Personalities of the Ring Realms

Name: Solaris, Marna Dualani Jalath

Aliases: Vaetrana Solaris, First Counsel Solaris, Mother Prime

Inspired by: Will Greenway

Appears in: Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time, Shaladen Chronicles: Anvil of Sorrow, Shaladen Chronicles: Who Mourns The Creator, Gaea's Blood, Gaea's Legacy

Occupation: Political leader (Supreme Kriar Counsel), Quantum Physicist/Researcher, Behavioral Scientist

Birthplace: Stellar Prime, Homeworld concordant before exodus

Hair: Blue-Black

Eyes: Green (Luminescent)

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 220

Unusual Features: Marna has the same non-human characteristics of all the Kriar race. (See the write-up on the Kriar, and Ivral Techstar for more info). Her eyes are unusual in that they are not black (which is typical for Kriar) instead they glow with a green radiance.

Age: (Unknown) 10,000,000+

Martial Status: Married. (Dominique Ariok) (4th marriage)

Known Relatives: Dominique (Mate), Dulcere Val'Sidra Starbinder (daughter by third husband), Elandro (son by A.Frielos), Celaesh (daughter by D.Ariok), Jhazarhine (daughter by Isis)

Group Affiliations: Supreme Kriar counsel, Universal Protectorate, Counsel of Isis, House Felspar, House Ishtarvariku, the 27th Magocracy of the Ring Realms.

Magical Skills: Marna is currently married to Dominique Ariok, the daughter of Gabriella Sarn Ariok, one of the great elder mages. Dominique's skills are not those of her mother's, but they are quite formidable (exceeding those of a lore-mage). She agreed to teach Marna after some persuasion. Even after several years Marna's skills are rather limited. The Kriar has to "unlearn" many technical ideas in order to adopt the science of magic.

Tournament Rank: The Kriar are a predominantly a pacifistic culture-- less than 2% of all Kriar have the psychology necessary to be effective combatants. Kriar warriors are considered in many ways to be aberrant to the norm for their culture. For most of her eons long life Marna was a pacifist, however wars, the death of her mate, and the loss of children drove her to the edge. She has since adopted the more violent ways of warriors. She is however quite new to the idea of combat and still has great deal of difficulty with intentionally harming intelligent creatures.

Information: Marna Solaris is the spiritual mother of the Kriar race, and the oldest living Kriar in existence. While the persona of the Vaetrana dates back to before the launching of homeworld, she is only in spirit that same person. Untold millions of cycles old, the Prime Mother of the Kriar has been through renewal thousands of times. While she is (in spirit) the eldest Kriar, she is, in many ways, the youngest because she has forgotten so much of her past in antiquity.

Marna is the undisputed mistress of the Kriar warp science, and the most skilled time diver on Fabrista homeworld. She is rivaled only by military commander Tarkath Quazar Diliaysus, who uses extensive matrix enhancements to increase her powers. In addition to her time diving capabilities, Marna is able to perform n-space folding by pure force of will. This talent is the ability to cause the atomic and sub-atomic structure of matter to twist upon itself and occupy higher order dimensions. This process can be likened to taking a two dimensional object and folding it so it occupies three dimensions. Marna can take three dimensional matter and "fold" it so that it occupies four and even higher order spaces.

After the adoption of Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri by house Techstar, it became a fashion among the Kriar nobility to start interacting with the humanity and skilled mages in particular. The ability of magic to overcome something Kriar science could not opened many eyes, and sparked intense interest in learning the secrets of magic. Also, humans being young and impressionable, made them excellent proteges. The Kriar being empaths, derive a great deal of satisfaction being around creatures who still experience excitement and passion. They can feel "vicariously" through their empathy, emotions and sensations that they themselves have become numb to due to hundreds of millennia of life.

Name: Starbinder, Dulcere Val'Saedra

Aliases: Belkirin (Military Rank), Forward Belkirin, 3rd Mitaka Legion, Dulcere Solaris, 'Cere

Inspired by: Will Greenway

Appears in: Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot in Time, Shaladen Chronicles: Anvil of Sorrow, Shaladen Chronicles: Who Mourns The Creator, Reality's Plaything: Eternal's Agenda, Ethermancer: Conscript of the Eternals, Ethermancer: Consort of the War Goddess, War of the Genemar: Child of Ascendants

Occupation: Military Belkirin, Dasta Daergon, Pilot certified for transport, combat, and passenger hauling.

