Sukozen Avda

Once a popular and renowned Overseer of R&D, Sukozen Avda is now a stain on the history of the Tempest Spire.

While once in the TSG, Sukozen later on excelled in the Research and Development department. However after years of mental torment from his Executive, Erratus Fulgurite, and his own emotional strain, Sukozen snapped. He brutally murdered Erratus and fled the Tempest Spire, beginning his rampage.

He laid waste to the Shifting Expanse, hundreds of dragons dying to his claws alongside his rival/ally, Kaphla Mesala. Eventually after almost half a decade of destruction, he was finally tracked down and killed in battle.

Unfortunately, that is not where Sukozen’s story ends.

## Personality

### Pre-Rampage

To most, Sukozen was a charismatic, intelligent, and egotistical dragon. He was easily able to charm others and often found himself as the center of attention. With a sharp tongue and laid back demeanor, he was extremely polarizing to most he met, either utterly despised or utterly adored. He hid much of himself from others and the public of Lightning and was consistently able to put on a persona when needed.

Internally, ukozen’s psyche was a wild mix of narcissism and self loathing. Having been raised with the belief that he was a gift from the Stormcatcher himself, Sukozen always thought of himself to be far more superior than others. While generally respectful towards those he was close to, it was difficult for him to truly process their emotions and problems, and he often accidentally disregarded them entirely. Unfortunately this literal God-given superiority would lead to deep fears of failing to live up to his own expectations.

His unchecked emotions only intensified his already deep-seated anger issues. He had extreme difficulty managing his emotions as a child and thus acted out in wild violent outbursts. As an adult he would bottle up these feelings out of fear of acting on them again, yet this would only make it far worse. He grew deeply resentful of the people around him, yet refused to expose his true feelings. In his worst times, he’d have violent fantasies over the smallest of annoyances, and about even the closest of friends.

### Rampage

After his rampage started, Sukozen saw little need to stop himself from acting on his most primal urges. While at first lost and terrified by his new situation, he slowly grew spiteful and furious, and began to take out his emotions the only way he knew how. He gained catharsis from his violence, getting a strange sense of enjoyment from the dragons he maimed and slaughtered. Who he would and would not kill turned on a dime along with the rest of his morals, with twisted definitions of self defense and righteous justice fueling his confusing reasoning.

While still keeping some semblance of self preservation, he held a deep belief that he was fated for an untimely death. He saw little alternative to this outcome, and simply regarded it as a fact. Yet he did not fear the thought whatsoever, and instead used it an excuse to continue on his path of bloodshed. To him, it didn’t matter anyways.

He is very aware of his actions, but holds no remorse for those he killed or those directly affected by his rampage. He barely regards them as dragons, separating them from himself entirely. However, he does have regrets with his own life. While he usually forces himself to ignore thoughts of his past life, he occasionally thinks about what it could have been like if he had never gone down this path. Rarely, he regrets how he treated the people close to him.

### Post-Death

With his death, Sukozen has lost much of the anger and temperament that fueled him in his life. While still retaining the same beliefs and morals, he simply has no reason to be actively aggressive or bloodthirsty anymore. Sukozen personally believes his death was a release of sorts, and is all too content to live out the rest of his “life,” as a ghost. Although, it’s quite questionable if Sukozen would stay as peaceful if he was triggered again.

He has lost touch with many aspects of mortal life, and his warped sense of time has left him somewhat distant to the real world. Regardless, he has become rather curious of the Tempest Spire again.

## History

### Early Life

Sukozen was born to Yedescei Avda, a member of the TSG and a devout follower of the Stormcatcher. Truly believing that her son and his primal magic were a gift from their deity, she raised him with endless praise, high expectations, and little discipline.

He grew up as a strange mix of arrogant and insecure, entirely sure of his skill and abilities over others and yet terrified of failing to live up to both his mother’s expectations and his own hopes. Sukozen grew easily prone to violence as a way to vent his frustrations. It was the only way he truly knew how to express his negative emotions, and unfortunately, he had little to discourage him. To make things worse, despite his incredibly strong magic, Sukozen was never properly taught how to control it. This would lead to his emotional outbursts being far more destructive and dangerous than the average hatchling’s tantrums. He ultimately grew resentful of his magical abilities but felt just as guilty for his feelings, believing he was forsaking the Stormcatcher for his blessing.

He was usually far too bossy or violent for other hatchlings or their parents to enjoy. Among the few friends he was able to make was another ridgeback by the name of Reytilan Auregan. She was also the child of a Spire Guard, and they met while living in one of the TSG bases. She was one of the few dragons who could challenge Sukozen and leave him laughing instead of fuming, and both of them shared big dreams of one day becoming the Captain of the Guard. The two would eventually drift away in their teens, but both still regarded the other as a friend.

