Basics
Name: Tobihide Okudaira (奥平 飛秀)
Class: Warrior / Samurai / Fisher
Birthday: 9th Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
Height & Weight: 6’8”/203cm, 320lbs/145kg
Age: 28
Gender: Cis male
Occupation: Storm Captain and Warrior-Samurai of the MaelstromPersonality: Tobihide is a chill and friendly guy who can be a bit bashful at times. He's a big foodie who likes trying new foods, as well as a good cuddler often quite affectionate towards his friends. He secretly loves crossdressing and drag, particularly onnagata; he has a drag persona that is sassier and more devious (but still classy). Those who don't know him well enough might think they were two entirely different people. One way to sum up Tobihide’s personality— imagine a combination of jock and sailor, with an inner repressed theater kid.Hobbies: Makeup, fishing, snacking, taking care of his pet Nutkin, reading about romance and drama, crossdressingOther likes: Theater, wrestling, cute round fish (pufferfish, jellyfish)Dislikes: Dirty fighting, big boats, being alone
History
I. Hometown -Tobihide hails from a large underwater bubble-town situated in the Ruby Sea. The town is about 3-4x the size of Sui-no-Sato, and while having the same policies of scrutinizing outsiders and refusing to participate in foreign conflicts, it’s more open to trade and cultural exchange. Some outsiders, such as refugees and merchant families, have even fully integrated themselves. The population consists of approximately 86% Raen, 8% Xaela, 4% Kojin, 2% Hyur.
II. Early life under the Ruby Sea -Tobihide grew up an only child, and both of his parents took diligent care in raising him as their sole heir. He was raised to be a humble, masculine warrior who provides for the family and does hunting and sports with men. When Tobi was a young teen his father trained him in traditional ways of the axe, while encouraging him to learn the katana as well. Tobi’s parents both pushed for him to participate in above-ocean expeditions to gather water cores and hunt game along with the other bravest men of the town. They raised their son this way partly out of fear that he would be bullied for being a runt— of rather small height for an Auri male.Tobi’s family reprimanded him each time he showed sensitivity or any feminine interest. For years, he lived that way without a problem, and his parents felt pleased by how he was growing up.But one day around age 16, Tobihide went together with friends to see the Auri equivalent of a kabuki play. Seeing men get to perform female roles unlocked a piece of him that had been there the entire time, but was forced to hide: the sensitive part of him that was interested in feminine things. The very next evening, he went back to join on his own. And then, for a time, he was the happiest he’d ever been. Learning how to act, switching between masculine and feminine personas, having fun wearing costumes and learning makeup— his mentors at the theater considered him a natural at it.Tobihide loved seeing what he looked like as a girl. He enjoyed sensitive roles where he could be dramatic and cry, just as he enjoyed trying out for “tough guy” parts. He felt powerful and free to be whatever he wanted; he sensed his life’s calling. And while he had a few casual relationships with girls before, for the first time he experimented with some guys too. At first, he only felt comfortable doing this if one of them was dressed as a girl. Tobi always thought once he gained enough reputation to earn a main part, he wouldn’t need to keep his enrollment secret from his parents, and they would be proud of him.Then after some time, about a year later, his parents found out. A boy at the theater Tobi liked and began dating more seriously— one whom Tobi trusted enough to see even while both dressed as male— confessed about the relationship’s existence to his parents because they had suspicions of it. His parents then confronted Tobihide’s parents.Many arguments resulted. Though Tobihide had just begun acting, his family pressured him to quit, and essentially pressured him into the closet by claiming that those at the theater were a bad influence on his character. (Tobi’s closest mentor was an older trans woman, and many others working the theater company were openly gay.)Tobihide, in the end, placed the desire to make his parents proud above his desire to become an actor. He tried returning to who he was before… but couldn’t shake the sense of emptiness that followed. The boy he had been infatuated with, after they were broken up by force, refused to speak with him anymore. He maintained that the whole relationship was a mistake and they couldn’t remain friends— even when Tobi begged and sobbed while clinging onto his leg. The boy was just obeying his parents, but the entire situation devastated Tobihide completely. (Now when he looks back on his dramatic teenage self, he feels incredible embarrassment.)
