form of criticism aimed at these customs. Though his time spent in Gridania, have somewhat helped ease this mentality of his.

Those that have encountered Jahan quickly take note of his body language which is reflective of his peculiar way of thought. He keeps himself in an upright posture and elects to keep any form of emotion from displaying across his face. Playing off this expressionless display, he often keeps his arms and hands folded behind his back. Not one for small talk he prefers his social interactions to be concise and to the point. Furthering the man's air of detachment and indifference is his low sounding voice that is attached to a strange accent which is a distinct mix of Ishgardian and something entirely foreign.

Due to Jahan’s upbringings and various circumstances in his past, it has become difficult for him to interact with anyone that hasn't earned his trust. Those that try to start a conversation with Jahan are met with a scrutinizing eye before hearing the man’s curt response. Sadly this exclusionary behavior has caused him to alienate most people that have tried to converse with the often sullen individual. But those that have managed to gain his trust see that the Midlander can be fiercely loyal and someone who won’t hesitate to raise his blade in their defense.

Observant individuals have also noted that he harbors certain prejudices towards Au Ra. These prejudices sometimes turn into outright animosity when any Xaela are within his proximity. This particular aspect of Jahan is revealed through the Hyur breaking his usual neutral facade and replacing it with a subtle grimace and derisive mutterings to himself about the aforementioned offender(s). His attention will always be placed upon any nearby Au Ra regardless of what his previous focus was. Also, his typical body language alters into a tensed state, even going as far as having a hand resting upon the hilt of his dagger.

♦ Quirks

Scribing: Jahan's handwriting is downright awful and has even resulted in his superiors in the Twin Adder recommending he find a tutor to improve himself. (And save themselves from hours of trying to decipher his chicken scratch.)

Saddle Sore: Jahan just can't seem to figure out how to ride a chocobo, the only thing the man has managed to learn successfully was how to mount the feathered creatures.

Domestic: Jahan has on occasion demonstrated that he can be a proficient cook, gardener, and even seamster. When pressed on how he has such knowledge Jahan will brush off such questioning with an annoyed grunt.

Tongue Tied: Jahan has a difficult time pronouncing most Highlander, Miqo'te, Roegadyn, and to a lesser extent Lalafell and Au Ra names. Also, when confronted with a difficult Eorzean word he will grapple with its articulation before giving up and switching to the word's nearest equivalent in his mother tongue.

Combat

Engaging Jahan in combat can be best described as a "battle of attrition". Trained in the martial arts of his forebearers, Jahan employs a fighting style that takes full advantage of his arsenal and endurance training. His technique is heavily focused on defense and one that relies more on patience and intuition rather than pure physical strength. He will always let his opponents make the first move to feel out his opponents’ capabilities. With each parried or dodged strike Jahan returns with a deceptively weak counter that serves to test his opponents’ strengths and also try to goad them into overexerting themselves and leave them vulnerable to a proper blow from Jahan’s greatsword or a deft slash from his curved dagger.

If sensing his opponent beginning to falter or recognize his pattern, Jahan will shift from his defensive stance into one that emphasizes footwork and rapid feints to unbalance his opponents. When the opportunity presents itself, Jahan will attempt to end the fight with a single overwhelming strike. When engaged in combat Jahan adopts a cold demeanor and one that will rarely break regardless of any physical wound or provocations from his opponent.

Time spent within the Order of the Twin Adder has afforded Jahan time to be acquainted with the ways of Gridanian warfare, showing an aptitude for the lance but sadly lacking any skill with a bow. Those that have seen the man training have noted he appears to be more than just familiar with the use of one-handed swords and shields, more astute viewers claiming his usage of blade and shield is akin to the techniques employed by Ishgardian knights.

History

Spoiler notice: The following contains spoiler information. Proceed at your own risk.

Most information here is considered OOC info so please don't use this info when interacting with this character. If you are ICly privy to this info then feel free to use any of stuff below.

1544-1557: "Inheritance"
Coming Soon!

1557-1564: "Keep Khorasan In Your Heart..."
Coming Soon!

1564-1571: "The Precipice"
Coming Soon!

1571-Present: "Not Quite Home..."
Coming Soon!

