Various headcanons for the races that populate the world of FFXIV!
Greeting and Tradition HCs [Miqo’te]:
Seekers (of the Sun) greet family/loved ones by pressing the crown of their heads together.
Keepers (of the Moon) greet their loved ones with nose touches.
Keeper/Seeker close greetings are cheek-to-cheek. A middle ground for them both.
Largely put into motion by Hyur (and related) influences, Miqo’te have also added in a hand-greeting for those who wish to not get so close. (Also as a way of being polite to strangers of either Miqo side.) The way this is done is one offers a hand- palm up- and the other reaches out, as if to give a “low-five.” Instead, fingertips graze over the palm.
Up to palm is the usual, yes, but keep an eye out for those who's fingers touch the wrist; typically this denotes secret lovers in Miqo'te greeting-language.
Seekers tend to have a deeper version of "catspeak"; huffs/chuffs to denote playfulness or "calm down", deep growls with bared teeth as a show of aggression, tail wagging in anger, and so forth.
Keepers are more domestically catlike in their "catspeak"; purrs of delight/happiness....even as a way to self-comfort. Open body language makes them easier to understand than Keepers- with some patience and a careful eye on ears and tail- but their chirps might be a little harder to translate. Just be wary of when the low growls and hissing start!
What both can agree on, regardless of Keeper or Seeker, is the importance of their tail. Head pats aren't uncommon from other races, like the Hyur, who want to good-naturedly show positive reinforcement. A light touch of ears is fine, but petting them requires more trust. Their tails, even more than that!!! Only very close friends, family, and loved ones can pet a Miqo'te's tail without issue or fuss.
We don't talk about the catnip. (A leafy "drug" that energizes Miqo'te to "frisky kitten" levels of wilding. Even Seekers aren't immune, and it's one of the rare times their pupils get wider. Keeper's eyes look like pools of black on catnip, always a fun sight to see!)
Body Care [Miqo’te + Au Ra]:
There’s hair care....and fur care. Ears/tails are washed with different, specialty soap that’s different from hair care. However, some of these products do overlap into two-in-ones.
Showerheads are designed much the same: small, to avoid hitting the ears (or at least being gentle when it happens).
Horn washing is a serious business, whether Xaela or Raen. Two-in-ones for washing and prep polishing horns, then an after-polish for post-bathing cleanliness.
Seeker Names [Miqo’te]:
It’s well known that Seeker culture is quite unique...especially when it comes to names. There is an importance of their abbreviated or personal name that isn’t found elsewhere. An example being X'rhun Tia. X refers to the X (Lynx) tribe. Rhun is his given name....and Tia, his status.
So it is stressed, due to this interesting difference, that saying a Seeker's true name (ex: Rhun) is a highly personal and intimate matter. Either dear, close friendship or to indicate romantic ties; either way, it shows a closeness in words where nothing else might.
Hormones and Dating [Miqo’te + Au Ra + Elezen]:
What defines a Nunh from a Tia is typically hormone levels. Their innate aggression and want to lead typically is what sets some Tia above the others for potential Nunh positions.....but, of course, isn't always guaranteed. The biggest messes of power-changed typically happen for later-in-life Nunh or if they've come upon an illness. While it isn't uncommon for there to be two Nunh to a tribe.....they rarely go well for the long-term. (But quite a few have worked out, due to the nature of some Seekers simply preferring mind over matter.....or numbers above all else.)
You can actually see some Seeker cultured mirrored in the Xaela; their penchant for violence oft sees them using it to draw eyes their way....
Though that makes the Raen and Keeper tribes similar, as well; Raen Auri would prefer to woo their prospective loves with a variety of things (items to shows of prowess, such as dancing), though it depends on location of said Raen. (Doma/Higanshi warriors, for example, still feel that occasional, primal need to draw eyes via a sparring match out in public eye.) Keepers are a pickier bunch, but it's not uncommon to see men vying for attention from would-be mates in any manner of show or keepsake.....shame that so few (if any) ever stick around.
Elezen dating culture is quite similar to the Hyur and Lalafell (likely due to proximity most have encountered). The Duskwight might be more "simple" with their gifts, but they have been renowned as heartfelt items (or tools), as they are typically handmade. Compare to the Wildwood or Elezen of Ishgard, who either rely on Hyur tactics (gift-giving; bought and occasionally made) or- a popular option with those from Ishgard- to make or commission a gift specifically made for their love. Tailoring gifts to suit needs is- regardless of race- an endless Elezen custom.
On the note of Seekers, it isn't uncommon for Tias who have left or otherwise deflected from their tribe to start experiencing a hormone boost. With no rule over their head aside from their own judgement, the urge to become the "Nunh" of their own "tribe" often becomes a persistent thought.
And yes, this has led to the creation of potions to soothe these hormones into something more docile. Though another, albeit emotionally painful remedy, is social isolation. The less time a Tia spends around the populace, the better for their hormone levels.