III. Leaving home and the eventual joining of the Maelstrom -Years later came the event that led to Tobihide leaving for Eorzea. In his 20th year, Tobihide’s parents set up an arranged marriage between him and a girl of about the same age. Tobi liked her at first; she was intelligent, not to mention beautiful.But after several meetings and getting to know her better— after he had already told his parents he was pleased with her— she showed a different nature. Tobihide believed at this point along in the planning of their marriage he could trust her, so one afternoon he expressed his sensitive and feminine sides to her, and told her about how he enjoyed acting in the past. She responded in an openly controlling, essentially homophobic way. She laid expectations for him to change the person he was to better fit what she wanted: a “true man” who would provide for her, not showing any sensitivity or vulnerability— the same idea that his parents always tried to force upon him. Thus, his “weaker” traits would be denied once again if he was to marry her.The wedding’s approach increasingly overwhelmed and depressed Tobihide. His heart had decided— he was unwilling to further compromise the part of him that still longed for kabuki, by settling with someone who wouldn’t love that side of him. But the wedding had already been arranged; it was too late for his parents to back out, and he couldn’t simply explain to them why his feelings towards his fiancée changed.So, he ran, seeking a far-away land where he could be free from the pressures of an undesirable marriage. This was no simple task and couldn’t be done alone; Tobihide had help from his old mentor at the theater, whom he spoke to about his troubles and desire to flee.His mentor introduced him to a friendly Hyuran ocean merchant who managed a trade route between Raen and Kojin settlements and various coastal cities. Tobihide traveled with this crew for a few years, helping out while eagerly learning new cultures and languages. (Though due to perpetual seasickness, he did as much work away from the boat as possible, such as hauling trade goods or carpentry to help maintain the ships.) He learned the common language of Eorzea quicker than average between his resolve to forge a new future for himself and insisting others in the crew teach him. He found a particular liking for the culture of Limsa Lominsa, and so chose to remain in Eorzea when he felt ready to be independent. Soon after the Calamity, feeling moved by Merlwyb’s words and actions, he decided to join the Maelstrom.
IV. Till sea swallows all -Tobihide began his Maelstrom career as a Yellowjacket of the sixth levy— AKA the reserves unit. While working alongside the fourth levy stationed out in Western La Noscea, he managed to befriend some of the non-tempered Sahagin. As an impartial foreigner from beneath the sea, he sympathized with them, and proved adept at peace negotiations.This special relationship drew the attention of higher-ups, leading to a track of promotions over a short period of time. It wasn’t something Tobihide actively sought. However, he stood out from others due to his unique perspectives and charisma.After initial promotions, Tobihide demonstrated the ability to inspire and lead newer members of the Maelstrom. Between his skills with negotiation, swift fighting style, as well as aptitude for leadership, it wasn’t long until he received further promotion— which entailed a transfer out of the Yellowjackets, and repositioning as an official squadron leader.Now aged 28 and given the position of Storm Captain… this is what he typically does on an average day. Fresh recruits assigned to his squadron are considered “lucky” in the sense that Tobihide is seen as more lenient compared to fellow instructors, who oft come from rougher pirate backgrounds. However, some might consider his style of teaching a tad eccentric or “foreign”— as he tends to incorporate life lessons he learned from his samurai instructor, his parents, kabuki instructors, and others back home. Aside from this duty, Tobihide also often helps maintain relations with the Sahagin or assists the Yellowjacket affairs (mostly within Limsa, but occasionally elsewhere if backup is needed).Much like Slafyrsyn's "secret past" as Mistbeard, Tobihide's interest in crossdressing is a not-so-secret "secret" that those who know him in the Maelstrom would have heard of. Anyone hanging out with Tobihide off-duty in Limsa may actually get to see him dressed up at a tavern. Most often kabuki style, sometimes Eorzean clothing— either way, always classy-looking with lots of makeup and long stylish wigs, to the point where many fail at recognizing him. Deep down, he still wants to be an actor.
