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CIDOLFUS TELAMON
FINAL FANTASY XVI
ABOUT
CANON POINT: Post "The Crystal's Curse"
VISUAL: Mugshot; concept art; CG+Ramuh
BUILD: Lean, well built
HAIR: Ashen brown color with more gray to it, crew cut
EYES: Green
FEATURES: Short trimmed beard
ATTIRE: Dark gray, almost black leather jacket over a green and gray striped tunic; black leather gloves, dark gray pants and boots
WEAPONS: Carries two swords but primarily wields one; will use physical attacks like punching and kicks; lightning magic
VOICE: Ralph Ineson; British Yorkshire accent; low, rough but with the suave cadence and confidence of an outlaw; sample
BIRTHDAY: April 7 (headcanon)
ORIGINS: Somewhere outside of Valisthea
FAMILY: Unknown (likely deceased); adopted daughter Midadol
RELATIONSHIPS: Former lovers with Benedikta Harman
OCCUPATION: Outlaw; leader of the Hideaway and movement to change the system against magick users
HISTORY: Born as Cidolfus Telamon and later only going by "Cid", thanks to (SPOILERS BEWARE) in-game records and Official FFXVI Ultimania (direct translation with caps; summary) entries we have some insight of his history. He was born in the year 829 to a poor family on the Outer Continents and travels to Valisthea as a mercenary at the age of 16. Never would he imagine what would wait for him there.
Even so, while it was not really clear, but given that he had a lot of achievements and displays his qualities as a leader and strategist, it could be assumed he performed well and was highly respected in his position—as well as feared by the enemy as he could use Ramuh when needed. He was loyal and followed Barnabas for seventeen years—until things changed.
Over time Cid became more disillusioned by Barnabas plans and the way Bearers (magick users), including Dominants, were seen more as tools and means than actual people. Waleod in particular was already starting to use them for experiments, especially children. This never sat well with him and it could be surmised he tried to change things on his end, but couldn't. Then, when Otto's son awakened as a magick user and his family sent the constable to take him away, Cid was there in Otto's time of grief. It was then that Cid vowed he would do everything he could to change things.
The final nail to leaving Waleod was learning that all the wars and chaos were part of Barnabas's plans and to some extent Ultima. How much is unclear, but he was at least aware of that much. So in the year 867, he leaves behind all his medals, his achievements...and his love, Benedikta Harman.
In the year 860 when he was 31, while on a mission he found and saved the young Benedikta (age 15) when she was being attacked by bandits. Having recently awakened as Garuda's Dominant, he would take her back to Stonehyrr, where they would form a close relationship and eventually become lovers. He would even give her the pendant he wore at the time, likely as a sign of his devotion and connection to her. It's unclear when, but it can be guessed that around the same time Cid is starting to question his affiliation with Barnabas, Benedikta also started to change. When he decides to leave Waloed for good, he tries to convince her to join him, but she decides to remain at Barnabas's side instead. This would cause a rift between them that has never fully healed or resolved, fighting and clashing against each other should they ever encounter. Yet despite it all, Cid always wanted to save her and have her come to his side, and Benedikta still wished he would come back to her. Often they would exchange words to try and convince the other, but both were too stubborn to back away from their own chosen paths. Unfortunately, neither would get their wish in the end.
While he was serving in Waleod and on one of his missions outside Valisthea, he found a baby girl abandoned in a the woods. At the age of 33, he would adopt her and name her Midadol Telamon. There aren't really any other specifics as to how or why he was the one to raise her, but she was the only one he did and he loved her dearly. Again it's not clear if he raised her in Waleod or if he had someone else look after her while he was in service, but he took her with him when he left Waleod. He would encourage her to do whatever she wanted, especially when she showed great talent and smarts in inventing and engineering just like him. After teaching all he could and wanting her to continue to develop and thrive, when she turned 11 he would send her to University of Kanver in the Free Cities, known for its academic prowess.
He would continue his life as an outlaw and leader of the Hideaway for about four years before meeting Clive, taking in Bearers and disrupting trades and sales where they could. But eventually his plan had to change, because not only is he going against a social system deeply ingrained in everyone's life and culture, there is also the problem of the Blight slowly eating away at the land.
And now we get into spoilers territory as this next bit will cover what is revealed in game.
IN-GAME: With his history covered above, this is a summary of in-game events. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Clive will express no interest, but upon hearing Clive's mission to avenge his brother, Joshua, by finding the second fire Dominant, Cid proposes he join him, anyway. That is because he's heard of a fire Dominant spotted in Lostwing and since their interests align, might as well work together.
Along the way, Cid is forced to reveal he's the Dominant of Ramuh and explain to Clive his reasons for helping Bearers.
Not long after, the winds change and a giant tornado appears in the area. Benedikta had fully primed into Garuda, taking in so much aether she has gone completely mad. Drawn by a voice, Clive aims to go into it, and although they all saw the figure of the fire Dominant ahead, when Cid and Torgal try to follow they are blocked, leaving Clive to go on his own. This would lead to a battle and Clive priming into Ifrit. Cid can only witness as the two Eikons fight until Ifrit loses control of himself. He's forced to prime into Ramuh to first pull Ifrit away from beating down Garuda's body and then striking him down with lightning. It's enough to bring down Ifrit and turn him back to Clive.
On the ground, Cid will find his old necklace, and realizing it was from Benedikta, he quickly finds her body. There's remorse as he kneels down, as he asks her why did she listen to Barnabas, affectionately and sadly calling her "Benna" as he questions if this kind of end was what she wanted.
The next they meet will be at Martha's Rest, with Clive and Jill on their way to Rosaria, and it is here that the two see the curse on Cid's arm. He'll tell a story alluding to how he wanted to save "a girl" he knew back in the day (Benedikta) from her own fate but ultimately failing. He then tells Clive that he isn't a monster and that if he remembers he's still human, he may escape his own fate.
Now I'm going to be dipping into headcanon guessing here, but it's never stated or shown why Cid left with Goetz earlier. My guess is he went back to bury Benedikta's body. It mirrors how he had Goetz with him with the plan to take Jill back at the Nysa Defile. Given the timeline, it also makes sense: Benedikta died at dawn, they meet with Gav the following dawn and come back to the Hideaway when it's early afternoon. Using the chocobos for faster travel, he could get there to hopefully bury Benedikta as he didn't have the time or means to do so at the time. It would also explain how much more somber and remorse he is while speaking with Clive and Jill, especially if seeing the two of them reminds him of what he and Benedikta used to be.
