For it is a transient soul,

an old memory ⸻

⸻ an impermanence reawakened.

❝ As long as I have strength left to fight,

The name of Lanius is known amongst the Temple Knights, but not for reasons of glory and grandeur. A unit lost to wyrmfire under the watch of an outsider who should've never held a position of leadership in the first place, but no matter; he was granted pardon after he returned, wasn't he?Surely, all's well that ends. And there were so many misunderstandings towards the end of the archbishop's reign, weren't there?A master of strategy and one who never hesitates to place himself in the line of danger to protect those he loves, Shri'ke has proven a formidable opponent for those who threaten his comrades—or the tentative, fragile peace they've managed to build for themselves.

I won't back down. No matter what. ❞

ㅤData Centerㅤ

Primal

ㅤWorld Serverㅤ

Ultros

ㅤTimezoneㅤ

EST

ㅤWritten Byㅤ

Chevalure

⸻ Dossier .

I'm ripe with severed faith,

You wear the only scar.

About .

Affiliations .

ㅤEorzeanㅤ

Native

ㅤHuntspeakㅤ

Native

ㅤOld Ishgardianㅤ

Intermediate

ㅤGarleanㅤ

Elementary

Personality .

ㅤDETERMINATIONㅤ ◈ Despite all he has been through, there is a relentless tenacity to Shri'ke that refuses to surrender. There have been so many opportunities for him to succumb, to stop fighting, to simply be done, but he’s refused, continuing to fight and forge a better path for the causes in which he believes.ㅤDEVOTIONㅤ ◈ Whether it is aligning himself to a person or a cause, once Shri'ke commits, his loyalty is unwavering, unless given thorough proof and reason to question it. His oath is his promise, his word acting as an extended definition of himself.ㅤPROTECTIONㅤ ◈ Shri'ke is protective of those to whom he's aligned himself, certainly to a fault. Should any of his friends or loved ones come under fire, he'll not hesitate to place himself between them and the threat, regardless of the consequences. His worth exists in providing a shield that can defend those in need of it.ㅤINTREPIDATIONㅤ ◈ For all his skill in battle strategy, Shri'ke tends to rush into conflict when he perceives that anyone else could come to harm, especially if he feels responsible for their safety. He’s ready and willing to throw himself into the path of danger, and he’ll often do so even if he doesn’t fully understand the situation. A plan can form after, once the hazard has been intercepted.

Lifestyle .

◈ Likes ⸻

Sparring. Discussing combat strategies. Camping in the woods. Fishing for recreation. Keeping busy.

◈ Dislikes ⸻

Idleness. Lying directed towards him. Dishonorable conduct in battle. Cowardice. Sleeping in too late.

◈ Habits ⸻

Often is one of the first to rise within the Luvese Manor to pursue a morning workout routine. Snores lightly in his sleep. Adds an inflection of "yeah?" to most phrases.

◈ Hobbies ⸻

Enjoys cooking, primarily in a more rustic fashion (i.e. over a campfire). Was taught to fish at a young age and still indulges in it when he has the chance.

Mentality .

⸻ Strengths ◈

Combat strategy. Leadership. Communicating. Empathy and understanding. Willingness to give second chances.

⸻ Weaknesses ◈

Deception and manipulation. Often believes the best of people and is disappointed. Rushing in without thinking.

⸻ Motivations ◈

To protect his loved ones and comrades. To live on in the memory of those he has lost. To help rebuild Ishgard and support its restoration. Ultimately, though: it is to serve.

⸻ Fears ◈

Of losing his comrades due to his own failures. More than anything else, it is his most permeating, crippling fear. He will often do anything to intervene should this be a threat.

Appearance .

As a result of a lifetime of combat training, Shri'ke has developed a defined, athletic build with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Much of his strength rests in his upper body, having spent many cycles training to swing a greatsword with ease, as well as his strong thighs, lending to his speed. He prefers wielding larger, heavier gunblades as a result of these past proficiencies.He has a strong, angled jaw with prominent cheekbones. His forehead appears somewhat high due to his widow's peak, which is hidden beneath the layers of his longer bangs.He most often dresses in formal military coats, but in terms of battle gear, Shri'ke prefers longer coats and leathers layered over combat bodysuits, if only because they provide a better range of movement than more restrictive armor. The majority of his wardrobe contains some sort of fur accent, typically around the collar.

