#Riskbreakers

[bubblyernie]

More of the work I did for Riskbreaker's Gambit! This is just a sneakpeek of the characters I did for them (see all of them plus the monsters on their website here!)

art tag // commission info

[therealjasonx]

[greenmagic-oilspill]

Bitten Bullets

Edge understood Ashe's feelings about being back in the desert well.

For her, it had been even longer since she had been separated from the dry sands and baking sun — she had been spending much of her time in Ala Mhigo. While Gyr Abania was no stranger to dusty desert climes, it was nothing like Thanalan. Edge even found Dalmasca to be similar; he didn't feel quite as connected to it as his wife did, but it had a comforting familiarity to it all the same. Shaaloani, they both knew, felt most like their adolescence in Thanalan.

As many deserts as he had seen — as many as he had bled on — none felt as dear to his heart as Thanalan, though. Despite Ala Mhigo's liberation, part of him always knew he would consider the Goblet his home. That was where the Riskbreakers were, after all.

Edge shook his head as he entered the boundaries of Sheshenewazi Springs. The sky was alight with brilliant crimson as the sun descended behind the distant peaks and the unnatural dome of dark lightning — but that did little to divert the sky's natural beauty. Even the ceruleum flames spewing into the air from the exhaust of the settlement's mining and engineering added a splash of color to the sky. After everything he had experienced with Garleans, he wasn't sure he would ever become accustomed to ceruleum, no matter how pretty it looked.

He found who he was looking for in the corner of the saloon: a pair of Hhetsharro (he had to keep repeating it in his head to avoid saying Miqo'te and possibly offending someone) with glasses of dark beverages he assumed to be whiskey.

"Hey, there," he said, putting on his warmest smile. "Mind if I join you? I'm a big fan of your show!"

The man, gruff and muscular enough that Edge suspected he had some Hrothgar (X'braax? Was that what they were called here?) ancestry like Nive, gave Edge a grunt. Based on what Edge had learned of their traveling troupe, he was the strongman. "We're not working right now," he said, swirling his drink in his glass.

The woman swatted him on the arm. "Nonsense!" In the show, she wore a frilly dress and performed a dance with other women that involved high kicks and showing off their legs. Now, however, her clothing was much more subdued. "Based on this dear's accent, he's from across the salt! We can't turn away fans who came so far to see us. Come and sit, darling."

The dancer scooted aside to allow Edge a seat at their table, and after he ordered a drink from a server, he joined her. "Thank you! I've got to say, your dances are nothing like anything we have in Eorzea — or beyond. I'm really amazed."

She swatted Edge's arm in the same way she did to the strongman. "Oh, you! I appreciate it."

"And you," Edge said, eyeing the strongman's muscles bared by his sleeveless shirt. "I thought I was pretty strong, but the way you lifted all those barrels was incredible." Of course, Edge suspected some trick to it, but he had to pile on the flattery a bit first. The man grunted and knocked back his drink, just as the server arrived with Edge's and the strongman's replacement glass. "One act we were hoping to see, though, was the sharpshooter. My wife thinks he's pretty dreamy," he said, exaggeratedly rolling his eyes. "We were sad to see he wasn't part of your last performance."

The dancer giggled, but waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, that Talon Oakes. Loves to boast, but in the two years he's been part of our troupe, he's never missed a show. I'm sure he'll turn up." Despite her lighthearted tone, Edge caught a flash of worry behind her eyes. "Your wife's not wrong, though — he's a total dreamboat, and his fans all know it!"

The strongman's face twisted into a scowl as he swished the whiskey around in his mouth. "Yeah, yeah."

"Though the boasting is all part of his on-stage persona, you know," the dancer said with a wink to Edge. "Just like his name. Think of it as a little behind-the-scenes secret. He's always been a little cagey, if you ask me. But I think that just adds to his flair. Everyone loves a bit of mystery, no?"

"Cagey?" Edge asked. "How so?" He gestured to the barman to send over another drink.

"He ain't native to Shaaloani," the strongman said. "Don't know where he came from, but it's somewhere north. Doesn't talk about his family, but lives with a sister. Big on antique trading, too — dunno where he gets the pel for it, since we make crumbs. Guess big sis holds all the money and he's just a mooch. Still makes more than me, though, for some reason."

