Phoenix Warriors

Art by Henry

Normally I'd put the concept for this specific character, but instead I'll put the in universe explanation of the group he represents in his appearances

Northern Spirit- Vesta
Southern Spirit - Kon'Shu
Western Spirit - Ralvir
Eastern Spirit- Loc'Tun

In the Early days of the universe, when Kios formed from the ambient energy between the various planes of existence 4 spirits were birthed from the left over energy. The spirits were birthed in the form of massive bird like creatures of spiritual fire, these forms soaring across the various planes of existence for millions of years, watching over the state of affairs and seeing how things were meant to be. Over time things began to change, various life forms began to form all throughout the realms and those life forms attracted those who sought to end the balance. Beings from beyond sought to disrupt it, and various creatures from within sought to control or end it. The spirits were powerful in their home realms but had little influence outside, yet they all knew they had to uphold their duty of protecting the balance somehow. To solve this they each sought out a life form on or near the planet Kios, each having their own reasons for who they chose. They gave these beings power and the freedom to use it as they pleased as long as they became their avatars and defended the various planes from all who threatened the delicate cosmic balance.

The spirits each take up residence in a different sector of the planet's spirit realm watching over the various planes that intersect with that sector and sending any needed information to their avatar. How they communicate various from spirit to spirit, as does their criteria for choosing an avatar two things that have been shaped by their various experiences over their infinite life span.

Each Avatar is transformed into a new life form that straddles the line between the various planes, them gaining the ability to step into other realms and dimensions as needed, their bodies components changing if needed. They are given intimate knowledge of an ancient fighting art crafted by the spirits, and a superhuman body to match it. They all have a natural attunement to flames of the soul, a fire that burns both the body and the spirit as its user wishes. The specifics of the fires look and other uses vary from avatar to avatar, normally based on the persons mental state. The most notable gift each avatar is given, is the gift of immortality they become immune to age and illness and will regenerate from any fatal wound (no matter how extensive), slightly more powerful than before. All avatars hold the memories and experience of all previous avatars of their particular spirit.

Despite this they don't last forever, every so many years the spirits fight their avatars in order to test if they are still worthy. Every time the spirit loses it returns multiple times stronger than before forcing the avatar to constantly improve, the moment they don't is the end of their service as they are defeated and stripped of their powers allowed to live out the rest of their days as a normal person or be killed if they seek a warriors death. One can also willingly give up their powers but such a thing is very rare

Outfits part 1

A few Awesome Zhuni outfits by Sara and Gi for my various projects

Nisu Bio

Art by Henry

Born to a famous Priestess known for her service dealing with demonic hordes and dark spirits, Nisu had been surrounded by stories her whole life.  Her mother was a hero, a living legend among Zhu of all races. When she was little all the stories and games focused on her mother made her happy and proud, loving how awesome and cool her mom was.  But as she grew her mom stayed active, and not only was she gone all the time but her identity was solely as a daughter and not as an individual.  As she studied magic in school she always felt her accomplishes meant little, as the focus was always on her mom's latest exploit or big mission.  Nothing she did mattered in the grand scheme, every accomplishment was quickly forgotten with talks about the important member of the family.  Her parents always insisted how much they loved her but she just couldn't see it, instead she focused on trying to find a way to make them and everyone else have to care. A way to prove that she was just as important as her mother was. So she set out, leaving her home town to find a way to prove herself to the Empire and her mother. 

Nisu Concept

Art by Henry

 

Since very early in the creation of the setting, I decided the Zhu Empire had multiple races that made up the central Zhu species.  One of the more populous of which was Xerin, a kitsune inspired race that I will write about later. And so it only made sense that I should have one of them as a central character in what is planned as a big exploration into the setting.  Working with the theme of change and growth decided a young not so special character would fit best into the role. So went with a girl in her early teens, to have the most room to work and to go with the still in training princess Xing Yi.  Only instead of straight martial arts training and warrior spirit, showing the other side with magic and religious work within their culture.  Yeah not a whole lot to what sparked her creation, but there it is.  

Xing Yi image sheet

Just an awesome image of xing Yi and expressions, by Sara and Gi, a link to their page is under the artists tab. And their name is on the peace/