After defeating the wyvern left behind to guard it, Cid expresses some of his concerns, even doubts.
But when another figure, Ultima, appears, and threatens Clive, Cid recognizes him and manages to make one last stand. Taking his sword, he stabs Ultima, breaking the trance that held Clive and allowing him to finish him off. Afterwards, he gets one last smoke and with his dying breath transfers all of his powers into Clive, leaving everything to him.
HIDDEN TRUTHS: There's a lot of mystery to Cid, especially as Ramuh's Dominant. So tossing in some other tidbits that is interesting to note and speculate.
This fits very well with Cid, who is shown to be intelligent and a progressive thinker, as well as for his inventions and designs used in the Hideaway. While it's doubtful Ramuh granted him direct knowledge, it's possible he has a higher sense of intuition and sense. But it also implies that Cid may have known or at least had a vague understanding that not everything is what it seemed. This could have been what led him to notice the changes in Barnabas and see through his plan. Especially due to another late reveal.
VISUAL: Mugshot; concept art; CG+Ramuh
BUILD: Lean, well built
HAIR: Ashen brown color with more gray to it, crew cut
EYES: Green
FEATURES: Short trimmed beard
ATTIRE: Dark gray, almost black leather jacket over a green and gray striped tunic; black leather gloves, dark gray pants and boots
WEAPONS: Carries two swords but primarily wields one; will use physical attacks like punching and kicks; lightning magic
VOICE: Ralph Ineson; British Yorkshire accent; low, rough but with the suave cadence and confidence of an outlaw; sample
BIRTHDAY: April 7 (headcanon)
ORIGINS: Somewhere outside of Valisthea
FAMILY: Unknown (likely deceased); adopted daughter Midadol
RELATIONSHIPS: Former lovers with Benedikta Harman
OCCUPATION: Outlaw; leader of the Hideaway and movement to change the system against magick users
HISTORY: Born as Cidolfus Telamon and later only going by "Cid", thanks to (SPOILERS BEWARE) in-game records and Official FFXVI Ultimania (direct translation with caps; summary) entries we have some insight of his history. He was born in the year 829 to a poor family on the Outer Continents and travels to Valisthea as a mercenary at the age of 16. Never would he imagine what would wait for him there.
Lord Commander of Waleod.
Two years after arriving into Valisthea, Cid awakened as Ramuh's Dominant at age 18 while fighting as a mercenary. Barnabas would then recruit him into his army, where he would serve for another three years before he was appointed as Lord Commander of the main Royal battlefield force in the year 850. As Lord Commander, he commanded the Kingsguard, following the orders of Barnabas. However, it should be noted Sleipnir was the original Lord Commander, and Barnabas only appointed Cid as part of his greater schemes after Barnabas joined Ultima's plan—something Cid was not aware of.Even so, while it was not really clear, but given that he had a lot of achievements and displays his qualities as a leader and strategist, it could be assumed he performed well and was highly respected in his position—as well as feared by the enemy as he could use Ramuh when needed. He was loyal and followed Barnabas for seventeen years—until things changed.
Over time Cid became more disillusioned by Barnabas plans and the way Bearers (magick users), including Dominants, were seen more as tools and means than actual people. Waleod in particular was already starting to use them for experiments, especially children. This never sat well with him and it could be surmised he tried to change things on his end, but couldn't. Then, when Otto's son awakened as a magick user and his family sent the constable to take him away, Cid was there in Otto's time of grief. It was then that Cid vowed he would do everything he could to change things.
The final nail to leaving Waleod was learning that all the wars and chaos were part of Barnabas's plans and to some extent Ultima. How much is unclear, but he was at least aware of that much. So in the year 867, he leaves behind all his medals, his achievements...and his love, Benedikta Harman.
In the year 860 when he was 31, while on a mission he found and saved the young Benedikta (age 15) when she was being attacked by bandits. Having recently awakened as Garuda's Dominant, he would take her back to Stonehyrr, where they would form a close relationship and eventually become lovers. He would even give her the pendant he wore at the time, likely as a sign of his devotion and connection to her. It's unclear when, but it can be guessed that around the same time Cid is starting to question his affiliation with Barnabas, Benedikta also started to change. When he decides to leave Waloed for good, he tries to convince her to join him, but she decides to remain at Barnabas's side instead. This would cause a rift between them that has never fully healed or resolved, fighting and clashing against each other should they ever encounter. Yet despite it all, Cid always wanted to save her and have her come to his side, and Benedikta still wished he would come back to her. Often they would exchange words to try and convince the other, but both were too stubborn to back away from their own chosen paths. Unfortunately, neither would get their wish in the end.
Leader of the Hideaway.
After leaving Waleod, Cid would start to lead a group of outcasts and rebels of the social system on his own. To build a world where it didn't matter what anyone was, but who they were. For everyone to be treated fairly and equally. It would take him two years after leaving, but in the year 869 he would go to the Blighted lands in central Storm and create the Hideaway from the fallen ruins that remained there. It's these ruins that help keep the air clean and allow them to start a life without relying on the use of magic, helping Cid prove that they don't need it to live and thrive. Best of all, no one would even think anyone would live in the middle of the deadlands where all the aether was drained.While he was serving in Waleod and on one of his missions outside Valisthea, he found a baby girl abandoned in a the woods. At the age of 33, he would adopt her and name her Midadol Telamon. There aren't really any other specifics as to how or why he was the one to raise her, but she was the only one he did and he loved her dearly. Again it's not clear if he raised her in Waleod or if he had someone else look after her while he was in service, but he took her with him when he left Waleod. He would encourage her to do whatever she wanted, especially when she showed great talent and smarts in inventing and engineering just like him. After teaching all he could and wanting her to continue to develop and thrive, when she turned 11 he would send her to University of Kanver in the Free Cities, known for its academic prowess.
He would continue his life as an outlaw and leader of the Hideaway for about four years before meeting Clive, taking in Bearers and disrupting trades and sales where they could. But eventually his plan had to change, because not only is he going against a social system deeply ingrained in everyone's life and culture, there is also the problem of the Blight slowly eating away at the land.
