Profile:

Name: A'strita Xhali/Tsukiko Kazuma
Nameday: 24th Sun of the 5th Umbral Moon
Birthplace: La Noscea
Race: Miqo'te. Keeper/Seeker hybrid
Gender: Female
Clan: Seekers of the Sun
Guardian: Nymeia, The Spinner
Age: 23 summers
Height: 5 fulm 1 ilm (157cm)
Weight 126 ponze
Relationship/Orientation: Single. (♀♂)
Current Residence: Hingashi, Shirogane.
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Known Languages: Common(Native), Hingan(Fluent), Doman(Conversational).
Skills: Swordplay, Red Magic, healing, gambling, tracking, infiltration, espionage, drinking on an empty stomach.
Employers and Affiliations: The Tanji Company/East Aldenard Trading Company/Various Yakuza organizations(former)
Aliases: Wild Rose, Scarlet Blade, Kensei.
Current Occupations: Samurai/Red Mage, mercenary, bodyguard, bounty hunter, wanderer, freelancer.
Aetheric Affinity: White and Black Magics(Red Magic). proficiency in Fire-aspected abilities as well as other elements.
Weapon Proficiency: Eastern Blades/Rapiers/Firearms/Staves/Kunai and Daggers/Bows and Arrows
Voice Claim: Cherami Leigh(?)
Inspiration: Hoshimi Miyabi/Narmaya/Baiken/Faye Valentine/Yor Forger/Ushiwakamaru/Lyndis
Theme: Another Mount Rokkon

Appearance:

Eye Color: A shade of amber akin to the rising dawn. A curious gaze, slit pupils denoting her heritage as a Seeker. Oftentimes warm and innocent, yet also capable of cold observation. Carrying an intimidating visage, to some they are mesmerizing. To others, frightening...Hair: A light shade of crimson, her velvet locks flow naturally downward onto her shoulders. Soft to the touch, her loosely braided mane perfectly adorns her features. Worn loosely, she tends not to adorn her hair with many decorations. Simply allowing it to flow alongside the wind. Besides, of course, the tinge of red dye at the bottom of her locks adorns her already naturally rosy locks.Scent: The softest scent of subtle sakura clings to her body. No doubt the work of exceptionally expensive Hingan perfume. A light touch. Barely noticeable, but there nonetheless to accentuate her neatly kept appearance. Sometimes shrouded by a stronger scent of alcohol.Complexion: A fair ivory complexion suits the woman and her features plainly. While having had a Keeper father and Seeker mother, it would seem her complexion took more of note from her mother rather than the latter.Body Type: Slightly taller than most other female Miqo'tes. She is not frail by any means. Adorning an athletic build to accompany her stature and, of course, her line of work. Her build can be described as plush and dainty. Small in the frame, yet agile and athletic from years of training.Fashion: Donning fashion that most would consider 'flashy', her certain sense of style mixes both practicality and finery. She enjoys accenting her pride and femininity, adorning most of her outfits with red to match her natural features. She wears both Hingan and traditional Eorzean outfits, donning whichever best fits the situation. (Or what is most comfortable).Other Details: The Miqo'te marks on her face are ever-present and permanent, along with the added detail of fangs to express her hybrid heritage. She adorns her style with a ribbon and sakura flower earrings to match her features. Above all else, an odd tattoo of an insignia marks her back. Covered up by her clothing in most instances, she does not tend to show it often. Even to those she trusts...

Personality:

A'strita's personality is one of both stubbornness and pride. By all accounts, a rather brash and bold woman. Combined with her prideful and sassy demeanor, she struts an aura of confidence and elegance with every motion and word she speaks. Unless one were to tempt that temper of hers, however. Those bold enough to do so are met with a more fiery personality. One repressed by her innate sense of honor and restraint most of the time. Though, it tends to slip in some instances...Elegant in her tone and carrying the slightest of eastern accents, she speaks as any proper professional lady would, of course. A mercenary at heart, she focuses much of her attention on her appearance, especially during professional engagements. Always the first to speak her mind, she does not allow herself to be stepped on by others or taken advantage of. Perhaps due to having such a long life of dealing with such things...Deep beneath her bold exterior lies a timid girl, however. One who acts more like a wallflower than a prideful rose in some instances. She does not speak to others often unless spoken to. Nor does she typically go out of her way to make friends. Only exuding her personality to those she deems her time and attention worthy toward. She's not easy to make friends with, especially considering her temper and thorny exterior. Despite outward appearances being thorny and rough, therein lies a true heart of gold and kindness deep down. One who'd go to great lengths to help others. Even when doing so would rarely grant any benefit to herself. The Miqo'te carries a playful demeanor nonetheless in more casual settings, offering a mischievous nature when she is in good company. She is known to be rather adventurous and cocky, taking even the most serious of situations with a confident and elegant mien.Every day is a challenge for the girl. Balancing the light and the dark within herself and trying her hardest to escape from the sadness that lingers in those amber hues of hers. To escape from the shadows of her past. And yet she carries on. Cautiously hopeful of the future that lies ahead...A future forged by her own hands.Talkative / In Between / Quiet
Confident / In Between / Doubtful
Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded
Predictable / In Between / Spontaneous
Cautious / In Between / Reckless
Patient / In Between / Impatient
Outspoken / In Between / Reserved
Leader / In Between / Follower
Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic
Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic
Playful / In Between / Boring
Mischievous / In Between / Behaved
Energetic / In Between / Lethargic

