#aki posts

   Various headcanons for the races that populate the world of FFXIV!

Greeting and Tradition HCs [Miqo’te]:

Seekers (of the Sun) greet family/loved ones by pressing the crown of their heads together. 

Keepers (of the Moon) greet their loved ones with nose touches. 

Keeper/Seeker close greetings are cheek-to-cheek. A middle ground for them both. 

Largely put into motion by Hyur (and related) influences, Miqo’te have also added in a hand-greeting for those who wish to not get so close. (Also as a way of being polite to strangers of either Miqo side.) The way this is done is one offers a hand- palm up- and the other reaches out, as if to give a “low-five.” Instead, fingertips graze over the palm.

Up to palm is the usual, yes, but keep an eye out for those who's fingers touch the wrist; typically this denotes secret lovers in Miqo'te greeting-language.

Seekers tend to have a deeper version of "catspeak"; huffs/chuffs to denote playfulness or "calm down", deep growls with bared teeth as a show of aggression, tail wagging in anger, and so forth. 

Keepers are more domestically catlike in their "catspeak"; purrs of delight/happiness....even as a way to self-comfort. Open body language makes them easier to understand than Keepers- with some patience and a careful eye on ears and tail- but their chirps might be a little harder to translate. Just be wary of when the low growls and hissing start! 

What both can agree on, regardless of Keeper or Seeker, is the importance of their tail. Head pats aren't uncommon from other races, like the Hyur, who want to good-naturedly show positive reinforcement. A light touch of ears is fine, but petting them requires more trust. Their tails, even more than that!!! Only very close friends, family, and loved ones can pet a Miqo'te's tail without issue or fuss. 

We don't talk about the catnip. (A leafy "drug" that energizes Miqo'te to "frisky kitten" levels of wilding. Even Seekers aren't immune, and it's one of the rare times their pupils get wider. Keeper's eyes look like pools of black on catnip, always a fun sight to see!)

Body Care [Miqo’te + Au Ra]:

There’s hair care....and fur care. Ears/tails are washed with different, specialty soap that’s different from hair care. However, some of these products do overlap into two-in-ones. 

Showerheads are designed much the same: small, to avoid hitting the ears (or at least being gentle when it happens).

Horn washing is a serious business, whether Xaela or Raen. Two-in-ones for washing and prep polishing horns, then an after-polish for post-bathing cleanliness.

Seeker Names [Miqo’te]:

It’s well known that Seeker culture is quite unique...especially when it comes to names. There is an importance of their abbreviated or personal name that isn’t found elsewhere. An example being X'rhun Tia. X refers to the X (Lynx) tribe. Rhun is his given name....and Tia, his status. 

 So it is stressed, due to this interesting difference, that saying a Seeker's true name (ex: Rhun) is a highly personal and intimate matter. Either dear, close friendship or to indicate romantic ties; either way, it shows a closeness in words where nothing else might.

Hormones and Dating [Miqo’te + Au Ra + Elezen]:

What defines a Nunh from a Tia is typically hormone levels. Their innate aggression and want to lead typically is what sets some Tia above the others for potential Nunh positions.....but, of course, isn't always guaranteed. The biggest messes of power-changed typically happen for later-in-life Nunh or if they've come upon an illness. While it isn't uncommon for there to be two Nunh to a tribe.....they rarely go well for the long-term. (But quite a few have worked out, due to the nature of some Seekers simply preferring mind over matter.....or numbers above all else.) 

You can actually see some Seeker cultured mirrored in the Xaela; their penchant for violence oft sees them using it to draw eyes their way.... 

Though that makes the Raen and Keeper tribes similar, as well; Raen Auri would prefer to woo their prospective loves with a variety of things (items to shows of prowess, such as dancing), though it depends on location of said Raen. (Doma/Higanshi warriors, for example, still feel that occasional, primal need to draw eyes via a sparring match out in public eye.) Keepers are a pickier bunch, but it's not uncommon to see men vying for attention from would-be mates in any manner of show or keepsake.....shame that so few (if any) ever stick around. 

