Al’nehak scowled angrily. The cover that she had maintained was unmasked in the blink of an eye. Rare was the case when a necromancer’s reputation was in good standing. Now that her true name was known, it would be a matter of time before the others gathered in this room learn of her past actions. How would they react then?
She gave all the occupants a cursory look. The host in question, Madam Royce, was not what she had anticipated. A mere child? She certainly acted like one from the way she twirled her hair and laughed. Worse, her saccharine disposition and know-it-all attitude reminded her of someone she’d knew in the past. Al’nehak felt a dull pain once again in her chest.
She had introduced everyone as if she had knew them already. Was she clairvoyant? A seer perhaps? Regardless, the fact that this Royce seemingly knew a lot her yet she herself knew next to nothing did not sit well with Al’nehak. Ignoring the pain in her chest, Al’nehak carefully considered the child’s words. The most important she said was that Vis had brought them back to life to fight the dark moon. If her words rang true, then true resurrection was possible! How else could she explain her and the others coming back to life? But, could such a power be wielded in mortal hands? Surely, such a thing was reserved for gods? Her brain trembled. This dark moon became more and more alluring.
As for the others, what brought them here? She turned towards the barbarian looking man. Burly and a powerful physique. He had originated from the northern empire most likely. Madam Royce called her Genbu. Unremarkable so far. Her eyes fell upon strangest occupant of the room. It was clearly humanoid but quite different. Horns, avian features-those were avian features- what and who was this Maire? Did she, no, did it bring about considerable attention on its way here?
Then came Ante and Auges. She called them by their other title, the sister saints, and there was little reason to not believe Madam Royce’s words. Still, to see these two legends standing before her alive was quite surprising.
“I always thought that legends exaggerated how youthful the Sister Saints were but to think I am seeing them both in the flesh. It is true then, both are as short as the stories say. You told me a small lie 'Augestine', I had my suspicions when-” Al’nehak began to quip as Auges coldly brushed past Ante.
She stopped herself from finishing her sentence. Would one not welcome a family member with open arms instead of that cold greeting she had just saw? “Bad timing. Is that animosity I sense?” Al’nehak wondered to herself.
"...Hey you're miss Rice, right?" Auges replied with a giggle, walking over to Royce. "When do we get the free rice dishes? If you know who I am, then you know I haven't had a decent meal in nearly two thousand years if that's when Harena fell."
Al’nehak let out a small chuckle. “Making that joke at my expense, how very nice of you Auges Magnus.”
Al’nehak stifled a yawn as she continued her way down a dirt road. The air was quite different from what she was used to. The air of Bervenia was a different change. It was warm and carried a scent of fresh growing grass. Her eyes looked up again looking around as if expecting something new. Far into the distance she saw was a commune of farms. She saw a lone rancher atop his horse motioning at his herd of cattle to continue moving forward. She saw verdant grassy hills jutting out of the ground and clusters of wildflowers -beautiful marigolds- in front of her before her camel decided to make that its snack.
“What an idyllic view! You wouldn’t even realize that there is a war raging on the east,” she remarked humorously to herself.
Al’nehak yanked her reins and gave a light kick to the camel. Time was wasting and her steed had already rested an hour prior. The beast let out a long, guttural groan and reached down for one last bite before continuing to move once more.
She let out a small exasperated sigh. The city was actually not that far. Perhaps another hour or two at the rate she was moving. Still, it would be so much easier to kill the camel at the start and raise it as her steed. Travel time would be reduced significantly among other benefits. But alas, this would blow her cover and she was fairly certain a necromancer’s reputation wasn’t all that hot in the present day, especially so when there were books written about her in the most negative light.
The oldest and strongest emotion of man is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear was fear of the unknown. She had hoped to do away with this thinking in her time but somewhere along the way, she had erred. She knew why. Now with this war happening to the east, which fear would be the greater of the two?
Her brain trembled at the thought. How ironic and droll would it be if necromancy was instrumental in saving the world? Regardless of who died, be it friend or foe, which was one more added to her ranks. If the stories she heard about were true regarding the frozen wastelands, then who better to fight in such an environment than the dead? The dead felt nothing. They feared nothing. And most of all, the dead saving the living was unthinkable but such times called for desperate measures. Perhaps then, society would see this school of magic in a new light.
The camel stopped and let out a grunt as if it knew that they have arrived at the place she wanted. In front of her was a spitting image of the city that had hounded her the past few nights. The great trade city of Bervenia stood tall and she had never seen so much people coming in and out of the city’s gates. It was much more livelier than Rhyad.
“Bervenia,” Al’nehak uttered as her hands instinctively reached for her coin purse, still somewhat stunned that her visions had actually lead her to the correct location. She quickly recomposed herself and opened her coin purse, half expectantly hoping to see it filled with gold coins. It was completely empty. Of course it would be empty. She pouted, “What am I going to do at the city? I don’t have a copper coin to my name. Money, I need money to do things. Legally anyway. Ah it’s so tempting to go wild. So tempting!”
She paused to think. What could she do to earn some cash to get started? What was she good at to help with this? Necromancy was obviously out of the question but when it came to actually inventing magical devices, which was something she was quite skilled in. Of course, she was a trained surgeon too with a plethora of practical experience!
Things were looking up. She had 2 venues of legally earning money now. First one was to sell magical trinkets she made. The other was to use her surgical skills to earn money, perhaps out in some hospital of some sort. However, the first option required actually having the necessary tools to create such devices. That required money. Therefore, the best option was the second choice. Yes, she would be a surgeon!
But before any of that, there was one other thing that just came to mind. If she wanted to be up to date on current events and magic, there was one important place to go.
“Bervenia should have a vast library. I would like to know more about the advances made in magic today and what has happen since my passing. I don’t mind working a hospital. I should get going, it’s going to be a long day. Let’s go you beast! To Bervenia! Hyaaa!”
Rhyad is a trade city I made up and a lot of the RPers including myself have stopped there before continuing to Bervenia. It's big/important enough to house an airport for trade (maybe travel).
Tominas wanted it to be NW of Zidel as close to Vraweth's borders and I presume this is because he'd want his dagger back and for travel purposes.
I don't particularly care where it is but we can put it NW as Tominas stated. I don't think anyone else raised any concerns about it's location.
Pila could be something important but it was a coastal port city. It's quarantined by Zidel at the moment
Four days passed and Al’nehak could see the city of Rhyad coming into view. In that time, she had learned a great number of things about the current state of the world. She was still reviled worldwide and textbooks across many schools painted a rather dire picture of her. It was understandable. Revealing herself now would only bring headache but fear was a potent weapon. For now, she decided to travel quietly and avoid trouble. Perhaps there would be a time to reveal her identity.
Her homeland, Zidel, had recovered a great deal since her death although there were still isolated areas that were marked with her corruption. The worst of them, specifically Pila, was quarantined instead. As to what manner of corruption had lingered so strongly after so many years, the crewmembers gave her several fanciful explanations: that Al’nehak cursed the city with her most powerful spells with her dying breath to the most absurd explanation of all was that the Council of the Twelve had deliberately left the city to its own devices in order to study necromancy themselves!
It was an amusing theory and yet it was the only one that gave her some pause. In the many hypothetical scenarios she ran in her head, she found it impossible for the Council to do something like that. They were stubborn and clung hard to the old traditions. To do something so radical was unlike them. She scoffed. Would the blight last if left to its own devices for 4 centuries? No, it seemed very unlikely especially without someone to control it. Then again, it was her most potent version of the blight.
For now, she would dismiss it as nothing more than gossip. Perhaps she’d get to the bottom of it later. What was more pressing was the issue a darkness coming from the east two decades ago and bringing with it, strange and alien creatures, all of them hostile to humanity. And to herald its coming, the lands afflicted with the dark become a frozen wasteland, devoid of light and warmth. The surviving kingdoms have banded together to combat this threat with mixed success.
She felt her brain squirm violently. Strange new alien creatures originating from the east? The very same east where she had felt fear in a very long time? A chill ran down her spine and she felt her fingers twitch uncontrollably. She smiled. There were new specimens to be studied and carefully dissected. Helping humanity in the meantime? That was a nice secondary benefit.
The Grey Goose began its descent into the city’s airport. Not a moment later, the Grey Goose docked and the crewmembers aboard began to unload its cargo. Edward Levin was already on the ground when Al’nehak joined him.
“Here we are, Rhyad. Ms. Amari, You know how to get to Bervenia from here?”
“Yes. It’s all in my head.”
“For someone who kept asking so many questions about the world these four days, you just happen to know the way to Bervenia? Now that is strange indeed.”
Al’nehak gave no answer and instead, merely nodded at Edward Levin. “Thanks for the ride Mr. Levin. Before I depart, let me give you this piece of advice. If I were you, I’d sell that amulet as quickly as I can. I just remember that those who are bound to it experience misfortune. I’d know.”
Before Edward Levin could respond with anything, his mind still processing what Al’nehak was trying to say, the necromancy disappeared into the crowd. Edward Levin scratched his head and took out the amulet he had received as payment.
