#ordon imperial

[sunset-peril]

Hyrule's Caste System - HFS - Character Masterlist

Note - Includes only HFS characters who are in a caste. Uncasted HFS characters are not mentioned.

Part of the greater HFS Character Masterlist system. Includes character names, caste, and a basic description. Designs are not included (I'd go over the 30 image limit)

~~~~

Hylia 

Farore 

Din

Nayru

The Seven Heroines

Zelda the First (Rauru and Sonia’s daughter, not to be confused with Zelda 1 from Zelda 1 & 2)

Zelda Imei (Hyrule’s princess of the past Calamity, first royal to marry a Wolfbred after the caste system’s implementation)

Shamia, the Disgraced (first-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, first female to be removed from the Line of Hylia, responsible for the Sheikah and Wolfbred genocides and exiles; had her soul destroyed by Hylia herself)

Karu, the Unshakable (middle-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, first male to jump his sister’s place in the line of succession) 

Kumi (last-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, usually mistaken as Karu’s son)

Zelda Mineru (daughter of Karu, born after her people’s exile)

Zelda Miranda (last ruling queen, assassinated ten years prior by the Yiga Clan)

Zelda Esmerelda (current high priestess and crown princess)

Zelda Ivee (future, currently unborn)

Dinraal (Zarru, pre-draconification, priestess of Akkala and Eldin before draconification; it is said that despair drove her to commit draconification on the Altar of Power, but what caused that despair only Hylia knows)

Farosh (Tikkiru, pre-draconification, priest of the Spring of Courage; prior to Rauru’s establishment of Hyrule, he was convinced to commit draconification)

Naydra (Toma, pre-draconification, priest of the Lanayru Promenade and Spring of Wisdom; received a vision of the Zonai’s impending doom and sought out Vammira to assist with the tasks both Hylia and Nayru brought upon him. The first to draconify. Rauru was never aware of any of this, and he and Sonia met due to Rauru’s struggle to comprehend what had happened: Sonia’s knowledge of sacred acts and divine commands brought counsel and peace to the last two Zonai.) 

Sirie (Farore, pre-transmutation, a disgraced attempt to scientifically bring the Zonai back from practical extinction via cloning and appointed by Queen Sonia as Tikkiru’s replacement several years before the Imprisoning War. Became the Guardian Saint of Wisdom after transmutation and serves the Spring of Wisdom)

Berlon (Fray, pre-transmutation. Became the Guardian Saint of Courage after transmutation and serves the Spring of Courage)

Tyrvori (Became half the Guardian Saint of Power after transmutation and serves the Spring of Power with his wife)

Mursi (Became half the Guardian Saint of Power after transmutation and serves the Spring of Power with her husband)

Regent (A spirit ordaining rulers of Hyrule; it is believed that no one ascends without his approval)

Vammira (A spirit seem as a bad omen, as it is believed she manipulates potential saints to commit draconification) 

Kazuli (Wolfbred husband of Zelda the First)

Kakku (Genetically edited Zonai-Wolfbred husband of Zelda Imei; descended from Mineru by genetic engineering)

Rhoam (Current King Regent of Hyrule)

Link (Originally from the Half-Citizens caste, Arvador and basically prince of the Wolfbred with none of royalty's benefits) 

Urbosa (Originally from the Foreign Royals caste, dear friend of Zelda Miranda, ally to Hyrule and mother figure to Zelda Esmerelda) 

Mipha (Originally from the Foreign Royals caste, heir to the Zora throne with a unique tie to the disgraced Wolfbred) 

Revali (Originally from the Peasants caste, a Rito with a control over wind thought to be impossible) 

Daruk (Originally from the Lower Class caste, a Goron with the power to create a true force field) 

Rassill Alder (A member of Princess Zelda’s personal guard) 

Jack Alder (A throne room guard captain)

Tarim (A Castle Town guard captain with obvious Gerudo blood) 

Francesca (Link’s swordmaster from AoC)

Drazden (A former suitor of Zelda’s)

Dorephan

Sidon

Impa

Purah

Akeku (Urbosa’s niece and heir to the helm of the Gerudo)

Tith (Rito elder)

Kohga (only in AoC AU)

Esosu (Urbosa’s Captain of the Palace Guard, basically Urbosa’s Buliara)

Khosha (Revali’s wife, elevated to Foreign Noble after Revali's ordination)

Tarotis (Related to Daruk, elevated to Foreign Noble after Daruki's ordination)

Lillemor

Horacio (The Sheikah Court Poet)

Robbie

Elra (one of Purah’s subordinates)

Kohga 

Sooga

*none*

Irra (High-ranking Yiga, although Yiga ranks don’t influence the system)

Astor 

Caphia (A young Hylian girl living in Goponga)

Tavo/Vyrtuka (An elderly Zora living in Goponga who’s been adopted into the Wolfbred tribe)

Modern -

Midna Marie (Link’s mother and the head of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno. Prophetess and historian, although on the brink of insanity due to what the Circle forced her to do. Died suddenly at thirty-two when Link was twelve, suspected to be genetic-related organ failure.) 

Ordon (Link’s father, and a blacksmith by trade. Once a highly decorated Royal Guard and a favorite of Queen Zelda, he laid down his sword to raise his children after his wife’s sudden passing. It seems he always has a look of guilt etched onto his face…)

Link (before Ordination)

Sydnei (Link’s eight year old sister, almost ten years younger. A lover and raiser of Cuccos as well as her brother’s biggest fan. Link would do whatever it took to save her from the realities of the modern Wolfbred tribe.) 

Talo (A member of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno)

Quinari (A member of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno)

Pryze (Sir Pryze is one of the Castle's last Wolfbred knights. He is a mentor to Link, and ten years older. Uli is his mother. A throne room guard until the assassination of Queen Zelda, then relocated to Zora’s Domain with the rest of the Wolfbred knights until Link summoned him back as part of Princess Zelda’s personal guard.)

Uli (Cousin of Midna Marie, although she's like a sister to her. What happened to Midna because of how the Sheikah dehumanized their tribe in ages long past makes her very willing to lash out at the Shadow People. Wants nothing to do with Hyrule. In her words, if Link is only a "half-citizen," then the kingdom can only demand half his life for their wars. Pryze is her son.) 

Twili (The apothecary of Hateno Village. Mistaken to be Link's mother several times by non-Wolfbred, due to misinterpreting the Wolfbred's affectionate culture (and the fact that Link acts less shy with Wolfbred) to be a family relationship between the two.) 

Kokori (A senior (30+) Wolfbred living in Goponga Village. Considers her home among the Zora, serving as an assistant to Goponga’s general store owner. The fourth youngest Wolfbred. Colin is her husband)

Colin (Kokori’s husband and a fisherman in the Lanayru Wetlands)

Sage (Link’s spiritual advisor, teaches and leads him through his Arvador duties and takes them over when he becomes a Champion. Fifty years old, which is considered ancient to the tribe who only lives through their thirties.)

~~~

Ancient -

Perfection/Failure (Don’t get me started on him, just read the post)

Mable

Lon Lon/Lenora

Mabe

Sanidin

Saria

Arbiter

Karusa

Koma

Mezra (A member of the founding Elder’s Ring of Hateno, said to have garnered a personal connection to the Twilight. The Wolfbred’s afterlife beliefs primarily stem from her and Hami)

Hami (Founding ruler of Hateno Village, if you listen closely under the full moon, perhaps you will hear her call. Said to be spirit-bound to a Twili, she heavily influences the Wolfbred’s afterlife beliefs along with Mezra. Often depicted as a ghost-like wolf.)

Poe/Raven (A female Wolfbred with Arvador-type duties. While the Arvador title is unique to Link, this lady is in charge of the spiritual aspects that are most closely mirroring the Arvador: burials of puppies, spiritual work, etc. She maintains all the funeral rites and death tasks for Hateno Village.)

Ranvu (Hami’s husband)

Risoka (A former chamberlain for the Royal Family whose love for caring for and serving others became the basis of Hateno’s communal society)

Callisto

Jia (A member of the founding Elder’s Ring of Hateno, and Hateno’s first historian, transcribing history into song to prevent its loss. Her most notable “song” was a warning given to King Rauru by the Priestess Farore shortly before he died)

~~~

Deities excluded from the Pantheon and Pantheon Saint castes - 

Celeano Orientalis

Neclutoph (also in Sheikah mythology, escorted the two tribes to Necluda after being cast from Hyrule and protected the tribes throughout exile)

Tilir (an eel-like Zora said to have protected puppies from being put to death)

~~~

Individuals who died before the institution of the caste system (earlier than 10,000 years before BotW) have no caste and are organized by sub-kingdom; except for the Pantheon, Lineage of Hylia and both Royalty castes 

Individuals born after the Great Calamity have no caste, nor sub-kingdom 

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

[hero-of-courage]

Here are some short writings from Linked Galaxy!

Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?

Warriors snickered unashamedly as Four pulled a stormtrooper helmet over his head. The two of them and Legend had snuck aboard an imperial cruiser and were in need of disguises. The captain decided to tease the boy as he adjusted the plastoid armor on his shoulder.

"You've definitely gotta be the shortest stormtrooper I've ever seen." The man chuckled.

Four yanked the helmet off and leveled him with a glare.

He muttered bitterly, "Hand me that cadet helmet."

Legend slid in next to Warriors in full armor. "Honestly, he should really be posing as a captured Ewok or Jawa instead."

Four roughly pulled the cadet helmet over his head and growled in a filtered voice, "Shut up or I'll stun you."

Legend knocked on the top of Four's helmet with a daring smirk. "Try it. We'll see how this op goes when you're dragging my limp body around."

The captain cut in with a mock serious tone, "Don't do it, Four. It won't go over well."

Four scowled underneath the helmet. "Why did I have to be assigned this mission with you two?"

Where's your padawan?

Time peeked over the crate carefully. Standing at attention, in front of their escape was an outrageous amount of troopers. He sighed then turned to address the two boys next to him.

"Now, this is a tight situation. We are out numbered by a lot and our chances of getting out of this hanger with guns blazing is out of the question." He shared a glance with his former apprentice. "I think it best to employ stealth-"

Time glanced around. "Twilight, where's your padawan?"

The sound of an explosion and screaming bucket-heads rang out behind him. "That's him isn't it?"

Twilight rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah..."

Time pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I'm going to have a word with both of you later. Let's get moving before Wild gets himself killed."

