Zerier Romeaux

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Count Zerier de Romeaux
A Blackened Lion's Roar

VITAL INFORMATION


CURRENT ALIAS... Count Zerier de Romeaux.

NICKNAMES... Zeryr, Z, Zer, Black Lion, Leo, Romeo.

RACE... Wildwood Elezen.

GENDER... Male.

AGE... Thirty-four.

ORIENTATION... Heterosexual.

MARITAL STATUS... Single.

OTHER STATISTICS


NATIONALITY... Ishgard.

HOUSE... House Romeaux.

RESIDENCE... Romeaux Manor, the Pillars of Ishgard.

OCCUPATION... Count of the Romeaux House.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT... 7 fulms, 242 ponzes.

ALIGNMENT... Chaotic Good.

VOICE... Audio Example, eventually.


[edit]

APPEARANCE

Zerier is almost always seen with an extravagant pair of masterwork spectacles that certainly do not match his armored appearance. Examining the man otherwise, one would note his complexion is darker than normally seen amongst Wildwood Elezen. His eyes are quite narrow with each sporting a vibrant emerald iris while his jawline gives a saber's curve to form an angular chin. The previously mentioned glasses tend to reflect light, often giving him a whiter gaze. Two platinum clasps adorn his ears, and his left is decorated with an unusual golden earring. Along the man's right cheek, starting from the inside of his eye, runs a ragged scar that passes his sharp jawline and carves into his neck. No visible armaments can be noted in his possession, though the full gauntlets worn in most all situations are granted sharpened fingertips and spiked couters.

In predicted combat situations, or in times that his status must be represented, Zerier's presence is noted by a stark shift in plating. Blackened leather stretches over chainmail links while silver-tinged adamantite plate provides ample defense. Heavy vambraces decorate his arms with elaborate heavy ridges along with equally designed greaves. Upon his back, attached via heavy magnet-like pull, is a enlarged, black greatsword. Too beautiful to be used as an actual weapon, its weight and edge would contest the thought of its disuse. Still, even more iconic than sword or armor, a black lion's full helm covers all that would be seen of the Elezen's face. In this way he dons the familial crest of his House, the Black Lion.

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DEMEANOR

Zerier is a stoic and quiet individual, and his rare facial expressions vanish within moments of their arrival. While a colder sort at first, as if tempered by the frigid air of the north, he will slowly grow into his truer personality. A very loyal and accepting man, his mild temperament allows him to speak with most any with the exception of the most exceptionally of rude specimens. Even with these shining examples of crass and rude behavior, it takes an inferno to light his thousand-malm long fuse.

His physical and mental pains, in his mind, are not to be given much notice and he will enforce that philosophy with gentle reassurance. He did, and still does, find himself doting on women who would speak to him, due to lingering void unfilled since his sister's death. Yet, even with these pangs of loneliness, he still grows dark around romantic venues. While these fears stem more from potential futures of his House, they are also brought on by the nightmares of loss. He wishes never to suffer the pains of failure again, even if he would end his House due to lack of heir and perish alone with none to comfort him.



H I S T O R Y

CHANGES COMING. NOT ALL INFORMATION IS 100% CORRECT.

Childhood and Ishgard (Ages 0-24)

Zerier was born in Ishgard to Bridgette and Halvier Romeaux on the 16th Sun of the 5th Umbral Moon in 1550. Zerier’s birth caused the death of his mother, and Halvier took care of his son raising him to become the heir to the Romeaux family. The head of the Romeaux family has historically been a noble in House Durendaire, and Halvier felt tremendous pressure from his peers to shape his son. Although these were unrealistic expectations, Halvier believed that his son could live up to them.

Zerier’s combat training started early in his life through studies. Zerier was skilled in swordplay theory but not in the halberd, which was the Romeaux’s preferred weapon. Zerier was also a fast learner in reading and geography but not Halvier’s preferred fine arts and astrology. Halvier quickly grew frustrated with his son and the lessons began to grow harsher. Zerier constantly failed Halvier’s expectations and shortly after Zerier’s 5th birthday Halvier remarried to Cecile Aubierault to ensure an heir. As the lessons grew less intensive as Halvier focused on his new wife, Zerier began to entertain himself with books of chivalry and knights. Of his favorite was the book of the mythological Ishgardian Knight, Bercimont Hautrel. Bercimont Hautrel, the Green Knight and his tales would fascinate and enthrall Zerier's imagination. He began to form an ideal in his mind that he would become the perfect knight when he grew older and would protect those he loved. He began to carry this book along with him everywhere, reading it whenever he had the chance.

