Reaper Lineage
With the mantle of Reaper passed from one individual to the next, an unbroken line of individuals can be traced back to the days of antiquity. This list of Reapers is considered a part of the history of Genesis, and provides a way to remember those who gave up their lives that might have been in service to Fate.
Reapers who lived during this time period have often had their names lost to time and are known only by title. Their exact order is unknown, and some gaps exist where other Reapers have been forgotten. Khamet, the First Reaper (??? - ???)
Almost nothing is known about the first Reaper; the name Khamet is only a guess, based on the theory that the great beast who dwells in the Dreamroad is actually some sort of immortal remnant of the first to offer themself in service to the gods. Whoever he was, he dates back to some point in the Cold Years, many millennia in the past. The Jackal Reaper (??? - ???)
Known as the Reaper who banished the Immortal Flame from the world and killed two of his half-demon sons. The first Reaper to be killed by Seraphs, starting the ancient blood feud that has raged ever since. The Bear Reaper (??? - ???)
Known as a peacemaker, the Bear Reaper supposedly orchestrated an end to the longstanding wars between the shapeshifters of the far north and the ancestors of the Wave Walker elves. The Bull Reaper (??? - ???)
Known for fighting and and imprisoned the great monster Cetus when it was terrorizing the shores of the Mediterranean. According to legend, the Bull Reaper had the ability to change his form into many animals, not just one, suggesting that he was a powerful mage. The Eagle Reaper (??? - ???)
According to legend, the father of the Stormcrows through means that aren't entirely clear when considering the fact that Reapers are known to be sterile. Very little is known about the Eagle Reaper. Stormcrow mythology says he lives on as a Freed Spirit known as Great Shadow, but it's unknown whether there's any truth to this. THE KNOWN PAST
Far more documentation exists for Reapers from this point onwards. Writings and accounts exist to help support the stories of their accomplishments, dates of ascendance and death, and help describe them as individuals beyond their deeds. Jhayden Anurios, the Lion Reaper (1003-1135 CE)
A powerful, long-reigning Reaper who was best remembered for his defeat of a rogue dragon that had terrorized the Pacific Northwest. Known for his close association with the elves of Silverleaf and Starfall, and remembered as a kind, thoughtful, and honorable man. He began the training of his successor Wynn Khajib before his own death, helping instill a lifelong fascination with magic that would lead to her blossoming into a prodigious mage. Wynn Khajib, the Raven Reaper (1125-1232 CE)
The most famous of the Reapers due to her role in channeling the power of the gods to create Genesis. Wynn's magical talents far outstripped most of her brethren, leading to creations like the Painted Ways which many would have considered impossible for a single mortal to accomplish. Compassionate and affectionate by nature, her grief over the death of her mentor at the hands of Seraphs hardened her and led her to begin a one-woman war against the Seraph family known as the War of Dark Flames, reducing their strength to the lowest point it's ever reached. Leon Ives, the Salamander Reaper (1232-1278 CE)
Born with an affinity for fire due to his associated animal spirit, Leon was seen as a personal affront by the Seraphs. Though their numbers and influence had been gravely reduced by his predecessor, it signaled the family's reformation into a smaller, deadlier, and more covert force. Leon was killed abruptly, not far into his reign, beginning a succession of several Reapers who were thrown into their roles with little of the training or preparation that prior Reapers had enjoyed. The Bastard Reaper, the Halfblood Reaper (1278-1281 CE)
Very little is known about Leon's successor aside from the fact that he was of the Old World, knew nothing of Genesis or its people, and was the only Reaper not of the ancient bloodlines. Thought to have somehow received the Reaper amulet from a dying Leon in desperation, he assumed responsibility as Fate's servant but rapidly fell prey to the overwhelming effects of the amulet on a regular human. Rapidly taking on monstrous attributes and beginning to fall into madness, with little in the way of guidance or allies, he was killed by Seraphs within only two years. Atka, the Gull Reaper (1281-1390 CE)