Birthplace: Solaris Demense

Hair: Black

Eyes: Black

Height: 5'10 6'1

Weight: 280 310

Unusual Features: Kriar being a vegetative (rather than mammalian) humanoid race possess several plant-like attributes. Their skin is photosynthetic, and they derive nourishment from light. Their tissue is dense (like wood) and thus they are heavier and more resistant to injury. Kriar scientists have heavily modified the heriditary physiology of the species and many of the evolutionary drawbacks of their origins have been engineered away. Most Kriar rely on a life-support mechanism called a matrix stone that is embedded in their bodies at a young age. These jewels provide supplemental photosynthetic nourishment so the Kriar can function for extended periods in environments where there is little to no natural sun-light. These jewels are normally installed in sets. A focus stone in the forehead, a distribution matrix enfleshed in the collarbone, and brain-stone or central control enfleshed beneath the lower abdominal muscles. These matrixes often have cybernetic enhancements and convenience mechanisms built into them depending on the kind of work the Kriar does. Warriors typically have additional implants in the palms of both hands. These are high-energy foci. The hand focus allows the warrior to create force weapons and shielding, along with usually having various sensor and cybernetic apparatus built into them

Age: 1,000,000+

Martial Status: Engaged

Known Relatives: Marna Solaris (mother), Louvros Starbinder (father deceased), Dominique Ariok (step-mother), Gabriella Sarn Ariok (grandmother in law), Eladrazelle Delarn (aunt), Araceli Delarn (cousin), Monique Delarn (cousin), Porsche Delarn (cousin), and Octavia Delarn (cousin)

Group Affiliations: Kriar Council, Kriar Military (detached status), Kriar Flight and Training Academy, Dasta Solaris, Dasta Daergon (renouced), Protectorate, Clan Solaris, Clan Delarn, Clan Techstar

Magical Skills: None. Kriar possess many technologies of such sophistication that they might be indistinguishable from magic. Through her Shaladen Lignum, Dulcere has a magic "enemy detection and tracking", a way to trace and detect magic, and the ability to crack and destroy spells and their bindings.

Tournament Rank: Dulcere is a 12th rank unlimited competitor in the tier 3 unlimited "weight class". There are few creatures in the realms other than eternals that pose any challenge to her. Even among Kriar she is among the top ranked and only top ranked individuals like Eclipse and Quasar are tougher opponents.

Information: Dulcere Val'Saedra Starbinder, who later adopts the surname Solaris, is a Kriar female and a significant figure among the allies of Corim Erik Vale and the Protectorate. Known for her military background, resilience, and developing emotional depth, Dulcere plays a key role in several major conflicts and alliances within the Ring Realms saga.
Initially introduced as a well-regarded Belkirin in the 3rd Mitaka Legion of the Kriar military commanding the star vessel Tiraka. Her father was Louvros Starbinder, the second husband of Marna Solaris. Louvros was tragically slain by agents of Daergon Surr, and Dulcere was implicated in the plot, intended to create strife within Marna's family.
During a confrontation, Dulcere fights the eternal named Garn aboard the Tiraka, sustaining injuries that forced her star vessel to make planetfall. A mishap with her damaged power matrixes caused a cliff collapse, burying her and forcing her into stasis, which allowed her to heal over millennia.
Many cycles later, she was uncovered by Meridian Arcturan and Rakaar Steelsheen. Meridian used magic to control her and exploited her inherent time-diving powers to cause a massive time quake, an isolinear diffraction. Dulcere eventually escapes Meridian's control and joins forces with Corim Erik Vale, Beia Targallae, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar, and Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Felspar.
Together, this group manages to undo the damage caused by Meridian and restore the timeline. As a reward for assisting the humans, a Jyril Vasar Sa'Gairin removes a curse from Dulcere's body. After reuniting with her mother, she adopts the surname Solaris.
She becomes a crucial ally to the Protectorate. Particularly, when she Senalloy, Corim, and Koass' daughter Ralani form a team.
She currently has "detached" Kriar military status and serves the Protectorate as a subject matter expert, senior advisory position with Protectorate gamma authority. Her mother, Marna Solaris, is also aligning with the Protectorate. Later, Dulcere sponsors Dae Silvarron's conscription into the Protectorate. Dulcere wields the honorary shaladen Lignum. Lignum grants her an enemy "seek" function as well as abilities to detect and disrupt magic constructs. In the latter part of Anvil of Sorrow, she and Senalloy Corresont begin an intimate relationship with Corim Vale. Dulcere's exploits include her initial battle and stasis, her role in undoing the time-quake caused by Meridian, confronting and dealing with Daergon loyalists within the Kriar military. She demonstrates a strong sense of justice, even if it leads to controversial actions like the summary execution of Varlonn Kresh.