Likes and Dislikes:

Likes:
-Animals and cuddly plushes.
-Drinking(almost too much sometimes...).
-Sparring sessions with formidable opponents.
-Gambling(again...almost too much sometimes).
-Relaxing on the beach.
-Music and nightclubs.
-Mochi and other Hingan delights and desserts.
-Noodles and Archon burgers
-Stylish outfits, fashion, and glamour.
-Swordsmithing.
-Cooking.
-Fishing.
-Adventuring.
-Meeting new people.
-Her crimson Carbuncle mount 'Shinku' and her pet bird 'Taro'.Dislikes:
-Unsolicited flirtatious advances
-Dogs. Just...just dogs. Even small ones.
-Excessive excuses or complaining(though, she tends to do the same.)
-Losing sparring matches
-When things don't go her particular way...
-Eorzeans who call themselves 'Hingan' when they are clearly not...
-Slavery or those associated with slavery and crime.
-Anything but perfection
-Probably youPositives:
-Sweet and kind once one gets to know her, her 'brash' exterior seems to mostly be a facade. With a true heart of gold and humility lingering deep down.
-Street savvy, especially when it comes to the underworlds of Hingashi and Eorzea.
-Extremely protective, and having the skills to protect the ones she loves, she tends to go out of her way to do so.
-Honor-bound, she lives by a certain code that keeps her grounded and able to protect those suffering from unfair circumstances. The same code that continues to push her forward.
-Loyal, A'strita is always willing to have her friends' and allies' backs, especially if said friend is able to treat her with a drink afterward.
-Passionate and tenacious, A'strita never takes no for an answer. This can be considered a double-edged sword most of the time. She always looks for the positive in a situation, going out of her way to crack jokes and act confident even in the most perilous of circumstances. She is a hard worker. Though, only focuses her effort into things she feels like doing.Negatives:
-Quite clumsy and prone to being naive about certain things. She can be quite the airhead.
-Ever so prideful, such pride very much gets in the way of her logic and reasoning at times.
-Stubborn. Like many Miqo'te, she has a stubborn streak herself and tends to convince herself she knows better than you do. Sometimes she does-....sometimes she does not.
-A'strita's anger can sometimes get the better of her, forcing her out of logical thought once her emotions get the better of her. Her emotions are-..potent. This happens quite often.
-A'strita can be a hard nut to crack. It takes considerable effort to break her facade, depending on the person. Yet for one who gets to know her, you will be gifted with both a cocky and confident ally.

Skillset and Abilities:

