expiation: application

[theleadingman]

Player: Christine
Contact: necrofancy or PM
Age: Thirties
Current Characters: N/A
Link to Reserve: here

Character Name: Balthier / Ffamran mied Bunansa
Character Canon: Final Fantasy XII
Canon Point: End of game, just before the epilogue.
Age: 23 (+1 year in Avalon)

Crime: Patricide.

Background: Balthier @ the Final Fantasy Wiki. He is a CRAU from Isle of Avalon, where he spent about a year. His memories of his time there will be minimal at first, but during his stay, he had the opportunity to learn a little something about more modern technology, and also developed abilities in alchemy and technomancy, which are now gone. Major events included efforts made towards building an airship and establishing air travel in Avalon, as well as being severely wounded while helping to fight off a dragon, but he is still himself. His personality has not been altered, though he did begin to open up to a very select few— not that he'll be remembering that for some time.

Personality:

Balthier’s reputation precedes him wherever he goes, thanks to his chosen profession of sky pirate. He is rumored to be the bravest pirate Ivalice’s skies have ever seen, and is widely known for his charm, having been referred to as both a dashing rogue and “the sort of man that makes a woman look twice.” He’s also known for his sharp wit and cunning, which are either admirable or insufferable traits, depending on who you ask. Given that there’s a price on his head and he’s had more than his share of run-ins with bounty hunters, not everyone appreciates his approach, but he maintains that even the greatest among us have their critics.

Considering himself to be something of a gentleman thief, Balthier is well aware of his assets and how to use them. Charm can go a long way when used just right, and he knows his vanity is not unearned. He is extremely well-kept, with a vested interest in both fashion and good hygiene, and makes an effort to always look his best, whether he’s spending the evening in a tavern or raiding an ancient tomb. He exudes confidence, even in the most perilous situations; he is often infuriatingly calm under pressure and has a great deal of experience in keeping a cool head and making snap decisions when necessary. He’s quite sharp, and his methodical approach to problem-solving often hints at roots in something other than piracy.

Perhaps unsurprising for a pirate, Balthier has very particular and often expensive tastes. He is a great appreciator of the arts and knows a fair amount about history, a necessity for anyone whose primary goal is treasure— which he frequently insists his is. What else could a pirate want? He is open about his love of the sky pirate life; between treasure and the absolute freedom of the open skies and being able to go wherever one wants, whenever one wants. All of this is quite genuine, but also part of a public and carefully curated public persona. His pirate heart is very real, and he will frequently insist upon only ever acting in his own self-interest, but his actions often betray him.

Balthier frequently declares having little interest in the affairs of others, yet almost from the very moment of his introduction in the story, he has difficulty walking away from situations that he would, perhaps, be best left ignored. He finds himself taking on an apprentice (all the while insisting that he doesn’t have one), getting tangled up in the resistance efforts of a kingdom that he has no ties to (on the contrary, his own countrymen are their oppressors), and heading straight into obvious traps to rescue hostages when other pirates may well have cut their losses. For all that he can be contrary, sharp and competitive, he often shows himself to be generous, loyal and selfless. His companions become more of a family than any he’s ever known, and it becomes apparent that there is little he would not risk for them. His willingness to risk his own life for others is proven beyond shadow of a doubt when he remains in the belly of the Sky Fortress Bahamut to try and alter its course so that it will not fall on the city of Rabanastre, knowing full well that doing so will likely cost him his life– a far cry from the selfish, mercenary soul he claims himself to be.

Even among the handful of people he considers close, however, Balthier remains quite secretive. He doesn’t like to talk about his life prior to becoming a sky pirate, and it isn’t until there is no option but to come clean that he reveals himself to be the son of the Archadian Empire’s own Dr. Cid. His origins reveal him to have been born into privilege as well as to have been something of a prodigy, made a Judge at a young age in a move that was meant to further his father’s own career. Balthier’s reasons for leaving home and leaving his old life behind are many, with the desire for freedom certainly among them, but more than anything else, he could not watch his father’s downward spiral as his research and findings devoured him. His intent was always to run until the past was nothing more than a distant memory, and throwing himself into the life of a sky pirate certainly allowed him to do so– for a time. It’s only recently that he’s chosen to face the past and found that he must take the time to find out who he is when he isn’t running away– a work in progress, to say the least.

Abilities:

➤ Balthier is gifted with machinery, and is skilled engineer as well as being a pilot.
➤ Skilled marksman, and also adept with close-quarters combat. He prefers to fight at range, but prides himself on being adaptable.
➤ He has a small arsenal of magicks at his disposal, including Cure, Cura, Haste, Slow, Protect, Aero and Bio.
➤ His technicks include Steal, Libra, First Aid, Wither and Expose.

Inventory:

➤ Fomalhaut with ammunition.
➤ Kanya.
➤ A small, portable toolkit for working with small parts.
➤ A pair of silver wire-rimmed glasses.
➤ Princess Ashe's wedding ring.
➤ A necklace that he does not recall the origin of.

Samples: One and two!

Questions: None!