Within a year’s time Anais was born into the Romeaux family. When she was old enough, Halvier began to focus on her education. She excelled in the arts, studies of war, and astrology. Each of these successes allowed Halvier a sense of peace and he began to focus entirely on his daughter. Zerier quickly fell to the wayside, and around his thirteenth birthday he was being ignored by his father and most of his family. Shortly after another failure in martial training, Zerier was disowned by his father.

With the harsh lessons falling to Anais, she too began to falter under the pressure of her overzealous father. Anais began to confide much of her despair in her older brother. After lending an ear to his sister’s issues, she began to visit her brother often to speak with him. Zerier, having only known stress and pressure from his father, welcomed the kindness and conversation and quickly began to dote on his sister. These events continued through several years until Anais grew old enough to be enlisted in the military. Halvier sought to test her martial abilities and had her assigned to a small hamlet near the fallen Ferndale. Zerier felt loneliness for the first time while his sister was away. Not long afterward, this hamlet was attacked by the Dravian horde, and Anais’s body was never found. After being presumed dead, Zerier lashed out at his father and family. Unable to keep his faith in Halone and the Holy See, he began to look for ways to escape his father and family.

With no heir left and Zerier labeled a failure, Halvier decided to have his son conscripted. Halvier betted on Zerier never returning, and would be able to pass such a thing off as him dying for the Holy See. Such a sacrifice would allow the Romeaux family leniency and Halvier could easily adopt another child or have a third child to begin training another heir. After overhearing this, Zerier resolved to leave Ishgard later that night.

Escape from Ishgard and Limsa Lominsa (Ages 24-26)
Zerier arriving in Limsa Lominsa before the Calamity

Zerier left in the night, as fleeing men are oft to do. Heading east, he chanced to meet a Hyurian man and his daughter. They attempted to hide him and cover his trail. It did not work however, and several sources reported his escape to local authorities. The Faces of Mercy immediately learned of this as well, and Halvier was quick to label his son and anyone who helped him as an Unbeliever. With the help of these two, Zerier was able to find a boat to stow away in. Heading for Limsa Lominsa, he hoped his disappearance into the pirate capital would be enough to throw off any pursuers. However, the Faces of Mercy followed him after dealing with the two that assisted him.

Quickly after hiding away on the boat an assassin from the Faces of Mercy attempted to kill him. He was able to fend off the attack landing a lucky blow against his assailant with a dagger but was left with a terrible slash across his chest. Barely alive and bleeding out he was found by a small Miqo’te woman named Creidhne Hawthorne who came to investigate the ruckus. She used her amateurish conjurery to heal the infected wound, but was unable to keep a scar from forming. While he was unable to speak with her properly, she offered him conversation and companionship. When the two finally reached Limsa Lominsa, Zerier was unable to part from her side and he quickly wound up being dragged into all sorts of adventures and dangerous situations. In was in this time that Zerier began to develop his stubborn fighting style, and Creidhne had to quickly learn to tend to her companion least he get himself killed. It was around this time he requested Creidhne leave his scars like when she healed his chest. In this way, Zerier could visibly remember every failure in combat and learn from them.

Zerier began to venture to Ul’dah where he trained with Gladiators and fought several matches. He was not a well-known fighter, but he was noted for rarely moving from the center of the arena, deflecting blows with his shield and armor. He constantly came out wounded from his battles, but gained the ability to ignore pain to a staggeringly high degree. He began to train harder and harder to a gain strength in order to protect his companion. His constant obsession with his companion led to romantic interest, and conversation with her grew strained. Unable to return to Limsa Lominsa for a time, Zerier remained in Ul'dah while his head cleared enough to speak with her again. After returning to Limsa Lominsa, he joined the Maelstrom with Creidhne. He secretly hoped that the Garlean threat would take his mind off his new found love. It was also in this time Zerier commissioned an armor set with a green motif and white trimmings. This armor began his emulation of Bercimont Hautrel, the Green Knight from his favorite story, and he would begin to hold himself with honor and honesty while he wore it.

