Appearance
Suddenly hit with shade on a sunny day? It's either a friendly cloud or this xaela passing by. At a towering 10 fulms, Tulaan is taller than most of his kind. Built like a brute, his broad shouldered physique is a strongman's build of marble muscle. A two-handed axe rests on his back, its design and weight a compliment to the man's excessive strength. Its star-metal slab surface is carved with intricate runic engravings, some of which glow with the color of light reflected off freshly frozen snow. Added all together with the light scarring that mars his flesh, Tulaan gives the impression of what would happen if a xaela warrior was bred with a battering ram.His armor is a mix of plate, leather, and chain, bound tight over his body. Combined with Tulaan's mass his steps thud heavily in time with the chink of metal rings. Though it all appears well cared for, if also well worn, there is one stand out piece to the ensemble. The fur covering his shoulders is ever white like the purest snow and never seems to tarnish. To the touch it is soft, to rival the richest carpets found before the fireplaces of the elite and cool as the flip side of a pillow. Not that many get to find out, defensive as he is regarding his personal space.In order to preserve the quality and condition of his tribal attire, Tulaan has started to expand his wardrobe with clothes available in Eorzean markets. Baavgai prefer colder climates, leaving him to acquire clothes that help him survive the heat. The result? Short or no sleeve shirts, all of which are always just slightly too tight.
The Baavgai Tribe
In contrast to the xaela that roam Azim Steppe, the Baavgai tribe are not nomadic. Their home is referred to the Great Gate, a massive wall tucked into one of the tallest mountains of the range north of Azim. Its solid structure blocks off the only path to that mountain's peak, and what is worth guarding there is a closely kept secret that no Baavgai is willing to reveal to the unworthy. This static lifestyle has bled into their culture, giving their customs a feeling of momentum. When a Baavgai needs to do something they may be slow to budge, but there is little chance of stopping one once they have begun.This mindset mirrors that of the local predator worshiped as their totem spirit, a massive, six-legged ursine beast that stalks the snows of their home. Baavgai clothes always sport some manner of the winter creature's body, be it fur over the shoulders or fangs dangling from their neck. Veteran warriors are able to even shape their aether into granting blessings from the beast, enhancing an already great deal of physical strength and constitution.But despite their appearance, Baavgai are not simple savages. Behind the stoic stone features of their faces are contemplative minds that give deep consideration towards everything. As a Baavgai can not be turned away from their actions, those actions are carefully and even philosophically considered before being committed to. Unfortunately for those looking to get to know a Baavgai, this trait extends to their conversational skills. Even getting a simple 'Hello' can take several seconds longer than what is comfortable, and it takes persistence to break through their stone exteriors. Any who succeed, however, will find an unyielding and fiercely loyal companion.With a static lifestyle within a land famously lacking in valuable resources, the tribe turns toward their gifts of strength. Warriors are sent out either alone or in pairs to seek out mercenary employment, with their accepted payment being resources such as wood, ore, fabric and food that can be sent back to sustain the Great Gate. The negotiation process for their services, formally referred to as 'Tithe', is a ritualistic affair that is treated as sacrosanct. Breaking an agreement with the Baavgai often comes to a lethal end. However, those who honor the Tithe have found no fault in the prowess they paid for.
Tulaan is one of these wandering warriors, for the Baavgai have turned their eyes toward Eorzea as the world forges new alliances. The Khatun has sent his only son to explore the possibilities of this foreign land and the nations that inhabit it. To decide if their lands have materials of worth, and if the Eorzeans themselves are worth serving.
Personality
Tulaan embodies all the traits of the Baavgai to a T, with the added weight of being the Khatun's son and the expectations of his success. Work hard to chisel away at this xaela statue and you'll find an insightful and loyal center. He enjoys reading pretty much anything, though by choice he will gravitate towards philosophical texts as he tries to understand the history of the mind regarding Eorzeans.Patience is the key to getting to know him. All Baavgai are slow to warm to outsiders, and reluctant to reveal much beyond surface details regarding themselves. Tulaan watches, he listens, and he considers. But what he does not do much of is talk. How many words he is willing to spare is an accurate sign of his opinion towards you.Also given his size, this boy eats a lot. Feeding him is the easiest way to improve his mood and make him a bit more friendly, but he'll never admit it.And he hates birds.
OOC
Mirror RP'er with a preference for long term.
Walk ups always welcome! Tulaan is difficult to break through but I'm always trying to make him interesting to engage with regardless.
Have some work for him? Let's talk!
In-game preference, discord possible but I prefer not to give mine out willy nilly.
No random ERP. Have it make sense.
Hidden themes of existential dread and eldritch horror, in case that is not your jam.
If you enjoy this character, you may like my other tribals listed below.