“Damn, she can be fast when she wants to. Huh, so this amulet brings misfortune?” he said to himself, utterly confused. “It looks completely normal and nothing misfortunate has happened these past 4 days. Maybe I should magically appraise it first. She seemed deadly serious about it,” Edward pondered a moment before he pocketed the amulet once more.
7 silver coins and a list of things to buy. First on the list was a set or two of new clothes and a nice backpack that was good for long distance travelling. For that, she spent 1 silver pieces. Then to secure a ride to Bervenia, she paid 5 silver pieces for a camel as a caravan ride was too expensive.
As the reins to the camel was handed to her, Al’nehak looked at her palm. A single silver coin. A piddling single silver coin. Al’nehak groaned audibly. So much for the list of things to buy. With one silver coin, she’d had to scrap the bottom of the barrel. The most important thing to secure now was provisions but how much could a single silver coin could buy?
“Blast it, I forgotten how much easier it was to just take everything you wanted for yourself,” she thought to herself. “Coming from money does help a lot too. Being good is a pain.”
At the end of her shopping, she had acquire water, some jerky and nuts for the desert trip. For any other normal human, the quantity of the foodstuff she had acquired would be inadequate for the trip but Al’nehak was no normal human. Thanks to her modified body, it was enough to last the trip. The camel would serve as emergency food if things truly went bad in the desert.
Packing everything in her bags, she mounted the camel and began her trek towards Brevenia. Perhaps these visions of the city would clear some things up.
The load whistle of the ship’s engine signaled that the crew was ready to leave. Al’nehak stretched her arms. In the distance was Edward Levin making sure everything was in order. He turned around and motioned for Al’nehak to get on board.
As she boarded the Grey Goose, Edward Levin was there to greet her. He inspected her once again and saw she had carried nothing besides the clothes he had given her. “You weren’t lying when you said you had nothing,” Edward remarked somewhat astounded. “But never mind that. In regards to your payment…”
Al’nehak removed the amulet from her neck and handed it over to Edward Levin. The businessman held the amulet to his eyes before pocketing it away. He rummaged through his other pockets and brought out a small coin purse.
In one hand he gave her the coin purse and shook her free hand. “Welcome aboard the Grey Goose Miss Amari. What do you think?”
“It’s actually my first time aboard an airship. I’m not sure what to expect. But if I have to describe what I am feeling right now, perhaps it is best to say that it is a mix of apprehension and curiosity?”
“So this is your maiden voyage!” Edward exclaimed, “The Grey Goose is no pleasure cruise but she is quite serviceable. Come, allow me to show you your room.”
They began their descent down the stairs into the crew’s living quarters when Al’nehak suddenly spoke up, “Do you have a map of the world Edward?”
“Of course I do. An entire collection in fact. You want to take a glance at it?”
“Yes. Yes, that would be lovely.”
“Very well then. But first, your room.”
Edward opened the door. Al’nehak stepped in and took a cursory glance at the cabin. A single unlit oil lamp was situated atop a table. Edward went over to the lamp and turned a dial, lighting up the room. The other occupants were not present. A small but dusty mirror hanged on the wall. A bunk bed was crammed into a corner and in the other corner was a simple room divider. Al’nehak made her way there and pulled the room divider away. There was only a simple bed in front of her.
“Well as you can see, we don’t get too much light here. Unfortunately, given the circumstances this is the best we can accommodate you in such short notice. I hope there is no problem here?”
“No. This is enough. It’s actually better than what I am used to. You said this trip would last about 4 days?”
“Yes, there will be stops along the way. We do have a schedule to follow.” Edward checked his watch and snapped his fingers together rather promptly. “Goodness look at the time. We are running slightly behind schedule. This ship needs to get off the ground. I’ll come back for you later.”
Edward left the room in a hurry, closing the door behind him. Al’nehak sat down on a chair and leaned forward on the table, staring intently at the wick of the flame inside the lamp. “He’s not such a bad fellow. I should take back that amulet. It would be pretty bad if it were to activate. Ah, I wonder how much the world has changed. Is 432 years enough time for the lands I desecrated to heal? I doubt that.” she mused.
The sudden lurching of the airship startled Al’nehak briefly. That feeling quickly turned to a giddy and joyous feeling when she realized what it signaled. The engines roared to life and she felt the ground tremble violently. Al’nehak bolted out of the room and climbed up the stairs. “Soon, soon I’ll be in the air,” she thought happily to herself.
On the deck she looked out one of the windows. She grabbed a railing, her hands sweating in anticipation. The Grey Goose was off the ground and Al’nehak could only watch in awe as the ship began its ascent. She the town in its full glory. It was much larger than she had anticipated. Everything looked so small! The airship turned and Al’nehak stumbled around. “Oof! It’s going to take some time getting used to this.
Now the southern end of the island came to view, the part of the island that was still largely uninhabited. There was the cliffs she saw earlier yesterday and further still along the coast was the familiar bend that marked the cove she called home. “There is home,” she remarked sadly, instinctively moving her hand over her heart as she once again felt that dull, dull pain.
As the view of the island became smaller and smaller until she could no longer see it, Al’nehak simply bowed her head and walked away from the window.
[A short time later after taking flight]
“Miss Amari! I see you are in good spirits! How do you feel?” asked Edward.
“Enjoyable. I can see why so many people covet the freedom that is the sky. It’s quite spectacular,” she replied honestly
“Yes it is. It’s an unforgettable feeling when you first feel the wind coursing behind you. That’s a safety violation nowadays. Ahem, you wanted to look at some maps?”
“That I do.”
“Then please, follow me.”
They arrived at the captain’s cabin. Edward pointed to another door. “Behind that door is a lounge. Wait there. I’ll bring you the map.”
Al’nehak nodded and stepped into the lounge. It was a small and simple room with only a table and four chairs as its distinguishing feature. Unremarkable in every way. It was rather disappointing to say the least. She sat down and wait. Not a moment later, Edward arrived with a collection of maps and placed the pile carefully at the table.
“Here is the map of the world. Underneath that are some more detailed maps of each nation. They are up to date and made by some of the best cartographers in all of the land!”
“Thank you. Can you show me where the island was?”
“It’s over here.”
Al’nehak eyes widened. How far did she wash out? If it weren’t for her surgically enhanced body, there was no way she would’ve stayed alive to wash onto the island’s shores. Her eyes looked for Pila on the map and she found it.
“Pila, Profaned City,” she muttered under breath. “I see my handiwork is still there,” she thought to herself. Perverting the city was something she now regretted but she still felt some twisted pride that her work has lasted this long. One day, she would travel to Pila. She glanced at the scale on the map and did a quick mental estimation of the distance from Pila to Lyrcel. Several thousand leagues. It was a miracle she was even alive at that point.
“Miss Amari, I see that you want some time alone. I will leave you to your devices. I only ask that when you are done, you leave these maps here in pristine condition.”
“Of course, it would be rude not to.”
“Then take care,” Edward said, heading for the door.
“Wait a moment,” Al’nehak blurted out. “There’s one thing that’s been on my mind. You’ve been very kind and helpful to me Mr. Levin since I’ve come aboard. You could have just taken my payment and ignored me for the rest of the trip but you’ve been very accommodating. Is there a reason for it?”
Edward paused, his hand still in the process of turning the door knob. “If you truly must know Miss Amari, I simply find you to be an intriguing character that has piqued my interest. I won’t pry into your personal matters though and I will leave it at that. Now then, I really must go.” Edward opened the door and left, letting the door behind him gently shut itself.
“You are wise in that regard Edward. Learning the truth about me wouldn’t end well for you,” she thought to herself. “Now, let’s see how much the world has changed.”
She looked at Zidel first. Compared to her time, the nation’s borders did shrink over the centuries. The capital city was still in the same location as always. Her eyes scanned for her hometown. Nothing. Of course, 4 centuries would probably do that to a small town. Any hope of meeting her relatives today would probably be slim to none.
She frowned in disgust, suddenly reminded that the magi-nation was ruled by a council of stubborn old men. They were stubborn old fools, but they were knowledgeable old fools. No doubt the council of her time had written down detailed records of her exploits to inform future generations. She sighed. She did not exactly hide her face during those tumultuous times so there was a chance the councilors had accurately drew her portrait.
Not that it really mattered in the grand scheme of things. How often would people recognize someone that should be dead by all accounts? Four centuries should be enough time.
She took a look at the world map. Illisk, Zidel, and Vraweth. They were still all present after all this time. She didn’t have too much of an opinion of Illisk, having never set foot in that country. except that their warriors made for some really great frontliner, doubly so in death. As for Vraweth, she felt an even stronger hatred flare from within, stronger than her hatred of the council. Her fingers traced the scar on her chest that was inflicted by the Vrawethen queen. That damned queen, curses upon her name for instigating a war and inflicting the scar on her. She’d love nothing more than to desecrate her grave, end the current Pendragon line and defile their people.
Al’nehak shook her head. It was too early to think of such things. Why was she thinking of such horrid things? Such dark thoughts reminded her of something else more terrifying. Where was it now?
