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Guardian of Soaring Heights
Lore
There is some debate whether the Guardian of Soaring Heights — known to some simple as The Eagle — truly exists or is just another story. There are rumors tha he will only appear to those who seek knowledge with a true heart and will cast his wrath on those who would take it from others.
+ LORE
Associated with eagles, libraries, shadows, the wind and (weirdly enough) apples, Altaïr has no formal worshipers; rather, knowledge of a god who walks the earth and sky unnoticed and can reveal absolute truths and forbidden knowledge is spread in whispers from person to person. Those who seek him out tend to be scholars, rulebreakers, and those who transcend the boundaries built by mortals in power.
In what Altaïr would think of as the better times, he grants favors and knowledge to those who have a love of learning — as it applies to the world and to people. Prayers to the Eagle are not swiftly answered, but those who invoke him may find a book close at hand that happens to contain exactly the information they need, or a useful object on a shelf that they never noticed before.
In worse times — periods of strife, conflict and ill omens, among small or large groups of mortals — it is much more dangerous to call upon Altaïr. Those wish selfish motivations, even unconsciously so, who would treat people as things may find themselves besieged by shadows, wracked with paranoia, or simply blinded. They also say that the Guardian of Soaring Heights is capable of revealing the absolute truth of one's self — a far more terrifying experience than many would ever have guessed.
+ DESCRIPTION
Much of the time, Altaïr appears as a normal man, with a faint golden glow in his eyes serving as the only sign of his true nature. When he calls upon his power and reveals himself as a god, that glow becomes more piercing and spreads across much of body; eagle feathers run down his shoulders and arms, and semi-transparent white wings (or are they robes?) billow behind him as if there is an eternal breeze about. His hidden blade is now a part of him, built into his very arm, though this is very difficult to even notice until he chooses to release it.+ DOMAIN
Masyaf Castle has only grown over the years, along with the mountain it rests upon, becoming a sprawling complex that is as much labyrinth as it is fortress. The weather changes with Altaïr's state of mind; in darker times, a howling wind whips through the grounds, and there is an eternal twilight.+ POWERS
Blessing; True sightA gift of knowledge;
Altaïr can grant a boon of knowledge or wisdom, guiding the faithful to items in the real world that represent what they seek — whether they know it or not.
True sight; his eagle vision has grown massively in power, enabling him to look into a mortal's very soul and see the truth of their intentions, now or at any time in the past.
Blade of truth; He is capable of plunging his hidden blade into one's flesh and, instead of harming them, compelling truths, even those a person may not consciously acknowledge.
Affliction; False vision
Blindness; He is capable of taking away the sight of those he deems unworthy. This could be true loss of eyesight or an inability to see a particular thing; ex. a mortal could be cursed to never be able to see the person they love, however sharp their vision is otherwise.
Inflict paranoia; Those who have plotted against others, depriving them of choice and free will, may find themselves endlessly paranoid, seeing only schemes and distrust among those they would otherwise have called friend.
Self knowledge; discovery In addition to compelling truth, Altaïr can compel a mortal to truly know themselves, completely and totally, with absolute clarity down to the smallest detail: every virtue, every secret wish, but also every flaw, every bad deed. It is unsettling at best and at worst, enough to drive one to madness.
Self knowledge; dispel Once a mortal's true self is revealed, Altaïr is capable of cleansing them of thoughts, traits or beliefs. At best, this "purifies" them, giving them a second chance; at worst, it burns away pieces of their mind, never to recover, leaving them living shells.
HISTORY
For a long time, Altaïr does not accept that he has become a god or make use of divinely enhanced power. Even when he does, he is largely content to walk among mortals, enhancing others' abilities to learn even as he seeks to continue learning himself. In this way, he is still very human.
Over the centuries, though, his desire to set humanity on a better path and fix things grows to a dangerous extent, even as the specifics of his commitment to the tenets of the Assassin's creed wanes. The more he is called upon as a god, the more he is called upon to judge mortals and serve as a divine arbiter of truth, the greater the temptation to embrace his inhuman side and purge mortals of the aspects of their nature that lead to strife, bloodshed and cruel use of power over those who have none. More than once, Altaïr seems to have turned his affliction on himself, paranoia paving the way to false judgment.
What's the point of keeping a semblance of humanity when his nature is otherwise? Why not force the truths he sees on others, and purge mankind of the ability to deceive at all? Pockets of adherents have given way to small cults over the centuries, driving him further into godhood. It's the people he knows and cares for that always bring him back, but it's become something of a cycle that may eventually stop on one extreme or another.
Name Jaina TIMEZONE EST DISCORD effervescible CODE
Domain
Altaïr's domain is a strict re-creation of his home and birthplace, Masyaf Castle and the surrounding hillside. Located atop steep cliffs, the Horizon's version of Masyaf does not include the local village that sits outside the wooden gates at the bottom of the hill, nor does it have a view of the treacherous landscape that surrounds it in real life, but any Summoned who visits and looks beyond the domain's borders will somehow feel that they are amidst mountains.
