Aki Karasu

"I carry scars you won’t see and regrets I can’t outrun—but he gave me a name, a life, a chance. So I keep walking, hoping I’m doing right by it."

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Song commissioned for Aki Karasu
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Basic Info

Birth Name: Ugail Dei-Ijla
Current Name: Aki Karasu
Race: Viera, Rava
Age: 82
Gender: Male
Orientation: Heterosexual
Moral Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Languages: Common, Hingan, Doman, Vieran
Marital Status: Taken by Meeka Sands
Patron Deity: None
Occupation: Mercenary, Criminal, Wanderer, Hunter, Pirate
Nameday: 17th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon

At a Glance..

Body Features: Aki’s physical presence is one that demands attention, though not always in the way one might expect. Standing at an average height, his lean and toned frame speaks of a life spent in both hardship and motion, each muscle honed by years of survival and labor. His skin, a deep and rich shade of brown, is the color of earth after rain, kissed by the sun’s heat and shaped by the elements. It bears the marks of a man who has lived in the open, his skin weathered and roughened by countless days under the sun, each scar a testament to a past he cannot shake. His body tells the story of a man who’s learned to endure and adapt, with the most noticeable being a jagged scar that crosses his left shoulder, a reminder of an encounter with a Garlean that has left a lasting impression.Aki’s hair, as dark as midnight, falls in messy, untamed waves that seem to have a life of their own. It's thick and unruly, often spilling over his forehead and sometimes falling into his eyes, giving him a perpetually disheveled yet captivating appearance. Despite its unruliness, there’s a certain natural flow to it, almost as though it moves with him, mirroring his free-spirited nature. His dark locks stand in stark contrast to his warm complexion, adding to the striking visual of his overall look. His face is defined by sharp, angular features, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline, devoid of any facial hair, giving him a clean yet rugged appearance. His expression is usually neutral, but his golden eyes, fiery and molten, hold an intensity that can be both unsettling and mesmerizing, gleaming with wisdom and an awareness of the world around him.In the end, Aki’s appearance is a testament to a life lived on his own terms, carved by both the fire of conflict and the quiet moments of introspection. His dark skin and messy black hair make him stand out in a crowd, but it’s his presence, apologetically powerful and unyielding, that leaves the strongest impression..

Personality: Aki’s voice carries an unexpected weight, one that doesn't match the brightness of his sharp, golden eyes, eyes that seem to pierce through everything, a constant reminder of the turmoil buried deep within him. At first glance, his presence can be intimidating, the air thick with an aura that warns of experience and quiet danger. But, as he speaks, the tension in the air dissipates, replaced by the warmth of his genuine personality. Despite his often cold exterior, Aki is far from distant. A teaser, a taunter, a jester when the mood calls for it, he knows how to read a room and take the right approach, always playing to the situation. His impassive demeanor hides a wellspring of emotion that, once uncovered, reveals the traces of his adoptive father’s influence on him—lessons in kindness and compassion even amidst hardship.Though he can be unnerving at first, he keeps his temper in check, rarely losing it, his voice remains calm and monotone, giving no hint to the storm beneath. He isn’t quick to anger, nor does he make hasty decisions. Yet, his calm demeanor should not be mistaken for passiveness. Even in his quietest moments, Aki harbors a sharp and dangerous edge, capable of being heartless and dismissive when the situation calls for it. Whether it’s in the midst of a job or dealing with those he dislikes, he has a knack for detaching from emotion, focusing solely on the task at hand.Aki often disappears for days at a time, lost in the wilds of Eorzea as he hunts. It’s in those moments that he becomes something different—quiet, focused, a predator in his element. The hunts aren’t always just for beasts or bounties; sometimes, they’re a way for him to escape the noise of his thoughts, the constant haunt of memories and nightmares from a past that still lingers in the back of his mind. And when he returns, it’s not always with trophies or spoils, but with new knowledge, new experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose—if only for a time.

