Final Fantasy XIV Online Wiki - User contributions [en]

Keepers of the Moon

2026-05-25T21:05:42Z

Sbeve: /* Notable Keepers of the Moon */

[[file:miqote keepers of the moon.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Keepers of the Moon hunt in the dark of night.]]
The nocturnal among the [[Miqo'te]] have dubbed themselves the [[Keepers of the Moon]] (ムーンキーパー族, "Mūn Kīpā Zoku," meaning "Moon Keeper Group"). Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to [[Menphina|Menphina the Lover]], goddess of the moon. Their tradition of hunting in the thick woodlands of the Black Shroud have for years thrown them into conflict with the forestfolk of Gridania, who condemn them as poachers. Of late, however, many Keepers of the Moon have found some small peace with the Gridanians, and taken to living within the city.<ref name="Lodestone">[https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/a_realm_reborn/world/#!/races/content?miqo-te FINAL FANTASY XIV | RACES]</ref>

==History==
During the [[Third Astral Era]], the [[Allagan Empire]] persecuted the [[Miqo'te]] and drove them from [[Eorzea]], forcing them to dwell in southern [[Ilsabard]].<ref name="Frost">''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 029</ref> Despite this, Miqo'te were still used as conscripts in the imperial army.

When the [[Fifth Umbral Calamity]] brought the [[Fifth Umbral Era]]—the Age of Endless Frost—much of the [[Bloodbrine Sea]] was frozen solid. This allowed the descendants of the exiled Miqo'te tribes to migrate from southern Ilsabard into northern Eorzea. The newly hardened seas provided them a means around the massive peaks of [[Gyr Abania]] that prevented their return in the [[Fourth Astral Era]]. While there was little awaiting them in the rime-encrusted realm when they arrived, their uncanny talent for hunting granted them a means of survival until the frost had melted.<ref name="Frost"/>

Not long after their return to the realm, the Miqo'te learned of the new [[Languages|Eorzean alphabet]].<ref name="Frost"/> During the [[Sixth Astral Era]], the Keepers of the Moon came to reside in the [[The Black Shroud|Black Shroud]], where they came into conflict with the people of [[Gridania]], who saw them as little more than poachers. In recent years, the Keepers were able to reconcile their differences with the forestborn and, today, many Keepers hunt in accordance with rules set by the [[Trappers' League]].<ref name="Keepers">''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 087</ref>

==Physical Attributes==
Roughly a head shorter and smaller of body than the average [[Hyur]], the Keepers of the Moon are distinguishable from their [[Seekers of the Sun|diurnal cousins]] by their fur, dark as fog, and rounder eyes with large pupils.<ref name="Keepers"/> They also have larger ears, more pronounced canines, and longer, skinnier tails.<ref name="Creation">Character Creation: Keepers of the Moon</ref>

Though lacking the physical stamina of the Seekers, they make up for this with a fierce strength of will and unerring instincts. With their keen intuition, Keeper hunters have been known to easily snare even targets concealed in the gloom of night.<ref name="Keepers"/> Keepers are known for their reticent and brooding personalities, but are also respected and sometimes feared for their tenacity.<ref>1.0 Character Creation: Keeper of the Moon Female</ref>

==Culture==
In contrast to the [[Seekers of the Sun]] with their male-dominated tribes and harems, the fundamental unit of Keeper of the Moon society is the family, centered around a strong mother figure and her children. Keepers are known to form small communities composed of two or three families who hunt together.<ref name="Keepers"/>

The ritual application of war paint to the face is still regularly practiced before going on the hunt, a tradition symbolizing their readiness to stain their hands with blood, as well as sending a message to their gods that they are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife should they fall.<ref name="Keepers"/> It is believed the vivid colors grant lunar powers.<ref name="Creation"/>

The men of the Keepers of the moon live a wanderer's life, and the women generally believe that men are at their best in small doses. Keepers of the Moon are not raised with a father, and so women and children keep the hearth, ply various trades, and accept game and visits from the menfolk.<ref>[[Mauh Lihzeh]]</ref><ref>[[Masha Mhakaracca]]</ref>

While the Keepers of the Moon have a reputation as poachers who lay waste to the natural environment as they see fit, this accounts for a minority among their people. Many Keepers today respect and abide by [[Trappers' League]] guidelines, bartering the furs and meats they procure for agricultural goods and essential commodities.<ref name="Keepers"/>

As might be surmised from their self-chosen name, the majority of the Keepers of the Moon are devout followers of [[Menphina]].<ref name="Keepers"/>

==Population==
The [[Miqo'te]] are uncommon in [[Eorzea]] overall, as their numbers are not great. The Keepers of the Moon are almost entirely located within the [[The Black Shroud|Black Shroud]], and those who choose to live within [[Gridania]] account for a mere ten percent of its overall population.<ref name="Keepers"/><ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 112</ref> There are, however, some Keeper families who remained in [[Ilsabard]], or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea.<ref name="Surnames">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/61221-Keeper-of-the-Moon-surname-clarification?p=980135&viewfull=1#post980135 Keeper of the Moon surname clarification]</ref>

