Khobel Tavah - Revision history

Dre at 10:14, 14 May 2026

2026-05-14T10:14:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 14 May 2026
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	Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE. They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it. Individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly faded completely.		Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE. They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it. Individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly faded completely.

	Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to ~~surfact~~ along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam ~~recovred~~ by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].		Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surface along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovered by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].

	Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and ~~inqueries~~ with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with what little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.		Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inquiries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with what little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.

	==Concerns==		==Concerns==
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	They both believe strongly in fear's capacity to strengthen, ward, and preserve. While neither values the conscious knowledge of experience as [[Wise Rangara]] does, they do value the wisdom that fear brings: in their view, the wise are able to act quickly and intuitively on instinctive feelings of fear. The fearful mind knows how to act before the thinking mind catches up with it. They disagree on whether it is important or not to be able to act on your fear to prevent your fate: Khobel believes that fear wards, whereas Tavah believes it can preserve but cannot ultimately protect. Fear leads one to struggle even in the face of death, and it might give one the strength to survive when one might otherwise perish. Sometimes, however, your doom cannot be averted: but then your fate and the fear of it are a warning to others.		They both believe strongly in fear's capacity to strengthen, ward, and preserve. While neither values the conscious knowledge of experience as [[Wise Rangara]] does, they do value the wisdom that fear brings: in their view, the wise are able to act quickly and intuitively on instinctive feelings of fear. The fearful mind knows how to act before the thinking mind catches up with it. They disagree on whether it is important or not to be able to act on your fear to prevent your fate: Khobel believes that fear wards, whereas Tavah believes it can preserve but cannot ultimately protect. Fear leads one to struggle even in the face of death, and it might give one the strength to survive when one might otherwise perish. Sometimes, however, your doom cannot be averted: but then your fate and the fear of it are a warning to others.

	Khobel is interested primarily in fear as a warning and an omen: he speaks of the value in listening to the hair that raises on the back of one’s neck, and of observing the horrible fates of others and feeling fear that drives you to avert that fate for yourself. He approves of the way the Druj wield fear as a weapon of control against their slaves and vassals, in this sense: fear is a solid thing that prompts them to necessary action. He has a dour manner, occasionally tending to the nihilistic. He seems to possess a dry sense of humour, and a single well-told joke may tease out a sharp, rare laugh, but for the most part he is morose and somewhat standoffish.		Khobel is interested primarily in fear as a warning and an omen: he speaks of the value in listening to the hair that raises on the back of one’s neck, and of observing the horrible fates of others and feeling fear that drives you to avert that fate for yourself. He approves of the way the Druj wield fear as a weapon of control against their slaves and vassals, in this sense: fear is a solid thing that prompts them to necessary action. He has a dour manner, occasionally tending to the nihilistic. He seems to possess a dry sense of humour, and a single well-told joke may tease out a sharp, rare laugh, but for the most part he is morose and somewhat standoffish.

	He is a prophet, or enjoys pretending to be, and often issues cryptic warnings and prophecies of dooms to come. He seems to expect them to neither be understood or listened to: however, he acts quite hurt if people actually complain about his obscurantist tone. In general he is sensitive to criticism and it is normally best to avoid even implying criticism: conversely, he responds well to praise. It is not entirely clear if he truly always sees the future or if he acts to ensure his predictions come about. Those who show the wisdom to understand what he foretells, interpret his ominous pronouncements, and act to avert disaster will often win his favour. He is interested in the way that those who look out to sea can often spot bad weather on the horizon even days before it comes to shore, and he speaks often of the “wisdom of the sailor’s eye” in this sense. He is warmest when speaking of his wife, which he does with a devoted affection.		He is a prophet, or enjoys pretending to be, and often issues cryptic warnings and prophecies of dooms to come. He seems to expect them to neither be understood or listened to: however, he acts quite hurt if people actually complain about his obscurantist tone. In general he is sensitive to criticism and it is normally best to avoid even implying criticism: conversely, he responds well to praise. It is not entirely clear if he truly always sees the future or if he acts to ensure his predictions come about. Those who show the wisdom to understand what he foretells, interpret his ominous pronouncements, and act to avert disaster will often win his favour. He is interested in the way that those who look out to sea can often spot bad weather on the horizon even days before it comes to shore, and he speaks often of the “wisdom of the sailor’s eye” in this sense. He is warmest when speaking of his wife, which he does with a devoted affection.

Twiggy: /* History */

2026-05-13T21:15:29Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 13 May 2026
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	Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surfact along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovred by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].		Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surfact along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovred by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].

	Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inqueries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.		Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inqueries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with what little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.

