Oh... Where to begin. Ah, well. I guess the beginning...
Created as a Allagan Weapon, something hidden in plain sight. Something that couldn't die.. Well, not outright. He was a second generation model, of which there were seven of us. He wasn't the Archeologist yet, he was much to young and childish! I don't fault him for being like that. He hadn't lived more than the sheltered life the scientists gave him.
The Soldier always scoffed at the young in's. He was the last first generation model, one that the scientists keep trying to fix. The war with Merycidia was in full swing, and all of the espionage models were about to be deployed... At least I think we were? He got shoved into a storage cache by the Soldier. The Soldier said he'd be back with the others... Well... They never did show up.
I guess the cache got forgotten, since no one found the first me. No scientist, not a single one of my siblings. I pieced together why, later. The Dalamud project had gone live, and destroyed the empire. Not necessarily a bad thing, but... Well, its not my place to judge.
He restored power to the door after months of moping and using up the supplies. The yellow haze that was the sky that greeted me was unexpected. Azys Lla was fully detached... He got so dizzy looking at the clouds that he, well, fell off.
And that was my first death.
Falling was exhilarating. The crunch of the ground... Not so much. I woke up minutes, hours, days... I'm still not sure. The self I became after was strong, righteous. So he went searching for civilization. He found an old army storehouse, and gathered a set of armor and a blade.
He decided to act on the silly ideas my siblings and I had promised each other after we were done fighting. I was... to become an Archeologist. Bit silly now, but... a name is a name. My second self figured he needed some sort of a name for when he found people.
He wandered the land, protecting those in need, helping others with their problems. He was a remnant of the old Allag to the villages I encountered, but a welcome sight. His prowess with the blade saved many a people. But not every monster can be bested alone.
And that was my second death.
The self I became after, well, she was cautious. She turned to the summoner's art, something easier to disguise. She became a sort of recluse, living alone for a very long time... So long, that astral era passed her by with nary a hint of her involvement.
The Age of Endless Frost brought her out of hiding. She made her way to settlements to assist in keeping themselves warm. She, while cautious, still had a warm and giving heart that hadn't frozen over in her solitude.
She was right to be cautious however. There was a faction that opposed her efforts to be a light to everyone regardless of allegiance. They sabotaged themselves to get her back and stabbed her in the back. She didn't even register the pain, that is how surgical this assassination was.
And that was my third death.
Waking up in a hastily dug grave, my fourth self was angry. She broke free of her prison and went to the nearby settlements. With her knowledge and charisma, she bent them to her ear. Forging herself new armor and a massive blade, she went to become the darkest of my selves. I understand her actions... But I wish they hadn't come to be.
She went and conquered those that had murdered her. Then she conquered their allies. Her bloodlust and anger still not sated, she conquered the entire continent. Ruling with an iron fist and a deep anger, my fourth self became a tyrant.
Thankfully, her rule was short lived. Magick was created, and the fledgling nations of Amdapor and Mhach defeated her, destroying her with their destructive magicks.
And that was my fourth death.
My fifth self regretted the actions of her predecessor. She vowed to never directly influence history as my fourth self did. She knew that her immense knowledge and aether stores would make for another tyrant in the Age of the Magi. So she settled herself into an apprentice position to who would become a great archmage of Mhach.
A bit of a prankster, this self was a joy to be. Freely sharing her knowledge to those that asked, she was a delight to all who knew her. That did not stop her for fighting for her new homeland, but she did so with a great sadness in her soul. She accidentally let slip how Allag summoned voidsent to the wrong person and Mhach started down a dark path.
She thought nothing of it for years, her master becoming a the greatest voidmage of her generation. The War of the Magi that started, sat as a vile taste in her mouth. She worked with her master, following orders, but always showing mercy when she could. She was reprimanded many a time, but that did not stop my idealistic self.
