Taru

Overview

Taru is a luminescent, octopus-like creature that emerged from The Tumult when Akesha Adhikari’s Megalith Fragment shattered during her initiation ceremony at The Well of Tears. Bonded through The Musubi ceremony, Taru serves as Akesha’s Alter Ego in their Exalt partnership.

Origin

When Akesha reached the status of Initiate within the Yzmir, she was allowed to extract a fragment from the Aether Megalith that resided above The Well of Tears. However, when the crystal piece detached, it shattered on the ground, and Taru emerged from the broken fragment—a strange creature from The Tumult that had been trapped within its shell.

Appearance and Nature

Taru appears as a kind of luminescent and floating octopus. The creature possesses a gentle and affectionate nature, having adopted Akesha immediately upon being freed from its crystalline prison. It lovingly wrapped its tentacles around the young woman’s arm, becoming somewhat a familiar to her.

Protective Secrecy

Akesha had to protect this small Tumult being from the curiosity or mistrust of her peers within The Kadigir. Over time, seeing that the creature seemed harmless, other Yzmir came to consider it simply a mascot or an inconsequential eccentricity of a still very young magician. However, only Akesha was aware of Taru’s true potential.

Abilities

Taru possesses remarkable capabilities that make it a significant asset:

Mana Storage

The creature is capable of capturing Mana and storing it permanently—an unusual and valuable ability that sets it apart from typical Chimerae.

Gesture Execution

After bonding through The Musubi ceremony, Taru’s tentacles became capable of executing powerful Gestures that even the best Kinemancers could not dream of tracing in the air. This gives Akesha access to advanced Kinemancy techniques through her Alter Ego.

Bond with Akesha

Akesha decided to undergo The Musubi ceremony to bond further with Taru. Through this ritual, the little octopus became an extension of herself, and she of it. This deep connection allows them to function as a unified being, with Taru’s abilities complementing and enhancing Akesha’s magical practice.

Taru exhibits theatrical aversion to cold, curling under Akesha’s sweater for warmth during winter. He makes snarky comments through their bond. His suction cups allow him to cling affectionately to companions.

Emotional Support

Beyond its practical abilities, Taru provides emotional comfort to Akesha during her struggles. When faced with repeated failures in finding a cure for her sister’s Remanence, Taru could only console her, wrapping its arms around the magician as she sobbed. The creature serves as both a powerful magical companion and a source of solace during difficult times.

Taru adores Kumari Adhikari, launching himself at her for sticky, affectionate hugs. He wriggles under Kumari’s coat, curling up smugly. During emotional moments, Taru coils his sticky tentacles around Akesha and Kumari’s joined hands, offering comfort.

Card Lore Timeline

391 AC - Black Wave Monitoring

Taru emerged timidly from under covers on Baba Yaga’s isba terrace after seeing treats on tray. Baba Yaga had brought porcelain plates loaded with sugar-coated cookies, little pastries, and preserves. Akesha was assigned to monitor Black Wave alongside Baba.

When isba suddenly started moving on chicken legs, Taru observed as Akesha spilled tea. Baba Yaga stood up scanning fleecy plain with grass black as night. When Black Wave quivered and Baba transformed from friendly grandmother to harpy with terrifying face, Taru witnessed Akesha covering self with Sigils to prepare for danger.

392 AC - Assisting with Itoro’s Treatment

Tumult wave hit Ouroboros causing damage and mild parasitization. Akesha leaned over Itoro (Lyra calligrapher) treating her condition. Taru interrupted Akesha’s daydreaming by placing sticky tentacle on forearm - this was no time to be lost in thought.

Akesha placed hands on Itoro’s chest summoning Sigil to stimulate metabolism. Through Irises, she performed diagnostics distinguishing grafted ideas: “Ribbon” and “Rubber”. Itoro’s leg was limp and elastic, left hand had laces of silky flesh where fingers should be.

Akesha turned toward Taru who waved tentacles. She would need Taru’s dexterity to isolate and remove intrusive ideas grafted onto Itoro by Tumult wave.

Role in the Quest

With Taru’s help, Akesha hoped to find a way to save her sister Kumari Adhikari. The partnership between them represents not only a magical bond but also a shared mission to discover a cure for Remanence and help those afflicted by this dangerous condition.

Relationships

• Akesha Adhikari: Bonded partner through The Musubi, curls under her sweater, makes snarky comments, provides emotional comfort
• Kumari Adhikari: Adores her, gives sticky affectionate hugs, wriggles under her coat, coils tentacles around joined hands for comfort (392 AC)
• Baba Yaga: Observed during The Black Wave monitoring (391 AC)
• Itoro: Assisted Akesha with treatment after Tumult parasitization (392 AC)