Learning the about the world should come first. Besides, it would be wrong to assume the current nations were the same ones she knew before. But what to do? She looked at the world map again and found her eyes wandering to the great trade city of Bervenia. An image suddenly flashed in her mind. An image of a city she did not know or visited before.
“Bervenia…” she uttered.
She looked at the map once more. Their final destination was Ryhad. Automatically, her eyes traced a path from Ryhad to Bervenia as if she had already knew how to get there. Astounded, Al’nehak could only stare at the map, wondering what was going on.
“How do I know of this place?” she wondered. “Is someone or something trying to tell me to go there? But then what?” Al’nehak carefully weighed her options. She knew next to nothing about this new world and even less was her purpose for coming back. Perhaps there would be answers at Bervenia. But what if she struck it out on her own? Yet this nagging feeling-!
“Blast it, I’ll trust this gut feeling of mine. I’ll head to Bervenia once I arrive in Ryhad. I can learn more about that place and this world by asking the crew. Yea, that’s what I should do right now.”
Al’nehak opened her tired eyes and saw nothingness. She felt immensely burdened, her senses numb and her mind could only wander aimlessly as she tried to refocus her thoughts.
“Ah, so this is the afterlife?” she mused, “It’s not so bad.”
She took a deep breath and was surprised by how cold the air was. She pushed herself off the ground and sat upright. A dull pain registered right over her heart and she pressed her hand over her chest as if to alleviate the pain. She grimaced slightly. Perhaps killing herself with a bone spike through the heart wasn’t the best way to go.
“Mhm, it still stings a bit. And I still have this amulet. Why do I feel so tired?” she wondered aloud as she let her hands fall to the ground, “Is this sand?”
She caressed the ground, slowly letting her fingers regain its sense of touch. It took a few minutes before she felt something in her fingers: a feeling of soft, cold, grainy. Al’nehak grabbed a fistful of sand and allowed it to sift through her fingers.
“That’s sand alright. Didn’t think the afterlife would remind me so much of home. It doesn’t feel all that different from being alive. What is that sound that I hear?”
Al’nehak closed her eyes again and allowed herself to drift away into the wind. A calming and rhythmic pulse was close by. It was a metronomic and soothing murmur. She took a deep breath. How fresh was the air she breathed in! She felt so alive! Why, she practically taste the saline tang of the ocean!
The ocean? The ocean! Al’nehak pulled herself up in disbelief as her eyes frantically searched her surroundings. Did the impossible occur? In the distance she saw the moonlight grace the gentle evening waves. She found herself absentmindedly walking towards the edge of the shoreline and with each step, she saw the same cliffs, the same trees, and the same shoreline. With trembling hands, she dipped her fingers into the water.
Cold, very cold.
She took her hands out of the water and laid down on the wet sand. The swash washed up to abdomen and it was just what she needed to cool her head off. Unless this was some sort of special purgatory just for her, there was only one conclusion that made sense to her. She was alive. She had to be alive. She felt alive!
“How…? I was sure I killed myself. But if by some mean I have returned from the dead, how did that happen? I certainly couldn’t have done it.” She frowned. Too many unanswerable questions to think about.
“I have a second chance at life but do I really deserve it? I’ve caused so much problems in the past. Should I be grateful?” She paused, furrowing her brow with a hint of confusion and bemusement. “Come to think of it, I’m still stranded on this island. This large, lonely island. Ah this is too much to take at once. I’ll consider my options in the morning.”
She yawned. “Coming back alive is rather tiring…” she remarked. Al’nehak got up and walked alongside the shoreline, following the long stretch of seaside cliffs. Finally, she arrived at a cove. Even in the darkness she saw signs of her former home; the remains of a makeshift bedframe, the splinters of a chair and most prominently the hash marks etched onto the walls. She wistfully smiled and traced her fingers over the markings. The entire side of the wall was covered with them.
“5 years…how much time has passed since?” Al’nehak laid down and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
A roar echoed inside the cove and Al’nehak was up and wary. It was a strange and mechanical sound, but somewhat familiar. It suddenly clicked. The roar of an engine, did she hear the engines of an airship passing through? If it was an airship and it stopped on the island, this was a miraculous chance! She ran as fast as she could out of the cove and strained her ears, attempting to follow the direction the engine was coming from.
It grew fainter and fainter but Al’nehak could pinpoint it heading generally northwest. If it landed, it would be on the opposite side of where she stood. “I doubt it will actually land here but it’s a chance I’ll take. If it didn’t, well, it will be good to know what has changed here. I can secure provisions a little bit later,” she thought.
An hour and a half of trekking later, as Al’nehak emerged from the underbrush she couldn’t believe what she saw. A large settlement was right in front of her. This desolate island was now populated and bustling with activity. On the cliff side overlooking the settlement were airships. Boats of the fishing variety were out at sea already in this sunny morning.
Al’nehak could not believe her momentous luck. She was worried how she would leave the island as constructing a sea worthy vessel would have been quite a difficult endeavor. Now, all she needed to do was secure passage by sea or by air. But how to get aboard? Mind control the captain and its crew and get aboard for free? “What are you thinking? There’s no need to use such questionable methods. I can find a better way. Think, what do I have of value on me? There’s nothing on my pockets…oh there’s a chain around my neck! The amulet! Of course, I can get aboard this way!”
She frowned slightly. The amulet was a potentially dangerous artifact and she did not exactly have the right tools at the moment to make it inert and safe. Was there another approach? She had nothing of value besides it. She sighed, “Some sacrifices have to be made right? It’s either this or violence.”
The town was already busy in the morning and Al’nehak could feel the energy brimming in the air. Striding through the fish market, Al’nehak felt the curious gaze of strangers upon her. She took a moment to look at the locals and then herself. Here was a woman whose clothes not only looked out of place, it was ragged and torn, exposing her arms that was covered in intricate tattoos. She chuckled to herself. No matter, she didn’t care what people were saying about her. It was a nice feeling seeing people after so long. She went up to one of the local merchants. “Excuse me sir, do you have a moment?”
“You’re a fresh face,” the merchant remarked glancing over at Al’nehak, “And you’ve got a strange accent too. A little hard to understand. You’re definitely not from here. What do you need?”
Al’nehak smiled. She was worried that there would be a language barrier. “What is the day, month and year right now and who should I see to get aboard a boat or airship?”
The merchant gave her a quizzical look. “Well, if you want to know the date, it’s XX/XX/XXXX. As for who to see to get off the island, just head to the docks or airfield. There’s always someone leaving the island. You need directions?”
“No that will not be necessary. I can find my way around. I do have one more question. What is the name of this place and how long would it take to reach Zidel?” Al’nehak inquired.
“Lady, I fear you have hit your head and forgotten a lot of things. No need to scowl at me. I’m not going to pry into your life. This is Lyrcel and we’re pretty famous for exporting our fishes and bananas.”
“People buy goods from this place?” Al’nehak said skeptically, “I know how large this island but I find it incredible you’re able to export goods profitably judging by how great this place looks. Those airships must’ve been a fortune.”
“Yea, lots of people pay top dollar for our bananas and fish. The best in all of the Southern Seas. Now as for your second question, depending on where you want to go in Zidel, it’s going to take about a week to two weeks by boat, and about 3 to 5 days by airship,”
“I see. Thanks for your help,” Al’nehak said, turning around and heading for the airstrip
The merchant waved his hand in the air. “Wait, how are you planning to pay for passage? You don’t look like the type to have any money. And she’s gone. What an odd fellow.”
432. That’s how many years had passed after she died. She killed herself and 432 years later through some unknown means, she revived. How much has the world changed? Do people still remember her? If so, should she should use an alias to avoid potential trouble? Would the kingdoms and land she knew still be there? What was her purpose now? There was much to think about.
She arrived at the airstrip. Airships. They were quite uncommon back in her day and she had never ridden one before. She felt giddy at the prospect of seeing the world from above. The airstrip was partially fenced off and workers1 were posted alongside the perimeter. From where she stood, she saw four airships in the hanger. Possessions and goods were already getting loaded into them alongside maintenance checks. “Probably for commerce, I wonder if they will let me aboard one of the airships for this amulet.”
“Hey you! The girl?” barked a voice from behind, “Get out of here, you’re trespassing! And what are you wearing? It is a shameful display! Put some clothes on!”
Al’nehak turned around to meet her insulter. He was a middle aged man with a chipped shoulder and was dressed quite seriously and formal. It was a very sharp and distinct set of clothes he wore and it gave off an air of affluence. Clearly someone of importance. If there was any other person on this island besides her, Al’nehak had the feeling that this man in front of her would stick out like a sore thumb too.
“I am Al-“ Al’nehak began.
“I don’t give a damn about who you are, leave this place immediately! You’re on my airstrip!”
She nearly blurted out her name. She didn’t know how people would react to that name but she did not want to take that chance. Al’nehak quickly changed gears. She never really did like pleasantries in conversation. It felt forced and fake. Being direct and blunt just felt more natural. She removed her amulet from around her neck and gestured at it, “I’ll get straight to the point then. I am looking for passage back to Zidel. I don’t care where in Zidel. I just need to get there. This is my payment.”
