#Tenakth High Marshal

[mattaytchtaylor]

Recently finished commission for @maimedmarshal and their OC Valruun!

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 28 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

FlameHairSavior: Well, the Sons of Prometheus are dealt with.

HIMBO: NO MORE NEW MACHINES FOR THE REBELS!

Zo: Oh, good.

BoyNextDoor: Finally.

β: i guess now the tenakth can go back to doing whatever

MARSHAL Kotallo: Unfortunately, not everything is resolved. Unless I am mistaken, the rebels still have their existing machines.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah. No way to turn them all off at once.

MARSHAL Kotallo: So while their defeat is now inevitable, it will take time. They may even become more dangerous in the short-term, as they attempt to make use of their fading advantage.

FlameHairSavior: That's what happened with the Eclipse. Don't underestimate anyone with their back against the wall.

BoyNextDoor: How did you find them? I thought you were having trouble with that.

HIMBO: I BEAT UP ONE OF THEIR GUYS AND GOT HIS FOCUS. THERE WAS A MESSAGE WITH THEIR BASE ON IT.

HIMBO: ALSO, THESE GUYS AREN'T USING THEIR FOCUSES RIGHT AT ALL.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I scanned a few, and they basically had nothing on them. It was weird.

β: might have been an attempt at security

β: delete everything after every mission or before every mission so nothing can be stolen

FlameHairSavior: Maybe? Anyway, we infiltrated the camp and destroyed it from the inside.

HIMBO: WE GOT LIKE FIVE STEPS BEFORE WE WERE FIGURED OUT.

FlameHairSavior: That still counts.

FlameHairSavior: The boss was one of Dervahl's lieutenants. So, once again, this is all stemming from the Red Raids.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Of course.

BoyNextDoor: Of course.

DIVINER: We need a Carja friend so we can glare at them whenever this happens! Right now the closest we have is Erend!

HIMBO: HEY, I FOUGHT THE RED RAIDS AND DERVAHL EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

DIVINER: Exactly!

MARSHAL Kotallo: Jokes aside, I'm surprised you haven't offered Talanah a Focus, Aloy. I was under the impression that she would make an excellent choice. She is a close personal friend, trustworthy, and a leader among her people.

FlameHairSavior: Haven't had the chance, to be honest. She's definitely on my list, but she's still dealing with her own thing. I don't want to try to force a question like this on her while she's still confused over her lover.

β: …

β: are you in love with her

FlameHairSavior: What?

β: youre apprehensive and uncomfortable talking about her current relationship status and dont want to bring her into a group where people make fun of you all the time

FlameHairSavior: What?

β: ive been reading varls books

FlameHairSavior: I really don't have time for this.

HIMBO: THAT'S NOT A NO! VARL, YOU OWE ME MONEY!

BoyNextDoor: It's not a yes, either.

DIVINER: Actually, I had a question about the Sons of Prometheus!

FlameHairSavior: Thank you, Alva.

DIVINER: We can get back to Aloy's love life later!

FlameHairSavior: [WorldsLongestGroan.gif]

DIVINER: What does Sons of Prometheus even MEAN??

FlameHairSavior: I think he was an Oseram hero.

HIMBO: NOPE, NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE.

DIVINER: I actually have, but not in any context that makes sense! It was the name of a ship in a movie of the same name!

BoyNextDoor: Well, where did the name come from in the movie?

DIVINER: Oh, it was too corrupted to watch! All we have is the summary!

β: in greek mythology prometheus was the titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity

β: and then he was chained to a rock and had his liver eaten by birds every day for eternity

DIVINER: …

FlameHairSavior: …

BoyNextDoor: Well that's morbid.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Quite.

Zo: There is quite a lot to unpack from that.

HIMBO: WHAT'S A TITAN?

β: think of them as like the gods from before the gods

β: the gods killed them except they didnt and they were all evil except the gods werent actually much better

β: the greeks didnt really have a high opinion

β: of anyone

β: lots of tragedies and hubris and people getting rightfully killed for their own stupid mistakes and also unrightfully killed for other peoples mistakes

β: and gods just screwing with everyone because

FlameHairSavior: I guess Sylens named them, then.

DIVINER: He's the only real option, unless they found the name after they got their Focuses!

FlameHairSavior: Actually, I meant because absolutely everything about that culture and that story sounds like his sort of thing.

Chapter 28 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[ayaitch]

Well, I got through the Embassy quest. Here's the only clear picture of Chekkatah that I could get. My photo mode finger wasn't very fast when I was going through it, and I most certainly didn't want to restart it for another chance at pictures. Sorry, Chekkatah. Another time.

Other scenes I tried for he was too far into the background and was very fuzzy. He's clear here for the split second before his screen time ends. Spoilers and (lengthy) thoughts below the cut, just in case? Idk.

Chekkatah's about to risk his life to try to pull someone out of further harm's way. (Or so I tell myself.) But alas, he runs from cover just to die immediately with an arrow in his back of all ways to go. It made me sad when I first played that he wasn't even given the "noble"/"honorable" way to go out fighting the enemy, defending someone, or whatever. He got shot in the back.

