SFW
Caryden Allemann
Adventurer for Hire•
Enter location
No Badges
Race
Hyur
Clan
Midlander
Free Company
None
Introduction
A Hyur Midlander from Vylbrand whom has taken up the calling of an Adventurer. With a penchant for survival and a strong work ethic, one could do worse than hire Caryden for various jobs that need doing.
Player's notes
No additional notes provided by the player.
Character Information
Basic details about Caryden Allemann
Nickname
"Cary"
Race
Hyur Midlander
Age
Adult (28)
Sex & Gender
Male & Masculine
Height & Weight
6'1" (185cm) & 198lbs (86kg)
Body Type
Athletic
Nameday
19th Sun of 5th Astral Moon
Birthplace
Summerford, La Noscea
Current Residence
Ul'dah, Central Thanalan
Occupation
Adventurer
Archetype
Vanguard / Skirmisher
Background
The story of the character's origins
Out-of-Character Details
Hello there!
First and foremost, I'm 26+ with at least 10 years' worth of experience role-playing on MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, Wildstar (RIP), and now Final Fantasy XIV.
In terms of where my character is, I play on the Mateus server within the Crystal data-center of the North America region. If you happen to be on any other server belonging to Crystal (like Goblin, Brynhildr, etc.)—or even another data-center, for that matter—you can be assured that I can visit your home turf. Alternatively, if you'd like to return the favor—that works, too.
Although entirely optional, those seeking to interact who also happen to be fellow Mareners have access to his more ‘unique’ appearance . Feel free to ask for my ‘moon codes’, as it were. If you aren't sure what that is—it's probably for the best.
Regarding timezones for scheduling roleplay sessions, I tend towards GMT+8 or PHT, which usually means I'm 11 hours ahead of CST, 12 hours ahead of EST, and 15 hours ahead of PDT (for North American players), and I'm generally 6-10 hours ahead of players on the EU. In contrast, my timezone is generally on-par with those on the Japanese and Oceanic regions.
As a role-player, I do have a preference for paragraph-style emotes and replies and the like. Depending on the turn of the scene itself, I may be as descriptive or as succinct as I need to be in order to get the point across. I also draw my interest and inspiration from my partner; plainly said, the more our role-playing styles mesh, the more likely you'll see consistent results from my own writing.
It goes without saying that my personality and that of my character's are not the same, though I will confess there's certainly no harm being more like Caryden in my own life. The long and short of it is that my in-character (IC) and out-of-character (OOC) interactions are completely separate. I try to actively abide by this rule, and I expect my roleplay partner(s) to be capable of doing the same. All that being said, however, I'm still a human being at the end of the day—we all have good days, we all have bad days.
As far as role-play scenarios go, I have a preference for story-driven scenes. Even just a tiny bit of build-up is fine, as long as we're able to create context, rapport, and even chemistry between my character and yours. I am open to mature, dark and erotic themes, but the preference for story and build-up will still continue to apply—if not more so.
I am comfortable role-playing in-game or on Discord if the ability to log into the game is not something either of us can do, but would like to role-play a scene out (or continue an existing one). I won't be posting my Discord details here, but I can give it to you once we've established some rapport with one another.
Bottom-line, I look forward to role-playing with you all, and thank you for taking the time to read up on my role-play character.
Character Overview
A tall Hyur Midlander of broader stock and frame, with sun-kissed skin and ruddy hair. His locks drape heavy yet loose about his head, framing his face while neatly braided low at the back—much like a long tail.
His stance and gait suggest a quiet confidence, matched by functional apparel intended to convey humility rather than garishness. Keen observers may also catch the slightest hints of a swagger in his steps—reminiscent of a mariner's 'sea legs'.
Most times, folk of different walks and stripes may note that the man wears an easy, ever-present smile. The expression sits naturally enough upon his features, giving him a perpetually jovial expression and an air of someone who is easy to approach.
On certain occasions, he can be found clad in armor that experienced eyes may identify roughly as Coerthan platemail. The scuffed, battle-worn steel bears at least one instance of the bright and conspicuous sigil of the Adventurers' Guild, revealing clearly his commitments and profession.
