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This is basically a place to put all the Incarnation reveals so far along with their bios, to make it easier to find the Incarnation you're looking for. Or to link it to someone if they want to see the playable characters in the game.
http://labzerogames.com/indiv-incarnations/
"Zebei hails from a nomadic tribe renowned for its archery. He left and traveled south in search for answers, because he felt something was missing from his life. He’s a bit shy and can be easily overwhelmed by all the new people and sights he’s encountering on his journey, since he’s never been away from his tribe.
In battle, on the other hand, Zebei is anything but shy. As his tribe’s most accomplished archer, he can be a bit of a show-off, wowing people with his rapid-fire barrages of arrows and fancy flourishes."
"A reclusive shamaness, Razmi lived on the outskirts of her village. There she devoted every waking hour to the study of shamanic magic, more for her own interest than any practical use.
Awkward and snarky, Razmi doesn’t get along particularly well with Ajna or the other Incarnations. Instead, she prefers to consult with Bom, the tiger spirit that lives in her lantern. As long as the lantern remains lit, Bom will be with her.
In battle, Razmi sics Bom’s fiery spirit on her enemies, and wields powerful spells and hexes. While extremely capable in combat, Razmi finds it rather bothersome and would rather be studying on her own, warmed by Bom’s light."
"Tungar is a master of the “urumi,” a sword with a flexible, ribbon-like blade. He is hearty in both body and spirit, but years of practice and combat have left his body covered in scars. When not in use, Tungar’s custom urumi is wrapped around his head like a metallic turban.
Tungar was once a prominent military commander, and now leads an ascetic life looking for capable youth to train. Jovial and outgoing, he is prone to sharing his sage advice and war stories with the anyone in earshot, whether they are interested or not.
Contrary to his usually garrulous nature, Tungar is brusque and deadly serious in battle. There he wields his urumi with a deadly combination of fury and efficiency, slicing his foes countless times in the blink of an eye."
"One of the Four Superiors under Supreme Lord Ravannavar's army, Dhar led campaigns across the land to subjugate any region that was not in support of Ravannavar's pro-Kala rule.
He came upon Ajna's village during these campaigns, but did not expect to become such an unusual prisoner of war.
Despite being Ajna's first Incarnation, he's not exactly the most supportive of friends. To say that they don't get along is a massive understatement. His own survival depends on hers now, however, even though her quest to challenge Lord Ravannavar is practically suicide, in his opinion."
"Thorani is a calm and caring celestial with a bit of a playful side. She enjoys living among humans, and hopes to bring joy to the citizens of Tai Krung City with her performances.
Being naturally gifted at channeling Iddhi, Thorani is able to conjure magical water into her hair. This water can cleanse people of their addiction to corrupted Soma, a dangerous drug spread by the kingpin Mara. Losing customers does not please Mara at all, and Thorani now finds herself caught in the drug lord's sights."
"A former officer in the Iron Kingdom's army, Vasco was the best marksman in his unit and was feared throughout the battlefield. After being forced to waste his bullets on one too many defenseless citizens during the Iron Kingdom's northern campaign, Vasco left the military to pursue his two loves: his rifle and money.
Born with intuitive mechanical ingenuity, he has customized his personal firearm quite extensively and has tuned it beyond the limits of a regular gun. But maintaining his gear comes at a cost: Vasco has become a deadly gun-for-hire, taking on any mission - no matter how dirty - if it pays the right amount."
"No one would have ever expected such a small and cheerful girl could be a master falconer at such a young age. But perhaps it is that cheerful personality that allowed her to befriend the otherwise stoic and intimidating roc Altun.
Together they are a formidable hunting team, but also use their skills to carry messages, give people rides, and even seek out lost travelers in the wild."
"Narssus was forced into serving a vile witch doctor. Kept in a persistent trance by a strange voodoo powder, he was doomed to carry out the witch doctor's bidding until his body rots to dust.
With Ajna's help, Narssus manages to gain his freedom. He now lives in a state between life and death. The powder now keeps him from dying, but each use feeds a dark spirit that is slowly taking him over from within."
"Considered an abomination, Yan was abandoned by her parents as a child and left to fend for herself on the streets of the capital. She adapted her own fighting style suited to her body to survive her harsh circumstances, and in doing so developed a profoundly natural flow and grace.
Her skills and potential were quickly noticed by the head of a popular ballet troupe, who took her in and raised her. Even with this good fortune, she was still not safe: some of the other dancers regarded her with disgust and more than a little jealousy. Keeping her spirits high, she rose above all of this to become the troupe's star performer.
