[color=C78A2C][center][h2][u] Zarina Al-Nader [/u][/h2] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Ykwt435.jpg[/img][/center] [b][center] "O' Dreamer, guide my mother through her endless night. Guide my sister to your grace she has lost. And perhaps I may one day be guided to my dreams once more." [/center][/b] [center][h3][b] 16 | Female | Virangish | Merchant | 7.62 [/b] [/h3][/center] [hider=Zarina][h3][u]P E R S O N A L I T Y [/u][/h3] [indent]❖ [ Proud ] ❖ [ Convivial ] ❖ [ Confrontational ] ❖ [ Brave ] ❖ [ Pious ][/indent] A young adult that’s put her faith and family before anything else, it comes to no surprise that an immense amount of pride is felt over things so dear. So much so that ounces of criticism points their way, if not carefully formulated, can provoke the explosive nature Zarina is known for. She has no reservations when it comes to establishing dominance and antagonising those she is less than pleased with. No matter their status or size. Her tendency to be at the forefront of conflicts has since earned the respect of those she was initially made to manage and lead. That is not to say she is unapproachable. Quite the contrary, keeping questionable individuals together and cooperative requires more than just fear tactics. Zarina understands how to make a place feel homely and provide the right amount of attention to make another feel valued. The pride she feels for what’s dear to her often extends to those who lend themselves to her activities and reciprocate the affections she may try to communicate. A tough balance of fear and love is one she’s consistently had to teeter upon, and has since become adept at it, should her beliefs allow for any sort of flexibility, which it sometimes does not. [h3][u]C H A R A C T E R A P P E A R A N C E [/u][/h3] Where many families breed to form a line of powerful mages, the Al-Nader pride themselves over the beauty of their children. A perfectly symmetrical face beyond a beauty mark under her eye, a light shade of brown, gold pupils and hearty, healthy lips. Draped by a crown of slightly wavy, dark ash-brown hair extending to her midriff. The tiniest hint of blush persists, although often the fruit of subtle makeup. Perceived beauty isn’t the only thing the family is known for: They are also quite tall. Zarina is 185cm tall with a very lithe figure. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/pcFfvpp.png[/img][/center] Zarina will frequently wear quality, silk garments that show off her form and compliment her art. Jewellery is something she enjoys having with her, most notably her gold Hexaic necklace. But outside of any obligation, she sticks to baggy and comfortable getups, usually of good quality but unassuming overall. What she’ll wear to classes or for ‘work’ is contingent on her somewhat volatile mood and whether or not she’s to bring her Shamshirs along, which need a specific belt to hold the sheathes and it doesn’t always go well with certain ‘stylistic’ choices she may make. [h3][u]L A N G U A G E S [/u][/h3] Highly educated, Zarina knows many languages and has mastered those closest to her birthplace. However, despite perfect fluency, she will keep a Virangish accent just because she can and wants to. [indent]❖ Avincian - Perfectly Fluent, but you’re getting an accent and Virangish expressions (She will sometimes slip and have a perfectly normal accent). ❖ Virangish - Mother Tongue, very proud of it. ❖ Torragonese - Second Mother Tongue from her Great-Grandfather’s lineage. She’ll often speak without an accent, but is forgetful of some words and grammar rules as she doesn’t use it too often. ❖ Inipori - Semi-Fluent, seat of her religion and held in very high regards. ❖ Paggonian - Intermediate, very similar to Virangish. ❖ Rettanese - Intermediate, quite many of them in Virang and some rival groups exist among them. ❖ Belzaggic - Basic conversational. ❖ Perrench - Basic conversational.[/indent] [h3][u]T H E G I F T [/u][/h3] The Gift has been increasingly at the forefront of a young Al-Nader’s education. Being a Blackblood, Zarina was deemed more than capable and basic studying commenced slightly before puberty. Application was a different story, and remained relatively limited barring a couple of exceptions. [color=00aeef]Kinetic:[/color] Zarina’s mother’s speciality, and her Papy’s own as well. Naturally, she followed in their footsteps and incorporated it the same way they did: In her movements, whether artistic or combative. A very direct form of utilising her own movement. Although speaking of footsteps, she has learned to use this school of magic to enhance the echoes of her footsteps (hasn’t yet grasped how to suppress), emphasising the ‘rhythm’ she uses in a dance, or when applying Machorro fundamentals. She’d love to learn how to move things around, though! [color=fff200]Magnetic:[/color] With her inclinations toward using Shamshirs and potentially armour should she keep up with her Papy's resume, this felt like a no-brainer. As of now, she is capable of offensively using minor electrical currents running through her blade or fingertips and applying