Name: Starfist, Bannor Nalthane

Aliases:

Inspired by: Will Greenway

Appears in: Reality's Plaything, 'Neath Odin's Eye, Gaea's Legacy, Who Mourns the Creator,

Occupation: Borderlands scout, Prince Conjugal of Malan

Birthplace: Barony of Tenax, Southrealm (Now Ivaneth)

Hair: Dark Brown

Eyes: Brown

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 250

Unusual Features: Bannor is significantly tougher and more resiliant than even someone with exceptional conditioning and training. Mostly, this is due to his savant ability which constantly shields him at a low level. His strength and resistance to harm increase as the extremis of the situation heightens. Despite this, Bannor wears many scars. Most notibly a scar on his back and chest where he was pierced through the torso by Odin's spear Gungnir.

Age: 29

Martial Status: Married (Sarai T'Evagduran)

Known Relatives: Ravan Starfist (sister), Rammal Starfist (brother)[deceased], Kiranna Starfist (Mother), Khendar Starfist (father)

Group Affiliations: Kingdom of Malan, Family Felspar, Family T'Evagduran, Family Kergatha, Family De'Falcone.

Magical Skills: Bannor possesses no "specific" magical skills but is highly magical in nature due to his possession of the Garmtur'Shak Nola. He works "spells" of a sort by manipulating the threads of reality. He controls these effects in only a general way... often getting unpredictable and sometimes undesirable side effects. Magic does not work well on Bannor, and he can easily pervert and destroy spells being cast on him by enemy mages if he has sufficient warning. In time, when Bannor has a grasp and understanding of magic he has the ability to be far more potent than even a grand loremage.

Tournament Rank: Bannor does not participate in regular tournament play, nor does he regularly practice fighting. He is, however, a natural warrior, able to wield two weapons in the Jac'Daw style of two-handed fighting. He has exceptional strength and speed and is able to hold his own against 10th circle warriors. As was noted above, when faced with crisis his ability to resist seems to increase. When confronted by the powerful Pantheon Lord Odin, Bannor was able to hold even the powerful immortal at bay for a short time.

Information: Border guardian for the Barony of Tenax. He holds the rank of captain in the Baron's ranger regulars. Bannor has the power of the Garmtur Shak'Nola (A savant of reality) which gives him control over the threads of probability, interaction, and creation. His senses allow him to perceive the forces, energies, and interactions of matter and energy through simple concentration. As part of his power he can recognize and memorize such patterns instantly in order to later manipulate them.

Bannor's control over the Garmtur is rather limited, so it often acts in undesirable and sometimes self-destructive ways. Bannor is a skilled warrior with a several years of battle experience. Bannor is proficient in tracking, plant, and animal identification. As a scout, he is extremely familiar with the borderlands, and has become a proficient in cartography (map making).

Name: T'Evagduran, Janai

Aliases: Arminwen Janai, 2nd Princess of Malan

Inspired by: Will Greenway

Appears in: Reality's Plaything, 'Neath Odin's Eye, Gaea's Legacy, Gaea's Blood

Occupation: Princess of Malan

Birthplace: Highcourte, Malan

Hair: Black

Eyes: Amber

Height: 5'5

Weight: 130

Unusual Features: Like most Elves of the Realms, Janai has luminescent eyes, that give of a faint light in the dark. Elves also have pointed ears and extremely long life spans.

Age: 526 years

Martial Status: Widow -- Married twice

Known Relatives: Jhaann T'Evagduran (Father), Kalindinai T'Evagduran (Mother), Ryelle T'Evagduran (Sister), Sarai T'Evagduran (Sister)

Group Affiliations: Kingdom of Malan, Malanian High Court, Ivaneth Gentry, Corwin Gentry, Coormeer Gentry

Magical Skills: Officially Janai has no magical skills. Mages in Malan are required to serve terms in the military. However, Janai spent some twenty years in tutelage in Canth, and has significant skills as a mage. She is no where near the capabilities of her mother Kalindinai, but the wilder blood that gives Kalindinai her extraordinary power has been inherited at least in part by the princess. Her skills are about two thirds that of an arch-magi.