One day, Yan learns her dance troupe is aligned with the revolutionary army, and are planning to assassinate the emperor of the Jade Dynasty. Yearning only to dance, Yan wants no part of this plot. Yet, fighting may be her only choice."
"Defender of the dharma and hero of Tai Krung City, the warrior of justice Naga Rider vanquishes evil with a swift and bold Naga Kick!
By day he is an ordinary civilian named Moggal, but at night he creates magical golden armor through the power of Iddhi to become the Naga Rider. He cruises the streets on his magical "Legless Mount," defeating any criminals who cross his path.
There are many unscrupulous characters in the seedy underbelly of Tai Krung City, but few as nefarious as the drug lord Mara. After Naga Rider's wife and child are killed as bystanders in a drug-related crime, he wages outright war on the kingpin."
"Phoebe is a warrior and protector of her village. Having fended off multiple attempts by the Iron Kingdom's forces to overtake her home, her strength is unmatched, and can fire full-length spears from her massive bow. She is a proud mother of three, raising them alongside her warrior husband before he lost his life on the battlefield.
In meeting Ajna, Phoebe finds that she must make a difficult choice: stay behind to protect her village, or leave it behind to fight a much greater threat, possibly never to return."
"Kaldi began as a coffee bean farmer and goatherd, but has always harbored a passion for throwing knives. He prides himself on his custom knife designs - ideal for throwing and for harvesting crops in the field - and has made a modest business of selling them to civilians and soldiers alike.
Being so relaxed and friendly in demeanor, it's at times hard to imagine Kaldi cutting down foes with deadly accuracy. But when the Iron Kingdom invaded his homeland, killing his friends and pillaging the crops and animals of his livelihood, Kaldi took up the arms he crafted to fight back.
After helping to drive the enemy forces away, he wants to ensure that his country won't be threatened again, and is eager share with the rest of the world his fine artisan blades and a good cup of coffee."
"Toko is one of the only surviving Resolute in Yashima, forced into hiding after a failed rebellion. Of her nine siblings, she is the only one who survived the resulting massacre. Though almost unbearable, she views these trials as a test of faith, and they serve only to strengthen her belief.
To the Resolute, Kala's appearance marks the beginning of the end of days, and thus the beginning of their task to save as many unenlightened souls as possible before the final judgement.
Blessed with great skill and seemingly divine strength of will, Toko vows to vanquish the evils of this land. Her faith, like her blade, is straight and true, unwavering in its conviction. Learning more about the true source of her power, however, will put her devotion to the ultimate test."
"George is a dragon slayer of the highest prestige. As a special class of soldier from the Iron Kingdom, it is his duty to travel through the regions of the empire and quell any troublesome monsters or demons. His lance Scalesbane, crafted along with his chainmail from remnants of his first kill, has proven quite effective in his battles against unholy creatures.
The Iron Kingdom is rapidly growing through aggressive campaigns of conquest, but George cares not for their policies or politics. His authority extends to the borders of the empire, yet he knows that greater evils lurk in every corner of the world."
"A true demon of the sea, Baozhai of the Black Jade and her armada are feared and despised by the naval fleets of both the Iron Kingdom and the Jade Dynasty. Though said to be a crude, ruthless pirate, she calls herself an entrepreneur. For years her crews have routinely attacked illicit Soma shipping routes and blockaded ports involved with the Soma drug trade. Many believe she simply steals for her own gain, yet rumors of a more humanitarian motive persist.
Neither empire have yet been able to hinder her, but the sea can be a cruel mistress indeed. A recent encounter with a massive sea monster decimated her forces and destroyed many of their vessels. Land-locked but not deterred, Baozhai is determined to rebuild a new crew and head back out to sea."
"The adopted son of a prominent Iron Kingdom nobleman, growing up among the upper class of the capital hasn't left Antoine curious about his origins. His skill with a blade and knack for diplomacy made him an ideal candidate for ambassadorship, and he's found himself well suited for the role.
Despite his best efforts, some areas of the empire's expanding domain have proven uncooperative. Unrest is growing, and rumors of a pending revolt led by a rising underclass leader have made the Iron Kingdom nervous enough to dispatch Antoine to speak with them personally. But unlike his previous diplomatic assignments, this upcoming meeting fills him with unease..."
