Zakalwe - Revision history

Beeswax at 20:52, 26 March 2025

2025-03-26T20:52:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 26 March 2025
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	Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.		Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.

			===Rituals that deal with Zakalwe===
			The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with Zakalwe. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1\|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

			<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
			<tr><td>[[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]</td><td>[[Zakalwe]]</td><td>Transforms a mana site into a powerful military unit for a season.</td><td>Day</td><td>20</td>
			</table>
	<ic>While it is true that no plan survives contact with the enemy, I should also say that without a plan ''nobody'' survives contact with the enemy for very long.<br>Fight a war, not a battle. <br>Fight the war that you are ''in'', not the war you ''wish'' you were in. <br>Sometimes you will want to fight with minimal force, with respect for your foe and honouring the politeness of war; other times you will want to crush them utterly with shock and awe and leave not one brick above another. Be sure you know which situation requires which approach, and that you have the will for what is to come.</ic>		<ic>While it is true that no plan survives contact with the enemy, I should also say that without a plan ''nobody'' survives contact with the enemy for very long.<br>Fight a war, not a battle. <br>Fight the war that you are ''in'', not the war you ''wish'' you were in. <br>Sometimes you will want to fight with minimal force, with respect for your foe and honouring the politeness of war; other times you will want to crush them utterly with shock and awe and leave not one brick above another. Be sure you know which situation requires which approach, and that you have the will for what is to come.</ic>


	[[Category:Eternals]]		[[Category:Eternals]]

Hailmur at 16:02, 20 May 2024

2024-05-20T16:02:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 20 May 2024
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	He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal, or dolphin.		He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal, or dolphin.

	Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one~~-handed and two~~-handed swords, maces and axes, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails, and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"		Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed swords, maces and axes, a variety of great weapons, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails, and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"

	Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently resides in a great citadel of coral, crystal, and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].		Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently resides in a great citadel of coral, crystal, and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].

Hastur at 15:26, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T15:26:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 3 May 2021
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	The core of his philosophy is threefold. The first step to triumph is understanding - knowing who the real enemy is and what must be done to achieve victory. This need for understanding extends to all areas of war: the general whose intelligence is greater has an advantage. The second step is preparation; ensuring that one's soldiers are armed and armoured, supported, and aware of their role in the battle. A poorly-prepared army will always lose out to an army whose general has given thought to logistical and strategic matters. The final step to victory is absolute commitment; being engaged in a battle, the triumphant general does not stop until the enemy is defeated.		The core of his philosophy is threefold. The first step to triumph is understanding - knowing who the real enemy is and what must be done to achieve victory. This need for understanding extends to all areas of war: the general whose intelligence is greater has an advantage. The second step is preparation; ensuring that one's soldiers are armed and armoured, supported, and aware of their role in the battle. A poorly-prepared army will always lose out to an army whose general has given thought to logistical and strategic matters. The final step to victory is absolute commitment; being engaged in a battle, the triumphant general does not stop until the enemy is defeated.

	A general who does not appreciate the value of intelligence, logistics, and preparation will find Zakalwe has little time for them. He is fascinated by militaristic societies (such as those of many orc ~~tribes~~), and by concepts such as peoples' militias, military councils, and the like.		A general who does not appreciate the value of intelligence, logistics, and preparation will find Zakalwe has little time for them. He is fascinated by militaristic societies (such as those of many orc nations), and by concepts such as peoples' militias, military councils, and the like.

	Zakalwe is deeply critical of those who believe in fate, destiny, or higher powers. He regularly decries [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope\|hope]] as the biggest enemy of rational thought. Skill, ambition, understanding, and thought buy victory; faith in the righteousness of one's cause is a luxury. Despite this, the Master Strategist cautions that the best soldiers and generals believe in the cause they are fighting for.		Zakalwe is deeply critical of those who believe in fate, destiny, or higher powers. He regularly decries [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope\|hope]] as the biggest enemy of rational thought. Skill, ambition, understanding, and thought buy victory; faith in the righteousness of one's cause is a luxury. Despite this, the Master Strategist cautions that the best soldiers and generals believe in the cause they are fighting for.