==Nomenclature==
The Keepers of the Moon are a highly matriarchal society, with family names passed down from the mother, not the father. It is said that some of these surnames have survived since the [[First Astral Era]].<ref name="Naming">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/63112-Race-Naming-Conventions?p=1014930&viewfull=1#post1014930 Race Naming Conventions]</ref> The more prominent families crossed the frozen seas into Eorzea in search of prey during the [[Fifth Umbral Era]], but there are some families who have chosen to live more secluded lives, remained in their homeland, or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea, whose surnames are not commonly seen in the realm.<ref name="Surnames"/>

Matriarchal strength is further displayed by the short, one- to two-syllable given names of Keeper women that closely resemble those of male Seekers of the Sun. Because they lead more solitary lives than the [[Seekers of the Sun]], a tribal letter is not assigned to the names. Unpronounced aitches—representing a slight hissing or spitting sound that is made when the name is pronounced by the feline Miqo'te—are also present in the names.<ref name="Naming"/>

The importance of the mother to the Keepers of the Moon can also be seen in male names. In addition to taking the mother's surname, males also take the mother's forename, adding a suffix indicating the order in which they were born ('a for the first son, 'to for the second, 'li, 'sae, 'ra, 'ir, 'wo, 'ya, 'zi, and 'tan for the tenth). Though these suffixes number ten, rarely are more than two or three sons born to even the largest Keeper families. This is not by choice; nature merely sees to it that more females are born to this race.<ref name="Keepers"/><ref name="Naming"/>

====Forename Examples====
Amh, Bathu, Bathus, Bukah, Cemi, Daca, Detoh, Dhebi, Doyoh, Fihpo, Giah, Gota, Hahs, Hawu, Hnaba, Jihli, Kehda, Kheni, Khloe, Khona, Khuja, Khuma, Kiht, Koh, Lalah, Leih, Lhei, Lho, Masha, Masya, Mauh, Mhih, Mholi, Miah, Mikh, Monh, Muijh, Naih, Naoh, Nashu, Nemoh, Ngha, Nhagi, Nhago, Nheu, Nozih, Oah, Oghii, Okhi, Okkh, Osha, Pahja, Panha, Pawah, Pelhi, Pimoh, Poki, Pyha, Qahs, Qata, Qhom, Qhon, Qhota, Qih, Qih, Qina, Raih, Rhaq, Rhaya, Rhel, Rhela, Rhesh, Rhoe, Rinh, Rubh, Sahja, Sami, Seda, Senah, Sizha, Tahla, Tajih, Tefh, Thata, Thya, Tseh, Tsimh, Tsubh, Tyago, Tyo, Una, Urha, Vhaso, Wyra, Xau, Xheh, Yehn, Yhah, Yhom, Yonah, Zana, Ziuz

====Surname Examples====
Akhabila, Amariyo, Anbolho, Awandah, Bajhiri, Betwanhe, Binbotaj, Burwani, Chalahko, Chelewae, Dakwhil, Dolabnha, Elakha, Entialpoh, Epocan, Fashonti, Gamduhla, Ganajai, Garanjy, Jaab, Jakkya, Jawantal, Jinjahl, Jomalah, Kaatapoh, Khamazom, Lanbatal, Lihzeh, Lyehga, Maimhov, Mewrilah, Mhakaracca, Molkoh, Molkot, Moshantu, Moshroca, Mujuuk, Nbolo, Nelhah, Panipahr, Polaali, Quowaital, Rabntah, Relanah, Tayuun, Wahcondalo, Wilzuun, Wolndara, Zhwan

==Notable Keepers of the Moon==
*[[F'lhaminn Qesh]] <ref>Despite her name and a claim that she’s a Seeker, her race appears to be a Keeper in game, given her large round eyes, suggesting mixed ancestors.</ref>
*[[Zhloe Aliapoh]]
*[[Khloe Aliapoh]]
*[[Leih Aliapoh]]
*[[Nashu Mhakaracca]]
*[[Masha Mhakaracca]]
*[[Cemi Jinjahl]]
*[[Lalah Jinjahl]]
*[[Rubh Epocan]]
*[[Naoh Gamduhla]]
*[[Mauh Lihzeh]]
*[[Koh Rabntah]]
*[[Zhai'a Nelhah]]
*[[Nhaza'a Jaab]]
*[[Coeurlclaw King]]
*[[Lina Mewrilah]]