And now we get into spoilers territory as this next bit will cover what is revealed in game.
Cid's Plan.
After years of research while in Waleod and perhaps some intuitive help from Ramuh, Cid discovers that the Mothercrystals, the giant crystals that are considered as blessings of the gods and the main resource for the crystals used in everyday life, is what is drawing in the aether from the land. If he wants to build a new world where everyone can be equal, he needs a world to actually still exist. Thus he hatches a crazy plan to destroy the Mothercrystals. He even tries on his own once, managing to sneak into Drake's Head, the Mothercrystal for Sanbreque, before he's made to retreat by the Bahamut Dominant, Dion. Not before a brief scuffle of course. Although his first attempt was a failure, he would have another opportunity when Clive joins him.Cid's Condition.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have forever to try and make the changes he wants. All magick users suffer what they call a "curse." It's a drawback from being able to draw aether directly from the air to use magic. Over time the body will petrify and harden into stone, leading to death. It is irreversible. For Dominants in particular, they draw from their own lifeforce and will also suffer from the curse. Cid has shown to be more progressed than the other Dominants, his left arm, the arm he uses for casting magic, already shown to have petrified splotches. Not only does he exhibit signs of strain and pain in his arm when casting large amounts of magic, but he will also cough up blood whenever he semi-primes or primes. By the time Clive meets him, his condition has advanced quite a bit and he knows he doesn't have long left.IN-GAME: With his history covered above, this is a summary of in-game events. SPOILERS AHEAD.
A Chance Encounter.
Cid was in the Nysa Defile as the Iron Kingdom warred against the Dhalmekian Republic, waiting for an opportunity to take Jill, known as the Shiva Dominant. Instead, he finds Clive and even witnessed how he slew his own sergeant, ready to run for the hills with Jill as a deserter of the Imperial Army. Cid will take them both and lead them to his Hideaway in the deadlands. There he will reveal that he figured out that Clive is the same Clive Rosfield from the fallen Rosaria Duchy. He will also reveal the Hideaway's purpose and even invite Clive to join and help the cause.Clive will express no interest, but upon hearing Clive's mission to avenge his brother, Joshua, by finding the second fire Dominant, Cid proposes he join him, anyway. That is because he's heard of a fire Dominant spotted in Lostwing and since their interests align, might as well work together.
Along the way, Cid is forced to reveal he's the Dominant of Ramuh and explain to Clive his reasons for helping Bearers.
Cid: Our kind are used and discarded like tools—yet we are men, so why must we die as less?They will also encounter Benedikta and her men, and even as he watches her, Cid expresses that desire to capture her and bring her over. But it won't be until after they reach Lostwing do they get a head on encounter with the woman, their usual words exchanged and more of Cid's history revealed to Clive. However, she will get away and it will be in Caer Norvent that the two will have one last argument and fight—one that ends with Benedikta slamming Cid into Greagor's statue and leaving Clive to fight her.
Clive: I see. So what you're saying is, you want to start a war.
Cid: You flatter me, lad, but my days as a firebrand are long behind me.
Cid: No. I only wish to offer our a kind a choice—a place where we can die on our own terms.
Cid: What I want...
Cid: ...is to build a place where it doesn't matter what you are, but who you are.
Cid: But our world isn't ready for a place like that.
Cid: So until it is, I use the power I've been given to show people there is hope.
Wings of Change.
Cid will manage to recover just in time to witness Clive besting her in battle...and also to witness Clive taking in Garuda's powers. It's a confusing mess, especially when the fire dominant held in the caer sets everything aflame. With the help of Gerulf, her second in command, Benedikta manages to escape and Cid and Clive have to flee as well. Fortunately the other Bearers managed to escape with Gav's assistance, and Cid sends him off to try and track the elusive Dominant down.Not long after, the winds change and a giant tornado appears in the area. Benedikta had fully primed into Garuda, taking in so much aether she has gone completely mad. Drawn by a voice, Clive aims to go into it, and although they all saw the figure of the fire Dominant ahead, when Cid and Torgal try to follow they are blocked, leaving Clive to go on his own. This would lead to a battle and Clive priming into Ifrit. Cid can only witness as the two Eikons fight until Ifrit loses control of himself. He's forced to prime into Ramuh to first pull Ifrit away from beating down Garuda's body and then striking him down with lightning. It's enough to bring down Ifrit and turn him back to Clive.
On the ground, Cid will find his old necklace, and realizing it was from Benedikta, he quickly finds her body. There's remorse as he kneels down, as he asks her why did she listen to Barnabas, affectionately and sadly calling her "Benna" as he questions if this kind of end was what she wanted.
Cid: Why...? Why did you have to listen to him?He'll gently place the pendant on her chest where it would have rested before quickly walking away, taking Clive and Torgal back to the Hideaway.
Cid: Benna...
Cid: This can't be what you wanted...can it?
The Wages of Guilt.
Cid will have Clive locked and bound in a cell, knowing his mental state. The next morning, Clive will have a bit of a meltdown as he realizes he was the one who killed Joshua, forcing Cid to punch sense into him. Although it's clear Clive is the Ifrit Dominant, there's still the question who the fire Dominant they've been after is, and they will meet (and save Gav) as he has news. He's spotted the Dominant heading towards Rosaria, and Cid encourages Clive to go after him.Clive: But...who is he!?Upon returning to the hideaway, Tarja will alert them that Jill has finally awakened and Cid will push him ("Go to her, you fool."). Cid will head off with Goetz, so they will split ways for a while.
Cid: Don't ask me. I don't bloody know.
Cid: But I do know one thing. You're going to find him and find out. After all, you swore an oath.
Clive: What?
Cid: You swore you'd avenge your brother's death. That you'd never rest until you'd hunted down the man responsible.
Cid: Sooo...
Cid: Find out if this man's responsible, and kill yourself if he's not.
The next they meet will be at Martha's Rest, with Clive and Jill on their way to Rosaria, and it is here that the two see the curse on Cid's arm. He'll tell a story alluding to how he wanted to save "a girl" he knew back in the day (Benedikta) from her own fate but ultimately failing. He then tells Clive that he isn't a monster and that if he remembers he's still human, he may escape his own fate.
Cid: I knew a girl, back in the day.He will then leave the two to continue their journey to Rosaria.
