Qi, the Archer (/ʧi/)

Written by pistachiomygod

Appearance:

Qi possesses a striking presence, emanating confidence and purpose. His eyes hold a depth of experience, and his every move reflects his mastery of the bow. He is also skilled in gongfu (particularly kicking) and swordfighting, with muscles and scars reflecting his time training. His attire is a harmonious blend of traditional clothing made of high quality material, but practical archer's gear, allowing him both freedom of movement and readiness for battle. His sword is barely ever unsheathed, and remains tucked away under his clothing. He prefers bright colors, but they are often not practical.

Background:

Qi's origins are rooted in a remote Northern village, where he grew up amid the harsh mountainous landscape. His father and mother were extremely poor and he had 7 other brothers. He became self-taught in martial arts and the art of archery, using the mountains to his advantage, though his parents taught him and the values of honor and resilience.
Qi then ventured into the Jiang Hu 江湖 and learned not only to fight for himself but to help others and the value of building connections. Qi started to gain a bit of local fame and do well for himself. He married and had children, and his family started living a better life without relying on bribing the local warlord, which many were subjected to do.
One day, there was an uprising of the townspeople in the city, who demanded fewer taxes and more freedom, which Qi fully supported. However, the chief warlord of the city sent his army to crush anyone who dared voice these ideas, and many undefenseless people were slaughtered. Able-bodied men were taken prisoner, mostly unwillingly, including Qi. Many of his older brothers were not present, but his youngest brother refused to go with the soldiers, vehemently protecting Qi's wife and daughter after seeing his brother taken away.
Qi only found out later during his time inprisoned, which lasted two years, his younger brother had been attacked and subsequently died from bloodloss while protecting Qi's wife and daughter from the a pair of local militia soldiers who were drunkenly harrassing the family.
He was eventually released, but this marked a turning point, propelling Qi on a journey of self-discovery and determination to end the Evil that the chief warlord had inflicted on the people and the land. He needed to first understand the source of the Evil, and thus set out to learn and see.
He spent nearly 30 years learning, traveling, and understanding Tianxia, in which he realized the Evil is much larger, and more dangerous, than most ever realized. Certain manifestations of the Evil had been shrouded...locked away for many years by those that came before his time, but destiny had other plans and soon it would be free.
Once Qi learned truly of the source of Evil, the same thing that killed his brother and caused his family, and the people of the Jianghu and Tianxia to lives of pain and infighting, he swore he would defeat it. He knew, even after 30 years of preparation he could not do it alone, so he is consistently looking for those willing to join him to help stop the Evil.

Motivations and Desires:

Justice: Qi's unwavering pursuit of justice drives him to confront oppression and challenge tyranny. He seeks to right the wrongs inflicted upon his village and honor his brother's legacy.
Freedom: Having witnessed the shackles of oppression firsthand, Qi craves freedom—for himself, his village, and all who suffer under unjust rule. He strives to break these chains and empower others to stand against injustice.
Revenge and Redemption: The desire for revenge fuels Qi's actions, but as his journey unfolds, he grapples with the complexities of revenge versus redemption. He seeks to find balance between seeking justice and succumbing to the darkness that vengeance can bring.

Likes:

Archery: Qi's passion for archery transcends mere skill; it's a reflection of his determination and a medium through which he channels his emotions. Although other martial arts are within his means, he prefers the bow.
Solitude and Nature: He finds solace in the serenity of nature, often retreating to the wilderness to find clarity and connection with his thoughts. He has a deep affinitiy for flowers and also loves animals, particularly dogs. He finds meditating within nature to be essential for a calm heart.
Loyalty: Qi values loyalty above all else. He is drawn to those who share his commitment to justice and honor and those seek truth in this life. He has been betrayed by many, but he still seeks out companions who will aid his fight, and see what it is he sees.

Dislikes:

Oppression: Qi despises oppression and the abuse of power. He is fueled by a deep-seated drive to dismantle systems that enable such injustice.
Injustice: The sight of innocent people suffering due to corruption and greed ignites Qi's anger. He is determined to bring about change.
Betrayal: Having experienced the pain of betrayal firsthand, Qi has a deep aversion to deceit and broken promises.

Skills and Abilities:

Master Archer: Qi's archery skills are unparalleled, allowing him to strike with pinpoint accuracy even in the midst of chaos. He is often known for his ability to "turn the tides" of a battle.
Tactical Mind: He possesses a keen strategic mind, analyzing situations quickly and adapting his approach to gain the upper hand.
Leadership: Qi's natural charisma and sense of justice inspire others to follow him. He leads not through force, but through his unwavering dedication to a just cause.

Character Arc:

Qi's journey unfolds as a quest for justice and self-discovery. As he challenges corrupt officials and confronts his own demons, he must navigate the fine line between seeking justice and succumbing to vengeance. His story is one of empowerment, as he rallies others to stand against oppression and seeks to redefine his identity in the face of adversity. The tapestry of his life is woven with courage, sacrifice, and the enduring hope of a brighter future.

Relationships

Qi, the Archer

Mentor (Vital)

Towards Yi, the Daoist Student

0

0

Honest

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Yi, the Daoist Student

Mentee (Vital)

Towards Qi, the Archer

0

0

Honest

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History

After Yi unseals Mihu from the Mountain, Qi helps guide him, and subsequent ancestors, on how to become a seeker of Truth and how to destroy the Evil. He helps build confidencce and courage in Yi, which he will need on his journey.

Statistics

Age: Unknown (appears to be in his fourties)
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 150 lbs
Eye color: Bright Brown
Unique Features: Possess several scars from his time being tortured in prison that did not heal properly. He has a few arrow scars from battle as well.

Spouses

Siblings

Character's Significance:
Qi is a supporting character in the story of Tianxia, but there would be no story without him. Because of his willingness to seek allies and defeat the Evil, he meets our main character Yi, the naïve Daoist monk who unseals one of the most powerful Evil entities, the monster Mihu 迷蝴, after being tricked by an indebted snake spirit.