==Notes and Trivia==
*A couple Keepers of the Moon, such as [[Kipih Jakkya]], use the models of [[Seekers of the Sun]]. This may be a sign of mixed heritage, or it could be an oversight. The reverse mistake is far more common.
** Other examples: [[Una Tayuun]]
*''[[Encyclopædia Eorzea]]'' erroneously states that Keeper of the Moon names begin with a matronymic, regardless of gender. This is incorrect, and has been addressed by Fernehawles (a handle for Christopher Michael Koji-Fox) on the official forums.<ref>[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/307973-Encyclop%C3%A6dia-Eorzea-%28-Lore-Book-%29-Bug-Report-Thread?p=3935095&viewfull=1#post3935095 Encyclopædia Eorzea ("Lore-Book") Bug Report Thread]</ref>
*The reference that "...some of these surnames have survived since the [[First Astral Era]]." is probably a nod to the fact that several default Keeper names were used by Mithra NPCs in ''Final Fantasy XI'' (Such as [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Mihli_Aliapoh Mihli Aliapoh], [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Lhu_Mhakaracca Lhu Mhakaracca], or [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Nokkhi_Jinjahl Nokkhi Jinjahl]).

==References==
<references/>

{{Playable Races}}
[[Category:Miqo'te]][[Category:Keepers of the Moon]]

Keepers of the Moon

2026-05-25T20:58:10Z

Sbeve: Corrected a mistake

[[file:miqote keepers of the moon.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Keepers of the Moon hunt in the dark of night.]]
The nocturnal among the [[Miqo'te]] have dubbed themselves the [[Keepers of the Moon]] (ムーンキーパー族, "Mūn Kīpā Zoku," meaning "Moon Keeper Group"). Shying from the garish light of day, they revel in the shroud of night, with most offering their piety to [[Menphina|Menphina the Lover]], goddess of the moon. Their tradition of hunting in the thick woodlands of the Black Shroud have for years thrown them into conflict with the forestfolk of Gridania, who condemn them as poachers. Of late, however, many Keepers of the Moon have found some small peace with the Gridanians, and taken to living within the city.<ref name="Lodestone">[https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/a_realm_reborn/world/#!/races/content?miqo-te FINAL FANTASY XIV | RACES]</ref>

==History==
During the [[Third Astral Era]], the [[Allagan Empire]] persecuted the [[Miqo'te]] and drove them from [[Eorzea]], forcing them to dwell in southern [[Ilsabard]].<ref name="Frost">''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 029</ref> Despite this, Miqo'te were still used as conscripts in the imperial army.

When the [[Fifth Umbral Calamity]] brought the [[Fifth Umbral Era]]—the Age of Endless Frost—much of the [[Bloodbrine Sea]] was frozen solid. This allowed the descendants of the exiled Miqo'te tribes to migrate from southern Ilsabard into northern Eorzea. The newly hardened seas provided them a means around the massive peaks of [[Gyr Abania]] that prevented their return in the [[Fourth Astral Era]]. While there was little awaiting them in the rime-encrusted realm when they arrived, their uncanny talent for hunting granted them a means of survival until the frost had melted.<ref name="Frost"/>

Not long after their return to the realm, the Miqo'te learned of the new [[Languages|Eorzean alphabet]].<ref name="Frost"/> During the [[Sixth Astral Era]], the Keepers of the Moon came to reside in the [[The Black Shroud|Black Shroud]], where they came into conflict with the people of [[Gridania]], who saw them as little more than poachers. In recent years, the Keepers were able to reconcile their differences with the forestborn and, today, many Keepers hunt in accordance with rules set by the [[Trappers' League]].<ref name="Keepers">''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 087</ref>

==Physical Attributes==
Roughly a head shorter and smaller of body than the average [[Hyur]], the Keepers of the Moon are distinguishable from their [[Seekers of the Sun|diurnal cousins]] by their fur, dark as fog, and rounder eyes with large pupils.<ref name="Keepers"/> They also have larger ears, more pronounced canines, and longer, skinnier tails.<ref name="Creation">Character Creation: Keepers of the Moon</ref>

Though lacking the physical stamina of the Seekers, they make up for this with a fierce strength of will and unerring instincts. With their keen intuition, Keeper hunters have been known to easily snare even targets concealed in the gloom of night.<ref name="Keepers"/> Keepers are known for their reticent and brooding personalities, but are also respected and sometimes feared for their tenacity.<ref>1.0 Character Creation: Keeper of the Moon Female</ref>

==Culture==
In contrast to the [[Seekers of the Sun]] with their male-dominated tribes and harems, the fundamental unit of Keeper of the Moon society is the family, centered around a strong mother figure and her children. Keepers are known to form small communities composed of two or three families who hunt together.<ref name="Keepers"/>

The ritual application of war paint to the face is still regularly practiced before going on the hunt, a tradition symbolizing their readiness to stain their hands with blood, as well as sending a message to their gods that they are prepared to serve them as warriors in the afterlife should they fall.<ref name="Keepers"/> It is believed the vivid colors grant lunar powers.<ref name="Creation"/>

