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This is a collection of past WoL Question of the Day answers. The most updated answers live here because the originals were spread across multiple platforms. This is mostly for me to refer back to but also a good way to speed run some of Hatsu's lore since I'm shy about putting up my writing!

Q: Has your WoL/OC ever been arrested?

What for? Did they do it? Who, if anyone, was with them when it happened, and what happened to them next?

A: Can I just not answer what it was for? But it involved some HQ raisins. Yes she did it. Hancock was with her and then he was conveniently not there. He made up for it by bailing her out multiple times. The walk from the Sekiseigumi to the Ruby Bazaar is now her walk of shame.

Q: For those whose WoLs main >1 job, do the way they fight in each role kind of blend together?

A: Yes!! Hatsu's main jobs are WHM and NIN but both are blended with DNC (maybe this is the best way to make it canon). For WHM, I imagine something like a shrine maiden kagura which is neither fast nor efficient for battle which is why I stick to her initially not being a very good healer BUT she can dance. For NIN I just imagine she needs the agility and flexibility of a DNC and when she needed to pick up NIN, she needed to pick it up *quickly* so I think that would help.

Q: What would console your wol / oc if they were not feeling well mentally? Who is best at consoling them if they have anyone?

A: For a long time, she wasn't good at going to anyone with her problems so what she *thought* was good was solving everything alone (hence the stoic/thousand yard stare) but ofc that wasn't actually good for her. The thing that best consoles her *now* is someone who won't shy away from going against her but it was all about timing and it was different when she was at rock bottom.

The Scions and Tataru are this even if she didn't realize it (different people for different times). Hancock was also doing the opposite (playing into her obsession) but he didn't know it was helping her, like a safety net until she was ready. But now I think Hancock would become the person she goes to. He might be a little insensitive before he understands her seriousness but I think his pragmatism and tendency to keep emotional distance (to the problem) is something that helps her see clearly. And I think if she wants someone to be gentle with her it would be Tataru.

Q: What is some of the NPC/Wol ships that you USED to ship?

A: Time change over the expansions, so I’m curious to know what was your old ships!

I wasn't interested in shipping for almost the entirety of the game but I thought I would like Aymeric more than I did. I finally have to admit that I like whump...and he had the potential so I was keeping an open mind. I don't know why it didn't hit, it just didn't. But something about Hancock being a shit-talker but an absolute coward was what got me.

Hilariously, it did not take until he took off his glasses, it was less than 1 minute into my first Mount Rokkon run when I decided to bully him. At that point on top of being perfectly aligned with everything else I set up for Hatsu, I just thought there was no way to get around this.

Q: Your character is at the beach today. What are they doing?

A: Collecting seashells and sea glass...she'll probably make a souvenir out of them for someone...

Ahem to clarify, cute seashell earrings for Tataru and!! A furin with a teal sea glass charm for Hancock!! I think he'd appreciate a rare color. (I'm getting carried away but it is definitely summer now...)

Q: A scandalous #wolqotd for this lovely Sunday - when was the first time your ship held hands?

A: It was at a crowded market. They weren't even together at the time but *someone* had been spreading rumors so he thought it amusing to add fuel to the fire. :/ Hatsu had only meant to reach for Hancock's sleeve but he saw the opportunity and played it off as reflex in an attempt to not lose sight of each other.

Q: How does your wolship say "I love you"? Do they have their own phrase, or another language they prefer? Perhaps a small action or gesture? Do they only say it in private or do they shout it from the top of a jump puzzle?

A: These two rarely just say "I love you", especially Hancock. But they're always doing things for each other! Even though they started off by just exchanging favors, Hatsu is discreet with her support for him (although she eventually gets better at putting her feelings into words) and Hancock manages to do things for her that no one else was able to...

Of course, Hancock being Hancock definitely notices her being there for him! It took time but these two learned how to accept love by just being themselves.

Q: #wolqotd for the players with WOLxNPC ships:

How did your ship come about?

