Setharial
Al-ArrianeA tale of names and memories
Data Center: Aether
Server: Midgardsormr
The Basics
Name: Setharial Al-Arriane, Formerly known as Nils Ymir
Nameday: 24th Sun of the Sixth Umbral Moon - Chosen by him
Age: Around One Hundred and Fifty
Echo Status: Yes, recently rediscovered
Gender: Male (He/Him)
Race & Clan: Viera, Veena
Guardian: Menphina, The Lover
Homeland: Dalmasca, Skatay Range
Home: Ishgard
Appearance
Height: 6'2"
Build: Lean and built.
Scars: Bears multiple scars, yet the one over his left eyes is the most seen and known about.
Special features: Setharial has a few sharper teeth on the top and bottom row, than other of his kind. He only noticed it when his mentor and close friend pointed it out.
Personality and Miscellaneous
Profession: Captain of the Black Wings Mercenary Company
Orientation: Pansexual
Main Class: Dark Knight
Languages:
- Vieran, fluent
- Dalmascan, fluent
- Eorzean, fluent
- Ishgardian, fluent
- Mooglespeak, Understand yet can't speak it
Personality: Meeting Setharial on the Job and meeting him outside of it, one would think it is not the same person.While on the Job, Setharial is a colder character and can even be rude. His demeanor often reflect the hardship he went through since his young age. Some could describe him as too focused on his task, to his own detriment. Rare are the moment he let his guard down while working, yet never impossible. Speculations across the Company speaks of traumatic events leading to this behavior.Outside of his job, Setharial act like a young man. This Viera is often exploring and trying to start conversations with the locals. Nothing seems to make him more happy than snowstorms and warm fireplaces.
Of Swords and Mantles
Do keep in mind that this contain spoilers about Setharial's life. If you wish to learn about it in-Character, then refrain from reading. Thank you.Writting in progress
Born to Protect
Born in Dalmasca, precisely the Skatay Ranges, Nils was raised like any other Viera of his tribe. A Normal life was awaiting him, one of protector and hunter.Once his coming of age was apparent, Nils and many other male of his clan were taken under a Wood-Warder only known as Elder Ymir by the Clan. Tales of this Elder Wood-Warder were often told among the clan as many forgot how old he was.The education and training as a Wood-Warder was difficult and many of the other males taken perished along the way. Yet, Nils made it out alive and finally became a Wood-Warder of his own. The Sunset-haired Viera was finally the protector he was born to be. Under the guidance of a formidable hunter, Nils was ready for his solitary life. Neither Elder Ymir or Nils would ever know that they both shared a link more personal than education. They were father and son.The Mountain Call
For a few decades Nils followed the path of the Wood-Warder. Protecting the Mountain and his clan from outsiders and invaders alike. Up until now, Nils's life was set on a straight road. To live and die as a Wood-Warder. His connection to the natural world of Skatay being almost unbreakable.This is what the wood-warder thought, but his life changed completely when one fateful day, he had a vision of a fiery sky. Thinking his clan and the wilderness was endangered by the fire from the sky, he ran across the mountain to reach his birth village. Before even reaching it, the visions stopped. This event confused the Viera for a long time, but also caused his attunement to the Mountain to have been corrupted in some way. No longer hearing the whispers of the Cold Wind, he was hearing something else. The Wood-warder took upon himself to leave the mountain, not wanting to be a potential problem to the kin he wanted to protect so dearly.
From the Mountains to the Jungle, Don't forget the Deserts
Leaving the mountains of Skatay left a void inside the Viera's heart. One that he was never able to fill for a long time. Yet, he quickly attempted to fill it. It seemed like Nils had a knack for making friends with the oddest of personages. From far travelers to the most stubborn of locals, the Viera had a way with words and quickly picked up the tongue of many of those around him. An unusual gift that got him a lot of attention.To live within the City walls, Nils decided to offer his services as a hunter to many of the Local Inns and Taverns. Fresh caught produce were always appreciated by those willing to pay. The Viera also took a few years to operate his own leatherworkshops, it was well worth it.
