Zion: Preparing for the (LITERARY) Climax
What follows is a list of all of the main characters in Zion. Although some may be assumed dead, please bear in mind that death is not always the end, thus they are listed here in the event that enough readers wish for them to continue to have a place in the story.
Not all of these characters are guaranteed continued existence and, in fact, some are all but guaranteed to be killed and/or removed from the story; if this is the case a character will have "Fated for Death" listed under their name... otherwise they will have a "Still Alive" listing. This good to know, as anyone Fated for Death will ONLY survive with enough votes. Please read the Author Comment area for more information on that. And now, here is each character, their current status, and their remaining points:
Allin the Blade-Slave Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 0 Luck 1
Born into slavery, Allin has spent his entire life learning to serve whichever master claimed him. Bouncing around between Shradian households, the Tamaskan Blade Slave was eventually taken into the employ of a group of slavers, where he was later 'liberated' by the members of the Shradian Caravan. Even so, it became quickly apparent hat he would not be able to live without the purpose slavery gave him; he was too broken to be repaired.
Now in service to "a better tomorrow", Allin follows the word of the caravan's healer and, even though the Shradian caravan has split ways after arriving at Zion, there is no doubt that he remains loyal to his new master... even up to the point that his master is able to make use of ALL of his talents and, being a handsome, well-build, athletic Tamaskan, his 'talents' ARE quite sufficient.
Anor-Roc Fated for Death Willpower 0 Favor 0 Luck 0
Anor-Roc has always been a man of principle and duty so when he was asked to join the caravan from Myre he readily accepted. He took his place among the wagons and carriages, leaving his wife and children behind. His intent was always to return to them but, unfortunately, he met his end within a Wayside, his body destroyed by the horrific poison known as Deathmist... and yet his story does not end there.
Now inhabiting a magical bracelet in tune with spirit summoning, Anor-Roc continues to aid, advise, and accompany a young lion cub who has a hidden talent for the art of summoning. The future is uncertain for the bound spirit but the one thing he IS sure of is that he's not ready to let death stop him from continuing to aid his city, his temple... and his friends.
Anya Fanewatcher Fated for Death Willpower 0 Favor 0 Luck 0
Having succumbed to the knowledge that mortality is a fleeting pain that all must suffer through, the jackal priestess of Myrh had had no happy day in her life since her innocence was taken from her by a sentient undead seeking to harm her forever-- it worked. A priestess of great power, Anya Fanewatcher has dedicated her entire existence to exterminating the undead plague afflicting the world.
Meeting her demise at the unfaithful blade of a turncoat assassin, Anya fell to poison within the catacombs of Zion but was raised again by great power to walk the world as a Myrhean Revenant, a body animated by a spirit after death. Her reincarnation was no coincidence, of course, as it is obvious that there is a reason behind her continued existence.
Artemisia Dragonborn Fated for Death Willpower 9 Favor 0 Luck 0
Known as the Demon of Ashlai during the wars of Temple Cities, Artemisia became overshadowed and indeed overtaken by the stories. At the end of the war she was shoved aside, an ancient relic for a war torn world and carefully retired away where she would (hopefully) do no harm. The temple recruited her for the journey to Zion with the intent of permanently laying the Demon to rest, along with the rest of the caravan.
Having wrestled for much of her adult life with knowing herself as a monster, only recently had she come to realize that there was more to life than pain and bloodshed. Finding herself surprisingly pregnant, Artemisia was torn with the thought of embracing motherhood and the fear that came with wondering if her child would be too much like her. In the end, she elected to keep the unborn child, but at what cost, no one knows.
Beo Kyr Still Alive Willpower 3 Favor 0 Luck 0
Rarely without a welcoming smile or a content wag, the happy-go-lucky black furred husky magus known as Beo has often been a source of comedic amusement and pleasant camaraderie to those among the Myrhean caravan, but, as things became darker and more intense the husky's antics were often less appreciated. Regardless of the severity of the situation, Beo has always managed to find the light side to things and (often) infuriate his companions in the process.
Having joined the small group intent on exploring Tah'Enar's Berth, Beo may quite likely be putting his life in danger... but, not only that, he also endangers the life of his unborn child. Being infused with the essence of dragons, Beo was discovered to be fertile when coupling with a fellow male, causing his bedmate no small amount of shock. Whether he finds his demise within the Berth or not, 'interesting things' are bound to happen with Beo Kyr around.
