Lavern Matsubara
The Cardcasting Blue Mage
"We're all stories in the end. Let's just try and make this a good one!"
Crystal • Mateus • PST
Lavern Matsubara is a Rava Viera who works as a beast gleaner. Originally from Dalmasca, he was adopted by a member of the Whalaqee tribe, who taught him their way of magic. Following her passing, he seeks to carry on her spirit by helping those in need, whether they be man or beast.
Last Updated: 9/30/25
「about me」
Hey hey people, Neo here!I've been in the roleplaying space for the last decade or so, though my ventures in FFXIV only started a few years ago. I started off on forums, then went on to roleplay on games until a friend dragged me into this game (thanks Sera). Ever since, I've found a wonderful home in the world of Hydaelyn and hope to share my enthusiasm for the game & its lore with those I end up roleplaying with!
「rules 」
• I'm 23 years old! As such, I would like to roleplay with those who are 21+.
• It goes without saying, but no racism, homophobia, and overall hate speech.
• Please don't bleed roleplay stuff into our OOC interactions. I'm not Lavern and he is not me.
• My writing style jumps around a lot! I tend to jump between one liners, paras, multi-paras, etc.
• I enjoy bending the lore and will work with those who do as well, as long as it doesn't get too freaky deaky.
• I'm all for scenes playing out naturally, but please discuss with me if you're going to do something major.
「seeking」
• Core themes I'm looking for: fun interactions mixed with adventure and some dark themes. A balance of lighthearted and serious is ideal!
• Blue mages, especially those of the Whalaqee or the rare few that took the time to understand them!
• Gleaners! Lavern rarely has the chance to interact with co-workers. This also goes for Sharlayans as a whole.
• Dalmascans! He would greatly enjoy a chance to speak with someone from his homeland.
• Long-term friendships! I enjoy building a large ensemble cast of goobers.
• People knowledgeable about the First?
「basics」
Name: Lavern Matsubara
Nicknames: Plumhead, Namazu, et cetera.
Age: ~Early forties
Gender: Male (he/him)
Height: 5'8" (5 fulms, 8 ilm)
Race / Clan: Viera / Rava
Sexuality: Bisexual
Birthplace: Dalmasca
Residence: Gridania
Occupation: Beast Gleaner
Classes: BLU, SMN/SCH, DRK, DRG
| Stats | |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
| Dexterity | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
| Constitution | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
| Wisdom | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
| Charisma | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
| Love for Beetles | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Strengths
• the academic type
• strong sense of justice
• flexible strategist
• has a heart of gold
• always eager to learn
• ambiverted
• tries to see the best in people (emphasis on try)
Flaws
• overly sentimental
• easily annoyed
• known to hold petty grudges
• struggles without guidance
• cares too much about good first impressions
• currently going through an identity crisis
Quirks
• ally of the namazu
• romance novel enthusiast
• big time yapper
• flair for the dramatic
• silly boy, prone to slapstick
• perpetually broke
• glamour plate user
• beetle wrestling fan
Voice Reference: Aleks Le (Mainly the roles that match his normal cadence; Nagumo from Sakamoto Days, Salesperson ENA, et cetera. A video compiling these voicelines will be made... eventually. I have a busy life, on top of the eternal struggle of flip-flopping between the 'voice' of my characters.)Character Inspiration: Sento Kiryu (Kamen Rider Build), Shinra Kishitani (Durarara!!), Laios Touden (Dungeon Meshi), Tsukasa Kadoya (Kamen Rider Decade), and Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist).
「personal items」
• worn leather journal (one of many. contains beast info, random notes, etc.)
• slim frame glasses (not just a fashion choice, actually corrects his vision)
• namazu charm (gift from galahad, a lover of his)
• woven bracelet from radz-at-han (matching with aisa, another lover of his)
「Blue Magic」
Lavern wields a unique form of blue magic, born from the ways of the Whalaqee with an added touch by his adoptive mother. His spells manifest in the form of Triple Triad cards, which he can conjure on a whim. He can then use these cards as he sees fit; throwing them, augmenting his Blue Mage's Arm, imbue* himself or others, et cetera. Along with the repetoire he's earned from adventuring and visits from a certain minstrel, Lavern can make spell cards based on sources of knowledge, whether from books, historical accounts, and even word of mouth. Their potency can vary wildly depending on how detailed his source(s) are, to the point that a spell card could look visibly 'wrong'. (i.e. imagine if the spell effects were drawn in MS Paint.)He can also create Card Combos, which are made from combining two spells. Through this, he can throw three flaming tridents (Fire Angon + Triple Trident), create a defense-hardening shield on himself and his allies (Mighty Guard + Gobskin), create a pool (or bucket) of healing water (Exuviation + Malediction of Water), and so much more! The Card Combos that feature more than three cards are often labeled as 'Limit Bursts' due to their increased potency, though Lavern has yet to figure out how to summon and combine dynamis with his blue magic.*Imbuing grants the target the features and properties needed to cast the spell. For instance, a user's tongue will magically extend when using Sticky Tongue, gain Garuda's wings to perform Feather Rain, et cetera. Lavern can hold onto the form for a longer period of time, which he considers a Form Change.
