Altered Lore

Basira al-Arshad

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Basira al-Arshad

Overview

Basira al-Arshad 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.

The First Cebir Disaster and Early Life

Basira was young when the Bravos mounted an expedition to reclaim Cebir, a citadel erected in 327 AC within the Terra Incognita. During the expedition in 329 AC, Basira’s company was attacked by infernal creatures—monstrous hybrids with claws and fangs that slaughtered her comrades. She later identified these as Eidolons: Mantichora and Khimaira, which should have been bound by Yzmir Mandates. During the attack, Basira discovered Kaizaimon, a Chimera imprisoned and tortured by the attackers, and freed him. When swept away by currents, her armored body plummeted like a stone, but the freed Chimera transformed into a tattoo on her body, emitting waves of heat that kept her alive until an Ordis airship rescued her. Basira was the sole survivor of the expedition. The authorities dismissed her claims about Eidolons as hallucinations. Recovery was long and arduous, with psychological scars remaining raw. After accepting the tragedy was not her fault, Basira left Arkaster to lead a quasi-solitary existence, offering her services to communities in need and spending years in Caer Kettria.

Family Life

Basira started a family with Filiki, a Muna who was her opposite in temperament—where she was irascible, he was calm and patient. They had four children together. For many years, Basira set aside her pain and fury. Time passed with the slow passage of seasons, and the young adventurer became a wise fighter. Basira’s family was taken by Cingula, a Leviathan, in circumstances paralleling Afanas Korovinovich’s loss.

Filiki’s Death and Return to the Field

As the departure date for exploration forces approached, Filiki died. With his death, it was as if an enchanted parenthesis closed, leaving Basira once again facing herself and her failures. Though surrounded by her children and a large family, Basira announced her resignation as an instructor. She still had scores to settle with life. Basira knew she had one last chance to make amends and challenge The Tumult again, knowing that Cingula was still waiting somewhere.

Timeline of Activities

368 AC - Returning to Haven as Seiringar

The Basileus Avkan ruun-Heshkari personally asked Basira to return to the capital to train those who would take part in The Rediscovery Endeavor. After much consideration, Basira accepted. In 368 AC, she settled in Haven to become a Seiringar, devoting herself entirely to training recruits. She was tough and uncompromising because she knew what awaited them. Kaizaimon’s appearance alone was enough to motivate the troops.

Basira descended slope to Haven, noting gold-leafed frescoes and feeling sadness for fallen comrades resting in Parliament of Ashes.

368 AC - Physical Training at Kurung

Basira walked through Kurung training grounds with bundle over shoulder, greeting instructors and watching cadets, nostalgic for when barracks was her home.

374 AC - Chiron Treats Carmela

Carmela sprained 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 Basira knew little Eidolon would teach them never to underestimate insignificant opponent.

390 AC - Training Sitina in Blade Dance

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

392 AC - Bravos Vanguard Expedition

Basira escorted cartographer Aoife on elevation charting mission, noting trainee’s decade of preparation finally in field.

392 AC - Passing the Torch

After expedition, Basira experienced first real aches acknowledging age, and Aoife helped her stand while Basira reflected she still had role to play.

392 AC - Atlas Transportation

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

392 AC - Kraken Ambush Preparation

Basira positioned herself and Bravos soldiers on cliff as Kaizaimon solidified above bluff, waiting for Sigismar on griffon to signal Kraken’s approach.

392 AC - Cebir

At Cebir, Basira met Afanas Korovinovich, a Yzmir Battle Mage and veteran. Afanas revealed he had lived at Cebir for two years and believed her account of Eidolon attacks. He explained their life paths were similar—his family was taken by Kraken just as hers was taken by Cingula. Afanas suspected a renegade Yzmir Initiate—Sylas, the Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock—who controlled Kraken, conducted blasphemous research at Cebir, and summoned Mantichora and Khimaira.

To confirm his suspicions, Afanas summoned the scent of chrysanthemums. Kaizaimon burst forth in violent rage, recognizing the scent associated with their tormentor. Afanas invited Basira to join forces tracking the warlock, but she preferred pursuing vengeance independently. Both recognized they were veterans seeking the same prey, creating a competitive dynamic.

393 AC, January-April - Shahram Eidolon Morale Boost

Basira summoned Shahram Eidolon to boost troops’ morale by fire, watching old Seiringar boast about exploits and warm listless adventurers through swagger.

393 AC, January-April - Avalanche Probe Search

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

393 AC, January-April - Trailblazer Rescue

Chaghagan dug up white-furred animal then revealed Trailblazer with pink hair beneath, making Basira smile at successful rescue.

393 AC, January-April - Catriona Warming Victims

Basira observed Catriona summoning heat to warm Ordis recruit after avalanche while Basira dreamed of hot place like Lyra enjoyed.

393 AC, January-April - Akhlut Ice Breaking Journey

Basira rode Akhlut across ice pack enduring violent blows as creature broke through with snout, relieved when reaching shoreline after sea voyage.

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

Basira escorted Jubal Okech and prospectors during 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 expedition through City of Scholars when shadow entities attacked, with Sidqi sacrificing himself and Aoife rushing 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.

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