I Only Have 3 Words For This: Adorable, Baby, Bean

I only have 3 words for this: adorable, baby, bean

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OC Intro: Akard

Note: (Left) Akard as the Pabaket, (Right) King Akard

As promised, the last poll was a tie between Dati and Akard, I already did the intro for Dati, so now it's Akard's turn! As with other characters I'm going to try to avoid most spoilers, I don't think its too big of a surpirse to say that Hutbari is killed since that's what the entire story revolves around, so the events described in this intro will end there.

The new poll will be up soon!

Name: Akard (Written below in Kishite and its Apunian equivalent)

As a noble Karush is named in the traditional style of a Kishite noble (Click here to see more). He is named for his ancestor, King Akard "The Sailor". Akard was born into the line of Asher (Asherdul), however upon taking the throne of Labisa, he declares the start of a new line, The Line of Akard, Akarddul. He marks the 53rd monarch of Labisa and the beginning of the 8th royal line.

See the timeline of the rulers of Labisa below the cut!

Family

Father: The Deposed King Kurush (Dead)

Mother: Unnamed Apunian Servant Girl (Sanapi) (Alive)

Brother: Prince Hiru (Dead)

Uncle: King Hutbari (Dead)

Aunt/Ex-Stepmother: Unma (Dead)

Aunt: Tamyras (Dead)

Aunt: Saaket (Dead)

Aunt: Ladara (Dead)

Aunt: Duccarin (Dead)

Aunt: Zibatha (Dead)

Cousin: Bazus (Dead)

Cousin: Kota (Alive, Married in Apuna)

Cousin: Hiru (Dead)

Cousin: Unma (Alive, Married in Ikopesh)

Cousin: Ladaru (Dead)

Cousin: Asher (Dead)

Cousin: Sema (Alive, Married in Shabala)

Cousin: Fifina (Alive, Married in Apuna)

Cousin: Uridush (Dead)

Cousin: Ninma (Alive)

Homeland/Place of Origin

Born in the City of Nashawey, Apuna

Ethncity

Eastern Kishite (Labisian) and Apunian

History

Akard was born 27 years before the events of the story. His father, Kurush, was unseated from his throne through the machinations of his brother, Hutbari. Though Kurush was the elder brother, Hutbari's strength and charisma allowed him to forge strong alliances within the Labisan court, including with Kurush's own wife, Unma. These alliances enabled Hutbari to successfully seize the city, with his followers killing or capturing any nobles loyal to the old king.

When Hutbari, accompanied by the lords Farut and Haman and their soldiers, entered the royal chambers, they found Kurush’s son, Hiru, instead of Kurush. Despite being only eight years old and barely able to lift the ancient sword he held, Hiru fought with the bravery of a lion, reportedly even cutting down one soldier before his sword was taken from him. Though Unma begged for her son's life, Hutbari killed him. Hiru’s sacrifice was a distraction, allowing Kurush to be secretly carried away from the city. The shame of this decision haunted Kurush for the rest of his life.

Kurush was hidden in the cargo of a slave ship headed from Labisa to the coast and then transported to the Apunian city of Nashawey. Kurush hoped to gain the support of the Fapacha in reclaiming his throne, but the ruler of Apuna was not interested. However, out of a sense of hospitality, he allowed Kurush to stay in his palace and sent notice to Hutbari claiming that Kurush’s body had been presented to him, thus ending the search for the fugitive king.

Living as a permanent guest of the Apunian court, Kurush was showered with luxury and opulence but suffered greatly. His illness, Asherdul's Bane, worsened, disfiguring him. He refused to learn the Apunian language and was hostile to the servants. In an attempt to lift his spirits, the Fapacha sent him many beautiful men and women, hoping he would take one to wed. However, Kurush showed interest in none except Sanapi, a peasant girl fluent in the Kishite tongue. Akard was the result of a single drunken night between Kurush and Sanapi. Afterward, Kurush disregarded her and ordered her removal from his chambers.

Kurush never saw Sanapi again and didn't think of her until a servant brought a young child before him. The child, named Rebru by Sanapi, was two years old when he was found half-drowned in a decorative fish pond. Wearing rags, the boy began to babble his father’s name, Kurush, which Sanapi had taught him. At the Fapacha's urging, the child was brought before Kurush. Initially, Kurush shunned the child and attacked the slave who brought him. For his safety, the child was taken away from his maddened father.

That night, after many bowls of Apunian beer, Kurush had a dream. He saw a great king, dressed in lion’s skin, standing tall as a cedar tree before the walls of Labisa, driving darkness away with bow and spear. Beside this great king stood another, burning with a wrathful fire. Kurush believed this vision, sent by the sun god Re, showed him retaking Labisa with his son by his side.

