Kashif-Zain Fahaad Al'Adonastra
Kashif-Zain Fahaad Al'Adonastra (or Kash, to those who know him) is something of an oddity to the Vel Anir Academy, in large part because of how he arrived there: after disappearing for months on an Adonastra family expedition at the age of 12, he appeared alone at the Academy gates to seek enrollment, apparently of his own volition. Possessed of a shy, unassuming personality, Kash's quiet demeanor belies both his willingness to work harder than most anyone else and a certain streak of genuine, stubborn concern for the well-being of others at the Academy.
Appearance
Kash's features mark him distinctly as being of a western bloodline; thick, wavy dark hair sweeps back from a face both effortlessly noble and slightly rugged. His dark, onyx-hued eyes are intent and piercing, and always seem slightly sad, an effect compounded by his oft-contemplative expression. Eyes and hair alike are complemented by dark mahogany skin and a smooth complexion, and the cumulative result is only compounded by the fact that their owner typically seems entirely unaware of his own good looks.
Further accentuating Kash's appearance is his choice of garb: a dark azure wraparound shirt with silver trim fastened with a trio of leather belts capped off at the shoulders and collar with a mane of black feathers. Below, tastefully dark leggings lead down to a fine pair of high-topped leather boots. He can often be seen with a satchel of books at his side, or with a wooden flute thrust through his belt. His voice is a soft-spoken but rich mid-range tenor, and he is a naturally gifted singer and flautist. And yet, despite having the features of a classic storybook charmer, Kash is quiet and unassuming, carrying himself without any air of arrogance or superiority; indeed, he is most commonly seen practicing his magic in the training rings or poring over textbooks in some isolated corner.
It is his magic, however, that chiefly commands attention when used: Kash possesses the ability to conjure forth phantom serpents seemingly woven from mist and shadow of a deep indigo shade. Curiously, these serpents often seem to possess a distinctly cruel, vindictive streak in how they behave, in stark contrast to Kash's own largely inoffensive demeanor.
Chakram Fighter—While Kash has at least some skill with most weapons after years of training (both at home and then later at the Academy), his preferred weapon is the chakram. He also has a custom-made staff with a detachable pair affixed one at each end, which he wields with practiced finesse when the need arises.
Noxious Acclimation—Kash has a strong resistance to most forms of venom, both magical and otherwise (although not full immunity). The effect is weaker against poisons and diseases, but there is still some minor resistance beyond what is natural.
Serpent Soul—Beneath his deceptively quiet, well-mannered exterior, Kash contains an other within himself; a consciousness of a distinctly serpentine nature, which he often fights to contain inside him. Sometimes, however, it demands release, and hence is begotten his true power: by channeling the other, he is able to release it in controlled bursts to work his will, typically in the form of coiling serpents that unfurl from his hands or spiral forth from the environment. Though largely intangible, their bite and coils when a target is sought are anything but; their venom induces effects ranging from vivid hallucinations to delayed nightmares; and they possess certain capabilities of illusion and misdirection, such as breathing forth clouds of darkness that extinguishes all light within it.
But unscathed, in this sense, means more than just an ability to fight back; it refers to personality as well. Kash displays the same gentle courtesy to everyone he interacts with, regardless of how they have treated him prior (although, on the flip side, this means that the affections thrown his way by more than a few starry-eyed adolescent admirers are never acknowledged by more than occasional bemusement).
Not that he ever has much time for socializing, anyway. Kash seems determined to match the amount of work put in at the Academy by those who have lived there their whole lives in just a few years; what's more, he actually might have the work ethic and stamina to genuinely pull that off. Scarcely an hour goes by when he can't be found reading a book off in some corner, honing his talents in the armory, or practicing his magic; indeed, at times it seems he barely sleeps. Some might wonder why a willing self-entrant to the Academy would be so dedicated to the cause of the Dreadlords of Vel Anir, but there are very few who realize his dedication might just be to another cause altogether.
Further accentuating Kash's appearance is his choice of garb: a dark azure wraparound shirt with silver trim fastened with a trio of leather belts capped off at the shoulders and collar with a mane of black feathers. Below, tastefully dark leggings lead down to a fine pair of high-topped leather boots. He can often be seen with a satchel of books at his side, or with a wooden flute thrust through his belt. His voice is a soft-spoken but rich mid-range tenor, and he is a naturally gifted singer and flautist. And yet, despite having the features of a classic storybook charmer, Kash is quiet and unassuming, carrying himself without any air of arrogance or superiority; indeed, he is most commonly seen practicing his magic in the training rings or poring over textbooks in some isolated corner.
It is his magic, however, that chiefly commands attention when used: Kash possesses the ability to conjure forth phantom serpents seemingly woven from mist and shadow of a deep indigo shade. Curiously, these serpents often seem to possess a distinctly cruel, vindictive streak in how they behave, in stark contrast to Kash's own largely inoffensive demeanor.
Skills and Abilities
Bleakest Night—As a consequence of the other within, Kash has a certain attunement to the dark. He can see in even pitch blackness, and he is unaffected by most illusions. On the flip side, although he personally quite enjoys the sunlight, nowadays he finds bright light to be almost painful, and even disorienting if he is exposed to it for too long.Chakram Fighter—While Kash has at least some skill with most weapons after years of training (both at home and then later at the Academy), his preferred weapon is the chakram. He also has a custom-made staff with a detachable pair affixed one at each end, which he wields with practiced finesse when the need arises.
Noxious Acclimation—Kash has a strong resistance to most forms of venom, both magical and otherwise (although not full immunity). The effect is weaker against poisons and diseases, but there is still some minor resistance beyond what is natural.
Serpent Soul—Beneath his deceptively quiet, well-mannered exterior, Kash contains an other within himself; a consciousness of a distinctly serpentine nature, which he often fights to contain inside him. Sometimes, however, it demands release, and hence is begotten his true power: by channeling the other, he is able to release it in controlled bursts to work his will, typically in the form of coiling serpents that unfurl from his hands or spiral forth from the environment. Though largely intangible, their bite and coils when a target is sought are anything but; their venom induces effects ranging from vivid hallucinations to delayed nightmares; and they possess certain capabilities of illusion and misdirection, such as breathing forth clouds of darkness that extinguishes all light within it.
Personality
Kash is a quiet, well-mannered individual (the uncharitable would say shy, and they would be absolutely right). He is rarely (if ever) confrontational, and never displays any sort of arrogance or overconfidence. Such positive traits are easily turned back upon themselves in an environment such as Vel Anir, being seen as signs of weakness by many; however, those who do attempt to give Kash a hard time will discover that he has a surprisingly stubborn streak and an incredibly resilient personality that can take a considerable degree of abuse unscathed.But unscathed, in this sense, means more than just an ability to fight back; it refers to personality as well. Kash displays the same gentle courtesy to everyone he interacts with, regardless of how they have treated him prior (although, on the flip side, this means that the affections thrown his way by more than a few starry-eyed adolescent admirers are never acknowledged by more than occasional bemusement).
Not that he ever has much time for socializing, anyway. Kash seems determined to match the amount of work put in at the Academy by those who have lived there their whole lives in just a few years; what's more, he actually might have the work ethic and stamina to genuinely pull that off. Scarcely an hour goes by when he can't be found reading a book off in some corner, honing his talents in the armory, or practicing his magic; indeed, at times it seems he barely sleeps. Some might wonder why a willing self-entrant to the Academy would be so dedicated to the cause of the Dreadlords of Vel Anir, but there are very few who realize his dedication might just be to another cause altogether.