Yalwa al-Kahinah, The Oracle

[GoblinFae]

__________________QUICK STATS

Name Yalwa al-Kahinah
Alias The Oracle
Age Centuries
Gender Genderfluid - Has existed in many forms but does prefer androgyny
Species Lich Formerly Human
Ethnicity Essyrni (Technically one of the nomadic peoples of the area)
Height 5'11
Occupation Oracle
Residence Unknown

Playlist: Warning May Contain Explicit or Mature Lyrics and Themes

__________________IN-DEPTH STUFF

Physical Description

These days their true form is that of an amorphous blob that looks like liquid mercury and is just as dangerous to touch.

Their preferred form however is that of a tall, willowy, androgynous individual with a deep, midnight complexion, high cheekbone, full lips, and upturned iris-less eyes with long, full lashes. They have thick, full, shiny curls of dark hair that reaches to their thighs.

While their skin is unblemished in terms of "human imperfections," they do possess several traditional tattoo markings in a deep blue ink. A mirrored bar of symbols run down both cheeks under their eyes, they have more down their chin and throat, as well as an intersecting diamond pattern on their forehead, and four little dots in another diamond pattern on their nose between the bridge and tip. Further tattoos decorate Yalwa's arms, hands, and feet. They also have pierced ears.

Yalwa likes to wear lots of gold jewelry and accents as well as cowrie shells and large wooden beads. They paint their face with kohl and vibrant paints and take great care in their appearance, as they view their image as also part of their craft. For clothing, they enjoy rich blues in light draping or sheer fabrics.

Personality

Generally, Yalwa is a rather polite and friendly individual with a creative and curious spirit and a relatively carefree outlook on life. They love learning new things and seeking out new truths regardless of what the implications of said answers might be. Their interests are mainly in the divine and pharmacology, however, their whims may vary especially when encountering something new, as new is always exciting.

They tend to be quite frank when their personal opinion is sought, seeing no need for lies. However, when it's visions that people are after, they also see nothing against speaking in riddles as they greatly enjoy a bit of mischief and chaos. Your fate is in your own hands after all.

Yalwa is the type of person who knows what they want, are assertive enough to stand up for themselves, and determined enough to achieve whatever they set their mind to. They lack any interest in overthrowing and competing in power balances, as their primary care has been and always will be their own survival. That being said, if their survival is threatened, they will do everything in their power to ensure the threat is eliminated.

Things

• Loves playing mancala.
• Uses the bones of their own original human form for divination practices.
• Often forgets can become amorphous, so approaches solutions as if still a solid.
• Has a deep appreciation for the arts, including weaving (a skill and materials they learned from a merchant that once often traveled north into Adela. They have been working on the same tapestry ever since.
• Is sometimes more receptive to those seeking them if they come bearing knowledge of something that they do not already know although this is not a well known fact and their help always comes with a price.

Magic/Abilities

• Shapeshifter: Due to their amorphous form, Yalwa is able to take on the solid form of anyone or anything. It is however a draining ability and several continuous weeks of holding a human form requires a deep rehabilitative sleep.
• Acid Blood: Their amorphous form is additionally extremely acidic and dangerous to the unwary organic touch as it is able to consume a hand to the bone in a short and excruciating few seconds.
• Mirage: By combining sand from the Glass Desert, Yalwa has devised a means to set up several "outposts" throughout the desert that once triggered by movement can project a mirage of themselves. These are helpful for those seeking the wisdom of The Oracle while also useful for observing the surrounding area. They can only be used for viewing once they've been triggered and are being viewed.
• Foresight: From a very young age, Yalwa has possessed the ability to see glimpses into the future as well as create prophecies.
• Alchemy and Pharmacology: Yalwa has had a great many years to explore and master the healing and killing arts. Long before they were The Oracle they were a simple person with a desire to help.
• Second Sight Scrying: one of the few remains of their original form, are the Oracle's eyeballs. These when placed into another creature allows Yalwa to see what the creature sees and act as their eyes for them. When fused with an inanimate object, the vision is stationary and must be physically and personally retrieved whereas creatures can be made to return for retrieval. Additional spells are necessary for control and projection of the host.
• Lich: A whole basket of fun abilities and spells relating to the game of balancing life and death that you don't want to cross them and find out firsthand about.

Relationships

The Attendant: A devoted follower and attendant who has earned Yalwa's affection and for it an extension to his life. Yalwa keeps him alive by placing him in periodic stasis hibernation and in turn he cares for their every need and protection.

The Teacher: The one who taught Yalwa the path to survival is through knowledge. They have a deep reverence and respect for him and one day expect to meet him again when they have something of their own to teach him.

The King: Yalwa has a complicated relationship with him. He was someone who they once worked hand in hand with and shared in the curious exploration of magic and knowledge. However, they may or may not have had a falling out when Yalwa offered a prophecy up to the Mtetezi that ultimately led to his downfall. As far as they are concerned he wanted to be a God and proved he wasn't worthy or capable enough.

The God: Yalwa worships him ever devoutly, never shying from obtaining new knowledge. They've yet to meet him personally.

History

Once there was a young child who was born with a very special gift. They were a quiet and happy child for a time, learning their family's business and getting into the kind of mischief children generally get up to. Then, the visions started. First they were small and insignificant: a basket of fruit getting knocked over, flies in one of the ointment jars. Then they weren't. Clearer, bigger visions began to form. Ones that could not be ignored. Yalwa's visions soon began to be seen as promising luck for the family and their people, that is until misfortune was perceived.

The more people asked for their visions, the more angry the people became when things were not all sunshine and roses. A horrific, recurring vision in fact was the reason that Yalwa was cast out from their home. For when it became true, they were accused of making it happen to prove that their visions were real.

They wandered the desert alone, surviving as best as they could and made a vow then that they would only trust themselves for their own survival. Time would pass, they grew and changed, people came and went from their lives, and still they have remained ever stalwart to a pursuit of knowledge and from it, survival.

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