Althea_

Ixtzûl Culture The Ixtzûl are the Surviving Remnants of a Once Great Civilization with a Rich Culture, upholding its culture and keeping alive its legacy both in homage to the fallen and in hopes of having it perhaps one day rise again. Their struggle rises, now being faced with the Doom of Almaris, traveling to new lands, leaving behind their own, and having to rejoin their Orcish Brethren and the rest of Descendent-kind as a whole, having much to learn and adapt to, while still bearing much Mistrust for the Qui̱xtiöno (Mahuizahtotl: “Outsiders”, referring to the Descendents that came to Almaris after them, or those that aren’t part of their Clan/People). In their Clan Hierarchy, they are led by the Tlatoani (Mahuizahtotl: “one who speaks; leader”), chosen and seen by the majority of the Clan as the best individual to lead them, and often revealed by Farseer Shamans and Ilzhonal, who gaze the truth in visions beyond and in the stars. Beneath the Tlatoani are the Shamans, Ilzhonal & Honorable Elders; who, while not bearing true power, are greatly respected socially. The Tlatoani Ascension Ceremony revolves around the Chosen Clan-Leader being Covered in Gold-Dust, bathing in a Great-Lake beneath the Sun & Stars, washing off the gold in offering to Aztran; golden trinkets, jewels, and other non-organic material offerings would also be thrown into the lake for the same purpose. The Clan is mostly composed of Uruks; for, during their voyage to Almaris, about almost every Olog starved and/or entered a state of bloodrage overseas due to the lack of food, requiring the remaining Orcs to put them down. Likewise, many goblins perished during the Ixtzûl Ancestors’ time in the deserts of Aegis, or in the boats. For these reasons those that made it to New-Continent were chiefly Uruks (albeit of course not entirely). Physically most Ixtzûl stand Taller than most other Orcs, with Muscular albeit leaner builds, instead of being bulky. Due to a diet consisting of many vegetables and fruits, instead of just meat, their tusks slowly dwindled over the centuries, being generally smaller and even curved, albeit still sharp. Their hairs are straight, being common even for the males to grow them longer, adorning them with feathers, trinkets and braids. Despite this, beards and bodily hair is exceedingly rare among the Ixtzûl. Their Skin Colors are darker and more vibrant overall, thanks to excess of melanin due to often basking under the Sun, and come in Various Colors overall, some bearing Social Meaning: Those Beliefs don’t always state the Truth, being Cultural Superstition in the End, whereas the Castes System of the Kingdom of Tonatiuh have been long forsaken alongside it, being but memoirs of the past, but may still play out culturally. The Ixtzûl boast Remarkable Hygiene, especially for Orcs, taking baths regularly and employing a wide variety of herbs, fruits and plants to produce creams for the hair and the body, even serving as perfumes. This is further bolstered by their idea of Seeing their Body as a “Temple” (somewhat literally), thus taking good care of it overall, and instead refining them in the image of the Spirits they take after (more in the ‘Children of the Spirits’ section). For their Clothing the typical Tribal-Wear fit for the Jungles (such as Loincloths) is highly common, though mantles, robes, furs, pelts, cloaks and capes of various colors are also highly present. Tattoos, Paints, Markings, Piercings, Earrings, Necklaces, Trinkets/Ornaments & Jewelry are also all present. All of it in homage to the Spirits. Due to their history, especially the eventual decentralization into jungle tribes following the fall of their Kingdom, the Ixtzûl (or the Tonatiuh Orcs) are a mostly Reserved and Isolationist Honorable-Folk, preferring to keep things to themselves rather than speak with outsiders, employing their own language rather than common in some cases. This though, has led them to see each other as Close Family, seeking out the best for other Ixtzûl, looking after one another and working towards the betterment of their Clan, with each member pursuing a role to serve the collective, without pursuing