Balore

A ferocious fighter awakened from barbaric rage and monastic training to tap into his inner spirit. A violent but controlled thirst for battle has lingered from his tribal teaching and vow to avenge those fallen from terrible events.

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From the Mountain Born into a reclusive Goliath tribe in the mountains, Balore learned early on that life wasn't easy and only is fit for those who can survive. This came to light when after returning from a solo hunting trip, the village was completely destroyed. Eerie, black flames were still burning and strewn about with what was left of the huts reduced to ash. There was something unnerving about the flames, it wasn't hot like fire. It was a sensation that even at a distance made Balore cold all over.

This wasn't an opposing faction or a raid, this was some phenomena. It didn't take away from the fact Balore had no home to return to, no people to call family. With this pit of despair slowly swallowing him, Balore was nearly at a wits end. Slowly, he made his way from the now destoryed village down the mountain. He wasn't sure if this was a time to mourn or a time to strike back. But strike back at what?

There was naught but anger. Frustration. Hatred. Malice. Everything that wants his to tear down whoever did this. But he couldn't stop and point fingers at who or what. Right now, he needed to get down from the mountain and leave for a new place. Maybe a new home.

Along his way down, Balore stumbled upon a traveling doctor hiding atop a tree branch with wolves biting at the heels. He was able to scare off the wolves through a terrifying roar that even shook the doctor. That roar was enough to drain him of consciousness after ensuring the doctor was safe.

Suprisingly for Balore, he awoke up that same tree. He had a cold towel on his forehead and a hefty backpack behind him for a headrest. Taking a look around, he could see that same doctor preparing food off to the side. That doctor's name was Theo. He was a relatively young human travelling around in search of settlements that require aid. Theo kindly assisted Balore to a healthy enough state before asking any questions. Which, Balore responded with the events of what had happened at his mountain village. Theo had never heard of this 'Black Flame' or anything like this, but suggested Balore if he wanted some answers he should go visit the near monastery. Where there were many monks and literature that could potentially give insight into this. With a destination in mind, Balore set off to this monastery where he could hopefully understand what had happened. Theo decided to tag along as well, knowing that sadly there is no other need for aid up the way of that village.

To the Monastery The monastery in question is a cliffside temple situated over a magnificent ocean view and surrounding township that served as home for many fishermen and farmers. Upon entering the wide open courtyard of the monastery, Balore took in the sight of what were monks in group training. They danced and flourish in movements and strikes that seemed bizarre to him. Yet they were sharp and accurate as if they were calculated, not savage attacks thrown with reckless abandon. It tranced him.

After the training session was over, the group was dismissed save for the teacher who stayed behind. Watching Balore. A small, leopard-like tabaxi fellow who slowly walked up to the goliath and asked his name. Balore responded in kind and address the tabaxi with ernest, explaining his plea regarding the tragedy that occured. The tabaxi monk nodded and consoled Balore, knowing well what it's like to lose what he has. “My name is Uda. I can not only sense it, but feel you are yearning for a release with what's inside” the monk pointed to Balore's chest with his quarterstaff. “There is a powerful yet untamed beast you have inside. Thrashing about and wishing for destruction. I may not have all the answers you need, but I can help you take control of that which is dormant and harness newfound power”

Balore, knowing well that he has no place left to go or leads to follow, accepts Uda's offer. Plus, knowing that there could possible be a way to get stronger while finding out who or what that black flame is was enough to convince him. He now became a student of the monastery.

Give… Four years had past since Balore was at the monastery. He had developed and trained in martial arts with the different monks that give his a unique, brawling fighting style. While many see it as uncouth, it was deadly effective. It could be seen as his goliath heritage shinning through, with big and telegraphed strikes. But Balore backs it up by being deceptively quick in transitioning and movement. He was also starting to learn under a sect in the temple of 'Astral Monks'. These monks were capable of tapping into their martial spirit and drawing out spiritual arms and auras that were marvelous to behold. All different and unique for every individual; different extremities, colours and effects.

