Anasta Corteal

## Overview

Born on Sorall to Grand Ambassador Livita Corteal in the year 334C, Anasta Corteal has swiftly become an intellectual force of her own, leaving an indelible mark on the Mission at the tender age of thirteen, as of 347C when the Callaxian Civil War began. This prodigious young woman is already known for her cultural and linguistic proficiency, possessing an understanding of various languages and a deep insight into different cultures. Despite her youth, Anasta's distinct abilities have sparked speculation that she may be her mother's successor, a notion that challenges the traditional succession practices of the Mission. She is sometimes referred to as "the Little Ambassador".

## Early Life and Education

Anasta's insatiable thirst for knowledge is the cornerstone of her upbringing. Her curiosity has seen her dive headfirst into the complexities of various cultures, allowing her to speak several languages and comprehend a multitude of histories. This unique blend of knowledge and understanding has led many to perceive her as perfectly suited to the role of Grand Ambassador, a belief that grows stronger by the day. None of the Grand Ambassador's other children have shown the same kind of inherent intellectual promise as Anasta.

## Beliefs and Convictions

However, beneath her impressive skills lies a secret belief that Anasta keeps deeply buried within herself: her personal faith in the theology of the insect-worshipping Gyarahns. This belief doesn't neatly fit into her broader understanding of the universe, but its magnetic pull is undeniable. While Anasta pretends to believe in Revism and to support the Soran Order in public, she privately harbors an growing conviction in Insectism. This dichotomy adds to Anasta's complexity and reveals her capacity to accept and internalize differing worldviews.

## Potential Future and Ambitions

Despite grappling with the implications of her secret belief, Anasta continues to foster her ambition to become the next Grand Ambassador. She understands the potential impact she could have in this position, and she eagerly absorbs knowledge about the Mission, its history, and the workings of its government. Rumors suggest that Livita Corteal might even pass the reigns to Anasta earlier than expected, raising concerns among the Union leadership about Livita's intentions after stepping down.

## Relationships and Interactions

One constant figure in Anasta's life is Xilo Xiando, the Chief Secretary of Grand Ambassador Corteal, and a member of the hedonistic Xian race. Despite his cultural background, Xilo exhibits an ambition that distances him from his people's hedonistic tendencies. Unbeknownst to Anasta, Xilo harbors a deep affection for her. While his feelings remain platonic for now, he carefully maneuvers their interactions, subtly trying to lay the groundwork for a future romance when she is no longer a child.

Moreover, Anasta maintains a relationship with her birth father, the laid-back musician Killfello Gimal, despite Livita's unawareness. Killfello enjoys playing his fither and enjoying recreational drugs in his modest loft that he maintains despite having ample money left over from the support he received from Livita during their romance. Killfello is much, much younger than Livita.

Anasta also has an interest in her older siblings, and—for the first time in their lives—they have begun meeting up for video chats now and then. None of them ever expected to be the next Grand Ambassador, since it doesn't typically transfer via blood relation, and instead of trying to vie for power, they are taking advantage of Anasta's interest in them to bolster their own positions in the future.

Anasta is not a lone wolf type and always looks for ways to connect with others. She doesn't much like being alone, even for short periods of time.

## Gyarah Connection

The insect-worshipping Gyarahns, native to the contested space between the Union of Planets and the Mission, hold particular fascination for Anasta. Her intellectual curiosity paired with her belief in Insectism fuels her interest in their cyclical lifestyle, tribal societies, and the intriguing philosophy behind their religious practices. This deep-seated curiosity forms the basis of her understanding of the Gyarah and potentially shapes her diplomatic approach towards them, contributing to the ongoing political tensions.

## Personal Interests

Apart from her cultural interests and linguistic prowess, Anasta is fond of high-stakes card games and she also has a sharp mind and natural aptitude for them. She willingly gambles, showing a potential susceptibility to developing a gambling addiction, a vulnerability only noticed by Xilo Xiando.