Cid: She was a slave to her fate, just like you.
Cid: I wanted to save her.
Cid: For a while, I even thought I could...but just 'cause you think something, it doesn't make it true.
Clive: Cid...
Cid: I'm no savior. Just a conceited old fool.
Cid: I talk about people forging their own futures, but instead of handing them the hammer, I beat them down with my own.
Cid: And if no bugger wants to listen to what you've got to say, you might as well keep your gob shut.
Cid: But Clive, I will say this.
Cid: You're not a monster. You're the same man you've always been.
Cid: Accept that, and you may yet escape your fate.
Clive: My fate?
Cid: Look, lad, you've had a hard life.
Cid: And I don't see it getting much easier.
Cid: You might not be able to save anyone else...
Cid: ...but at the very least, you can save yourself.
Now I'm going to be dipping into headcanon guessing here, but it's never stated or shown why Cid left with Goetz earlier. My guess is he went back to bury Benedikta's body. It mirrors how he had Goetz with him with the plan to take Jill back at the Nysa Defile. Given the timeline, it also makes sense: Benedikta died at dawn, they meet with Gav the following dawn and come back to the Hideaway when it's early afternoon. Using the chocobos for faster travel, he could get there to hopefully bury Benedikta as he didn't have the time or means to do so at the time. It would also explain how much more somber and remorse he is while speaking with Clive and Jill, especially if seeing the two of them reminds him of what he and Benedikta used to be.
Cid the Outlaw.
The next they meet, Clive will have discovered the truth about himself and have a new change of clothes, inheriting them from his father. He and Jill will join Cid's cause, and Cid will tell them of his plan to take down the Mothercrystals. Of course, they think he's crazy, but it also makes sense. And he may also be reaching the end of his patience, as he was already planning to do this before Clive and Jill returned.Cid: Does a nobleman weep for a broken mug? A torn tunic?They make plans to take down Drake's Fang, infiltrating through the mines. They discover there's been a huge aether flood, turning everyone who happened to be there akashic. After a near miss with a poor jump over a bridge ("Not as spry as I used to be"), they make their way into the inner sanctum of the Mothercrystal, where they will see evidence of Cid's earlier attempt.
Cid: Our fate means nothing to them.
Cid: No...this isn't a battle you can win with words. Believe me, I've tried...
Cid: ...but nothing ever gets through. The world is simply not ready to listen.
Cid: So to hell with talking. If they won't give us a say, we'll decide our fates another way.
Cid: You can't blame a man for wanting to bring an end to all this...can you?
After defeating the wyvern left behind to guard it, Cid expresses some of his concerns, even doubts.
Cid: Clive.He will then approach the crystal and give it a testing smack with his sword—which of course does nothing. After declining Clive's offer of his bigger one, Cid primes into Ramuh and uses the Eikon's power to destroy the heart of the crystal. It's successful...but a strange portal forms and something shoots out of it, stabbing Cid directly and forcing him out of his prime state and onto the ground. A hideous figure appears out of the portal and Clive is sent into a different space to fight it. When Clive returns, Cid is on the ground, bleeding out and clearly dying.
Cid: If this all works and the Blessing fades, things are likely to get worse for our kind before they get better.
Cid: Being last to wield aether will make our talents that much more sought after...
Cid: By which I mean, "hunted."
Cid: I just hope, in the end, they'll see that we didn't have any other choice—
Cid: That it was the only way to get us to a better place.
Clive: And here I was thinking I was the uncertain one.
Clive: Luckily, two out of three of us have faith in you.
Cid: ...Then it all starts here.
Cid: Time to earn that menacing title. "Cid the Vicious," was it?
But when another figure, Ultima, appears, and threatens Clive, Cid recognizes him and manages to make one last stand. Taking his sword, he stabs Ultima, breaking the trance that held Clive and allowing him to finish him off. Afterwards, he gets one last smoke and with his dying breath transfers all of his powers into Clive, leaving everything to him.
Cid: Clive...
Cid: For so long, I thought I had all the answers...but then I met you...
Cid: ...and I learned it wasn't a good death we should be fighting for, but a better life.
Cid: It's all very well a man reclaiming his fate...but if he can't choose how he meets it...what's the point?
Cid: So, I made a choice.
[forces his powers into Clive]
Clive: No... Don't do this!
Cid: The rest is in your hands.
Cid: The crystals' blessing is a prison, Clive...and if it's an outlaw the world needs...to help it break free...
Clive: Stop...! Please...!
Cid: I can think of none better...than you.
HIDDEN TRUTHS: There's a lot of mystery to Cid, especially as Ramuh's Dominant. So tossing in some other tidbits that is interesting to note and speculate.
Dominant of Ramuh.
According to the in-game lore, Ramuh is the Eikon of wisdom and the Dominants will be passed down through those from the Motes of Thunder who once dwelt in central Ash where Waleod is now. Drake's Spine is the Mothercrystal they are supposed to protect. It's interesting that Cid came from outside Valisthea, implying that some if not all members had once left the lands. What's also interesting to note is there is folklore that Ramuh will also grant their Dominants a deeper understanding the true nature of the world. The tribe itself is known for their advanced knowledge and learning.This fits very well with Cid, who is shown to be intelligent and a progressive thinker, as well as for his inventions and designs used in the Hideaway. While it's doubtful Ramuh granted him direct knowledge, it's possible he has a higher sense of intuition and sense. But it also implies that Cid may have known or at least had a vague understanding that not everything is what it seemed. This could have been what led him to notice the changes in Barnabas and see through his plan. Especially due to another late reveal.
"I know who you are."
Before his death, Cid recognized Ultima.Cid: I know who you are. And if you think I'm going to let you have him...As mentioned earlier, Cid became aware of Barnabas's connections and plans with Ultima, which made him leave Waleod and try to change things on his own. While this was apparently part of Barnabas's 4D chess game that makes no sense, Cid at least recognizes that Ultima is after Clive. After seeing how Ultima changed Barnabas and caused the spiral of the world's downfall, it's no wonder he holds such animosity towards him.
[Stabs Ultima]
Cid: ...Think again.
