Berrod Armstrong

Berrod Armstrong is a repatriated Ala Mhigan highlander with partial ownership of a Free Company that operates out of both Thanalan and Gyr Abania.Prior to his association with the Free Company, his day to day life consisted of seeking means of survival in post-Calamity Eorzea. As a student of a survivor of the old Fist of Rhalgr, he trained and lived as a monk for most of his life. It led him to serve the new Fist of Rhalgr under Widargelt Beake for a short time.After a troubling injury affected his capacity to perform as a monk, he took up a blade and shield to keep his oaths to Rhalgr and his people in his own way. He has recovered from the injury since then, and hones his craft of both blade and fist. Berrod currently resides in the residential quarter of Ala Mhigo with his housemates and family.

Appearance

Aspects That Stand Out At A Glance:■ His hair. It's dark red, and composed of several locs that spill down around his shoulders. The locs at the back are pulled and tied into a tail. His jaw is covered in a short, thick beard.■ He's rather large -- on the bigger side for highlanders, though not exactly the largest there is.■ He's usually quite solemn-faced. Smiles are rare, but genuine.■ There are always prayer beads somewhere on his person; on his arm, neck, or hanging from his waist.■ More often than not he's sporting some bruise or injury -- either from training or actual battle.

Berrod is a tall and solidly built Highlander male who reaches a proud height of six fulms and seven ilms. His body is at its physical peak, wrapped in two hundred and eighty-nine ponz of bulky, well-worked muscle. His most distinguishable feature is the shock of red hair on his head.

Dark green eyes peer from behind an oft-folded brow, the prelude to a rather roughly handsome face accented with a neatly trimmed red beard about his rather angular jaw. His name tells no lies, both the Highlander's arms are powerfully muscled and rather large, with moderate vascularity and a ruddy dusting of hair along his corded forearms. They end in big calloused hands with scarred knuckles -- a testament to both hard labor and training. He proudly sports a wide chest (also red-swept with hair), a broad back and a well-developed core that tapers slightly at the waist before expanding into sturdy thighs and calves. While the intricacies of his form are usually obscured by his armour, Berrod's big frame is enough to go by.

Personality

While fighting to survive in Pearl Lane and the streets of Ul'Dah, Berrod had developed a rather crude, rough, violent and short-tempered personality. The man was as easily pleased as he was angered, however, and found enjoyment in simple things like sharing a meal with friends.When in a good mood, Berrod was often crudely flirtatious and prone to levity, known for his loud and scandalous barks of laughter. As anger took over he was quick to resort to violence, no matter how imposing his target was. The Highlander was no stranger to obscene language and had no qualms about belting out profanity -- regardless of who was around.Later on, once he had extracted himself from the street situation, Berrod came across as a serious no-nonsense fellow, though he had his rare moments of levity and other juvenile pursuits. Where his temper was once short and his reactions overt, he gained a tendency to hide most of his reactions behind a solid wall of solemn regard. The wall was not permanent, and fell in private company.Since then his personality has balanced somewhat. While there is a definite serious side to his dealings, one can easily identify the man's history of street dealing through his speech, and odd lapses. He does his best to help those who come to him in need with patience and due consideration. While it may not always be apparent, he is a deeply religious man -- even when he slips, one would not hear him take Rhalgr's name in vain.Berrod is a persistent and hardworking individual, willing to do what it takes to achieve a goal. This manifests in his tendency to work long hours at whatever job he finds as well as train incessantly until he is satisfied with his level of progress.

• Aldin
• Alistair
• Autgar
• Avenio
• Aya
• Balthius
• Beexu
• C'lai
• Cerina
• Dastev
• Dondubhan
• Edana
• Enqdai
• Ethiriel
• Evening
• Flora
• Flyn
• Geofri
• Gregos
• Iex

• Kayah
• Lawrence
• Maral
• Martin
• Miden
• Milo
• N'hara
• Ojene
• Orion
• Osric
• Raptor
• Reks
• Rylen
• Sarij
• Sergei
• Shaka
• Shizu
• Sinner
• Swozbhar
• Val

• Viktor
• Vtorak
• Zackarie

Sarij Rahzersyn
"The deep green sea."Sarij Rahzersyn , who Berrod affectionately refers to as 'Flowers', is a Sea Wolf who was once a guest at one of Berrod's former places of employment. Berrod befriended Sarij during his stay, and remained his friend ever since -- even through periods when Sarij had been called out to sea for moons at a time. The two had shared a bed on more than one occasion, and have since joined hands in bonding.Their relationship is simple, yet fulfilling. Neither of the men can be carded as romantic, and their relationship often flies over the heads of those they meet. Berrod undeniably holds Sarij dearly in his heart, however. Currently the pair share a home in the residential quarter in Ala Mhigo.In addition to living together, Berrod and Sarij are business partners and run a Free Company together. Berrod handles the operational side of things, and Sarij handles most of the politics and paperwork. These roles mix and match at times depending on what is needed.

A'ken Tia
"...young, strong an' full of heart."Ken approached Berrod after a celebration of Rhalgr's moon, inquiring about both the destroyer and the religious order that served him. The energetic Miqo'te asked Berrod to teach him the Fist of Rhalgr's ways, and after some deliberation, the monk agreed. From there, Ken began his training -- a series of lessons that were meant to develop mind, body and spirit.Ken's hard work bore fruit as he saw himself become a full fledged Fist of Rhalgr -- he even crafted his own habit and received a soul crystal. Still, even that only marked a beginning for him.Berrod no longer trains him, given his own new path, but he wishes the young man all the best.

Aldin Drauniir
"...unusual fella, I won't lie -- but he's a kinsman from across the wall, so he's got my respect."Meeting Aldin opened up as an awkward affair, given that the man had his eyes covered while Berrod ambled up to ask him if he had seen someone. Nevertheless, the pair got to talking and found Gyr Abanian heritage in common. Aldin's prominent canines, somewhat wild nature and his ability to remember scents struck Berrod as unique among Hyur, but he regarded the man with respect regardless.
Berrod enthusiastically offered himself as a friend and brother, as he often did to those he considered kinsmen. From there Aldin opened up just a bit to him, and reinforced Berrod's view that there were still people across the wall he needed to protect. Those who could not protect themselves -- and even those who could.

Alistair Greywolf
"He's someone I can rely on. Won't mix matters there."Berrod and Alistair have had a tumultuous relationship, ranging from being lovers to being enemies at one point. They began as friends, then tensions developed when Berrod tried a bit too hard to indoctrinate Alistair into the Fist of Rhalgr. From friends, to lovers, to enemies, to friends, and to lovers again -- so it went.Now they have settled into comfortable intimacy. Things grew complicated and heated at times due to their very nature, but now they have settled into comfortable and affectionate intimacy -- with the occasional squabble here and there.Their relationship is also a professional one -- Berrod doesn't hesitate to utilize Al's skills to further the ends of both the company and the greater good of Eorzea.

Autgar Bloode
"He's a lil' strange, but as good as a friend could get. It's sickenin' sometimes. I don't really know anybody who dislikes 'im. Scary though, just a lil' bit. Strong, too."Berrod encountered Autgar through a chance meeting with members of the Blue Sky Ventures Free Company. Curious about the man's strength, he purchased a fight from him through an auction and was subsequently demolished. That fight led to the kindling of a friendship, which gave way to training the Highlander in the ways of the Fist. Though Berrod is no longer in the order, he and Autgar still work together to strive for the same goals.

Avenio Naemig
"He's been around since everythin' started turnin' around. I'll always have his back."Berrod met Avenio during his stint at a hot spring resort that doubled as an adventuring company. The blond highlander was partnered with the resort's owner, and the target of quite a bit of jealousy on Berrod's part.As they embarked on adventures and endured many trials the two became friends and a formidable combination on the battlefield. As the years went by Avenio drifted in and out of Berrod's life, though with every return he was welcomed as a friend. Despite Berrod's insistence that Avenio stick around, the mercenary opted to stay away to spare Berrod the hardships involved with dealing with his enemies.With said enemies now a thing of the past, Avenio has finally decided to stay a while -- much to Berrod's delight.

Aya Foxheart
"Ray o'sunshine-- an I mean that in the best way!"Berrod was introduced to the Quicksand waitress during one of his many visits there, and was instantly captivated by her beauty and upbeat nature. Though their encounters were few and far between, he enjoyed every interaction with her. Some time has passed since her last visit, and so he hopes to keep in closer contact and see her more often.

Balthius Stark
"A man with potential -- just needs some direction and a bit of a push."Berrod met Balthius through company matters, and the two became friends -- eventually, Balthius sought Berrod's teachings, and the two developed a student-teacher relationship atop the existing friendship. Berrod believes that Balthius is a man rife with potential, he simply needs to find his focus and apply it.

Beexu Spiritbreaker
" Wild spark, that one."Berrod was introduced to Beexu when she joined his Free Company, and has worked with her several times in the field. The Highlander enjoys her spunky, wild and independent nature, and has a particular admiration for her insight regarding the more subtle disciplines of martial arts. He sees in her a rival for his students, and more importantly, a friend.

C'lai Nunh
"I call 'im the Aetherfury. Fight 'im and find out why."Berrod first encountered C'lai in Western Thanalan, where the aetherically proficient fist fighter challenged him to a duel. After an intense bout, the Highlander emerged victorious. It was the beginning of a fierce rivalry that has resulted in a string of high-powered battles. After each one, the two grow to understand each other a little more. Berrod shamelessly calls the man a friend.

Cerina Borlaaq
"She deals in both common sense an' death."A veteran of their Free Company alongside Berrod, Cerina has braved through many trials. Berrod values her keen judgement and insight, and often applies her counsel to his decisions, whether he agrees entirely with them or not. While awkward during simple interactions, he considers her a friend and would very easily trust her with his life.

Dastev Enoch
"Weird, loud, laughs a lot. I think he took one too many hits in the head on one of his adventures, but hells, he's nice enough."An eccentric adventurer with brilliant green hair who claims to be from the Western Continent. While not the first person Berrod has met from the New World, he's certainly proven to be the most colourful. Berrod has a cautious appreciation for his love of battle and martial prowess, and appreciates the man's upbeat nature -- as overwhelming as it can be at times.

Dondubhan Kelly
"You should see the man dance. Puts me to shame."Berrod met the talented performer during an evening of provocative performances. After a few moons they met again in the Silver Bazaar, and struck up a very easygoing friendship. Berrod also feels just a tiny pang of jealousy anytime the man talks about his parents, yet is always thrilled to hear about what such a family life is like.

Enqdai Hotgo
"He's a massive bastard, worked with us for a short stint. Whoever he works for now has a strong fighter on their side. "Enqdai worked at the Astral Agency for a short time, then moved on to other things. Berrod met him again at the Dark Horse Salon, and was glad to see that he was doing well. Berrod was very glad of the Xaela's large frame, which he used to conceal his reactions to another patron's words.

Evening Fist
"A mystery, if I'm gonna be honest -- but a friendly one, so it ain't a issue."As with most of his friends, Berrod's meeting with Evening was a matter of chance. Since then, he and the Far Eastern Roegadyn have developed a friendship and casual rivalry based on deep, mutual respect. Granted, so far Berrod has yet to match up to Evening's skill with a blade.

Flora Valerian
"...more devout than most other monks I've met. Still in need o'some balance, though."A very young ascetic monk who hailed from Gyr Abania, Flora impressed Berrod with her devotion to the religious and philosophical aspects of monkhood. He has since then resolved to aid her development however he can, all the while learning from her steadfast determination to live well enough for the Destroyer.

Flyn
"...decent enough fella. He's travellin' and markin' down what he learns in a book he's got."A member of the Buduga tribe who hails from the Azim Steppe, Flyn met Berrod in Pearl Lane, of all places, while consulting his notebook. Berrod decided him to warn him of the potential dangers of letting his guard down in the back alleys of Ul'Dah. From that, conversation began.Flyn is the first member of the Buduga tribe that Berrod has encountered, and though he slightly misunderstood what the tribe's culture entailed, he did not let that stop him from befriending the Xaela. He offered his insight on the refugee situation in Ul'Dah and Little Ala Mhigo, and got some tidbits of Xaela culture in exchange.

Gregos Horner
"There's a lotta people tryin' to reconnect with what they got torn from long ago. He's one of 'em."Gregos and Berrod met in the Ala Mhigan quarter, where the blue-haired Highlander was exploring while trying to find some connection to his roots. Though Berrod was a bit -- judgemental of the man at first, he offered him a tour of the Quarter, and during that tour he came to understand him a bit better.Some time later they met up at the Saltery -- Gregos was doing what he could to aid the area, something which gained both Berrod's attention and quiet approval. The pair decided to have a spar -- one that turned out to be both enjoyable and informative. It was then that Berrod decided that the other Highlander would be counted as a brother.

Geofri Steeleyes
"...owns a shop. Sells an' repairs magitek stuff. All over my head, but it's still handy."Geofri Steeleyes introduced himself to Berrod as a magitek specialist looking for connections -- including ones with the Astral Advent free company. Geofri did not disappoint; his expertise and innovation has since chased many leads and cracked many a case for the Advent -- including the provision of a well-stocked grill during a beach cookout.

Iex Amov
"He's actually the first Hrothgar fella I had a full conversation with. Interestin' sort of fellow."Berrod chanced a meeting with Iex one night during the Grindstone, when the Hrothgar had come across the tournament wondering if it was a religious congregation. From there the two got to talking, and began exchanging knowledge and insight into each other's respective cultures.Over the course of a few weeks they found out that they had as much in common as they did differences -- though most of their common ground revolved around their disdain for the Garlean Empire. After sharing much conversatoinal ground on the matter of home and culture, Iex invited Berrod to witness a very personal rite, something which Berrod considered quite an honor and a solid mark of friendship.Their burgeoning friendship led to Iex becoming a roommate of sorts at Berrod's home in the Ala Mhigan quarter. Through time and trials the two have come to care for each other deeply.

Kayah Whalaqee
"Young, without a trace o'fear. I dunno what that means for common sense, but the girl's capable as all hells."Berrod's meeting with the travelling youth from the West came by way of a small spot of adventure in the peaks of Gyr Abania. He came upon her being attacked by a trio of tempered Ananta, and rushed to aid her -- as was his creed. The pair managed to fight the attackers off, though Berrod hardly considered it a rescue given how capable Kayah seemed on her own. Still, three against one hadn't been fair.Following that, he learned of her intent to travel to Ala Mhigo, which he assisted in part by escorting her to Ala Ghiri. Once in the safety of its walls, the pair talked and got to know each other a bit. Berrod found her intriguing, given both her bravery and skills at such a young age. Swallowing his protective instincts, he bid her a safe journey to Gyr Abania, and looked forward to meeting her again.

Lawrence Samuelson
"Rugged fella. Smooth too, in a way. Interestin' -- probably an adventurer, probably jus' a soul in the wind."Berrod met Lawrence while hiding out and reminiscing at Camp Bronze lake. The Highlanders shared a table and drank a bit -- whiskey for Lawrence, apple juice for Berrod -- while getting acquainted.Berrod found the man easy to talk to, and was a bit relieved that he didn't need to put on many airs or pretenses around him. As a result, Lawrence was made privy to some of Berrod's less than savory dealings over the years.

