Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus

Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus, renowned as "The Crusader of the Kur'vol'fiil," was an Ancient Demon, legendary Zar'un, swords-demon, and a champion to Zan'nal'takriin.

Early History

Although the records of Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus have been well preserved for hundreds of millions of years, much of his origins are still a mystery. Salniil'vol'kunal appears in records beginning in the Infernus Solar Year 31 IKV, when Zan'nal'takriin noticed his achievement in the Kol'kols'sakniir Arena. As The Great Devil sat and watched the final match in the Arena, he noticed that Salniil'vol'kunal never once used magic and instead, having only fought with blade and extreme speed. When The Great Devil asked who the demon was, he was told that the demon was famous in the Arena for his mastery of blades and that the demon was incapable of using magic.

It was unheard of at the time for a demon to be unable to use magic. It was absurd for one to even think one who can't fight with magic to have a chance against a magic wielding foe. Naturally, he garnished attention from every demon, Zan'nal'takriin included.

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- The Tale of The Crusader

Impressed by the demon, Zan'nal'takriin requested and granted the demon an audience with him. On the Arena floor, The Great Devil met the demon and told him of his impressions of his skill in combat despite his lack of magical talent, and then requested the demon's name. It was then the demon told Zan'nal'takriin that his name was Salniil'volkunal Vol'iniikus. Thereafter, Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus was personally invited by Zan'nal'takriin to join his personal ranks and serve directly under him. Salniil'vol'kunal accepted the invitation and was granted the rank of Dur'iish

Dur'iish

When Salniil'vol'kunal joined the ranks under The Great Devil, he was initially disliked and mocked solely because he was unable to use magic. His early time as a dur'iish was one of a lonely wanderer. While other dur'iish went out in teams and commanded by a senior dur'iish or Kol'saloniir, Salniil'vol'kunal went out alone and without a senior in command.
Salniil'vol'kunal's first recognition by other dur'iish would come when he slew the defiler Yu'ukenkrul Ev'nash'niil. He came to the Palace of Zatan'na, where he entered the main hall holding the head Yu'ukenkrul in his left hand, and his blade in his right, covered in the demon's scales and blood. Although the kol'saloniir present were still unimpressed, many dur'iish were stunned and amazed by Salniil'vol'kunal's achievement, especially since Yu'ukenkrul was skilled with illusion magic.
Salniil'vol'kunal, from then on, was allowed by his fellow dur'iish to be a part of a team. Quickly, he displayed talents for leadership as well as tactics. During the Kunal'vuk'parush Incident, he and his fellow dur'iish were surrounded by 9 members of the House of Kunal'vuk'parush. As the demons of Kunal'vuk'parush prepared to lay waste to Salniil'vol'kunal and his team, with a quick wit and thinking, he ordered his exhausted team to fire off multiple spells into the air.
Now known as the Vol'iniikus Deception, the spells fired into the air drew the attention of the 9 Kunal'vuk'parush, which gave Salniil'vol'kunal enough time to rush at their captain, Kiil'fiin'vak Kunal'vuk'parush, and behead him. Shocked and stunned, the other Kunal'vuk'parush demons conceded defeat and left Salniil'vol'kunal and his team.

His time in the Arena allowed to him grasp a certain set of abilities that were fairly new to the Ancients, but were second nature to him. Among these was deception and distraction. Surely to fall victim to such tactics was to take great loss in one's perception and even moreso their pride. For Salniil'vol'kunal, these tactics were essential to his survival.

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- The Tale of The Crusader

Upon his return to the Palace of Zatan'na, with not just his team alive and well, but with the head of Kiil'fiin'vak, he drew the attention of not only the kol'saloniir but also Zatan'na himself. His name became recognized in the Palace, and words of his victories and achievements began to spread in Zatana'na nal Zanal'krii'tal. During this return, he was also promoted to kol'saloniir.

Kol'saloniir & Disruption

In the Solar Year 38.36IKV, Salniil'vol'kunal survived an assassination attempt by one of the dur'iish under his command, Ai'iin'kruv Enshal'nalz. It was the closest he'd come to death; Ai'iin'kruv managing to strike through Salniil'vol'kunal's abdomen. In a blind rage, Salniil'vol'kunal killed Ai'iin'kruv then went unconscious shortly after. Salniil'vol'kunal stated he felt deep regret and sorrow for having killed one of his fellow demons when he awoke.

I feel it in my deepest essences, looming heavily over me. My shadow blocks the radiance I should feel in me. This feeling, what is it exactly? What words have we in our toungue to describe this feeling?