Notable Traits .

ㅤDRAGON'S MARKㅤ ◈ Left by the cruel talon of a broodmother, the deep, jagged scar on the left side of his jaw exists as an enduring reminder of his fallen comrades and his failure to protect them. Considering the great wyrm had intended to rend his flesh from his face, however, it's a miracle he survived to remember them at all.ㅤHARD OF HEARINGㅤ ◈ The shrill roar of that same broodmother reverberated throughout the cave, and the thunderous sound damaged Shri'ke's right ear, rendering him almost entirely deaf on that side. Occasionally, he will miss words spoken to him from that direction, and opponents might find that it serves as an opening for their attacks. To compensate, his sense of smell has grown significantly stronger.ㅤAGAINST ALL ODDSㅤ ◈ In a similar vein of being scarred by prey much larger than him, Shri'ke bears a rather vicious set of scars upon his torso: the first, an entry wound at the middle of his back that stretches five ilms in diameter; the second, an explosive exit wound from his stomach. A glance at these scars, should they be visible, would tell one they were earned more recently than others.ㅤSTORMFRONTㅤ ◈ Shri'ke's aether, while there seems to be a typical abundance of it, feels rather dormant, as if he tends not to utilize it (outside of aether-charged cartridges). That being said, though it feels untouched: it is strong and relentless, aspected primarily with levin and charged with the relentless perseverance of an oncoming stormfront – but similar to a storm, there is within it a lurking darkness.

Analysis .

Weapons .

◈ The Resolve ⸻

Shri'ke primarily fights with The Resolve, a replica gunblade awarded for his service in Bozja, though he has several other models in his arsenal that he'll switch between depending on the needs of the situation.(Much to his best friend's dismay, he still tends to swing the Resolve around like it's a greatsword at times. But hey, at least it's not all the time anymore; he's steadily improving with the cartridge functions.)

◈ The Ascent ⸻

That being said, Shri'ke's only been fighting with a gunblade for two summers now; his expertise lies in wielding greatswords, as it was his primary weapon while serving in the Temple Knights.He is still in possession of the main blade he fought with while enlisted: the Ascent. It bears obvious signs of extensive use in the form of scratches, fractures, and a hint of bloodstains that have never seemed to fade.

◈ Absolution & Atonement ⸻

The sword and shield that were wielded by his late mentor, Gwenaëlle; its resemblance is similar to that of a weapon of legend, though the elderly Elezen knight always insisted there was nothing particularly special about her blade and its corresponding shield.Shri'ke keeps the set in a protective display case within his office, and at this time, he has yet to be given a reason to wield these weapons himself.

◈ Last Judgment ⸻

Shri'ke seems to have recently acquired the ability to manifest a greatsword using aether aspected to the Dark Arts, the source of which is unclear. It is an effort he appears to rely on only when circumstances grow dire, using it as a last resort when all else fails.The sword itself is a fractured, broken thing, and while it appears to be composed of that dark energy, it is Shri'ke's own aether that holds the blade together.

Abilities .

⸻ Imbued Cartridges ◈

Like the majority of Bozjan-taught gunbreakers, Shri'ke uses cartridges imbued with aether to instigate different abilities in combat. He favors those that enact shields and those that can be detonated like explosives.Though he is capable of imbuing the cartridges himself, Shri'ke has a significant supply of pre-imbued cartridges he's still working through from his time serving in Bozja, sent home with him by his mentor.

⸻ Ammo Cartridges ◈

As of this past Starlight, Leon has introduced Shri'ke to something he's felt has been sorely lacking in Shri'ke's gunblade arsenal: proper ammo cartridges, a staple of Garlean gunblade wielders.Thus far, Shri'ke's aim has left something to be desired, but then again, he's never been good with ranged weapons. Under Leon's instruction, however, he's gradually begun to improve: at least he's hitting more than he's missing now.

