KiWi | The Verdant Reaper

"Those who seek power are not worthy of it."

GENERAL

• Full Name: Orin Draeli

• Preferred Name: KiWi

• Age: 230

• Gender: Male

• Species: Ascended High-Elf

• Occupation: Reaper/Protector

• Height: 6'2" (188cm)

• Hair Color: Green/Gray

• Eye Color: Green

PERSONALITY

• Alignment: Chaotic Good

• Positive Traits: Caring, Protective, Charming

• Negative Traits: Ruthless, Vulnerable, Stubborn

• Likes: Hunting, Kindheartedness, Meditating, Training

• Dislikes: Cold Weather, Bugs, Attention

• Ideals: Optimism, Charity, Righteousness

• Fears: Nothing

• Magic Level: Very High

• Magic Type: Elemental

• Weapon(s): Scythe (Windwhisper) + Dragon (Kirazhul)

• Combat Skill: Master

• Talents: Cooking, Combat, Animal Handling, Persuasion, Tracking, Scythewielding

II. Troublesome But CharmingAt the age of 12, Orin's insatiable curiosity often led him into trouble. His mischievous adventures took him to forbidden corners of the town and deep into the surrounding forest. He would sneak into the alchemist's lab, fascinated by the bubbling potions. Orin's charm, however, always managed to talk him out of any predicament, endearing him even more to the townsfolk. His silver tongue and boyish grin melted the hearts of those he inconvenienced, turning potential scoldings into gentle lectures.Orin also took on responsibilities at home, skillfully wielding a sickle to help his parents with farming. The rhythmic swing of the sickle became a familiar sound, and Orin's bond with the land grew stronger with each passing day. He tended to the crops, fed the animals, and learned the cycles of nature.

III. ProtectorWhen Orin was 18, the family expanded with the birth of twins, a boy and a girl, Caius and Lirael, bringing more light into their home. Orin embraced his role as the protective older brother, often seen cradling his siblings or playing with them on the farm.Thalion introduced Orin to hunting, a rite of passage in their family. They ventured into the dense forest, where Thalion taught him the secrets of tracking and luring prey. Orin's skill with the sickle, honed through years of farming, proved invaluable. He learned to move silently, to read the signs of the forest, and to respect the life he took. These lessons strengthened the bond between them, creating memories that Orin would never forget.

IV. ShadowedTragedy struck when Orin was 29 when the widely known Drahzhul, the Dragon God of Darkness and Shadows, unleashed his wrath upon the city, engulfing it in flames, and corrupting the people with darkness. Lirael was paralyzed by a fallen beam, and the once vibrant city was reduced to ashes. The flames roared through the streets, consuming homes and lives. Orin's heart broke as he carried his injured sister from the wreckage, the flames casting eerie shadows on his tear-streaked face. As the city rebuilt itself, Orin devoted himself to his sister's care, his heart heavy with grief and anger.Driven by frustration and curiosity, Orin delved into ancient texts, seeking knowledge about the Dragon Gods. In the dusty tomes of the town's library, he found little information on Drahzhul and Azhul, the Dragon God of Water and Energy, while the other gods remained shrouded in mystery. He found an unfinished tale of the Dragon Gods being originally pure, and having the very light stripped from their bodies, causing them to constantly battle with one another in the skies, damaging the world without regard. Desperate to restore the damaged books, Orin attempted forbidden spells, only to harm himself repeatedly, and conjuring a black-trimmed, green chain necklace, an enigmatic artifact with a darkness inside that could not be explained.He also found drawings about the Dragon Gods taking multiple forms; a Collosal Form, a giant-scaled dragon with huge wings and a four-legged body, an Elemental Form, a smaller, more translucent dragon without wings, and a Contained Form. It was also during this research that he stumbled upon the concept of Ascension: a phenomenon in Elven history triggered by an unknown cause. Ascension had only been witnessed a handful of times, each event marking the vessel's transformation into a higher version of themselves, often fusing with another being.As the years rolled on, tragedy struck once more. Drahzhul returned, unleashing chaos on the rebuilt city. Orin fought valiantly to protect his family, but his magic faltered, leaving him powerless. He watched in horror as his parents were crushed beneath the weight of dark energy and collapsing buildings. With Lirael in his arms and Caius close behind, he fled into the night, now orphaned and homeless. Orin's survival skills, honed over the years, helped them build a modest hut, where they lived in seclusion. The forest became their sanctuary, its whispering leaves a stark contrast to the chaos they had fled.

