The Fae: The Fae remain in chaos, their leadership in shambles since the disappearance of the Princess. While the council struggles to lead without her, the day to day lives of their people has remained relatively unchanged.
The Daemon: The long awaited war has finally begun, and the Angels have taken advantage of the Daemon Lord’s absence to start targeting important Daemons. The Angels have attacked single Daemons or in those in small groups and while they haven’t made a dent in the Daemon’s numbers the loses sustained are noteworthy.
The Shapeshifters: The old Alpha Female and the new Alpha Male have finally met, and the future of the Shifter race will be determined by the course of their meeting. Angels and Daemons both have their sights on the Shifters while the Shifters themselves would rather remain in the shadows and not take an official side, focusing instead on just surviving.
The Humans: With the Prince now engaged to a Boil commoner against the King and Queen’s wishes and the Princess remaining mysteriously ill, the human population are becoming polarized about the current rule. Some are satisfied with the gentler ruling and others are becoming dissatisfied, wanting to reengage in the war with the Fae while their Princess remains absent.
The Outcasts: With the Angels now engaged in in a war with the Daemons the other Outcast groups have become fearful of being banished once more. The Shadows have become even more elusive, and most ignore the activities of the world at large while Halflings and Dwarves attempt to grow closer to the Fae and Humans.
Armies
Fae: 1,200
Daemons: 900
Shapeshifters: 1,700
Humans: 18,000
Angels: 300
The Song of Heroes: 100
((This journal is written only in the Boil language.))
People
Desmonde
First Encounter: I met a woman that worked in the Mud Crossing Brothel, a brothel that I visit frequently. I thought to write a bit on her, seeing as how I was...surprised by her. Truly, at first glance, she could appear to be any ordinary citizen of the Boil, but this was not that cause. There was a little more to her that I had not anticipated.
I was right on the subject of her not being a whore herself, but instead took care of the girls. Well, there was more detail to it but I wish not to write on it right now.
What really surprised me was how she agreed to help a complete stranger. And, after witnessing me technically stealing a most rare specimen, she did not lecture me on rights and wrongs. Perhaps I judged her too quickly. On a positive note (for her, at least) I do not believe her to be weak. For now, at least. That could change, should I ever see her again. Our meeting was brief, though I am content with speaking with her or no. I am positive we shall me though, since I frequently visit the place where she works.
Shoshana
First Encounter: Shoshana. Where do I begin.
First off, I do not like her. I do not respect her and I sure as hell do not trust her. I do not even believe she has a true love for the goddess Reikuani or for Adumbrate possessions, so why even be a Death Dealer? Not only that, but she and I are complete opposites. While she seems to have a distaste for reptiles, I loathe mammals. She is a warrior, I am (more or less) an assassin. Shoshana is quite annoying too.
She tries to mock me, to irritate and piss me off. And sometimes it works. But I always find someone to get her back. Out of all the hassansins, she is the only one that I completely and utterly loathe and cannot tolerate under any circumstance. How can I explain my rage to her in written words? By the gods. I hope Reikuani rips her soul apart and throws it into an everlasting fire.
Even the other Dealer Dealers know of our hatred for one another! Though they think of it as a distraction from our true duties as leaders of the Hassansins. I try to convince them that she is not devoted to us, but they do not listen. When they finally see, I should hope they will ask for my forgiveness for their foolishness.
The Shadow
First Encounter: The blind shadow, Syrus. I first met him when I was on my way back to the Hasthansin Temple, after Shoshana intruded on my peace. I hold no interest in men to begin with, so I paid little to no attention to him. The only thing about him that I found genuinely interesting was his hydra, Lerna. Even then I wished to study the creature rather than talk with him.
It was not that I disliked him. In fact, he was much better company than Shoshana. I was already in a most aggravated mood however, so I had no real desire to speak with anyone. I do not feel rude for my rude behavior, however. He ended up getting very cozy with my enemy, though I understood since shadows are genuinely avoided. I have gone up against plenty to not be bothered by a shadow's presence.