Dre at 23:09, 5 September 2017

2017-09-05T23:09:10Z

Dre at 14:07, 9 April 2017

2017-04-09T14:07:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 9 April 2017
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	He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.		He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.

	Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a ~~pole-arm~~, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed and two-handed swords, maces and axes, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"		Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed and two-handed swords, maces and axes, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"

	Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently abides in a great citadel of coral, crystal and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].		Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently abides in a great citadel of coral, crystal and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].
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	Zakalwe has an immense collection of books about war, including many collections of poetry written by warriors and soldiers. He is known to pay quite well for new books, or copies of books he has been unable to acquire, especially if those books are not part of the repository of written lore that is [[Phaleron]]. He is said to be especially interested in the battle philosophies of the [[Druj]] barbarians - and their justification for their methods.		Zakalwe has an immense collection of books about war, including many collections of poetry written by warriors and soldiers. He is known to pay quite well for new books, or copies of books he has been unable to acquire, especially if those books are not part of the repository of written lore that is [[Phaleron]]. He is said to be especially interested in the battle philosophies of the [[Druj]] barbarians - and their justification for their methods.

	While not an artificer, Zakalwe is able to provide enchanted weapons to those he deals with, and often gives them in payment for martial writings. He especially favours magical swords and ~~pole-arms~~, magical shields and magical suits of armour. Occasionally his boons take the form of a rod or a suit of mage armour. Very rarely, he gifts a diplomat or politician with a magical robe or belt designed to help them maintain their poise in the political arena. In addition to the weapons he offers as boons, he is known to collect weapons, armour and other items that have been wielded by notable individuals or in notable events - regardless of whether they are enchanted or not.		While not an artificer, Zakalwe is able to provide enchanted weapons to those he deals with, and often gives them in payment for martial writings. He especially favours magical swords and polearms, magical shields and magical suits of armour. Occasionally his boons take the form of a rod or a suit of mage armour. Very rarely, he gifts a diplomat or politician with a magical robe or belt designed to help them maintain their poise in the political arena. In addition to the weapons he offers as boons, he is known to collect weapons, armour and other items that have been wielded by notable individuals or in notable events - regardless of whether they are enchanted or not.

	Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.		Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.

Rafferty at 12:20, 15 December 2016

2016-12-15T12:20:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:20, 15 December 2016
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	Zakalwe is associated with the rune [[Aesh]].		Zakalwe is associated with the rune [[Aesh]].
			<div style="float:right;"><quote>When it is time to strike, strike.<br>Strike with all your heart,and all your strength,<br>and hope that all your preparation will mean<br>that one blow shall be sufficient to achieve victory.</quote></div>
	<ic>When it is time to strike, strike. Strike with all your heart, and all your strength, and hope that all your preparation will mean that one blow shall be sufficient to achieve victory.</ic>

	===Boons===		===Boons===
	As a master of strategy it should come as no surprise that the boons Zakalwe offers are often martial in nature. He is known to offer crystaline tokens that assist in the performance of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] and [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. On a more personal level, he offers boons that enhance [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], and is known to offer similar boons that allow individuals to share their martial knowledge with one another or demonstrate instant (if temporary) mastery of [[Combat skills\|martial skills]]. Unlike eternals of realms such as Spring, Zakalwe's boons rarely deal with [[Combat skills#Endurance\|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude\|Fortitude]]; he is much more interested in armour than in innate abilities to survive blows, and in skill with weapons more than innate talents.		As a master of strategy it should come as no surprise that the boons Zakalwe offers are often martial in nature. He is known to offer crystaline tokens that assist in the performance of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] and [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. On a more personal level, he offers boons that enhance [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], and is known to offer similar boons that allow individuals to share their martial knowledge with one another or demonstrate instant (if temporary) mastery of [[Combat skills\|martial skills]]. Unlike eternals of realms such as Spring, Zakalwe's boons rarely deal with [[Combat skills#Endurance\|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude\|Fortitude]]; he is much more interested in armour than in innate abilities to survive blows, and in skill with weapons more than innate talents.
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	Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.		Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.

