Jaya Terrazas

> *"Leave. Just leave, before it's too late."*
>
>

Jaya Terrazas was an NPC in the main Crossworlds campaign. She is Pandora Price's mother.

## History

Jaya was born in Bexley, a small village near the mountains. She grew up happy, and was content to stay in her hometown alongside her family. However, she was chosen by the universe (or, debatably, future Pandora) and given the gift of magic--and the curse of isolation.

This led her to Venia, an ifrit apprentice of Atel. Venia taught Jaya how to control her magic and use it effectively, though she saw the potential of the curse. Atel, upon seeing them practice together, noted how compatible their energies were and suggested that they travel together. Venia offered to be a guide, if Jaya decided to travel in search of answers. Jaya accepted with little hesitation.

Venia traveled with Jaya for two years. And for two years, it grew increasingly difficult to keep Venia alive. Sudden disasters struck when they grew close. Thunderstorms broke with little clouds, nearly putting out her hair. Still, Jaya kept Venia safe. She cared so much about her, and it only solidified the ifrit's fate. Venia, in a violent storm, was thrown overboard as the duo traveled the wide River Atlantic.

Jaya survived. She made her way to Capua Tor, where she sought knowledge at the local Library of Paletius. She found little to aid her journey, and continued traveling. Passing through Cantilena, she stayed with the Darvyn family, who offered her shelter as long as she needed. She knew by now that she could not gain attachment to them, though, and left.

She found answers--though not the ones she was looking for--in Refersi. Under the cover of night, she found the necromantic library of Rajuk Amon-Gore. She bribed Faulkner Byrne with a periapt of health to get inside. There, he and Killian Foy told her that she would not be able to bring Venia back, as she belonged to the Maelstrom. Dejected, Jaya left the library.

She spent years honing her craft in isolation. It made her stronger magically, but drained her spirit. Still, Jaya learned how to open temporary portals to other worlds--something previously thought to be impossible.

After four years, she met Suriya Zephaniah in a small bar. Despite (or maybe because of) her isolation, Suriya sparked something in her. She found herself enjoying his company, smiling at his stories, laughing at his jokes. And she left with him, sparking a relationship.

She tried to tell him, warn him of the dangers she would bring to his life. Still, he coaxed her back, and swore that he would protect both of them. They learned to live together, and he learned to dodge every hazard thrown his way. Until, that is, the universe made Jaya herself into a danger. Overcome by the urge her curse brought upon her, she murdered Suriya.

Jaya came to her senses with Suriya, nearly unrecognizable, laying before her. She felt the harshest pain she had ever felt and, in a daze, used his blood to paint sigils onto their apartment wall. She threw herself into the Maelstrom, hoping she would never feel or inflict this pain again.

She ran into a problem pretty quickly. She realized that she was carrying a child. For the months she carried this child, she hunted. She cared for the child, but dared not let herself grow attached to it. Once the child was born, Jaya knew there were two options: she could raise the child until she inevitably grew attached to them and had to let them die (or let them meet Suriya's fate). Or, she could abandon the baby and let the Maelstrom do as it wished.

In an act of love she swore she would never take again, she chose the latter, and dared not let herself look back.

Years later, she found Pandora Price at her campsite. Pandora explained to her that they were the child. Together, they made a deal. Pandora, now an ascended deity, offered to commune with her in dreams as they worked together to dispel the curse. This would offer the physical distance Jaya needed, and Pandora would be virtually immune to any dangers thrown their way.