Anyways, I was originally tempted to ruin their little charade by making one of the snakes around the vicinity bite one of them, but I ended up getting some rest in the end. I do hope we have no more meetings anytime soon. I do not wish for any pointless banter.
Hadjara
First-Second Encounter:I met a most peculiar woman. She was sleeping out in the middle of the desert with her crocodile familiar, Levent. First glance had told me she was a fool, and perhaps I still believe it foolish to sleep in the middle of a boiling desert, but there was more to her than met the eye. While I originally had a feeling she had reptilian influence, Hadjara confirmed that she was indeed a reptilian shaman. I had no idea what was wrong with her at the time, however.
There are very few people whom I actually enjoy having as company, the rest I tend to disregard or even loath. Shoshana for starters and most men. I can tolerate the other Death Dealers and hassansins, but there none of them actually catch my attention and interest like she does. I do not mean this in any sort of romantic way, of course. It is more of an impressed and respectful interest. While I am still unsure whether or not she is physically weak or no, I am positive that her spirit is powerful.
Nazli even seemed to enjoy her company, which I found quite odd. She has never liked anybody but me until she met Hadjara. She seems to enjoy the crocodile's company too and had even coiled up on his back. Only briefly, since we were greeted by two other travelers. A fae man and another woman with the same accent and some of the same physical traits as Hadjara.
I believe she was a reptilian shaman too, but I had kept my nose where it did not belong and that was family business. After Hadjara and her sister's little dispute, we ended up parting early. But that was not the last time I would see her.
A few days ago, I had another run in with her. And she looked much better. Of course when we first met, I had no idea what was wrong with her. But after this meeting...well, I became suspicious. We met in the Boil once more, of course, and she had some sort of connection with a little frog. I introduced her to Tazim, finally, and he seemed to be curious about her as well as Nazli.
Our chat did not last very long without interruption. There was a woman that was under siege by one of the many Boil slavers. He did not last long and ended up having his throat ripped out in the end. I shall write about her later. I only bring this up because during the struggle, I noted crimson eyes and dark markings around Hadjara's face. I did not wish to assume instantly that she had a create whom we hassansins all but secondly worship.
Instead of making a fool of myself, I confronted her and asked whether anything odd had happened to her while she was sick. I did receive an answer, though not from her. Physical attributes changed and her eyes turned crimson followed by a familiar set of 'writing' along her facial features. My suspicions were thus then confirmed.
Hadjara held an adumbrate within her, and it introduced himself as Malak.
Not much happened after this. I ended up showing her around the Hassthansin temple, then we pretty much parted ways after that.
Malak
First Encounter: Malak was an interesting sort. I revere the adumbrate as god-like, as do the rest of the Death Dealers and hassansins. I cannot say whether I enjoyed him or not; it is not my place to say. I will say that it was obvious he was a force to be reckoned with and was to be held at the utmost respect. I am not sure whether I wish to meet this adumbrate again or not, though it is inevitable as I do enjoy Hadjara and they are one.
Red-Headed Fae
First Encounter: I did not speak much with the fae, whom I 'met' when first finding Hadjara. I received no name, or I do not remember if one was given to me. For starters, I am no socializer. The only real interest I had was in the creature that was with him. Perhaps I would have confronted him just about his reptilian friend, but there was an odd predicament at the time. A woman that looked quite similar to Hadjara had appeared, and at that moment I had wished to keep to myself. Unlike most humans, I neither loathe nor praise the fae. They are simply another species that share the world we live in. Perhaps we will have another run in someday, though I suspect our meeting would be brief. I tend to disregard the male persons after all.
Hadjara's Sister
First Encounter: Out of the meeting of Hadjara and the Red-Haired fae, this woman is perhaps the one I know nearly nothing about, save that she may be related to Hadjara and have a reptilian influence about as well. Because I tend to shy away from predicaments that need not involve myself, I did not prod on who she was and what she wanted. Though it did seem like Hadjara did not enjoy her company.