PERSONALITY
ALIGNMENT: Neutral good
ATTITUDE: Confident, experienced, goodnatured, humorous, levelheaded, patient, playful
VIRTUES: Affable, assertive, authentic, caring, courageous, committed, creative, determined, (mostly) ethical, fair, flexible, integrity, just, kind, reliable, responsible, tenacious, tactful, visionary, wise
VICES: Arrogance, deceit, pride, reckless, spite, stubborn,
QUIRKS: Quick to tease and makedad jokes, drop wordly wisdom
LIKES: Smoking, freedom and independence, engineering
DISLIKES: Inequality,Barnabas tyrants
HOBBIES: Creating new inventions
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Depending on the situation, Cid can give off two very different appearances at first glance. In a more casual, social setting, he'll be affable and friendly, ready to strike up a conversation and learn about who he's meeting with. Relaxed, easy to smile, and ready to crack a few jokes (sometimes cringe and borderline "dad joke" territory), he knows how to diffuse a tense situation and lighten the mood when needed. He is considerate and caring of others, more often looking out for them over himself.
However, beneath all that is a man who has a heavy weight and goal on his shoulders, so when he's not engaged with others he can be found on his own, contemplating current happenings or what his next move will be. Despite his more easygoing nature, his age and experience slips out just as readily, always ready to give more worldly advice and support when the need calls for it. He's quite serious with his work, even more so when there's trouble or an unexpected situation.
This ability to be both sociable and focused is what makes Cid a brilliant leader. His charisma will draw people in, while his skills and confidence will actually prove he is worth following. Sometimes it may appear that he's doing things half-measured, but he's always thinking several steps ahead and allowing himself flexibility for unexpected changes to inevitably get his desired result. And as mentioned earlier, he looks out for those who are following him, and even those who aren't. He has is own selfish reasons, but he is genuinely looking towards the well-being and benefit of others.
MOTIVATIONS: Cid's primary motivations can be summed in the freedom of choice and fairness and equality for all. He's done his time serving under someone, and while he does not mind following others, it's only if they are worth it. And for Cid, this means not being treated as some kind of tool with no respect to his own individuality. He stresses on the who a person is, not what they are. Thus he wants to create world where everyone is treated fairly and free to choose how they live.
For Cid personally, he sees his position as the Dominant of Ramuh more of a burden of a blessing, saying out of all the people the Eikon could choose, it decided to "haunt" him instead. This is especially so as those in Valisthea have a prejudice against those who are capable of wielding magic without crystals, and Dominants in particular are used more as tools of war or for some means for someone else rather than respected for the power they yield. This also means he's not as "enamored" by his powers, but he does recognize the advantages and worth of it. So a little ironically, he treats his Eikon and his powers more as a tool for him to use. If the Eikon is using him as a vessel, might as well do the same right back.
But of interesting to note, Cid tells Clive, "I only wish to offer our a kind a choice—a place where we can die on our own terms." At first glance it sounds natural, but it also reflects his perception. Cid is looking at the end result, and it could be influenced by his own impending death as the curse of using his powers is far more advanced, to the point that it negatively affects his health. It reflects a kind of thinking that regardless of how he lives, he can at least die knowing he did everything on his own terms. Clive spins this around to say it's not a good death, but a good life they should be seeking, a more positive perception compared to Cid's. This is something Cid will realize and also hope for later.
There's also something else that spurs him on this path, and that is Benedikta. She herself once told him she wished to "stop running" and be "free of it all," and the Ultimania even states that she wanted to "die as a human being," all wishes he wanted to grant her. Cid himself even says he had wanted to save Benedikta from her fate. So while it's true Cid's motives were for the greater good, he also had a more personal motivation and inspiration behind it all. His focus on finding a choice on how they can "die" also likely stems from Benedikta's own words (based from the Ultimania).
❝ What I want is to build a place where it doesn't matter what you are, but who you are. But our world isn't ready for a place like that. So until it is, I use the power I've been given to show people there is hope. ❞
FLAWS: Despite all his experiences and more grounded sense of self, Cid has his own biases, and his own strengths prove to be his own weaknesses.
Cid is stubborn and persistent. That can be useful when leading a group of rebels and trying to change the world, but it can also make him too arrogant and strongheaded about things at times. He'll sometimes think his way is the better choice and unintentionally try to force that belief on others who are not ready or against it. He does eventually realize his mistake and back down, even compromise, but it can be a cause for arguments and debates at first.
He will also withhold and omit certain information. This does make sense as some is too delicate to share, or it's just theories that he'd rather wait for confirmation. But that also leaves everyone else in the dark, making him carry the weight of knowledge or burdens on his own. He will also keep his own feelings to himself, rarely truly expressing his feelings. In some ways it's to maintain that strong front, not wanting to show weaknesses to those who are looking up to him. But it's also because he's a private person on his own and he'd just rather not have other people deal with his own problems, thinking he should handle it on his own. This also means that he sometimes doesn't properly express his true feelings when he should, and that leads to others never knowing how he might think of them or what he actually wants.
This also means he will often act on his own, not always telling or informing the true depths of what he plans. He'll say just enough or what is needed. This can lead to recklessness on his part, and that can also stem to some of his own overconfidence and belief that he'll either succeed, or he'll be able to adapt and get out of it before it's too late. That isn't to say he thinks all his plans are "perfect," quite the opposite, and he is well aware of it. That also isn't to say he makes no plans at all. He's just prepared to wing it to get his results, or to get out so he can try again later.
All of this is encapsulated in his relationship with Benedikta Harman. They genuinely loved each other, but her betrayal in choosing Barnabas over leaving with him left wounds that persisted 'til their very deaths. Yet their love while broken also persisted, both of them trying to pull the other to their side despite their clashes each time they met. However, Cid was so stubborn in wanting Benedikta to choose him, he failed to realize his method was not what she wanted or needed, something he would regret never figuring out. Until the very end he wanted to save her, to give her the freedom she once desired, but her death signified a great failure on his part, one that would shake him and have him push Clive to go where he failed with Jill.
EXTRA: Cid is a brilliant inventor and engineer, capable of thinking beyond the norms and changing his perceptions to come up with solutions most would give up. It also means he can be creative and intuitive about things, all of which helps him for his greater goals.
He is a very caring and doting father towards his adopted daughter, Midadol. He taught her everything he knew and encouraged her to seek higher learning. This same kind of "father mentor" vibe carries over to others, Cid always encouraging others to do their best and putting his faith and confidence in them. This in turn makes others wish to prove themselves.