Upon waking, Kurush called for his son and declared that the savior of the Kishites would not bear an Apunian name. He renamed the boy Akard, after Akard "The Sailor," the Drowned King. Kurush ensured Akard was well-educated. By four, Akard was bilingual in Apunian and Kishite. By five, he was learning to use a bow; by six, to ride a chariot. Kurush also taught his son about the great kings of old, Tamel the Mighty and Nasib the Lion, instilling a deep hatred for Hutbari.

At 14, with Kurush’s eager approval, Akard traveled with the Fapacha's soldiers to the deserts of Pyria, driving the chariot of Apunian general Batkhet. Over the next decade, Akard, known as Akarat to the Apunians, earned renown fighting the tribes of Pyria and the kingdoms of Namut. His charisma and bravery won him much love from the troops, though it also earned him the ire of old-blood Apunian commanders who saw their men fawn over the young upstart.

Kurush maintained contact with informants in Kishetal, hearing of Hutbari's failings. He formulated a plot to retake his kingdom, supported by Barunaki, ruler of the city of Bur, a vassal of Labisa. However, Kurush's failing health made this plan seem increasingly unlikely. At 23, Akard led his first battalion against the Namutian prince Qirush, capturing him despite being outnumbered. For this victory, Akard was given the noble title Pabaket, a Mouth of the Fapacha.

Around this time, Akard began showing symptoms of Asherdul's Bane. His father, now almost entirely bedridden, was mentally and physically deteriorating. Kurush had neglected to tell Akard the nature of their family curse, until then. Knowledge of his terrible affliction, and the thought of sharing his father’s fate, lit the fires of ambition and intensified the feeling of righteous fury within him. Shortly after Akard’s 25th birthday, Akard, in an act of mercy, killed his father by strangling him, disguising the evidence among the sores on Kurush’s throat.

Akard reached out to his father's contacts in Kishetal, winning their favor with his fire and fervor. He swore to avenge his father and wipe Hutbari's line from Labisa, promising to bring a new, greater line to Labisa. He even sent messengers to the roving tribes of Makur and the Sea Lords of Ikopesh.

With the Fapacha's blessing, Akard boarded a ship to Kishetal, carrying his father's ashes in a satchel of lion skin. Hutbari welcomed the venerable Pabaket into the throne room, unaware that the handsome young Apunian diplomat before him was not only his nephew but also his doom.

Appearance

Akard is a man of average height with a broad chest, narrow waist, and a fit physique. His arms and chest are marked with the scars of battle. When he first arrived in Labisa, he concealed the sores on his skin with makeup to prevent Hutbari and his family from discovering his true nature. His features and hair resemble those of his Kishite father, but he has the terra cotta-colored skin of his Apunian mother. His hazel eyes are framed by long eyelashes. While living among the Apunians, he adorned himself with their decorations, painting his eyes and face gold and blue, and combing sweet-smelling oils through his beard and hair.

His handsome features will one day be marred by the ravenous spread of Asherdul's Bane.

Personality

Akard is charismatic and passionate. His actions and thoughts are driven by his ambitions. He has a strong sense of justice and of honor and will pursue these alongside his ambitions, his dreams of creating a better Kishetal, to terrifying lengths. When he wishes to, he carries an aura and power which draws people to him.

He can be kind and empathetic, a gentle and good ruler, however ultimately history will remember him as a conqueror.

Though usually reasonable, he is driven the fear that his escaped cousin, Ninma, may one day act against him, taking revenge against him as he did against Hutbari. For this reason, he obsesses over the fugitive princess.

Gender/Pronouns

Cis-man He/Him

Sexual Orientation

Straight

Relationships

Akard is close with his men. He acts as a sort of father figure to the warrior, Zatar (though whether Zatar also views their relationship like this is uncertain). He falls in love and in time is married to the seer, Zenit, once a slave of his uncle Hutbari.

His relationship with his family is absolutely terrible, after all he is responsable for the deaths of all but the runaway Ninma and those whose marriage had taken them out of the circle of Kishite influence

Favorite Color

Cyan

Favorite Food

Menam-hewud, a traditional Apunian stew made primarily of beef and onion

Biggest Fear

That the progress and prosperity he has brought to the people of Labisa will be destroyed, either by inner turmoil or Ninma's revenge.

Sage?

Literate?

Yes

Excerpt

Context: Akard confronts the oligarchic rulers (The Bidani) of the city of Chibal

" I did not come to this city to hear a greasy merchant babble about why they thought it appropriate to waste my time." Akard barked.