Hara
First Encounter: Hara was an interesting woman. She had that dangerous appeal daemons seem to all have. I did not know her long enough nor well enough to say that I respected her, but I did believe there was a power within that she could unleash that would cause much harm. I've yet to ever see her again, and I doubt I ever will.
Cia
First Encounter: My first impression of Cia is hard to explain on paper. From the moment we met, it was apparent she was not found of me, nor I of her. I have heard of the fae being bitter towards humans, but I had yet to meet one that felt as such till that day. The woman was so insistent on obtaining Death Viper venom. I refused to extract any from Nazli, but I could not turn the chance of extra coin down. So I gave a different alternative.
We traveled to an isolated Oasis where only deadly reptiles and bugs thrived. Tazim took a great liking to her and talked much on the way there, but I was not interested. Not until I learned she was in a cult just as I was, but even then I had no desire to speak very much. Once at our destination, I managed to locate one of the snakes, gently extract the venom, and sell it to the persistent woman. After spending the night in the oasis, we went out separate ways. No matter how much Tazim wishes to speak with her again, I have no desire to ever see her again.
Blue
Don't know much about the man. All I did was pay him a bit of coin to help me find and purchase specific items in a market one day. Only needed the help since I was in the rush, but really I know zip about him.
This is the only artifact I keep on my person at all times and is the only one I have. The 'blade' itself is actually a basilisk fang. How my parents managed to get a hold of this, I cannot say and I shall most likely not every learn, due to the fact that they are dead. The handle of this dagger is made of snakeskin, something I am not as fond off since snakes are what my magic is connected to.
Most tend not to notice my artifact, since it is normally kept behind my primary weapons. I have a wide variety of them, so it could potentially be difficult for someone to figure out that it is indeed my artifact. But I do not worry about losing such a thing. While my magic may come from this, I have confidence that my familiars would assist me in retrieving it back. So silly, I think, for humans to gain their prowess from simple items that may be stolen as simply and quickly as coin.
Daggertail Whip
Ah. Now this. This is my favorite out of all the weapons I possess. Not only is it unique, but effective as well. The daggertail is classified as a 'whip', but at the same time it is much more than that. It is weapon that does not execute a merciful death. It does the complete opposite, inflicting unbearable pain and a slow, timid death. I use it when I perform my weekly sacrifices dedicated to the great goddess Reikuani. It has never broke on me in the past either, and still it holds itself strong.
Describing it in words is actually quite complicated. The general length of this daggertail is fifteen feet. Every inch of it is covered with small steel blades, except for the leather bond handle of course. The very tip is pointed much like an arrow, but the rest that follow behind it fan out and curve upwards to grip flesh. As I move the weapon towards an opponent, every blade, save for the tip, swivels and spins. So once it grips flesh and I move it once more, the sharp ends simply do not come out. They twist and tear muscle and are forced out. Of course, this weapon is more effective when I use my other whip.
Grip Whip
Even more difficult to describe is what is called a 'Grip Whip'. This is the same length as the daggertail, though less deadly but every way as painful. After the handle, the whip is what any normal whip would look like; thick and cylinder shaped. Towards the end though, there is a...contraption I suppose you could call it.
It is basically a hand on the end of the whip that is made of iron. It is made in portions, designed much like the anatomy of a human's hand, and is quite flexible. It took me such a long time to become even used to using the weapon, since there is a certain technique to it. I always have to fan the whip out, then back towards my target. This causes the finger projections to grab my target and dig deep into their flesh with its sharp pointed fingers. Depending how good of a grip it has on my target and at what angle, I am able to pull back hard enough to rip flesh and break bone.
There is another method I use. I use this whip to hold and distract my target while I use my other hand to deal the real pain and damage with my daggertail. It is just as useful and is also a unique weapon, though I have seen more of these than I have of my other whip. Both are my most preferred weapons of choice.
