Malkisaidek Tsiskari

“You are special and that’s why they ain’t gonna love you. Make them.”

Malkisaidek was born in a small, shabby hut atop the Three-headed Hill. His mother spoke of the royal Tsiskari blood flowing through his veins. The blood of the dynasty that centuries ago was overthrown by the wretched Bagvushs. She presented him with a morning star, the weapon Malk’s father left to his children.

Keke’s words implanted in the boy’s mind, inspiring Malk to regain his rightful throne.

One day, Keke showed young Malkisaidek a torn book with no cover. Malk asked his brother Adarnerse to teach him how to read. Initially, Nerse refused and warned of the book’s danger. It detailed a method of linking to a Nature Anraakh, a star granting might over the surrounding flora. Any mistake could be deadly. Yet Malk’s persistence won over and Nerse complied.

As Keke’s health deteriorated and Nerse studied to gain a scholarship, Malk worked in construction to provide for his family. Following Keke’s death, the child buried himself in Nature Anraakh's book and slowly connected to the star.

Magic

The Nature Anraakh allows Malkisaidek to grow plants upon touching the ground with feet or hands. The growth is instantaneous, and the tree’s movement follows Malk’s will. Malkisaidek can form and control wooden puppets, but they need intense focus to animate.

The Anraakh-grown flora relies solely on the star for sustenance, with no need for water or nutrients.

Malkisaidek can’t grow trees if there isn’t solid ground underneath. For example, he can form plants inside buildings, but not on a sailing ship. Certain star magic can hinder the growth as well.

Titles

Khelmtsiphe Malkisaidek IV Tsiskari, king of kings and the uniting sovereign of the Dayani Empire, tamer of the Sea of Wastes, overseer of Firoz, Badakhsh, Lazhvurd, Iyasp and Zurmukh, the First Star of the Morning, the Patron of the Nature and the Spirit of Rebellion.

Mother

Keke

Father

Unknown descendant of the Tsiskari lineage

Sibling

Adarnerse

Spouse

Borena Orbel

Children

Paralansarr Tsiskari

Species

Dunyar

Year of Birth

2075 AR/ADF 50 Years old

Sex

Male

Eyes

Green with yellow dots

Hair

Brown, shoulder length

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Olive

Height

2.4 metres

Weight

156 kg.

The Fleeing Boy

Several years after linking to the star, Malk heard metal clacking near the hill. As he approached the commotion, he saw an army pursuing a boy roughly his age. Without wasting a second, Malk stomped on the ground, forming tree people who charged down the hill and annihilated the armoured men. He then spread apart roots and engulfed the soldiers in the earth.

The stunned boy was Reon Kin'Ghaard, a fleeing prince from Khaba’Ardia. He was carrying a Sky Anraakh book and wished to learn it. Malk welcomed Reon and helped him link to the star.

The Speri King

Reon spoke of Sper King Klaeon, who offered him an alliance against Reon’s father Rhamas and Dayani ruler Kole Bagvush. Malk informed Nerse, asking if he wished to lead the rebellion, just as Keke envisioned. Nerse deemed the plan suicidal and refused.

“Well, then I’ll be the king!”

Malk buried his home, after which Reon and he made their way to Klaeon’s castle. The king welcomed them as an adoptive father.

The Preparations

The Vinwardisi Forest, a region in Sper, became Malk and Reon’s base of operations. Many soon deemed Malkisaidek to be the Spirit of Rebellion, who’d usurp the unjust Bagvushs. The most notable additions to the rebellion were Klays Bjeng, Qaitlen Vinwardisi, Prisela and Lavran Lavvaley. Malk fell in love with Prisela and the pair were frequently seen together.

When Nerse gained an apprenticeship from King Kole’s royal scholar Al'Arikh, Malk persuaded the brother to become his spy.

The Rebellion

Aided by Nerse’s intel, Malkisaidek’s rebellion began as Rhamas was visiting Kole’s castle. Malk broke through the enemy lines and went straight to Kole’s palace. Al’Arikh stepped in front of the gate and duelled the approaching rebel. The fierce clash ended as Malkisaidek pinned down the scholar and ripped his head off his shoulders.

The match was perfect and the duel - exhausting. It was the first legendary battle in my history, yet the main event was yet to unfold. With a tight grip on my opponent's head, I marched into the castle.

The image I saw was harrowing. Kole held my brother, may Sept’Ambra grace his tender soul. Brother was all in tears, begging me for help. Yet, the Old King said, “Yield and go back! You can still survive this encounter. There shall not be any consequences. I give my word.”

And only then did I see the poor prince stand before me. Holding a sword, shivering as an insect. He’d still die. If not by my hand, then in a pitiful battle. He wasn’t destined to be the king. The obvious truth ahead, I had already realised. My brother wouldn’t live that night. Even with, or without me, he would die. He sacrificed his life for me.

“There is no way back!”, cried I and shattered the prince’s face with my morning star, sparing him his miserable life. Old King slit my brother’s throat. I charged him.