ATTITUDE: Confident, experienced, goodnatured, humorous, levelheaded, patient, playful
VIRTUES: Affable, assertive, authentic, caring, courageous, committed, creative, determined, (mostly) ethical, fair, flexible, integrity, just, kind, reliable, responsible, tenacious, tactful, visionary, wise
VICES: Arrogance, deceit, pride, reckless, spite, stubborn,
QUIRKS: Quick to tease and make
LIKES: Smoking, freedom and independence, engineering
DISLIKES: Inequality,
HOBBIES: Creating new inventions
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Depending on the situation, Cid can give off two very different appearances at first glance. In a more casual, social setting, he'll be affable and friendly, ready to strike up a conversation and learn about who he's meeting with. Relaxed, easy to smile, and ready to crack a few jokes (sometimes cringe and borderline "dad joke" territory), he knows how to diffuse a tense situation and lighten the mood when needed. He is considerate and caring of others, more often looking out for them over himself.
However, beneath all that is a man who has a heavy weight and goal on his shoulders, so when he's not engaged with others he can be found on his own, contemplating current happenings or what his next move will be. Despite his more easygoing nature, his age and experience slips out just as readily, always ready to give more worldly advice and support when the need calls for it. He's quite serious with his work, even more so when there's trouble or an unexpected situation.
This ability to be both sociable and focused is what makes Cid a brilliant leader. His charisma will draw people in, while his skills and confidence will actually prove he is worth following. Sometimes it may appear that he's doing things half-measured, but he's always thinking several steps ahead and allowing himself flexibility for unexpected changes to inevitably get his desired result. And as mentioned earlier, he looks out for those who are following him, and even those who aren't. He has is own selfish reasons, but he is genuinely looking towards the well-being and benefit of others.
MOTIVATIONS: Cid's primary motivations can be summed in the freedom of choice and fairness and equality for all. He's done his time serving under someone, and while he does not mind following others, it's only if they are worth it. And for Cid, this means not being treated as some kind of tool with no respect to his own individuality. He stresses on the who a person is, not what they are. Thus he wants to create world where everyone is treated fairly and free to choose how they live.
For Cid personally, he sees his position as the Dominant of Ramuh more of a burden of a blessing, saying out of all the people the Eikon could choose, it decided to "haunt" him instead. This is especially so as those in Valisthea have a prejudice against those who are capable of wielding magic without crystals, and Dominants in particular are used more as tools of war or for some means for someone else rather than respected for the power they yield. This also means he's not as "enamored" by his powers, but he does recognize the advantages and worth of it. So a little ironically, he treats his Eikon and his powers more as a tool for him to use. If the Eikon is using him as a vessel, might as well do the same right back.
But of interesting to note, Cid tells Clive, "I only wish to offer our a kind a choice—a place where we can die on our own terms." At first glance it sounds natural, but it also reflects his perception. Cid is looking at the end result, and it could be influenced by his own impending death as the curse of using his powers is far more advanced, to the point that it negatively affects his health. It reflects a kind of thinking that regardless of how he lives, he can at least die knowing he did everything on his own terms. Clive spins this around to say it's not a good death, but a good life they should be seeking, a more positive perception compared to Cid's. This is something Cid will realize and also hope for later.
There's also something else that spurs him on this path, and that is Benedikta. She herself once told him she wished to "stop running" and be "free of it all," and the Ultimania even states that she wanted to "die as a human being," all wishes he wanted to grant her. Cid himself even says he had wanted to save Benedikta from her fate. So while it's true Cid's motives were for the greater good, he also had a more personal motivation and inspiration behind it all. His focus on finding a choice on how they can "die" also likely stems from Benedikta's own words (based from the Ultimania).
FLAWS: Despite all his experiences and more grounded sense of self, Cid has his own biases, and his own strengths prove to be his own weaknesses.
Cid is stubborn and persistent. That can be useful when leading a group of rebels and trying to change the world, but it can also make him too arrogant and strongheaded about things at times. He'll sometimes think his way is the better choice and unintentionally try to force that belief on others who are not ready or against it. He does eventually realize his mistake and back down, even compromise, but it can be a cause for arguments and debates at first.
He will also withhold and omit certain information. This does make sense as some is too delicate to share, or it's just theories that he'd rather wait for confirmation. But that also leaves everyone else in the dark, making him carry the weight of knowledge or burdens on his own. He will also keep his own feelings to himself, rarely truly expressing his feelings. In some ways it's to maintain that strong front, not wanting to show weaknesses to those who are looking up to him. But it's also because he's a private person on his own and he'd just rather not have other people deal with his own problems, thinking he should handle it on his own. This also means that he sometimes doesn't properly express his true feelings when he should, and that leads to others never knowing how he might think of them or what he actually wants.
This also means he will often act on his own, not always telling or informing the true depths of what he plans. He'll say just enough or what is needed. This can lead to recklessness on his part, and that can also stem to some of his own overconfidence and belief that he'll either succeed, or he'll be able to adapt and get out of it before it's too late. That isn't to say he thinks all his plans are "perfect," quite the opposite, and he is well aware of it. That also isn't to say he makes no plans at all. He's just prepared to wing it to get his results, or to get out so he can try again later.
All of this is encapsulated in his relationship with Benedikta Harman. They genuinely loved each other, but her betrayal in choosing Barnabas over leaving with him left wounds that persisted 'til their very deaths. Yet their love while broken also persisted, both of them trying to pull the other to their side despite their clashes each time they met. However, Cid was so stubborn in wanting Benedikta to choose him, he failed to realize his method was not what she wanted or needed, something he would regret never figuring out. Until the very end he wanted to save her, to give her the freedom she once desired, but her death signified a great failure on his part, one that would shake him and have him push Clive to go where he failed with Jill.
EXTRA: Cid is a brilliant inventor and engineer, capable of thinking beyond the norms and changing his perceptions to come up with solutions most would give up. It also means he can be creative and intuitive about things, all of which helps him for his greater goals.
He is a very caring and doting father towards his adopted daughter, Midadol. He taught her everything he knew and encouraged her to seek higher learning. This same kind of "father mentor" vibe carries over to others, Cid always encouraging others to do their best and putting his faith and confidence in them. This in turn makes others wish to prove themselves.