A grand summoning occurred, and she was imprisoned alongside her master. When the flooding began, my fifth self and her master forged the Void Ark, a place of refuge. Unfortunately, the voidsent queen broke her bonds and she sacrificed that life with her master and all the other voidmages to keep her sealed.
And that was my fifth death.
Upon my next self awakening, she teleported back to the world below, leaving the sad memories of Mhach behind with that ship. She became a wanderer, an explorer. She became very worthy of the Archeologist name. Far more than I have been doing. But I feel the help I have done for people is worth just a little bit more... Just a little bit.
My sixth self's life was not very grand. But it was full. She lived solely in the past, exploring old ruins, and gathering like minded souls. She was very beloved for the centuries she keep popping up in. Her end was quiet. On an exploratory dig in the wilds of Othard, a cave in crashed around her as her allies watched in horror. A rock split her head open and she was laid to rest under many fulms of rubble.
And that was my sixth death.
That brings us to me! I'm a bit old now, been this face for the longest of any of my lives. I chose to live in the here and now, not bound by anything my past selves did. Well, I guess you could say I'm just continuing my previous self's lust for adventure. But I am going about it in a different manner. She was very solitary, gathering small groups of dedicated allies.
I just enjoy meeting new people and going on grand adventures with them. I know I can't stay long... Being centuries old does make things a little bit difficult when you barely age, even among Viera standards. But I've met so many interesting souls, and loved more. This realm is full of interesting people and I want to meet as many as I can! I do meddle in current affairs a bit more than before now. I can't help it! I want to keep people safe as best as I can.
For this world is a beautiful place, and I won't rest as long as I can keep protecting it and its people. After this many centuries of living, its the best I can do.
After 3 months of planning, wrangling, and other shicannery... I finally have a group shot of everyone! Was gonna write dialogue for this, but I'm tired lol
Special thanks to my FC and @meepsthemiqo for standing in as people. All the carbuncles helped!
(Character: The Archeologist, Timeframe: Post-ARR, Pre-Bloody Banquet)
The wall of Amalj’aa stood silent in the arid cliffs of Thanalan. Their warleader stood a step forward, relaxed and proud. Watching and waiting, these Amalj’aa were soon rewarded for their patience. A drake and its rider came trampling over a hill, the beast skidding to a stop before the warleader. A nimble form leapt from its saddle to salute the warleader. “Warleader Hamujj Gah!” Hamujj Gah nodded and motioned for the young Miqo’te to speak.
“Ul’dah’s envoy is indeed approaching! I saw what appeared to be a massive dust cloud coming from the northern checkpoint.” Loonh Gah reported excitedly. “It's about time the Sultana and her Flames sent someone to us.”
“Indeed, Loonh Gah. Stable your drake, then take your place in the line as we await our honored guest.” Loonh nodded, then grabbed the reins of her drake, walking the beast into the small camp that was the Circle of Ash. The wall of warriors parted for her and her beast, quickly reforming after they passed.
The sweltering midday sun beat onto the hardened skin and rippling muscles of the Amalj’aa warriors. Loonh quickly regained her position, the lone extended member of the tribe. A bell passed, and finally a yellow-feathered chocobo crested the hill below the Circle. Atop it was a slender Viera with burgundy hair, purple tinted clothing and a massive grin across her face as she called out to the warriors. “Hail! And well met!” The chocobo slowed to a walk and its rider dropped to the ground, giving the panting bird a few reassuring pets.
“Hail, envoy from Ul’dah.” Hamujj Gah rumbled to the newcomer. “I am Warleader Hamujj Gah. Caretaker and protector of the Circle of Ash.”
“The Archeologist, at your service.” The Archeologist bowed slightly, keeping her eyes locked on Hamujj Gah’s. “But you may call me Archie, tis a good nickname.”
“I did not know that Ul’dah employed someone as storied as you, honored Archeologist.”