Was it ship at first sight?

Did the ship form over time?

Was it a surprise to you too or so planned you custom made your character just for the ship?

A: It was a ship that formed over time! The majority of my gameplay revolved around housing and I included Hancock in it for reasons. (He has a lot of market info alright?) Her development throughout StB-EnW and post-Rokkon ended up making them somewhat mirrors of each other and then I just allowed myself to go crazy.

Q: WoLs / OCs! Your partner is sick! How are you caring for them? Or are you the "tough love" type and letting them fend for themselves?

A: She waits on him hand and foot, making tea and rice porridge and making sure he has water and medicine! While she can't do most of the things he does, it's a sign of trust when he lets her take any of his tasks off his hands so he can stress less about falling behind work.

Q: Who in your ship is the furnace(s) in bed, and who is the icecube(s) in bed?

A: Hatsu is the furnace (not literally a lizard) and Hancock is the ice cube because he's always wearing a haori so I'd like to think he's always cold. I also think he's probably thin...(headcanon)

Q: If your wol / oc is married or has been married, what was their wedding(s) like?

A: She was married to Hancock with somewhat of an elopement, as was their style, with only the Scions and the people living in the Doman Enclave knowing it was going to happen (indicated by a betrothal gift sent to her last remaining family member). They returned from their elopement on an auspicious day in the enclave with only the 喜酒 and banquet portion being held there. Her dowry was small but it was the most valuable thing her family could offer - a simple, aged teacake from their previous home in Yanxia.

The teacake is more than just her family's history! While the memories that were aether blotted were not returned, after touching this with her echo, she feels like she came to know her family a little more. The more she lives in the present, the more she is finding things that ground her to this world.

She had 0 expectations for a wedding knowing their backgrounds, but because of how Hancock helped uncover her real name which involved her family, they found it meaningful to do at least a part of it traditionally. While Hancock felt a bit uncomfortable when it comes to matters of family, he was happy enough to learn how to carry out the proper Doman customs.

Since this happened in 7.0, the residents of the enclave had long since suspected Hancock the one who secretly routed supplies to them in their time of need and continued to send money (though it was Hatsu's money lmao) while she was away at the First, they have long ago wholeheartedly accepted him.

Q: Do you have any headcanons for your wol/oc that were informed entirely by gameplay, not story/canon?

A: Hatsu was nothing without the housing system and it was crucial to her development. I sometimes feel like I talk about Hancock too much in wolqs but before his backstory was revealed and shipping, he was a stand-in for how I got information for a system that Hatsu as a character couldn't exist without. In canon, he originally played the part of her information broker.

Q: Which -dere is your OC?

A: Hatsu is easily dandere!

Q: For Pokémon day, what is your WoL's team comp?

A:

Chi-yu: Magatama for rituals, fiery body when attacking, the treasure of greed and envy, Hatsu is like a corrupt priestess after all. Also a fish is all she leaves him, an unspoken promise to return.

Chingling: Hatsu's normal clothes are designed to look like a miko's so a Shinto bell is necessary.

Sinistcha: A spirit possessing an antique cup? You get to hunt for an authentic one? This is right up both of their alley.

Gimmighoul: Hancock and Gimmighoul are literally the same thing.

Bronzong, Claydol: Hancock fans know.

Q: What exactly is in the "box of mementos personally crafted and signed by none other than Etheirys' Warrior of Light"?

What commemorative souvenirs are Coiningway and Managingway flogging for *your* WoL?

A: I feel like Tataru (or someone else...) would already be selling these but it'd be plushies (tabletop item not minions) of the Scions of course! And jewelry made of the gold from Extravagant Salvaged accessories. (Also made with red coral and pearls for a signature look?)

Q: What was it about your OC's partner(s) that attracted them to your OC?

