Ishmael Hassan (U-15)

Ishmael Hassan is a seer who dwells in the village of Al-Khifal, on the frontier between the Ada Empire and the Desert of Ib-Al-Qarim. Within the village, he held a revered position as a seer and spiritual leader, guiding the people with his extraordinary abilities.

In his earlier years, Ishmael embarked on a daring exploration of the ancient and mysterious Black Temples, an endeavor that would forever change the course of his life. During his arduous journey through the outskirts of a Black Temple, Ishmael encountered a group known as the Bronze Masks, a clandestine sect dedicated to ancient and forbidden practices. Unbeknownst to him, they had laid a trap, and he fell victim to their treachery. Their strange weapons left him robbed of his sight, plunging him into a world of eternal darkness. However, fate had a peculiar way of balancing the scales. From the depths of his newfound blindness, Ishmael's spirit underwent a profound transformation. In the absence of physical vision, a new perception arose within him—a heightened sense of insight that allowed him to see fragments of the past, present, and future.

## Character

Ishmael is an elderly man with a dusky complexion. His head is devoid of any hair, except for his eyebrows, and he maintains a clean-shaven appearance. His body is frail, and he often spends the majority of his time confined to his bed. However, it is his eyes that draw the most attention—they are completely black, yet some claim to discern tiny white specks within them, as if they encapsulate the essence of the darkest night.

In terms of attire, Ishmael favors simplicity. His form is draped in modest fabrics, and when he ventures outside, he adorns himself with a black cap. His constant companion is a staff hewn from the ebony wood of the revered Tree of God.

Ishmael exudes an air of tranquility and reserve, yet he harbors no reservations when it comes to recounting his explorations of the Black Temples. He finds solace in assisting those who seek guidance, provided there is recompense for his efforts.

## History

### Youth

Ishmael took his first breath in Al-Khifal, a humble village nestled within the borders of the Ada Empire, its very existence threatened by the unforgiving Desert of Ib-Al-Qarim. The people of Al-Khifal lived in a perpetual struggle, fending off relentless attacks from the mysterious creatures that emerged from the vast expanse of sand. From a tender age, Ishmael witnessed the courage and resilience of his fellow villagers as they stood united against the desert's relentless onslaught. The spirit of collective defense coursed through their veins, and every resident, young and old, played a part in fortifying the village's defenses. They were a tight-knit community, bound by the shared goal of survival and the determination to protect their cherished home.

However, Ishmael's heart yearned for more. He harbored an innate desire to alleviate the suffering inflicted by the savage creatures of the desert. He believed that by dedicating himself to the study of medicine, he could offer solace and healing to those who bore the wounds of battle. Guided by his compassionate spirit, Ishmael embarked on a transformative journey. He sought out learned mentors, delving into ancient texts and honing his skills in the art of healing. With each passing day, his knowledge grew, and his hands became adept at mending broken bodies and easing the pain of his people. Years of diligent study and tireless practice molded Ishmael into a skilled physician, respected and revered within his community. With his gentle touch and compassionate demeanor, he became a beacon of hope, offering not only physical healing but also solace for the weary souls burdened by the unyielding hardships of desert life.

### Black Temple Incident

When Ishmael reached the age of 27, he joined a group of adventurers on a mission to find another group that had gone missing in the treacherous desert. They braved numerous perils along their journey but eventually arrived at the fabled temple, their destination. However, their arrival was met with a sinister surprise. Near the temple, they fell into an ambush meticulously orchestrated by individuals wearing ominous bronze masks. These assailants unleashed a blinding artifact, rendering everyone helpless and vulnerable in the darkness. Amidst the chaos, Ishmael faced imminent danger, his fate seemingly sealed alongside his companions. Yet, salvation arrived in the form of an enigmatic figure who materialized from the shadows. This stranger swiftly intervened, rescuing Ishmael from the clutches of certain death. As Ishmael regained his bearings, the stranger revealed a startling truth—he informed Ishmael that his sight would remain forever obscured by darkness. However, this affliction came with an extraordinary gift: the ability to perceive a reality beyond the confines of ordinary vision.

The mysterious savior, who introduced himself as Hannibal Hume, imparted wisdom to Ishmael. He explained that although Ishmael's physical sight was lost, his newfound inner sight would grant him insights into realms inaccessible to others. With these words, Hannibal left Ishmael near his village, disappearing into the veil of uncertainty from whence he came.

Ishmael's encounter with Hannibal proved to be a profound turning point in his life. Though afflicted by perpetual blindness, Ishmael found solace in the knowledge that he possessed a unique vision that transcended the limitations of the physical world. Driven by a newfound purpose, Ishmael embarked on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, determined to unravel the secrets that lay hidden within existence itself.

### Later Life

Through this mystical gift, Ishmael became a conduit to the unseen realms, his sight extending beyond the limitations of the physical world. He could peer into the tapestry of time, discerning the threads of destiny as they wove together in intricate patterns. The events of the past unfolded before him, the present revealed its secrets, and glimpses of what lay ahead shimmered within his mind's eye. In Al-Khifal, Ishmael embraced his role as a seer, offering solace and guidance to the villagers who sought his wisdom. They marveled at his ability to shed light on their most profound questions and dilemmas, seeking his counsel on matters of love, loss, and the uncertain paths that lay before them. Ishmael's presence became a beacon of hope, a source of comfort in the face of life's uncertainties.

As news of Ishmael's remarkable abilities spread, his reputation reached far and wide. Travelers from distant lands ventured to Al-Khifal, driven by the desire to witness the seer's mystical sight firsthand. Even rulers and scholars sought his audience, longing for his insights to navigate the treacherous currents of politics and ambition. News of Ishmael reached Brahim Ag Menir, the leader of the Desert Walkers, who came to him to discern his future. Ishmael showed him a terrible defeat at the hands of an unknown enemy, who would bring the blackest of futures for their land. With this insight, Brahim left to prepare his men for the upcoming war.

### Reencounter with Hannibal

After a span of a few months, Hannibal made his way back to Ishmael's humble abode. With a grave expression etched upon his face, he imparted unsettling news to the seer. The impending arrival of the darkest night loomed ominously on the horizon, ready to engulf their world in shadows. Hannibal, filled with a sense of urgency, inquired if Ishmael's extraordinary sight could provide any insight into the events that would unfold during the end of times. Regrettably, Ishmael confessed his inability to perceive the specifics of such a cataclysmic event.

Undeterred by Ishmael's limitations, Hannibal proceeded to disclose a cryptic prophecy. He prophesied that in the days to come, foreign individuals from distant lands would venture forth, driven by an insatiable quest for a corpse of great significance. However, Ishmael was entrusted with a vital role—to guide only those individuals whose intentions were pure and whose hands remained untainted by wickedness. The true nature of this vessel and the purpose it served remained shrouded in ambiguity, leaving Ishmael bewildered and grappling for understanding. Despite the enigma that surrounded him, Ishmael resolved to honor his duty and fulfill the cryptic mandate bestowed upon him.

As the weight of Hannibal's words settled upon their conversation, an unspoken understanding passed between them. The passing of time had woven a bond of familiarity and mutual respect, making their parting all the more bittersweet. With a solemn nod, Hannibal bid Ishmael farewell, assuring him that their paths would not cross again. Deep in his heart, Ishmael sensed the finality of this farewell, and a tinge of melancholy washed over him. The mysterious future lay ahead, beckoning Ishmael to embark on a path fraught with uncertainty and revelations, where the destiny of their world hung in the balance.