Nazli, my first familiar. It was she that opened my eyes to what my magic was truly revolved around, and that was around her and my other familiars specifically rather than to all snakes as a whole. While portions of my magic do revolve around them, it is still based mostly on familiars.
She is a lovely creature and is even one of my more favorite species of snake. A Death Viper, deadly and quick. Her length is very close to five feet in length, though just a few inches short. Her overall body is actually about as thick as my wrist. Ah, but her features do not end there! They are horny-like protrusions that rest above her eyes all the way to the start of her mouth. Most of her body is black, save for the underside which is the same shade as the sand in the Boil.
Nearly all day she stays hidden in my right sleeve. She has yet to actually leave my side other than to feed. Not that I mind. In fact, I enjoy her company very much. Nazli is very similar to me, you see. She is as aggressive and patient to me. Even how she hides herself represents myself, since I prefer the shadows more than head to head combat. When others do see her, they shy away from her harsh reputation. Ironic how I am in the same predicament with the public because of my status as a Death Dealer.
You know, I actually found out something about Death Vipers that I had not originally known. They are able to propel themselves out at prey or threats. Nazli demonstrated this to me by a striking at one of my sacrificial targets. I did not enjoy the fact she endangered herself, but such is what familiars do to protect their fellow humans, yes?
Anyways, I wish to write more on how I came across her. It was pure coincidence, really. (I wonder if most familiars were found this way.) I was in Mud Crossing searching for poisonous snakes when I sensed her in an animal trading caravan that passed right by me. Thank the great death goddess that the brothel woman Desmonde was there to assist me, else I may have had more unnecessary complications.
Even though I do have other familiars, I feel most connected with Nazli and she to me, I believe. I would risk my life to protect her, even if she is what people say 'just a snake'. But they do not understand the bond between Man and familiar. I can see myself writing much more on my ventures with her, here in the future.
Familiar: Tazim
Tazim too is another of my familiars, though his connection is much...different than Nazli and myself. But before I get into that, I should describe how massive this creature is. After all, these writings will most likely become archived in the Hassansin temple when I eventually go to be with Reikuani and it would be best to explain Tazim's appearance.
Imagine an average sized man. Now next to him, think of first, an average snake but with a length somewhere around fifty feet long (give or take a few). Now. Just the top point of his head, when it lies flat against the ground, reaches up to that man's mid-thigh. Massive, yes, but we have not reached the thickest part of his body. And that, which is around his midsection, reached up to the man's abdomen. Even his mouth is large! I have seen with my own eyes how quickly he is able to swallow an adult, and it only takes a matter of minutes. Each one of the teeth in his mouth are they size of my thumb. I suppose then it is good that he is more relaxed and calm versus Nazli's behavior towards other people. Oh. And he is very thick and wide, enough to where a young adult could ride him.
His color is actually very similar to Nazli's, actually. At least most of it is. His entire body is a...how do I explain this. Light black? Or very dark gray. Anyways, his underside is just a few shades lighter. Of course he really only looks like this when I give him a physical form. Normally, he just appears shrouded and a little blue. Now that I am done explaining all over the place about how he appears, I will write more on our connection.
While Nazli and I have a strong bond, Tazim and I are not nearly as such. Perhaps it is because he is deceased and is much more wise than me, but whatever the cause it does not mean we do not have a strong connection. I summon him very often since I enjoy the giant snake's company and words. I was surprised at first to learn he could speak, but I suppose that is no surprise sine he is...well, deceased. While it is possible that I could ride him, I respect him too much to actually do such a thing.
He and I are quite similar, you see. This must be because of familiar magic too, I suspect. Tazim is clam, not impulsive or blood thirsty. He is calculative and tends to shy away from those that do not hold his interest, which is precisely how I am. Or at least I like to think. He only speaks to me or, briefly, to someone of interest.
And he does not threaten every person that comes within a mile of me (I am appreciative of Nazli's over protectiveness though). I suspect that Tazim can sense whether someone wishes to harm me or no, but just because he is more lenient does not mean he keeps me unguarded. A lot of the times, he will loosely coil a portion of his body around me protectively and keeps a close eye.
