Karim/History

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History

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• Overview
• Fillers
• Second Saga

History

Karim was born inside Xadia as the younger brother of Khessa and Janai. Throughout their childhood, Karim and his sisters participated in activities that involved scorchberry scones, sunbeam tag, and Hotcat Races. He also became good friends with Osato, and they would often play Bannerman's Run in the same team. He would inherit a tin ring from his mother that sported a symbol of Xadia. In his youth, Karim became a student of Lux Aurea's history who learned subjects such as the origin of the Sunforge, the War of Blood and Ash, the Order of the Blood Moon, and how his great-grandmother Aditi enslaved Kim'dael. At an unknown point, Karim became a powerful Sun mage and also entered a secret romantic relationship with General Miyana.

During the two Years

Following Khessa's death and the destruction of Lux Aurea, Karim invited Janai to light a Soul Candle to honor the life of their beloved sister. Janai found herself discouraged and defeated, believing that they had been too late since Khessa had perished weeks ago, however, Karim managed to convince Janai to execute the ritual regardless of her own negative emotions. The two remembered the good times they had shared with Khessa, which included telling stories, as well as dancing and singing to her favorite songs.

Karim would lead an attempt to reclaim Lux Aurea alongside Osato and a human soldier from Katolis named Tijana. However, when the corruption claimed all of their comrades, they were forced to flee before noticing the infection on Osato's arm. Osato succumbed to the corruption and attempted to attack Tijana before he turned his attention to Karim. Karim's attempt to cure the corruption was cut short when Tijana was forced to kill Osato. The devastated Karim rejected Tijana's comfort before he mourned and buried Osato on his own. Karim vowed to banish the darkness from Lux Aurea as he put on Osato's red glove.

Second Saga

As Karim congratulated his sister Janai for her engagement to Amaya, he warned her on how the inclusion of humans weakened the Sunfire Elves' already diminishing power, only for Janai to dismiss it as nonsense. When Lucia extinguished Yonnis's Soul Candle, Karim pressured Janai into calling the "Tribunal of the Six Horns" to exact justice. Upon witnessing Janai pardoning Lucia despite being declared guilty, Karim's frustration had reached its peak and decided to plot a coup with the Six Horns. He eventually issued a Royal Blood Duel challenge to Janai with the hopes that she would abdicate and give him a clear path to becoming king. However, Janai chose to maintain her position by dueling, defeating, and sparing Karim before she ordered the Six Horns to arrest him for high treason.

Karim was then sent into exile on the pain of death should he choose to return. As he wandered alone in a desert, he encountered Pharos, the former Sunfire High Priest of Lux Aurea, who wished to join him. Seeking aid against the humans in Xadia, Karim sought out the Archdragon of the Sun, Sol Regem, for his help. When Sol Regem refused his request, Karim decided to steal Janai's Sun Seed, which he would use to restore the Archdragon's eyesight. Karim enlisted the aid of Kim'dael to steal the Sun Seed, only to have his plan foiled by Amaya after she scarred his left eye. However, Karim was surprised to find Miyana defecting to his side by bringing him the Sun Seed and an army of loyalists to put his war in motion. At some point, the relationship between Karim and Miyana reached the point where she later became pregnant with their unborn children.

Karim performed a rousing speech about preserving the culture and the sanctity of the Sunfire Elves to his followers as he, Pharos, and Miyana prepared to present the Sun Seed to Sol Regem. Upon revealing the Sun Seed to Sol Regem, the Archdragon commanded Karim to heal his wings instead of his eyes so they could rain fiery justice down upon their enemies. Karim commanded Pharos to become Sol Regem's eyes before performing the spell that restored the Archdragon's wings. When Janai sent King Ezran and Corvus to parley for peace, Karim welcomed them to his tent to negotiate terms. Despite Ezran's pleas for peace, Karim remained adamant in overthrowing his sister to prevent further human intervention in the Sunfire Elves' way of life. Corvus, Azymondias, and Queen Aanya helped Ezran in escaping Karim's followers, and Karim commanded Miyana to summon Sol Regem as Janai's army began the attack. However, Sol Regem never arrived to aid Karim's forces. Karim was subsequently taken into custody and imprisoned for his rebellion while all of his followers are granted amnesty.

