Nanao Strife

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Services:

• Bard for Hire
• Strife's Workshop

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Bard for Hire

-Price negotiable.
-Rate is generally by half hour or hour.
-If told theme in advance will find songs fitting for said theme.
-Will take requests as long as it is approved by event host.
-Contact for availability.

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Strife's Workshop

Strife's Workshop:
-Takes on commission crafting jobs.
-Prices may vary depending on current market price and item's needed.
-Omni 90 on gatherers and crafters.
-If materials provided will craft housing items free.
-Tips are always appreciated.

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Research Papers
WIP

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Recommended Venues

• Skylight Cafe

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Her Story

Growing up

Nanao was born in the verdant forests of New Gridania, her heart forever entwined with the rhythms of nature. Her parents, humble florists, instilled in her a deep reverence for all living things. From a tender age, her father taught her the way of the bow, ensuring she could defend herself, while her mother's melodic voice filled their modest home with the enchanting melodies of the Wildwood.Tragedy struck when Nanao's father was called to battle while she was only 4, his life claimed by the encroaching threat of the beast tribes and their insidious primals. Her mother, heartbroken, could not bear the loss, and the family's flower shop withered alongside her spirit as the years went on. At the tender age of twelve, Nanao found herself alone, sustained by the kindness of her village and the promise of her resourcefulness.As she came of age, wanderlust stirred within her heart. Despite the villagers' concerns, Nanao yearned to experience the wonders of Eorzea, armed with naught but a few belongings, her hard-earned gil, and the bow her father had bequeathed her.Her journey led her first to the maritime city of Limsa Lominsa, where the vastness of the sea captivated her senses. There, she found herself drawn to the enigmatic Summoners' Guild, their ability to manifest aether into living beings resonating with her love for nature. For a year, she immersed herself in their teachings, becoming a novice summoner while honing her crafting and gathering skills.Yet, her thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. With her repertoire of trades expanding, Nanao continued her odyssey, earning her way through bardic performances, material gathering, and the occasional commission. She mastered the art of smithing, fishing and culinary delights, sustaining herself while refining her summoning abilities and befriending curious creatures along the way.At last, her footsteps led her to the grand gates of Ul'dah, the radiant jewel ruled by the Sultana herself. Awestruck by the city's bustling streets and myriad vendors, Nanao immersed herself in its vibrant tapestry, learning both its virtues and vices. She even caught a fleeting glimpse of the Sultana, their gazes momentarily intertwining.Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Nanao ventured into the city's trade guilds, mastering the arts of alchemistry, goldsmithing, and even weaving, despite the eccentricities of its leader. With each new skill acquired, she became a true master of her craft, a versatile adventurer whose path intertwined seamlessly with the rhythms of Eorzea's beating heart.

New Family

While Nanao advanced in her trades under the tutelage of Ul'dah's guild leaders, a profound emptiness lingered within her soul. Orphaned at a tender age, she had grown up without the nurturing embrace of parental love and guidance, leaving an indelible void in her heart.That void began to mend the day she crossed paths with the peculiar Aiko Ulf during a chance encounter while shopping. Nanao had noticed the kindly Hyur woman around the city before, but their paths had never directly converged until that fateful day when Aiko's curiosity was piqued by an odd mask protruding from Nanao's pocket. Though Nanao shyly deflected, fearing she had caused offense, the encounter left an indelible mark on Aiko's heart.Inquiring about the mysterious young woman, Aiko learned from a shopkeeper that Nanao was an orphan, eking out a living through odd crafting jobs and occasional guard work. Aiko, intimately familiar with the loneliness of solitude, felt compelled to offer Nanao the guidance she herself had once craved.The next time their paths intertwined, Aiko was accompanied by her husband, Rune. With warmth and sincerity, the couple extended an invitation to Nanao – a shared meal or perhaps tea, a chance to connect and learn more about her journey. Nanao, her heart yearning for kindness, accepted the offer of tea.Over the steaming cups, Nanao unveiled the tapestry of her past, recounting the hardships she had endured and the kindness of strangers who provided her with temporary shelter and work. Aiko and Rune listened with empathy, their souls stirred by Nanao's resilience and the echoes of their own pasts.Their meetings became a cherished ritual, and eventually, the couple extended an offer that would forever reshape Nanao's destiny – the opportunity to join their family. They explained their belief that every soul deserved a loving home, having welcomed others into their embrace before. After careful contemplation, Nanao accepted, embracing their family while retaining her cherished surname.In her newfound haven, Nanao came to know Yuki, Aiko and Rune's biological child, and the ever-changing tapestry of extended family members who drifted in and out like windswept petals. She found purpose and belonging, lending her talents to her adopted mother's café when her duties permitted, and continuing to offer her skills to those in need throughout Ul'dah.Guided by the unwavering love of her adopted kin, Nanao's heart blossomed, her once-solitary journey transformed into a harmonious symphony of family, purpose, and the certainty that she would never again walk alone.