You know what another benefit off having a giant snake around you is? People get out of your way. Because there is a small amount of people that would dare try to attack a creature such as him. Well, this only really applies to when he has a physical form. But either way, we have very little traffic problems within the Boil's oasis.
On another note, he seems to be fascinated with this fae woman named Cia. Now this, I do not understand.
Familiar: Cray
My most recent (and hopefully my last) companion and familiar is a Turkey Vulture whom I named Cray. She is quite large, I must say. Truly I'm surprised overall that I have a bird influence as well as a reptilian. I had no idea. But I prefer avians over mammalians, thus I am somewhat content with this.
Cray is quite easy for me to describe. After all, there is not much to a Turkey Vulture. Her wingspan is massive, at least to me it is. I did manage to measure it and I believe that it is about sixty-eight inches in wingspan and twenty-seven inches in length. Her entire body is covered in black feathers except for a two white spots along her chest. And her head, I must say, is the most amusing appearance ever. There are no feathers on it at all, just red colored skin. She is quite heavy for a bird too.
Now I am unsure of what to think of her. Cray seems to be distant from others, preferring to plume and roost rather than protect and socialize. If I had not known any better, I would say she has my anti-social nature. Naturally, I do not like people at all. So perhaps this is the same for her? I am quite positive. In any case, I am surprised that I enjoy having her with me. While she may not ever socialize with even me, Cray is a vulture and therefore a symbol of death. Out of all the birds in existence, I am glad that I was matched with a vulture.
Since she is a familiar, I do not doubt that she is protective of me, but she never shows it. Where Cray in danger, I would be protective of her too. This all has to do with familiar magic. I do hope that I gain no more familiars. I am overwhelmed with the number of animals I always tend to have on my person.
Companion: Zahkim
Now there is not much to say about Zahkim. She is not very big, only around the length of my arm, and is a milky-white with a slight pinkish-hue and black eyes. In the end, she is only a snake that was gifted to me by a divine being. I am positive that it was a joke, since I am a 'Dealer of Death' and this form of snakes heals with its bite. Even so, she is still a serpent and I do care for and enjoy her.
She does not do much, really, and is quite shy. Zahkim enjoys coiling around my neck and watching the people around her. As I wrote, she is but just a snake. Once that I would gladly sacrifice if it meant to save Nazli or Tazim. Besides, she is quite useless to me. I am used to the idea of death and therefore do not have any desire to be 'saved'. It is...complicated, to say the least, about how I feel about her. She is a snake that I appreciate, though do not 'obsess' over.
Companion: Zell
Zell is the most peculiar animal that I have in my position and may be the most peculiar that I have ever seen. He appears like a weasel at first glance, which was what I even thought of him to be. But alas, he is not. In fact, he is purely a reptile. A great goddess, the sister of the hassansin's beloved Reikuani, Seree, told me the name of the creature. A Ramidreju, a species where only one exists at a time.
He is still growing, though currently Zell is about two feet in length. Though there is bright green fur visible to the naked eyes, there are actually scales that lie beneath. Apparently its fur can cure any disease or sickness (another mockery towards my love of death, I presume). Zell has a very...odd nose. It looks much like what a tapir's may look like. On both sides of his mouth he has small tusks too, which I imagine are for defense. His tail though....I swear, it takes up most of his body length.
We have a fairly decent relationship I would say. Despite his impulsive nature to steal gold, he is a most entertaining creature to have around. Zell is not like me at all and is very social and playful. I would not say he's very protective of me either, since every time there is a threat Zell hides behind my legs. He does not enjoy the other snakes' company, save for Tazim. He actually enjoys riding on the massive snake, and Tazim does not ever seem to mind. I suppose I do not pay as much attention to him as I should, but he is actually quite independent. Zell will hunt for himself and take care of himself.