A renowned mercenary and ronin from the East, A'strita Xhali is a woman known in some circles as the elusive 'Wild Rose'. In some others, even the name Tsukiko Kazuma. A rather mysterious and shrewd woman who keeps her past veiled in mystique, she does not tend to speak of it often to those she does not trust. Let alone to the few that she does. Instead, she allows her vast array of skills and expertise with the blade to do most of the talking for her.Well-versed in the art of the blade along with red magics, A'strita's combat prowess is second to none. She tends to wield a variety of different blade styles. Though, her favorites seem to rely on a more 'eastern' samurai blade style or an Eastern twist on the elegance of a one-handed Red Mage fighting style. Ever so keen with the blade, she tends to be prideful in her abilities! Almost...too much at times. Perhaps for good reason.Swordplay: Skilled in the art of the blade, A'strita's main weapon of choice tends to be as such. Opting to wield a katana or a chokuto, she adds her own flourish to her fighting style which is difficult to replicate despite its similarity to more 'Eastern' fighting styles. Having been trained since a young age to wield a katana, her swift blade style reflects her sheer elegance and ferocity with the blade. With even her Red Mage style adopting a few Eastern tendencies. Graceful and elegant, she enacts every swipe and veer with deadly fluidity. With her specially crafted blade and prized possession 'Hoshikiri' at her side, she is always ready to unsheath its wrath at a moment's notice.Red Magic: Having a natural aetheric affinity to black and white, in no small part thanks to her mother and father, A'strita is able to call upon red magic to aid her in battle. Whether it means healing herself or her allies or launching devastatingly destructive spells from afar, she is adept enough to use such reliably in combat. However, she is no master at such arts. Only really taking advantage of her natural affinities to accentuate her swordplay and athletic fighting style. Balancing both to aid herself and her comrades with elegance and precision. As typical for any Red Mage. Of course, her expertise in such arts does not come close to that of a White Mage or Black Mage. Only really able to use her own aether to fuel her arts, it can be taxing on the body if used too often. Especially so when not carefully balanced.Healing: Possessing a natural affinity toward the light, A'strita is potent in healing magics. Though of course, unable to rival a White Mage, her lack of medical expertise holds her back from this notion. Only most relying on its sheer potency to heal common battlefield wounds.Firearms: Having adopted a few 'tendencies' from her days as a Yakuza member, she knows a thing or two about how to wield said weapons.Heightened Senses: Being a Miqo'te, A'strita has the natural abilities of heightened senses to aid her out in the field. Her hearing is slightly better than most, alongside her natural instincts to detect danger. She is regarded as a skilled tracker and bounty hunter. No doubt her Miqo'te heritage aids her when it comes to such things. A heightened ability to see in the dark thanks to her Keeper father is also quite the boon. Even if she does not use her low-light ability much too often...Other weapons: While a spellblade at heart, the Samurai can use more unorthodox weapons depending on the situation that is called for. She has been known to use daggers, her tanto, smoke bombs, and kunai in circumstances that require stealth and espionage. As well using hard light to magically conjure a bow and arrow to fire at distant opponents at breakneck speeds. Alas, she always has a weapon to conjure up in every situation, despite her skill not being as proficient compared to using her trusty blade.Kensei: After some intense training and development, A'strita has created a style and class of her own in the form of the 'Kensei' or Sword Saint. An elegant and dualistic mix of both the Samurai and Red Mage fighting styles, she has opted to train and develop this new form of combat going forward. The budding spellblade still having much to learn, despite her skill.STATS:
Health: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Strength: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Tenacity: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Stamina: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Intelligence: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Dexterity: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Perception: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Creativity: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Charisma: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Social skills: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Empathy: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Confidence: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Notable observations...

Sakura Blossoms: Oddly enough, A'strita is sometimes known to have sakura blossoms follow her with every flourish or dodge during battle. Perhaps some form of glamour magick that she added just for style points? Who knows. It seems like something she'd do.Affinity to...something?: The woman tends to somehow break her limits using certain energy. And has been known to escape a few life-or-death situations using it. Perhaps she has a tendency to break her limits.Slavery: A'strita has a habit of getting riled up and tenacious about any talk regarding slavery. Even goes as far as to stubbornly stop any rings or organizations she catches talk of. Deeply passionate and vehemently aggravated by such things. Perhaps she has a history with these rings and slave-trade organizationsShifty about her past: The woman is notoriously shifty about her past. No doubt she is wanted by a few city-states as both an outlaw and former criminal. Though, perhaps there is another reason for such things. Ashamed at her once criminally charged past, she tries her best to escape it. As hard as it tries to catch up to her.

Background:

"I am no whore, nor tool. I am no slaver. No criminal.""I am Tsukiko Kazuma. I am A'strita Xhali.""The Wild Rose of the East...""And your downfall.""I know what I did back then, the person I was...the person I still am. But I know now who I truly want to be.""I am no hero. Not yet. But I do know one thing...""I am Samurai.""And with my blade, I excise you of your sins."