The Battle of Carteneau (Ages 26)

After gaining some prestige in the Maelstrom and completing several missions for their Grand Company, Zerier and Creidhne began to take place in several skirmishes against the Garlean threat. Their synergy was well received on the battlefields they fought in. It was around this time where Zerier began to feel unease with the descent of Dalamud and contemplated confessing his feelings to his friend. He decided against it and they began to march for Carteneau soon after.

During Battle of Carteneau, Zerier’s left arm and right eye were mangled after he deflected a Magitek Armor's explosive round meant for Creidhne with his shield. The force from the round shattered the bones in his arm and nearly tore it from his body. His supposed holy shield was destroyed as well, some of the fragments of the shield found their way into Zerier’s face and right eye. In a panic, Creidhne used forbidden White Magic to aid Zerier, but was unable to heal the nerve damage and sight to his right eye before they were overwhelmed by Garleans. Zerier began to fight through the group, earning himself a few bullet wounds in the process. Suddenly Dalamud split open, the pillars holding the sphere together dropping down and scattering the Garleans and separating Zerier from Creidhne.

As he opened his eyes, he looked up at the Elder Primal Bahamut. In complete awe, he watched the primal begin to spread fire and destruction across the field. He quickly began to look for his beloved companion in order to shield her from the fire, but he simply could not find her. As he observed Garleans and Eorzeans alike flee from certain death, he saw a familiar figure begin to take his place up high as he created a aetheric barrier against Bahamut's attack. Noticing that he was saved by this act, he realized that he was in the presence of Louisoix. Having only heard of him in mutterings, he watched with great interest as he was saved again, along with several others, from the second wave of fire. During this flash, he saw Creidhne on the far end of the battlefield and he took off in a mad dash to reach her.

The lame arm that Zerier now carried set him off balance several times, along with his now worsened eye sight. In his frantic sprint, the light of Bahamut being sealed caught his attention. He watched in awe once again as the Primal was sealed by the Twelve, his faith in Halone slowly returning. This faith was quickly crushed once again as Bahamut ripped through the barrier. He sprung to his feet again as Bahamut began to gather energy to obliterate everything within hundreds malms. He reached his now lame arm out as he neared his companion, crying her name. As his body slowly began to fade from Louisoix's sealing, he was unable to grab his companions hand. His left hands fingers could not wrap around what he found most important and everything faded to black.

Zerier opened his eyes outside of Ul’dah. He frantically searched for Creidhne for a few moments before weeping. He had broken his promise to her. He lamented and cursed himself for not protecting his beloved. He had not told her anything, nor was he ever able to tell her how everything else. After his tears dried, his companion suddenly became a shadow in his mind, his goals and dreams for the future fading along with her face and name. Zerier was simply left hollow with the single memory of breaking his oath to another, the wishes he had of being a knight like Bercimont Hautrel shattering.

A Blackguard without Memory (A Realm Reborn, Ages 31-32)
Zerier's signature look after becoming a bodyguard

Zerier slowly made his way towards the Desert Jewel. Along with several other refugees, he was not easily able to slip inside the city considering his damaged armor and dirty appearance. Though he was finally able to bribe his way in, he simply stayed in Pearl Lane with his mind and heart broken. While able to find work, he realized his name held no meaning and he could not recognize any familiar faces. To his surprise, no one remembered him at the Coliseum where he had fought before either. It was a few days later that he learned it had been five years since the Calamity.

