Lydia "Chrysó Máti" Toxotai

**Lydia Toxotai**, also known as "Chrysó Máti " or "Golden Eyes", is a Bioengineered Human created by the Snake Tong as a commission for Clan Drakos of the Covenant of Aeaea. Made to serve in the Trial by War that the Grand Order of Magi use to settle disputes instead of all out war in the realm of the Sleepers, Lydia was bred to be a super-soldier and leader of a special operations team and were called "Toxotai", a purpose she followed and fulfilled dutifully, until Clan Drakos betrayed her and her sisters. She and only one other sister, Iona, escaped and were met by the Snake Tong instructor that oversaw their training as children. Lydia and Iona would join the Snake Tong afterwards, for the safety from Clan Drakos and the opportunity to live a life outside of the path of expendable soldier given to them by the Drakos. She currently leads Unit 16, also known as "Javelin", a unit built for special assault operations against magi and non-magi, a line of work Lydia is extremely acquainted with.

## Background

### Origin of the Toxotai

The Cirillo and Drakos clans of the Covenant of Aeaea were always bitter rivals, even before they joined the Grand Order. From debates in the council to constant disputes about properties in Aeaea-territories in the Border Realm, the two sides continue to secretly wage war on another. For centuries they have settled their arguments using the Ludicium Per Bellum or "Trial by War", a form of trial by combat, an waging all out war in the Border Realm region known as "Sanguine Fields" by utilizing armies of familiars, automata, and even summons from the Mythic Realm. These wars last as short as a month to decades. While assassinations of Cirillo and Drakos members were considered dishonorable, the two were allowed by pact to use any methods necessary in the Sanguine Fields, from utilizing Homunculi foot soldiers to full-blown Schnee automatons powered by magical materials. In preparation of a new War between the two rivals over the Border Zone island of New Attica, the Drakos decided to create a special breed of super soldiers to compliment their Spartoi and Pegasi Riders, a project that brought forth the Toxotai. By utilizing the genetic template of an Aprósopi and hiring the bioengineering capabilities of the Snake Tong, the Drakos created 9 Toxotai, each with their own specific roles and capabilities, along with their superhuman biology. Even without magical capabilities, their raw physique and skill was made to turn the tides of the New Attica War through precise operations. Designated as "Lydia", she was the first Toxotai to be born and was made to be their leader.

### The War

Lydia and the rest of her "sisters" began training as early as they could walk and talk. Raised by the Drakos to be loyal special soldiers of the clan, bred to carry on their orders and to bring "glory and victory" to Clan Drakos in the upcoming war. Lydia only knew training and was devoid of any normal human interactions, save for her time spent with the 8 other Toxotai, and one of the hired trainers by the Toxotai, an agent of the Snake Tong who trained them in spec ops and unconventional warfare. Due to their circumstances, the Toxotai became a close-knit band of battle-sisters, and a well-drilled unit meant for one thing, bringing victory to the Drakos at all costs. They were made to be loyal to themselves and the clan, and the Drakos was highly satisfactory with all the trial operations that they successfully pulled off during the preparation period for their war. In 2005, when Lydia and the other Toxotai were in their teens, the Drakos challenged the Cirillo to another Trial by War for control over New Attica, and the two sides immediately deployed their armies in the Sanguine Fields. This War was designated to be a "Dominion" Conflict, which meant that the two sides had to take over all of the designated territories in the Sanguine Fields while wiping out the opposing side's army. Unbeknownst to the Cirillio, the Toxotai were deployed as part of the "Familiar Army" and in the span of 2 years, the Drakos came out as victors in the war thanks to multiple successful operations with the Toxotai. However, the Toxotai were not heralded as heroes returning from war. The Toxotai were recalled to one of the Drakos workshops for "post-war examinations", but they quickly realized that this was not the case. Upon their arrival, the Drakos attempted to overpower their own free-will and to have all the Toxotai disassembled and be "recycled" for future experiments. Seeing this as a betrayal, Lydia led her sisters on a daring escape, but the Drakos were fully prepared for that eventuality. Lydia and the youngest of her sisters, Iona, were the only survivors in their escape, the rest were killed or sacrificed themselves to buy Lydia and Iona time.