I must be careful whom I explain what he is in detail though. Since there can only be one Ramidreju at a time, I cannot tell everyone of what he is, nor what the fur along his body can do. Zell could be worth a fortune, but I do not wish to give the small creature up for any reason. Why? Because he was a gift to me from the sister of Reikuani and I enjoy his company much. Perhaps I will simple tell no one. If someone recognized what he is, then there is nothing I can do about that. But until that time I will keep my mouth shut.
Pet: Marhaäki
Every Death Dealer is given a special hybrid horse that is strictly Arabian and Friesian. Each one is trained to withstand the harsh sand and environment of the Boil and are, mostly, fearless horses. They are even combative and are dressed to cause damage to any other form of cavalry. Each one wears light yet warm and protective blankets and chainmail. Their legs are always covered as are their necks. But the real impressive attire feature is their 'helmets', which are made of plated steel. Along the muzzle are five very long and sharp projections that protect the horse's head as well as harm others.
Marhaäki is no different from those other Death Dealer horses and I see him as nothing more than a riding animal, a pet. I have a large distaste for non-sentient mammals, but I am just able to tolerate him. I ride him very often and he is every bit of what a hassansin horse is made to be. The only reason I do keep him though is because I am required to have the special bred horse. All Death Dealers are.
After spending the night with one of the lovely ladies at the Mudcrossing Brothel, I went in search of venomous snakes. I need to take just the slightest bit of venom from them, to use as poison to sell and to coat my weapons in. A woman, whom I wrote about earlier, that worked at the brothel confronted me and seemed curious about what I was doing. I never lie unless needed to, so I told her the truth and she seemed partially interested and concerned for my safety.
The way she confronted me was either bold or naive. Even in Mudcrossing, the Hassansins are known of. So she either knew what I was and did not care or did not know to begin with. No matter the reason, I am very grateful to her. Because it was that day during that I felt a presence that was calling to me. Somehow I knew it was based off my reptilian influence. I asked the woman to help, she did, and it was then that Nazli and I found each other. I am quite glad I found her too, else they would have skinned her for sure.
The woman seemed interesting in buying some of the vials of venom that I had collected, but we ended up parting ways without having any sort of real transaction.
An Experiment
This was perhaps a most disappointing day. I had originally hoped to head back to the Hasthansin temple without running into any other Death Dealer. But out of all that I could have come, Shoshana was the one to appear. She was so foolish and even jumped into the oasis's water in the middle of the cold night! It would have been nice to see her die of coldness.
We 'chatted' I guess you could say, not before being (gladly) interrupted by a shadow and his hydra companion. He and Shoshana cuddled up like an old couple and I decided to get some sleep after asking some questions about the shadow's hydra, Lerna. But at least one good thing did happen to me. I learned that I am able to control the actions and mindset of the serpents I oh so love. As I said before when I wrote my thoughts on the shadow, I wanted to test my new abilities out on the two, but alas I did not.
When morn came, Shoshana and I traveled back to the Hasthansin temple together, though we kept our voices to ourselves and put a little bit of distance between each other.
Sleep is for the Weak
Here was where I first met Hadjara. I was just wandering the Boil's sands, hoping for some quiet and peace. But then I saw this woman laying in the sand sleeping with a crocodile right next to her. This peaked my curiosity, so I went to 'investigate'. It turned out that she was 'sick'. I gave her some water, talked with her about reptilians and familiars and had an overall nice time with her. I tend to be more lenient when it comes to women after all, and she was very kind and interesting.
A man and another woman appeared not soon after. That was when I receded from the conversations and drama and decided to observe rather than interrupt. I ended up moving on, since I did not want to be involved in what I assume was family matters.
Dart Frogs
It was here were I met the woman Hadjara, Hara, and the adumbrate Malak. It was a very interesting day, one I'm not entirely sure I would like to say was either good nor bad. Still, we held an interesting conversation and I managed to convince the adumbrate and his host to come with me to the Hasthansin temple. How could I not offer this when my very existence sorely worships Reikuani and the adumbrates?
