Annakiya of the Red Heights

## Annakiya

### Aliases

Grand Vizier of Aglazdere, Captain-Commander of the Meadowguard, the Warrior in Bloodied Black, Anna Drenched in Blood

## Physical description

### Gender

Female

*“Take no duty of the Guard lightly. Friends must not be enemies, just as enemies must not be friends. Discerning the two is a life's work.”*

-Annakiya

## History

A Mousefolk from the Red Heights, deep in the wastes of Aglazdere, Annakiya was one of the few amongst her people to make the journey to civilized lands. She allied herself to Rick and his supporters in their quest to recover the Philosopher's Stone, and was the only one of his companions to survive. She fought bravely in the Aglazdere Civil War, and aided Rick in his rise to power as Padishah, becoming his Grand Vizier. In her new position, she took possession of the Philosopher's Stone, so that she might act as a check on the new Padishah's power. She led the Mousefolk to the Fountain of Youth, offsetting their tragically short lifespan by making them immortal.

## Personality

Quiet, focused, with a ruthless streak. Annakiya was a practical figure, slow to trust, but loyal to her companions. She had an excellent memory, and preferred simple, direct solutions to problems. She was an swordswoman without equal, rivaling Aglazdere's six heroes of old, particularly adept at fighting homunculi - and humans. Annakiya had a bloodthirsty streak, often eschewing diplomacy and mercy in favor of dealing out swift death to her foes.

## War of the Philosopher-Kings

*"Hunting is an exercise in faith … no, not faith, but optimistic patience."*

-Annakiya

Annakiya was actively ruling Aglazdere at the time of the Raine Rebellion, due to Padishah Rick being absent in the Laboratory of Varas. On Ramander's advise, she ordered the formation and training of a Janissary company named the Ghosts of the Deep, devoted to underwater warfare. She would dispatch them to Atlantis to free prisoners from Sunken City, and kill King Raine if possible. Upon the eruption of open war, Annakiya would lead a great force of Janissaries to defend the Great River, fighting beside the soldiers of Akkhe against Raine and his Atlanteans. There she would demonstrate her reputation as a fearsome swordsman, inflicting grievous wounds upon Raine during their only direct duel. Annakiya would be forced to retreat from the Great River to respond to the invasion of the Gnolls of Darguzze, led by Godhand Arken Woemask, whom she would slay in single combat. Annakiya would go on to lead the defense of Al Mandera against the knights of Ragnarok, where she would duel King Bolgar and be forced to flee. Upon the overthrow of Padishah Rick, Annakiya would instruct the Meadowguard to cut their ties with Aglazdere. She herself would take the Philosopher's Stone and disappear into the wastes, determined to never let anyone use the Stone for ill.

## After the War

Annakiya and the Meadowguard would return after the conquest at the hands of Kuldeep of Shangare. Annakiya would pledge her sword to this new king, but under the condition that she keep the Philosopher's Stone for herself. Kuldeep would graciously accept her offer.

## The Great Awakening

After the rebellion of Shams al-Din Samara and the overthrow of Yoram Crescens, Annakiya was dispatched to subdue Aglazdere even as Shangare crumbled around her. Her army tore through Aglazdere, sacking the city of Varas and going on to lay siege to Al Basazar and Ta-al Kayji the following night, but the Meadowguard and their commander suffered a crisis of conscience after witnessing the sun rise over the twin cities, choosing to abandon the cause of the Emperor of Shangare and turn on her own soldiers. Annakiya gave over the Philosopher's Stone to Ithiel Onesiphorus, who she knew and grudgingly trusted from her days as Grand Vizier, under the condition that he keep it safe and use it to advance Project Revival. She and the Meadowguard would depart to parts unknown, leaving the Bouldercloaks to mop up the surviving soldiers from Shangare.

Annakiya would later appear among the ranks of Humanity's Seven, along with Serghei Bran, who she had freed from Whisperwind Asylum for the same purpose.

Tolumvire leads Annakiya to Valusia for the purposes of killing Sertrous. Tolumvire was aware that Axel Heiberg, being the receptacle for Sertrous' soul, would be unable to kill the great old one. In the great battle with the serpent, Sertrous would devour the helpless explorer as he stood, hypnotized. As Sertrous began to digest his prey, Annakiya would use the oppertunity to strike, killing the great old one with the Blade of Echoes.

This would not prove the of Axel Heiberg. In a process forseen by Tolumvire and little understood - involving Axel Heiberg's connection to Sertrous and his mastery of the Final Incantation - a new entity would arise from the slain bodies of the serpent and the devoured demon lord, calling itself Abraxas.