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Basira al-Arshad

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Basira al-Arshad

Overview

Basira al-Arshad, born 333 AC, is a veteran Bravos Exalt and Alterer, known as the Last Survivor of Cebir and a Seiringar instructor. She is bonded with her Alter Ego Kaizaimon, an oni Chimera. Basira seeks vengeance against Cingula for the deaths of her comrades and family.

Background

At nineteen years old, Basira joined a Bravos Company called the Dagger of Esvander on an expedition to reclaim Cebir, the citadel in Caer Oorun that had been abandoned since 329 AC. The company discovered the fortress had been converted into a laboratory containing esoteric diagrams, caged creature remains, and alchemical equipment. They were attacked by Eidolons — Mantichora and Khimaira — that slaughtered most of the group. During the attack, Basira discovered Kaizaimon, a Chimera imprisoned and tortured within a hidden annex, and freed him. Swept away by currents, her armored body sank, but Kaizaimon transformed into a tattoo on her body and emitted waves of heat that kept her alive until an Ordis airship rescued her two days later. The authorities dismissed her claims about the Eidolons as hallucinations.

After a long recovery, Basira left Arkaster and spent years in Caer Kettria, offering her services to communities in need. She started a family with Filiki, a Muna who was her opposite in temperament. They had four children together. Basira’s family was later taken by Cingula, a Leviathan, in circumstances paralleling Afanas Korovinovich’s loss. When Filiki died as the departure date for exploration forces approached, Basira announced her resignation as instructor, determined to challenge The Tumult again and confront Cingula.

Timeline

352 AC - Cebir Expedition Disaster

Basira joined the Dagger of Esvander’s expedition to reclaim Cebir and was the sole survivor of the Eidolon attack, rescued after two days in freezing waters. She bonded with Kaizaimon during the disaster.

368 AC - Return to Haven as Seiringar

The Basileus Avkan ruun-Heshkari personally asked Basira to return to the capital to train recruits who would take part in the Rediscovery Endeavor. She accepted and settled in Haven as a Seiringar, devoting herself to training the next generation of fighters. Kaizaimon’s appearance alone was enough to motivate the troops.

368 AC - Physical Training at Kurung

Basira walked through Kurung training grounds with bundle over shoulder, greeting instructors and watching cadets.

374 AC - Chiron Treats Carmela

Carmela sprained her ankle showing off, and Basira summoned Chiron who treated and carried her back while giving advice.

385 AC - Issun-Bōshi Training Demonstration

New recruits mocked Issun-Bōshi’s size, but the Eidolon taught them never to underestimate an insignificant opponent.

390 AC - Training Sitina in Blade Dance

Basira trained Sitina in the Phoenixian Blade Dance through three progressive stages, observing her enter the duende trance state with crimson-gleaming blades.

392 AC - Bravos Vanguard Expedition

Basira escorted cartographer Aoife on an elevation charting mission during the Rediscovery Endeavor, putting her decade of preparation to field use.

392 AC - Passing the Torch

After the expedition, Basira experienced her first real aches acknowledging age, and Aoife helped her stand.

392 AC - Atlas Transportation

Basira summoned Atlas who tore off the rocky outcrop she stood on and transported her leagues in a few steps.

392 AC, September - Battle of Madan Bay

During the Battle of Madan Bay, Basira positioned herself and Bravos soldiers on a cliff while Kaizaimon solidified above the bluff, waiting for Sigismar on griffon to signal the Kraken’s approach.

392 AC - Cebir Reunion with Afanas

At Cebir, Basira met Afanas Korovinovich, a Yzmir Battle Mage and veteran who revealed he had lived at the fortress as a child. Afanas validated her account of the Eidolon attacks and explained their parallel histories — his family had been taken by the Kraken just as hers was taken by Cingula. He suspected a renegade Yzmir Initiate, Sylas (the Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock), was responsible for the Cebir laboratory, the summoning of Mantichora and Khimaira, and the control of the Kraken. To confirm, Afanas summoned the scent of chrysanthemums; Kaizaimon burst forth in violent rage, recognizing the scent of their tormentor. Afanas invited Basira to join forces, but she preferred pursuing vengeance independently.

393 AC, January-April - Shahram Eidolon Morale Boost

Basira summoned Shahram Eidolon to boost troops’ morale by fire, with the old Seiringar boasting about exploits and warming listless adventurers through swagger.

393 AC, January-April - Avalanche Probe Search

Basira searched an avalanche site with a probe, sinking it repeatedly into snow before finding resistance and whistling for Chaghagan to dig with a shovel.

393 AC, January-April - Trailblazer Rescue

Chaghagan dug up a white-furred animal then revealed a Trailblazer with pink hair beneath.

393 AC, January-April - Catriona Warming Victims

Basira observed Catriona summoning heat to warm an Ordis recruit after an avalanche.

393 AC, January-April - Akhlut Ice Breaking Journey

Basira rode Akhlut across an ice pack as the creature broke through with its snout until reaching the shoreline.

393 AC, June-September - Escorting Jubal’s Excavation

Basira escorted Jubal Okech and prospectors during the City of Scholars excavation, observing Jubal’s rapport with rank-and-file despite his surly personality.

393 AC, June-September - Shadow Entity Attack and Sidqi’s Sacrifice

Basira led an expedition through the City of Scholars when shadow entities attacked. Sidqi sacrificed himself and Aoife rushed to help while Kaizaimon fought alongside.

393 AC, June-September - Witnessing Aoife’s Phoenix Manifestation

Basira witnessed Aoife manifest the gift of the Phoenix — blades, hair, and eyes catching fire like Sitina’s — and held Kaizaimon back to let Aoife banish the shadows.

393 AC, June-September - Hestia’s Kitchen at The Mess

Basira visited The Mess to order food for Aoife’s inauguration celebration, observing Hestia’s strict kitchen management and Sap-enhanced cuisine.

393 AC, June-September - Aoife’s Inauguration Celebration

Basira celebrated Aoife’s Phoenixian Guard induction at The Mess with Jubal Okech, drinking Sap beer and reminiscing about Filiki’s sayings about moderation.

393 AC, October - Refusing to Lead Hunt Against Halua

Following the destruction of AES Sune by Halua, Sol rallied hunters in the mess hall and called on Basira to lead a retaliatory hunt. Basira refused, warning that charging in headfirst would get people killed and accusing Sol of using collective grief to feed a personal vendetta. When Sol accused her of cowardice, Basira chose restraint over vengeance.

393 AC - Receiving the Phoenix Egg

Sitina and the Phoenixian Guard entrusted Basira with the Phoenix Egg from the Parliament of Ashes, instructing her to find someone worthy to carry it.

393 AC - Traveling by Phileas Fogg’s Balloon

Basira rode in Phileas Fogg’s balloon to a battlefield where the fyrds were gathering, with Kaizaimon clinging to her during the six-minute journey.

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