Profile
Shrewd • Formal • Old-fashioned • Prudish • Snooty
A former Limsa Lominsian citizen who works as a manager for his family's maritime trading company, Roux Kural. He briefly undersaw the company's Ul'dahn branch up until the restoration of Ishgard's status within the Alliance, to which he volunteered (under some duress) to settle in thereafter to capitalize on the burgeoning market within the re-opened city-state. Although he does not fancy himself as much of an adventurer, his love of reading history led him to develop a deep fascination in the long lost city of Nym and their ancient battle tactics; thus leading him down the path of the Scholar. Although it is unrelated to his primary duties, he finds the use of healing magics to be quite useful for day-to-day life. When he is not reading his extensive collection of tomes, he enjoys "sampling" any and all alcoholic beverages he can get a hold of, as well as sharpening his skills in Triple Triad. However, any social interactions that were once associated with these activities have all but ceased ever since immigrating to Ishgard.
Seeing as Ishgard contained no seaside ports, Almeric was tasked with establishing and overseeing management of a new airship port. Negotiations have been a rather tumultuous process however, due to the societal instablity that is to be expected from a reclusive nation only having recently opened its doors. Perhaps even more inconvenient, most of Ishgard's citizens have seldom encountered a Lalafell before; the country's population being made up of a near majority of Elezen with a sparse few Hyur. Although its borders have opened its doors for immigrants, nary a Lalafell would willfully step foot in Ishgard anyway, due to their aversion to cold climates. Because of this, Almeric is treated with suspicion and distrust everywhere he goes, and is occasionally sneered at by less cosmopolitan-minded men who laugh at his small stature; or worse, gawked at by women who are enamored by it. However, Almeric is not much bothered by the less than warm welcome afforded to him by Ishgardian society; he fancies staying within his office-apartment where his books and fireplace are anyway.
Detour
Not fully content to live the life of a hermit, Almeric will on occassion indulge in a visit to some of Ishgard's more luxurious venues. One such day, however, he decided to visit a small café located near his apartment; the Lily & Serpent. While far more humble than his usual choice, he had had a particularly unproductive meeting the previous night and was in need of the strongest coffee Ishgard could offer, and fast. Still nursing a hangover, the groggy Lalafell took his seat and waited for what he thought would be delayed service. However, within moments of burying his head in his arms, he was greeted with a chipper "'Allo ser"! from a peculiar male Au ra.
Unlike most of the Xaela he had met during his business travels, this barista was (relatively) short and scrawny; with an uncharacteristicly chipper demeanor to boot. Had his mood been better he may even find it intriguing, but instead it was quite bothersome. Even more bothersome, he hadn't even the chance to look through the menu before being prompted to order. Sparing an irritated glance at the overenthuiastic man, Almeric thoughtlessly replied with "triple cream coffee and flaugnarde", forgetting that he was not currently patronizing one of Ishgard's finer establishments. Were those two items even on the menu? Before he had the chance to consider that question, the Xaela smiled back and responded "You got it ser"! and rushed outside..only to be stopped by another customer walking through the door.
A towering Elezen dressed in the distinct garments of Ishardian nobility met face to face with the Xaela and, had it not been for the immediate friendly exchange that followed, Almeric would have guessed that the man had fumbled his way into this small café in much the same he had. Despite his intentions to remain polite, Almeric couldn't help but overhear the Elezen describe himself as a "Drancelman" in his banter, confirming the Lalafell's suspicion. It was perplexing to say the least; how did a commoner become so well acquainted with a member of the Drancelman house? He observed the two for as long as they kept company, opting to keep an oblivious demeanor despite the noble making an audible scoff at the mention of a Lalafell customer. After the Xaela rushed outside to dutifully fulfill his customer's order, the noble chose to remain at a nearby table, waiting for his friend to return. Almeric once again buried his head in his arms and began concocting a scheme of sorts. Forming a connection with this noble may present an inroad through his current regulatory woes; surely he could help pull some strings with those accursed bureaucrats and finally secure his airship port. But Almeric knew that approaching the man himself would be fruitless; the noble flaunted an incredibly haughty attitude and was not shy about expressing disdain towards him. The Xaela would be the key.
New friend, new enemy
After the first bell had passed, Almeric started to question whether or not the Xaela would return. However, for the sake of his business, he had to set aside his indignation. Just as he contemplated speaking to the café owners, the Xaela finally returned with a basket in his hand. "Not 'ad the right graidents we did, but the markets did! Aye, these'll make the sippin's 'an tasty ye wanted..." The gesture took Almeric aback; did this oaf really go so far as to procure ingredients by himself? Just to make something not offered on the menu? In fact, Almeric was not the only one dumbfounded by the scene; the previously disengaged Elezen rose from his table and interjected. "Warmhoney...you would suffer such trouble for a foreigner?" While Almeric wouldn't usually take offense to remarks like that, he expected more decorum from a noble! Before tempers could flare up, Warmhoney replied "But 'e's a customer..." with a dejected expression, which in turn shut down the Elezen's pout. Almeric was impressed; this Xaela was more influential than he expected. Almeric spoke up in an uncharicteristically friendly tone, "Warmhoney, might I convince you to share your company with me after you have finished working? I am certain that I am not the first customer to have sent you astray for missing ingredients; I am very curious to hear the many tales of your culinary escapades"! Warmhoney smiled blankly at the long-winded query, presumably not understanding the bulk of what was said. Nevertheless, he nodded, "Well that sounds like stories yer wantin', and ye know y'ought to have another 'cuppa with that"!
Ever since that day, Almeric would break away from his reclusive proclivities and make a habit to visit the Lily & Serpent every morning. He had come to learn that his initial experience with Warmhoney was not simply an isolated display of hospitality; the Xaela truly loved his work and loved serving all his customers with a smile and his signature "'Allo ser"! He wholeheartedly believed that Almeric wanted to be his friend, and at this point Almeric was beginning to share that sentiment. How could he not grow fond of the Xaela? The old Lalafell had become accustomed to the duplicitous formalities of the business world; it was refreshing speak to someone who was sincerely of good heart. Unfortunately...he had also come to realize that his initial negative experience with Aplaux, the infantile Elezen, would remain consitent. The noble was truly insufferable; and this overgrown child didn't even have an amicable relationship with his family! The useless Elezen was, howevever, an inconsequential annoyance in comparison to the invaluable friendship gained from Warmhoney. Although he had been "content" to live out the rest of his days in a city that he deemed would never accept him, Almeric was beginning to learn (or perhaps, remember) how fulfilling a genuine friendship truly is. His original charge of establishing a new business venture had become somewhat less of a pressing matter; instead of waking up and looking forward to dull meetings and uneventful paperwork at home, he looked forward to visiting Warmhoney. If his previously closed mind could be opened in that regard, perhaps there was yet hope for his sentiments towards the rest of Ishgard.
- The Roux Kural specializes in distributing tradecraft metals used by goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and armorers. Almeric himself practices the Goldsmith tradecraft, with a heavy bent towards refining gemstones.
- After settling in Ishgard, he began learning how to cook (beyond basic dishes) as a secondary hobby to substitute his previous social life.
- He is slightly overweight and is a bit more portly than the average Lalafell.
- His diet consists of very rich/fancy foods. His favorite types of foods consists of bitter, tart, and buttery flavors. Think of seafood, salads, pastries, meats, and cheeses. While he does not necessarily have an unhealthy diet, he is an overworked office shut-in so he doesn't really get exercise. (The drinking doesn't help either).
- He is a hopeles alcoholic but claims drinking helps him "work better". That being said, he can hold his liquor very well (even though he has his limits). He despises the thought of being seen in a disheveled state, so he only drinks heavily by himself in his office. His favorite drink is wine, but he will drink anything.
- Despite his alcoholism, he is not susceptable to addiction when it comes to smoking; which is an activity he indulges in on occassion.
- His apartment doesn't have a bed; his grand office and fireplace chairs are relatively large enough that he can comfortably sleep in them. A lack of a bed means more room space for other amenities such as a library, kitchen, and living room.
- He could have purchased a large residential home in the city proper, but chose an apartment in Empyreum for the sake of not "stealing" a home from a native citizen; he is already distrusted enough as is.
- Although he is a bonafide creature of the decadent upper class, he has developed adequate street-smarts through his many drinking and gambling romps within the Drowning Wench and Gold Saucer during his youth. (Not that he's grown beyond such thrills under the right circumstances)
- His youthful experiences with the sleezy underbelly of Limsa Lominsa ended up serving him well with befriending Warmhoney; the Xaela teetered on the edge of illiteracy and can be quite difficult to understand for many who are most accustomed to common speech.
- He is extremely self conscious about his age; he remembers his days of mischief and glamour in his 20's and doesn't want to think he's lost that edge. This insecurity is exacerbated by the fact that all his new Ishgardian friends are in their early 20's. Because of this he becomes a bit more fussy about his physical appearance than usual, completely oblivious to the fact that his friends think he's an old geezer because of his curmudgeonly personality. After all, his friends are not Lalafells and cannot tell the difference.
Warmhoney Milk •
Best friend
Almeric's best and only friend. The overly cheerful Xaela is all too eager to help him with any errand that is requested of him, and is completely accepting of Almeric's off-putting personality. Although Almeric initially approached him with less than earnest intentions, the big dope grew on him (Although he would never admit that). It is because of Warmhoney that Almeric is more willing to leave his office apartment and go on adventures.
Aplaux Drancelman •
Unwilling acquaintance
Warmhoney's politically connected Elezen "partner" whom Almeric frequently butts heads with. The two very quickly decided they disliked each other, but Almeric tolerates the Elezen for the sake of maintaining a good relationship with Warmhoney. Aplaux frequently remarks about punting the little bastard he is equally stuck having to tolerate.
W'llayan Ritah •
Acquaintance
An annoying female Miqo'te who happened to have moved into the same apartment complex as him; a few doors down from his room no less. She likes to act like they're best buds and derives great amusement from pushing his buttons and especially by the prissy attitude that follows. Almeric tolerates her though, since she is a very helpful ally during adventures.
