Homebrewed [FFXIV] X [FFX] Race
Southeastern Ilsabardian
Al Bhed
Overview
Located largely on the northern continent of Ilsabard in its south eastern region of Gangos near the border of Dalmasca are the enduring remnants of a population of Garlean born hyur, non-Imperial in heritage.
Holding closer to the roots of their Clockwork Goug ancestors, the Bedohls – folk Garleans – are similarly incapable of using magick and have a technological inclination. This clan is recognized by what is now known as the Bedohls Mutation, a genetic condition which causes every birth within exclusively Bedohol lineages to have distinguishable emerald green eyes with eerie swirled pupils and blonde hair. Upon Legatus Solus zos Galvus’ rise to power and the establishment of the Garlean Empire, these Gougans became outcast within an apparent caste precedence that sought to expunge their Clockwork past. With their mutation being deemed “lesser than” and contributing to a growing negative sentiment that fostered prejudice, one predominant Bedohls leader by the name of Alb rose against this new monarchy in a fight against their oppression alongside his rebellion group 'The Bedore'. Alas, as the Empire grew larger, stronger and numerous at a rate never seen, many were born instead with a new, more sought after mutation – a third-eye. With this the Bedohls began to dwindle in population; either due to persecution or eviction from the Imperial city as a result of this failed rebellion. They were dubbed the tactless moniker “Al Bhed” – a corrupt amalgamation of their resistance leader's name and their failed rebel faction – and regarded with disdain amongst their own Garlean kin. From there they scattered amongst the continent. With the largest and most prevailing settlement whispered to be located in Gangos, many others took up life as vagabonds and ventured across Hydaelyn in its entirety.
Brief History
Once having settled on Ridorana thousands of years past – a small island south of the now destroyed Rabanastre, in a remote corner of the Valnard Sea – the then Gougan people were faced with little land to work with and chose to build up instead of expanding outward; establishing the skybound Clockwork City of Goug. These men and women were unable to manipulate aether and therefore created technology to meet their needs, such as steam powered airships and mechanical constructs. A portion of the city ended up being destroyed as a result of one such construct’s errant blast, subsequently as well creating a gaping maw in the sea nearby. The result of this fissure made rebuilding impossible and the city was to be abandoned by its people who migrated north to the continent Ilsabard.
While exceptionally uncommon as the Al Bhed are similarly prejudiced in their own ways, any mixed race children from this displacement would result in heterochromia of their eye mutation. With the hair colour not being restricted to blonde, the Bedohls iris will be emerald, however it will not retain the signature swirled pupil. Mixed race children are often disavowed or simply outright ignored by their Al Bhed kin if known to be mixed. Some second generation half-Al Bhed have disguised this fact due to only having differing eyes as a distinguishing feature and adhering to the culture's affinity for goggles. Whilst likely chance to face disapproval if discovered, some Al Bhed are willing to look past this depending on their relation to the mixed-race person in question. Al Bhed Garleans will never have a third eye, unlike their Imperial kin. Al Bhed do, however, come in all different colours, their skintone not as limited as their hair or eyes.
Coming from a society of maltreatment, the Al Bhed take their marginalization in stride. A universal trait of many comes in the form of juvenile behaviour regardless of age, eccentric body language and somewhat reckless behaviour. This particular sept makes up about 0.008% of the Garlean race, making there approximately 25,000 alive overall, with their numbers diminishing due to lack of reproduction and high mortality rates. The Al Bhed have a tendency to congregate in dangerous locales, favouring abandoned or volatile environments that might hold treasure to feed their scavenging and treasure-hunting tendencies. Outside of appearance alone, many Al Bhed grew a bad reputation for their thieving and deception within the Imperial city when tensions were at an all time high, making them largely distrusted through word of mouth. They have become something of a nomadic people, not often sticking to any one particular area for long periods of time – although this isn't to say small Al Bhed settlements don't exist, they are simply not commonplace or easily accessible. The largest existing settlement is said to be that of Home – the unofficial name given by Al Bhed natives; Its whereabouts in the Gangos region. The colony's location remains unknown by outsiders to protect it from destruction – some speculate it being entirely underground, if not even existing at all.