During his imprisonment, Janai offered Karim to relinquish his name, causing him to learn about Miyana's pregnancy. Karim attempted to use Miyana's condition as a weapon, only for Janai to berate him for squandering all his chances and left him to remain in chains until the day of his execution. Amaya then decided to appeal to Karim one last time by bringing in Miyana, but Karim still believed that he would make a better ruler than Janai. When Astrid alerted Janai and Amaya about Aaravos's plan to use Lux Aurea's Sun Orb to create an Eternal Night, Janai decided to ask for Karim's help to destroy the Sun Orb. Karim initially refused, but chose to accept if it meant that he could save the Sun. Karim, Janai, Amaya, Astrid, Embertail, and Aegis flew to Lux Aurea to destroy the Sun Orb as Aaravos approached. However, instead of casting the spell that would destroy the Sun Orb, Karim decided to use it as a bargaining tool with hopes that he could ally with Aaravos to overthrow Janai. Aaravos did not care for Karim's ambition and crushed the former Sunfire Prince in his hands.

The Corrupted Core

Karim appears to a group of adventurers who tried to save Lux Aurea from the monstrosities spawned by the corrupted Sunforge, once the city reaches its final uninhabitable state and everyone is forced to flee. Expressing his gratitude for their efforts, he claims that these adventurers are the reason the flame of the Sunfire Elves can continue to burn.

The Queen's Soul

Karim invites Janai to light a Soul Candle to honor the life of their beloved sister Khessa. Janai says that they are too late since Khessa died weeks ago, but Karim manages to convince Janai to begin the ritual regardless of negative emotions. Karim and Janai remember the good times they had with Khessa, which include telling stories as well as dancing and singing to her favorite songs.

After Darkness

Karim leads an attempt to reclaim Lux Aurea alongside his good friend Osato and a human soldier from Katolis named Tijana. However, when the corruption claimed all of their comrades, they are forced to flee before noticing the infection on Osato's arm. Osato succumbs to the corruption and attempts to attack Tijana before he turns his attention to Karim. Karim's attempt to cure the corruption is cut short when Tijana is forced to kill Osato. The devastated Karim rejects Tijana's comfort before he mourns and buries Osato on his own. Karim vows to banish the darkness from Lux Aurea as he puts on Osato's red glove.

Book Four - Earth

Fallen Stars

Karim attends the celebration of Janai and Amaya's engagement in the royal tent, where he converses with Miyana and Sabah as Gren congratulates the couple. Karim then praises Janai for finally meeting her match and laughs when Amaya jokes about trying not to beat him up too much after the wedding. As Amaya and Gren walk to and chat on the other side of the tent, Janai notices Karim's growing frown. Karim initially denies it, but Janai's insistence allows him to whisper his concern and the pair decide to walk out of the royal tent for a private conversation.

During their private conversation, Janai teases Karim for being her younger brother and that she should be the one to criticize his love life instead of the other way around. Karim tells Janai that he has nothing to criticize about Amaya since the human is strong, funny, and makes Janai happy. When Janai asks Karim about his dour expression, he reveals that as the new Sunfire Queen who have chosen to marry a human after the fall of Lux Aurea, she is creating a dark symbolism of the Sunfire Elves' empire falling apart. Janai dismisses Karim's warning as nonsense, but Karim demands that the symbolism will remain if she chooses to marry Amaya.

