Arach Kyoudo

Born of Azuran descent but raised within the hallowed halls of the Schola Progenium on the Eastern Fringes, Arach's origins remain enshrouded in obscurity. Abandoned at a tender age, he found solace in the relentless pursuit of knowledge, seeking to unravel the secrets of his own lineage and the labyrinthine world that surrounded him. This thirst for understanding became the guiding light of his life, a beacon amidst the darkness that engulfed the Imperium.

## History

Born on the oceanic world of Azuran, Arach's early years were defined by the vast, unbroken seas that stretched as far as the eye could see. His luminescent skin and the twin red lines on his face marked him as a child of this unique world, where the sea and sky seemed to merge into an eternal horizon. It was on Azuran that Arach's thirst for knowledge and his love of learning were first kindled. The mysterious nature of his homeworld and its connection to the Warp became the backdrop against which he nurtured his intellectual curiosity.

Fate had other plans for Arach, as he was found by an Inquisitorial agent. Recognizing the potential in the child's lineage, the agent took Arach under his wing and delivered him to the Schola Progenium, where orphans with untapped potential were molded into loyal servants of the Emperor. Arach's unusual birthmarks and his connection to Azura made him an enigma within the Schola. Within the Schola, Arach's training leaned heavily towards combat and loyalty to the Imperium. He excelled in martial disciplines, becoming a prodigious student of swordsmanship. Yet, his insatiable thirst for knowledge set him apart. His love of learning, fueled by the desire to understand his heritage and the cryptic world around him, made him an exceptional archivist and historian in the making. Arach's remarkable observational skills did not go unnoticed, and even instructors turned to him for insights when situations went awry.

However, as fate would have it, Arach's journey led him away from the familiar embrace of Azuran. He embarked on a voyage that carried him from the depths of his oceanic homeworld to the far reaches of the Eastern Fringe, a region of the Imperium marked by uncharted territories, xenos threats, and unrelenting challenges. The transition from the secluded and isolated world of Azuran to the Eastern Fringe was a profound one, as Arach left behind the peaceful serenity of the oceans for the frontier of Imperial expansion.

The Ishtar Subsector, nestled within the Eastern Fringe, became the new chapter in Arach's life. Here, he would confront a drastically different environment, where the Imperium's presence was less established, and where the threats from the unknown and the alien loomed large. His pursuit of knowledge, his inquisitive nature, and his dedication to the Imperium would undoubtedly be put to the test in this uncharted realm.

Arach's journey from Azuran to the Eastern Fringe represents a shift from the known to the unknown, from the peaceful isolation of his homeworld to the unpredictable challenges of the frontiers. In this transition, he carries with him the unique experiences and insights of Azuran, making him a valuable asset in the Imperium's efforts to bring order and light to the furthest reaches of the galaxy, even in the face of adversity and the enigmatic dangers of the Eastern Fringe.

During his service, Arach unearthed the mystical katana, Nightin' Gale, a relic rumored to be Archeotech from a bygone era. Its etched words of power held secrets of their own, and its ability to turn air pressure into ammunition fascinated Arach. He also discovered the enigmatic Abyssal Shard, which protected its wielder from the darkest psychic onslaughts, making him a formidable force against the forces of Chaos.

With each revelation and each enigmatic artifact he uncovered, Arach rose through the ranks of the Inquisition. His unique background, his mastery of knowledge, and his martial prowess made him an ideal candidate for the role of an Inquisitorial Archivist. His dedication to preserving and deciphering the secrets of the Imperium and beyond, as well as his readiness to combat any heretical threat, earned him the trust and respect of his superiors.

## Personality

Arach feels a need for knowledge to understand himself and his surroundings. With being abandoned to the Schola at a young age, knowledge was a source of comfort for him. Learning about his people helped him cope. This coping led to his love to being in the know which led him to want to learn even more. Love of learning was so great that he would devour any book he would come across. He had a need to read books on the world and on his people in particular.

Observant could be a word to describe Arach. With his need to learn, it also became a need to watch. He looked not only for his parents but to understand the people around. He felt disconnected from people, so he observed and dissected every interaction for hints on what was right. Because of his observations people much older went to him to see what he saw in times of things going wrong. This led his peculiar habits to be overlooked in some cases but certainly not all.