When I first went through this quest, I actually thought he was trying to run away, which I had scoffed at when I saw it, but (and maybe I'm delusional after having decided that Ikkotah is the best and so want to think his husband was worthy of him, he deserves the best) subsequent views of the whole cut scene definitely made it look like he wanted to get an injured (already dead?) soldier out of the continuous barrage of fire arrows. Which was nice, if a bit futile.

However, I remain a bit annoyed by the Embassy as a whole. I get that they were very outnumbered, fighting against a superior force that had both the high ground, the element of surprise, and came ready to wipe the floor with the very small contingent of individuals gathered for peace talks. But these are supposed to be the Tenakth soldiers who are the best of the best of the best, sir, with honors. They all died far too easily, even Fashav and Javveh, though to a much lesser extent. Again, it was for the plot, I understand, but it still would have been nice if the Marshals could have had more of an impact in the battle or left a more competent mark. Even Nozar, who we're not supposed to like, went out in a better way than the Marshals.

Maybe I'm just too salty about Chekkatah in particular, because his death really sucked, and someone had to tell Ikkotah that his husband died from an arrow in the back. Every single time we see these warrior tropes exercised in stories, emphasis is always placed on honorable ends; to die while fighting or defending. Even the trial by combat after a Tenakth soldier is grievously injured is to provide them an honorable death. To die from an arrow in the back would signal cowardice or ineptitude.

I know I'm overthinking it, and one can make the argument that he died while trying to get someone to safety, but it still feels like Chekkatah wasn't actually using his brain at that moment. Which best of the best warriors should be able to do in the heat of battle. Even a surprise one. He just saw someone needed help and went to go help. I suppose that's noble enough, that his gut reaction is to help without a second thought, but seriously. Under a hail of arrows, you're just going to dash out there? Seriously, Chekkatah? Even Aloy with plot armor doesn't do that. Though the way I play Aloy, she definitely would do that....

This seems to have turned into a proper rant, which was unintentional. I just meant to expound on some thoughts that always bothered me when I think about this quest or play it. The Carja too. They waited way too long to retreat. As soon as Regalla showed up and called out Fashav specifically, it should have been, OK, team, we're out. We did not come to fight, this was a meeting of peace talks, we have no real way to defend ourselves for any kind of fight. Skirmish, maybe, but an ambush would have been retreat in double time.

Again, plot, I understand. As someone who likes to write plots though, I can't help but overanalyze motivations and how realistic and understandable certain reactions would be. I struggle with the Embassy because very little of the motivations make cognitive sense to me. And I try to look at many perspectives. Maybe I'm not as good at that as I thought I was, because there are so many illogical reactions. I know it was a battle and people aren't thinking very well under that kind of stress, but again: best of the best normally have better snap decision making skills and quick assessment abilities.

Anyway, thanks for coming to my talk. Maybe I'm the only one who agonized about the Embassy for a reason that isn't Kotallo's maiming and Fashav's death. At least they both went down fighting.

I'm not saying any of this to start a debate about the psychology of battle or consistent framing of certain aspects of the story and/or cultures, or to actually gripe about this (I love this game and its predecessor too much to actively dislike something), I just wanted to think out loud about why I feel so blah after the Embassy is over. It was high feelings, and an instantly lovable character came and went all in one fell swoop, one our favorite guys gets terribly injured and loses all his close comrades, and Varl gets hurt. And then to have Ikkotah be the most heartbroken sopping wet kitty I've ever met just really seals the deal on how sad that whole thing was.

Also, this particular go through, Aloy ended up in such a position that Javveh's poor dead body was flung at her after the whole thing is over. It was a bit startling when the playable scene sets and Aloy's got Javveh's ankles around her ears for a split second before his body crumples to the ground.

[chloefraazers]

Niloy November Day 4: OT3

Since I posted Niloyakka for Smutober, have an excerpt of the WIP chapter of “equilibrium,” the Talanah/Aloy/Nil longfic I’m cocreating with @kittleskittle and @mythicaitt.

She sees Milu first and her stomach turns to stone.

And then the Sunhawk herself arrives, dressed in blue silks so dark they could be black, adorned with silver embroidery. There’s a band that crosses over her breasts and loops behind her neck, exposing her belly above a lacquered metal and silver belt and ankle-length pants the same style as her usual armour. A metal brooch sits in the middle of her chest, and her hair is in an elegant knot at the back of her head, rather than tied high.

She’s stunning. Aloy hasn’t ever seen her in dark clothes, and they only serve to flatter her beauty further.

She forces herself to look away and ducks behind chatty Marshals to not be seen.

With only moments to go before the ceremony begins, the sun creeping into position, he arrives with his group of riders – and Aloy gasps as he removes his mask.

His face is bare. Unpainted. His tattoos stand out against his skin as light filters into the clearing – and none of the Tenakth bat an eye. In fact, some pass by him and salute, a gesture he returns.

They know him, she realises. They know him and they don’t care that he’s from the Carja.

It takes her another moment to realise that his armour – and the face paints of the kids – has changed. It’s the same set, but the colours and patterns are different. Instead of the vibrant red and yellow spikes of the Desert Clan, his chest plate paint is deeper shades, and…

Chargers. Chargers and riders. Painted on, hardly realistic, but unmistakable, in deep shades of indigo and garnet.

It’s unfair that both of them look so lovely. Unfair that they’re so beautiful even when she wants nothing to do with either of them.