an exchange from them (be it of favors, services, goods, or else), in hopes of Perfecting their Skills. Through and through acting as a Communal Society (internally). Self-Discovery is a great social theme and aspect of their culture, for they believe each member has their purpose in the Mortal Realm, ere expiring to go to Kor; likewise, they have the tradition to pursue a Chosen Spirit to essentially ‘embody’ among the mortals, something that shall be better explained in the ‘Children of the Spirits’ section. In general, it’s common for the Ixtzûl to Develop Various Hobbies & Pursue Knowledge/New-Experiences (which might be harder, when interaction with ‘Outsiders’ is required). In fact, the Ixtzûl have been Learning from Outsiders for a while, watching from a distance, even taking some to their villages to be interrogated about their Cultures, Secrets & Craft. It was through this method the Ixtzûl Learned Common, having stopped using it and the ‘Blah’ Dialect long ago, seeing it as a butchering of the Spirits’ Tongue (Old Blah) by Mortalkin, only using it sparingly and with due respect. Instead the Tonatiuh Orcs developed Their Own Language: Mahuizahtotl (meaning “To Speak with Honor”). It was greatly influenced by the speech of the tribal black-dotted kharajyr they encountered in the Jungles, with whom the Tonatiuh Orcs exchanged knowledge, eventually incorporating the felines into their Kingdom as Honoraries. Unlike Orcs of the Horde/Krugmar, they are mostly a Tranquil Folk on a day to day basis, enjoying Activities such as: This demeanor of theirs stands in stark contradiction to the Bloody Rites of the Clan, for in truth they conduct those without lusting for the bloodshed itself, but rather with great fealty to the Spirits, viewing those actions as both natural and sacred. Those include various forms of Sacrifices (among other forms of offerings, such as Blood-Letting on a day to day basis, a nonchalant practice in their eyes) which vary depending on the Spirit. The Orc who acquired the Sacrifices chooses to which Spirit it will go, in case of a Party of Orcs, their Leader, or the one most responsible for their success, chooses for the group; a small Prayer to Aztran is almost always present as part of these rituals though. Generally the Sacrifices follow methods associated to the Spirits they are being offered to, some examples being as below: Same can be said about the Clan’s Anthropophagic Practices, that being the consumption of descendent flesh (even that of other dead clan members), believing by devouring the dead, the dead’s attributes and qualities would be imparted upon them, alongside intending to once again prevent dark powers from getting a hold of the corpses. A few staples of Ixtzûl Cannibalism are: The Tonatiuh Orcs didn’t just stand idle as the Qui̱xtiöno (“outsiders”, the other descendents) took over their land, having in fact taken down many who tried venturing too deep into their territory, possibly endangering their Tribal Remnants. The Clan employs Guerrilla Tactics, Working Together in Coordinated Fashion, while also displaying Individual Prowess. To defend themselves from the threats of the jungle and the outside world, the Ixtzûl Train Daily from a Young Age (around 6 years old), mentored by Clan Adults in a multitude of weapons and fighting styles to be most competent at every one of them, but also to choose with which one they are to excel at. At age 12 they would begin accompanying the Adults into battle mainly as shield-bearers, employing ranged weapons to not be in as much risk. Their Martial-Mastery goes Beyond just Battle: but also incorporated into Dances (with combat maneuvers and weapons), Performances, Odes to Spirits, Eating, Games and so on and so forth. "Civilize the Mind, Make Savage the Body" The Ixtzûl used to employ Obsidian Shards for Weaponry, lining them along the edges and tips of wooden weapon heads and ‘blades’; though, with the Discovery of Metal-Work (thanks to the other Descendents), they were replaced with Black-Ferrum - due to them being a Pragmatic-Folk - though still following their old tribal Designs. Some of their Warrior Equipment includes:

"Yuz, this right here iz bullzkah" Targoth Kuvirr said, pointing at the paper "Dumb shâra making things up, he kould start being smart and reach out to his ancestors to ask for the true story - oh wait... they kan't, their ancestors are long gone! Eternally lost, only reached through Buurz-Mojo."

"The Eztlipitzotilia had it coming, glad I caught them before they killed that Adrian lass." Said Targoth Kuvirr of the Horde, spitting into the ground in contempt for the vampire, which she called in her native tongue.

"Throughout mi dekade among the foreigners who arrived at mi tribesfolk'z shores, I ahm yet to peep a kreature more foul ag wicked than thiz Valyris of Zelia'nor." Said Kuvirr, Targoth of the Iron Horde with sheer genuinity to her voice. By the looks of it, given her words, she was some form of native to Almaris, unlike the other Orcs...

Krug-hai Initiation & Ascension Rites & Trials Prelude Inspired by millenia of culture, tradition, religion and practices; the Krug-hai Military has incorporated a series of tests & ceremonial acts into its organization and hierarchy; ranging from basic trials for the Grunav (Grunts) to ascend into proper Mauzûrk (Warriors), to even the rebirth of oneself into the grand role of Targoth. Compiled here are many examples of these that have been developed and encompassed into the ways of the Krug-hai throughout the years. Initiation (Through which a Grunt becomes a True Warrior of the Krug-hai) [[OOC: Essentially these are small quests for Initiates/Grunts to pursue]] <A small band of Grunav undergoing their final trial together> Honor (Lesson) (Embraced be the blessing of our kin, and let its nature be known well) Restraining Bloodrage (Lesson & Trial) (Fended be the curse of Iblees, and let it never overshadow our Honor) Respect the Spirits, Fear the Spirits (Lesson & Trial) (For a Krug-hai must acknowledge the faith of their kin) The Trial of Ash-Grísh (Trial of One Blood) (Revere the Blood flowing on your veins & on the veins of your brothers and sisters, for it flows down from Krug all the same) Blood-Duty (Rite following the Trial of One Blood) (Bestowed with Purpose, Grasping Duty, The Mauzûrk Rises) Ascension <A Targoth of Old leading her Krug-hai into battle> A Warboss’s Rise (A Test Beyond Mere Strength, Sign of a True Leader) Targoth’s Ascension - Rebirth Through Blood (Burdened with the Blood of All, Reborn Anew to Command Them) SIGNED, Targoth of The Iron Horde. SIGNED, Destroyer of Elysium. Champion of Ogrol, Chosen of the Ilzgûlz, the Brown, the Burned, the Mad.