Born near the outer shores of La Noscea, A'strita is the daughter of two wayward adventurers. One, a Gridanian healer from the A tribe, and the other, a lawless mercenary and outlaw from a now long abandoned Keeper tribe. Having been raised in a rather peculiar upbringing, most of her childhood is but a blur within the depths of her mind. She has memories of her mother and father, yet can never remember their faces due to the events of the Calamity. Her parents would have sacrificed themselves for a greater purpose, the orphan child left alone and conscripted to the Garlean Empire. Coerced to meet her fate as a slave to their whims.One fateful day would change her life, however. A Hingan aristocrat would find the Miqo'te child shivering in the cold by her lonesome. Alone and afraid, she'd pity the poor girl, plucking her from the Empire's whims and using her reach to adopt her within her family. This aristocrat would be the daughter and heir of a noble family within Hingashi, one with roots sprawling to the ancient Samurai of eld. Taught the ways of the Samurai at a young age, her new life would be taken from her in a matter of years. The local Yakuza would burn down the manor of her newfound family, taking her in and forever conscripting her to a life of slavery once again.Having left this life of crime and death behind, the Yakuza and her 'oyabun', now believe her dead. A tragic incident in Radz-at-Han having given her the chance to escape her life of crime during an expedition with her clan. To her clan, 'Tsukiko Kazuma' is dead, another body to add to the sea of blood caught in their wake. Yet how long will it be before they put the pieces together? How long did she have until she had to finally face her past?How long will she have to run?A woman of mystique and facades, A'strita is a Miqo'te that seems to pride herself in being...different from her Miqo'te sisters. A Keeper of the Sun with a rather ambiguous origin, she keeps a tight lip when speaking of her past. Opting to maintain a calm and professional demeanor throughout her encounters. A demeanor easily broke if someone were to tempt that temper of hers, however. Stubborn in nature, but elegant in her demeanor, A'strita is a woman who is quite prideful of her heritage and abilities. Always trying to out-wit others in the game of life.Some might know A'strita as the infamous 'Wild Rose' of Hingashi and have heard tales of her exploits inside the underworlds of Hingashi, Shishu, and beyond. Having established a name for herself in the underground gambling scene of Eorzea as well as the Eastern criminal underworld, she has been known to outwit and outsmart her opponents to obtain riches on more than a few occasions. Some even report that her skill is but a facade. And that she uses dirty tricks and tactics that involve cheating in order to gain her riches. Whatever the truth may be, she does not seem to be as influential or wealthy in this day and age. With the Miqo'te now on the run from a former employer, she marks her days with attempts to make Gil and either pay off or outwit those who are after her. Spending her time as a wayward ronin, she is always there to help those in need, nonetheless. She dons the title of a lone hero, perhaps in an attempt to redeem herself from her past. Or change her ways for the better and excise the evil from the land she had once found herself so familiar with.Nowadays, she spends her time doing mercenary work for various groups. Opting to stay away from the less...morally ambiguous factions for the time being. She makes a decent living through her encounters as a mercenary. Yet ever still lies a visage of melancholy in her eye. A thought always lingering of the possibility that there can be more to life than what is placed in front of her. She now lives as a wayward Ronin. Wandering the land and enacting justice on the malicious. Protecting the weak and righteous from pain and suffering is all too familiar.Both a Red Mage and Samurai by trade, A'strita is known for her elegant and graceful fighting style. Extremely skilled with the blade and adept with the magics of both black and white, she tears apart her foes with graceful swipes and flicks of her wrist. Eroding the battlefield with magic and tending to rush them down with swift bladework when the chance arises. Being so skilled at her trade, it is no real wonder that she used to protect more...morally ambiguous persons and act as their muscle. The only question remains...where did this young Miqo'te get her training from?Like all things about herself, she keeps a mostly tight lip about itDonning the power of both white and black magic, she tries her hardest to maintain that balance of light and dark. Despite her stubborn and sassy attitude, deep down lies humility and kindness. Clouded by a dark past she tries so hard to escape...The Miqo'te tends to keep to herself unless spoken to. Carrying a posh and dignified accent, she's been mistaken for noble blood numerous times! Alas, her speech patterns and tone of voice are elegant along with her demeanor. Professional at all times, with a hint of playfulness and cockiness to boot. Even when she does not need to be. Though, she seems to spend most days by her lonesome. A loner and wanderer of the Eorzean and Doman countrysides, such a life seems to weigh on her shoulders from time to time.While mostly keeping a tight lip about her past, some more nefarious persons of the criminal underworld may recognize her from the name 'Wild Rose' or 'Tsukiko Kazuma' alone. With the Wild Rose having once been a renowned bounty hunter and 'contractor' for the Hingashi yakuza and various crime lords, the name itself carries much darkness and fear from its mere utterance. From rumors of assassinations, slave trading, heists, and bounty hunting coming from such a name...surely this wasn't the same person, was it?Perhaps such a question was for the Wild Rose herself to decide.

Bonds:

Kagami Azulai:

"Kagami is a rather odd woman. But somehow, someway, I've become smitten by her. She has a certain way with me. She is able to calm me down when my emotions get the better of me, comfort me, and let me know it's all going to be alright when I find myself teetering on the edge. She's noble and kind. Elegant, of course. Yet, always carrying herself rather adorably. The way she speaks and conducts herself, so oblivious and innocent. And ever so pushy as well. It's rather endearing. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with her, I just hope she would like that too. She's a sort of foil for myself. Whenever there are days when everything is dark and brooding, she is a reminder that there is always a light that exists at the end of the tunnel. She is a beacon of innocence. An innocence I hope I can forever protect and cherish.""Our relationship is still budding, but I hope it grows and blossoms into something beautiful one of these days. Admittedly, I'm still very, very new to this 'love' thing. But it's been so fun far. I hope to keep it that way..."---------------------"So it would seem not even love can last forever.""Yet, I'd be wrong to say that, wouldn't I?""Our relationship was great while it lasted. It was lovely, even. I shared so many memories with Kagami and learned so much being with her. I was finally given the light and love that I have been longing for so long. I know now that I cannot be the woman that Kagami needs me to be. And while it pains me to say it, she is much better off with others who do not have my thirst for adventure. She is better off with one who does not leave her for so many moons like I have. I wish I can take back my mistakes, I wish I can be the woman she needed me to be.""But I know better now.""I cannot be the woman you need me to be. But I can still be your friend forevermore.""We have been through so much together, it would be impossible for me to ever stop loving her. I love her still, yes. But differently now. As a friend. My best friend, even. The one who showed me the light and taught me to love again. Even when everything was so dark, she taught me to open my heart to others once again. For that, I can never repay her.""Yet all good things must come to an end. It's for the best that we are friends now. My adventuring ways and her desire to stay in Kugane clashed way too much for our relationship to bud any longer. Instead? It merely drifted us apart. The affections I once had for her gone, as the memories became so distant.""Though we are apart now, I still have a different sort of affection for her. We are friends. Allies. Together forever, as Red Mages and warriors both. I promised to forever be her sword and her heart, and I meant it.""I will never break that promise. For as long as I live, will I always be at her side when she needs me.""Even if we are apart. Even if we are continents away, i'll always have you in my heart, Kagami. My best friend, my partner, and my ally.""While our love is different type of love now, it remains forever potent. We will face this world together as we promised and I will forever protect you. For as long as my heart blossoms with the passion of the Red.""I'll have your back, Kagami."

