BLACKBLOOD

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SKILLS

JOBS: DRK, SMN, GNB, CNJ

Early in life, Cherin's father attempted to teach him the ways of conjury. The Steppes are a far cry from Gridania's mossy, forested realm, but that does not mean the art of healing doesn't flourish. While Cherin certainly gave it his best go, ultimately his abilities were oft left by the wayside in favor of more, er, physically destructive routes. Still - in a pinch, he could likely patch himself up if needs be...or a friend. Probably. There was that one time with Mithra's eye, and all the blood...

These days, it's easy to forget that Cherin has a gift for magic, considering that more often than not his weapon of choice is a large bludgeoning device, his bare hands, and in rare occasions, teeth. While he could always stand to brush up on his magic, he flexes it aplenty when holding onto his Dark Knight soul crystal. Even so, with his training in weaponry from many years spent preparing for the Naadam, he is notably more capable with the sword - or his hands - than he is any magic he chooses to utilize.

Despite this, Cherin has still found some entertainment in flipping through pages of a Summoner book, practicing with various Egi. He is particularly fond of his Ruby Carbuncle, which he allows to rest upon his shoulders...and pounce at his tail. Enrichment is terribly important for pets, after all. Later on, once he has found himself able to read through Summoner tomes thanks to his kind friend Bramble, he discovers a forgotten Egi: Valefor. Cherin immediately takes to this small, bird-like fiend, both for its eagerness to fight and for its adorable feathery self. Or he thinks they're feathers, anyway. Who knows with these pesky Egi?

As for his introduction to the Gunbreakers' fold, it is hard to imagine a Xaela who wouldn't enjoy the idea of a sword which also fires bullets. He's still getting the hang of it, however. Stand by the wayside when he practices his techniques.

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YOUR SOUL, YOUR SHADOW

Cherin is a loyal sort, willing to spill blood and more for those he loves. He limits his loyalty at his own death, however — if a situation ever demanded that he lay down his life for his friends or flirt with losing them, he would sooner find a third option to rend apart. This foolhardy stubbornness does not lend itself to arguing; he is always, always ready to assert himself in otherwise hopeless scenarios. Some may call him stupid or shortsighted, but Cherin's undaunted certainty has not led him astray yet.

In addition to hardheadedness in the face of sure death, Cherin is also particularly charismatic if only in his easy friendliness with just about everyone. However, while he makes friends easily, there is always a thick line between those he would kill for and those he would leave behind. This hierarchical sense of friendship may lead some to feel distanced from him if he shows this, but it rarely comes up. For instance: Not that Ajinai ever would ask it of him, but would Cherin really ditch his free company if Ajinai asked?

Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to.

Cherin's upbringing in the Qestir has also left him with some interesting ideas about truths and lies. While he is very nontraditional in his practice of Qestiri beliefs, he still holds onto them in some capacity. In his somewhat backwards self-fulfilling prophecy, not everything he says will be a lie, but if it truly means something to him, it's likely he'll twist the words into an untruth — or not say anything at all. In this sense, he chooses to speak with his actions for complete transparency. For those who prefer to hear his affections, this might be troublesome...

All in all, Cherin is an ally you would be glad to have in a fight, a friend you would be lucky to call a confidant, and an enemy you would regret ever making.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE

I. Reunion was founded by the Qestir tribe just before Cherin's birth. He and his family lived on the outskirts of the settlement until it was too large to be ignored; finding themselves at a loss without the closeness of their tribemates, who seemed pleased with their work, they moved closer to live within the boundaries of Reunion's safety. It was there that Cherin met Ajinai, the Qestir-Qalli boy who quickly became an object of fascination -- and then, a friend. Cherin dared to speak with Ajinai, who seemed to have little of the ingrained Questiri disdain for spoken word. Intrigued by this, yet unwilling to give up what he had always been taught, Cherin assumed that words could not be all bad if Ajinai was good and his words were beautiful. That said, Cherin retained the Qestir belief that all words are lies, and with this philosophy at the forefront of his mind, Cherin continues to this day to weave webs of deceit with his words, sometimes caught in the midst of them -- but this has only led him to become a better liar.

