Lore Dossier #02: The Runeblades of Terrun Calibre
This post will serve as a primer on the individuals Unukalhai is associated with through Terrun Calibre. Please see the previous post in this series for a detailed explanation of Terrun Calibre's function and history. Keep in mind that, although the characters I'll be speaking of are canon NPCs within the MapleStory 2 universe, much of this post will be headcanon based. While these characters will be referenced often in my roleplay posts, it will almost never be by name, and this post can be skipped. For those interested in details, here they are!
First and foremost is Arazaad, the head of the Pelgian sect, Elder Blade of Terrun Calibre, and leader of Calibre Island itself. He is universally respected for his strength, compassion, wisdom, and experience. Even though he holds unpopular opinions, due to the esteem in which he is commonly held, his rather "radical" ideas on equality are tolerated.
Somewhat unusually, he personally trained a rather large amount of students-- 16, where most Runeblades only take one to a small handful at most, due to the nature of the training. A group of them, referred to as the Eight Blades, are considered to be the strongest of all Runeblades, behind Arazaad himself. Among their number are followers of both the Jibricia and Pelgia sects, which is considered highly unusual and a break from (recent) tradition. While many continue to distrust the followers of Jibricia's teachings for various reasons, he maintains that they are as deserving of their place in Terrun Calibre as Pelgian Runeblades such as himself.
Several of his students see him as a father figure of sorts, and as such, his way of thinking has left a lasting impression on them. His desire for a reunited Terrun Calibre resonates within many of them.
He was betrayed, seemingly out of nowhere, by his most accomplished student. His death immediately plunged Calibre Island into chaos, with messy transfers of leadership, as well as the first draft in a century bring put into effect due to the emergency.
When Arazaad was killed, the one who was called on to take over Terrun Calibre in his absence is Landevian, one of the Eight Blades. Arazaad considered Landevian to be his most trusted student, although there are plenty who question this logic. On the surface, Landevian is lazy and childish, with little regard for protocol. Early on in his training, he acted out frequently and resisted discipline, but that only served to bring Arazaad's attention more intensely down on him as he tried to compromise with his unruly pupil. Eventually, teacher was able to make a breakthrough with student, and despite his rather unique personality remaining intact, a responsible and trustworthy man emerged.
He is much more observant than he lets on, often throwing subtle jabs and teases at his peers. He's able to focus and delegate with frightening efficiency, and when put to the test, he proves his worth as a leader who understands those who follows him, and as someone who can use their abilities to the greatest potential. It's his first task as Acting Elder Blade to assemble a search party to hunt down the traitors... although, he first subtly ensures that the impromptu vanguard is well on their way.
Another of Arazaad's most trusted students, and perhaps the strongest of the Pelgian sect, is Ishura, another of the Eight Blades. Nearly Landevian's opposite in every way, he is serious, formal, and strict with everyone around him; yet, for all his rigidity, he tends to behave quite impulsively. Beneath his curt exterior is a deeply emotional, idealistic person who matches and even exceeds his master's fervor for equality within Terrun Calibre.
He is Unukalhai's mentor, and the influence he's had on his student is readily apparent in many ways-- including appearance. It has been said that Unukalhai is like Ishura's mirror, separated only by a finely tempered ego. Ishura may possess the decorum to appear more in control, but Unukalhai is the raw, undiluted essence of his heart and soul.
In the wake of Arazaad's murder, Ishura is quick to chase after the traitor. Even through the storm of emotions within him, he takes note that the fatalities are strangely low, given the gravity of the situation. Hot on the trail, he resolves to find out just why someone so dear to him had committed such a heinous crime. Unukalhai, as rash as his teacher, follows close behind.
Ishura's best friend, and the final of Arazaad's three top students, is Holstatt. Holstatt was the rising star of the Jibrician sect, taking his place as the sect's leader even before his Runeblade training had truly been completed. His mastery of elemental rune magic is unparalleled in living memory, and it was only natural that he follow through with and refine such raw talent. Arazaad took him on, despite the difference in their sects' approach, and Holstatt took to his studies dutifully. He respected the Elder Blade deeply, much to the distaste of many. Under Arazaad's mentorship he became known as the strongest of all runeblades, apart from Arazaad himself.
He and Ishura bonded quickly and deeply early on in their training. Although the elders of the island forbade their friendship, they met in secret nearly every night, chatting until dawn. Eventually and inevitably, their conversations turned to the rift between Pelgia and Jibricia. The pair dreamed of ending the conflict and changing the ways of the island itself, breaking the shackles of the prejudice that had set in like a deep rot.
However, something shifted in their dynamic. Holstatt grew distant and cold over a period of months, then years, offering no explanation. Nevertheless, Ishura always hoped for things to return to the way they were, and for their dreams of a better Calibre Island to be realized.
Those dreams all came crashing down the day Holstatt killed Arazaad and fled Calibre Island with four of the Eight Blades, all Jibrician followers. Those of the Jibricia sect who remained were immediately cast under violent and relentless scrutiny as those seen as idols and role models to Terrun Calibre became traitors of the most dire kind.
Holstatt, however, had only acted in a desperate attempt to save his people. In truth, Arazaad had been leading Terrun Calibre down a dark, evil path, and most adored him too deeply for their eyes to be opened to reality. He lost faith in the future and had simply given up, choosing to offer his people to the forces of darkness rather than stand and fight what he believed could not be withstood.
Holstatt left in search of ancient wisdom hidden by the ancestors, hoping to avert the coming calamity, even if it meant throwing away everything he had known and loved.
Eupheria trained under Arazaad alongside Landevian, Ishura, and Holstatt, although she was not one of the Eight Blades. There was a time when all four were relatively close-- even if Holstatt had been somewhat on the outside of the group-- but rising tensions and the growing divide between their power and hers had seen her take a step back from them to focus on her own progress. Arazaad's death hit her the hardest of all.
Finally, Rejan was Holstatt's student, apprenticed to him on the same day Ishura took on Unukalhai. Their lessons were often joined, and over the years, Rejan and Unukalhai grew close. However, the more distant Holstatt grew, the more Rejan's training suffered, until Arazaad himself took over many of her lessons.
In the wake of Holstatt's treachery, she found it difficult to trust anyone apart from Unukalhai and Eupheria; as the one left to chase after his own teacher, she instead stood more firmly by the other. Unofficially, Eupheria became her new mentor-- at the very least, she looked up to her, and followed her example in the months to come.
