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An enigmatic Mage from the Ishgardian house of House Cress.With a taste for trouble and all things taboo, dark arts, and business.

Matriarch of House Cress
Mage of the Red bound by Void
Blackthorn Syndicate

Some content may be mildly NSFW and 18+. Discretion is advised.

About

— The Noble, The Mage —

Daughter of Dalmascan blood, beguiling Lady of Ishgard -- Vahalia had grown up within the echelons of the holy city known as Ishgard. With foreign and local blood in her veins, the woman set forth on adopting the goal of overseeing the success of House Cress by any means necessary. Drudging through years of political labor and adopting shrewd business practices, Vahalia carved a path of respect through society for the Household which to this day is known as a stalwart supporter and vassal House of House Durendaire, so much so that the family had eventually adopted the esteemed bell as a token symbol to display the House allegiance proudly.With her sister Valeria, she has made several strides in breathing new life into the Household and further from the ruin that their father had left it in. Today, some might catch a glimpse of her among venues and events, partaking in social delights and cozying up to locals or even holding council with other dignitaries and Heads of House to discuss business. For all of those who know her or of her and had the pleasure of being introduced to her, some might come to soon realize that there is more to the woman beyond just a sharp gaze, silver-laced words, a pretty face, and a shroud of mystery that follows her like a veil. Vahalia is known to be very private and tends to hold cards close to her chest. She’s played political games for quite a while and had learned from the best when it came to bridging deals, swaying opinions and noticeably having cards fall in her favor.While House Cress has made a notable and sizeable comeback in just four short years that hasn’t stopped the ambitions of Vahalia who continues to reach ever forward in obtaining and securing significant additions to benefit the generations to come.It is rumored that Vahalia Cress dabbles in more taboo art forms such as having a keen interest in all things having to do with the Void and its inhabitants as well as the study of the nature of Voidsent. In addition, she is known for her apothecary studies and hobby which has landed her several connections across seas to where her wares are highly sought after should a person look in the right place and ask the right questions.Vahalia is rarely without her signature necklace which holds plenty of significance within the Cress household. As children, Vahalia and Valeria had been taken on a hunt in Coerthas to which upon killing their first mark, the necklaces were fashioned from the leathers. In some cases, family members were known to make personalized scabbards, quivers or bracers from the animals of their first hunt, a tradition that was kept for all children in the Cress line who came of age. These serve as small family heirlooms that are rich with history stories to share. Such items are passed down through the generations. It was the tenure and service to Ishgard and House Durendaire that House Cress eventually adopted the bell as a token of their loyalty and devotion to House Durendaire which is also rumored to be the ornament of House Cress at its birth within Dalmasca many centuries prior.

**I implore all with piqued curiosity to engage through stories and roleplay to better have a grasp on Vahalia as a character as there is much to her I wish not to spoil. DMs and asks are always open via my Tumblr should one wish to follow up on additional communication!

The House

This is the main estate in Ishgard belonging to the Cress family. It’s a very old house located in a quiet portion of the city. It is said that the family mausoleum resides on the grounds and that the tunnels of the old house go down into the depths of the ground and attach to the mausoleum below. The House itself is now overseen by Lady Vahalia Cress; current Matriarch. The House was originally passed down through the family from Charlotte Cress and the Fontaine family line. It is said that the family originated from Valnain and simply married into land and full coffers through the Fontaine and Eirwen names. Rumor has it that while Lady Cress still holds the land, a blonde Elezen gentleman resides there, possibly a grounds caretaker since Lady Vahalia's relocation to Black Water Bay as her main residence since her sister's death in that house.

ã…¤Cress Estate, Ishgardã…¤

A modest Keep that houses the Cress avians from Chocobos to Falcons. Here in this establishment, the family’s Chocobos are kept, bred, and trained. Much of the trained Chocobo birds here are used for those within the Barracks. House Cress assigns a bird to those within their employ or under their banner. Each is given a hatchling to imprint with and it is said that guardsmen, knights, and wards are trained alongside of their chocobo for the field be it battlements or combat. These Chocobos are said to be heavier, sturdier birds of high pedigrees and aren’t used for entertainment or flight but instead to withstand hard temperatures, rugged terrain, dense impacts, and to be able to harbor armor as well as their armored riders. The size of these birds is significantly bigger and bulkier than the typical Chocobo or those who are designed and bred for leisurely activities such as racing. It is said that the Cress family hires breeders, and trainers and ranchers for the positions, outsourcing to assist in facilitating jobs and work in and around the region of Aldenard instead of having staff or employees of the House handle the delicate processes.