Balore was also able to meet some fellow students he could train with and share some time together. Jin, a high elf from afar who trained with martial weapons and deceptive movements. He was a very smart but at times cold individual, which lead Balore and Jin to often but-heads with each other in rivalries. Although it was often friendly. Knowing that in end they are both students living under the same roof, and nothing is worse than living with your enemies. There was also a kalashtar named Kiah. Who on the surface looked human but is inhabited by an old spirit from an unknown land. She was the mediator of the three, always finding ways to ensure Jin and Balore weren't going to hurt themselves in training or in sparring. She that kind exterior made her the worse adversary. In a fight, she was cold, calculated and efficient. Almost knowing exactly the right moves to make. She trained under the a sect of the Open Hand, something to do with 'Assasination Fist'. One more compatriot Balore has at the temple but rarely saw was a fellow goliath named Raishin (he nicknamed her Ray), a towering warrior he respects who is adept with a special large club called a 'kanabō'. She's training under the Astral Monks to quell a ravenous curse plaguing her. She spends time away on solo hikes and missions to learn how to be calm and still with her mind, allow her to catalyse her fears and anger into a destructive force that seems unrivalled.

In his stay at the monastery, Balore also was able to get acquainted more with his teacher; Master Uda. Learning more about his background, monastic studies, exercising mindfulness, things that are able to assist Balore in times of strife. Sadly, Uda has been very tight lipped about anything to do with the black flame phenomena. Quick to shut down any talks between the two, saying he knows naught of it but will try to look into it.

Balore also picked up some work for some village folk down from the monastery. Helping around the farms and fishing hamlets, doing menial work and running errands. Through his time in the village, he would always spend some time with a human boy named Dan. Dan was an exuberant and jovial child who dreams of joining up with the monastery to learn martial arts and be the greatest fighter. They have little chats and sometimes Balore gives quick lessons when no one is looking about certain stances, fundamentals and strikes to practice in Dan's own time.

So far, everything seems to be working out well for Balore. Just not knowing more about that black flame is what knaws at his mind. Thinking back to the cold feeling he had back at the village. The devastation.

…and take Early one morning, Balore awoke from his slumber in the temple feeling… cold. That same cold feeling years ago. Rushing to awake, Balore darts through corridors of the temple trying to locate where that feeling is coming from. He only needed to step into the main courtyard to see it. Giant black flames engulfing the sides of the monastery, working its way around courtyard. With a heap of rubble and debris towards the library. In the courtyard though, there were four figures.

Kiah. Slowly crawling away to the side, with an unsightly scar across her eyes. It looked like they had been burnt off. She couldn't see. Uda, slumped to his knees in the middle. A horrific burn mark was singed over his chest, leaving bits of his garb in tatters. He was struggle to stand, shaking even with the support of his quaterstaff. Then there was Jin. He looked like he was in a stupor. Like a puppet. Why was he wreathed in the black flame? Why did he have blood on him? Lastly a ghastly figure lurked behind Jin. A sinister grin eeked out from whatever cheeks there were on this darkened thing. “JIN!” Balore shouted, hoping to get the attention or snap out Jin of whatever was wrong. Jin slowly turned to Balore, with a more deadpan stare than usual. A look of contempt washed over him as his brows unfurrowed. “Leave him. I want him to witness this” Jin said in passing to the dark figure behind him. “I want him to prove his worth and face me next time” This was unbelivable. Jin said that? No. He couldn't have done this. He couldn't have hurt master and Kiah. The blackened figure procured a small flame in hand and crushed it like an apple. In a flash, the figure and Jin were gone. Leaving only the flames around in their absence.