Of course, with the belief that words are inherently dishonest also comes the contrary: that actions are truthful. Cherin lives by this tenet as well, acting only in sincerity. Whether or not this makes up for the many lies that pass his lips, rest assured -- Cherin does only as he desires, and no less. This discrepancy often causes misunderstandings, however...especially in regards to Cherin's tendency towards charm. Though his flirtation may be enticing, it is excessively rare that he will carry out any intentions.

During Cherin's late adolescent years, Ajinai left Reunion. This was not an entirely tragic event, considering the Xaela and their typically nomadic ways, but it left Cherin bereft of a dear friend. His originally meager skill in magic culminated in something greater as he threw himself into fighting, thanks to all his newfound time that was once spent with Ajinai. Cherin donned his Qestir mask once more, holding his tongue near always, but when newcomers would arrive in Reunion, he would gladly play the role of guide and ally, more than happy to become friendly...vocally...with all manner of strangers -- despite how this ostracized him to his own.

It was years later that Ajinai returned to the Steppes with friends in tow. Cherin, shocked at his friend's reappearance, kept his silence until they traveled to the edge of Reunion, before pulling away his mask to reveal a wide, sharp grin. Promptly tackling Ajinai, it was the greatest and warmest welcome back that could have possibly been offered.

Cherin joined this motley crew before they left Reunion for good, his greatsword in hand and his Qestiri mask safe in his pack.

EMBRACING THE DARK

II. A storm does not bow to a man, but what mercy is there for a man who refuses to bow to a storm? And should not emotion – fear, anger, conflict, impatience – be considered a squall in its own right?

The very moment you touched that soul crystal, I felt your tempest. That vicious solitude that sought to outgrow your heart and seep between your ribs like a venom. You aren’t lonely, you just don’t know how to be anything but at a distance. You want too much. You need too much. You are so hungry, your chest is a damn a yawning void. Does it scare you? Ah —

Calm down. You’re only hearing half of what I say, you can barely make out the words. Ah, there’s that reckless impulse. I like that fire. You might need it later. Now...

Take your hand off your blade.

Keep your eyes on me.

And listen closely...

---

Cherin traveled to Eorzea with Coridan while others of the free company were preoccupied with political matters. It was during a trip to Ishgard that Cherin found the soul stone. Plucking the abandoned crystal between his forefinger and thumb, he noticed its warmth against the chill of the snow immediately. From then on, out of the corner of his eye he would spot a dark man in armor, watching, as if waiting for him to approach.

It wasn't long before Cherin grew tired of this cat and mouse game and confronted the stranger he would come to know as Fray, who already seemed to know him better than he knew himself. Their odd relationship flourished as Cherin found a kindred spirit in the other Dark Knight. Still, the strength of his turmoil meant that he had to face off against himself eventually, and Fray was all too helpful in bringing that fight to fruition.

It was an outburst in the middle of Coerthas that led to a scuffle that ended in a battle, and Cherin clutched the soul crystal in his fist throughout it all.

Now, Cherin and Fray have a far more mutually beneficial dynamic, as Cherin's wild, emotional fluctuations have mostly been reined in. Fray is still ever-present enough to smooth his feathers — or ruffle them worse — but Cherin has come out of things better for it.

He shared his experience with Coridan, who knew well of Sidurgu, someone that Fray always seems to take a sharp interest in...

the art of living

III. PRE SHB Cherin has never had the power of the Echo on his side, but it has not stopped him from fighting alongside the Warrior of Light. Discovering a new flavor of magic — and an unusual Egi named Valefor — Cherin has found a challenging pastime in mastering such unwieldy forces as Summoner abilities.

> MITHRA'S EYE, LEADUP TO SHB

THE BRIGHTER SIDE

IV. [SHB, Ajinai]

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CONNECTIONS

From left to right, top to bottom:
[row 1] Bramble, Malena, Ajinai, Mithra, Coridan, Astrid, Dion
[row 2] A'natan, Mahaba, Hvodrom, Aquila, Na'dalia, Jisu'a, Lilistrun
[row 3-NPCS] Fray, Hien, Sidurgu