★ Recent RP events ★

Tendencies

Likes ■ Training ■ Warm weather ■ Sand ■ Family

Dislikes ■ Snow ■ Cold weather ■ Disloyalty ■ Aether based travel ■ Garleans ■ Au Ra

Hobbies/Talents ■ Smithing ■ Reading historical texts

Favorites ■ Favourite Food/Drink: Ishgardian Tea ■ Favourite Place: Khorasan

♦ Related Images

Relationships

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💘 Crush 💗 Sexual Desire ❤ In love with 💑 In a relationship ● Good Standing ● Neutral Standing ● Poor Standing

Family ● Vasco Basruto (NPC) – Kind, quirky, and patient are the most common words most attributed to the Hyur that was Jahan's father. He was a somewhat prominent historian before his wanderlust drove him away from Eorzea. The man’s wanton desire to learn and record the history outside of his native land led him across the world and eventually to the continent of Othard. After nearly succumbing to dehydration as he traversed across the central steppes of Othard perhaps through divine intervention by his patron deity he was rescued from a painful demise by a most peculiar Hyuran female belonging to an even more peculiar tribe. Jahan is extremely reluctant to talk about anything regarding his father, and all he is willing to say is that he was a great man who didn’t deserve such an ungrateful son. ● Murshidah Nejem (NPC) – Sharp, strong-willed, and formal. All would say Jahan's mother is the complete opposite of her husband and the main source for Jahan's temperament. A talented and skilled warrior within the Khwarazam, Murshidah is the eldest child and only daughter born to Haroun, one of the elders that lead her people. Once considered a strict adherent to her people’s Khwarazam customs, her encounter with an exotic outsider and subsequent exposure to the hyur’s unique way of thought as a result of her shouldering the burden of nursing him back to health gradually shifted her views. Consequently, her social standing within her tribe steadily fell and took an even sharper dive as she took the foreigner to be her husband. Despite the stigmatization by her people and separation from her homeland, she is still fiercely proud of the Khwarazam’s traditions. Initially devastated by the lost of Vasco she remained resolute for the sake of her children and herself. The five-year span since that seminal event has tempered her into someone who is more easy going, but those that have experienced her ire would disregard such a claim. Jahan has nothing but the utmost respect and love for his mother and continues to look up to and seek guidance from the woman who has sacrificed so much for him and his younger siblings. ● Nadidah Nejem (NPC) – The second eldest of Vasco’s and Murshidah’s seven children. Nadidah would be described by her family as impulsive and bullheaded. A combination of what she believes are her parents’ “flaws,” she desires a degree of control over all aspects of her life and will go to great lengths to assert herself, even going against the often sound advice of her elder brother. Though she won’t openly admit it, the only reason she is so obstinate towards her family is that she enjoys the attention. Especially so when seeing her brother break his dour facade and transform into an anxious and doting mess as he has often tried to rein in her younger sister's wilder tendencies. Regardless of her difficult personality, she harbors a great love for her family. Like her father, Nadidah has a desire to travel and see what the wider world has to offer, but these feelings have been repressed as she also wishes to remain close to her family. Sadly as a result of her father’s untimely death, she has disassociated herself from her family and left them for parts unknown. Despite the circumstances surrounding her departure, Jahan personally holds himself accountable for his sister’s absence. He would do anything to see his sibling return, but he knows that time is the only thing that will bring her back. All he can do is pray she is in good health, wherever she is. ● Najya Nejem (NPC) – The third eldest daughter of the Nejem children. Najya is the younger twin of Nadidah by several hours which has a resulted in her playing a “subordinate” role whenever the two were together. Unlike her sister, Najya retains a more reserved nature, allowing her to keep her emotions in check. As children, Najya and her twin sister were considered inseparable, and she often acted as a counterweight to Nadidah’s antics, often voicing the fault in her twin's methods or even taking the blame for the consequences that occurred. Their relationship would remain true into adolescence, but the fallout from Nadidah’s self-imposed exodus has decimated their relationship. Like her brother, Najya deeply believes herself responsible for her sister’s departure and went to the extreme of “exiling” herself from the rest of her family in hopes that Nadidah would return as a result. Devastated that another member of his family was gone Jahan deeply regrets that he couldn’t convince his sister to stay. In light of his regrets, the man remains committed to the oath that he wouldn’t come searching for her in hopes of bringing her back. Though he takes a small amount of solace in the occasional letter Najya sends him keeping him briefed upon his younger sister’s movements and wellbeing. ● Elicia Nejem (NPC) – Fourth eldest within the Nejem family, Elicia is perhaps the most congenial of Jahan’s siblings. Always seen with a soft smile on her lips she can often be seen around Gridania offering a helping hand to whoever asks. Though as a result of her friendly and open nature Elicia can be extremely naive and is usually unaware that she is being taken advantage of. Like her brother, Khwarazam tradition has tasked her with a titanic role that of preserving her people’s oral history. Vasco was extremely fond of Elicia, often coddling and dotting on her when she was a child. Sadly the tight bonds between father and daughter