	<ic>While it is true that no plan survives contact with the enemy, I should also say that without a plan ''nobody'' survives contact with the enemy for very long.<br>Fight a war, not a battle. <br>Fight the war that you are ''in'', not the war you ''wish'' you were in. <br>Sometimes you will want to fight with minimal force, with respect for your foe and honouring the politeness of war; other times you will want to crush ~~the~~ utterly with shock and awe and leave not one brick above another. Be sure you know which situation requires which approach, and that you have the will for what is to come.</ic>		<ic>While it is true that no plan survives contact with the enemy, I should also say that without a plan ''nobody'' survives contact with the enemy for very long.<br>Fight a war, not a battle. <br>Fight the war that you are ''in'', not the war you ''wish'' you were in. <br>Sometimes you will want to fight with minimal force, with respect for your foe and honouring the politeness of war; other times you will want to crush them utterly with shock and awe and leave not one brick above another. Be sure you know which situation requires which approach, and that you have the will for what is to come.</ic>


	[[Category:Eternals]]		[[Category:Eternals]]

Rafferty at 12:18, 15 December 2016

2016-12-15T12:18:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 15 December 2016
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	The Strategos is sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied by aides. He is often found in the company of warriors or soldiers who appear to be carved from living crystal and motivated by a cool intellect similar to that of Zakalwe himself. The warriors are very similar to those created/summoned by [[Carve the Crystal Guardian\|certain rituals]], and Zakalwe is often evoked during their performance.		The Strategos is sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied by aides. He is often found in the company of warriors or soldiers who appear to be carved from living crystal and motivated by a cool intellect similar to that of Zakalwe himself. The warriors are very similar to those created/summoned by [[Carve the Crystal Guardian\|certain rituals]], and Zakalwe is often evoked during their performance.
	<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</ic>		<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</quote></div>
	===Concerns===		===Concerns===
	Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation; gathering of information; and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.		Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation; gathering of information; and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.

Rafferty at 12:18, 15 December 2016

2016-12-15T12:18:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 15 December 2016
Line 20:		Line 20:

	The Strategos is sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied by aides. He is often found in the company of warriors or soldiers who appear to be carved from living crystal and motivated by a cool intellect similar to that of Zakalwe himself. The warriors are very similar to those created/summoned by [[Carve the Crystal Guardian\|certain rituals]], and Zakalwe is often evoked during their performance.		The Strategos is sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied by aides. He is often found in the company of warriors or soldiers who appear to be carved from living crystal and motivated by a cool intellect similar to that of Zakalwe himself. The warriors are very similar to those created/summoned by [[Carve the Crystal Guardian\|certain rituals]], and Zakalwe is often evoked during their performance.
			<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</ic>
	<ic>The merciless will never know mercy. If you can safely show mercy, show mercy. If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice and kill without spite.</ic>

	===Concerns===		===Concerns===
	Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation; gathering of information; and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.		Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation; gathering of information; and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.

Rafferty at 12:17, 15 December 2016

2016-12-15T12:17:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:17, 15 December 2016
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	===Appearance===		===Appearance===
	The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.		The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.
	<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny<br>events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>
	He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.		He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.

Rafferty at 12:17, 15 December 2016

2016-12-15T12:17:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:17, 15 December 2016
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	===Appearance===		===Appearance===
	The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.		The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.
			<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>
	He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.		He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 5 September 2017
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	The Master Strategist is also called ''weapon-wise'' due to his skill with the many accoutrements of war. The [[Suaq]] in particular call him "''Hunter of Tides''" and tell several stories in which his counsel helps an [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers\|Icewalker]] to defeat an opponent.		The Master Strategist is also called ''weapon-wise'' due to his skill with the many accoutrements of war. The [[Suaq]] in particular call him "''Hunter of Tides''" and tell several stories in which his counsel helps an [[Wintermark magical traditions#Icewalkers\|Icewalker]] to defeat an opponent.

