Xander

Xander was born as Shvenna and Sozar’s thirteenth child. Growing up with twenty-four siblings made the young noble wish for a quiet place. Thus, he left Khaba’Ardia and voyaged towards the Chiraki Abyss.

Xander found a home in the monster-filled chasm and its anarchistic hunters. He soon became Tham'Urri's apprentice, who taught of the Abyss’s structure, chiraki anatomy and potion-brewing methods. Tracking with hushed footsteps, placing traps and killing chirakis became second nature to the youngster.

Tham’Urri mainly hunted in the Abyss’s upper layers. Desiring excitement, Xander joined Ambori, a small gang of young hunters. The members painted their faces white with striking black make-up. One day, Xander noticed an unfamiliar woman in a tavern. He was captivated, entranced. It hit him like a thunderbolt. With fate on his side, Xander mustered courage, approached the huntress and started dancing. The woman didn’t waste a second and joined Xander, and the two danced the whole night, surrounded by confused, disgusted and mildly curious hunters.

The huntress was Sandrah, Tham’Urri’s new apprentice. Ambori’s leader, Guli, took a liking to Sandrah and often antagonised Xander. Xander soon noticed Ambori’s sheer incompetence and left the group.


Homeland
Kingdom of Khaba'Ardia
Father
Sozar
Mother
Shvenna
Siblings (Xander is aware of)
Turpha
Gakha
Chalkhi
Jamiera
Brolla
Raindi
Taso
Chiora
Baia
Tsiqa
Aleksandah
Zander
Vano
Vaso
Vakho
Anna
Marya
Anna-Marya
Vano-Vakho
Vakho-Vaso
Brolla
Xander
Vano-Vakho
Vaso
 
Wife
Sandrah
Children
Uncertain
Year of Birth
2087 AR/ADF 38 Years old
Children
Sex
Male
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Black, curly
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Olive
Height
1.83 metres
Several years later, chiraki sightings spread throughout the Nine Skies. Tham’Urri took Xander and Sandrah to investigate the area. They couldn’t find the source as Empress Keiko locked the impact area down. When the empress’s sister Saeko questioned the apprentices’ competence, Xander scoffed.

“You’d be surprised how much you learn in the Abyss.’’

Xander became a renowned hunter. Words of his unorthodox methods spread through the Chiraki Abyss. Many doubted their validity, but Xander’s perseverance and effectiveness proved them wrong.

Voice

Xander can’t whisper. He has a screechy, ear-piercing voice that constantly switches pitch. Xander often uses sign language during hunts.

Married Life

Tham’Urri’s two apprentices were soon smitten with each other. Xander took a throat cartilage from datvkura, a chiraki caught in the ninth layer, dipped in gold and proposed to Sandrah. She immediately headed towards the Abyss and, after several months, gifted the same gold-covered chiraki ring.

The couple hunted in unison and frequently ventured to the chasm’s depths. As they were reaching the thirteenth layer, Sandrah showed signs of pregnancy. The pair carried on and defeated chiraki Acacia. Acacia wounded Sandrah and, weakened, she fell upon the ascent.

One day, Guli blamed Xander for Sandrah’s death. The Legendary Hunter answered by breaking his jaw.

Several years later, Xander heard stories of the elusive Weaver, a chiraki woman carrying a toddler and decimating anyone trying to harm them. He suspects the Weaver to be Sandrah and wants to find her.

The Curse

Xander never shares what he saw in the thirteenth layer.

“Despite the warning, the dunce gathered everyone in the Horseback and began blabbering. All people could remember after seeing his beaten-up corpse was an instinctual urge to kill him. No one was sure who landed the last punch and none recalled his tale. So fledgeling, I ain’t telling. Go and see it yourself!”

Missing Finger

Xander misses his left ring finger. Many hunters share theories, the most popular being Acacia biting it off. When asked, he replies,

“I’m a hunter, not a dancer!”


Potions and Experiments

Xander became a skilled potion brewer. His chiraki-reversing potions, healing accelerators, energy amplifiers, luring substances and analgesics are unparalleled. Aware of the addictive properties and withdrawal symptoms, he is cautious about excessive potion intake. Xander isn’t against experimenting on his own body.

“Hey! Tham’Urri! You aren’t rusty, are you?”
“What now?”
“My eyes turned yellowish, sooo could you take a piece of my liver so I can experiment on?”
“... Alright.”

Notable Relationships

Family
Xander doesn’t miss his family and is sure they haven’t noticed his absence.

Sandrah
Xander loved Sandrah’s similarly unconventional hunting methods and thrill-seeking nature. The two kept each other’s backs, always venturing into the chasm together. News of her pregnancy delighted Xander, but he wondered how a child would survive Abyss’s mutagenic air and handle reversing potions.

Sandrah’s loss crushed Xander, and he felt guilty for failing to protect her. But Weaver’s sightings ignited hope. Xander thinks if she has retained her intelligence and self, there’s a chance to help her.

If not, Xander considers killing the Weaver his responsibility. Yet, the legendary hunter doubts his ability to do so.

Akash
Xander became close to Firozi dharaat Akash. Together with Tham’Urri, Akash taught him medicine and potion-brewing. He has great respect for the skilled hunter's physical prowess and expertise in all six dharaat magic.

As a fellow Legendary Hunter, Xander can freely talk to Akash without fearing Abyss’s curse.
Tham’Urri
Xander respects the mentor and is thankful for his teachings. He frequently asks for Tham’Urri’s guidance when encountering unfamiliar chirakis.

Baltaan
Xander found Baltaan’s inn comforting and opened a shop on its second floor. He could buy a house, yet prefers renting rooms to support his friend. Xander enjoys Baltaan’s singing and joining frequent bar fights when in the mood.

Saeko
When Saeko entered Chiraki Abyss, the Legendary Hunter didn’t believe her identity. Why would the empress’s arrogant sister jump into a filthy chasm? After hearing her tale, Xander reassured how everyone had their reasons to hunt. He helped Saeko adjust to the Abyss and respected her adaptability.

Yeronime
The apprentice’s pompous nature annoys Xander. He wants the young shah to realise how Abyss differs from the rich and lavish life he’s used to. He finds Yeronime’s disgust and fear of even the most harmless chirakis humorous.




Cover image: by Nincho

Comments

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Dec 4, 2023 17:00

I hope his parents are able to achieve their dream of making a soccer team.

Dec 4, 2023 17:04

Yes

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"
Dec 4, 2023 17:41 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I was reading the list of his siblings and couldn't help but laugh at how the names started to be re-used. Poor Xander. I don't blame him for going elsewhere.   I love him. I hope he finds the Weaver and she is his wife and everything works out okay.

Emy x
Explore Etrea
Dec 4, 2023 17:59

Writing the last third of the names was a blast, I can assure you.   And let's hope indeed.

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"
Dec 6, 2023 00:20

Wow, 24 siblings. I doubt they had only one table in the dining room :)

Check out the worlds of Starhome and Magic Earth
If you are looking for my Worldember articles check Magic Earth or My Worldember Progress Page
Dec 6, 2023 09:27

That Xander knows of! Imagine a hall with lots of tables stuck together haha

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"
Jan 29, 2024 22:43 by Aster Blackwell

What an interesting character! He's packed with all sorts of detail that really makes him feel like a real person. The bit about Sandrah is so sad. I audibly gasped when it was implied that she might be the Weaver :O

Jan 29, 2024 23:19

Thank you! He's incredibly enjoyable to talk and write about.   The Weaver is an elusive chiraki so let's see if Xander finds her.

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"