Cymbelisiev the White Still Alive Willpower 8 Favor 3 Luck 3
Cymbelisiev is a dragon of the White Roost, though, in recent history he has taken the form of a Moon Pelted shepherd dog by the name of Cornelius Cymbeline. In the guise of a mundane follower of Tah'aveen the dragon presented himself as a member of an organization known as The Wayfarers (a group dedicated to the divine Waysides of the empire). It was in this way that he came to join the Caravan from Myre.
Now, after hundreds of miles and numerous close brushes with death, Cymbelisiev has joined a small group seeking the center of the holy site known as Tah'Enar's Berth. As with many dragons, Cymbelisiev seems to have otherworldly senses, giving him incomplete glimpses of the future and guiding him onward to assist those of great importance with creating the changes they were made to bring in what could quickly become the final hours of the Empire of the Moon.
Dana Whytecliff Still Alive Willpower 7 Favor 2 Luck 2
A shaman of her tribe of Wild Landers, Dana had never been expected to belong among them. Always balancing between the world of spirits and of mortals meant that the wolf woman often had thoughts alien to others flow through her mind with the ease and yet find it difficult to understand concepts other grasped without even a moment's thought. Having encountered the Banniharian Caravan during their journeys, Dana elected to join them because, as she put it, the spirits surrounded them with intent.
Though she has spoken out often against the temple it has never been frivolously, nor has it been with anything other than to respectfully disagree. Despite her upbringing as a 'savage' within the Wild Lands, it is readily obvious that Dana is an incredibly skilled philosopher and seems to be astute as to the way of the temples, even if she doesn't agree with it. The strange, almost alien-way in which Dana approaches life has often caught the party by surprise, but never in a bad way... at least... not yet.
Dillan Flynn Still Alive Willpower 6 Favor 2 Luck 2
Unlike most members of the Shradian caravan, Dillan did not join for power, glory, duty, or any temple-given order... no... Dillan Flynn, masterful ferret merchant extrodinaire saw a business opportunity too good to pass up. In retrospect, however, he has recently been starting to second-guess his first impression; apparently the caravan has become a major target for shadowy schemes.
During the adventures of the caravan the party has come to understand that Dillan has had a varied history and has overcome great adversity; despite his harsh, money-grubbing and calloused exterior he holds great care over the innocent and abused, having been one himself long ago in his history. Whether this makes up for the careless, emotionless, profit-chasing sociopath he has become is yet to be seen.
Elias Hewen Fated for Death Willpower 6 Favor 0 Luck 0
As a gruff, matter-of-fact, no-nonsense geomancer, Elias has, for a long time, been considered one of the best. When it comes to matters of the heart and relating to others he has, sadly, been lacking for just an equal amount of time. All that changed, however, when he found love in one of the most unlikely places: in the Banniharian caravan set for Zion.
Although he and his beloved had a difficult time finding a middle ground they eventually grew quite close, which was all the more painful for her when he fell in the field of combat. Elias was able to use the power of a bonded earth elemental to hold his spirit to the world long enough to wish her farewell... but is she ready to let him go, or is his elemental enough of a tie to this world that she may be able to bring him back?
Haldyn Rakken Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 2 Luck 1
As the heir to the Glass Hall of Doen, it seemed strange to the caravan that Haldyn would leave it all behind to seek the chance for adventure. In truth, however, the young lordling felt horribly stifled by his forced attachment to a throne that had already been abdicated by his father. When the opportunity to leave with the travelers presented itself Haldyn snuck out and never looked back.
Since joining up with the caravan from Doen the lion has proven himself time and time again, both in battlefield strategy as well as use of his blade. Although Haldyn's presence has occasionally caused some tension within the party he does appear to focus on the big picture and has, each time, attempted to patch the rifts he's caused. Now, understanding what's at risk, the young lordling has taken a hero's stance on the matter, willing to do whatever is required to safe the empire... and his endangered father.
Harmony of Myrh Still Alive Willpower 10 Favor 5 Luck 5
As the child of two dragon-imbued parents, it only makes sense that High Priestess Harmony of Myrh likewise have the same energies. Born in a time out of phase with the rest of reality, Harmony was raised by her mother with an agenda; she learned from an early age that her mother was persecuted unjustly by what turned out to be a corrupt temple... though in the alternate reality they inhabited it was not so. Harmony took to learning the way of the Moon Goddess and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the High Prietess herself!