Brief History
This small gold coin – known as a 'Linnahlo' – stamped with what outsiders can assume to be the Clockwork City of Goug's mint mark was once considered to be a currency of great historical significance. A sudden influx during Goug's existence however caused their value to plummet, rendering them almost worthless. Being a small piece of Bedohls history, the coin is still minted and used today, albeit in much smaller quantities and only amongst the Al Bhed. It is virtually worthless anywhere else on Hydaelyn, not being recognized as a form of official gil.
After the unprecedented destruction of Garlemald as a result of the Tower of Babil’s appearance, some Al Bhed have begun migrating to the city to scavenge its remains and even take up residency on its outskirts. With the Empire no more, many see this as a victory for the Bedohls who are finally able to reclaim the land they were forced from, if even on the ashes of what is left of the Imperials' once great city. Even in spite of their perhaps rightful vindictiveness, some who did return to Garlemald to begin settling on its remnants have welcomed now displaced Imperials into their care. While this action has spread discourse amongst many within their clan who believe the Imperials are unworthy of such a kindness, there are still some who want for Alb’s vision of union. Where perhaps they might try once more to live in harmony, if only tentatively.
Culture | Language & Clothing
When it comes to culture, many Al Bhed hold true to their ever dying Gougan history – one nearly entirely lost to time. Speaking in their own endangered language, many living Al Bhed have created primers to help archive and keep their history alive, but strangely refuse to share it to the general public. Despite the near extinction of the language, they hold an irrational fear of culture death at the hands of foreigners. To many this may seem counterproductive to the conservation of their culture, but their xenophobia would have them believe outsiders dilute and bastardize their traditions. As well are they equally as distrustful of other cultures, given the oppression they spent years fighting against. Even with this sentiment, if one were to befriend an Al Bhed, they could in time request to learn the language and be potentially granted approval. Some may note upon the national symbol for the Bedohl, three strange symbols on the outer rim of the icon. These characters are the legacy of the now dead Old Gougan language, that in which survives in the modern day only through cultural iconography. Upon their leaving of Ridorana, the Al Bhed language evolved just as differently and quickly as their people did.As for their fashion, many Al Bhed maintain an air of crypticism, typically donning goggles and breathing apparatuses to disguise their visage out of want for privacy and to avoid Imperial persecution. While some might comment on their outfits being primarily conservative, their often colourful attires come with a sort of contrascism, where others would say the opposite. Thick gloves, high boots, or even full body suits – many opt for more exposed midsections as for better flexibility and mobility. Children of the Al Bhed are known to always don full-covering bodied suits until coming of age.
Many adults can be found with tattooed skin taking on a variety of colourful and lively images that only serve to accentuate their personalities. The Al Bhed are also considered avid swimmers, many using this skill for treasure hunting. The Al Bhed are similarly to their Imperial kin, disinclined toward organized religion of any kind and only find solace in their tinkering and production of old Gougan “machina”.Al Bhed do not typically assign themselves surnames, this tradition came amongst Imperials during the Empire's rise in Garlemald. Those in existance who present themselves with one if necessary, simply refer to their overarching clan of the Bedohls, or are said to be "of the Al Bhed". Those who advertise this "surname" or "clan" are not necessarily related by blood unless stated otherwise.
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster ©2001-2004, 2013-2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. | CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA | LOGO & IMAGE ILLUSTRATION: ©2001,2003 YOSHITAKA AMANOAll in-game imagery and lore belongs to © 2023 SQUARE ENIX LTD. All Rights Reserved. Final Fantasy XIV
Existing Al Bhed Characters
Interested in following this homebrew and having your character listed here?
Check out the character creation guide for more details.The people listed here are not related, unless said otherwise.
Ecyyl
"Lynja ouin aqecdahla uhdu dra cdyenc uv kmuno."
Soft-spoken, and usually quiet, always seems to be observing his surroundings. Ecyyl always has some sort of mechanized animal on his shoulder or around his feet.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [EAY-kuaeae-lu]ALIGNMENT: True NeutralPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Any Tech Talk (Will mock Magitek)
- Airships and Guns
- Short Term & Long Term Interactions
Lnasa
"Fryd ec y Gehk du y Kut? Zicd yhudran luhdnummypma donyhd."
Reluctant to involve herself with the ongoing politics of her people against Imperial influence, recent events have caused Lnasa to take the subjection of her kin personally. An avid adventurer and explorer, Lnasa has now turned to her next goal: Ousting those who have maltreated her family, the Garlean Empire, has become a priority.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [LUnah-seeah]ALIGNMENT: True NeutralPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Imperial Garlean Insurrection
- Adventure
- Long Term Interactions
Luhtun
"E ghuf ajano hysa uv druca ibuh dra dypma. Ajah druca E tuh'd nasaspan."