Point and Shoot

Legend fired his blaster at an approaching trooper and swiped his gun. After examining it briefly, he tossed it to his companion.

Hyrule fumbled to catch the weapon as Legend spoke, "There. Use that."

Hyrule turned the blaster over in his hands, looking for the grip. "I have never used a blaster before."

Legend stared at the younger boy blankly for a moment before continuing his march down the hallway. "What am I going to do with you, kid? It's simple. Point and shoot."

She's a good speeder!

"Rusl can drop us off at the spaceport and then bring Epona back home so we don't have to worry about leaving her," Twilight summarized his plan for leaving Ordon.

Time raised a brow. "You named your speeder?"

"She's a good speeder!" Twilight defended himself with his arms crossed over his chest.

The exasperated master shook his head. "I'm not going to argue about this."

Please tell me we won't...

"Please tell me we won't have me launched full speed in an escape pod into an imperial space station?" Wind huffed after speaking what seemed to be utter nonsense in a down right serious tone.

"I'm sorry?" Sky leaned forward to glance at the boy in concern and confusion. "We uh won't do that?

Wild grinned like a mad man. "Yes. Yes we will."

Four is a droid?

"Who needs a droid when you have Four to fix things? Am I right?" Wind elbowed Warriors next to him.

Legend chuckled. "Do you think he can make it past the detectors in a cantina?"

"Probably not," Wild jumped in. "Not with all that scrap metal he carries around with him."

Four's eye twitched and he gripped the wrench in his hand. "I am so close to strangling all of you."

Warriors didn't bother to hide his amusement. "He's got the attitude for it too."

"Say goodbye to your heaters. Don't come to me to fix it when you're all freezing in your rooms tonight."

I'm a fighter pilot!

Sky stumbled into the captain's seat of a freighter and scanned over the controls frantically.

"How does this thing work?" He yelled towards the back of the ship.

Legend stopped his decent down the ladder in shock. "I thought you were the best pilot!"

"I'm a fighter pilot!" Sky shot back in frustration. "I've never seen a ship like this before!"

Legend blinked at him in disbelief. "This is a simple freighter! How have you not seen one?"

"My people never traded with outsiders!" Sky explained as he guessed at the switches and successfully started the engines. "The biggest ship we have besides our loftwing fighters is the Skycarrier itself!"

"Blast it all!" Legend swore as he mentally declared this conversation a lost cause. He let himself drop into the lower turret position. "Just figure it out! I'm manning the guns!"

How'd you get so skilled with a lightsaber?

"How'd you get so skilled with a lightsaber?" Twilight asked as he and Sky boarded their home ship.

Sky pondered a moment. "I was trained by the ghosts of ancient Jedi."

Time, who happened to hear them as they entered, spilled his caff in surprise.

"Is that right?" Twilight grinned.

Sky nodded. "I think facing off against two supposed long dead Sith Lords was a big part of it."

The captain, who had walked past them at that moment, turned to face the eldest in the corner.

"Did he just say what I thought he said?" Warriors spoke in a panicked tone.

Time didn't reply as he cleaned up his spilled drink.

[somer-writes]

Please lore dump about your fic. Please 🥺

YES FUCK!!!! ok so i really want to talk about ordon-hyrule!!

so we know there are 4 light spirits, 3 of which are named after the goddesses (lanayru, eldin, faron) and a fourth which is ordona. SO i think this could mean that ordon was (a) not commonly subscribed to the hylian faith and (b) independent from hyrule. hylians specifically have pointed ears to hear the goddess but ordon is exclusively populated by humans (which we do see both in hyrule proper).

therefore h/c is that ordon was brought into hyrule within the current dynasty of the royal family (likely preceding king harkinian since rusl lives in ordon but we know that he's from hyrule originally.

the current dynasty has overseen civil wars (since at least time's birth per the manga) and imperialism (hyrule absorbing ordon, death mt, and the zora domain)

Fun Facts!!

-> ordon is both the province/territory and the name of Ordon Village. for political logistics the crown declared ordon village (the closest to the border) the capital.

-> ordon has no centralized government and is instead a series of scattered farming villages with local mayors who convene cyclically from village to village. ordonian fashion is commonplace but the style of knot used to tie the sash is a good tip off on which village an ordonian comes from

-> ordonians are largely spiritual. no central power, no central religion. most of them don't worship hylia as a goddess but instead treat her as a regional deity of hyrule. they instead offer prayers/offerings to river/forest/etc spirits

-> ordon and hyrule share a common tongue (with some dialect/accent inconsistencies) but ordon's written language came long after hyrule's. ordon has a largely oral tradition (folk tales are extremely important to passing down their history). ordon's common alphabet has a few quirks. ch/sh are written using the same symbol, rather than a 'w' they use 'vv', 'll' is common in place of a y or ie.

-> ordon is not difficult to get to but the easiest way is the long way. ordonians don't typically venture into hyrule but their crops/wool are so valuable that merchants come to the province for them. ordonians usually trade for stock rather than purchase. it's likely sera spent some time in hyrule or set up the shop as a savvy way to attract merchants

-> hylians look down on ordonians as being "simple folk" mostly for their accents and how simple ordonian dress seems (although sash tying is something most hylians can't do properly)

[sanguinesorcery]

there where certain expectations placed upon the hero of hyrule and one of them was occasionally being sent as an ambassador to distant kingdoms to assist in political relations. today, was one such day. if link had to compare hyrule to ordon it was quadruple the size. however, if he was to compare the empire of the sidhe people to hyrule it could fit two or maybe even three hyrule's within its territory if he had to guess. a larger kingdom meant more people and more people meant more noise and of course when link was set up to visit by princess zelda --- it was during one of this kingdom's festivals. too many people for link to transform into a wolf but also far too many people for link to not bump into someone one way or another. 

another downside of being the hero of twilight was that link was physically a man but had all the enhanced senses of a wolf and it was making for a very overstimulating day. it was why link wasn't even sure he had wondered into the place that he had but he did and had multiple pairs of eyes of ladies draped in the most peculiar clothing he'd ever seen ( even for that outside the walls he now stood within ): he stood out in many ways amongst the natives of this empire but there was no mistaking his ears or his green garb or the crest of hyrule's royal family on the blade of evil's bane and shield. ❝ sumin' quieter. need ta castle. ❞ because one would think an empire of this size would've had some waiting at the port for link... or rather, someone willing to let him explore but reign him in once the hero, unfortunately, wondered too far into unknown streets and alleyways and had gotten himself rightfully lost.

Inbox Starters || Always Accepting

">>What do you mean, 'we lost them'!<<"

The war council was very quiet, wincing in unison at the combination of incredulously harsh tone and stare from their Empress on the news. The ambassador from the mainland had apparently boarded the wrong ferry, having taken one of the normal passenger ironclads instead of Eyrol's Seraphim, the ferry used strictly for politicians and diplomats alike. After all, nothing made a fine statement like sending the Admiral of the Imperial Navy himself to safely transport such high-profile individuals. With Eyrol's naval skill at the helm, it also helped to bring them to the Three and Ten safely.

Fariah could not help but make a noise at this complete blunder. It wasn't anything that could have a familiar origin, it was simply sound, a manifestation of everything she simultaneously wanted to say and wanted to yell. Usually, Sidhe military and officials were better synced and more disciplined than this! Every ounce of self-control was employed, a very loud inhale through her nose as she showed a level of restraint even Pava -the Goddess of Benevolence- would have been proud of. All of her anger at the news was released in the sigh that followed, a shuffle of weight as her shoulders relaxed and the layers of heavy silk of her gown settled around her as though a living part of her.

">>...Which ferry was it, do we know.<<" she asked, though it came out less of a query and more of a demand. Her voice still quivered underneath the tone, a dangerous side-effect of her lidded temper of the situation.

Kubyar spoke up. Of course, he showed little reaction to his Empress' mood, delivering his report with his typical straight face and flat affect of a voice. If he was any level of afraid of her ire now, it did not show on the Captain of the Imperial Guard.

">>We do not know the exact name of the vessel, Your Eminence. But we do know they will land, or have landed, on Harbor.<<"

">>Well. That is at least a start.<<" she sighed. ">>But it is the second day of the Festival of Color, I suspect they are going to be lost. Kubyar, can you spare anyone to look for them?<<"

She was very aware of the pent heaves of relief from the other councilors as she focused once more on her Captain. Just for that, she would have to do something to make them earn their titles later. But for now, locating their missing diplomat was much more important. After all, she knew the Harbor Isle was crowded on a normal day and would be overwhelming to any visitor unused to the concentration of people. But in the middle of a festival! The inhabitants of the Three and Ten did not celebrate lightly.

">>Unfortunately, all of my details are busy with the festival and making sure the harpy roosts are in one piece.<<" Kubyar answered, as unshaken as ever. ">>The monsoons are right around the corner, we need to be ready for their arrival.<<"

For some reason, that report made Fariah simply feel tired. It felt like yesterday they had weathered the late spring tropical storms, it was hard for her to believe that there was an entire year passed already. She was really not ready to face down the storm spirits again, but knew she would have to eventually. Once the whole debacle with their missing Hyrulian diplomat was ironed out, she would have to enjoy a day or two in the festival herself. Part of it was for political reasons, as it raised public morale to have their Imperial be part of the celebrations. Part of it was personal, to her own morale to feel and channel the collective energy of her people through herself, as well as to her own stress relief in relaxing and enjoying the meaning behind the holiday.

">>And who would you recommend I send to fix this, then, since you are all apparently so busy.<<"

She didn't even have to guess what the others would answer, and she did little to hide the nastiness in her tone at the knowledge of it. While she could absolutely demand someone do something about it, she would much rather not have someone resentful assigned to such a delicate task.

Kubyar's face finally broke its stoic composure to answer, twisting with a small bit of disdain for what he was about to suggest. ">>We could send Markesh.<<"

Actually, that was a smart idea. She blinked momentarily that Kubyar, who for all intents and purposes hated the boy Regent for his antics, would suggest him. But no, that was a good choice in her eye. Markesh was friendly, charismatic, and always willing to help. Plus, he was very adept at finding people. It would be hard to not trust the young man, and his ability to read people would help his Crown later. She nodded slowly in acceptance to this solution.

">>Although getting him to work with us once we find him will be tricky.<<" Kubyar added on. His straight-forward nature always found resistance against the rebellious younger man, a point that made the Captain equally resistant to ask for his help now.