[robo-dino-puppy]

mark of war

hfw face(paint)s 19/?

[diviner-alva]

Marshal Aloy

Okay I see what you did there Guerrilla... what are you SCHEMING Guerrilla...

Bro she filled all the criteria and the amount of times she settles disputes ???

Desert Clan: Stopped a war within the clan.

Sky Clan: Returned the soldiers that attended the embassy to the Bulwark.

Lowland Clan: Aided commander Atekka to clear the waters in Thornmarsh; tracked a missing soldier from Tide's Reach; with the help of Marshal Ivvira, disposed of the machines and rescued the soldiers inside the Valley of the Fallen.

Tenakth as a whole: Aided Marshal Kotallo to force the sky clan to submit and send contestants to the kulrut. Defeated Regalla????? Stopped a Civil War???

NOT TO MENTION KOTALLO CALLING HER ABOUT IT??? IS HE HER HIGH MARSHAL??!?!??!????

I need this AND A BETTER MARSHAL ARMOR THAT'S SIMILAR TO HEKARRO AND KOTALLO OTHERWISE I WILL COMIT ARSON

[lordofthenerds97]

Blood, Sand, & Bone Preview:

*trigger warning* mentions of amputation and description of the injury

~*~*~*~

She stood back, breathing heavily before she drew her spear from his chest. Then she turned to face Regalla. “Your turn!” she shouted. “Come down here and face me!”

Rage coursed through her veins. It was an interesting emotion, rage. It was one she hadn’t felt often. When Helis killed Rost. When she discovered what Faro did to the other Alphas. This however, was different. This woman, Regalla, who had once held so much honor and respect within the tribe, had slaughtered her people. She’d turned her back on their Chief. She’d spilt the blood of the men and women that stood beside her.

All because a of a grudge.

At least Helis had fought for a deity he believed in. He fought for the Sun and for Hades and the belief that the world would somehow be better.

Faro’s acts were done in what he thought to be the best interest of humanity; to save them from the mistakes of the past and protect them from the terrifyingly haunting results those mistakes would produce.

“No,” Regalla said calmly. “It was an honorable challenge. You’ve earned your life today.”

Aloy scowled.

“Comrades! Mark this day. Today you have decimated the Marshals. Slaughtered the Carja. So begins our war on Hekarro.” She motioned for her warriors to take their leave. She stayed rooted to her spot for a moment, appraising Aloy with a careful eye. Aloy sneered back at her, spitting on the ground next to her. Regalla smirked and turned her Clawstrider away.

The rebels made their retreat.

Knowing that they were safe for the time being, Aloy turned her back on the rebels. She looked at Varl. “You okay?”

“I’ll live,” he said. “Go help the others.”

She nodded once and took off towards the Tenakth soldiers that were raising the Bristleback off of this High Marshal and the other man. She reached them in time to help drag the one she briefly recognized as Kotallo, one of Fashav’s close friends, from underneath the corpse. He was half conscious and she could tell he was incoherent from both pain and the blood loss. “Prop him up,” she said. She knelt down in front of the injured Marshal as his companion settled behind him. Kotallo groaned as he was jostled around. Aloy winced as she took in the damage. His arm was demolished. The Bristleback gear had ground his arm into a pulp. What was left of it, at the middle of his bicep, was reminiscent of ground boar. Skin hung from the mauled appendage, holding on to chunks of flesh that were too stubborn to let go.

Story will be posted on 12/17 9:00pm PST

I’ve got a new fic in the works

Anyone want a preview? 👀

[eat-your-god]

Marshals from the Embassy and their names (in case you want to use for fanfic, specially when Kotallo remembers them...) 

Chekkattah Javveh (high marshal) (correction, thanks to @ biankadonkanim)  Kenirra Sentekka Vintalla Zekotto

PS: High marshal has a very non tenakth name! 

this can be found here: https://www.artstation.com/danielguti

[saewokhrisz]

[DO NOT EDIT OR REPOST]

this isnt my what i usually post but i did a full layer by layer breakdown of tenakth skirmisher outfit (mostly to serve as a cosplay guide for myself)

thought that some artist in need of references or maybe someone whos insane enough to want to put this together as a cosplay could use it, its literally the same for the vanquisher and the high marshal variants so u just have to recolour it if u need those

some stuff isnt 100% accurate (as u can see i drew in zippers and buttons lol) but the changed details are pretty trivial so ,enjoy

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 19 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

DIVINER: Varl, I had a question about the Nora, if you don't mind!

BoyNextDoor: Of course.

DIVINER: Aloy mentioned that your people never leave your homeland. You are an exception, because you were made a... Seeker, I think she said?

BoyNextDoor: Yes, that's right.

DIVINER: My question is, how common is that?

BoyNextDoor: It used to be rare. VERY rare. Aloy was the first Seeker in a generation, sent to find the foreigners who massacred our people.

BoyNextDoor: When HADES and the Eclipse were marching on Meridian, the Matriarchs named every Brave we could spare as a Seeker so we could help.

β: and did they just never rescind that honor

BoyNextDoor: They never had a chance. Aloy ran off the night the battle finished, and I ran after her.

FlameHairSavior: CAN they rescind a Seeker blessing? I'm not clear on the protocol.

