Luces Cristales
Age: 25-26Nameday: 21st Sun of the 5thUmbral Moon (October 21st)Gender: Genderfluid (He/They)Race: Keeper of the Moon(mom) & Duskwight Elezen(dad) (occasionally a Viera via Fantasia)Sexuality: BisexualEye Color: Yellow-GoldHair: Pink and Red (Wisteria Purple when not dyed)Height: 5' 3" or approx 160 cm tall
City State: Originally of the Steppe-Yanxia area but grew up going between Gridania and Ishgard.Patron Deity: Menphina the LoverDefining features: known to paint a heart on his cheek, has a very short tail, and is incredibly small for someone of his lineage.MAIN CLASSES: DRG, WHM, DNC, DRK, NIN, GNB, & AST.In terms of classes they can use several with little to no issue, however when it comes to: Black Mage, Red Mage, and Paladin... It’s best to keep them away from it. Usually if he decides to use a class he’s not good at, that means he is trying to level the playing field for whomever he’s sparring against. He can be seen practicing and keeping up with his training during downtime, and often refuses to go "full tilt" when sparring with others.Oftentimes he’ll switch between classes, new and old, to keep fresh and to be as flexible as possible. He is still learning, but can adapt to most situations if need be. It should be noted that he fights aggressively and fights to end the battle quickly. Any other classes he picks up are usually out of curiosity or from inheriting the jobstone from another Lotus Dancer.Fun Fact: his true name is not known to his friends or lovers. His name comes from the names of a kind Dragoon and fiery Astrologian that saved him when he was only 8 summers old. "Lucet Amare" and "Hope Cristales," from that he chose the name "Luces Cristales." His true name is in Yanxian and roughly translates to "Shooting Star"(流星, full name is 莲流星 pronounced Lian Lau Sing).
PersonalityThey often are seen as a walking contradiction: On the outside he seems bubbly, whimsical, and happy. However they protect their heart because it's been hurt many times, putting up walls that would make a tank's LB3 blush. They know that people don't take him seriously and play into that.In reality he's actually very quiet and spends most of his time observing. With friends and people he trusts, he playfully sasses them and is pretty open. Though it should be noted that he doesn’t always tell people everything about himself, since he believes that certain things are best kept private. However, should one betray his trust, or threaten his friends, they once more become cold and closed off. To the point of being silent, “losing his voice” as his cousin Seraph puts it.Also tends to be very self-sacrificing, oftentimes doing things for the benefit of others instead of himself. This is often observed through over-healing, taking literal and metaphorical hard hits, and not expressing discomfort. This is due to his upbringing, and it takes a while for him to unlearn it, even with help from others. He has a hard time accepting that people love and care about him, usually thinking that he’s ultimately only useful if he’s being used as a tool.(Once again it takes a while for him to unlearn this, hell it takes him a while to figure out his own feelings.)