served to make Vasco’s death a difficult pill to swallow. In tandem with the departure of her older sisters, Elicia came to The Shroud an emotionally unstable mess. For several moons, she struggled to keep herself afloat. Spurred by wanting to see her family through their own sorrows and the encouragement from a certain Wood Wailer she willed herself to remain strong and retain her upbeat nature to this day. Though he won’t give a straight answer when asked if he has a favorite sibling, Jahan harbors a soft spot for Elicia. The pair having formed a bond over the fact they were the only two of the Nejem children that weren’t a pair of twins or a part of triplets. As a result, of their closeness and Elicia’s easygoing inclinations landing her in varying degrees of trouble Jahan is quite overprotective of her, even going out of his way to check up on her whenever he has the time. ● Taliba Nejem (NPC) – The fifth child within the Nejem family and the “eldest” of its identical triplets, Taliba shares a great deal in common with her eldest sibling. She is quite distant and laconic in her social interactions and has the poor habit of being distrustful towards strangers. Highly studious and logical in here thinking and perception of the world the death of her father shook her, but she remained stoic as the rest of her family’s emotions ran high. Though with the departure of Nadidah and Najya did her cold facade finally crumble. She came to resent her elder sisters’ actions as being inexcusable and senseless. Her anger would continue to grow as she witnessed her family’s struggle to survive. Jahan was initially unaware of his younger sister’s feelings until he had a face-to-face conversation with Taliba as she nursed him back to health after overworking himself. The eldest sibling did his best to pacify Taliba’s growing bitterness through the only way he knew how, reciting the traditional values of their people. Jahan’s words rang hollow and was met with disdain by Taliba as she saw her sisters’ absences as a betrayal of those values. The relationship between the two would fracture as the continued struggles of the family eviscerated any faith Taliba had in her heritage. Ggrowing fearful of “losing” another sibling Jahan did everything he could think of to regain his sister’s favor. Time would help ease the tension between brother and sister as Taliba realized Jahan and her family could ill afford to “lose” another member. The two mended and strengthened their relationship as they came to understand their distinct feelings concerning the actions of their sisters. The two have become a familiar sight in the marketplaces of Gridania and their one sided arguments concerning Jahan’s habit of overworking himself for the sake of his family has become a source of comedy for the city’s merchants. ● Raha Nejem (NPC) – Sixth in the Nejem line and the second eldest of its triplets. Raha can be best described as being wise beyond her years, yet still retain a degree of whimsy her age tends to foster. This tendency of her’s came about as a result of her formative years being split between the harsh but free nomadic lifestyle of the Khwarazam and the serious nature of Ishgardian living. Being forced to conform to the foreign customs of Ishgard caused Raha to become a ‘model’ of servitude for the sake of her family’s well being. But with the death of her father any reason to remain in such a condition dissipated. In her own way of grieving for her lost father, she began to commit various acts of vandalism, satirical caricatures of Ishgard’s nobility being her signature act. Almost drawn and quartered for her actions, it was only through her eldest sibling acting as her champion in her stead at her trial spared her a grizzly end. That harrowing experience made Raha enter into a phase of self-reflection, and once their family settled down within The Shroud did she gather her family and announce her plan of following in their grandfather’s footsteps and become an ascetic grounded in the Khwarazam shaman tradition. Though this hasn’t entirely stopped her from enjoying an occasional prank or spree of “impromptu” art. Despite her trickster tendencies, Jahan can’t help but feel immensely proud that Raha has taken it upon herself to carry on the legacy of their ancestors. What free time he hasn’t already committed is spent with his younger sister helping her navigate such an arduous path. ● Lupe Nejem (NPC) The youngest of the seven Nejem children as well as the youngest of its set of triplets. Having the distinction of being the youngest child, Lupe, in a similar vein to her siblings Jahan and Elicia has had the duty of preserving her people’s unique artistic traditions levied upon her. As a result, of this special charge, she has tried to emulate her two older siblings in every way. Emulation of those two has caused Lupe to viewed by others as a very kind individual who can immediately turn confrontational if they push the wrong buttons. Though with the death of her father and the subsequent trials the Nejem family would face would she come to develop a slight inferiority complex. Forming as a result of her own perceived helplessness in easing the burdens of her family, as well as, personally witnessing the heavy burdens Jahan elected to carry himself in seeing his family make it through those turbulent times. From this personal weakness would Lupe swear to herself to tread the same path as her only brother, in hopes of becoming a truly dependable and devoted member of the family. In light of his sister’s determination, Jahan harbors a great deal of concern in regards to his youngest sister’s decision, believing that the role of guardian should remain solely upon his shoulders. Despite his misgivings he has recently given into Lupe’s pleas and the two have become a regular sight in Jadeite Thicket, with Jahan imparting every bit of their people’s martial knowledge onto his youngest sibling.

