Rebecca Adler of the Autumnwind Estate


THE MARIONETTE

"Her threads fray, and lo behold, the marionette's graceful strides falter and crumble. Observe her eyes, as they begin to surrender to slumber, yet she vehemently refuses—her spirit burns with a longing to exist. Even as her mortal frame betrays her, her ethereal essence continues to glow, igniting until the final act."
--- Wrathsmon Kramer

"I bid thee greetings and extend my hopes for a favorable encounter. I, Adler of the Autumnwind Estate, do present myself with a history steeped in tragedy and turmoil. Yet, fret not for my sake, for I am resolved to seek redemption and forge a better future, even if such a future may lead me to an untimely demise. Raised in Ishard by a nefarious sect, my life knew little of authenticity. I was trained to mimic the mannerisms of nobility, hence the eloquence of my speech. It was within their ranks that I pilfered and committed acts of violence at their behest. This was a life not of my choosing but one imposed upon me.""Behold, for I am what is known as a Puppet, an assassin bound to the Vicengaol. It is the abhorrent occupation that I bear no pride in, and it is why my visage bears the marks of stitches. These scars contain my fragmented essence, comprised of the stolen limbs of others. My feeble and fleeting life force remains confined, yet it diminishes with each passing day.""Ever since my departure from the clutches of the Vicengaol, I have been a fugitive, pursued by those who seek to silence me or sever my path to redemption prematurely. However, my days of violence are behind me, and I am now feeble and frail, lacking the strength to retaliate. I wander as a mere marionette, bound for the embrace of death. In this waning existence, I yearn to find a purpose that may sustain me, one worthy of the final threads that hold my sewn body together.""The strings that tether me shall one day fray, and in that moment, I hope to reckon my existence as that of a benevolent soul. I have experienced love, and yet, that very love becomes my undoing, for with each companion, my strength diminishes. I know not the cause of this affliction, but I recognize that time is fleeting for such entanglements. Remember me, my dear acquaintances, as I once was, not as the decaying husk I have become. I beseech your understanding. Perhaps, perchance, I shall endure, maybe there exists a path to salvation... but alas, I know not how. I lack the vigor, sagacity, and fortitude to ascertain it. Indeed, this is the embodiment of my being—Adler, the Patchwork Xaela. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

THE THREADS

  • Resilient: Adler has endured a challenging upbringing and the betrayal of her supposed parents, yet she has persevered and risen above her circumstances.

  • Observant: Having grown up in the shadows and surrounded by deception, Adler has developed keen observational skills. She is adept at reading people and situations, allowing her to navigate the complexities of her chosen path.

  • Loss of the Independent: Adler has a condition that continues to worsen and the former Noble assassin now strays from combat, finding herself increasing in vulnerability.

  • Ambitious: Adler is driven by a desire for redemption and to break free from the tarnished legacy of her upbringing. She is determined to carve out her own destiny and create a better life for herself.

  • Skilled in deception: Raised in a world of deceit, Adler has honed her skills in deception, thievery, and manipulation. She is highly adept at blending into various social circles and exploiting situations to her advantage, though it sorrows her still.

  • Justice: Despite her involvement in illicit activities, Adler carries a strong sense of justice. She seeks to right the wrongs of her past and bring about a sense of balance and fairness, using her skills to target those who exploit others.

  • Complex emotions: Adler's past weighs heavily on her heart, and she experiences a mix of sorrow, guilt, and determination. She grapples with the duality of her actions and strives to find inner peace while navigating the fine line between light and darkness.

  • Reserved Demeanor: Adler often masks her emotions and keeps a stoic demeanor, rarely displaying her true feelings to others. This is a result of her upbringing, where she had to suppress her emotions as a means of survival in the world of deception and trickery.

  • Refined Elocution: Due to her false noble upbringing, Adler has a refined and eloquent manner of speech. She naturally gravitates towards using sophisticated language and tends to express herself with a formal tone. Her vocabulary reflects the grandeur she was taught, even though she may no longer associate herself with true nobility.

  • Cultural Naivety: Having grown up in a deceitful environment, Adler lacks a true understanding of common cultural norms and societal conventions. She may unintentionally misinterpret social cues or inadvertently break etiquette due to her unconventional upbringing. This can sometimes lead to awkward or amusing situations as she navigates through the world outside the shadows of Ishgard.


THE HOOKS

  • Seeking the Truth: Adler is driven by a relentless pursuit of truth and redemption, stemming from the deceitful upbringing she endured. This hook can be explored through her constant quest to uncover the secrets of her origins, confront those who deceived her, and find a sense of closure and justice.

  • Dual Identity: Adler grapples with her dual identity, caught between the façade of highborn nobility that was forced upon her and her true self. This hook allows for exploration of the internal conflict she faces, as well as the challenges and consequences of maintaining her false persona while longing to express her true self.