The man’s eyes widened briefly at the sight of the amulet. “You’re fortunate we are going to Zidel. It is a business proposition then. Let me have a closer look.” She put the amulet closer to the man’s face, somewhat irritated from being yelled at. “Hmm…it is a lovely design. Gold and are those ruby gems? I believe so.” He looked up suspiciously, “Lady, did you steal this?”
“No, it is mine,” she said coldly, gazing straight at the man’s eye, “Do we have a deal or not?”
“…That depends on your proposition to me.” the man replied. “What are you looking for in exchange for this neckwear?”
“A decent cabin, 3 meals a day until the end of the trip and some cash leftover so I can travel.”
The man backed up and placed a single finger on his lips, deep in thought. After minutes of deliberations, he spoke in rather polite manner, “Yes we do. As for accommodations, you’ll have your share of breakfast, lunch and dinner. But because of limited space due to our wares, you have to share a cabin with two other men. Is that agreeable?”
“…I will take it. I hope they will behave themselves. What of the money?”
“You have my word as a gentlemen that they will respect your privacy and boundaries. As for the money, if I deduct the cost from your lodging and food I’d say I can give you 7 silver coins.”
“You’re getting a steal here aren't you. When do we leave?” asked Al’nehak.
The man checked his watch. “Yes but you are the one who is willing to part with it. Two hours from now. Bring all of your things and come back here in that time. And please, change into something more suitable. We'll make the exchange aboard the ship.”
“This is all I have and I don’t have money to buy new clothes.”
The man could not help but tilt his head in confusion. “But you paid your flight with something so valuable, how can - never mind you don’t need to tell me anything. Do you mind wearing men’s clothes? We have some spares if you’d like, free of charge.”
“Oh it’s free? That’s nice. Quite altruistic of you,” she replied.
“No, that would be you madam. BRANDON! GET SOME SPARE CLOTHING FOR THIS LADY!”
“But we only have spare men’s clothing!” shouted the one called Brandon.
“That will do, it is better than what she’s wearing anyway!” the man shouted back. He faced Al'nehak again. “Since you will be boarding the Grey Goose we should at least know each other’s names. I am Edward Levin, your captain for this voyage. And you are?”
Al’nehak paused for a moment. “I need a new name. One that won’t arouse suspicion,” she thought to herself. “I am Alia Amari. Pleased to make your acquaintance. How long will it take until we arrive in Zidel?”
“Miss Amari,” began Edward, “It takes 4 days on average. We’ll land in Ryhad. If you have any questions feel free to ask around. If there is nothing else, I must go make preparations. You should get some more fitting attire soon. Remember, 2 hours is when we lift off. You’re free until then.”
Name: Al'nehak Lilliefore Aliases: She made no effort to have an alias prior to rebirth. Her current alias is Alia Amari Titles: The Scourge, the Mad, Seeker Age: 33 Time of Death: 432 years ago from present day. Place of Origin: Zidel Gender: Female
Physical Attributes
Eyes: Grey Hair: Black Day To Day Attire:
Strengths: Magitech and surgery, Cunning, Necromancy and transmutation Weaknesses: Callous, selfish
Psychological Attributes
Sociopathic * Inquisitive * Headstrong * Social
Sexuality: Heterosexual Relationship Status: Single Personality: On the surface, Al'nehak is friendly and enjoys socializing with others. However, she lacks the empathy and it is rare for her to form long lasting bonds with other people. She will readily take advantage of others to further her own goals. In spite of her sociopath tendencies, Al'nehak finds kinship with those who are shunned by society as she was ostracized by society because of her dealings in necromancy. That is the exception to the norm as Al'nehak does not care what others think of her. She is primarily concerned with herself first and will generally only lend aid when it will benefit her.
Her inquiring nature comes from her parents; both were mage-scholars of Zidel that stressed the importance of education and would often take her along in their travels all around Zidel. This inquiring nature, this desire to learn, turned into an obsession for the worst. For the most undesirable magic of all-necromancy-grabbed her attention the most. In her pursuit of this art, she had become something less...human.
Skills & Abilities
A listing of skills, such as horseback riding or cooking and abilities or magic. You can have a total of ten, but temper them to not be overly powerful - except one can be noticeably more powerful, usually the one skill/ability/magic/item that makes them recgonizable.
Necromancy (Master): Inheriting both of her parent's magical skills, magic comes intuitively for Al'nehak. Though she was taught a generalist course in her youth, circumstances lead to her seeking necromancy out instead and mastering it.
Transmutation (Expert) To further enhance her creations, Al'nehak delved into transmutation as the ability to transform her creation's properties, and even herself, lead to a myriad of possibilities.
Surgical Skills (applicable to humans and humanoid, mileage will vary on anything else) (Master): To understand the inner workings of the human body will allow one to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses. After an "apprenticeship" with a renown surgeon over a period of 5 years, Al'nefak has put those skills to good use, creating much sturdier and stronger constructs including herself!. She is technically a certified surgeon.
Magitech inventor (Expert-Master): Many of the devices Al'nehak uses are made by her and experimental which can be potentially deadly if something goes awry. Tools of trade from both necromancy and magitech are utilized in the surgery she performs on her creations (no exhaustive list as they will change).
Strange Amulet (Artifact):: Amplifies negative feelings around her in a 50m radius. This amulet passively feeds on negative emotions which is then converted into magical energy. Can be turned off at will.
Numbed: Her pain receptors have numbed considerably. Wounds that would normally cripple a person or leave them screaming in agonizing pain will barely register for Al'nehak. The potency of poison and toxins not only take significantly longer to occur, it is also weaker in its effects.
Xa'nuro, Dagger of the Deep (Artifact): This dagger was once held by a king from the obscure and ruined Kingdom of Nazereth. The dagger's true origin is unknown. It is a sentient blade that can consume the latent power of any organic being, be it living or dead (killing the living in almost all cases). The consumed's powers is transferred temporarily to the owner but only by stabbing themselves do they obtain all of it. Thus, if the dagger no longer sees the wielder as its owner for any reason, there is a very dangerous risk that the dagger will consume the wielder instead. Any wielder that is not the owner risks significant backlash from the dagger. A special sheath limits the presence from the dagger from surfacing.
Cooking (Expert): Cooking genuinely gives her joy as it reminds her of much better times.
Skitters (Magitech+Necromancy): Magical automatons given the power to perform simple surgical tasks on the battlefield and/or bring back bodies to a rendezvous point. One of the more important inventions she's created. These constructs are not far away from the main horde. The surgeries they perform pales in comparison to hers but it will nonetheless provide a sizable boost the strength and aggression of whatever that will be raised later.
History
Backstory: Just make sure to include all relavent details - it can be as short as three paragraphs or more, so long as everything is there.
Al'nehak was born to 2 influential mage scholars in the Southern Kingdoms. As a young girl, she showed an affinity for magic just like her parents. They were thrilled to see that their child could also grow up to be wondrous mages like them so they instilled within her a studious work ethic and nurtured her curiosity for knowledge, be it through education or take her sightseeing in other places.
Enrolled in a prestigious school, Al'nehak was proficient in magic but showed a knack for inventing magical devices. In the beginning, they were fairly mundane and simple creations but by the age of 12, she created a miniature arcane golem on her own, a noteworthy feat for someone so young. Yet, despite her successes, there was one school of magic that was gnawing at the back of her mind.
Necromancy. It was a restricted field, available to only those who were deemed trustworthy by the Council. No matter how well she performed in her studies nor how eloquently she stated her case to learn it, she was rejected. It was far to dangerous to give a 15 year old access to such dark arts, no matter how mature she appeared, especially given her potential already. Dejected, she accepted the Council's decision and promised to never pursue the matter again until she was called upon once more.
In the backdrop of this, conflict was heating up between Zidel and Vraweth again. Small skirmishes would periodically erupt and the ever looming threat of an all out war seemed inevitable. For Al'nehak, could it be possible to minimize the loss of life through necromancy? They were a magician's nation after all. It would be dumb to not embrace ALL schools of magic.
After graduating at the age of 16, rather than pursuing higher education, Al'nehak decided to travel around the world for a year or two in a journey of self discovery. Reassuring her parents that it was just a simple trip, with her parent's blessings, she took off and headed for Bervenia Trade City. Six months into her journey, correspondence with her family ceased completely as if she vanished without a trace.
In truth, Al'nehak became consumed with the dark art. Her inquisitive nature turned to obsession. More and more she found the atmosphere in Zidel to be suffocating and restrictive. In her travels, all the books and people she spoke to regarding necromancy was the same. Always she saw worried and disgusted looks. Always they gave the same reasons to shun it, "it is a corrupting magic", "to profane the dead is sacrilege to the gods". Such magic could prove immensely beneficial if it was just wholeheartedly embraced. To understand the unknown would give even more reasons to not be afraid of it.
Magic does not corrupt. It is not evil nor good. It is the user who determines the nature of their magic. That is what her parents have taught her. But since it was so restricted in all the kingdoms or even banned, how would it be possible to teach herself it, let alone find a mentor to guide her?