"From the moment she received her first oud as a child, everyone knew Zahra was destined for greatness. As she grew older, her fame in the region also grew, and stories of her music inspiring heroes in battle, entrancing wild beasts, and even helping a barren woman to conceive, began to spread.
The leader of a nearby tribe caught wind of this and sought to use her skills to his own advantage. Thinking he could use her music to inspire his warriors to victory, he kidnapped her and pressed her into service. But Zahra's sullen song on the eve of battle affected him so deeply that he negotiated peace with his rivals that very night.
She now wanders the land, going where her heart takes her, hoping to spread joy to all through song."
"Tenoch is the most famous Ōllamaliztli player in the city-state of Ixtapoala, renowned for hanging virtually motionless in the air to intercept the ulli ball, as well as the devastating speed and accuracy of his returns.
Ōllamaliztli matches are often used by politicians as symbolic proxies for political discussion, and a recent match against a neighboring city-state was rigged by corrupt officials. Every other player agreed to throw the game, except Tenoch, who single-handedly led his team to victory.
As conflict erupts in the region, Tenoch finds himself fearing for his life, and begins the arduous task of exposing the corruption and clearing his name."
"The third daughter of the chieftain of the Wakinyan, Nuna shares her sisters' gift - the ability to commune with nature. Drawing on the blessing of the Deohako, she can attune herself to all kinds of vegetation, encouraging them to grow and blossom. But she is young, and does not yet know the full extent of her abilities.
Together, the three sisters provide their tribe with an almost unending bounty. Recently, they have begun to share their surplus with neighboring tribes, hoping to form a Tribal Union and bring an end to the long years of relative isolation.
Being the youngest daughter and her father's obvious favorite, many in the tribe feel that she must venture away from his coddling to truly grow and mature. Though she doesn't flinch at hunting animals, the thought of hurting other people upsets her, and a future leader cannot ignore the reality of violence. Understandably reluctant to leave, Nuna is nonetheless excited to share her gift with others and experience more of the world and its flora."
"Lanshi is a dog, which can only mean one thing: reincarnation as an animal, resulting from his ignorant ways in a past life.
Captured as a pup, Lanshi was mercilessly abused by his new owner, who hoped to turn the massive beast into a vicious guard dog. But throughout years of mistreatment, he somehow remained friendly and obedient. Eventually dismissed as useless, Lanshi was abandoned one winter morning to wander the desolate mountains alone. He now lives a lazy life taking frequent naps under the sun, and survives on scraps provided by the adoring townspeople of his new domain, challenged by none.
Of all the questions surrounding him, the most mysterious is how this seemingly docile dog possesses the Vajra, a powerful relic that allows him to conjure and manipulate lightning when threatened. Karma works in mysterious ways - perhaps the artifact is somehow connected to Lanshi's previous misdeeds."
"Secretly trained by her brother in the ways of combat, young Qadira became quite a formidable fighter. When she was finally of age, she joined her brother at the battlefront against the encroaching Iron Kingdom...only to learn that it was not a woman's place to fight, but instead to tend the wounded and distribute supplies. Crestfallen but undeterred, Qadira worked earnestly as a nurse, remaining ever near her brother.
Then the unthinkable happened - she received word that during an assault her brother had been captured. Without hesitation she donned his spare armor and signature green sash, and rushed into combat.
That day, in a dazzling display of skill, a mysterious warrior single-handedly turned the tide of battle. But with no sign of her brother, and now wary of revealing her true identity, Qadira's quest is only just beginning."
"A shaman renowned for his passionate drumming which brought forth departed spirits, Tatanka's life was forever changed by a simple errand boy. Mistaking his nameplate for that of the Great Warlock Tanaka who lived next door, the hasty courier delivered the wrong package of mystical ingredients - with disastrous results.
Attempting to summon the spirit of his next client's dead wife, Tatanka instead called forth an ancient spirit of mysterious origin. Though the two have since forged an uneasy alliance, neither is happy with the current state of affairs. Unable to rid himself of the irritating specter alone, Tatanka travels the world seeking an exorcist skilled enough to sever the bond."
"Boisterous and resourceful, Leilani is the polar opposite of her shy and reserved twin sister. Inseparable since birth, the two young priestesses spent each day together, with Leilani assuming the role of protector in times of danger.
When her sister was chosen by their starving village as a sacrifice to the shark god, Leilani did not hesitate. As her sister tearfully protested, she stood, arms skyward, bravely awaiting the jaws of death.