Childhood
As a young child Luces spent many years on the road fleeing from Othard with his family from Garlean forces. Unknown to him, the reason why they were fleeing was the fact that his family is the infamous group known as the Lotus Dancers. A group known for their dangerous and almost supernatural affinity for magic and intelligence. Once in Gridania his family went further into the North Shroud until they settled in a tucked away cave system that happened to have lush forests and hot springs. Ending up in the middle of the Coerthas-Gridania border, their group, the main branch, re-established themselves.However life wasn't so kind to him even as a child, when he was 8 summers old he and his family were attacked by Sharlayan spies disguised as Temple Knights. He was saved by a kind Dragoon and her Astrologian wife from the spies. During the spy incident, Luces and his family were making the trek towards Gridania to hawk their wares and perform for money.Separated from his cousin, Seraph, and his dearest friends Jade and Violet. He watched in horror as the spies attacked his relatives, until his worst fears nearly came true. The head spy had noticed that among the group there were several children. Grabbing Jade, the lead moved to deal a deadly blow against the defenseless boy, until the blinding light from an Astrologian's spell enveloped the crowd. Followed by the sound of metal being pierced by a Dragoon's lance. Confused and bewildered, this odd pair had saved Luces' group without a second thought, despite not knowing any of them. Quickly wiping out the rest of the spies before checking in on the injured crowd. That day Luces came home with a set of cards given to him by the Astrologian, and a dream to become a Dragoon.Around his and his cousin Shao's tenth nameday, his mother was suddenly cold to him. Refusing to train him in the ways of the tribe, despite it being his turn to learn. This was due to his Aunt, Jenni, who is the eldest amongst his mother's siblings. Ordering his mother to not train him, to secure Shao's position as head Menphinal Nun in the tribe. Which was supposed to be Luces' position by default since he at that point was the only male child and traditionally he’d get the role. But, since he and Shao were of the same age, they’d have to compete for it.The ruthlessness of his Aunt's actions caused his mother, Xingguang, to order her most trusted friends to train Luces in secret. Not telling him the true reason to keep him from his Aunt's influence. However this caused Luces to resent his mother, since she had to treat him coldly. Hiding his training weapons, keeping him from going on patrols with his sisters, and not personally training him in the dance of their branch. In secret she provided his teachers and guardians with the special weapons and jewelry she would have given him. Had it not been for her elder sister.His sisters, father, and grandmothers tried to shield him from the politics of the tribe but ultimately couldn’t. So, they did what they could to salvage the broken bond between mother and child. With Xingguang languishing, over the fact that she had to watch her child grow up not knowing “why.” Why, she had suddenly turned so cold. Why, she had to turn away from him. Why, she couldn’t show affection to him while his sisters were openly doted on. Their relationship as mother and child would remain on shaky foundations until much later.
Teen to Early Adulthood
Many years after those fateful moments, Luces set out his training to take up his Grandmother's mantle as the "Pink Lotus." Determined to become strong enough to defend his loved ones, he began practicing in all sorts of arcane and martial arts. Working towards his tribe's coveted pink sash, and "blossoming" tattoo. You see, in his tribe if one wants to become an adventurer, one has to become an expert in at least one arcane or martial job before they are able to adventure. A rule set by his grandmother given the horrors she has witnessed and committed all in the name of protecting the tribe. As for the "blossoming" tattoo that signified that you had committed great feats in-order to better the tribe. Or you have suffered a great loss in your life and wish to find strength once more.By the age of 17 summers Luces had earned his pink sash and had to wait a year to get his tattoos. Mainly due to being so close to getting his coming of age tattoos, which are given to members once they turn 18. For the next few years before the Calamity he would protect his village, using his skills and wits to drive away threats and enemies.At around 21-22 summers old, Luces had earned his Lotus tattoo and became skilled in many disciplines. As he set out on an adventure he was given one rule: "no one must know your true nature." Lotus Dancers as a whole are very welcoming and protective, carefully watching from the shadows but scattering like petals to the wind if need be. A skill needed for survival while escaping the Garleans and surviving the border, with that in mind he set out. Taking little forays out to the other local settlements.Eventually meeting and training with the Lotus Dancer branch in Ishgard for a time. Until he was ready to set off on his own journey.
Adult Years
At around 21-22 summers old, Luces had earned his Lotus tattoo and became skilled in many disciplines. As he set out on an adventure he was given one rule: "no one must know your true nature." Lotus Dancers as a whole are very welcoming and protective, carefully watching from the shadows but scattering like petals to the wind if need be. A skill needed for survival while escaping the Garleans and surviving the border, with that in mind he set out. Taking little forays out to the other local settlements.Eventually meeting and training with the Lotus Dancer branch in Ishgard for a time. Until he was ready to set off on his own journey.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Traveling Party"The Traveling Party" and the "Traveling Party Canon" is a collection of stories and WoLs based off of my friends collective stories and RPs in our FFXIV Discord.The basis is: this group of adventurers keep running into each other through out the story of FFXIV and they eventually decide to start working/traveling together. Leading to tons of mishaps and adventures, while building an almost mythical level of rumors surrounding them.