*"Circe, Nikita, Kassandra, Cordelia, Myrina, Ariadne, and Nyx, we shall honor your ultimate sacrifices and live on."*

### Escape and the Snake Tong

After a week of evading Clan Drakos pursuers, Lydia and Iona escaped to Turkey, where the were intercepted by their old Snake Tong mentor. There the two learned the full truth, how Clan Drakos intended to decommission the Toxotai the moment they fulfilled their purpose. The Drakos did not want to waste the opportunity of creating their own brand of super soldiers and using the Snake Tong's bioengineered bodies as a starting point for further experimentation. But as a last laugh, the Tong secretly placed "acidifiers" on the Toxotai's bodies so in event of death, their bodies would fully disintegrate in a matter of seconds to avoid reverse-engineering. Still reeling from the betrayal, Lydia and Iona were at a loss of what to do. Their purpose was to fight the War for Clan Drakos, but with it over and their supposed masters were more interested in using them for experiments than what they were bred for, the two faced a existential crisis. Their mentor, however, offered them a chance at a new life.

*"You were both born thanks to Snake Tong engineering. Why not return home with me?"*

She promised them a position in the organization where they had the freedom to continue fighting, but not be bound as mere soldiers but fellow agents of a group that grants them the freedom to be more than just soldiers bred for war, and learn to be human. While they had physical aspects beyond normal, they were still human. She also promised them safety from the Drakos who are still looking for them. Although paranoid, Lydia decided that it was for the best. Her sole surviving sister was affected worse by the betrayal. and as the leader of the Toxotai, she prioritized their safety and mental well-being. The two became part of the Tong and while they spent their first months recuperating and regaining their bearings, Lydia and Iona decided to continue their lives as warriors, embracing the fact that they were made from the template of a Faceless. The Aprósopi in the Shiai-shi also thought them more about their heritage and were more than happy to adopt the two as part of Clan Tejido de Sangre, one of the oldest Faceless Clans to be part of the Tong. She and Iona took on the surname of Toxotai to honor their fallen sisters and to make sure their names are remembered by future warriors as valiant fighters.

With their newfound family in both Clan Tejido de Sangre and the Snake Tong, Lydia decided to dedicate herself to protecting her comrades, especially Iona. She and Iona were assigned to Unit 16, also known as "Javelin", for their daring assault operations, a field where the Toxotai sisters were bred to do. Utilizing their skills from their training and the war, Lydia and Iona adapted to their roles quickly. Years of continued service resulted in Lydia taking over the position of Unit leader after their old one retired. After a decade past, the scars of betrayal remain, but Lydia and Iona had made sure to find better lives for themselves. Their lost sisters would have wanted them to live on and forge new futures for themselves, as Lydia would have done the same if she exchanged her life for the other Toxotai to live.

## Personality

Although no longer as prominent as it was when she was fresh from the New Attica War and the Drakos betrayal, Lydia's experiences have instilled a stoic exterior, making it challenging for others to decipher her emotions. At first she feared that vulnerability may expose her to further pain in her younger years, lead to misunderstandings in her interpersonal relationships. But after years of facing and trying to accept and move past the losses and betrayal she encountered, she has grown to be more emotionally open to others. Her nature to be a good leader that can be approached by her comrades have also been a factor in her strive to better herself. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for structure and discipline. She values routine and order, seeking solace in the predictability they provide. While the Tong provided much freedom for its members despite its hierarchy, it allowed Lydia to explore a world beyond the life of a soldier and its ranks. While not as militaristic as before, this trait still manifests in her meticulous planning and meticulous attention to detail.