A mortician formerly of a family business, Luhtun left their parents' funeral home to set out on their own in the Sea of Clouds. Now, they utilize their skills to assist researchers there in understanding monster anatomy. Traveling via airship, they go on expeditions as they please, content with a life with more freedom to study than they originally had.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [luoo-ha-teoon]ALIGNMENT: Chaotic GoodPROFILE: WIPHOME WORLD: Mateus – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Morgue & Autopsy Services
- Exploration & Expeditions
- Long Term Interactions
Nhada
"Ev E ryja du belg padfaah syh yht sylrehy, ed femm ymfyoc pa sylrehy!"
Nhada is of an adventurous sort. Always getting herself into trouble, its a miracle the woman manages to get by on the skin of her teeth. An intense love for machina drives her to extreme lengths for better and probably for the worse.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [Naa-dah]ALIGNMENT: Chaotic NeutralPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Mateus – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Machina
- Treasure Hunting
- Long Term InteractionsPC FAMILY
Syrac
"Dra Ryssanc, dra nyemc, drao'ja ymm kud so hysa uh dras cusafrana... hud dryd yho uv draca Facdmyhtanc luimt bnuhuihla ed!"
Innovation, practicality, and honest labor - these are principles by which Syrac lives. Possessing a wealth of skills acquired from a harsh living in pressed servitude to the Black Wolf's infamous XIVth Legion, the brilliant mechanic has dedicated his freshly-acquired freedom to the massive undertaking that is rebuilding his new home of Eorzea.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [SEEae-raah-ku]ALIGNMENT: Chaotic GoodPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Ancient and Modern Technology
- Employment
- Short Term & Long Term Interactions
Tejeha "Taje"
"Kad y muyt uv drec cilgan... oui't pacd cdynd pakkehk!"
Born near the outskirts of the Burn where her and her kin remained for some seventeen-odd turns, Taje and her band recently made way to Aldenard to make profit off the plunderable ruins and volatile locales yet to be fully explored. Now operating out of Sagolii through her business, Taje's Machina Faction, she seeks out contracts with others to carry out surveying and excavations all around Hydaelyn.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [TEah-jaeeay]ALIGNMENT: Chaotic NeutralPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Omega – Chaos Data Center•HOOKS- Business
- Treasure Hunting
- Short Term InteractionsPC FAMILY
Tuja
"WIP"
WIPNAME PRONUNCIATION: [TEoo-jaeah]ALIGNMENT: WIPPROFILE: WIPHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- WIP
- WIP
- WIPPC FAMILY
Vecd
"Drana'c hud y tecbida hun ynkisahd dryd dra cxiaawa uv y dnekkan yht dra lnylg uv drihtan dryd vummufc lyhhud cumja."
Operating from Mor Dhona, Vecd and his crew offer out their services to accomplish tasks and assignments even most Bedohls might hesitant to undertake; their nature providing a level of danger deemed too extreme even by the Bedohls terms. With enough gil in your pockets, his services are yours.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [FUeay-ku-de]ALIGNMENT: Chaotic NeutralPROFILE: NoneHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Treasure Hunting
- Adventure
- Short Term & Long Term Interactions
Vlatka
"Oui lyhhud lnyvd y hydeuh fedruid dra bnuban duumc."
As a Resistance soldier of Bozja, Vlatka originally never strayed far from Gangos. Now a mercenary and mammeteer in Thavnair, she resides around her adoptive family's Bedohl settlement in the dangerous Shroud of the Samgha. Her primary cause of travel now is her ongoing search for rare materials for her autonomous machina.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [FU-luah-te-kukah]ALIGNMENT: True NeutralPROFILE: RP RepositoryHOME WORLD: Omega – Chaos Data Center•HOOKS- Anti-Imperial Rebellion
- Clockwork & Robotics Machina
- Long Term Interactions
Vneaht
"Banrybc oui tnehg uha uv so budeuhc, drao yna dra pacd po Al Bhed ryht yvdan ymm.""