	==Concerns==		==Concerns==

Matt: /* History */

2026-05-13T21:06:57Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:06, 13 May 2026
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	Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surfact along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovred by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].		Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surfact along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovred by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].

	Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inqueries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]] - interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.		Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inqueries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]]. The civil service have done their best to collate this information and compile it with little is available from other sources, but interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.

	==Concerns==		==Concerns==

Matt: /* History */

2026-05-13T21:04:34Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:04, 13 May 2026
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	==History==		==History==
	Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE ~~which saw a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep~~. ~~During the Autumn Equinox 387YE they responded~~ to ~~a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] missive from then-[[Archmage of Winter]] Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien. During~~ the ~~[[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]], the two eternals spoke at length about their nature~~ and ~~concerns~~. ~~It must be said, though, that much of what~~ Imperial magicians ~~know is based on that interaction~~ and ~~that~~ the ~~wise might perhaps take~~ some of ~~it with a grain or two~~ of ~~salt~~.		Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE. They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it. Individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly faded completely.

	~~They have never been close~~ to the Empire ~~and are only somewhat familiar with it: individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed~~ a ~~closer relationship~~ in the ~~past, but never for very long~~. ~~They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over~~ the ~~years both within~~ and ~~outside~~ the ~~Empire,~~ and ~~there is at least one regio in~~ the ~~city of Leen devoted~~ to ~~them as a patron~~ of a ~~local Druj sept~~. ~~They had some relationships~~ with the ~~ancestors~~ of the ~~Naguerro~~, the ~~Urizeni who first settled Redoubt~~, ~~and other inhabitants~~ of the ~~Bay~~ of ~~Catazar in ancient times~~.		Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention was drawn to the Empire once again. There was a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. Strange magical object began to surfact along the bay, and among the flotsam and jetsam recovred by the [[Golden Fleet Salvagemaster]].

			Many citizens began to investigate the possibility of a long-theorised winter eternal associated with the sea. '''Rebekah of the Cenotaph''' reported on her findings from analysing one of the magical object and inqueries with Leviathan. '''Staurakios''' and '''Xanthippe''' of the Lighthouse-that-was produced an analysis of the Story of a Marriage which was circulating Anvil. '''Suspiria i Riqueza''', '''Caleb of the Cenotaph''' and '''Gancio di Catazar''' also helped the [[Archmage of Winter]] '''Ematius Ankarien''' so that he could prepare a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] to the eternal, while '''Allegra i Riqueza''' took the lead on encouraging the Empire to investigate the connection with Lighthouses. Most of the lore the Empire has discovered about Khobel Tavah is a result of this work and the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]] - interested citizens are well advised to track down these people if they wish to find out more.

	The Archmage of Winter who died in the Barabbine Disaster understood them well. She consulted often with the Consorts before the fateful sailing of Barabbas's navies. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly disappeared entirely. Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention has been drawn to the Empire once again.
	==Concerns==		==Concerns==
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Two who are One'''<br>		<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Two who are One'''<br>

Apoth: /* Appearance */ making it not sound like he died

2026-05-11T21:25:53Z

Appearance: making it not sound like he died

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 11 May 2026
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	Khobel is generally referred to using male pronouns (he/him), though he sometimes takes on a feminine appearance and on these occasions seems to prefer they/them. He sometimes uses the sobriquet ''Queen-of-Nothing'', a variation on one of his usual names. Tavah generally seems to use female pronouns (she/her) or is referred to using it/its: this tends to reflect the degree she is representing herself as something primal and unknowable.		Khobel is generally referred to using male pronouns (he/him), though he sometimes takes on a feminine appearance and on these occasions seems to prefer they/them. He sometimes uses the sobriquet ''Queen-of-Nothing'', a variation on one of his usual names. Tavah generally seems to use female pronouns (she/her) or is referred to using it/its: this tends to reflect the degree she is representing herself as something primal and unknowable.
	<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=ArchmageEmatius.jpg\|caption=One of the final acts of '''Ematius Ankarien''', Archmage of Winter, was to establish contact between the Empire and Khobel Tavah.\|align=right\|width=250}}</div></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=ArchmageEmatius.jpg\|caption=One of the final acts of '''Ematius Ankarien''' as Archmage of Winter was to establish contact between the Empire and Khobel Tavah.\|align=right\|width=250}}</div></div>

	==History==		==History==
	Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE which saw a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. During the Autumn Equinox 387YE they responded to a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] missive from then-[[Archmage of Winter]] Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien. During the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]], the two eternals spoke at length about their nature and concerns. It must be said, though, that much of what Imperial magicians know is based on that interaction and that the wise might perhaps take some of it with a grain or two of salt.		Khobel Tavah was broadly unknown to the Empire prior to the events of 387YE which saw a growing number of omens of doom spreading particularly around the [[Bay of Catazar]], often involving reports of sunken bells tolling in the deep. During the Autumn Equinox 387YE they responded to a [[archmage#Plenipotentiary\|plenipotentiary]] missive from then-[[Archmage of Winter]] Ematius "Icebreaker" Ankarien. During the [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|parley that followed]], the two eternals spoke at length about their nature and concerns. It must be said, though, that much of what Imperial magicians know is based on that interaction and that the wise might perhaps take some of it with a grain or two of salt.