No such luck has been offered yet to the equally hormonal Xaela, who typically refuse outsider help, anyways. And given that they are more energetic and driven than the Raen, it doesn't take a scientist to note that such potions made for them (the Raen) would not well enough suit a Xaela.
Quick musing while Rhela’s made it to the Azim Steppe (and Ajisai sorely needs to catch up)...
I think the funniest thing about having WoL/NPC ships is the hilarity that so many of the things I come up with have a sliding scale of how deep or chaotically silly they can get. Specifically speaking of how, at one instance, there can be a deep moment shared between them. Worries are shared, bonds are forged stronger, both come out of it seeing the other person in a different light... Maybe they even touched upon something no other knows about.
...Yet these same characters will, say, end up partying hard at the Gold Saucer. Going fishing, regardless if they are pals, lovers, or enemies. (Don’t forget the fitting outfits for such a venture!)
Long story short, I’m mulling such thoughts over because meeting Magnai and knowing better well how he acts in game (finally understood properly, and not just secondhand through fandom, LMAO), is... Well. It prompts hilarious thoughts with Ajisai.
As I told my partner earlier as we met him: “She’d want to punch him and then kiss him shortly after.”
In a bid to use this blog more, I thought I’d post up some FFXIV ideas I’ve put up in my Discord server... Today’s topic being chapels!
I was- admittedly- kinda disappointed to learn that there was only one wedding chapel in all of the lands...and it being very basic, to boot. Where was the pizzazz? The aesthetics?? The options?!?
So I took it into my own hands. I’ve come up with some potential ideas for alternate wedding chapels in FFXIV, from other Eorzean locations to beyond that! I’m missing some locations still, of course, so if you’d like to request an additional “what if wedding chapel”, just let me know!
That being said... Let’s start with La Noscea.
We want some wood-stone hybrids going on, here! Something much like this image, but, of course, with the typical large space as seen in the Twelveswood chapel and a window in the front to view the ocean beyond.
With higher tiers of marriage (Gold + Platinum), you could gain additional decorations to fit the location (oceanic tie-backs and sea glass, maybe?), but the dress and tux stay about the same.
Thanalan’s chapel would look best as rugged stone architecture; almost forgotten, well-aged, but still sturdy and with a sense of ancient tranquility behind it. A Thanalan chapel best feels like a secret wedding or, in the case of a Gold or Platinum wedding, like royalty. On higher tiers, the place gets more decked out in finery and starts to feel like a wedding of royalty!
Dress and tux still see no changes here. (I figured it was fair enough to let the dress/tux stay the same in most Eorzean settings, since all these locations aren’t too far from one another. However, we’ll start seeing alternate clothing from here on out!)
On special request from a friend, a Garlean chapel! After all, even Garlemald must see it’s fair share of weddings, right? So cue the impressive, mighty architecture of the Garleans, largely modeled out of metal and stone. Small splashes of color catch the eyes, and don’t forget the banners that hang from the ceiling! All hail the Empire!
Truly, a wedding befitting your crueler characters....or perhaps, a Garlean-hosted wedding?
The outfits for this chapel are where we start diverting from the basics; the tuxedo style is swept aside for something more formal military, given the way the Empire currently runs itself. The dress has predominately dark colors, with only certain areas dyeable to change the feeling of the thing (Gold + Platinum only). Those with the Standard package get Military Garments (military-styled tux and dress, in the Garlean black and rust red standard colors; the black cannot be changed in higher tiers, but the rust red can be re-dyed).
I apologize for nearly forgetting Ishgard; whoops! Regardless... Ishgard’s wedding chapel should rightly look much like this; more stonework, of course, but with high arches, a higher ceiling, and equally flattering, dramatic windows. The front of which would likely be decorated in a glass-pane art of Halone, while the sides are simple glass.
As well, a much bigger hall than the image here; Ishgard seems to want for little when it comes to wide open spaces and towering architecture. There’s few plant options, but banners and frost-agreeable plant-life (like mistletoe and pine) make the cut for your options.
Outfits for the occasion have been changed up! The tuxedos are now more armor-based (much like this; hilariously, the image is of Prince Darien himself); the Ishgardian Elezen showing off a little in their metalworks? Absolutely! With the dress, one can find themselves in lovely metallic embroidery on a white dress. When dyeable, the metal (or metallic) parts will also be effected by the colors picked!
Special barding is offered for using Ishgard’s chapel, but the items given largely stay the same.
Next up, we head to Kugane and their chapel. Since the deities of Hinganshi are openly called “kami”, a Shinto-styled marriage seems only fitting. The chapel would be styled as a temple outside and in, complete with similar rites to honor the kami.
Decorations would be limited in this chapel style, even if bought for a higher tier, but the items given are unique to the chapel itself. (Unique barding for a marriage chocobo, small (sake) cups are beside the small wedding cake, etc.)