Maral Goro
"All kinds o'weird, an' all kinds o'loud, but not a bad fella by any stretch."Berrod met Maral during a...memorable exchange in the Quicksand, and then again moons down the line at the Dark Horse saloon. He's taking a liking to playfully teasing the rather energetic young man, but ultimately means him no harm. Maral seems to come from a world he absolutely does not understand, but he holds no prejudice against him despite how...completely strange some of it sounds.

Martin Adler
"He's a fellow Ala Mhigan, an' a monk besides. Anyone who says otherwise can take it up with me. Or Autgar, I guess..."Martin Adler wass a soldier in the resistance who came into Berrod's acquaintance by way of the events and aftermath of the Gyr Abanian liberation campaign. Berrod appreciated for the man's somewhat wild, free nature -- despite being within ranks. Despite the man's history involving half-Garlean birth and a career in the Crania Lupi, he supports his efforts to move forward as a free man in a free nation -- particularly by atoning through service to the country and people as a Fist of Rhalgr.

Miden Rouge
"He remembered my order after a couple moons o'me not bein' at his bar! Hells, I gotta go there more often now!"Miden Rouge, one of the owners of the Dark Horse Saloon, impressed Berrod with both good food and a keen memory. He bonded with the other hyur on the premise of their red hair, and very quickly decided to make himself a somewhat regular patron of their establishment.

Milo North
"Wild, that one. Good in a fight, knows what he's about. Don't call him Brother for nothing..."After a chance meeting out in Thanalan, Milo and Berrod became friends -- and through that, brothers and rivals. Though they only see one another every once in a while, each meeting goes as if their parting had been but a day before.

N'hara Greywolf
"He's workin' hard for what he wants, and I respect that."N'hara impressed Berrod during a spar out in Eastern Thanalan, which convinced the Highlander to take the Seeker on as a student. Berrod remains impressed by N'hara's perseverance and versatility, and has no doubts about how far the Miqo'te will go in all his pursued arts.

Ojene Suinuet
"Ala Mhigan. Resistance. Maelstrom. It's a strange combination, but she knows exactly what she's about."Berrod met with the Maelstrom Legalman in Limsa Lominsa; the pair got to talking about training for her Levy -- and from their their relationship began. While Ojene was not an everyday face in Berrod's life, he was always pleased to see her at Ala Mhigan events, such as the market night -- or even in the Ala Mhigan offices of his free company.Ojene strikes Berrod as the kind of person who he can always trust to strive for the right thing, even though that may prove inconvenient or embarrassing to him at times.

Orion Llewelyn
"Don't matter that he's on the smaller side. The bastard can climb like nothin' else, and can hold his own in a fight."Berrod chanced a meeting with Orion while resting at Fesca's wash. After witnessing the man's climbing skills he was prompted to start a conversation and introduce himself. From there he found out that the man was a treasure hunter, and immediately sought out his acquaintance. After a bit of conversation Orion demonstrated his skill in combat, and left the Highlander both impressed and looking forward to working with him.

Osric Melkire
"Salt and sand is what comes to mind. He's a good man recoverin' from bein' a bad one, and I can respect that -- especially since he's got a family. He's strong, too. Just needs a reminder that there'll always be stronger, and that's alright."Osric is a man Berrod would trust with his life and then some. He often speaks highly of the Midlander and refers to him as an example to others. Even with Berrod as his teacher, the pair cultivated a small rivalry, especially during spars and other contests. Nevertheless, it was usually friendly and almost always constructive. Since then, Berrod has grown to consider a man an equal in skill -- even if he hasn't voiced it as often as he should.

Subtle Raptor
"Weird as all hells, but there ain't no harm in it."Berrod has only peripheral acquaintance with Raptor, this cannot proclaim to know her well. He finds her demeanour rather eccentric, though he admits it to be amusing.

Reks Blanc
"If there's a man to soothe yer hurts, it's him."Reks served Berrod's Free Company as a healer both in house and out on the field. His work earned him a place among the most senior healers in the ranks.Berrod frequently sings Reks' praises as a veteran member of the company and a formidable force on the field. The Seeker's loyalty and dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed, as Berrod hopes to repay it in kind.