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Cipher is a creature of Vardorian mythology. She is the embodiment of a Great Drake, a sacred and protected species of Vardor. Research has revealed that she is a Beast Lord, a fact known only to Jonaleth Isradia, the discoverer of this stunning information. Wishing to keep her identity a secret, he sent her forth into the galaxy, to grow to maturity, only to return when he bid it so.
Early Years
During the Acension War of Vardor, one of the battles inadvertantly killed the Drake Lord. It is said that the next drake born would inherit the status as Lord. An egg was found by, then field commander, Jonaleth Isradia. Wishing to study the egg, he took it to his lab to perform numerous tests. In a final experiment, Jonaleth sent the egg out into space in an effort to see if a strong Vardorian species could prolifigate on another world. His idea was that it might be a weapon for Vardor in that it would be an insidiou form of slow defet for enemies, if it worked. After sending it out into space, marked with his own power to track it, he left it to its own devices and concentrated on other things. When the time came that he felt he should view the results, he called out to the being that had been born.
The effect of the egg landing on the shapeshifter planet of Krama'at - it's force presence and nature - is what spawned the limited shapeshifting abilities of the Drake embryo. With Drakes being strong in the Force, the effect was imprinted on Cipher's being, giving her the ability of three distinct forms, with her base form being that of a humanoid-drake mix, and the ability to become fully Vardorian or fully Drake.
Her craft landed on a remote world, Krama’at, a world inhabited by shape-shifting creatures that resembled foxes. She was found by one of the inhabitants who then brought the child to her husband who took the child in, even though he sensed something odd about her. The pair raised her along with their son, Munesanzun Mitsukai. All through her life there, she was never truly accepted, save for the family that took her in. Most others saw her as an outsider, their prejudice undeniable.
At the age of two, Munesanzun had an incident that sparked much turmoil in his relationship with Cipher. She, unaware of the repercussions, spoke of the incident to the local monastery and not soon after, Munesanzun was taken from their home and raised by monks. As a result, Mune failed to recognize her, though he felt oddly close to her. She would visit the Shrine regularly to see him, but it was never for very long. She remained on Krama'at until she was about 14 standard years, and left the planet for good, never to return. A voice called out to her, to which she answered, travelling to the source of the calling.
When Cipher's egg hatched, an enigmatic fire broke out in the oddest of locations. A ring of blue flame erupted around the Final Obelisk in Urd Nathen, and burned until Cipher's return to Vardor, even dispite many attempts to extinguish the flame. Several members of the Children of God tradition viewed this even as a sign that the next Drake Lord had been born, but due to Jonaleth's actions, could not prove such a claim. This flame was only visible to their people and in turn, great debate was sparked. In an unprecedented occurance, a memeber of the Children of God appeared in the Court of the Chosen and sat in the throne that had gone un-used in thousands of years. His voice was heard, but many dismissed it, believing that such an important occurance would surely be visible to all, not just one tradition.
Maknar, "The Speaker" as he became known, prophesized that one day, the Drake Lord would return and those who did believe would see changes unprecedented in the history of Vardor.
Clan Exar Kun
Cipher searched for the voice for nearly four years, passing by as a bounty hunter and smuggler. She became known the galaxy over for being one of the best in the business. Her secret: her heightened telepathy. She can read the thoughts of those she can see, and as such, can know almost anything there is to know. Eventually, those that knew her began to catch on, and her edge was lost. So she turned to her pursuit of the voice which only grew stronger as she ignored it.
Her travels led her back to Vardor, to the source of the voice. In her mind, she had never been there before, but her heart told otherwise. Something within her awoke and she felt stronger. Jonaleth Isradia, the leader of the governing body, greeted her and began to implement his master plan by training her in the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. She grew to power quickly, her talents abounding. After a few short years, she was a force to be reckoned with. Joining House Byss of Clan Exar Kun was her first official endeavour in the Dark Brotherhood.