	In distant centuries he was a patron of the [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] at the height of their civilisation, regularly worshipped as "''Zakalwe ~~Dieude Laguerre~~''" - a name that apparently still causes mild embarrassment to this self-effacing eternal. In the [[Commonwealth]] he is called "''Strategos''", an ancient word meaning "military general". In [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]] he is called "''Manush''" a name which apparently literally means "mind".		In distant centuries he was a patron of the [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] at the height of their civilisation, regularly worshipped as "''Zakalwe Dieu de la Guerre''" - a name that apparently still causes mild embarrassment to this self-effacing eternal. In the [[Commonwealth]] he is called "''Strategos''", an ancient word meaning "military general". In [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]] he is called "''Manush''" a name which apparently literally means "mind".

	===Appearance===		===Appearance===
	The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.		The Hunter of Tides appears as a large humanoid, generally masculine, wearing archaic armour in a style that has not been worn in the Empire for centuries. He always carries a two-handed weapon, generally a trident or glaive but occasionally a spear. He usually has at least one sword at his side, generally a single-bladed long sword with an exotic curved blade. On rare occasions he might appear in more "civilian" guise in which case he usually appears in robes appropriate to an [[Urizen]] [[Urizen_leadership\|arbiter]]. Even in such a non-martial guise, he is never unarmed.
	<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny<br>events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote>There is not a single conflict in all of history<br>that has been won save that ten thousand tiny<br>events have been resolved in favour of the victors.</quote></div>
	He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal or dolphin.		He never appears human; he has a strong mark of the sea in his appearance. This often takes the form of gills and webbed fingers. Unlike a [[merrow]] however, Zakalwe rarely has barbels or scales - his skin may be mottled but is much more likely to be black-and-white than blue. According to several sources Zakalwe is an actual shapeshifter - while he assumes humanoid for to deal with humanoids his "natural" form is more like a large black-and-white whale, narwhal, or dolphin.

	Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed and two-handed swords, maces and axes, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"		Zakalwe is a master of weapons - he can wield anything anyone has ever conceived to use as a weapon with deadly force. He prefers the versatility of a polearm, but has demonstrated skill with bows, thrown weapons, crossbows, one-handed and two-handed swords, maces and axes, shields of all sizes, siege weapons, daggers, staves, one- and two-handed spears, flails, and even the occasional exotic weapon wielded by specialist warriors. When he encounters a weapon for the first time, he wastes no time studying it in great detail until he has mastered it. "''If you are to master war,''" he has said "''you must first master yourself, then master all the weapons there have ever been, and then realise which mastery is the most important to ensure victory.''"

	Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently ~~abides~~ in a great citadel of coral, crystal and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].		Like [[Roshanwe]], with whom he is sometimes associated, he lives at the point where the sky of the realm of Day touches the sea. Unlike the Navigator, who tends to live on the airy side of the divide, Zakalwe's domain is the upper shallows, the brightly lit sub-marine region between the many islands that dot the surface of the eternal ocean. He apparently resides in a great citadel of coral, crystal, and mithril built on the edge of the oceanic abyss, the bottom of which is the domain of [[Leviathan]].

	In personality Zakalwe is said to be calm, with a dry wit and perhaps even a certain cynicism. He is softly spoken and while he can be moved to great passions, he never allows his emotions to rule his head. He is known to practice philosophies very similar to those the Urizen call [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]] and [[arete]] as well as cultivating scrupulous sincerity - when Zakalwe says he will or will not do something there is very little that can sway him from his avowed course.		In personality Zakalwe is said to be calm, with a dry wit and perhaps even a certain cynicism. He is softly spoken and while he can be moved to great passions, he never allows his emotions to rule his head. He is known to practice philosophies very similar to those the Urizen call [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#Poise\|poise]] and [[arete]] as well as cultivating scrupulous sincerity - when Zakalwe says he will or will not do something there is very little that can sway him from his avowed course.
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	<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left;"><quote>The merciless will never know mercy.<br>If you can safely show mercy, show mercy.<br>If you cannot safely show mercy, strike without malice<br>and kill without spite.</quote></div>
	===Concerns===		===Concerns===
	Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation; gathering of information; and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.		Zakalwe is fascinated by conflict, especially war. He exemplifies a philosophy of warfare that focuses on preparation, gathering of information, and fighting with absolute commitment and focus. His philosophy can be applied at many levels, from individual warriors facing each other to entire nations at war. He also preaches that martial conflict and political conflict are the same thing - the diplomat, the spy, the politician and the general all employ the same strategies to win.

