passage-of-arms

[passage-of-arms]

A night on the town.

Keiho spared no time as he stepped off the ferry and made his way to the Rakuza district. Pushing through thoroughfares and carelessly pressing past Ijin travelers and locals alike, the bespectacled man had a destination and goal in mind.

This particular arena had no proper entrance, sequestered as it was in a back alley inn deep in the recesses in the city. Kei knew it well, though his tenure at such a ring had long since passed. The samurai walked into the dingy bar, overdressed amidst all the shirtless brawlers and slimy bet takers. All eyes settled on him, naturally taking him to be another rich fool keen on watching some sport. Kei peered around, mirrored lenses reflecting their gazes, before he marched up to the man in charge.

"I wish to fight." Kei announced, boldly, unapologetically.

The barkeep simply scoffed. "...Really. Y'realize things can go wrong here, right? This ain't some place for you to fool ar--"

"I did not stutter." Came a cold, stabbing reply. Kei took a brief moment to stow his mirrored red lenses. "Book me in. I don't care who."

The barkeep, a tall, swarthy Roegadyn, flinched at Kei's reply. There was a long pause as he peered about, looking for support from his fellows. "...A-alright. But it's yer funeral."

Kei marched out into the ring still wearing his haori. The crowd jeered, all too quick to pass judgement on the well-dressed man strutting into the ring. Opposite the arena strolled out a much less dressed Midlander, of equal build and stature. Muscular, scarred, and very confident, as he spat across the arena towards Kei's feet. In the middle of the ring stood the barkeep from earlier, working up the crowd in a deep, bellowing voice.

The man's announcement of his opponent scarcely registered in his ears. It was all noise, noise that he had long since learned to ignore. He stared daggers across the ring. He was already starting to flick open the front of his haori, languidly undoing the myriad straps and cords that tied it to his frame. When it finally rolled off his torso, the din silenced. All eyes that could see locked to his back, to the two fierce looking shisa inked into his skin. Even long since faded, they commanded every ilm of his musculature. He rolled his neck with a audible crack.

The barkeep shouted to begin, and the foe rushed to the fore. Kei neatly side stepped the wild haymaker that sailed for his jaw. A ducking step forward placed Kei neatly in his space, and his fist drove up into his opponent's chest. He heard the pained gasp as he drove the wind from the man's lungs, before his heartbeat started to pound in his ears. A grin settled on Kei's lips. He pursued the man as he stumbled back, driving his right into his jaw and skull with reckless, careless force, over and over and over. The opposing man wasn't long to stand, and before long he had fallen onto his back, arms raised.

"M-mercy!" The man shouted, but Kei was not to be dissuaded. The samurai fell upon him, legs straddling his torso. "M-merc--" Kei's fist silenced the man. Over and over, his fists found purchase in his opponent's face. The smack of fist to flesh gave way to cracks, which gave way to the sickening crunch of the man's skull.

It took several hours and many more fights before Kei finally stepped from the establishment. His haori hung off his right arm, a bottle held in his other hand. He bit the cork, pulling it free before spitting it onto the road. He stumbled forward, already a bottle deep at this point. Bruises welled on his torso, his face, and yet the grin that had settled was one of a man that was well and truly happy.

"Kami, how I've missed this..."

#passages #tw: violence

[passage-of-arms]

The Hired Gun

"Keep your arm straight, Zewa'to." The gruff voice of his brother rang out in the Keeper's ear, the white-haired youth offering a flick of an ear at the order.

"Didn't ask. Now shush, or it'll get away." Bow in hand, Zewa'to shut an eye, aligning his sight along she shaft perched in the bowstring, fixating on the doe at the other end of his gaze. With a soft exhale, he loosed the arrow, watching as it sailed gracefully into the animal's abdomen.

"...Well shite. You're a natural." Zewa'a scratched his head, watching in bedgrudging reverence as the animal collapsed in the clearing. "Looks like you don't need me to tag along anymore, aye?" He cracked a grin at Zewa'to.

"Aye. Looks like I can finally hunt without you hovering over my shoulder." Zewa'to peered back, a smug grin plastered on his face. "I'll head out again first thing tomorrow."

"Keep your arm straight..." He murmured to himself. His rifle nestled neatly in the crook of his arm, he aligned his sight with the scope, peering down at the small gathering below. A centurio, some medicus. But the crown jewel was the tribunus. He'd recognized the armor, the exact description he'd wrung from a pilus some few nights past.