He was talkative to his fellows but more so with the older people he connected with and felt closer to than people of his own age. His disconnection with his emotional side of things led him to be logical. He also feels a need to spill little known facts that he had learned but never something that was secret or emotionally significant to others. It wasn't that he didn't have emotions or don't understand but just doesn't feel close to his emotions.

His abandonment meant he needed to prove himself. This need wasn't just about his parents but his need to connect. Through works he was appreciated and through that he felt connection. So, he works hard and studies hard, leaving little time for fun and games. But this made him both physically fit and very bright. When finding out that there was another like him, he strove even harder to gain a possible mentor's notice.

His obvious intelligence combined with his singular nature had consequences of making him a little prideful when it came to said intelligence. This further made him a loner amongst his peers but oddly lets him talk to older people easier. He often would play board games to challenge his mental competence against theirs. His habits do him in good stead to understand the people he wanted to be like.

### Fighting Style

Arach is a figure of striking presence, standing with an air of confidence and readiness. His attire is designed for both mobility and protection, with lightweight yet durable materials that allow him to move freely while providing essential defense. Strapped to his back are his two signature swords, each representing a different aspect of his martial arts style. Arach is a master of the Kazejin Kenpō martial arts style, a warrior who has harnessed the fusion of electrified strikes, wind manipulation, psychic defense, and versatile weapon usage. His combat abilities are defined by their precision, adaptability, and the ability to control the battlefield, making him a formidable presence on any battlefield.

Arach's martial artistry is defined by fluid, graceful movements. He moves with an almost dance-like quality, seamlessly transitioning from one technique to the next. His strikes are executed with an artist's precision, and his footwork is a choreography of balance and control.

## Appearance

He has pale, luminescent skin, because it is a trait of his people to be fair skinned. A signature birth mark that is easily visible on the face- it is represent as two solid red lines, starting below the center of the eye and running down the cheek, before turning inwards and meeting at the center of the chin. Arach had short white hair that made him look a bit older than he was. His hair was kept cut in a high fade popular with military and several people at the dojo he was raised. It was maintained first by his master then he was doing himself using a knife. It was an easy haircut that made little for others to grab and stayed neat.

His Emerald Green Eyes were striking for others to especially with his white hair. Four white dots appear in a square formation within the pupil. These things separate him from others he knew at the Schola. His eyes are full of emotion that he can't hide. Bright with intelligence his eyes shine with a knowing look.

Since he is still young and changing, he has yet to develop any facial hair on his angular face. He was of middling height and weight giving him a lanky appearance. This was fine with the young Arach as he knew he would grow into a better form especially if he kept up his routines and exercise. His clothes ill fit sometimes due to his nature of growing up.

Arach's lean muscles were built more for speed than strength but there was no denying a strength in them. His Leg muscles were especially powerful for taking flash steps of his chosen style of sword art. He practices daily with weights not only on his legs but on his arms and around his torso. The weights were custom for his training methods gifted to him as a parting gift from the Schola Instructor that befriended him.

Arach is tattooed with the kanji for ‘moon’ (月) on the back of their main hand, near the thumb. Below his original moon tattoo, he received a tattoo of the kanji for ‘shield’ (匿). Following his time in a time vortex dimension of sorts, he returned to the world with two more tattoos on his main hand. Below his shield tattoo, he received a third kanji, the one for ‘sword’ (刀) and below that a fourth final kanji for ‘ice’ (氷). Nightin Gale on his back is very ornate and has a black leather handle and paired with it is his Black Crystal katana known as Abyssal Shard, it to has a black handle.

Arach's appearance has changed much over the years as he is older and much larger. He is a solidly built young adult though his hair remained white, he grew slightly darker with a tan.

## Relations

### Inquisition

His position as the Inquisitorial Archivist affords him a unique perspective, allowing him to contribute to the Inquisition's collective wisdom while maintaining a semblance of neutrality among the factions. While he holds considerable influence due to his vast knowledge and the strategic importance of the Archive, he is not a traditional field operative. His responsibilities involve overseeing the Archive, managing the flow of information, and assisting other Inquisitors in their research and investigations. Field Inquisitors often consult Arach for information before embarking on missions. His role is supportive, providing the necessary background, intelligence, and historical context that can be crucial to the success of an operation. Arach's neutral stance and dedication to knowledge preservation have allowed him to navigate the complex politics within the Inquisition. He is cautious not to align too closely with any particular faction, ensuring that the Archive remains a sanctuary of information accessible to all. His role is seen as vital, transcending factional differences, and this has earned him a degree of respect among the Inquisitorial hierarchy.