Etc.
Aliases:Tobi – called this by some of his friends.Captain OkudairaThe Mackerel / Captain Mackerel – a joke nickname given by some of those who have witnessed him in battle. Refers to his frightening speed with a samurai blade when he gets serious.Captain Pookie – *sigh* some of his very close friends have called him this.
Extra:
Despite being born of the sea, Tobihide gets seasick quite easily— hence his dislike of big boats. It requires him to take motion sickness medicine. He fares fine in airships/other vehicles most of the time.
He almost always eats somewhere he’s never been before. If he does go to the same place, he’ll try something new. He will try almost anything. His favorite food is strawberry milkshakes.
He tends to smell like a combination of sweat and perfume.
He has a complex about his gender presentation. If someone tries to insult him about being feminine and gets under his skin, he WILL challenge them to a fight.
When a friend says something that annoys him, he pinches or flicks them on the butt.
His IRL zodiac sign would be Gemini.
He’s slightly religious, believing in Auri-style Shintoism.
If he likes someone a lot, he WILL attempt to rub his horns on them at some point, kinda like when a cat displays ownership.
His Nutkin is simply named Nutkin… because he received it before he was familiar with any Eorzean language. He planned to give it a proper name but never did.
Tobi uses quite a bit of sailor/pirate slang because those were the first types of Eorzeans he came into contact with. While his words can sound a bit rough around the edges, his attitude is generally polite, friendly, respectful. For voice, imagine a blend of Japanese and Southern Welsh accents, with a mid-deep tone.
He has a tricksy sense of humor and loves harmless pranks. He can also be pretty flirtatious when he finds someone to his liking.
His intelligence favors the practical and emotional— he doesn’t know much about the history of the wider world or science. However, he’s smart enough to admit when he is ignorant on a topic and will ask someone smarter in private if it’s important.
When he’s close to someone, he’ll become quite protective of them.
Because of his traumatic relationship experience when he was young, in romantic relationships Tobi has issues with clinginess and feeling terrified of the relationship being torn apart. To avoid this weakness, he carefully guards the part of him that wants intimate romance and instead leans mostly towards casual ‘friends with benefits’ type relationships.
One of Tobi’s biggest goals in life is to form a new family for himself. He often dreams of finding a romantic partner with an accepting family that he can become part of.
Family
NutkinTobi’s pet Nutkin was found alone as an infant (whether abandoned or the mom died, forever unknown) by the wife of a logger, who gave it to one of Tobi's sailor coworkers when they were picking up lumber shipments. Several members of the crew banded together to nourish the Nutkin back to health, but nobody really wanted full responsibility for it, until Tobi decided to adopt it. It’s an unapologetic finger-biting bastard, but he loves and spoils it all the same. He’s taught the critter a few tricks, and if one can look past the bad biting habit that it never grew out of, it’s otherwise sweet and well-behaved. Nutkin helped Tobihide get through the depression, homesickness, and guilt he felt after running away to escape his wedding.
Hideyori (秀選)Tobihide’s father. He suffers from genetic health issues— has a bad heart. He’s often unable to do anything that would exert significant stress on his body and raise his blood pressure. He suffers from disabling chest pains if he overexerts himself. This is a factor in why he pushed for Tobihide to become capable of providing for the family— because on most days he is incapable of strenuous tasks. When they can afford it, he buys imported aspirin-like medicine made from tree bark to help with his condition.Hideyori has a complex about not being a good enough man for his wife, and feels guilty seeing her work more than him. He wanted to get rich by raising his son as an ideal marriage candidate, so they could all marry into a wealthier family— thus making it easier for him to afford the expensive medicine for his heart, and enabling him to buy his wife nicer things. By nature Hideyori is a relaxed and gentle person who is physically affectionate, but his health condition causes him to spiral with stress, then lash out at others. He first fell in love with his wife for her unpredictability and moodiness, and affectionately calls her “Chiyo.”