A Family to call your own
While on a journey to find a mysterious Oasis he only heard about from drunkard merchant or eccentric scholars, Nils met an adventurer by the name of Helean Lionwrath. The two of them weren't on good term as they were both investigating the same Oasis. They both put asides their heated arguments once a group of Baanga Bandits decided to ambush them. Able to defend themselves, the two of them escaped with their life and a few new scars to talk about. Nils was mostly proud of the one over his left eye, that he received by deflecting a blow targeted at Helean. That day, she called him an idiot for hours. The two treasure hunters never found the treasure they were looking for, yet found something more precious.Years had passed since their meeting, Nils and Helean were now living together. The Unusual couple were often mentioned as a weird relationship by their neighbors but nobody ever dare to say it to their faces, afraid to take a blow to the guts by the ever so fiery Helean. As the years went on, a new addition was added to the odd family. A lively and lovely daughter of their own, Nelia.The Curse of Time
Years and years went on, their daughter grew older so did Helean. Nils had never noticed the changes caused by aging on his wife. To him, she was as beautiful as the day he met her, as healthy as the day they first spoke, yet his illusion of time was broken when a good friend of the family passed away from old age. The Viera was afraid to see his loved one passed only because of time. Yet simple words from his wife helped him fight the fear that was haunting him. "Your love for us is undying and as long as you never forget us, we shall forever live by your side".The Garlean Menace
A Shadow was brought over Dalmasca by the Garlean Empire. While preparing for another hunt, the Viera felt lightheaded. Then Visions came, Vision of his home village set ablaze, his kin slaughtered and enslaved by another nation. Nils was born a protector, always thinking that the 'corruption' of his attunement to nature could be broken. He saw this vision as a sign. He could do something for his kin and save them. Telling his wife about his vision, Helean couldn't help but be worried for her husband, yet she believed him as he had other visions of the sort before that helped them in the past. He kissed his family and promised them that he would be back before they can even notice he was gone.The Viera would never be back. Caught in a crossfire between Wood-warders and Garleans troops invading the Veena's homeland, both side seeing him as a potential threat. His kin not listening to the Now outsider Viera and the Garleans here fore a single reason, Conquering.His love for his kin would be the reason, Nils was captured and brought over to Garlemald. His love for his kin would be the reason he was tortured, his love would be the reason why he would be enslaved and used as a soldier. His love would be the reason he could never hold his daughter one last time or be there for his wife's last moments.Yet in his will, Unbroken, Invincible, would be the reason he survived to fight another day.Cassius Sas Drusus The Beast Tamer
Days turned to weeks, which turns to months. The cold of Garlemald was similar to the one in Skatay, yet something made it vile. Months turned to years? Time wasn't what it once was. Chained, Tortured and Broken, like all the other of his kin in the same prison. Stripped of humanity, stripped of their wills, many fell, many never got back up.Nils was one of those that stood up, every time they made him fall. The Sunset-haired Viera caught the attention of a peculiar Garlean official. His name was Cassius Sas Drusus, yet many in the Garlean Hierarchy called him : The Beast Tamer. Cassius saw one thing in Nils, a Challenge. He would make this savage beast into a warrior to his beck and call. Once his demand approved, Cassius brought Nils with him to his 'taming' ground. Days and weeks passed and only when his life was brought to the lowest of low that the Viera gave up. A specialized magitek collar attached to his neck, enough to make sure he wouldn't escape.
The Black Shroud and The XIVth
Cassius Sas Drusus was well known for his collection of unique specimens. Trained warriors of different species under his command. Under the right recommendations, he was asked to join the front with his slave-soldiers.While stationed in the Black Shroud with other Vieras under Lord Drusus's command, the unexpected happened. Nils's collar malfunctioned, seeking this opportunity, the Viera broke free. Yet it wasn't without being noticed by the other of his kin. Some of them being the very same that Attacked him when making his way back to the mountain saw this as another treason and chased after the Sunset-haired Viera.A bloody battle, one where only a single man was standing by the end. For the love for his child and the Will to Survive were the only things left to the Viera. A burning hatred made it's arrival. One for those that took his life, his joy and pride from him. This hatred would mark the start of a new journey.
The Hound and The Hare
While alone in the Black Shrouds, Nils hunted and scavenged what he could to survive. Locals being afraid of the sunset-haired viera, because of the Magitek armor he kept for protection, would make it very difficult for him to find shelter. Even when trying to explain his situation, mistrust would send the Viera back into the woods.One night came a winged beast. It was also hunting, barely surviving. It approached the injured Viera with a simple intention. Both of them could survive together. If the Viera would let the Beast 'help' him. Unsure if he could truly trust the strange beast, the Viera first thought was to decline. That is when the Beast offered more than survival. It could feel the Viera's will to get revenge on those that wronged him.The Viera's burning hatred and will to survived kicked in as it accepted the Beast's offer. Tricked was the Viera as his life would take a turn he never expected.