* **Ordo Xenos**: Arach maintains a strong rapport with the members of Ordo Xenos, as his expertise in the Archive often involves xenos artifacts, histories, and potential threats. Inquisitors from this faction frequently seek his guidance on deciphering alien languages, understanding the origins of unknown species, and unraveling the mysteries of xenos technology. Arach's contributions to xenos-related investigations have earned him the trust of Ordo Xenos Inquisitors, who see him as a valuable ally in their ceaseless battle against extraterrestrial threats.

* **Ordo Malleus**: His possession of Abyssal Shard, a weapon with warp-resistant properties, has garnered the attention and respect of Inquisitors from Ordo Malleus. Arach's interactions with this faction often revolve around sharing insights into the nature of daemonic incursions and the methodologies employed by Chaos cults. He provides valuable information on relics and rituals that could potentially open warp rifts. Despite not being a psyker himself, Arach's knowledge of psychic defense and warp phenomena makes him an asset to those dedicated to combating the daemonic forces.

* **Ordo Hereticus**: Arach's commitment to uncovering heretical cults and preserving forbidden knowledge aligns closely with the objectives of Ordo Hereticus. Inquisitors from this faction appreciate his diligence in uncovering the historical roots of heresies and identifying potential threats to the Imperial Creed. Arach's ability to piece together the narratives of past heresies aids the Ordo Hereticus in their ongoing mission to eradicate heresy and corruption within the Imperium.

* **Ordo Sepulturum**: Arach's interactions with the Ordo Sepulturum are marked by his role in cataloging and preserving knowledge about the deceased, ancient burial rites, and necromantic practices. Inquisitors from this faction consult him on matters related to undead threats, forbidden resurrection techniques, and the history of cursed tombs. Arach's contributions help the Ordo Sepulturum maintain a vigilant watch over the resting places of the departed, ensuring that necromantic forces do not unleash chaos upon the living.

* **The Amalathian Faction**: Arach's devotion to preserving and understanding the Imperium's history aligns with the principles of the Amalathian faction. He shares a mutual respect with Inquisitors who prioritize the collection and analysis of information. Arach often collaborates with Amalathian scholars to cross-reference data, creating a network of shared knowledge that benefits the entire Inquisition.

* **The Radical Factions**: While Arach's primary allegiance lies with the more orthodox elements of the Inquisition, he occasionally finds himself in contact with members of the radical factions. His role as an archivist sometimes leads him to uncover forbidden texts and artifacts that attract the interest of radicals. Arach treads carefully in these interactions, ensuring that the knowledge he shares is used responsibly and in service of the Imperium.

## Wargear

* **Nightin' Gale** - The origins of Nightin Gale are cloaked in mystery, an enigma that has intrigued scholars and archeotech enthusiasts alike. It is rumored to be an Archeotech weapon from a time long before the Imperium of Man. Some claim that it might have been a relic of the Dark Age of Technology, while others speculate that it hails from an era of lost human civilization. Nightin Gale boasts a unique design, distinguishing it as a weapon of immense significance. The katana's blade is forged from a silver-blue metal that shimmers with an almost ethereal quality. Its edge is adorned with intricate engravings that tell tales of valor and sacrifice, testament to the countless battles it has witnessed. The katana has been passed down through the generations, an heirloom of the Kyoudo family line. Its history is rich with stories of valor, heroism, and sacrifice, as each wielder, from one generation to the next, has used it to defend the Imperium and its citizens from the malevolent forces that threaten to consume it.

Etched words of power that grace its blade, the words "Florebo quocumque ferar" are artistically inscribed, translating to "I will flower everywhere I am planted." These words hold a deeper meaning, signifying that the wielder of the blade will find strength and purpose in any situation, much like a resilient flower that blooms even in the harshest of environments. Nightin Gale possesses a mysterious and formidable ability. When Arach wields it, slashing motions through the air turn the surrounding air pressure into ammunition. With each precise strike, the katana gathers energy, converting it into crackling projectiles that can be unleashed at Arach's discretion. When fully activated, Nightin Gale crackles with electric energy, making it a weapon that not only deals physical damage but also disrupts and incapacitates adversaries with its electric shocks.

