Deft

''“For I am Ancient. I have seen everything exist and die.”'' - The Panda of the North Deft Fortusim, sometimes known as the Panda of the North, is a primordial river spirit and traveller who takes the avatar form of a Panda. Deft is primarily a healer, using his spiritual abilities, as well as an extensive herbal and potions knowledge to help others. He holds a rich, near thousand-year history in Rathnir and Eldham, yet currently resides in the new world of Abexilas.

Appearance
Deft takes the appearance of an upright Giant Panda, looming over his friends and foes at a stature of 6’7. He has thick, white fur, with black spots at his eyes and the ends of his limbs. When using his spiritual abilities, a bright cyan glows from his eyes, but usually its just a dull black, what some call a peer into the void. While one may argue that his large build may let him endure any attack towards him, he is most often found wearing his plated battle armour, a bright sheen reflecting off the polished guard. When relaxing, however, Deft wears monastery robes, the silk commodity being described as “heaven in a robe”.

Personality
Deft is driven by kindness, an intrinsic motivation to help and guide others. Some may describe this kindness as overbearing, and even unwanted at times, but it is appreciated nevertheless. He is adamant on sticking to his personal mantra of helping others when they need it, even in the face of the world's cynicism. Deft is also easy-going and free flowing, travelling and acting as he pleases, much to the amusement of his long list of his companions. Often, however, his carefree nature can lead to impulsiveness and rash decisions, especially when he is acting for what he believes is right.

Early Life
Trapped, helplessly floating and flailing down a river, Deft was first found shaking the water off his fur, shivering, down in the outskirts of the city/country Drakhaseri. The family that first took him in saw him as an animal needing rescue, a pet to be tamed, yet were only met with surprise when Deft quickly matched the mannerisms of their children, even intellectually besting them. Whatever this strange panda was, it was clear that he was like no other encountered before. When asked on his life before being found, Deft could not give an answer, describing a blurry haze in an alien world made of lights. Even though others in his village looked at Deft with squinted eyes and turned backs, he was raised just as any other, though he would soon learn that he truly was different. Deft could feel the very earth itself breathing, the spiritual energy carried in the wind breeze and river flow. He was able to draw this energy from the outside world to within, allowing him to manipulate the world as he pleased (or at least with the amount of energy he could use). He decided to dedicate this ability to healing others, and to guide his riverboat.

Islivaria
An older, but not yet wiser Deft had believed he had seen enough, and wanted to try his hand at the absurdly convoluted game that was running a nation. Deft called an island from the deep sea to rise, using his most powerful magic to create this island. Even today, it is considered one of his greater feats, and demonstrations of power. He named it Islivaria, meaning “Of Flowing Water”. Deft declared himself King of the region, and begun his work with Islivaria’s citizens of development.

It was a bustling island nation, port cities dotted around the island's coast connected with an interwoven network of paths and roads. Flourishing with life, Deft oversaw that the nation stay peaceful, and it remained so, for generations.

Fall of Islivaria
However, in the everchanging rapids of Rathnir, peace is merely a transition from one conflict to the next. And for Deft, Islivaria was next. A small squatter nation, its name and relevance now lost to time, had decided to encroach on the territory declared by Islivaria. By all means, it should have been a trivial matter for Deft and his kingdom, an insect to crush under the boot of Islivaria. However, what no one expected was the added interloper of the infamous Hands, who had (for whatever reason) decided to side with the squatters.

Despite the might of Islivaria, there was little it could do against one of the most powerful military groups of Rathnir. Villagers fled from burning villagers, only to be struck down by flaming arrows just steps from escaping. Those who stood their ground were impaled by swords, their heads adorned by their killers as a show of dominance. For Deft, this slaughter of his country was unacceptable, and he took it himself to face his enemies.

Deft failed, by the way. Yet he made his final stand, a fight so valorous that even the Islivarian god of War, Phalanx, had taken note. Amused, he descended from his heavens, towering over a defeated, exhausted Deft. But Phalanx had underestimated Deft’s spirit, and while toying with him, he had slipped and allowed Deft the upper hand, being forced to kneel in a show of humiliation. Deft issued his ultimatum; In return for his life, the people of Islivaria would be guaranteed safety and freedom.

But Phalanx laughed in his face, and declared,"“I am no mere warrior to turn tide in your mortal conflicts. I am War itself, and I will see that, for your arrogance, this war ends in the flames of Islivaria.” - Phalanx, God of War"Before fading back into the spiritual flame. Thus was the final nail in the coffin for Islivaria. With the blessing of the deity of War, Deft and his people stood no chance, and smoke filled the sky as the country burned. Thousands were buried under the ashen ground, and thousands more were left to rot and fuel the flames. Deft, barely escaping with his life by his river boat, swore to never allow himself in a situation and slaughter like that again. He disappeared for many years after this, rediscovering himself and his abilities on a spiritual journey.

Iristor's Comet/Panda Haven
In lieu of Iristor’s Comet, Deft had taken to creating a place for Eldhamites to rest from the ongoing interdimensional conflict. He had named the place the Panda’s Haven, and it was a lively little river village, which he considered home. Small houses dotted around the river as refugees and travellers stopped by, and the place became a sanctuary for anyone in those times of uncertainty.

In Ratham’s last moments, Deft had dedicated his time to ferrying people across worlds on his riverboat, using his abilities to open a gateway for his boat to travel through. While many were grateful for his services, not everyone intended fair play when accepting his help. His boat was stopped by a nameless group of bandits, vainly intending to scavenge some last loot off people trying to escape the worldwide calamity. Deft took out his quarterstaff, and defended his people, saying.

“''...And I have chosen to protect life over destroying it. But it is your choice whether you want to try to attack my home or not.''” - Deft Fortusim

Current Day
Currently, Deft is a traveller, going from town to town on his river boat, being guided by the natural flow of spiritual energy. He acts as a healer, helping cure maladies and treat wounds, but will defend people with his quarterstaff whenever necessary. Similar to the legends surrounding him, often Deft is found coming from the north on a river.

Quarterstaff of the North
A long, sleek oaken staff with magical properties. It’s adorned with a small, red fabric, and ornamented with netherite and comet shards. In fact, some of the newest shards to be added to the quarterstaff were from Iristor’s Comet itself. What makes the quarterstaff special, however, is its ability to harvest the soul from any opponent in encounters, given that Deft can first defeat them in combat. These added souls make the staff heavier, now so that only Deft’s large panda build can still wield it effectively. Inscribed on the staff, it says "Wielded by the Panda of the North".