Matt at 20:53, 11 May 2026

2026-05-11T20:53:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 11 May 2026
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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary where the Two-who-are-one spoke at length with Imperial magicians		* [[Has_reared_himself_a_throne#Tempt_the_Waters_From_Their_Bed\|Has reared himself a throne]] - 387YE Autumn plenipotentiary where the Two-who-are-one spoke at length with Imperial magicians

			<ic>
			Once there was a Sailor-King, who ruled the City whose name is Nothing, on the edge of the great wastes where the forest meets the sea by the plains. The people of the City loved their King, because he had a keen eye for prophecy, and knew the secret signs of storms, and he watched over his people and shared with them the signs that he alone knew, and tolled a great bell when the sign of storms came. So it was that his people crossed the ocean only when the sea was languid and tideless, and fished the waters and ate well from it. They knew no fear, then.

			One bright day, the King looked out from his belltower out onto the abyssal waters of the sea, and he saw them as if for the first time, and they stirred in his heart a nameless terror. The waters were vast, breadth beyond comprehension, and the sailors below so small against the sloe-black sea. He looked at the open ocean and in his terror he knew he was in love, and would be so forever more.

			In that moment was the City called Nothing lost. He cried out: "O, sea! O, Dark-That-Drowns! I am the Prophet of the Light! I am King-of-Nothing! Hear me! Look upon me, Bitter One! I offer forth this warning and this promise and this prophecy: in three days I will come again to your shore and offer you oaths of marriage. If I am pleasing to your eye, and it pleases you, if you wish to accept me as a gift, consume me! Or, if you wish, offer me your oath in return, and I will be your bride!" He knew that either one of these was a death. To love is to die. His heart twisted like old rope. A bell tolled from the deep.

			The ocean deep looked at him, and found him pleasing to her eye. She enjoyed the way the light dappled on his shoulders, the way his crooked smile was shaped. She knew at that moment she was doomed to love him and to grow old with him, though she was ageless then as she is ageless still, and by loving him, she would not be as she had always been. To love is to change.

			And yet she would make him wait as he had sworn to do. She spoke in a voice that was a thousand flailing drowning sailors screaming I love you one last time in breathless desperation hoping falsely that their left-behind loved ones would hear.

			"I will hear your oaths in three days' time, and if they are pleasing to me, I will swear them to you in turn. But do not let us wed alone. A vow must be witnessed. Bring family." The sea fell silent.

			The King-of-Nothing rode out that day, he who was Lord of the Last City, into the forest where his grandmother lived with her apprentice. He stood before her.

			"Grandmother", said he. "I will wed the sea, three nights from now. Will you come to witness?" She picked at her teeth. "Young one, do you know that you will die, for so it is to love." "I know this," he said.

			She leaned closer to him, eyes unseeing, seeing him. "Do you? Do you understand what it is, to be fear’s bride?" A smile, not kind, fled across her face. "I think you will learn from it. So too it is to love. I will come and witness you be wed."

			"Thank you, grandmother."

			The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City where he ruled. His people stopped him in the street, asking for his prophecy, begging him to light once more the Last Light, up in his tower, that kept his City from the depths. Today, when he came to answer them, he found himself answering only in riddles, for his twisted heart bound up his tongue. The people were afraid, then, for the first time. A bell rang, far above.

			The next day, the King-Of-Nothing rode out to the empty fields of fallow earth where his sister rules as Queen. He stood before her.

			"Sister," said he. "I will wed the sea, two nights from now. Will you come to witness?" She stared at him impassively from atop her throne, her guard standing watch beside her as ever they did. "One day, brother, you will die, and so will the terror you marry. I will witness that, too. Does that scare you?" He shook his head. "No. Death is where fear ends."

			She nodded at this fact. "Good. Then you understand, brother-mine. I will travel south to your City, Nothing, and my Legion and I will witness your passing from the land unto the sea."

			"Thank you, sister-mine."

			The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City where he ruled. Once more his people asked him to prophesy, and once more he answered only in riddles. He knew that some amongst them would hear the warning of what was to come, and some did. Their fear carried them away; they fled Nothing, and were never seen again. The rest remained, afraid, yet uncertain. He worried for them. Yet he took no action to save his people, for his love for the Queen of the Vast that was a kind of terror ruled over all. A bell rang, below the waves.