In recognition for her courage, rather than devour her, the shark god instead adopted her. Returned to the material world with a weapon fashioned from his discarded teeth, Leilani is charged with protecting those in need... but barred from ever seeing her sister again, lest the secret be revealed."
"Once an eccentric professor at the Tower of Wisdom, Hassam is now an eccentric adventurer and inventor.
He has found a way to convert the surrounding energy of the world and nature, known as Prana, into the internal psychic energy, Iddhi, by way of a bizarre and rather clunky machine. Eager to study the effects of direct application of Iddhi, Hassam straps his invention to his back while traveling.
An ardent collector of artifacts and a constant learner, Hassam views the ever-expanding Iron Kingdom and its intellectual oppression as the world's greatest threat. Having recently learned of the fall of the Tower of Wisdom, he fears for the fate of his home lands, but has decided to continue his research for now.
He's heard talk of an especially interesting specimen - a small girl with a peculiar power..."
"A cheeky thief with a flare for theatrics, Kampan is a burglar like no other. Her agility and bravado, along with the sheer destructive force of her arm, have earned her the nickname "Iron Mouse" among Tai-Krung City authorities.
Originally a pickpocket trying to support her starving family, Kampan was arrested and pressed into service as a laborer at an Iron Kingdom ore processing facility. As an expendable prisoner, she was chosen to participate in a demonstration of the prototype new mining equipment under development there. However, the disastrous outcome of several test runs brought an abrupt end to the project, and the "unstable" arm was never completed.
Upon liberating herself - and the prototype - from the facility, Kampan took a keen interest in its inner workings. Using bits and pieces scavenged during her larcenous adventures, she's built the once-abandoned arm into a powerful tool and continues to improve upon it."
"His entire life, Kogi has been entranced by the artistry of cooking: succulent meats, fine stews, the exquisite balancing of subtle spices. Ever since childhood, becoming a master chef was the subject of his every daydream - the perfect savory marinade for the sliced beef of his existence.
But it seemed cooking was not to be Kogi's fate. Born into a proud warrior family, duty required he be brought up a fighter. Yet even as he tirelessly trained, mastering the fierce strikes and developing the unyielding stamina required to triumph in battle, he quietly dreamt of applying those same skills in the kitchen.
Finally, his training completed and unable to lie to himself any longer, Kogi chose to follow his heart. With only his homemade cleaver, indestructible wok, and a garlic necklace to ward off spirits, he abandoned his family to pursue his true calling. Now a vagabond chef who applies the intense techniques of battle to cooking - with mixed results - Kogi continues his Flavor Quest: a globe-spanning journey to seek out and challenge the finest chefs and discover new tastes."
"Even as a child, abandoned on the monastery's doorstep, Sangmu had been...unusual. She did not often cry, seeming only to desire long stretches of contemplative solitude, and resented any disturbance, even meals. As she grew she did not play or socialize, and talked so seldom that for months the monks worried she could not speak at all. But young Sangmu knew differently - mere words were not the language of her heart.
In the summer of the year she turned ten, Sangmu first witnessed the meticulous creation of a sand mandala. From the moment she saw the intricate design taking shape, the change in her demeanor was striking. Aloofness transformed into rapt attention, her focus so intense that the monks were forced to remind her repeatedly to eat and sleep. In those days and weeks, in that place, her life changed.
Since that time, Sangmu relentlessly devoted every waking hour to perfecting the painstaking creation, and the equally beautiful destruction, of mandala and other sand sculptures. Her naturally gifted use of Iddhi and unique, unrestrained outlook quickly made her a virtuoso without peer, able to literally breathe life into her creations. Through her sand-painting tool, the chak-pur, the ephemeral artistry of the cosmos spoke to her: in the sand, Sangmu has found her language!"
A master of his unique weapon, a poison-bladed chain scythe he calls "Fang", Ren's incongruous beauty belies his violent nature. Many rumors surround this mysterious assassin, but the facts are few. Though known to have cleaned up messes for the ruling class of the Jade Empire, mercenary work is not beneath him - if one has need of him, and can locate him, he can be bought. And of course, there is the signature forked tongue he gives to each and every victim.
Past those scant few details, little is known. Rumored to strike with the speed of a cobra and to be impervious to heat and cold, there are those who whisper of an unholy union of human and snake. Some say he waits within the shadows, biding his time until the perfect moment, while others maintain that he approaches his victims in broad daylight, unconcerned with any defenses. He is said to kill for pleasure, to kill for greed, or to kill in an attempt to sate the void inside his soul.