I

Ugail was born in to clan Dei-Ijla, in a secluded village hidden deep within the Golmore Jungle. Suspended walkways wove through the towering trees, connecting homes nestled in the canopy, where he spent his early years under the care of his slightly older brother. He was the youngest of three, his eldest sibling had already taken up the mantle of a Wood Wailer, sworn to protect their people and the forest that sheltered them. In time, Ugail would have followed the same path, taken under the wing of a mentor to learn the ways of the hunt and defense of the jungle.But fate never gave him that chance.When the Garlean Empire set its sights on Dalmasca, their relentless push to tighten their hold over the province led their forces deeper into the jungle. Survey expeditions scouted the land, working to secure flanking routes that would encircle Dalmasca’s defenders. It was only a matter of time before they stumbled upon his people.The village never stood a chance.The Wood Wailers fought desperately, using every advantage the dense jungle provided, but they were outnumbered. One by one, they fell, including Ugail’s brother. Those who remained faced a choice: flee or die. Many ran, knowing they could not hold against the Garlean war machine. Others, the warriors and hunters, stayed behind to buy time for their kin to escape.Ugail was among the children hurried away into the wilds. The adults leading them tried to navigate the labyrinth of trees, but in the chaos, the Garleans closed in. Soldiers cut off paths at every turn, forcing them deeper into unfamiliar terrain that was forbidden to cross. The young Viera ran, fear gripping his chest as he pushed forward, hoping to outrun the enemy, to escape the fate that had befallen his home.Days blurred together. Hunger gnawed at his belly, exhaustion threatened to drag him under, but he pressed on. He moved east, desperate to put as much distance between himself and the empire’s steel horde as possible.Eventually, he emerged from the jungle into a land he did not recognize. Towering mountains framed the horizon, and nestled at their base was a settlement in Yanxia. He had never seen people like these before, their faces and garments unfamiliar. His tribe had always warned against outsiders, forbidding contact with those beyond the jungle’s borders. But his stomach twisted with hunger, and caution was a luxury he could no longer afford.That night, he lurked at the edges of a farm, watching the fields brimming with fresh produce. His desperation outweighed his fear, and under the cover of darkness, he stole what little he could carry, retreating to the mountains to eat.For weeks, he survived this way, taking only what he needed, supplementing his stolen meals with whatever he could forage. Small game was difficult to catch without proper weapons, but he set simple traps, living off what little he could gather.But on the final night of the month, as he crept down to the farm once more, he found he was no longer alone.This time, someone was waiting for him.

II

The man was middle-aged, his hands worn and calloused from years of tending the land. He lived alone, working the very farm Ugail had been stealing from. When their eyes met for the first time, the man saw something familiar in the young Viera, a mix of curiosity and awe, but beneath that, a deep-rooted fear. The kind of fear no child should carry.There was no anger in the farmer’s expression, only weary understanding. He knew what it was to be alone, to struggle. The boy’s clothes were torn, his frame thin from hunger. They did not share a language,Ugail spoke only Vieran, while the farmer’s tongue was Doman, but understanding did not require words. The man disappeared for a brief moment, returning with a bowl filled with warm food.He extended it toward Ugail.The boy hesitated at first, instincts screaming at him to be wary. But hunger won over caution. He took the bowl eagerly, savoring the first properly cooked meal he’d had in what felt like an eternity. From that night on, an unspoken bond formed between them. The farmer did not turn him away, nor did he demand anything in return. And for the first time since fleeing his burning village, Ugail felt something resembling safety.The villagers were not as welcoming. They watched the newcomer with curiosity, some with quiet caution. But Ugail did not care. He had a place to sleep, food to eat, and slowly but surely, he was learning.Years passed, and the boy who had once lurked in the shadows of the farm had grown. He was no longer Ugail, the frightened child of the jungle, but Aki Karasu, a name given to him by his adoptive father, one that felt like it belonged to him rather than the past he had left behind.With time, the language barrier between them faded. Aki learned to speak Doman and Hingan, and in turn, he taught his father what little Common he picked up from passing merchants. They no longer had to rely on gestures and broken words; they could finally speak, truly speak, and with that came a new depth to their bond.But language was not the only thing his father taught him.Aki worked tirelessly on the farm, repaying the kindness that had been given to him. He learned to till the land, tend to livestock, and hunt with precision beyond what little he had been taught in his tribe. Never having the chance to be a Wailer. His father was a wealth of knowledge, teaching him not just how to survive, but how to be resourceful, how to read the land, how to track, how to fight.At first, Aki trained with the old blade his father had once wielded to fend off beasts who raided his land, but it never felt right in his hands. The weight was unbalanced, the movements clumsy. He was skilled, but it did not flow the way it should.Then, on instinct, he picked up the tool he had grown most familiar with, the scythe.It was the same one he used to work the fields, its handle worn from years of labor. But in his grip, it felt different. It moved the way he wanted it to, responding to each motion like an extension of himself though still had plenty to go from ever being flawless with it. His father had laughed, telling him he was too short for it at that age—but he would grow into it. And he did.Despite his training, Aki’s interests extended beyond the physical. He had a mind that craved knowledge, a curiosity that could not be quelled. He read as much as he could, his love for language growing beyond necessity and into passion. He learned Common, devoured books on creatures from the far west, and read stories of adventurers who forged their own paths, some through noble means, others through less than honorable ones.And in those quiet moments, when all should have been peaceful, the past found him.The nightmares started slowly at first, brief flashes of memory, shadows at the edge of his vision. But then came the visions. His brother, standing before him as if he had never died, watching him with eyes that bore too much sorrow. At times, he appeared in the dead of night, shaking Aki from his sleep. Other times, he arrived unannounced during the day, lingering in the corners of his sight, never speaking but always there.A reminder of what had been taken.A whisper of what still remained unfinished.