* **Abyssal Shard** - The origins of the Abyssal Shard are a subject of much speculation. It is said that the sword's creation predates the Imperium itself, possibly dating back to the tumultuous times of the Dark Age of Technology or an even earlier era of human history. Some even whisper that the sword is connected to an ancient and long-forgotten civilization that predated humanity's dominance in the galaxy. The sword's blade is crafted from an eerie, pitch-black crystal, giving it a distinct and unsettling appearance. The Abyssal Shard is not simply a weapon; it is a relic, an artifact, and a mystery. Its enigmatic properties have led to numerous inquiries from scholars, Inquisitors, and those who seek to unravel the secrets of the Warp. Arach, as the sword's current wielder, is entrusted with its guardianship and its use in the service of the Imperium.

The sword's name suggests that it is a guardian against the abyssal horrors of the Warp, a barrier between the material realm and the churning madness of the Immaterium. Perhaps one of the most perplexing attributes of the Abyssal Shard is its power to render its wielder invisible to the predatory creatures of the Warp. Daemons and entities that thrive in the Immaterium are seemingly unable to perceive Arach when he holds this sword. It forms a psychic barrier that shields Arach from the most potent assaults of Chaos Sorcerers and other Warp-touched entities. This ability is a testament to the sword's otherworldly nature and its formidable purpose.

* **Concealed Needler**: A weapon of subtlety, the concealed needler is hidden within the folds of Arach's clothing. It fires micro-thin darts containing potent toxins that can incapacitate or eliminate foes without drawing undue attention. This weapon is a last resort, used when stealth and subterfuge are required.

* **Personal Data-Slate**: Arach's trusty data-slate is a high-tech device that serves as both a digital library and a communication hub. It contains a vast repository of classified texts, ancient tomes, and secret records. With a flick of his fingers, he can access and analyze information on a myriad of subjects. Additionally, it enables secure communication with other Inquisitorial agents, offering a lifeline when faced with threats.

* **Inquisitorial Seal**: Arach wears the Inquisitorial Seal as a badge of his authority and an emblem of the trust bestowed upon him by the Inquisition. This seal, imbued with psychic wards and encryption, serves to authenticate his orders and communications, and it can be used to mark documents and items as sanctioned by the Inquisition.

* **Multi-Layered Robes**: Arach's attire consists of multi-layered robes designed to provide both comfort and functionality. Hidden pockets hold various tools and conceal his needler, while the layers of fabric protect him from environmental hazards and maintain his modest appearance, blending in with the diverse cultures and worlds he encounters.

## Base of Operations

Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the Eastern Fringe, the Inquisitorial Archive remains well-hidden, its precise location known to only a select few individuals entrusted with its guardianship. It is accessible through a seemingly unremarkable building at the edge of a wooded area. This building serves as a guard post and entry point into the archive's hidden depths. Surrounding the Inquisitorial Archive, a serene grove of flowering woods casts an aura of tranquility over the otherwise clandestine location. Cherry blossom trees, forever in bloom, create a canopy of natural beauty, their petals drifting gently in the air, concealing the true nature of the hidden facility. This dichotomy between the idyllic exterior and the dark secrets held within serves as a perfect cover, ensuring that the archive remains unobtrusively nestled within its surroundings.

Beneath the deceptively peaceful exterior, an underground repository of immense proportions extends into the Earth. This labyrinthine network of chambers and corridors houses a wealth of classified knowledge and artifacts gathered from the darkest corners of the Imperium. It includes everything from ancient scrolls and forbidden texts to relics imbued with Warp-touched powers. Among the archive's chambers is a relic of a more brutal past. A disused prison and torture chamber, long forgotten and repurposed, stands as a stark reminder of the relentless struggle against heresy and corruption. The chamber serves as a sobering symbol of the lengths to which the Inquisition will go to protect the Imperium from its most insidious threats.

As befitting a facility safeguarding the Imperium's most classified knowledge, the Inquisitorial Archive is fortified with advanced defense mechanisms. Lightning rods rise from the ground, strategically placed to create an ionized atmosphere, serving as a formidable deterrent against external threats, both mundane and psychic. These enigmatic defense systems reflect the archive's emphasis on secrecy and security.