"I sense some rivalry there," Edge said with a wink to the strongman, which made the dancer guffaw.

"Talon's always had more of a stage presence," the dancer whispered to Edge, loud enough for the strongman to hear and roll his eyes.

These two knew Talon for a while, apparently, so if the dome had only appeared recently, that indicated to Edge that the Shetona had not come from the world inside it. He was still a little suspicious of the man who came out of nowhere to approach Ashe and tell her about people who might be after electrope, so tracking down the rest of Talon's troupe was their only lead since Talon himself didn't show up to the meeting he made with Ashe.

"Did he ever show an interest in that electrope stuff?" Edge asked.

The strongman gave him an odd look. Maybe the question came too soon — he looked closed off again just as he was about to relax his guard. "Why would he? I told ya, he trades in antiques. Old things. Not weird stones from another world."

"Right, right," Edge said. Clumsy and stupid. He doubted he would get anything worthwhile from them now, if they even knew more.

"What, are ya writing some kind of exposé on him or something?" the dancer asked, flicking open a hand fan. "Honestly, I'm a much more fascinating subject, darling."

Edge grinned at her. "I believe it. But no, I was curious to see guns in Tural and all that they can do." Maybe he'd try to find Talon's sister, or one of his contacts in the antique trade. He did mention something of the sort to Ashe, if he remembered correctly. "I better get going, though. Thanks for letting me sit with you. My wife's going to be so jealous!"

As they said their farewells, Edge left the saloon and found his gaze drawn to the dome, as usual. Maybe Talon wasn't involved in any of this at all.

Or maybe he was in trouble from digging into something he shouldn't have, on behalf of the Riskbreakers.

Shaking that unpleasant thought away, he went to go rent a rroneek and make his way back to the others.

[scales-claws-and-thorns]

Held within the pages of the journal of one Akhutai, written in the script of the Urit tribe:

I imagine there are those who know me well enough who would ask why I bothered answering the call of the Grand Steward. The easy answer is I wanted an excuse to explore the West and this was as good as any. However, in truth, despite how much I've changed, and how much time has passed, I do still feel obligated, in a way, to contribute to the efforts of the Riskbreakers. Let us hope that they do not ever become aware of my various dealings or they may very well decline my aid. As it stands, I have done my due diligence in gathering information that may be of use, if not to this case we have decided to follow, than to me and my own interests. For instance, it seems that electrope is practically considered a miracle material by those who have, apparently, been to a 'Solution 9'. Technological advancements abound through its use, including deadly weapons, and thus it is no wonder that the Landsguard aren't exactly thrilled with the knowledge that a sample of it has gone missing. I will be most fascinated to see these marvels of technology myself and I feel that I very well may through the course of this chase. If not, I know now where to go to sate my own curiosities. For the moment, however, I shall remain patient and behave. It wouldn't do to cause too much trouble just yet. But the more I hear about this 'dome', the more I wish to see it. There is, however, another matter. A troubling one. And not one I am likely to discuss with the others. The signs of death are everywhere, as it is with the sort of battles that I have heard took place in this city, so I am hardly surprised, but the issue is... that the traces of souls left behind by the dead are... It is a strange thing to feel that there is a possibility that souls have simply gone missing but, currently, I have no explanation for this. As I doubt these misgivings of mine have anything to do with our missing electrope sample, this will be a private investigation, though I also doubt I will be able to devote the time I wish to it before the primary mission is over.

[onwesterlywinds]

[4th-make-quail]

ffxii week anniversary edition: day 1 - Clan Centurio // Bestiary

RISKBREAKER'S AIDE FEATURING: Vorpal Bunny

While the Dreamhare or Mu is a common sight in Woods and Forests throughout our fair Ivalice, there are variations upon this fluffy genus which are likely to catch the Hunter's Eye — whether for the rarity of its pelt, the many uses of its tail resplendent with fur, or simply for the thrill of the chase. In this special edition of Riskbreaker's Aide, we will delve into the world of Spee, the Crypt Bunny, and our most elusive yet — the Vorpal Bunny. Within, the discerning hunter may find information regarding the capture of these dreamhares, the rewards one may be blessed with, and their most common haunts.