Ghimlyt was a hellscape, to be sure. Fire cast smoke into the air, the stench of explosives and wasted ceruleum threatening to claw it's way through Zewa'to's mask. And yet it paled in comparison to that day. The stillness of the woods as he returned home, seeing nothing more than the still bodies of his family and friends, life wrung from them, yet without a wound to blame it on.

Zewa'to exhaled, forcing himself to quell the rage that burnt in his chest. His finger squeezed the trigger, and the satisfying crack of his rifle sounded through the air. He waited for the tribunus to drop, his helm splitting apart as the bullet ripped into it. He didn't linger long. The Keeper was upright and bolting, dipping and diving through ruined machina and fallen soldiers, Alliance and Garlean both. He sprinted his way to the makeshift bunker he'd crafted. They'd seen him, that much was certain. Now, they just had to follow.

He waited in the recesses of his bunker, a labyrinthine mishmash of parts and debris he'd scavenged from the battlefield. His rifle was strapped to his back, a knife in hand as he waited.

The duplicarius was the first to err. He sprinted into the bunker, heedless that it might have been a trap. A barely audible twang rung out as wire was tripped, before a crude trap consisting of nothing more than a knife strapped to a rather flexible length of wood sprung out. The bladed trap caved in the man's throat, leaving him gurgling before he went limp on the apparatus.

Zewa'to then sprung like a coiled spring. A few charges of incendiary #37 detonated behind the group that had come to apprehend him, forcing them into the bunker as the entrance collapsed. Zewa'to used the darkness of the bunker to his advantage. He lunged for the three men, his knife quickly tearing through the medicus' gut. He dodged away, waiting for the man's noises to draw the other's attention. Another sprint forward, with Zewa'to burying his knife into the jugular of the second. The last quickly fell back, panic clear in his voice as Zewa'to's boots thudded on the ground.

"F-filthy savage! Y-you--" He paused, as the barrel of a rifle pressed into his forehead. Another crack, loud in the bunker's confines. Zewa'to then turned his attention back to the medicus, the one clutching his gut as he feverishly attempted to keep his innards in check. The Keeper eyed the man for a moment, before he simply turned for the back exit.

He was dead anyways.

Zewa'to trudged back from the front, dusting himself off as he went. He offered curt nods to the Adders he recognized, receiving only the occasional nod back. His job was done, at least this time.

But Zewa'to still had many, many more names to cross off his list.

#passages #hi hello i still write sometimes #Zewa'to Goto #new boy new boy

[passage-of-arms]

I request more elf content. I am deprived from the writing, the content, the STERN LOOKS-

I’LL GET TO IT

[passage-of-arms]

[passage-of-arms]

Clearing the Air

Good morning darlings, I hope you’ve had a delightful year thus far. 

Honestly no one is, we’re all suffering. The next episode release of 2020 is coming out soon, my bet is on aliens. 

As much as I would like to joke my way through this to make it easier, this won’t be. I have very recently had very serious issues be brought to my attention as to how someone in this community behaves. At first I was going to keep quiet because in the end- this was my friend. I care so much about the sake of others, when really I was letting behaviors go that are unacceptable. 

I believe the power of a callout post should be used seriously, and never be used for personal abuse of power. A lot of the examples I use will be from my point, and it is personal. He is very aware how stressed and tired I have been, so to treat me this way was unwarranted. 

I have only decided to step forward due to more than one girl stepping forward about these behaviors that are detailed in the list below. This post is for awareness of his behaviors, and his ideals on rape. 

I also do not appreciate being spoken badly of RECENTLY only to have a heart to heart with another girl on the lies being told so that we would not speak to each other (This is referenced below under the list of points.) 

– The accused is Kazex Voss. Every line in this post has screens embedded for evidence and clarity.

_______________________________________________________________

Here is the list of what he is being held accountable of. I am not the sole subject of the below, and I am also not the subject of one or two of them: Screens are linked for evidence, if a screen is more important to note- it is bolded or posted. Screens are `mostly` in order under their number for subject. 

*The way I have used male and female is how he kept describing gender. 

1. Using personal trauma as a plot device. 

Ex. rape. Writing rape plot to someone who is confirmed to be a victim of traumatic events pertaining to rape and abuse [Scrn Link]. 

