Applecube's Blog Thing

I do not control the muses. When they offer me ideas, I can only hope I'll have the MP to write those ideas down, no matter what they may be. In this case, it was about my friend's Warrior of Light, Shio Shinju. You can find her over on @the-littlest-kojin. Now, despite looking like a Raen, she was raised by the Kojin of the Blue, and is one, far as I'm concerned. It did get me to thinking, how would other NPC's respond and react to learning that about Shio? Nice as it would be that they would all be lovely, supportive, and accepting, they are not perfect. As anyone who feels their body does not reflect who they are will tell you, there can be a wide range of reactions from people. Thus I present, a list. Please note, there are some names on this list that do not pop up until later expansions, including names that don't pop up until the latest expansion. The names for Endwalker I'll try to put put under the Read More. So consider yourself warned.

Minfillia- doesn't understand, "tries", messes up a lot

Thancred- doesn't understand, still tries, never messes up

Y'shtola- doesn't understand, asks a lot of questions that end up bordering on, to being, actively rude. One time, a Thancred that was already having a bad day snapped and started flipping Y'shtola's questions back on her. She quickly got the idea and the questions have significantly lessened. 

Urianger- went on a near poetic spree about how it's the soul that matters, not the flesh. Never messes up. 

Lyse- tries to understand, doesn't fully get it, but tries anyway. Sometimes messes up. "confused but she got the spirit" 

Papalymo- outright refuses. This earns him an earful from Lyse (and Thancred in private) every time. 

At this point Thancred is recognizing and standing with Shio on her identity just as much out of spite as anything. Part of it is still trying to respect Shio, but part of it is out of spite now.

Alphinaud- doesn't understand, trying to, but questions are worse than Y'shtola's somehow

Alisaie- kind of gets it, is trying since it makes Shio happy. Actually does her own research and chastises her brother. 

Tataru- very confused, but does try. She also messes up, but her apologies feel more genuine than Minfillia's. Incorporates little turtles somewhere in each outfit made. 

Krile- understands and accepts immediately, never messes up. Something something echo. 

G'raha- may be the worst. Says he understands, says he cares, but clearly has not, can not, and will not internalize it. His words and his actions blatantly at odds.

Estinien- kind of gets it? He assumes it's something akin to how powerful dragoons are basically part dragon. Having seen Shio's prowess in water, he assumes all Kojin are this amazing aquatic warrior race. This was all internal, so Shio may not be aware that was his logic, but he did seem to get it, and didn't mess up. When he was visiting the Far East, he did stop in Tamamizu, and upon talking with the Kojin there, came to understand better. He apologizes next time he sees Shio, saying only "for not fully understanding you". 

During Stormblood, Lyse and Alisaie comment on how Shio is "like a Kojin!", something they've both done often, not realizing. But this time it was within earshot of one of Shio's brothers, who pulls them aside and explains why what they are saying is wrong. Shio is not like a Kojin, she is one. Alisaie and Lyse understand, and feel awful, apologizing. Both do not make the mistake again. 

Hien, Gosestsu, Yugiri- immediately understand and accept, apologizing for ever messing up. 

Also Hein has a discussion with Shio late one night, after a bunch of sake, when he thinks Gosestsu and Yugiri aren't listening. He wonders if he might be happier as Xeala, talking wistfully and joyfully about his time among them in the Steppes, how now in this palace he feels out of place. He claims it was merely a joke. He's lying to himself. It was not. 

Aymeric- smiles, nods, doesn't understand. Gets what literature he can, but it only confuses him more. It's not until Estinien comes back and explains it to him, does he kinda sorta get it. 

Raubahn- at first, thought that's what Raen called themselves. It wasn't until meeting Yugiri that he was corrected, then had things explained to him. Understands better now, though also believes the Kojin are a powerful underwater warrior peoples. 

Nanamo- confused, asks questions earnestly, trying to learn. Thinks she gets it, and kind of does. Would like to see Tamamizu one day. 

