'Cocoa' Roda

Elemental - Tonberry

A soft-spoken man known to wander hither and thither, often heard before seen due to his habit of humming to himself. He might seem distant at first glance, but there is an oddly approachable air about him, despite how he lingers away from the crowds. On a nice day, one may come across him napping in a high place, preferably a sturdy bough.His instinctive wanderlust means he rarely stays in one place too long at a time, though he seems most inclined to return to Gridania when he tires of traveling. If asked why, he would be quick to point out his heritage and resultant upbringing: the woods are just what's most familiar.
That said, he has no regrets about choosing to leave Othard, ill-suited as he is to life as a total recluse. He does not begrudge his people their ways, it simply 'is no life for a free bird such as myself', in his words.

About Cocoa

  • Heritage: Veena, left his homeland several summers ago

  • Nameday: 3rd Sun of the 4th Astral Moon

  • Guardian: Nophica

  • Height: "I'd rather not say" he utters, trying to look taller than he is.

  • Orientation: Homosexual, submissive

  • Associations: Twin Adders, Adventurers' Guild

To put his personality in short terms, he is sweet, shy and easy-going, but with a dangerous temper. His choice of city-name is perhaps unintentionally apt.Cocoa is generally a quiet observer, too uncertain of others (and more importantly, his own social skills) to approach potential acquaintances, instead choosing to watch and pray that should anyone speak with him, he won't somehow offend them or make a fool of himself. Having spent a fair amount of time under his former master, who wasn't the most attentive fellow, Cocoa fears he has poor understanding of how to interact with others, at best. Most of his social skills are the product of watching how others make friends.
Despite his misgivings, he is very affable by nature and easy to get along with, with a knack for picking up on others' habits and quirks, once you work past his inevitably clumsy introductions.It is, however, worth mentioning that his temper is something to behold once his patience wears out and Twelve have mercy on any crook foolish enough to mistake him for an easy target on the road; on the rare occasions he draws his bow, his time training for life as a Wood-warder becomes apparent. His upbringing means he is surprisingly tough and well-adapted to the wandering lifestyle he has chosen, despite how he might not look it.In recent months he has acquired a small home for himself in the Lavender Beds with his boyfriend, where he now runs a bakery when he isn't preoccupied with his wanderings or work for the Twin Adders.

About the Mun

She/her, adult, Australian (GMT+8) but by-and-large nocturnal, with absolutely no sleep schedule.MRP is considered, but please discuss it with me first to determine boundaries! I default to being pretty much PG so I don't accidentally stumble into anyone's triggers.Always happy to chat about possible hooks or long-term stories between characters :) I tend to spend long hours online, if I'm awake I'm probably at my keyboard, haha!Can be contacted through the Asia-Pacific RP discord or by /tell when online. I'll get back to you asap~

Possible Hooks

Obviously you're welcome to discuss other ideas besides those here :) these are just some ideas for a quick and easy approach.

  • You hear the soft sound of humming nearby; looking around, you determine the voice to be attributed to a Viera lingering a short way out from the main thoroughfare. He appears to be absent-mindedly humming as he watches the passersby.

  • You get the feeling you're being watched, by someone nearby. It's an uncomfortable feeling, yet somehow you don't feel threatened, as if the observer is merely that: an observer.

  • Rounding a corner in a city or town, you are suddenly jostled from your left; after collecting yourself from the surprise (and possible loss of balance), a soft voice stutters out an apology, its owner red-faced with embarrassment. "Ah, m-my apologies, sir/ma'am!" his long, leporine ears are swept back in a nervous manner, one wide, amethyst-hued eye looking up at you from behind a long fringe. The eyepatch over the right side of his face is telling as to why you collided: apparently you quite literally blind-sided him, though his stammered apologies make it clear he is convinced the mistake is his.

  • Seeking out the Adders for assistance with a matter, you are introduced to a young Sergeant with a polite and gentle demeanor.

  • Wandering in the Lavender Beds for a place to relax, you are lead by the scent of fresh baked bread to a small home with a sign out the front which reads "Wildflour Patisserie". It's small and unassuming, but homely and the scent wafting from the open window is heavenly. (Tonberry LB W30 P2, may sometimes open OTC!)

  • Watch this space: may add more over time!

The Wildflour Patisserie

Tonberry Lavender Beds - Ward 30, Plot 2

The Wildflour Patisserie is Cocoa's home and small business, a little bakery specialising in all manner of sweet treats. The goods are baked fresh each day he opens for business and he also takes custom orders when asked, though obviously he can only make so much by himself and hence doesn't cater for large events.
His signature item is spiced fruit buns shaped like little rabbits, though he also sells all manner of cakes, biscuits, pastries and breads, cycling recipes from week to week based on what ingredients he currently has to play with. He often tries new recipes with exotic spices and fruits when he can make the trip to acquire them.Whilst his main income still comes from the Twin Adders and the occasional hunting commission from the Guild, he has built a small collection of regular customers who sing the praises of his baking. He'd still argue he's still no match for the professionals, however hard his friends may try to say otherwise.

Aethereum University - Another Reality

Cocoa exists in an alternate timeline version of himself, as a student and host club member at Aethereum University; this version of Cocoa is not tied to his main canon self, so expect him not to recognise you between these two instances!Cocoa is the president of the Culinary Club by vote of his fellow students, despite his misgivings about taking a leadership role. Having joined the host club to better his social skills and grasp of the Eorzean language, he is at times awkward, but always friendly. He majors in Culinary Studies and minors in Botany and often can be found in the library on campus, studying or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. He is known for being the dorm-member who always brings the fruits of his cooking practice around to share with fellow students.Check out the Aethereum homepage >here< for more information and booking opportunities!