attractive/repulsive charges that make her combination of attacks more difficult to avoid. [color=ed1c24]Binding:[/color] A school of magic she has the least knowledge or prowess over. An interesting turn given her family’s past and her ambitions. But should she be truthful, she would admit to wanting healing and defensive binding magic all for the sake of her steed, Riesco, both for his safety but also to potentially have him keep up with her as she grows as a mage and engages with bigger threats. [h3][u]B A C K G R O U N D [/u][/h3] [hider=The Blasphemous First][i]Four hundred years ago, there existed a small, nomadic family of Blackbloods. Somewhat vain people, eager to get the praise of the many through their displays of art, whether theatre or song, but most of all was the beauty of their people. Especially the women. A curious phenomenon, from a kind that came from the scorching dunes of Torragon, supposedly, and thrived off the donations of their audiences, a few cattle and a handful of followers. The appeal of nobility and stability was not lost to these still mysterious individuals. When the highborns of Virang discovered the value of their blood, all they needed was to know their secrets to such beauties for an accord to be made. And eager they were to share. For a good while, these people with no place to truly call their home lived off a simple yet paradoxically complex magic that served well in surviving merciless climates. All their followers and cattle were 'marked', passively but continuously drained of their essence, as to invigorate their most prestigious. But that was enough to maintain youthful appearances. This same magic was used by the men in raids in older times to blitz unsuspecting settlements, and use their finest as living materials for a ritual. A ... Very primitive use of Binding magic, which left some to question why they needed a living being in the first place. Although as they settled, animals and venerated creatures were used instead. Although this didn't stop the ghoulish socialites from adopting this practice and turning it into a discreet and overused trend. One that ushered in quite a bit of depravity within Virang, and would have eventually taken the Sultan's merciless gaze ... It would come to no surprise that this fad, a by-product of simple blood magic made accessible to envious fools, would backfire. My ancestors, proud as they were, were adamant on keeping their practice. They were so confident in their growing status that they had forgotten to consider the compromised virtue of the little slut they had hoped to marry off. The groom, displeased and offended, denounced this minor and forgettable nobility, and soon the disgrace brought total ruin to their short-lived glory. The State soon cracked down on the petty practice, and little was left of it to remember. Al-Nader, once graceful but ruthless takers, were lulled to passivity by the appeal of social ascension, rather than keeping to what they knew best. And now they pay the price.[/i][/hider] [hider=The Graceless Al-Nader] [i]Just as the name Al-Nader had gained renown and appreciation, it was then eradicated from common knowledge, sullied by its past and recognised only for the perceived depravity it had brought to Virang. A scapegoat to feel better over their fall into temptation. The beauty of the women had still its use, even in the bottom of society. Whored out, humiliated and battered, they never forgot who they were, and made sure their children remembered the name Al-Nader. While the men were made to be sellswords or disposable laborours. Three generations of this cesspit of an existence was enough to have Mussah Al-Nader, fourth son of his sickly mother, exact a plan not to regain grace, they did not need it, but to TAKE what is rightfully theirs: Their name. Their beauty. And their Pride. But what did they have? They had hardened men, and women on the bedside of influential people. All that was left was to centralise. And most of all, they had the curse that made them reviled in the first place. An edge for their men in the field of battle and a means of subversion for the women, poisoning many without them ever even noticing and striking when optimal. Secrets were piled up, notoriety was once again gained and before long, through grinding, extortion and pillaging, enough capital was gathered for the first Shisha Lounge - The Flame Lily, the symbol of our family today. It was the match that set this pyre ablaze. One lounge became two, two became the racing books, and then the brothels. Mussah died younger than most, but left the blueprints for his children. It had reached a point where Saida Al-Nader, about a century ago, denounced the blood practices and buried them for good, figuring that we were best not to burn ourselves once more. Well, as good as they were buried by those who disgraced my family in the first place. We haven’t forgotten these arts just as we never forgotten our name, or where we came from. We’re forever tainted, and we’ve since embraced it. So I'm left to wonder, what brought old Saida to declare such a Fatwa? We take what is ours and kneel to none. Only by learning from our betters have we achieved what we are today.