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- Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus

However, upon learning that Ai'iin'kruv had become involved with a small following opposing Zan'nal'takriin's new ideals and government, Salniil'vol'kunal stated he felt his regret fade, but that his sorrow had not.
After his encounter with Ai'iin'kruv, Salniil'vol'kunal used his power as kol'saloniir and begun an investigation into the small following that his former dur'iish became involved in. It was no secret at the time that dissent among demons was growing, but no official organizations had come forward and openly declared dissent.
In the Solar Year 38.40IKV, Salniil'vol'kunal uncovered a plot against Zan'nal'takriin by House Duk'gavrun'kel. Before he could get word of the plot to The Great Devil, he was intercepted by Enrii'valunsha Duk'gavrun'kel, wife to Vaniir'vol'shun Duk'gavrun'kel, head of House Duk'gavrun'kel. A duel between the two began, and Salniil'vol'kunal emerged victoriously. However, having killed a high-ranking member of House Duk'gavrun'kel, he was now subject to being hunted down by the House.
Upon returning to the Palace of Zatan'na, he headed straight for Zan'nal'takriin and revealed the plot against the Great Devil and his actions against House Duk'gavrun'kel. Zatan'na, being on good terms with the House, denounced Salniil'vol'kunal and called him out to a duel, a duel that both knew would end in Salniil'vol'kunal dying to the Primordial Ancient. As a result of revealing the plot to Zan'nal'takriin, Salniil'vol'kunal was promoted to the rank of ka'larun. Due to this, Salniil'vol'kunal was able to avoid accepting Zatan'na's challenge.

1st Kur'ru'skunal & Holy War

When the 1st Kur'ru'skunal went public, Salniil'vol'kunal was one of the first to denounce the organization, even before the Yu'ii'nashvu Talks. Before the disbandment of the 1st Kur'ru'skunal, he worked on hindering the rebellious organization's spread of their ideology.
In 39.15 IKV, Salniil'vol'kunal encountered a small band of angels trespassing in Infernus. He killed them all and found upon them the sigil of Archangel Mygahel. Enraged that an archangel's sigil was found in his home Plane, he then went on to behead each of the angels' heads and brought them to the Great Devil. He then learned that this skirmish was only one of many that had already occurred and was told that war was looming over the plane.
During the 1st Great Holy War, Salniil'vol'kunal led a small army of demons known as his 1st Crusade. He defended many great cities from the angelic attacks, most notably the Assault on Variin'nakel. During his time defending and fighting alongside the demons under him, he formed deep bonds with each one, and upon one being wounded by an angel, he was sent into a frenzy. This testament proved to be true when an angel struck down dur'iish Ru'olvun'parun. Salniil'vol'kunal went mad, and one dur'iish said that "his mind and heart lit ablaze in a great radiance: his deepest feelings for his fellow demon manifesting into the physical."

In a great rage he killed without mercy. Screams of the holy filled the air. And when silenced returned, so did he; his body covered in blood, but not of his.

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- The Tale of The Crusader

Shortly thereafter, Salniil'vol'kunal led his small army directly into The Crossroads and then into Paradiso. Within, he and his army led a deadly crusade against the denizens of Paradiso. "He killed indiscriminately and so great," one dur'iish claimed. Most notably, however, was the assault on Havganah. The demons assaulted and razed the great capital and the first of Salniil'vol'kunal's legendary duels occurred when he dueled against Archangel Uburg. Salniil'vol'kunal emerged victoriously, bringing back the head to the Great Devil.
He would then go and lead more assaults within Paradiso, major cities falling to his army. He would duel and win against both archangels Munasurus and Hagvni. His greatest duel occurred against Archangel Galansul atop the Burag Tower. The two fought for eight days and nights, Salniil'vol'kunal emerging victorious.
When Salniil'vol'kunal and his army returned to the Palace of Zatan'na upon the ending of the 1st Great Holy War, he was met with mass praise from his fellow demons and even the Great Devil himself. He was promoted to the rank of Za'run, and many began to call him Esh'nii'nilfun, "The Honored Crusader." He was asked what it was that allowed him such power, and Salniil'vol'kunal answered," the radiance I feel for my fellow demon fighting for our Great Father." However, although warming to many, his answer was also one that others who still harbored dissent towards the Great Devil didn't like.

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Although his description is referenced several times in Ancient records, the details are minimal and many have attempted to portray the crusader as best as possible.

His armor made of the darkest kolm''zuul; his heart and mind a blazing fire for his fellow demon. And in his right hand he wielded the legendary Yuna'yukaav.

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- The Tale of The Crusader

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Although having lived and died before the Elder Rule, Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus's legacy has been passed down to the Contemporary Rule in the present day. A popular figure in not just history and literature but as well as games in Infernus, especially in IRPG's (Infernus Role-Playing Games) and Gacha, he is often depicted not as the Ancient he was. Instead, he is often depicted as a traditional western demon wearing the armor of the highest caliber in respective games.

Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus name in In'lazankel Sa'kul'niir by bnichs

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Oh Crusader                                                            With love so deep it threw you into a rage Thousands demons' blood driving your revenge Your wrath fell upon Nazur'ishnal
Oh Crusader                                                      Screams of demons filled the air                            A blood sun rose that dawn to dread over you And your wrath gazed upon one more
Oh Crusader                                                                You rose your blades and charged with a rage With your air-splitting roar, shouting "Da'non," Your wrath pierced the Primordial.
Oh Crusader                                                        Your victory was short-lived                                  Exhausted and gravely injured you were              When Lu'kiinvir struck you from behind

—Excerpt from The Song of Vol'iniikus

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Unknown by Unknown

Within the Ancient Ruins of Nazur'ishnal, lays the shrine to Salniil'vol'iniikus. Surrounded by elegant wood, lays his legendary blade, Yuna'yukaav. 

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Infernus Civil War

Salniil'vol'kunal was one of the founders of the Kur'vol'fiil, and naturally an enemy to the 2nd Kur'ru'skunal. After the Sack of Beriin'niil'zolv in 41.98 IKV, with the permission of Zan'nal'takriin, Salniil'vol'kunal began his 2nd Crusade, this time against the reformed Kur'ru'skunal. During the early years of the war, he led many small victories in the Realm of Pride, including the Siege of Muzun'kelnal. Although small victories, each of them lifted the morale of the Kur'vol'fiil forces he commanded.
In time, his name became feared within the ranks of the Kur'ru'skunal, many of their members calling him Yok'lunel, "The Immortal Crusader." With the help of his close friend Zanii'vol Ev'kiilos, he successfully defended against the Siege of Anu'nuvash. During the defense, his display of power led to Zanii'vol calling Salniil'vol'kunal Voliii'yok'vunel kov Kur'vol'fiil, "The Crusader of the Kur'vol'fiil." This new name stuck with him and spread through his friends and enemies quickly.
After the Battle Of Lu’kiinvir Vul Kur'rolmaru and the loss of the Kur'vol'fiil's control of the Realm of Pride, Salniil'vol'kunal relocated the continuation of his crusades to the Zan'val kii Kul'niiniir. Although much of the lands he was in fell to Kur'ru'skunal control, the cities he operated in all were successfully defended against.

Time and time again the Kur'ru'skunal tried to best him. But each time they failed. And each time they failed, Zatan'na's hatred for him grew.

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- The Tale of The Crusader

Many looked up to Salniil'vol'kunal as a hero, his very presence lifting the spirits of those around him.

Battle With Da'non and Death

After the Surrender and Massacre of Nazur'ishnal of 42.83 IKV, he received news of the atrocity during a meeting with several high-ranking Kur'vol'fiil; Salniil'vol'kunal left the meeting in a rage, much to the objection of the others. He flew from the Avanshal'nul'na Spire to Nazur'ishnal where he began his Great Slaughter. When he arrived in the city, he was met with an army of Kur'ru'skunal. In a rage that is only matched by Zatan'na's Great Sundering, Salniil'vol'kunal fought against the army and prevailing over them.
When he was finished, Salniil'vol'kunal was met by Primordial Ancient Da'non. Cursing Da'non for his actions, Salniil'vol'kunal challenged the Primordial Ancient to a duel. The two fought relentlessly, Salniil'vol'kunal holding his own against Da'non. The two injured each other severely, and ultimately, Salniil'vol'kunal was able to cut off one of Da'non's horns. Holding the horn in his left hand, and his blade Yuna'yukaav in the other, Salniil'vol'kunal prepared to deliver the killing blow to Da'non.
However, with exhaustion and weakness dimming his perception of his surroundings, Salniil'vol'kunal failed to notice the threat behind him. From behind, the Primordial Ancient of Pride, Lu'kiinvir, struck his arm straight through the Crusader's abdomen. From the very start, Zatan'na planned on luring Salniil'vol'kunal to his death, using the massacre to lure him in, and Da'non and Lu'kiinvir to finish him off. The two Primordials did not kill Salniil'vol'kunal immediately there, however. Instead, they decided that they leave him there to succumb to his wounds, knowing well that he wouldn't survive them.

Forgive me Ku'volanun, I have been foolish and now I am undone. My fight ends here, but my feelings for you, our fellow demons, and our Great Father, they shall remain and burn in your essences until time itself comes to an end.

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- Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus

Salniil'vol'kunal was found later that night by Zanii'vol Ev'kiilos. On the brink of death, Salniil'vol'kunal gave Zanii'vol a warning of Zatan'na and his tactics of deception and cowardice. In his final moments, he expressed that although he felt no regret for killing his enemy, he still felt deep sorrow for killing a fellow demon.

I feel no regret for my actions, but deep inside me, I still feel the darkness...ever having grown with each life I took. Shanu'ukrul, they were still our own. A shame they were misguided by Zatan'na. Ev'kiilos, be the radiance that guides the next generation and its children to a peaceful prosperity.

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- Salniil'vol'kunal Vol'iniikus final words before dying.