Zerier began to work for the Miner’s Guild after eventually proving that his damaged arm would not cause an issue. After working as a miner for a time, Zerier was gifted a mesail by one of his betters to protect his face from debris. This mesail would become one of Zerier’s trademarks as he would begin to wear it everywhere, valuing the anonymity and intimidating look it gave him. While returning from the guild one night Zerier was attacked by two Ala Mhigan refugees who were desperate for food. In their attempt to steal money from him he managed to disarm them both using his weakened arm. While a pathetic display from both parties, a wealthy Lalafell named Momo Saro was impressed by this. She approached him immediately, getting his wounded arm medical attention and hiring him shortly after to be her personal bodyguard. Zerier, much to his aggravation, had no choice in the matter least he be charged for the medical attention.

Shortly after beginning his new role, Momo was attacked several times in her business. Each time he was able to fend off the attackers. Zerier began to feel empowered protecting the strange Lalafell woman. She asked him multiple questions about his birth and life. Unsure of how to respond to most due to the time loss he experienced in the Calamity, he had to make up several responses. When asking his age, he appeared the most stumped. Simply moving his birthday up five years allowed him to pass without raising alarm, though his history was inaccurate. Fortunately she did not know of Ishgardian history to notice such inaccuracies. At the end of his contract with Momo, he was given a beautiful sword in return for removing his mesail for her. Unable to decline both the sword and removal of his mask due to fine print in his contract that allowed Momo to make any request of him, he reluctantly showed her his face. After parting with Momo, he noticed the engraving on the blade showing his work, and he began to forge ahead as a bodyguard.

After several months the woman he forgot approached him again, asking for his services after being referred to him. She introduced herself as Creidhne Hawthorne and had a contact to find him. The woman, interested in Allagan artifacts, had Zerier protect her from the wildlife and several bandits while she worked in the field. Zerier suddenly began to have night terrors of his past. His sister’s supposed death, and the loss of Creidhne all swirl around in his dreams and sometimes appear in his right eye’s blurry vision. While other contracts and people distracted him from the migraines and shadows he suffers from, he couldn't help but think he has forgotten something dreadfully important to him.

After this time Zerier came into contact with Sasha Rochester and Talyn Shadowmoon. Sasha, being the first to approach him without being referred, quickly became a client. He found her similar to Momo Saro, constantly getting herself into trouble. Shortly after he noticed Talyn in the alleyway and engaged her in conversation. Talyn provided Zerier some interesting chats in the alleys until becoming another client afterward. Zerier immediately began to fill up his time assisting Creidhne, Sasha, and Talyn in an attempt to forget his nightmares. These attempts failed and instead began to make rise to a new issue: the lame arm's phantom pains grew stronger. His arm suddenly began to feel the agony it felt when it was destroyed back during the Calamity.

Rise and Fall of Zerier, the Green Knight
As Creidhne and Zerier continued their Charge and Bodyguard relationship, Creidhne began to grow impatient with Zerier's lost memory. She slipped a note that Zerier had once wrote to her into the copy she gave him of "The Green Knight." While speaking with Vynka, it fell out of the book and into his lap. After reading the handwriting, he stormed off to see Creidhne in confusion. She informed him via linkpearl that she was awaiting him at the Floating City of Nym if he wanted answers. The two had often gone there while Creidhne looked for artifacts in the region.

After arriving, Zerier asked if the letter was some sort of mistake. He, to his knowledge, had never written to her. Creidhne revealed to him that it was in fact his penmanship and he was not mistaken. The letter was from five moons ago right before they marched for Carteneau. Zerier angrily demanded she explain herself, it was impossible for this to be true. Creidhne revealed in similar anger that she simply used the letter to jog his memory, and that she had kept every letter he had wrote to her. Zerier's memory slowly began to return to him as she asked him why he forgot over and over, punching his shoulder and beginning to sob. After all of Zerier's memory had returned, he rested his lame hand on her cheek in an attempt to calm her and dry her tears. He promised to her that he'd never break his oath to her again. She simply responded by resting her head on his armored chest. Zerier almost revealed his feelings that he had hidden away since before Carteneau, but decided to wait until another sun.

Zerier returned Limsa Lominsa shortly after to commission the armor he once wore five moons ago before the Calamity. Oddly enough, his armorer seemed to remember the designs for the commission and was curious. She stared at Zerier, thinking that she knew him from somewhere before finally accepting his job. The intricate work used on the surcoat was own Zerier's own imagined design of the Bercimont Hautrel's own, and such a design nearly ran his pockets empty. He decided to remain in Limsa Lominsa, thinking on his past until his commission was ready. After the full completion of the armor, Zerier began to hold himself with the same honor and oaths as before. As such, during his next meeting with Iurielle he solidified their verbal contract by gifting her his mesail.