">>Tell him it is a direct order from me, he will do it without question.<<" she replied. ">>He is probably stalking the kitchens about now. It is about midday...<<"

Secretly, she relished in the second time today she had seen Kubyar's face twist into something new. Good. His expressions needed to be exercised on occasion...

">>...I will see to it that it is done, Your Imperial Grace.<<"

">>Good!<<" Fariah could finally heave a sigh of relief of her own. At least this would be a peaceable conclusion. She hoped... ">>Thank you. For your unerring cooperation.<<"

:: ~ :: ~ :: ~ :: ~ :: ~ :: ~ :: ~ ::

The Harbor Isle was the center of activity for the Three and Ten on any normal day. Home to the largest commercial and trading districts in the archipelago, it was the central hub of all activity from the islands that surrounded it, and even beyond Imperial waters. People from other nations in the south tropical oceans and seas sought to come and trade their goods and share their own cultures with the encompassing empire, mixing and swirling into a cacophony of colors and languages and foods and styles. The tall and wolfish Sidhe may have been the majority population on their home turf, but it simply made other peoples and cultures stand out all the more.

However, even the busiest market days could not compare at all to the amount of sight and sound and smell and touch that happened on holiday celebrations. And the Festival of Color, a week-long affair, was one of the largest holidays. A celebration at the end of winter to welcome the color and life of spring once again, it was celebrated with colored dyes and powders, flung dry or with water at one another and into the air. A calling to the Goddess of Affection, Radi, it was also used to show affection, sharing time with people beloved in varying ways and means.

The amount of people packed into the open-air marketplaces and bazaars was nearly triple the usual day at any other time of the year, since they were where the heart of the festivities were happening. Approved as coloring spaces, anyone who stepped into the boundaries of the heavily-decorated ranges was deemed fair game. Men, women, children regardless of place of origin or age or social stature were running back and forth from friends and loved ones and strangers, the air a haze of colored powder mixing together into a rainbow of fog. Jovial screams and laughter, playful teasings and taunts filled the air between clouds. They ran and dodged and fired off vibrant shots that left trails behind them at anyone in range.

Unfortunately, that didn't leave out lost diplomats either. Undoubtedly, the green-clad Hylian would have been beset a few times in his overstimulating trek from the packed docks to wherever he was going, and that was how a certain tall young Sidhe found him.

Markesh had left the Central Isle not wearing his usual stark black uniform with the glittering hems. Mostly because he knew and understood what this week was about and strove to also throw his hand into it. After all, it wasn't just the Imperial who needed to make a show of mingling with the people, even their inner court was to be a part of it. Something about the hierarchy of the hivemind and how those who controlled the others should understand the people they could control with it. It made for better relations when anyone with that higher influence of control actually needed to activate such, as rare as it actually was.

Instead, the devious young Regent had taken to loose-fit silks in a variety of whites and off-whites stark against his own dark complexion, specifically made to be a better background for the color bombs that flew with a chaotic reckless abandon. The hems still glittered, but it wasn't in the motifs that one would recognize as part of his station, simply designs that marked him as native to the Culture Isle in particular. He didn't expect anyone but his own to know that, however. Foreigners simply did not appreciate the symbolism of the thirteen clans as much as his own flesh and blood would.

Although he took to the festivities and indulged in a few impromptu games along the way, he still understood his job and task at hand. After all, Markesh was not only very adept with socializing and the people themselves, he was also very good at finding things. In particular, finding people. Not that the Hylian ambassador was hard to spot, even in the mess and jumble of bodies and colors and sheer living sound that was this particular coloring range.

Hylians were typically not very tall, in Markesh's honest opinion, which made this one stand out all the more from the others around him. Any mainlander who could be even close to average Sidhe heights was a thing to be noticed. Hylia's Wings, the sigil for the royal family, also played a part into it, a design he noticed was repeated a few times on his person. As if wearing a sign that specifically stated this man was from Hyrule was any more blatant, the nervousness of the flurrying activity was nigh tangible.

Oh yes. He was supposed to find this one, in particular.

It wasn't hard for the Regent to slide his way through the crowds, performing a few graceful dance moves to avoid a firing line between two parties he was not a part of and keep moving. Apologies to a few young women who were taken in with the foreigner's strange appearance as he broke their line of sight, dotting each of their foreheads in turn with a thumbpad as he blew passed them and -with a final duck of a wayward paintball- came to stand upright next to his target.

"I take it you are a little lost!" he announced once he knew he was spotted, falling flawlessly into Hylian Standard so he may be heard better above the jumbled dialects of Sidhe floating around them. "Might you be my wayward wanderer? The diplomat from Hyrule?"

Not that Markesh really needed to ask. It wasn't like there was another one like this running around he hoped but it was better safe than sorry, in his opinion.

@obraveyouth

[sunderedandundone]

Possibly unpopular HC (Dark Crystal, Chamberlain)

SkekSil actually *does*...*mostly* want what's best for Skeksis.

[Because it apparently can never be posted enough: #allHCsarevalid. I don't invest any but the most minimal ego in my HCs and even your strong disagreement with them does not hurt me. Long as you're not an asshole about it and can distinguish reality from fiction. ^^]

[And because it tends to come up in discussions of antagonists: mentally walking in a character's POV shoes is not endorsement of that character's actions. It is in fact...writing. Convincing characterization of villains/terrible peoples absolutely requires the ability to reframe the story from their perspective, regardless of whether you ever actually write in their narrative voice or show a visible authorial attitude toward them, or not.]

[spoilers; CW for canon-depicted violence and general awfulness, etc]

Okay, so hear me out. Obviously Chamberlain's also an arrogant little shit who was driven to murderous rage when another Skeksis claimed their official spot at court as royal vizier, so I'm certainly not saying there's no individual ambition there.

But a Skeksis who *only* cared about *personal* glory would've taken credit for coming up with the essence-draining idea. (Chamberlain IS smart like Scientist!) Whereas SkekSil let not only SkekSo but Beloved Scientist think that Beloved Scientist had come up with it. The only selfish motive I can think of is if they were seriously worried the experiment would fail? But that seems unlikely. Seems much more probable that the C. wanted SkekTek to get credit, so that the Scientist never got SO high on the Emperor's shitlist as to end up actually incapacitated -- imprisoned, replaced with some numbskull, extreme maiming, exile, who TF knows. Which IS a valid worry, given that as calm and confident as 'So pretended to be at the Ceremony, SkekSil witnessed the Emperor completely and violently freaking out all over SkekTek about it just a few moments later (when they thought they were unobserved).

I mean, if SkekSil had told *SkekSo* their idea instead, so that it then had to be given to SkekTek as an imperial order, that'd be some shine on the Chamberlain's escutcheon sure -- but it would've made the Scientist look pretty darn bad at Sciencing, wouldn't it? ("The freaking court toady came up with our species-saving idea instead of you, Tek? Really?")

SkekSil's the only court Skeksis who ever acts in the whole group's interests (even counting the Emperor, who you could argue makes attempts to do so, but also completely, repeatedly sabotages their own agenda). Whereas all the others either just loaf about the Castle being deadweight, or wander into a situation specifically to make it worse (...*General* -_- ).

SkekSil spins on a freaking dime to come up with the whole anti-Rian propaganda campaign, thus saving SkekVar and possibly SkekSo from almost destroying the Lords' good-guy image right there in front of Ordon. -_-

And instead of letting SkekTek suffer whatever someone else might come up with to inflict on them after the vial incident, the C. suggests a punishment that...while it's sadistic and violent and absolutely sends the message of "*Don't narc* on SkekSil, man. It ain't worth it!"...once again preserves the Scientist's ability to work. And again, I consider this a legit worry, because again, all the other Skeksis including SkekSo have more than demonstrated that Schadenfreude UTTERLY trumps common sense anytime they're in the mood for bloodsport. In the heat of that frenzy, it honestly might NOT occur to anybody else that "hey, if we take off a major limb or put SkekTek in a coma, that miiiiight cause a problem with our lifesaving essence supply lines!"

Again, someone only concerned about their personal prestige would've either kept silent and not risked speaking up in the scapegoat-of-the-moment's defense, OR spoken up to propose something *extra* diabolical -- just to teach foolish Scientist a real lesson. As opposed to reminding everyone that while suitable chastisement is needed, oh yes, Scientist is still Lord of Crystal, hmmm? So we arrive at balanced solution for all. ;-P [ETA as a side note: seriously, Tek, what *were* you thinking with that narc? You're supposed to be smart FFS! You could've kept your beak shut and *none of the others would ever have known* how Rian got out, or even that you lost your small experimental vial! So when you run straight to the Emp to report it, what the hell is SkekSil supposed to think but that you *actively* *wanted* to get *them* in the headcage with a Peeper beetle, or whatever? So of course they flip the script on you. I mean -- DUH. Any Skeksis with the brains to do so would've! You would've! -- Well, except that you legit seem to be the one Skeksis to whom it seemingly never occurs to just...LIE. Which IS remarkable.]

SkekSil *also* brings SkekTek the Gruenak. A crucial part of their own cunning plot to get their seat back? Why yes. But why Gruenak? It must have been a fair bit of trouble, getting down to whichever port it was to trade with the Sifa to buy an *extremely* rare type of slave. If all 'Sil had needed was spies in the lab disguised as 'help,' Podlings or Gelflings would've been MUCH easier. But no, they wanted these slaves to have technical ability. Which means they actually wanted the repair to go as well and swiftly as possible, and no hard feelings for friend Scientist. Who says you can't serve the Empire while also serving yourself (and by golly, you'll have earned it won't you, you debonair bell-voiced murderbird ;-) )...?

SkekSil is the one who Dares Summon the Hunter. Another part of the cunning personal plan, yes? -- well. Sort of. It's more like the backup plan. But SkekMal *is* by far the likeliest option for retrieving Rian IF you can't get any deluded Gelfling to turn him in first. And everybody else at the Castle did literally fuckall about that whole situation, btw. (Hell, SkekVar never offered any actual *plans* as SkekSo's new 'adviser.' SkekSo themselves had the one good strategy idea of raising the Arathim as mercenary troops.)

On that note: SkekSil was the only one still seeking an (::ahem:: ::scare quotes::) 'nonviolent' solution to things at that relatively late point in the story. Which, leaving all moral issues aside, 100% *would* have been the objectively safest, most comfortable and least self-sabotaging course for the Skeksis. (...Short of, you know, not doing the evil essence thing at all and seeking some other path, but.)