[/i][/hider] [i][center]"O' Dreamer, swathed in the warmth of our dreams,"[/center] And now we get to me, Zarina Al-Nader. I was the first of three to come from Saoussen Al-Nader on a cool, Zehelli evening. A rambunctious child, I was neither as passionate as my sister Ysilla nor a prodigy like Sabbah. But I had guts, as my Papy would say. And guts were all I truly needed when I think back. My mother did place high hopes on us, though, being prodigious herself with a RAS of 8 and having attended Ersand’Enise. It was not disappointment in her face when she learned we couldn’t match her innate prowess. No, it was something even more distressing. It was sadness. But I digress. Our upbringing was rather typical of an Al-Nader. We were strongly encouraged to take an art and make it our own. Ysilla found her strange … Inclination early, and Sabbah had a golden pair of lungs. And I just couldn’t sit still. So my Papy, my still living Great-Grandad for those that don’t know, decided to try his luck. [center]"Safeguard our memories, our lineages and our love as to bless our children with the same warmth we offer you."[/center] It kicked so much ass, that little internship with Papy. He taught me about the wars and battles of his youth, how to hold a sword even! And, figuring out my discreet admiration for mother, convinced her to tutor me in dance. A notion I wasn’t exactly thrilled by, but as usual, Papy knew best. It grew onto me, the same way his teachings did when I was younger. Or maybe he wanted me to learn what mother never did, marrying the beautiful artform of Virangish dance with Machorro. Prosperity was short-lived as we reached adolescence. Sabbah’s breathing had begun to become a problem. And eventually an emergency. Fragile since birth, we never thought a mere cough would get to this. She couldn’t sing, the halls of our home no longer echoed her of her beautiful melody, but of her ceaseless wheezes and coughs. I hated it. And she was dying. It was hard to say from what, but it was too slow for poison. [center]"Merciful Dreamer, made to abide alone, forgive our long and distressing nights, trying our mortal and imperfect souls."[/center] It eventually spread, and it was clear by how skeletal she was that it wasn’t something that could be remedied by a few tonics and a binding mage. My mother broke down, my father … Ugh. Someone had to step up, and so I did. I uttered blasphemy, and proposed the old ways. I had no idea how we'd use it, or if it'd make a difference. But I supposed, at the very least, I could feed my essence to my sister to keep her alive a tad longer so we could figure it out. So Mother could snap out of it and Ysilla could think of something. But my biggest fear, if I'm to be truthful, was how our enemies would act knowing we'd be vulnerable, and mother rendered into such a state. Ysilla objected. Seeing minimal use in such a risky play. What brought us both ruin and fortune, but she did not believe in the risk, nor was disgracing ourselves worth it. Maybe she was right. But what she proposed was just … At this point, we may as well have left our sister to die alone, because our arguing led to nothing. Nothing but resentment. [center]"For we know we are not Forlorn, even in the darkest of terrors and loneliest of bedsides."[/center] Sabbah didn’t survive the night following that talk. There was no point in revival, what plagued her wasn't going to just vanish. And it may as well have spread to our family, with how torn it ended up being. My mother became increasingly irrational and catatonic and my sister- [center]"O' Dreamer, may your sleeping children, loving or resentful, find solace in your grand dream."[/center] Once again, someone had to step up. And with my sister stonewalling our greatest weapon, I had to stick to what I knew as she envisioned things beyond the scales I was concerned about. At fourteen, I entered the family’s operations and did my best to ensure our grip on the communities didn’t falter, and returns were still positive. I was good at it. Very good. But it wasn’t enough. Our reign depended in big part on mother’s strength and status. With her mind withering, something had to be considered in the long run. Ersand’Enise, we were going to end there regardless. Just being an alumni from such a place does wonders to the fickle nature of reputation. And I intend to uplift the name Al-Nader, make my forefathers proud. I will bring us to stability once more, just as my ancestor Mussah once had, and my Papy and mother did in their own ways as well. Everything I hold dear depends on it. Even my diluted, distant sister. Someone's got to keep an eye on her peculiar machinations. [center]"And take mercy on the damned, led astray by the wicked, seduced by the hollow nightmare. I shall see you again, in this dream, and the next."