			The next day, the King-of-Nothing rode out to the cold wastes where no monarch rules, where his cousin dwelled alone. He stood before her.

			"Cousin," said he. "I will wed the sea, one night from now. Will you come to witness?" She laughed, her smile a bloody maw. Hair matted with blood covered her body. "What’s the point? If you marry, you will still be alone. She will never know you. What’s the point in being her bride?" He frowned. "I will know her as myself. How could such a thing as you understand a vow to be with another until the last star falls?"

			She narrowed her eyes. "I know that one. She will not be good for you. You know that?"

			He replied, a cast of nobility upon his face. "I do, and yet I will vow."

			She sneered. "Then go into folly. I will not witness. I know how folly ends."

			The King-of-Nothing rode back to the Last City, where he ruled. On this day he avoided his people and went straight to his chambers, where he closed himself off and thought on the words of his cousin. Could he avert his fate? He had promised he would stand before the abyssal ocean, to be consumed or to be bound to her by solemn oaths. That oath was witnessed, as all oaths are. His fate was sealed. A fear settled around his twisted heart, and in it his love sprung anew. A bell rang, all around him.

			The next day, the King-of-Nothing stood on his ship, called the Preserver of Life and also Ariel, dressed in all the symbols of his office. His sister stood at the shore in witness; his grandmother stood by his side in witness; the very silence itself stood witness. He looked towards the sea and saw the one that he would marry there, watching, waiting.

			He opened his mouth and spoke solemn oaths of commitment to her until the day the last star fell. So it was witnessed.

			The abyss rose about him, Tideless Scream was she, Queen-of-the-Vast is she. Again her voice, a drowning chorus, sounded. "Swallow you, or speak the oaths? I shall."

			She spoke from outer darkness, from the deepest abyss, from the heart of fear, swearing solemn oaths of commitment to him, oaths to stand until the day the last star falls. So it was witnessed.

			Both of them were one. To love is to change and die. They died, and changed: a rope that sinks. A bell began to ring: it is ringing still.

			"Now we are wed", she said. "I will rise and swallow Nothing, and all who live within, and your ship, and those who sail upon it. Will you, too, give yourself in our love to my bitter depths?"

			The King-of-Nothing spoke. "Take it all." He realised that he did not care for those who had not comprehended the warnings he had offered. Perhaps he would have done, before: not now. He looked at the watching crowds. "All drown with me."

			And the sea rose, a tideless black sea, inexorable, drowning the buildings that made up the Last City, that which is called Nothing, and it swallowed up all the people and all the ships of that place into its depths. Grandmother Winter left, satisfied that a lesson had been learnt. The Black Dog marched her legions away, knowing that she would one day see the death of what had begun. In the lonely wastes, the hunter howled.

			The King-of-Nothing sank into the Queen-of-the-Vast, and so began their reign.
			</ic>

Twiggy: /* Concerns */

2026-05-07T13:23:30Z

Concerns

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 7 May 2026
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	They both share an interest in oaths which seems to stem from the solemn commitments they made to each other when they wed. In particular, they are interested in oaths sworn between small groups of people or couples, and strongly approve of banners, sects and covens who keep their membership limited to a tightly-trusted circle. They will not witness such oaths or sanctify them - this is, they say, outside their domain - but they consider those who are bound by such oaths to be most worthy of serious regard. They advocate strongly for the institution of marriage as a concept.		They both share an interest in oaths which seems to stem from the solemn commitments they made to each other when they wed. In particular, they are interested in oaths sworn between small groups of people or couples, and strongly approve of banners, sects and covens who keep their membership limited to a tightly-trusted circle. They will not witness such oaths or sanctify them - this is, they say, outside their domain - but they consider those who are bound by such oaths to be most worthy of serious regard. They advocate strongly for the institution of marriage as a concept.