The pocket realm of Harmony's birth came to an end when her mother passed on. Having been imbued with the Sickle Moon prayer, her bones etched with the power of Tah'aveen, Harmony welcomes the chance to avenge her mother, and, standing before her are those responsible for the injustice. How will Harmony deal with the faithless High Priestess and her jackdaw accomplice? The only certain thing within the confrontation is that the world is only large enough for one High Priestess of Myrh...
Iskiy Thrush Still Alive (and will survive the next post) Willpower 7 Favor 1 Luck 2
Although all natives of Bannihar are innately attuned to the Full Moon, Scout Iskiy Thrush was not originally from Bannihar. As the sole surviving member of his tribe, Iskiy was brought to Bannihar by the very crusaders responsible for his family's death. Life within Bannihar had been fairly normal for him until the day the fey heritage of his clan began to manifest; no one within the holy city considered antlers on a wolf to be normal.
Until recently, Iskiy had thought that he was the last of his kind but, during the journey to Zion, he found out that he was wrong. Though she was capable of enlightening him on many subjects, the antlered wolf that joined the Banniharian caravan often created more questions than she answered. Her presence first made Iskiy question his loyalty to the holy city but, as he has found, her pragmatic nature has actually reinforced it... but for how long, and to what end?
Jerard the Albino Still Alive Willpower 7 Favor 2 Luck 2
A loner by nature, it was a combination of undeniable curiosity and unequaled coincidence that Jerard found himself in the Myrhean caravan headed for Zion. Reserved, anti-social and, at times abrasive, it seemed at first that nothing would get Jerard to mesh well with the caravan and get along with others but it was the intervention of one party member that slowly brought the albino magus out of his shell... and, ultimately, into his lover's bed.
Althought Jerard first appeared to be a human to his traveling companions, they found out quickly that there was more than meets the eye when it came to the reclusive mage: he was Moon Blessed, and capable of taking the form of a bestial white wolf man. He did not respond well to the revelation of his secret at first, but the company of those who did not judge has slowly grown on him. Having finally found common ground with which to build attachments, it will be all the harder to experience the pain of loss, so he will doubtlessly fight to protect those he now values.
Josh of the Blessed Choir Still Alive Willpower 0 (and will survive the next post) Favor 0 Luck 0
One of the youngest travelers to brave the trip from Myre to Zion, Josh was sent by the temple as an aide to the priestess in charge of the caravan. After the great tragedy that killed almost everyone he had little choice but to become a full fledged member and carry his own weight; he grew up quickly and painfully.
As a Moon-Blessed lion cub, Josh is more than he seems, able to grow nearly two times his normal size and take the form of a blood-thirsty battle beast. Even though he grows an entirely new head at this time, the Josh of every-day event is still within him; many members of his party have thanked the Goddess that doesn't suffer from the insanity that the Moon-Crazed do.
Kayte Delier Still Alive Willpower 6 Favor 3 Luck 1
Priestess Kayte Delier was given over to the Temple of Bannihar at a young age, surrendered to the priests by her father, who was a tailor that found it difficult to feed the mouths of all his young. Despite her abandonment, Kayte maintained a positive outlook of life thanks to the teachings of the church and the belief that everyone ends up where they should ultimately be. If anything, the recent events surrounding her have only strengthened that philosophy within her mind.
If the trip to Zion has taught her anything it would be that she is far more capable than she had first believed and, no matter how difficult things would get she would be able to rely on herself, her faith, and, her belief that people are, at their base level, good. Of all the things she had not expected on the trip was to find love, which she has in the form of an unlikely source: a fellow caravan traveler. She set out to reach Zion but, suddenly, awash in a sea of intrigue and danger, she is now forced to be its salvation... or die trying.
Keeland Reilly Still Alive Willpower 7 Favor 1 Luck 2
As a Sergeant in the Myrenese military, Keeland was elected to act as an organizer among the troops traveling with the caravan from Myre. After the majority of the travelers were killed by betrayal it quickly became apparent that Keeland would have to take on a more direct role as remaining commander among the few survivors. The shepherd has stepped in to assist the remaining priestess of the caravan and continues to act as her right-hand.
Among the party, Sergeant Reilly maintains a solid amount of control during times of battle. He has also made major inroads into befriending fellow travelers and acclimating new members pilgrims into the party... he has even taken one as his lover. Now, however, there is little time for that and he will soon face all the horrific violence and death that a True Dragon can bring.
