Xenk Yendar (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
partybabysitter) wrote2023-12-16 11:27 pm
partybabysitter) wrote2023-12-16 11:27 pm
Entry tags:
undying info
XENK YENDAR
In those instances where faith wanes and doubt waxes, I recall the tenets of the Ancients...
BASICS
pronouns: he/him
court: gold
age (at turning): 28
age (actual): 58
vampire: youngblood
maker: deceased
novices: none (for now)
APPEARANCE
Xenk appears exactly as he does in canon, minus the Thayan mark on his forehead. Since he's in Gold Court, he'll have golden eyes and golden blood. He wears gold beads in his locs and can always be found wearing gold-accented clothing.
PERSONALITY
Xenk will be similar to his canon counterpart, but veering in the opposite direction in terms of his morals. Rather than being lawful Good, he will be Lawful Evil. Like his counterpart, Xenk believes in discipline and order, though where in canon he might turn a blind eye to stealing the name of good, this Xenk believes in no such mercy, and would believe that the punishment for breaking a law must always befit the crime. He believes in the established system, in rules and regulations and order above all -- to the detriment of any who disagree. He believes that honor is found through service and duty, and that there's no greater honor than furthering the cause of the Gold Court.
Growing up under an evil master has indoctrinated Xenk into this rigid belief system, and it's not something that's about to change easily. While Xenk did turn on his maker, he did it not out of a sense of righteousness, or even revenge for his birth parents. He did it because his father went against the rules he'd taught him. Rules he'd taught too well, it seems, as Xenk didn't hesitate to turn 20 years of strict and reserved familial bonds into nothing. In Xenk's eyes, the pain of losing his maker was worth it to do the "right" thing.
If anything, Xenk might be a little more personable and emotive than his canon counterpart, but he still refuses to engage with wordplay and takes most things seriously, if not literally. Chalk it up to being largely raised by his enthralled parents, or growing up with a father who saw little reason for jokes, Xenk's stick-in-the-mud attitude is now a personal preference rather than the side-effects of an undead curse.
REGAINS
alms to the poor (dragonborn)
Xenk recalled a moment where he gave alms to a suffering dragonborn. (He has no idea what a dragonborn even is).
Xenk recalled a moment where he gave alms to a suffering dragonborn. (He has no idea what a dragonborn even is).
"talking to you isn't great"
Xenk recalled this moment where he turned down the chance to help Edgin's party on whatever "quest" they were on.
Xenk recalled this moment where he turned down the chance to help Edgin's party on whatever "quest" they were on.
the fall of thay
Xenk recalled the rise of Szass Tam, and the enthrallment of the people of Thay. He now remembers the deaths of his parents, fleeing for his life and being cursed by the Beckoning Death.
Xenk recalled the rise of Szass Tam, and the enthrallment of the people of Thay. He now remembers the deaths of his parents, fleeing for his life and being cursed by the Beckoning Death.
the mark of szass tam
Xenk regained his Thayan markings. They don't have any particular effect yet.
Xenk regained his Thayan markings. They don't have any particular effect yet.
of things lost and returned
Xenk recalled the journey to the Underdark, where he told Edgin and friends of his past and commiserated (in his mind) on the fact that both he and Edgin had lost parts of themselves that could not be regained. Though the Tablet of Resurrection held the power to bring back Zia, it was Xenk's opinion that such a choice was not wise, and would rob her of whatever life she now held, in whatever plane she had ascended to after her death. Edgin, obviously, disagreed.
Xenk recalled the journey to the Underdark, where he told Edgin and friends of his past and commiserated (in his mind) on the fact that both he and Edgin had lost parts of themselves that could not be regained. Though the Tablet of Resurrection held the power to bring back Zia, it was Xenk's opinion that such a choice was not wise, and would rob her of whatever life she now held, in whatever plane she had ascended to after her death. Edgin, obviously, disagreed.
thayan fluency
Xenk can now speak, read, and understand Thayan.
Xenk can now speak, read, and understand Thayan.
(not) holding hands in the underdark
Xenk remembers leading Edgin and co. through the Underdark, offering to hold hands and encountering the Intellect Devourers there. This memory will include Xenk's amusement at Edgin's insistence on not holding his hand, as well as the fact that Xenk has darkvision, since he didn't need a lantern to see.
Xenk remembers leading Edgin and co. through the Underdark, offering to hold hands and encountering the Intellect Devourers there. This memory will include Xenk's amusement at Edgin's insistence on not holding his hand, as well as the fact that Xenk has darkvision, since he didn't need a lantern to see.
daggersword mastery
What kind of a weapon is a dagger-sword exactly? It's a sword with a dagger in it. It sounds ridiculous, but it lets Xenk attack three times in one turn, so it's pretty sick, actually.
What kind of a weapon is a dagger-sword exactly? It's a sword with a dagger in it. It sounds ridiculous, but it lets Xenk attack three times in one turn, so it's pretty sick, actually.
AU HISTORY
Growing up in Gold Court lands, Xenk knew from a young age that vampires ruled the world. His parents were not thralls, at least not at first, but they followed their vampire master with absolute devotion. Xenk was too young to serve, but he often admired the power and rigorous discipline that the vampiric overlords employed to control those within their care. Though Xenk's family was not of noble stalk, they were no less valued, and when it came time to 'honor' them with the gift of eternal life, none were spared. Er, that is to say, both his parents were offered the gift, and both refused. Or maybe they went to school and failed? Who can say. Regardless, at a young age, Xenk was left with thralls for caretakers, and the lesson he was told was that their failure was because they were weak and undisciplined. Who was Xenk to doubt the words of his new father?
Xenk was still watched over by his parents, enthralled as they were. A blessing and a clemency offered to him by Szass Tam, or so he was told. In truth the proximity was meant to torture him, but Xenk found their presence comforting, as a startling reminder and yet an inspiration as well. His parents, who had failed, were proof of how hard Xenk needed to train and apply himself in order to ensure his new father's approval. From a young age, Xenk showed promise, and his new father, Szass, believed he would be worthy of carrying his name.
Raised to be strong, honorable, and exacting, Xenk Tam grew to despise weakness and zealously admire the tenets of the Gold Court. Governance, Control, Strength. These themes were synonymous to Xenk. He strove to embody each one in hopes that his father would one day grant him the honor of entering Castle Courtsheart and completing his training into the vampiric world. Not yet, he said, when Xenk came of age at 18. Not yet, he said every year after, as testing Xenk's patience became as a game. But indeed after 10 rigorous years of training, Xenk was allowed into Castle Courtsheart, where he excelled in all (well, most) of his classes, but especially Gold (as expected,) Silver, and Red, and was turned in his third season. He never showed much aptitude for Blue Court classes or powers, preferring to be straightforward and honest when possible. He just really believes all the awful things the Gold Court are Moral and Just and people who disagree are misguided and wrong.
His Becoming was a harrowing affair, made all the worse by the memories he gleaned from his bond with his father, as the turning shared the true intent behind Szass Tam's interest in power. It was power for power's sake. Szass Tam sought a seat on the Council so that he could rule the Gold Court lands alone, and murder any who opposed him. It was then that Xenk realized the heavy weight of governance, and the sacrifices that must be made for the sake of order and absolute control. He saw all of his father's desires, all the people he'd killed or enthralled unfairly, and all the ways he'd avoided censure -- through bribery, blackmail, and lies. Power had corrupted him. Xenk reported his sedition to the Black Court, and in so doing betrayed the father and maker who raised him.
Xenk doesn't see what he did as a betrayal. Maybe if Szass Tam had actually bothered to be more affectionate with Xenk he might have hesitated... but probably not. Duty comes above all else, in Xenk's eyes. Even family. Xenk cast off his "father's" name and was lauded for his loyalty to his Court.He's Gold Court's special boy. As a teacher he'll ensure that Gold's Court's power and abundance remains as it should -- in accordance to the rules and laws set in place by those who came before him. And that any fresh minds know that rules are in place for a reason -- to keep everyone safe, vampires and thralls alike.
And so Xenk took all of their anger and disgust in stride, saying nothing to defend himself as his parents yelled and cried. They would not last, he knew, in the Gold Lands on their own. Without a son. Yet despite their disgust towards him, he offered them shelter, even care or gold from the coffers he had inherited. But his parents wanted nothing. They refused him. They wanted their son back. They wanted the monster that had replaced him, dead.
Xenk could not allow that. They may not like him, and they may not be as loving as his faded, distant memories of them, but his parents were too valuable. Their chances of surviving the rest of their lives in the Gold Court's lands without finding danger, or death, were too low. So Xenk did them a kindness. He enthralled them once more, and made them forget that they had ever had a son. Xenk would continue to live as Xenk Yendar, but his human parents, thralls once more, would be taken care of and provided for, so long as their enthrallment remained. He doesn't oversee their care personally, but he provides for them from afar, and receives letters on their health and progress every season. It's the one sentimentality he'll allow for himself, and he burns the letters every time.
Xenk was still watched over by his parents, enthralled as they were. A blessing and a clemency offered to him by Szass Tam, or so he was told. In truth the proximity was meant to torture him, but Xenk found their presence comforting, as a startling reminder and yet an inspiration as well. His parents, who had failed, were proof of how hard Xenk needed to train and apply himself in order to ensure his new father's approval. From a young age, Xenk showed promise, and his new father, Szass, believed he would be worthy of carrying his name.
Raised to be strong, honorable, and exacting, Xenk Tam grew to despise weakness and zealously admire the tenets of the Gold Court. Governance, Control, Strength. These themes were synonymous to Xenk. He strove to embody each one in hopes that his father would one day grant him the honor of entering Castle Courtsheart and completing his training into the vampiric world. Not yet, he said, when Xenk came of age at 18. Not yet, he said every year after, as testing Xenk's patience became as a game. But indeed after 10 rigorous years of training, Xenk was allowed into Castle Courtsheart, where he excelled in all (well, most) of his classes, but especially Gold (as expected,) Silver, and Red, and was turned in his third season. He never showed much aptitude for Blue Court classes or powers, preferring to be straightforward and honest when possible. He just really believes all the awful things the Gold Court are Moral and Just and people who disagree are misguided and wrong.
His Becoming was a harrowing affair, made all the worse by the memories he gleaned from his bond with his father, as the turning shared the true intent behind Szass Tam's interest in power. It was power for power's sake. Szass Tam sought a seat on the Council so that he could rule the Gold Court lands alone, and murder any who opposed him. It was then that Xenk realized the heavy weight of governance, and the sacrifices that must be made for the sake of order and absolute control. He saw all of his father's desires, all the people he'd killed or enthralled unfairly, and all the ways he'd avoided censure -- through bribery, blackmail, and lies. Power had corrupted him. Xenk reported his sedition to the Black Court, and in so doing betrayed the father and maker who raised him.
Xenk doesn't see what he did as a betrayal. Maybe if Szass Tam had actually bothered to be more affectionate with Xenk he might have hesitated... but probably not. Duty comes above all else, in Xenk's eyes. Even family. Xenk cast off his "father's" name and was lauded for his loyalty to his Court.
MORE LAWFUL THAN EVIL (UPDATES)
Still, Xenk has his sentimentality. After his maker's death, Xenk returned to Tam's villa and made sure that all of his maker's old thralls were cared for or tended to. This included his own parents, who, in a rare moment of sentimentality, Xenk released from their enthrallment, if only to share with them the news that Szass Tam was no more. This news did not bring them the joy or vindication Xenk expected. His parents were horrified of what Xenk had become, of what Xenk had allowed and even promoted, while he worked with Szass Tam as a vampire of the Gold Court. Their son was no more -- dead to them as sure as Xenk's undead heart did not beat. It had been so long since he'd heard them speak with any emotion, that Xenk hardly recognized them. He was overcome with sorrow, but found no sympathy from those who had first given him life.And so Xenk took all of their anger and disgust in stride, saying nothing to defend himself as his parents yelled and cried. They would not last, he knew, in the Gold Lands on their own. Without a son. Yet despite their disgust towards him, he offered them shelter, even care or gold from the coffers he had inherited. But his parents wanted nothing. They refused him. They wanted their son back. They wanted the monster that had replaced him, dead.
Xenk could not allow that. They may not like him, and they may not be as loving as his faded, distant memories of them, but his parents were too valuable. Their chances of surviving the rest of their lives in the Gold Court's lands without finding danger, or death, were too low. So Xenk did them a kindness. He enthralled them once more, and made them forget that they had ever had a son. Xenk would continue to live as Xenk Yendar, but his human parents, thralls once more, would be taken care of and provided for, so long as their enthrallment remained. He doesn't oversee their care personally, but he provides for them from afar, and receives letters on their health and progress every season. It's the one sentimentality he'll allow for himself, and he burns the letters every time.