- Excusing using rape as a plot device to have “females” overcome their trauma [Scrn Link].

- Another screen of him describing his point of view as a “male” compared to “females.” In here, he addresses my question head on by describing he does not understand because he is “male.” [Scrn Link].

- Another screen of the problem of his “rape therapy” villain. Me asking him directly if he does this to other girls. 1st opportunity to be honest because I already knew the truth. [Scrn Link] (related to the below)

- (related to the above) Next day where I confronted him 1 more time to be honest with me if he does this to other women. Evidence of him doing this to other women, lying, and then agreeing [Scrn Link]. 

- Him saying, “In real life rape is wrong, but are you going to tell me what to write? [Scrn Link]

- More context.

2.  Manipulation.  

 Lying to two people and turning them against one another to hide his secrets and lies so that neither question the other about the subject’s habits.

- Claiming I’m perfect in order to switch blame despite me addressing him on the subject of his rape RP and his bias against how fast I respond to him. 

[Scrn Link]

-  Abusing guilt tactics to encourage more for what he wants out of a “friendship”. You don’t treat friends like this. There are “standards” you can have for a friend, but you don’t use it like this. [Scrn Link.]

- Justification as if I am the one who has let him down for him writing a book. Addressing past issues I kept personal because it did not merit a callout. 

[Scrn Link.]

- how the fight started, more behaviors. To which this inspired my main issue (Point 1, and Point 4.) Notice how this went from me bringing up an issue of rape, and behaviors, to suddenly I’m in the wrong. [Scrn Link].

- Justification for belittling someone, plus context of “he knows what kind of person he is” so he didn’t need to claim anything I questioned or accused him on. [Scrn Link]. 

– Acknowledged he was gas lighting throughout our argument. Dismissive.

[Scrn Link].

3. Belitting someone over their content, ideas, or writing to make them feel inadequate. 

– From the other girl who addressed me today, the same that told me I “disliked her” as addressed below. 

2 & 3: have been used to isolate another girl and keep her from approaching others, or myself. Either because I am one way or the other. It has also been confirmed by both girls (the one experiencing rape plot as well), and then the other girl that was isolated have both expressed they were told to keep their ships secret. Even as far as telling one of the girls to take down their screens they took together with the excuse that she could “post them later at the right time.” 

4.  Taking IC to OOC and blurring the two together. 

5. Encouraging poor behavior to pander to his wants by comforting, nurturing depression/discouraging any “toxic” behavior such as boldness or growth of a spine to tell him when something is not okay. 

– One of the latter screens: probably an important summary of my entire issue that me doing this post, or even making an issue with him was never about just ME. Posted as an image since I feel it expresses the ENTIRE post.

—– To end this discussion of points and evidence, I will address that he did apologize, but evidently this is not being taken seriously since as of last week to today, I am being lied about by him. I will refuse to accept that treatment in case there is anymore confusion of my character. 

_____________________________________________________________

This is an awareness that no matter how much you can know about someone- you don’t. Lies are just pretty words to be used to get their way, and when questioned, this subject will ask that you don’t ask why they lied in the first place. 

I am by no means a perfect person. I have been depressing, stressed, or confused when told that everything is fine- and its not. Nothing he ever told me was ok, or just a mistake and he’s “sorry”.

Why did I come forward now? Why not when I found out another girl like the dates of the screens? 

This is an open inquiry that if you have been told that I dislike you without a probable cause for me to dislike you, please reach out to me. I have recently been confronted by one of the girls in an open discussion that she was informed that I did not like her by Kazex. 

I was confused by this, because while I was adverse to talking to her because of the things he told me- I didn’t hate her like she thought I did. 

We talked and lined up our facts- and we were both told things to make the other question ever speaking to each other. He told her to secretly ship, and he told me that she was this flaky person so we both wouldn’t question the other or speak.

Let this not happen again. 

Love your fellow gamer. Please take other’s judgement as a grain of salt rather than fact (unless proven otherwise based on your own judgement), because everyone has an opinion. We’re all one community, and it is people like this that seek to isolate you or keep ships “secret” so that their target does not think there is competition. 

I was led to believe that no matter what, he would always try to ship with Haine because she was the only ship he wanted. This was not what I wanted or the case, and neither did it work to flatter me. I don’t understand everything that was shown to me, but I refuse to be held accountable for not saving someone else the trouble when this is actively happening. 