The Drakewood

In the royal tent, Karim informs Janai that tension between humans and elves has been boiling in the camp even before the incident of Lucia extinguishing the Soul Candle that was meant to guide the spirit of Yonnis's mother. Karim then reminds Janai how after the fall of Lux Aurea, they and the rest of their people ignited hundreds of Soul Candles to honor Khessa and many others who perished, and that she would lash out if someone snuffed those candles out. Karim goes on about how the survivors are afraid to lose their ways of life and that Janai must make Lucia face justice so that she can empathize with her people's pain. Amaya and Gren soon enter the tent and ask why Lucia must face justice after putting out a candle and getting burned, Karim answers that Lucia has profaned a sacred rite and is infuriated when Amaya jokingly compares the Sunfire Elves' intention with a birthday celebration. Karim then pressures Janai to call a "Tribunal of the Six Horns" to determine Lucia's fate and reveals to Amaya and Gren that Lucia will be executed if she is found guilty. Despite Amaya's disagreement of the outcome, Janai agrees with Karim's proposition so that their people will not believe that she has lost sight of her identity as the Sunfire Queen.

During the Tribunal of the Six Horns, Karim sits with Amaya and Gren as he explains to them the role of the Six Horns as juries before exchanging nods with Miyana. He then elaborates to the elven and human witnesses that burning a Soul Candle is a sacred ritual that must last through the night so that the spirit of the deceased can be embraced by the sunlight of dawn and that the spirit will be lost forever if the candle is extinguished. Karim then goes on about despite the humans' status as guests, they should not have ignorance as an excuse and that despite Yonnis's begging, Lucia chose to desecrate the ritual nonetheless. Afterwards, Karim sits down and listens to Amaya's plea for a merciful justice to be brought upon Lucia before watching the Six Horns declaring the architect as guilty. Janai ultimately chooses to pardon Lucia and allows her to build a shrine where Soul Candles can burn without threatening the camp, which prompts the displeased Karim to leave.

After the tribunal, Janai finds Karim and decides to show him a Sun Seed that can potentially become a new Great Orb of the Sunforge. She then speaks to him on how the Sun Seed takes time to grow, their new future must be built with patience and faith, and although they will not be around when such time comes, their descendants will live to see through it. Karim is seemingly touched and convinced by Janai's words. However, later in the evening, Karim secretly meets with Miyana and tells her that Janai is leading the Sunfire Elves down to the wrong path before he reveals his intention of ending his sister's reign.

Rex Igneous

Karim watches as Janai and Amaya leave the camp on their Twin-Tailed Inferno-Tooth Tigers Embertail and Aegis, thinking that they are going on a private, romantic picnic in broad daylight. He then visits Miyana and asks her if the other members of the Six Horns support his intention. Miyana confirms their disappointment but they remain uncertain about preparing to take action against Janai. Dissatisfied by this news, Karim chooses to reveal a historical event called the War of Blood and Ash that nearly destroyed Lux Aurea and how the first Golden Knight ended it by defeating his tyrannical brother in a duel to the death. Miyana is shocked that Karim planning to challenge Janai and he orders her to tell the other Horns about delivering his challenge tomorrow at sunrise.

By nightfall, Miyana bring news to Karim about the other Horns willing to witness the duel, although they are uncertain about turning against Janai. Karim assures Miyana that the Six Horns will support him once the challenge is issued. Miyana doubts that Karim will be able to defeat Janai due to her prowess as the greatest warrior in Lux Aurea, but Karim is certain that Janai will step aside due to her reluctance of becoming queen and that he knows his sister better than anyone else. Karim believes that the Six Horns will accept him as their king who will change the course history.

Escape from Umber Tor

Karim has another secret meeting with Miyana as she tries to tell him that challenging a warrior as powerful as Janai is foolhardy despite him being a powerful Sun mage. Karim, however, insists that Janai will refuse to fight her brother and that the Six Horns will arrest Janai once he invokes his royal rights as the Sunfire King. When Miyana asks what would happen if the Six Horns do not side with him, Karim is convinced that him showing the path of restoring strength to their people's empire will say otherwise.

