Final Fantasy XIV
Born from Blood

The Story

• The Young Blood
• The Shattered Legion
• The Ronin
• The Prologue
• Act 1 - New Horizons
• Act 2 - The Measure of Our Reach
• Act 3 - Born from Blood

The Characters

• The Heroes
• Their Allies
• The Antagonists
• The Others

The OOC

• OOC

The Rogue

The Shinobi

The Garlean

The Gunbreaker

The Heiress

The Astrologian

The Arcanist

The Samurai

The Dark Knight

A few things to mention

The Prologue

A Haven for the Bold

It started with another job, called forth by the resistance.Tales of their exploits during their previous job within Ishgard had travelled, in no small thanks to the boastful efforts of one rogue.From their newfound home in the Black Shroud did they set forth, a new adventure awaiting them.It was there in Rhalgr's Reach that they did receive their task, and where they met young Master Graves and his comrades.'It was the first meeting, meeting them all that is...Wasn't what I expected but. I...Remember it fondly now that I look back on it.'Their task was simple enough, given that within their number was one blessed with the Echo they were chosen to investigate ruins that had been recently uncovered by resistance scouts.Upon their arrival did they find many hindering obstacles, including something about a door they refused to elaborate on...Yet the most trying of trials was that of the ancient monks, spiritual watchers who would test the mettle of those who sought entry.However! They're the heroes of this tale, with the new addition of a Dark Knight to the ranks did they pass deeper into the shrine.And it was there they did find the purpose of the shrine, stripped bare, the altar to the Destroyer standing empty.It was through a vision of the past granted by the Echo that they did learn of the reason for its state.They were not the first to find their way there.Many years ago, Adventurers like themselves had come upon this ruin as they sought the Destroyers blessing to defend their home. And so did they swear themselves to the cause of fighting for their homes liberation.Amongst their numbers being:Wulmar Hunter
Heather Rivers
Ardgar ForesterAnd Alcred Graves.'What I can say is if I had known where it would lead? I'd of wrote it all down for you. But that's when things were pushed into motion that day'The tale of these past Adventurers would be one soon unravelled, as it was tied to their own.

Beyond his reach

'Last I saw of them before that night was heading out to find Ardgar...'They had learned of Ardgar Foresters location. He was residing within the fringes, yet still acting as a vessel for the blessing bestown unto him and his comrades.It was with this knowledge that the request came. Recover the blessing, Ala Mhigo was liberated and to hold such power was no longer needed. Surely the Monk would understand.The Dark Knight would be the one to act as their guide, leading them around the winding paths of the fringes of Gyr Abania. By Chocobo did they sally forth to find their charge.It was after many hours of riding did they find the home of Ardgar, who welcomed them as one would a friend.Eager to hear of tales from the outside whilst regaling his own.Through Ardgar did they learn that it was he and Alcred who were the last of the four. Heather and Wulmar had fallen during the initial invasion, and Alcred had long since fled east.He speculated that it was due to the shame of their defeat that he did depart Eorzea.It was then explained that the blessing granted unto them granted them not only the strength they sought to defend their homeland, but the ability to gain further insight to the soul stones which each of them bore. Enhancing their capabilities beyond normal means.Yet it was soon revealed that they were not the only ones seeking Ardgar.Imperial troops entered the cave under the command of Avitus sas Titianus.The Tribunus sought not only Ardgar but the blessing he held, claiming it was of great importance for the survival of Garlemald and her people.'I...Suppose that's when the fighting broke out.'Indeed, a battle amidst the cave. Adventurers holding the line against Imperial forces whilst Ardgar himself engaged the Tribunus.A couragous effort but one that would prove to be his undoing, for the Tribunus had come prepared.With a clash of blade and fist, in one swift motion did Ardgar collapse as he found within his chest embeded the object of his downfall.Auracite.Auracite marked with the symbol of the Destroyer, which absorbed both the blessing and aether of the monk.And with that, Ardgar was gone.Leaving the Adventurers at the mercy of the Imperials.All it took was a single blow, empowered by the auracite he now wielded. Avitus did cut them down, leaving them for death to claim.Yet this was not the end of their tale, rather the beginning. For when they were brought to their next course of action became clear.They would have to find the last of the four.They would have to find Alcred.