Despite the varied speculation, on one point the stories all agree: a bite from Ren's Fang is always fatal.
http://labzerogames.com/indiv-incarnations/
"Zebei hails from a nomadic tribe renowned for its archery. He left and traveled south in search for answers, because he felt something was missing from his life. He’s a bit shy and can be easily overwhelmed by all the new people and sights he’s encountering on his journey, since he’s never been away from his tribe.
In battle, on the other hand, Zebei is anything but shy. As his tribe’s most accomplished archer, he can be a bit of a show-off, wowing people with his rapid-fire barrages of arrows and fancy flourishes."
"A reclusive shamaness, Razmi lived on the outskirts of her village. There she devoted every waking hour to the study of shamanic magic, more for her own interest than any practical use.
Awkward and snarky, Razmi doesn’t get along particularly well with Ajna or the other Incarnations. Instead, she prefers to consult with Bom, the tiger spirit that lives in her lantern. As long as the lantern remains lit, Bom will be with her.
In battle, Razmi sics Bom’s fiery spirit on her enemies, and wields powerful spells and hexes. While extremely capable in combat, Razmi finds it rather bothersome and would rather be studying on her own, warmed by Bom’s light."
"Tungar is a master of the “urumi,” a sword with a flexible, ribbon-like blade. He is hearty in both body and spirit, but years of practice and combat have left his body covered in scars. When not in use, Tungar’s custom urumi is wrapped around his head like a metallic turban.
Tungar was once a prominent military commander, and now leads an ascetic life looking for capable youth to train. Jovial and outgoing, he is prone to sharing his sage advice and war stories with the anyone in earshot, whether they are interested or not.
Contrary to his usually garrulous nature, Tungar is brusque and deadly serious in battle. There he wields his urumi with a deadly combination of fury and efficiency, slicing his foes countless times in the blink of an eye."
"One of the Four Superiors under Supreme Lord Ravannavar's army, Dhar led campaigns across the land to subjugate any region that was not in support of Ravannavar's pro-Kala rule.
He came upon Ajna's village during these campaigns, but did not expect to become such an unusual prisoner of war.
Despite being Ajna's first Incarnation, he's not exactly the most supportive of friends. To say that they don't get along is a massive understatement. His own survival depends on hers now, however, even though her quest to challenge Lord Ravannavar is practically suicide, in his opinion."
"Thorani is a calm and caring celestial with a bit of a playful side. She enjoys living among humans, and hopes to bring joy to the citizens of Tai Krung City with her performances.
Being naturally gifted at channeling Iddhi, Thorani is able to conjure magical water into her hair. This water can cleanse people of their addiction to corrupted Soma, a dangerous drug spread by the kingpin Mara. Losing customers does not please Mara at all, and Thorani now finds herself caught in the drug lord's sights."
"A former officer in the Iron Kingdom's army, Vasco was the best marksman in his unit and was feared throughout the battlefield. After being forced to waste his bullets on one too many defenseless citizens during the Iron Kingdom's northern campaign, Vasco left the military to pursue his two loves: his rifle and money.
Born with intuitive mechanical ingenuity, he has customized his personal firearm quite extensively and has tuned it beyond the limits of a regular gun. But maintaining his gear comes at a cost: Vasco has become a deadly gun-for-hire, taking on any mission - no matter how dirty - if it pays the right amount."
"No one would have ever expected such a small and cheerful girl could be a master falconer at such a young age. But perhaps it is that cheerful personality that allowed her to befriend the otherwise stoic and intimidating roc Altun.
Together they are a formidable hunting team, but also use their skills to carry messages, give people rides, and even seek out lost travelers in the wild."
"Narssus was forced into serving a vile witch doctor. Kept in a persistent trance by a strange voodoo powder, he was doomed to carry out the witch doctor's bidding until his body rots to dust.
With Ajna's help, Narssus manages to gain his freedom. He now lives in a state between life and death. The powder now keeps him from dying, but each use feeds a dark spirit that is slowly taking him over from within."
"Considered an abomination, Yan was abandoned by her parents as a child and left to fend for herself on the streets of the capital. She adapted her own fighting style suited to her body to survive her harsh circumstances, and in doing so developed a profoundly natural flow and grace.
Her skills and potential were quickly noticed by the head of a popular ballet troupe, who took her in and raised her. Even with this good fortune, she was still not safe: some of the other dancers regarded her with disgust and more than a little jealousy. Keeping her spirits high, she rose above all of this to become the troupe's star performer.