Kell Vederik (and will survive the next post) Still Alive Willpower 1 Favor 1 Luck 1
Though the history behind Kell Vederik's mixed heritage of snow leopard and wolf is not something he will speak of, that is not abnormal for him-- he rarely speaks about anything. Discovered by his fellow travelers to be an assassin who had made an attempt on the life of the High Priest of Shrad, Kell still somehow survives to live another day... and perhaps, if his luck holds, to make the attempt again.
With nothing to show for his time in Shrad save the temple's stolen dwarven sword, Kell has traveled as a member of the Myrhean caravan because... well... yet again, the assasssin's motives are unknown. Having become slightly more relaxed around one or two of his fellows, it's still readily apparent that Kell is not yet ready to open up... not even to those who have proved themselves. After all, the only kind of living assassin is one who knows that no one can be trusted.
Leijh Telone Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 1 Luck 3
As the daughter of a moderately powerful Myrenese noble it is only normal that Leijh would have certain idiosyncrasies... minor personality quirks or endearing habits that would identify her as an every-day young lady of good breeding with too much time on her hands. In Leijh's case, however, that is far from the truth. Having been exposed by force to an addictive drug at a very young age, Lady Telone has spent most of her youth under her father's watchful gaze as he attempted to stamp out every last trace of her addiction and somehow keep her alive during what is usually lethal for most addicts: withdrawal.
In the end, Leijh's father discovered that she could be served diluted Grace in the form of blood transfusions from 'willing' donors, and a long line of atrocity was committed. Finally, however, when it was announced that Myre would send a caravan to Zion, Lord Dalton Telone seized the opportunity to have his daughter cured. After all.. if there were any chance at all it would be within Zion... wouldn't it? Despite the hopeless desperation, it all turned out in success, as Leijh is no longer addicted to Grace... but, in a strange twist of fate, she has fallen in love with the man who was supposed to be her sacrificial blood doll. Now the question remains as to what might happen between them if they should survive.
Liam Mail Still Alive Willpower 3 Favor 1 Luck 1
Liam Mail, was born into a family of the priests of Myre. Early in his youth, a troupe of Zionesians visited their city. The priest among their group gave the young fox a Zionese bible. Being an avid reader, he compared the bible to the Doctrine printed for Myrenese public. Upon finding contradictions and omissions between the two, he confronted his family with his crisis of faith, and was banished from the church, joining the city guard as soon as he was able. His uncanny fighting ability allowed him to quickly rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a trainer for the Temple Guard. After a training excursion into the wilds went badly, he decided to retire from his position and train as a field medic instead. It was during these years that he was abducted and drugged with an immense amount of Grace, a substance that quickly kills those addicted if they don?t have a constant dosage in their veins.
He had never expected to make it this far. With what supplies he had stolen, he should have only been alive for a few days maximum. But someone was keeping him alive, as he was keeping her alive with his own blood?a cheap way to get two treatments with one dose. Although unaware of his 'keeper''s presence or intentions at first, they had saved each others? lives, and had he had come to fall in love with her throughout the short time he had. It even came down to him sacrificing a unicorn?s power to cure her addiction... and her using the unicorn?s horn to cure his. This has only deepened their relationship, and Liam has vowed to never leave her side in hopes to start a new life with her in Zion once the insanity was all over.
Loric Kriabnish Fated for Death Willpower 6 Favor 0 Luck 1
Lord Loric Kriabnish: a noble, a guild master in good standing, a benefactor to some. An assassin, a betrayer, a fox with no morals to others. One thing, however, is sure: it doesn't matter which side of Loric you are dealing with, it's guaranteed to be an unpleasant experience for most people. One could even think his ice blue eyes are some kind of advance warning to his cynical and calculating personality.
Now, Lord Kriabnish of Shrad walks the corridors of Zion's Temple of Unity, friend and threat to everyone at the same time. His latest contract carried him there, by following his employer's instructions until now - he's a professional, after all. However, loyalty is something that has a very definite value to Loric... namely, loyalty is worth as much as the amount of coin written on the contract. Knowing that his plans will result in war between the cities restarting and established political power schemes collapsing, it is only reasonable to wonder if he's simply been following instructions, or if he's also laid out a scheme of his own...