⸻ Levin Augmentation ◈

When it comes to executing a more intensive assault against an opponent, particularly those that involve aerial maneuvers, Shri'ke will often augment his gunblade or greatsword with his own aether, which is naturally aespected towards the element of levin.Using this ability is incredibly draining for him, being one who doesn't utilize his aether in combat otherwise; as such, his capacity to do so is very limited.

⸻ Enhanced Agility ◈

Shri'ke has always been quick; his natural feline dexterity lends itself well to his speed, which he readily uses to his advantage against his opponents. He is difficult to catch, often dodging and weaving just out of reach before an enemy's blow has the opportunity to land.As of late, however, there is something–unnatural about Shri'ke's agility. It is ever so slightly too fast, his form seeming to blur just at the edges.

⸻ Story .

All is well that ends well,

but all is well that ends.

⸻ Desertborn .

ㅤWIGHTROCKㅤㅤ◈ CHILDHOOD ; 1551-1565

Within the arid plateau of Wightrock, nestled amidst the eastern peaks of Abalathia's Spine, rested the hunting grounds of the Vererkrya tribe. Composed of four converging family clans, the band of Keepers was one that refrained from progressing past Ala Mhigo during the Great Migration, instead intending to remain within the desert clime.Shri'ke was born to the tribe just upon the arrival of the Sixth Astral Moon of 1551. Being the first son his mother bore following his three elder sisters, he was quickly driven to hone his hunting instincts rather than pursue a role of leadership, as it was intended that he would follow in the steps of his father and become a provider for the Vererkrya. Thus, much of his childhood was spent roaming the desert: learning to stalk, to slice, to shred.To slaughter.In spite of this, the young Miqo'te never quite lost the core of his natural disposition: his strict moral compass; his desire to aid those around him; his belief and trust in the good of others. The latter was tested time and time again, particularly by the Garlean occupants of the region, and one such encounter with them nearly ended poorly for Shri'ke, were it not avoided thanks to the intervention of Gwenäelle, an aged Temple Knight who happened to be witness to the incident in Ala Ghiri and sought to intervene before a child could come to harm.

⸻ Northbound .

ㅤCOERTHASㅤㅤ◈ 18 SUMMERS ; 1566

After coming to Shri'ke's aid as a child, Gwenäelle made it a habit of stopping by the lands of the Vererkrya whenever her patrols would bring her to the lands of Gyr Abania. She would often seek out the young Miqo'te within whom she'd seen such promise, offering to train him with a variety of blades. All the while, Gwenäelle would regale him with tales of a far-off land called Ishgard, telling stories of dragons and knights clad in armor and lancers who would leap across the very skies.Upon Shri'ke's eighteenth summer, Gwenäelle did not visit the hunting grounds. But a courier did: one who carried with them the elderly knight's will, for Shri'ke's name was mentioned within its inked scrawl. Gwenäelle's final request was that, should Shri'ke wish to enlist with the Temple Knights, he be given permission to do so, in spite of the fact that he was an outsider to the city-state of Ishgard.You might choose to decline, the courier had said. They had sounded so encouraging of this choice, nigh to the point of adamancy. Shri'ke, however, was lost in thought of the ruddy glow in his mentor's cheeks as she'd spoken of her fellow Knights, of her own dream of one day seeing Ishgard liberated from the thousand-year siege Her Walls had suffered, and of the betrayals and corruption she'd begun to witness amidst her own ranks and those beyond–and he made his decision.Within the same moon, Shri'ke departed from Gyr Abania to make for Coerthas, clad in the combat garb his elder sisters' had put together from their own Resistance unit's wares. 'Twas a long journey, but thus was one thing proven: the Keeper was a stubborn, tenacious thing.

⸻ Knighthood .