I hate doing this. I hate that among everything I ever stood for, stood with others for, that I have to call out someone I used to think the world of with many of our adventures for the eyes to see. 

Let this be the wake up call he desperately needed. It’s not okay to treat women like this. It’s not okay to turn people against each other because females “can’t co-exist.” This is not RP, this is not art, and this is harmful. I’m sorry to anyone else who may be keeping quiet, among those who have come towards me to talk it out. 

There are many more screens, much more context, and evidence. I tried to keep this as un-biased and relevant as possible to keep the points clear with context to support so that others are aware that this is how he is. 

Let this post be an awareness that this behavior is not okay. Let it be a warning and a consideration on how you treat others. Let others see how you can be, and change. You’re capable of being better, as I can also improve, because I am in no way a perfect person. 

Thank you to those that have come forward and spoken to me. 

[passage-of-arms]

Renaud is my favorite type of daddy

Who are you

You’ll burn for this.

[passage-of-arms]

Renaud is my Favorite Type of Elf

He's my favorite type of elf too! Thank you, anon!

[passage-of-arms]

I’m so talented.

Someone: what is ffxiv like? Me: well… (you’re beautiful @passage-of-arms )

[passage-of-arms]

Old Friends -- redux

"You're a mad man, Renaud. There's few I could think of that would so boldly walk the streets after the things you've been through."  

"It takes a certain type of man to both love and return to something that doesn't love him back, I suppose." Renaud cracked a slight grin, though it was quickly replaced by a grimace as he hefted a crate over his shoulder. "...You know I've heard whisperings of the Manufactory offering prostheses. Or do you enjoy making others do all the heavy lifting?"

Oswald broke into a bout of laughter. The Midlander's lips peeled into a wide-toothed grin as he waved his stump of an arm at the Elezen. "Listen, I'm a thinker, not a laborer. The heavy lifting was always your job, lest you forget."

"How could I? What was that one outing... I believe it was out by Hemlock, no? You could scarcely carry your gear, and you damn near begged me to pretend some of your load to bear was my own so you wouldn't embarass yourself in front of that one noblewoman. And how did that pan out, good Ser?"

"Oh you're a right bastard, Renaud de Dailemont." Oswald used the honorific like a barbed blade, taking sweet satisfaction in Renaud's offered grimace. "She's doing well, for the record. Married into Dzemael I think."

"Alright, alright. Your point is taken. And good for her, she deserved better." Renaud barked out a laugh in unison with his companion, hauling the crate through the streets towards the Firmament.

Oswald offered a genuine smile, watching the taller man as he worked. "You're in better humor, you know. You look the part, too."

"One day at a time, old friend. I've found little solace in ruminating in what was. Better to turn my eyes--" The man paused. "...My eye, forward, no?"

"Aye, I'll grant you that. At least I found something to do with my time. Not many people looking for a one-armed knight these days. Wanna trade malaises?"

"Aye sure. I'll take your eye then. I'm sure I can just stuff it on in."

"I'll have to shave some of the bone down for your arm to fit, but I'm sure that's fine."

They wound through corridors and windy streets, eventually coming to the Arc of the Worthy. With no small amount of effort, the Elezen deposited the supplies, watching as a veritable horde of craftsman descended upon it. "...Gods. Quite the crowd they have."

"Aye, well. Looks like everyone's keen on pitching in. First time in a long while I've felt a degree of hope out of this Fury forsaken place. A welcome change of pace, don't you think?" Oswald let out a sigh as his good arm rested on his hip. "...You ever think about rejoining the Knights?"

"They don't just forgive, Oswald. I still killed those in our number. During a war, no less. No, I think it best for me to just contribute in my own way." The Elezen's lips drew into a line, pensive and somber.

"Suit yourself. There's no shortage of work. Most of the knights are deployed to Ala Mhigo, anyways."

"All the more reason to stay here. Someone has to keep an eye on the Brume, aye?" Renaud let out a sigh as he made for the towering doors leading back to the city proper. "Speaking of, I think I'm due for a drink at the Knight. Then perhaps an evening at the cathedral."

"Alas, I won't be joining you. I've some logistical work to take care of. And even then, drinking and prayer? Seems sacrilegious." Oswald snorted in reply.

"I've done worse."