III

Aki remained on the farm for a decade, growing from the lost child who once lurked in the shadows to a dependable member of the village. He worked tirelessly, not just tending to his father’s land but aiding those around him. He drove away beasts that wandered too close, protected livestock from hungry predators, and lent his hands wherever they were needed. Over time, the wary glances that had once followed him faded. He was no longer an outsider, no longer the foreign entity they had hesitated to trust. He was one of them.But time never stood still.His father, once a man of unwavering strength, had begun to slow. His hands, still calloused from years of work, had grown less steady. His stubbornness remained, he still rose at dawn to tend the fields, still insisted on doing things himself, but Aki could see it. The weariness. The weight of years settling into his bones.And with that realization came another.Aki had never resented the life he had been given, but the soil beneath his feet no longer felt like where he was meant to stay. The farm, the village, it had been his sanctuary, his home. But the world beyond it called to him. He wanted to see more, to carve out a path of his own.When he finally voiced his desire, his father did not stop him. He didn’t argue or try to convince him otherwise. Instead, he simply nodded, as if he had always known this day would come."A Karasu must one day leave the nest."His father’s words were not of disappointment but of pride. He helped in whatever way he could, ensuring Aki had what he needed before sending him on his way. But Aki did not leave immediately. He stayed for a few more years, unwilling to abandon his father without making sure he would be well in his absence. He tended to the land, repaired what needed fixing, and ensured the farm would continue to thrive long after he had gone.The day of his departure crept closer, and with it came a nervous energy beneath his skin, a mix of excitement for what lay ahead and the bittersweet ache of leaving behind the only home he had ever truly known.Yet, in his eagerness to look forward, Aki never stopped to wonder, What else had his father not told him?What secrets still lay buried beneath the quiet life they had built?

IV

Aki’s journey took him through the heart of Doma and onward to Hingashi, where the world unfolded before him in a way he had never experienced. The vibrant clash of colors, the ceaseless hum of life, the overwhelming presence of a civilization far grander than the quiet village he had known, it was almost too much at first.Everywhere he went, eyes followed. Some curious, some wary, some openly distrustful. To some, he was a stranger. To others, an anomaly, one they had never seen before and perhaps never would again. But Aki had long learned that the gaze of others did not define him.What mattered was what he chose to do.He put his skills to use, taking on jobs that felt familiar, hunting beasts that troubled the land, just as he had back home. But this time, it was different. There was no farm to return to, no village that saw him as one of their own. He hunted not for duty, not for survival, but for himself.And in doing so, he began honing his craft while also doing the work the contact his father gave on the side.With each hunt, each battle, his scythe became an extension of himself, moving with him rather than against him. He worked to build a name, carving his place in Hingashi’s underbelly where opportunities were plentiful for those willing to seize them.Years passed, and Aki took on the life of a mercenary, a hunter, and, eventually, a collector of secrets. There was power in information, and those who knew how to wield it could shape the world in ways a blade never could. He learned to listen, to watch, to trade whispers for coin.Not all his work was noble.Parts of the creatures he felled found their way into markets beyond the law, rare components from beasts and monstrosities that fetched high prices. Voidsent, in particular, were among the most profitable, though they carried dangers few were willing to risk. Aki kept his distance when he could. The price rarely outweighed the peril.But there was always something about the unknown that called to him.The mysteries of creatures beyond understanding, the shadows cast by the things that lurked just out of reach, it stirred a curiosity in him that he couldn’t ignore. And for all his caution, there was a part of him that wanted to see how far he could go.