Expanding Horizons

One day, while diligently tending to her odd jobs around Ul'dah, Nanao crossed paths with a man from the enigmatic realm of Old Sharlayan. His purposeful demeanor hinted at a mission, and as she observed him inquiring about a particular creature needed for preservation, she deduced he was a gleaner – a seeker of knowledge.Intrigued, Nanao offered her assistance, her familiarity with the region's fauna proving invaluable in locating the elusive sundrake the gleaner sought. After a patient pursuit, they succeeded in capturing one of the majestic beasts, and the gleaner, impressed by Nanao's vast knowledge, extended an invitation that would forever alter her destiny.He proposed that she accompany him to Old Sharlayan, the hallowed realm of scholars, to seek admittance to the renowned Studium and advance her wisdom, believing even the smallest of minds could catalyze profound change.The following day, Nanao embarked on a voyage across the vast seas, her eyes widening in awe as the towering statues guarding Sharlayan's ports came into view. The gleaner facilitated her entry, vouching for her pure thirst for knowledge, though she remained under watchful scrutiny.In those early days, Nanao explored the city's wonders, savoring the exquisite fare at a remarkable café, her senses utterly captivated. Soon after, she inquired about enrollment at the Studium, learning that any individual with a sincere desire to attain knowledge could gain admittance with a recommendation from a Sharlayan scholar.Fate intervened when none other than the esteemed Krile Mayer Baldesion herself interrupted the proceedings, unhesitatingly offering to sponsor Nanao's enrollment and extend an invitation to join the prestigious Students of Baldesion – an honor Nanao gratefully accepted.Over the ensuing years, Nanao's dedication propelled her academic prowess, her thirst for understanding driving her to spend countless hours immersed in the libraries' tomes. Her exceptional aptitude soon earned her the role of research assistant, where hands-on experience complemented her scholarly pursuits.Krile became both mentor and collaborator, inviting Nanao to contribute to projects alongside the illustrious Scions, whose camaraderie and warmth – particularly the endearing Tataru's business acumen – deeply resonated with her own spirit.After a formative tenure as an assistant, Nanao emerged as a fully-fledged researcher, specializing in aetherial studies and intershard travel, a fascination ignited by the pivotal "G'raha incident" involving the Scions. Her groundbreaking work unlocked gateways to other shards, including the First, where she forged an unbreakable bond with the Fairy King Titania and their whimsical realm.In exchange for her tireless efforts to uncover the secrets of their world, Nanao delighted the fae folk with games of hide-and-seek, her kindred spirit earning their eternal affection.Though renowned as a preeminent expert in her field, Nanao's innate humility prompted her to resist publication, fearing her work might be misunderstood or ridiculed. Yet, she generously shared her insights with any seeking enlightenment, her comprehensive reports finding a permanent home in the Studium's archives as invaluable educational resources.As her legend grew, Nanao stood poised to embark on a new chapter, her quest for knowledge intertwined with the fate of worlds...

An Unexpected Meeting

The enticing fragrances of freshly baked bread and simmering stews wafted through the air, luring Nanao into the quaint Bramble Patch café nestled in the heart of Gridania. Though many years had passed since she last called this verdant woodland village home, the verdant oasis stirred a bittersweet wave of nostalgia within her.As she savored a steaming cup of tea, a raucous commotion erupted outside, piquing her curiosity. She craned her neck, attempting to peer through the café's doors, when they suddenly burst open. A towering Au Ra man strode in, his gait exuding an air of elegance and imposing stature. His attire was refined, yet practical, a seamless blend of sophistication and ruggedness.The stranger's gaze swept across the room before locking onto Nanao's. Uncertain of how to respond, she froze, unfamiliar with the imposing figure before her. He approached slowly, his footsteps echoing against the wooden floorboards, before uttering a soft apology and requesting a moment of her time. Wordlessly, she motioned for him to join her, wholly unprepared for the revelations that would soon unfold.The Au Ra introduced himself as Shinya Strife, his surname immediately piquing Nanao's curiosity, as it was an uncommon moniker among their people. He proceeded to recount the tale of his mother's encounter with his father, a narrative that nearly caused Nanao to tumble from her chair upon hearing her father's name. She paused, steadying herself, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within.Once composed, Shinya continued, revealing that their father had departed for frontlines before his birth, ultimately perishing in battle. However, the most startling revelation was yet to come – Shinya's mother had informed him, upon reaching adulthood, of his father's other family and the existence of a half-sister, a truth their father had never divulged to Nanao's mother or herself.Silence enveloped the café as Nanao processed this information, her gaze fixed upon the man before her, undeniably bearing her father's likeness. The weight of the revelations hung heavy, as she struggled to reconcile the depth of her parents' love with the possibility of infidelity.An eternity seemed to pass before Nanao found her voice, acknowledging the troubling nature of the news, yet realizing that dwelling on the past would serve no purpose. She revealed that her mother, unable to bear the grief of her father's passing, had succumbed soon after, leaving Nanao to navigate the world alone.Shinya's expression softened, understanding the shared pain of losing a parent, despite his own mother only recently passing. As Nanao recounted her journey, her triumphs as a renowned scholar and crafter, a newfound respect blossomed between the newfound siblings.Extending an olive branch, Nanao declared her willingness to forge a bond with her half-brother, albeit cautiously, recognizing the need for trust and understanding to be cultivated gradually. Shinya accepted her terms, reciprocating with his own life's narrative.He spoke of his mother's return to her homeland of Kugane during her pregnancy, where he was raised and educated, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts of trade and craftsmanship under the tutelage of his mother's friends and a revered mentor.Upon hearing of their shared passion for the crafting arts, Nanao and Shinya shared a warm laugh, a tentative bridge spanning the chasm of their newly discovered kinship. Though acknowledging him as her brother, Nanao insisted that he would need to earn her trust through actions, not mere words, before granting him the privileges of true siblinghood. Shinya nodded, accepting the challenge, for he was no longer alone.To be continued...

Rune and Aiko Ulf and more

Adopted Family

Strife Family

• Carrd

Always looking for new rp partners and people to grow a story with.
I've dealt with my fair share of stalkers and oddities
In game name: Nanao Strife
Discord: strifeco