The Crystalline Wheel
And so the wheel begins another turn.
Come inside, say hello...
"Greetings traveler! Please have a seat. Can I take your coat?" A green-eyed Lalafell chatters with you as she ushers you into the house. "I know it isn't much," she says, "but this is home, a place of peace, and comfort. Let me get you something to eat, or maybe you'd just like some company—" She blinks at the interruption, twisting her fingers in her hair while she listens to your question."Oh? What kind of place is this?" She taps her chin in thought, and she responds, "All I can say is that if you have found yourself here, then you are meant to be here. This is a refuge and a sanctuary. You may find that everyone here is a little bit broken—Gods know I am. But that is okay."She ducks into the pantry, you hear a yelp and a crash, but before you can get up to check on her she calls back, "I'm okay! Do you like cheese?" She emerges, rubbing a bump on her forehead, carrying a wheel of cheese and a loaf of bread. These she places before you, sitting in a chair opposite you, and she smiles. "So, traveler, what is your story?"
One story ends...
The story of the Crystalline Wheel begins in Revenant's Toll, where Sharlayan aetherologist Kokora Kora founded the Crystalline Wheel as a simple aetheric research organization under the auspices of the Sons of Saint Coinach. Under her leadership, the organization would grow to focus on the phenomenon known as the Echo, and strive to teach the people of Eorzea about the Echo as well as teaching aetherology and combat classes for those who would not otherwise have access to those studies.It was a time of growth and challenge for the fledgling organization, but with the help of Falin Levalin (who had a unique talent for keeping Kokora's impulsivity in check), the Wheel was able to gain success and stability.Shortly after the company celebrated the joyful eternal bonding of Kokora and Falin, Kokora was summoned to Old Sharlayan, offered a post at the Studium. And in taking that offer, she and Falin would say goodbye to the Wheel and give the small apartment in Ul'dah as a gift to the company they left behind.So ended the first book of the Crystalline Wheel.
...and a new one begins.
In the wake of the Final Days, the curtain rises on a new act of the Crystalline Wheel. Strangers, sisters, rivals, and refugees, brought together by the serendipity of the Twelve. Here, an insignificant Ul'dahn noble tries to make a name for herself as a knight. There, a wandering viera swordswoman follows her heart and her ethics as she travels. A lowborn Ishgardian half-elezen attempts to carve out a living for herself and her mother. And an amnesiac lalafell seeks answers on who he is and where he came from.These wanderers and seekers find themselves in a haven amidst the boughs of the Black Shroud, a house by the name of the Castoff's Cloister, supported by a mysterious Sharlayan benefactor. Within the Cloister's walls, they find purpose, meaning, and companionship.These people, these connections, come together to make a new story. What will your connection be? How will your name be remembered in the chronicles of the Crystalline Wheel? Only time will tell. Come, let us write a new tale together.
Our FC Officers
Kokora Kora started the Crystalline Wheel in 2021 as a Lalafell-centered free company, because she wanted a place where she and her LGBTQ+ friends could feel safe and supported. Having long since grown beyond its Lalafellin beginnings, the Wheel continues to be a labor of love for her, and building a healthy community is something she feels strongly about. In game, Koko's focus is on having fun with FC-mates, whether that means RP, daily roulettes, or creative weekly events.In character, Kokora Ul Kora is an overlooked princess in the Ul'dahn royal family, who ran away to become a knight errant, and now finds herself de facto proprietress of the Castoff's Cloister.
Memo Ujimo
Ganymede Gallantry
Myra Vlondett joined the Wheel shortly after its founding, and has been an officer for two years. Active in and out of the game, she values engagement and friendship among members, regardless of the level or frequency at which they play. While her interests are varied and span plenty of the game, she can most often be found joining roulettes and casual content, as well as participating and organizing RP. Besides that, Myra has a passion for Blue Mage, and can be looked to for guidance and assistance with even the high end content.In character, Myra Vlondett is a knight under the Skatay Martial Order, a small organization of Veena dedicated to the study and practice of armed combat techniques and culture. She travels the world in the pursuit of self-betterment and new knowledge, though her unflinching cheerfulness hides a more jaded side to her.
Nyanko Zhwan
Lumina Asteria
Gehenna Morghen
FC Rules
- Treat one another with respect.
- Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry will NOT be tolerated and will be grounds for dismissal.
- Keep posts in the discord server SFW.
- Be active! Members will be kicked after 90 days of inactivity
Roleplay Guidelines
- IC actions have IC consequences. You are responsible for maintaining the line between what happens IC and OOC.- We strive to be lore-plausible. Characters who claim things that push the limits of the game's lore will be met with skepticism IC. Lore-friendly names are also encouraged, or a lore-friendly reason why you use the name you use.- Some characters in this FC may possess the Echo, but we are not the Warrior of Light! Primals are still frightening beasts that we'd be better off running from most of the time, for example!- Characters in the FC are on an equal playing field. Be mindful that playing your character at a very high power level may make other players uncomfortable, likewise...- ...do not godmod/pressure other players into playing at a power level they are not comfortable with.- Unless the MSQ reveals otherwise, we are treating travel to the First and other reflections as near-impossible. We are not accepting characters from the First at this time.- Our current story takes place after the Final Days. While it is unlikely that Endwalker spoilers will come up in roleplay, be attentive to that timeline.- When in doubt, ask! If you're trying to figure out how your character fits into the FC's RP story, or into the lore of FF14, post about it in the #📚lore-discussion channel of the discord or chat with Kokora about it directly. Being on the same page about RP contexts will only help make RP more enjoyable.
How to join:
- Fill out a short application by clicking this link.
- One of our officers will contact you within 24 hours.
- Once admitted to the main discord, introduce yourself and start making friends!
- Let any of us know when you are in-game and we will invite your character to the Free Company.
Roleplaying in the Crystalline Wheel
Ongoing roleplay in the Crystalline Wheel is centered around the company estate, known as the "Castoff's Cloister," located near the fringes of the city of Gridania in the Black Shroud. The Cloister is a refuge for many different sorts, a place to find their footing in the wake of struggles or great personal tragedy. With the population of Hydaelyn having lived through the horrors of the Final Days, the Cloister is as busy as ever serving those in need.Most roleplay that we do is most easily classified as slice-of-life, solving everyday problems and low stakes situations. The fact that many characters in regular RP carry heavy trauma means that these slice of life situations can be complex and provide important character growth. We do also embark upon the occasional low-power adventure. We are not the warrior of light, or even the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. We are simply another organization in Eorzea, trying our best.While mature themes can come up in our roleplay, especially given the openness to character trauma in the premise, we do not condone ERP within the FC. Use discretion and mind the FC rules and RP guidelines when approaching sexual content. When in doubt, fade to black.
Crystalline Wheel Events
Above all, the Crystalline Wheel is about having good fun with good friends. We try to schedule a new event every Monday evening (usually 8pm EST). Many of these events are organized roleplay, but others include:+ Treasure Maps
+ Hide and Seek
+ Costume Parties
+ FFXIV livestream watch parties
+ Mount farms
+ BLU content
+ Deep dungeonsEvents are scheduled and led by our very talented officers, who are always willing to hear more event ideas from you, and to make them happen.