V

The nightmares had grown worse. Each night, Aki woke to the phantom scent of smoke clinging to his skin, the echoes of screams fading into the darkness of his room. His brother stood before him, bloodied, burned, yet whole in a way he never was when he fell. He never spoke, but Aki knew what he wanted. What he had always wanted.No matter how far he traveled, how deep he buried himself in his work, the past refused to loosen its grip. Each job, each blade drawn in the dark, each body left behind, it should have been enough. It wasn’t. The weight of his past pressed against his shoulders, unrelenting, dragging him back to the jungle, to the burning remains of his village.So he hunted. He followed the whispers passed in hushed conversations, the names that still carried weight after all these years. There were still men who lived comfortably despite the blood on their hands, officers, commanders, the ones who gave the orders. Aki found one. The man had grown older, softened by time, but the moment their eyes met, there was recognition. And then there was fear.It wasn’t clean. He made sure it wasn’t.But when it was done, there was no peace.His brother still lingered at the edge of his vision, watching, waiting, talking to him now. The ghosts did not let go so easily. He had done what he thought he needed to do, what he had convinced himself was justice. And yet, the weight remained.Perhaps it was time for something else. A different path. A different place.The seas of Limsa Lominsa called to him. There was work to be found, and perhaps, in the roar of the ocean, in the lawlessness of the city, he could silence the voices. At least for a time.

VI

At times, Aki’s work led him to jobs that required more than just a hunter’s skill, extra muscle for hire, no matter the nature of the job. Whether it was good or bad didn’t matter. Only the pay did. He took work where he could find it, living the life he had always wanted. It wasn’t glamorous, but it kept him busy, paid, and, most importantly, entertained. Yet, the more he worked, the more his ambitions grew. There was always something more, more to see, more to do, more to learn.That hunger for more is what led him to take a job that would change everything and was convenient for him.It was simple on the surface, escort a shipment from Hingashi westward, across the sea to Eorzea. The details were sparse, given only on a need-to-know basis, and Aki wasn’t naïve enough to believe it was anything legal. The cargo had too many guards, too little explanation. Yakuza, gangs, pirates, whoever was behind it didn’t matter. The job paid well, and that was enough.Sailing from Hingashi, Aki discovered something unexpected, he loved the sea. The freedom, the salty breeze, the endless horizon, it was something new, something intoxicating. Maybe, when he wasn’t working, he’d find a way to spend more time on the water.The journey itself was uneventful, though he had heard enough stories to know that piracy was an ever-present danger. In these waters, pirates and privateers danced their bloody game, one no better than the other, except the privateers had the luxury of titles and law on their side.When they finally made port in Limsa Lominsa, Aki found himself in yet another new world. The city was alive in a way unlike Hingashi, rougher and more chaotic, yet thriving in its own way. His job was done, the pay collected, but now came the real challenge. A new land meant new opportunities, but it also meant starting from nothing.Fortunately for him, Limsa Lominsa was a place where a man of his skills didn’t have to look hard to find work.