The C. saw that a hot war between the two species had genocidal potential, not just for Gelfling, but for Skeksis as well. ("War is END." They're.....not wrong.) At minimum, it'd certainly put paid to the Skeksis' longstanding, luxurious lifstyle!

That's why I've little doubt that if 'Sil had been Emperor, they'd have been more than happy to work out some kind of 'Faerie's yearly tithe to Hell' arrangement with Seladon. Which would still have been a parade of horrors, of course -- but wouldn't have, like, wiped out an entire species...who also happened to be the Skeksis' only real allies...and massively accelerated the Darkening and thus destroying the planet everybody had to live on, *including* the Skeksis.

Chamberlain is also the only one who tries to point out the existence of, y'know, *mathematics* to Skeksis. I.e. "Hey guys, if we eat ALL the Gelfling at max speed...then there...won't be any more Gelfling? To...make more Gelfling...? And then we're kinda...up shit creek on this whole 'Gelfling essence as our main survival plan' thing?"

In fact, SkekSil is pretty much the only one who dares even try to restrain SkekSo. ...Until it becomes obvious that that's getting exponentially less possible by the second, because SkekSo's truly off the chain now and not entertaining any more non-genocide options.

At which point, having now done the 180 because it's their only option for staying in a position of power -- and they are after all the *only* Skeksis with half a BRAIN left, so they *need* to be in a power position! -- SkekSil goes balls-out for it and comes up with the inordinately evil Garthim idea.

BUT which I will once more note, *is* the best survival strategy for Skeksis *AFTER* everyone else has gone and fucked up the situation to the point where war is unavoidable. Again, Chamberlain IS smart like Scientist; indeed, while I'm sure SkekTek's better with the mechanical ins and outs, SkekSil is arguably a better scientist on the innovation/creativity front. O_o Really, 'Sil's a creative little fucker for all the things they set their mind to, too bad those things are just so often terrible. (At least in this era.)

Long story short -- IMHO, SkekSil just doesn't act like someone only interested in themselves and their slice of office politics. They always have their eye to species survival, and also the question of "um but really no joke, what do we want the future to look like?" And they're willing to take an unusual (for Skeksis) amount of time/risk/labor to personally see to it, even as others sit inert. They even pass up visible opportunities to one-up when something more important to preserving Skeksis and their rule is happening. (Though of course, when it IS possible to help both Skeksis and Chamberlain, as it so often is, Chamberlain *will* devise the way!)

That's why my personal thesis of the character is a little bit off-gauge from the usual take: my take is that their ego/ambition shows up *not* just in their zillionty court intrigues, but in an actual vision (however fucked up I'm sure it is X_X ) of a Glorious Civilization and Eternal Empire they see themselves as building. This is the project that takes up what's left of their once-astounding creative powers: a Civilization to outshine all others *evar* -- which Chamberlain will have the personal satisfaction of knowing could never have happened without aaaallllllllll Chamberlain's trine of quiet THANKLESS work behind the scenes. :-)

And what's left of the *performer* in SkekSil even after the music is totally gone rests in this idea as well, that once they get all the cats herded and every last bit of furniture in place just so, all Thra will stand and cheer in primeval awe of what the Skeksis have achieved (that is, what *SkekSil* has achieved) on this miserable dirtball. While some direct personal credit will of course be sought...and while if the Imperial throne ever WERE somehow to end up empty O:-) , well obviously Chamberlain is the only non-idiot Skeksis to occupy it...what's most important to them is that what they've created, what they see as their very own Magnum Opus, be hailed with universal ecstasies. Heck, it might even become one of the most revered regimes in the realms of the Crystal! That'd be a nice tack-on for sure, hmmmm? (Hahahaha suck it, Homeworld.) :-)

[bae-leth]

FE3H x LoZ

Hey, I saw that you enjoyed my Zelda AU so I decided to expand upon it! This includes eight students for each house, and even strengths based on the Three Houses weapon types. Also for convenience all of the students are Hylian/Gerudo/basically human.

To set the scene, the Gerudo Empire is in the desert to the west, the Kingdom of Hyrule is in the north and east, and the Ordon Alliance is in the forests to the south. The main religion is the Church of Hylia, and the Officer’s Academy is still in the center of the continent because the name sounds generic enough. The curse of Demise exists, but records of it have been lost to time and none of the students are aware of it (cue emotional revelations and plot twists).

CRIMSON BOARS

Since there are so few Gerudo characters of actual plot relevance, I decided to include Ganon’s other allies from across the series, plus a few wild cards.

Ganondorf - house leader. Heir to the Gerudo Empire. Strong and very physically capable, as well as a firm leader. Strengths: Lance, Brawl, Reason, Authority

Ghirahim - Ganondorf’s cunning retainer. Only really ever thinks about himself and his master. Strengths: Sword, Reason

Cia - used to be a warm, angelic girl when she was little, but has become the opposite since then. She idolizes Ganondorf, but also admires Link from afar. Strengths: Faith, Authority, Flying

Lorenz Zant - a foreign exchange student from Twili, a faraway archipelago. Only friends with the people in his class, and hates everyone else. Especially despises Midna. Strengths: Brawl, Reason, Flying

Urbosa - probably the nicest person in the class. Has a motherly attitude. Very strong and protective of her allies. Strengths: Sword, Bow

Astrid - a quiet girl who is almost always studying. Also has an obsession with fortune telling. Strengths: Faith, Reason

Onox - son of an imperial general. Large and built, and loves training. Always agrees with Ganondorf. Strengths: Axe, Brawl, Heavy Armor

Ruto - daughter of a wealthy noble from Hyrule who became close to the emperor, but she does not always approve of the Empire’s methods. Very flirty, and has many admirers. Strengths: Lance, Riding

AZURE OWLS

These characters are all either Sages, Champions, or Resistance members.

Zelda - house leader. Crown princess of the Kingdom of Hyrule. Extremely smart, and though usually kind, can be cold and relentless on the battlefield. Strengths: Bow, Reason, Riding, Authority

Impa - rescued by Zelda during the Tragedy of Sheikah and has become her faithful retainer since then. Often found accompanying Zelda or praying. Strengths: Sword, Lance, Faith

Revali - son of a renowned warrior in the Kingdom. Thinks very highly of himself and looks down on those who are physically weaker than him. Often trains to the point of intense fatigue. Strengths: Bow, Flying

Mipha - a shy, quiet girl who mostly keeps to her room. Dotes on those who are injured despite her introverted nature. Strengths: Lance, Brawl, Faith

Medli - daughter of a famous musician. Incredibly skilled at playing the harp and dreams of becoming a star as well. Kind to everyone she meets, but has a reputation for being clumsy. Strengths: Axe, Flying, Authority

Byrne - A quiet student who often goes unnoticed. However, he is immensely skilled in battle, which tends to surprise people given how often he disappears during training. Strengths: Sword, Brawl, Heavy Armor

Shad - a scholarly student who is extremely interested in history. Will approach any random student to help him with his research. Unlikely friend to Ashei. Strengths: Faith, Reason

Ashei - the daughter of a noble, but she would rather be a knight than an heiress. Blunt and sometimes downright undignified. Unlikely friend to Shad. Strengths: Sword, Axe, Riding

VERDANT WOLVES

These characters are Link’s friends and companions from throughout the series. 

Link - house leader. Future leader of the Ordon Alliance, though born a commoner. Kind and genuine, as well as very charismatic, but hides insecurities. Strengths: Sword, Faith, Riding, Authority

Ravio - son of a merchant family. Very close to Link, almost like a brother. Quite lazy, and would rather scam people than study. Strengths: Axe, Bow, Flying

Midna - the princess of Twili, who came to the Academy as a foreign exchange student. Admired by many for her beauty and charm. Incredibly snarky and mischievous, and often gets into trouble. Strengths: Lance, Reason, Flying

Saria - the youngest student at the Academy. A sweet and charitable girl who loves animals and feels at home around nature. Strengths: Bow, Faith

Daruk - a noble who dreams of becoming an accomplished knight. Very friendly and outgoing, but has a fear of dogs. Strengths: Brawl, Heavy Armor, Authority

Fi - a girl who is very religious and is usually found praying. Very analytical and excels in her studies. Often responds to her peers without emotion, and many have never seen her smile. Strengths: Sword, Flying

Groose - Link’s self-proclaimed rival. Always trying to one-up Link, much to Link’s exasperation. Has a massive crush on Zelda, and is willing to join the Azure Owls for free. Strengths: Axe, Lance, Brawl

Malon - a farmer girl from the Ordonian countryside. Works extremely hard, as it took a lot for her father to send her to the Academy. Known for her distinct singing voice. Strengths: Bow, Reason, Riding

OTHER NOTES

Despite moving some things around, such as their locations on the map and certain events like the Tragedy of Sheikah (Duscur), the nations here are loosely based on those in Three Houses: Hyrule = Adrestia, Gerudo = Faerghus, and Ordon = Leicester. (oh and Twili = Brigid)

Though Hyrule is a KINGDOM and Gerudo is an EMPIRE, Hyrule is larger because Gerudo is still growing and expanding. However by the timeskip Gerudo won’t have grown much because of Hyrule’s declaration of war.

The Tragedy of Sheikah basically went as follows: the people of the Sheikah region were close allies of the royal family, but were then blamed for the mass assassination of several nobles, including the queen. In retaliation, Hyrule massacred the people of Sheikah.

Since elements were pulled from many LoZ games, the three house leaders aren’t based on any specific incarnation. However, if I had to pick, Ganondorf would be from Ocarina of Time, Zelda would be from Breath of the Wild, and Link would be from Twilight Princess.

I haven’t really thought of who would be the leader of the church, or the faculty, or the equivalent of Byleth, but then again it’s not like this has to be an exact copy of Three Houses anyway. However I do think that Telma would make a wonderful stand-in for Manuela.

There are still cats in the Monastery (speaking of the monastery, I don’t have a name for it). Link and Saria give them the most attention.

I hope you enjoyed this!