New Horizons

'It was shortly after meeting Miss Nakatomi that I realised we were stepping into something much larger than any of us could fathom...'Though they had been bested that day, their resolve was unshaken.They made preperations to depart east, they would find Alcred and they would ensure the recovery of the flame.They would save this wandering soul, they would avenge the wrongs done that day.They would put a halt to Imperials plans whatever they were.They would not fail.And they would not be alone.Alden Graves, Lomund Warblade, B'dano and Bleithota.They would all accompany them on this venture, for thrill or glory.Or perhaps simply seeking a purpose beyond their duties to the Resistance.'We were in way over our heads, but in a way it was comfortin' to know we were in it together at least...'

The Prologue

Spirits Bold

'I took note of how they interacted, who was the voice of reason and so on. I admit, it was somewhat relieving to see they only had -some- idea.'They ventured forth east, arriving in the port city of Kugane. Gateway to the East for many.It was there they started their search, seeking information regarding the wayward warrior from Ala Mhigo.Between Port Authorities, Inns and resisdents they did manage to piece together their next step.Master Matsushita.It was revealed that he was the one who took Alcred under his wing upon the Ala Mhigans arrival.That he taught him the ways of the Samurai and even bestowed upon him a soul stone. Claiming he had seen few master the training as quickly.Though reluctant to reveal his students location at this time without taking proper measure of the adventurers.It was the Samurai who rose to the challenge, meeting the Master in a clash of blades as a measure of his skill and person.'I only heard about the fight, never did see it but they say it was short yet intense..'And through it did they garner the information they sought: Namai, Yanxia.They would find passage across the Ruby Sea with their newfound direction, though the issue of the ruby tithe paid to the Confedercy did arise.It was then they were greeted by someone who claimed they could offer safe passage, an old friend of The Rogue.Crowther.

Fire in your eyes

'I admit it wasn't what I expected during our stay in Kugane, though most of us were just glad to have an extra change of clothes for the trip.'True to his word, Crowther saw them safely across the ruby sea without worry of the tithe robbing them of their gil.'Crowther was certainly...Interesting. Though from the look Rasheke gave him, he was probably thinking 'infuriating''Didn't know the full story at the time mind you'It was then they did make their way inland, towards Namai as indicated.It was nightfall when they arrived within the village, as most of the townsfolk slept they were fortunate to happen upon one. Asking in regards to the location of Alcred they discovered that a Ronin had passed through recently, assisting one of the villagers.And so they did wait until the morrow, seeking out the villager and with that their elusive Samurai.'Duan was his name, said Alcred had helped him with some Imperial remnants'They discovered that Alcred did not reside in the village, rather the springs amidst the mountains. Preferring isolation and meditation to the company of the villagers.Thus they did make their way to him, trekking the long winding paths that would lead them to the spring.He was there, waiting. Meditating.Upon approach he was hesitant at first, the new arrivals claiming that they wished to aid him, inquiring into his past.It was not until Alden was also called forward that Alcreds situation became clear.'He said he never wanted to fight...'In the past he and his companions had taken the destroyers blessing, granting them the power and conviction to see their war fought.Yet as they continued to fight, their vision became clouded. What was once reprehensible became acceptable.Those who were not with them, were against them. They lost sight of all they had sought to preserve, in their eyes only victory would suffice.Through any means.The sight of Alden, the memories flooding. They gave way to the flames power revealing itself within Alcred.Revealing that he would not treat with them until they proved worthy of such.'So we need to prove ourselves to you?''Not to me.'The words spoken left much for them to ponder as they departed.

Beneath the tides

'Ah, yes...Out into the Ruby Sea. That was quite a day.'Via the word of an old associate of Rasheke, the company received information regarding an Imperial airship that had crashed amidst the Ruby Sea.Most odd given that Shinryu's wall was meant to prevent such incursions, nevertheless they set forth with intent to investigate.Upon arrival they were directed towards a Kojin by the name of Sardino, it was they who first learned of the wreckage beneath the tides.It was then they set off towards Tamamizu, home of the blue Kojin in hopes of learning of the location first-hand.'Tamamizaru...Tam- ..Timo- The Kojin village, I admit that's where my recollection ends regarding their exploits you there.'Upon meeting Sardino, a bargain was struck. One treasure for another, and so did they part...Or rather, did Rasheke willingly part with one given unto him.For this, they were given not only the location of the wreckage but also the means to traverse the oceans with ease. Their blessing which would allow them to breathe beneath the waves as if they stood upon land.'We had to stay behind, one of us had an...Incident'The recruits whilst blessed were forced to stay behind to look after a comrade, and so the adventurers left the confines of the village, following the directions given to them by Sardino.Eventually they located the wreckage, an airship with a ruptured hull.Yet they were not the only ones who sought the wreckage.Raen from the nearby village of Sui-no-Sato also sought to salvage it, and as such an arrangement was made.The bodies of the crew that remained would be permitted proper burial upon recovery, the adventurers would keep the black box and the Raen in turn would have access to their choice of resources form the ships storage.With the box recovered it was only a matter of time until they discovered their next steps.