The Klomping Krug-hai Purpose For a long time in the past Krug’s folk have been segregated into multiple clans and nations - a history of infighting and inner-turmoil that's for the longest time weakened Orc-kind, halting them from reaching their true potential, leaving them vulnerable time and time again. Disregarding the Blood of Krug - common to all of them - gushing through their veins, Failing to acknowledge the thumping hardships all of their race together face, Locked in a world that commonly loathes and fails to understand their ways, yet also one which without them is prone to easily break. The Krug-hai thus rise as an unified military force to band together all Orcish Forces under the guiding Axe of Krug; be them blooded by birth, honoraries, or subjects; leaving aside cultural differences of the Clans and of their own individuals for the greater sake of the Uzg and of their race. The name (Krug-hai) translates from Old Blah to “Krug’s Folk”, the reason for such being every Orc is expected to pick up arms for battle, independent of gender, subrace, background or anything else; with the sole purpose to fight for the Orcish Nation. The Code of the Krug-hai One of The Krug-hai Shall: Be Utterly Loyal to The Horde, The Rex & The Targoth, Rising to Challenge them one day, should they find themselves better for the Horde; Acknowledge Our Kin is Stronger Together, Be the Boot that Stomps any who dare betray or weaken the Horde in any shape or form & Neither bring detriment to it yourself; Act with Honor and Tame their Bloodlust, Orcs are not to be rabid beasts, but rather the mightiest warriors of mortal-kind - learn to master yourself; Slaughter All Foes with "Fight" in them, but Spare the Weak, A Krughai must know how to discern a warrior from the defenseless and frail, and know which to slay - we are not monsters; Purge all that is Dark in name of Scorthuz, & all that is Undead in name of Kor, Never succumb to their temptations, nor break bread with them, for they are our kin's Eternal Foe, and it's our duty to protect all other peoples from them. Hierarchy of the Krug-hai <A Mautor blowing his war-horn, ushering the Krug-hai into battle> The Targoth (Old Blah: “High/Great Master/Lord”) The Mautors (Old Blah: “Warrior-Chief”; The Lieutenants) The Pizbûr (Old Blah: “Sergeant”) (Krug-hai) Mauzûrk (Old Blah: “Warrior [of Krug’s Folk]”) Grunav [Initiates/Conscripted Auxiliaries] (Old Blah: “Grunt”) Krug-hai Worth-System ((OOC NOTE: Spreadsheet with Worth-System Points registered at the Krug-hai Discord)) As aforementioned, the Krug-hai are measured according to their actions and merit, recorded by the Targoth and their Warbosses to keep track of the Mauzûrk’s overall activity. The more a Krug-hai does for the Horde - the more duties they fulfill - the more points they award, and with them the higher they climb the ladder of the Mauzûrk (the Grunav not participating in this). The Higher a Mauzûrk ranks, the more they are awarded with: Activities to Earn Points in the Worth-System of the Krug-hai: Honor Klomps in the Krug-hai: Reasons for being stripped of Points: SIGNED, Targoth of The Iron Horde, Rexborn Daughter of Ar-Borok’Akaal SIGNED, Destroyer of Elysium. Champion of Ogrol, Chosen of the Ilzgûlz, the Brown, the Burned, the Mad.

"Three klompers to join mi..." The prospect Targoth - Kuvirr - mused, trying think of the 3 best Orcs which could be mustered into her mind, albeit frankly remaining unsure, not knowing which trio would fit her criteria "They muzt be hosh with orders, disziplined, strong agh skilled..." the young urukêss hummed, at last concluding with a soft click of her tongue "A whole goi to 'interview' az thoze from the Kaktus Weekly would blah it... I'll find them."

"Therr'z much toiling to be done. . ." The still-growing urukêss and soon Targoth, Kuvirr, mused as she drafted her ideas with a carbon-pencil, weaponry laid beside hers, as she continuously honed her skills, body and mind for the task laid in front of her. "But I shall not falter." Truth be told there was much for the Orcess to set up in preparation, much to organize, and also study, in those 2 years ere holding trainings herself - hence the Raguk taking as acting Targoth for the time being.

[!] Conscripted Goblins would’ve been seen pinning missives to the notice boards of San’Velku, Sulianpoli, the Verdant Glade & Nor’Asath whilst under the moon sky. Emblazoning the papers was a symbol representing the Union between Kor & Luara, a crest conceived and adopted by the faithful claimant-author of these papers. The missive, written in the Orcish Tongue, would read as below: Since my arrival at the Horde’s Capital, I have been discontented by the state of the Krug-hai: no unison, no discipline, just undergeared rabble running amok delivering swings without precision, without clear guidance, without due training; being contested by the lesser, when those shouldn’t even be able to dream of such. Some of lat might’ve survived due to excess of brawn alone, whereas should lat klomp a foe as bub’hozh or bub’hozher, latz could have perished. This can’t be. The mightiest of descendent kind, the grish of Krug, CAN NOT dwell in COMPLACENCY. Not for what is to come, and not ever again. I won’t blah vague words or chants like all others do, because that zkah equates to nothing. I will act: A Waghboss-Core for the Krug-hai will be formed, to provide constant training and military activities to its members in multiple areas; Orcs, Honoraries & Vassals will be geared and shaped into a proper military to strike down all our enemies; From each and every krug-hai the best of their qualities will be extracted, and they will be set to toil - their merit rewarded; Equipment and resources will be made provided by smiths, alchemists, zhomos and other artificers of the Horde; The Elite Keshig will be restructured; The Krug-hai will spread in bands the glory of the Horde beyond its lands, and all who are foes or ‘buurz’ better beware. I may be young, but I won’t idly stand as another (Lakeidas’Raguk or whoever else) goes to klomp my own bruddahr - Targoth Ar-Garrok - only by his own grish can he be beat, lest there be shame to us all. Be it handed or won by challenge, I shall hold the title, be it now or left to another - an acting Targoth - until I’m of age; but be certain of this: The Fists of the Gorkil will strike true; The Wolves of Lur will howl louder; The Wisdom of Yar will be heeded; The Swamps of Lak will bloom; The Maw of the Ungri will feast; The Crimson Cogs of the Raguk will spin; The Bull-Horns of the Ugluk will be honed; The Light of Akaal will pierce the Dark; & by My Hand will the Krug-hai Rise SIGNED, Prodigious Rexborn Daughter of Ar-Borok’Akaal