FlameHairSavior: I know if Death-Seekers survive, they can't just say everything is fine now.

BoyNextDoor: Honestly, I don't know either. Like I said, Seekers used to be rare. Death-Seekers were more common, though not by much.

BoyNextDoor: Why do you ask, Alva?

DIVINER: Weeell...

DIVINER: Aloy mentioned that there's an intact Cradle facility in Nora lands! The only one we know about!

DIVINER: I was thinking I would really like to see that, BUT just asking to go inside is probably a big deal!

FlameHairSavior: The tribe thinks it's a goddess.

DIVINER: You mean... the whole facility??

FlameHairSavior: Honestly, I was never really clear on that.

BoyNextDoor: The point is, the facility is sacred. The only one ever allowed inside was Aloy, and the High Matriarchs believe that means she is the Anointed daughter of the All-Mother.

FlameHairSavior: They basically rewrote the religion because I opened a door.

Zo: ALOY.

FlameHairSavior: What? It's true.

BoyNextDoor: [LokiExasperated.gif]

DIVINER: You used my gif!

BoyNextDoor: So, Alva, what does this have to do with Seekers?

DIVINER: I just thought that a cultural exchange might go over better! You could send someone to Quen lands, or at least our outpost in the Sunken City!

BoyNextDoor: Last I checked, we still didn't even have an ambassador in Meridian. The Nora do not like thinking about anything from beyond the Embrace.

HIMBO: I THINK YOU'LL SEE CHANGES SOON. TOO MANY NORA SAW THE OUTSIDE WORLD, AND THEY LIKED IT. YOU MIGHT END UP LIKE US, WHERE THE YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVE TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY IN THE WORLD BECAUSE THE OLD FOLKS ARE TOO TRADITIONAL.

HIMBO: THE OLD FOLKS BACK IN THE CLAIM GRUMBLE ABOUT HOW WE'RE ALL UNGRATEFUL, BUT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING MORE ABOUT IT.

BoyNextDoor: The Oseram don't have a tradition of treating anyone who leaves the Claim as if they died, though. Our laws are clear.

HIMBO: I'VE SPENT ENOUGH TIME AROUND AVAD TO KNOW THAT LAWS CHANGE. THERE ARE WORDS FOR IT. DESCRIPTIVE? PRESCRIPTIVE? I CAN'T REMEMBER.

β: in legal terms descriptive means the laws outline what is already happening

HIMBO: SURE. THE POINT IS, IF ALL THE NORA START DOING SOMETHING, THEN YOUR LEADERS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE LAWS TO ACCOMODATE THEM.

MARSHAL Kotallo: The Tenakth had no laws for unity and an inter-clan police force before Hekarro made his Vision a reality.

HIMBO: YEAH, LIKE THAT. MAYBE. I DON'T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT TENAKTH HISTORY, I MIGHT BE TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

Zo: I believe Varl already touched on it: They created a large number of Seekers at once. Perhaps they could do something like that, a coming of age ritual beyond your normal Brave trials, to allow adventurous youths to leave your Sacred Lands?

BoyNextDoor: I... really wouldn't be comfortable bringing that up to the High Matriarchs.

FlameHairSavior: The Matriarchs, or your mother?

BoyNextDoor: Both.

Chapter 19 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[horizon-armor]

Tenakth Skirmisher | Tenakth High Marshal | Tenakth Vanquisher Cold Sands Lowland Stalker Night Blood Renegade Sentinel Scorched Ochre

All Dyes

[sockodot]

WIP Wednesday- One Step Closer

I don’t know what to say about this except its Kotallo’s thoughts while Regalla and Aloy duke it out and pre-relationship. While not in this post, I am planning on some medical treatment between the two and a one bed trope so

Word Count: 964

The challenge is set, the agreement made. He doesn't doubt Aloy, he trusts her skills, knows her skills- she flew on the Wings of the Ten! She is his commander, and he does not falter in his loyalty to her, his confidence, but worry claws at the edges of his mind. It’s what makes his heart start to pick up even though the battle has yet to start. Adrenaline is still coursing through him, a tenseness, an eagerness.

 "Aloy," he calls, soft only for her. She turns her head as she walks past. She's wearing that familiar scowl but there's a tightness around her eyes. He gives her a nod.

 He knows she doesn't doubt her own abilities but still, any support he can give her (especially since he has been sequestered to the side lines, to watch as she battles to the death- for her life -and he can't even do anything about it), he will give it. Give her everything.  

 Aloy nods back.  

And so, he watches. Watches as they battle, Regalla slowly pushing Aloy further and further into the arena, maintaining the high ground. They both fight with fury, with incredible skill. Javelins are thrown, arrows are fired. Regalla tries to stain Aloy with plasma and she responds with fire. Regalla charges and slashes, Aloy dodges and strikes.

 He can see Tenakth moves in Aloy, in her attacks and defenses. She had mentioned fighting in the melee pits, wanting to meet the illusive Enduring. Ever curious. He's sure it's paying off now. There's a reason Regalla has lived this long, and it’s not out of luck.

 It comes to an end, because these things always do. Regalla's sword drips with plasma, and he can see the purple substance glowing on Aloy. It doesn't hinder her, nothing does. She is an immovable object, nothing will stand in her way, no person, no machine, not even a damn mountain. She tames what she can and kills the rest.