The equipment he bears more often follows a largely similar aesthetic, and could easily be identified by craftsmen and artisans alike. Most particular of these is the sword sheathed upon his back—with proportions seemingly a smidge too large for a Hyur—beside a quiver of arrows, and a war-bow of rather specific construction.
His silvery voice comes through in a rather sing-song fashion, not unlike the sailors of Vylbrand's westward coasts. The friendly timbre of his words and a warm, easy-going smile both mark him with an amiable, trustworthy presence—an essential trait for a helpful adventurer.
Physical Description
Clear steel blue eyes gleam and shine, complimenting a warm and casual smile ever-present upon Caryden's lips. Beyond that amicable expression and welcoming countenance, however, very little else about this man actually seems to stand out as far as his kin often go. Standing an entire fulm taller and built somewhat broader than most Midlanders, it is plain to see that Caryden is otherwise a fairly average—if robust—specimen of the Hyuran race.
A heavy mop of auburn hair leans towards a darker hue, with the only exception being when he is directly beneath the shining light of the blazing sun. Likewise, Caryden's ruddy beard seems to confer him with a scruffy, rough-and-tumble appearance—despite the fact that it looks otherwise groomed and closely trimmed much of the time.
Lightly-tanned skin is kissed by a smattering of red spots, often giving the impression that he is a man who spends little time indoors, and is always out and about—whether he be working, adventuring, or otherwise.
While Caryden's features are hardly unique for his breed, keener eyes may note that his hands—often bound by what look to be thick and worn black linen handwraps—are coarse and roughened by callouses, belying his simple, friendly appearance.
Lastly, what little of his form showed through his modest, functional attire is honed, his shoulders broad in how they set, and his stance boasts an easy confidence. Such traits seemingly paint the picture of a man whose strengths laid within—rather than without—and saw no pressing need or reason to flaunt it.
Personality
Caryden wears a warm, easy smile and very often carries himself with a casual, friendly disposition. Generally, his peers consider him to be rather easygoing, laid-back, and the seemingly approachable sort. As a happy coincidence—given Caryden's choice of calling—such a trait does often go a long way towards building trust and rapport with folk in general. This is especially apparent with taciturn individuals who may be understandably reluctant with entrusting their problems to a stranger—however helpful or genuine they might seem to be.
Depending on whose presence Caryden is currently in, the man's demeanor is said to see a rather pointed shift to suit the person. For instance, if Caryden were to mingle with fellow natives of Vylbrand and La Noscea, his more natural Lominsan-born side rises to the surface. Conversely, if Caryden were to find himself in the presence of Isghardian gentry and knightly individuals, he is more likely to express a more courtly form of respect.
Regardless of his present company, however, Caryden very often exudes a quiet form of confidence by default—as though he has no reason nor desire to be brash or boisterous about himself or his capabilities.
Finally, Caryden seems to take a 'no more, no less' approach to many things. He does not appreciate getting short-changed, but he also refuses to take (or be given) more than his fair share—having understood from experience what it takes to sustain a livelihood.
Roleplay Hooks
(NOTE: While these hooks are written and categorized to be standard and potentially one-off, discussions can be opened to allow for hybrid hooks. To elaborate, those are hooks which may incorporate elements from one or more of those already listed, regardless of the category—depending on how they all blend together in context.)
[Common Hooks]
La Noscean: Caryden never quite lost his Vylbrand accent, so keen individuals in earshot—if they so choose—can pick up on the slight lilt and sing-song nature of his pronunciations every so often. Perhaps they might remark on why someone from that neck of the world is so far from home, or seek to learn more about that region of Aldenard from a seemingly friendly and approachable sort.
Quicksand Dweller: Whether it be coming from the stairs leading to the Hourglass suites, passing in and out through its three main doors and crowded taproom, or simply loitering around Adventurers and Retainers alike, Caryden's face—if not his name—would most definitely be a recurring mainstay of the Quicksand in Ul'dah. Perhaps you've spoken to him once or twice, bumped into each other in passing and mutual apologies were exchanged, or were simply curious what he's doing there in particular and now mustered the effort to approach.