Sometime during her training, Master Jonaleth, possesed by the spirit of Ludo Kressh, began a reign of assault against those of House Byss, Cipher’s house and family. The house fought well, but fell to the combined powers of the duo. Cipher, having collapsed earlier in the battle, rose again near the end to challenge the pair once again. Seething with anger, she charged at the creature that was her Master and vowed to die trying to free him from the grips of Kressh. But the effort was futile, and she fell to her death. With limbs torn, body mutilated and destroyed she lie on the floors of the Citadel. All was not lost.
Dark Empress and First Daughter of Isradia
The combined pair of Master and Spirit lifted her broken body from the floors and held it above the fallen forms of her comrades. Several had regained consciousness and became witnesses to the events that followed. Cipher burned in a shimmering blue flame, while Kressh, through and with her Master, reformed her body, delving deep into her ancestral genealogy. Wings formed from her shoulders, and horns grew from her head. She was reborn through the Dark Side, and was further infused with it.
Her Master banished Kressh’s spirit and things returned to somewhat normal. Cipher’s new form caused her to remain in a coma for some time as her body recovered from the shock. Seeing the further potential in her, Jonaleth inducted her into the Isradia family, assigning her Panarchship of Dor Nathan on Vardor. She accepted, and ruled there for a time.
She swore her undying service to Jonaleth in a ritual that still puzzles Cipher. Kissing his right hand, a tattoo of a glowing silver dragon appeared, linking her eternally to him. Whatever fate befalls him, befalls her though the reverse is not true. She is bound to him, and has pledged to protect him from whatever would harm him. When she is near him, the tattoo glows silver, a silent signal to him that she is near. It is a bond that shall never break. If the bond is broken by her, she will die. The only one that can break the bond is the one who received the dragon’s kiss.
The bond goes beyond Master and Apprentice. It is as though the universe itself has linked the two in mind and spirit. Each senses the moods and feelings of the other, and even goes so far as to link thoughts at times.
The Daughter I never had, but always wanted. My protector and loyal servant; my child and greatest achievement. My closest friend. She and I shall stand together for all time. When one of us dies, we both die. Should any wrong her, they shall answer to me in pain and blood. - Jonaleth Isradia
Cipher has been recently appointed Zolarch of House Isradia and Panarch of Tol Rothan following the departure of several key nobles from the family. She now serves as third in command of House Isradia at her Master’s side, an appointment that has sparked great turmoil amongst the powerful Nobles outside of House Isradia.
Great Beasts and Drakes
Deeply connected to the planet Vardor are the Great Beasts, four unique breeds of animals that evolved on Vardor and were once a symbiotic part of the Dreaming God, but, unlike the lesser aspects, survived his destruction. From times immemorial they have been a source of fear, wonder and legend for the Vardorians, and in the modern day, are each a protected and deeply revered species.
The modern position of the Great Beasts is unique. Having once formed part of the planetary pseudo-intelligence of the Dreaming God, they are now all that remains of Him, and through magic, are all that now keeps the fragile ecosystem of the planet in balance. They are the fulcrum now upon which the world swings, for they channel the massive Force energies that the Vardorians still produce, that once were the life blood of the God, back into the planet and their own bodies, sustaining the planet and serving as lightning rods for the power the planet generates. Thus, the Beasts gain great power, and thus they are also dependant on the humans. That is the great balance of Vardor.
Drakes are thirty foot long, sinuous winged reptiles with vaguely feline faces that are bipedal on the ground. They possess long necks and tails and lithe bodies, with grasping front claws featuring opposable thumbs, and have hard, sleek scales, crests and ridges covering their bodies. Cold blooded, they dwell in the limited volcanic regions of Vardor, particularly Edeth’Polar, where they nest and hunt birds, deer, bears and the occasional Fenrir. They breed slowly and birth single offspring, and like all reptiles, are long lived and sluggish in the cold. Their unique Force given power allows them to induce a sense of fear and awe to better scare off hostile interlopers or impress potential mates. (taken from Shattered Light v.3 Copyright Jonaleth Isradia)
Cipher: Beast Lord of Vardor
Legend has it that there are Beast Lords for each of the Great Beasts. These individuals, who only ever exist singly, are paragons of their kind – bigger, stronger, faster and smarter than their kin, often with unique mutations and abilities afforded by the paragon status. In all history, only three individuals have ever come face to face with a Beast Lord and survived to tell the tale. The Beast Lords are kings and masters of their kind; power made flesh. Before, the only known name of one of the them is the Nightshade Lord, Kash’ha’rik. (also Shattered Light v.3)
Now, a second Beast Lord has been discovered.