Merlwyb- really does not get it for the longest time. She does eventually come around, and makes clear any sign of calling Shio anything but Kojin is a sign of disrespect, but it does take her a bit. She may be a force for progress and change in Limsa, but she's still Limsan. Stubborn as any of them. 

Kann-E Senna- genuinely hard to tell. Always keeps that same practiced smile on her face. She calls Shio "Kojin", but does she believe or understand? Unclear. 

Gaius- "Why would you ever want be one of those beasts-" gets cut off by angry turtle

Zeno- "If I gutted every beastman there, then would you fight me with that same fervor?" which threatening that does work, much to his joy

Feo Ul- first needs an explanation of what Kojin are. Then points out "well of course you're one! You swim better than any other, you have respect for the spirits, and I've seen my precious sapling take hits from those nasty lightwardens straight to her back and been fine! So clearly you must have a hard shell back there!" then after a moment. "[appropriate pet name], if you are displeased with your form, know that I can shape it into whatever will make you happy. I'll adore you no matter what shape you take."

Matoya- Doesn't care what Shio is (and that is how she terms it), just leave her alone. She does chastise Alphinaud and Y'shtola at one point- "Let people be who they are, and mind your own!" 

1) Romanceable NPC

2) Quest Giver NPC

3) The Final Boss of a game

8 Stars

The group takes a break to sit on the shores of Gangos, and admire the night sky.

Lihtbryda Syngwyn (left) @the-littlest-kojin

Bitter Kukuru (center) mine

7- Skies

Bitter talks with the leader of the Redbills about some “treasure” that rumors say fell into their hands. Artifacts and tomes Sharlayan would be very interested in- making it her job to get them.Lihtbryda stands guard, wary of the pirates, as Tisiphone talks about something with the Tarboy. He was rather mouthy when the party first arrived, but has gone quiet since Tisiphone started talking to him. Mameme the Shiba is receiving pets, and is therefore pleased.

Tisiphone Nightblood @clan-nightblood

Lihtbryda Syngwyn @the-littlest-kojin

6- Seas

Bitter does not like traveling by boat. At all. Any way she can avoid it, she will. Unfortunately, her duties don’t always allow for that, and we all must pay the piper. As Bitter loses the contents of her stomach, Lihtbryda enjoys the fresh air, and Tisiphone is a little bit concerned.

Tisiphone Nightblood @clan-nightblood

Lihtbryda Syngwyn @the-littlest-kojin

5- Streets

Continuing the search for materials, the party travels to a ruined city. They come across a wandering hostile, and prepare for battle. Tisiphone Nightblood @clan-nightblood

Lihtbryda Syngwyn @the-littlest-kojin

4- Desert Unfortunately, as good as Lihtbryda is in the cold, she is just that much worse in the heat. Hardly any time at all was spent in the desert sun before the mercenary collapsed with heat exhaustion, and her companions rushed her to an oasis to cool off. Tisiphone is splashing some water on the overheated Roegayden, while Bitter relaxes by the water’s edge.

Left- Tisiphone Nightblood @clan-nightblood

Center- Lihtbryda Syngwyn @the-littlest-kojin

3- Mountain

This time the crew was in the Coerthas Central Highlands when a sudden snowstorm hit. Fortunately, Bitter had a couple draughts of a potion meant to warm. Add to that her bodyguard is very warm- practically more than the hurriedly built campfire. Tisiphone did not seem too bothered by the cold, oddly, but enjoyed Lihtbryda’s warmth nonetheless. A nice happy warm musclepile.

Bitter Kukuru (left)- Mine

Lihtbryda Syngwyn (center)- @the-littlest-kojin

Day 2- Forest

Tisiphone said she knew a great place to gather resources that researchers would be interested in! It’s... mostly cleaned of voidsent. Besides, there’s a bodyguard there!

Also bonus pics of some special unexpected guests in the background!

Left- Lihtbryda Syngwyn belonging to @the-littlest-kojin

Center- Bitter Kukuru belonging to me