--------

notes from bae: OK ROUND TWO.... LET’S TRY SUBMITTING THIS AGAIN....

in short: HJHGDSFGFSGJDFSHD??? JDGFSHGFHS??? I LOVE THIS??? I LOVE THIS??

this is so well thought out im going to cry. instead, I am just going to go through everything in order (prob not ) and scream at things i want to point out

'no one knows about the curse of Demise until later' IM BWUBWUWBWUBBWUB NOO.... NOOO..... THIS IS GOING TO TEAR APART FRIENDSHIPS..... i NEED to see the confrontations after this, because.... that's so heartbreaking and I don't want to imagine it... but i Need to see it :((

i AdOre how you incorporate characters from across the games, too. seeing chars like Byrne, Onox and Astrid make my lil Zelda heart happy...

and speaking of the characters, I love the strengths you gavce them!!! and the backstories... because this REALLy makes me want to see their supports. can you imagine.... Midna and Zant, Ravio and Revali, Groose and Zelda, Groose and everyone, Link and Ghirahim trying to hold a friendly conversation (which. oh dear. doesn’t work)... there is SO MUCH POTENTIAL and i can only IMAGINE!!

if you have any story details sketched out, I NEED to know!! i esp liked how you adapted the tragedy of Duscur to the tragedy of Sheikah, since there’s already hints of hostility towards the Sheikah in 10,000yrs ago-BotW, so it’s definitely not remiss that they wouldn’t be blamed ;; and this also makes me intrigued about Zelda’s motives!! Why does Hyrule declare war? because of her own personal reasons pertaining to the tragedy? in response to the Empire? something else entirely??

same with Ganondorf.... WHAT makes him declare war.... because I don’t think it’s just a case of conquer n conquer..... eyes emoji....

(and ofc our boy Lonk. with the best team, imo.... I Love the Verdant Wolves. would join them ASAP. they look like the house with the most Chaos but ALSO a lot of POWER...)

ESSENTIALLY I JUST NEED STORY DETAILS and house leader interactions!!! because, pre-timeskip, the triforce trio are friendly?? Yes??? And then it all falls apart??? Yes???????

TELMA AS MANUELA. PLEASE. PLEEEEEEAAASE..... she’d be absolutely fantastic!!! I also think we could have Kaepora Gaebora in replace of the white owl at the bulletin boards. Just for some friendly little advice...

and of course!! Link and Saria give the cats the most attention!! Saria plays the ocarina for them, and Link canonically picks them and runs around while giving them cuddles.... EXCELLENT....

 I also think Ravio would be a very good replacement for Anna. y’know, just to get the best bargains for the Wolves.... maybe steal for them a house, too.....

LORENZ LOOKING LIKE ZANT I SDJHHDSFH WHY HAVENT I NOTICED THIS BEFORE IM GOING TO CRY. IC ANT LOOK AT LORENZ ANYMORE WITHOUT SEEING ZANT P L E A S E SAVE ME I DIDNT WANT THIIIIS

also? Groose joining the Owls without any recruitment requirements??? I. Groose ily but shUT UP STOP THAT!!! LINK Probably just facepalms mournfully.... who else is going to play around with the Groosenator with him :((

IN SHORT: I LOVE THIS. SO MUCH. IT HAS MADE MY DAY AND I AM GOING TO NEVER STOP THINKING ABOUT IT

[40kmemes]

Red Scorpions

The Red Scorpions Chapter of Space Marines is known to be composed of conservative Imperial purists who are famed for their complete and utter devotion to Imperial doctrine, past the point where pragmatism or even reason would seem to require otherwise. The Chapter is most renowned among other Astartes for its absolute adherence to every line of the Codex Astartes, which is unheard of in any other Chapter -- including the Ultramarines. Its recorded history extends across five Terran millennia, but there are numerous indications that it may extend further than that.

Due to their history of conflict with the Forces of Chaos, the Red Scorpions refuse to deal with any xenos species or any humans that they consider as tainted by mutation of any kind, even Imperially-sanctioned Abhumans like Ogryns or Ratlings. They will obviously not serve with Beastmen, but they also utterly refuse to serve with the few remaining Squats. Equally unique in nature is the frequency with which the Red Scorpions' Apothecaries are present in the Chapter's Tactical Squads as squad leaders in place of a Sergeant.

An uncompromising and steadfast Chapter, the Red Scorpions have, in their five thousand standard years of recorded history, always been ready to stand in the defense of the Imperium, fight those who endanger it and punish those who betray it. Unusually for a Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, the Red Scorpions are fanatically loyal to the Emperor in whose divinity they believe without question. They see their quest for mental, spiritual, and physical purity as a divine mandate. The Red Scorpions are also strict adherents to the Codex Astartes which they view as holy scripture. They are stalwart traditionalists among the Space Marines, staunch protectors of the Imperium's order and authority, and have ever been quick to answer the call of Imperial governors and Cardinals beset by treachery and heresy from within. Their endless hatred for the alien and the mutant has also become famed across the stars, as is their devotion to purity and scorn of deviation from the baseline human form.

Despite the Red Scorpions' long and unimpeachable record of service, there are still those within the Adeptus who distrust them on the simple grounds that their origins as a Chapter remain a complete mystery, as does the identity of the Founding to which they belong or the primogenitor Chapter from which their gene-seed has been taken. A gene-seed which, other than being notable for its extreme lack of any form of deterioration or corruption, bears no specific hallmarks that would allow it to be secured (even inconclusively) to one of the original Space Marine Legions. This secrecy has led to some of the Imperium's hierarchy questioning the loyalty of a Chapter that keeps its history secret. Despite this, the Chapter is willing to assist the Imperium of Man wherever it can, carrying out thousands of aid missions.

It is unclear if the mysteries concerning the Red Scorpions Chapter's origins are due to a deliberate decision within the Adeptus Administratum or if the records might have been lost due to a simple clerical error. As neither the Chapter nor any known Imperial sources make record of its Founding, the former seems far more likely than the latter. Ongoing attempts have been made to at least identify the origin of the Chapter's gene-seed -- in spite of formal complaints levelled by the Chapter's leadership -- but even these have met with universal failure. Ultimately, the story of the Chapter's creation is far less important than the glorious history that it has established by consistently protecting the Imperium against countless threats.

Indeed, some of the Chapter's most notable core beliefs are founded precisely on the purity and consistency of its gene-seed, and it will go to any lengths to preserve that purity and harvest the Chapter's due from its fallen brothers to ensure the Red Scorpions' future. To the Red Scorpions, gene-seed corruption would fundamentally weaken them or any other Chapter of the Space Marines, and thereby weaken the fabric of the Imperium itself -- something they simply will not allow. The Red Scorpions' fanatical belief in their own genetic purity, and the lengths they will go in order to preserve it, has had the consequence of giving the Chapter a strongly isolationist streak when it comes to its interactions with other parts of the Imperium on anything but a practical military level, and as such it maintains no domains and is beholden to none but its own sense of duty. As a Chapter the Red Scorpions are extremely xenophobic, and for no cause or even dire need will they ever consider serving alongside or allying with aliens. At the same time, they remain highly intolerant of any genetic deviation from the pure human form. They despise Abhumans, mutants or augmented humans of any kind, and have often refused to fight as brothers-in-arms with any such "abomination". The only exception they allow to this disdain are those few individuals they deem to have been the work of the Emperor's own divine hand (other Adeptus Astartes and Navigators, for example), and even then there are limits to what they will readily tolerate in terms of human diversity.

A Crusading Chapter, the Red Scorpions fleet is almost continuously on the move, traveling between war zones and making its forces available to those who would petition for its aid, if the Chapter deems them worthy of it. The Red Scorpions have fought in every corner of the Imperium over the course of their history and participated in many great conflicts. They are justly renowned for their role in the Conflict of Helican, the Siege of Helios and the battles against the hated Bloodtide. They have fought alone as often as they have fought alongside the ranks of the Imperium's other warriors, and although thought lost several times, they have always returned again from the abyss to draw their blades once more in the Emperor's service. One important example of this was the entire Chapter's undertaking of a Crusade into the perilous Ordon Rift region deep within the interstellar wilderness of the south-western expanses of the Segmentum Tempestus in the 39th Millennium. Filled with spatial rapids, gravitic storms and other lethal phenomena, the exact circumstances of the Red Scorpions' extended voyage into this hazardous area remain unknown, and for more than three hundred standard years the Chapter was out of contact with the Imperium and thought lost.

The timely nature of their reappearance was also viewed as a gift from the Emperor, as they played a crucial role in overcoming a Night Lords attack on Oriflame during the Battle of the Grey Sisters. What occurred during their time within the rift remains unknown, but the Red Scorpions had established their primary base of operations upon a battle station named Vigil around the Feral World of Zaebus Minoris deep within the perilous regions of the Ordon Rift surrounded by spatial rapids, gravitic storms and other lethal phenomena. Save for the Chapter itself and a handful of high-ranking members of the Administratum, the Red Scorpions have kept the exact location of the Zaebus System and the safe routes through the treacherous passages required to reach it a deadly secret, thus ensuring their Chapter's security and the safety of their gene-stock. Using Vigil and Zaebus Minoris as their fortress-monastery and base of operations, respectively, the Chapter has continued to range across the southern and western reaches of the Imperium in search of the enemies of Mankind.

[sunset-peril]

Updated Wolfbred Information

- From the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab's Records -

The Wolfbred

Source for Picture

Height: Between 4 ft 5in and 5ft 5in at maturity

Weight: Varies vastly by Wolfbred

Lifespan: At the peak of their "usefulness", a max of 35 years. In the era leading up to the Great Calamity, around 85 years with medical intervention, average lifespan remains at approximately 35-40 years (if they survive to adulthood)

Diet: Omnivorous, with a preference for meat

Discovered/Created by: Bred specifically for use by the Royal Family of Hyrule

Origin of Name/Discovery: Wolfbreds were named due to being bred out of a breeding program that used all known descendants of the Twilight Soldier (TP Link/Wolf Link), as they were Hylians who were bred to have a wolf-like temperament.

History:

In an effort to always protect the descendants of Hylia from evil, the Royal Family took all descendants from the strongest line of Heros (the Twilight Soldier's bloodline, grandson of the Hero of Time) and bred them against each other to create the most loyal, wolf-like force humanly possible. After the 1st Great Calamity, when the Sheikah were banished, they to were exiled to the same region (Necluda) into a forested region separated from the rest of Hyrule by a single fort: Fort Hateno. Locked behind the fort by force of death, the Wolfbred gene pool became smaller and smaller for 10,000 years, enough that stark resemblances can be seen between the soldiers of 10,000 years ago and the modern people of Hateno. King Rhoam's wife, Queen Zelda, revoked the exile and freed the Wolfbreds, gaining their affections for their entire lives (although most didn't leave Hateno, her new Wolfbred soldiers worshipped her). The Hero of the Wilds was the last documented male Wolfbred born, and he passed away during the 2nd Great Calamity and was said to be mated to the last princess of Hyrule, but no pups were reported from the pair. Supposedly, a "Wolfbred's Gauntlet" exists, but not much is known about it. It is said that Wolfbred are genetically incapable of committing treason.