Majh & Tollie (yes, both) Still Alive Willpower 10 Favor 3 Luck 3
Majh was first introduced to the Shradian caravan as Captain Majh Blackpaw, but it was not long before the truth became known: she was a priestess in direct service to Armenius Tenge. Not long after that surprise, the caravan learned that, in actuality, she was rarely in service to the High Priest, rather she seemed to be in direct opposition and yet, for whatever reason he let her live. Not long after that, Majh was 'assassinated', only to come back once the travelers reached Zion... there is obviously more to the hyena woman than meets the eye.
Tollie was first introduced to the Shradian caravan through his sister. Majh did not let anyone aside from the High Priest consult with Tollie, and he went unseen until his sister's mysterious disappearance. At that time he became a major unifying force for the caravan, acting as a rallying point and using his strange prophetic visions to help direct the caravan's movements. As with his sister, however, it became quickly apparent that Tollie was more than what one might first assume. Hints repeatedly present themselves that Tollie is far more knowing and astute than his otherwise passive and naiive countenance would imply.
Marion of Myre Still Alive Willpower 6 Favor 4 Luck 3
Lady Marion is a Priestess of no small renown. As a mediator she is well skilled and as an arbiter she is quite capable. What her seniors have always seemed to have concern over was whether or not she would follow her family's line and continue a grand succession of Great Mothers. When given the opportunity to prove herself as the head priestess of the Myrenese caravan, Lady Marion quickly claimed it and has since done her best to guide her fellow travelers through trial after trial... most successful... but not all.
Having managed to lead the shattered remnants of her caravan to Zion, she now faces another challenge; other pilgrims to Zion have faced the same problems as she in their mutual quest to bring a sustained peace to the empire... if the human priestess cannot find a way to bring them together and to work in unison then it may be that not even the inflexible, rigid, everlasting laws of Myre will keep it safe when the empire is once again torn asunder.
Narissa "Hearthsinger" Still Alive Willpower 4 Favor 2 Luck 1
Although the Empire of the Moon has its share of adventurous storytellers, Narissa is one of most highly acclaimed. Having traveled between all five temple cities, the tigress' name is readily recognizable by every man, woman, and child... of course, these days it is just as often expressed with a sigh of pity as it is with a laugh of delight. It had not always been that way, of course, but such is the fate an addict of Hefflys suffers... and it was a very hard addiction for her to face.
Known as 'Hearthsinger' due to her preference to sit beside the fireplaces and fire pits when she used to perform in taverns and in outside encampments, Narissa had spent the first ten years of her career earning the title of most famed and sought-after bard... but most would agree that the height of her career passed some five or six years ago. Having joined the Doenian caravan to go to Zion she hopes to become more than the narrator of a story she will be telling for years to come-- she wants to be part of it.
Nori Bahn Fated for Death Willpower 3 Favor 0 Luck 2
No description was provided by the contributing reader. Nori is a young, teenage ferret. He is a Wild Lander and has been part of the Shradian Caravan where he had acted as scout and guide.
He is currently part of the group exploring Tah'Enar's Berth. Assuming all goes well he will likely return to his life of guiding city dwellers through the Wild Lands.
Palo the Fox Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 1 Luck 4
Like a riddle hidden in a puzzle wrapped in an enigma surrounded by a conundrum, Palo is an eye-catching, flirty, ostentatious fox who seems to think of life as one gigantic game of chance... and he LOVES gambling. He is quick witted and seems at his best when he is forced to adapt. Palo prefers to keep moving and appears to think of stability and normalcy as the equivalent of death. Although some may claim to have known him for years, very few are left with the impression that they truly know him... even those who consider him a 'friend'.
Palo appears to be a Pyromancers of incredible talent-- "appears" being the operative word because he never commits to acknowledging it as a fact. "Let the flames speak for themselves." he says, or "I summon flames, don't I? What else would you call it?" Despite his presence as a braggart and his over-the-top nature, there are certain times when Palo's crazy exterior hints that he may be attempting to hide something deeper inside. Whether this is just another ploy or a possible peek into the REAL Palo, there's nobody who could say for sure. What IS known, however, is that he makes absolutely no qualms about being straight-forward in the understanding that he hates his current employer or, more accurately, his 'owner'.