OVERALL STRUCTURE
The Lotus Dancers are a large scattered tribe of skilled artisans, performers, and warriors. Made up of three main branches: Liánhuā (Azim Steppe/Yanxia), Kamal (Thavnair), and Nelumbo (Ala Mhigo). Luces' family is of the Liánhuā branch, originating from the Steppe but having spread out to Yanxia. This branch is considered the main branch and holds the most influence. The tribe as a whole is matriarchal, and female elders often make the decisions. Typically grandmothers are heads of households followed by mothers, eldest grand-daughters, and so on. Men are typically last in line, however due to Luces being the only son in his family he is basically like a prince.It also is not uncommon for people in the tribe to have more than one partner, typically partners give each other courting jewelry. (please look under the "jewelry" section of this document for more on this subject). The tribe itself is made up of refugees, adopted into the tribe as they fled from Othard to Eorzea. Leading to a very diverse population and a mix of cultures within the tribe itself. Most of the tribe is from the Steppe and Yanxia, then followed by a good amount from Bozja, and the rest from other stops along their journey.In order of most to least populous the tribe is mainly: Keeper of the Moon Miqo, Duskwight Elezen, Rava Viera, The Lost (Hrothgar), Hellion (Hrothgar), Xaela Au’ra. However it should be noted that it all depends on which branch you are looking at and what makes up the local population.Within the tribe it's not unusual to see the pride of Hrothgars protecting/escorting the younger members to and from town. Ahri and Encke are famously known to escort Luces and Seraph even as adults, on their forays to Gridania despite both being fully trained and adults. You can often find several Hrothgars surrounded by young children keeping careful watch, and humoring any attempts at braiding their manes.The Viera of the tribe can be seen teaching & training their fellow Lotus Dancers in the art of archiving and documenting tribe history. Some of the Viera of the tribe are easily over 100 years old, and have seen several generations of the Lotus Dancers in their collective lifetimes. These Viera in question are ones that have chosen to leave their wood, or have lost their communities during war time.
THE TRIBE'S REPUTATIONHighly skilled in arcane and martial arts the Lotus Dancers have a bit of a strange reputation:The Garleans fear them, due to the high number of high ranking officials being taken out by Lotus Dancers trying to protect those they’ve sworn to protect.Eorzea knows of them but treats them like whispers in the wind. They haven't heard or seen them in years, and why would they reappear now? There's always rumblings and rumors that they still exist with reports of sightings deep in the shroud. If anything they almost seem like a boogeyman-like figure from a fairytale.Ishgard has a branch that merged with the remainder of the Corvorsi branch. They are known but they're constantly butting heads with the clergy and nobles of Ishgard. However they do have people on the inside helping them take out certain targets.Thavnair openly acknowledges them, Ala Mhigo is highly aware of them, and the Steppe is more or less in shock that they didn’t die out.
TATTOOSIt is not uncommon to see tattooed tribe members. Most sporting uncolored lotus tattoos and coming of age tattoos. However if you see a member with a fully colored Lotus tattoo that means that they are a “Premier” and should not be messed with. Other common tattoos include lilies, peonies, plum blossoms, dragons, phoenixes, turtles.However there are three main "designs" if you will: Widow, Sunshine, and Peacock. Widow is the second oldest variant, Sunshine is the newest variant. The "Peacock" variant is the oldest, coming from Thavnair. All tattoos are symmetrical and have a Lotus in the design somewhere. Often mistaken for decorative pieces, these actually denote where a Lotus Dancer is in their training.The more ornate and colorful the tattoo is, the more experienced the dancer is. To earn your sash and "bloom," is the ultimate goal for most dancers.Ishgardian Variant
The Ishgardian Branch, has a very special and specific variant. Due to the Ishgardian Orthodox Church and the Ishgardian Inquisition a special design was made standard. This variant is often called "Halone's Heart." It is made up of three spears and a heart. To the casual observer it looks like a tat dedicated to the Fury.But to Lotus Dancers based in Ishgard it's a dedication to Menphina. Often done during a full or new moon in blue ink. Common placements for this tattoo are as follows: over the heart, inner thigh, upper left arm, and lower belly. Places that are easy to hide if need be.There is also a special glamour spell that the Ishgardian Branch uses should there be any overly curious members of the clergy...