The men of the Keepers of the moon live a wanderer's life, and the women generally believe that men are at their best in small doses. Keepers of the Moon are not raised with a father, and so women and children keep the hearth, ply various trades, and accept game and visits from the menfolk.<ref>[[Mauh Lihzeh]]</ref><ref>[[Masha Mhakaracca]]</ref>

While the Keepers of the Moon have a reputation as poachers who lay waste to the natural environment as they see fit, this accounts for a minority among their people. Many Keepers today respect and abide by [[Trappers' League]] guidelines, bartering the furs and meats they procure for agricultural goods and essential commodities.<ref name="Keepers"/>

As might be surmised from their self-chosen name, the majority of the Keepers of the Moon are devout followers of [[Menphina]].<ref name="Keepers"/>

==Population==
The [[Miqo'te]] are uncommon in [[Eorzea]] overall, as their numbers are not great. The Keepers of the Moon are almost entirely located within the [[The Black Shroud|Black Shroud]], and those who choose to live within [[Gridania]] account for a mere ten percent of its overall population.<ref name="Keepers"/><ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 112</ref> There are, however, some Keeper families who remained in [[Ilsabard]], or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea.<ref name="Surnames">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/61221-Keeper-of-the-Moon-surname-clarification?p=980135&viewfull=1#post980135 Keeper of the Moon surname clarification]</ref>

==Nomenclature==
The Keepers of the Moon are a highly matriarchal society, with family names passed down from the mother, not the father. It is said that some of these surnames have survived since the [[First Astral Era]].<ref name="Naming">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/63112-Race-Naming-Conventions?p=1014930&viewfull=1#post1014930 Race Naming Conventions]</ref> The more prominent families crossed the frozen seas into Eorzea in search of prey during the [[Fifth Umbral Era]], but there are some families who have chosen to live more secluded lives, remained in their homeland, or emigrated to lands other than Eorzea, whose surnames are not commonly seen in the realm.<ref name="Surnames"/>

Matriarchal strength is further displayed by the short, one- to two-syllable given names of Keeper women that closely resemble those of male Seekers of the Sun. Because they lead more solitary lives than the [[Seekers of the Sun]], a tribal letter is not assigned to the names. Unpronounced aitches—representing a slight hissing or spitting sound that is made when the name is pronounced by the feline Miqo'te—are also present in the names.<ref name="Naming"/>

The importance of the mother to the Keepers of the Moon can also be seen in male names. In addition to taking the mother's surname, males also take the mother's forename, adding a suffix indicating the order in which they were born ('a for the first son, 'to for the second, 'li, 'sae, 'ra, 'ir, 'wo, 'ya, 'zi, and 'tan for the tenth). Though these suffixes number ten, rarely are more than two or three sons born to even the largest Keeper families. This is not by choice; nature merely sees to it that more females are born to this race.<ref name="Keepers"/><ref name="Naming"/>

====Forename Examples====
Amh, Bathu, Bathus, Bukah, Cemi, Daca, Detoh, Dhebi, Doyoh, Fihpo, Giah, Gota, Hahs, Hawu, Hnaba, Jihli, Kehda, Kheni, Khloe, Khona, Khuja, Khuma, Kiht, Koh, Lalah, Leih, Lhei, Lho, Masha, Masya, Mauh, Mhih, Mholi, Miah, Mikh, Monh, Muijh, Naih, Naoh, Nashu, Nemoh, Ngha, Nhagi, Nhago, Nheu, Nozih, Oah, Oghii, Okhi, Okkh, Osha, Pahja, Panha, Pawah, Pelhi, Pimoh, Poki, Pyha, Qahs, Qata, Qhom, Qhon, Qhota, Qih, Qih, Qina, Raih, Rhaq, Rhaya, Rhel, Rhela, Rhesh, Rhoe, Rinh, Rubh, Sahja, Sami, Seda, Senah, Sizha, Tahla, Tajih, Tefh, Thata, Thya, Tseh, Tsimh, Tsubh, Tyago, Tyo, Una, Urha, Vhaso, Wyra, Xau, Xheh, Yehn, Yhah, Yhom, Yonah, Zana, Ziuz

====Surname Examples====
Akhabila, Amariyo, Anbolho, Awandah, Bajhiri, Betwanhe, Binbotaj, Burwani, Chalahko, Chelewae, Dakwhil, Dolabnha, Elakha, Entialpoh, Epocan, Fashonti, Gamduhla, Ganajai, Garanjy, Jaab, Jakkya, Jawantal, Jinjahl, Jomalah, Kaatapoh, Khamazom, Lanbatal, Lihzeh, Lyehga, Maimhov, Mewrilah, Mhakaracca, Molkoh, Molkot, Moshantu, Moshroca, Mujuuk, Nbolo, Nelhah, Panipahr, Polaali, Quowaital, Rabntah, Relanah, Tayuun, Wahcondalo, Wilzuun, Wolndara, Zhwan