The last Reaper to be born into a world that still retained vague memories of before the Shattering, relatively little of Atka's life or deeds are remembered; while the length of his time as Reaper suggested he took too it far more successfully than his immediate predecessors, it was still a time of upheaval and confusion as Genesis settled into the state that it currently exists in and records are accordingly sparse. Kimia Malya, the Cat Reaper (1390-1470 CE)
Born into slavery and raised as a qiyān courtesan, Kimia's ascension as Reaper gave her the power to pursue life on her own terms; she continued to perform, amassing a great deal of wealth and influence from various wealthy clients alongside pursuing her duties as Reaper. Late in life she fell in love with a mage known as Liam and intended to marry him and pass on her mantle. The story of their doomed love, with Liam killed before their wedding day and Kimia taking her bloody vengeance, is a popular tale of romance and tragedy in Genesis. Rei Arryn, the Falcon Reaper (1470-1612 CE)
Known for his long reign and reclusive nature, the most significant events of Rei's life were his contributions to the Resurrection War that took place among the vampires of the Old World. It marks possibly the only time that a Reaper allied with vampires, working jointly to prevent the resurrection of the forbidden vampire god known as the Bound One. Fa Mei Ling, the Swan Reaper (1612-1640 CE)
Mei Ling was known for her healing abilities, both before and after her time as Reaper. Left crippled beyond even the Reaper's ability to heal relatively early in her reign, she passed her mantle to her younger brother Zhouhui and continued to support him with her significant magical talents until the end of her natural life. Fa Zhouhui, the Snake Reaper (1640-1802 CE)
Taking up the mantle from his sister once she was left unable to perform her duties, Zhouhui benefited immensely from having many years of a former Reaper's support and guidance and worked extremely well alongside Mei Ling for the duration of her life and after. He was known for being quiet, perceptive, and a master tactician who rarely had to face enemies head-on due to his calculation and foresight. Though he was aggressively pursued by the Seraphs who saw his snake spirit nature as an affront to their god, he reigned well beyond the average length of most recent Reapers. Sarah Zemel, the Moth Reaper (1802-1890 CE)
A quiet and lesser-known Reaper, Sarah fulfilled her duties dutifully and well. She wasn't overly involved in the politics and events of the other races, choosing to focus primarily on the demands of Fate. Relatively little of note is known about her, despite her being one of the most recent Reapers, and she was thought of as a kind but private person who had little desire for the world's stage. Haruko Nakajima, the Owl Reaper (1890-2015 CE)
Known for being stern and dutiful during her reign, Haruko turned her focus to Genesis after her homeland's tragedies heavily strained her relationship with Fate in the challenge all Reapers face. She learned to harden herself against the world's grief, but devoted herself to making what difference she could; her intervention notably saved the lives of the royal children of Silverleaf when the city fell to Seraphs. Kenneth Hunter, the Wolf Reaper (2015-2040 CE)
Coming to power relatively late in his life, Kenneth Hunter's time as Reaper began without great distinction until his family was killed at Seraph hands. From there he turned himself to an increasingly vicious vendetta against those responsible, decimating Seraph numbers once more and giving himself over more and more to madness through overuse of the Hidewalker's Gift. He's remembered with mixed respect, sympathy, and a thin edge of fear as a harsh and merciless Reaper. Artemis Hunter Pierce, the Crow Reaper (2040- ???)
Far kinder and more even-tempered than his predecessor, Artemis Hunter was brought together with a strange group of companions through the workings of fate and ended up as close friends with both Crown Princess Alysa of Silverleaf and the then-Huntlord Darius Seraph. This friendship brought Darius to desert the family, opening up a crucial schism in Seraph ranks, and led to Artemis and Darius banding together in the resulting upheaval that culminated in the permanent death of the Immortal Flame and the breach of secrecy separating Genesis and the Old World. J'alla Seraph, the Fox Reaper (???-???)
Born with a unique half-Seraph heritage, J'alla found herself the inheritor of three legacies; the mantle of Reaper, the fire abilities of her father's bloodline, and a technical claim to the throne of a newly restored Silverleaf. Though she was often fondly referred to as the 'Reaper Queen', she chose her duties over her royal inheritance but always maintained a protective watch over her mother's people despite their differences.