Adventurer: Being an adventurer means a wealth of travel beneath the weathered soles of one's boots. To that end, adventurers whom Caryden may have bumped into on the long road, or even worked with to share a job or a leve may certainly recognize him. Approach and say ‘hello’, as adventurers are stronger and merrier together. Alternatively, villagers or citizens who belong to settlements that Caryden may have helped can certainly remember his face if not his name.
Retainers' Friend: Up-and-coming or novice Retainers may know Caryden as "that one adventurer" who tries where and when he can to help them in terms of experience or supplies—all without asking for anything in return—save to 'pay it forward'.
Handbill Checker: At times, Caryden can be seen in the local Adventurers' Guild trawling about the boards littered with posted handbills regarding tasks which did not meet the criteria to be considered official Leves. A quick eye and a nimble hand seem to be all he requires to do whatever it is he seems to be doing. Perhaps you find it curious and want to ascertain what Caryden is doing, or you are a fellow adventurer looking to find out what the latest non-leve tasks are for the day and saw him lingering by the handbill postings.
Coerthan Armaments: Even outside of wearing his platemail, both Ishgardians and blacksmiths alike may be able to identify that the weapons Caryden visibly carries are unmistakably Coerthan as well. Most notably, he carries a specifically-constructed war bow alongside an Elezen-sized sword—which seems a bit large to be wielded by a typical Midlander in one hand. Both often rest as a set upon his back, and tend to be the main components of the man's adventuring ensemble outside of his protective kit.
"Brume Plate": Individuals who have an eye for particular military elements and the like may recognize the armor that Caryden wears on occasion. Though an immediate glance would present it as rather worn and scuffed, it does bears an unmistakably Ishgardian aesthetic. However, that sense of uniformity ends where it begins, as a closer look reveals that the kit as a whole is a hodgepodge amalgamation of armor styles that were simply cobbled together—perhaps more for function rather than form.
[Uncommon Hooks]
Open-Door Policy: Although available primarily to fellow Adventurers and Retainers in need, Caryden has been known to keep the door to his personal Hourglass suite—found at the Quicksand inside Ul'dah—open to others who wish to visit. Given that such a policy is not one kept under utmost secrecy, one is even encouraged to come along if in need of aid, supplies, or even just a listening ear to troubles related to the job of adventuring. In the natural interest of safety and trust, the receptionist Otopa Potopa at the front desk will only bar entry if the suite is currently unattended by the owner.
Absent Footfalls: Outside of public areas where foot traffic is otherwise intense and an intermingled smorgasbord for the ears, some people may notice something strangely missing with regard to Caryden. Particularly, it can become rather apparent that he walks with no sounds accompanying his footsteps at all. This odd trait may seem especially jarring whenever the man is wearing the thicker, heavier-set traveling boots of his adventuring apparel—which should produce the expected sound, and yet they do not.
Fraud-Seeker: With regard to the onus behind sifting through handbills at the Adventurers' Guild, certain individuals may actually be privy to the context of Caryden's strange habit of doing so. It is known to some that he does so in order to better ascertain which tasks posted on those boards are legitimate and illegitimate—often of his own volition. Perhaps you had—at one point—asked Caryden why he does what he does, or you were an up-and-coming Adventurer or Retainer who was saved by his vigilance.
Miqo'te Magnetism: Miqo'te that belong to the Seekers of the Sun tribes—and even potentially Keepers of the Moon—may sense Caryden to be quite approachable on an intrinsic level. Through this otherwise inexplicable phenomenon, he may seem like hardly a threat despite appearances and the potential for it. In fact, one may even be able to—strangely enough—go so far as to mistake him for kith and kin as though he were a Miqo'te himself.
Visitor to Ishgard: Coerthans who've lived in Ishgard even well after the borders were opened to outsiders may recognize Caryden as one of the early adventurers who came to their city. Particularly, he was there to help re-establish the Firmament district, as well as a frequent purveyor of leves and missions in the city for a time.
Knight's Sword: A closer look at the sword Caryden wears reveals at least one prominent symbol of a rose upon its somewhat decorated hilt, which—to individuals familiar with Coerthan society and culture—belongs to House Haillenarte of Ishgard. How an adventurer came to bear what is obviously the sword of a knight belonging to one of the four High Houses may be rather a curious thing indeed.