Wadikir dropped to his knees to grovel.

" I didn't mean to offend, Great King. Please forgive me." He leaned forward to kiss Akard's feet.

" Don't touch me, rat."Akard snarled, kicking at the merchant's face. "It seems obvious that incompetents rule this city. As recompense for your wasting my time, I will be taking this city and your heads." He announced coldly.

This caused the other Bidani to protest loudly.

" You can't do that! There is an agreement that the heads of the cities may not kill each other. You know as well we do. You would be breaking a trust between the city states."

Akard shook his head." That applies to kings, my friend. You are not kings. And besides, who would enforce that agreement? What Kishite king cares so much for your lives that they would rush to condemn me, and who would have the might to do so?"

" We'll have you killed before you even reach the docks! Guard!”

One of Bidani’s guards stepped forward, brandishing his spear threateningly. There was a flash, a spray of red, and yelp of terror from the watching Bidani. The guard collapsed as Zatar pulled the spear from the man’s gullet with a soft squelch. Most hadn’t even seen the spearmaster strike The other guards who had started to move to stand next to their companion tripped over one another in their effort to distance themselves from the spearman.

Akard chuckled dryly. " A valiant effort, but fruitless. If you did by some twist of fate manage to kill me and my friends here, my men waiting outside the walls would still take this city and slaughter each of you. Whereas if I lead the attack perhaps, just perhaps I'll have a change of heart and decide to spare you, perhaps."

" And if we surrender now?"

" I'll have you all executed, as is deserving of those who would abandon their posts so readily. Good day, see you all again soon."

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Name: Dati (Written below in the Kishite, Apunian, and Knoshic Scripts)

It is tradition among the Safrimtwy (Knoshic: Safr - Snake, Rimtwy- Men) to be named after the various flora and fauna of the island of Knosh. Dati is named for the Carob Tree. The seed pods of the Carob are heavily used within Knoshic and Safrimi cuisine, particularly in drinks and desserts. The Safrimtwy do not utilize family/surnames, however the profession of an individual may be used as a secondary name of sorts.

Examples: Sibr Genmes (First Name: Fox, Profession: Shepherd)

Dati Mahrimt (First Name: Carob Tree, Profession: Sailor)

Continues Beneath the Cut!

Family

Father: Sibr (Fox) (Dead)

Mother: Ihmini (Lotus) (Dead)

Sister: Rweni (Rabbit) (Dead)

Sister: Bimi (Mouse)(Dead)

Husband: Istek (Alive)

Wife: Sihunu (Alive)

Son (By marriage): Lat (Alive)

Homeland/Place of Origin

The Fortress of Mahrwy (Knoshic: Mah - Water, Rwy - Houses/Village), Eastern Knosh

Ethncity/The Birth and Extinction of the Snake Men

Dati represents the last of the Safrimtwy people, one of a small collection of purposefully constructed Forestfolk tribes found within the Green Sea, particularly during and after the Arkodic-Kishite War(See here). Originating during the reign of the Eastern Knoshic King, Kenwat (502 years before Narul, 346 years after the Arkodic-Kishite War). At the time Knosh was split between a Western and Eastern Kingdom, these two groups often waged war upon each other, while also dealing with raids from Kishite and Korithian Pirates. Unlike most Forestfolk, the first Safrimtwy were created via the purposeful exposure of 16 loyal soldiers and their families, a total of 52 individuals to a magically contaminated spring located in Eastern Knosh. This was done with the intent of creating a race of Forestfolk meant to serve as an elite guard in service of the Eastern Knoshic Throne.

These individuals grew far larger than the average Knoshic (the Knoshic people on average are the shortest of the Green Sea people at an average of just 5'0 for men, the average Safrimtwy man is approximately 5'7), they additionally developed slightly larger than normal hands and feet, and a markedly improved immune system showing not only an increased resistance to many common diseases but also a much higher rate of hemostasis (the activation of platelets to seal wounds, the process of scabbing). However their most famed trait is a large tail. While this appears to be scaly at first glance (the source of the name "Snake Men ''), the tail is actually covered in many thick keratinous plates, similar to those found on a pangolin. The tail is completely prehensile and approximately the last 10 inches of the tail is covered in setae, tiny hairlike structures also found on the feet of geckos. These setae allow for the tail to be used for manipulating objects, often with surprising dexterity.

This new group proved to be highly competent warriors, quickly winning renown as guardians of the Eastern Knoshic throne and as hunters of other varieties of Forestfolk. In thanks for the protection of the king during the Battle of Mahrant and for their vicious persecution of other Forestfolk Tribes, the Safrimtwy were given the fortress of Mahrwy, built around the same spring that had created their race. The Safrimtwy served loyally for nearly 400 years, their population ballooning to over 8,600, spread around Eastern Knosh, with only a small group remaining at Mahrwy.