Coerthas and the Black Wings
A few weeks after his escape, Nils found his way into Coerthas. His body lacerated with wounds of all kind, the Viera stumbled upon the campsite of a group of armed men and women. Luckily for him, they offered him a warm spot by their campfire. Unable to communicate with the armed group correctly because of an unexplained language barrier, Nils had to explain as much as he could by sign. Step by step, the armed group pieces together some part of his story and their Leader, a Xaela warrior made the choice to keep the Viera around. His name would be the first words Nils would repeat in his new tongue, Setharial Al-arriane. On this day onward, Nils was part of the Black Wings Mercenary band.
Weapons for the Job
Nils had lost the ability to use correctly the bow and the lance he was trained to use from his younger days. The Strings would always break and the lance would never give him the satisfaction he desired in a weapon. This would make fighting difficult while on mission with the Black Wings. One day when the string of his bow broke from misuse while escorting some Ishgardian Nobles through the wilderness, his new leader Setharial offered him to try something new. Something that could use the newly aquired raw strength of the Viera. He gave him one of his old Greatsword and told Nils that he would train him into using it the right way. That very night, The Xaela took the Viera away from the camp and with a few words gave him the sword and compelled to fight him. The two of them dueled for a while, the Xaela coming on top easily. This was the start of their growing bond as mentor and pupil.From the Strange to the Bizarre
Within the very first months among the Black Wings and the continent of Eorzea, Nils quickly realized the Bizarreness of the Group he joined. Some of the contract they would take would often contradict each others. Some of their allies would be some of strangest people he would ever meet. One of the members of the Mercenary Group was even a Moogle, and the same moogle was the Quatermaster and Coinkeeper of the whole Band. Nils took upon himself to ask Setharial about the odd choices of members in the company. He was mostly curious above all. The Xaela surprised it took this long for the Viera to be asking such question couldn't help but laugh. He ruffled the Viera's hair and only said these words: "A Family is better when mixed with the unusual, don't you think so?". These words echoed deeply with the Viera who until now hasn't seen any of these peoples as family, he proceeded to ask the Xaela if he thought of him as family. The Xaela answered with a nod and a warm smile, to Nils the smile itself was warmer than any campfire or blazier. This is when Nils understood that these peoples were indeed his family.Yet misty echoes rumbled his mind. Did he ever had a family before?
A Lesson learned in Blood
While traveling with the Black Wings, Nils learned much about himself and the world. Setharial would teach him many things while on the road, which in turn, Nils would practice to make the Xaela proud. Yet, the most important lesson had yet to come. While on a job for some Black Marketeer in the surrounding of Limsa Lominsa, the worst happened. Double crossed by their contractor, many of the mercenaries were gravely injured and some perished in a bloody battle. Seeing this happening to his newfound family set Nils into a rage, he didn't want to lose them like he lost his kin in the past. The Viera wasn't the only one enraged by the outcome, his mentor was blinded by fury and the both of them fought till exhaustion, only to be dragged out by other members of the Black Wings.
On the following days, echoes of the battle would come back to Nils as nightmares. During those nightmares he could hear a voice calling for him and vision of the battle, viscous strikes from his mentor at the opponents, fueled by pure anger, a scary sight to behold. Yet his own were difficult to comprehend, claws, bites and ferocious strikes. Something was wrong and he could feel it.
What doesn't kill you...Makes you a Dark Knight
After letting the dust settle, Mogghul, the Coinkeeper, decided that it was time for Setharial to reveal to his pupil what happened during the conflict. Setharial had no intention to actually share this with Nils, but the Viera couldn't stop asking question about his mentor techniques he used against their enemies.As Setharial was about to explain what Nils saw, Mogghul cut him off and started explaining in his stead. The Moogle explained to the Viera that his mentor was something the Ishgardian calls a Dark Knight, warriors defiled by Darkness and Hatred. Nils couldn't understand how a man like his mentor could be such a thing. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold, sure sometimes he was grumpy, but this wasn't it. Before he could say a single word, Mogghul cut off Nils, explaining to him that those are only half truth spoken by the Ishgardians. Setharial finally took his first words in the conversation as he offered to Nils if he wanted to study the art of the Dark Knight as he saw potential in the Viera. The Moogle and Nils were surprised by the offer from the Xaela. Nils could only accept at this point, this man was more like a father to him than anything else and he desired to make him proud. Nils raised his voice and proudly accepted the offer from Setharial. On this day, the Nils chose a new path. One he would follow till the end.