ㅤISHGARDㅤㅤ◈ 18-27 SUMMERS ; 1566-1574

When he arrived within Foundation's walls and made his way to the Congregation, eyes were already upon him. An outsider, so boldly striding into the headquarters of the Temple Knights? He might've been dismissed outright, were it not for Gwenäelle's will clasped in his hand. Within it bore the recommendation of a high-ranking officer; Gwenäelle had never sought to reveal her station to Shri'ke, though now did several pieces align for the young Miqo'te.Of course. If corruption was her concern, then, perhaps an outsider could see that her vision was upheld, at least in some small way.The will and recommendation were both accepted. When asked for a name, Shri'ke gave a nickname used by his mother: Lanius. It was under this name that he spent his service, beginning first as Squire Lanius. 'Twas a short-lived squireship, for his assigned knight was none too enthused by the prospect of mentoring an outsider. No matter. Shri'ke trained with the utmost diligence, even if those overseeing him didn't care as to his performance. He became quite adept with the greatsword, foregoing ranged weaponry in favor of remaining up close with the threat and diverting attention to himself rather than his comrades.Much to the dismay of those in charge, as well as the majority of those he served alongside, Shri'ke managed to prove himself and climb the ranks, going so far as to earn the title of Ser. He might not have gone further, but the Calamity struck, harsh and unforgiving.

⸻ Firescorned .

ㅤCOERTHASㅤㅤ◈ 27 SUMMERS ; 1574

The Calamity plunged Eorzea into a crisis situation, and the Temple Knights were no exception. Witnessing a rapid onset of climate fluctuation, a vast majority of units stationed far out in Coerthas were compromised when the deep freeze swept across the land. And, as with any crisis, those in charge looked to the assets they had on hand.The outsider Knight was one of them: for while an Elezen's ears were keen of hearing and a Hyur's sight decent enough in a blizzard, neither compared to Shri'ke's tracking abilities and natural sense of smell. Within bells of the Calamity striking, Shri'ke found himself thrust into the role of Commander with a small search and rescue unit under his jurisdiction, given a singular mission: bring them back.And so their unit did as told. Scraped together and haphazard though they were, they retrieved as many members of the companies stranded in the Highlands and the Owl's Nest outpost as they could manage to return to Falcon's Nest. There was a bond forged during the harsh conditions of that mission, and thus did Shri'ke approach those in charge with a petition: that the members of this unit remain together and operational for search and rescue under the title of the First Secours Vanguard.The one who approved the petition did so with an amused smile. And for a time, all was well.Then came the uncertainty; the accusations and panic; and the mission that sent them to die to fang and flame alike. Shri'ke heard their screams. He choked on the scents of their blood and burning flesh. But quite suddenly, there was only darkness, and then ⸻

⸻ Dissevered .

ㅤUNKNOWNㅤㅤ◈ 27-30 SUMMERS ; 1574-1577

⸻ he wandered.

⸻ Resolved .

ㅤBOZJAㅤㅤ◈ 31-32 SUMMERS ; 1578-1580

It was with a gasp of one who had drowned for years that Shri'ke clawed his way back into consciousness. He found himself in an unfamiliar land, though it was also one he knew intimately. The scent of it, the feel of the wind, the glint of the sun—he'd been here awhile. Dressed in garb he didn't recognize and unsure of his location, he picked a direction based upon faith and a prayer. That the Fury might guide him back to the land he'd come to regard as home. And lo, She did.Returning to Ishgard brought with it a slew of events: meeting with the Lord Commander to deny the charges of desertion; catching up with the fact that, during the three years of his disappearance, the Dragonsong War had concluded; and, most importantly, reuniting with Robyn, the Miqo'te he'd come to know within Foundation: one who'd feared him dead upon seeing the chocobos of the First Secours Vanguard drag themselves into Foundation, bloodied and traumatized so many cycles ago.With his rank reinstated, albeit being shifted into the reserves of the Temple Knights, rather than an active officer, Shri'ke was at first unsure of what future lay ahead of him. It would seem fitting, then, that a call to arms drew his attention. Itching for a fight he'd missed, Shri'ke readily answered the call for aid issued by the Eorzean Alliance: the nation of Bozja required help in their stand against the IVth Legion's Imperial occupation. Shri'ke all but lept at the opportunity, and accompanied by Robyn, as the marksman refused to leave his side again, the pair traveled to Gangos and joined the operation.Would that they had both returned unscathed.

⸻ Present Day .