It finally hit her. The Eastern Kingdoms. A kingdom slowly falling into disarray for whatever reason. A dangerous place to be nowadays but perhaps the chaos and strife that had taken over the region would allow her to sneak out some restricted materials from a magical library. Such a place would attract all sorts of people looking to take advantage of the situation, perhaps even a necromancer! She knew that such a plan was foolish and far-fetched but nonetheless resolved to see it carried out.
When she stepped into the Eastern Kingdom's all was fine at first. But as she made her way deeper into the interior of the land, something felt off. Though she did not understand what it was, she would occasionally sense a...darkening that hung over the interior of the land. It was incomprehensible, subtle, and sinister. The people she met as she approached the capital were forlorn and brooding and almost alienlike in their treatment of outsiders. It frightened her for the first time in many, many years, enough to make her reconsider her decision and return home instead.
She pushed away her indecision and pressed on towards the capital. In what could only be described as an encounter of chance, she came across a raided caravan. From her texts, she recognized the banner was that of the Eastern Empire's mage corps. It appeared to be swiped clean of everything but underneath the rubble and dead bodies she found a strange dagger still inside a broken lockbox.
She took up the dagger and unsheathed it as if compelled to. The dagger was unlike any she had seen. Strange runes covered the blade and fuller appeared to be made from a scale of...something. She stared at it absentmindedly wondering if she had just wasted her time when the dagger suddenly came alive, organic and writhing, writhing! And then it spoke.
"Ah are you my new master?" spoke the dagger
"Wha-what?" Al'nehak stammered.
"A simple question. I ask you again, are you my new master?" the dagger repeated.
"No, I mean I don't think so? Am I hearing things?" Al'nehak questioned herself.
"Your trepidation is not unwarranted. After all, this is quite a strange development by your standards. But I am real, very real. You have a lot of questions, all can be answered in due time. What's important is this. You have great potential. I know things and that which you seek. What do you say?"
"You're sentient...I don't trust you-" Al'nehak began before getting cut off by the dagger.
"Then perhaps as a bridge to build that trust, I shall tell you the location of that which you seek. Some very enterprising individuals made off with a very, very important spellbook among other things. If you move now, you can catch them."
"Alright I will humor you, if this is a fool's errand I'm tossing you off a cliff."
"Oh ho ho, do not worry Al'nehak I keep my word. You may call me Xa'nuro, your most humble servant. I look forward to improving our relationship."
From that fateful encounter, Al'nehak gained immense knowledge. For the next 8 years she secluded herself somewhere in the Eastern Kingdoms and devoted herself to necromancy with the books she acquired thanks in part to Xa'nuro. Alongside her studies, she also robbed graves to dissect them to understand more about the human anatomy to better repurpose her creations. When she desired to refine her surgical technique, she mind controlled a surgeon to tutor her for even more precise techniques, eventually letting the surgeon go when she felt she could learn no more. Combining her love for inventing magitech, her newfound skills as a surgeon, and her ability to raise the dead, Al'nehak created some truly wonderful abominations.
As her magic over the dead grew, she was able to send familiars over long distances to gather news, especially news concerning her family and the geopolitical climate at home. When she was 19, war erupted once again between Zidel and Vraweth. Though she had wanted to return to her family's side, dark thoughts convinced her to stay and complete her education...
At the age of 26, 10 years after she had left home with the war raging on for 7 years, she returned to her homeland, eager to show what she had learned, new forms of magic completely new even to the Council of Twelve and to defend her home! Death and devastation was became more frequent as she made her way back to the Southern Kingdoms and with it, new servants raised. Unsubstantiated rumors regarding a smaller but amassing army of the dead reached both sides but few believed it as there wasn't a necromancer in recent memory who could raise an army.
In what is known as the the Battle of Pila, Al'nehak proved pivotal for Zidel. The Vraweth were slowly pushing inland and Pila was a major port city that was vital to the war effort for Videl. Losing this port city would cut off supplies for the Videlens. Outnumbered 3 to 1 and surrounded at all sides with just the sea behind them, it appeared to be a losing battle for Videl. Even worse, two very capable Knight Commanders, Zerau and Wila, were leading the siege.
But fate is whimsical. Upon hearing about the besieged port city, Al'nehak gathered her army of the dead and attacked the Vraweth army from the rear. Empowered by Xu'nuro she unleashed her pus infested and diseased horde, whilst casting all manners of infernal and damning spells. Taken completely by surprise, the morale of the Vrawethen troops shattered when they suddenly turned around to see abominations clawing and eating through their friends. Despite being a disciplined army, encountering the dead horde awakened a primal fear in all men. Now the Vraweth army was surrounded; arrows in the front shot by defenders of Pila and the ravenous horde in the back. Despite his best efforts to rally his troops against this sudden and unknown threat, Knight Commander Zerau was isoloated and surrounded, meeting a grisly end. A retreat was sounded by Wila who was infected and barely escaped with her life. As the sound of battle quieted, Al'nehak made her way towards Zerau and plunged the dagger into his heart, an obscene and terrible act witnessed by a retreating Wila.
[In the aftermath of this battle, Wila reported to her superiors and fellow knight commanders what had transpired before succumbing to her infection. Alarmed by the appearance of such a powerful necromancer and accusing the Zidelens of conspiring in the dark arts (after all, it was a Zidelen who brought the dead upon them), a holy crusade was called and almost the entire garrison was sent to put her and the Zidelens down. The Zidelens in turn, vehemently refused that they had a necromancer in their ranks calling it the work of a rogue mage and they also called for her to be killed on sight]
Presently, the port city defenders were horrified that an army of dead had just massacred a powerful host of Vrawethen soldiers and were even more frightened that they were next. Fear seized every man, women and child as the necromancer approached the gate.
"May I speak with your leader?" she called out in firm and resolute voice.
There was silence and Al'nehak waited patiently. Finally, a familiar appeared above the castle walls and slowly made its way towards Al'nehak.
"Father, I didn't expect you. How good to see you again."
"Al'nehak? You are the one who controls these...things?"
Al'nehak's eyes lit up "Yes father! These creations are all mine! You've told me before, do you remember? Magic is not good nor evil. It is the user of magic that determines its nature. What do you think of them? Aren't they amazing? The Vrawethens never had a ch-"
"Oh! Gods, what we have done to deserve this? Oh what has happened to you? We've feared the worst when we lost contact with you, we thought you were dead! But to see you like this, these past 10 years I cannot begin to imagine the terrible damage you have inflicted on your soul! This-this betrayal of our trust, of our hopes, you are my daughter no longer! Leave my sight! The Council of Twelve will decide your fate. I cannot say it, my heart cannot bear it..."
"...Father...I just wanted..."
In that moment, it was eternity. No one appreciated her work and sacrifices. She had showed them the great potential that was necromancy but they reject her. The whole world rejected her. Yet she loved her country and she loved her family even more. Thus she resolved end the war in her own way.
The war would continue for another two years with all three sides fighting against each other. Though Al'nehak initially exclusively attacked only the Vraweth and tried to send logistical assistance to Zidel (it was rejected everytime), her love for her country and family eventually became perverse and twisted. If they did not accept her in living, then they will accept her in death. All of them, Vrawethen or Videlen would be welcomed to her family with open rotting arms. For both armies, combating the dead after so long required was complete change in warfare.
Eventually, an emergency meeting was set up between the two leaders of Vraweth and Zidel. They agreed to a tenuous ceasefire and to focus all of their efforts on killing Al'nehak. At the zenith of the war, Al'nehak was cornered on aboard her boat as she tried to flee. It is said the Queen of Vraweth herself dealt the final blow at the now Profaned City of Pila. Her body fell into the sea and it was never found. The location of the dagger that she clung so dearly to in the last moments of her life was also lost.
[Her last words according to those who were present for her final moments were reportedly "Why have you abandoned me? Why have you abandoned me? Come back! COME BACK! WHY HAS EVERYONE LEFT ME?!" seemingly at the air before she was struck down]
Completely exhausted by the war, both sides agreed to a peace treaty. More stringent measures were put up to restrict necromancy. As to how Al'nehak became so powerful, historians and her family have tripled their effors to retrace her steps but the lead ends somewhere in the Eastern Empire.
Al'nehak had actually survived her wounds due in part by her altered body. The dagger was gone and she ended up washing up somewhere desolate and unknown to her. Broken by her experiences and finally realizing the horrors she had committed, she spent the rest of her days living alone in peace before the guilt and loneliness was too much on her and took her own life at the age of 33.
Myth: What's the myth surrounding their life? You can go crazy about rumors and legends here, since it's just the story revolving around their previous life.
Al'nehak is a distant memory but her presence can still be felt today. Within the deserts of Zidel, signs of her corruption can be seen. Most prominent is the area the once Pila. It experienced the worst when Al'nehak chose it to be her base of operations and turning all of its denizens the dead. To this day the land is still healing. Her story is a mandatory one in Zidel textbooks to teach aspiring mages to humble themselves lest they destroy themselves and all they love in their pursuit of knowledge and power. As for the Vraweth, she is reviled for the deaths of 4 knight commanders and many many soldiers in addition to her heinous usage of plagued rice to infect the other rims of their populace (this was eventually done to her own people near the end of the war). Meanwhile, the Queen of her time has been elevated to something of a sainthood. Within the inner circles of both nations, efforts have been made to find the dagger she had once wielded to no avail.