The Measure of Our Reach
1/4

'We should have been there, maybe things could have been different...'The black box of the airship had been decrypted at long last, they finally had the location of the Shattered Legion.It was then that Avitus did reach out to them, seeking to parley and come to an understanding.Despite suspecting a trap, the group ventured forth to meet him.It was there they did learn of his intentions, he had no wish to betray them but instead as he said. Talk. Having brought only his most loyal men and women to accompany his.Explaining how he suffered upon taking the flame from Ardgar. How it nearly overwhelmed him at times and took all his strength to resist the urges brought forth from it.The flame was not a blessing of Rhalgr at all, rather it was the collective will of those fallen in defense of Ala Mhigo, those who would see their homeland saved at any cost.Yet before an understanding could be reached, they were beset by another of the Legion,
Tribunus Laticlavius Letarius tol Silvonicus.It was he who declared that Avitus was operating behind the Legions back, and wished to bring forth both the Tribunus and the Adventurers.
The group had little consent as they were taken by force.After Several days in captivity, it was Marius & Kaoru who were called forth, leaving the others within their cell.

The Garlean & Shinobi
2/4

Upon arriving at their destination they finally met with the leaders of the legion.Avitus, Letarius and Soleria van Orion.It was there they discussed the purpose of the Legion, how it was meant to preserve what it could of the Empire and its people. To avoid senseless attempts at conquest and instead consolidate what they had.They were adamant they did not seek enemies, and that Avitus had gone beyond what was necessary.Agreements were made in regards to the returning of the flame, that it was doing more harm in place of protecting the legion.It was then the Alarum sounded, intruders were spotted within the Castrum. Soleria granted leave to join the defence, to equip themselves to provide assistance.It was then all hopes of cooperation were lost, for Letarius turned his blade upon Soleria.Running the Legatus through, as the two then engaged in a brawl joined shortly after by an enraged Avitus who sought to protect, if not avenge his fallen Legatus and friend, informing the two to flee and find his second, Fentulva.Soleria in her dying breath beseeched the group to not allow Letarius to corrupt the Legion or what remained of the empire. And with the passing of the Legatus, the two made their escape.

The Unexpected Visitor
3/4

Meanwhile in the cells
As Marius and Kaoru were taken, the group were then paid a visit by their enigmatic observer.The Ascian strode forth through a rift of shadow, lamenting about how 'boring' it was to observe them sit and wait in a cell for three days.'I hear he was asking odd questions, and behaving like...I don't even know how to describe it'The Ascian set about asking questions such as what his name was, dubbing himself Arthur upon the suggestion of the group. Asking how Arthur should behave, conduct himself and such.Yet the strangeness was short lived, for something caught Arthurs eye as he suddenly departed. Declaring how he was under orders not to interfere.Upon his departure the group were then greeted by a familiar sight.
Alden, Bleithota and Rasheke.
They had infiltrated the Castrum to stage a rescue, and with such they made a swift exit from the cells.During said escape it was revealed that the rest of the recruits had joined the effort, alongside past allies such as Tjra, Kirui and even Ser Astrent.Dispatching the collosus that barred their way to the armoury, their equipment was recovered as they prepared to move onto the next phase of the plan when the alarum sounded.

The Escape
4/4

Inside the Castrum there was a prototype infiltration ship designed to blend with the Eorzean airships yet operated very much akin to an Imperial airship.It was this Airship that would be used to escape the Castrum, akin to how they had first escaped in what felt like a lifetime ago.Marius & Karou were quick to reunite with the group as they all moved towards the hanger, finding their path barred by a group of Centurions lead by Fentulva quo Berenix.'Nevermore' were the words given by Avitus as Marius and Kaoru fled, the words to be delivered unto the Centurion.Upon hearing them, something was realised with her. And instead of barring the path she ordered her men to board the airship, beckoning for the party to follow.Upon the Airship they were able to make their escape, picking up Lomund & Astrent along the way as Imperial airships gave chase, yet the crew were capable of shaking said assailants.Leaving behind them the Castrum at the mercy of Letarius, yet they would return in time...

