#ahzidal

Developmentober day 28: trauma

Our tournament already comes to an end!

Miraak and Vahlok find themselves once again head to head! Will things turn out the way they did in the lore, or will it be different this time?

Ahzidal. His name translates directly to Bitter Destroyer, a name he took for himself. He spent his life learning the arcane arts in Mainland Skyrim, becoming a highly talented battlemage. But when he returned to his birthplace, he found it destroyed by the Snow Elves, and everyone he had known and loved was dead. Heartbroken and enraged, he took up arms against the Elves, leading the charge into Saarthal along with Morokei. For his great bravery, he was made a Priest, and governed on Solstheim under the tutelage of Miraak. Of the three Solstheim Priests, he caused the most trouble, particularly alongside Nahkriin, his closest friend. He is Omnisexual and uses He/Him.

Miraak. In the Dragon Tongue, his name means Allegiance-Guide, a name he was given to symbolize his key role in mentoring the other Solstheim Priests. He always harbored dissent against the Dragons, but hid it well. With his power on Solstheim, he sought to carve out a stronghold to rally against the Dov, having some inkling of his nature as the First Dragonborn. But upon discovering Hermaeus Mora’s Black Book, he learned the full truth about what he is. Using the power granted by Hermaeus Mora, he became one of the most powerful Priests in Skyrim, forsaking the Dragon Cult and bringing the other three Solstheim Priests with him, even subjugating their Dragons with the Shout he created. But his own brother, Vahlok, the one person he truly loved, was ultimately the one to defeat him. And so he was dragged to Apocryphal, where he remains- until the Last Dragonborn, Kiirlaas, awakens, and comes to free him. He is Pansexual and Grayromantic, and uses He/Him.

Volsung. His name means Horror, belying the true capabilities hiding just underneath his cordial exterior. In his early years of Priesthood, he was a brutally efficient ruler, swiftly cutting down dissenters and ruling with strength. But one day, he was given a reward for his outstanding work- a newborn baby girl, left to die in the snow and found by Paarthurnax. Instantly, he was smitten with her, and named his new daughter Kiirlaas, meaning Young Life. After this day, he became a completely different person, exercising far more restraint and showing more mercy in his actions. He raised his daughter with nothing but love and patience, and to this day she is his pride and joy. Even after 5000 years of death-slumber, when he awoke to her face, he stood with her, not even caring that she was Dragonborn. And yet, his name rings true- any who cross him, or worse, his daughter, will know the true meaning of horror. He is Straight and Orchidsexual, and uses He/Him.

Vahlok. In the Dragon Tongue, his name means Guardian, for he was meant to serve alongside his elder brother Miraak in governing Solstheim. He and Miraak spent their whole lives together, sharing responsibilities and woes, and doing all they could to help each other. If Vahlok shared Miraak’s disdain for the Dragons, he never let it show, and was known as a merciful, just leader. When Miraak went rogue, it was he who stood against him and convinced the other Solstheim Priests to return to the Cult. Even as Miraak lay dying, Vahlok attempted to bring him back to reason, only for Hermaeus Mora to claim his brother. After being named the greatest of all Priests, he continued to rule fairly, and went down in history as the most merciful and beloved of the Priests. He is Graysexual and Biromantic, and uses He/Him.

Nahlot. In Dovahzul, their name means Silence, and they are my third and final OC. Born mute, they nonetheless displayed extreme magical and academic prowess, serving the Dragons faithfully and going above and beyond in their duties. However, their calm exterior and muteness fooled many into thinking they were a weak Priest, which they most certainly were not. In fact, their name not only reflects their muteness, but their favorite way of dealing with their detractors- silencing them, for good. They wear a Mask of Ivory and often can be seen alongside Britfaaz, who took them under her wing. They are Placiosexual and Panromantic, and use They/Them.

Dukaan. Her name has two meanings- as a single word, it translates to Dishonor, but split into two words, it means Devourer of Kyne. Both are fitting for her. Born Albino and with partial blindness, she never knew safety in youth. Her family were cold and cruel, and so she followed in their footsteps. They forced her to become a Priestess of Kyne, a role she despised. She had learned that power was the only thing that could keep her safe, and for a Priestess of Kyne, there was little to be had. So she burned down the temple she had been shackled to and gave herself to the Dragon Cult, eventually choosing the name Dukaan for herself and wearing it with pride. She governs on Solstheim and wields frost magic with frightening skill, thanks to Miraak and his teachings. She was with him to the bitter end, only rejoining the Dragon Cult when it became clear Miraak was a losing dog. She, Ahzidal, and Zahkriisos made up what the other Priests often referred to as ‘the Trouble Trio’. She is Cupiosexual and Apothiromantic, and uses She/Her.

Krosis. Her name means Sorrow, for her often grim countenance. As Vosis’ little sister, she is one of the youngest Priests, and ruled her people in the typical Dragon Priest fashion. She was given the honor of serving Paarthurnax, a role she took deathly seriously. When he was told by Kyne to teach Mankind the way of the Voice, she stood by his side, loyal to him over all else. But her loyalty couldn’t save her from the wrath of her peers, and they dragged her to the tip of Shearpoint to imprison her within the sarcophagus and await Alduin’s return. In her final moments of clarity, she called out for him, a sound which haunts the brother of Alduin to this day. She is Lesbian and uses She/They.

Tulnir. Her name means Hunter’s Hammer, a curious name for such a sprightly, chipper Priest. It was chosen for her by Morokei, her beloved elder brother, for she was often far quicker to default to violence than he. The pride and joy of Bromjunaar, she was charismatic and jovial nearly all the time. In fact, her diplomatic skill brought her quite far in the Priesthood, especially considering her position as the second-youngest. She was Morokei’s more social half, spending time amongst the common folk and leading hunting parties. She is Polysexual and uses She/Her.

Finally, Vokun. His name translates to Shadow, a fitting name for the most mysterious of the Priests. As the youngest, his path to Priesthood was fraught with challenges, all of which he overcame. With the help of his incredible skill in illusion and alteration magic, he took to the more illicit side of being a Dragon Priest like a duck to water. He was also a member of the first Companions, an archivist who preserved the lineages and memoirs of his fellows. Despite the age difference between them, Vokun carried on a frenemy relationship with Rahgot, who begrudgingly came to care for him. He is Bisexual and Grayromantic, and uses He/Him.

All except for Ahzidal. The dragon priest who used his knowledge of magic, taught by the elven races, to assist in destroying the Snow Elves. The LDB just looking stiff once they figure out who's tomb they're in. They get quieter as they cut down the draugr to get to the priest. Collecting his artifacts without stating why, just picking them up as they go.

Then Miraak sees the LDB enter a state of rage he's all too familiar with. Seeing Ahzidal trying to regain power with the corpses of the miners is too much. He becomes soul trapped by the LDB as one last act of revenge and they just break. Miraak tells Ralis to leave and they won't kill him. Then just sits with LDB until they can no longer angrily cry. He doesn't even need to say anything, just being there is enough.

“Ahzidal, arise!”