Temples and Tours
On this slow day, I gave the woman, Hadjara, and the adumbrate, Malak, a complete tour of the Hasthansin temple. In all its beauty, I believe she was impressed. It took much of the day to show them a large portion of my home, and in the process I managed to find a new familiar; a turkey vulture named Cray. Hadjara left her Marsh Drake, Satu, in the care of the massive Oasis and then went on her way.
Too Many Pets
I was originally looking for reptilian riding animals, but then decided I had enough creatures as it was. On my way to leave, a fae woman named Cia confronted me. She had noticed Nazli and identified her as a Death Viper. The woman wanted to pay me for extracted venom, but I refused as Nazli was a companion and not a stock pile.
The woman seemed to understand and as it were, I was interested in still receiving coin. Before I could accomplish anything however, I was visited by a deity and was cursed to where my body could not create it's own warmth.He gave me the instructions to cure myself, then left.
After that terrible and random event, I took Cia to a remote Oasis, found another Death Viper, and sold a vial of its toxins to her. Then we parted ways after that night. My next destination was one of the Boil's markets.
Shopping for Cyril
After I got that bothersome curse, I immediately went to one of the Boil's more famous markets. At the market, I managed to hire a man by the name of Blue to assist me in finding all the items. Normally I would not need help with such things, but I was in a hurry. After finding all the items, I headed for the Cliffs.
Mother was….quiet. At least to me she was. Mother loved my oldest brother, Darn, much more than the rest of us. She spent all her time, all her teachings and whatnot mainly on him. Well, him and Geb, my second oldest brother. The rest of us were pretty much neglected by her, really. Even my oldest sister gained no love from her. We longed for Mother’s attention, but she never gave it.
She was forced to marry Father at a young age, so she told me. It seemed like she cared little for our father and was more focused on her legacies, Darn and Geb. She had no friends outside our family and always kept to herself. Mother covered her entire body, except for her eyes, every time she went outside too. She was very antisocial, and I believe that I inherited that trait. Apparently I look closest to her too.
I hated her guts as she continued to ignore us. Sure, she taught me to read and write when Darn and Geb left, but that was just to get her mind off the thought of what danger they could be in. She never really cared, and I resented her for that. And when she killed herself? She was nothing more than a dead coward to me, a stranger. It’s funny how I never even knew my mother’s name.
Father (Heztic)
Father was much more tolerable than Mother, though not by much. He tended to pay more attention to all his sons rather than just his eldest. He cared little to nothing about my sisters, who had absolutely no love from either of our parents. Father was a decent man. I am not sure, but I think he dealt with slavers quite a bit. The others and I were never allowed in the basement of our estate, after all, so he could have had slaves.
I gained almost no features from him, other than his facial structure and nose. I received only what some may call the ‘worst traits’ from him; sadism, anger, and so on. The only good trait I gained was patience, which has saved my lives many times.
Father taught me how to fight at a young age. He taught all his sons, including me, how to control our magic too, or at least what we knew at the time, like my snake handling. I will not lie, he was a decent man. But in the end, he was a heretic and a coward, therefore having no respect from me. Even though he seemed to care about me more though, I still know very little of him in the end.
Darn
Darn was my oldest brother. He was also a total ass that had nothing to do with anyone that was not Mother, Father, or Geb. He teased the rest of us. Gods, he was an arrogant bastard. I really do hope he had a painful death.
Never, not once, were we ever close. I remember both he and I got in a really nasty fight once. Of course he won, since he was the oldest and was trained to kill by that time while I was just a weak whelp. I managed to give him a broken nose, though, so I lost with a small victory. He was a bit nicer to my sisters, but to my brothers and eyes, we were nothing else but play things in his eyes.