 And so, he isn’t surprised when Regalla finally falls, kneeling in the sand on the arena, the very arena that made her a Marshal, where she challenged Hekarro. Where she was spared.

 Twice now.

 He hopes the same bad taste that's in his mouth is in hers.

 "You mean to send her alone?" He walks forward, eyes not leaving Regalla, spear still gripped tightly. "Without even an armed guard?" He looks at Aloy. Hekarro said it himself, letting her live made things worse. For the Tenakth, for his fellow Marshals.

 Something close to betrayal seeps into him.

 "She does not need it," Hekarro states, hand raised to soothe. It does little to the rage boiling in his chest. How much has she taken away already? Knowing that she will be in their base, in their makeshift home, where they're supposed to be at peace, infuriates him.

 "I will be there. You have my word." She nods, solemn. And he hates that he knows she doesn't back down on her word. She has honor.

 "I'll hold you to it." Aloy doesn't look at him, and ultimately, she is his Commander. Ultimately, no one will follow Regalla after this; her continued failure.

 "Chief, there is something you both need to see in the throne room," Ivvira informs.

 They walk away.

 This day is full of surprises: Aloy flying on the Wings of the Ten and Regalla spared.

  He finds Aloy in a corner of the Grove, braced against the wall, head tilted back, and eyes closed. His irritation has melted away, rationality taking its place. Aloy wasn't wrong (she rarely is) when she said she needed all the help she could get. Regalla is a powerful ally. Even if he hates it.

 "Aloy," he calls once again, soft only for her. Her eyes blink open immediately, and she pushes off the wall.

 "Kotallo." She can see her eyes raking over his figure and he does the same, categorizing her injuries. The bruises, the burns, the cuts. Her armor is singed in places, burned away, or bloodied and dirty. There are many dents.

 "You are bleeding," Kotallo simply states. His hand reaches out to grip her elbow as he looks at the gash in her bicep. She looks too, turning her arm.

 "Just a simple gash." He would be more worried if he hadn't seen how she got it. Rolling out of the way of Regalla's spike trap only to rise into one of her arrows. She hadn't had enough time to dodge fully. She can switch between weapons just as fast as Aloy. She scowls at the wound and its then that she sways.

 Kotallo's concern grows as he leans forward, prepared to catch her if need be. He doubts she's had time to rest, given herself time to rest, after the Gemini cauldron. He also doubts she's still fully healed from that. And now she just defeated- he stops his thoughts with a shake of his head. Aloy stares unfocused at his chest and he squeezes her elbow.

 "Aloy?" His answer comes with her fully slumping forward, against his chest.

 Kotallo doesn't dare make a sound, only moving to fully wrap his arm around her shoulders. He rests his chin on her head. He can feel his heartbeat in his ears, surely, she can feel it in his chest, in his throat. But she wraps an arm around his waist too, lets herself be tucked against him.

 His arm tightens just barely, like he can shield her, protect her, against the outside world. She need only say the word, and his sword will be at the ready. He shifts so his back is towards the rest of the room, hiding her away from any prying eyes.

 "One step closer," he hears her murmur. "One step closer."

[melikochan]

Been thinking about a Horizon tarot lately (at least of the major arcana). Here's kind of where I'm at so far? I think it would be too ambitious of a project for me to illustrate, but it's fun to think about, at least.

The Fool - Child Aloy

Maybe even child Aloy tumbling into the ruins in the Embrace. Something that marks the very beginning of her journey.

The Magician - Alva

Playing on Alva's role as a Diviner, and the energy she brings to move Aloy forward in her quest. I picture her scanning data files with a flourish that's reminiscent of a magician casting a spell.

The High Priestess - Elisabet

Our elusive heroine, whom Aloy constantly looks to as a guide. I can picture Lis standing stoically, maybe even one hand resting protectively on a Grazer (or a similar predecessor from Miriam).

The Empress - GAIA

A representation of Mother Earth, GAIA seems like a fitting avatar of the Empress. She has a calm majesty that awes the whole GAIA gang. Think of Varl's respectful bow!

The Emperor - Rost

I know Avad, being literally an Emperor, could be a good fit, but I think Rost is a better choice. As Aloy's father figure, he brings positive masculine energy and stability to her life as a child.

The Hierophant - Kotallo

I struggled with this one! I feel like there isn't a great character to counterbalance Elisabet as the High Priestess here. I feel like his role as a Marshal, and his ties to Tenakth tradition, could potentially make him a good candidate for this card.

The Lovers - Varl and Zo? Elisabet and Tilda?

The obvious part of me is like "oh Varl and Zo, being canonically lovers, could be great here," but the lesbian part of me thinks Lis and Tilda could be fun too.

The Chariot - Aloy on a mount

I'm leaning towards a Sunwing, with the sun shining behind them.

Strength - Either Talanah, or Aloy with her spear

I like the idea of representing Talanah as strength — she's fierce! But Aloy with her spear would be just as fitting for this role.

The Hermit - Sylens

This is another one that just feels obvious. I'm thinking Sylens holding Hades within the lantern, either atop a dune or a snowy mountain.

Wheel of Fortune - Aloy in the Sun Ring? Maybe a motif with her falling/fighting charging behemoths? Or maybe even Talanah ascending to Sun Hawk?

