Andisheh II

Andisheh Azarnezhad II (born 11th May 31:45) was the Shahzadeh of the Istaki Empire prior to its dissolution, and now works on the Foreign Affairs council of the Communal Regions of Istakir. While it does not have a President, it is widely agreed that the President they don't have is Andisheh. He was instrumental in overturning the empire alongside his partner Saamdar and his best friend Daniyah al-Sadiq.

## Backstory

Andisheh is the only son of Idris IV and Stateira I, born shortly after the Qadiyyan-Istaki border war. From an early age it was impressed onto him the importance of his position and education, and he benefited from the best tutors, endless resources, and careful attention from a swathe of advisors and observers. He saw very little of Idris and Stateira, instead finding his parental figure in Fleet Commander Baran Falls-From-Crystal-Clouds. Baran taught him martial skills and attempted to teach him moral principles, but Andisheh was always too headstrong for that to sink in, instead developing his own code of ethics mostly based around 'whatever gets me what I want must be right.'

Andisheh met Saamdar when he was eighteen, and found them curious enough to engage with on occasion. They became friends, and Andisheh wrote to them during his brief induction into the Istaki Navy. He was a quick study and perfectly capable on board the ship, but it was always clear that he was better suited to strategic discussions over physical sailing.

He maintained his royal duties, learning from Idris’ advisors and from observing Stateira’s political manoeuvring. His attitude to ruling was detached and cold, based more on mathematics and proven ground than taking risks or gambling on people’s wellbeing. This contrasted greatly to Saamdar’s opinions, and they debated back and forth for years.

This put the two of them in a difficult position, because despite there being clear interest between the two, Andisheh was reluctant to pursue a romantic relationship. This was compounded by his asexuality, a topic that also made his relationships with his parents tense as he was resistant to the idea of fathering an heir to the throne. Thus the relationship they did enter had an expiry date, and that turned out to be 31:69.

When Andisheh was 23, Saamdar abruptly left him, taking herself and her right and left hand women to go start a revolution. Andisheh used the threat of a Qadiyyan incursion to follow Sam out to Elyari, where he ran into Daniyah al-Sadiq right as she escaped across the border. Suspecting her of being a spy but recognising the use of the djinn, Andisheh proposed an arrangement: she could avoid being sent back to Qadiyya if she helped him escape observation and chase down Saamdar. She agreed, and together they gave the Royal Guard the slip and headed off into the world.

## Personality

Andisheh is cool, reserved, and cunning. He likes to have a working knowledge of every subject he can study, and always needs the upper hand in an interaction. He is ambitious and pragmatic, seeing no reason not to take shortcuts or deal with ramifications so long as the end result is one he is satisfied with, and brave to the point of foolhardiness. He has utmost confidence in himself and his abilities, but often finds himself isolated by his experiences and reputation. His sharp edges have been softened slightly from the influences of his partner and his best friend, although he remains the most dangerous of the trio, as he feels consequences are something that happens to other people.

Despite being all of these things, Andisheh can be generous and thoughtful when he puts his mind to it, as his observation skills also lend themselves well to insightful gift-giving and advice. While never particularly warm, he is a loyal friend and knows exactly how to pull strings to help people out.

## Appearance

Andisheh is of medium height, with tan skin with red undertones and light brown eyes that appear amber or golden in colour. He has curly hair that he straightens into neat waves with a serious amount of gel, and prefers to be clean shaven. His nose is decidedly hawkish and his smile lifts to the left. While he does not dress deliberately ostentatiously, his wealth is still evident in the rich dyes and expensive jewellery of his wardrobe, and the sheer amount of fabric his kaftans and cloaks use.

## Cultural Touchstones

Andisheh is Persian, and inspired by Anduin Wrynn, Azula, and Clementine Kesh.

## References

1. ↑ https://wowpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Anduin\_Wrynn
2. ↑ https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Azula
3. ↑ https://partizan.fandom.com/wiki/Clementine\_Kesh