Friends & Acquaintances ● Joao Coelho (NPC) – The first Gridanian Jahan ever met and one he is heavily indebted to, this young and amiable Wood Wailer can always be seen harboring a faint smile underneath his wooden mask. Jahan considers the tanned Midlander to be a blessing and a curse, on one hand Joao was pivotal in assisting him and his family in being able to eek out a comfortable living within The Black Shroud, but on the other he is constantly harassed by the younger Hyur's energetic social tendencies. Though, much to Jahan's surprise Joao lists the serious man as one of his closest friends. ● Tyo'sae Zhwan (NPC) – A sergeant within the Twin Adder, Tyo'sae serves as the second-in-command for the White Wolf squad Jahan is responsible for. Inspired by the various stories of Jahan's service this timid Miqo'te Keeper considers his superior to be the keystone to molding himself into a proper soldier, one that would be worthy of his parents' attention. Though their relationship got off to a rocky start Jahan considers the bookish Keeper of the Moon someone worthy of his trust and sees him as a sort of younger brother. ● The Zale Family – Jahan is loathe to discuss anything pertaining to these former Ishgardian nobles. Only thing he will reference about the Zales is that he and his family owes them a tremendous debt and the man will do anything to ensure the safety of its members and the family's return to prosperity. Enemies & Rivals ● Jahan is not aware that he may have potential enemies or rivals

Rumours

Rumours

■ Common Rumors - Easily overheard. Use these freely !

♦ "You askin' 'bout the lieutenant? He's a good sort, a bit terse but by the Twelves does that man know how to drill a bastard to death!" - White Wolf recruit

♦ "Yeah I know who yer askin about! Bastard keeps requesting new training dummies! Broke twenty-five solid oaken dummies in just five bleeding days... *sighs* He ain't normal I tell ya." - Disgruntled Twin Adder quartermaster

♦ "Hmmm, yes Jahan... A bit of a strange fellow. He often asks to watch our training routines. I've offered to train him in the ways of the lance but he politely declined." - Ywain, Guildmaster of the Lancer's Guild

♦ "He's got a bit of a funny accent don't he? I don't mean anythin' by it when I say this, but I don't think he's even from Eorzea." - Gridanian merchant

■ Uncommon Rumors - A little more difficult to hear. Use sparingly or ask first !

♦ "Ya didn't hear this from me, but underneath that man's deadpan face beats the heart of a genuine philanderer! On my way to Bentbranch Meadows saw him surrounded by four women I did! Though the lucky dog kept on bein' his stoic self... - Yellow Serpent corporal

♦ "Not sure if I should be sayin' this, but I've seen Jahan headin' north towards Coerthas every moon or so. Wish that man would let me know where exactly he's going... It's a bit improper for his subordinate to fill his boots that often, no?" - Sergeant Tyo'sae Zhwan

■ Rare Rumors - Very rarely overheard. Please ask before using !

♦ "Sergeant Nejem...? Guess that would be lieutenant now, shame they elected to station him in the White Wolves. Man like him woulda fit well within the Red Otters. Personally, I wouldn't have done what he did but given the circumstances I believe he was justified in his actions. It was Operation Archon for Twelves' sake! Least the Seedseers understood he shouldn't be wasting away in some gaol... " - Retired Red Otter captain

♦ "By the Fury! I prayed to Halone for moons to never see that blackguard's horrible visage... I've always heard Gridanians were, at worst ignorant tree hugging bumpkins! *Spits* But to have that murderer and heathen honorably serving in the Twin Adder?! Outrageous!" - Coerthian refugee

Player Character Rumours

♦Known Haunts

■ Gridania (Highly Likely)

■ The Black Shroud (Highly Likely)

■ Ul’Dah (Somewhat Likely)

■ Coethras (Somewhat Likely)

■ Ishgard (Rare)

♦ Footnotes / OOC Info

Template used: TwinSerpentTemplate

Feel free to leave any PC rumors if we've had any IC interactions!