The character you made

[Local_Custard]

I have been reading through the responses of this thread and I enjoy all you have had to say! Long post incoming! To start...

I find the races in this game to be extremely boring so I struggled for quite some time to find something I clicked with. I tried everything except Au Ra and eventually landed on Elezen which I stayed on for a while. Even then, I never felt like it was the perfect fit, it was more like "well I guess this is the best I can do with the choices available."

Later, during another period of being restless with the race choices, I started to go down the list trying out the different races again with fantas. This time however I did something I hadn't done previously, I checked out female Highlander in the character creator. I had always written them off as more boring humans and rarely ever saw them out in the world to prove otherwise. When I got to the voice section and heard Voice 9's /cheer ("WOO YEAH YEAH YEAH AAARRHGHRGH") I laughed really hard and made the switch.

I only expected it to be temporary for laughs but to my surprise a race finally clicked for me and I've been a thighlander ever since. I really dig their tomboy vibe, I love how animated and full of personality their emotes are, they look amazing in every glam, and the voice I use is hilarious. Even their /sit pose is awesome, they take a knee like a boss. I often get whispers asking "where did you get that emote?" lol.

I usually play whatever the furthest thing from humans is in every game so it's certainly surprising that this is where I landed, but it just goes to show that even if a race isn't as popular overall, it makes a world of difference for the people who do end up gravitating toward that race. I honestly probably would have quit by now if fem highlander wasn't an option. I'm sure many people will feel the same about the upcoming Hrothgals and honestly that's the only thing that could ever pull me away from Highlander, depending on how they turn out.

Sometimes it can be a struggle for picking a race to consistently enjoy, especially with almost all of them leaning very humanoid. Even then, the different traits make each of them a unique experience. I'm glad you found a race you enjoy! I appreciate how this game has considerably little gender locking (yeah it still exists, but the devs show a clear tendency to not letting it last). As you say, highlander has more than one gender to pick from. I also look forward to what the additional gender of hrothgar will look like! Sometimes the concept art isn't the full picture so I am up to the surprise and how the fandom may interact with it. Side note: I love how some voices sound silly or how a few sound straight up feral (gives me endorphins while I giggle).

sexy dragon/lizard girl was basically the only thought in my head when i picked this character.

very understandable. Sometimes reasons for picking a gender can be simple.

Honestly without fully understanding how important/unimportant attributes would be, coming from FFXI, I chose Highlander because it had the highest STR rating while also having second highest rating in VIT(at the time) and respectable other stats (decently high MND).

That and the option to finally play a Hume that had some bulk to them, rather than just being another bishie boy in a Final Fantasy was something I liked a rather lot. I trend towards things like Half-orc or full Orc if they're available, and Highlander was somewhat up that alley with the whole lore about being rumored to be half Roegadyn and such (really just an insult from insecure Midlanders loL).

I also started a Roegadyn as my first alt character back during 2.1. He wasn't a permanent fixture after Au Ra came out, though.

Lore I make up for my character changes on a whim, so I try not to think to hard about it.

Over the years I've tried out other races on alts as well. I find that Highlander males are the best at showing pain in their facial expressions.

ah yeah, attributes. I remember when I first entered the game I considered attribute but ultimately didn't care enough about minmaxing to consider it (I mean, the game let me make alts, so my first character can always be a playthrough and an alt be more polished? Luckily, that isn't really the case, though). I love how some faces show pain. Curious what the pain emote looks like on your character!

I've always thought of my character as a continuation of my FFXI character.

neat! Any lore on that for your character? Also, did you do the FFXI event when it was a thing?

My characters always have a piece of myself in their creation (self insert alert!), so I picked Viera for my race because they're (typically) dark-skinned and tall (as well as being an all-time favorite race of mine).

Her forest name is Chul Dei-Ijla, but her city name, Kukuru, was chosen after eating chocolate for the first time. Before that, the only sweets she ate were fruits found in the Golmore Jungle.

...And yeah, I kind of chose that city name because she's a "chocolate bunny" of sorts... cx

Does she like the Eorzean equivalent of easter or any holiday prominently featuring chocolate? I love how in lore, any name is a canon viera name. That is how I have a viera named Rosemary Tea (side note: I later looked this up after making him and rosemary tea is quite bitter).

Don't really have a personality or lore. I like cats, so miqo'te felt like a good idea.

Obviously it turns out that everyone else like miqo'tes too and that sometimes bugs me. Not so much that other people like it, but more so that I'm just a drop in the ocean of thousands of miqo'tes. I really don't feel like there's any way to actually be unique with the limited character creation options.

I have had thoughts of fantaing as well, but that's an expensive habit(assuming it becomes a habit). I feel like if I fanta it would take a few at least to figure out what feels good to me and I just don't want to go through the process or spend the money.

yeahh. Sometimes I'm tempted to buy a fanta just to explore the other face options. I also get curious what my character may look like as other races. Sometimes it is about carving out a personality when choices overlap. Even then, it might be funny to run into a doppelgänger and get up to antics with them (maybe both parties agree to copy each other for example).

[ronibosch]

This was a cool idea for a thread, Custard! I like that you're responding to each post.

Does she like the Eorzean equivalent of easter or any holiday prominently featuring chocolate? I love how in lore, any name is a canon viera name. That is how I have a viera named Rosemary Tea (side note: I later looked this up after making him and rosemary tea is quite bitter).

Hatching-tide Day confuses her greatly, but she appreciates the occasion like any other Eorzean holiday. It also has some similarities to a Viera celebration for their fertility goddess (completely made that up), so Kukuru feels a bit nostalgic during that time.

She absolutely loves Valentione's Day, especially after becoming famous because of all the chocolate gifted to her during the holiday.

Isn't it cool how Viera names function? I was going to change her full name, but decided to just change the forename, since Kukuru Dei-Ijla sounds nice together. Plus, she will always have pride in her tribe, even though she adopted a new home/"tribe" (with the Scions).

Rosemary tea... y'know, I don't think I've ever had any, which is a shame. Makes for a cute name, though. Maybe your Viera adds sugar to his tea to make it sweet?

[Local_Custard]

This was a cool idea for a thread, Custard! I like that you're responding to each post.

Hatching-tide Day confuses her greatly, but she appreciates the occasion like any other Eorzean holiday. It also has some similarities to a Viera celebration for their fertility goddess (completely made that up), so Kukuru feels a bit nostalgic during that time.

She absolutely loves Valentione's Day, especially after becoming famous because of all the chocolate gifted to her during the holiday.

Isn't it cool how Viera names function? I was going to change her full name, but decided to just change the forename, since Kukuru Dei-Ijla sounds nice together. Plus, she will always have pride in her tribe, even though she adopted a new home/"tribe" (with the Scions).

Rosemary tea... y'know, I don't think I've ever had any, which is a shame. Makes for a cute name, though. Maybe your Viera adds sugar to his tea to make it sweet?

according to google rosemary tea has strong pine notes with undertones of citrus. Now, this is assuming you made tea with fresh rosemary. Often, storage time can change the flavor of herbs and spices (usually mellowing them out. This is why, for example, you want most of your spices kept away from light when not in use). I can imagine sugar would do it favor, though I would need to do more research on this specific tea. Some teas benefit from lemon/lime juice or some other additives (or none. Some like their tea without anything else). Oh! fun tea fact! Some teas change color from additives or oxidizing. Butterfly pea tea changes color if you add lemon juice. Butterfly pea tea starts out a deep blue and will turn pink when lemon juice is added. Burdock tea starts out yellow when first brewed. Once it oxidizes it goes from a light yellow to emerald green. I have drank burdock tea and it tastes strongly of cucumber (said to have health benefits. But honestly? The best benefit is the water! I didn't really like burdock tea when I brewed a fresh, prepared root that I harvested... For some reason I do not like the flavor of cucumbers).

Valentine's day also has a lot of romantic undertones. I wonder how she feels about that. Honestly though, yes the chocolate has to be my favorite part of the holiday too! Especially the day after when they go on sale X3
I love how Viera names function. It is the ultimate flexibility. It lead me to see some silly names that made me smile while I do roulettes.

[ronibosch]

according to google rosemary tea has strong pine notes with undertones of citrus. Now, this is assuming you made tea with fresh rosemary. Often, storage time can change the flavor of herbs and spices (usually mellowing them out. This is why, for example, you want most of your spices kept away from light when not in use). I can imagine sugar would do it favor, though I would need to do more research on this specific tea. Some teas benefit from lemon/lime juice or some other additives (or none. Some like their tea without anything else). Oh! fun tea fact! Some teas change color from additives or oxidizing. Butterfly pea tea changes color if you add lemon juice. Butterfly pea tea starts out a deep blue and will turn pink when lemon juice is added. Burdock tea starts out yellow when first brewed. Once it oxidizes it goes from a light yellow to emerald green. I have drank burdock tea and it tastes strongly of cucumber (said to have health benefits. But honestly? The best benefit is the water! I didn't really like burdock tea when I brewed a fresh, prepared root that I harvested... For some reason I do not like the flavor of cucumbers).

Valentine's day also has a lot of romantic undertones. I wonder how she feels about that. Honestly though, yes the chocolate has to be my favorite part of the holiday too! Especially the day after when they go on sale X3
I love how Viera names function. It is the ultimate flexibility. It lead me to see some silly names that made me smile while I do roulettes.

You are a tea afficionado! I definitely need to step up my game. With this knowledge you have given me, I shall have an excellent time drinking my first cup rosemary tea. c:

I'll also try out the other teas you mentioned and do an oxidation test. I've had burdock tea before, but I drank it straight (bleh-it's disgusting, but the nutrients and nourishment are great benefits).

Well, Kukuru isn't much of a romantic, thanks to her lifestyle as an adventurer. Like, she's had a wandering eye every now and then (she has a weakness for male Au Ra), but she takes romance rather seriously, so falling in love with someone means she will have to settle down with them one day, unless they are willing to compromise her nomadic lifestyle (or join her on her adventures). With this thought in mind, Kukuru has had moments of romantic feelings for her comrades, specifically G'raha Tia (it started to develop when they first met during the Crystal Tower arc). She is uncertain if his feelings for her are any different from a starstruck fan rather than true romantic interest, so she has never broached the subject. Estinien is also another option, although their comfy brother/sister relationship (Azure Dragoon solidarity!) is too grand to disrupt.

Kukuru and Zenos hold/held tumultuous affection for each other, which is apparent in his dialogue towards and about her alone. Whether it was romantic, sexual, or something else entirely in anyone's guess. I'll leave it at that, for fear of going into spoiler territory.

With all of that said, Kukuru celebrates all forms of love during Valentione's Day, not wanting any of her friends or acquaintances to feel left out. She's a talented enough culinarian to whip up a batch of homemade chocolates for them, with customized messages and symbols on top.

I'm so tempted to make a male Viera alt with a silly or cute name. I need to get more into roleplay on FFXIV.

[Local_Custard]

Since that was my first mmorpg where you got to play all jobs in 1 character, I wanted to make sure it would be a design that fits most if not all to a certain extend (as I knew I'd want to play them all haha)

Ever since I've seen this promo art though, I wanted to create my character based on this image



At that time I was actually torn between the female or male design since they both looked really nice but ended up male this time as I played female on my last game to switch it up.

I know - who plays a human in a fantasy world but that's just what felt the most average to fit all jobs at that time but he just captured the hero adventurer essence the best for me personally

nice! Nothing wrong with playing a human in a fantasy setting! Sometimes it is good to try putting the mundane in a less-than mundane setting for any number of reasons. I do appreciate how this game lets me play any job I want on a single character- I plaid 2 jobs at most on my main and kind of regret that so on this alt I decided to try all the jobs. Definitely helps with utility (maybe I want the instant queue, or maybe I want to purely dedicate myself to damage. Maybe I want to be a dps for hunts. Maybe I want the bulk of a tank during msq instances, etc). I really like your lance! Could you tell me what it is?

@Local_Custard

ooh nice! The lighting captures the shininess of it very well! He has a very determined look!

You are a tea afficionado! I definitely need to step up my game. With this knowledge you have given me, I shall have an excellent time drinking my first cup rosemary tea. c:

I'll also try out the other teas you mentioned and do an oxidation test. I've had burdock tea before, but I drank it straight (bleh-it's disgusting, but the nutrients and nourishment are great benefits).

Well, Kukuru isn't much of a romantic, thanks to her lifestyle as an adventurer. Like, she's had a wandering eye every now and then (she has a weakness for male Au Ra), but she takes romance rather seriously, so falling in love with someone means she will have to settle down with them one day, unless they are willing to compromise her nomadic lifestyle (or join her on her adventures). With this thought in mind, Kukuru has had moments of romantic feelings for her comrades, specifically G'raha Tia (it started to develop when they first met during the Crystal Tower arc). She is uncertain if his feelings for her are any different from a starstruck fan rather than true romantic interest, so she has never broached the subject. Estinien is also another option, although their comfy brother/sister relationship (Azure Dragoon solidarity!) is too grand to disrupt.

Kukuru and Zenos hold/held tumultuous affection for each other, which is apparent in his dialogue towards and about her alone. Whether it was romantic, sexual, or something else entirely in anyone's guess. I'll leave it at that, for fear of going into spoiler territory.

With all of that said, Kukuru celebrates all forms of love during Valentione's Day, not wanting any of her friends or acquaintances to feel left out. She's a talented enough culinarian to whip up a batch of homemade chocolates for them, with customized messages and symbols on top.

I'm so tempted to make a male Viera alt with a silly or cute name. I need to get more into roleplay on FFXIV.

May I suggest rosebud mint tea? Rose tea is great- very aromatic. Though not for everyone because it is heavier on the floral notes. Though, personally, if I want a tea to taste sweeter without too much added sugar I like to use rose water (the cooking kind. There is a certain brand but I forget what it is called. Expect a clear bottle with the label being blue). I hear orange blossom water is also amazing, but I haven't been able to get my hands on it. By biggest tip is to add small amounts at a time. Both have the ability to make your tea more bitter if too much is used.

I can imagine how romance can be intimidating to really go for if it implies settling down. Though, romance doesn't need to mean that! As you said, she would likely fit best with someone who would suit her lifestyle. G'raha would be a great option for that. Though, that is up to you- his feelings and motivations can be difficult to read at times (though, maybe it could be a mix of both? If so, they may need to spend time establishing a healthy dynamic if they were to get together). I love Estinien- such a fun character. If she wants to get closer (in any sense. Maybe closer dragoon bond?) she can always give him dried squid snacks.

What was her favorite kind of chocolate?
Chocolate comes in many flavors. From the cocoa butter rich white chocolate (you haven't had good white chocolate until you have ditched hersheys and spent more money on the kind very rich in cocoa butter. Remember to read ingredients and know that the ones listed first have the highest quantities!) to the rich, deep and flavorful semi-sweet dark chocolate. Or maybe the sweet middling milk chocolate. Of course, there is much, much more to it than that. Ever tried dark chocolate with roasted coffee beans inside? Or fruity raspberry and chocolates. Nuts are also quite classic as is a caramel filling. There is more too- varieties of chocolate make a big difference. It can influence the flavor undertones. One may be more nutty, another taste like there are berries infused inside it. Either way- What is her favorite chocolate? Was there any chocolates she made the stood out amongst the other years she made treats for her friends? (an example would be, one year a culinarian made particular orange-flavored chocolates that their friends still talk about to this day)

[Shikiseki]

nice! I really like your lance! Could you tell me what it is?

That's the spear from the Shiva weapon line (true diamond spear) - Despite being pretty old, they are some of my favourites as they look like conjured weapons out of magic - kinda like a spellblade type of job and can highly recommend getting some of them

[ronibosch]

-snipp-

I don't think I've tried that before, but I heard about its strong smell. I didn't even know rosewater was used in tea, much less cooking. And I've never heard of orange blossom water before. Lol. ;-; I'm so out of the loop with the culinary arts.

Did you go into that as a career or passion, by the way?

Also, I forgot to mention, but Kukuru's perspective on romance is uncommon for a Viera. Usually, strict monogamy (i.e. marriage) isn't recognized, and sex (between heterosexual couplings) is often viewed within the lens of procreation rather than solely for pleasure, although there are always outliers.

(Sorry if this comes across as heteronormative, btw. I'm sure there are plenty of same-sex couples among the Viera, but I don't think marriage of any kind nor long-term sexual/romantic relationships between male and female Viera was ever mentioned in their lore. I could be wrong)

Kukuru's exposure to the outside world has made her more sensitive to alternative perspectives; one of the first books she ever read was a Hyuran fairy tale about true love conquering evil, so one could say that was a major influence on her. She's a bit of a closeted, hopeless romantic (don't look at the pile of books in the corner of her apartment!!).

I kind of want to write a series of romantic moments between Kukuru and G'raha, starting from their first meeting. The height difference between the both of them could create some cute hijinks. They have a natural chemistry, so they'd probably look like a couple to outsiders from how close they are (despite not being official).

When it comes to Estinien, Kukuru would most likely present a bag of dried squid that she caught, dried, and seasoned herself. She'd insist that they eat it together, too. Even though each bite into the snack makes her sick, she'll grin and bear it for him.

The chocolate to start it all was bubble chocolate, but imagine her delight when she found that chocolate could be used as a dipping sauce! She tried all different kinds of chocolate dips (white, dark, milk, etc.) with all different kinds of fruits (and vegetables...and meats). She had to visit a chirugeon once because she was at risk for cavities. This was when she was a few summers younger than now, and she's learned her lesson since.

Out of them all, her favorite type of chocolate is white chocolate. It's something she treats herself to right after a difficult battle. Nowadays, she mostly gets her chocolate fix from drinks, like hot chocolate, chocolate milk, cappuccino, etc.

Well, one year, she made chocolate truffles dusted with star anise. She even molded them to look like geometric stars (they were a riot at the Athenaerium Astrologicum in Ishgard).

The twins love them a lot, so Kukuru makes a couple of batches each year for the both of them to enjoy.