ABILITIES
CLASS: Swordsman; Lightning Caster; Eikon Dominant
WEAPONS: Although Cid always carries two swords, due to his condition he only wields one. If in a situation where he's not hindered by his condition, he would wield both. He complements his attacks with his fists, kicks, and lightning magic. Does turning into Ramuh count as a weapon—
INVENTORY: Swords, thin cigars (stogies or cigarillos)—they count okay.
STRENGTH: 14
DEXTERITY: 13
CONSTITUTION: 12
INTELLIGENCE: 19
WISDOM: 19
CHARISMA: 19
SKILLS: Aside from swordsmanship and casting various lighting magic, he can also become the Eikon Ramuh. In this form he has access to all of Ramuh's abilities, which includes flight. There's no real set of skills to pull from, so I tend to be creative and base skills and attacks from the rest of the franchise and what might be fun or interesting.
RAMUH: As a Dominant, Cid can either semi-prime or fully prime to expand his abilities. He draws upon his own life force and aether within himself rather than from his surroundings, allowing him to use magic even if there isn't any external source for it.
When he semi-primes, his appearance changes to more purplish gray with notable purple lines and electricity all over his body. In this state, he can conjure and use more powerful spells compared to normal and with a lot more ease. A snap of his fingers can bring down a bolt of lightning to kill a giant monster. However, with his condition it takes a lot out of him so he uses it sparingly.
When he fully primes, he completely transforms into Ramuh. Wielding Ramuh's large staff, he can cast more powerful lightning spells, including Ramuh's trademark Judgement Bolt which is capable of bringing down an Eikon and destroy a Mothercrystal's core. Although we do not see much of Ramuh in combat, he's shown to be able to conjure a storm of powerful lightning bolts, fly, and teleport some distances. Similar to semi-priming, however, his condition takes a large toll on him, so he only uses it when he absolutely must.
INVENTOR: Cid is a smart man with a large vision that makes him a man ahead of his time. This could be in part of Ramuh's influence, but it would be poor to say he doesn't have his own innate skill and talent. He created and developed many of the non-magic systems that are used in the Hideaway, using both the Fallen technology and his experience from outside Valisthea. For example, he was the one who came up with the bellow system for the forge and designed the mythril engines for the ship, the Enterprise, with his daughter, Mid, even creating the final component she would need for it. A piece he says is "what dreams are made of," and would help stabilize the volatile power of the engines (my guess is a stabilizer or valve of sorts). He's very creative and thus has some artistic talent as he draws up the plans and blueprints himself (or with Mid).
KNOWLEDGE: In relation to the above, Ramuh is said to grant his Dominants the knowledge of the true nature of the realm. It's not specified how nor how much, but given Cid's own ability to quickly intuit and figure out things, it wouldn't be so farfetched that Ramuh helps him notice or piece together things that would take an average person longer or not at all.
I tend to play this conservatively in games, leaning more towards what would be reasonable for Cid to intuit or figure out with the clues he could possibly sense or see rather than any kind of metagaming. It's not like he would be all-knowing to begin with, and Ramuh's own knowledge would be based on his world in Valisthea. But in memes or PSLs set in canon aus, I like to be more creative to explore how this could be while still within reasonable limitations.
WEAPONS: Although Cid always carries two swords, due to his condition he only wields one. If in a situation where he's not hindered by his condition, he would wield both. He complements his attacks with his fists, kicks, and lightning magic. Does turning into Ramuh count as a weapon—
INVENTORY: Swords, thin cigars (stogies or cigarillos)—they count okay.
STRENGTH: 14
DEXTERITY: 13
CONSTITUTION: 12
INTELLIGENCE: 19
WISDOM: 19
CHARISMA: 19
SKILLS: Aside from swordsmanship and casting various lighting magic, he can also become the Eikon Ramuh. In this form he has access to all of Ramuh's abilities, which includes flight. There's no real set of skills to pull from, so I tend to be creative and base skills and attacks from the rest of the franchise and what might be fun or interesting.
RAMUH: As a Dominant, Cid can either semi-prime or fully prime to expand his abilities. He draws upon his own life force and aether within himself rather than from his surroundings, allowing him to use magic even if there isn't any external source for it.
When he semi-primes, his appearance changes to more purplish gray with notable purple lines and electricity all over his body. In this state, he can conjure and use more powerful spells compared to normal and with a lot more ease. A snap of his fingers can bring down a bolt of lightning to kill a giant monster. However, with his condition it takes a lot out of him so he uses it sparingly.
When he fully primes, he completely transforms into Ramuh. Wielding Ramuh's large staff, he can cast more powerful lightning spells, including Ramuh's trademark Judgement Bolt which is capable of bringing down an Eikon and destroy a Mothercrystal's core. Although we do not see much of Ramuh in combat, he's shown to be able to conjure a storm of powerful lightning bolts, fly, and teleport some distances. Similar to semi-priming, however, his condition takes a large toll on him, so he only uses it when he absolutely must.
INVENTOR: Cid is a smart man with a large vision that makes him a man ahead of his time. This could be in part of Ramuh's influence, but it would be poor to say he doesn't have his own innate skill and talent. He created and developed many of the non-magic systems that are used in the Hideaway, using both the Fallen technology and his experience from outside Valisthea. For example, he was the one who came up with the bellow system for the forge and designed the mythril engines for the ship, the Enterprise, with his daughter, Mid, even creating the final component she would need for it. A piece he says is "what dreams are made of," and would help stabilize the volatile power of the engines (my guess is a stabilizer or valve of sorts). He's very creative and thus has some artistic talent as he draws up the plans and blueprints himself (or with Mid).
KNOWLEDGE: In relation to the above, Ramuh is said to grant his Dominants the knowledge of the true nature of the realm. It's not specified how nor how much, but given Cid's own ability to quickly intuit and figure out things, it wouldn't be so farfetched that Ramuh helps him notice or piece together things that would take an average person longer or not at all.
I tend to play this conservatively in games, leaning more towards what would be reasonable for Cid to intuit or figure out with the clues he could possibly sense or see rather than any kind of metagaming. It's not like he would be all-knowing to begin with, and Ramuh's own knowledge would be based on his world in Valisthea. But in memes or PSLs set in canon aus, I like to be more creative to explore how this could be while still within reasonable limitations.