Toyochiyo (豊千代)Tobihide’s mother. She holds slight resentment that she must work harder to compensate for her husband’s poor health. She has a difficult-to-predict moody personality; she is loving and doting and playful at times, then cold and strict and harsh other times.She has cheated on Tobi’s father twice. After the second time, she felt guilty and never did it again. It happened during a period when Hideyori was left mostly-bedridden for a few months after suffering a heart attack. (Tobihide was around 8.) Both times, Hideyori knew. Toyochiyo assumed him to be asleep, but he witnessed her dressing up before leaving the house. Upon returning home the second night, she caught Hideyori’s avoidant gaze— and realized then that he knew all along— he had simply chosen not to say anything about it. Two days later, she collapsed from guilt and begged him to forgive her. She has always been open about loving expensive makeup, food, and jewelry— most of all jewelry matching something of her husband’s.Ironically, Tobihide’s parents got married out of love with permission from their families; their wedding wasn’t arranged, though they were at first introduced to one another as potential marriage partners. While not poor (very few of the Ruby Sea Raen experiencing true financial disparity), neither of their families possess much wealth. Toyochiyo’s family immigrated from another bubble-town one generation ago.
Shipping
I have slight bias for shipping Tobi with other masc Au Ra (scalie4scalie 🐊), Elezen, FemRoes, and Hyur. But personality is by far the most important when it comes to compatibility. Tobihide is most drawn towards those he has a lot in common with or those displaying strong-willed personality traits— someone he can admire as an equal.In terms of NSFW, he tends to be dominant, and likes gay bara type of stuff. He’s pretty damn vanilla, but if he likes someone a lot, he’s willing to try almost anything they want.Kinks that work well with him: Sweat/workout, wrestling, feeding, multiple partners, sissification/emasculation.I headcanon Au Ra as having cloaca with internal dicks like lizards, so that’s what he’s got. No lizards with nuts in my house!!F-list
Gallery
OOC
26/Florida/Cuban-AmericanBiomedical science graduate, but art and writing are my biggest passions.Discord: waterwithoutanyiceGroup RP, 1-on-1, long-term, short-term, paragraph, chat, serious, casual— it’s all good. If you think there’s chemistry to be found, hit me up in-game via tell or on Discord.20+ only. Must have communication skills, maturity, respect for others and their time.Mature/dark = sure. ERP = sure, but our characters need to have that sort of chemistry first. Let’s talk about it and plan things out together. ^_^
Sample RP hooks:
Activity within Limsa, La Noscea, or Vylbrand in general. Tobihide is used to helping people from his time as a lowly Yellowjacket. It wouldn’t be hard for your character to get him to help with a problem they're having. Even if that problem is something as mundane as “help me catch some fish” or “I lost my wallet”. His kind and laid-back demeanor make him seem very approachable, and he might be encountered while in the midst of training his recruits.
Bribery – Though Tobihide is generally an upstanding person, life in a city-state of pirates has certainly left its impact on his morals. He is not immune to corruption; rumor has it, certain kinds of information could be pried from him if he was bribed handsomely enough.
Far Eastern Warrior and Samurai – Those interested in the skills of a Warrior or Samurai may take note of Tobihide, as he is often seen carrying a huge greataxe, in addition to a wakizashi at his hip. He wears the red-black uniform of a Maelstrom-trained Warrior, but his axe-fighting techniques resemble those of a Xaela more than those of a Hellsguard.
Femme fatale – Tobihide’s biggest weakness is romantic/emotional manipulation. Gender doesn’t matter. Earn his trust, and it’s quite easy to wrap him around your finger. Just be mindful of the “shipping” page and whether or not your character would be his type. Can do platonic variations too.
It’s totally possible our characters would already be acquainted. We can establish what their history might be like, skip the “first meeting” RP, and jump right into something.