The Knights of Xan - Keepers

[Tsuyose 3283]

  The Knight’s of Xan

 

Justicars, Keepers, Itharel. They have many different names however Xan has bestowed upon them the title of ‘Keeper.’ A Keeper’s duty is to carry out their Aengul’s will in the form of one duty which has been empowered, for Herun or Xath as he may often refer to himself as, has the duty of Guardianship. He is the kinder one out of the two. Adniel being the Keeper of Order. There can only be two at one time, or so he says. They came to be a decade or two after Tahariae had rescued him from his dying waters. Xan stepped forth through the gate of Eternity, shifting into the realm of Tahariae his companion and brother in arms. The two were and are the greatest of allies with their bonds strengthened they seek to purge the blight from these lands, for Order and Justice to be preserved and dealt with swiftly. Several months into Iblees returning havoc ran amuck amongst the mortal realm, Iblees’ power dwarfed that of Xan’s and he knew it. He couldn’t face Iblees on and re-forge the Golden Lance much like he can now - considering more of his power has returned. -

 

Having known of Tahariae’s Itharel from Xan’s mild interactions with Daniel Baelish, the Itharel of Judgement. Tahariae was no fool, he knew of Xan’s capabilities and whenever he recollected his power he would make a grand ally. An ally which could rival that of the other descendant aengudaemons. Tahariae gifted his brother the knowledge of the Itharel, how to forge them anew in his own way. Xan’s magic and powers were different to that of Tahariae’s they’re two different Aengul’s afterall.

 

Xan returned back to his grand marble and golden realm, descending beneath his throne and taking no time in returning back to his forge which he once created the aengulic weapon known as The Golden Lance which had been bestowed upon Hilan the First. He had also forged the Spear of Order which was his replacement weapon that had soon been bestowed upon the Keeper of Order, Adniel. The corners of his lips twitched up, drawing his gaze down into the aengulic ichor which flowed through his forge and he began to prepare. Much like he had the Golden Lance it was trial and error, finding himself near the ledge of his grand throne he drew his gaze down, staring at the erected marble pillar which contained a lengthy set of an ancient language engraved within, the name ‘Athna’ appearing here and there, evidently he was fond of his own personal children which contained his blood.

 

 

Herun was the first to become his Keeper, Knight and Justicar. He who would bear the burden which his grandfather once carried - He was to become the Prophet once more. His trial to prove his might and worth to Xan was clear and he carried it out hastily, Xan was hardly impressed. He had shown traits much like his previous beloved prophet, Hilan. Hilan was arguably his first Keeper due to the immense power the Prophet carried, rivaling even that of the current Keeper’s. His connection to Xan was unwavering, thus explaining the many artifacts and relics he produced, that teaching was passed down onto Herun.

 

Xan’s ivory arms lifted, the Aengul settled its ever watchful gaze upon the pillar and with that an inscription would engrave itself into the blank space at the base of the pillar in a writing that rolls off the tongue, an ancient and aengulic text it was. This pillar would be known as the Pillar of Binding.

 

Xan still required time to perfect his own creation, yet his beloved Prophet Herun Athna had been impaled in one of his tasks to retrieve a spear. Having been also impaled by Tahariae’s wayward Itharel, Ivanus. - Daniel Baelish. - Xan drew his gaze up, his very realm trembling with the anger which coursed throughout Xan as he called upon his inquisitor, Jack. He who Xan had once placed a curse upon. He and his inquisitor were close, perhaps the second mortal he had grown fond of. Yet, he would never show it. Jack arrived from the gates, descending down unto one knee before the mighty Xan, asking what his Aengul sought. It was then Xan demanded that Jack would be the saviour of his Prophet, Herun. He who Jack had worked with to remove Setherien, Jack did as he was told without a doubt.

 

Jack had arrived to the bloody scene the clerics fought the necromancers and Herun who was on the verge of death, bound to life by the will of his Aengul. He couldn’t even breathe right with the gaping hole in his chest, the kind knight led there in naught but utter agony. Jack retrieved Herun before disappearing in a golden haze which emanated with the power of Xan himself, evidently a portal that Xan had manifested to ease Jack’s journey into the Vault which later became Herun’s realm. - A mere fragment gifted of Xan’s realm gifted to him. - Jack settled him upon the golden throne which spewed forth a golden light, engulfing Herun in a transparent sphere.

 

Several more months had passed, Xan couldn’t save his Prophet. So he did what had to of been done, Herun would become a premature Keeper. Xan’s right hand, his Angel blessed in golden light.