  • Outcast Among the Highborn: As someone who was raised in the shadows and lacked genuine noble heritage, Adler struggles to navigate the intricacies of high society and cultural norms. This hook provides opportunities for humorous misunderstandings, social clashes, and fish-out-of-water scenarios as she tries to fit in among the elite while holding onto her own unique perspective.

  • Building a New Legacy: Adler seeks to carve out a new path for herself, separate from the criminal legacy of her supposed parents. This hook explores her journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of breaking free from the shadow of her past as she strives to create a positive and meaningful legacy of her own.

THE STORIES

Short stories that help decipher the tale of the Marionette. These are short stories meant to tell Adler's story. Note some stories may have creative liberties taken due to the uncertainty of life events and incomplete details.

Proceed with caution. Potential spoilers ahead.

The Abandoned Xaela
Long ago, a child was discovered in the treacherous sewer rapids, its cries engulfed by the waves. Emerging from the darkness were two robed figures, one tall and one small. Seeking a meal, they stumbled upon something unexpected. Risking their lives, they rescued the child and tended to its frailty by a fire in the bitter cold. As their hoods fell, a Hyur and a Midlander were revealed, humble peasants who deeply cared for each other but could never conceive. Yet, a chance had presented itself. Sadly, the child was already fading away. In desperation, they sought the aid of the Vicengaol, an underground sect devoted to protecting the innocent amidst adversity. On that day, the Vicengaol became heroes, driven not by blood but by the virtue of righteous thievery. Pleading with them to save the girl, a small Xaela kin with unique features, the women entrusted her to a mysterious man named Wrathsmon, unaware of the perils that awaited them all.
Happy Days
In gratitude to the Vicengaol, the two Mothers were entrusted with raising the Xaela child, teaching her the ways of nobility and adopting the name Relda Windtoma. With their limited resources, they constructed an elaborate facade called the Windtoma Estate, complete with a false family history and identity from a distant land. Reluctantly, the Mothers agreed, aware that refusing would mean losing the child. Among her peers, the Xaela became known as Rebecca Adler, but to the outside world, she was Relda—a young noble attending a prestigious school. Struggling with her Xaeli heritage, she faced mockery from Osyra Vasch, the group's bully, who belittled her inability to speak fluently. Sadly, Osyra's criticisms held some truth.

Rebecca's education under the Vicengaol was an arduous and demanding journey shared with other individuals. A mysterious figure named Wrathsmon played a significant role, meeting with Rebecca behind a forbidding vault door, their encounters shrouded in secrecy. Yet, she never disclosed the details, merely mentioning a pendulum. Her youth was marked by challenges, leaving little room for personal enjoyment or friendships. Her parents, unbeknownst to Rebecca, lived in constant fear for her safety. However, an unexpected event led her to encounter her first friend. Atyla Vasch, introduced after an incident where the Xaela was thrown down a garbage chute by Osyra Vasch. Atyla extended an apology and became a loyal companion to the patchwork girl.
Atyla, The Heart Mender
Atyla, the sister of the noble bully Osyra Vasch, was once much closer with her, but their paths diverged as Osyra became increasingly demanding while Atyla remained gentle-hearted, always willing to help and refusing to give up on her sister or friends. Atyla had a passion for art, even at a young age, and expressed her creativity through painting. During her middle education, she grew close to Osyra, their bond nearly unbreakable. However, as Osyra became entangled in drama, Atyla retreated, choosing a more reserved path. From a distance, she observed her sister's transformation into a commanding presence, proud yet concerned about her methods.