As Janai, Amaya, and Kazi confront Karim about him issuing the Royal Blood Duel challenge, Karim offers Janai the chance to abdicate the throne and live a happy life with Amaya so that she would not destroy their empire from the inside out. Janai then reminds Karim that Royal Blood Duels have been forbidden since the time of their great-grandmother Queen Aditi since the duels have been distracting Sunfire Elves into pursuing power instead of focusing on maintaining peace. Karim balks about monarchs being able to abolish the duels and pressures Janai into stepping aside or fighting him. Janai refuses to step aside and makes her stand against Karim to prove that the throne is rightfully hers. Karim is frustrated that Janai is not making the first move and decides to provoke her into fighting with "Missilem Ignem" and "Lux Tormento". Janai effortlessly counters the spells with her sword and her heat-being mode, which enable her to destroy Karim's staff and defeat him. Karim asks Janai to kill him so that the duel can be finished, but Janai chooses to spare her brother's life. Karim perceives Janai's compassion as an act of forfeiting and commands the Six Horns to arrest his sister. However, since Janai is the victor of the duel and retains her authority as queen, the Six Horns instead choose to arrest Karim for high treason. Karim rants about how history demands Janai to follow through tradition, and Janai argues that she is the one who makes history and will build a future that is brighter and more beautiful than he can possibly imagine. The Six Horns then escort Karim away.

Book Five - Ocean

Domina Profundis

Karim's crime of high treason causes him to be stripped of all titles, possessions, and inheritances, as well as banished from the Sunfire Elf camp under penalty of death. He is initially reluctant to hand his tin ring over since it was a gift from his mother, but the guards' insistence forces him to comply before he leaves the camp as an exile.

Nightmares & Revelations

A parched Karim wanders through a sandy desert when his water supply is diminished. The banished prince then falls on his knees before he angrily looks to the sun and demands for a sign that shows not all is lost. Just then, he sees a Sunfire Elf appearing on the horizon and is walking towards him. The confused and terrified Karim decides to make a run for a nearby rock formation.

Karim sneaks up on the Sunfire Elf from behind and threatens to attack with the belief that he is an assassin sent by Janai. However, the Sunfire Elf reveals himself as Pharos, the former Sunfire High Priest of Lux Aurea, before he gives Karim his water canteen. Karim watches as Pharos pledges his allegiance, which inspires him to overthrow Janai once again.

The Great Bookery

Karim and Pharos venture into a cave where they find a sleeping Sol Regem. Karim introduces himself to the Archdragon of the Sun and beseech him to reclaim his rightful place as the King of the Dragons so that he can restore the old glory of the Sunfire Elves. However, Sol Regem refuses to help due to his deteriorating body and depressed state, which causes the dejected Karim and Pharos to leave the cave. As Pharos despairs in their failure, Karim regains hope and declares his intention of healing Sol Regem's eyes.

Archmage Akiyu

Karim leads Pharos into the Moonshadow Forest as he proudly elaborates his plan to steal Janai's Sun Seed by enlisting the aid of Kim'dael, the blood-drinking Moonshadow Elf who was forced to serve the royal family of Lux Aurea after she was captured by Queen Aditi. When Karim uses his magic to summon Kim'dael inside her mausoleum, the anxious Pharos questions the idea of seeking the assistance of an entity of such evil ilk before he is pinned against a pillar by the Bloodmoon Huntress herself. Before Kim'dael can kill Pharos, Karim reveals his identity and commands her to help them before promising that he will release her from her debt in return.