A: He spoke his mind in front of her even if he was sometimes crude and maybe that was the main thing that separated him from other people who fawned over her for being the WoL. Not only did he make rude jokes, his "fawning" seemed to be more condescending than anything. He saw right through her quiet, hero act and enabled her in her foolish ideas even though he saw through that too. It both pissed her off and shocked her out of her faked stoicism. But he just lets her work through what she needed to without judgement -- and maybe it was because getting to meddle in new markets was too fun.

Both were partly in it for selfish reasons so it didn't last forever. They pulled apart and when they came together again, it was for different reasons. She had found her raison d'etre in altruistic causes, became a person who proved she could keep her promises, no longer stuck in the past. He was ready to let her in and she recognized that his show of vulnerability and sharing his dream with her was a big step for him. It seemed like after all that time, their goals aligned and they grew together rather than apart, something that solidified their relationship.

Did I even answer the question? There were things that were immediate and there were things that grew over time so it wasn't a short answer. Also I wonder if I understood the question backwards.

Q: Does your WoL ever go through a relationship break up?

A: Does it count if they weren't really in a relationship? But they find out how tangled up they are in each other a little too late. (It's not too late.)

Q: How would your WoL and close friends/partner npcs do in a haunted house attraction?

Are they running out crying? Glued to someone? Stone cold poker face? Maybe even making fun of the props and actors?

A: Hatsu puts on a brave face and stands up as tall as she can. Ofc Hancock is screaming and crying but he plays it off as just trying to stay close to her...and he really isn't scared until something gets to him and he pees himself. (You have to take the good with the bad...)

Also holding his hand does not make him feel better. It has to be on his terms (so he can run away at his discretion lmao).

Q: For the players: what is one NPC headcanon that is a hill you would die on? Get out your red string board and give us the lore!

A: I love the very endearing and popular interpretation that Hancock removes his glasses when he shows his real self and is able to be vulnerable but I think on the flip side, he wears glasses as a way to keep people at a distance because his upbringing and his profession has taught him not to trust people. And even though he's not still "hurt" by having been abandoned by his parents, he still grew up extremely independent and learned that he only really has himself. It would take an immense amount of trust to open himself up for the risk of being "abandoned" by someone again so its been safer to keep people at a distance.

While the slow burn in this situation is fun to write about, it does bring up the topic of what it's like to not feel safe to open up or excessive independence and hiding your real feelings as a form of survival. It's something that needs to be tackled if I want to write him into a somewhat healthy relationship.

Q: What card represents your WoL/OC best? (Bonus if you have one from the Major Arcana and one from the Minor.)

A: The Hermit

Q: In your WoL/WoLNPC ship, who said "I love you" first?

A: Hatsu said the words first and it would take a long time (if ever) for Hancock to say it back but his efforts to involve her in business and in his private life was telling enough.

Q: If your WoL/OC (and possibly their partner(s)) showed up in the overworld as NPCs for other players, what would they be doing? Would they be a NPC that players could buy stuff from? Would they be on a date? Would they be a quest giver for MSQ or an arbitrary fetch quest?

A: Hancock is already always hanging out in the office but I'd like to think that early in the mornings, they might be together in Kogane Dori working out a deal at a stall. During business hours Hatsu would be in a housing district selling furniture that requires goldsmithing or hanging out at the Doman Enclave. Then late at night, she might appear in the office to keep Hancock company or they might both be in a housing district window shopping, I mean...taking a stroll.

Q: Is there an in-game song that you associate with your wol/oc?

A: "Where the Heart Is"

I often decorate houses to this song and when I do, it helps me keep in mind a place and vibe that I'd want to return to. I didn't exactly choose this song for my WoL but it's associated with her now.

Q: Tell me your most unhinged fun fact about your WoL. I wanna see some crazy lore.

A: Hatsu's "memory soup" echo was the result of a failed experiment by her Azem. "Lethe" was her name. She always had a child-like whimsey about her. Forgetful and innocent, her naivety challenged as she began to travel the star as Azem.