Appearance and Personality:

They look like shabby Hylians, with more fur-like hair, stunted heights and ability to walk on all fours. They have wolf fangs in their mouth, faces/skulls that are longer than a normal Hylian but not as long as a wolf, and their thumbs are set far back on their wrists, halfway between a Hylian thumb and a wolf dewclaw. This trait is known as a Wolfbred's Wrist. A marking resembling the marking on the Twilight Soldier's fur also is present on the foreheads of the Wolfbred, suggesting they may carry genes for fur, but simply cannot fully express them fully. They also have complete motion in their ears, while Hylians can only twitch their ears. Contrary to popular belief, Wolfbred do not have fur or tails. They were originally bred to be 1000% devoted to the Queen of Hyrule and follow her orders with near blindness. Whatever a Wolfbred sets as their Queen (typically their wives for males, or their pups for females) will be what they serve until their last breath. Modern Wolfbred do appear to innately recognize female Hyrulean royalty.

Habitat:

After the Great Calamity of 10000 years past, during the Sheikah Fallout, Wolfbred were exiled to Hateno and Fort Hateno was built to contain them.

Language:

The majority of the species speaks a primal language of canine sounds and do not typically speak Hylian. It's unclear whether the primal language is instinctively understood or must be taught. It is called "Chuffing" in Hylian due to how it normally sounds. There is a Wolfbred call to arms that is said to rouse even Hylian soldiers to battle. Only traders and soldiers will typically learn Hylian.

Intelligence and Emotional Capacity:

In regards to intelligence and emotion, they are completely on par with all other races, however, they are the most violent and aggressive race due to being specifically bred for war. The tribe has their own rituals, folk songs/anthems and funeral rites.

Reproduction:

Wolfbred reproduce in the same way as Hylians, and take one mate for life. (Unlike Hylians, Wolfbred usually don't take another mate after the first's death) Due to the extremely small gene pool, prenatal and infant mortality (if not crossbreeding with Hylians or Gerudo) is extremely high and most Wolfbreds develop early-onset health problems.

Health:

Wolfbred were built for fortitude, and usually are extremely sickly or very healthy. Usually once the onset of health conditions begin, a Wolfbred usually would pass within 5-10 years. After the exile's end, even sickly Wolfbred can reach ages ranging from 60-80 with Hylian medical care. However, it is not uncommon for Wolfbred to simply drop dead. Due to the average knight retiring in their 30s, Wolfbred were never bred with the intention of living past their battle days, and their bodies begin to fall apart in the mid 20s. Joint and organ diseases typically associated with aging are most common.

(Purah's notes: the Shrine of Resurrection may erase or delay onset of any genetic defects Linky may have, making it possible for him to become the oldest biological Wolfbred in history)

Notable Lineage:

Twilight Soldier (Hero of Twilight) - A man in the Age of Myth said to have been cursed to a wolf's body. He was able to switch between wolf and man once the curse was lifted, but the magic had stained his genetics; making any and all of his descendants permanent wolf-Hylian hybrids

Rinkū - King Rauru's prized warhound. Said to be the only Wolfbred to sucessfully avenge his Queen's death

Kakku, Hero of the First Calamity - Suspected to be Wolfbred, due to a presence of Wolfbred traits in the Royal Family. Murdered by his daughter, Shamia.

Shamia, the Disgraced - Lone daughter of Kakku, caused the Wolfbred Exile and ensuing genocide. The only known Descendant of Hylia to be disinherited from the throne. (Also referred to as "the Paranoid Princess")

Karu the Unshakable - Eldest son of Kakku, the first King of Hyrule after Rauru, the first male to be heir in place of his sister. Also the only Wolfbred male who escaped the Exile.

Ordon Imperial - Most direct descendant of the Twilight Soldier, father of Link and Sydnei, late mate to Midna Marie. Died shortly after the Great Calamity. Cause of Death: Illness worsened by grief (Broken Heart Syndrome)

Midna Marie Imperial - Mother of Link, last King of Hyrule, and Sydnei, last Duchess of Hyrule. Said to be Hateno's most beautiful woman. Died sometime between Sydnei's birth and the Great Calamity. Cause of Death: Complete organ failure (dropped dead)

Link Hyrule (Linky <3) - The last documented male Wolfbred, and the last Wolfbred born under the exile. Champion of Hyrule, despite not technically being Hylian, and beloved of Princess Zelda. Died during during the Great Calamity, but not before becoming King of Hyrule. Cause of death: fatal battle wounds

Sydnei Imperial - The last full Wolfbred born, sister of Link. The leader of Hateno Village is her descendant

Zelda Hyrule - Not Wolfbred, but pregnant with Linky's only offspring. Said to be the only Hylian who can speak the Wolfbred tongue

Reede - Leader of Hateno Village and descendant of Sydnei (and Linky). Out of all currently living Wolfbred, he is the most in tune with his heritage and prides himself on keeping Hateno just the way it was during the exile: a safe haven for the Wolfbred

Clavia, Karin - Reede's wife and daughter

Ivee - Daughter of the family who runs East Wind General Store, supposedly named after Zelda's unborn daughter

Pruce, Amira and Azu - Family of Ivee, runs East Wind. Ancestor was a dear friend of Ordon

Aju - Ran Kochi Dye Shop when Linky was alive, ancestor of Sayge. Born with severe, but not fatal genetic defect

Sayge - Runs Kochi Dye Shop, oldest surviving Wolfbred with severe genetic defect

Sefaro - Son of Sayge. Appears to carry the same genetic defect as Sayge and Aju, meaning the defect is either present at birth or has an extremely early onset

Prima - Said to be the prettiest Wolfbred after Midna Marie. May be related to Linky (More research is required)

Dantz, Koyin - A family of Wolfbred who live outside the town on a farm in the forest, completely devoted to the ways of their ancestors

*All other citizens of Hateno either are not Wolfbred or more research is required. The lab is kinda broke*

New Species Template © Jezni ( @Jezni )

Wolfbred © Sunset-Peril

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I decided to bite the bullet (I guess) and just go ahead and name the Wolfbred society that existed after the Sheikah/Wolfbred exile the 'Remnants of Ordona', as a reference to the Wolfbred Kingdom of Ordona from around the time as Rauru, and because I got tired of the And This Unnamed Group Over Here thing that tended to happen when I referred to all the Tribes of Hyrule collectively and because I wanted a slightly better reason for "why did all Link's relatives assume command of Hateno" other than "well his mom just happened to be it and they established Sydnei for having ties to the Royal Family and it just went from there," especially when I added the question of "well why didn't they replace Link's mom when she died?"

So-

Teeny Form:

Name - Remnants of Ordona

Reason for name - Wolfbred who survived Hyrule's destruction of Ordona

Type of structure - a 'Royal Family' consisting of the Mother Queen and her husband and puppies with a committee of elders (the Elders' Ring of Hateno) 

Modern Royal Family - Midna Marie (Mother Queen, deceased ~5-6 years before Calamity), Ordon Imperial (MQ's husband), Link Imperial/Hyrule (Arvador/Prince), Sydnei Imperial (Princess)

Language - Ordonian/Chuffing (Ordonian is the official name, but it has been forgotten by modern times and replaced with 'Chuffing')

Notes - Hateno is the only true settlement, so the Remnants are often referred to as simply Hateno Village as well

I need to go to bed

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Wolfbred: The Affection Coded Beast Tribe

TW: very mild mentions to incest, primarily through rumor; and clear mention and depiction of genetically altered humans

The Wolfbred are an ancient, recently "rediscovered" tribe of genetically modified Hylians with feral tendencies and some physiologies. A sub-tribe to the Hylians, their natural ancestors hailed from the old Ordona region, which is now the Faron Grasslands. The exact era of the region's fall is unknown, but the region fell at some point between the Zonai's arrival in Hyrule and the construction of the Divine Beasts. They can all have their ancestry traced to the Link of the Twilight Era (Known as the Twilight Soldier in Wolfbred culture). These individuals are regarded as 'werewolves' despite not undergoing transformation like a typical werewolf. However, they do gain a wolf form like their ancestor when exposed to Twilight. In modern times, their reputation amongst others tends to follow as thus; that they "steal one's women and ravage their sisters."

The tribe originally came about through natural means, although the exact means remains under debate. Wolfbred believe themselves to have been created when the Twilight first came into contact with their ancestor, and that Twilight magic remained embedded in his genetics. Sheikah geneticists working with them believed that their ancestor must have gained their unique genetics from an unidentified ancient source. Common folk, especially among the modern era where ancient records concerning the Wolfbred have been lost, believe them to be literal Wolf-Hylian hybrids, suggesting that their ancestors crossbred with Wosu. The massive span of time between the Twilight Soldier's era and the Age of Rauru prevents an absolute answer from being derived.

The tribe gained its reputation as an "unnatural" tribe around the era of the Divine Beasts' construction. This is because they were seized from their homeland and brought to Castle Town to refine them into super soldiers for the Royal Family and their Sheikah researchers.

As with complicated relations with other tribes, the Wolfbred's poor reputation with Hyrule as a whole is a conglomeration of both past injustices and modern misinterpretations. Past injustices being inclusive of an ancient Wolfbred's vile rampage against the tribes of Hyrule and the genetic modification that ended up following. Modern misinterpretation follows suit as an extrapolation of the effects of recent desperations, which led to an assumption that because a few were forced to an immoral situation that all tribal members innately wish to be in such a situation. Applying the interpretations of private Hylian society onto the communal society of the Wolfbred have further perpetuated such assumptions, especially in the wake of increasing tribal desperation.

Although the Wolfbred retain a springtime breeding season similar to the non-domestic wildlife of Hyrule, such a physiological difference from other tribes does not appear to be a significant factor. In fact, members of the royalty and nobility of non-Wolfbred tribes did not even seem to be aware of the Wolfbred tribe's seasoning until over a year after a male Wolfbred joined the ranks of the Hyrulean nobility as a Champion.

So a question is begged from the scientific mind: If the obvious factor for a tribe being seen so beast-like was not even a consideration until recently, what is the cause?