Once the battle commenced, Kole’s palace moved alongside its master. The king’s magic prevented Malk from sprouting trees, forcing him to rely solely on the morning star. Pillars slithered around the rebel, constricting the warrior and forcing the air out of his lungs. Just as Malk was about to lose consciousness, Prisela darted towards Kole and stabbed him in the back. The king’s magic wavered, freeing Malkisaidek. The rebel seized the chance, swung the morning star and shattered Kole’s chest.

During the celebration feast, Reon asked the crowned Malkisaidek about plans and reforms. The khelmtsiphe glared at the friend and shrugged him off.

The Zarzman Princess

Soon following the ascension, Malkisaidek incorporated Khaba’Ardia and Sper into the newly formed Dayani Empire. To gain Zarzma’s favour, he proposed marriage to its princess, Borena Orbel. When Prisela confronted Malk, the khelmtsiphe vouched for his love and offered her to stay by his side as a lover. Prisela said nothing, walked away and never contacted Malk since.

Several months later, the Royal Scientist Klays confirmed Borena’s pregnancy. As Malk awaited the possible heir, Klays informed him of the queen ordering pregnant Prisela’s imprisonment and torture. The royal scientist initially complied. She later helped Prisela escape but didn’t know of her current whereabouts. Enraged, Malkisaidek beat Borena and would have killed her if Reon hadn’t intervened. Klays ensured the queen’s wounds healed without a mark, yet couldn’t save the child.

Soon after the incident, Reon brought Malk on a ship and confessed to killing Prisela. The khelmtsiphe’s eyes swelled with tears as he uttered,

“I understand.”

Kingship

Malkisaidek was rarely interested in politics and entrusted governing to Reon and other spasalaris. He often visited battle academies and trained with recruits. Malk was frequently seen chattering with commoners and patting them on the back, sometimes accidentally knocking the person to the ground.

Malkisaidek often held feasts. He was usually cheerful, but if anyone slipped up and insulted the khelmtsiphe, his piercing glare acted as a stern warning.

Son in the Palm of his Hand

Borena went through several miscarriages until giving birth to Paralansarr. The infant was small enough to fit inside Malkisaidek’s palm. Yet Klays ensured the boy’s survival.

Malk hoped the gaunt boy would grow up similar to his father. But his wishes dwindled as the years went on. Malk told of blood-filled battles and took young Parr to hunts. But the mere sight of blood sickened the prince.

The khelmtsiphe entrusted Parr to Reon, Lavran, and Klays, who acted as the prince’s mentors.

The Promise

Malkisaidek conquered neighbouring kingdoms of Oshqa, Pitiund, Dioskuria and Phazis under the Dayani Empire. Tensions rose between Malk and Firozi Maharaja Dahaab. To ease the relationship, Dahaab sent his second son, Daud , to Dayaen. Malkisaidek distrusted the boy, but deemed his medical knowledge as useful.

Daud founded Golden Nighabis, a dunyar mage division that linked to their commander and shared their magic. The Firozi prince feared for his homeland and asked Malk to ensure Firoz’s freedom. The Dayani khelmtsiphe agreed.

The Grand Metal War

The war began as the Firoz’s ally, the Amaar Empire’s, awoken a slumbering Amaar. Reon slayed the beast, but The Amaar Empire soon imprisoned Reon’s sons Piino and Rai’Laith inside a flying fortress, Istahir. Using Piino’s portals and Rai’Laith’s intel, Padishah Altassan landed a devastating attack on Malkisaidek’s forces. The assault became known as the Massacre at Shadis-Shababa.

Seven years later, during the Battle of Rebirth, Paralansarr noticed a faint island silhouette in the sky and alerted Malkisaidek. Aided by his son’s directions, the khelmtsiphe raised a massive tree and caught the fortress. The siege ended as Malkisaidek’s forces rushed through and Parr freed the two prisoners.

A year after, Piino struck Altassan’s castle and watched the padishah’s family massacre. Meanwhile, Malkisaidek defeated the Sea of Wastes’ ruler Aphridon and gained control over the southern desert.

The Amaar Empire’s defeat weakened Firoz and its allied kingdoms, Badakhsh, Lazhvurd, Iyasp and Zurmukh. One by one, Malkisaidek killed the four golden dharaat rajas. The war ceased following the Duel at the Istahir Wastes, when Reon killed the eldest Firozi Prince Takkur, while Malkisaidek ended Firozi Maharaja Dahaab.

The Aftermath

Malkisaidek was ready to leave Firoz and the four surrounding kingdoms independent. But soon Lavran suggested occupying Firoz to spread the khelmtsiphe’s influence. The proposition was tempting, and Malk put Lavran as Firoz’s de facto leader.

Daud reminded Malk of his promise, but the khelmtsiphe’s mocking smile ceased any argument.

Several weeks later, Klays informed Malkisaidek of Daud secretly supporting Firozi rebels. The khelmtsiphe confronted Daud and when the Firozi prince tried defending himself, Malk bashed his head until Daud’s face fused into a lump of metal. Malkisaidek ordered the traitor’s corpse to be thrown from the palace.