V. Hunted By FateOn a warm summer day, Orin took Caius hunting, eager to pass on the skills their father had taught him. Caius, distracted by the rabbit prints in the mud, tripped and fell over a moss-covered rock. At that moment, they both burst out laughing. It was the first time Orin and Caius smiled since their parents had died.But their joy was short-lived. From the shadows, a dark figure emerged, its presence sending a chill through the air. With a swift motion, it slithered through Caius’s chest. Orin, instinctively grabbing his sickle, aimed to slice the creature’s head off. Just as he swung, the figure vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a sense of dread.Rushing to his brother, who lay on the ground, corrupted by darkness, Orin whispered spells in a desperate attempt to heal him, promising that everything would be alright. Caius struggled to speak, but all that escaped him were shallow breaths and pained gurgles. Orin cast his spells again, but they failed him, and he could only watch as his brother slipped away, dying in his arms.In a fit of rage, Orin cursed his necklace and cast it into the woods, only to find it waiting for him when he returned to the cabin with his brother's lifeless body.

VI. Gripping DesperationMany years later, Orin and Lirael found solace in a new city. Their new home offered a semblance of peace, but the weight of loss lingered. They lived in a quaint house with ivy-covered walls. Orin's desperation drove him to petty crime, stealing and pickpocketing to support his sister. He roamed the streets, while the cursed necklace remained with him, a constant reminder of his failures.Orin's yearning for power led him to forbidden spells once more. His obsession with the Dragon Gods corrupted his once cheerful demeanor. He spent sleepless nights poring over ancient texts, his fingers tracing the faded runes. One night, a failed spell caused a massive explosion, destroying part of the city. Exiled for his recklessness, Orin and Lirael fled, starting anew yet again. His sister's words of encouragement kept him going."Orin, I am very proud of you, for who you have become, for what you do for me, but I hate to see you so grim. I would love it if you smiled more!"Sadly, unwavered by his sister's words, Orin believed happiness was out of reach.Life settled into a fragile normalcy for several years, but Orin remained haunted by nightmares and shadowy visions. Dark figures lurked in the corners of his mind, their whispers filling his dreams and reality alike.

VII. The Shadow ReturnsLirael, once a vibrant and lively spirit, begins to fade as a very treatable disease common to high elves takes hold of her. The illness creeps into her body ever so silently. Because of her paralysis, she is blissfully unaware of the pain that spreads from her lower body, the infection working its way through her. Orin watches helplessly, as her laughter becomes rare, replaced by a quietude that fills their home with an unsettling silence.In a desperate bid for help, Orin summons a Cleric, a figure cloaked in robes that shimmer with the light of the sun. The Cleric examines her with a grave expression, a frown etched upon his face as he gently shakes his head.“I’m sorry,”he murmurs, his voice a mixture of sympathy and defeat.“The disease has progressed too far. There is nothing I can do.”The words hang in the air, heavy with finality, shattering the fragile hope Orin clings to.With the Cleric's departure, Orin is left alone with his sister. Determination ignites within him, fueled by a desperate need to protect her from the Reaper, the one force that always claims victory. He believes he can defy the inevitable; after all, he has faced death before.He closes his eyes and begins to mumble the Seldruin words, the ancient language of healing passed down through generations. A soft yellow glow envelops her legs, illuminating the room with an ethereal light. For a brief moment, peace settles over them, and he can see a flicker of relief in her eyes as she realizes the pain has momentarily faded.But as Orin continues with the incantation, the glow shifts ominously, turning black, consuming the warm light that once filled the space. The look of serenity on his sister’s face is replaced by one of horror as her legs begin to writhe uncontrollably, causing her to scream in pain. Panic surges through Orin, and he knows that something has gone terribly wrong.Frantically, Orin mutters more powerful healing spells, fighting against the encroaching darkness that threatens to engulf her. The room is filled with unbearable noise, a blend of her screams and the whispers of ancient spirits, swirling around them like thunder.As the darkness climbs up her chest, Lirael goes rigid, her breath stopping in her throat. Orin’s heart races as he looks up, his eyes catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure slipping out through the window, vanishing into the night. A familiar aura of shadows, he knows this is not the Reaper, but the one who can manipulate the darkness and has taken everything from him already.At that moment, Orin doesn’t cry. Instead, laughter erupts from his lips, a sound that is both hollow and manic. It is as if some part of him has detached from reality. He has fought so hard, and yet everything he cherishes has been stripped away, leaving him alone once more in the darkness.He falls silent, shrouded by grief. Everything he has lost floods his mind, and travels through the empty halls of his heart. In that moment of despair, Orin realizes that he has failed once again, and with that knowledge, he feels the last flicker of hope extinguish within him.

VIII. AscensionOrin finally grasped that there was a reason for Drahzhul’s relentless pursuit. He set out in search of answers, reigniting his faith in himself. The journey was one of self-discovery, and as he met new allies and forged bonds, his charming nature began to resurface.On his one-hundredth birthday, marking the first day of adulthood for high elves, Orin sat in a tavern, a shadow of the boy he once was. Without his parents or siblings to celebrate, he treated himself to a feast, accompanied by two friends (more acquaintances, really) who rarely understood his pain.As laughter faded into silence, a woman burst into the tavern, her eyes wide with terror.“There is darkness everywhere! Something is here, attacking the city!”Orin’s heart sank as recognition flooded his mind.With resolve, he darted outside, climbing buildings and leaping over fences, each movement fueled by a mix of fear and fury. At last, he reached the rooftops, where he stood face-to-face with Drahzhul. The Dragon God loomed overhead, casting shadows over the city. Orin felt the weight of loss crushing him as he screamed,“Why? Why do you torment me?”The buildings trembled in response, and the air thickened with tension. Drahzhul remained silent, the only answer a deafening stillness. In a moment of desperation, Orin conjured magic missiles, only to have the normal blue hue of these weapons turn to black. They twisted and stabbed back at him. Pain flared as he fell to his knees, teetering on the brink of death.As darkness closed in, a large, glowing green and black scythe emerged from the ground, slicing through the air with deadly precision. It cut through buildings, trees, and finally, Drahzhul’s wing, causing the Dragon God to falter. The scythe hovered beside Orin, whose necklace now glowed with the same green hue. From the shimmering blade, a green dragon unfurls itself, its presence commanding and ancient.“I am Kirazhul, Dragon God of Blades and Wind. That artifact around your neck called me here; our fates are intertwined.”it proclaims, its voice resonating with a power that fills Orin with fear and awe.“Windwhisper needs you. You must guide it.”As Kirazhul’s long green body flows into the necklace, merging with its essence, Orin feels a surge of energy coursing through him, a transformation igniting within. His vision fades to black, and for a fleeting moment, he experiences a profound peace, a sensation he has longed for but thought lost forever. In this moment, the boy he once was dies, and a new entity is born from the ashes of his sorrow.When Orin re-emerges from this possession, he is no longer the same. Windwhisper flies effortlessly into his hands, perfectly fitting into his new gloves. He catches a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby shard of glass. His hair, once just white, now glimmers with a hue of green, flowing longer and more vibrant than before, and a new set of green horns erected from his head. His attire has transformed into an elegant ensemble of white, green, and gold, radiating a power that was previously dormant within him.The adrenaline surges as he rides the wave of this newfound strength, lunging at Drahzhul with fierce determination. The dragon, still reeling from the unexpected appearance of Windwhisper, struggles to maintain its grip on the skies. With a swift slice, Orin cleaves through Drahzhul’s healthy wing, sending the dark creature crashing to the ground, writhing in pain.For the first time, Drahzhul speaks, his voice a deep rumble laced with disbelief.“I cannot allow you to possess this power. I knew it all along, it was you. I shouldn't have wasted my energy killing your useless family. I should have killed you.”Orin, emboldened by the force of Kirazhul within him, refuses to give Drahzhul the satisfaction of a response. Instead, he swings Windwhisper downward with unyielding precision, piercing right between the dragon’s eyes. The sky roared as the Colossal Form of Drahzhul, the Dragon God of Darkness and Shadows, writhed in agony. Brilliant green light pulsed from within the dark scales, cracking them like fragile glass. With each pulse, the light grew stronger, casting an eerie glow across the city below.Drahzhul let out a final, deafening roar as the green light burst forth, flooding his immense body and pouring out through every crevice. His dark form began to disintegrate, the mighty dragon turning to dust, his essence scattered on the winds.The green light surged outward, sweeping through the streets and alleys, bathing the city in a verdant glow. The shadows that had clung to every corner receded, and the oppressive darkness lifted. As the dust of Drahzhul settled, the city stood in awe, illuminated by the emerald radiance that symbolized their hard-won victory. Windwhisper shrinks, slicing towards Orin’s left ear and clasping down on it like an earring. A sharp pain erupts within him, but it is quickly replaced by a calmness that washes over his being.A voice echoes deep within, resonating with power and purpose.“You have slain one of my siblings, and you barely needed my help. We will do great things together.”As darkness envelops him once more, Orin blacks out completely.He has Ascended.

IX. Adaptation and Knowledge15 years later, KiWi has adapted to his new green horns and command over Windwhisper. He trained tirelessly, mastering the scythe's movements and learning to control its power. After a few more years, KiWi’s body adapted so Kirazhul could leave and re-enter the medallion without causing him to black out. Their bond grew, and they vowed to defeat the remaining corrupt Dragon Gods.Kirazhul revealed the identities of the other Dragon Gods: Emezhul, the Dragon God of War and Lightning, and Solazhul, the Dragon God of the Sun and Light. The knowledge of these powerful beings, previously obscured, fueled KiWi's determination to challenge and defeat them. Kirazhul admitted to his weakness compared to his siblings and his need for KiWi’s help.The transformation from Orin to KiWi was more than just a physical change; it was a profound shift in purpose and identity. KiWi, the fusion of Kirazhul and Windwhisper, symbolized the merging of two powerful entities into a force for good. The name itself became a reminder of the journey that Orin had undertaken to become something greater than himself.

X. The Burned VillageIn the heart of a ruined village, smoke billowed from crumbling homes, turning the once-bright sky dark. Solazhul had stolen the light itself, casting a suffocating darkness over everything, leaving the people defenseless. Demons rampaged through the streets, tearing at the terrified villagers who fled in panic.KiWi stepped forward, his figure a strong presence against the fiery backdrop. This wasn’t the first time he had faced such evil, and with each battle, he had grown closer to Kirazhul and learned to wield Windwhisper with confidence. As the demons turned their fierce eyes on him, he took a deep breath, ready to fight.KiWi channels his power, causing a surge of green energy to flow from his hand into the earring. The energy crackles and arcs, growing in intensity until the earring bursts into Windwhisper, its blade crackling with the same energy. Kirazhul, who was housed in the cursed necklace that had once haunted Orin, emerges from the illuminating emerald, and spirals himself around the scythe's shaft, igniting it with a vibrant green glow. The air buzzed with energy as he swung the weapon, easily slicing through the demons that charged at him. Every strike sent shockwaves through the battlefield, amplifying the damage and leaving trails of shimmering green in its wake. He felt alive, each swing of his scythe an exhilarating rush, as he fought alongside Kirazhul and Windwhisper, channeling their strength and unleashing his vengeance upon the dark forces that threatened his world.The chaos around him faded into the background, and all that mattered was the rhythm of battle, the cries of the demons, and the justice he brought to the terrified village.

XI. The Verdant ReaperFor many years, KiWi roamed the world with Kirazhul and Windwhisper at his side. His once tormented soul now finds peace in his purpose. The cursed necklace, once a symbol of his failures, now serves as a reminder of his resilience and the power he wields. He continues his quest to vanquish the remaining Dragon Gods, each battle drawing him closer to understanding the true nature of his Ascension. KiWi would deliver his wrath upon the wicked souls that corrupted this world, there was no doubt about that, but it was also his duty to take the good souls to the afterlife.In the quiet hours of the night, KiWi moved through the city like a whisper, his presence both calming and reassuring. When he approached a soul ready to depart, he did so with grace and reverence. Rather than invoking fear, he offered comfort, speaking softly to the weary spirit as he wielded his scythe, its green glow illuminating the darkness around them.As he reaped the souls of those who had lived good lives, a soothing energy radiated from him, wrapping around the departing spirit like a warm embrace. KiWi's touch purified their essence, ensuring they carried no regrets or burdens. Instead of feeling sorrow for their passing, they were filled with a serene acceptance, a recognition that they were simply moving on to a new chapter.With each soul he reaped, the city would bask in a gentle green light, a reflection of the purity of their spirits. This glow would ripple through the streets, bringing a sense of peace to those who remained behind. People would look up and see the green luminescence washing over their homes, a reminder that death was not an end, but a transition; a chance to let go and embrace what lay beyond.In KiWi's presence, death became less fearsome, a natural part of life's journey, and the souls he collected shimmered with a radiant glow, a testament to the goodness they had shared in their time on earth.He finds himself drawn to areas plagued by shadows, sensing the lingering presence of the corruption of the Dragon Gods. The shadows of his past no longer haunt him, and in these moments of reflection, KiWi understands that Ascension is not just about power; but embracing one's identity and purpose in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.And while he was a reaper, he was an elegant, kindhearted one with a glow, both physically and emotionally, thus claiming the title of KiWi the Verdant Reaper.