“Aww, you don’t need to butter me up! I’m here to help both of you.” Archie gave a cheeky wink to the warleader, “While I am representing Ul’dah, rest assured that I’ll help both parties come to a proper understanding.”
“Of course, honored Archeologist. Please, lead your mount into the shade where it may rest, as we discuss the terms of our agreement.”
The Archeologist gave a chirp of agreement. She started to walk forward, stopped, reached her hand backwards and the chocobo reins flipped into her loose grip. With a gentle tug, she led her chocobo into the Circle, giving a wink to Loonh as she passed.
After the warleader and the Archeologist were away, Loonh turned to her nearest companion in disbelief. “That is the insult that the Ul’dahns send us? A fop of a woman that looks as weak as a broom!”
The older Amalj’aa rumbled back, “Appearances can be deceiving, young one. Hamujj Gah was younger than you are now last that women made an appearance. She helped save many an Amalj’aa back then. The way he talked of her made her into something dangerous. One to not cross.”
Loonh still looked with disbelief in her body language, when the Archeologist gave a passing look out of the warleader’s cave. For the barest of moments, Loonh could’ve sworn the ancient eyes looking at her burned into her soul. She shuddered, then went back to sharpening her blade. The haunted look in those eyes spoke volumes more than the words and actions of this enigmatic being.
“Why hello there, newfound friends! Let us get into something smashing, yes?”
And here she is! My Archeologist! What a goofy, silly, lovely grin! Brought to life by the amazing @ladyzolstice. It is my lucky day that both my comms came in at once!
(Character: Azalea, The Archeologist, Timeframe: Early Seventh Astral Era)
The burning sensation again. Aether flowing from a condensed package. Reforming the body. I died again, didn’t I? Not the first time. Not the second either. What are we on? Six? Seven? That last life was the longest yet. Wonder what I’ll be…
The Archeologist awoke with a startled gasp, her body instinctively shooting upwards. Bad move. Muscles sore from being rewritten.
Panting with pain, she clasped the sides of her head, startled by the large mandible-like horns where her pointed ears were before. Never had that before.
She patted down the rest of her body, carefully watching her hands. Arms shorter. Height must be… Two fulms shorter. Balance will need to be considered.
The scales formed on her skin caught her eye. Continuing to ignore where she was, she focused hard on the patch of roughness growing on her body. Fascinating. Cartilage based, perhaps. Texture analysis; same material as horns.
The Archeologist smiled in relief. The puzzle of a new body was always a delightful distraction. Each digit on her hand moved correctly, much to her reassurance. Her weary arms moved accurately. Attempting to move her legs would have to wait, she simply didn’t have the energy. A new limb, her tail, distracted her soon enough. A thick scaled appendage, curled neatly around her. It had the same boney feeling as the scales and horns, much to her relief. Balance problem likely solved. Interesting such a small creature needed a rudder-like tail to walk. Will have to test hypothesis.
After focusing on herself for so long, it was time for her to scan her surroundings. The Archaeologist focused her golden eyes around her, seeing a desolate meadow. A massive scorching crater was a more immediate location, with her directly in the middle. Slightly off to her side were dozens of bodies, all charred beyond recognition. Ambush? Aether reformat shouldn’t be this explosive. Did I char myself to let others leave?
Curious, the Archeologist cautiously stood to her feet. Wobbling slightly, the now Au Ra Allagan stepped over to one of the bodies. Just a mess of seared flesh and bone, no identifying clothing. Hyur in proportion however.
She walked over to another body, and came to similar conclusions. Farther she walked out of the crater, inspecting each and every body. The longer she walked, the more intact and clothed were the bodies. At the edge of the crater, a body that had suffered third degree burns was slumped on its edge, a blade from a cohort stuck in his stomach. Poor chap. This must’ve been a terrible way to die. He has an insignia. Need to ruminate… … Ah yes. That assassin order. Must’ve been for me. Scant memories from before the shedding of my old form do somewhat concur? Always so fuzzy afterwards. Hope no one innocent was caught in the blast.