Before Balore could run over to Kiah, she cried out “Balore, check on Master Uda. He needs the help more” He then quickly pivoted and made his way over to the tabaxi. Slowly, he was shaking less. But he was visibly weak. Balore grasped his master his arms, craddling him. He wasn't going to make it. Not just were there burn marks, there were a multitude of gashes and slashes on him from an armament. Although cauterised, they still posed a big threat to his health. Definitely from Jin. “My child, listen to me” grasping for what air he could, Master Uda spoke to Balore. Slowly meeting his gaze, Balore had a thousand yard stare. 'No. No not again. No no no no not again! I'm NOT going to lose another family!' With regret, Master Uda lamented “I failed you. I did know of the black flame but wished to keep it a secret. We house one of the tomes to awaken the power but sealed it away in a deep part of the library” 'You lied to me. Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me about this?' “Jin has taken the tome and is now a thrall to the creature you saw. It's been searching out for a host to find the tomes and become whole. It will bring about untold devastation” 'Jin. Why.' Chocking and coughing, Uda splutters. He reaches for Balore's hand and clasps it tight. “You must stop him. Or you won't have a home to find again” The gaze falters, the grip slackens. Master Uda takes a final deep breath… and breathes out.

It was like something snapped at that moment. Something had changed in Balore. His blood started to pump, his heart started to race, he started to twitch and contort. He had lost everything. Again. He had lost it all. No home. No people. All gone. Again. All because of Jin and that thing.

An almost monsterous scream erupts from Balore. A shriek almost parelled to a violet beast in a rage. It's as loud for whoever is down below at the village to hear clearly. As he screamed to the heavens, out flashed two flaming arm brandish from his shoulders. His eyes glazed over in a bright orange hue that dimmed out what blue was left. And a faint orange aura exudes around him, puslating like a slow heartbeat. He could only see the hatred back. But it wasn't ferocious or primal like the warriors at his tribe. No, this one felt tamed. This one was a savagery tamed but hell-bent on seeking out its prey. It was as if the unruley nature of a monster and the cognition of a higher power lended strength in this moment to awaken Balore to his Astral Self. A passionate fire that burns bright to quell the darkness that is around him. All Balore could remember after that awakening was slowly slipping out of consciousness, again from the drain and thinking 'I feel warm, finally warm'

Journey The monastery is in ruins. Most of if not all of the facilities are destroyed. All the literature and history gone. Some people were thankfully able to make it out that morning, others weren't lucky. It will takes some time before repairs are complete and the monastery is back up and running. The village is chipping in to assist with repairs and give who remain shelter during this tragic time. Kiah is adapting to her new life being blind. She's adapting so well she can almost function as if with regular sight. It's made her training just as hard, which she insist she needs to do incase anything happens to the village during this time. She is currently being house with Dan and his family during this time, which Dan tries to hide his excitement having a monk stay with him. He's going to bite off more than he can chew wishing for this.

Theo stopped by recently after hearing another loud scream that sound similar to Balore's in the direction of the village. Turns out, he was right. It was Balore. But more devastation had followed. Theo has currently set up station in the village to help out in duties and medical procedures for the time being. He's feeling fulfilled that he can help many people. Balore has come to terms with his goal now. He needs to stop Jin, try to bring him back and get rid of whatever is behind the black flame for good. His first of many stops will be the nearest capital or town that can potentially point him in a direction of another monastery. If a tome was housed here, surely there's more housed elsewhere.

Before Balore could leave the village proper, the familiar call of Dan echoed out. As Balore turned around, he could see not only the tears running down Dan's face, but sadness in eyes. He didn't want him to leave. What seemed like casual coversation for Balore turned out to be revolutionary for Dan. The fighting spirit that sparked from seeing how Balore carried himself and how cool it would be to become a travelling fighter routing out evil. It gave Balore a chuckle, seeing the young pup mature up so quick. He made a promise to Dan, that he would return one day. Not only to train with him, but to fight him. He knows Dan has a big heart and a life filled with trials ahead of him, if he sets out on this path. But for the time being, he will be in Kiah's company.

Clutching a loose, torn bit of cloth from Master Uda's garb, Balore wraps it around his waist sash. Forever having his master's grace with him wherever he goes. He now understands his purpose and who to fight for. Whatever it takes, come heaven or hell, he will make things right