His Blessed Few

'Imperials...Right under our noses. I said I'd protect Ala Mhigo yet I couldn't even protect myself that day...'With the Telophoroi pressing against the borders of Gyr Abania, the Shattered Legion found their chance to slip by their defenses.Rumours circulated of an Imperial force investigating abandoned ruins within the fringes reached the party of adventurers.En route via their newly acquired airship, they were met with a furious storm upon entering Gyr Abania. Forcing them to land a distance away from the ruins in question.Upon arriving at said ruins, the wreckage of an Imperial airship was found. The crew had perished amidst what appeared to be a lightning strike to the hull, ripping through the plating and causing it to crash.Investigating further they ventured forth into the ruins to discover four lanterns from which flames had long since faded.The aetherical balance within the ruins was askew, something had tampered with it as such.Upon inspection the revelation was that they must be relit to reveal what the ruins held.Relighting the lanterns not only triggered a mechanism which rebalanced the aether within the ruins, but gave way to a hidden compartment. One which raised a pedestal from the stone floor to reveal an object of great interest.A crystal of auracite, upon it were the markings of the Destroyer. A mimic of the same auracite used by Avitus to rob the flame from Ardgar.It was then that the ambush was sprung, Imperial forces known as 'The Blessed' arrived at the ruins.Without warning they fell upon them, no word of surrender nor offer of negotiation was given. Their objective was clear;
Kill the Adventurers.As the fight commence it became evident the reason they were chosen to hunt them down. The flame that had been stolen had been bestown unto them, empowering them beyond their mortal limits.The fight itself was gruelling, pushing both parties to their limits as blows were traded, yet it was by the hand of Dadaxi that the tide was turned in their favour. A storm of fire and levin brought forth from the reservoir of Aether within the temple which all but incinerated the blessed Imperials.At the battles end, they took their leave. Taking the auracite with them.

The Measure of His Reach

A time after the blessed encounter, the recruits at long last had returned to the group.They had barely survived their own encounter with a group of blessed, yet it was thanks to the intervention of Alcred.The Samurai had taken to action after their last encounter, and now wished to meet with the party, awaiting them beyond the city walls of Ala Mhigo upon a tower overlooking the city.The group would make their way to the city, landing within the walls to continue the journey on foot.Trekking through the lochs and the winding hills of Gyr Abania they were beset by beasts such as salt dhruva, though they were quickly overcome.However they would be met upon the last path leading towards the tower.The Ascian appearing once again to congratulate the adventurers on their progress so far, and despite the attempts of some to strike at him he made no move to kill them nor stop them, merely making observations on their character qualities.And as strangely as they had arrived, they departed. Leaving them free to meet with Alcred atop the tower.Upon reaching the top they found Alcred watching over the reclaimed city of Ala Mhigo, meditating.He greeted the Adventurers, acknowledging that Aldens words had cut to his core during their capture.He offered his blade to assist the group, though before the agreement could be made he was informed of what fate had befallen his old friend, Master Matsushita.The news brought imbalance to Alcred, his control upon the flame starting to slip as the vengeful spirits of Ala Mhigans long past took the reins.Yet the Adventurers would not flee, not this time.Standing their ground against the vengeful spirits, proclaiming they would put an end to the legacy left behind by the flame. And that not only would they be avenged, but they would at last be granted peace.And so they gained yet another ally...