	He collects and studies the writings of generals, captains, soldiers and politicians from every nation and realm. He himself has written an immense number of epigraphs, essays, treatises and books of philosophy, both original and echoing the thoughts of mortal war-makers. He encourages the idea that during peace, one should be honing oneself and preparing for future conflict; in this as in other areas he is seen as supporting the ~~virtue~~ of [[Ambition]].		He collects and studies the writings of generals, captains, soldiers, and politicians from every nation and realm. He himself has written an immense number of epigraphs, essays, treatises, and books of philosophy, both original and echoing the thoughts of mortal war-makers. He encourages the idea that during peace, one should be honing oneself and preparing for future conflict; in this as in other areas he is seen as supporting the Virtue of [[Ambition]].

	The core of his philosophy is threefold. The first step to triumph is understanding - knowing who the ~~realm~~ enemy is and what must be done to achieve victory. This need for understanding extends to all areas of war; the general whose intelligence is greater has an advantage. The second step is preparation; ensuring that one's soldiers are armed and armoured, supported and aware of their role in the battle. A poorly-prepared army will always lose out to an army whose general has given thought to logistical and strategic matters. The final step to victory is absolute commitment; being engaged in a battle, the triumphant general does not stop until the enemy is defeated.		The core of his philosophy is threefold. The first step to triumph is understanding - knowing who the real enemy is and what must be done to achieve victory. This need for understanding extends to all areas of war: the general whose intelligence is greater has an advantage. The second step is preparation; ensuring that one's soldiers are armed and armoured, supported, and aware of their role in the battle. A poorly-prepared army will always lose out to an army whose general has given thought to logistical and strategic matters. The final step to victory is absolute commitment; being engaged in a battle, the triumphant general does not stop until the enemy is defeated.

	A general who does not appreciate the value of intelligence, logistics and preparation will find Zakalwe has little time for them. He is fascinated by militaristic societies (such as those of many orc tribes), and by concepts such as peoples' militias, military councils and the like.		A general who does not appreciate the value of intelligence, logistics, and preparation will find Zakalwe has little time for them. He is fascinated by militaristic societies (such as those of many orc tribes), and by concepts such as peoples' militias, military councils, and the like.

	Zakalwe is deeply critical of those who believe in fate, destiny or higher powers. He regularly decries [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope\|hope]] as the biggest enemy of rational thought. Skill, ambition, understanding and thought buy victory; faith in the righteousness of one's cause is a luxury. Despite this, the Master Strategist cautions that the best soldiers and generals believe in the cause they are fighting for.		Zakalwe is deeply critical of those who believe in fate, destiny, or higher powers. He regularly decries [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Hope\|hope]] as the biggest enemy of rational thought. Skill, ambition, understanding, and thought buy victory; faith in the righteousness of one's cause is a luxury. Despite this, the Master Strategist cautions that the best soldiers and generals believe in the cause they are fighting for.