[glassshard]

Rare Vagrant Story design available as a teeshirt for 24 hours only on Yetee! Don't delay, Riskbreakers! http://www.theyetee.com

[escherstrange-ffxiv]

"You seek the truth? Then follow me, Riskbreaker."

Cathedral: Dynamis - Maduin | Empyreum - W9 - P60

Some extra pics from the set:

[shslivalice]

You know. I see this old gift from Fanfest... 2016. and i still think fondly on the Riskbreakers. I still love you all. I hope you're all enjoying life.

oh and also ramza from the theatrhythm special edition.

[ajaneofmanytalents]

I sat bolt upright out of a sound sleep because I could not remember if Basch FFXII had a pearl bindi like Garleans from FFXIV.

(He does not, BTW.)

I was also convinced that Ashley Riot from Vagrant Story was a Gunbreaker.

(According to wikipedia, he was actually a Riskbreaker, BTW.)

Getting spoiled on upcoming location names really messed with me it seems :/

[rasenkaikyo]

ecce! ego!

[bubblyernie]

Riskbreaker's Gambit!! Excited to share this, it's one of the coolest projects I've worked on :3

I had the opportunity to do the cover (above!) and character+monster art for an upcoming SRPG game, which you can find out more about here! Easily a job I can say was my dream gig! Go check out the art and the mechanics :D

art tag // commission info

[barbariccia]

AU where the Riskbreakers are much more violent and/or "the ends justify the means" - Izarra or Orella!

Let’s play a game. Send me a potential AU and I’ll tell you five fun facts that would happen in a story.

oooh. a more militant ashelia riot, i presume? runs the ship tight, no room for anyone not entirely devoted to the cause?

orella probably receives a warmer welcome after busting herself out of ul'dahn gaol. welcome aboard, riskbreaker, you're one of us for true!

she probably wouldn't say (unless specifically pressed...) but ashelia's reign reminds her a lot of theodoric. before he turned entirely loopyloo. there's no chance for change, no different course to take - only blood and bloodshed, as is their birthright. and orella, well, in for a penny, in for a pound... resigns herself entirely to this having always been her fate.

ala mhigo liberated isn't the homecoming she thought it would be. even if ingvald made it to the riskbreakers as well (and boy, would he even want to? orella's a grounding force, but the groups she shacks up with sure are, ummmm...) she'd be having doubts of her own at some point or another. ala mhigo back in the hands of ala mhigans, but ala mhigans like /her?/ she already made herself unwelcome in her home and now she has the balls to come back and do it all over again? no, she can't do that. orella flees in the dead of night. she's gotten good at doing that.

she wants to put as much distance between herself and all this everything as she can, but she still wants to help, still wants to make up for everything she's done... she ends up in gangos with the bozjan liberation. (as fun as it would be to shove her bodily back into ivalice. ingvald and gabranth spiderman pointing meme dot jpg) it's not her home, not her business, but she carves out a little place of it for herself. without phantom pains hanging over her head, her arm still works - and she trades in the sword and shield for a gunblade instead of a greatsword. she's surprisingly comfortable with it.

i'm not sure where her story would end, admittedly - but even if it's premature, it's still on the battlefield, for a better cause than either of the ones she devoted herself to before. a fight worth fighting! also, the concept of orella finding a whole new nemesis in lyon rem helsos is kind of hilarious, actually. two old grumpy bitches occasionally 1v1ing each other. beautiful.

[autumnslance]

Congrats Riskbreakers!

On another year of lovely stories shared with the community, and another fun RP evening! I was pretty quiet through it (just a bit tired and chat was going fast), but it was a great time and I loved seeing so many familiar names and faces come to hang out.

@onwesterlywinds

[onwesterlywinds]

THE RISKBREAKERS' 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

Saturday, May 25 marks the Riskbreakers' TENTH ANNIVERSARY as a free company!

We'd love to have you join us on Crystal/Balmung for as much of our celebration as you'd like: 💎 Noon - 1PM Pacific: Fall Guys 💎 1PM - ~4PM Pacific: Return to Ivalice raid sweep 💎~4PM - close: Open bar night at the Sandsea (RP)

On behalf of the entire company, THANK YOU so much for an absolutely incredible ten years. We can't wait to keep saving the world alongside you all!

...And if you're looking for a new social/RP/PvE free company on Crystal, please don't hesitate to hit me up!