==Notable Keepers of the Moon==
*[[F'lhaminn Qesh]]
*[[Zhloe Aliapoh]]
*[[Khloe Aliapoh]]
*[[Leih Aliapoh]]
*[[Nashu Mhakaracca]]
*[[Masha Mhakaracca]]
*[[Cemi Jinjahl]]
*[[Lalah Jinjahl]]
*[[Rubh Epocan]]
*[[Naoh Gamduhla]]
*[[Mauh Lihzeh]]
*[[Koh Rabntah]]
*[[Zhai'a Nelhah]]
*[[Nhaza'a Jaab]]
*[[Coeurlclaw King]]
*Lina Mewrilah

==Notes and Trivia==
*A couple Keepers of the Moon, such as [[Kipih Jakkya]], use the models of [[Seekers of the Sun]]. This may be a sign of mixed heritage, or it could be an oversight. The reverse mistake is far more common.
** Other examples: [[Una Tayuun]]
*''[[Encyclopædia Eorzea]]'' erroneously states that Keeper of the Moon names begin with a matronymic, regardless of gender. This is incorrect, and has been addressed by Fernehawles (a handle for Christopher Michael Koji-Fox) on the official forums.<ref>[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/307973-Encyclop%C3%A6dia-Eorzea-%28-Lore-Book-%29-Bug-Report-Thread?p=3935095&viewfull=1#post3935095 Encyclopædia Eorzea ("Lore-Book") Bug Report Thread]</ref>
*The reference that "...some of these surnames have survived since the [[First Astral Era]]." is probably a nod to the fact that several default Keeper names were used by Mithra NPCs in ''Final Fantasy XI'' (Such as [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Mihli_Aliapoh Mihli Aliapoh], [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Lhu_Mhakaracca Lhu Mhakaracca], or [https://ffxiclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Nokkhi_Jinjahl Nokkhi Jinjahl]).

==References==
<references/>

{{Playable Races}}
[[Category:Miqo'te]][[Category:Keepers of the Moon]]

Seekers of the Sun

2026-05-25T20:56:43Z

Sbeve: F'lhaminn is a keeper since she literally looks like that, her name isn’t confirmation of her race.

[[file:miqote seekers of the sun.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Seekers of the Sun hunt in the light of day.]]
The self-proclaimed [[Seekers of the Sun]] (サンシーカー族, "San Shīkā Zoku," meaning "Sun Seeker Group") are the diurnal clan of the [[Miqo'te]] race. Their preference for the warm light of day pervades all aspects of their culture, as is apparent in their devout reverence for [[Azeyma|Azeyma the Warden]], goddess of the sun.<ref name="Lodestone">[https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/a_realm_reborn/world/#!/races/content?miqo-te FINAL FANTASY XIV | RACES]</ref> Though relatively few in Eorzea, a small number of them have been accepted into everyday life by the other races in the port city of [[Limsa Lominsa]]. Others are known to make their home in [[Gyr Abania]] and the [[Sagolii Desert]].<ref name="Lodestone"/>

==History==
During the [[Third Astral Era]], the [[Allagan Empire]] persecuted the [[Miqo'te]] and drove them from [[Eorzea]], forcing them to dwell in southern [[Ilsabard]].<ref name="Frost">''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 029</ref> Despite this, Miqo'te were still used as conscripts in the imperial army.

During the height of the empire's might, a Seeker of the Sun named [[Desch]] was conscripted alongside his few brethren. The Miqo'te somehow gained the trust of princess [[Salina]] and, as the era drew to a close, was entrusted with her blood and the secrets necessary to control the [[Syrcus Tower]]. Desch survived the [[Fourth Umbral Calamity]], and members of his family passed down the royal line of Allag through what eventually became the Allagan Eye seen in certain members of the Miqo'te Seeker of the Sun [[G'raha Tia|G Tribe]].<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 201</ref>

When the [[Fifth Umbral Calamity]] brought the [[Fifth Umbral Era]]—the Age of Endless Frost—much of the [[Bloodbrine Sea]] was frozen solid. This allowed the descendants of the exiled Miqo'te tribes to migrate from southern Ilsabard into northern Eorzea. The newly hardened seas provided them a means around the massive peaks of [[Gyr Abania]] that prevented their return in the [[Fourth Astral Era]]. While there was little awaiting them in the rime-encrusted realm when they arrived, their uncanny talent for hunting granted them a means of survival until the frost had melted.<ref name="Frost"/>