Shortly afterward, due to an argument with the scholars of Creidhne's gathering, Zerier was cast out of their investigations. Creidhne fell silent and was never seen again afterward. Zerier took this rather hard, and slowly drifted into gloom once again.

After his patch of darkness, he was recruited by Bexy to join her company and family, "The Kindred." While it seemed to be a good fit for him, he slowly grew irritated with their constant concern for his well being. They grew more concerned due to his lack of self-worth, and he ventured to finally withdraw from their company. He abandoned his masterwork sword in front of the one who recruited him, and threw his mesail over his shoulder on his way out.

Zerier has now begun to view himself as a tool for others to use and throw away. He waits for others to hire him without pay, then order him to his death. In his mind, this is the only natural course for him left. With the new armor he wears, and a full helm to hide his face, none of his old friends will be able to recognize him or find him. This, in his mind, is just as well as no one should ever be concerned for his emotions or life.

I N T E R A C T I O N S

💘 Romance  💗 Attraction  Platonic Love  Family  👻 Deceased  Business  🌟 Positive  Neutral  Negative 
N O N - P L A Y E R   C H A R A C T E R S
Count Halvier de Romeaux ( 🌟 👻 ) - Father
A once esteemed noble in the House Durendaire, and then Count of House Romeaux, the late Halvier is Zerier's father. The death of Bridgette, the failure with halberd, and lack of expected intelligence caused Halvier to disown his son shortly after his daughter was able to be schooled. After the loss of his daughter he attempted to have Zerier conscripted in hopes he'd suffer the same fate. Zerier was branded a wanted heretic shortly afterward.

Since the two parted ways, the Calamity came and went as did hatreds and misgivings. Halvier and Zerier did conclude the ill tidings of their earlier years. In great misfortune, Halvier was afflicted with the same illness his second wife suffered of and perished within but a year. With Halvier’s passing, Zerier has grown great respect and love for his father, though laments in how long it took for forgiveness on both ends. With his father's farewell, Zerier was able to prevent the illness from taking yet another life far disconnected from his family. In this way, he hopes the memory of his past family can find some happiness.