ã…¤Coerthas Keepã…¤

As vassal house to High House Durendaire, House Cress prides itself on being an active part of society in as many pursuits as possible that coincide with the abilities, outreach, and interests of their suzerain. With this at the forefront, House Cress has been adamant about helping to rebuild structures and renovate them to reuse them as appropriate places of employment for those seeking work; honest pay for honest work. Within these ranks, there are hired instructors, Knights, and capable working bodies that offer their services to Ishgard and the call of necessity when it is required. In the eyes of House Cress, they aim to help play their role in securing their hearth and home from any possible threat. All efforts in that vein of concern have been at the forefront of the Cress's intent since the end of the Dragonsong War to assist in ensuring history does not repeat itself. The Barracks and its operations was and still is overseen by Ser Hyaka Taka who strives ever forward to better the undertaking with new ideas and hiring a variety of different instructors beyond Squires and Knights. It is rumored he is currently training Hunters and Pathstalkers though the reasons are undisclosed.

ã…¤Barracks & Training Groundsã…¤

An Island that was purchased from three noble Lords of Ishgard who each sold their land and shares of the Island to House Cress. It is said that the Lady Cress has finished construction of the port on this vast portion of land. It is said to have a small tavern, lodgings, and warehouses specifically built to accommodate travelers, and provide work in and around the port itself and it is open to all sorts of travelers finding their way to partake in trade or to have something transported. There is a local market within the center of the port called The Quill & Coven, generally a night market of sorts where peddlers from all over sell their taboo and unique items. Some artifacts, obscure and cursed in make, exotic goods that some might find difficult to find, and other times, rare charms or mere artisan items from gifted crafters.As of late, the Lady Cress and her family have taken up residence on the Island of Black Water Bay near the Northern most part of the Island itself in Bell Keep.

ã…¤Black Water Bayã…¤

Located in the heart of the port in Black Water Bay is a section of the island dedicated to a market called 'Quill & Coven'. It is a night market that sparks to life every evening and brings all manner of folk from across the sea and land to peruse more obscure exotic goods, occult items, and rare finds that are hard to come by anywhere else. Such a place is littered with spices and herbs, typical nonnative weaponry, and armor. Here there are plenty of deals to broker including information -- anything is up for trade for the right price. There is a shroud of mystery here as it can very easily be perceived to be more of an underground outfit with clandestine dealings. Once a month, many of the vendors and the overseer visit various towns and free cities to offer their services and peddle their wares; sometimes being seen at local fetes and bazaars.

ã…¤Quill & Covenã…¤

Located at one of the points located in Valnain, is a sizeable lighthouse built for the sole purpose of a gift for Valnain and its people and port. Alongside the lighthouse itself is a modest but carefully crafted bell tower to symbolize the Cress namesake in the region. The belltower itself is to help harbor safe passage for vessels coming in and out of the port of Valnain coupled with the guiding light of the lighthouse in the worst of climates. The din of the bells can also be heard even on clear days ringing out when vessels leave the harbor to manifest safe passage of fair winds and following seas. While built by the Cress House, it was very much established for locals in the region and travelers in good faith.

ã…¤Lighthouse & Bell Towerã…¤

Knowing the right people, large contributions, contracts outlining agreements of employment, and having the right family name that had once owned the same land over 30 years ago; has made the Cress family a large player in their holdings within the Valnain region. Such a prospect was brought about by Vahalia's confidant and Advisor, Belgrave, which then later developed into House Cress reclaiming ties to the ancestral lands in the Valnain region to later use for trade ventures in the near future. There are warehouses in the region by the port of Valnain (despite the land and its people still recovering from the Empire's invasion) that are currently being well-kept byHouse Cress and have recently seen a timely overhaul.

Ancestral Lands (Valnain)

The first ship purchased by House Cress since their relocation to Ishgard a little over thirty years ago. It is a newer vessel fully outfitted with weaponry for protection during transport and built for decent speed as this vessel sails from ports between Black Water Bay in the Bloodbrine Sea, to Old Sharlayan, Limsa, Ul’dah, and even Gridania. The ship (as well as her sister ship, The Sea Scorpion) is said to transport everything from food, building supplies, spices, textiles, and even more exotic and illegal goods that make their way through various black market vein locations all over the great continents. It is likely to see the Sirensong in La Noscea or Limsa while she’s in the region on business. It is said that this ship and her operations in and out of Black Water Bay are not only overseen by Vahalia Cress herself but also by Edalene Slater.