Aphridon’s son, Q'ubasar, refused to acknowledge Malkisaidek’s control over the Sea of Wastes. The self-proclaimed uniter frequently raided Dayaen’s southern border and became a source of headache for Malk.

The Armour

After ascending the throne, Malkisaidek commissioned Khalib Isaac a helmet adorned with Al’Arikh’s horns and halo.

Following the Grand Metal War, the Dayani khelmtsiphe gave Isaac Altassan’s wings and five golden dharaat raja corpses. Padishah’s wings were dipped in gold and affixed to the arms. The four raja faces became pauldrons and poleyns, while Dahaab’s face acted as a breastplate. Displaying body parts was a grave insult among dharaats, who instead completely melted their deceased.

The golden armour became a symbol of Malkisaidek’s might and victory over his opponents.

The Feast

Four years after the Grand Metal War, Malkisaidek held a feast. As expected, the khelmtsiphe demanded everyone to eat his favourite fish meals. Only Reon dared to refuse. It started with a faint cough, which turned into wheezing as Reon gasped for breath. Malk rushed towards the friend and shouted for help, but it was too late. Reon Kin’Ghaard was dead.

Malk ordered Klays to test the food and drinks served at the feast. The royal scientist found the wine to be poisoned, while an antidote was inside each fish meal. As everyone but Reon ate fish, the poison only affected him.

Following Reon’s funeral, Malkisaidek left the palace and disappeared without a trace.

Notable relationships

Keke

Malkisaidek adored his mother and wished she could have seen him retake the Dayani throne. To honour Keke’s memory, Malk built a grand monument depicting her as a gentle guardian, with reaching arms and a warm smile. Anyone disrespecting Keke in front of Malkisaidek swiftly met his wrathful morning star.

Malk didn’t remember his mother’s features, but only the idealised version of her face.

Adarnerse

Malk worked tirelessly to ensure his brother could focus on studying. He viewed Nerse as a humble and cautious man and wasn’t surprised when he refused to lead the rebellion.

Malk used Nerse’s apprenticeship with Al’Arikh and didn’t consider the brother’s care for his mentor. After hearing Nerse’s breakdown before death, Malkisaidek believed Al’Arikh and Joaqim manipulated his brother.

Malk rarely talked about Nerse.

Reon

Malkisaidek saw Reon as his closest friend and brother. He trusted the friend’s judgement and admired his strength. Reon was the only person able to oppose Malk. The two frequently sparred to compare their magic and skills. The duels often ended in a tie, much to the khelmtsiphe’s annoyance.

Malk knew Reon killed Prisela to ensure the empire’s peace, and the incident didn’t affect their relationship.

Reon’s death confused and devastated Malkisaidek and the grief-struck man left his palace.

“With my brother, my childhood died.”

Klaeon

Malk viewed Klaeon as a caring father figure. However, he suspected the king’s possible ulterior motives and didn’t trust him completely.

Prisela

Prisela’s directness and boldness intrigued Malk, and he was soon smitten with the assassin. After marrying Borena, he wished to keep the relationship with Prisela and was saddened to see her leave.

Malk thought Prisela disappeared out of anger, yet Klays’s intel and Reon’s confession revealed the truth. He often mentioned the lost love after several drinks.

Lavran

Lavran quickly gained Malk’s trust and became a close friend. Following Lavran’s conquest of Firoz, Malkisaidek gifted him the eyes of the five golden dharaat rajas, which Lavran placed on his turban.

Qaitlen

Malkisaidek cared for Qaitlen and respected her independent nature. He often visited Vinwardisi to chat with her while enjoying Grandma Wue’s cooking.

Klays

Malk recognised Klays’s medical expertise and was thankful to her for saving Paralansarr’s life. The two frequently shared indecent jokes.

Borena

Malk didn’t love Borena, seeing their marriage as a purely political relationship. He didn’t regret his actions following the news of Prisela’s torture.

Malk stayed loyal to the queen, as affairs with other women would ruin his own and the empire’s image

Paralansarr

Malk was disappointed to see his son grow up so different from himself. He deemed Parr as a meek and soft-natured boy. Malk often hugged and pinched the son’s cheeks, not minding Parr’s visible annoyance.

Malk was proud of Parr’s contribution during the Battle of Rebirth. After the prince made Istahir his base of operations, Malk often joked about Parr lazying around in a “tree house of his”.

“I love my son. One day he will be a good right-hand!”

Rham’Ussu

The khelmtsiphe deemed Remus as Reon’s successor and the future amirspasalari. The Unlinked boy’s perseverance, skills and love for battles impressed Malk. He wished Parr resembled Remus.

Nature Anraakh

Malkisaidek named the star Banjgvla after its shaggy fur. He frequently annoyed Banjgvla by ignoring it or repeatedly humming its nickname. A rare exception where a dunyar gave their star a headache.

Merann

Malk adored Reon’s winged and horned mare. He enjoyed petting the odd horse and often picked her up as a show of strength.