Character BioFollow

Here is a little story I've been working on about my character, of course laced with parables from my own life, and hopefully a little humor for those who can catch the references. :-)

Do you have a story about your FFXI counterpart? If so, I invite you to please share it with your fellow Shivans in an effort to get to know everyone better.

Oh, and okay, so I use "And so" way too much, but I was too lazy to think of different phrasing. :p

Hope you enjoy!

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Bartholomew's first memories are of waking in a desert wasteland, not knowing how he got there or where he was from. His head burned for reasons he could not determine, and his mouth was parched. Seeing a small puddle of water nearby, he reached for a drink, but before he could take a sip, he glimpsed his reflection and was astonished to discover his head was covered with strange glowing markings. He knew he needed to find help, as well as food and shelter. Noticing lights shining from city gates not too far away, he decided to seek refuge there.

Upon entering the city, Bartholomew found it to be populated with people of his own race, and being so close to where he awoke, he concluded this must be his home. But no one knew of him, as one young man named Flaco had only too eagerly pointed out. After arranging for quarters, and gaining a measure of rest, the pain of his head had subsided, but his Moogle was still concerned because she said, "Master, there is a faint aura coming from your markings, kupo!" Instantly, he knew it was true, and that he needed to find out more about them.

Bartholomew sought out others who looked like him, but unlike himself, all the others with his facial features had freely shaved their heads and chosen to have the symbols drawn with ink and needle, though none of them could explain what had driven them to do so. What could these symbols possibly mean? It became obvious to Bartholomew that they must symbolize enormous power, since somehow they had induced other men to endure such a painful process as tattooing.

And so Bartholomew began to seek to understand the meaning of these strange symbols, driving to study the magical arts in pursuit of that understanding. It was not long before he realized he could draw strength from the symbols, and they became an integral part of his inner being, their power innate within himself. Yet, he continued to study and try to understand how he had come to have this power, and why it was manifested through these markings.

After a short period of time, Bartholomew learned the layout of his home town of Bastok. Seeking to be useful, he began to help the townsfolk with various tasks they were in need of. But it was not enough for young Bartholomew; he decided to learn more about the world around him and serve his nation in a more official capacity. During this time, he learned of the powerful Beastmen plaguing the lands, and of rumors of evil being re-awakened. Bartholomew knew he must help his people and protect the inhabitants of Vana'diel.

One day, Bartholomew was asked by his country to ascertain the situation of the other nations and their dealings with the Beastmen. And so he traveled to the mighty Kingdom of San d'Oria, only to be snubbed by their people. And from their actions, he knew that even though they proclaimed themselves to be the very embodiment of honor, no one who felt themselves so superior to all others could be honorable. Nevertheless, after learning much of the goddess, he remained committed to assisting all Altana's children despite his personal misgivings.

Bartholomew's next stop on his mission was the Federation of Windurst. Once in the surrounding lands of Sarutabaruta, the humble city suddenly and inexplicably called to him. He discovered the tiny TaruTaru, an entire race devoted to the study and care of magic, and felt it might be a place where he could learn about himself and his power. He also noticed the incredibly strong bonds of friendship with the feline-like Mithra. This nation set an example of how loyalty and companionship could help prosper a civilization, which he was further drawn to.

Upon completing his mission and returning to Bastok, Bartholomew anxiously met with the President. It was during this meeting that he discovered Karst to be a misguided fool. Disillusioned, he knew he could no longer stay in the Republic, even though it would remain the homeland of his people and he would return to visit from time to time.

And so Bartholomew moved to Windurst to live and learn amongst the adorable Taru. But he was not fooled by their outward cuddliness. He knew it was they who held the secret to his origins. This became even more apparent as he undertook missions for the Federation. He continually encountered the mighty Ajido-Marujido, and while the others of the mage's race had no trust in this visionary, he knew the man's intentions were pure and thought him simply misunderstood. And thus, Bartholomew came to think of Ajido-Marujido as his personal hero.

But that was not all Bartholomew discovered in this new land. Eventually he was called to the Great Star Tree, where he was introduced to the wondrous Star Sybil. Immediately taken with her beauty, he devoted himself to fulfilling all of her desires, although he was sometimes conflicted when her commands concerned his hero. He and the Sybil became intimate lovers, and in exchange for his loyalty to her and the nation, the seer vowed to help her beau uncover the secrets of his past life and the meaning behind what he found out were not merely symbols, but powerful magical sigils. Not everyone understood why the two fell in love, and many frowned upon their relationship, but ultimately the Sybil's maidens and Bartholomew's friends simply wanted them to be happy, and so they were.

And so Bartholomew continued to quest for understanding of himself, all the while devoting his power to helping others. He noticed that unlike those who hastily rushed through their training of the magical arts, he studied meticulously and methodically so that he could not only cast spells, but so that he could understand and integrate their origin and power with himself and fully release their potential.

While always helpful to those in need, and while he has worked with a variety of individuals to enhance and develop his skills, he has only met a small number of trustworthy adventurers to closely ally with. These people were seldom Elvaan, however, as they were prone to use phrases like "what a sigil-head" or describe him as a part of his lover's anatomy. To those select few who demonstrated mutual respect and a willingness to put aside insignificant personal differences, he gave his undying loyalty, save where it would interfere with his promises to his lover. These friends called him "Bart", and so he became known throughout the lands.

Bartholomew continues to seek to understand magical power in all its forms, and to reconcile that power with his own. One day he hopes to know why he was chosen to be gifted with this blessing, and to discover the past he does not remember. He also continues to seek other adventuring companions to undertake his quest to help his nation and protect all the lands from evil, and seeks to form bonds with these heroes as he has with his other friends.

I liked it, but most ppl will say it's too long. I might make up a story for this thread about my character. The unrated version...

Omg !?! An unratted version of Bar's life story ? *shudder*

kids with ADD? i don't have ADD


whats that over there?

where the hell is this site? i need to do laundry