jans . pst . plurk: cantito
MISC THINGS:
Xenk's History with Novices:
28 years ago: enthralled (deceased)
Xenk's first novice, taken 2 years after his own apprenticeship. It was probably too early for him to have taken a novice, especially so soon after his maker's death, but he was feeling oddly vulnerable and thought this would be a chance to prove that he wasn't like his father. they were a kind person, one who felt pity and shock for the things Xenk had gone through. Xenk was unable to extend the same compassion to them, and they were enthralled in their third season, after failing Gold and Red courses.25 years ago: died
Having failed his first novice, Xenk was given a few more years to just get used to his undying existence, and sort out his affairs in his home. This is around when he returned home to see his parents and tried to un-enthrall them, only for things to go south. After that mess, he came back and asked for a Foundling to be assigned to him. Xenk projected too much of his own insecurities in his Foundling and worked them too hard. They died in their first season, too exhausted by Xenk's rigorous training to survive the dangers of Castle Courtsheart.15 years ago: enthralled (still around?)
With two failures under his belt, Xenk takes a break from training thralls for several years. He focuses on teaching, and sure, he fails several students throughout the years, but it's often only those who show no talent, or those who want to learn Gold Court abilities so they can control those around them and target the weak. Feeling more confident, he takes a novice again and guides them through their seasons. They actually show promise this time, but once again Xenk pushes them too hard. They excel in Gold, but fail Silver and Blue, and are thus enthralled early on.10 years ago: Elias, graduated Silver Court
One last chance given to him by his Gold Court superiors, Xenk was assigned to Elias after they both proved to be awkward conversationalists. Xenk did not truly understand Elias despite sharing blood with him, and tried pushing him as he did all of his previous students. Unlike his previous students, Xenk decided to give Elias an ultimatum, (his way of being merciful) and stated simply that if he did not rise to the challenge, then he would fail and die. And that perhaps another court might suit him better. Xenk thought this would motivate him, but Elias took the out and found a maker in Silver Court.Xenk hasn't had a novice since then.
CLASSES
First Seasons
Course Title: Introduction to the Gold Court and Their Vampiric Abilities
Course Information: A basic overview of the Gold Court's work, their politics, and some basics on impelling and reading minds.
Limitations: None. This is the basic of the basics.
Notes: Xenk will teach the most boring, basic-ass lectures you have ever heard. This will go on for the first month, as his interest is in weeding out the weak and anyone who gets too bored learning about politics and governance. After month 1, he'll begin teaching the basics of mind reading and impelling. Students will be tasked with reading each other's minds, as well as trying to keep others from reading their own minds. As a very basic course, you would expect this to be easy, but it won't be because Xenk likes to challenge his students. Obstacles and distractions abound when it comes to practical exercises in his class.
Second Seasons
Course Title: Basic Compulsion
Course Information: A boring lecture class from Xenk, where he exposits the basics of compulsion and controlling other's minds. He will go into the dangers and effects, as well as the responsible use of these skills. Students will practice their abilities on thralls, then on each other as they become more skilled.
Limitations: None.
Notes: While this is a basic course, Xenk is a harsh grader and truly believes in the responsible use of these abilities. Students found goofing around with their compulsion powers will be demerited harshly, and there's even written components like writing essays on why compulsion is a valuable and effective skill, etc.
Third Seasons
Course Title: Mind Reading and Its Dangers
Course Information: Another boring lecture by Xenk, this one goes into the practical uses of mind reading, offering a more advanced look into its dangers, limitations, and how to better keep others out of your head. This class is very difficult.
Limitations: None OOCly, but students will have to have at least a basic foundation on how to read minds in order to take this class.
Notes: Xenk really believes in the value of this class, so he judges it rigorously and has been known to make students cry during this one. Students will learn how to read minds and protect their own minds from intrusion, but that means they'll find themselves at the opposing end of other students' thoughts. (And maybe even Xenk's own for the "final exam" so to speak.)
Enthrallment: The Gold Court Standard
Fourth Seasons
Course Information: This class will teach the Gold Court's greatest skill: enthrallment. Students can expect to learn the power to enthrall humans, as well as the risks, dangers, and responsibilities of caring for, and watching over thralls.
Limitations: Students will need to be Gold Court fledglings to join this course.
Notes: You've made it to your fourth season in the Gold Court! That means it's smooth sailing now, right? Wrong. Xenk's fourth season class is his hardest yet, as he expects the court's new fledgling vampires to meet or exceed his expectations. This class will obviously include elements of horror, loss of free will, and overall dehumanization of humans/thralls.