Shion "Haiba" Tachibana
CRYSTAL | MATEUS | RED NETWORK MEMBER "PEARL" | LOOKING FOR WORK
the silent smile
a string maestro bard looking to start anew and find her own voice.
Shion
A mute raen from kugane who always offers a distant smile to those who make eye-contact with her. Ninja of the shadows, entertainer through body and music. Previous courtesan turned bard.
BASIC INFORMATION
FULL NAME : Shion Tachibana (no true last name)
NICKNAMES : "Haiba" by The Previous Lord Tachibana -- "Doll" by captain OzAGE : 22 years
GENDER : She/Any [AMAB]
SEXUALITY : Pansexual/Panromantic (Could be monogamous or poly)
STATUS : SingleORIGIN: Kugane (Hingashian)
SPECIES : Raen - Au'ra
OCCUPATION / AFFILIATIONS : "Amateur" bard - Busks for Tips
RESIDENCE : None, lives with her friend Reign [saving for an apartment]
PAST OCCUPATIONS : Handmaiden, Courtesan, Maiko, House Retainer, Hostess, and Barmaid.
TITLES : Left Hand of The Red Network based in Ul'dahBASIC DESCRIPTION
Shion is a feminine presenting raen whom appears to not have the ability to speak. Instead of words, this hingashi-native raen communicates through careful, kind gestures and her music. She rarely shows anger, disgust, nor judgement, merely a soft smile or flustered expression. Despite her gentle demeanor, Shion is one of the night-life, and is familiar with many cities' darker sides of life. Shion has been compared many a time to porcelain dolls due to their albinism as well and carefully calculated movements. They usually are misplacing the umbrella they use almost daily, so they stay within the shadows or the cities of Ul'dah and Limsa to protect from reddening. Many of times she can be seen busking the following areas : The Quicksand or Pearl Lane when she visits her friend P'Rein, and outside of the Fisher's Guild{The Moon does indeed haunt this character - feel free to whisper about it !}
Shion has been presenting as feminine for as long as she could remember. She was born to a retainer of one of the houses of Kugane - Tachibana. Many of the house were alarmed when she was born, especially as she had pale skin unlike her family that came before her. It was discovered early on when she opened her eyes that she had albinism, and when she didn't quite hit the milestone of talking, it became more evident that she was unable to speak. Despite these things, Shion didn't suffer too much because of her condition. The only long-term affects seem to revolve around her heart (and she has what someone more versed in medical terms would call anemia.)Shion never truly had a last name, but many of the servants were regarded with the same last name to show which house they belonged to. The whole time that Shion grew up, she was told how the ruling Lord of the house saw men as a threat to the household, servant or not. It was only as Shion continued to grow did she realize that this was the real reason she was allowed to present the way she truly felt she was. The fact that she never grew above about 155 cms definitely aided in all of this as well.When she was about 18 years of age, she became a personal handmaiden to one of the concubines of the Lord. The two became close despite their differences, and especially their language barrier. Shion actually taught the lady many signs and songs to keep her company when there was turmoil in her relationship with Lord Tachibana. And then, he took a notice to Shion herself.
Some events transpired after Lord Tachibana's interest was made known to Shion. Shortly after all these 'events' happened, Shion soon had to leave the house under the council of Lady Miyuki (the concubine she served). Shion left in secret, and made ends meet in the red light district of Kugane for about a year. She did some other jobs that will not be disclosed as well, though death did seem to follow her in the later half of her last year in Kugane.At 19, she was able to sail for Limsa Lominsa. This became the point where it seemed like her life was turning for the better, and she could finally make her own way in the world. She met a viera male named Yuto that somehow knew doman and hingashi sign as well, so she luckily had at least one person to confide in as she learned this new land.Shion did her best to make ends meet by any way possible at this point. She even finally started to perform in public again for the first time since doing so for house guests in Kugane. She garnered the attention of a Flames captain visiting Limsa named Oz via one of these busking performances. Almost immediately, everything fell into place. She became his retainer and "personal bard" as he called her, as well as gained a place to stay. She then met also another long-term friend who was his retainer for him as well, Reign. Despite knowing literally no sign, he made an effort to get to know her and aid her in any way he could during her time with Oz. They were in it together.
RELATIONSHIPS TO NOTE
P'REIN -> the red network's co-founder and shion's most trusted friend
When Shion first arrived in Ul'Dah, and found herself under the care of a Flame Captain named Oz, she met Reign. He lived under his roof at the time, and acted as a retainer of sorts alongside Shion. Despite them having no real way to communicate with each other with Shion being mute, and also unable to understand Eorzean at the time, they became unlikely fast friends.Whenever Shion was unsure of things, Reign would somehow always appear without her needing to say or do anything. When Shion left Oz's care, Reign found her once again two years later after he returned to the Flames. Now, Shion is usually seen staying at one of his residences when he is away or working in The Rubellite Lounge to assist him.