"Zounds like a hosh opportunity... agh popo iz joyning zoo.." Name : Kuvirr Race : Uruk Age : 12 Favored spirits : Luara, Kor, Arwa Shamanic status : Not a shaman Vocation : Didn't figure yet! -------- Drasanee Althea#9290

Kuvirr, Borok'z kub, softly furrowed her brows, not angry or scared, but rather severely ponderous about the matter as a whole. The young urukess still having much to learn about her own culture, the 'voice of the Spirits', Krug and the dynamic of light and dark present in the world: whether there could be balance and mutualism between them, or the latter should be entirely relinquished. She bore ambition to amongst the Greats of her Nation and Orcish History, trying step up to her father's level, though now dynamics shifted it'd seem... chances were she'd have to prove herself even better, struggle harder, now. Kuvirr only wished her popo staid safe, and made the right choices, for at the moment she could do little to save him, should he choose otherwise. "We must be better. . ." Kuvirr chimed conclusively, uncertain of who 'WE' referred to. If it was her, her and her father, or the Uzg as a whole.

Tavisha casually making her household in there. 🏚

"Disgusting." Tavisha simply said, having contemplated one of her houses, the Rutherni, for a while now. Though circumstances held her back from enacting her intent, for now.

I might when I'm not too lazy for it ngl.

Lame. Should write 'Strzyga' Creature Lore based on Polish Folklore for Events instead.

"Didn't despise her like the ginger, nor endeared her like sweet Emma. . . but she waz proper and dobre for the Kongzem and itz denizens, and that'z what matters." "Koengs and Koenas seem more and more to just kome and go. . " Tavisha ruminated this fact, as she now moved on to serve the 4th Monarch of her lifetime.

"Malflame? And given the drawing... shit looks like an imp." Tavisha knit her brows, perplexed by the author's lack of either acumen, knowledge or both. "Will have to see this through with certain someone. . ." She sighed

Fair enough, yeah. Maybe a list of ideas could be compiled to inspire the community to do that kinda RP!