Finnegrin's Wake

Kim'dael was able to abduct Janai as a hostage, and Karim decides to send Pharos to the Sunfire Elf camp to present his ultimatum of having Miyana deliver the Sun Seed so that Janai's life will be spared. When Karim sees someone riding towards him and Kim'dael, he initially believes it to be Miyana with the Sun Seed. However, the rider reveals herself as a disguised Amaya who delivers a tied up Pharos back to Karim. Despite his best efforts, Karim is unable to land a hit on Amaya with "Missilem Ignem", while she succeeds in hitting his face with her mask and her fist. However, the skirmish is put to a halt when Kim'dael brings Janai out and demands to be freed from her debt. Karim is unable to release Kim'dael since only the monarch of Lux Aurea possesses the power to do so. When Karim decides to become king by killing Janai himself, Amaya responds by scarring his left eye with Janai's sword. Karim and Pharos are able to escape empty-handed after Kim'dael departed on her own free will.

Infantis Sanguine

Karim and Pharos are sulking around their campfire when they notice Miyana delivering the Sun Seed to them. Karim breaks down into tears when Miyana declares her unwavering love and loyalty to him, which leads to them sharing a passionate kiss. Miyana also reveals that she also brought an army, which allows the gratified Karim to put his war in motion.

Book Six - Stars

Love, War & Mushrooms

Karim gazes at the Sun Seed as he tells Miyana about Janai's belief that she will use the Sun Seed to empower and bring the Sunfire Elves back from the brink. In a way, he believes that Janai is correct, though he now possesses the Sun Seed and will lead his people to glory. Karim says he is holding fate itself between his fingers as Miyana encourages him not to drop it before kissing him on the cheek. He then talks about using the Sun Seed to restore Sol Regem's eyes while sharing a drink with Miyana. Karim knows that he will find no joy in ending Janai's reign, but he will do what he must as he and Miyana have a toast for their followers.

Later on, with Miyana and Pharos standing by his side and the Sun Seed in his hand, Karim makes a rousing speech to his followers about restoring the Sunfire Elves' old glory by waging war against humans and the elves who tolerate them. Although they are outnumbered, Karim believes that Sol Regem will help them re-establish the Sunfire Elves' empire.

The Starscraper

Karim, Miyana, and Pharos venture into Sol Regem's cave to present the Sun Seed that they will use to restore his eyes. However, Sol Regem claims he no longer needs to see and commands them to heal his wings instead so they can rain fiery justice down upon their enemies.

The Red Wedding

After Miyana dresses him in his royal attire, Karim makes a rousing speech to his followers about Sol Regem leading them to a new dawn. Miyana then blows a horn that summons Sol Regem, allowing Karim and Pharos to perform the spell that heals the Archdragon's wings. Karim also commands Pharos to become Sol Regem's eyes.

Karim, Miyana, and their army prepare to attack the Sunfire Elf camp as they talk about Janai being outmatched. When they learn that Janai has sent King Ezran, Corvus, and Queen Aanya to parley for peace, Karim views them as entertainment. He then notices Aanya standing on a large rock with her bow and arrow ready, believing that she must be an excellent shot.

Karim sarcastically asks Ezran to forgive him since he has never negotiated with a child before. When Ezran asks Karim to take his followers and build his future somewhere far from Janai, the Sunfire Elf prince dismisses such an idea as a scrap of what he believes is rightfully his and compares it to crumbs of his sister's plate that will never sate his people. Karim agrees with Ezran about avoiding violence, but only if his terms are met. Karim expects Janai to surrender unconditionally and acknowledge him as the High King of the Sunfire Empire before saying that every human in Xadia must return to the other side of the Border. Karim believes that history cannot be forged without fire and strength. Ezran says that history can be a narrative of love instead of strength, and he thinks about the people he loves and how they count on him to do the right thing. When Ezran asks Karim if he loves Janai, Karim says he does despite believing that she led the Sunfire Elves down the wrong path. Ezran beseeches Karim that it is not too late to choose love. However, Karim retorts by saying that Sol Regem was faced with a choice long ago before choosing fire. Karim's proclamation of honoring Sol Regem causes Ezran and Corvus to realize that Janai and Amaya's army are walking into a trap, and he decides to take the duo as prisoners to prevent them from alerting Janai and Amaya. However, Aanya and Azymondias come to Ezran's rescue.