Psychological Profile
Cipher’s temperament is one of mistrust and scepticism. She finds it hard to trust people and as such, it is hard to gain her respect, but should you find yourself on her respected side, you are one of the few. She does however value honor above most other things. She is ruthless and unforgiving, and her flares of anger are often fatal. Her inner instinct lends itself to this making her a difficult adversary. Her skills with a saber are amazing considering the awkwardness of holding a saber in her large, three fingered hands. She prefers mental combat and hand-to-hand combat for she considers it more intimate and personal.
She can take on a humanoid, bipedal form whenever she wishes. This form allows for closer contact with others and is more suited for most day-to-day tasks. She prefers her natural, fully drake form to her humanoid form, but assumes the latter when necessary.
Relationships within the Family
Her relationships with the other Isradia’s are of a mixed variety, as some she works well with, while others she can barely tolerate.
Cipher does not trust Duke Erin, but she will follow his directives because the Grand Duke wishes it. She believes that Erin is out to usurp Jonaleth and take his place. Erin sees Cipher as a threat as well, but to his position. Her rise to power did not sit well with the Duke, and as such, he barely tolerates her presence. He respects her only because of the Grand Duke’s faith in her.
Major General Michael Lorsan views Cipher as a valuable asset to the family and admires her for her strength, agility and skill as a combatant. Likewise, Cipher holds the Major General in high regard, often conferring with him on the safety of the House members.
Cipher and Viscount M’naar Vosok-Kaan has taught Cipher a great many things about stealth and cunning. Having trained beneath him directly, she is a master of shadows. He views her as a prized pupil, wishing he could teach her more, but she has surpassed his knowledge, though he would not dare tell her for fear of losing his position.
Cipher despises Liana Rochell because she is a seductive, conniving trickster. She cannot be trusted, nor is she tolerated. The two have been forbidden to occupy the same room, for surely Cipher would kill Liana where she stood. Liana is constantly competing with Cipher for the attention of the Grand Duke, and therefore, also despises Cipher.
Marquis Septis is neither liked, nor disliked by Cipher. He does his job well, and is not often heard from.
With Bishop Dorian Marcet, Cipher is at ease and not at all perturbed by his aura of sexuality and charm. Her appeal to him is next to nothing as Cipher has no real interest in copulation.
The Grand Duke’s son, Dane, fears Cipher, for she would kill him should Jonaleth wish it. His apparent affection for the Jedi Order has brought Cipher to watch him intently, ready to strike.
With other members of the Dark Brotherhood, she is respected and seen as a valuable ally to have. Esca and Cipher both trust each other impeccably.
Ashura sees Cipher as a kindred spirit, as both of them have faced death and come back changed. It's as if she can see through the layers of fresh and see the demon within him. Thus they are two of a kind... Preditors. She views Ashura as a brother-in-arms and feels comfortable around him. Cipher's relationship with Ashura does not extend to his lover and child. Cipher does not trust Isabelle and believes that she is weak for having given up her place in her previous house. Their child, Alector, would sooner be killed by Cipher for the abomination he is, seed of friend and foe.
Mune and Cipher share a unique relationship, strained by time apart, but on the road to recovery.
DJB Facts
Past Positions Held:
- QUA/AED/BTL/Envoy of Byss of Clan Exar Kun (disbanded)
- Judge of the ACC
- Envoy of House Gladius of Clan Tarentum
Trivia
- Dark Empress - Isradia Prophetic Title
- Beast Lord of Vardor - Drake Lord