CONTROL : What is your character’s view of fate/destiny?➤ Also asked by @windup-dragoon
FATE: the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
DESTINY: the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.
A short answer would be Cyril doesn’t really believe in either concept. Or that is to say, he does not believe in any “higher power” that ordains the order of things, at least. When it comes to whether some event or series of events would inevitably come to pass in someone’s life, that they’re stuck with the lot they are thrown because that’s just what they deserve or the path they have chosen to take… that starts to get a bit blurry and subjective.
Cyril will always state that he believes anyone can rise above their station, go beyond simply surviving to achieve and accomplish if they but possess the drive, fortitude, and a willingness to work hard. He does genuinely believe this, and he’ll preach that narrative fervently… though in truth he does so more often as an unscrupulous tactic to dissuade people from attempting to make better of their situation.
As one could imagine, it is in his best financial interest to see that those in his possession do not attempt to better their situation. Hope is a very, very powerful force that, if not kept in check, can lead easily to an uprising or revolt - and that could cost Cyril not only huge amounts of profit, but could also easily cost lives, both among his stock and among the crew. That isn’t a risk he’s willing to take, so he’s very aggressive and purposeful about stomping it out.
Cyril usually can break morale repeatedly drilling in a mindset of hopelessness. Instilling the belief that there is no chance of something better, that those in his care should be grateful, that it is for their own good, etc.
And to some - or more accurately a vast extent - he believes it. He believes in fate / destiny just enough to justify his work - to sell the flimsy, filthy excuse of what he does serves the common good. His trading is done thoughtfully, and is ultimately in the best interest of all parties involved. If asked, and in the mood to oblige a response, he’ll very readily explain that some people are just worthless without guidance. They would flounder or fail on their own, perhaps be homeless, or turn to petty thievery or banditry. Better then, for everyone, that he step in and find places where such people can be put to use for the betterment of society.
So, perhaps rather fitting for a pirate, Cyril only believes in fate or destiny when it caters to him.
DIRECT HIT : Which trait in others does your character value the most?
Thank you for the ask, @tigerbites-art! || FFXIV Stat Attribute Asks