#windup-dragoon

Character Bingo Meme

so it is. probably not a secret that I love Lucia Junius. I was left unattended and wrote almost 80k words in service of that adoration of her character and speculating on her backstory. I've joked for years that I love Lucia more than square enix, even, and I'm still not unconvinced of that even after 6.0.

There are so many things that are implied about her character, or are shown through interactions and dialogue!!! She has a sense of humor dryer than the desert, her wit is sharper than her sword, and she looks like she gives amazing hugs.

She can read an entire room of people while barely speaking to any of them- but works best with a charmer in the crowd getting people to actively engage. She is reticent to the point of being a brick wall when we first meet her- if you try to talk to her when you don't have to, she gives a short but cordial request to focus elsewhere. She's reading you. She doesn't want to engage until she's deemed it right. Until she's deemed you right.

Befriending her is like befriending a stray cat that someone left behind when they moved: if she approaches you, it's on her terms, and by such slow degrees you won't realize she's leaning comfortably against your arm until she looks like she's always been there.

She always works best bouncing off of another person as a dynamic, and that's consistent throughout the writing- it's just that, by degrees, you become the person she's comfortable enough to bounce off of, and that's TOP TIER!!!!!

So...I got bingo! I did an honorable mention but didn't count the "nothing I like about them is technically canon" bit because while everything I love about Lucia as a character is from canon observation, the writing is so reluctant to let Lucia breathe as a character for longer than a few moments that at times it feels like it's openly hostile to the idea and in this essa-

He is a fascinating character, and I’m a little sad his short story is in a physical book many don’t have the chance to buy (if you can get it from SE or off another bookseller like Amazon, I do recommend Chronicles of Light).

Gosetsu’s made a lot of mistakes in his long life, and has many regrets, but he allows them to temper him, to learn from them, and he tries to pass that hard-won knowledge on to those now in their own positions. His love for Hien is a major aspect of his character. As is his love for Tsuyu and I wish the EN had gone more into the Grandfather & Granddaughter relationship.

He’s willing to admit when he’s wrong, like when he doesn’t understand the Dotharl and other Steppe tribes, but comes to respect their beliefs anyway, comparing them to some other things he’s experienced in his life.

It’s hard not to remember his first scene, this giant man with a giant voice and the comical aspects we first see--and it does nothing to diminish his badass moments later. He’s an unstoppable force of nature, even after his injuries catch up to him. His will and his kindness are just as strong.

I wouldn’t mind running into him on his pilgrimage again, just checking in to see that he’s doing OK. Maybe getting some friendly words of wisdom and hearing that big laugh once more--that would be nice.

No matter if it's a night in or a night out, Synnove is definitely aiming for relativity peaceful! Both she and Aymeric deal with far too much insanity in their jobs (and that's not even touching the Warrior of Light business), so the focus of a date night would be something relaxing first and foremost, or at least lowkey.

"Outside Ishgard" is Synnove's wheelhouse for dates to begin with and, of course, that's going to be Limsa Lominsa. (She knows Ul'dah well, but she sure as hell won't be taking anyone on a date there; Aymeric is also a little too recognizable there as the Lord Commander, versus in Limsa Lominsa, where he doesn't often travel except as 'Synnove's beau.') For a night out, first and most important is dinner!

The Bismarck is a popular choice, especially because in addition to their classic menu, they have a rotating seasonal/experimental menu and it's always fun to find out what wonders and horrors the Culinarians' Guild has wrought. More often, Synnove's goal is to expand Aymeric's palate--and spice tolerance--and there's always an old favorite or new restaurant to try. There are Thavnairian places, Ul'dahn, a Hingan noodle shop that just opened, the Singing Griffin owned by the Reeves and the single best place west of Gyr Abania (and Aunt Angharad's kitchen) for Ala Mhigan fair, that Gridanian hole-in-the-wall whose stews are superb in winter. Or, they could go for something simple and casual, like something from one of the food boats, or even just purchase a bucket or two of oysters from the Fishermen's Guild and sit on the quay with their feet in the water while they shuck and slurp oysters.

After, depending on the night, Synnove and Aymeric might meander around the city and find a quiet spot of the boardwalk or cliff in the city to watch the stars come out. Or perhaps a play or concert: there are a couple of troupes who perform free shows at spots throughout the city, though the Anchor Yard and the open plaza at the Aftcastle are the most popular, as well as a handful of 'proper' theaters, and both are excellent options for both serious dramas and more light-hearted fare in terms of plays (though the open-air shows are better for concerts--spontaneous dancing always happens at those!). There are a few dance halls, too, plus cafes and bookshops that stay open late for poetry or novel readings. Synnove typically has a small list of activities to pick from, and will choose after dinner once she's judged hers and Aymeric's moods and energy levels.

For a date night at home, she'll make one of the fancier dishes she's good at and make either one of Aymeric's favorites for dessert or introduce him to another Gyr Abanian one. In spring, summer, and autumn, if the weather is nice, she'll set up the table and chairs in the yard or on the patio; she'll break out a bottle of Bacchus, too. After dinner, they'll likely either stargaze on a blanket spread out in the yard or relax in the living room with Aymeric resting his head in Synnove's lap.

Muse Things: send a prompt for some character facts.

When was the last time they laughed?

Verdandir is actually very likely to laugh on a regular basis. At heart, she is a joyful being, and she is drawn to positive emotions and places. As such, even if she doesn't understand the nuance of a joke being told, she will join in the laughter and merriment while taking note of the 'why' as she goes.

Do they express themselves through words or deeds?

She's far more comfortable 'doing' than 'saying' for a number of reasons. Because of her 'otherness', she worries that she might not be able to communicate verbally to those outside of her species and their unique view/approach to life. Showing her intentions through actions seems a safer and more active way to make herself understood, in her opinion. Could this get her in trouble....? Probably. Will she keep doing it anyway? YUP.

What is their personal kryptonite?

( stormblood shenanigans ) with @windup-dragoon | @heirsofdiscord | @ffxiv-sunderedsouls

put ☎ in my ask for your muses info in my muses phone [accepting]

NAME: Kirishimi 🐉 RINGTONE: Probably something funny relating to an inside joke Kiri and Illya made with each other like Imperial March. Getting a call from Kiri and hearing that menacing ringtone, Illya always wonder what Kiri is up to this time.  PICTURE: A frog. Because Kiri probably sends a picture of one to Illya every other day. LAST TEXT SENT:

[link to some health website] [link to an article about why one should rest while having a sprained ankle] [link to a recipe for herbal tea] I’m taking a day off from the infirmary please do not do anything silly!!!

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NAME: Lord Hien  RINGTONE: Doman national anthem PICTURE: Picture of Hien eating a bowl of ramen and choking on a bamboo shoot that Kiri shared.  LAST TEXT SENT: