Balmung ♦ Crystal
"The wild speaks in whispers, and I have learned to listen."
synopsis
| general information | useful knowledge | & summaries |
| . | . |
|---|---|
| City Name: | River Bug |
| Gender: | Female |
| Age: | Looks to be in her early twenties |
| Height & Weight: | 6 fulm | 155 ponze |
| Complexion: | Pale | Covered in freckles |
| Hair: | Long | Blonde |
| Eyes: | Brown |
| Physique: | Runners Build |
| Alignment: | Neutral Good |
| Birthplace: | The Skatay Range |
| Current Residence: | Currently Traveling Abroad |
| Combatant Type.: | Ranged |
| Weapon of Choice: | Bow & Arrow |
| Occupation: | Mercenary & Tracker |
summaries
| personality | basic background | & distinguishing features |
Personality
River is thoughtful and reserved, molded by the heavy expectations of her past and the fierce independence she now clings to. She speaks little but listens intently, choosing her words with care, so they carry the weight of hard earned wisdom. Her experiences have made her strong and resilient, but also left her with a fear of letting others down, leading her to keep people at arm’s length. River's kindness is measured, often more a tool for survival than an invitation for closeness.Yet, there’s a quiet warmth in her actions, particularly when she’s alone in the wild, where she feels most at peace and connected to the world she once knew. Her words are often poetic, reflecting the flowing nature of the river she’s named herself after—a symbol of her vow to keep moving forward, no matter what. River carries a deep loneliness that she rarely acknowledges, channeling it into her mercenary work and the stories she collects along the way, always searching for a purpose that feels uniquely her own.
Background
River was born into a close knit Vieran tribe nestled in the South-Eastern areas of the Skatay Range. From a young age, she showed exceptional skill in hunting and tracking, talents that quickly set her apart and marked her as a future leader of her people. The tribe, rich in tradition and deeply connected to the natural world, saw great promise in her, and with that promise came the heavy burden of expectations. As she grew, River was groomed for leadership, with every decision she made scrutinized and every success reinforcing the belief that she was destined to guide her people. However, the weight of this responsibility became too much for her to bear. Fearing that she would lose herself in the role that was being shaped for her and that she might one day fail those who looked up to her, River made the difficult decision to leave her tribe behind. Severing all ties to her past, she took on the name "River" as a symbol of her desire for constant movement and freedom. Now a vagrant and mercenary, River roams the lands of Eorzea, using her skills to survive while quietly grappling with the loneliness and uncertainty that come with her chosen path.
Distinguishing Features
River is a tall and slender Viera with a commanding yet quiet presence. Her pale skin, unmarred by the freckles that dot the rest of her body, creates a striking contrast against her very light blonde hair. Her hair falls in soft layers around her face, framing her sharp, dark brown eyes that always seem to be observing, even when she appears distant. River's expression is often calm and composed, with an air of quiet confidence that comes from her years of experience in both the wild and in mercenary work.
likes & dislikes
| appreciations & favorites | distastes & despises |
Appreciates
Solitude in Nature
River finds a deep sense of peace and clarity when she is alone in nature. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle sway of the wind through the trees all bring her a sense of calm that she can't find elsewhere. It's in these quiet moments that she feels most like herself, free from the noise of the world and the weight of her past. Whether she's sharpening her arrows by a quiet stream or simply sitting among the trees, these solitary moments are where she feels most at home.
Storytelling
River has a profound appreciation for the art of storytelling. She loves listening to the tales of others, whether they are grand adventures or simple anecdotes from everyday life. To her, stories are more than just entertainment—they are vessels of wisdom, history, and emotion. When she shares her own stories, she does so with a poetic grace, carefully choosing her words to leave a lasting impression. For River, each story is a connection to others, a way to share and understand the human experience without the need for deep personal bonds.
Dislikes
Invasive Questions
River has a strong dislike for invasive questions about her past or personal life. While she enjoys being in the company of others and listening to their stories, she is very private about her own history and experiences. When others pry too deeply into her background or try to uncover details she isn’t ready to share, she becomes uncomfortable and guarded. This tendency to avoid deeply personal conversations is not because she is unfriendly, but because she values her privacy and prefers to reveal herself in her own time and on her own terms.
Uneccessary Praise
River is uncomfortable with receiving praise, particularly when it feels exaggerated or unwarranted. Compliments remind her of the overwhelming expectations she left behind in her village, and she prefers to let her actions speak for themselves. Praise often feels like a burden to her, a reminder of the pressures she fled from, and she would rather be recognized for her skills through quiet acknowledgment or simple respect rather than grand gestures or words.
Inventory
| common inventory | treasured keepsakes | permissions to steal |
Common inventory
River carries a piece of flint as a crucial tool for survival in the wilderness. As a skilled huntress and mercenary who often finds herself far from the comforts of civilization, flint allows her to quickly and efficiently start a fire, whether for warmth, cooking, or warding off wild animals. The ability to create fire is not just a matter of practicality for River; it also provides a sense of security and control in the often unpredictable environments she navigates. The flint is a simple, unassuming item, but in her hands, it becomes a lifeline—a symbol of her self-reliance and preparedness, always ready to spark a flame when the darkness closes in.