Not long after their return to the realm, the Miqo'te learned of the new [[Languages|Eorzean alphabet]]. Tribal seers claimed the fact that the twenty-six letters in the alphabet directly corresponded with the twenty-six Seeker of the Sun tribes that had made the journey across the frozen seas. This convinced the tribes to each take one of those letters into its name.<ref name="Frost"/>

Even by the time of the [[Sixth Astral Era]], the Seekers of the Sun remained relatively low in number compared to Eorzea's other races. Around the year 980, significant numbers of Miqo'te Seekers of the Sun came to the city of [[Limsa Lominsa]]—some in search of a free life, others abducted by and assimilated into pirate bands.<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 049, 095</ref>

==Physical Attributes==
Roughly a head shorter and smaller of body than the average [[Hyur]], the Seekers are blessed with a wiry strength, surpassing agility, and the stamina to run for hours under the blazing sun—a combination of traits that makes them uncommonly suited to hunting in arid climes. As many Seekers are adept at climbing and diving, they also make for excellent sailors.<ref name="Seekers">''Encyclopaedia Eorzea'' pg. 086-087</ref> Like the [[Keepers of the Moon]], female Seekers vastly outnumber males.

Among their most striking physical features are their eyes, with their narrow, vertically-aligned pupils and faintly colored irises.<ref name="Seekers"/> It is also not uncommon for their eyes to be disparately colored from birth, a trait considered auspicious amongst their kind.<ref name="Creation">Character Creation: Seekers of the Sun</ref> The Seekers are widely regarded as quick-witted and prone to action, and many exhibit a tendency to bore easily.<ref>1.0 Character Creation: Seeker of the Sun Female</ref>

==Culture==
The Seekers of the Sun are a highly patriarchal culture, with each tribe centered around a strong breeding male (nunh) whose duty is to form a harem and lead his people to glory and prosperity. Young males are born and raised as "tia," and must either assume the position of nunh by challenging and defeating an existing nunh in single combat, or leave the community to find a harem of his own. In particularly large tribes, multiple nunh may coexist in the same community, though such cases are rare.<ref name="Seekers"/>

While not impossible, a Seeker of the Sun choosing his mother's name to be his last, would amount to shunning his culture and adopting the rules of the [[Keepers of the Moon]]. There will be some Seekers of the Sun who will respect this, but others who frown upon it.<ref name="Tribes">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/61187-Male-Sunseeker-Miqo-Surnames?p=979252#post979252 Male Sunseeker Miqo Surnames? - Page 1]</ref>

Since the Seekers first came to [[Eorzea]], there have been some males who, instead of defeating their tribe's nunh and becoming a breeding male by normal means, opt to leave the tribe and form their own. If a male leaves to form his own tribe, he will replace the letter from his original tribe with a new one. Since the twenty-six letters of the Eorzean alphabet are already taken, the new tribal prefix will often be two letters (such as "Ma") which are of the tribe-forming male's choosing. However, it is rare for female Seekers of the Sun to follow these males, so these newly formed tribes almost always die out.<ref name="Tribes"/>

There are tia within the twenty-six existing tribes who, instead of defeating an existing nunh, prove their worth to the tribe by extending its hunting grounds. These tia will venture out into the world and claim territory of their own by either finding somewhere unoccupied, or taking the area by force from another tribe. If they can maintain it for an extended period of time, then they become the nunh of that area while still remaining a member of their original tribe.<ref name="Nunh">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/61187-Male-Sunseeker-Miqo-Surnames?p=979682&viewfull=1#post979682 Male Sunseeker Miqo Surnames? - Page 2]</ref>

This happens quite often, and is far more accepted than merely leaving the tribe to make one's own (which, ultimately, makes that person an outcast). This is why you will almost never see Seekers of the Sun with tribal letters beyond the original twenty-six, as they are few in number and those who exist rarely admit it for fear of ostracism.<ref name="Nunh"/>

Nunh status does not equate to leadership within a tribe and, in fact, very few nunh ever become leaders.<ref name="Naming">[http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/63112-Race-Naming-Conventions?p=1014930&viewfull=1#post1014930 Race Naming Conventions]</ref>

Unsurprisingly, given their self-bestowed clan name, the Seekers of the Sun count numerous devotees of [[Azeyma]], the Warden, among their ranks.<ref name="Seekers"/>

==Population==
The overall numbers of the [[Miqo'te]] are not great, with the twenty-six Seeker of the Sun tribes scattered across all reaches of the realm.<ref name="Seekers"/> The Seekers are most plentiful in [[Limsa Lominsa]], where they account for twenty percent of the city's overall population.<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 094</ref> They also make up ten percent of [[Ala Mhigo]], though this may not account for the numbers of the [[M Tribe]] of the [[The Fringes|fringes]] of [[Gyr Abania]] and the [[J Tribe]] that calls the region's [[The Peaks|peaks]] home.<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 174</ref>