Tournament Rank: Janai does not participate in standard tournament play. However, she does enter archery competition quite often. As a Malanian royal, she has had the mandatory martial training that King T'Evagduran insists that all of his family participate in. If Janai were to take part in tournament play she would be considered a 3rd ring competitor. Swords however are not Janai's game. It is the bow where this Elven lady shines. Her ability to shoot is rumored to be magical in nature and may even be some mutation of her mother's wilder magical talents. Her skill in the bow exceeds 14th circle skill levels, and could only be matched by someone with heightened senses or reflexes (Wren Kergatha for example). In one exhibition for the Malanian nobles Janai reportedly put 6 shafts into a 3 inch circle at one hundred paces firing in quick succession. A feat not yet duplicated to the current day.

Information:
Janai is the second daughter of King Jhaann and Queen Kalindinai T'Evagduran of Malan. She is approximately 500 cycles old. Among the Queen's three daughters, Janai is noted as the most rebellious, although she is skilled at concealing this better than her younger sister. She is well-liked within the Malanian court despite her reputation. She has a great deal of respect for her older sister Ryelle, deferring to her more than even their mother at times. She constantly engages in verbal and social fencing with her younger sister Sarai, but they are quick to defend one another.

Janai has a widespread reputation as a schemer and a hedonist. However, the sources reveal she has significant magical talents that she keeps secret due to obligations placed upon mages in Malan. This indicates her outward reputation might be a carefully constructed facade, or perhaps a way to navigate the constraints of her position while secretly cultivating power. Bannor observes her talent for putting people at ease but also notes the glint in her amber eyes when she schemes, finding it difficult to figure out her intentions.

She is a natural with the bow and has won top honors in tournaments, even beating her renowned archer father on two occasions. She stopped competing against him because he takes losing badly. It is revealed that Theln Azygos was her mentor in magic. Theln is identified as a Kriar who had mastered magic. This mentorship with a powerful, secretive figure like Theln highlights the depth and potentially unconventional nature of Janai's hidden magical training.

Both of Janai's husbands, whose marriages were arranged by her father, died under suspicious circumstances. While the circumstances of their deaths (one in war, one in a magical duel) are described, the families of the second husband and his duel opponents maintained that Janai had a hand in their death. This suspicion persisted despite it being publicly known that she possessed no magic talents at the time, adding to her air of mystery and potential ruthlessness.

Janai is well-traveled and possesses significant holdings outside of Malan, including countryside keeps and apartments in Ivaneth, Corwin, Coormeer, Canth, and Pedon. She is specifically a Duchess in the kingdom of Coormeer, having acquired this title through marriage and actively purchasing land there. Her father refers to her as his "little land baroness" due to her land acquisitions in northern Coormeer. She is also rumored to have a controlling interest in a Nomarian trade guild. These extensive holdings and independent acquisition of property suggest Janai is building her own power base and securing her future outside of Malan's direct control.

After events in 'Neath Odin's Eye, Daena Sheento becomes Janai's "One". This is a same-sex relationship, which is not unheard of but is regarded with some bemusement by the King and Queen. Officially, Daena is listed as Janai's ward prodigal. Queen Kalindinai has strong misgivings about this relationship, fearing Janai will lead Daena into trouble due to her impetuous charms and Daena's incredible power and vulnerability. The eternal Koass also notes Janai's "culpability in misleading her" and keeping her activities obscured from Bannor for her own "fun" in other kingdoms. This complex relationship highlights Janai's affectionate side while also reinforcing her manipulative nature, suggesting she might be leveraging Daena's power.

Janai is involved in significant events, including the war with Hecate's forces. During events in 'Neath Odin's Eye, she is present when various characters undergo transformations, including herself. She offers to use her secret magical skills to help save her "new niece" (Sarai's child) and her sister Sarai, revealing her abilities to her mother in the process. She, along with the rest of her immediate family, is inducted into the ranks of the Shael Dal during the events of Savants Ascendant.

When Wren (Liandra Kergatha) appears in her elven form, Janai recognizes her as "Liandra", runs to hug her, and asks how she got there. She later asks Wren if she is there because of the eternals. This suggests a prior relationship or significant interaction between Janai and Wren, possibly related to their shared savant status or involvement in connected events.