WIDOW VARIANT
SUNSHINE VARIANT
PEACOCK VARIANT
JEWERLY AND IT'S ROLEEach member when they are born are given an anklet, this anklet is used to track how big the kids have grown/denote who’s kid is who’s. Amber and Amethyst are common stones in these pieces, used to represent meeting in one's dreams should they part. However there is a tradition of giving courting gifts, each piece of jewelry has a specific meaning and the materials used also effect how it’s interpreted:Chokers/Collars: typically given to someone you love, to express that you are theirs and theirs alone. Typically married couples and poly groups in the tribe wear some form of this. Silver or Rose Gold chokers and collars typically mean that they are very close but in a platonic way. Most members wear these.Necklaces: typically used to show familial bonds, if the chain is gold that means they are directly related. Rose gold and silver means that the person has a chosen family. Mostly young children of the tribe wear these.Rings: a more modern adaptation for the tradition associated with the chokers/collars. Again the metal of the bands determines if the bond is serious or platonic. Gold is serious and silver and rose gold are platonic. More common with Hyur members of the tribe.Bracelets: Again on the same level as chokers/collars with the same meaning. Used by younger couples if they want to be discreet about their relationship.Earrings: more prominent amongst the Elezen members of the tribe, but based on Elezen tradition it means that the wearer is spoken for. The more intricate the cuff or earring the more serious the relationship.Body chains: Typically given as a more intimate and showy gift, mainly to show loyalty to a partner. Very common to see on those who have studied to become Dancers or Monks. Often made with a strong alloy coated to look like gold.Hair pins and circlets: more common with the Viera and Au’ra of the tribe, similar in meaning to the chokers. often made with pendants and ornaments that look like moons, flowers, and stars.If you want to figure out if a member of the tribe is in a relationship or not, look at their jewelry and it will tell you all you need to know!
COMMERCEThey are known for their skill in weaving and leather working. “Lotus Silk” is a rare and in demand textile made by each branch of the tribe and is said to be the perfect material to make healer’s and caster’s robes. Due to its highly conductive aetherial properties.Leather goods from the tribe are also in high demand due to durability and ornate decoration. It is said that a Lotus Dancer’s belts can last an entire lifetime and some are passed down from mother to daughter. If put to market any goods from a Lotus Dancer can easily bring in millions of Gil. However due to Gridania... being Gridania. It took a while for Luces’ family to get some decent footing and food was a bit scarce for a while.Luces’ tribe specifically is nestled smack in the middle of the Coerthas-Gridania border and it’s ideal for any merchants and adventurers to stay there overnight. Luces’ family was lucky enough to settle near a system of naturally occurring hot springs and caves systems which helps the village thrive and bring in tourism money.
ISHGARDIAN BRANCH
The Ishgardian Branch is run by a mysterious elder of the Lotus Dancers, only known as "Grandma." An elezen woman who appears to be around her early to mid 60s. She runs the guild there and often takes care of the children of the Brume and her fellow Lotus Dancer's children. She serves as Granny Yue's eyes and ears in Ishgard, as well as a mentor to Luces when he first sets foot in Ishgard to train.Other prominent members include: Inquisitors Luther and John, and Noor Heer. Luther and John are the married couple that take Luces under their wing and teach him DRK and AST(well John tried...). During this time they also start breaking Luces out of the shell that he uses to protect himself.NOOR HEER
Noor is a Corvorsi Lotus Dancer that was mysteriously murdered and comes back as a Living Shadow. He and Luces form a pact to investigate his death while teaching Luces how to deal with the darkness in one's heart. At the same time, Noor is very mischievous and is gently nudging Luces and Janlenoux together. The two are actually very close despite the circumstances, and are pretty chill with one another. The two look very alike with small differences in hair color and height.LUTHER IPOMOEA-ASTRANTIAIf there were anything to take note of with Luther, it’d be his tendency to adopt small animals. From chocobo chicks to stray kittens, the man has a soft spot for anything small and cute. Much to the chagrin of his dear husband John. He is charming and gentle, despite his role as a deep cover Lotus Dancer. Often seen in the archives, he studies, looking for any information he can on potential secrets of the Halonic Church.