Roarg Stoneclan Fated for Death Willpower 6 Favor 2 Luck 2
Althought Roarg truly is a badger of no great breeding, there is more to him than meets the eye. He was born to a lowly family of stone masons and has, for his entire life carried on the family business. Even though many negative events have happened throughout his life, the badger has always held an optimism and good-natured view of his place in the world. Abandoned by his family before he was of legal age to fend for himself, and having lived on the streets as often as begged for a place to lay down in someone's stables, Roarg has not lost his quick smile or friendly, outgoing humor.
Despite his lowly origins, however, it has quickly become apparent that there are big things planned for Roarg Stoneclan. The badger has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Banniharian guards defending the city; he has nursed an injured gryphon back to health and then somehow become the focal point for awakening sentience within its spirit; he has manipulated and shaped earth to do his will without any understanding of magic... and only recently has he found out why. Roarg Stoneclan, hero to many, friend to most, has within him a spark of the divine. He is a Paragon, a vessel of Tah'Enar's life force and, before the night is over, Roarg will die so that the god may be reborn.
Sebastian the Gryphon Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 2 Luck 2
An anomaly of the age, Sebastian is, for all intents and purposes, a gryphon. The way he differs from most of his species, however, is that he is both sentient and sapient. Possessing self awareness and the ability of higher thought processes, Sebastian has developed a deep personality and quite the vocabulary (much to the chagrin of his traveling companions). Quite the trickster and joker, the gryphon derives great joy from playing the fool and presenting snappy witticisms... once those around him realize he's not about to eat them, of course.
Although Sebastian is technically a being that should not exist as he does, the gryphon tends to take a lighter view of life. He appreciates being who he is and is thankful for whatever twist of fate it was that made him self-aware. Unbeknownst to him, he may end up losing that special spark-- the fluke of an event that created him may yet be undone if Tah'enar is resurrected, as it was his divine essence imbued into a mortal that caused Sebastian's creation... so what will happen when that essence is taken back?
Shadow Darkfang Still Alive Willpower 1 Favor 0 Luck 0
Ever since childhood, Shadow Darkfang has had a difficult life. Forced to steal for a living, he soon had no option but to flee into the Wild Lands, where he survived only by the grace of Tah'Aveen. Taken in and given a job as a guard in the Temple of the New Moon in Shrad, he distinguished himself as extremely motivated, while at the same time aggravating his superiors by his refusal to kill unnecessarily. Both of these traits revealed themselves in force during the chaotic journey to Zion, and even in Zion his actions are guided by his morals, not orders.
What will Shadow do after Zion is safe? That is difficult to tell. Despite being named "Guardian" (presumably of Shrad) by a mysterious spirit, he is hesitant to return to the land where people's hearts are as frigid as the northern winter surrounding them. Traveling with several of Bannihar's caravan members, Shadow has remembered what it was like to be around people who cared about others for more than their usefulness in a plan; and he doesn't want to forget that feeling again.
Sten the Guardsman Still Alive Willpower 6 Favor 3 Luck 3
Although all guardsmen receive the same training it is sometimes abundantly clear that some excel far more than others. Certain guards tend to favor more force than subtlety; some are more loyal while others are more independent. Guardsman Sten was hand-picked because of his particular mix of attributes, and because he was, out of his entire group, favored by his captain. Guardsman Sten is an otter who tends to be perceptive, astute, and willing to do as told-- a perfect combination in a Shradian guard.
Having been linked romantically to his captain (who also happens to be a Shradian Priestess) it was often assumed that he gained his favor by performing admirably in bed but, in truth, his skills as a guardsman are not to be overlooked. Keen of mind, wit, and action, Sten has, on more than one occasion, helped his party out of disaster. Now, facing the prospect of doing battle with a Myrhean High Priestess, one must wonder if he'll manage it again... or die a failure.
Taggart O'Cuagan Still Aliave Willpower 8 Favor 0 Luck 0
Taggart always had been the underdog in life, with the choice of having everything that he could ever want or finding true love like in the books he loved to read, the young hunting dog gave up everything so that he could be himself. Trust and love became the most important things as he tried to start his life anew. The family of an innkeep in Doen gave the dog his first break in life with the fresh start he had been looking for.
Upon joining the Doenian caravan to Zion, he found himself fall for the young priest. Even through the darker times of the journey, he stayed faithful and dedicated to the rabbit, even while the priest himself lost faith in Tah'Aveen. He only hope and prays that once this painful journey is through that he and his beloved rabbit will be able to have a peaceful life.