PERMISSIONS
BACKTAGGING: I backtag into infinity, but if I start getting bogged down by a lot of threads I might ask to wrap some up that are a few months old.
THREADHOPPING: Always fine! No need to ask but you're welcome to it if you're not sure.
FOURTHWALLING: It's fine; Cid will think they're crazy first before finding it both amusing and somewhat fascinating if alarming. But he would definitely won't be that bothered by it.
ROMANCE: Cid isn't particularly looking, but he will flirt with the best of them and won't mind anyone who tries. Given his own problematic relationship with Benedikta he's not so quick to jump into anything in canon settings or if she's around. But I'm open to trying out different ships if they can develop well! For memes and such it's a lot more flexible.
MINDREADING: Oh he'll so hate it, but it's fine with me!
MANIPULATION: I'd rather be contacted first about it as it depends on the kind of manipulation.
FIGHTING: A-OK. Cid will try to avoid fighting if he can, but he can hold his own in one.
INJURY: No problem! I might want to have some coordination just to know how things are going to go especially if it'll be a critical hit, but yeah no worries on inflicting any injuries during fight scenes.
KILLING: Would prefer having prior contact to work this one out.
Feel free to contact for more information and plotting!
THREADHOPPING: Always fine! No need to ask but you're welcome to it if you're not sure.
FOURTHWALLING: It's fine; Cid will think they're crazy first before finding it both amusing and somewhat fascinating if alarming. But he would definitely won't be that bothered by it.
ROMANCE: Cid isn't particularly looking, but he will flirt with the best of them and won't mind anyone who tries. Given his own problematic relationship with Benedikta he's not so quick to jump into anything in canon settings or if she's around. But I'm open to trying out different ships if they can develop well! For memes and such it's a lot more flexible.
MINDREADING: Oh he'll so hate it, but it's fine with me!
MANIPULATION: I'd rather be contacted first about it as it depends on the kind of manipulation.
FIGHTING: A-OK. Cid will try to avoid fighting if he can, but he can hold his own in one.
INJURY: No problem! I might want to have some coordination just to know how things are going to go especially if it'll be a critical hit, but yeah no worries on inflicting any injuries during fight scenes.
KILLING: Would prefer having prior contact to work this one out.
Feel free to contact for more information and plotting!
PREFERENCES
MEMES: Anything gen, shippy, seasonal (rainy, winter, etc.). I don't really do smut on memes, but I'm fine with it in private.
PSLS: Multiscenarios with overarching plot; single scenarios are also fine. Always good for shippy stuff, including smut.
AUS: Canon, fantasy, modern, role reversal, HONESTLY OPEN TO A LOT.
CONTENT: Fluff, humor, adventure, character growth; okay with angst, gore/horror as long as it's not the primary focus; okay with smut; honestly good with most things.
DO NOT WANT: I'm actually okay with most things, but feel free to contact about sensitive material, especially anything hardcore.
SHIPPING: M/F; canon; cross-canon.
DYNAMICS: Opposite attractions are always a favorite. Anyone he can bother or get under their skin is just fun.
MAIN PAIRINGS: Benedikta /lies here in tragedy
TAG STYLE: [ brackets ] is easiest, but I'm fine with prose.
TAG SPEED: At least once a day usually; every other day at worst.
PSLS: Multiscenarios with overarching plot; single scenarios are also fine. Always good for shippy stuff, including smut.
AUS: Canon, fantasy, modern, role reversal, HONESTLY OPEN TO A LOT.
CONTENT: Fluff, humor, adventure, character growth; okay with angst, gore/horror as long as it's not the primary focus; okay with smut; honestly good with most things.
DO NOT WANT: I'm actually okay with most things, but feel free to contact about sensitive material, especially anything hardcore.
SHIPPING: M/F; canon; cross-canon.
DYNAMICS: Opposite attractions are always a favorite. Anyone he can bother or get under their skin is just fun.
MAIN PAIRINGS: Benedikta /lies here in tragedy
TAG STYLE: [ brackets ] is easiest, but I'm fine with prose.
TAG SPEED: At least once a day usually; every other day at worst.
ESCORDVI
CANON POINT: Post "The Crystal's Curse"
ARMADA: Corsair
CREW: Captain of The Hideaway
TATTOO: Lightning burns that run over his left shoulder down his upper arm, stopping right before his elbow.
SHELLPHONE: A worn leather wallet case that Benedikta picked out for him.
INVENTORY: Coming in with his original outfit and both his swords.
RELATIONSHIP: Practically married to Benedikta (it was a hard road but they reconciled).
EIKON: Just a quick note about his priming abilities. He can semi-prime fine, but fully priming has some adjustments. First of all, for a while he will only be able to turn into a tiny form of Ramuh and...be kind of useless. He'll have access to Ramuh's powers, but they are heavily depowered to the point that there's no real use unless he wants to poke someone in the eye and give them little zaps. He won't really feel any negatives for this since it's, well. Not really doing much.
However, whenever he's able to strengthen his powers enough to return to full size, he'll be having an affect similar to the curse, where the use will put a strain on his body, causing him to cough blood upon returning to normal. The longer he stays in the form and the more powers he has to use, the worse it is.
APP: Link
ARMADA: Corsair
CREW: Captain of The Hideaway
TATTOO: Lightning burns that run over his left shoulder down his upper arm, stopping right before his elbow.
SHELLPHONE: A worn leather wallet case that Benedikta picked out for him.
INVENTORY: Coming in with his original outfit and both his swords.
RELATIONSHIP: Practically married to Benedikta (it was a hard road but they reconciled).
EIKON: Just a quick note about his priming abilities. He can semi-prime fine, but fully priming has some adjustments. First of all, for a while he will only be able to turn into a tiny form of Ramuh and...be kind of useless. He'll have access to Ramuh's powers, but they are heavily depowered to the point that there's no real use unless he wants to poke someone in the eye and give them little zaps. He won't really feel any negatives for this since it's, well. Not really doing much.
However, whenever he's able to strengthen his powers enough to return to full size, he'll be having an affect similar to the curse, where the use will put a strain on his body, causing him to cough blood upon returning to normal. The longer he stays in the form and the more powers he has to use, the worse it is.
APP: Link