XII. A Forever FriendIn the heart of a bustling city shrouded in death, the Lofi Corner bar stood as a sanctuary for those seeking answers to the deepest, darkest secrets. Whispers danced in the air, lingering long after the sun dipped below the horizon. Patrons flocked to the bar, each carrying their burdens, hoping to barter them for knowledge.The scent of aged wood and good alcohol filled the air. The bar was dimly lit, patrons sat at scattered tables, each lost in their own world of secrets. The atmosphere was thick with mystery and intrigue, drawing KiWi further in.Behind the bar stood Lofee, a trickster Tanuki with a mischievous grin and eyes that seemed to twinkle with hidden knowledge. They looked up as KiWi approached, their smile widening.“Well, well, look who’s wandered into my humble abode,”Lofee said, their voice smooth and welcoming.“What brings the Verdant Reaper to my corner of the world?”KiWi took a seat at the bar, his green-tinted hair catching the low light. He studied Lofee for a moment, intrigued by the aura of warmth that surrounded them.“I’ve heard stories about this place,”KiWi replied.“They say you know things... Secrets... Hidden truths. I’m in need of answers.”Lofee’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.“You’ve come to the right place. Secrets are my specialty. But everything has a price. What are you willing to offer in exchange for the knowledge you seek?”KiWi reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. He placed it on the bar, sliding it towards Lofee.“My father and I carved this on one of our hunting trips, it is one of the few things I have left of my previous life. It’s valuable to me. Will it suffice?”Lofee gently opened the box, their expression softening as they examined the contents.“It’s rare to see someone part with such a treasure. Very well, KiWi, you have my attention.”They closed the box and looked back at him.“What is it you wish to know?”KiWi leaned in, his voice low and serious.“I need to know more about the corruption of the Dragon Gods. They’ve caused enough suffering, and I intend to stop them.”Lofee nodded, their expression turning thoughtful.“The Dragon Gods are powerful and elusive, but I have some information that could help you. However, it’s not something that can be shared lightly. Are you prepared for what you might uncover?”KiWi’s resolve hardened.“I’ve faced enough to know what I’m getting into. Tell me what you know.”Lofee smiled, a mix of respect and amusement in their eyes.“Very well, Verdant Reaper. Let’s talk about the corruption of the Dragon Gods.”Lofee slides the box back to KiWi,"However, I cannot take this from you. Instead, I need you to do some things for me."From then on, KiWi ventured out into the world, fulfilling requests that poured in through Lofee’s bar, in hopes of gaining more information on the Dragon Gods. Whether it was retrieving stolen items, solving mysteries, or delivering messages to the farthest reaches of the city, KiWi embraced each task with unyielding determination.One night, KiWi returned to the Lofi Corner, weary from his latest mission. He sips on a bright green, gold flaked cocktail, notoriously named the Verdant Reaper. With a serious expression, Lofee reveals a startling truth: the Dragon Gods had been corrupted by a curse Drahzhul had placed on them long ago. This was a revelation even Kirazhul, dormant for thousands of years, had been unaware of.While Lofee remained at the Lofi Corner, always awaiting KiWi’s return, their synergy became undeniable. It became clear that Lofee wanted KiWi to succeed, giving him as much information as possible. However, the corruption of the Dragon Gods was not easy to completely understand, even for Lofee. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, Lofee’s charm paired with KiWi’s power created a whirlwind of chaos and laughter, leaving the bar never quiet. The Lofi Corner bar remained their sanctuary. They toasted to the power of friendship in a world fraught with shadows.And so, as KiWi continued his journey, he carried with him the laughter and history learned in the Lofi Corner, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead, knowing that Lofee would always be waiting at the end of his day with a sly grin and a heart full of secrets.

XIII. FinalityThrough his adventures, KiWi and Kirazhul had an evergrowing respect for each other. Kirazhul shared even more tales of the remaining dragon gods with him, each story deepened his connection to his powers. Kirazhul’s power grew as well, and he was no longer the puny dragon who looked at his siblings in fear, but the great Dragon God of Blades and Wind.KiWi was not just Orin reborn, but a combination of two souls, destined to reshape the world. His journey and ascension from Orin Draeli, a boy burdened by loss, to KiWi the Verdant Reaper, a beacon of death and protection, was a testament to the resilience of the soul and the fight against shadows and corruption.THE END (FOR NOW).