Arish - the Lightbearer
Biography
Arish, a prophet hailing from the Arborian Elves, was chosen by The Light to wield divine power following the The Cataclysm, a calamity that depleted the Arcane energies from the world. Leveraging his bestowed power, Arish parted the Nord Sea, providing safe passage to Human refugees fleeing from northern Arboria, known as Drakenheim, to the present-day Sturmgard.Early Life and Connection with Celeena
Arish's extraordinary Arcane abilities became apparent at a young age, attracting the attention of the Kleriel Elves. Simultaneously, he developed a deep bond with a fellow elf, Celeena. This bond, born out of their shared interest in Arcane studies and a thirst for knowledge, transitioned into a profound love. The young elf's potential earned him a spot at the respected Lay'Shadesh Academy, where he refined his Arcane powers under expert mentors. His rapid progress and growing power didn't go unnoticed by the ruling Magisters.The Magisters and Controversies
The Magisters, Kleriel's ruling mages known for their wisdom and unmatched Arcane power, drafted Arish into their service post his graduation as an Arcanist. However, Arish's growing disillusionment with the Magisters' harsh measures and ideologies led to tension. His superiors, considering him emotionally vulnerable, assigned him a bureaucratic role in Arboria, distant from political intrigue.Exchange with Humans
Arish began interacting with the Human tribes of Hyperboria, situated beyond Arboria's Iglophian mountains. His fascination with their stories and their veneration for the Elves as celestial descendants led to a mutually beneficial exchange. In return for the Humans exploring Hyperborian ruins and retrieving artifacts, Arish offered them resources.Academic Rebellion
The dark magic-laden artifacts from Hyperboria suggested the existence of another civilization predating the Elves aside from the holy Precursors themselves, a fact potentially capable of rewriting history. Arish, presenting this knowledge at the Lay'Shadesh Academy, faced accusations of heresy, dark arts practice, and treason from the Magisters. Nevertheless, Arish and his academic peers stood firm against these charges, refusing to back down.Celeena, The Love that Touched His Life
Arish's passions and scholarly pursuits garnered the admiration of Celeena, a beautiful elven maiden and the daughter of a local count who ruled over the peninsula between today's Sturmgard and Ardechia. The count, protective of his daughter, aided their work in secret, providing supplies and a hideout for artifact studies. As Arish ventured into the Hyperborian ruins, Celeena conducted research back home, their love only deepening despite their time apart.The Cataclysm: A Twist of Fate
The Cataclysm, a disastrous event that wiped out the Kleriel Imperium and significantly weakened Arcane magic, led to a volcanic winter, instigating the Ice Age. As the northern Humans sought refuge in the south, Arish, then in Hyperboria, attempted to use his drained Arcane powers to part the Nord Sea. At the brink of despair, the Divine Light bestowed upon Arish the power to create a passage, prompting his acceptance as a prophet.A Clash of Perspectives
Celeena's father, along with her brothers, all fell in a chain of fierce battles against the invading Humans in the east, which ignited a vengeful flame within her. As Arish urged for mercy towards Humanity, Celeena, full of grief and anger, refused and resorted to the Dark Arts. Her destructive wrath earned her the moniker, the Witch Queen. Her reign of terror ended when she was incapacitated by The Mason, the prophet of the Church of the Mason, which mortally wounded her. The fallout of her dark magic corrupted the surrounding lands, transforming them into the dreaded Grimwood. She opted for self-isolation within her cursed realm, the darkness that now consumes her wanting nothing more than for her to lash out, but she must resist. Her fortress, Drakmire Keep, houses her twisted servants who prey upon the common folk of the surrounding area and bring her tribute, to sate her hunger and keep her sane.Guardian of Light: A Beacon of Hope
After the dust settled, Arish played a crucial role in founding the peaceful Reich of Sturmgard, where Humans and Elves coexisted. The cohabitation model involved a Human Kaiser and an Elven Arbiter, working together for a prosperous future. Their successful alliance led to the reopening of the Lay'Shadesh Academy, which caused a schism among the Elves. The Vallerian Empire, the self-proclaimed successor to the Kleriel Imperium, vehemently opposed this move.The Pact of Light
The Faith of Light spread across Lynora and Ezrenhelm, integrating more Elves as well as Dwarves. However, the expanding faith sparked an invasion from the southern Vallerian Elves, thwarted by an Elder Dragon, Athirey, resulting in the formation of the Pact of Light. As such, the Vallerians spawned that which they feared, a united military alliance in the north. Today, Arish, the Guardian of Light, tirelessly safeguards the pact with his wisdom and divine power. His main rivals remain the Vallerian Elves, including ex-Kleriel Magisters. Rumours persist of Celeena's survival, though Arish knows her consumed by darkness, beyond any hope of salvation.Appearance
Arish, an aged Arborian Elf, possesses long white hair and a distinguished pointed beard. Favoring mage robes in a gentle white, he exudes the aura of a respected Arcanist. His advanced age belies his physical appearance, a testament to the preserving effect of his magic and the power of The Light. Surpassing the typical lifespan of Elves, Arish's condition fuels speculation about his immortality. His contributions are immortalized in sculptures and paintings, portraying him as a venerable mage clutching a staff radiating light in his right hand and tenderly cradling a Human infant in his left. These works symbolize Arish's newfound Light-given powers and his guiding hand in leading the infant race that is Humanity into a promising future.
Current Location
Species
Age
1547
Children
Sex
Male
Eyes
Beige
Hair
Long, white
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
White
Quotes & Catchphrases
"As the light guides us, so too must we guide those still in darkness. We are all torchbearers in this world."
"In unity, we find strength. In diversity, we find richness. In compassion, we find our true selves."
"The arc of history may be long, but it is a path that we shape with our actions today. Be the author of your own destiny."
Belief/Deity
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
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