Skip to main content

Lore Wiki » Epic Weeks » Epic Week 2021 » Research Library » Usim

He/him pronouns.

Usim "the Fire Heart" Motenad was a widely known and beloved battle mage, thought of as a hero by most folk. He wears gold and black armor, with fire motifs etched on it, and rides a red steed. Apparently at one point he was known for having long braids, but at the time of this tale he had shaved his head with elaborate rune patterns.

It is likely because of his strong natural affinity for fire magic that Eladus invites him to join the Order.

However, Usim's travels also inform his work with the Order, as his adventures have taken him far and wide and allowed him to form relationships with a wide range of people and to learn from them. For example, he encourages Eladus to visit the "Curiosity Project" in the "cold north" where magical experiments are being conducted far from civilization. Usim knows about this project because he helped to establish the foothold needed for the camp, defending the researchers from vicious beasts "both natural and unnatural" over the two months required to build walls to keep the camp safe.

Usim appears highly charismatic, and works closely and successfully with every member of the Order of Volcanic Tranquility, perhaps the member who conducts the most collaborations overall.

Romance with Rhozora


During the early meetings of The Order of Volcanic Tranquility, Emnunydae remarks that Usim seems "freaked out by Rhozora."

More likely, Usim was awe-struck by Rhozora, as after a few weeks he sends zir a letter saying that he is overcome with his luck at being able to work with zir, and asks zir to travel with him to Mount Ovation for a fact-finding mission. He is up front that this request is not purely professional, and that he hopes to be allowed to serve her dinner. However, he says that if his asking this will make things awkward for Rhozora, he wants the "opportunity to show you my esteem by keeping a respectful distance for as long as you will it."

usim1.png
Quote:
July 8th 583
Rhozara,
I was honored to receive the call to join the Order, but I could not know how great a blessing it would be for me. These last weeks of meetings, I have been blessed to see you work with my own eyes. You are everything your reputation says and more. I am overflowing with esteem for you. I have not stopped thinking about the ways your fingers, so graceful and skilled, wove oracular spells in the air, and the confidence in your voice. You are truly powerful and wise.
Next week I am traveling to Mount Ovation to examine it myself. I would value your insights on this trip more than words can say.
This is true, but I am certain you have Seen that this is also a pretense.
When we arrive in the mountain range, I hope that you will allow me to serve you dinner. I understand that you subsist largely on cosmic energies, so I had in mind a starlit picnic atop the highest peak.
Know that no is a fine answer, both to dinner and to travel. I understand if you do not wish for any distractions during this period of trial, or indeed, for any other reason. If I have made our professional relationship awkward with this asking, please forgive me and allow me the opportunity to show you my esteem by keeping a respectful distance for as long as you will it.

With all my admiration,
Usim

Rhozora promptly turns Usim down with a simple note:

rhozora1.png
Quote:
July 9th 583
Usim,
Thank you for your kind offer. I am afraid I am unable to accept at this time. I look forward to a successful working relationship.
Rhozora

About 7 months after Usim's first approach, Rhozora writes to him and confesses that ze is asexual. Ze says this has spoiled many previous relationships, and did not want the impossibility of a physical relationship to have disappointed Usim. However, ze has changed zir mind about keeping this a secret and now offers Usim the chance to make a more informed choice about whether he wishes to invite zir to a star-light picnic.

Rhozora2.png
Quote:
January 26th 584
Usim,
You have kept your word. I have noticed.
I told you no to protect myself. Though I love, I have never wished to express love in physical ways. This has disappointed many, and I did not wish to add you to that list. I made a decision for you then. Now, I give you this knowledge about my being, and holding it, let you decide if you still wish to pursue a starlit dinner with me.
Know that no is a fine answer.
With much admiration,
Rhozora

usim2.png
Quote:
May 31st 584
My most radiant Rhozora,

Watching the sun rise over Ovation with you was the purest joy I have known in my life. Your wit is incredible. The red-orange light of the sky, the white tracks of clouds with their bellies glowing gold, the orange-brown of the land under the waking sun -- it will be with me for the rest of my days, but merely as a backdrop, a painted stage set, against which to set your smile. I have never admired a mind so much as yours.
I hope you feel the same. I hope the next time I travel, you will consent to go with me again.

With overflowing admiration,
Usim

Usim accepts and they go on a work trip/date to Mount Ovation, where they talk until the sun rises. The two form a deep romantic bond based on mutual admiration.

Subsequently, Usim and Rhozora also begin working closely on Order Of Volcanic Tranquility business, even eventually working as a team to provide the final edits to the set of enchantments that the Order will use.

Lore Wiki » Epic Weeks » Epic Week 2021 » Research Library » Usim