ã…¤The Sirensongã…¤

The secondary vessel owned by House Cress and while it is smaller in stature than its sister ship, The Sirensong, The Scorpion is known for its speed and agility that is unmatched by very few sea fairing vessels. The Scorpion is a ship that sails much of the world's eastern regions, including places such as Kugane, in and around Yanxia, and even trips into the Thavnairian region. This ship and crew operates solely out of Valnain and the port there and is under the operations and overseeing of Hakan Belgrave.

ã…¤The Sea Scorpionã…¤

Little is known of this ship though some rumors are floating about that the Red Queen was a warship that had been commandeered by the Cress and Gray family and turned into something a little more apt to their outfit. It was one of the newer ships in Ophelia Whitlock’s possession before she succumbed to her death for the betrayal of the Circle of Thorns. Rumor has it that all other ships that had crossed into the waters of Black Water Bay belonging to Ophelia Whitlock were stripped down and all parts were sold to neighboring cities, used for building projects and all ammunitions were given to the Blackheart family, and their ammunitions company.

ã…¤The Red Queenã…¤

Art Gallery

Below is a growing collection of artwork for Vahalia Cress from various different artists that I have commissioned for work or have done myself. Please do not repost any of these pieces without my permission.
Thank you!

OOC/Hooks

OOC

Words from the WriterFirst and foremost my aim with rping is always going to be facilitating rp and making friends while also trying my best to adhere to good storytelling. I am not my character and my character is not me. It should be noted that Vahalia is a difficult character and a character some might consider morally grey but leans more towards the villain character trope.

As such, a lot of roleplay that is typically found within Vahalia’s atmosphere is of mature and dark themes, and typically all of her socials tend to hold the same aesthetic. I enjoy writing in Google Docs and rping ingame and while I’m not someone who typically dabbles with Discord RP, I’m not opposed to it if it means making things easier for those I’m engaging with.

Of course, with the content of this character that is usually attributed to her, I do warn that there may be some NSFW content and as such – will always be marked accordingly. In addendum to that, I do not engage with minors and encourage people to be at least 18+ for those kinds of interactions.

Much of my enjoyment tends to focus on character growth, playing supporting roles for either people and other characters and equally committing to collaborations which in turn, can help facilitate more RP. I thoroughly enjoy showing up to events and venues at random to help support the community.

All of my socials and blogs are LGBTQ+ friendly and I’m not someone who enjoys engaging in religious or political banter. Memes are heavily encouraged and enjoyed, however!

Small tidbits about me:
† 30+ Rper
† 5+ years playing FF14
† FC leader of <SYN>
† Married
† Military wife
† Mum of a special needs kiddo
† Mum to 4 little voidlings
† Very friendly, I don’t bite!
† Para RP / Mirror
† Dark/Mature/Macabre/Gore
† Communication is a must for collaborations
† Will not RP anything regarding SA, CA, animal abuse etc…

Hooks

† Ishgardian: Vahalia grew up in Ishgard and while she is very traveled given her ‘work’ it might be plausible for someone to know her or of her simply by living in or around Ishgard and the Coerthas regions. She is known to be quite social and one never knows when she might show up at random.

† Dalmascan: It is said that the Cress line originated mostly from Dalmasca and the regions to the far east. It is recorded in several tomes as well as documented through the Cress family tree that their roots and origins had started in Valnain as their ancestral home. It’s quite likely someone from those nearby regions or even the region of Coerthas knows of the family via word of mouth or could have even had ties to them at one point.

† Abroad: While much of her work recently keeps her within the Cress manor, Vahalia frequently takes trips abroad which much of her travels include Limsa, Thavnair (specifically Radz-at-han), Old Sharlayan, Ul’dah, and even as far east as Valnain. Someone might have seen her around these areas partaking in various business ventures.

† RDM: Vahalia’s studies are vast but much of her skill set was spent learning the ways of Red Mage which a good portion of her years were dedicated to being quite the little prodigy to her mentor, who also, mentored two other students privately along with Vahalia. They have traveled quite a bit and it’s not uncommon for Vahalia to have run into someone from her youth during this time or might have heard of such a group taking on odd jobs in and around small towns and villages many years ago.

† Business: It’s quite easy to catch wind of things, people, and opportunities when you know the right people and talk is easy to obtain when your gil is heavy enough. First and foremost Vahalia is a businesswoman that solely focuses on business opportunities and anything that might have to do with trade, transportation, and commerce. It is rumored she is quite familiar with hunting down rare items as well as illegal items and procuring substances as well as transporting said goods should someone be looking for such additions.