Criteria
The exact means by which a new Reaper is chosen aren't entirely clear, and the amulet that marks Fate's choice will appear to a new candidate upon the death of the prior Reaper if no successor has been selected ahead of time. Though Reapers have hailed from every walk of life and every corner of the world, there are some basic criteria that seem to always hold true. Reapers are always human, hailing from among the descendants of seven ancient bloodlines that the Hidewalker altered to be able to contain the power of a god; this isn't as clear as a distinction as one might think, due to the vast amount of time those bloodlines have had to spread in the millennia since their creation. A prospective Reaper is generally between the ages of 20-30, with no differentiation between the sexes, and are typically physically able-bodied due to the general vigor their bloodline seems to enjoy. They have a strong moral compass, a strong sense of duty, and an innate desire to help and defend others.Passing the Mantle
There are two ways in which one Reaper transitions to the next: voluntarily, or traumatically. Under ideal circumstances, a Reaper feeling that they're nearing the end of their life will choose a successor with Fate's guidance. This gives them an opportunity to introduce their successor to the realities of Genesis and its pantheon, as many of the Reaper bloodlines are scattered and hidden across the Old World, as well as a chance to pass along some of their advice and expertise. This sort of voluntary transition was more common in the past, when the Reaper was better known throughout the communities they'd be choosing an heir from and had more support and insulation against enemies. In recent years, it's far more common that the transition happens unexpectedly and violently. As previously mentioned, when a Reaper dies in the course of their duties Fate sees to it that the all-important amulet makes its way magically to someone with the potential to take it up; the amulet will disappear, reappearing in the right place and time. Reapers who are chosen this way start at a significant disadvantage, as many have no knowledge of the world they're becoming a part of and have little to guide them in their training beyond magically imparted instincts.The Reaper Lineage
The following is a brief summary of the known Reapers in the order they lived and served; dates listed are the duration of their time as Reaper, rather than their dates of birth and death. For more information on individuals, see Notable Characters. THE DISTANT PASTReapers who lived during this time period have often had their names lost to time and are known only by title. Their exact order is unknown, and some gaps exist where other Reapers have been forgotten. Khamet, the First Reaper (??? - ???)
Almost nothing is known about the first Reaper; the name Khamet is only a guess, based on the theory that the great beast who dwells in the Dreamroad is actually some sort of immortal remnant of the first to offer themself in service to the gods. Whoever he was, he dates back to some point in the Cold Years, many millennia in the past. The Jackal Reaper (??? - ???)
Known as the Reaper who banished the Immortal Flame from the world and killed two of his half-demon sons. The first Reaper to be killed by Seraphs, starting the ancient blood feud that has raged ever since. The Bear Reaper (??? - ???)
Known as a peacemaker, the Bear Reaper supposedly orchestrated an end to the longstanding wars between the shapeshifters of the far north and the ancestors of the Wave Walker elves. The Bull Reaper (??? - ???)
Known for fighting and and imprisoned the great monster Cetus when it was terrorizing the shores of the Mediterranean. According to legend, the Bull Reaper had the ability to change his form into many animals, not just one, suggesting that he was a powerful mage. The Eagle Reaper (??? - ???)
According to legend, the father of the Stormcrows through means that aren't entirely clear when considering the fact that Reapers are known to be sterile. Very little is known about the Eagle Reaper. Stormcrow mythology says he lives on as a Freed Spirit known as Great Shadow, but it's unknown whether there's any truth to this. THE KNOWN PAST
Far more documentation exists for Reapers from this point onwards. Writings and accounts exist to help support the stories of their accomplishments, dates of ascendance and death, and help describe them as individuals beyond their deeds. Jhayden Anurios, the Lion Reaper (1003-1135 CE)
A powerful, long-reigning Reaper who was best remembered for his defeat of a rogue dragon that had terrorized the Pacific Northwest. Known for his close association with the elves of Silverleaf and Starfall, and remembered as a kind, thoughtful, and honorable man. He began the training of his successor Wynn Khajib before his own death, helping instill a lifelong fascination with magic that would lead to her blossoming into a prodigious mage. Wynn Khajib, the Raven Reaper (1125-1232 CE)
The most famous of the Reapers due to her role in channeling the power of the gods to create Genesis. Wynn's magical talents far outstripped most of her brethren, leading to creations like the Painted Ways which many would have considered impossible for a single mortal to accomplish. Compassionate and affectionate by nature, her grief over the death of her mentor at the hands of Seraphs hardened her and led her to begin a one-woman war against the Seraph family known as the War of Dark Flames, reducing their strength to the lowest point it's ever reached. Leon Ives, the Salamander Reaper (1232-1278 CE)