	When it comes to the other eternals of Winter, they seem to have a positive regard for Wise Rangara and for Kaela, who they claim were both present on the day they made their vows to each other as witnesses: in some of their tellings there was also a silent officiant present, though the identity of this figure is not clear. They seem to strongly dislike the Thrice-~~Cursed~~ Court in a way that suggests a personal animosity, though they will not be drawn on the subject of the details of this. Khobel has a dislike of Sorin that Tavah does not share - it seems that it stems from some old rivalry between their two cities, which does not interest the ''Queen-of-the-Vast''. She finds ''Devourer-of-Hope'' quite charming. Mentioning the ''Tomb King'' is one of the few ways to cause them to argue - which is rarely a wise decision.		When it comes to the other eternals of Winter, they seem to have a positive regard for [[Wise Rangara]] and for [[Kaela]], who they claim were both present on the day they made their vows to each other as witnesses: in some of their tellings there was also a silent officiant present, though the identity of this figure is not clear. They seem to strongly dislike the [[Thrice-cursed Court]] in a way that suggests a personal animosity, though they will not be drawn on the subject of the details of this. Khobel has a dislike of [[Sorin]] that Tavah does not share - it seems that it stems from some old rivalry between their two cities, which does not interest the ''Queen-of-the-Vast''. She finds ''[[Sorin\|Devourer-of-Hope]]'' quite charming. Mentioning the ''Tomb King'' is one of the few ways to cause them to argue - which is rarely a wise decision.

	They often send dire pronouncements of doom to major mortal nations: it is said Khobel himself warned the denizens of Umshalla of the fate that awaited them, to no avail. Atun was known to Tavah personally - or so ''Mary Bitters'' claims, and if such stories are to be believed she is one of a few mortals ever to forge a genuine if somewhat antagonistic friendship with ''The Dark That Drowns''.		They often send dire pronouncements of doom to major mortal nations: it is said Khobel himself warned the denizens of Umshalla of the fate that awaited them, to no avail. Atun was known to Tavah personally - or so ''Mary Bitters'' claims, and if such stories are to be believed she is one of a few mortals ever to forge a genuine if somewhat antagonistic friendship with ''The Dark That Drowns''.

Rafferty: /* Sobriquets */

2026-05-07T12:59:26Z

Sobriquets

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:59, 7 May 2026
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	Khobel and Tavah are the ''Two-Who-Are-One'', a pair of Winter eternals bound together by solemn wedding oaths. Together they are referred to as the ''Consorts of Dark Water'', the ''Old Man and the Sea'', the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', ''Fear Death By Water'', or the ''Sunken Rope''.		Khobel and Tavah are the ''Two-Who-Are-One'', a pair of Winter eternals bound together by solemn wedding oaths. Together they are referred to as the ''Consorts of Dark Water'', the ''Old Man and the Sea'', the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', ''Fear Death By Water'', or the ''Sunken Rope''.

	Other names for Khobel include ''Sculler-in-the-Flood'', ''Sailor of Ill-Fortune'', ''Fear's Bride'', ''Lord of the Last City'', ''Old Tom Flotsam'', the ''Lanterner'', ''Prophet of the Last Light'', and ''King-of-Nothing''. Other names for Tavah include ''Dark-That-Drowns'', ''Our Lord of Salt'', ''Molly Bitters'', ''Fishwife's Burden'', ''Tideless Scream'', ''Terror-Under-Wave'', and ''Queen-of-the-Vast''.		Other names for Khobel include ''Sculler-in-the-Flood'', ''Sailor of Ill-Fortune'', ''Fear's Bride'', ''Lord of the Last City'', ''Old Tom Flotsam'', the ''Lanterner'', ''Prophet of the Last Light'', and ''King-of-Nothing''. Other names for Tavah include ''Dark-That-Drowns'', ''Our Lord of Salt'', ''Molly Bitters'', ''Fishwife's Burden'', ''Tideless Scream'', ''Terror-Under-Wave'', ''Harbinger'', ''Salt-in-the-Lungs'', and ''Queen-of-the-Vast''.

	==Appearance==		==Appearance==

Twiggy at 12:25, 7 May 2026

2026-05-07T12:25:24Z

Rafferty at 12:19, 7 May 2026

2026-05-07T12:19:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:19, 7 May 2026
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			[[Category:Eternals]]
	<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=KhobelTavah.jpg\|caption=Khobel and Tavah are the worst fear of sailors and those they leave behind. They are the drowned and the sea that drowns.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=KhobelTavah.jpg\|caption=Khobel and Tavah are the worst fear of sailors and those they leave behind. They are the drowned and the sea that drowns.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>
	==Eternal of Winter==		==Eternal of Winter==

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 7 May 2026
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	==Eternal of Winter==		==Eternal of Winter==
	===Sobriquets===		===Sobriquets===
	Khobel and Tavah are the ''Two-Who-Are-One'', a pair of Winter ~~Eternals~~ bound together by solemn wedding oaths. Together they are referred to as the ''Consorts of Dark Water'', the ''Old Man and the Sea'', the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', ''Fear Death By Water'', or the ''Sunken Rope''.		Khobel and Tavah are the ''Two-Who-Are-One'', a pair of Winter eternals bound together by solemn wedding oaths. Together they are referred to as the ''Consorts of Dark Water'', the ''Old Man and the Sea'', the ''Monarchs of the Vast'', ''Fear Death By Water'', or the ''Sunken Rope''.

