Takiim

*"A voice that speaks with blades, with a thousand words painted in red."* -Author regarding Takiim.

**Takiim** is an Iphori warrior and the current Wrath, pressed into servitude to the Dark Court after the subjugation of his planet and enslavement of his people. Empowered by his Perdition Seal, Takiim is a tall Caninoid capable of great physical feats of speed, strength, endurance, and stamina. Stoic and reticent on the surface, Takiim is very thoughtful and profound, seeing importance in history, symbolism, and personal honor.

## Appearance

Takiim is an albino Iphori of the Churbray subspecies, with bright red, glowing eyes that obscure his irises and pupils, and a caninoid body. Standing at around 6'7" with long, powerful limbs and a narrow muzzle, Takiim is one of his homeworld's apex predator species, dominating the prey of the world with a heightened intellect and superior physical form. His snowy white fur has is short but capable of keeping him warm even in wintry climates. His right ear has been torn off from a previous fight though his left remains intact, capable of swiveling to pinpoint noises similarly to a cat's.

He has a broad build, with wide shoulders and long, muscled arms that extend down to his waist. A long, wide tail hangs from his lower back and extends out to around 5 feet in length. He generally wears a dark longcoat with no sleeves and a sleeveless, black tunic underneath with dark grey, form-fitting flight pants with a cut hole in the back to allow his tail to comfortably slide through. His voice is described as deep and thoughtful, with each word being carefully selected for its meaning beforehand.

## Personality

*"All roads lead home."* -Takiim

Solemn and withdrawn, Takiim appears quiet and reserved to those who first meet him, though he also demonstrates quiet observance and a perceptiveness. When given a chance to speak with others, he demonstrates a pattern of speaking in a very laconic way, using very few words to evoke his messages. He believes that using too many words can be wasteful when only a few can suffice just as well.

He enjoys hunting and fighting, but is not bloodthirsty or sadistic, rather relishing the thrill and excitement of facing worthy opponents and challenges. He prefers the use of lightweight swords and automatic weapons in battle, things that allow him the freedom of movement and tactical diversity. He praises the Saleluki for their deceptive tactics and culture, seeing them as keen hunters, though he values honesty and honor.

A withdrawn observer, Takiim prizes history, particularly the lessons that can be learned from it. He attributes people and factions to ideas and symbols they resemble, such as the Core Alliance representing the futility of centralizing different peoples' governments.

He has a particular hatred toward the Nirvaan and the Imperium for separating him from his sister.

## Weapons and Equipment

* **Hook swords** - Takiim's most preferred weapons are a pair of hook swords originating from his homeworld. He explains to Arra that they were originally used as picks to traverse icy cliffs and mountains but were adapted over time to serve as weapons. His proficiency with the blades comes to a surprise by many, being able to disarm opponents, deflect blaster bolts, and even carve through bone with ease.

## Ships

* ***Kanáti*** - A one-of-a-kind Mantra-class Freighter, *Kanáti* was upgraded and provided to Takiim to serve as his mobile home and base of operations during his missions. It is unregistered in the Core and is fitted with advanced stealth field composites and a cloaking shield. Takiim seems to value the ship deeply, tailoring it to be a true home to him complete with a meditation room, armory, and brig for storing prisoners.

## Quotes by Takiim

* *"Shadows do not speak. Only men, liars. False flags. Trusting their secrets is folly."*

* *"Wound one jupak to lure the rest."*

* *"All great hunters have small beginnings. A karak must be raised from a pup before it stalks the night."*

## Trivia

* Takiim's ship, *Kanáti*, is named after a legendary hunter in Cherokee spiritualism.