Lightning in the Wind Character in The Centurion's Riddle | World Anvil

Lightning in the Wind

Lightning in the Wind (a.k.a. Lightning)

Given Lightning's history, you may actually be looking for Mist or Balio Sondern (the persona). This article is explicitly about Lightning in the Wind.

Lightning in the Wind was a Ysoki born in the Ikali Expanse, specifically the village of Wexa. Notably, he was the older brother of Mist, the captain of the Maelstrom, and a confirmed bearer of the Mantle of the Walker, which he gave to Mist upon his death.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Lightning's history is somewhat muddled due to the effects of being a Walker, but certain events have been solidified by that same Mantle and pure visions from the Dreamer.

Lightning was born in the village of Wexa to Warmth in the Clouds and Dances with Leaves, and was trained to be a hunter from an early age. He developed the abilities of a Mystic in his teens, which led him to become increasingly bold in how far he traversed the jungles on his own. At some point Lightning was cursed by a Skinny Man, which was countered by an equal blessing from Unari Dama. This curse seems to have led to an interaction with a dying man named Sammy, who gave Lightning the Mantle of the Walker. Soon after, Lightning left Castrovel behind, eventually taking up the name Balio Sondern, and traversing the stars as the captain of the Maelstrom.

He returned home only sparingly (given the restrictions on travel surrounding Ukulam), but eventually invited his younger brother to join his ship as a gunner and engineer. The crew began taking work for Dominic Altraeza, and earned a name for themselves as competent mercenaries and smugglers. In 315 AG, Lightning took a job from Altraeza's Riders to steal a data disk from the Barathu, but the job went horribly wrong, and the ship was destroyed just outside of Bretheda.

Just before his death, Lightning transferred his Mantle to Mist, and thus all of his broken memories.

Mental Trauma

As seen in the visions given by his former Mantle, Lightning's mind was incredibly fractured by the personas he brought into his own psyche. He seemed to have trouble separating them, especially in times of stress, and came to lean on the idea of Balio far more than Lightning -- which some may argue consumed his personality nigh-entirely.

Relationships

Lightning in the Wind

Brother (Vital)

Towards Mist

5

Honest


Mist

Brother (Vital)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

5

Honest


History

Mist and Lightning were inseparable as brothers, until the latter mysteriously disappeared for a life among the stars. Eventually, Lightning returned and took Mist with him, serving as a ragtag crew of adventurers -- until disaster struck, and Lightning perished in his brother's arms.

Lightning in the Wind

Lover (Important)

Towards Nei Shou

4

Dishonest


Nei Shou

Lover (Important)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

5

Honest


History

Lightning and Nei Shou were lovers for several years, but it is unclear if Nei was in love with Balio or Lightning, or if she was aware of Lightning's Mantle at all.

Nicknames & Petnames

"Nei Nei", "Bails"

Lightning in the Wind

Best Friend (Vital)

Towards Oliver West

5

Honest


Oliver West

Best Friend (Vital)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

5

Honest


History

After Lightning stole the Maelstrom, Oliver (who was already working on the ship as a pilot) decided to stay on board. The two became close friends during their time together, and reportedly shared many secrets.

Lightning in the Wind

Friend (Important)

Towards Ricardo Dominguez

3

Honest


Ricardo Dominguez

Friend (Important)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

3

Honest


History

Lightning invited Ricardo to join the Maelstrom around the same time as Mist. Although the Android was seen as unapproachable by many of his peers, Lightning and Ricardo shared a love for advanced weaponry, and the two became close during their travels.

Lightning in the Wind

Friend (Important)

Towards Annwen

3

Honest


Annwen

Friend (Important)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

3

Honest


History

Although yet explored, Annwen and Lightning were considered friends, and served amicably together on the Maelstrom.

Lightning in the Wind

Friend (Important)

Towards Yawan Duran

3

Honest


Yawan Duran

Friend (Important)

Towards Lightning in the Wind

3

Honest


History

Although yet explored, Yawan and Lightning were considered friends, and served amicably together on the Maelstrom.

Artwork by Jesica Nguyen
Species
Previously Held Ranks & Titles
Date of Birth
Sarenith the 1st, 289 AG
Life
287 AG 315 AG 28 years old
Birthplace
Wexa
Spouses
Siblings
Mist (Brother)
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Light Blue
Hair
Brown/White Fur
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tan
Height
3'6"
Weight
83 lbs.
Aligned Organization

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