Kaori

Kaori is the ageless servant of the Manoska lineage. Enchanted by the Grand Vizier of the pre-Skardoving era, she was granted immortality of age for her unending loyalty to the Grand Vizier’s bloodline- the Manoskas. Due to an aggressive propaganda campaign led by the Emperor, she is the last remaining person to know the true reason behind the demise of Nanoska’s reign in Kosbia - an aggressive military coup led by the once general Aquarius. Believing that the rightful rulers of Kosbia had perished, she surrendered to Aquarius as a personal slave and was passed down generations after generations. Now, a hundred years later, she discovers that the Manoska lineage has survived alongside the Nanoskas, and has vowed to assist them in restoring Kosbia’s bygone glory.

## Pre-Skardoving era

Born to a sorcerer family in an unnamed country in the far east, political strife forced her parents to stow her away on a departing boat to escape prosecution when she was just a child. Before parting, they bestowed her with an enchanted family artifact - a turquoise gemstone - of which she wears on her hair and does not know the function of to this day. Unfortunately, the ship was destroyed from the inside by radicals, forcing her to escape alone in a lifeboat whilst everyone else on board was systematically executed.

Drifting for seven days and living only on the water of the incessant rainfall and dry rations stored on the lifeboat, she was rescued by a passing merchant’s boat set for Kosbia. When the boat landed, she was immediately given to the then-emperor - Emperor Jeffrey III. The emperor, perhaps feeling pity for the girl, allowed her to stay on the condition that she acts as a servant for the emperor and his cohort.

During her stay, she proved to be an asset to the rulers, often providing the empire’s family with great care and advice, as well as assisting Kosbia’s scholars with her uncanny affinity with the arts. The then-Grand Vizier took a liking to the girl, and being a master of the arts, offered to use Kaori in tandem with her turquoise gemstone in an experiment to immensely extend her lifespan in hopes that she would guide and serve his descendants for generations to come. Having been treated with nothing but kindness by the empire during her stay, she agreed without hesitation.

## Skardoving Era and the Dark Ages

During Emperor Esmond’s reign, Kaori served as a retainer for the then-Grand Vizier’s descendant and successor, Grand Vizier Manoska. Having acquired some proficiency in fighting with swords and the arts, she supported Kosbia in their war between Nivoa and aided in Kosbia’s forces during the Battle of Honeybay.

When General Aquarius began his plot to take over Kosbia in a military coup, she tried to warn Emperor Nanoska. However, it was too late - for he was already poisoned by an incurable toxin. With his dying breath, Emperor Nanoska requested her to make sure of the Aquarius lineage's demise, no matter how long it will take. Once word of Nanoska's son’s return and subsequent capture had reached her ears, she knew it was her duty to get him out of Kosbia safely. Having lived in the palace for centuries, she knew all the nooks and crannies - including secret passageways - of the palace like the back of her palm. Thus, she was instrumental in assisting Grand Vizier Manoska and General Luxor in rescuing Jeffrey and escaping the now-corrupt Kosbia.

Knowing that she would be executed for treason should this be found out, she feigned ignorance and misled pursuing forces away from the escaping group. Recognising the utility Kaori may bring to his reign, General Aquarius forced her to vow to be his personal slave. She had no choice but to surrender herself to the new emperor and bide her time.

## Events leading up to the start of “Ironforge: Warlords of Forsvar”

Over the years, she searched non-stop for information on Manoska and his group’s fate. However, she could only find countless propaganda on the various exploits of the “traitors” who escaped. It was as if Emperor Aquarius was determined to sweep the entire coup under the rug. During this time, Emperor Aquarius subjected her to harsh and humiliating treatment, resulting in an intense resentment of him and the new Kosbia growing within her. As per her vow, she was passed down to Emperor Aquarius’s descendants and faithfully served them in fear for her life. Eventually, she was handed over to the current Emperor’s daughter, Aqua, as both a slave and caretaker.

One fateful spring morning, she had overheard Aqua discussing the preparations for a hunt for the Medal of Koshnir and the old emperor’s descendants in the villages of the Uldarians. With the possibility of her entrusted bloodline being alive, and knowing full well the dangers of having the powers of the ancient artifact in the wrong hands, she convinced the young princess of her familiarity with the Uldarian lands, ensuring the recruitment of her for the hunt. With a rekindled spirit within her, she set off on the arduous journey to the Vestrian ports equipped with an unwavering determination to free herself from the current Emperor and seek out Manoska, her rightful lord.

## Characteristics

* Halted aging
* Proficiency in the magic arts and swordsmanship
* Good diplomatic skills
* Familiar with the terrain of Forsvar
* Great at ~~being a housewife~~ taking care of others