The Archeologist carefully undressed the assassin, donning his garb as she had none. She ripped the insignia off of the shoulder, then for good measure ripped out the other shoulder. Giggling with joy at the thought of personalizing herself, the Archeologist continued on her trek. If it was still that. Much to remember, so little time to do so.
May the Christmas season go quickly for you. In the meantime do any of your OCs care for Starlight Celebration or any holiday season at all? All Saint's Wake? Moonfire Faire? Little Ladies' Day?
Ty @voidsentprinces!
Pretty much all of my flowers enjoy the Eorzean holidays. To varying degrees of course.
Lily is partial to heavensturn, as it originates from her homeland.
A’tyla and Yasha are both enjoyed of Little Ladies’ day, as the festival started in their home city state. (And they both went thru a little Princess phase, Yasha’s being much later however)
Tatiava and Eulanne adore All Saints Wake, Tati for the spooks, Eulanne for the void sent company. (Eulanne feels less of a monster around true voidsent.) (Jana is very confused why the city states allow voidsent to be about freely, but she hasn’t attacked any since her incident the first time it rolled around.)
Jana, Beat and Mai enjoy the moonfire faire, as the summer breeze and beach fun is a delight. (Beat and Mai use it as an excuse to visit Limsa every year, as technically they are wanted by the Yellowjackets for unlawful piracy years back. Not that it is really enforced anymore, but you know.)
Benoit and Lhei don’t take part in holiday celebrations much, Benoit because of his lamentations (and spoilery things I’m working on for his revamp) and Lhei gets too lost in her work to notice the holidays happening.
A’tyla gets the most into the gift giving of Starlight, whereas Yasha and Tati spend time with their partners enjoying the cheer.
Marisol is neutral to the holidays. She will gladly take part in them, but she is always hunting for new experiences. The L’Rae twins are also neutral, tho Deta does try to celebrate some of the holidays of their shard with Pola.
Myste will happily share in the celebrations, but does not actively seek them out. Whereas the Archeologist enjoys every holiday equally, seeing them with fondness of an adult watching their kids grow up. (She’s a bit older than most of the celebrations.
Hatchingtide isn’t beloved or beloathed by any of my characters. It kinda just happens.
Is your OC modest? Or are there some things they like to boast about?
Most of my roster are quite modest.
Lily downplays most of her achievements to not really attract attention.
The Archeologist has been around so long, she wants others to shine more than herself.
A'tyla is a shy bean, but when she feels like she is good at something, she will shine and boast away.
Benoit is a braggart through and through. He will brag about anything and everything if it gets him in people's good graces. Half of them are probably true too!
Yasha is my most timid of characters, surprising for a Warrior of Light. She feels she is in a supporting role to other, more proper Scions and Warriors, leading her to be very modest.
Tatiava is naturally competitive, and if she feels it gives her the upper hand in an argument, Damn it all she will loudly boast far and wide to gather as much attention as possible.
Archon Lhei Veha will boast of one thing, and only one thing. How they became an Archon at such a young age. There really isn't anyone to boast that to anymore, since they came to Eorzea, Archonship isn't just as revered bythose that don't know Sharlayan's customs.
Beat boasts of her talents, her charm, her looks, and her partner. Loud and proud, whenever and wherever it is relevant (and sometimes when it isn't.)
Mai is very modest, downplaying her role in keeping Beat on a path on not self destructing by adventure. Projection is known to boast of its own capabilities however, much to the mute Mai's annoyance.
Myste boasts of his miraculous healing powers of his trifecta. But not loudly, just with conviction. He is quite modest otherwise.
Jana tries to be modest, but competing with the manifestations of the job stones makes her incredibly proud that she can keep up with centuries of knowledge. She doesn't boast it often, but when heated, the does tout her fighting prowess.
That's everyone! Fascinating question Mimble, it was a lotta fun. :D