ㅤISHGARDㅤㅤ◈ 32-34 SUMMERS ; 1581-Onwards

Upon returning to Ishgard, Shri'ke wasn't sure what to expect–least of all property being suddenly dropped into Robyn's hands by a chain of legality regarding the House in which he'd been raised. With the pair struggling to navigate the aftermath of their service in Bozja, though, it proved an aptly-timed project. A distraction, more than anything.Best of all, it gave Shri'ke the excuse to fall back in line with the Temple Knights. While not properly commanding a unit, he sought to assist with leves whenever able–and in doing so he met the man he would later call his best friend during a mission that saw them facing down a threat lingering from the phenomena of the Final Days.Shri'ke's unlikely Garlean ally would come to live with him and Robyn, and with Leon's aid, the Luvese Manor was restored to a functional state sooner than anticipated. Thus were they able to enact their intention with the property: it was to be an establishment that welcomed adventurers seeking to test their skills against others, especially those coming to Ishgard under the new policy of open borders.Running the tavern has been easier said than done for a multitude of reasons, but it has left Shri'ke in a better position than he ever thought possible: that he might have comrades who would stand beside him once more. And now that old memories have been restored, albeit not without some trouble attached, things are—alright. The tavern is running smoothly; his comrades are safe; and he's learned more about that span of lost time during his disappearance than he'd ever hoped to discover.All is well that ends well, surely.

⸻ Bonds .

Don't let the bird fly away,

or turn into a crow.

⸻ Kagou Khashri .

Shri'ke's relationship with his mother was complicated at best. As the leader of his family clan and the voice of highest authority within the tribe, it was rare that she had the time left for more maternal matters. Her expectations for Shri'ke were that he become a fierce hunter for the tribe; his decision to leave and follow his mentor's will was met with her proud resignation.

❝ No matter where your path may take you, my lanius, let it be to those who would allow you to bare your teeth. ❞

⸻ Goshauk'zi Sehntis .

As the mate to the t'aguhi of the tribe, the responsibility for leading hunts fell upon the shoulders of Shri'ke's father. Rare was it that he was present in the village, instead often being far away to organize hunting and trading between the men of the tribe and outside sources. His current whereabouts (and whether or not he survived the razing of the village) are unknown to Shri'ke.

❝ About time I showed you how to use a blade, yerekha, if you insist upon facing beasts of such stature. ❞

⸻ Kea Khashri .

The eldest of Shri'ke's sisters, Kea spent her life training to assume the role of t'aguhi from their mother. A formidable, vicious warrior in her own right, she also demonstrated a natural penchant to leadership, proving capable of taking charge of even the most challenging of situations. When the village was raided by Garlean Imperialists, Kea fearlessly led the charge against them.

❝ You'd do well to sharpen those claws of yours, little brother. I'll need you to be a keen hunter one day. ❞

⸻ Khestral Khashri .

Second-eldest in line is Khestral, and without the burden of leadership resting upon her shoulders, she eagerly threw herself into combat training, mastering the polearm. Shortly before Shri'ke left for Ishgard, Khestral led Kholoa into joining the Ala Mhigan Resistance at her side where the sisters earned a reputation for their fierce prowess–at least, until they deserted.

❝ Said you wanted to take down a sarcosuchus, didn't you? C'mon, grab your blade, little brother, and follow me! ❞

⸻ Kholoa Khashri .

As the sister closest to Shri'ke in age, he and Kholoa were often inseparable–that is, so long as she wasn't annoyed by him trailing after her. When it came to combat, she favored twin daggers and stealth, two traits that were greatly appreciated by the Resistance, making it all the more frustrating to the cause when she and her older sister vanished in the middle of the night.

❝ Don't you have someone else to bother? Ugh... Well, you'd better keep up, little brother, I won't slow down for you! ❞

⸻ Gwenaëlle Triedame .

A dedicated member of Ser Aymeric's private force of knights, oft sent to investigate matters at his behest in other lands to keep abreast of foreign political affairs, Gwenäelle was a common face amongst the people of Ala Ghiri. Upon witnessing a young Miqo'te cornered by Garlean Imperials, Gwenäelle was quick to intervene–and thus was the start of a long-standing mentorship.