 

 

Ninth of Sun’s Smile, 1475

 

Upon the golden throne with a quartz outlining lead a near dead Herun, old age was slowly burdening him. The olden figure’s eyes began to close as he relaxed, fingers curling into the edges of the throne as he rested within the vault, having been rested there by Jack, he who saved Herun’s life from the terrible clutches of the Weavers and Liches. His breathing sluggishly dipping as if he were passing, yet he was simply falling into a deep slumber. Each passing day and night was painful for him, being trapped away in the vault, needing to be healed so he may see another day…

 

Daniel slothfully delved deep into the caverns beneath the mountain, slipping past the waterfall. He held his torch high, lighting the path for himself. The Itharel’s gaze locked upon a hidden button, pressing his palm against it and causing a hidden passage to emerge,                               slothfully advancing on and further downwards, sweeping the vines and cobwebs from his view until he came across the doors. Slipping a key from deep within his robes, he slipped it into the lock and twisted, doing so for each door until he eventually stepped into the main room. He drew in  a deep breath, staring down at the rancid, tar-like substance.

 

Finally, he took a step forth, tumbling into the tar-like substance and submerging himself, slipping down and re-appearing below. He glanced around, releasing a shuddered sigh as he hooked the torch onto a hook, retrieving another key from deep within his robes and slipping it into the lock, twisting and entering into the lush room, glowstone lighting below the bridge and forming upon the roof. He sluggishly advanced onwards towards the seal, Dawn’s Gate. His gaze locked towards the statute, giving a  faint bob of his head in respect before glancing around towards the lush set of trees, animals and grass.

 

He muttered a few, silent words in prayer, right arm elevating as the seal began to dip down, vanishing before him. Daniel entered the Vault, glancing around towards the many relics and artifacts. He remained silent still, advancing forth and through the center, halting on the other side and peering toward the blonde figure sat upon the throne.

 

 

Herun drew his gaze up, eyes wide and head tilted to the right in curiousity. Daniel remained silent, however. His index finger and middle starting to glow a faint golden hue, right arm elevating and hand dipping in, applying the two fingers to Herun’s forehead, slipping him into a deep slumber. Herun’s eyes opened upon his name being called in hushed whispers, reappearing elsewhere. At the bank of a lake, surrounded by a forest of golden trees.

 

 

Herun’s eyes widened just a tad, shifting his gaze about before locking them down upon the water, peering into his own reflection. A few ripples emerge before a golden light began to bubble out from the center of the lake, shifting and turning before Herun, glowing a little more with each word that slithered out from its core. It began to recite Tahariae’s words decades ago.

 

“Do not fear. For I am what you see to be. Today you decide your tomorrows. You shall gain what you so seek… Come into the light and break the bonds that have held you captive. Destroy the fear and hate that has plagued you as mortals. Allow mental limits to be a thing of your past.”

 

“The journey shall not be an easy one. These bonds have held you for your entire existence. To break them is to change your very being. Join me on this side of those barriers and see your path. Become more than a mortal caught in the crosswinds of gods, and bind your life to my light.”

 

And with that, Herun’s right arm began to slothfully elevate, drawing in a deep breath and sluggishly advanced onwards, submerging himself into the water which eventually came up to his waist. His hand inching towards the light hesitantly.. Before suddenly slipping in, his back arched out, releasing a loud gasp as his entire body brightened into a golden hue. Quite suddenly his memories jogged back from birth to his grandfather’s teachings, Hilan the First. To the slaying of Setheriens’ sibling, to the death of his kin. His hiding with his own two siblings, Sarah and Hilan the Second.. Sixty years alone on the island, preparing for the future.. And then they came. The four mortal races, coming to save the siblings  from the clutches of the Harbingers. They managed to slay the Harbingers one by one, causing them to retreat and leaving the Siblings and mortal races victorious in that battle. Time jogged  on to the battle against Setherien, impaling the wretched beast straight into it’s heart.. Then a sudden darkness befalls Herun as the voices of those Herun had ever hated, loathed and those who had scorned him.

 

“It is these emotions that make you weak. For it is the contempt in our hearts that feeds the very corruption you must destroy.”

 

The voices began to slothfully fade, sluggishly losing the feelings he had held towards those certain individuals. The feelings that simply changed to a state of indifference and as this happened, the golden light released Herun’s hand. The light began to retreat back a few, Herun advanced towards it.. Each step bearing down hard on him as a bellowing wind battered against him, the water starts to part, forming a clear line of gravel between himself and the golden light. Upon arriving before the golden light, it began to morph, releasing a blinding light and causing Herun’s eyes to slam shut.

 

With this, Xath was born. The Keeper of Guardianship.

 

His Champion, His Keeper, His Knight.

 

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The Knights of Xan contain the same power as that of the Itharel, their ability to manipulate light has severely increased. The old magics that had been lost from Xan’s disappearance has re-emerged through them and they’re now capable of manipulating the three branched out sections of the Mists of Xan. Their souls are instead bound to the pillar which is engraved with aengulic texts and the like within Xan’s realm, his sacred artifact. Whenever one dies they’re called back and into the realm of Xan to be born anew instead of being taken away by the monks.

 

The Keeper’s of Xan are capable of feeling minor emotion, however they can be drawn forth whenever met with a powerful event. They’re still capable of falling in love and feeling sadness, however such occurs during the rare event.

 

Differing from the Itharel they’re capable of feeling minor emotion so they may remain in touch with their humanity. Despite their given title, they’re still expected to carry out both duties however one is stronger than the other.