	Other names for Khobel include ''Sculler-in-the-Flood'', ''Sailor of Ill-Fortune'', ''Fear's Bride'', ''Lord of the Last City'', ''Old Tom Flotsam'', the ''Lanterner'', ''Prophet of the Last Light'', and ''King-of-Nothing''. Other names for Tavah include ''Dark-That-Drowns'', ''Our Lord of Salt'', ''Molly Bitters'', ''Fishwife's Burden'', ''Tideless Scream'', ''Terror-Under-Wave'', and ''Queen-of-the-Vast''.		Other names for Khobel include ''Sculler-in-the-Flood'', ''Sailor of Ill-Fortune'', ''Fear's Bride'', ''Lord of the Last City'', ''Old Tom Flotsam'', the ''Lanterner'', ''Prophet of the Last Light'', and ''King-of-Nothing''. Other names for Tavah include ''Dark-That-Drowns'', ''Our Lord of Salt'', ''Molly Bitters'', ''Fishwife's Burden'', ''Tideless Scream'', ''Terror-Under-Wave'', and ''Queen-of-the-Vast''.
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	They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it: individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire, and there is at least one regio in the city of Leen devoted to them as a patron of a local Druj sept. They had some relationships with the ancestors of the Naguerro, the Urizeni who first settled Redoubt, and other inhabitants of the Bay of Catazar in ancient times.		They have never been close to the Empire and are only somewhat familiar with it: individual Imperial magicians and covens have formed a closer relationship in the past, but never for very long. They have had some involvement in many so-called “fear cults” over the years both within and outside the Empire, and there is at least one regio in the city of Leen devoted to them as a patron of a local Druj sept. They had some relationships with the ancestors of the Naguerro, the Urizeni who first settled Redoubt, and other inhabitants of the Bay of Catazar in ancient times.

	The Archmage of Winter who died in the ~~Barrabine~~ Disaster understood them well. She consulted often with the Consorts before the fateful sailing of Barabbas's navies. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly disappeared entirely. Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the ~~Barrabine~~ wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention has been drawn to the Empire once again.		The Archmage of Winter who died in the Barabbine Disaster understood them well. She consulted often with the Consorts before the fateful sailing of Barabbas's navies. After Nicovar's burning of the libraries, knowledge of them nearly disappeared entirely. Since the destruction of the Shining Pillar and the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, the raising of the Barabbine wrecks, and the return of infant kraken to the Bay of Catazar, their attention has been drawn to the Empire once again.
	==Concerns==		==Concerns==
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Two who are One'''<br>		<div style="float: right; max-width: 500px; width: 40%; margin-left: 10px;"><box>'''The Two who are One'''<br>
	Unlike the Thrice-cursed Court, who enjoy maintaining an ambiguity whether they are one eternal or three, Khobel and Tavah are quite clear that as far as they are concerned they are a singular ~~Eternal~~, Two-Who-Are-One, bound by their wedding-oaths. While this may or may not be strictly true - in theory the Conclave could attempt a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment]] on one without the other, and it is anyone's guess whether this would work - doing so is likely to anger both of them. They would not support the creation of a ritual that tried to draw on the power of one of them without the other.		Unlike the Thrice-cursed Court, who enjoy maintaining an ambiguity whether they are one eternal or three, Khobel and Tavah are quite clear that as far as they are concerned they are a singular eternal, Two-Who-Are-One, bound by their wedding-oaths. While this may or may not be strictly true - in theory the Conclave could attempt a [[declaration]] of [[Alignment]] on one without the other, and it is anyone's guess whether this would work - doing so is likely to anger both of them. They would not support the creation of a ritual that tried to draw on the power of one of them without the other.
	</box></div>		</box></div>
	Khobel Tavah are a frightening pair, and fear is their watchword. In fact, they apparently claim that it was on the day they swore their wedding vows to each other that fear entered the world - that before that time mortals lived in ignorance, incapable of courage because they had nothing to compare it too, but when their marriage was sanctified the world itself was moved, and knew fear in its heart forever more. They seem to take very little satisfaction in frightening mortals for the sake of it, as unlike some winter ~~Eternals~~ they are not particularly inclined to cruelty for its own sake. However, they simply are terrifying by their very nature, and without a source of spiritual strength it is hard for a mortal to stand in their presence without fear completely overwhelming them.		Khobel Tavah are a frightening pair, and fear is their watchword. In fact, they apparently claim that it was on the day they swore their wedding vows to each other that fear entered the world - that before that time mortals lived in ignorance, incapable of courage because they had nothing to compare it too, but when their marriage was sanctified the world itself was moved, and knew fear in its heart forever more. They seem to take very little satisfaction in frightening mortals for the sake of it, as unlike some winter eternals they are not particularly inclined to cruelty for its own sake. However, they simply are terrifying by their very nature, and without a source of spiritual strength it is hard for a mortal to stand in their presence without fear completely overwhelming them.