Patient, calm, collected. This Al Bhed gets by with his Alchemy, able to create concoctions in a matter of minutes. Some think him a genius.NAME PRONUNCIATION: [Vuh-Neat]ALIGNMENT: True NeutralPROFILE: CarrdHOME WORLD: Balmung – Crystal Data Center•HOOKS- Alchemist
- Treasure Hunter
- Long Term InteractionsPC FAMILY
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster ©2001-2004, 2013-2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. | CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA | LOGO & IMAGE ILLUSTRATION: ©2001,2003 YOSHITAKA AMANOAll in-game imagery and lore belongs to © 2022 SQUARE ENIX LTD. All Rights Reserved. Final Fantasy XIV
Out of Character Information
DISCLAIMER
None of this homebrew is official to Final Fantasy XIV or meant to be considered so, please, don’t take them as such – or that I am attempting to do so.I do not own the Al Bhed or any of their pre-existing lore. All rights are reserved to Square Enix. This homebrew is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Square Enix. There is no suggestion that the work as it is presented on this carrd is "official" or produced or sanctioned by the owner of the aforementioned trademarks. I will take all steps necessary to ensure that any usage of trademarked items in no way confuses the audience of this site as to its origin. I makes no claim to own the Al Bhed, Final Fantasy or any of the names related to it. All images that are displayed on this site are copyright of Square Enix.
The symbol used on the main page is a Playstayion achievement trophy icon from FFX HD, for when the player obtains their first primer. I've opted to use this as their national symbol within this homebrew.
This Carrd was last updated: January 5th, 2023
This homebrew does not receive regular updates unless I feel like sitting around for a day polishing it, a new Al Bhed is submitted, or there are new cultural submissions sent in by individuals, etc.
It's more or less considered a finished product.
Hello and thank you for your interest in this homebrew race! I'm Ludda and you can learn more about my characters and what I do here. If you're interested in using this lore for your character and want to be listed, please feel free to reach me on my resource discord server:
There we can discuss anything regarding the character and what you'd like listed, as well as any further suggestions if you so please! As well of note, there is a language translator that is welcomed for use and even encouraged within roleplay between Al Bhed roleplayers, you can find the translator used here!This particular race is entirely detrivative of the Final Fantasy X race, which you're welcome to read and learn more about for your own personal benefit here.Thanks again for your interest!
SUPPLEMENTARY CULTURAL RESOURCES
While the bulk of the lore presented in the main portion of the overview is derivative of FFX lore mixed with FFXIV lore, myself and others have taken some personal liberty of compiling some other cultural aspects to implement into this particular homebrew. If you wish to contribute your own suggestions, please send them to me personally or through the discord server. The only thing asked is that you don't try to incorporate something that directly goes against the pre-established lore of this particular fanon. Any contributions to already existing expansions will need be discussed with by the original authorExample: you wish to suggest a food to add to an already existing food list, simply ask the creator if they would be willing to incorporate your suggestion. I won't make several tabs for the same topic.Due to this being a more personal insertion these inclusons are not absolutely necessary for adoption. You are more than welcome to incorporate them into your RP if you so please, but they are not required:
↪ Additional Submissions: FullOfSandwiches/Sammich
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster ©2001-2004, 2013-2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. | CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA | LOGO & IMAGE ILLUSTRATION: ©2001,2003 YOSHITAKA AMANOAll in-game imagery and lore belongs to © 2023 SQUARE ENIX LTD. All Rights Reserved. Final Fantasy XIV
Character Creation Guide
Interested in making your own Al Bhed with this homebrew? Great! I'm really happy you found an interest in this amalgamation of lore and wish to indulge in it. It is requested that if you intend to follow this particular version of the Al Bhed that you stick to the following outline for creation:
• Al Bhed must be Hyur. Be it Midlander or Highlander, it doesn't matter. Whichever calls to you more, but it has to be Hyur.
• Surname must be Bedohls. It doesn't really matter what your Al Bhed's first name is, although, currently created character's have gone by the convention of picking a name via the translator. Pick a word – phrase, flower, etc. – you like and translate it. That's their name, no matter how ridiculous it might appear. But their last name must be Bedohls if you are following this specific homebrew.
• Eye colour must be emerald green. There are no exceptions to this. The only accepted line of colour for this are as follows:
The visibly saturated colours are the only accepted; the selected choice being the most optimal.
In-character, the pupils are spiraled. The Al Bhed almost always wear goggles to cover their eyes. While it is not absolutely mandatory that an Al Bhed adhere to this, as there are examples in Final Fantasy X of main character Al Bhed not wearing goggles all the time, the majority of them did. It's definitely more common and in theme that they cover their eyes but ultimately up to the character, especially as of Garlemald's destruction.