The answer, or at least the most obvious of answers, appears to be of no biological standpoint, but that typical Wolfbred behaviors are being interpreted in a romantic or sensual light by outside onlookers.

Of course, the social structure of a tribe carrying ten millennia of rigid isolation from others cannot, and should not, be changed to fit the expectations of the greater Hyrulean society, yet it is also not suitable for the greater Hyrule to continue to interpret social behaviors in such a light.

Therefore, it is imperative to inform about the types of non-verbal communication throughout the tribe.

The following are depictions of common Wolfbred behaviors that are often misinterpreted by Hylian society

Two Wolfbred laying together, on stomach or side. Inner Wolfbred can be pressed into side of outer Wolfbed. An affiliative behavior, used as protection of the inner Wolfbred. Often misinterpreted as romantic or sensual, but can be seen with any pair of friendly Wolfbred. Primarily used among friends and family, especially if one is weaker than the other. Main signs? Heads are facing the same direction. If the outermost Wolfbred's head is near the butt of the other, it is not this behavior.

Two or more Wolfbred laying together, with the heads pointed in the opposite direction. Technically an affiliative behavior as well as a protective one, but seen only in mated pairs. The two-Wolfbred version is typically since only in expecting pairs, especially as birth nears.

An extended version exists where other Wolfbred lay in the same criss-cross formation around the main pair. This version is typically seen in larger families, hunting parties, or other similar situations where the pack is resting, but eyes are needed in each direction. In family formation, the mother and father are center-most. In hunting formation, the pair leading the hunt are center-most.

Two Wolfbred nose-to-nose, one with head pointed down and one with head pointed up. Despite how this may look, this is an affiliative behavior. Wolfbred are a deferent breed, and this behavior is a common greeting/approach. Yes, it's still affiliative (not romantic/sensual) even when they're licking each other's snouts. Intense sniffing can occur between any Wolfbred, touching noses (a boop, if you will) is equivalent to "I like you", while licks are reserved for family.

Two Wolfbred nose-to-nose, at eye level. This is an aggressive behavior when used as a greeting, as it is seen as a failure to defer. This behavior, combined with quick or sudden movements, may make the Wolfbred being approached lunge and bite at the Wolfbred approaching them. This behavior is why Hylians often believe the Wolfbred to be always looking to fight, because Hylians normally approach each other at eye level, which is a challenge to the Wolfbred.

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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The juxtaposition of "I don't want to make a lot of content for/talk about the lore of these characters because I absolutely don't want to sound like I'm condoning, encouraging or otherwise de-emphasizing how immoral their circumstances/actions were"

And "immoral crap happens all the time in the real world. This being a fantasy doesn't mean it doesn't have the world's problems, or that I support whatever happens. Deal with it."

[sunset-peril]

Wolfbred Tribe - Important Social Titles

Tribe - the entirety of the Wolfbred, effectually the same as saying "the Sheikah Tribe" or "the Gerudo tribe"

Pack - any distinct family unit (ex. the Imperial Family is a Wolfbred pack consisting of only Midna Marie, Ordon, Link, Sydnei, and later Zelda)

The "Vyr-" beginning symbolizes parenthood of some form. The terms for "Mother Queen," "father figure," "father" and "mother" all have this beginning

Arvador - From Arving and Salvador. Literally means "savior heir," and Link's title within the Wolfbred tribe. Holds a connotation equivalent to a monarchy's crown prince (name by @aikoiya)

Vyrtuka - literally translates to "Papa", but means "gracious protector" and is more traditionally used for a father-like figure rather than one's true father. Sounds purr-like, which leans into its amicable meaning. The addition of the "-ka" ending symbolizes that this person has been "added" into the family

Vyrtu - literally meaning "papa," used for one's true father

Vyrrmu - "Mother Queen," the title of the mated female with the highest power in the tribe. The "-mu" ending shows that this title is over the entire tribe, not just one family/pack. Not to be confused with the more common "vyrr," or the usage of "queen" for any mated female Wolfbred

Vyrr - literally meaning "mama," used for one's true mother.