One day, Yan learns her dance troupe is aligned with the revolutionary army, and are planning to assassinate the emperor of the Jade Dynasty. Yearning only to dance, Yan wants no part of this plot. Yet, fighting may be her only choice."
"Defender of the dharma and hero of Tai Krung City, the warrior of justice Naga Rider vanquishes evil with a swift and bold Naga Kick!
By day he is an ordinary civilian named Moggal, but at night he creates magical golden armor through the power of Iddhi to become the Naga Rider. He cruises the streets on his magical "Legless Mount," defeating any criminals who cross his path.
There are many unscrupulous characters in the seedy underbelly of Tai Krung City, but few as nefarious as the drug lord Mara. After Naga Rider's wife and child are killed as bystanders in a drug-related crime, he wages outright war on the kingpin."
"Phoebe is a warrior and protector of her village. Having fended off multiple attempts by the Iron Kingdom's forces to overtake her home, her strength is unmatched, and can fire full-length spears from her massive bow. She is a proud mother of three, raising them alongside her warrior husband before he lost his life on the battlefield.
In meeting Ajna, Phoebe finds that she must make a difficult choice: stay behind to protect her village, or leave it behind to fight a much greater threat, possibly never to return."
"Kaldi began as a coffee bean farmer and goatherd, but has always harbored a passion for throwing knives. He prides himself on his custom knife designs - ideal for throwing and for harvesting crops in the field - and has made a modest business of selling them to civilians and soldiers alike.
Being so relaxed and friendly in demeanor, it's at times hard to imagine Kaldi cutting down foes with deadly accuracy. But when the Iron Kingdom invaded his homeland, killing his friends and pillaging the crops and animals of his livelihood, Kaldi took up the arms he crafted to fight back.
After helping to drive the enemy forces away, he wants to ensure that his country won't be threatened again, and is eager share with the rest of the world his fine artisan blades and a good cup of coffee."
"Toko is one of the only surviving Resolute in Yashima, forced into hiding after a failed rebellion. Of her nine siblings, she is the only one who survived the resulting massacre. Though almost unbearable, she views these trials as a test of faith, and they serve only to strengthen her belief.
To the Resolute, Kala's appearance marks the beginning of the end of days, and thus the beginning of their task to save as many unenlightened souls as possible before the final judgement.
Blessed with great skill and seemingly divine strength of will, Toko vows to vanquish the evils of this land. Her faith, like her blade, is straight and true, unwavering in its conviction. Learning more about the true source of her power, however, will put her devotion to the ultimate test."
"George is a dragon slayer of the highest prestige. As a special class of soldier from the Iron Kingdom, it is his duty to travel through the regions of the empire and quell any troublesome monsters or demons. His lance Scalesbane, crafted along with his chainmail from remnants of his first kill, has proven quite effective in his battles against unholy creatures.
The Iron Kingdom is rapidly growing through aggressive campaigns of conquest, but George cares not for their policies or politics. His authority extends to the borders of the empire, yet he knows that greater evils lurk in every corner of the world."
"A true demon of the sea, Baozhai of the Black Jade and her armada are feared and despised by the naval fleets of both the Iron Kingdom and the Jade Dynasty. Though said to be a crude, ruthless pirate, she calls herself an entrepreneur. For years her crews have routinely attacked illicit Soma shipping routes and blockaded ports involved with the Soma drug trade. Many believe she simply steals for her own gain, yet rumors of a more humanitarian motive persist.
Neither empire have yet been able to hinder her, but the sea can be a cruel mistress indeed. A recent encounter with a massive sea monster decimated her forces and destroyed many of their vessels. Land-locked but not deterred, Baozhai is determined to rebuild a new crew and head back out to sea."
"The adopted son of a prominent Iron Kingdom nobleman, growing up among the upper class of the capital hasn't left Antoine curious about his origins. His skill with a blade and knack for diplomacy made him an ideal candidate for ambassadorship, and he's found himself well suited for the role.
Despite his best efforts, some areas of the empire's expanding domain have proven uncooperative. Unrest is growing, and rumors of a pending revolt led by a rising underclass leader have made the Iron Kingdom nervous enough to dispatch Antoine to speak with them personally. But unlike his previous diplomatic assignments, this upcoming meeting fills him with unease..."
"From the moment she received her first oud as a child, everyone knew Zahra was destined for greatness. As she grew older, her fame in the region also grew, and stories of her music inspiring heroes in battle, entrancing wild beasts, and even helping a barren woman to conceive, began to spread.
