Epilogue

Hughes resided in the Renouf Territory for a majority of his childhood. He learned from his teachers about combat, strategy, history, and other topics that he needed to know in order to be a proper leader one day.

He undertook the Panther Auspice ceremony when he reached the age of 10, and successfully completing it. Officially becoming the new heir of the Renouf family.

A few years after this achievement, he encountered an unconscious boy in an alleyway. When he took the boy to his parents, begging to help treat him they agreed to treat him. As Hughes and the young boy bonded throughout his treatment, he came to learn that the boy’s name was Eerik. Their bond became strong, and Hughes’ parents saw how much they cared for one another. In that year, Eerik was given the offer to be adopted by the Renouf family in which he happily agreed.

3 years later, and the boys have grown close. Sadly, the happy times quickly ended when the Garleans invaded their land. Fires broke out, and nothing was left but ash. Hughes’ parents held back the enemies as Hughes and Eerik escaped through the burning bamboo forest. Unfortunately, the two of them became separated amongst the fires.

After Hughes awoke from falling unconscious in a cave to escape the fires. He spent days looking for Eerik and his parents. To no avail. He held onto hope that Eerik escaped and decided to leave the ruins before the enemy found him too. Traveling around the world, trying to find his brother whilst earning gil to sustain himself.

Pre-A Realm Reborn

At this point in time, Hughes is a well-seasoned adventurer and mercenary. Exploring many lands and making multiple connections with others. But sadly, there was no sign of his brother nor his parents. He finally made up his mind upon arriving in Eorzea. He would settle down and utilize all his connections around the world to try and fish out information about his families where abouts or at least get evidence of their deaths.

His intricate information network caught Louisoix Leveilleur’s attention. He sent Thancred Waters to try and build a friendship with Hughes, so he could assist them with scouting. Only for the man to be met with a knife at his throat for failing to act inconspicuous, instead he was very suspicious. After some negotiations, Hughes agreed to assist them with scouting for information gathering.

Their efforts were in vain, for the Seventh Umbral Calamity came. Hughes spent this time providing shelter to people, in an attempt to save as many lives as possible from this calamity.

After the Calamity, Hughes used his large resources to help Gridania rebuild. People started to see him as a kind man, and many began to speak with him. Hughes decided to convert an old building into an establishment as a hub for his network, but also a place to relax. Thus was the Mocha Bean born

Hughes put up his mantle as a mercenary, officially retiring. Though his search for his family continued, he offers his help to the Scions whenever they need him. The Warrior of Light often visiting him when they are sent to pick up packages or to get the run down on new events.

Slogan: “Enjoy the simple pleasures in life.”

A small café-tavern hybrid in the outskirts of Old Gridania, where many visit for refreshments or to merely relax. The café is run by a retired mercenary, who desires to express his love of coffee and food. It does not serve a single type of food; in fact, the menu rotates! This was done by the owner of the Mocha Bean to lessen the possibility of the customers getting bored with the items. The establishment does take requests if a customer orders something that is not currently off the menu.

When one visits, they are welcomed by the jingle of the bell and wafted by the aroma of coffee. Behind the bar counter is a wall full of spirits and coffee syrups, shining from the warm lights that line the barista’s station. In the corner you will find a mini library, with a window seat. Lastly, one cant help but feel at ease in this space. The clinking of glass from the staff putting away clean dishes, to the chattering of the other patrons. Little does an unassuming person know that this small business serves a much larger purpose.

The Mocha Bean also serves as a hub for information gathering. If a person seeks information, then they have found the right place. Having connections in a variety of lands such as the Far East, Ilsabard, and even in Tural. Rumor has it that these connections are still expanding!

There are different levels of providing and ordering information in this intricate network. Simple and mundane information such as weather and monster patterns are provided for free. However, info that could cause harm or is sensitive must sign a contract, pay the amount of gil agreed on, and understand that if they use the info for ill intent then a bounty will be put on their head.

Hostile violence on any Mocha Bean grounds will lead to you being kicked from the premises. This applies to assassins and mercenaries; the Mocha Bean is neutral grounds. No assigned work will be done on the grounds. For a normal civilian this rule is understandable, but for those in the black market they know what will occur to them. Elimination. Termination. Cover ups.

In the thick bamboo forests of the Othardian mountains, is where this tribe resides. A hint of where the tribe originates from can be found in the name. For ‘Renouf’ means ‘advising wolf’, thus researchers from Sharlyan have surmised that their ancient ancestors used to be a part of the W tribe.

Not many know of this tribe and their cultures, because they didn’t want to trek through hazardous mountains and thick bamboo. However, when the dangerous terrain is overcome you will be able to see the splendorous territory of the Renoufs.

Their architecture is akin to those of Hingan origins, but with a twist to fit their mountainous surroundings. Beyond the grand village, are fields of rice and what one can assume are other farmlands that were planted in the valley below the village.

Sadly, this magnificent place was destroyed by the Garlean war. No known survivors, except for 2, is known. Luckily, to the present day the heir to the Head Family has begun reconstruction. Hoping to bring back a home that was once lost.

Similar to a monarchy, the tribe has a singular family as their leader. For generations it has been a single family, and the heir who successfully completes the panther ceremony becomes the next leader of the tribe.

Unlike other Seekers of the Sun Miqo’te tribes, the head family does not receive the surname of ‘Nunh’, nor do they become the breeding male. In contrast to this, they are similar to the Keepers of the Moon Miqo’te tribes but also not entirely. The ruling person can be either male or female, not only female. Plus, there is only one ruling family, and the other families can do as they please as long as they follow the head families lead.

Surnames do not follow a specific pattern from what research shows. The only caveat to this is if a person marries into the head family, in which they are required to change their surname to “Renouf”.

The Head Family are not merely figure heads, but they have their own responsibilities. Each member in the household will take upon a position in the government. Both young and old will be educated and trained in that area they chose. They can change the position they chose but will have to be taught longer to catch up on what they missed.

The Renouf Tribe admire and cherish the Panther Auspice, a being that they see as their protector.

In the ancient past, before the tribe was founded. Their ancestor was near death, and the panther auspice approached them. Giving up their soul and binding their aether to them. A point was made by the panther auspice before this occurred. They said that their aether can only be passed on via a ceremony that they would bestow upon the ancestor. It was not hereditary.

Panther Auspices’ aether enhances a person’s strength and stamina greatly. However, something unexpected came from this binding and that was that there was a hereditary aspect to receiving the auspices aether. Descendants of the vessel were born with jet black hair and elegant sapphire eyes.

The current vessel of the panther auspice’s aether is Hughes Renouf.

On his adventures, he discovered the true identity of the Panther Auspice. It was a familiar brought into being by an Ancient from Amaurot. Surviving the Sundering, it wandered the Source until finding its lost master’s soul in a person who was deaths door. Still loyal to its previous master, it gave up its soul and aether to save this person who had his original master’s soul. Ironically, now it resides it’s master new Shard. What a twist of fate this was.