 

The following text will give an insight as to how it works, Heero wrote this piece up regarding the Tahariae Itharel lore.

 

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The main conundrum of any spellcaster is the toll of magic on the body. The mortal body was never molded with the intention of delving into the depths of the arcane or call for the power of the divines. A Paladin or Cleric may not experience the same severity as a Voidal affinity mage but its degeneration still exists regardless. Even the most well versed Cleric will notice a change in their physical strength. The constructs of light a war-cleric produces are near weightless but your average sword may be cumbersome to a degree. Tahariae’s impractical remedy to this dilemma is the Itharel themselves. A Cleric that has agreed the transcendence into an Itharel is subjected to Tahariae reforging their body similar to how Aerial modifies the blood of her Ascended; albeit in a much different manner. They are capable of two ‘forms’. When they awake from their reincarnation they will appear as they did. ‘Mortal’ with flesh. Yet that is only their exterior. An Itharel houses no organs nor blood. During their transcendance such mundane matter is replaced with a primal soup of Ichor which ranges in colors of gold, silver, platinum, sapphire and so on . Organs and tissue are prone rejecting otherworldly energies. The Ichor Itharel bare are the opposite. It is a conductor allowing Itharel to withstanding every greater payloads of divine energy from their patron and efficiently utilize more than previously. Physical nourishment such as eating is still a necessity for even Itharel. Their bodies simply are wired up in a more alien fashion than previously. Food is dissolved and the nutrients absorbed by the Ichor that runs through them. Just as their stomachs had prior. Yet due to the divine nature of Ichor it does appear to be more tenacious against poisons and other forms of blight.

 

Their second ‘form’ is that of what an Itharel’s image truly is. Their mortal facade is casted aside and replaced with a heavenly set of gilded armor and a blade of a similar make at their side. Underneath their divine hull the Itharels’ Ichor hardens into an amber like crystal. The Ichor radiates a stalwart aura. This most commonly recognized as the glow seen beaming out from underneath and Itharel’s robes and platemail. The crystallized Ichor is an Itharel’s equivalent of bones to your average mortal.

 

• HeeroZero.

 

Their transformations are similar to that of an Itharel’s, one of the only things Xan had copied from the knowledge bestowed upon him by Tahariae. Those who become a Keeper may have their power and title revoked by the Aengul Xan himself.

 

 

The Keeper’s Powers

 

The Keeper’s of Xan have been bestowed the might and will of Xan, to defy their given duty is to defy him which can result in death, if not then servitude. A Keeper is granted a mere fragment of Xan’s realm for their living quarters incase they’re overwhelmed with whatever. It is possible for them to shift from their realm to the mortal realm, however that requires an extensive amount of power and they cannot do it during battle, less they’re near death than Xan himself shall call forth the Gate of Eternity, dragging back his Knight from the brink of permanent death. For their connection to be torn from Xan would mean they perish forever.

 

Holy Condensation - The mist concentrates into a more compact area, so it is more like a mild haze. It then moves at the will of the caster. If it engulfs a tainted being, the thing will take constant harm, albeit it won’t be particularly quick. The speed of its effects depend on how condensed the haze is and how powerful the caster is. This magic is also capable of healing the wounded.

 

Holy Barrier - The mist collects into a surface, forming a transparent barrier. Neutral and good beings may pass through the barrier, as will similar magics. However, beings tainted would be unable to pass through, facing pain in the parts which touch the barrier, or if they are weaker beings, mere disintegration. Likewise, similarly aligned spells will find it difficult to pass through the barrier, and will likely dissipate, unless they are more powerful than the caster’s barrier.

 

Xan’s Companion - The mist condenses into a small area, forming a creature out of light with a mildly indefinite shape. Its whole body is roughly the size of one’s head, although a bit thinner. It moves around constantly, and can float for a short period of time after jumping into the air. It is able to move quickly, and can fight both by physically attacking a dark being with its limbs, or by launching small orbs of light at one. One might describe it as a hyperactive ferret constructed of holy light with slightly odd dimensions.

 

Holy Solidarity - The mist concentrates, condensing into a single point of light. The point moves at the will of the caster. After some time, the point rapidly expands in a miniature explosion of holy light. Tainted beings will be injured by the holy nature of the spell, yet all will be affected by the concussive force.

 

Holy manipulation - The mist excretes from their very being, constantly shifting and clouding around the figure’s form, eventually curling around their very form before hardening into a set of heavy, golden armour. This armour is effective at protecting the Keeper from dark magics, but it may be broken, just as any armour may break.

 

Holy Alteration - Despite being a Paladin, one has been granted the hidden ability of holy alteration, essentially normal alteration except it’s imbued with holy magic. This magic must be taught.

 

Light Manipulation

Due to their transformation they have gained the ability to bend light to their will, capable of condensing it into a variety of objects. However, this isn’t to be abused.  To abuse this power is to abuse the title given to them by Xan himself. This is their greatest gift, granting them a variety of connections into the realm of Xan. Similar to Shade magic except the complete opposite of what it does.