Many necromatic magitechs were destroyed over the years but a number still survive. These contraptions have fueled a renewed interest in necromancy underground and small cults have risen in her name. Many efforts have been put in to stomp out these cults but they keep springing up elsewhere. Indeed, there are stories, wild and outrageous tales of a series of books and artifacts stashed away somewhere in the now desolate Eastern Kingdom. Many have tried to locate this fabled trove of knowledge. All of them failed to return.
The Lilliefore family name disappeared shortly after the war. If there are still descendants, their family name must have changed to ensure their own safety.
Council of Twelve ☠ Enemy: Even as she took her last breath questioning her decision, her contempt for the Council of Twelve continued to burn until her last moments. Given her infamy and her antagonistic relationship with them, an encounter with any member of the Council could prove devastating.
The Kingdom of Vraweth ⚜ Unfriendly ☠ Enemy: In her eyes, these were the aggressors that had threatened her home and family so it is only natural that she has some lingering hostilities for them. Not to mention the fact that she can still occasionally feel the sting from the Queen's blade
Xa'nuro ☯ Neutral: Once an ally with this sentient blade, her final days in what can be called a living purgatory caused her to reevaluate her relationship with this being. Though she is grateful for its assistance, a part of her resents it for taking advantage of her and helping obtain her goals in dubious and sometimes outright morally wrong ways. Abandoning her in her most crucial hour doesn't help either. It's a complicated relationship, one that she is unsure of what will happen if they cross paths again.
Her living kin ☮ Friends: Would love nothing more than a second chance with them. Too bad it will never happen...
Name: Description
Name: Description
Extras (Optional)
Character Quote: Magic does not care for your morals. It simply is. What we choose to do with it however, determines the our character.
They are afraid of the unknown. Like a rock trying to stop a crashing ocean wave, in time they will be worn down into nothingness. But that is not fast enough. I will show them the error of their ways and bring forth a new age of enlightenment! Theme Song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjliwE2V2Ro
Anything Else: Her intentions were initially to prove her father's words that the nature of magic does not care for morality such as good and evil and that its usage depends on its user. In addition, she also found it strange and unfair that for a nation of magicians that touted a lassiez faire attitude regarding magical studies, necromancy was the one school that was restricted. It looked hypocritical to her and she felt her potential was stifled because she wasn't given a choice insomuch as to look at it.
Thus her initial curiosity with necromancy became a full blown obssession as the Council continued to deny her access to the restricted archives. Whether the Council was right to deny her given what has transpired in the war or if they had just been a little more open and taught her in a more controlled environment to satiate her curiosity is in the air, who knows? What does happen as a result is that Al'nehak begins to disregard the Council as fools and old farts who cling on to old traditions. Combined with her father's words, it's clear she feels that change is needed and what better way to do that than to prove that she has become versed in necromancy and use it for good?
However noble her intentions for necromancy were, they became twisted when she met the sentient dagger. Remember, she was initially skeptical of the dagger's word initially and she was ready to go home, unnerved by the strangeness that has taken over the Eastern Kingdoms. When the dagger was actually true to its word and she found in her hands a tome about necromancy, caution was basically flung to the wind and she became more susceptible to the daggers more morally grey and then outright black "suggestions" over time. She had reason to trust it. After all, it lead her to her heart's desire.
By the time she went to rescue the city of Pila, she was convinced by the dagger that she would be hailed as a hero though there was a small part of her that wondered if what she was correct in her course of action. Instead when the battle was finally over, she was disowned by her father and her own countrymen declared her a traitor for breaking an ironclad rule (the decree was issued by the hated Council).
This broke her spirit and she lashed out at what she saw as a huge misunderstanding on their part, causing her to be more callous and aggressive. However, she still had love for her home and family yet by this point, her thinking and logic had been thoroughly screwed over and she believed she could redeem herself by slaughtering everyone on the other side. It certainly did not help that the dagger was always pushing the right buttons for the wrong reasons.
Thus her methods became more cruel and malevolent. Her ability to empathize with the living, weakened over the many years, becomes non-existent from spending so much time with the dead and communing with the dagger. The dead became her new family. The dagger more so. Eventually, she concludes that if they don't accept her now, they will have no choice but to accept her when they are her thralls.
After her defeat, she regains much of her senses back over time when she loses the dagger. She is remorseful for her actions and unhappy that she has caused so much death but she feels it was worth the sacrifice learning about necromancy. With no one to talk to besides herself and plenty of time to reflect on her actions, it becomes too much for her and she takes her life, wondering once more if it was worth it in the end and how things would turn out differently if she hadn't succumbed to the whispering of the dagger.
A strange malaise held a firm grip over the interior of the Eastern Kingdom some 400ish years ago and was responsible for its slow decline. It caused its denizens to be more erratic and hostile. Whether it was imperial policy or some supernatural occurrence, I'm honestly not sure.
To be fair, I figured if the current darkness is occurring a few decades ago and it is approaching from the east when the Eastern Kingdom is all but ruins, perhaps some 400 years ago that was a portend of things to come. A small, small glimpse of the future.
Or it was just a separate incident that is not at all related to the current darkness. Regardless, the overt hostility of the citizens just gave Al'nehak fright and concern for her safety but she sensed something wrong about the region. Whatever it is, we won't know since she didn't investigate it. Maybe an important plot point will come out of it but I honestly doubt that.
tl;dr Yea, she had good intentions for necromancy and she had a bit of pride to go along with that when she left home to prove a point. She grew up normal and well adjusted except for that one obsession. Dagger takes advantage of her, she goes off the deep end and becomes more apathetic and crueler during the war. It's only when she is alone on some unknown land does she feel repentant for her actions.
Long Post
Her intentions were initially to prove her father's words that nature of magic does not care for morality such as good and evil and that its usage depends on its user. In addition, she also found it strange and unfair that for a nation of magicians that touted a lassiez faire attitude regarding magical studies, necromancy was the one school that was restricted. It looked hypocritical to her and she felt her potential was stifled because she wasn't given a choice insomuch as to look at it.
Thus her initial curiosity with necromancy became a full blown obssession as the Council continued to deny her access to the restricted archives. Whether the Council was right to deny her given what has transpired in the war or if they had just been a little more open and taught her in a more controlled environment to satiate her curiosity is in the air, who knows? What does happen as a result is that Al'nehak begins to disregard the Council as fools and old farts who cling on to old traditions. Combined with her father's words, it's clear she feels that change is needed and what better way to do that than to prove that she has become versed in necromancy and use it for good?
However noble her intentions for necromancy were, they became twisted when she met the sentient dagger. Remember, she was initially skeptical of the dagger's word initially and she was ready to go home, unnerved by the strangeness that has taken over the Eastern Kingdoms. When the dagger was actually true to its word and she found in her hands a tome about necromancy, caution was basically flung to the wind and she became more susceptible to the daggers more morally grey and then outright black "suggestions" over time. She had reason to trust it. After all, it lead her to her heart's desire.
By the time she went to rescue the city of Pila, she was convinced by the dagger that she would be hailed as a hero though there was a small part of her that wondered if what she was correct in her course of action. Instead when the battle was finally over, she was disowned by her father and her own countrymen declared her a traitor for breaking an ironclad rule (the decree was issued by the hated Council).
This broke her spirit and she lashed out at what she saw as a huge misunderstanding on their part, causing her to be more callous and aggressive. However, she still had love for her home and family yet by this point, her thinking and logic had been thoroughly screwed over and she believed she could redeem herself by slaughtering everyone on the other side. It certainly did not help that the dagger was always pushing the right buttons for the wrong reasons.
Thus her methods became more cruel and callous. Her ability to empathize with the living, weakened over the many years, becomes non-existent from spending so much time with the dead and communing with the dagger. The dead became her new family. The dagger moreso. Eventually, she concludes that if they don't accept her now, they will have no choice but to accept her when they are her thralls.
After her defeat, she regains much of her senses back over time when she loses the dagger. She is remorseful for her actions and unhappy that she has caused so much death but she feels it was worth the sacrifice learning about necromancy. With no one to talk to besides herself and plenty of time to reflect on her actions, it becomes too much for her and she takes her life, wondering once more if it was worth it in the end and how things would turn out differently if she hadn't succumbed to the whispering of the dagger.
Name: Al'nehak Aliases: She made no effort to have an alias. Titles: The Scourge, the Mad, Seeker Age: 33 Time of Death: 432 years ago from present day. Place of Origin: Zidel Gender: Female
Physical Attributes
Eyes: Grey Hair: Black Day To Day Attire:
Strengths: Magitech and surgery, Cunning, Necromancy and transmutation Weaknesses: Callous, selfish
Psychological Attributes
Sociopathic * Inquisitive * Headstrong * Social
Sexuality: Heterosexual Relationship Status: Single Personality: On the surface, Al'nehak is friendly and enjoys socializing with others. However, she lacks the empathy and it is rare for her to form long lasting bonds with other people. She will readily take advantage of others to further her own goals. In spite of her sociopath tendencies, Al'nehak finds kinship with those who are shunned by society as she was ostracized by society because of her dealings in necromancy. That is the exception to the norm as Al'nehak does not care what others think of her. She is primarily concerned with herself first and will generally only lend aid when it will benefit her.