She is fiercely protective of those she cares about, often putting their well-being before her own. Iona being the one she is most protective of, as she still makes sure the surviving Toxotai live on for the sake of their sisters' sacrifices. This instinct is a driving force behind her actions, even as she navigates a life outside of combat. She'll often prioritize the happiness and well-being of Iona and her other comrades, even if it can be a detriment to her. She is still willing to sacrifice herself in drastic situations, but only if it's the only way of saving others, as she is fully aware of the effects it has to the survivors.

Loyalty is, and will always will be hardcoded in Lydia's nature. She remains fiercely loyal to Iona and those she forms deep connections with. This loyalty extends to her fellow Unit 16 members and other members of The Snake Tong, with whom she shares a camaraderie forged in the crucible of conflict. Her introduction to the Aprósopi code with Clan Tejido de Sangre and becoming part of said clan has reinforced this loyalty and sense of duty to her comrades. Her adherence to keeping the promises and bonds between brothers and sisters in arms, and not to mention what Clan Drakos did , makes her despise betrayal. Lydia's bond and kinship with Iona remains a vital source of support and growth. They share an unbreakable connection forged in the crucible of their past. Both find solace in each other's presence. Although Iona does admit Lydia can be overprotective at times. As a leader, she is strict and meticulous when it comes to planning, but this comes from caring about for the people she works with. She always keeps the memory of her fallen sisters close to her heart, and honors their memory by making sure the Toxotai name lives on and gains the renown as brave and skilled warriors. The betrayal and the realization that Clan Drakos used them as expendable tools in some petty property dispute that resulted in the Drakos losing New Attica years later in another War made her despise them and the Covenant of Aeaea and the Grand Order of Magi as a whole due to the prevalent culture of cold-hearted and egotistical magi within its ranks. One mention of the Covenant or even the Order can make her mood darken.

Despite the fact she was born and raised for war, Lydia denies that this is the sole path laid out for her and yearns for inner peace. Over the years, she has tried reconciling her violent past with her aspirations for a tranquil future. The search for peace serves as a driving force, motivating her to confront her trauma and find a new purpose. She has used the art of drawing, especially drawing landscapes as a hobby and medium for meditation, as her eyes have made her quite the skilled artist when it comes to details. Ever since she discovered the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, she uses him as inspiration whenever she draws and paints. It's not uncommon to see her sketching away in her days off, or painting at an easel.

## Abilities

### Martial arts

Lydia has been trained in multiple martial arts since childhood, and has been further trained by the Snake Tong to become a skilled close-quarters combatant. Her genetic template meant that she is most familiar with weapon-based styles of the Faceless, and is most proficient with swords. She us also a skilled tactician and excels at coordinated movements and operations, which was to be expected of the leader of the Toxotai and an Assault Ops unit. She is quick to adapt to situations as well as making sure her fellow Javelin are aware of any adjustments that might be needed during an operation down to the very intricate detail.

Lydia is most deadly when given firearms thanks to her Bioengineered body and her special eyes made for sharpshooters. While she excels the most at long range, her reflexes and aim turns her into a deadly combatant with pistols and submachineguns as well. Her reaction time and superhuman visual capabilities makes her a very deadly sniper, which was also the secondary role she took during the New Attica War. She could have easily taken a position in Unit 3, but she chose to stay with Unit 16 because she believes she excels the most with the people she has made close bonds to already.

### Bioengineered Body

Snake Tong Bioengineering is considered to be expensive and experimental, and most members are discouraged from getting "experimental upgrades", but the Toxotai were given no such restrictions when the Drakos Clan purchased the services from the Tong. Vatborn and altered even before they were conscious, the Toxotai bodies were highly modified to fit the needs of the Drakos during the War. While her appearance and overall physique was taken from the original genetic template just like her sisters, the Snakes over at the Hermitage, where the bioengineering took place, made sure to provide unique features of each Toxotai sister. The look extremely similar, save for different body parts that were customized for each sister to fit their roles. Lydia was given Multi-Spectrum eyes to fit her role as the sniper and highly-perceptive leader. While she and her sister shared similar modified body parts to turn them into the "Super Soldiers" that the Drakos needed. Despite their lack of a Mana Lobe and thus inability to use magic, their bioengineered bodies are more than enough to overpower a magus using reinforcement. While this means they lack a natural magical resistance, it is covered by equipment given by the Snake Tong.