❝ You've the makings of a fine knight, you know.
Would that I could take you as mine own squire. ❞

⸻ Svein Albrecht .

Little upon the battlefield ever took Svein by surprise; a great wyrm could land upon the snow before him, and he'd rarely bat an eyelash. His bravery and camaraderie were both vital to Shri'ke, especially during the early days of the First Secours Vanguard's commission. Svein believed in their purpose just as much as Shri'ke: to bring back those they can save so that they might live.

❝ What's a couple a' wyrms to us, aye? You lead the charge, Commander; I'll be at your side. ❞

⸻ Vasco Redierre .

Stern and unforgiving, what aggravated Vasco more than anything was when his comrades would take unnecessary risks—not because he begrudged them the matter of receiving treatment, for that was his creed, but for the fact that they need be hurt at all. War or not, the act of watching his comrades charge headlong into danger never sat quite right with Vasco.

❝ Would that my officer have a greater sense of preservation... Alas. Come to me with thy wounds. ❞

⸻ Charliese Sawyer .

A skittish thing, Charliese spent much of her time afraid of heretical accusations finding their way to her—not through any fault or wrongdoing of her own, but for simple fear of being branded as one by association. It was her comrades who remained at her side, attempting to console her through the worst of her anxieties... although doing so would be their downfall.

❝ These rumors of heresy... Surely, that's a concern! What if there is a viper amongst us, Commander? ❞

⸻ Susannah Voss .

Though not one versed in damage mitigation, Susannah often served as Shri'ke's second-in-command—mayhaps not always in combat, but when it came to tactical strategies and significant decisions, it was her opinion Shri'ke sought out. Often, he remarked that she had the makings of a Commander herself, or at least a high officer; Susannah adamantly denied this.

❝ By my lance, all of you: stand at the ready! We follow our Commander's lead! ❞

⸻ Edward Voss .

Twin brother to Susannah, Edward followed his sister's footsteps to enlist with the Temple Knights; the twins completed their squireships in tandem, though Edward pursued the path of the bow and arrow while Susannah preferred an up-close view of the enemy. Given his sharp eye, Edward was highly adept at taking down aerial assaults, particularly young wyrmlings.

❝ Ah, never mind me! I've got you covered from above; I'll make sure none take us by surprise! ❞

⸻ Rayanth Tiemont .

More often than not, Rayanth found himself and his Commander at each other's throats. Never one to enjoy taking orders, he enjoyed it even less from an outsider—that is, until he and Lanius managed to see eye to eye. Given their history, he wouldn't have thought said Commander would be the one to take a nigh fatal blow for him; it left him grinning in his last moments.

❝ Don't let that title go to your head, Commander. Would be happy to remind you of your place if needed. ❞

⸻ Yvesoix Jasetiere .

The youngest member of First Secours Vanguard, Yvesoix most often found himself tucked behind his older comrades—and as such, he thought to make use of such a vantage point, rather than bemoan their protection. After only a summer or so of knighthood, he earned a reputation as a master tactician, particularly with the coordination of smaller operations.

❝ Steady yourselves, my friends; this battle is hardly worse than what we've weathered before! ❞

⸻ Serge Greystone .

If Shri'ke were to be pressed, he'd have one singular way of describing Serge: a guardian sent to him and his best friend by Halone Herself, for it would seem whenever the pair are in their most dire of situations, Serge is not far off, and his aid is immediately offered without hesitation. Still new to his station, Serge is eager to step up, regardless of the fact that the war is over.

❝ I must insist that you accept my aid–by order of our rather headstrong Commander. ❞

⸻ Robyn Luvese .

A chance meeting in the Forgotten Knight forever changed their lives: an orphan brought into Ishgardian society versus an outsider who clawed his way into the very same. Separated by claims of death and reunited years thereafter, the pair of Miqo'te have since bonded—days before shipping out to yet another warfront. Where one goes, the other follows, onwards to the end.

• Carrd

⸻ Leon Blackwood .