At home with his husband, he’s a bit of a cuddle monster, and enjoys holding the slightly shorter man in his arms. While on patrol he’s a bit of a flirt and may or may not have been “rescued” off a roof once or twice. (John may or may not have been flustered... Luther still teases the man about it.)JOHN ASTRANTIA
Loving yet, stern John is a Lotus Dancer who can be found alongside his husband most of the time. He and Luther are a healer-tank duo, and oftentimes end up working together on missions. The man is not a fan of Luther’s tendency of picking up strays, and begrudgingly dotes upon the baby chocobos his husband raises. His focus is to make sure that any Lotus Dancer in the Ishgardian-Corvorsi branch has a solid footing with the healing arts. It is often said that he is a lot less scary than he looks.
PINK SASHES & PREMIERS
Every member of the tribe wears a red sash, the sash is a part of their “uniform” if you will. As they grow and learn, they specialize in at least one arcane or martial art before they are allowed to venture outside the village for their own safety. The red sash they wear is designed to fade out to a pink color signifying that they have learned at least one arcane or martial job. And they are allowed to get their Lotus Tattoo.There is also a practice of wearing flowers and one’s wedding veil into battle. Due to the belief that should the warrior fall in battle the petals would lead their loved ones to them in the afterlife. Pink is also a common color for warriors of the tribe to wear, it makes them a target so their allies can use them as a distraction. It is also common practice to cut one's hair to put in the family shrine should they go off on a long mission. This is to assure that there is something to bury, should the Lotus Dancer out on mission perish before they return.TRIGGER WARNING MENTIONS OF TORTURE
However, there is a special pink sash that is dedicated to those who become as they’ve been called in Eorzea “Premier.” A “Premier” is a Lotus Dancer who has completed their arcane/martial training and is working to get their “blooming tattoo.” In order to get their blooming tattoo they must survive the “5 Trials” otherwise known as "The Five." These trials are basically supposed to train the Lotus Dancer in withstanding physical and mental torture.Each trial is different depending on the person going through “the five.” Those who wish to undergo this step are allowed to pick who puts them through the final trial if they make it that far. Most Lotus Dancers don’t go through this and after Luces and Seraph’s trials the practice was outlawed.
COURTING PRACTICES
Most Lotus Dancers tend to have multiple partners, and oftentimes do not get eternally bonded. Some rare few however do choose to do so, but even then it’s a rarity. If one is a high ranking Lotus Dancer, it is expected that at least one partner is chosen by your matchmaker or family. The male heir(s) to most families are married off to other Lotus Dancers, of similar or higher ranking. Typically during this process families will meet with prospective matches, and test said matches.Within this process it is not uncommon to see the bachelor dressed in the courting jewelry of their chosen match. It is seen as a quiet act of rebellion to not wear jewelry during this period. Especially if the bachelor does not want to marry or finds any of the matches to be unsuitable. Bachelors are dressed in deeper shades of pink and bright yellows, meant to show that they are eligible. Makeup also tends to be shades of red and gold during this time, flowers are also worn on one’s person.
WORSHIP OF MENPHINA & NHAAMA
Due to the branches spreading out to Eorzea and beyond, it is not unusual to see temples dedicated to Nhaama and Menphina. Or even temples dedicated to Nhaama, Mephina, and the local deities that are worshiped in the settlements nearby. The main branch, which is the Lianhua branch, has done this by dedicating altars to Menphina, Nhaama, Nophica, and Halone. The people that run the temples are dubbed Mephinal Nuns, higher up from the nuns are the priests and priestesses.Their garb is often white with red or very pale pink accents, and often covered in moon related sigils. Each branch has variants of these garments and worship often changes with local customs.