Vamyr - meaning "pregnant mate." While it is used more commonly for its literal and obvious purpose, usage is acceptable for nursing queens as well. A shortened form exists as "varm"

~~~~

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

[bae-leth]

FE3H x LoZ Part 2

Hi again! It’s been a while but here are some things I’ve come up with since the last post I sent. I hope you enjoy!

THE CHURCH OF HYLIA

I’m still debating upon whethere there will be a fourth route that focuses on the Church of Hylia, so I won’t touch upon the leader of the Church yet (but if anyone has any ideas, please feel free to bring them up!) The following characters are faculty and staff at the Officer’s Academy, and they are all recruitable.

Byleth - So it’s come to my attention that a huge part of the narrative in Three Houses comes from Byleth. Therefore, I’m going to include Byleth in this AU! It feels kind of wrong especially since this blog has given them so much characterization that I feel they without a doubt belong to Three Houses, but the story needs something to drive it forward (one example being Byleth has to choose a house). Unlike Three Houses, however, there won’t be a super big focus on their origins. Sothis isn’t in this AU, after all, so Byleth will just be a normal mercenary who becomes the new professor by chance. I suppose you could say that Byleth is much more of a Mark than a Corrin here in terms of involvement, though they still can have supports with the other characters. Also, they have pointy ears to match everyone else.

Jeralt - Good news: Jeralt is alive for the story this time! Throughout the story he acts as a source of wisdom for Byleth, and eventually gets closer to the house leader and does that for them, too.

Telma - a healer from Hyrule who serves as a professor and the school physician. She really wants a man, and almost always has some kind of dating problems. However, she is very motherly and excellent at her job. Her favorite hobby is making cocktails (which help her drink her worries away) but she doesn’t make any for the students until post-timeskip. Strengths: Faith, Riding, Authority

Kass - he was a traveling bard in his youth but eventually became a full-time professor. He is known for giving profound yet mysterious advice. He has taken Medli under his wing (pun intended) as a musical apprentice. Strengths: Axe, Flying

Robbie - the training instructor at the Officer’s Academy. Known for his flashy battle moves. He has an interest in tinkering and mechanical work. Possesses close ties to the royal family of Hyrule. Strengths: Sword, Lance, Axe

Orca - a general in the Knights of Hylia. One of the oldest knights. He is strict and has a commanding presence over the other knights, and has risen to his position because of his renowned strategic prowess. Strengths: Sword, Lance, Authority

Linebeck - a rather lazy soldier in the Knights of Hylia. He is often being lectured by  for his lack of effort. Has a habit of taking credit for achievements that he didn’t contribute to. Strengths: Sword, Brawl, Heavy Armor

Osfala - a former scholar who is now a field physician in the Knights of Hylia. He is a graduate of the Officer’s Academy. Quite prickly, but very attentive and quick-minded on the battlefield. Strengths: Bow, Faith

Irene - a mage in the Knights of Hylia. She is a graduate of the Officer’s Academy. She is not devout to the Church of Hylia, but she took the job in order to help those in need (though she would never admit it). Strengths: Reason, Flying

Makar - a noble child born out of an affair and taken in as a servant of the Church. He can often be found tending to the greenhouse, his favorite place in the monastery. Somewhat absentminded, but always wants to do his best. Strengths: Lance, Faith, Flying

ROUTES

Before we begin, I’d like to announce that the name of the monastery is the Great Plateau Monastery! It’s named after the plateau it sits on, which is in the center of the continent. Its high cliffs act as a natural barrier against any skirmishes that happen on the borders of the nations.

This is mostly just a general summary of each route rather than going chapter by chapter.

Part 1: Clear Skies

Jeralt and Byleth save three children (Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf) from a bandit attack.

Linebeck arrives on the scene and thanks the mercenaries for their work… because he didn’t have to do anything!

It is revealed that Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are students at the Officer’s Academy and heirs to their respective nations. Linebeck escorts them, as well as Byleth and Jeralt, back to the Great Plateau Monastery.

The mercenaries are recommended to the Church of Hylia: Jeralt as a Knight and Byleth as a professor. Byleth meets the students and selects a house to teach.

Byleth leads their house on various mock battles and real missions, while also using their status as professor to teach and train their students. The students also bond with one another, even mingling with the other houses – the three house leaders are notably close.

During one mission, Byleth and the students are tasked with protecting the monastery from an army led by an assassin known as Sheik. It is at this point where they begin to suspect that there is a bigger conspiracy at work.

Zelda later reveals that Sheik is a phantom that she controls in order to collect information and lead assaults while maintaining her identity as a student. She accuses the Church of hiding the truth from the world, and before she can elaborate, she escapes.

If Byleth has chosen the Azure Owls, they follow Zelda and she explains that there is a prophecy that has been erased from history by the Church, in which the three nations are caught in an eternal cycle of war and hatred over the Triforce Crests. She has learned that Ganondorf, as the bearer of the Crest of Demise, will wage war that will destroy the continent in the future, and she intends to stop that from happening as soon as possible.

If Byleth has chosen the Azure Owls, they join Zelda and siege the Great Plateau Monastery in order to make it a new base of operations for the Kingdom army. If Byleth has chosen the Crimson Boars or Verdant Wolves, they join their students and the Knights of Hylia in defending the monastery.

Regardless of which house they chose, Byleth is knocked unconscious during the battle, and wakes up five years later. The Kingdom, Empire and Alliance are at war with each other, just as the prophecy stated.

Part 2: Relentless Rain (Azure Owls / Kingdom of Hyrule)

Byleth returns to the monastery, where they reunite with Zelda and the Azure Owls. They learn that the Gerudo Empire has allied with the Church of Hylia – though they have different goals, they both oppose the Kingdom – while the Ordon Alliance remains neutral, but is struggling to prevent internal conflict.

The Gerudo Empire invades Kingdom territory, but to everyone’s surprise the Alliance arrives as well, resulting in a three-way battle. There are heavy losses on all sides, with the Alliance army especially damaged.

Zelda’s first plan of action is to eliminate the Alliance while it is still vulnerable. The Kingdom army storms the Alliance capital and though Link is there as the last line of defense, he surrenders upon defeat.

The Kingdom army continues to advance into Empire territory. The Knights of Hylia guard a vital fortress in one last stand, but are defeated.

Zelda and Byleth arrange a secret meeting with Ganondorf in hopes of obtaining more answers about the prophecy, which Ganondorf has learned about in the past five years. When they confront him, they see how much his mind has deteriorated, and they are ambushed by soldiers of the Yiga Clan. Zelda and Byleth are forced to retreat.

Zelda admits that she had worked with the Yiga Clan as Sheik in the past, partially to obtain information about the resurrection of the Demon King and partially to gain their aid in taking down the Church. However, since their goal is to unleash the Demon King, she plans to target them as well.

The Kingdom army arrives at the capital and sieges the imperial palace. Ganondorf has fully lost his sanity and exhausts all of his troops in order to try and overwhelm Zelda. He is defeated, but in a last-ditch effort he uses his Crest in order to transform into a Demonic Beast, Beast Ganon.

Zelda and Byleth defeat Beast Ganon. Zelda briefly mourns that of all people, the Crest of Demise happened to take hold of her friend. However, she is reassured that she has restored peace to the continent. Link steps down from leadership of the Alliance and becomes a lone traveler. The three nations unify into the Great Kingdom of Hyrule, and Zelda ascends as its first queen. She heralds an era of peace and harmony while turning her attention to tracking down the remains of the Yiga Clan.

Part 2: Roaring Thunder (Crimson Boars / Gerudo Empire)

Byleth returns to the fallen Great Plateau Monastery and encounters Ganondorf, who is continuing to grow unstable. He laments that he hears voices and has visions urging him down the path of evil. The two reunite with the rest of the Crimson Boars and claim the monastery as their base.

Ganondorf forces a sudden battle between the armies of the Empire, Kingdom, and Alliance. All three armies are hit extremely hard.

Link arrives at the monastery alone to talk to Ganondorf as a friend rather than an opponent. He urges Ganondorf to stop the war with him so they can live in peace as they did before. In a fit of blind rage, Ganondorf loses control of his own actions and murders Link.

Ganondorf realizes that he needs to locate the source of the darkness within him before he can cause any more damage. However, he must convince Zelda to stop the war, so the imperial army continues its advance into Kingdom territory.

The rest of the Verdant Wolves lead the Alliance army into battle, desiring vengeance for the murder of their friend and leader. Ganondorf is forced to defeat them in order to advance.

The imperial army arrives at the Kingdom capital, where Zelda faces them in one final stand. She refuses to yield, as she believes that her mission to eliminate Ganondorf is the only way to prevent further conflict. Ganondorf regretfully defeats her, and in her dying breath she says to “beware the eye of the Yiga.”

Byleth and Ganondorf obtain a posthumous letter from Impa, which details all of the information Zelda has collected about the reincarnation cycle, and Ganondorf learns of his true nature as the reborn Demise, the Demon King of ancient history. The Yiga Clan are a cult that seeks to revive Demise and bring forth the apocalypse, and the letter includes directions to their hidden base.

The imperial army storms the Yiga Clan Hideout, but in the chaos Ganondorf is restrained by the Yiga. They use their powers to extract the Crest of Demise from his body, and from the Crest’s power Demise is fully revived.

Byleth and Ganondorf engage in one final battle against the origin of evil itself, the Demon King Demise. Upon defeating him, the curse is broken permanently and Ganondorf is freed from its hold.

Ganondorf takes his rightful place as the King of the Gerudo Empire, and eventually repairs relations with the Kingdom and Alliance. He visits the Great Plateau Monastery, where Link is buried, the day before his coronation, and says a prayer for all of his friends who had fallen in the war. He is renowned centuries into the future as the catalyst who laid the continent’s demons to eternal rest.

Part 2: Shining Sun (Verdant Wolves / Ordon Alliance)

Byleth returns to the Great Plateau Monastery and reunites with Link, who has been hopeful for their return. Together they meet up with the other Verdant Wolves and rally their troops at the monastery, which has become their new base.

SIDE NOTE: in this route, Link has the option to recruit any units who were not recruited in part 1 if he approaches them in battle.

The Alliance army advances into the Kingdom, but are stopped by the Zelda and the Kingdom army. Ganondorf and his troops also arrive, resulting in a three-way battle. All three armies are forced to fall back, and Link decides to travel along the border between the Empire and Kingdom in order to avoid more ambushes.

Link confesses that as a commoner who ascended to leadership, he has always been treated as an outsider. His dream is to rebuild the continent into a place where everyone is treated equally, and where the bigotry and discrimination between social classes and nations is abolished. This is why his goal is to end the war in its entirety and unite all three nations.

The Alliance army is attacked by the Yiga Clan, which is when Byleth and Link first learn of the cult’s existence.

Before departing from the border and heading into Kingdom territory, the Alliance army faces Ganondorf and the imperial army one more time. Cia is particularly conflicted about her loyalties, and if Link recruits her during the battle, Ganondorf calls in reinforcements that surround them completely. Link is forced to defeat Ganondorf in order to proceed, and in Ganondorf’s last moments, Link promises to bring peace to the continent. (Though Link is not aware of the prophecy, he unknowingly fulfilled it by defeating Ganondorf.)

The Alliance battles its way through the Kingdom until it reaches the capital. Zelda refuses to hear Link’s pleas to cease the war, and the Kingdom engages the Alliance in battle. Midway through, she calls upon the Yiga Clan, and they arrive as reinforcements. Byleth and Link are able to endure and come out victorious, defeating both the Kingdom and the Yiga.

Zelda survives, but is exiled out of the continent. The three nations are united into the Hylian Alliance, and Link becomes its first ruler. Link is still upset over losing Zelda and Ganondorf, but makes sure to honor them by making his reign a just and noble one thats brings the Alliance into a golden age. He is remembered as a progressive leader who utilized his kindness and generosity in order to bring together people from all walks of life.

CRESTS

I’ve decided that Crests and Relics are also in this AU! Here are all of the ones that appear in this universe.

There are four crests that are not passed on by bloodline: the Triforce Crests (Din, Nayru, Farore) and the Crest of Demise. These are the oldest Crests; they can manifest in anyone regardless of status, but appear very rarely. The Triforce Crests are capable of manifesting in someone who already has another Crest, and they won’t have any negative effects, unlike what is shown in Three Houses. The Crest of Demise is a different story.

Din - one of the Triforce Crests, also known as the Crest of Power. Its Hero Relic is the Mirror Shield. Bearers: Ganondorf (minor)

Nayru - one of the Triforce Crests, also known as the Crest of Wisdom. Its Hero Relic is the Bow of Light. Bearers: Zelda (minor)

Farore - one of the Triforce Crests, also known as the Crest of Courage. Its Hero Relic is the Master Sword. Bearers: Link (major)

Demise - an ancient Crest named after the Demon King who bore it. Bearers of this Crest eventually lose their sanity and gain an unquenchable bloodlust. Its Hero Relic is the Demon Trident. Bearers: Ganondorf (major)

Hylia - a Crest that is usually found in members of the royal family of Hyrule. Its Hero Relic is the Goddess Sword. Bearers: Zelda (major), Fi (minor)

Nabooru - a Crest that comes from one of the first warrior heroes of the Gerudo Empire. Its Hero Relic is the Scimitar of the Seven. Bearers: Urbosa (minor)

Kakariko - a Crest that originates from Hyrule. Its Hero Relic is the Sahasrahla Staff. Bearers: Osfala (minor), Robbie (minor)

Holodrum - a Crest that originates from Gerudo. Its Hero Relic is the Golden Gauntlets. Bearers: Onox (minor)

Zora - a Crest that originates from Hyrule. Its Hero Relic is the Lightscale Trident. Bearers: Ruto (major), Mipha (minor)

Lokomo - a Crest that originates from Ordon. Its Hero Relic is the Light Force Gem. Bearers: Byrne (minor)

Goron - a Crest that originates from Hyrule. Its Hero Relic is the Boulder Breaker. Bearers: Daruk (minor)

Rito - a Crest that originates from Hyrule. Its Hero Relic is the Harpstring Axe. Bearers: Revali (minor), Medli (minor)

Kokiri - a Crest that originates from Ordon. Its Hero Relic is the Fairy Bow. Bearers: Saria (minor), Makar (minor)

Twili - known in Hyrule as the Interloper’s Crest. The first bearer of this Crest left the continent and founded the kingdom of Twili, and it is only found in members of the Twili royal family. Its Hero Relic is the Twilight Spear. Bearers: Midna (major)

NEW CLASSES

These are some classes that I would’ve liked to see in Three Houses, so I wrote them down because it makes sense for certain characters. Also, the house leaders have their own Lord classes.

Dark Flier - a wyvern rider who uses lances and reason. I imagine this to be Midna’s canon class.

Holy Flier - a pegasus rider who uses axes and faith. I imagine this to be Cia’s and Medli’s canon class.

Blade Scion - an infantry unit who uses swords, lances, and gauntlets. I imagine this to be Impa’s and Groose’s canon class.

Goddess Knight - a horse rider who uses bows and reason. This is Zelda’s advanced class.

Holy Queen - a horse rider who uses bows and reason. This is Zelda’s master class.

Radiant Knight - a horse rider who uses swords and faith. This is Link’s advanced class.

Legendary Hero - a horse rider who uses swords and faith. This is Link’s master class.

King of Thieves - an infantry unit who uses lances, gauntlets, and reason. This is Ganondorf’s advanced class.

Demon King - an infantry unit who uses lances, gauntlets, and reason. This is Ganondorf’s master class and Demise’s only class.

OTHER NOTES

I forgot to mention in my last post that Shad is also a Crest researcher, so he’s basically Linhardt but without the sleepy.

Pre-timeskip, Zelda has shorter (BotW2) hair, Link has a ponytail (BotW), and Ganondorf has short (OoT) hair. Post-timeskip, Zelda has long (BotW) hair, Link has short (TP) hair, and Ganondorf has long (HW) hair.

Zant is Midna’s adoptive brother, so he is from Twili, but not of royal heritage. He hates Midna because she is the true heir to the throne but seemingly takes it for granted and does not take her responsibilities seriously. Upon enrolling at the Officer’s Academy, both of them were members of the Crimson Boars, but Midna transferred to the Verdant Wolves after meeting and befriending Link prior to the events of the story.

The equivalent of the Death Knight is Cherry. Yes, Robbie’s ancient oven Cherry. She can create Ancient Arrows at will, so she’s basically the definition of a scary unit.

I’m in love with the Link’s Awakening remake and I wanted to include Marin in this AU somehow so, so badly, but she’s basically Malon + Medli, so it seems a bit redundant. Just know that I love Marin with my whole heart.