Though Shri'ke had at first made it clear just what he'd thought of Leon, a chance mission together led to an encounter that nearly ended in certain death—if not for the two of them putting aside their differences to overcome a horrific enemy. Over the last summer, Leon has well-established his place at Shri'ke's side, armed and at the ready. No matter what—that won't change.

• Carrd

⸻ Lucien Evitheille .

There are few whom Shri'ke trusts implicitly: Lucien is one of them. A dedicated dragoon and stalwart comrade, the pair understand each other on a fundamental level—and beyond such, in many ways. There is some comfort to be found in knowing that at least one of your allies is willing and able to do what needs be done, no matter how much it hurts. Bury it. Bury it.

• Carrd

⸻ Jacinthe Lecuyer .

So often is the value of hope overlooked, but Jacinthe offers it in spades to those surrounding her, and it is something Shri'ke will never take for granted. A House Knight dedicated to her service and her dearest comrades, Jacinthe is never one to hesitate to raise her shield between a threat and its target—even should that threat be one of her own. Duty is unending, let it not undo us.

• Carrd

⸻ Ysera Senya .

To say that Shri'ke has little understanding of what, exactly, is going on with Ysera is a generous summary. He's confused about a lot of things—but Leon trusts Ysera with his life, and therefore Shri'ke extends that trust in turn. The Viera's proven to be a vital source of knowledge and magickal prowess during recent events, but hells if Shri'ke understands any of it.

❝ So what, precisely, do you consider your existence to be? If you even know that yourself. ❞

⸻ Faerval Krunueldur .

Lifelong allies are oft found in the most unexpected of places; Faerval has proven to be as much. A citizen of Rabanastre who fought to defend Nalbina Fortress before joining the Bozjan Resistance, Faerval is a trained field chirurgeon—and an aspiring red mage. Following their shared experience in Bozja, Faerval has since ventured to Ishgard alongside Blades Lanius and Luvese.

❝ I've followed you into battle countless times, Blade Lanius; what is this but yet another mission? ❞

⸻ Gwen .

Long before Ser Lanius took up her reins and bequeathed her the name of his mentor, there was suspicion this steed descended from purebred Ishgardian lines; perhaps that allowed her to lead the Vanguard's chocobos away from certain death after her master fell. Since then, Gwen has been healing from the trauma of this experience—though it is doubtful she'll ever return a battlefield.

❝ She'd the makings of a legendary warsteed, she did. Such a shame the mere sounds of battle now cause her to balk. ❞

⸻ Albrecht .

Chocobo stewardship was never something Shri'ke intended to pursue, but when the egg was placed in his hands, he felt he had little choice. Thus did Albrecht come into his care; named for one of his unit, the massive draught chocobo has proven a loyal companion. In addition to Robyn's gentle touch, he's grown quite fond of Leon, no matter how the Very Tall Man balks at him.

❝ Resolute is that beast in his dedication to his master. Ne'er seen such a stubborn, loyal thing. ❞

⸻ Matteo Reingold .

Rare is it that Shri'ke thinks anyone deserves the term hatred, but one Matteo Reingold has proven otherwise. After a run-in between the mafia heir and the Commander, Shri'ke has found himself at odds: he's been threatened to stay away from Ul'dah while maintaining his own borders against this nunh and his ilk. What caused their rivalry? Shri'ke will never speak of it.

• Carrd

⸻ E'lithas Tamsin .

While Reingold is a marked threat in and of himself, it is the heir's mate whom Shri'ke feels more concerned with: never has he felt his skin crawl in such a manner. Whatever is going on with this pair isn't something he wants any involvement in—least of all if it involves magicks that might be borderline illegal. Tamsin and any of his allies are better off staying clear.

• Carrd

⸻ Hooks .

It's alright to walk back,

just not the same as you left.

Pre-Established .