Something that shows a cycle of descent and ascent works here, so I think either visualization could potentially work.

Justice - Avad

I think Avad is a fair and just ruler who strives for balance, and can see him exemplifying this role. I think a sword or scepter and scales would be a fitting image for him.

The Hanged Man - Ersa

Another one I struggled with! I feel like the imagery just kind of works here, to be honest.

Death - Ikrie

Feels like a perfect representation of Ikrie's story in Frozen Wilds, and her personal growth.

Temperance - Zo

Zo is patient, wise, and balanced. She feels like a natural fit for this card.

The Devil - Ted Faro

Fuck Ted Faro and his creepy harem tomb! I picture him shadowed with silhouettes of his machines in the background.

The Tower - The Spire

I think the imagery works well here, but also the Spire's role in Zero Dawn as a tool of Hades to resurrect the Faro Plague kind of fits with the Tower. It's a complicated structure, okay.

The Star - Erend

I struggled with this, originally thinking maybe I'd put Varl here, but I like the imagery of Erend rising from the struggles and trauma of Zero Dawn and charging into the future with optimism and strength. I want to see him grow in the third game!

The Moon - Beta

Beta's fear and anxiety, tied to her experiences growing up, makes her a good fit for the Moon, IMO.

The Sun - Varl

Varl's optimism and faith in Aloy brings positive strength to the entire team. He's a voice of hope and possibility. I just picture his beaming smile.

Judgement - Hekarro

I like the image of Hekarro uniting the Tenakth here and his message of unity for this card.

The World - Either a holo of the Earth, or Elisabet's pendant

Let's not get too abstract here.

Don't know if I'll do anything with this, but it was fun to think about. Would love to hear other takes.

[feminaexlux]

Underneath (Pt. 1 / 2?)

Okay so just to clarify I'm pinning Kotallo's age down at 27 and yes I know Aloy is 20 but she carries the weight of the entire world on her shoulders and acts as if she's twice her age a lot of the time so she's a Cougar in spirit in this fic. Girl can get it from her local sassy beefcake sweetheart yanno what I'm sayin'

Quick shoutout to my beta @vanorablogs​ 🧡

This is largely the same snippet as before but there's more text underneath I swear

Read on AO3

⁂

"By the Ten," he breathed out. Kotallo grabbed onto Aloy's proffered arm and hauled himself behind her on the Sunwing with her assistance. "You sure this... machine won't attempt to shake us off when we are in flight?"

She snorted. "You've got nothing to worry about, Marshal. I've got it. I thought you trusted me?"

"With my life. It is why I'm on here," he said, his voice low.

"Good. Hold onto me. The takeoff is a bit rough but that's the price we pay for air travel. Chief Hekarro!" Aloy called out, performing a tiny salute to the Tenakth chieftain atop her Sunwing. "I'll have to borrow your best Marshal again, sorry!"

"He is no longer mine to lend, Aloy," Hekarro said back in his deep dulcet voice, smiling up at them. "I borrow him from you, Champion."

"What is he talking about?" Aloy asked Kotallo under her breath. She didn't need to speak above a whisper since Kotallo was right behind her.

"Hmm," Kotallo answered in his usual way, non-committal. It almost sounded embarrassed, but Aloy doubted the grumbly Marshal behind her knew anything of embarrassment.

"O... kay then," Aloy chuckled. "Let's go!" The Sunwing reared onto its legs and Aloy hunched forward to brace and keep her head level, but she wasn't expecting that a man easily twice her weight was using her as a brace on their ride. "Oof," she grunted, feeling the air get squeezed out of her as his arm pressed into her midsection.

"Sorry," Kotallo gritted out. She could feel his legs strain trying to wrap harder around the Sunwing's plated exterior and easing off some of the pressure he was putting on her with his single arm by grabbing at the Sunwing plates in front of her. He managed to grab the ridge of plate right in front of her crotch. "Sorry," he said again, half-chuckling.

"It's fine," she hissed out, a blush rising to her cheeks. "Just... need... to--" Finally the Sunwing got enough lift. It beat its wings down and after a couple of intense seconds climbing at a steep incline Aloy leveled out the beast. "Whew," she breathed out, Kotallo's arm settling more comfortably against her stomach. "I didn't expect how hard that was. I need to get used to how additional passengers affect takeoff."

"You... have not done this with the others?"

"No, you're the first. I thought you might enjoy it," Aloy grinned, though she wasn't certain Kotallo could see. "Seeing as you were inspired the last time I flew one?"

"It is an honor," he said, his voice sounding awed. Aloy's smile widened. It was too bad she couldn't see his expression, she thought. His little smile would have been a treat.

"And now that we're alone, you mind telling me what the Chief meant?" She knew she had him as a captive audience and he knew she never backed down. It wasn't a surprise when she felt more than heard him sigh behind her. Several months with the terse Tenakth Marshal had allowed her to understand and enjoy these wordless exchanges more than she thought she would. He was expressive in his own quiet way.

It meant he didn't choose his words lightly. "Chief Hekarro understands your mission to save the world. It is no easy task to take on by a single warrior. Even if you won't ask for it, you need all the help you can get," Kotallo said, lightly teasing. "So I am here. With you. Until the end."