On The Augmented Flame: I think to achieve each one of the 2 greater spells of choice, a Nephilim should develop themselves IRP, and that there should be a lasting effect to achieving them, that'd change the Nephilim forever. Ex: 1) Primordial Descent could involve the Nephilim going in a journey to connect further with their Draconic Roots, living for a brief while in the wilds like a draconic creature, instead of a descendent, thus shedding their polymorphed guises. This all the while also building their own strength, trying attain peak physical strength (instead of other "stats"). As a consequence, when wroth or when dealing with surges of emotion, this Nephilim could accidentally begin mixing in draconic words; or acting more "animalistic". Another thing being they could have a greater urge to sleep after combats, a "Dragonsleep" essentially. Or developing greater appetites ("Dragons Hunger"). 2) Emboldened Strength could revolve around martial art studies and phylosophy, trying tie together as perfectly as possible the Inner Flame to the Nephilim's body, all the while making peace with the Mind (since there's the whole RP about it being a 'descendent mind' with a draconic concious and soul). This Nephilim should also seek physical equilibrium and control of their own body, pursuing a martial artist's path (especially given they'd fight with their hands). Consequences could include them being more temperate than their fellow brethren, and peace of mind. Though they'd often have/seek meditation (which could tie into the World Lore about some of the Draconic Herbs Jentos wrote and what not), and dousing themselves in dragonsflame. 3) Not quite sure about the Cindered Ward, as I didn't think this through as I begun to write it. But it should imply a will to be the vanguard and to protect, and to combat/purge corruption (as reflected in the spell's effect). This could tie into Nephilim who uttermostly seek to honor the Horenic Path. A consequence could be a more paternal/maternal mentality towards fellow Nephilim, Heralds and those they seek to protect. 4) Imbued Roar could revolve around development of the voice, introducing Draconic Throat-Singing as a Cultural mark in the azdrazi community, while also developping the Nephilim's own inner voice, seeking and figuring out ways to better express themselves and reach out to those who surround them through words and expression (a challenge for a draconic being). Why? Because if they are to protect humanity as per the Horenic Pact, they must better understand and commune with it. A distinct taste for music, singing, poetry among other arts could spawn from this within the Nephilim, as a consequence. I think all of the above are ways to make the Roleplay more interesting and in-depth than just "OOCly choose the ones you like the most"; and that's something I've been told the Azdrazi need and seek to build upon. Pretty damn cool rewrite tho!

"Will be strange without him there. . ." Dame Tavisha pondered, perching down upon a cooled meteorite that struck the outskirts of the city amidst the scorched fields reeking of sulphur and bloody iron of both mortal men and foul fiends. Unbeknowsnt to the fallen Ser, Tavisha had much to thank him for: his ascension to Paramount in her stead in truth freed her, allowing the old adunian to gaze new horizons, keeping past ambitions behind her, as the man fulfilled the role well. Unlike him, she wouldn't settle for being a wall, nor to being locked within them. But even if she did, in truth none could stand as firm and loyal to the very end as Ser Walton did.

Tavisha read the missive from Karosgrad's clinic, still healing and resting after the events which transpired that day, readying for the Siege. Her head shook "Ea told vy this all along, Karl . . ." as she took in a deep inhale, reading the conclusion of his writings "But maybe now vyr eyes have opened."

Legit no idea what you on about. Curious tho.