Renzo Kishua/Shou:

"Renzo. Heh, now he's a complicated one. I don't understand him that well, honestly. He's quite the pain in the arse to be around sometimes. But Shou, on the other hand? He's someone who is a lot easier to relate to. Despite also being a pain in the arse. Someone who I definitely understand compared to his alter ego. In truth, it's a rather complicated situation. Not even one I entirely understand. I suppose he has an alter ego of sorts, with 'Renzo' being a part of himself and 'Shou' being his true self. In truth, I much prefer Shou. I see him like a brother, honestly. A sibling I've never had. Someone who keeps me in check, who's there to chastise me and force me to be better whenever I mess up. Someone who's there to protect me, care for me, and guide me. It's odd, having these sorts of people around. People who care for you and love you, rather than just wanting to use you as a tool. It's a feeling that I don't want to lose again. Shou is a reminder of why I keep fighting. Why I escaped my past. Why I fight to protect the ones I love. For once in my life, I finally am given that chance. I'm glad I met Shou. Without him, I still think I'd be lost...""Sho-...Renzo. Whatever he may be, he showed me the light. Showed me it's okay to be myself, that it's okay to have feelings and learn to love. To no longer stay stuck in the past. It's because of him that I can say I've changed. Though, I still have a long way to go. A lot to learn. I just hope my 'brother' will continue to be there to give me the guidance I need. As much as I hate to admit it I need all the help I can get sometimes."" We've been through a lot together, you and I. Thank you, Shou. For guiding me. For showing me that it's okay to be myself. For being the wind that guides my flame...""Though, would it kill you to stop being such a pain?"

Lirilara Antares:

"I was never the biggest fan of Garleans. I don't remember much of my childhood after my parents died but I do remember the Empire and their misdeeds. I remember the Garleans and what they called me, what they wanted to do to me before I was saved. But I suppose not all of them are like that. Lirilara is complicated. I don't hate her, nor do I have any ill will against her. Garleans nowadays; I pity, rather than hate. But she's dangerous. Dangerous to me, more than anyone else. She...has a way of speaking to you. Her eyes pierce your soul, looking deep and delving into who you truly are. She knows who I am, she knows my identity and my past. She knows who I once was. Lirilara can tempt me back to who I used to be if I'm not careful. I can't just kill her, right? All I can do is watch. I'll be honest, it's tempting, going back to that life of an outlaw. But I can't go back not when I've come so far.""I'll make sure to keep an eye on her. Whether she can be trusted or not? I don't know yet..."

Triniline Quelody:

"Heh, now this one; she's someone I have my eye on. What? You think I hate her? No! Of course, not! I don't hate her! I just find her to be an inconvenience. She's a natural with her scythe, yet she says she's not Garlean nor has she ever been trained by one. Or at least, so she says. I don't trust this girl, not in the slightest. But she's my boss; so, of course, I have to do what she says. Lest I get fired from the only company that would hire me. She doesn't seem to like me either despite the pleasantries we throw around. Not that I really care. I wouldn't dislike her this much if it wasn't for her keeping all of these secrets. To be honest, I'm a bit of a hypocrite, keeping my own secrets from these people. But she hides hers in plain sight. Her skill with the scythe, her voidsent, it's all the markings of a Garlean. Someone you shouldn't trust. At least Lirilara is forward with who she used to be, as am I. But Triniline? She seems to have a lot to hide. Especially considering that voidsent of hers.""Now, she denies it vehemently. But I know what I saw that night we sparred. Those red eyes are keen. Everyone knows what they mean. It can only mean she has a voidsent, and does a terrible job hiding it to boot. I would have won that fight had she not brought it out for that split second. Well, it's no big deal. I'll just get her next time, right?""She's strong and a tough match for me, but I'll beat her one day. I'll make her reveal that little voidsent of hers and unmask who she really is. I can't trust her. Not when she's hiding something so evil beneath those eyes. Not when she has the potential to hurt those I'm starting to care about."