The leader of a nearby tribe caught wind of this and sought to use her skills to his own advantage. Thinking he could use her music to inspire his warriors to victory, he kidnapped her and pressed her into service. But Zahra's sullen song on the eve of battle affected him so deeply that he negotiated peace with his rivals that very night.
She now wanders the land, going where her heart takes her, hoping to spread joy to all through song."
"Tenoch is the most famous Ōllamaliztli player in the city-state of Ixtapoala, renowned for hanging virtually motionless in the air to intercept the ulli ball, as well as the devastating speed and accuracy of his returns.
Ōllamaliztli matches are often used by politicians as symbolic proxies for political discussion, and a recent match against a neighboring city-state was rigged by corrupt officials. Every other player agreed to throw the game, except Tenoch, who single-handedly led his team to victory.
As conflict erupts in the region, Tenoch finds himself fearing for his life, and begins the arduous task of exposing the corruption and clearing his name."
"The third daughter of the chieftain of the Wakinyan, Nuna shares her sisters' gift - the ability to commune with nature. Drawing on the blessing of the Deohako, she can attune herself to all kinds of vegetation, encouraging them to grow and blossom. But she is young, and does not yet know the full extent of her abilities.
Together, the three sisters provide their tribe with an almost unending bounty. Recently, they have begun to share their surplus with neighboring tribes, hoping to form a Tribal Union and bring an end to the long years of relative isolation.
Being the youngest daughter and her father's obvious favorite, many in the tribe feel that she must venture away from his coddling to truly grow and mature. Though she doesn't flinch at hunting animals, the thought of hurting other people upsets her, and a future leader cannot ignore the reality of violence. Understandably reluctant to leave, Nuna is nonetheless excited to share her gift with others and experience more of the world and its flora."
"Lanshi is a dog, which can only mean one thing: reincarnation as an animal, resulting from his ignorant ways in a past life.
Captured as a pup, Lanshi was mercilessly abused by his new owner, who hoped to turn the massive beast into a vicious guard dog. But throughout years of mistreatment, he somehow remained friendly and obedient. Eventually dismissed as useless, Lanshi was abandoned one winter morning to wander the desolate mountains alone. He now lives a lazy life taking frequent naps under the sun, and survives on scraps provided by the adoring townspeople of his new domain, challenged by none.
Of all the questions surrounding him, the most mysterious is how this seemingly docile dog possesses the Vajra, a powerful relic that allows him to conjure and manipulate lightning when threatened. Karma works in mysterious ways - perhaps the artifact is somehow connected to Lanshi's previous misdeeds."
"Secretly trained by her brother in the ways of combat, young Qadira became quite a formidable fighter. When she was finally of age, she joined her brother at the battlefront against the encroaching Iron Kingdom...only to learn that it was not a woman's place to fight, but instead to tend the wounded and distribute supplies. Crestfallen but undeterred, Qadira worked earnestly as a nurse, remaining ever near her brother.
Then the unthinkable happened - she received word that during an assault her brother had been captured. Without hesitation she donned his spare armor and signature green sash, and rushed into combat.
That day, in a dazzling display of skill, a mysterious warrior single-handedly turned the tide of battle. But with no sign of her brother, and now wary of revealing her true identity, Qadira's quest is only just beginning."
"A shaman renowned for his passionate drumming which brought forth departed spirits, Tatanka's life was forever changed by a simple errand boy. Mistaking his nameplate for that of the Great Warlock Tanaka who lived next door, the hasty courier delivered the wrong package of mystical ingredients - with disastrous results.
Attempting to summon the spirit of his next client's dead wife, Tatanka instead called forth an ancient spirit of mysterious origin. Though the two have since forged an uneasy alliance, neither is happy with the current state of affairs. Unable to rid himself of the irritating specter alone, Tatanka travels the world seeking an exorcist skilled enough to sever the bond."
"Boisterous and resourceful, Leilani is the polar opposite of her shy and reserved twin sister. Inseparable since birth, the two young priestesses spent each day together, with Leilani assuming the role of protector in times of danger.
When her sister was chosen by their starving village as a sacrifice to the shark god, Leilani did not hesitate. As her sister tearfully protested, she stood, arms skyward, bravely awaiting the jaws of death.
In recognition for her courage, rather than devour her, the shark god instead adopted her. Returned to the material world with a weapon fashioned from his discarded teeth, Leilani is charged with protecting those in need... but barred from ever seeing her sister again, lest the secret be revealed."