Got a couple things to point out. 1st) Why not allow for Nephilim scales and flame to come in a greater array of colors? Just a petty gripe of mine, but I always found it interesting how the appearance of a being can tell more about its persona, so allowing for more free form aesthetic customization imo could be nice for those characters. 2nd) Isn't the whole losing all sexual organs thing weird af? Sure, when transformed into draconic form it makes sense, but while disguised? Ehh If it's a female nephilim, would they become entirely flat-chested when polymorphed into descendent form? Because if so, that'd be a rather simple way to spot a Nephilim (if this was discovered). It could also lead to degenerate forms of 'testing', as if looking for heraldry tattoos across a character's body wasn't awkward enough to RP. To me it feels like an over the top solution, when a simpler one would work better and give room for weird thoughts/discussion. Just make it so Nephilim do not feel any sexual desire whatsoever, finding it disgusting instead. 3rd) Cindered Shadow is pretty much shit for all I can tell: an ability that would lead an azdrazi to lose a fight rather easily, instead of helping much at all. The giant shadow hand can tank 3 hits but... 1 hit taken = 1 turn WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO FIGHT. So literally, one could throw 3 rocks at this hand (3 hits) and the Nephilim would be stunned and unable to fight back for 3 emotes, allowing them to EASILY be killed. This makes it even worse given this is supposed to be the melee azdrazi subtype. 1 Turn without being able to fight at all is more than enough to kill someone by stabbing them or striking their heads. Sure, no real damage is sustained, only the pain gets through (if I understood it right) but still... being stunned and unable to fight is the worst that could happen in a fight. And it seems any "hit" would be able to stun the drazi out of the fight for 1 emote. So honestly, why the **** use this ability? It's a death sentence. Just wear armor or/and use a shield, there's no point to this but screwing yourself over. What could be done is: a) have this ability be more offensive and therefore capable of grappling/grabbing and punching instead of being a makeshift shield only (it's a giant freaking hand, symbolizing 'draconic strength' afterall). In this case, it'd simply dissipate after delivering or sustaining 3 hits, leading the Nephilim into a state of fatigue for 1-2-3 emotes wherein they can't attack, only defend themselves. Of course, the size and strength level of the gigantic hand would have to be established. After all, it's a bit awkward imo to say this gigantic hand can only shield/protect and not attack, as logically... how come not? Would it be similar to 'Draconic Remembrance'? Yes, but they already are. The way I see it though, the latter is more like a fist shaped explosive fire construct; whereas the former here as I propose it, would be more like an actual flying hand, providing more utility and defense in exchange for less offense (it can hit as hard as the other hand spell, but without the flames or the explosion, and without any AoE). b) The other alternative would be to remove the self-stun effect of the shadow when it isn't coating the Nephilim's body (for this would be a lesser defensive stance). When the shadow wreathes them like armor, it could indeed tank the damage, but not the pain: they'd feel the hit as it comes normally (perhaps still delaying the pain), but the damage would be halved. Should an uruk strike a nephilim with the shadow coating them, the nephilim would suffer the damage as if a human had struck them instead; yet the pain would be the same (be it immediate or delayed a few emotes). Overall, the worst part of this ability as written now is how regardless of the physical defenses the nephilim might have on (armor, shield, etc), hitting the shadow with anything (no matter the force, no matter how hard) would effectively stun them for multiple emotes. As it stands, it's imo something wiser never ever used.

She had been remiss, not only in this tragic night but for a while. The loss was iminent, drawing closer and closer, gnawing at the back of her head for the longest, a seed planted into the back of her head since they first met: whereas Gustaf was wholly human, Tavisha's blood flowed with elven intermixed, and she too well knew if she weren't to fall in battle, she'd fall to her knees in sorrow, crushed not by hammers but by the pain of loss of her dear husband, as she sees herself now. Being close to him, as he aged near the century, sickened her stomach with anxiety and worry, so at times she tried to distance herself, never cheating like her father Ser Alric did so many times (which led to her birth, a bastard, loved by almost none, yet by her now late husband), but in attempts to distract herself, and slowly mute feelings, something she never succeeded in. So she spent time trying figure out ways to improve Gustaf's welfare, heck even delving into elden archives of forsaken alchemists in pursuit of the Elixir of Life she so often dreamed of, or even at times contemplating alternatives darker. Whereas for the longest time in her life she was frightened of death, aware of the doom that awaited her, cursed by the old Chieftain of the Nachezer Fiends to plunge into the deepest hells with him; Gustaf was calm and accepting of his mortal end, going through it peacefully - something Tavisha never learned to do. Now she sat by him in the morgue, head peering down onto the floor in defeat, not a word echoing out her mouth, as her very vision blurred, as anxiety and lament churned across her form, flooding her mind, weakening her heart and paining her soul. Her children had moved onto their lives, and now her life long companion was gone, and now she envied those who could still speak to the dead. Perhaps, it was time for her to go too, into hells? Hopefully not - but rather into the unknown, guided by the faintest spiral of flame. She lived with full-blooded humans, and lived her share, it stood to reason to put an end to the chapter and allow for the next to be written by another.

"God damnit Karl . . ." Tavisha wearily rubbed her brows, utterly disappointed at her Koeng for not having listened to her words earlier at the meeting. "At least this weaponry may be of use against the giant demonic figure depicted facing off against the dragon - should it breach into our world - among other eminent threats."