“Walking Stick”: When (often) relieved of the tension of its bowstring, the war-bow stowed on Caryden's back—given the pointed, single-edged ‘blades’ forged onto the ends of either limb—may resemble a dangerous-looking walking stick. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be a glaive that—to the militant or artisanal eye—is constructed with no less than quality and reliability in mind. That such an ingeniously-constructed weapon—bow and polearm both—could end up in the hands of an adventurer may be quite the conversation piece indeed.
Former Retainer: While Eorzea may be a big part of a wider world, Retainers inevitably run into each other despite their individual employment. Former or present Retainers who have been so for the past few years may know Caryden as a former Retainer himself. In some cases, old habits die hard and word on the grapevine is that Caryden is still known to be taking mundane work that his other fellow Adventurers find to be beyond them.
Swordsmanship: Though a skill-set of Caryden's that only ever appears during sparring or actual battles, Gladiators of Ul'dah and other students of the blade may recognize that Caryden's brand of swordsmanship tends to lean heavily towards function over form. Particularly, savvy swordsmen and women may be able to identify it as a style favored primarily by the battle-hardened knights of Coerthas.
Silver Ring: At times, Caryden may be seen sporting a ring on his left middle-most finger. Individuals with a discerning eye or artisanal experience in the realm of blacksmithing like the crafting of weapons, armor and—especially—jewelry may be able to identify it as crafted finely in silver. Further, the ring seems to bear a peculiar hollow in the center of it, as though something like a jewel is intended to sit therein but is conspicuously absent.
[Rare Hooks]
Summerford Resident: More uncommonly, while Caryden hasn't lived in La Noscea for a long time since setting out into the wider world, there is a chance he may look vaguely familiar to somebody who lived in Summerford. Generally, even residents of the Middle La Noscea area prior to the Seventh Umbral Calamity may potentially recognize Caryden's face.
Chocobo Husbandry: Chocobo breeders and trainers from Gridania and Coerthas may recognize Caryden for very different reasons. For Gridanians, word may have spread of Caryden—from his days as a Retainer—having brought in an abused and emaciated chocobo for rehabilitation. For Coerthan trainers, Caryden was known to have brought his chocobo companion, Moirhainne, to the Holy Stables for training as a battle-chocobo.
Dravanian Busybody: Traveling natives and tribals belonging to the lands of Dravania may have a possibility of recognizing Caryden to a certain extent. To be more specific, individuals whom have regularly engaged in trade with the hunters and artisans of Tailfeather may vaguely remember him as a foreigner from the south who joined their people on various errands for a time. Additionally, Caryden's efforts on behalf of the "Adventurers' Guild" in the tribal settlement of Loth ast Vath may have also been noteworthy.
Arcane Band: Upon closer inspection, the ring Caryden wears apparently bears strange symbols etched into the metal. Arcanists, scholars and experienced mages may be able to identify these as glyphs and runes found in even the most basic of arcane foci. In certain instances, the hollow in the ring's center could potentially be seen housing a jewel that completes its make. However, the gem inset does not always seem to be the same one.
Cartridge Supplier: Privy mostly in circles of the mercantile persuasion, Caryden has been known—on certain occasions—to be a sort of go-between that supplies aether-imbued cartridges for weaponry and the like. Markets that specifically deal in materiel of such nature spread the word about the elemental aether infused within—particular and unusual in its purity. As a merchant, perhaps you may be one amongst those already purchasing said cartridges on a regular basis, or one interested in establishing a supply line to it.
Gunblade: While not an all-too-often occurrence, the ubiquitous knightly Ishgardian sword that Caryden brings with his adventuring kit may be replaced by a different weapon altogether—particularly a gunblade of distinctly Garlean design. However way that Caryden came upon such a weapon is subject to scrutiny and speculation, but fellow adventurers, clients and passersby alike attest to it not shooting ceruleum rounds—as is typical of its normal construction. In fact, they swear that it acts more like one of the gunblades wielded by the Queensguard—the so-called Gunbreakers of Bozja—in that it ignites aether-infused cartridges of different elements.