Her inquiring nature comes from her parents; both were mage-scholars of Zidel that stressed the importance of education and would often take her along in their travels all around Zidel. This inquiring nature, this desire to learn, turned into an obsession for the worst. For the most undesirable magic of all-necromancy-grabbed her attention the most. In her pursuit of this art, she had become something less...human.
Skills & Abilities
A listing of skills, such as horseback riding or cooking and abilities or magic. You can have a total of ten, but temper them to not be overly powerful - except one can be noticeably more powerful, usually the one skill/ability/magic/item that makes them recgonizable.
Necromancy (Master): Inheriting both of her parent's magical skills, magic comes intuitively for Al'nehak. Though she was taught a generalist course in her youth, circumstances lead to her seeking necromancy out instead and mastering it.
Transmutation (Expert) To further enhance her creations, Al'nehak delved into transmutation as the ability to transform her creation's properties, and even herself, lead to a myriad of possibilities.
Surgical Skills (applicable to humans and humanoid, mileage will vary on anything else) (Master): To understand the inner workings of the human body will allow one to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses. After an "apprenticeship" with a renown surgeon over a period of 5 years, Al'nefak has put those skills to good use, creating much sturdier and stronger constructs including herself!. She is technically a certified surgeon.
Magitech inventor (Expert-Master): Many of the devices Al'nehak uses are made by her and experimental which can be potentially deadly if something goes awry. Tools of trade from both necromancy and magitech are utilized in the surgery she performs on her creations (no exhaustive list as they will change).
Strange Amulet (Artifact):: Amplifies negative feelings around her in a 50m radius. This amulet passively feeds on negative emotions which is then converted into magical energy. Can be turned off at will.
Numbed: Her pain receptors have numbed considerably. Wounds that would normally cripple a person or leave them screaming in agonizing pain will barely register for Al'nehak. The potency of poison and toxins not along take significantly longer to occur, it is also weaker in its effects.
Xa'nuro, Dagger of the Deep (Artifact): This dagger was once held by a king from the obscure and ruined Kingdom of Nazereth. The dagger's true origin is unknown. It is a sentient blade that can consume the latent power of any organic being, be it living or dead (killing the living in almost all cases). The consumed's powers is transferred temporarily to the owner but only by stabbing themselves do they obtain all of it. Thus, if the dagger no longer sees the wielder as its owner for any reason, there is a very dangerous risk that the dagger will consume the wielder instead. Any wielder that is not the owner risks significant backlash from the dagger. A special sheath limits the presence from the dagger from surfacing.
Cooking (Expert): Cooking genuinely gives her joy as it reminds her of much better times.
Skitters (Magitech+Necromancy): Magical automatons given the power to perform simple surgical tasks on the battlefield and/or bring back bodies to a rendezvous point. One of the more important inventions she's created. These constructs are not far away from the main horde. The surgeries they perform pales in comparison to hers but it will nonetheless provide a sizable boost the strength and aggression of whatever that will be raised later.
History
Backstory: Just make sure to include all relavent details - it can be as short as three paragraphs or more, so long as everything is there.
Al'nehak was born to 2 influential mage scholars in the Southern Kingdoms. As a young girl, she showed an affinity for magic just like her parents. They were thrilled to see that their child could also grow up to be wondrous mages like them so they instilled within her a studious work ethic and nurtured her curiosity for knowledge, be it through education or take her sightseeing in other places.
Enrolled in a prestigious school, Al'nehak was proficient in magic but showed a knack for inventing magical devices. In the beginning, they were fairly mundane and simple creations but by the age of 12, she created a miniature arcane golem on her own, a noteworthy feat for someone so young. Yet, despite her successes, there was one school of magic that was gnawing at the back of her mind.
Necromancy. It was a restricted field, available to only those who were deemed trustworthy by the Council. No matter how well she performed in her studies nor how eloquently she stated her case to learn it, she was rejected. It was far to dangerous to give a 15 year old access to such dark arts, no matter how mature she appeared, especially given her potential already. Dejected, she accepted the Council's decision and promised to never pursue the matter again until she was called upon once more.
In the backdrop of this, conflict was heating up between Zidel and Vraweth again. Small skirmishes would periodically erupt and the ever looming threat of an all out war seemed inevitable. For Al'nehak, could it be possible to minimize the loss of life through necromancy? They were a magician's nation after all. It would be dumb to not embrace ALL schools of magic.
After graduating at the age of 16, rather than pursuing higher education, Al'nehak decided to travel around the world for a year or two in a journey of self discovery. Reassuring her parents that it was just a simple trip, with her parent's blessings, she took off and headed for Bervenia Trade City. Six months into her journey, correspondence with her family ceased completely as if she vanished without a trace.
In truth, Al'nehak became consumed with the dark art. Her inquisitive nature turned to obsession. More and more she found the atmosphere in Zidel to be suffocating and restrictive. In her travels, all the books and people she spoke to regarding necromancy was the same. Always she saw worried and disgusted looks. Always they gave the same reasons to shun it, "it is a corrupting magic", "to profane the dead is sacrilege to the gods". Such magic could prove immensely beneficial if it was just wholeheartedly embraced. To understand the unknown would give even more reasons to not be afraid of it.
Magic does not corrupt. It is not evil nor good. It is the user who determines the nature of their magic. That is what her parents have taught her. But since it was so restricted in all the kingdoms or even banned, how would it be possible to teach herself it, let alone find a mentor to guide her?
It finally hit her. The Eastern Kingdoms. A kingdom slowly falling into disarray for whatever reason. A dangerous place to be nowadays but perhaps the chaos and strife that had taken over the region would allow her to sneak out some restricted materials from a magical library. Such a place would attract all sorts of people looking to take advantage of the situation, perhaps even a necromancer! She knew that such a plan was foolish and far-fetched but nonetheless resolved to see it carried out.
When she stepped into the Eastern Kingdom's all was fine at first. But as she made her way deeper into the interior of the land, something felt off. Though she did not understand what it was, she would occasionally sense a...darkening that hung over the interior of the land. It was incomprehensible, subtle, and sinister. The people she met as she approached the capital were forlorn and brooding and almost alienlike in their treatment of outsiders. It frightened her for the first time in many, many years, enough to make her reconsider her decision and return home instead.
She pushed away her indecision and pressed on towards the capital. In what could only be described as an encounter of chance, she came across a raided caravan. From her texts, she recognized the banner was that of the Eastern Empire's mage corps. It appeared to be swiped clean of everything but underneath the rubble and dead bodies she found a strange dagger still inside a broken lockbox.
She took up the dagger and unsheathed it as if compelled to. The dagger was unlike any she had seen. Strange runes covered the blade and fuller appeared to be made from a scale of...something. She stared at it absentmindedly wondering if she had just wasted her time when the dagger suddenly came alive, organic and writhing, writhing! And then it spoke.
"Ah are you my new master?" spoke the dagger
"Wha-what?" Al'nehak stammered.
"A simple question. I ask you again, are you my new master?" the dagger repeated.
"No, I mean I don't think so? Am I hearing things?" Al'nehak questioned herself.
"Your trepidation is not unwarranted. After all, this is quite a strange development by your standards. But I am real, very real. You have a lot of questions, all can be answered in due time. What's important is this. You have great potential. I know things and that which you seek. What do you say?"
"You're sentient...I don't trust you-" Al'nehak began before getting cut off by the dagger.
"Then perhaps as a bridge to build that trust, I shall tell you the location of that which you seek. Some very enterprising individuals made off with a very, very important spellbook among other things. If you move now, you can catch them."
"Alright I will humor you, if this is a fool's errand I'm tossing you off a cliff."
"Oh ho ho, do not worry Al'nehak I keep my word. You may call me Xa'nuro, your most humble servant. I look forward to improving our relationship."
From that fateful encounter, Al'nehak gained immense knowledge. For the next 8 years she secluded herself somewhere in the Eastern Kingdoms and devoted herself to necromancy with the books she acquired thanks in part to Xa'nuro. Alongside her studies, she also robbed graves to dissect them to understand more about the human anatomy to better repurpose her creations. When she desired to refine her surgical technique, she mind controlled a surgeon to tutor her for even more precise techniques, eventually letting the surgeon go when she felt she could learn no more. Combining her love for inventing magitech, her newfound skills as a surgeon, and her ability to raise the dead, Al'nehak created some truly wonderful abominations.
As her magic over the dead grew, she was able to send familiars over long distances to gather news, especially news concerning her family and the geopolitical climate at home. When she was 19, war erupted once again between Zidel and Vraweth. Though she had wanted to return to her family's side, dark thoughts convinced her to stay and complete her education...
At the age of 26, 10 years after she had left home with the war raging on for 7 years, she returned to her homeland, eager to show what she had learned, new forms of magic completely new even to the Council of Twelve and to defend her home! Death and devastation was became more frequent as she made her way back to the Southern Kingdoms and with it, new servants raised. Unsubstantiated rumors regarding a smaller but amassing army of the dead reached both sides but few believed it as there wasn't a necromancer in recent memory who could raise an army.