† Adaptive and Flexible: I am willing to collaborate on additional ideas and even past story pieces should it be feasible to involve stories and characters. Should one be interested of course, one need only ask as I pride myself on being a committed, consistent, and communicative asset to work alongside. I’m always open to new ideas and discussions while also sharing the wealth of RP and remaining dedicated to everyone having fun and getting equal parts of the pie.

Valeria Cress | Twin sister

The twin sister of Vahalia who tended to have a more demure and kind-hearted nature which typically balanced out the duo. The two took on what was left of the Cress name to embark on making it something more than what their father left it to be. Unfortunately, Valeria had been brought her demise by the hand of Volricc Whitlock in retaliation to Ophelia's death and thus, left Vahalia to wade through an insurmountable amount of grief due to the loss of her sister and living with the guilt that her actions might have been a direct result of Valeria's death.

Lover and love-interest of Vahalia's. The pair share a bond that could be considered perplexing to some. Without any sense of expectancies, the two have remained close for many years now and ongoing. The two met when he had joined the Ashen Wolves under Nijah Wolff and Hadriel Isenhart's leadership and they quickly found that each other had something they were seeking. Hakan was able to provide Vahalia with important information that could bolster the success of various missions and in turn, Vahalia provided him with the company he sought.Hakan is the father of her son Evran and also acts as her Advisor in House Cress matters. Hakan has also been a trusted contact and once a hired hand and helps to tend to affairs in Valnain and anything pertaining to The Sea Scorpion. Before their departure from Tural, the pair decided to bond officially to one another via ceremony and now are living as husband and wife though that detail is only known to selected few within their circle.The couple now reside in Black Water Bay with their children and one on the way while also overseeing business affairs scattered all across the Star.

Hakan Belgrave | Husband

Cordelia Gray | Half sister

Half-sister to Vahalia and Valeria, Cordelia first connected with Vahalia when the pair sought out to do business with one another. The pair are far closer in the sense of morals and interests than Vahalia and Valeria had been. While Cordelia and Vahalia have had their hands dipped into a turbulent sea of business against one another including Ricard Blythe, the pair ensured to stay on the side of neutrality with one another despite being at odds where business was concerned that Cordelia hired Blythe for.They remain close and have a natural, unspoken respect for one another in both business relations as well as family relations. Their relationship grows ever closer as time goes on and Vahalia considers Cordelia to be one of her closest confidantes.

The first cousin of Vahalia as well as the last daughter of the Blackheart name. While Carrera and Vahalia have had their ups and downs and often butt heads when it comes to preference in business handling or preferred luxuries, the two have always stood by one another and have been each other's most stalwart supporters while simultaneously being each other's biggest competition.It is through Carrera and Carrera's mother that the history of the Blackheart family remains alive through the Cress line in Vahalia and Valeria though Vahalia and Carrera have been known to be the more advanced and knowledgable Magi between the two families; Carrera's mother excluded.

Carrera Blackheart | Cousin

Chione Eirwen | Cousin

The second cousin of both Vahalia and Valeria; Chione and the twins grew up around one another within the echelons of Ishgard as it was Chion'es father Beau and Vahalia's father Adrian who were also best friends in their youth. The two have been doing business with one another in the area of ore, steel, trade, and transportation of goods for a few years now.It is said that Chione's sweet and tender nature is yet another scale of balance when she and Vahalia are in the presence of one another. The perfect sweet to Vahalia's salt.

The childhood friend of Vahalia's cousin, Chione. It is through Chione that Vahalia met and came to know Hex over time. Though she and Hex were never as close as he and Chione, Vahalia had read several letters from her cousin in her youth that had mentioned Silas and many of their outings together.While the acquaintance between them is still budding and they're coming to know one another, Hex and Vahalia tend to have many similar outlooks and even interests that skirt the line of dark, taboo and everything occult in nature. As of recently they've been networking with and through one another to assist in their own businesses and have found a likeminded kinship with one another founded on respect and understanding.

Silas Kane/ Hex | Cohort

Hyaka Taka | Employee

A dedicated Knight to House Cress. Hyaka had come into the fold of the family and being under their employ for several years now. He and Vahalia have a casual relationship peppered into business where he is always looking out for her wellbeing. She treats him well and Hyaka rose through the ranks quickly with his dedication to his job being something important to him.A man of his word and someone who knows how to dish it as well as take it. Vahalia finds his quips to be quite humorous and witty.Much of his recent attention has been put towards branching out with the variety of the skill sets within barracks beyond just Squires and Knights, building upon the proper foundation of new instructors and hiring Hunters and Pathstalkers to train under the Cress banner.He has also begun trade with Lady Eirwen to assist her in training her bannermen in return for valuable resources such as quality steel for weaponry.