	They both believe strongly in fear's capacity to strengthen, ward, and preserve. While neither values the conscious knowledge of experience as [[Wise Rangara]] does, they do value the wisdom that fear brings: in their view, the wise are able to act quickly and intuitively on instinctive feelings of fear. The fearful mind knows how to act before the thinking mind catches up with it. They disagree on whether it is important or not to be able to act on your fear to prevent your fate: Khobel believes that fear wards, whereas Tavah believes it can preserve but cannot ultimately protect. Fear leads one to struggle even in the face of death, and it might give one the strength to survive when one might otherwise perish. Sometimes, however, your doom cannot be averted: but then your fate and the fear of it are a warning to others.		They both believe strongly in fear's capacity to strengthen, ward, and preserve. While neither values the conscious knowledge of experience as [[Wise Rangara]] does, they do value the wisdom that fear brings: in their view, the wise are able to act quickly and intuitively on instinctive feelings of fear. The fearful mind knows how to act before the thinking mind catches up with it. They disagree on whether it is important or not to be able to act on your fear to prevent your fate: Khobel believes that fear wards, whereas Tavah believes it can preserve but cannot ultimately protect. Fear leads one to struggle even in the face of death, and it might give one the strength to survive when one might otherwise perish. Sometimes, however, your doom cannot be averted: but then your fate and the fear of it are a warning to others.

	Khobel is interested primarily in fear as a warning and an omen: he speaks of the value in listening to the hair that raises on the back of one’s neck, and of observing the horrible fates of others and feeling fear that drives you to avert that fate for yourself. He approves of the way the Druj wield fear as a weapon of control against their slaves and vassals, in this sense: fear is a solid thing that prompts them to necessary action. He has a dour manner, occasionally tending to the ~~nilhilistic~~. He seems to possess a dry sense of ~~humor~~, and a single well-told joke may tease out a sharp, rare laugh, but for the most part he is morose and somewhat standoffish.		Khobel is interested primarily in fear as a warning and an omen: he speaks of the value in listening to the hair that raises on the back of one’s neck, and of observing the horrible fates of others and feeling fear that drives you to avert that fate for yourself. He approves of the way the Druj wield fear as a weapon of control against their slaves and vassals, in this sense: fear is a solid thing that prompts them to necessary action. He has a dour manner, occasionally tending to the nihilistic. He seems to possess a dry sense of humour, and a single well-told joke may tease out a sharp, rare laugh, but for the most part he is morose and somewhat standoffish.

	He is a prophet, or enjoys pretending to be, and often issues cryptic warnings and prophecies of dooms to come. He seems to expect them to neither be understood or listened to: however, he acts quite hurt if people actually complain about his obscurantist tone. In general he is sensitive to criticism and it is normally best to avoid even implying criticism: conversely, he responds well to praise. It is not entirely clear if he truly always sees the future or if he acts to ensure his predictions come about. Those who show the wisdom to understand what he foretells, interpret his ominous pronouncements, and act to avert disaster will often win his favour. He is interested in the way that those who look out to sea can often spot bad weather on the horizon even days before it comes to shore, and he speaks often of the “wisdom of the sailor’s eye” in this sense. He is warmest when speaking of his wife, which he does with a devoted affection.		He is a prophet, or enjoys pretending to be, and often issues cryptic warnings and prophecies of dooms to come. He seems to expect them to neither be understood or listened to: however, he acts quite hurt if people actually complain about his obscurantist tone. In general he is sensitive to criticism and it is normally best to avoid even implying criticism: conversely, he responds well to praise. It is not entirely clear if he truly always sees the future or if he acts to ensure his predictions come about. Those who show the wisdom to understand what he foretells, interpret his ominous pronouncements, and act to avert disaster will often win his favour. He is interested in the way that those who look out to sea can often spot bad weather on the horizon even days before it comes to shore, and he speaks often of the “wisdom of the sailor’s eye” in this sense. He is warmest when speaking of his wife, which he does with a devoted affection.
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	She has a somewhat easier, friendlier manner than Khobel, despite her generally inhuman and fearsome appearance, but sometimes an element of threat or irritation creeps in her lilting tone. She jealously guards her time spent alone with Khobel, and those who try her patience too long by tarrying in their company may stir her into wrath. She enjoys talking to those whose fate is sealed or who stand on the precipice of disaster that they cannot avert: she will never offer to save such people from their fate, but she can be persuaded to prolong the time in which they exist fearful of their doom. She is protective of Khobel: the ''King-of-Nothing'' can be sensitive when criticised, and she will viciously oppose any who she perceives as hurting him.		She has a somewhat easier, friendlier manner than Khobel, despite her generally inhuman and fearsome appearance, but sometimes an element of threat or irritation creeps in her lilting tone. She jealously guards her time spent alone with Khobel, and those who try her patience too long by tarrying in their company may stir her into wrath. She enjoys talking to those whose fate is sealed or who stand on the precipice of disaster that they cannot avert: she will never offer to save such people from their fate, but she can be persuaded to prolong the time in which they exist fearful of their doom. She is protective of Khobel: the ''King-of-Nothing'' can be sensitive when criticised, and she will viciously oppose any who she perceives as hurting him.

