༻ About ༺

Aspiring merchant and trader, Balther des Neiges is a Midlander man well-known for his stunning good looks, and particularly for his deviously cunning and sharp mind.Summers spent travelling and broadening his horizons, despite looking seemingly very young, he is the very definition of a Jack of all trades, but still master of none. Yet despite all his travels, his origins and past remain a mystery. He is extremely charismatic and indulges in socializing, and yet secretive at the same time. For all his smiles and joys, there seems to be something looming over him that none can quite place or even fully notice. An unspoken story.Due to recent developments, Balther seeks to establish himself within the trade industry as an entrepreneur, striving to build a stable income as well as future for himself and his loved ones.

༻ Occupation ༺

Humble beginnings, Balther was taken in at a young age by House Bordeleaux' advisor, Glewort Ruivaheux. Despite being found in the Brume, the Highborn noted that the young Midlander had an aptitude for reading and was very bright. Thus, he made him an offer to serve the House rather than face justice befitting his thefts of its property. While he was met with great scrutiny, he proved himself most capable in his duties rather quickly, and was thus offered further responsibilities. He would aid the advisor and the Lord of the House in their duties to the best of his abilities, even being given opportunities to serve as a spokesperson in select agreements. Though this was never on his lonesome, and he was always utilized as more of a secretary role to the main envoy, it was apparent he had a mind for diplomacy, commerce and other courtly matters.A change encounter in Ul'dah provided him with a brand new opportunity, meeting Odette des Neiges who served as Ambassador to Ishgard upon Thanalan soil. She offered him the possibility to work alongside her as her secretary and at times serving as acting Ambassador in her absence, and he did so dutifully. It came as little surprise to some that Balther would be found in such a position after his recent endeavors. While House Bordeleaux yet maintained his servitude, they accepted the terms of it so long as others would be allowed to report on his behalf, and that someone 'in-house or of good repute within the Holy See' were to maintain the full Ambassador position. However, this was merely a temporary matter, and both him and the ambassador would be released of their duties once the term was up.After nearly three decades of servitude to House Bordeleaux, cadet house to a High House, Balther was finally allowed to pursue his own goals at long last. A meeting was held and after much discussion, the Lady and Lordships decided to offer the Midlander an opportunity to see one of his dreams become a reality. While having to accept their terms and offering up a decent percentage of his future earnings, Balther at long last held real freedom and thus established his very own trading and shipping company named 'Swanfeather Ventures'. Together with his newly wed wife, Odette des Neiges, he currently seeks to expand his company's reach. He hopes to climb to the very top of the world as a major player in the realm's economy and trading matters, thus, seeking many people of talent in the industry.

༻ Personality ༺

Balther is best described as a scoundrel with a reluctant yet good heart.He has no qualms bending the rules or playing dirty, often stating he is above and beyond such. While avoiding lying, yet still plays around with half-truths quite regularly. While he does not mind resorting to his old ways, as well as finding matters bloodshed and violence exceedingly distasteful, he will avoid such unless it truly crucial. The man is rather chivalrous by nature, remaining polite at all times, even when the time is ripe for mockery or confrontation. But, he holds a firm belief in acting accordingly to one's station. Thus, he has little respect for people of a significant echelon who act below it, and vice versa. Despite this, he respects peoples' accomplishments and titles.He has a strong business-sense going into all things. Always chasing opportunities and keeping eyes and ears open for them wherever he goes. He is exceptionally passionate on the topic of aiding the economy around the realm's corners and helping others find opportunities to grow, learn, or further their own goals.Blessed with craftiness and wits, the Midlander holds an unwavering confidence about himself at all times. He will firmly and without hesitation state he is the best of the best at what he does. Despite his spontaneous nature, Balther claims he always has a plan, even a plan for when the main plan fails. How true of a statement this is, remains to be seen usually. Even in difficult situations or dangerous predicaments, his signature smirk never truly fades or falters, seeing even a defeat as another victory of his to be presented later down the line. He firmly opposes the odds, no matter how stacked against him they may be. Unafraid to take great risks as he believes he can and will succeed inevitably. He is a dangerous opponent to meet against in a game of cards, dice, chess, or gambling in general.Life is to be enjoyed without regrets, in his mind. As such, Balther loves music, dance, song, theatrical performances and even parties a lot -- and is naturally drawn to the more opulent and high-class celebrations for that matter. Literature and art are also big interests of his. Both serve to inspire, lecture and kindle the flames of passion to many, himself included. He is never shy to socialize with new people, ever curious to learn of new things or hear what drives someone forward in life. He is an extrovert to a fault, if anything. While a loyal husband to Odette des Neiges, Balther is somewhat of a notorious flirt, oft providing compliments and at times even enjoying some flirtatious banter. However, banter is all it is, and no matter how appealing the other person might be, he will state there is but one for him in this world.

༻ Appearance ༺

A man of eerie beauty, Balther has a most uncanny yet gorgeous face as well as build, no doubt striking most people with either envy or caution.Blessed with exquisite otherworldly looks, his features are the very definition of perfection; not a single blemish, mole, or even scratch upon his pale skin to be found. A healthy lean muscular build, well shaped from summers of intense physical activities as well as due to his fondness for ballet.Snowy-white hairs adorn his head, void of any pigmentation but with a silky texture, indulgent to the fingers. His eyes a crimson piercing ruby colour, giving him a very striking and memorable look. His visage is so alluring and delicate in its features that many would not describe him as extremely masculine, but refined and somewhat androgynous.Firm believer of "dress well, feel well", he is most comfortable wearing high quality clothes, gladly spending a lot of gil on his apparel for he understands the importance of first impressions. Suits, elegant shirts and ties, no matter the location, he can be seen looking exquisite. Fashionable but functional; while his outfits can be of an exceptional make, it is apparent that they are built to last as well as to serve their purpose. Regardless of his expensive taste, he is not vain, merely a man who takes meticulously good care of himself.