DRAVEN SWIFTSTRIKE -> shion's newest friend - personal escorting bodyguard
The two recently met through a random job posting Shion put out for a simple escort to Horizon for a performance. He was recommended as someone who knew sign by Momodi. They clicked, and Shion found herself asking about him many of times after their initial meeting. Now, whenever Shion has any little excuse to call upon an escort or just to have company when perusing the streets of ul'dah, he is usually reached out to. He hasn't refused an offer for an outting yet.
CELESTE REED -> the red network's co-founder and friend of shion
Celeste was always someone she heard about from Reign when she first began to befriend him. When she met her, she was surprised by how she immediately tried to meet her "on her wavelength" as Reign had when they first met. They became close friends, and she realized very quickly that Celeste is the perfect one to call on when things hit the fan. She's forever grateful for her, Reign, and Yuto's support in finding her footing in Eorzea.
YUTO KANSHI -> Friend and Previous Co-worker
When Shion first set foot in Eorzea, she met Yuto Kanshi only mere minutes after getting off the boat. Yuto had noticed Shion signing to a local, and explained to them what exactly she was attempting to do. Long story short, Yuto is one of the few people in Eorzea she knows of (personally) that is familiar with Doman sign.Yuto allowed her to work with him at a local bar as a barmaid of sorts for almost two years to make ends meet. For this, she's just as grateful as she is P'Rein. On the very rare occasion that Shion finds herself in Gridania, she knows at least where to find help. Whenever they're together, Yuto has a strong tendency to act as her translator.
ARTWORK ALL DONE BY ME OF SHION !
* Hooks for getting to know Shion / connect to your character *
MOST NOTED : if your character is familiar with eorzean or doman sign, i would love for shion to interact with them in some way !
1 ) Kugane native, currently residing in Ul'Dah If your character is familiar with the different families of Kugane, they probably have at least heard of the fall of Lord Tachibana. They may not know Shion was a part of said house; however, may recognize them from markets or perhaps the red light district.2 ) A previous courtesan in Kugane and some previous activity in Limsa Lominsa. Your character may have procured their services once upon a time if they visited Hingashi-themed or based establishments. Shion has only worked with those who understand sign in their establishments though, try to keep that in mind! Also, they had clients of many genders, so pretty much anyone but lalafells may know of her this way.3) Shion is a trained ninja in assasination. She has been for hire for anyone with the money or resources. She uses her silence to advantage, especially as her movements are just as quiet. She has worked underground jobs, mostly for clients through her courtesan job to "take care of someone" for another. She always does so with little complaint, and works fast and silently. You may have heard of her through these means or have been affected in some way. She has been inactive in these type of jobs though since residing in Ul'dah for two years.4) She is looking for work in a Hingashi-friendly establishment! Whether it be bard, hostess, bartending, or any job that accepts her lack of speech. Do not be afraid to send a note her way about a job opening of some-sort (or a tell!).5) Shion can be found doing street performances in Pearl Lane of Ul'dah or Limsa's Fisherman's Guild. Shion performs in hopes of tips at times, and to just make some passing adventurers smile once in awhile by playing in public. These are usually pieces on the Harp, as she does not have the breathing capacity for woodwinds.
MAY
26 | SHE/THEY | ACE | STREAMER | ARTIST | SLOWPOKE
MY OTHER CHARACTER CARRDS
Hello there ! My name is May and I play Shion ! I just wanted to have a little note page here so y'all know what to expect !I am a part-time bartender irl who is trying to become a vet assistant so I can get into animal rescue work in the long run ! I love roleplaying, playing games, creating stories with friends, and doing art in my free time. I have many characters whom I love a lot, and I'm always wanting to learn about people's lore so please infodump on me about your character-- erm, anyways here's some basic little "rules" about roleplaying with me below !1) If I have RP tag on, I'm IC and totally up for you to approach (and might approach you if you have your tag on!)2) I am 100% open for romantic and sexual relationships to be formed with my character, but that's just it MY CHARACTER, NOT ME - I have to put this because I've had a lot of trouble in the past. I promise I'm just a chick that loves to simp over OCs as much as the next guy but please, don't try to act like you're interested in me because I can assure you, I am ACE as hell and also will never be interested in an online relationship EVER no exceptions, thank you. PLEASE do not approach me with that mindset, I will block you.3) With that being said though, I would love to explore more mature themes in roleplay with Shion! She is unable to speak aloud, but can communicate with your character through sign, dance, song, and even her trusty little notebook!4) My discord is available upon request, but please know that I do have anxiety when it comes to DMs most times (sorry aaaa).
HOWEVER, I'm making a roleplay specific server for a lot of my ocs soon !5) I am a semi-lit to fully literate roleplayer! I am used to forum roleplays and am trying to become more comfortable doing it in an MMO setting. So my posts may range from short to extra long and detailed depending on the scene or who I'm roleplaying with!6) I do try to stick with the lore of the game the best I can ! Please know I'm not like... fully caught up story wise though so ehhehehBELOW ARE SOME PLACES YOU CAN FIND ME OUTSIDE OF FFXIV !