Seekers of the Sun are also found in the [[Sagolii Desert]] in [[Southern Thanalan|southern Thanalan]], which is the hunting grounds of the [[U Tribe]]—also called the Children of the Sands—who dwell in the [[Forgotten Springs]].<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 145</ref> A small population of Seekers also dwell in [[Ul'dah]] proper, but account for fewer than ten percent of the city's populace (though this does not account for the races of refugees).<ref>''Encyclopædia Eorzea'' pg. 128</ref>

A small population of the Y Tribe may have dwelled in [[Dravania]] at one point, as evidenced by [[Y'shtola Rhul]] and her siblings. It appears that these Seekers were integrated into the population of [[Sharlayan]], and left in the exodus to [[Old Sharlayan]] in 1562 of the [[Sixth Astral Era]].

==Nomenclature==
Each of the twenty-six Seeker tribes adopted a tribal name taken from one letter of the [[Languages|Eorzean alphabet]], which—be it coincidentally or by divine fate as the Seekers believe—contains the same number of letters. In the female name [[R'ashaht Rhiki]], the "R" represents the tribe, while "Ashaht" is the given name and "Rhiki" a patronymic taken from the breeding male who sired her.<ref name="Seekers"/>

Most male Seekers have simple one- or two-syllable names. Male Seeker names contain no patronymics, and they do not take family names. Instead, they are appended with a title denoting their position in the tribe: "nunh" (pronounced "noon") for breeding males, or "tia" (pronounced "tea-ah") for all others.<ref name="Seekers"/><ref name="Naming"/>

The extra aitches seen in these names represent a slight hissing or spitting sound that is made when the name is pronounced by the feline Miqo'te. Many of the other races in Eorzea cannot accurately reproduce this sound, so the aitches end up going silent when read.<ref name="Naming"/>

The tribe names are originally based on traditional beastkin, scalekin, or cloudkin totems, which are said to protect the tribe.<ref name="Naming"/> The tribal prefixes, their totems, and their pronunciations are as follows:

:'''A''': Antelope (Ah)
:'''B''': Boar (Bee)
:'''C''': Coeurl (Ka)
:'''D''': Dodo (Deh)
:'''E''': Eft (Eh)
:'''F''': Bear (F)
:'''G''': Gryphon (Goo)
:'''H''': Gigantoad (Hah)
:'''I''': Buffalo (Ee)
:'''J''': Jackal (Jah)
:'''K''': Hipparion (Koo)
:'''L''': Viper (Lee)
:'''M''': Marmot (Meh)
:'''N''': Aldgoat (N)
:'''O''': Mole (Oh)
:'''P''': Basilisk (Peh)
:'''Q''': Puk (Key)
:'''R''': Raptor (Ruh)
:'''S''': Zu (Soo)
:'''T''': Condor (Tuh)
:'''U''': Drake (Ooh)
:'''V''': Vulture (Vah)
:'''W''': Wolf (Wah)
:'''X''': Lynx (She)
:'''Y''': Jaguar (Yah)
:'''Z''': Ziz (Zoh)

It should also be noted that tribes outside of the original 26 do exist, and are typically founded by Seeker males who, rather than challenging their Nunh or otherwise becoming Nunh via traditional means, instead choose to leave their tribe and start one of their own. These tribes, rather than using one of the already taken 26 letters, will instead often have a tribal prefix consisting of two letters, chosen by the founding male; for example, "Ku" as in "Ku'nijah". However, tribes like this are extremely rare, and most such tribes typically die out rather quickly, as most Seeker women will not follow a male attempting to leave his current tribe to form one of his own.<ref>[https://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/61187-Male-Sunseeker-Miqo-Surnames?p=979252#post979252]</ref>

Other than the tribe pronunciations listed above, names follow rules similar to common English phonics. Though followed by an apostrophe, the tribe sound flows into the name. For example, Y'shtola is pronounced "Yash-toe-lah" not "Yah-sh-toe-lah". Sometimes the tribe letter is dropped from the first name in colloquial speech amongst close friends and companions.<ref name="Naming"/>