Her lore is based off of Meng Po from Chinese mythology. Her role is to brew the Five Flavored Tea of Forgetfulness in the Ancients' time. Whether or not it worked mattered very little, as it was a symbolic ritual for a peaceful reincarnation. However, she hated her role and hated her own tendency to forget things.

The impending Sundering caused her to quickly try to find ways to bring them back together, much like her Ascian brethren. Coming up with no solution along with her fear of forgetting things, she resolved instead to try to preserve her memories so that her shards may one day return with an answer.

It was a boon as much as it was a detriment to Hatsu. The PTSD-like flashbacks of past lives were almost too much to bear and for many years, left her in a depressed and closed off state.

Q: If your Wol/OC has a romantic partner, do they have a connection where they just know how the other feels without needing to say a single word?

Example: One of them is sad and the other just looks them in the eyes and can tell and just hugs them and comforts them.

A: Not without words, no. Hancock is really good at hiding his feelings, especially when something is bothering him. But they've spent so much time together that Hatsu can pick up even a little hint of snark/anger/annoyance/pain hidden behind his smile and in order to help him in any business deals she's involved in, she often has to read between the lines of what he's saying without having to talk to each other directly.

On Hancock's part, reading people is just second nature to him but Hatsu has always been especially predictable and easy for him to read so he knows exactly how to cheer her up (or annoy her) if he wanted. While he can understand her without speaking, he still prefers to put trust in her feelings and thoughts when they're put into words or actionable information such as communicating plans or reassurance when needing/giving space to process feelings.

Q: Which NPCs have been altered/headcanoned in your WoL's story, and in what way?

Anything big or small, from their reactions to the WoL to giving them an Ancient/Echo and more!

A: I think there is so much that is core to Hancock that I try to keep him as canon as possible but naturally, there are a few things that needed to be extrapolated on, such as his relationship with Lolorito. This isn't shown to us in canon and can be taken many different ways.

Until they show us one way or another (I'll rewrite to keep close to canon), he is more subordinate to Lolorito than is let on. He may have a lot of freedom and say on the Kugane side of the company but for someone who I think must know many of Lolorito's secrets, in addition to Lolorito being known to kill his own people in order to not leave loose ends, the barrier to their relationship being official is the fact that Hancock is still beholden to him.

As far as Lolorito knows, the "relationship" is a charade in order to keep the WoL under their control and Hancock cannot easily leave to live his own life. I feel that Lolorito is "careful" enough to keep as many people tied down to him as possible and the orphans he has picked up may not be paid well enough to leave him. I have never mentioned this anywhere else before but despite what it looks like on the surface, Hatsu is not using Hancock's money at all. With very little money of his own, she is the one to provide him a safety net in the form of [redacted].

However as in canon, Hancock chooses to see the silver lining in it and is simply grateful for the life that he does have.

Also as an extra, I like to think that Hancock is one of the new souls, not linked to any Ancient. I'd like for him to be completely separate from her attachment to the past that basically had her in a chokehold from ARR-EnW.

Q: 'How did you pick your WoL/OC's ship-"

A: I didn't pick lmao. Hatsu wasn't planned to live past EnW but what I had for her didn't mesh with the ending we were given just enough that I didn't like the idea anymore. She had non-ship history with Hancock and his character development aligned with hers and her new reason to live so here we are.

Q: #wolqotd enough about lovers and besties. tell me about your wol's arch nemesis. the one fucking guy (gender neutral) that really gets them going. the equivalent of a frenzy spell.

A: It's Lolorito. In her canon (unless the lore is clarified), the reality is that Hancock is beholden to Lolorito until the day he passes. She doesn't ask Hancock to uproot his life despite the ramifications of him being Lolorito's subordinate. But she is grateful for whatever they have, in whatever form it takes until then. It's an unconventional relationship but they've both led unconventional lives and are finding ways to make the best of it.

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Q: Where was your wol(oc) born? Where did they grow up?