[/center][/i] [h3][u]M O T I V A T I O N [/u][/h3] [indent]❖ Bring stability to Al-Nader and consolidate her place as the next Fasila, so as to let her mother finally rest. ❖ Accomplish as much as her Mother and Papy have, while staying true to her family’s values, as well as her faith. ❖ See what this Solaire guy is made of. ❖ Temper Ysilla's wild curiosities. Even if it means drastic measures. ❖ To be able to sleep normally again.[/indent] [h3][u]I N V E N T O R Y [/u][/h3] [indent]❖ [b]Il-Halim - Soothing Murmurs:[/b] A Shamshir with a bright, pale blade and a silver handle. Ignacio Corrello, now Adnan Al-Nader, is Zarina’s Great-Grandfather (Her Papy) and a renown military man with multiple accomplishments under his belt. The Torraro-born warrior offered his prized weapon, three steeds and a plundered onyx stone as tribute to his wife-to-be’s family. A blade that once fought for the Pentad, now baptised with the sweet whispers that bring wondrous dreams to the sleeping God, and a peaceful sleep to its adversaries. He was more than happy to see his dear Zarina inherit it, and taught her the fundamentals, notably for cavalry combat. ❖ [b]Il-Kabus - Thrilling Terrors:[/b] A Shamshir forged from the rare Obsidian offered to the Al-Nader family as tribute. It has never been used in battle, and was made to celebrate Saoussen Al-Nader’s accomplishments as a Mage and Fasila. It is slightly longer than its counterpart with a tip better adapted for thrusting. Where Soothing Murmurs is the blessing of dreams, Thrilling Terrors is the frightening blackness of the night and all the horrors that lurk beyond. ❖ Necklace of the Darhannic (Hexaic) Faith - Often the object of prayer should she not have a personally valuable item or thing. ❖ Quite a bit of jewellery, perfumes and fine clothing. ❖ Coffee beans.[/indent] [h3][u]S T R E N G T H S & S K I L L S [/u][/h3] [indent]❖ [b]Artistic:[/b] Born from a family of artists and with the soul of one, Zarina puts a lot of value in not only her Vriangish and freeform dancing and performance, but many other artforms she is lucky to witness. ❖ [b]Machorro:[/b] As a child, Zarina was more rambunctious than most girls and got into a few fights. Her Papy had taken it upon himself to discipline and educate her in the basics of martial art, which served as a uniquely effective pipeline to her love for dancing. Her current level is intermediate, but she does have some experience using it in action. ❖ [b]Leadership:[/b] She leads by example. First one in, last one out. Zarina has a knack for connecting with others, knowing when to show acts of generosity and when to ask about their needs. The fact that she tends to work hard to be competent at what she does (even if sometimes unsuccessful) has inspired fully-grown men that have now accepted her as a captain of sorts. A consistent leader with a sense of honour will make any henchman feel better about what they do. She doesn't hesitate to use her looks either. ❖ [b]Network:[/b] Along with her capabilities in leadership, her position as an heir to Al-Nader has given her access to an expansive network in Virang’s economic powerhouses, some lower political figures and some Rettanese influential figures. However, these connections generally hinge on her mother’s presence, so they are definitely not a given. ❖ [b]Riding:[/b] She has Torraro blood in her veins, and a beautiful Black Stallion named Riesco she’s raised since infancy (He is 4 years old). Of all her strengths, this is her best one just under her aptitude for traditional Virangish dancing and freeform. [/indent] [h3][u]W E A K N E S S E S & F L A W S [/u][/h3] [indent]❖ [b]Emotional:[/b] Zarina has difficulties controlling her emotions, which make her somewhat explosive, especially if she feels insulted. She isn’t nearly as irrational as her mother, but she has threatened many in the past over small things. She will not break down over random taunting or annoyances, but taking the time to pinpoint what riles her up has considerable effect on her. ❖ [b]Superstitious:[/b] She really takes the Hexaic faith to heart, and will refuse to conduct some things under certain conditions (To be elaborated on, let’s make this interesting!) ❖ [b]Insomnia:[/b] Zarina cannot sleep properly and hasn’t been able to for four years. She generally exhausts herself or suddenly doses off. She can keep it somewhat under control but there will be times where she’ll be far less effective than her normal. Very much connected to her emotion control issues. ❖ [b]Caffeine Addict:[/b] More precisely, coffee. And no, this isn’t the cause of her insomnia as she’s long since developed a resistance. But she cannot live without the stuff, exacerbating her trigger-happy nature at times. ❖ [b]Remorseful:[/b] When your business is to do bad things to maybe bad people, it takes a toll on those not so unscrupulous. Zarina is a sensitive soul deep down, and every beating to assert dominance takes a toll on her mind. She copes with a ‘code of honour’ she takes from tradition, vowing to never harm certain people and under certain conditions. But we all know she’s kidding herself.[/indent] [h3][u]M I S C E L L A N E O U S [/u][/h3] [url=https://youtu.be/vCWh1bhHNKo]An illustration of how she would fight in a duel![/url][/hider][/color]