====Male Forename Examples====
Aba, Aboh, Alih, Amih, Apa, Atoh, Azih, Bahlo, Bamu, Banhi, Belhi, Bhem, Bhen, Bhin, Bhudi, Bihl, Binba, Celah, Chah, Chaho, Chai, Cirha, Cott, Datih, Denma, Dhen, Dhol, Dinhe, Falh, Falkh, Fhey, Fhuz, Fijah, Gayha, Genhu, Ghol, Ghuh, Ginwa, Halha, Heleh, Hena, Hiqoh, Holha, Iahe, Iaho, Inwa, Jenma, Jesal, Jhamei, Jhida, Jinh, Jutah, Kayah, Kett, Khah, Khilo, Khot, Khuba, Laqa, Laqi, Lhea, Lhuil, Linh, Lizha, Loha, Lohi, Malha, Menh, Mhasi, Mhati, Mitnu, Mitu, Mona, Monhi, Muhih, Naweh, Ndae, Ndai, Neneh, Nhea, Nijah, Nitsah, Nulah, Nuloh, Odh, Oimeh, Olh, Pahlo, Petih, Phel, Phen, Pinha, Qhulu, Qolnh, Quah, Quih, Quohn, Quon, Raha, Raht, Rahz, Rhel, Rhid, Rhika, Rhiki, Rhof, Rhowa, Rhuwa, Rihll, Rihnn, Rinha, Runja, Sheqa, Shikhu, Shtah, Sthah, Taqa, Tenbe, Tenpe, Tiqa, Thish, Thub, Tohka, Tyada, Tyanu, Tyata, Tyatu, Tykha, Vanih, Vanoh, Vett, Vheo, Vhuh, Vimba, Viloh, Welhi, Weta, Wetae, Wiloh, Xhula, Yarhu, Yelho, Yhisa, Yhuh, Zhed, Zhet, Zolwe, Zinba, Zinbhe, Zula

====Female Forename Examples====
Abodji, Adebh, Ahnebb, Alabali, Amneko, Arhll, Arimbeh, Ashaht, Baharra, Bandala, Bhonja, Bhowaka, Bhowaqi, Bokhn, Bolaff, Bolata, Brohka, Bulea, Canago, Cidjaa, Danafa, Dasshym, Datnan, Delika, Dhakya, Dhamya, Dhilogo, Dhinek, Dhodjbi, Dhovaka, Doyagha, Djawana, Djongo, Doyagha, Dyalani, Dyunbu, Ebaloh, Fhiroh, Fudzol, Ghonako, Gnayak, Goromuli, Hahtoa, Hobhas, Hozqha, Hynho, Intana, Jhimei, Jughal, Juramm, Jusana, Kahmuli, Kahzuna, Kalkaya, Kebbe, Khebica, Khenna, Kholbeh, Khonebb, Koliwe, Konbalha, Konelua, Konnala, Kontai, Korolon, Lafumyn, Lahmui, Lahono, Laiboli, Lakshai, Lamahni, Leytai, Lhaminn, Linbho, Llayan, Lloon, Llooni, Lolamo, Loonh, Lyhhia, Lyhia, Majha, Mallibo, Mallpa, Maritaa, Mellpa, Mhalawi, Mhelgo, Mhitra, Mibhas, Mihgazoo, Mokkri, Moldva, Molminn, Mollpa, Molosi, Myhoi, Naago, Naanza, Nabyano, Nagali, Naidjaa, Nairoh, Nanghal, Nangho, Napa, Napha, Nasshym, Nbulea, Ndanya, Ndolobo, Ndomii, Nhalki, Nhapla, Nibnpha, Nimuili, Nmulika, Noggya, Nolosi, Nophlo, Obyano, Olhmyn, Ondolo, Onggo, Ongho, Paghlo, Pahtalo, Payan, Perjha, Piqoi, Pondhao, Ptolmi, Qawhau, Raemha, Rahtalo, Ralka, Ranmaia, Rhabye, Rhanbolo, Rhoyod, Rhunlika, Septha, Shakkal, Shtola, Shuwahe, Sonjha, Ssapa, Sumbla, Sushmo, Tadhara, Tahjha, Tajha, Talhdi, Tandhaa, Tanmo, Tchakha, Telihgo, Tolwann, Towali, Wabati, Wahaii, Wahnako, Wonjhali, Yalwann, Yandih, Yantaa, Zalikko, Zamqo, Zanza, Zazanh, Zentsa, Zhumii Zimzizi, Zuhjha, Zumyn

==Notable Seekers of the Sun==
*[[Y'shtola Rhul]]
*[[M'naago Rahz]]
*[[G'raha Tia]]
*[[U'odh Nunh]]
*[[M'rahz Nunh]]
*[[J'moldva]]
*[[R'ashaht Rhiki]]
*[[Y'mhitra Rhul]]
*[[H'raha Tia]]
*[[M'zhet Tia]]
*[[X'rhun Tia]]

==Notes and Trivia==
*A few Seekers of the Sun, such as [[F'lhaminn Qesh]], use the models of [[Keepers of the Moon]]. This may be a sign of mixed heritage, or it could be an oversight.
** Other examples: [[C'intana]], [[H'amneko]], [[H'naanza]], [[J'lakshai]], [[M'hahtoa]], [[Z'napha]]
* Every single Hhetsarro is using a [[Seeker of the Sun]] in-game model, potentially due to the skin tones available to that clan.

==References==
<references/>

{{Playable Races}}
[[Category:Miqo'te]][[Category:Seekers of the Sun]]