Marciellaux Renault

Backstory

Born in Gridania proper, Marciellaux's early childhood was largely uneventful. His parents were Wailers of the Second Spears and spent much of their time on patrol. However, they were quick to hurry home, and their house was always filled with warmth. Unfortunately, as is the case with many things, that happiness was fleeting. Towards his teenage years, the news reached him that his parents had died, struck down in a bandit attack. With no extended family, he was left to raise his younger sister alone. Stubbornness was a trait that ran in their family and Jeanine was no exception. The two of them fell into an easy rhythm, cycling between conflict and reconciliation, supporting each other as best they could throughout the passing years.Once he came of age, Marciellaux decided to follow in his parents' footsteps and enlisted with the Wood Wailers. Blinded by respect for his late parents, he believed that joining their ranks would enable him to better protect his family and home.This decision lead to him being present at Carteneau during Dalamud's fall. While the allied forces numbered many, there was little organization, the frontlines devolving into near chaos over the course of the battle. Marciellaux was among the many injured, having badly broken a leg and suffered a near-fatal blow to the chest. In spite of this he considers himself lucky, knowing many others weren't able to leave with their lives.While the events of that day left a mark he still feels keenly, he rarely speaks of what was lost. His focus fell instead on his recovery, though already the seeds of doubt had been planted. Whatever sense of purpose he once held, it lasted only until he could no longer ignore the failings of the organization—violence, discrimination, overzealous enforcement. While he stubbornly remained among their ranks for several more years, certain events lead to his departure from the Wailers and from Gridania as a whole.He lived in Shirogane for a time after, putting as much distance between himself and his former home as possible, only returning after the weight of that distance became too much to bear. Out of a desire to repair the relationship with his only remaining family, it was then that he put aside his distaste for Ishgard, relocating there to better stay in touch with Jeanine.Presently, he spends his time working as a mercenary, taking on odd jobs and often forgoing pay. Some of these include aiding in the hunt for poachers in Dravania, contracted work as a bodyguard, and procurement of items that would otherwise be dangerous to obtain.

Hooks

Gridanian:
He was born and raised as a native of Gridania, taking their customs and lifestyle to heart. He has great respect for the Elder Seedseer and Elementals both, though he openly questions their judgment at times.Wood Wailers:
As a former member of the Sixth Spears, he was tasked with patrolling the southern area of the South Shroud. However, there were times when he assisted in other roles, including training and the defence of the city proper. Some may have heard rumours concerning his explosive departure from the organization.Carteneau:
Marciellaux was present at the battle of Carteneau as a member of the Wood Wailers. He has a limp along with a sizable scar to show for his time and efforts.Mercenary:
Far from traditional in his methods, Marciellaux has earned something of a reputation, being known to work without pay on many occasions. Stranger still, he's turned down several lucrative jobs, citing a refusal to kill as his reason. His work most often takes him to Thanalan and Dravania.Hingashi:
For the better part of a year, he lived overseas, the only remaining indication of his time there that of the distinctly Eastern-style spear he wields. He has some understanding of the local language, but is not fluent.

Gallery

About...

Beneath a stoic exterior lies a stubborn and at times hotheaded man. Marciellaux is slow to warm up to people, yet still quick to rush to the aid of those whom he values most. He is disciplined, determined, will rarely back down from a challenge, and tries to inspire others to do the same—even if his methods are a bit unpolished.While he can be temperamental, he is just as quick to accept fault, and he has restraint enough to refrain from acting on his anger. He is more than happy to hash out disagreements on the training grounds, though he condemns violence without purpose (cruelty) and has long been an advocate for those who are unable to defend themselves. Following a strict moral code, his reluctance to compromise neither his honour nor his principles is something that has surprised both friend and foe.Having raised his younger sister, he can also be overprotective—a trait he masks well, trading honeyed words for those rooted in stark reality. He's quick to believe in people despite this, though even when he offers words of encouragement, his actions will sometimes call that belief into question.

Other...

• Marciellaux is tall, muscular, and sometimes imposing in appearance, with a wardrobe almost entirely in black. He has piercing green eyes along with a visible facial scar that's obscured by both black face paint and the cut of his hair. A tattoo of ivy adorns his right arm, and a long, knotted scar spans from his left shoulder to right hip—a token from his time at Carteneau.• In cold weather or on rainy days, he walks with a slight limp affecting his left leg. It's subtle, and would escape the notice of all but the most observant.• He is a vegetarian and harbours a deep love of wildlife, animals in particular. The great black chocobo he rides was rescued from poachers in Gridania, and he can occasionally be spotted in the company of a white wolf. While he claims no ownership of either, their bond is unmistakable.