The wedding outfits are also different, now being replaced with the wedding kimono (shiromuku) and wedding hakama (otherwise known as montsuki hakama). By default, the wedding kimono is kept white and the wedding hakama is monotone. While those wearing the hakama can dye it in higher tiers (even change the crests on the haori), those wearing the kimono can not...
One does not keep the wedding kimono. Instead, a special kimono is gifted after the ceremony is complete (known as a hikifurisode) and that is what those wearing the wedding kimono get to keep. With that in mind, take your pictures while you can! And enjoy the lovely kimono (or Eastern Garments, as it would likely be named) you’ve been gifted after the ceremony.
It’s when we got to the Azim Steppe that things got tricky when it came to designing chapels... Above, was my first idea, based off of the Mongolian Parliment building (State Great Khurl) in Sükhbaatar Square. Weddings often stop here for pictures and it didn’t seem like a bad idea for a potential starting point...especially since the other option is slightly trickier.
Utilized even in FFXIV, the ger is still a popular way to do a wedding (especially traditionally), but the issue becomes the set up and location... After all, a ger is both wedding location and a wedding gift, so trying to do an “instanced wedding” is tricky. (Considering the Twelveswood chapel is stationary, I don’t imagine Square Enix would be thrilled to trying out a chapel that “doesn’t exist”.)
So... The two options come out to something like this:
The building above is used. It functions just like the Twelveswood chapel (and any other I’ve come up with) where you can get your quests done as normal...if with some Au Ra twists.
The ger is used. An NPC stands in a certain location to be reported to and, only after the quest is complete and marriage due to begin, can the couple and their friends enter the instance. It sends the party out on the Steppe in an instanced area. The wedding can proceed inside (one of the only cramped wedding chapels), as usual....with some changes, of course. There’s a limit to the outside, instanced area; those who leave will either have to time out or talk to the NPC off to the right side to leave.
Both chapel styles- regardless- WILL require one of the partners to be an Au Ra. (Raen or Xaela doesn’t matter.)
Once again, the outfits are modeled after traditional garments (these being the most Western-influence removed garment set) and are only dyeable for higher tiers. The interior has options or- if we use the ger style- the interior AND exterior of the ger-styled chapel is changed, too.
Location specific barding and goodies are given to the couple. (Thinking about replacing the cake with meat...it’s accurate, after all.) Guests also gain a certain amount of Steppe-specific food in their inventory, depending on wedding tier.
(Also, just so I say it... Would be Big Galaxy Brain to offer Azim Steppe housing, but weddings or gifted housing being the only way to obtain them. Unsure how hard that would be to do, but would be SUCH a cool way to get a house...and a special treat for those who play as Au Ra!)
Now... Maybe I’m behind on this idea, but has anyone else considered a Wind-Up of your WoL/character? Is that just me? Cause I keep thinking about it and.... Well, have some of my own thoughts when it comes to my main duo!
Wind-up Adventurer
A timid healer wind-up, inspired by the days of the Warrior’s youth. Watch your feet while walking; their shyness is prone to have them cling to your leg.
Type: Restoration
[Based off of Rhela in ARR. Likely would have them dressed in green healer’s gear, as they were wont to do at the time.]
Wind-up Snowcat
In memory of the Warrior’s victory in the war (and short term stay) in Ishgard, smiths were sent to the workshops to make this likeness of the hero. Named for the bundle of furs they’re dolled up in, be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they stay warm.
Type: ??
[Based off of Rhela in HW. Specifically because the idea of a bundled up poppet-type is adorable. And when it’s a bundled up WoL, wouldn’t that sell all the better...? Hehehe!]
Wind-up Rhela
The latest iteration of the Warrior’s looks, this one captures their likeness best. Dressed in their favorite adventuring coat and armed to heal, take a miniature Warrior of Light with you, wherever your own travels may lead!
Type: Restoration
[Rhela of SHB and, hopefully, beyond. LMAO! I’m sure the smiths would hope so, at least...but the weavers are probably being paid well for alternate clothes.]
Wind-up Ajisai
Dressed in a fanciful hybrid of the Azim Steppe and Higanshi- where this royal lady once resided- one gets the best of both worlds owning this limited-edition puppet! Warning that the sass might be high with this one...
Type: ??
[Definitely more of a post-story kind of wind-up, but it also feels the best option for her. Confident, happier, and still as sassy as ever. The kind to stomp her foot when she doesn’t get attention, but turn her head when you /pet her... Adorable.]
I got an audiobook copy of The Book Thief from my local library (they have an app! I only just found out about it and I've never been more excited!) and I've just been slowly making my way through it at 1.25x speed LOL
I can see why it's so highly praised, it's really good, and there were a few parts that nearly made me cry (I didn't only because I was in public oops).
But also I know the history and I am Afraid for these characters.