A: She was born in the Garlemald-occupied Doma but her family fled when she was 1 so she has no memories of it. After fleeing towards the Waking Sands, they posed as traveling goldsmiths in Ul'dah which is where she grew up.

Q: How does your wol feel about jewelry of any kind? Do they not wear it because of their class / job, or are they well equipped with accessories?

A: Jewelry is one of the few things brings out Hatsu's feral side and the main thing she looks for in the markets. Although she doesn't wear much jewelry out of practicality (not counting gear) so she looks forward to the times where she can dress up, wear jewelry, and not be on the battlefield. Antique jewelry, particularly any Doman and Shisui(an?) ones that her Echo can draw memories from help ground her and keep her connected to the past that she lost.

Q: Who was the first one to confess feelings in your wol(oc)ship?

A: The answer is complicated because they were "friends with benefits" for years before it happened so there were a lot of indirect confessions at times. Hancock is very secretive and keeps his real self and his past hidden so I think he has a hard time believing anyone could love the real him. Hatsu felt guilty tying someone to a relationship if she was expecting to die anyways. She wanted to him to be happy even when/if she was gone. As a result, both wait until everything is said and done; the Final Days averted and Hancock has inevitably shown the sides of himself that he thinks is undesirable. There had been many major gestures of love throughout their time together so by the time Hancock confesses, he already knew that she accepted him.

Hancock is the type to have a plan A, B, C, etc so I think he's very risk adverse. I think he would never confess first without being very sure the feeling is reciprocated. He did it early enough after everything was done, otherwise Hatsu would have to be the first to confess.

Q: I often read abt hcs on how magic 'feels' different depending on the caster, so how does it feel when someone is being healed by your wol/oc?

A: Hatsu's healing is like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold night WAAAAAH

Q: Explain why your ship works to me by describing how they would act when building a cabinet from Ikea.

A: They would both read the instructions carefully and organize all of the pieces before starting.

However, Hatsu doesn't retain any of the instructions and they decide to split the tasks, with Hancock reading off the instructions and handing her the pieces while she puts the whole thing together.

She'll probably still put something on backwards and at first she thinks it would annoy him but he'll probably laugh it off and say he'll resell it as a WoL original. She'll be so embarrassed that she fixes it anyway because she wants to make it perfect for them. He'll tease her but tells her that it's fine if it's not perfect because they were still able to spend the time together.

Q: How does your wol say ‘I love you’ other than saying the phrase? Essentially, what is their love languages other than just saying ‘I love you’?

A: I think Hatsu's highest love language is words of affirmation and acts of service. Sometimes that comes in the form of being a listener or being supportive in the background, without needing any acknowledgment, to show them she's there for them.

Q: Since we like to joke about it, how often does your WoL put random things in their mouth(if ever), and who/which NPC is often left to help them deal with the aftermath?

A: She's annoyed there are rumors that she does it at all! (She does still but not OFTEN.) Hancock would make a face to show disapproval but he'd watch on in interest to see if she dies from her own stupidity. He'll remind her it's her own fault when she starts feeling sick but he'll have medicine ready anyway.

Q: Would your WoL/OC punch your favorite NPC for 50 million Gil?

A: OMG NO Hancock would crumble (50mil is nothing add a 0 and we'll talk)

Q: #WoLQotD for miqo/aura/hroth/viera wols or ocs, what would they look like as an actual animal?

A: Her color scheme is of the tancho sanke koi! My fish girl...

Q: WoLQotD but which npc is the #1 fan of your WoLship?

A: No one but Tataru found out for years so...she supports Hatsu but isn't exactly a fan of Hancock so she watches over them, an ever promising threat if Hancock misbehaves lmao.

Q: Is your WOL’s/OC’s partner/lover/Spouse a shard of there Azem? Or was this a new person created by the Star being Splintered? If they are unsundered was this a continuation of a prior Relationship? Or, start of a new one?