Born from Blood

Unwilling to wait for Letarius to make his next move, the Adventurers instead resolved to take the fight to him. The Alliance was stretched thin, unable to provide aid.Yet they were not without allies.It had started with the four recruits from Ala Mhigo, those who had pledged to aid them in their quest.And throughout their quest they had gained the favour of more.Shinobi, Void Hunters, Ronin, Rogues, Imperial Defectors, Ishgardian Knights...Pooled together with the forces Avitus had rallied, it stood a chance at wresting Letarius from his position of power. And so they sent the call to make ready for war.'Seven hells, it was the biggest fight I've been in and...Well.'The allied forces made their way through Othard towards the Castrum Portum.Imperial forces stood at the ready to defend their hold, manning the castrum walls as Magitek units were brought into position.Temple Knights, Imperial Defectors, Shinobi, Ronin, Thaumaturges, all forces converged upon the gates.Thaumaturges providing the means which blew the gates wide open, allowing for the main host to advance.Once inside the walls, the fighting was quick to spread. Between the Imperial forces and the Allied frontline, Shinobi moved to disable key positions, Rogues to release Imperial prisoners to assist during the fight.Even Alcred had taken to the field, unleashing the power of the flame against the Imperial forces with devastating results.Eventually, an opening was made for the heroes to break through to the command center, to confront Letarius.'Last I saw of them until..'Meanwhile within the thick of the battle, one of the chosen whom had long since been discarded was freed.'The Forgotten'Imbued with the power of the flame, and overwhelmed. They begun wreaking havoc upon both Imperial and Allied forces alike.'Kirui and the others took the front against him, thanks to Alcred I think they stood a chance..'Alcred had confronted the foe at first, yet the flame unbound proved to be too much for the Samurai alone to battle.'And when they managed to best him, after the flame had been released. I remember the panic across the linkpearl, and the word that all but froze my blood.''Primal..'The heroes whom had confronted Letarius issued the warning, that he had taken on the form of a primal with the collective aether of those whom had carried the flame, and their burning desire to serve him alone.From the command center, an eruption of fire as the Primal Ifrit leapt from its perch, scattering the forces that dared remain.'We had to get everyone out...'And yet it was the adventurers who held their ground, a battle beyond the walls, one in which details were spares.Fires could be seen rising from the castrum as the battle raged, and yet in the end it was Ifrit, and Letarius who was brought low.As the flames faded, they found the Adventurers unconcious, the body of Letarius.And the silhouette of Alcred, passing through the smoke as he left the field.'That's...That's all I remember, you'd need to ask them yourself.''Hrm, I suppose 'tis they themselves who I must ask, given their encounter. But pray tell, what came after?''As for what came after?'

What you earn

'It was over, at least...At least the fighting was. But there was still the matter of the flame, and Alcred.'The Adventurers had been brought to safety, the Castrum itself razed amidst the battle between two armies and the Primal summoning.'We found Alcred making his way back to the tower overlooking Ala Mhigo. It was- Well..'Alden had summoned them to the tower, to resolve the matter of the flame once and for all.And upon their journey they they did so happen upon the recruits once more. Though recruits hardly seemed fitting with how they had grown in their journey.'I think they found it unnerving with how much I talked. Or maybe it was the axe..''I- Look I've talked a fair bit already, what more do you want me to say? They're good people, damn good people. And somehow they've made us better people along the way.''We're able to overcome most things when we put our minds to it, workin' as a team. But...I don't think we'd of got this far without them.'Meeting familiar faces upon the path, they took moments to stop and reflect upon the journey that had lead them there.Where it had started, and where it would end.At the base of the tower they found Alden, supporting Alcred as he struggled to make his way towards his destination.'I think he knew this was the end, and he wanted to see it done proper.'Done proper?''Well, we had to give him a heroes welcome home. Him and the others who had come back to a homeland liberated.'They made their way to the top of the tower, and there Alcred had made his peace.And to see him off it was not only the adventurers, but the men and women of Ala Mhigo who had heard of what transpired.'I remember the swell of pride in my heart when I heard them sing, when I saw Alcred risin' to sing with them'And as Alcred did so, the spirits trapped within the flame would begin to pass on, their purpose satisfied.They would pass on one by one, Ala Mhigan and Imperial alike, all those consumed by it in the many years it had burned.And then finally, when they had departed. When it was only Alcred left."Thank you..." The Elderly Samurai spoke as his aether slowly dissipated, fading with the wind as he passed from this world.And at last, the legacy of the flame had been put to rest.'All this suffering, all that was lost. All due to the desire to make a difference. Letarius fought for no one but himself, and in the end all that earned him was contempt, hatred.''But Alcred? Aye he ran, he hid...But he came back, he came back for us. In the end he chose to fight for somethin' more than himself, they all did.''I thought I'd hate him, but...How could I? I would have been the same, to die for Ala Mhigo, to die for friends or family.''I...Ain't the best with words, but I can say with confidence that none of us would have been free of this hell unleashed were it not for them.''They do seem to have that effect. But tell me, Master Alden. All this adventure, your old life ripped away, this tumultuous change you and the others went through. Do you believe that in the end this was worth the pain endured?''I wouldn't be where I am now, have the things I have now...'

'Aye. Aye it was worth it...'