Midori Kazuma:

"I miss you, sensei.""I miss you so much.""I wish I could have been there to save you. I wish, more than anything in the world that I was stronger. That I could have saved you and everyone else who perished in the flame that day. I promise I'll avenge you. Someday when I'm stronger; someday when I can go against the monster that took you away from me, I will avenge you.""I have such a long way to go. I know I am not the best person. I know I make mistakes. But I really am trying to do better. I know I could never live up to you, but I understand I am not the striking image of a true Samurai just yet. I am not a hero like you. How could I possibly live up to you? I know you never cared about such things. You never cared about being a hero or being the most prolific symbol of hope and love. But you were to me. You were my hero. My Warrior of Light. You loved people and you loved this star. And I know more than anything, you loved protecting it. Despite all the darkness, you had faith in the light lurking within. You fought and died to defend me and the light still in my heart. It is because of you that I am still alive, and as such, I promise here and now:"I will not let you down.""I will walk this star with your name and the names of those I love in my breast. I will fight to protect the good on this star. I will fight to defend those who need it. Not because I want to be like you, but because it is the right thing to do. Never a day goes by that I don't think of you and what you've done for me. But I promise, your deaths will not be in vain. I know I am no hero. But I am a Samurai, one who will excise the evil that took you away from me.""I love you, mother. Rest well, and have hope in your heart. For I will walk this star with the same hope you carried on in yours day after day.

A'tala Raha:

"Why can't I remember you?""Why can't I remember? It's so difficult. Every time I try to remember your face, every time I try to remember your deeds, I draw a blank. Literally. Your face is gone. I remember your clothes, your voice, I even remember your loving words. And yet what was your name? Why can I never remember? Was I truly that young?""Who were you, mother?""I know you were a loving, soft woman. You loved me with all your heart. So much so, you fought to defend me and defend this star from destruction. You fought so that I can have a future worth living. You perished so that I may live in a world full of hope and light. For that, I will forever remember you as a hero. As the woman who raised me, who taught me what it meant to be such a thing.""A warrior of the light.""I will remember you someday. Whether it means delving into secrets unknown or diving into perilous danger, I will find the secrets to remembering who you were. The Calamity may have erased you from history, but it did not erase you from my heart. Watch me, mother. I promise I won't take your sacrifice in vain.""As I bathe in the Dark, so will I bathe in the Light you shone upon this star."

Xha'li Rhaaba:

"The darkness is a fickle thing, isn't it father?""I know you have delved into such a thing more than a few times in your age. I wish you were here to teach me all about it. I wish you could teach me how to control those dark desires. To use it for strength and courage, rather than despair and hatred. You were quite the warrior if you were able to siphon such a thing, you know? I wish I could remember you and your name. The only thing you left me was my last name; Xhali. Yet there are a million Xha'li's out there is there not?""I wonder which one were you?""Someday, I'll know what you looked like. Someday I'll know your deeds. Despite my memories of you being blurry, I remember your stories. Mother hated it so when you told me them. Your days as an outlaw. Your exploits as a lawless thaumaturge who dwelled in the shadows. Must have been fun, hm? I would have loved to hear more of your stories. Though I suppose it's time for me to make my own.""The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, now does it?""I'll be sure to remember you someday. I'll remember your name and your deeds. To this day, I can't fathom for the life of me why mother would choose you. But I suppose us outlaws have a certain charm to us, huh? Like father like daughter.""Don't worry father, I'll be sure to have fun on my own adventures. You only live once, after all. And something tells me you'd like for me to continue my rebellious streak.""As I bathe in the Light, so will I bathe in the Dark and the shadows of your deeds left behind."

Ooc Notes:

Hello hi haha :). I'm Ramen. I am a 21+ writer with several years of experience in roleplay and writing, I live in the PST time zone and am typically available during the evening or at night, around 5-11pm PST. A'strita is not just my roleplay character but also my main content character, so I might not have time for roleplay sometimes. Especially with my fluctuating schedule and my tendency to be bad at planning things. But I try my best to be around, nevertheless. I'm always willing to RP even if takes a while for me to eventually get to it. I'm just kind of like that sometimes, and sometimes forgetful due to ADHD. Please add me on discord and send me a dm if you find my carrd and wanna rp. We can always set a date! All I ask is that you are respectful of my time if I am unable to roleplay or do not feel like roleplaying at the moment. Please do not hound me for roleplay, it leaves a terrible impression and makes me not want to write with you. Please be respectful of me and my boundaries as I do the same for you! I understand how the bursts of motivation to roleplay come and go depending on the season or mood. Burnout happens to the best of us, so it is always okay to take a step back, reschedule, or save our writing thread for another day! Real life always comes first, of course.My sleep schedule and work schedule are a mess, so please forgive me in advance for that. Alongside going to school and my time at work and at the gym, I can be busy! All I ask is the typical things. Don't be a creep, or toxic, mark IC interaction as OOC, and cling to me, those sorts of things. Just be a not-terrible person! I've had enough of that dealing with that in some other RP communities. I very much dislike it when people mix OOC with IC, please do not do so if you choose to roleplay with me. IC actions and consequences are also very much noted, and I expect you to adhere to them appropriately.I mirror post length but I'm typically a multi-para lit/novella roleplayer with a heavy preference toward this style. I usually shorten or lengthen posts depending on the situation, holding my longer roleplays for discord or certain situations. While in casual rp I just roleplay less. I am looking for both short and long-term roleplay, and I have a heavy preference for story-driven plots and interactions. I love long term interactions and plots, however, I do not mind casual interactions! I prefer and enjoy slow-paced interactions that allows for our characters to develop and grow with one another. Action and fight scenes are also loved, as well as character connections and scenes that allow our characters to bond and exchange themes with one another.I'm open and flexible to most RP including RP that involves dark themes. Within limits, of course, and within limits of the lore of the world and what makes sense. I'm open to RP with just about everybody about anything. And I'll always make sure to let you know if I'm uncomfortable beforehand. Including things we can discuss such as character injury, death, etc. Likewise, if you feel uncomfortable with the RP in any way please let me know! I enjoy rping with everyone and I want to have fun with everyone without coming too much out of their comfort zone. A'strita's themes heavily involve ones such as grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and maintaining hope in the face of adversity and despair. I may discuss things in my writing that can be uncomfortable to some, but I will try my hardest to write these themes with respect in mind. Please let me know beforehand if these things are triggers to you.With this in mind, I'm not interested in roleplaying with heavily modded characters or 'smut' characters. Nor characters that don't fit the setting or strictly roleplay just for erp.(Including WoL's, isekai, or 'unbeatable/all-powerful' characters) Not that I really care, you do you. But I like to keep my roleplay within the context of the world of FFXIV. It goes without saying that I do not want to RP with fetish characters or underage characters. I dislike roleplay that bends the lore of the world too much and feels too 'modern'.(though, light lore bending is okay!) I do not accept any form of godmodding/metagaming and will decline characters that do not adhere to these rules. Regarding injury, this is typically something I discuss before having a scene, but I will not accept the death of my character or extremely gruesome injuries. Finally, when it comes to ERP, this is not a focus for my character. If you approach me looking for solely ERP, I will ask you to look elsewhere. Please be 21+ (and preferably mature) if you're going to rp with me, thank you :).Regarding ERP and stories revolving sexual encounters, this is not the purpose or main pursuit of my character. While I do not mind the occasional romance scene or scenes involving sex, and am open to it, I prefer to build up to romance and sexual encounters through IC first and foremost. A'strita is currently single, and her personality can be flirty on occasion, yet I typically do not do ERP or these sorts of scenes without proper IC context and build up. Even then, it is rare for me to write these scenes, and I have to build a level of trust with you first, naturally. So please, do not expect this sort of thing right out of the gate. If at all.If my character is ever rude or sassy to you, please keep in mind it's just an IC thing! She's just like that sometimes! While my character has similarities to myself, it does not mean her IC opinions and reactions to others mirror my OOC thoughts. I am playing a character! It goes without saying that everything is IC. I try my hardest to not bleed IC into OOC. I ask you to do the same.Lastly, I cannot stress enough, do not press me for any RP interaction that makes me feel uncomfortable or hound me to roleplay with you. I will block you, blacklist you, w/e. I do not approve of racism, sexism, homophobia, or any of those sorts of things. Agreeing to roleplay is not a contract, and I go into RP with the expectation that we are free to stop at any time for any reason. RP is supposed to be fun! Not stressful in any way.That being said. I am open to establishing contact and brainstorming hooks for rp! I love establishing hooks and meeting new characters that allow for both mine and your own to grow. I love telling compelling stories with others and interweaving plots together. Do not hesitate to approach and touch base with me to see how our characters can interact and one another and tell a story! Please feel free to wu/t or DM if you want to rp or arrange a scene. I'm very shy and sometimes have a busy schedule. :*( Thank you for looking through my profile and have a good day!Discord: topramenallday
Light/Snow: Yes. :)Free CompanyArt/Commission Credit:
Lady_M3LT
Buffy(aka boofy)
OppaiHobby
Edenvgarde
Moof(aka moofy)
Double_eu
SoleilRune
Larxiel

Hooks:

You can find A'strita all throughout Eorzea and the Eastern islands. Mostly in major cities or on the road. However, she tends to stick to her home of Hingashi and Shirogane when not out on an adventure or assignment. Walking the streets on peaceful evenings and partaking in the hobbies she enjoys. A wanderer and adventurer at heart, her rebellious spirit pushes her toward locations all throughout the land. Meeting new people and getting into trouble, her heart thirsts and beats for adrenaline and adventure. Perhaps it runs in the family.A'strita has a tendency to frequent bars and watering holes, her favorite pastime tending to be as such. Listening to rumors of people in need, worthwhile ventures, or attractive propositions...While not easy to get along with A'strita, you might be able to win her heart by finding common ground with her. Sharing a drink is one way to get her to open up, or simply being from Hingashi yourself might give you an easier time piercing her rather stubborn heart.A'strita is always looking for work and new opportunities for adventure. So please, feel free to force her ear. You never know where it might lead...-Samurai: Having been taught the ways of the Samurai from a young age, A'strita is well-versed in the art of swordplay. So much so, that she offers her services as a bodyguard, bounty hunter, and mercenary throughout Etheirys. Want to learn about swordplay or have your character learn the ways of the Samurai? Or simply want to know more about Hingan traditions and customs? She's your gal...for the right price.-Red Mage: Keen with the blade, A'strita seems to fancy herself as a budding practitioner of the Red. Naturally gifted, she has enough knowledge to teach others about art to a basic level. Though she's no aetherologist and especially no White or Black mage, she can help budding mages find their way around the art. Again, for the right price. Even she still has much to learn when it comes to Red Magic, after all. Who knows, perhaps even you might be able to teach her a thing or two she does not know. She's always willing to learn new things! The Scarlet Blade still has much to learn about red magic, after all.-Kensei/Sword Saint With her newfound Samurai training and development, A'strita has learned to mix both the arts of the Red Mage and Samurai into one consistent form she has coined the Kensei. A combination of both styles, her fighting style has shifted toward this newfound art she intends to hone and grow further. Perhaps someone in a similar situation such as herself could learn a thing or two? The Kensei has much to learn still. Yet despite her inexperience, evil should be wary. Twelve help the wicked unfortunate enough to cross this spellblade's path.-Cartenau: Were you around during the battle of Cartenau all of those years ago? If so, perhaps you can help shed some light on the mystery regarding her long-lost family and tribe.-Wild Rose: The Wild Rose of Hingashi is a name known throughout the lands of Eorzea and Eastern provinces. A cold-blooded slaver and mercenary. In some talks, an assassin and bodyguard to one of Hingashi's most infamous crime lords. Could this be the same woman regarding such rumors and hearsay? Perhaps up to her to decide. Or yourself...-Yakuza background: Having led a past life as a member of the Hingashi yakuza, she is a known outlaw and is wanted in some city-states for her crimes. Is your character a bounty hunter or affiliated with underground crime operations? Perhaps a member of the Yakuza as well or some sort of peace-keeping agent? She might be able to fill you in on her past if you gain her trust. She might even be a reminder of your own past. Who's to say?-Gambler: Her first claim to fame upon coming to Eorzea was her exploits in the underground gambling scene of The Gold Saucer. Racking up a large amount of debt and being banned from most establishments in the process. Perhaps your character has an unpaid debt to claim from A'strita. Or maybe would like to engage her in a gamble or game as a fellow gambler. Whatever the case, she is not one to give up a challenge. In fact, she seems to welcome it from time to time. A dangerous habit of hers that she's too stubborn to let go of. Yet living in a world so cruel, sometimes the thrill of such a challenge is what one may live for...-Hingan: Having lived a life in Hingashi and its surrounding regions, she knows much about the East. And of course, is always more than willing to talk about it with others who also hail from the same province. Perhaps talking about her home with others is the one thing she'd do for free. More often than not, she enjoys spending time reminiscing on the better parts of her life there.-Mercenary: A'strita spends much of her days working as a mercenary and bounty hunter for various groups across Etheirys. Whether it be tracking down lost relics or hunting down elusive bounties, she has a rather extensive catalogue of skills to grant her the title of a capable merc. Skills she'd no doubt let you know full well of. Do you have a job, morally ambiguous or not that you'd be happy to pay a hefty amount of gil to see done? She'd be happy to lend an ear.-The Final Days: Amidst the chaos and despair of the Final Days, rumors would spread of a black-haired Miqo'te armed with a katana cutting down the blasphemous creatures in her path, saving those caught in the onslaught ravaging the streets of Radz-at-Han. This woman would have a remarkable similarity to the one known as the Wild Rose. Could they be the same? Alas, this woman would have seemed to have perished in the crossfire. Or at least...that's what is said. Her body has never been found amidst the rubble...

Inspirations:

Aesthetic:

Playlist