A peculiar person who reached out to Vahalia for a meeting. The man had first met her through a small business meeting wishing for Vahalia to procure some exotic items for him in trade for a Grimoire of his. From there the pair forged a professional and working relationship with one another as much of their interests tend to align.Respect here is shared both ways and the two have been known to lean on one another when they are in need of assistance with a job. While they used to run within the veins of the same networks, Valerian eventually came to Vahalia seeking additional work and business and to branch out through the Blackthorn Syndicate.

Valerian Valisthea | Cohort

Cyrus Black | Employee

When Cyrus first approached Vahalia, he had already been hired on as Carrera's bodyguard. Wanting additional work on top of what he already had, Vahalia granted him more to assist her crew in commandeering her rival's ships.He has proven reliable, dedicated to tasks without question, and has devoted his time and interests to delve deeper into the histories of both House Cress and House Blackheart.

A curious woman Vahalia had met many moons ago during an act that Marlowe had been performing/starring in.Vahalia, to date, will consider her to be the most interesting little creature and person she had the pleasure of meeting. Marlowe has managed to pique Vahalia's interest enough that the two shared some information about each other and Vahalia had burned her face and name deeply into memory hoping that they would meet again some day soon. Time will tell!

Marlowe Morning | Acquaintance

Castien Bancroft | Employee

The cartographer that Vahalia has hired several times in the past and someone that Vahalia keeps close to and tends to dole out work to on occasion. The two have a great relationship with one another especially in the area of business ventures.Castien has proven herself to be a reliable set of hands to get jobs done and is known to be commissioned by Vahalia on the regular for updated maps for sailing purposes which each of her ships are outfitted with to better traverse the waters and negate conflict or turbulent currents. Castien is merely another gifted cog in the well oiled machine.

Vahalia's ex-husband and father of Vahalia's daughter, Idalia. While the pair are often at odds with one another recently, it purely stems from the two typically standing on opposite ends of an isle.While some interactions leave Vahalia needing to dig deep for her patience with the man, she respects him for his empathy and considers him one of the family despite him no longer holding the Cress name. She had sworn to always ensure he is well cared for and despite the two no longer being married, Vahalia from time to time honors that oath. Even with Osric's love/hate affections towards her, Vahalia remains a supporter of him and the two co-parent Idalia and Evran for the betterment of both the children and not falling into the stereotype of ex-partners disliking one another.

Osric Giroux | Ex-partner

Vidhi Akanote | Friend

One of the few friends within Vahalia's circle that had a sickeningly sweet demeanor and the only one of this nature that Vahalia could truly enjoy and stand.Vidhi and Vahalia became fast friends during their schmoozing through and around Ishgard and noble soirees. Vahalia was also asked by Vidhi to oversee and chaperone the event in which Vidhi had suitors calling upon her when it was made known that Vidhi was looking to marry and marry well.These two tend to have a sisterly vibe with one another and Vidhi to Vahalia, tends to feel like a younger sister and someone she quietly intends to keep safe.

An old bed companion of Vahalia's and while there has always been tension between them, they've always seemingly gotten along rather well despite Voss's unrequited feelings that seemed to linger over the years.He is the Captain of the Dreadful Howl and an acquaintance of Vahalia's who has been known to blip in and out of her life due to his travels taking precedence, his love for the sea, and his devout dedication to his crew he considers family.The two have loose connections to one another through their connection to Valeria and Voss having once been a good friend to Vahalia's sister who also safeguarded her during Valeria's stint away from Ishgard for four years.The two remain linked through a mutual business partner, Hex.

Vosseryn Thorne | Old Flame

Umari Kisne | Acquaintance

A lovely Veena Vahalia met through Hex and one of the crewmates of the Dreadful Howl. Vahalia had sought some work and help out from Umari regarding the rumored skill of 'dreamweaving'.Little is known of the woman though the two have shared several conversations with one another and Vahalia has surmised that Umari is a woman of dark and mysterious nature but also a solid voice within Voss's circle that assists in keeping both the Captain and the crew grounded.She is also said to work under Hex as his appointed Soul Ferrier for his clandestine line of work. It is unknown to Vahalia at this time the depths in which Umari and Hex's bond roots itself.

A new face to the Blackthorn Lodge who had stumbled upon Vahalia in search of work. It was then that Claire was put into the sect of security under Hakan Belgrave as an employee of the Lodge.Little is known of this woman aside from her being a fellow Ishgardian and that she was once in service of House Haillenart and the Temple Knights and later joined the Islabard Contingent.The rest remains to be seen.

Claire Aumont | Lodge Employee

Screenshots