She smiled again, still hidden from him. "So you are." Aloy banked the Sunwing around a mountain range, taking on more altitude. Going too high would make the air harder to breathe and skimming too close to the land would only attract trouble, so she had to balance the reach of any cannon shots and human comfort. It felt wonderful to fly without worries and have the wind pass through her hair, though she idly worried that her hair would be buffeting Kotallo in the face. "Are you alright back there?"

"It is... more than acceptable," he said simply. She rolled her eyes. "Thank you. For bringing me with you. For letting me fly." He sounded sincere. He always sounded sincere because he was, when he wasn't teasing her. It was his best trait. She loved that.

And ultimately she didn't mind the teasing either.

"We'll see if you're still thankful after we get to Meridian," Aloy mused. "I get sore after riding for a couple of hours." She felt a soft snort behind her. What was funny about that? "But thank you, Kotallo. Establishing the embassy was important for Tenakth and Carja both. And now it should be easier since Regalla won't be there to interrupt."

"And I will be meeting this Sun-King Avad himself?"

"More or less. Me and Erend have already vouched for you since you're Hekarro's envoy, and one that was at the original embassy. You'll need to talk official things with Avad but I think that's it."

"I won't be held captive for five years, will I? I remember Marshal Fashav had agreed to those terms."

"I don't think so... but if that does happen we still have the Sunwing to make our escape. If I never have to step foot in Meridian again it will be too soon. But try not to have any diplomatic incidents."

"Hmm," he grunted, sounding amused. Aloy was continually surprised at how much Kotallo could convey with just one hum. "For you I will try." Aloy smiled to herself again. "I should ask, this has nothing to do with Nemesis, does it?"

It was her turn to sigh. "No. But this is a problem that can be solved."

He didn't say anything for a few heartbeats. "Of course." He hugged her a little tighter and relaxed his hold. A comforting gesture, Aloy thought. It was nice. They fell into a comfortable silence.

Aloy wasn't sure when it started but her little squad at the base had given her the gift of touch. Varl had rested his hand on her shoulder. Zo had embraced her. Erend had drawn her up in his crushing hug. Alva had sometimes reached out to grab Aloy's hands when she was excitedly explaining things. Beta herself had run up to give Aloy a hug after she was freed from the launch tower.

Far Zenith were gone forever. But so too was Varl.

The remaining squad had each other and they reminded Aloy through their touches. Except for Kotallo, who gave his touches more sparingly than his words. That made it more meaningful in a way. She was soaking up what she could get with his arm against her stomach and his chest against her back. He was warm and solid and here and those experiences meant more to her than she knew.

She tried not to think about how much she was enjoying this.

And she tried not to think about how she could have just taught him the override to get his own Sunwing. A tide of guilt rose up in her and she put it on her mental to-do list. He'd get his own. She owed him that for all that he'd done. She'll help him catch one when they got back to the base.

She got a notice on her Focus that the Sunwing's battery was running low. Oh. Right. Extra weight meant extra load on the battery. And there was 3 times the usual riding weight. Whoops. She spotted a nearby fire pit with a basic shelter and turned toward it. "Sunwing's running low on power, we'll need to camp for the night."

Kotallo gave a grunt of acknowledgement. As they were coming down and the Sunwing reared up to land on its legs, Kotallo grabbed the ridge plate in front of Aloy again. Again she blushed at how close his hand was to... a place, but wasn't like he had much choice in the matter and she didn't have to think about it too long.

Aloy landed the Sunwing and tapped on her focus, connecting out to Erend. "Hey, slight delay, we ran down the battery on the Sunwing. It should be recharged tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh, hey Aloy. Alright," said Erend, sounding slightly surprised. "Still faster than on foot so no worries. We'll see you when we see you, then."

"What was your original estimate for reaching Meridian?" Kotallo asked after dismounting from the Sunwing. He reached out his arm in an offer to help Aloy down.

She smiled a little and grabbed his arm, letting him guide her to her feet. "I figured it was half a day of riding. We'll only be late by one day." There was a distant clap of thunder and Aloy sensed the change in air pressure of incoming rain. "And it sounds like we got to shelter in time. I hate flying through storms."

"To travel by sky and soar over mountains, crossing vast distances in a single day. I have lived as one of the Ten. I will never stop feeling blessed." He chuckled softly. "Tonight I'll hunt for dinner. Will you set camp?" Kotallo asked.

Belatedly Aloy realized she was still holding onto his arm. She let go immediately. What was wrong with her? "Yeah, sounds good, thanks," she said, feeling mildly embarrassed. Aloy took their bags and placed down the bedrolls under the shelter. She lit a fire with blaze and foraged nearby, filling their water-skins with fresh water from a nearby stream.

Kotallo was already there when Aloy came back to camp. They sat down next to each other in front of the fire, having a simple meal together with the turkey he caught and the fruits she found in their comfortable silence. The rain came in soon after and the fire sputtered but blaze kept it lit.

"What is Meridian like?" Kotallo asked after they finished cleaning up, surprising Aloy a little. She assumed he hadn't really cared at all with it being the Carja capital.

"It's… crowded," she replied, feeling the chill settling in around her as the rain came down around their shelter. "It's a big city. I guess it's pretty? There are people everywhere, mostly Carja but also a lot of Oseram. And too many petty Carja nobles who think they're better than you."