The Second Student
Contrary to popular beliefs amongst the Black Wings. Nils wasn't Setharial's only student. Before taking the Viera into the Path, The Xaela took a young Miqo'te under his wings. Young, Full of energy and with an Ego the size of mountains.A rivalry formed between Nils and the Miqo'te named L'orasha. One that would end prematurely. While sparring in the Black Shroud under the supervision of Setharial, the two pupil were ready to show the truest of their might.It was to be a simple spar, yet animosity grew between the pair. L'orasha's ego always had the better of him. Insults and low blows were thrown at the Viera. This quickly enraged him when the Miqo'te told him that he would have been better dead than joining the Black Wings. That he was a dead weight to Setharial and him.It sparked something dark within the Viera. His blade and his body quickly infused with more aether it could contain. Then his vision became blank. When he came to himself, the Miqo'te was laying on the ground, his body fuming from burns caused by dark aether. His chest and ribs completely broken inward. The soil turning mud by blood.Has he done this? Was he responsible for Miqo'te's death? This sent the Viera into a frenzy. Only stopped the Xaela.These events caused Nils to make an Oath. He would never take students, afraid that they would end up the same as him and L'orasha.
A Dark Knight, a Moogle and a Voidsent walk into a barFor a few years, Nils followed Setharial's training to understand the inner power of the Dark Knights. On his years of travel, Nils noticed a few changes to his body. Pointed out by Setharial, Nils noticed that a few of his teeth became alot sharper and his hair was turning white at a fast pace. Thinking of being afflicted by some curse, Nils, Setharial and Mogghul went around looking for an old conjurer friend of Setharial.Upon Meeting with the Conjurer, Nils learned of the true reason behind his affliction. A Voidsent has made his body, it's home. Afraid of the consequences, Nils asked if there was a way to remove the creature. The conjurer only had bad news for the Viera, the Voidsent and him have been connected for so long that removing it could and would be fatal for the host. Setharial asked his friend if there was a way to reverse the effect of the Voidsent connection on his pupil, which the Conjurer explained to the three of them of a potion and ritual that could reverse and stop the physical alteration.Another Revelation was revealed to The Trio, the voidsent was also part of the reason Nils had a good affinity to the Dark Knight training and without it, Nils would probably never have been able to become one.While preparing the first batch of medicine, the Conjurer spoke with Setharial and Mogghul in private. Explaining to them that the Viera's mind was muddled by his connection to the Voidsent. It was searching for something among the Viera's mind and body. The Conjurer explained that to save them alot of the trouble, she would seal the Viera's memory and alter a few of them. Unsure about how useful it would be to do so, The Xaela and the Moogle were to decline the offer. Until the Conjurer told them that it could kill the Viera if they didn't accept.On this day, the Viera's memory was sealed away. Causing his Echo to be silenced. Causing his control of aether to be reduce to nothing. The Viera was a new man, based solely on his memories with the Black Wings.The Black Wings Rises
After the Revelation of Nils's condition, Setharial decide that it is time to expand the Black Wings and make a better name for themselves, so that they can get their hands on the material needed for the potion when needed. For another year, the Black Wings rose across the realm. New members joined their ranks, they made new allies in many parts of Eorzea and even across the Ruby Seas by offering protection to merchants. Through this year of success for the Black Wings, Nils learned more about the Voidsent inhabiting his body, even forming a Strange connection with the Beast, learning his name, Lukanstross, among other things. It helped him in a few many occasions in combat and out of it.At the same time, Nils learned more about his mentor and his past, forming a closer bond resembling Father and Son. Altan Dotharl was the real name of his mentor. Nils never truly asked him why he used a different name, but he could feel the subject was personal. If Setharial was ready one day to tell his pupil, he would do it. That what Nils believed.The Ghimlyt