#### Multi-Spectrum Eyes

Lydia’s eyes have more spatial awareness by integrating cells that allow for collection of light in an ultraviolet and infrared spectrum. She perceives multiple type of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, infrared, light, x-rays, and gamma rays. Its visual acuity is precise enough to read handwriting from twenty meters away. Her eyes become gold the more focuses on using her eyes, earning her moniker.

#### Calcium-Alloy Skeleton

The composition of Lydia’s Skeletal System has been altered into a composite calcium-metal alloy, reinforced with organic rubber analogue which immensely increases the durability of her bones, allowing Lydia to sustain more trauma than normal. Offense-wise, elbow strikes, knee-strikes, and even blows which involve using her bones are also more dangerous thanks to this. This results in the Toxotai never needing helmets, and the armor provided by the suits are merely a secondary latyer of defense.

#### Multilayered Dermal Plating

Chitinous plates, similar to the calcium-alloy composition of her skeleton, are layered underneath Lydia’s skin, thin enough to be not noticeable, but retains enough durability to provide decent protection from small-arms fire.

#### Micro-analyzer Nose

By increasing the amount of cells dedicated to analyzing specific important molecules, Lydia’s sense of smell has been enhanced to the point that even faint and distant scents can be easily picked up. Useful for detecting subtle poisons and tracking down targets.

#### Extra-dexterous Limbs

Lydia’s arms and legs have been strengthened, both in muscles and nerve control, allowing for both strong and agile limbs.

#### Nano-Alveoli Lungs

The alveoli in Lydia’s lungs have been evolved to be more efficient while being reduced to a nano-scale, which makes it difficult for airborne toxins to enter her bloodstream. A countermeasure evolved to fight against gas-based attacks.

#### Accelerated Spine

Lydia’s spine and the nerves that reside in it have been enhanced with secondary processing nodes, for a faster nervous system, which ends up increasing reflexes and overall body efficiency.

#### Tri-Woven Primary Heart

Lydia’s heart has had its musculature woven into three directions instead of one, not only increasing her heart’s control of blood flow, but also with increased efficiency thanks to the extra muscles. In a practical sense, this helps in decreasing blood loss when she is bleeding, and to some extent, allows her movements to be enhanced thanks to better blood flow.

### Equipment

**Snake Key**

Lydia's Key is the standard butterfly knife or "Balisong", and considered more of a tool than a weapon. The blade itself was made with special materials that are not necessarily strong enough for heavy combat. The pride of the Pranaja Empu smiths, the steel during forging blessed the property to disperse mana. Since it disperses magical energy, the blade of the knife can't be reinforced with magic. However, the reason why it's named a key is because users can create holes within certain points of a Bounded Field. Since the blade merely disperses mana and not outright destroys it, it creates thinned and weakened areas in a Bound Field that is more susceptible of being bypassed physically without triggering an alarm for the owner.

It can also be used against an enemy using Reinforcement on his body. If the Key is stabbed onto the target's arm, for example, the magical energy of the reinforcement spell disperses to other parts of his body and his arm is now more weakened thanks to the lower amount of mana for reinforcement.

**S11 'BB' Bulletproof Body Suit**

Standard issue magic armor that Snake Tong provides its members. It is a black suit which was made to be bulletproof (tested with 9mm, 7.62, NATO/.308) and provides magic resistance, dispelling low level spells. It is considered to be one of the iconic uniforms of the Shiai-shi. The suit is made with a composite of multiple magical materials, a major one being Huohuan Bu Silk from a Spider Yaoguai. This makes the Suit durable (enough to withstand modern gunfire and magical projectiles), easily enchantable with magic, and has innate fire resistance. If the Suit was stained, one simply needs to burn the area with the stain and the mess will soon disappear without damaging the cloth.