Thera De'Aveen Still Alive Willpower 8 Favor 2 Luck 3
Having been unfufiled with her cloistered life within the Imperial Palace, Thera De'aveen fled the holy city of Zion shortly after her twentith birthday. From there she joined a caravan of servants, prostitutes, and courtiers heading to Myrh. Unskilled as a servant and too well-known to mix with the courtiers, Thera had only one option-- she traveled with the whores. Although she refused at first to become involved with the profession it was only a matter of time before she realized that she could not live without an occupation.
Trading one gilded cage for another, Thera spent almost thirty years using her body and her wiles to survive. During that time she gave her body to many men (and some women), but her heart belonged to only one man. Once Thera discovered that he was heading on a dangerous caravan to Zion she realized what her mother once told her: "No matter where you are, every road will eventually lead you home." Having returned to the City of Unity, Thera has come to understand how important she is to Zion's survival; as the last De'Aveen alive, the mouse knows in her heart that she is the only one who can keep it from being reduced to ruin.
Tolen Lerum Still Alive Willpower 11 Favor 1 Luck 1
No description was provided by the contributing reader. Tolen is a pure white snow fox. He is originally from Bannihar but was chased out due to his less-than-manly choice of occupation: healer.
Originally traveling with the Shradian Caravan, he has taken up with with others in Zion going to explore the Imperial Castle. Part way through the journey he has obtained a Blade Slave, much to his chagrin, as he does not believe in slavery.
Wyse the Revenant Still Alive Willpower 5 Favor 1 Luck 1
Although most worshipers of the moon know of Revenants as divine agents brought back from the dead by the priests and priestesses of Myrh, this is not wholly the truth. It is said that the first Revenants were actually pieced together by the Elves with a power granted to them by Tah'enar. Such words spoken within the Empire of the Moon are considered heresy, but Wyse is proof of this.
As an elven Revenant, called a Patchwork Revenant by the faithful (as opposed to the Risen Revenants of Myrh), Wyse is not a spirit returned to its body, rather, it is a spirit given flesh. These Revenants remain more spirit than material and require the sacrifice of mortal means through with they gain substance and strength. Wyse is a 4th Generation Revenant, meaning he has been bound to four mortals during his time in existence. His creator, whom he and his mortals call "Lady", has big plans for him... and bigger plans for his current 'contributor'.
Yearl Rakken Still Alive Willpower 6 Favor 2 Luck 2
The story of Yearl Rakken is one of both near-hits and near-misses. Having once been the lord of Glass Hall of Doen, Yearl had forsaken Doen after he lost his wife. With no other choices available he was forced to leave for Myrh, abandoning his son and his place as a lord and a general. He thought he would never again find love, but he was wrong... yet, even in that, his life was bitter sweet-- his heart longed for a prostitute, and he realized it could never be.
Yearl spent his entire life fighting for causes others told him were his to believe in, and yet he never did. Now, finally seeking a way to undo the damage done to Zion, he has found something that he doesn't need to be told is right. Having found the love he thought would never happen, and settling things with his teenage son, he fights alongside both in an attempt to do right by them, for the empire, and for himself.
Zachary of Doen Still Alive Willpower 4 Favor 2 Luck 2
The third youngest of over twenty children of the Great Father of Doen, Zachary, as would be expected, was raised to be a priest. Following the orders of his superiors and seeking to please everyone else he never had the opportunity to ask what he wanted out of life. When he perceived a great injustice, however, he finally put his foot down and refused to do as he was told... behind everyone's back, of course; Brother Zachary is the priest responsible for the formation of Doen's caravan to Zion.
Emerging from the cloistered life within the temple has not been easy on the poor rabbit, however. He has been exposed to great hardship and painful realizations that he didn't realize were possible, but, at the same time, he has grown as a young man and even found love in a far deeper way than he thought was possible. Now he continues to fight for the empire in the hopes that the many mistakes made by its priests may yet be redeemed. Whether or not he'll survive the attempt, however, is yet to be seen.
Zeke Sarnash Still Alive (and will survive the next post) Willpower 9 Favor 0 Luck 0
No description was provided by the contributing reader. Zeke is a red fox. Although he was raised as a ward of the Myrhean temple he escaped into the Wild Lands and came to Zion with the Doenian Caravan.
He is currently part of the group exploring the Imperial Palace. Most recently we left off with the fox standing in the doorway, facing down two-dozen soldiers while covering an ally's escape.