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.
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 Sayori 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
Section is a Work-in-Progress
Physical Description
The woman's soft, ovate features and dark hair mark her readily to those keen of eye as a daughter of the Far East. Though her gaze appears courteous and inviting—as to be expected of such a people—the hue of them invokes the image of livid coals.
The fringe and slender, purple-streaked side-braid she wears—neatly tied at the end by a rosen band—resemble neither the topknots of the stoic men nor the neatly-gathered buns of the gracious women of those oriental shores. Indeed, such a style seems as foreign and far removed from that part of the world as it can be—providing a stark contrast to Sayori's natural appearance.
These contradictions continue in the attire she has chosen to wear:
An eastern haori of a soft lavender bears the marks of wear and wash, fading even the bright red-and-white inlay of its wide sleeves that cut halfway down the forearm. A cuirass of oyoroi, deep violet—lacquered almost black—and trimmed by brass lays beneath it, obscuring any hints of the woman's figure and physique. Twinned swords—one long, one short—are secured closely together in a secondary obi across the waistline of her armor, marking her as some sort of fighter—or, at least giving her the semblance of one.
Personality
As one might expect of an individual of Far Eastern descent, Sayori possesses a heightened sense of courtesy when viewed through the lens of the Eorzean eye. The woman often comports herself with a polite smile, an even tone of voice, and a predisposition for bowing to express her gratitude or when correcting a mistake made.
But perhaps one striking detail that some may consider to be jarring is the fact that Sayori remains rather a feminine presence, providing a stark contrast to her somewhat masculine bearing.
In the eyes of merchants, artisans and personages with a mind to do business, this Far Eastern woman may come off to them as no less than professional and capable—reliable enough to get the task at hand sorted with no fuss or protest. In plain view of those seeking to curry rapport with Sayori, the keen-eyed and empathetic may detect beneath that courtesy a deeper reservoir of feeling.
All in all, Sayori appears to be a woman caught between the masculine trappings of duty and confidence and the feminine aspects of compassion and prudence.
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]
Horo-Sha: Among territories in the heart of Eorzea, it is not uncommon for individuals from the Far East to be found traveling and seeing the sights. Sayori—unsurprisingly—seems to fit the description of said wandering Far Easterners, though she does not have the hallmarks of one intent on staying put in a specific place for very long.
Shimei-Sha: One of the traits that Sayori is known for pertains to being rather quick on her feet. So much so that rumors have circulated that she could run near as quickly as a chocobo or even a Steppe-bred horse. Whether or not those tales are true, it is known that the woman is no stranger to courier-related work. Perhaps you had a message you need delivered somewhere, or you are a would-be courier seeking one versed in the work to learn from.
[Uncommon Hooks]
Ashioto: Though not a trait that would often be noticeable in crowded and public thoroughfares, it can be clear enough when in quieter spaces that Sayori walks with rather muffled steps—even when it seems she is supposed to be in a hurry somewhere.
Bushi: Beyond being identified as mere Far Eastern fashion, savvy individuals may be able to identify that Sayori's garb can be traced to the sort traditionally worn by Samurai who have taken to wandering and long travels. It would not be unusual for someone to be curious about these mysterious warriors, their mannerisms and their ways. Perhaps you are one such individual, seeking to know about the long-standing history of the Samurai, and Sayori appears to be someone who could potentially provide that knowledge.
Tsuba: Far Easterners or individuals savvy and enthusiastic about the cultures of both Doma and Hingashi—particularly their steel and weaponry—may notice a distinctive trait about the tsuba guard on Sayori's katana. Taken side by side with her shorter wakizashi, the singular difference between the disc-like guards they bear becomes strikingly apparent. While her shorter sword bears a guard that seems as decorative as they come in the Far Eastern sense, the one for her longer blade—though bearing an identical motif—is thicker and considerably more functional. Perhaps it was useful for something other than a talisman for good fortune or warding off evil.
[Rare Hooks]
Muto-Dori: On very seldom occasions, one may have been privy to rumors about how Sayori is also versed in holding her own whilst bare-handed, utilizing techniques intended for use against armed opponents. Perhaps you wished to see if these rumors were true, or you had witnessed one such event—and were curious to learn more.
Kobudo: Even more rare than seeing the Far Eastern woman seemingly stand against opponents unarmed is her actually drawing her uchigatana. Despite wearing two swords in certain cases, it very much appeared that Sayori had no intention of drawing them at all. During instances where the necessity is truly great, however, rumors have circulated among individuals savvy in the Far Eastern ways of war that she wields an art not seen since the so-called Age of Blood.
Bomei-Sha: Rare and truly keen-eyed are the individuals who manage to recognize Sayori by her face and demeanor both. For a considerable time before the events of the current day, some Adventurers, Retainers and travelers alike may better remember her from places like Revenant's Toll in Mor Dhona, clad in laborer's attire and a powder blue half-robe with a curious Far Eastern symbol on the back. These garments were more than likely responsible for identifying Sayori as part of the group of refugees that landed on Eorzean shores—serving under and with the Lady Yugiri Mistwalker.