The moment Sukozen was eligible, he jumped at the chance to join the TSG. He excelled in training and battle prowess, but failed when it came to cooperation. He got into many arguments and fights with his fellow trainees, his unruly behavior just barely excused due to his mother’s own work in the Guard. But with such little control over his magic, an incident was bound to happen.

In one last childish fight, Sukozen nearly killed another trainee in a fit of rage. Sukozen was deeply horrified by what he had done, growing fearful of both himself and his magic. He barely escaped legal consequences but was kicked from the guard, leaving Sukozen listless and lost.

### The Rise

But not one to give up, Sukozen would look for other ways to serve his Flight. Managing to join a rather prestigious Exalt university, he met both Nerevar Tempestus and Kiazon Milsanna, two dragons who he’d become lifelong friends with. Nerevar was a strong rival to Sukozen’s skills, the two butting heads over their knowledge and grades. While his relationship with Kiazon was far closer, even almost romantic, Kiazon was still eager to challenge him. He was both encouraged by his friend’s abilities and bothered at the thought of being beaten in his own craft.

Fortunately for him, his own skills were not unnoticed. He was almost immediately snatched up for a shockingly high ranking position in the Spire upon graduation, one that would have him working side by side by the Executive of R&D. Erratus Fulgurite was quite charmed by Sukozen’s intelligence and his personality, and quickly took him under his wing. Sukozen grew to view Erratus as a father figure, and was enthusiastic when he began to show him off to the rest of Lightning. Sukozen’s charming personality and looks were enough for the nation to latch onto, and soon, with Erratus’s help, he practically became the poster boy of the Spire.

Sukozen took to his newfound popularity like a fish to water, and with an Executive to back him up, there was little that could ruin his new life. With his voice blasted on radios, he was even able to reconnect with Reytilan. They got along just as well as they did as hatchlings, and soon enough they had adventured into a relationship. Even Nerevar and Kiazon remained as close friends, with Nerevar working side by side with him, if not in the background. He had almost everything he could have asked for, and almost everyone in Lightning was sure that he would become Erratus’s successor. There was surely no way he could ruin this.

### And Fall

The cracks formed sooner than Sukozen thought. As the years passed, his relationship with Erratus had started shifting. Sukozen had grown deeply arrogant and self assured, beginning to push at Erratus's command. Both were deeply stubborn, only pushing them further against one another. Erratus was infuriated by Sukozen's blatant disrespect, and began to turn his attention towards another notable ridgeback. Nerevar maintained his calm disposition, and Erratus started to see him as a far better option as his successor.

When Sukozen finally noticed, he was furious. His and Erratus's relationship only grew worse as Sukozen became resentful of Nerevar, seeing him as his replacement. Still, he never let Nerevar know of his true feelings, instead letting them fester.

### Rampage

Fleeing the Stormcell Citadel, Sukozen feared for his life.

### Post-Death

Sukozen's ghost was incredibly unstable due to his magic, and could barely form properly after his death. He essentially suffered through a living nightmare of his past life during this period of time, lol. He appeared to Kaphla, desperate to get him to help him. Kaphla was shocked to find him, but could not figure out a way to help his ghost. In an attempt to put him out of his misery, Kaphla took his magic- but was unable to take all of it before Sukozen's ghost disappeared.

While Kaphla believed he had successfully destroyed Sukozen's ghost, Sukozen was certainly still around. While not conscious or aware, Sukozen's magic took many weeks to fully reform. Finally, Sukozen seemingly woke up again. Due to Kaphla taking his magic, he was now permanently linked to Kaphla's soul, and he eventually found Kaphla in the Fortress of Ends. (or whatever equivalent prison llan established idk I don't remember)

## Relationships

### Kaphla Mesala

Basically Sukozen both despised and was fascinated by Kaphla when they first met. His anger of not being able to kill Kaphla turned into weird attraction and respect. Basically he adores him and loves him deeply but bc hes so dense hes bad at common sense and other peoples emotions he didnt understand his issues and he feels bad about it but doesnt know how to handle his emotions.

### Erratus Fulgurite

Sukozen once looked up to Erratus as a role model and as a father, but he is now the one dragon he hates the most. He felt deeply betrayed and hurt when Erratus began to favor Nerevar over him, growing deeply resentful. As their relationship grew worse, Erratus's near constant biting remarks and insults only made Sukozen angrier and angrier. He had fantasized about harming Erratus for many years before actually killing him, these thoughts being the only way he knew how to manage his wild emotions. A small part of him wishes that things had been different, but he sees Erratus's death at his claws as being the best thing he has ever done.