The hunting knife River carries holds more than just practical value; it carries memories of camaraderie and shared struggle. The knife was a gift from a former party member, someone she once worked with on a particularly challenging hunt. The two had faced the harsh elements and fierce beasts together, forging a bond through their shared experience. After the hunt, as a token of respect and gratitude, her companion gifted her the knife, recognizing her skill and resilience. The blade, now worn from use, serves as a reminder of that partnership and the rare connections she’s formed on her journeys. Though River often prefers solitude, the knife is a tangible reminder that she is not entirely alone in the world, and that there are those who recognize and value her strength.
The Gallery
Photography
Open to sharing Mare Codes!
Roleplay hooks
| Interests | Career | Rumours |
The Huntress' Call
River's unmatched prowess as a huntress and tracker has garnered attention across the lands, making her a figure of interest among adventurers, mercenaries, and even those with more clandestine motives. Whispers of her ability to track the most elusive prey and navigate treacherous terrains have reached the ears of many, each with their own reasons for seeking her out. Some may wish to hire her for a perilous hunt, hoping her skills will lead them to riches or glory. Others might seek her expertise in locating something—or someone—that has been lost to time, knowing that few can match her in finding what others cannot.
But with such a reputation comes intrigue and potential danger. Those who approach River might have their own hidden agendas, from rival hunters testing their mettle against her to enigmatic figures offering rewards for her services. Her ability to read tracks and follow trails could be the key to solving mysteries, uncovering hidden treasures, or even exposing dangerous secrets. Whether they come to her seeking assistance, competition, or something more, River’s unique talents make her a focal point for those looking to enlist, challenge, or perhaps even manipulate her in their own quests. The question is, what will they bring to the table, and how will River respond to the varied interests her skills attract?
Viera ever longer
River has spent years distancing herself from her Viera roots, carving out a life of solitude and independence. Yet, despite her best efforts, she finds herself increasingly drawn back to the memories of her tribe and the sense of belonging she once had. River often encounters other Viera during her travels—each meeting stirring a longing within her that she can’t ignore. The conversations, the familiar customs, and the unspoken understanding among her people bring a comfort she hasn’t felt in years. These encounters start to make her question whether she truly left her old life behind or if it’s been quietly following her all along.
These feelings are always growing stronger, River wants to explore what it would mean to reconnect with her heritage, not just as a fleeting thought but as a tangible part of her identity. This inner conflict offers an opportunity for other Viera to approach her, sensing her uncertainty and offering guidance, companionship, or even a path back to her people. Non-Viera characters might notice her increasing attachment to her culture and either encourage her to embrace it or challenge her to stay true to the path she’s chosen.
Adventurer's Life for Me
Despite her preference for solitude and the quiet of nature, River finds herself drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of the Adventurers' Guild. There’s something about the lively atmosphere—the clinking of mugs, the crackling of the hearth, and the constant hum of conversation—that pulls her in. She often sits quietly in a corner, listening to the tales of daring deeds and distant lands shared by fellow adventurers. The stories they tell, full of triumphs and losses, resonate with her own experiences, and she finds a strange comfort in being surrounded by others who understand the life she leads. Though she rarely speaks up, her presence is felt, and she has become a familiar face among the regulars.
Over time, River has come to enjoy these moments of connection, even if she remains on the periphery. The Guild offers her a place where she can feel a part of something larger, without the burdens of leadership or the expectations of her past. Her frequent visits have not gone unnoticed, and other adventurers might be intrigued by the quiet huntress who listens more than she speaks. Some may be drawn to approach her, hoping to learn from her wisdom, share their own stories, or invite her on their next journey.
out of character
| who am i? | contact me | disclaimers & rules |
Intro
Hey there! Thank you so much for taking the time to look over this carrd!I am an American living in the CST time zone, however I can usually be found in the game later nights during the week. I am open to roleplaying with anyone, although I would ask to try and keep your interactions with my character as close to lore abiding as possible. I do not mind flexing the rules a bit, but let’s keep it fun and close to the game we are playing! If you plan on doing anything questionable to my character, please inform me first via /tell so we are both on the same page!I am always open to meeting new people, so if you think River might be a good fit for a friend or even a plot feel free to send me a message! If you’d like to chat by other means than in game, again feel free to send me a /tell and we can see what we can do!Do take care, and thanks again for reading! ♥
Contact Information
I always am up for making new friends ICly as well as OOCly, so if you are ever curious as to if you can message me or send me a tell, go right ahead! I love hearing from people.
I do not give out my Discord on Carrds, if you are interested in RPing or chatting there, let me know in game! I'll most likely say yes. :)
Contact in game is welcome via these characters:
River Bug ✿ Balmung
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