Thancred Waters

Overview

Thancred Waters is a Midlander Hyur male appearing in Final Fantasy XIV. As a Sharlayan Archon belonging to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, he hides his background as a former thief behind the facade of a charming, poetry-quoting bard. Utilizing his expertise in survival and intelligence operations, he serves as a vital operative who protects others from the shadows.

Appearance

Thancred is a man with parted bangs, white hair, and yellow eyes. His attire evolves over time, ranging from light tactical gear to jackets, coats, gloves, and fingerless gloves. Following a period of wilderness survival, he adopts a more rugged look featuring stubble on his face, and he temporarily wears a black cloth covering over his injured left eye.

Personality

Despite his flirtatious and lighthearted demeanor toward women, Thancred is deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable. Guided by his mentor's teachings, he willingly puts his life on the line to safeguard his comrades and loved ones. Beneath his playful exterior lies a caring, mature guardian, though he can be visibly discomfitted when treated like an older man.

Abilities

Combining Ul'dahn swordplay with skills from his thief past, Thancred originally wielded dual daggers in battle before transitioning into a Gunbreaker using a gunblade. Due to losing his ability to manipulate aether after an ordeal, he can no longer use magic or teleportation, requiring allies to charge his gunblade cartridges with aether. He excels in stealth, reconnaissance, survival techniques, and specialized concealment skills.

Background

Originally a youth committing minor crimes in Limsa Lominsa, Thancred was taken in by the Archon Louisoix, who recognized his physical talent and educated him in Sharlayan. After a tragic incident in Ul'dah, he took on the responsibility of watching over the young Ascilia, later known as Minfilia. Having overcome possession by an Ascian and a period of grueling wilderness survival, he continues to lend his strength to critical operations across worlds.

Relationships

Thancred carries on the ideals entrusted to him by his mentor, Louisoix Leveilleur. He cares deeply for Minfilia like a sister and takes on a protective, familial role toward the young Ryne, bestowing her name upon her in the First. He frequently collaborates with Urianger Augurelt and has fought alongside Yugiri Mistwalker due to their compatible combat techniques.

Trivia

A Nutkin that coincidentally obscured his body during his naked survival ordeal in Dravania became an enduring fan favorite, eventually recognized officially as his companion. Additionally, a radio communication line he delivers during a stealth operation in Garlemald spawned a widespread online meme among overseas fans.