The Age of the Safrimtwy came to a crashing end with the War of Knoshic Unification. The Western King, Hahru, aided by the Apunian throne and his mercenaries invaded the Eastern Knoshic Kingdom, successfully killing the Eastern King at the Battle of Pmnya. While ultimately killed to a man, the 700 Safrimtwy warriors who served at that battle were noted for their ferocity and loyalty. Fearful that the Safrimtwy may foment rebellion against the new unified Knosh, Hahru with the help of his Apunian mercenaries underwent a vicious campaign of elimination against the Safrimtwy. Years of constant warfare and subjugation destroyed the once thriving population. For some time the tails of Safrimtwy warriors became prized trophies, appearing in homes and markets as far away as Namut.

Only one population managed to hold out, those barricaded within Mahrwy. An 8 year siege against the fortress proved unsuccessful in dislodging the remaining 143 Safrimtwy living within. While military actions against the Safrimtwy were lifted at this point, the bounty and market for their tails did not. For the next several decades this last small population, limited to their fortress and the surrounding forest and shore, were regular victims of hunters and slavers. By the time of the birth of Dati, the tribe there had dwindled to 41 individuals.

32 years before the events of The Testaments, Eastern Knosh was struck by a highly destructive earthquake. This caused the collapse of the great gateway of Mahrwy, killing a further 13 of the Safrimtwy in the process. Not long after, slavers and raiders attacked the survivors, killing all, save for one, Dati. Dati was instead kidnapped with the intention of being sold as a curiosity, the last of a once proud people.

History

Dati was born 46 years before the events of The Testaments, born to the shepherds Sibr and Ihimni while the two were tending to their small flock in the hills outside of Mahrwy. Dati was the youngest child, sibling to his sisters Bimi and Rweni.

From a young age Dati was noted for his strength and beauty, Sibr believed that Dati was destined to be the Lord of Mahrwy and would be ultimately responsible for the rebirth of the Safrimtwy people. As such Dati was heavily educated in leadership, the ways of fighting, and a range of other skills including the playing of the mnfar, a revered stringed instrument.

His mother took him regularly to the spring from whence their people had come, to bath and to commune with the spirits. As with most non-sages, Dati is not capable of seeing spirits. However he held a particular reverence for the spirits of the Spring as it was believed that they were responsible at least in part for the continued protection of the Safrimtwy against the machinations of the Knoshic hunters.

At the age of 12 Dati was engaged to his second cousin, Tebi. The two were close friends throughout childhood, and neither had much problem with their planned marriage.

At the age of 13 Dati was given his own flock of 8 sheep and given the responsibility of tending to them, as a sort of spiritual precursor to guiding his people.

Shortly after his fourteenth birthday, the earthquake struck. Among those killed in the collapse of the wall was his father, Sibr. Dati was among the individuals working on repairing the wall. However, at the urging of his mother he abandoned this instead to track down his father’s lost sheep who had fled after the earthquake. At the time the rest of the Safrimtwy were gathered in the ruins of the fortress, caring for the injured and tending to the dead.

The raiders struck while Dati was searching the hills. Slaughtering or grievously injuring the remaining Safrimtwy in their eagerness. Upon returning and bearing witness to the carnage, Dati attacked one of the raiders. Dati was ultimately bound and beaten, however before the killing blow was struck, another raider intervened, pointing out that the endling may instead be more valuable if sold alive.

Dati was sold to the Korithian merchant, Baros, at the Knoshic port town of Kherwy as a deckhand and curiosity. Dati spent the next 7 years primarily aboard the trading vessel, The Golden Hound, bouncing from port to port. Along the way Dati picked up an understanding and fluency in both Kishite and Korithian.

When the Golden Hound was attacked by the pirate ship, The Westwind, Baros was killed in the scuffle and Dati taken as part of the booty. It is there that Dati came into contact with the eccentric pirate captain, Istek. Istek immediately freed Dati from his bondage and gave the forestfolk the option of remaining in his crew or being dropped off at the next port. Dati was not keen to be left in a strange land alone, a dangerous prospect for any forestfolk, and so he agreed to remain aboard the Westwind.

The two almost immediately fell for one another, and soon became partners, Istek the Captain, and Dati the First Mate. They two would go on to earn a reputation as devious and eccentric pirates. About 6 years later while the Westwind was docked for repairs on the island of Ninetu Istek became acquainted with Sihunu, the daughter of a carpenter. Her sharp wit and wild temperament had scarred off all suitors that her father had brought before her. Yet it was these very qualities that caused first Istek to fall deeply in love with her.