Bridgette de Romeaux ( 👻 ) - Birth Mother
Zerier's birth mother. She passed away in childbirth with Zerier. Due to influence from his family and father, Zerier holds himself responsible for her passing. While time has allowed Halvier and Zerier to forgive themselves for the event that neither caused, it still wounded both hearts for many years.
Cecile de Romeaux ( 👻 ) - Step-Mother
Once of the Aubierault house and born with noble blood, Cecile became Halvier's second wife and Zerier's step-mother. She gave birth to Anais after Zerier’s 6th birthday. Cecile was a meek woman and followed Halvier in most anything he did. She was unable to stand up to her husband and his decisions regarding her step-son and daughter. Shortly after the Calamity, she fell ill and perished along with the same illness that took hold of Halvier mere years later.
Anais de Romeaux ( 💗 🌟 👻 ) - Loving Sister
The younger sister whom Zerier doted on constantly. Although she was better with the halberd, and therefore the successor to the family by martial prowess, Zerier harbored no ill will nor hatred. While the two were uncomfortably close in their earlier years, they were split apart in Halvier's attempts at having his daughter gain experience. She was killed in a Dravian raid, but no body was found. Her supposed death caused Zerier to question his faith in the Holy See and in Halone herself.
Creidhne Hawthorne ( 💘 💗 🌟 👻 ) - Shining Star
A Miqo’te woman who Zerier met during his escape from Ishgard. She was adopted into a Midlander family in Gridania, displaced as a Seeker of the Sun in the forests of Gridania. She grew more as a Hyur rather than a Miqo'te, her name given to her by the adopted family. As the third non-familial source of conversation he’d had, he quickly latched onto her and these feelings eventually grew into romantic interest. After having many misadventures and experiences in Limsa Lominsa they joined the Maelstrom’s efforts against the Garleans. Zerier lost Creidhne during the Calamity, along with the use his left hand and most of his right eye’s sight. Unable to cope with the loss, he forgot her face and name for a time. His memories were returned to him by a heartfelt letter found hidden amongst his fables.
Momoha Moha ( 🌟 ) - Business Lady
A wealthy Lalafell woman who hired Zerier for his first bodyguard contract. She gifted him a sword that she commissioned especially for him. Due to fine print in the contract Zerier signed, she was able to ask any request of him during the time he was with her. This pitted Zerier into several odds he'd rather not speak of in finer conversation. She was the first person to see Zerier’s face since he received his mesail and gifted him his masterwork blade. While contact with the ambitious woman has dwindled since Ishgardian affairs rose, she still sends him old fashioned letters detailing the coffers she has bestowed him.
P L A Y E R   C H A R A C T E R S
Iurielle Orsat ( 💗 🌟 ) - Intricate Spider
Originally, Zerier's relationship with Iurielle was strained at best. She called him over when he was listening to conversations in the Quicksand to needle him with questions. She harshly deciphered information about his past through trick questions and cold logic. Through many contrasting events between the two, one of which involving violence, Zerier grew fond of Iurielle to the point of love. Still, he has betrayed her in a way they both understand differently, and Iurielle has bid him wait until the next Heavensturn should he still wish to speak with her. This deal had since been broken as the two met each other in Ishgard. He found her disguise disturbing, but was overglad to see the woman once again. He still awaits the next year to decide upon their olden feelings.
Mariaute Cahernaut ( 💗 🌟 ) - Familiar Past
Coming Soon.
Zhen Malraj (🌟 ) - Elegant Masterworks
Coming Soon.
Khojin Arulaq ( 🌟 ) - Sanguine Gaze
Coming Soon.
Isranne Montagneaux (🌟 ) - Bloody Snow
Coming Soon.
Sasha Rochester (🌟 ) - Recklessness First
A woman who spoke to Zerier without knowing him to be a bodyguard. She walked to him after seeing his sitting form in the quiet corner of Pearl Alley. Amongst the first to interact with him without the intent to hire, he began to speak with her in his typical guarded fashion. He found her to be rather excitable and reckless, but did not find company with her unpleasant as he did during their first meeting. He has not spoken with her in many, many moons.
Talyn Shadowmoon ( 🌟 ) - Simple, Dangerous
Zerier met Talyn after he noticed her sharing the alleyway with him for several nights. While she does not often visit the alley as often as she did in the past, he has been hired by her to assist with a venture in Copperbell Mines. He is still awaiting payment for this job though it does not bother him. He has also saved her from the Amalj'aa in Eastern Thanalan by coincidence after stumbling into the pit where she was being held prisoner during an escort job. His opinion of her is rather high simply due to the interesting conversations he's shared with her in the past. She has remained by his side for so long that he considers her one of his closest friends. She was also the only one he would openly ask for medical attention from in his bygone days. He has not seen her in many moons, and assumes her passing. Would that he be mistaken, so he hopes.

R U M O R S


N O N - P L A Y E R   C H A R A C T E R S
Some of these rumors are untrue, speculation, or are greatly exaggerated.

Common Rumors - Easily overheard. Use these freely!

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

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

P L A Y E R   C H A R A C T E R S
Feel free to add your own rumors to this section.

Player Character Rumors -Some of these are more rare than others!

R O L E P L A Y   H O O K S

The points below are a few ideas that could bring characters together for RP situations. Have other ideas? Potential rumor mill plots? Shoot me a tell! I'm not an evil dark lord hell bent on destroying you. Actually I do when I sit down on a bench with my hands clasped together. Omega Dark Lord with Darkside up.

Early Days in Ishgard

Escaping Ishgard and before the Calamity

Present Time

Nabbed from Tsaganarii Dhoro, love you. Template was adapted from Bancroft Gairn, Xheja Rajhera, Unnamed Mercenary, D'lyhhia Lhuil and Glioca Sargonnai.

M U S I C


S C R E E N S H O T S