	The Master Strategist has strong views on the integrity and self-knowledge of the warrior. He believes firmly in concepts of personal honour and that every soldier is ultimately responsible for the actions they take on the battlefield. His commitment to rational thought even in the thick of battle is very appealing to a certain breed of soldier and general, but often puts him at odds with those who embrace the idea that the ends justify the means.		The Master Strategist has strong views on the integrity and self-knowledge of the warrior. He believes firmly in concepts of personal honour and that every soldier is ultimately responsible for the actions they take on the battlefield. His commitment to rational thought even in the thick of battle is very appealing to a certain breed of soldier and general, but often puts him at odds with those who embrace the idea that the ends justify the means.
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	Zakalwe is associated with the rune [[Aesh]].		Zakalwe is associated with the rune [[Aesh]].
	<div style="float:right;"><quote>When it is time to strike, strike.<br>Strike with all your heart,and all your strength,<br>and hope that all your preparation will mean<br>that one blow shall be sufficient to achieve victory.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote>When it is time to strike, strike.<br>Strike with all your heart, and all your strength,<br>and hope that all your preparation will mean<br>that one blow shall be sufficient to achieve victory.</quote></div>
	===Boons===		===Boons===
	As a master of strategy it should come as no surprise that the boons Zakalwe offers are often martial in nature. He is known to offer ~~crystaline~~ tokens that assist in the performance of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] and [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. On a more personal level, he offers boons that enhance [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], and is known to offer similar boons that allow individuals to share their martial knowledge with one another or demonstrate instant (if temporary) mastery of [[Combat skills\|martial skills]]. Unlike eternals of realms such as Spring, Zakalwe's boons rarely deal with [[Combat skills#Endurance\|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude\|~~Fortitude~~]]; he is much more interested in armour than in innate abilities to survive blows, and in skill with weapons more than innate talents.		As a master of strategy it should come as no surprise that the boons Zakalwe offers are often martial in nature. He is known to offer crystalline tokens that assist in the performance of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] and [[Carve the Crystal Guardian]]. On a more personal level, he offers boons that enhance [[Alignment of Mind and Blade]], and is known to offer similar boons that allow individuals to share their martial knowledge with one another or demonstrate instant (if temporary) mastery of [[Combat skills\|martial skills]]. Unlike eternals of realms such as Spring, Zakalwe's boons rarely deal with [[Combat skills#Endurance\|endurance]] or [[Combat skills#Fortitude\|fortitude]]; he is much more interested in armour than in innate abilities to survive blows, and in skill with weapons more than innate talents.

	Zakalwe has an immense collection of books about war, including many collections of poetry written by warriors and soldiers. He is known to pay quite well for new books, or copies of books he has been unable to acquire, especially if those books are not part of the repository of written lore that is [[Phaleron]]. He is said to be especially interested in the battle philosophies of the [[Druj]] barbarians - and their justification for their methods.		Zakalwe has an immense collection of books about war, including many collections of poetry written by warriors and soldiers. He is known to pay quite well for new books, or copies of books he has been unable to acquire, especially if those books are not part of the repository of written lore that is [[Phaleron]]. He is said to be especially interested in the battle philosophies of the [[Druj]] barbarians - and their justification for their methods.

	While not an artificer, Zakalwe is able to provide enchanted weapons to those he deals with, and often gives them in payment for martial writings. He especially favours magical swords and polearms, magical shields and magical suits of armour. Occasionally his boons take the form of a rod or a suit of mage armour. Very rarely, he gifts a diplomat or politician with a magical robe or belt designed to help them maintain their poise in the political arena. In addition to the weapons he offers as boons, he is known to collect weapons, armour and other items that have been wielded by notable individuals or in notable events - regardless of whether they are enchanted or not.		While not an artificer, Zakalwe is able to provide enchanted weapons to those he deals with, and often gives them in payment for martial writings. He especially favours magical swords and polearms, magical shields, and magical suits of armour. Occasionally his boons take the form of a rod or a suit of mage armour. Very rarely, he gifts a diplomat or politician with a magical robe or belt designed to help them maintain their poise in the political arena. In addition to the weapons he offers as boons, he is known to collect weapons, armour, and other items that have been wielded by notable individuals or in notable events - regardless of whether they are enchanted or not.

	Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.		Zakalwe loves games of strategy - he is known to greatly enjoy chess. He has expressed the opinion that such games hone the mind, and also allow one to gain insight into the personality and strategic style of one's opponents. He greatly appreciates anyone who can introduce him to a new game of this kind.