As time passed and the Black Wings made allies and an incredible amount of Coin, so did the war with the Empire advanced. Having made a name for themselves, an ally of The Black Wings, the Revenant Fleet, offered a them lots of coin if they helped them in their mission for the Alliance.Setharial accepted and the Black Wings marched with the Revenant Fleet and the Alliance into Ghimlyt. The mission was going well, until Garleans soldiers dropped from the sky upon them and the Revenant Fleet. Too many of them, even for the two forces joined together. Setharial ordered the Black Wings to stay and fight, giving the Revenant Fleet and the Alliance Soldiers a chance to continue on and keep fighting for another day.Once more soldiers ambushed the Mercenaries and their numbers started to drop from the Onslaught. Setharial ordered them to withdraw. He would be the one to hold the line. While the other escaped, Nils stayed behind. He wouldn't leave his mentor, his father behind. Setharial understood the Viera's feeling but ordered him to stay back, his story was not to end here. The Xaela gave his sword the Viera and took back the one Nils was carrying. He ordered Nils to run, to protect the others as he knew so well how to do. They needed him. Against his own choice, Nils listened to the order. Leaving behind his father to hold the line. The Last words he ever heard Setharial say were : "RUN NILS, FIGHT TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY, MAKE ME PROUD! PROTECT THEM LIKE NO ONE ELSE CAN!"Setharial's body was never found in the aftermath of the conflict. Giving a spark of hope to many of the Black Wings that their Leader was still around, somewhere.The Blackened Wings of the Phoenix
A few months after the Conflict of the Gymlit. The Black Wings were still without a leader. This is when Jorak Wolfblood decided to hold a vote. The Results were expected by everyone but Nils. Many of the older members still remaining decided to vote him as their new leader. He was Setharial's pupil after all. The Viera knew he couldn't take this position alone and decided to appoint many of the members as part of a council. This was the Rebirth of the Black Wings.Ever forward
Nils story isn't done. Newly appointed Leader of the Black Wings, he took upon himself the moniker of Setharial Al-arriane, to honor the one before him. The Black Wings growing ever stronger and numberous, they take upon Eorzea strangest foes and request.Their list of allies growing with time, the Black Wings would be never alone in achieving their goals.- The Broken Oath: Setharial decided against his own oath to take a pupil. Rapidly that number grew to two, he expect more to come. Only time will tell.- Important Recent Event: The Purge of Lukanstross - Setharial has been completely cured of the Voidsent possessing his body, thanks to the help of his own pupils and friends. His memories slowly coming back to him.
Altan Dotharl and Nils Ymir, Mentor and Pupil, Where one story end, another begins. Let thy name live on through snow and blood.
Hooks
Sword for Hire: Setharial when taking the mantle given to him also took over the Black Wings mercenary company. If you need a job well done or are looking to join a renown mercenary band, You may approach him directly about it.Between Nobles and Thieves: The Black Wings are often seen around Ishgardian Nobles, offering them protection to their trading caravans. Some whispers in the street also tell of the Black Wings involvement with less amicable activities across Ishgard.A Moogle and a Mercenary Walk into a bar: Setharial is often accompanied by a Moogle of Moghome. The two of them often makes head turns as their duo is quite strange to the regular eye. Setharial and Mogghul are always open to discuss their friendship with curious bystanders.The best bottle over the counter: When a job is done, Setharial often find himself in the nearest Tavern or pub. It would really be a sin not to try the best thing those places have to offer. A drinking Merc is often a Chatty Merc.Myths and Legends, there always a bit of Truth to it all:
Setharial is a passionate treasure hunter, some may call it an obsession but that only because they saw his private library. Maybe you heard of his expeditions into the weirdest and oddest places in Eorzea to find some of the most forgettable artifacts in the Star's History. He would be happy to chat about it and maybe even recruit you into an expedition.Walk the Path: Setharial has now become the mentor of two Dark Knights. Once having an oath to not take any under his wings, the Viera broke it and now enjoy the teaching of this misunderstood art. Do you Seek to Also walk the path? If not, you can always ask him questions about it.
OCC
Hey! Welcome to this little project of mine. Hope you enjoyed what was available to read so far, but right now we should go over some basics!
1. Me and Setharial aren't the same person. This means many things and most importantly is that his actions and choices of words don't reflect my own personality. This also mean that what happens between characters stays between characters.
2. I am fairly new to FFXIV RP, but I do carry a luggage from RPing on Forums and in other games.
3. Being new to FFXIV RP means that I am not totally sure what type of RP I am into when involving my character. Yet, if you wish to RP with me and have some Ideas, Consent between parties should be set.
4. I am open to both RP in-game and on Discord. We can discuss this together if we RP together.
5. My time zone is Eastern Time (ET) and I work 8 to 4 on a regular basis, so I am not available around this time, unless on vacations and special occasions.
6. Don't be shy! I love meeting new people and interacting as Setharial