Elezen dating culture is quite similar to the Hyur and Lalafell (likely due to proximity most have encountered). The Duskwight might be more "simple" with their gifts, but they have been renowned as heartfelt items (or tools), as they are typically handmade. Compare to the Wildwood or Elezen of Ishgard, who either rely on Hyur tactics (gift-giving; bought and occasionally made) or- a popular option with those from Ishgard- to make or commission a gift specifically made for their love. Tailoring gifts to suit needs is- regardless of race- an endless Elezen custom.

On the note of Seekers, it isn't uncommon for Tias who have left or otherwise deflected from their tribe to start experiencing a hormone boost. With no rule over their head aside from their own judgement, the urge to become the "Nunh" of their own "tribe" often becomes a persistent thought. 

And yes, this has led to the creation of potions to soothe these hormones into something more docile. Though another, albeit emotionally painful remedy, is social isolation. The less time a Tia spends around the populace, the better for their hormone levels. 

   Valmir, as always, looks stunning amidst the Twelveswood green...and oh! When he smiles...!

   I think the funniest thing about having WoL/NPC ships is the hilarity that so many of the things I come up with have a sliding scale of how deep or chaotically silly they can get. Specifically speaking of how, at one instance, there can be a deep moment shared between them. Worries are shared, bonds are forged stronger, both come out of it seeing the other person in a different light... Maybe they even touched upon something no other knows about.

   ...Yet these same characters will, say, end up partying hard at the Gold Saucer. Going fishing, regardless if they are pals, lovers, or enemies. (Don’t forget the fitting outfits for such a venture!)

   Long story short, I’m mulling such thoughts over because meeting Magnai and knowing better well how he acts in game (finally understood properly, and not just secondhand through fandom, LMAO), is... Well. It prompts hilarious thoughts with Ajisai.

   The gang’s gotten so big already...!

From left to right:

Rhela Dakwhil - Ajisai Sumida

   I’karus Tia - Alexios Chaunteau

   I was- admittedly- kinda disappointed to learn that there was only one wedding chapel in all of the lands...and it being very basic, to boot. Where was the pizzazz? The aesthetics?? The options?!?

   So I took it into my own hands. I’ve come up with some potential ideas for alternate wedding chapels in FFXIV, from other Eorzean locations to beyond that! I’m missing some locations still, of course, so if you’d like to request an additional “what if wedding chapel”, just let me know!

   That being said... Let’s start with La Noscea.

   We want some wood-stone hybrids going on, here! Something much like this image, but, of course, with the typical large space as seen in the Twelveswood chapel and a window in the front to view the ocean beyond.

   With higher tiers of marriage (Gold + Platinum), you could gain additional decorations to fit the location (oceanic tie-backs and sea glass, maybe?), but the dress and tux stay about the same.

Wind-up Adventurer

   A timid healer wind-up, inspired by the days of the Warrior’s youth. Watch your feet while walking; their shyness is prone to have them cling to your leg.

Type: Restoration

[Based off of Rhela in ARR. Likely would have them dressed in green healer’s gear, as they were wont to do at the time.]

Wind-up Snowcat

   In memory of the Warrior’s victory in the war (and short term stay) in Ishgard, smiths were sent to the workshops to make this likeness of the hero. Named for the bundle of furs they’re dolled up in, be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they stay warm.

Type: ??

[Based off of Rhela in HW. Specifically because the idea of a bundled up poppet-type is adorable. And when it’s a bundled up WoL, wouldn’t that sell all the better...? Hehehe!]

Wind-up Rhela

   The latest iteration of the Warrior’s looks, this one captures their likeness best. Dressed in their favorite adventuring coat and armed to heal, take a miniature Warrior of Light with you, wherever your own travels may lead!

Type: Restoration

[Rhela of SHB and, hopefully, beyond. LMAO! I’m sure the smiths would hope so, at least...but the weavers are probably being paid well for alternate clothes.]

Wind-up Ajisai

   Dressed in a fanciful hybrid of the Azim Steppe and Higanshi- where this royal lady once resided- one gets the best of both worlds owning this limited-edition puppet! Warning that the sass might be high with this one...

Type: ??

I can see why it's so highly praised, it's really good, and there were a few parts that nearly made me cry (I didn't only because I was in public oops).