Kaibara
Overview
Kaibara is a whale Leviathan known for its alliance with humanity, particularly the Bravos Faction. The creature was named by the taxonomist Chiziwa to highlight the beauty of its appearances when it would take flight to swim through the clouds. Kaibara is considered the tutelary Leviathan of the Asgarthan Peninsula and resides within a half-frozen lake dotted with icebergs in the Silg mountain region of Kirighai.
Historical Significance
Soul Bond with Niavhe (~125-135 AC)
Kaibara formed a soul bond with Niavhe, creating one of the recorded instances of soul resonance between a human and a Leviathan. This bond is referenced in later tales of the Paramours. Through this bond, Niavhe demonstrated that communication with Kaibara was possible.
The Nine Keepers
Kaibara granted Niavhe and her nine disciples permission to enter the Katkera—and even to dwell there. Eru was the first person besides Niavhe whom Kaibara allowed upon her back, demonstrating the deep trust between the Leviathan and the early Muna.
Defeat by the Kraken (~146 AC)
The Kraken challenged Kaibara for control of Caer Oorun. The two colossi battled for days, devastating the Province and destroying human enclaves. Entire villages were wiped off the map and fields were laid to waste. Kaibara was defeated and had to retreat, leaving Caer Oorun in the hands of the victorious Kraken. This defeat led to the construction of The Rampart and the sealing of the Solstice Gate.
Alliance with Muna
The Muna worked alongside Kaibara to contain the growth of the Black Leviathan during The Three Factions War (late 3rd century AC). Despite their efforts, they could not make the malevolent creature disappear entirely.
Battle of Madan Bay (392 AC)
During the Battle of Madan Bay, Teija summoned Kaibara through the Mana network. Kaibara pierced through the clouds above the beach battle as Kojo Oduro leaped onto its tree-covered skin. The massive whale slammed into the Kraken with tremendous force, weakening it enough for Kojo to deliver the final devastating blow.
Physical Description
Kaibara is a colossal whale capable of flying through the air and swimming through clouds. Trees grow on its skin surface, providing handholds for riders. The Leviathan can create tremendous impacts when striking opponents and move with enough force to create towering waves.
Relationships
- Silg: Mountain region where Kaibara resides in a half-frozen lake
- Kirighai: Peninsula protected by Kaibara as tutelary Leviathan
- Katkera: Sacred forest protected under pact with Kaibara
- Caer Oorun: Province lost to Kraken after Kaibara’s defeat (~146 AC), later site of 392 AC battle
- The Rampart: Magical wall built after Kaibara’s defeat to protect Asgartha
- Solstice Gate: Sealed after Kaibara’s defeat by the Kraken
- Muna: Faction allied with Kaibara through ancient pact
- Bravos: Faction allied with Kaibara
- Niavhe: Human who formed soul bond with Kaibara
- Eru: First person besides Niavhe whom Kaibara allowed upon her back
- Teija: Muna who summoned Kaibara during Battle of Madan Bay (392 AC)
- Kojo Oduro: Bravos warrior who rode Kaibara during Battle of Madan Bay (392 AC)
- Kraken: Leviathan that defeated Kaibara (~146 AC), later defeated with Kaibara’s aid at Battle of Madan Bay (392 AC)