As Janai, Amaya, and their army charge, Karim commands Miyana to summon Sol Regem, only to grow anxious when the Archdragon is nowhere to be seen. In the midst of the chaotic battle, Karim falls to the ground and asks where Sol Regem is with despair.

Book Seven - Dark

The Glittering Bones

Karim has been chained as prisoner following his rebellion and has special gloves that prevent him from performing casting magical spells. After learning of Miyana's pregnancy, Janai decides to visit Karim to bring him an offer of mercy. Karim scoffs at the idea, believing that Janai will show weakness just like how she granted his soldiers amnesty. Janai tells Karim that he will earn his amnesty when he relinquishes his name before going on about how there is power in a name. Karim soon sees through what Janai is implying and correctly guesses that Miyana is carrying his child. He then confronts Janai for being afraid to execute him since such action will make him a martyr and that his child will avenge him. Karim falls when his restraint reaches its limit as the weeping Janai berates him for still looking at her with contempt and trying to scheming against her and squander all his chances to reform. Karim remains silent as Janai leaves his prison.

Unfinished Business

Karim continues to sulk in his prison as he waits for the day of his execution.

Sticky Fingers

Karim is sulking in his prison when Amaya and Gren decide to visit him, and he is surprised that they came to him without Janai's knowledge. Amaya tries to appeal to Karim by talking about how she overcame her past prejudice against elves. Karim rejects Amaya's gesture on how they are alike by claiming that his belief came from knowledge instead of fear, stating that humans will never be satisfied with what they have taken until Sunfire Elf history and culture are dust in the desert wind. Amaya says that while she will not shed a tear on the day of Karim's execution, Janai will since she has given so much to give the Sunfire Elves a future where everyone can be with their loved ones. Karim then gasps when Miyana arrives.

Karim and Miyana hug as she assures him that Janai has granted her amnesty, though she is surprised that he calls their unborn child their "heir". Karim wanted his child to play a great role in restoring the Sunfire Elves' old glory, but Miyana tells him that her dream has changed into having a healthy, happy, and beloved child. Miyana reminds Karim of their failure in attempting to achieve power, and she encourages him to dream about their family. She then asks Karim to fight and stay alive for her and their child. Karim solemnly presses his head against Miyana's baby bump as she comforts him.

The Titan and the King

Karim refused to help Janai in destroying the Sun Orb to foil Aaravos's plan to create an Eternal Night, believing that its corruption can still be cleansed. However, he decided to do so in order to save the Sun from destruction.

Dying Light

Karim rides Embertail alongside Janai as they, Amaya, Aegis, and Astrid arrive at Lux Aurea before sunrise. The group plans to distract the hold off the corrupted Banthers as Karim casts the spell that will destroy the Sun Orb, and they have one minute to escape before the spell obliterates the Sun Orb and everything in Lux Aurea. Karim casts "Missilem Ignem" to blast some corrupted Banthers away before Astrid casts "Stella Ignis" to make the crystal torches that she, Janai, and Amaya wield emit a bright light to ward off the creatures. Karim starts to cast the destructive spell on the corrupted Sun Orb, but stops when Aaravos arrives in Lux Aurea. Karim then decides to betray Janai again and warns her that killing him will bring doom to everyone. He casts "Lux Tormento" to kill the Banther standing in front of him as he presents himself to Aaravos as the rightful ruler of Lux Aurea and the most powerful sun mage in all of Xadia. Karim threatens to trigger the final rune and destroy the Sun Orb so that Aaravos's plan will never come to fruition. He then proposes an alliance with Aaravos to bring order into the chaotic world. The Startouch Elf then uses his hand to pick Karim up, who continues to talk about working together to make the world born and reborn from the ashes. As Karim wishes to become Aaravos's flame, the Fallen Star clenches his palm and crushes the former Sunfire Prince in his grasp, to Janai's horror.