Ashamed by these feelings, Istek confessed to Dati. While initially angry, Dati insisted on meeting with Sihunu himself. While his initial intention had been to scare her off, Dati was enchanted by her beauty and her wit. A four month long whirlwind relationship held between the three blossomed. The three purposefully sabotaged the repairs of the Westwind in order to lengthen their time together, however this could only go on so long, and after nearly four months, the repairs were complete. After much discussion, the two men decided that they would both propose. Sihunu accepted both proposals. The three would be secretly married to one another by an Ikopeshi priest (paid in wine) and would sneak away on the Westwind that same night, though not before raiding several of the other docked ships.

Their reign of adventure and thievery would go on for several years, as they now stalked up and down the coast, capturing ships, raiding villages, and even fighting the occasional sea monster.

This came to an end when Sihunu became pregnant. The three agreed that the life of a pirate was no life for a child, and though somewhat hesitant, they put down their swords and spears. They came under the employ of the merchant Wadikir, a highly powerful and wealthy figure in the hierarchy of the Kishic city of Chibal.

Shortly after arriving in Chibal, Sihunu gave birth to their child, Lat.

The four of them now live in the dock district of Chibal. Sihunu has elected to remain on land with Lat until such a time as the boy is old enough to join the crew. Istek and Dati meanwhile take semi-regular jobs for Wadikir and other merchants.

It is during one such job that the pair first meet the giant, Narul.

Appearance

Dati stands at just over 5’6. He is tall and fit from a life of moving cargo and working the oars, Istek is particularly fond of his arms. with a rich brown complexion, further darkened by the sun, though the sun has also caused some premature wrinkling on his forehead and around his eyes. His eyes are hazel, mostly brown with occasional flecks of green and gold. His curly dark brown hair and beard have started to show hints of graying. His tail is usually hidden beneath his long Korithian style linen skirt while at port. He wears golden earrings, bronze bangles, and has a necklace of silver beads.

Personality

Dati is a kind-hearted though somewhat stiff person. He is prone to sarcasm and his temperament is short at times. He is a far less eccentric individual compared to Istek and even Sihunu. He is an introvert at heart, taking some time to get used to most people. Compared to Istek he is cautious and level-headed, though he is not lacking in bravery. Dati has little time for superstition and shows an active distaste for matters of religion, likely as a result of Isteks own fraught past with cultic activity. He is a highly affectionate person, though typically not in public settings.

Gender/Pronouns

Cis-man He/Him

Sexual Orientation

Bisexual Polyamorous

Relationships

Dati is married to Istek and Sihunu, the three are close-knit and affectionate. He also serves as a father alongside Istek to Lat (biologically Istek's child).

Dati retains a friendly relationship with much of the crew of the Westwind.

Upon meeting Narul, he and Istek in some sense, take up a fatherly role in the life of the giant, acting as a source of comfort and guidance.

Favorite Color

Green

Favorite Food

Pemrwy genmesen : Stuffed Dates (Shepherd's Dates)

Biggest Fear

Outliving both of his partners, being alone.

Sage?

Literate?

Somewhat (Can read receipts in Kishite and Korithian but not poems or other more complex literature)

Excerpt

Narul sighed and looked around the deck and then froze. A scaly serpent of sorts was slithering across the deck, crawling up Dati's skirt, a snake or something similar. It must have crawled into the ship while it was docked, or else it was something from the sea itself. Narul stood and crept towards Dati, attempting to be as quiet as possible, no easy task for a man of his size. " Dati, don't move." He whispered. Dati, who had been dozing off, glanced up at Narul and raised an eyebrow. " What's wrong? Narul?" Narul didn't respond, focused on the thing slithering across the ground. He then sprung forward, and though it attempted to flinch away he successfully grabbed whatever it was and hoisting it into the air in hopes of quickly moving it away from the sailor. Dati was quickly pulled up into the air with it, dangling from Narul's fist. " What the...what is this, a tail?" " Let go of me you bastard!" Dati roared as swung around angrily, trying to punch at Narul’s torso. Narul quickly dropped the man and stepped back, in a flash Dati was back on his feet, knife in hand. Narul took another step back, eyes flicking from the knife, to Dati's face. He knew that Dati’s knife could likely do little to harm him, but the seething look in the first mate’s eyes alone threatened to burn through the giants thick hide.

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flaneurarbiter

2 years ago

Agree 100%. My APHG teacher was the funniest man I've met and he's in his 50s