A: I'd like to think that Hancock is a new soul entirely. His "ordinariness" is one of his charm points so I don't want to invalidate that. Of course, he's very intelligent so I don't feel like he's that ordinary but I like the idea of him not having a special soul.

Q: Calling all WoL/OCs who run a signature color, show me what you've got! Is there any particular reason you chose that color for them as well?

A: Red and white (and black) are her colors! Her "canon" outfit is meant to give the impression of a shrine maiden but I also took the "fish girl" joke kind of far and since she's descended from Shisui, I thought it fitting to keep her with the color scheme of a koi.

Also coincidentally fun, her colors are pretty much the opposite of Hancock's (red/white to blue/black) and the thing that best ties them together visually (in art pieces) are her eyes and his glasses.

Q: What is your WoLship's favorite thing to do together?

A: Probably walk through the markets, negotiate exchanges of goods (and land), and just spend quiet time together. Hancock is more experienced than Hatsu when it comes to negotiating but she has a different style than him so they both learn from each other.

Q: What is a flaw that your OC/WoL has that's still adored by their partner/ship regardless of how others perceive it?

A: There is a side of Hatsu that she doesn't let the Scions see; her single-minded nature when it comes to negotiating something she wants (land, jewelry, etc). Hancock finds it amusing even if he's sometimes exhausted by it.

Q: Does your WoL have all of your ancient’s memories? Only some of them? None?

Do those memories feel like their own, or is it like watching a movie of someone else’s life in first person?

A: Due to her Echo, not only does Hatsu have some of Azem's memories, she has vague memories of all of her past lives simultaneously. Sometimes she is a mess of not remembering who she is or what is past or present. Nostalgic and bittersweet memories torment her.

Q: Does your wol have / harness any inverted tropes (such as soft looking character that is actually really mean, ‘damsel’ looking characters that are incredibly strong physically, tough characters but afraid of monsters or something small, etc)?

A: Hatsu definitely has a moe gap. People would describe her looks as pure and cute but only two people knows she is GREEDY. She keeps up appearances due to being the WoL but in secret, she is a bit different...

Q: What was the silliest reason for your WoLship to fight?

A: Hatsu does girl math and it makes Hancock dissociate.

Q: What is something your WoL/OC/NPC either does in their relationship with their partner that they don’t do with anyone else? (This means with a specific person’s dynamic to them, not necessarily meaning monogamy.)

A: Once Hatsu shut herself off from her friends, she really only opened up to Hancock. At first, it was because he was the only person who didn't judge her for what she wanted (or so she perceived) when he began to help her in her ventures. From there, bits of her old self started coming back, from being cold and distant to a kinder and more empathetic person. Her growth and the time they spent together helped Hancock open up to her, something he rarely does with anyone.

Q: If your WoL/OC got turned into a lightwarden, what would their boss name be?

A: Forgiven Reticence - refers to her silence, disconnection, and secrets she kept from the Scions. And when the lighting poisoning was too much, she hid away, not because she was going to handle it herself but because she was ashamed of wanting to give up again.

Q: Was there a cause that your WoL was personally attached to? Like the liberation of Bozja and Ala Mhigo etc.

A: The Doman and Firmament reconstruction, any rebuilding of an area for people who were displaced are major causes that are important to Hatsu.

Q: Who among your WoLship is more affectionate?

A: Hatsu is the more affectionate one! In fact, she loves to dote on Hancock even if he pretends her care isn't necessary. He doesn't do it consciously, but he waits for her to give affection first as a way to have the emotional upper hand and sometimes plays into her doting just to see that he can still pull her around.

Q: What flower do you associate the most with your WoL? what's the meaning behind the chosen flower?

A: Hatsu's flower is the peony/botan! It symbolizes good fortune (wealth) and is worn on the clothes of her ancestors.

Post-EnW and accepting her role as the WoL/Azem, she is also symbolized by the spider lilies and foxgloves.