Born with an affinity for fire due to his associated animal spirit, Leon was seen as a personal affront by the Seraphs. Though their numbers and influence had been gravely reduced by his predecessor, it signaled the family's reformation into a smaller, deadlier, and more covert force. Leon was killed abruptly, not far into his reign, beginning a succession of several Reapers who were thrown into their roles with little of the training or preparation that prior Reapers had enjoyed. The Bastard Reaper, the Halfblood Reaper (1278-1281 CE)
Very little is known about Leon's successor aside from the fact that he was of the Old World, knew nothing of Genesis or its people, and was the only Reaper not of the ancient bloodlines. Thought to have somehow received the Reaper amulet from a dying Leon in desperation, he assumed responsibility as Fate's servant but rapidly fell prey to the overwhelming effects of the amulet on a regular human. Rapidly taking on monstrous attributes and beginning to fall into madness, with little in the way of guidance or allies, he was killed by Seraphs within only two years. Atka, the Gull Reaper (1281-1390 CE)
The last Reaper to be born into a world that still retained vague memories of before the Shattering, relatively little of Atka's life or deeds are remembered; while the length of his time as Reaper suggested he took too it far more successfully than his immediate predecessors, it was still a time of upheaval and confusion as Genesis settled into the state that it currently exists in and records are accordingly sparse. Kimia Malya, the Cat Reaper (1390-1470 CE)
Born into slavery and raised as a qiyān courtesan, Kimia's ascension as Reaper gave her the power to pursue life on her own terms; she continued to perform, amassing a great deal of wealth and influence from various wealthy clients alongside pursuing her duties as Reaper. Late in life she fell in love with a mage known as Liam and intended to marry him and pass on her mantle. The story of their doomed love, with Liam killed before their wedding day and Kimia taking her bloody vengeance, is a popular tale of romance and tragedy in Genesis. Rei Arryn, the Falcon Reaper (1470-1612 CE)
Known for his long reign and reclusive nature, the most significant events of Rei's life were his contributions to the Resurrection War that took place among the vampires of the Old World. It marks possibly the only time that a Reaper allied with vampires, working jointly to prevent the resurrection of the forbidden vampire god known as the Bound One. Fa Mei Ling, the Swan Reaper (1612-1640 CE)
Mei Ling was known for her healing abilities, both before and after her time as Reaper. Left crippled beyond even the Reaper's ability to heal relatively early in her reign, she passed her mantle to her younger brother Zhouhui and continued to support him with her significant magical talents until the end of her natural life. Fa Zhouhui, the Snake Reaper (1640-1802 CE)
Taking up the mantle from his sister once she was left unable to perform her duties, Zhouhui benefited immensely from having many years of a former Reaper's support and guidance and worked extremely well alongside Mei Ling for the duration of her life and after. He was known for being quiet, perceptive, and a master tactician who rarely had to face enemies head-on due to his calculation and foresight. Though he was aggressively pursued by the Seraphs who saw his snake spirit nature as an affront to their god, he reigned well beyond the average length of most recent Reapers. Sarah Zemel, the Moth Reaper (1802-1890 CE)
A quiet and lesser-known Reaper, Sarah fulfilled her duties dutifully and well. She wasn't overly involved in the politics and events of the other races, choosing to focus primarily on the demands of Fate. Relatively little of note is known about her, despite her being one of the most recent Reapers, and she was thought of as a kind but private person who had little desire for the world's stage. Haruko Nakajima, the Owl Reaper (1890-2015 CE)
Known for being stern and dutiful during her reign, Haruko turned her focus to Genesis after her homeland's tragedies heavily strained her relationship with Fate in the challenge all Reapers face. She learned to harden herself against the world's grief, but devoted herself to making what difference she could; her intervention notably saved the lives of the royal children of Silverleaf when the city fell to Seraphs. Kenneth Hunter, the Wolf Reaper (2015-2040 CE)
Coming to power relatively late in his life, Kenneth Hunter's time as Reaper began without great distinction until his family was killed at Seraph hands. From there he turned himself to an increasingly vicious vendetta against those responsible, decimating Seraph numbers once more and giving himself over more and more to madness through overuse of the Hidewalker's Gift. He's remembered with mixed respect, sympathy, and a thin edge of fear as a harsh and merciless Reaper. Artemis Hunter Pierce, the Crow Reaper (2040- ???)
Far kinder and more even-tempered than his predecessor, Artemis Hunter was brought together with a strange group of companions through the workings of fate and ended up as close friends with both Crown Princess Alysa of Silverleaf and the then-Huntlord Darius Seraph. This friendship brought Darius to desert the family, opening up a crucial schism in Seraph ranks, and led to Artemis and Darius banding together in the resulting upheaval that culminated in the permanent death of the Immortal Flame and the breach of secrecy separating Genesis and the Old World. J'alla Seraph, the Fox Reaper (???-???)
Born with a unique half-Seraph heritage, J'alla found herself the inheritor of three legacies; the mantle of Reaper, the fire abilities of her father's bloodline, and a technical claim to the throne of a newly restored Silverleaf. Though she was often fondly referred to as the 'Reaper Queen', she chose her duties over her royal inheritance but always maintained a protective watch over her mother's people despite their differences.
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