In later years, Atyla became a healer for those affected by Osyra's turbulent nature, and it was during one such encounter that she met Relda, a girl trapped in a garbage chute. Atyla and Relda formed a deep friendship, finding solace in each other's quiet and gentle nature. Atyla invited Relda to her estate, introducing her to the wonders of noble life. However, Atyla sensed something amiss about Relda's claim of noble lineage and lack of a family history, sparking her curiosity. Despite this, she remained a steadfast friend and offered her support. Over the years, their bond grew stronger, eventually blossoming into love and dreams of a shared future. Tragically, one night, Atyla was murdered by an unknown assassin, compelling Relda to flee from Ishguard, fearing both the wrath of Osyra Vasch, who believed Relda to be the killer, and the retribution of the Vicengaol.
The Pathfinders & Ame, The Lupin
As Adler, the girl found herself in a precarious situation, fleeing from Ishgard without a clear plan. Fortunately, she was taken in by a woman who offered her refuge at an estate belonging to a group called The Pathfinders. Within this company, Adler discovered valuable allies and a sense of belonging. She also stumbled upon the secrets surrounding the Avillion Artifact but chose to keep this knowledge to herself, fearing the potential misuse by The Pathfinders. Unfortunately, Osyra Vasch caught up with her, forcing Adler to flee once more. With the assistance of a person named Ame, Adler found temporary sanctuary, shielding her from Osyra's wrath. However, their relationship evolved into a complicated affair that left both parties emotionally unsettled, ultimately prompting Adler to embark on another escape, drifting away into the unknown.
Hana, Her Mechanika
Adler, left bereft and isolated, faced the devastating consequences of Osyra Vasch's manipulations. Former allies and companions turned against her, believing Osyra's false accusations of murder. Desperate for help, Adler sought support from the people of Ul'Dah but found no solace. Returning to Ishgard, she established a hidden sanctuary to conceal herself. It was there that she unexpectedly encountered Hana, a woman who concealed her true nature as a machine. Throughout the night, they shared a profound connection, and Adler found herself falling in love with someone as heartless as she believed herself to be—the Marionette and the Mechanika. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond, despite the limitations of their conditions. Hana introduced Adler to her own company, but their joy was short-lived as they discovered that Osyra Vasch had infiltrated their ranks, still seeking revenge. In a state of panic, Adler refused to burden her newfound allies or Hana and made the painful decision to remove her heart, leaving it behind as she fled once again. Abandoning her mechanical companion, Adler's Heartsewn grew colder, and she found herself slowly dying to the very thing she desired most: love.
The Artifact
Adler stumbles upon a curious object that washed ashore from the sea. Eager to understand its significance, she delves into research alongside an archeologist who unveils ancient ruins hinting at the artifact's secrets. Whispers of its power to balance aether between beings and the wars fought to possess it intrigue her, birthing a newfound purpose in her heart. Liberated from the oppressive strings of her past, she seeks a band of trustworthy companions to safeguard the artifact and her ailing health. Amidst the shadows of danger, she endeavors to unravel the enigma that might alter her fate forever.
Glass and Steel, Iris and Gael
Upon learning about the potential of the Artifact, Adler bravely draws from her noble past with Vicengaol, risking herself on a journey to Ishgard to retrieve her noble funds. Upon returning, she sets out to seek aid from hired hands, but many skeptics dismiss her claims, doubting the true worth of the enigmatic object. However, fate leads her to a tavern in the Southern Shroud, where she encounters Gael. He is intrigued by Adler's plight and her fear of mortality, finding it captivating. Although the Artifact holds no appeal to him, Gael persuades Adler to let him safeguard her instead. In a twist of fate, Adler addresses the tavern, and to her delight, Iris Glass emerges from the crowd, offering her aid as well. Overwhelmed by this unexpected joy, they embark on a journey to seek others who might join their noble cause.
Adler's Dying
As Adler's health takes a toll, she finds herself growing feeble, unable to fend for herself. The hope for survival starts to dwindle, compelling her to establish Avillion as a protective force for the precious Artifact upon her impending passing. Yet, amidst the trials, Gael and Iris confront Osyra Vasch once more, and there, they encounter Atyla, alive and well. This revelation stirs Gael's suspicions about Adler's truthfulness, yet he offers her words of encouragement to fight for life. In a moment of truth, Adler discloses the existence of a certain Wrathsmon, a scientist affiliated with Vicengaol, who holds the potential to aid her condition. Hence, a daring mission commences to uncover his whereabouts and beseech or demand his assistance.

ODDREE, THE PEACOCK

Helloooo, I'm Oddree, a fellow companion of the birds. With over a decade of roleplaying experience, I have a deep love for the hobby. '95 is my start, and there's plenty to talk about with me.

Venturing into Final Fantasy, I just mainly look to make connections with good people and get on at the end of the day excited. I want others to feel that same deserving comfort. My gaming endeavors extend beyond the borders of Eorzea, encompassing titles from esteemed games from Riot Games, Square Enix, and a myriad of indie gems.

Beyond the realm of gaming, my heart finds solace in the melodies of yesteryears. The timeless tunes of the 1940s hold a special place within me, with their poignant wartime melodies evoking a delicate balance of demureness and hope. As an actor, I have graced the stages of live shows and musicals, immersing myself in the art of performance. I have also lent my voice to various voice over roles, allowing stories to unfold through the power of sound!
But my creativity knows no bounds, as I also tread the path of a writer. Currently, I am diligently working on an anthology set within the captivating universe of my own making: Vyleen, The Steampunk AnthologyIn the realm of personality, I am a patient and mellow individual, embracing the tranquility that accompanies a quieter presence. I hold a deep respect for others and strive to never be the cause of unnecessary turmoil, and help resolve where I can. However, let it be known that my loyalty knows no bounds, as I am fiercely protective of those dear to me, and cherish even those whom may not feel the same. As I aspire to grow and evolve, I find joy in encouraging others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. You are your own person, and should journey to find that comfort in who you are.In my youth, I grappled with the challenge of gender dysphoria, but I have since found solace and acceptance within myself. I am Oddree and that is the most comforting truth I have discovered. Treat me as a fellow human being, with respect, patience and understanding, and I shall extend the same courtesy in return. If not, do what makes you comfortable, always. Ne'er hesitate to speak earnestly to me, it is all I could ever ask.May our paths intertwine on this grand adventure, where stories unfold, connections blossom, and the joy of companionship is woven into the very tapestry of our existence, if only for a little while! c:Thank you for reading.I'll be around, always.
- Oddree

Discord & Mare: oddree