Temper-Proof: Fighting can be a messy affair; a battlefield even more so, and skirmishes involving eikons and Primals are perhaps some of the most chaotic theatres of conflict in recent Eorzean history. In that regard, keen-eyed veterans, scholars, soldiers and commanders tied in some fashion to the Grand Companies of Eorzea may recognize that Caryden is a recurring face in such battles—on account of the fact that he has thus far avoided becoming tempered and swayed by the influence of the Primals.
The Echo: Savvy individuals who have noted Caryden's inability to be tempered may eventually realize that it is less to do with luck and more a matter of fact. Persons knowledgeable about the lore of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn may actually come to the conclusion that Caryden exhibits symptoms of an Echo-bearing adventurer. Thus, he may have the powers notably present in such gifted individuals—and then some, if rumors about the Echo are true.
[Exceptional Hooks]
(DISCLAIMER: If your character is pursuing this set of hooks, it is highly encouraged that you to ask about them further so as to mitigate as many misunderstandings as possible, open a discussion into the non-negotiables, as well as providing clarifications for a smoother RP set-up. These hooks are listed as exceptional for a reason, as they are deeply ingrained into Caryden's backstory—and thus will require some preparation. On a more personal note, it's mostly for my own peace of mind, as well.)
Sole Survivor: On top of merely being a resident of Summerford, rare and fleeting individuals hailing from that same general area may perhaps recognize Caryden. Particularly, they may be able to identify him as an erstwhile neighbor, and the sole surviving member of his family home following the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Displaced, left homeless and alone without family, Caryden had apparently disappeared without a trace after many days of mourning and stubborn but otherwise vain attempts to rebuild and start again.
[NOTE: The above hook is a significant story hook. If you decide to pursue this one in particular, it is highly encouraged that you ask for details or clarifications as some items are non-negotiable. From a character standpoint, please do note that any mention of this—particularly by strangers who have not built any rapport through previous meetings—will immediately cause Caryden to be reticent or sullen.]
Primal "Power": Truly rare—or disconcertingly obsessed—is the individual who realizes that Caryden's ring can and has become host to at least six different gemstones varying from the hues of red, yellow, green, blue, violet, and white. If these stones do somehow come under even closer, more thorough scrutiny by sheer happenstance, personages versed in spellcraft, aetherology, or any of those closely-related disciplines may potentially identify the latent energies within to be pure and elementally-aspected—almost akin to that of a primal's aether.
[NOTE: The above hook is a significant story hook. If you decide to pursue this one in particular, it is highly encouraged that you ask for details or clarifications as some items are non-negotiable. From a character standpoint, please do note that any mention of this—particularly by strangers who have not built any rapport through previous meetings—will immediately cause Caryden to be defensive or dismissive.]
Bare-Knuckle Boxer: Avid members and spectators alike for the underground bare-knuckle boxing ring of Limsa Lominsa may recognize Caryden's face, particularly as one of its former contenders in the early years just after the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Without warning or say-so, he simply stopped coming around and nobody ever saw him again.
[NOTE: The above hook is a significant story hook. If you decide to pursue this one in particular, it is highly encouraged that you ask for details or clarifications as some items are non-negotiable. From a character standpoint, please do note that any mention of this—particularly by strangers who have not built any rapport through previous meetings—will immediately cause Caryden to be cautious or avoidant.]
“Friend” of the Code: Seasoned members and close allies of the 'Dutiful Sisters of Edelweiss' have a slim possibility of recognizing Caryden as an erstwhile rogue-friend once upon a time—but most likely under a different moniker. Though not officially a confirmed Rogue himself, he was certainly privy to their ways and techniques—in exchange for helping the Guild enforce the Code of Limsa Lominsa through a series of small endeavors. Specifically, tasks that even novices could accomplish.
[NOTE: The above hook is a significant story hook. If you decide to pursue this one in particular, it is highly encouraged that you ask for details or clarifications as some items are non-negotiable. From a character standpoint, please do note that any mention of this—particularly by strangers who have not built any rapport through previous meetings—will immediately cause Caryden to be dismissive or unfriendly.]