Dawnwatcher

## Overview

Dawnwatcher is a "Cantoner"—a prominent Sunrunner leader, overseeing the Wanderjust Canton in Rayz. Known for his physical prowess and embodiment of the "vadira lunoste" philosophy, he has traditionally held a conventional approach towards Sunrunner culture. However, his perspective has been evolving, influenced by his activist daughter, Rainbringer, and the ongoing Callaxian Civil War. Despite a historical conflict with the Tarnish, he has recently joined forces with Ref Calla of Tarn to aid in the war effort. This association symbolizes a unique, albeit tense, alliance against the perceived interventionist threat posed by the Mission, underscoring the Sunrunner's faith in the Union of Planets' principle of self-determinism.

## Personal Life

Dawnwatcher hails from Rayz and is a prominent leader among the Sunrunner people. Born into a traditional Sunrunner family, he has long been a figure of influence within the Sunrunner community. He is a middle-aged man, married to Wormender, and is the father of an adult daughter named Rainbringer, who is known for her activism and scholarly contributions. She now lives in the "Desert Rows" section of Cowb in the country of Velseria, Kemper. Rainbringer has taken advantage of the more progressive laws in Kemper by marrying a woman there, a Velserian named Lo'ful Fikka.

Physically imposing with his strength and height, Dawnwatcher possesses a dark tan skin and strong brown eyes with split pupils in the typical Callaxian manner. His nose ridge is particularly well-defined. He embodies "vadira lunoste," a Sunrunner principle teaching acceptance of adversity, an ability to find grace and humor amidst difficulty, and fierce opposition to injustice.

## Leadership Role

Dawnwatcher is one of the eight Cantoner leaders among the Sunrunners, governing a geographical area known as a Canton. His canton, Wanderjust, lies directly north of the Lifegiver lake, which provides it a special connection with Oasis, the capital of Rayz, situated to the south of the same lake. It is sometimes said by the Tarnish Rayzi that the Wanderjust canton is the most important one, but Dawnwatcher and other Cantoners resist this interpretation as Tarn-centric. The Cantoner leadership style is somewhat autonomous, with each leader governing their respective cantons without overriding authority over the others.

Traditionally, Dawnwatcher has been a staunch supporter of Sunrunner customs and traditions, including strict gender roles and heteronormative behavior. However, his daughter Rainbringer's activism and the impact of the Callaxian Civil War have triggered a shift in his perspective, making him wonder if a more progressive stance might benefit his people. Privately, he expresses the concern that he's not sure what to think about some of these matters. His wife, Wormender, on the other hand remains unbendingly traditional. He has great respect for both of these women and feels he can't make a choice without betraying one of them.

## Dawnwatcher and the Callaxian Civil War

Despite the historical animosity between the Sunrunner people and the Tarnish leadership, Dawnwatcher was invited to Tarn by Ref Calla, the current King of Tarn, to aid in the war effort. Ref's position suggests a potential shift in Tarn's view of Sunrunners, showing more leniency compared to his father's reign. Ref's decision to invite Dawnwatcher was met with shock from many Tarnish, especially Gahls.

Most Sunrunners, including 7 of the 8 Cantoners, align with the Union of Planets' philosophy of "self-determinism". Although the Sunrunners suffer under the oppression of Tarnish leaders, they believe that they can derive benefits from addressing their issues independently. This philosophy is the driving force behind their decision to help the Tarnish government, given their shared goal of preventing the Mission from forcefully integrating all Callaxians.

Dawnwatcher's role in Tarn involves managing Sunrunner resources to aid in the war effort and bolstering the Tarnish government's position by demonstrating the united front of Callaxians against the Mission. This role is ironic, given that Dawnwatcher himself fought against the Tarnish in the Rayz Engagements when he was merely 17 (in S years). Remarkably, despite their past, Dawnwatcher and Ref seem to have a mutual understanding and a warm relationship, which surprises observers in the Calla Complex.

## Legacy

Dawnwatcher's evolving stance and his participation in the Callaxian Civil War represent a significant shift in the dynamics between the Sunrunner and Tarnish societies. His cooperation with Tarnish leadership, while remaining loyal to his people's traditions and aspirations, positions him as a figure of intrigue and transformation within the Sunrunner community.

Despite the historical resistance between the Sunrunners and Tarn, Dawnwatcher's role in the war effort shows his commitment to his people's self-determinism and their united stand against the Mission's interventionist policy. His ability to embody "vadira lunoste," even in complex political landscapes, makes him a critical figure within the broader Callaxian context. His story illustrates the continuing struggle of the Sunrunner people for self-definition, preservation of their culture, and their evolving relationship with the rest of Callaxian society.