Anni Zhan
The First of the Anishans
Anni Zhan is someone who might not be mentioned much outside of certain societal circles, specifically those concerning the Anishan. Within these circles, she is considered to be a living myth that is to be respected, feared, and revered. She is acknowledged by all but a few, to be the very embodiment of the Ani Force and subsequently the very nature of the Anishan species. Though it should be stated that this is a mere theory than anything else; a considerably accepted theory, but a theory nonetheless.
A Namesake
Anni Zhan is the namesake of the Anishans Species, as well as the Force of Ani and Sanctum of Ani.
If these had any different names or titles prior to the emergence of Anni Zhan, they are presumed to have been lost to time. Some wonder if they might have been affected by the Amnesia Pulse as well.
The Timeless Anishan
Anni Zhan is considered to be the oldest of her kinship and is believed to have been the very first Anishan to have emerged from the Sanctum of Ani uncountable millennia ago. Exactly how old she is nobody knows, as it is said that only Architect was present at her manifestation.
She has not denied the possibility that she might have been born prior to the Dawn of Time. Possibly at the precipice of its beginning, if so. It was a possibility first brought up by Guardian; one of the Firstborn and the Son of the Architect.
It is an idea that Anni Zhan has slowly gotten used to over millennia, and the reason why some call her the Timeless Anishan.
Physical Appearance
"A strikingly beautiful woman indeed.
Anni Zhan is — appearance-wise — indistinguishable from an ordinary youthful human woman.
She ordinarily reaches a height of about 173 centimeters, though while wearing her heeled boots she has a height of about 175 centimeters. She has a heart-shaped face and a small nose. Her hair has a golden-blonde shade to it that in certain light conditions will have a metallic shine to it.
Her big round eyes have a shade of glistening amber and give off a distinct feeling of timelessness and authority. She is broad-shouldered and has a subtle muscular body that could have been sculpted from beige marble by a master sculptor.
Her age — timeless as it is — does showcase itself subtly on her body, though most do not take notice of it. A lonely strand of white hair. A faint wrinkle underneath her right eye. The faded scarring that mars her body is the most noticeable sign of her age; thousands upon thousands of them, layer upon layer that give her body an irregular pattern of discolored, smooth skin not too dissimilar to intricate tattoos. Others have noted that it is also not too dissimilar to the skin discoloration condition of vitiligo.
Utrustica
Battledress
Annie Zhan's Utrustica mainly takes on the appearance of a beautiful, long-armed black dress with a wide skirt made out of finest silk. It has a corset halter top with a keyhole-midriff design and an exposed backside that all in all does not leave much to the imagination. She also wears black leggings and knee-high heeled leather boots with subtle steel decorations. Sometimes she will also wear purple, fingerless gloves.
It is not as easily tarnished a one might expect from a silky material, as it can withstand most thrusts and slices from even the sharpest bladed melee weapons, be it a dagger or a sword.
Armored Battledress
In situations when Anni Zhan wants to showcase that she means serious business, she will enhance her dress to make it more suitable for battle. Black stainless steel plates that seamlessly interconnect with each other will manifest on top of the dress, and tassets made from multiple connected plates will act as additional protection for her thighs. Underneath the skirt, she will wear steel-plated pants and boots, while on her hands, she will wear steel gauntlets that reach her elbows.
Only minutes are its manifestation, however, fiery red cracks that emit a great deal of heat will appear across the armor. These do not appear to weaken the armor per se, but according to Anni Zhan, it does require a subtle increase of Ani Force to not dematerialize. One theory suggests that it might be so that the armor actually contains more Ani Force than it can hold, and thus it releases it through these cracks, though its wearer is not completely sold on the idea.
In regards to its protective capabilities, it can withstand impacts from heavy hammers and high-caliber projectiles. It also offers impressive protection from extreme temperatures, allowing Anni Zhan to wander across lava-covered fields and arctic mountain valleys.
The Sword of Anni Zhan
Anni Zhan will always be seen carrying around on a long blackened steel sword of a fairly simplistic but effective design. The blade of the sword is marked with several circular symbols and a groove that reaches about halfway through to the tip. It is a potent Artifact of Power that is as much an incarnation of the Force of Ani as its creator.
It is feared by all her kin, as it can slice through their durable bodies like wet paper, no matter what additional protective measures they utilize. But it is also one many wish to hold at least once in their lifetime, as it will allow an Anishan to tap into otherwise unreachable depths of the Ani Force. Holding it allows them to go beyond their Alignments without risk of breaking one's core nature, and to perform feats they could only dream of accomplishing.
Abilities of Anni Zhan
Durability
If there ever was an Anishan who could be considered to be immortal, it would be Anni Zhan. Her durability is nigh on par with the Dhavians. No physical weapons made by mortal hands are capable of drawing her blood or causing any real injuries, whether it be external or internal.
Most tangible threats against her nature are Artifacts of Power of an offensive nature, other Anishans and entities such as the Dark Hatters and Dhavians.
Speed
Anni Zhan is able to move at such speeds that one would not be blamed for mistaking it for short-distance teleportation.
Most will at best see nothing but a blur as she moves about. If she moves in misty or dusty environments, then it will even appear to look as if she leaves faint after-images that fade within seconds. And if she gives enough sprint momentum with her enhanced strength, she can leave craters behind her as she throws herself forward.
Strength
Anni Zhan is able to crush a boulder with her bare hands, as well as bend thick steel bars without problem.
A heavy punch can form deep craters in the ground, and she is able to carry over five hundred kilograms without much fuss. She learned quickly to be careful with her strength, especially around mortal races, such as humans. One slip and she may break someone's arm as if it was an old dry thin stick.
Sword Surge
Thanks to her Artifact of Power, Anni Zhan is able to channel vast amounts of raw Ani Force that she would otherwise be unable to summon without hurting herself; it is an action that is simply known as a Sword Surge. Using it, she is able to obliterate an entire mountain, and it was what allowed her the possibility to manifest the Ani Palace.
The First Anishan.
Mother Anni Zhan.
Temple of Ani.
Varldstan Niarem.
Children
Ruled Locations
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"If you look upon the stars, know that you look upon a light of the past."