Upon learning that Erratus had formed a bond with and had become a father figure for Tupao, Sukozen was both horrified and furious. He refuses to give Erratus even the slightest benefit of the doubt, and is fully convinced that he had done this to spite him. The only reason he has not killed him again is for Tupao's sake, but he wouldn't hesitate to torture and tear him apart if he ever put a claw on his son.

### Nerevar Tempestus

Sukozen has always had conflicting feelings over Nerevar. The two had been best friends for many years, and Sukozen saw him as one of the few dragons he could truly confide in. Yet, Sukozen had always been jealous of Nerevar. His petty jealousy later grew to deep resentment as Erratus began to favor Nerevar over him. He grew unhealthily dependent on Nerevar for support and guidance despite this, and struggled immensely with his loathing and love for his friend. Sukozen is still very confused on how he feels about Nerevar, but his jealousy persists with seeing him live out the life he had always dreamed of.

### Tupao Torbin

Sukozen doesn't quite know how to feel about Tupao. He was amazed when he learned about his son's existence, and was deeply fascinated by Tupao's innate spiritual abilities. A part of him was also grateful to have a family member that knew little of his past life. Yet, he felt little true affection for him at first. He saw him as nothing but a new plaything, being greatly entertained by him like someone would be entertained by a pet. He would have had little hesitation in killing him if he ever revealed Kaphla's presence. But after learning about Erratus and Tupao's bond, Sukozen was absolutely horrified at the thought of his son being influenced by someone who tormented him so much in life. He is slowly starting to love his son, and is fearful for him and his future.

### Kiazon Milsanna

Kiazon and Sukozen's relationship was rather complicated. Both dragons harbored romantic feelings for the other for many years, although unbeknownst to the other. Sukozen especially couldn't tell the difference between his platonic and romantic feelings, and chalked up his affection for Kiazon as simply love for his friend. They grew distant as the years passed, but were still very friendly during Kiazon's occasional visits to the Spire. Sukozen doesn't like thinking about Kiazon in present day, especially when Kaphla is around.

### Reytilan Euroan

Sukozen had always regarded Reytilan highly. He adored her as a friend, and assumed that a romantic relationship wouldn't be much different for him. However, Reytilan refused to take any excuses for his behavior, and called out his many toxic and unhealthy habits. Sukozen was left confused and angered, and their relationship eventually devolved into constant conflict. Once Reytilan finally broke it off, he quickly distanced himself from both her and their children. He does not believe he did anything wrong during their relationship, but does miss her as a friend.

### Auregan Torbin

While Auregan had been infatuated with him for years, Sukozen only acknowledged her once he realized that his other relationship was failing. He had intended for her to only be a rebound, but ultimately felt too bad and grew too comfortable to break things off. He never truly respected her as a dragon or a partner, and repeatedly deceived her about the true nature of their relationship. He does feel some remorse in how he treated her, but only with surface level pity.

### Eklan Avda

Eklan was likely the single hatchling that Sukozen truly cared for. Unlike his other children, he was able to properly bond with his son throughout the span of his relationship with Auregan. He doted on him endlessly during his visits, and saw lots of potential in his son. Eklan is among the few dragons that Sukozen will admit to missing in the present day.

### Urasae, Rikaena, & Loiras Euroan

While Sukozen tried his best to treat his children well, he failed miserably in being present in their lives. He grew increasingly disinterested in both them and their mother as the years passed. Even so, he was confused when they began to refuse to see him as they grew older, disregarding his neglect in favor of seeing them as ungrateful. It's up for debate as to whether he truly regrets his absence in their lives- or if he's simply embarrassed.

### Yedescei Avda

Despite everything, Sukozen has always adored his mother. He is very protective of her and will not stand for any disrespect sent her way. Even when Yedescei's high expectations weighed heavy on him, he never felt any ill will towards her. He regrets ignoring her as he grew older, and misses her tremendously.

## Trivia

* Sukozen’s lore technically originated from a dragon named Polychromatic who was an evil and vengeful ghost. He was accidentally killed while in the Ice exalts and who haunted the son of the dragon who inadvertently caused his death. This character was scrapped but the concept of lived on with a former Lightning exalt.
	+ This character was kicked out of the exalts for dangerous research and magic and then was killed by his old friend before he could enact revenge. He’d go on to haunt his own son in order to manipulate him to try and murder his friend- and when that did not work, he possessed his son. This would end up with his son bring killed instead, and it was intended to overall have an incredibly bleak ending.
		- Strangely enough, Sukozen as we know him was actually originally intended to haunt the dragon who killed him and not his son, Tupao.
* At one point in time Alatus was intended to secretly be Sukozen’s father, making Erratus his half brother. At another point in time, Sukozen's mother was supposed to be Erratus's biological mother... also making him his half brother again. You can imagine why I never went down this route.
* Sukozen is my little meow meow.