「history」
Note: Lavern's backstory is interconnected with the Garlean Empire's invasion of Dalmasca, so mentions of it and the violence that came from it is expected!Childhood -> Adolescence
Lavern Djt-Maruoc was born in the city of Rabanastre a few years prior to the Garlean invasion. The first son out of four children, his family operated a renowned Valen business within the city's walls. As he grew up in the area, he joined his siblings in helping with the business, granting him the opportunity to listen to and speak with their customers. He heard stories of Dalmasca before the Garlean Empire and what life was like beyond Othard. Out of all stories, Lavern was captivated by the tales of the world's creatures. From strange seedkin to ferocious beastkin, the kit took any opportunity to learn more. This growing interest caught the attention of his parents, who gifted him a journal to write in on his seventh birthday.This carefree life didn't last, as the Garlean Empire began to take extreme measures to destroy anyone who was linked to the resistance. Lavern's father would take the initiative and moved the family from city to city in order to evade their wrath. While they were successful for a time, their luck ran out when they entered a town claiming to be a safe haven. Upon realizing the truth, his father incited a riot with several others in order to give the family a chance to escape. Amidst the chaos, Lavern witnessed the death of his father at the hands of a Garlean soldier, the shock causing him to break away from the crowd in fear. Though he was successful in his escape, he was now alone.For the rest of his early adolescence, Lavern became a drifter, surviving by any means necessary. He would fight for scraps, steal from Garlean supplies, and even learn how to hunt with a bow just to survive. As the years went on, with little leads on where to find his family and the Viera of the Golmore Jungle rejecting all outsiders, Lavern gradually lost hope. He couldn't bear the idea of being conscripted, nor did he want to join what he saw was the losing resistance. Before the viera could resign himself to this path, his life would once again change, this time for the better. One day, Lavern swiped a woman's gil pouch without a hitch, much to his relief. That is, until he was suddenly on the receiving end of a strange, aetheric sardine.Early Adulthood -> Present Day
The woman in question, a blue mage who went by the Eastern name Saori, learned his situation and took pity on him. She took him under her wing, promising to get him out of the wartorn continent. After joining her on a few quests, the two traveled to Kugane by ship, where he was adopted under the new name Lavern Matsubara. This second chance reinvigorated Lavern, allowing him to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The transition was bumpy at first, what with the language barrier and old habits dying hard, but Saori and her husband supported him nevertheless. She even taught him the ways of the Whalaqee, having seen his love of beasts firsthand.As several years passed, Lavern grew accustomed to life in the bustling city. He enjoyed the life of being a son to the Matsubaras.
(Every connection serves as a humorous in-universe entry in Lavern's journal. As your character interacts with him, they may be featured in the lineup! If you want to be added, have your carrd added, or even be removed, please let me know. Entries will change from time to time in order to reflect current events!)
「friends」
Maxis Akiyama
"A man with a fiery passion unlike anything I've ever seen. But for the love of the Twelve, please be more careful! You could lose another eye at this rate. Or worse!"
Emma Antares
"Despite all of the ribbing, you're one of the most wonderful people I have met since I've stepped foot on Aldenard. Your advice is forever invaluable to me."
Liu Hai
"He manages to be a strong businessman without the need to stomp on the weak. A rare case, sadly. If there was one person I had to trust for financial decisions, it's him."
Einarr Bjornsson
"Captain, Narnar, Jack... a man of many nicknames and shades. While you always keep a grin on your face, I can't help but think there's more to you than meets the eye."
Orielle Vaesiere
"A friend who also wields a class from Tural, that being the Viper. I pray that you continue to have successful hunts and maybe let me tag along on a few of them!"
"Hollow Melody"
"Mysterious and charming, plus the fact we share the same penchant for journaling! I pray that your journey leads you to a conclusion that you're satisfied with."
Morrigan Frey
"A kind observer who is very green, in terms of their life experience and color scheme. I think we balance each other out on the color side of things, since I'm incredibly purple..."
Xa'vett Suncrown
"Despite our tense encounter some time ago, we're cool now, I think... That said, when was the last time I saw you around the Quicksand? Are you okay?"
Tokki Dalhyu
"Although we've only met once, I think you're a neat person! I shouldn't have hit you with the sardine so soon, though. It is a right of passage for my inner circle... kidding!"
「enemies」
Maude Vantras
"I actually enjoy your company, but the reason why you're here is for what you did. I don't even need to repeat it! I'm sure you can figure it out, you-" The rest of the entry consists of scribbled out words.)
「lovers」
Galahad Vertu
"There simply aren't enough words in the known languages to describe my exact feelings towards you. In my time on this earth, I have never met someone so bold, yet so gentle, so mischievous, yet so kind. You carry so much on your shoulders. If there was anything I could do to protect you from further harm, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But for now, I hope my company will suffice."
Aesgerthur "Aisa" Isafvatn
"We've barely known each other for a year, but it feels like we've known each other for ages! I think the term 'kindred spirits' would suffice, as we come from similar backgrounds and have the same(ish) goals. Regardless of the words I use to describe it, I adore every part of you. Yes, all of it. I hope that the bond we share continues to grow until the day we die."
「GPOSES」
(i'm working on it 🥀)
「commissioned art」
(All artists are credited in the lightbox of each image!)