"Once an eccentric professor at the Tower of Wisdom, Hassam is now an eccentric adventurer and inventor.
He has found a way to convert the surrounding energy of the world and nature, known as Prana, into the internal psychic energy, Iddhi, by way of a bizarre and rather clunky machine. Eager to study the effects of direct application of Iddhi, Hassam straps his invention to his back while traveling.
An ardent collector of artifacts and a constant learner, Hassam views the ever-expanding Iron Kingdom and its intellectual oppression as the world's greatest threat. Having recently learned of the fall of the Tower of Wisdom, he fears for the fate of his home lands, but has decided to continue his research for now.
He's heard talk of an especially interesting specimen - a small girl with a peculiar power..."
"A cheeky thief with a flare for theatrics, Kampan is a burglar like no other. Her agility and bravado, along with the sheer destructive force of her arm, have earned her the nickname "Iron Mouse" among Tai-Krung City authorities.
Originally a pickpocket trying to support her starving family, Kampan was arrested and pressed into service as a laborer at an Iron Kingdom ore processing facility. As an expendable prisoner, she was chosen to participate in a demonstration of the prototype new mining equipment under development there. However, the disastrous outcome of several test runs brought an abrupt end to the project, and the "unstable" arm was never completed.
Upon liberating herself - and the prototype - from the facility, Kampan took a keen interest in its inner workings. Using bits and pieces scavenged during her larcenous adventures, she's built the once-abandoned arm into a powerful tool and continues to improve upon it."
"His entire life, Kogi has been entranced by the artistry of cooking: succulent meats, fine stews, the exquisite balancing of subtle spices. Ever since childhood, becoming a master chef was the subject of his every daydream - the perfect savory marinade for the sliced beef of his existence.
But it seemed cooking was not to be Kogi's fate. Born into a proud warrior family, duty required he be brought up a fighter. Yet even as he tirelessly trained, mastering the fierce strikes and developing the unyielding stamina required to triumph in battle, he quietly dreamt of applying those same skills in the kitchen.
Finally, his training completed and unable to lie to himself any longer, Kogi chose to follow his heart. With only his homemade cleaver, indestructible wok, and a garlic necklace to ward off spirits, he abandoned his family to pursue his true calling. Now a vagabond chef who applies the intense techniques of battle to cooking - with mixed results - Kogi continues his Flavor Quest: a globe-spanning journey to seek out and challenge the finest chefs and discover new tastes."
"Even as a child, abandoned on the monastery's doorstep, Sangmu had been...unusual. She did not often cry, seeming only to desire long stretches of contemplative solitude, and resented any disturbance, even meals. As she grew she did not play or socialize, and talked so seldom that for months the monks worried she could not speak at all. But young Sangmu knew differently - mere words were not the language of her heart.
In the summer of the year she turned ten, Sangmu first witnessed the meticulous creation of a sand mandala. From the moment she saw the intricate design taking shape, the change in her demeanor was striking. Aloofness transformed into rapt attention, her focus so intense that the monks were forced to remind her repeatedly to eat and sleep. In those days and weeks, in that place, her life changed.
Since that time, Sangmu relentlessly devoted every waking hour to perfecting the painstaking creation, and the equally beautiful destruction, of mandala and other sand sculptures. Her naturally gifted use of Iddhi and unique, unrestrained outlook quickly made her a virtuoso without peer, able to literally breathe life into her creations. Through her sand-painting tool, the chak-pur, the ephemeral artistry of the cosmos spoke to her: in the sand, Sangmu has found her language!"
A master of his unique weapon, a poison-bladed chain scythe he calls "Fang", Ren's incongruous beauty belies his violent nature. Many rumors surround this mysterious assassin, but the facts are few. Though known to have cleaned up messes for the ruling class of the Jade Empire, mercenary work is not beneath him - if one has need of him, and can locate him, he can be bought. And of course, there is the signature forked tongue he gives to each and every victim.
Past those scant few details, little is known. Rumored to strike with the speed of a cobra and to be impervious to heat and cold, there are those who whisper of an unholy union of human and snake. Some say he waits within the shadows, biding his time until the perfect moment, while others maintain that he approaches his victims in broad daylight, unconcerned with any defenses. He is said to kill for pleasure, to kill for greed, or to kill in an attempt to sate the void inside his soul.
Despite the varied speculation, on one point the stories all agree: a bite from Ren's Fang is always fatal.
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