Vida

Vida was a powerful sea dragon who rules the depths beneath Archibast from an underwater network of caves. A former ruler from Warden, he was overthrown for excessive cruelty approximately 20 years ago. He currently possesses the Grimoire of Sacred Memories, which he uses to manipulate and erase memories of those he encounters.

History

After being deposed from his throne in Warden around 733 AW, Vida arrived on Archibast when the planet had minimal Esperanto presence, consisting only of the small Shipyard 66 Division. He immediately began establishing territory in the underwater caves of Deep Basin and preying upon the local population.

An investigation led by Captain Fritz of Shipyard 66 and Master Kimo of the Wind Druids led to a confrontation where Kimo became the only fairy to ever wound Vida. This encounter drew the attention of Shamesh, who intervened and "converted" Vida using a powerful geas, restricting him to consuming only one person per lunar cycle (twice per month).

After Shamesh's departure to Mercy, Vida systematically eliminated the remaining Stellar Seekers cult members, technically adhering to Shamesh's restrictions while undermining his influence. When Fritz returned to Archibast ten years later, Vida attempted to consume him, leading to another confrontation with Master Kimo. As revenge for his earlier wound, Vida began afflicting Kimo's wife, Lana Lana, with a degenerative "rust" condition, contributing to the collapse of their marriage.

Powers and Abilities

Vida possesses several powerful abilities:

  • Memory manipulation through the Grimoire of Sacred Memories
  • Ability to merge with and control water equal to the size of his body
  • Exceptional magical and physical combat prowess

Relationships

Dragon Children

Vida placed three dragons on Archibast's Abandons, considering them his "children" though their true relationship remains unclear:

  • Hunts: Vida manipulated him with promises of creating a dragon sanctuary free from fairy influence
  • Stussy: Viewed dismissively for her attachment to Mookoo, whom Vida considers weak
  • Pori: Described by Vida as "my least favorite child"

For the past decade, Vida has repeatedly attempted to unite his "children" against fairies, erasing their memories and trying new approaches when each attempt failed. This manipulation has distorted their sense of time, making them believe they've been on Archibast for a century rather than decades.

Other Relationships

  • Shamesh: Shows outward submission while privately resenting his power, only "converting" to gain freedom of movement
  • Nalani: Maintains some form of deal or arrangement, though its nature remains unclear

Personality

Vida exhibits several distinctive traits:

  • Strong obsession with control and order
  • Particular fixation on groupings of three
  • Deep-seated prejudice against fairies, viewing them as inferior beings
  • Methodical approach to revenge
  • Intense dislike of being controlled, despite forcing control on others

Quotes

"In life, there is a finite amount that we can control."

"Acceptance, no matter how bitter, eventually brings joy. Now accept your place in the foodchain."