VII

Spending time in Limsa Lominsa in search of work soon led Aki to wander beyond its docks, traveling to the other great cities in pursuit of opportunity. The jobs varied, hunting, gathering information, smuggling, providing extra muscle when needed. It was rarely glamorous, but it paid well enough, kept him busy, and, most importantly, fed the curiosity that always burned within him.When the heat from a job became too much, Aki found solace aboard pirate ships, disappearing into the vastness of the sea until the dust settled. It was a necessary precaution, big jobs often meant big trouble, and vanishing for a while ensured he didn't become a target for those whose business he had disrupted.Though his life revolved around work, Aki wasn’t all business. He had his own ways of unwinding, an avid fisherman, he often took solitary trips to the wilds, casting his line and losing track of time. Out there, away from the noise of city streets and the weight of his trade, he could simply exist. The little time to remember his simple life with his father.Now, Aki roams from place to place, always searching for the next job, the next challenge. Whoever pays, whatever the task, if it serves him, he’ll take it.

Criminal Past

Aki has crossed paths with more than his fair share of shady characters in Eorzea. Whether it’s working for criminal organizations, mercenary bands, or private clients with questionable motives, Aki’s name has become synonymous with discretion and efficiency. He’s the kind of person you’d hire if you needed a job done without questions asked, and without leaving a trail.His presence in the darker corners of the realm is often felt before it’s seen. Aki doesn’t announce himself; he’s quiet, professional, and unassuming, yet always alert, watching, and listening. Whether in the backrooms of taverns, hidden warehouses, or the alleys where deals are made, he blends in seamlessly with his surroundings, gathering information and fulfilling contracts with a cold precision that leaves no room for failure.Aki is known for working with those willing to pay the price, his moral compass as flexible as the coin he earns. He's rarely involved in the long-term, preferring quick jobs, leaving no traces, and never looking back. If you've seen him, it’s likely you've crossed paths with a man who’s as much a part of the underworld as the very streets he walks.

Sword for Hire

When you need an extra sword in the fray, Aki is the man you call. Whether it’s for muscle on a job, tracking someone down, providing security for a delicate deal, or making sure someone gets the message loud and clear, Aki is your go-to. He’s worked for both sides of the coin, those with noble intentions and those with far more dubious ones. The job doesn’t matter to him; it’s all about the price.Aki's skills are a blend of precision and raw power, honed through years of survival in the harshest environments. He’s not one for unnecessary theatrics; his presence alone speaks volumes. With a cool demeanor and a sharp eye, Aki carries out his work efficiently, whether it’s intimidating a rival, keeping unwanted guests at bay, or ensuring someone stays hidden.Chances are, if you've needed a hired sword in the past, you've either seen him or heard whispers of his reputation. Aki takes the job, no questions asked, leaving a trail of mystery in his wake. The only thing you can count on is that he’ll get it done—his way.

Info Broker

Aki's ears aren’t just for show—they’re a finely tuned instrument for gathering secrets. With an exceptional sense of hearing and a knack for blending into any crowd, Aki is the perfect source of information when you need to know what's really going on. Whether it's the quiet murmurs in a tavern, hushed whispers in back alleys, or the subtle shifts in conversations, Aki catches it all.He’s worked his way through the underworld, listening to what others don't want him to hear, and has built a small reputation for selling the juiciest details to the highest bidder. His discretion is key—information is power, and Aki’s the middleman that makes sure it gets to where it’s needed. Need to know if someone’s hiding something? Or maybe you're looking for a specific target's movements? Aki’s ears are always open, and for the right price, he can make sure you’re in the know.If you’ve ever needed to gather intel without leaving a trace, chances are Aki was your man, slipping through the shadows with quiet precision and leaving nothing but whispers in his wake.

Fishing Enthusiast

While Aki’s work may often lead him down darker paths, there’s one activity that brings him peace amidst the chaos: fishing. A man who thrives on unpredictability and the pursuit of profit, Aki finds solace in the quiet, rhythmic pull of the line and the solitude of the waters. Whether it's the calm shores of the far east or the rugged coasts of the west, he’s drawn to wherever the biggest catch may lie.Often disappearing for days at a time, Aki uses fishing trips as both a means of escape and a personal challenge, always seeking the next great catch. Enjoying seeking out the most serene and remote spots means that those who encounter him during these excursions might find a side of him rarely seen. There are no jobs, no schemes, no clients when he’s at the water’s edge, just Aki, the quiet waters, and the thrill of the chase.If you happen to cross paths with him while he's away from the hustle and bustle, you may catch a glimpse of the man in a rare moment of peace, his sharp gaze turned towards the horizon as he waits for the next bite.