The castle walls house an interior courtyard with a large training ring, weapon racks, small stable area and a hill leading to the primary fortress building. Built into the walls are storage areas for weapons, food and supplies, barracks and other necessities to live in and defend Masyaf.
Notable features of the domain include:
Ramparts
The southern ramparts serve as both an excellent watchpoint for anyone approaching the castle/domain and an excellent means of intimidation. Who wouldn't be a little freaked out to see a resident of the castle leap to their apparent death? It's not like the hay bales below are viewable from the outside, after all.
The Main Hall
The first floor of the main building houses a large library of books on philosophy, mathematics, rhetoric, and more practical crafts like metalsmithing. Of course, Altaïr has not memorized all the books that exist in life, so the ones in the Horizon are largely blank or unintelligible; but they are very very impressive on the shelf.
The Master's Study
Two flights up leads to the primary writing and studying area of...well, someone important, it seems, once upon a time. When in the Horizon, Altaïr does a lot of his writing here.
The Gardens
On the other side of the main hall, in the back of the main fortress is a multi-tier garden area. Very peaceful and relaxing. Perfect for consorting with houris while under the influence of hashish, which the Assassins have never actually done. Also perfect for murdering your double-crossing father figure who got you to do his dirty work and then turned on you, which Altaïr...may have done actually.
Entry tags:
Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad
Assassin's Creed
— BASICS —
— FIRST IMPRESSIONS —
APPEARANCE 6 feet tall, brown eyes, brown hair, of native Syrian lineage. Horizontal scar runs over his lips on the right. Left ring finger severed many years ago beneath the major knuckle. Regularly shaves and keeps his hair cropped fairly short. Lean muscle all over, primarily from climbing and practicing blade combat. Callused hands from climbing and sword-wielding. His eyes occasionally glow a muted gold when he chooses.
CLOTHING Habitually chooses clothing that matches and blends in well with the local population. Consciously shops for garments that are slightly less interesting to look at to avoid drawing attention. Favors light, breathable fabrics that are easy to move in. Shirts and coats will either cover the bracer strapped to his left arm or do not make it look out of place worn atop them. The bracer is always worn.
DEMEANOR Expression is stoic and shows little emotion by default. Gaze is alert and percing, and he constantly seeks to take in as much information as possible using multiple senses. Moves smoothly, quietly and undramatically to avoid drawing attention. When "on business," moves like a predator.
AURAL Low voice, rarely raised. Doesn't speak too quickly and gives the impression his words are always carefully chosen. Arabic accent when magic language geas allows.
OLFACTORY Most often smells of leather, steel and horse. Is regularly active and doesn't shower after every incident of getting sweaty, but keeps clean. Does not use cologne or strong scent of any kind..
— SKILLS —
Eagle Vision A hereditary second sight that reveals the current disposition of other living beings, which Altaïr perceives as a color-coded glow.
Free-Running Expertise in parkour, climbing and speedy travel on foot.
Master Swordsman He has achieved the highest rank of swordsman in his brotherhood and was gifted a custom sword to reflect his title: the Eagle of Masyaf.
Assassin He is a master at performing reconnaissance, plotting a kill and taking a life in abrupt, public fashion before anyone knows he is there. Also very skilled with a short blade, throwing knives and crossbow.
— RUMORS —
- A man has taken to parkouring around the rooftops of Cadens on a regular basis. Could this be him?
- He spends hours and hours in the library, ha ha what a nerd.
— HAUNTS —
- Libraries
- Museums
- Desert outside of Cadens, on horseback
- Occasionally Mag's Inn, rarely overnight
— ITEMS —
- Sword
- Hidden blade
- Knives (15)
— MAGIC —
- Illusory haystack summoning
- Tagging/tracking within a one-mile radius. Tracked targets can be seen through walls as glowing outlines.
- Physical contact allows him to detect when someone is telling a lie. (With permission/minor NPCs only)
— OUT OF CHARACTER —
Jaina · she/her · EST · effervescible#8341 · ![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
effervescible
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Entry tags:
Permissions
Ability Permissions
Through mental focus, Altaïr can activate his Eagle Vision, a kind of hereditary second sight that reveals the disposition of other living beings, which he perceives as a color-coded glow:
Eagle Vision does not reveal whether someone is a 'good/bad' person; it is based solely on current intention. A member of his own tight-knit brotherhood who holds hostile intentions would appear red, while a member of an enemy faction who actively wants a truce would show as gray or blue. Color could also change in the blink of an eye if someone's intentions take a sudden, drastic change.
There is no exterior indication that Altaïr is using this ability; to the average person, he will merely seem to be extremely intuitive.
This ability can be negated by character ability, game plot or simply player preference. Please fill out the form below and post in a comment if you'd like me to assume that a particular color is typical for your character, or if you'd prefer that I never use Eagle Vision in a thread with you (or if I should always check first).
In-Character Permissions
Things that may be of interest threading with Altaïr:
Out-of-Character Permissions
>> Information & AUs
This journal was originally intended to be used solely for modern AU shenanigans, but then I decided to make it my all-purpose Altaïr account, so there's a mix of old & new here.