༻ RP Hooks ༺

Common

  • Gambling - Well known in gambling circles far and wide. Mixed success and failures for the most part, but there are some that have outright forbidden the man from playing with them again

  • Residency in La Noscea - The Midlander primarily spends his time in Limsa Lominsa, though he is known to make frequent visits to Ul'dah during his trading routes

  • Striking Appearance - His peculiar appearance causes him to stand out quite a bit. Many a townsfolk, tribal and fellow merchants roadside and cityside will tell tale of a shrewd Midlander man with niveous features, hair white as snow and eyes red as blood

  • Animal Magnet - For an unknown reasons, pets and other smaller animals seem drawn to him and he can often be seen sitting on a bench with birds perched upon his shoulders or a multitude of cats all around him

  • Businessman on the Rise - His recent rise in the world of commerce and trade has already made the him many enemies and allies alike. Craftsmen and business associates speak highly of him, providing them with deals that have benefited them well whilst allowing their goods to reach the farthest corners of the realm

  • Seeking Capable Hands - Starting his own business 'Swanfeather Ventures', he seeks talented craftsmen, traders, shareholders, exporters as well as some security detail

  • Reputation with Tribesfolk - Providing his goods to all, including the tribesfolk in exchange for a deal or two, they seem to have taken somewhat of a liking to him, which encouraged the man to pursue other tribalfolks with his offered wares

  • Silver-Tongued - A notorious sweet-talker and charmer, Balther is well known within many circles for his impressive social skills. If he cannot just walk away from a situation, he will gladly apply them, ideally charming his way out

  • Immense Socialite - Lover of extravagant celebrations and high-class gatherings where one may indulge in music, dance as well as gossip. He can be found gladly entertaining others at the venue with party tricks

  • Artistic Soul - The Midlander is particularly drawn to music and dance. Himself a life-long practitioner of ballet dancing. It is not hard to see, either -- with his physique remaining exceptionally light, nimble and yet hale

Uncommon

  • Black Market - There are some rumors regarding a Midlander fitting his description perfectly. A man with deep alleged ties to the world's black markets, criminal organizations and otherwise shifty individuals. Although nothing that bears any real proof

  • Price on his Head - Select individuals and groups of people offer a rather decent sum of coin for the 'capture' of 'that accursed, white-haired mutant'. Primarily people of ill repute or certain businessmen that claim he 'cheated' during a game or two

  • Ishgardian Roots - A man of Ishgard by the name of 'Balther the Hogg' was a known servant under House Bourdeleaux. A man that took his duties quite seriously, yet was met with much scrutiny based on his background as a Midlander hand-picked from the Brume

Rare (consult with me prior)

  • Collector of Rarities and Oddities - Despite primarily sticking to his trade as a Merchant and Businessman, Balther's name has come up in some scholarly and researcher's circles for his retrieval of ancient items of great rarity. Gelmorran, Allagan and especially Dalmascan items are some that he sometimes has been known to uncover - offering said findings to researchers, preservers and scholars, so long as the coin is fair

  • The Red Poet - A rather hefty bounty upon a notorious Sky Pirate's head, The Red Poet, remains to this day despite years having past since any exploits of his were last heard or seen. Most believe the man to be dead, but select few individuals testify that the man had striking white hair and eyes red as blood with a beauty and grace few possess. There are those that yet seek this Poet's head for the countless crimes of theft, extortion, sabotage and identity theft

  • Escaped Prisoner - There was a particular group of Garleans that sought an escaped prisoner. While it is unknown what truly ever became of this organization, rumours have it that they might still be present in the world somewhere -- and that they still intend to hunt down select four prisoners that escaped a hidden prison

  • Thief Mastermind - The Underworld has numerous criminals of greater notoriety amidst their ranks. One such individual being a man that called himself "The Master Thief of all Thieves". None have truly ever seen his face, nor even know if it's a man at all but word always spreads. Mere hearsay or not, a masked individual that stole only from those that deserved it, yet each theft leaving the victim's pride shattered and their ambitions in ruins. Some think this man may be Balther though the lack of evidence makes this difficult to discern

༻ OOC ༺

  • Player is based in Central Europe

  • While I enjoy writing extensively with paragraph RP, I am versatile and accommodating to all sorts

  • I am a firm believer that pretty much anything can be made to work, but, even that statement has its limits. If you are the WoL, possess tomephones, or are some over the top character with absolutely no logic, I will refuse to RP with you

  • I have a preference for grounded RP; not all guards are corrupt, not everyone fights primals (nobody should), none are related to main story NPCs, none are masters of everything

  • While Balther can come off as flirtatious, nothing will come of that as he is a committed man. If what you seek is ERP, you will have to go elsewhere

  • If you do not have the RP tag on, I do not consider you as IC. This rule works both ways; if I don't have my RP tag on, then I am not IC

  • RP is a labour of love where people pour their hearts and time into, thus I expect a level of dedication and respect when RPing. Constant tabbing out, neglecting to read posts, or merely not paying attention is not welcome

  • I fully embrace the logic that IC actions have IC consequences, no matter how severe

  • Open to character injury, but I kindly ask for such to be discussed OOC beforehand

  • Spoilers won't ever be given so if you want to get to know the character, RP it out

  • My character is not me, and I am not him; please do not mix IC together with OOC