Genzin

Genzin grew up in both awe and fear of the Mistwood. While the stories of the Sylvan Elves who resided there were fascinating to him, tales that emphasized their wisdom and nobility, it was the other denizens of the Mistwood that he found particularly alluring. The Fae, creatures of spirit and otherworldly substance that took on the most peculiar of visages, seemed to forever be at the edges of Genzin's mind. Growing up in the shadow of the Mistwood just a few miles north of its border, he often found himself staring at the forest, as if beckoned by some spectral whisper. Though he always resisted the temptation to venture inside, knowing full well what often happened to those who entered into the Mistwood uninvited, the feeling persisted that something, or someone, was waiting for him, there in the unknowable depths of the trees. He was taken away from his home for many years after being conscripted into the military of the Mikage Autocracy. He served aboard the great warship, the Atatsu, named for a legendary fire-breathing snake-spirit of the sea. For years he raided distant lands, later becoming a captain of marines, earning the monikers the Steel Flow and the Deathflame for his brutally effective tactics, use of the terror-weapon known as unquenchable fire, and incredible bladesmanship. After his time of service was complete, he returned to his home, having always felt a deep yearning to return the great wood. One late summer evening, while the sun was still high, Genzin found himself at the very foot of the forest. He did not know how he arrived there, for he certainly did not set out for this place, but as he stood and stared into the darkness of the wood he was certain he could hear his name being called in the whistle of the wind in the trees. Drawing up all the courage he could muster, he crossed into the lush expanse, where he was struck by an immediate sense of direction and purpose. Striding forward with inexplicable knowledge of where he was going, but not what his destination was, Genzin drove further and further into the forest's depths. He kept on at a rapid pace, unable to slow himself even if he wanted to, until he came to a halt in a clearing. Flowers of dazzling colors painted the floor, shimmering mists lingered in the air, and the light that pierced the canopy bathed the scene in a golden glow. At the center of it all was a small waterfall, delicately cascading into a mirror-like pool. A hush then descended on this magical place, even the sound of the steady trickle of water ceasing, when a figure emerged from the basin of the waterfall. It was almost Human in appearance, with a face bearing an expression of serene grace. The creature's skin seemed to flow like water over its body, and glistened in the warm light. It was a Fae. She revealed herself to Genzin as the Duchess of Rushing Water, one who had dominion over streams, rivers, glaciers, brooks - all that flows. A silver, glittering tiara with gemstones of crystalline dewdrops seemed to prove her status. The duchess then invited the Shadowkin to speak. Genzin fell to his knees in reverence, and spoke eagerly about the connection he had always felt with the Mistwood, and the deep curiosity he always had for the Fae. The duchess gave a wide, enchanting smile, and revealed that it was she who had called him to the Mistwood. She had foreseen that the forest would need a protector, one unattuned to the Rhythm yet who cared deeply about this place. Genzin offered himself without hesitation, declaring he would gladly give his life to serve a being as wondrous as her. With the vow made, the duchess sent Genzin from her clearing, and told him to return when he felt her summons once again. Weeks passed as Genzin waited to be called back to the duchess. Those weeks soon turned to months, which turned to years. As time went by, Genzin grew more and more concerned that something was wrong, that perhaps he had missed some sign, signal, or summons. Five years passed, and as day broke on the anniversary of his first encounter with the duchess, he suddenly felt an anguished voice calling out to him from the heart of the Mistwood. Dashing straight to the clearing with the waterfall, he arrived too late, finding the place scorched and desolate. Instead of the duchess, all he found was a pair of skittering Demonspawn, toying with the broken pieces of her tiara, which still glistened, even more radiant when set against the now hideously scarred landscape. Enraged, he charged the two unsuspecting creatures and beheaded both. As his battle-fury subsided, he picked up the pieces of the tiara. Then he fell to his knees, overwhelmed with grief. He made a new vow - avenge the apparent death of the duchess, and kill all the Demonspawn he could find.