I remember one time were he stuffed a snake under my pillow, before I knew I could handle them. Luckily I had my artifact since the snake was a diamond back rattlesnake. I’m pretty sure he was trying to kill me, but I was able to pick the snake up and throw it out the window without pissing it off. Then, in the middle of the night, I went over and kicked him in the balls. Hard. I bet if he were alive, he couldn’t even have children if he wanted to.
I’m not entirely sure when Darn died. Somewhere between the age twenty-one to twenty-three. Hope the bastard isn’t on Reikuani’s good side. Would just be like him to show me up even in the after life. Bastard.
Geb
Geb was….alright. He was not a total asshole like Darn. He never picked on any of us younger sibling and tended to keep to himself. Never really knew him. He tended to be very serious and kept to himself. I bet even Darn knew barely anything about him, what he enjoyed, what he disliked. He was very obedient. I looked up to him…in a way. Still, not much to say about him. He died around eighteen years old.
Elerna
My oldest sister, Elerna, was actually quite kind. She was more a mother to us than our actually mother. She looked out for use and made sure we didn’t get into any kind of trouble. She was a very shy person though and rarely spoke to anyone. She and I did talk from time to time but only about simple things such as the weather. I actually appreciated her though, for being there, when I was young. That all changed when she took her own life though.
Elerna was as bad as our parents. The person that was supposed to take care of us, look out for us, took the cowardly way out of the world. She could not handle the death of our parents, even though they paid no attention to her. It’s something I can’t, and won’t, be able to understand. She died at 25.
I’ve yet to ever actually write about this day that happened a while ago. Twelve years, four months, and sixteen days to be precise. I suppose no one ever forgets doing something like what I did. Do I regret it? Do I regret killing my five other siblings? No. I cannot regret. They are with Reikuani now and are therefore, better than they could be. But was it truly my place to judge whether they had the right to live or do? Perhaps. Or perhaps no. Either way, I cannot feel sorry for them nor can I break down because of my decision. The past is the past and I must move on.
It was quite a lovely day, beautiful enough where I can remember almost every detail. For once, the temperature was at a comfortable degree, enough to where I had no need to wear the natural clothing that most Boil natives wear. My five younger siblings, Gretta, Bezin, Kil (my younger sisters), Tibaik, and Jaru (my two younger brothers) were still mourning my parents and all my older siblings. They would not leave the house ever and only ate before returning to their beds and mourning some more. None of them would listen to me. None of them seemed to like me.
I tried, I really did. I tried to get them up and moving. They even stopped their daily prayers to the goddess. They never spoke, never cried, and rarely ever moved. When I looked in their eyes, they were empty like the sky. And you know what? I was the one that was truly alone. Me. I was the one that was fighting for purpose. They took the easy way out and gave up! They abandoned me.
My actions were correct. They were already dead inside. None of them had anything to do with me, none would listen. All they did was hold me back from my true potential. Now I realize that they were heretics too, all five of them! They had abandoned their goddess. Due to the sins our family had committed, were committing, I had to make it up to the goddess. Even my own parents and older sister were heretics. They committed suicide because of the loss in our family! While we all may meet death one day, suicide without a reasonable cause, such as keeping our order’s secrets secret, is cowardly.
You know, I didn’t run away, when I set the estate on fire. I barricaded the doors and shutters so no one could get out. Sometimes I still see them in my dreams, ya know? Hear them. I’m standing in front of a wooden door and I can hear all my siblings screaming and begging me to let them out. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. They were dead to me. I heard them scream. It was the only time where I have heard screams of pain and did not feel soothed by it. I changed my mind at the last minute. Goddess forgive me for my youth, but I tried to let them out. I started undoing the barricade…but I was too late.
I got burned badly in the process; I still have the scar on half my face to prove it. I’ve yet to tell anyone that I tried to save my siblings at the last moment. The Death Dealers may see me weak, unfit to be in their council. No one must learn of this. No one must truly know how I received this scar. No one but me. It will be a permanent reminder of my actions and of my momentary weakness.
I am merely rambling with my written words. Most of this does not make much sense. To me it does, and that is all that truly matters.