◈ Temple Knights ⸻

If you served in the Temple Knights during the final decade of the Dragonsong War, you may have been aware of Lanius, an outsider who managed to rise through the ranks until he was hastily promoted to Commander during the dire circumstances of the Calamity. At that time, he was put in charge of a small search and rescue unit, the First Secours Vanguard, as a haphazard resort, primarily due to his aptitude at navigating the flash-frozen terrain using his heightened sense of smell and acute vision.Lanius was supposedly killed two years prior to the end of the war alongside his unit – either that, or you believed the rumors that he deserted, while his unit's chocobos were left to drag themselves back through the gates of Foundation, bloodied and battered.In recent years, it was discovered Lanius had survived. His name has since been exonerated by the Lord Commander following the ongoing reformation of the Holy See – and in spite of his insistence that he not retain his former title, it's been a difficult one to shake, even now that he's assigned to the reserves. After all, some traditions shall not be so easily broken by change.

◈ Resistance Fighters ⸻

Should you have aided the Bozjan Resistance's liberation of the Southern Front and Zadnor, you may have fought alongside the squadron Shri'ke led, or heard word of a former Commander of Ishgard's Temple Knights who arrived to offer his blade to the cause.He left Zadnor honorably after bringing his unit home.

To Establish .

⸻ Those Seeking Adventure ◈

Shri'ke is never one to shy from meeting those who call the road home, especially adventurers who travel to find respite within The Fury's Hallow, a duel tavern and inn recently opened within the streets of Empyreum by Shri'ke and his mate. Catch him behind the bar instead of upon the proctor's stand, and he's apt to offer whatever you want from the shelves, free of charge (much to the dismay of the bookkeepers).

⸻ Ala Mhigan Resistance Members ◈

Two of Shri'ke's older sisters, Khestral and Kholoa, enlisted with the Resistance in their tribe's homeland but have since gone missing. Perhaps you knew of them.

⸻ Garlean Refugees ◈

The plight of Garleans fleeing a nation torn apart by civil war is one that Shri'ke has been made keenly aware of, and though he has no love or sympathy for the Empire itself, he believes firmly in second chances when it comes to those caught in the crossfire of the machinations that ripped apart their homeland. For the refugees seeking a new beginning in Ishgard, he's willing to lend his aid.

Rumors .

ㅤREST AND RESPITEㅤ ◈ "I can tell by yer eye ye've caught wind of that new tavern that's opened up in Empyreum. Why don't ye venture on over? The proprietors are said to be welcomin' to a fault. Nicer beds than ye'll find at the Forgotten Knight – but ye didn't hear it from me."ㅤLOST TO FANG AND CLAWㅤ ◈ "Aye, Lanius... The name ring's a bell, don't it? Ye might remember that morn when a wretched troupe of Chocobos dragged themselves back through the gates of Foundation, feathers covered in blood. Talk of the Pillars said it was his unit met their downfall, but his body was ne'er found."ㅤWE HAPPY FEWㅤ ◈ "Ye fought in Bozja, did ye? Well, then... Tell me, were you there the night Lanius' squadron returned from Zadnor? Two dead, one severely burned, another havin' lost an eye? Said the only reason any of them made it back was due to his quick thinkin'. Saved their lives, he did."ㅤMERCY KILLㅤ ◈ "With the Knights stretched thin after the Final Days, s'no wonder they've been offerin' leves to any adventurer who'll take 'em, but I'm guessin' Lanius wasn't expectin' to face a Fury-damned Blasphemy when he took the job. Damn miracle he and that Garlean bastard made it back alive."

Will Engage . . .

Will Avoid . . .

Will Inquire . . .

⸻ Gallery .

Let your arms down, throw your soul out,

There is no control.

⸻ Ooc .

My parents would be so thrilled to learn

I'm infatuated with fantasy religion.

About the Player .

Chevㅤ•ㅤ30+ㅤ•ㅤShe / They / Any

Hey, I’m Chevalure! I appreciate you visiting Shri'ke's carrd. I’m a 30+ writer, curriculum designer, and streamer residing on the East Coast (USA). I'm always excited to meet new roleplay partners, so please don't hesitate to reach out!If you would like to set up a scene between our characters, I'd prefer to be contacted OOC first, just because I love planning and chatting about plot ideas ahead of time.However, if that isn't an option, feel free to approach Shri'ke, particularly if we're in a venue setting.

I Will Roleplay . . .

I Won't Roleplay . . .

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