Canon
Born and raised within the Assassin order of the 12th century, Altaïr is culturally Muslim but part of a sect that views itself as separate from normal society and acts to protect the freedom of all to live and believe as they will.
As the youngest person to achieve the rank of Master in history, Altaïr had an ego to match his accomplishments until a mind-boggling fuckup forced him to undergo a lengthy test and learning experience that humbled him and taught him something about the nature of wisdom. Thereafter he ascended to leadership of his order and changed the path of the Assassins forever.
He is secretly a huge nerd.
The full story can be found Here.
Modern AU
Born to an Assassin family whose roots go back to the Crusades, Altaïr is of Syrian descent but operates out of the hidden global headquarters in Lebanon when not traveling around the globe on operations. After being recognized as a prodigy when he was a young teenager, Altaïr was taken under the wing of the worldwide Mentor to the Assassins and groomed to be his successor.
This backfired when he proved to be sharp enough to catch on to the Mentor's under-the-table dealings and secret alliance with the Templars. Altaïr confronted him and killed him in dubious self-defense.
Today he functions as the nominal leader of the Assassins worldwide, but he is wise enough to know that he is young enough not to take full leadership right away, and is more of a Mentor-elect.
Canon
Born and raised within the Assassin order of the 12th century, Altaïr is culturally Muslim but part of a sect that views itself as separate from normal society and acts to protect the freedom of all to live and believe as they will.
As the youngest person to achieve the rank of Master in history, Altaïr had an ego to match his accomplishments until a mind-boggling fuckup forced him to undergo a lengthy test and learning experience that humbled him and taught him something about the nature of wisdom. Thereafter he ascended to leadership of his order and changed the path of the Assassins forever.
He is secretly a huge nerd.
The full story can be found Here.
Modern AU
Born to an Assassin family whose roots go back to the Crusades, Altaïr is of Syrian descent but operates out of the hidden global headquarters in Lebanon when not traveling around the globe on operations. After being recognized as a prodigy when he was a young teenager, Altaïr was taken under the wing of the worldwide Mentor to the Assassins and groomed to be his successor.
This backfired when he proved to be sharp enough to catch on to the Mentor's under-the-table dealings and secret alliance with the Templars. Altaïr confronted him and killed him in dubious self-defense.
Today he functions as the nominal leader of the Assassins worldwide, but he is wise enough to know that he is young enough not to take full leadership right away, and is more of a Mentor-elect.
Threads: Abraxas
August 2022
Log - Jayce & Viktor - a commission
Altaïr open log - getting a feel for the place
- Alucard
- Kaz Brekker
- Claude von Riegan
- Geralt
- Diana
- Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo
Event log - first visit to Nocwich
- Kyle
- Sylvain Jose Gautier
- Thancred Waters
- Thor
- Aloy
Network - Open PostSeptember 2022
Log - Jo Harvelle - The star of a beautiful mentorship
Quest log - Viktor & Geralt - rescue efforts
Altaïr open log - horizon & libertas
- Claude
- Alucard
- Ciri
- Diana
Log - Nadine - making medicines
Log - Jack Townsend - horizon slurpees
October 2022
Event log - the living dead
- Alucard
- Sylvain
- Matt Murdock
Log - Jo - halloween party
November 2022
Log - Claude - archery
Log - Aloy - climbing
Log - Jo & Ciri - drinks
Log - Nadine - first aid
Log - Alicent Hightower - horizon memories
Log - Joseph Kavinsky - nocwich
December 2022
Log - Elrond - constellations
Log - Alucard - hunting grounds
Event log - mediation
- Natasha Romanoff
- Alucard
- Claude
- Hilda Valentine Goneril
- Matt
- Viktor
Log - Jayce & Viktor - a commission
Altaïr open log - getting a feel for the place
- Alucard
- Kaz Brekker
- Claude von Riegan
- Geralt
- Diana
- Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo
Event log - first visit to Nocwich
- Kyle
- Sylvain Jose Gautier
- Thancred Waters
- Thor
- Aloy
Network - Open PostSeptember 2022
Log - Jo Harvelle - The star of a beautiful mentorship
Quest log - Viktor & Geralt - rescue efforts
Altaïr open log - horizon & libertas
- Claude
- Alucard
- Ciri
- Diana
Log - Nadine - making medicines
Log - Jack Townsend - horizon slurpees
October 2022
Event log - the living dead
- Alucard
- Sylvain
- Matt Murdock
Log - Jo - halloween party
November 2022
Log - Claude - archery
Log - Aloy - climbing
Log - Jo & Ciri - drinks
Log - Nadine - first aid
Log - Alicent Hightower - horizon memories
Log - Joseph Kavinsky - nocwich
December 2022
Log - Elrond - constellations
Log - Alucard - hunting grounds
Event log - mediation
- Natasha Romanoff
- Alucard
- Claude
- Hilda Valentine Goneril
- Matt
- Viktor
>> HMD // Plotting
Leave crit, ask questions or hit me up for a thread/plot idea by leaving a comment or sending a PM! I can also be reached on Discord at effervescible#8341 or Plurk at effervescible.