#passages #renaud dailemont #more drabbles to keep the mind sharp #also dialogue for practice

[passage-of-arms]

          ( Vieraruran…                      …Vie…ruran… )

…VIERAN VAS!

Happy April Fools 2020!

#HELL yeah

[passage-of-arms]

Home

Ishgard, for all it's faults, was home. Renaud made no hurry through the darkened alleys of the Brume, a stoic monument amidst disheveled crowds. Warmed by a drink and company in the Forgotten Knight, the man bore a smile. Slight, wistful, but a smile nonetheless. He watched as clergymen distributed blankets. He watched craftsmen hurry by, bustling towards the Firmament. For the first time in so many years, he could feel palpable hope permeating the very stones around him.

He hadn't acclimated fully to the absence of his dark passenger. The gnawing sensation in the back of his mind had abated, the looming presence in his thoughts no longer crowding out his inner voice. No more hissed whispers, no more portents of betrayal clouding his judgement. It was merely himself. His own thoughts, his own perceptions.

It was alien to him. Despite it all, his passenger was a part of him. One that irrevocably changed his life. Now, he was bereft of it’s presence. In a way, he longed for it again, like one might long for the comfort of a lost love.

He sighed gently as he returned to the alley he once called home. Once again he trailed fingers across the walls, across etched markings from his youth long since passed. The scarred knight let out a grunt as he sat on the cold stone, resting his head against the walls. His eye closed, and his thoughts turned inwards, listening only for his own heartbeat.

It was well past midnight by the time he pulled himself from his reverie. His hand rested on the hilt of Via Crucis, his newest companion in his seemingly unending adventure. With a sigh he made his way back through the alleys, towards the lights illuminating the cold night. Beneath the glittering canopy of stars canvasing the spires of Ishgard, the man took a deep breath before he made his way back up towards the Forgotten Knight.

“Another evening survived, hm...?”

#passages #renaud dailemont #here have a drabble #i've been on a semi-hiatus due to raid #so consider this a 'getting back into it'

[passage-of-arms]

This came out so good aaaaaa, thank you so much for drawing my boy!

@passage-of-arms​ ✧ Renaud Dailemont

#commission #renaud dailemont #the detail on the sword is just #mwah #so good

[passage-of-arms]

GATHERING : What is something material your character wishes they had more of?

Renaud isn’t a very material person in general. He’s very much happy with his lot in life at the moment. As long as he has clothes on his back and a roof over his head once in a while, he’s not particularly wanting for anything else!

[passage-of-arms]

SKILL SPEED : How much effort does it take for your character to learn something new?

Renaud is nothing if not stubborn. He’s not always the fastest learner, but that’s only because he’s thorough. If he’s going to learn to do something, he’s going to do it right, so it can take him a good while to learn and fully absorb new things.

[passage-of-arms]

DETERMINATION : Which emotion motivates your character to do what they do? (Renaud!)

Also asked by @vysaldhe! Formerly, Renaud would have been motivated by fear. His main motivator as a knight was fear of death, his motivator when he was a dark knight was fear of losing people he cared about. Now, however, he’s more motivated by compassion. He still very much adventures and fights, but he’s tempered his fear drive a bit and tries to believe a bit more in people, rather than seeing people as potential threats.

[passage-of-arms]

// ffxiv stat attributes : character asks

STRENGTH : What is your character’s greatest virtue? DEXTERITY : Does your character enjoy traveling? How do they get around? VITALITY : Describe your character’s physical health. (fit, fragile, chronic pain, etc.) INTELLIGENCE : Who/what was the greatest influence on your character’s education? MIND : What does your character do to cope with a stressful situation? PIETY : How does religion affect your character’s lifestyle? TENACITY : Which skills does your character utilize to further their personal goals? CRITICAL HIT : What is your character’s biggest weakness? Do they try to overcome it? DIRECT HIT : Which trait in others does your character value the most? DETERMINATION : Which emotion motivates your character to do what they do? SPELL SPEED : Is your character magically proficient? If so, how do they cast it? SKILL SPEED : How much effort does it take for your character to learn something new? PARRY : What line will your character refuse to cross? CRAFTSMANSHIP : What hobbies does your character enjoy? CONTROL : What is your character’s view of fate/destiny? GATHERING : What is something material your character wishes they had more of? PERCEPTION : Does your character think in the short-term/on impulse, or do they think about the long-term future?

[passage-of-arms]

Me showing up in my RP Partners DM’s