"You saved their kingdom and they still think they're better than you?"

"Some Nora girl stopping Deathbringers and Corruptors from razing their city doesn't fundamentally change how they look at outlanders."

He frowned. "I suppose I understand that. Perhaps there's some similarities with the Tenakth."

"All tribes are like that," Aloy shrugged. "And that's why I need this embassy to happen. We'll need everyone working together to have a chance against Nemesis." She sighed and hung her head, feeling exhausted.

"I will be on my best behavior," Kotallo said, adding a little humor and nudging her with his shoulder. "Be charming. Witty. Noble."

Aloy looked back up at him with a smirk. "I need you to talk with Avad, not sleep with him."

"What a union that would make. The esteemed Sun-King Avad taking a Tenakth barbarian to bed? Bawdy drinking songs would be sung for generations to come."

"Stop that," she laughed, slapping his right shoulder. "And you're no barbarian."

"I may be charismatic but I doubt I'd be appealing to the Sun-King nonetheless."

"Well, he does seem to like people who could snap him in half," Aloy said absently.

"You know of his interests?" Kotallo asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He uh… was in love with Ersa, Erend's sister. She led the Freebooter mercenaries that helped him overthrow his father. He also asked me to stay with him," she answered, feeling awkward. "I didn't want that, or him," she added a little hastily, watching as Kotallo's brows ticked down in... annoyance? Concern? Maybe... jealousy? Aloy's heart strangely soared at the idea that it could be jealousy.

But for the love of GAIA, she didn't want Kotallo thinking she was interested in Avad.

Kotallo smiled sadly. "Ah, I think I understand him. A single person making the difference in your people's survival. Appreciation turning into something more…" he said, trailing off. Aloy's heart fluttered in sudden despair. If Kotallo liked her, saw her, only because she saved his people?

She needed a partner, not an admirer.

It took a lot to admit she needed a partner.

"You would have been trapped by duty to a single land," Kotallo said, solemn. Aloy nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "It would be suffocating."

She scoffed bitterly. "Yeah. But what's one more problem to add to the pile? I'm only trying to save the entire world from total annihilation because I'm one of only two people who can unless there's more surprise clones of Elisabet out there."

"It is my belief that you and Beta will save the world," he said simply, choosing to ignore the comment about more clones.

Aloy felt a different kind of despair. "How do you even know?"

"I don't, but you've shown me things I'd never even dreamed before. I've witnessed countless miracles in the time I've known you." He shrugged. "I know it won't be easy. It is why I intend on knocking down whatever obstacles we come across that would impede you, much like your actions for me at the Bulwark."

She buried her face against his shoulder. "Thank you," Aloy said softly, slightly muffled. He drew her in closer, putting his arm around her shoulders. Aloy got shifted in to rest her head against the crook of his neck. "I'm so fucking terrified, Kotallo."

"The wisest warriors are, when faced with uncertainty."

She groaned. "I could use a little less rhetorical goatshit."

"My apologies. Yes, it's fucking terrifying," he chuckled, ending it with a weary sigh. "I'm scared too. We've survived such incredible adversity and overwhelming swarms of enemies, each time pulling through with your - and your sister's - knowledge and ingenuity. But I wonder, how much of that was... luck?"

Aloy closed her eyes and stayed quiet for a bit, replaying over the events of the past 2 years. Life was so damn simple back before the Proving, when all Aloy wanted was to know who her mother was. "Not all of it was luck, but... but maybe some of it was," Aloy admitted.

She felt so lost.

As her teacher, Rost had made her focus on her goal of becoming the best at the Proving, honing her mind and her skills to the sharpest edge, driving her to the very brink of her capabilities... and then letting her realize for herself that she was more capable than she believed. Aloy knew that Rost had loved her in his own way, but there was no denying she had felt alone and unwanted for most of her life. He had been her father. But she had not been his real daughter.

Aloy knew she was needed by the world. She'd been created by a dying GAIA, given a dire purpose to unlock hidden mysteries with her genetic code serving as key.

People like Petra and Avad wanted her… for her skills and fighting prowess and symbolism to bolster their own tribes.

She was no longer alone in her role now that she had Beta, but Beta was still fragile, learning to be part of this world after being isolated for so long.

Where could Aloy feel safe when the Earth was dying?

"Aloy?"

A voice, both distant and yet so close. She half remembered she was having a conversation but she must have been falling asleep. "Mmm sorry," Aloy breathed. The fire was still going and the meal she had was filling, satisfying, lulling her closer to slumber. There was someone? incredibly warm next to her, holding her, touching her skin. The heat suffused through her, easing the bone-deep weariness of her thoughts.

There was a low hum by her ear, a familiar rumble. "Rest well," Kotallo said softly.

[coolclaytony]

Something in Horizon that's unlikely to ever happen, but would be an interesting direction:

Aloy, Grand Seeker, Annointed, and First Queen Matriarch of the Nora; Champion of the Sun; High Chieftess of Ban-Ur; Keeper of the Claim; Protector of the Utaru; Marshal of the Tenakth Clans; Liberator of the Quen; Tamer and Slayer of Machines; Lightkeeper of the Old Ones; and Great Uniter of the Gaian Realms.