	There seems to be a genuine love between the two of them. It is the old, tested love of a marriage that has weathered much and endured it all. They are quite dependent on one another in a way that is distinctly unnerving at times, and to the extent they ever express fear themselves it is the fear of losing the other. Love so intense and selfish that it destroys everything the lovers care about except each other is of great interest to them: to the extent that any Winter ~~Eternal~~ understands love, it is them, but only in this terrible aspect.		There seems to be a genuine love between the two of them. It is the old, tested love of a marriage that has weathered much and endured it all. They are quite dependent on one another in a way that is distinctly unnerving at times, and to the extent they ever express fear themselves it is the fear of losing the other. Love so intense and selfish that it destroys everything the lovers care about except each other is of great interest to them: to the extent that any Winter eternal understands love, it is them, but only in this terrible aspect.

	They both share an interest in oaths which seems to stem from the solemn commitments they made to each other when they wed. In particular, they are interested in oaths sworn between small groups of people or couples, and strongly approve of banners, sects and covens who keep their membership limited to a tightly-trusted circle. They will not witness such oaths or sanctify them - this is, they say, outside their domain - but they consider those who are bound by such oaths to be most worthy of serious regard. They advocate strongly for the institution of marriage as a concept.		They both share an interest in oaths which seems to stem from the solemn commitments they made to each other when they wed. In particular, they are interested in oaths sworn between small groups of people or couples, and strongly approve of banners, sects and covens who keep their membership limited to a tightly-trusted circle. They will not witness such oaths or sanctify them - this is, they say, outside their domain - but they consider those who are bound by such oaths to be most worthy of serious regard. They advocate strongly for the institution of marriage as a concept.

	When it comes to the other ~~Eternals~~ of Winter, they seem to have a positive regard for Wise Rangara and for Kaela, who they claim were both present on the day they made their vows to each other as witnesses: in some of their tellings there was also a silent officiant present, though the identity of this figure is not clear. They seem to strongly dislike the Thrice-Cursed Court in a way that suggests a personal animosity, though they will not be drawn on the subject of the details of this. Khobel has a dislike of Sorin that Tavah does not share - it seems that it stems from some old rivalry between their two cities, which does not interest the ''Queen-of-the-Vast''. She finds ''Devourer-of-Hope'' quite charming. Mentioning the ''Tomb King'' is one of the few ways to cause them to argue - which is rarely a wise decision.		When it comes to the other eternals of Winter, they seem to have a positive regard for Wise Rangara and for Kaela, who they claim were both present on the day they made their vows to each other as witnesses: in some of their tellings there was also a silent officiant present, though the identity of this figure is not clear. They seem to strongly dislike the Thrice-Cursed Court in a way that suggests a personal animosity, though they will not be drawn on the subject of the details of this. Khobel has a dislike of Sorin that Tavah does not share - it seems that it stems from some old rivalry between their two cities, which does not interest the ''Queen-of-the-Vast''. She finds ''Devourer-of-Hope'' quite charming. Mentioning the ''Tomb King'' is one of the few ways to cause them to argue - which is rarely a wise decision.

	They often send dire pronouncements of doom to major mortal nations: it is said Khobel himself warned the denizens of Umshalla of the fate that awaited them, to no avail. Atun was known to Tavah personally - or so ''Mary Bitters'' claims, and if such stories are to be believed she is one of a few mortals ever to forge a genuine if somewhat antagonistic friendship with ''The Dark That Drowns''.		They often send dire pronouncements of doom to major mortal nations: it is said Khobel himself warned the denizens of Umshalla of the fate that awaited them, to no avail. Atun was known to Tavah personally - or so ''Mary Bitters'' claims, and if such stories are to be believed she is one of a few mortals ever to forge a genuine if somewhat antagonistic friendship with ''The Dark That Drowns''.