As a personal creator sidenote, the wearing of the goggles I believe contributes to their mystic, given that without "outside assistance" you cannot give them their iconic spiraled irises. Again though, it's left in your hands.
• Hair colour must be blonde. There are no exceptions to this. The only accepted colours for the base hair are as followed:
The visibly saturated colours are the only accepted for the base hair, the selected options being the most optimal. The slightly desaturated colours are okay but not preferrable.
Dyed hair is permitted with condition: In accordance with being recognizable racially, the hair can only have coloured highlights – preferably if the colour gives the appearance of grown roots to give the illusion of dyed hair. Fully dyed hair that covers the blonde is not permitted.Desaturated blonde is allowed, but not preferred. The typical shade of blonde is usually in the more honey to golden range, platinum blonde strays from the norm for this race.Being bald is permitted, if your chosen sept of Hyur has the option.
• Skin tone does not matter. From black to white, the Al Bhed are any range of colour; this is not restricted.
• Be willing to indulge in eccentricity. The Al Bhed are something of an odd folk. Be it personality-wise – through childish tendencies and animated body language – they also have a flair for more unconventional fashion statements. This can range from shaved heads, dramatic updos and braids. They'll do it all and they'll find excitement in sticking out for it. They have a leaning for tattoos as well, so feel free to use the facial options to your liking, even if they will be mostly covered. Even the small details make a difference!
• Technology or Agility based Classes. The Al Bhed are technology leaning. Having absolutely no proficiency with magic as a result of being Garlean in heritage, they rely on their machina to do for them what they lack in magic wielding. This isn't to say all Al Bhed are restricted to Machinist or Gun Breaker, but rather, avoid magic classes at all costs and consider more dexterity based battle jobs – such as Rogue, Pugilist and Lancer. Samurai and Dancer are permitted, although it is implored you take into consideration how to incorporate such a choice into the racial theme. Blue Mage is allowed, albeit tentatively – due to the nature of its magic.Any class can be customized in-character to fit the theme, although it is expected to be explained if this is the case.
• No Love for Magitek. If there is one thing the Al Bhed never want to be mistaken for, it's an Imperial – as such, most Bedohl's despise the use of magitek on a general level. It's volatile and obtaining the substance often comes at the detriment of others; Garlean or not. Al Bhed are known for being stuck in their ways – for better or worse – and will always instead continue their practice of a nearly extinct use of "clockwork machina" from the Goug of years past.Your Bedohls is not forbidden from indulging in magitek, of course, just be prepared for what that could mean as far as relations go with their kin.
• Varying Levels of Common Proficiency. Speaking primarily their own language comes with its share of ups and downs. Having to pick-up the common tongue in order to better assimilate into surrounding locales, the Al Bhed struggle on differing levels depending on the individual. Some have learned common more than others and for it, their accent might be lighter or it may be heavier. You have the freedom to dictate how well-spoken your character is in common, but know an Al Bhed will always choose their native tongue first when given the chance... and maybe even in moments where they shouldn't.It should also be stated that the Al Bhed are vehemently against the sharing of their own language, due to not wishing to conform to globalism at the risk of their culture becoming diluted.
• Maybe they know each other, maybe they don't. While pre-established relationships are welcomed and encouraged amongst existing Al Bhed characters, the fact of life is that not everyone knows one another. Just because they're the same race, doesn't mean they have any relationship at all – despite how few of them exist in the world. That is to say, though, that they can at the very least, have knowledge of other character's or their families. If you wish to do this, please discuss with the players of these characters prior.
I do request that if you use this lore that you either let me, or a pre-existing Al Bhed player know so that we can list you here on the site. This is done with the intent of ensuring those who are using this specific homebrew know who is using the same lore as them. Afterall, this is a pre-existing race from a previous Final Fantasy title, anyone is free to create their own interpretation – I own nothing more than the liberties I have taken to mash it all together in this rendition.
FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster ©2001-2004, 2013-2015 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. | CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA | LOGO & IMAGE ILLUSTRATION: ©2001,2003 YOSHITAKA AMANOAll in-game imagery and lore belongs to © 2023 SQUARE ENIX LTD. All Rights Reserved. Final Fantasy XIV