In what is known as the the Battle of Pila, Al'nehak proved pivotal for Zidel. The Vraweth were slowly pushing inland and Pila was a major port city that was vital to the war effort for Videl. Losing this port city would cut off supplies for the Videlens. Outnumbered 3 to 1 and surrounded at all sides with just the sea behind them, it appeared to be a losing battle for Videl. Even worse, two very capable Knight Commanders, Zerau and Wila, were leading the siege.
But fate is whimsical. Upon hearing about the besieged port city, Al'nehak gathered her army of the dead and attacked the Vraweth army from the rear. Empowered by Xu'nuro she unleashed her pus infested and diseased horde, whilst casting all manners of infernal and damning spells. Taken completely by surprise, the morale of the Vrawethen troops shattered when they suddenly turned around to see abominations clawing and eating through their friends. Despite being a disciplined army, encountering the dead horde awakened a primal fear in all men. Now the Vraweth army was surrounded; arrows in the front shot by defenders of Pila and the ravenous horde in the back. Despite his best efforts to rally his troops against this sudden and unknown threat, Knight Commander Zerau was isoloated and surrounded, meeting a grisly end. A retreat was sounded by Wila who was infected and barely escaped with her life. As the sound of battle quieted, Al'nehak made her way towards Zerau and plunged the dagger into his heart, an obscene and terrible act witnessed by a retreating Wila.
[In the aftermath of this battle, Wila reported to her superiors and fellow knight commanders what had transpired before succumbing to her infection. Alarmed by the appearance of such a powerful necromancer and accusing the Zidelens of conspiring in the dark arts (after all, it was a Zidelen who brought the dead upon them), a holy crusade was called and almost the entire garrison was sent to put her and the Zidelens down. The Zidelens in turn, vehemently refused that they had a necromancer in their ranks calling it the work of a rogue mage and they also called for her to be killed on sight]
Presently, the port city defenders were horrified that an army of dead had just massacred a powerful host of Vrawethen soldiers and were even more frightened that they were next. Fear seized every man, women and child as the necromancer approached the gate.
"May I speak with your leader?" she called out in firm and resolute voice.
There was silence and Al'nehak waited patiently. Finally, a familiar appeared above the castle walls and slowly made its way towards Al'nehak.
"Father, I didn't expect you. How good to see you again."
"Al'nehak? You are the one who controls these...things?"
Al'nehak's eyes lit up "Yes father! These creations are all mine! You've told me before, do you remember? Magic is not good nor evil. It is the user of magic that determines its nature. What do you think of them? Aren't they amazing? The Vrawethens never had a ch-"
"Oh! Gods, what we have done to deserve this? Oh what has happened to you? We've feared the worst when we lost contact with you, we thought you were dead! But to see you like this, these past 10 years I cannot begin to imagine the terrible damage you have inflicted on your soul! This-this betrayal of our trust, of our hopes, you are my daughter no longer! Leave my sight! The Council of Twelve will decide your fate. I cannot say it, my heart cannot bear it..."
"...Father...I just wanted..."
In that moment, it was eternity. No one appreciated her work and sacrifices. She had showed them the great potential that was necromancy but they reject her. The whole world rejected her. Yet she loved her country and she loved her family even more. Thus she resolved end the war in her own way.
The war would continue for another two years with all three sides fighting against each other. Though Al'nehak initially exclusively attacked only the Vraweth, her love for her country and family eventually became perverse and twisted. If they did not accept her in living, then they will accept her in death. All of them, Vrawethen or Videlen would be welcomed to her family with open rotting arms. For both armies, combating the dead after so long required was complete change in warfare.
Eventually, an emergency meeting was set up between the two leaders of Vraweth and Zidel. They agreed to a tenuous ceasefire and to focus all of their efforts on killing Al'nehak. At the zenith of the war, Al'nehak was cornered on aboard her boat as she tried to flee. It is said the Queen of Vraweth herself dealt the final blow at the now Profaned City of Pila. Her body fell into the sea and it was never found. The location of the dagger that she clung so dearly to in the last moments of her life was also lost.
[Her last words according to those who were present for her final moments were reportedly "Why have you abandoned me? Why have you abandoned me? Come back! COME BACK! WHY HAS EVERYONE LEFT ME?!" seemingly at the air before she was struck down]
Completely exhausted by the war, both sides agreed to a peace treaty. More stringent measures were put up to restrict necromancy. As to how Al'nehak became so powerful, historians and her family have tripled their effors to retrace her steps but the lead ends somewhere in the Eastern Empire.
Al'nehak had actually survived her wounds due in part by her altered body. The dagger was gone and she ended up washing up somewhere desolate and unknown to her. Broken by her experiences and finally realizing the horrors she had committed, she spent the rest of her days living alone in peace before the guilt and loneliness was too much on her and took her own life at the age of 33.
Myth: What's the myth surrounding their life? You can go crazy about rumors and legends here, since it's just the story revolving around their previous life.
Al'nehak is a distant memory but her presence can still be felt today. Within the deserts of Zidel, signs of her corruption can be seen. Most prominent is the area the once Pila. It experienced the worst when Al'nehak chose it to be her base of operations and turning all of its denizens the dead. To this day the land is still healing. Her story is a mandatory one in Zidel textbooks to teach aspiring mages to humble themselves lest they destroy themselves and all they love in their pursuit of knowledge and power. As for the Vraweth, she is reviled for the deaths of 4 knight commanders and many many soldiers in addition to her heinous usage of plagued rice to infect the other rims of their populace (this was eventually done to her own people near the end of the war). Meanwhile, the Queen of her time has been elevated to something of a sainthood. Within the inner circles of both nations, efforts have been made to find the dagger she had once wielded to no avail.
Many necromatic magitechs were destroyed over the years but a number still survive. These contraptions have fueled a renewed interest in necromancy underground and small cults have risen in her name. Many efforts have been put in to stomp out these cults but they keep springing up elsewhere. Indeed, there are stories, wild and outrageous tales of a series of books and artifacts stashed away somewhere in the now desolate Eastern Kingdom. Many have tried to locate this fabled trove of knowledge. All of them failed to return.
The Lilliefore family name disappeared shortly after the war. If there are still descendants, their family name must have changed to ensure their own safety.
Character Quote: Something they say a lot or live by Theme Song: What would be playing when they walk up if we were in a movie? Anything Else: Her intentions were initially to prove her father's words that nature of magic does not care for morality such as good and evil and that its usage depends on its user. In addition, she also found it strange and unfair that for a nation of magicians that touted a lassiez faire attitude regarding magical studies, necromancy was the one school that was restricted. It looked hypocritical to her and she felt her potential was stifled because she wasn't given a choice insomuch as to look at it.
Thus her initial curiosity with necromancy became a full blown obssession as the Council continued to deny her access to the restricted archives. Whether the Council was right to deny her given what has transpired in the war or if they had just been a little more open and taught her in a more controlled environment to satiate her curiosity is in the air, who knows? What does happen as a result is that Al'nehak begins to disregard the Council as fools and old farts who cling on to old traditions. Combined with her father's words, it's clear she feels that change is needed and what better way to do that than to prove that she has become versed in necromancy and use it for good?
However noble her intentions for necromancy were, they became twisted when she met the sentient dagger. Remember, she was initially skeptical of the dagger's word initially and she was ready to go home, unnerved by the strangeness that has taken over the Eastern Kingdoms. When the dagger was actually true to its word and she found in her hands a tome about necromancy, caution was basically flung to the wind and she became more susceptible to the daggers more morally grey and then outright black "suggestions" over time. She had reason to trust it. After all, it lead her to her heart's desire.
By the time she went to rescue the city of Pila, she was convinced by the dagger that she would be hailed as a hero though there was a small part of her that wondered if what she was correct in her course of action. Instead when the battle was finally over, she was disowned by her father and her own countrymen declared her a traitor for breaking an ironclad rule (the decree was issued by the hated Council).
This broke her spirit and she lashed out at what she saw as a huge misunderstanding on their part, causing her to be more callous and aggressive. However, she still had love for her home and family yet by this point, her thinking and logic had been thoroughly screwed over and she believed she could redeem herself by slaughtering everyone on the other side. It certainly did not help that the dagger was always pushing the right buttons for the wrong reasons.
Thus her methods became more cruel and callous. Her ability to empathize with the living, weakened over the many years, becomes non-existent from spending so much time with the dead and communing with the dagger. The dead became her new family. The dagger more so. Eventually, she concludes that if they don't accept her now, they will have no choice but to accept her when they are her thralls.
After her defeat, she regains much of her senses back over time when she loses the dagger. She is remorseful for her actions and unhappy that she has caused so much death but she feels it was worth the sacrifice learning about necromancy. With no one to talk to besides herself and plenty of time to reflect on her actions, it becomes too much for her and she takes her life, wondering once more if it was worth it in the end and how things would turn out differently if she hadn't succumbed to the whispering of the dagger.
