Nobu was born in Xirklx, a town shrouded in mystery and fear. His earliest memories are stitched together with the echoes of hushed whispers and the thumping of his heart as he listened to stories of the world above. A world filled with towering structures, bright lights, and, above all, the humans who ruled it. Tales of the humans were not just folklore. They were the fabric of his childhood, woven with dread and awe as the elders warned of the potential doom lurking just beyond their subterranean haven.
His parents were humble artisans, crafting intricate tools and weapons, but their smiles were often shadowed by the weight of survival. Nobu witnessed the constant anxiety etched on their faces, a fear that today might be the day the humans discovered their underground sanctuary. This fear festered within him, feeding his determination to protect his home and people.
As a child, Nobu showed immense promise in physical agility and stealth. He would often sneak into the training grounds of the shodeth, the elite warriors of Xirklx, mesmerized by their synchronized movements and mastery of combat. One fateful night, as he practiced his footwork in secret, he drew the attention of a shodeth member, who recognized his potential. This chance encounter sparked a fire in Nobu, pushing him closer to his dream of becoming a warrior.
Poth sniffed, then screwed up his face. “This place stinks of dog.”
“I know. The mongrels are everywhere.” Nobu scoffed. “Humans and their pets.”
“Yes, but this is different. There is some new taint. It is dog, but also it is not. Do you not smell it?”
Nobu glanced sidelong at his companion. “I smell nothing but the fear seeping from you. It grows so strong, I wonder if even the humans might detect it. Perhaps we should go ask one of them.”
“Bah. I have no fear. I only make an observation. As to the other… You know as well as I what Rachna said. No hunting.”
- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE
Years passed until Nobu found the philosophy of pacifism and diplomacy of Acharat, their wise and revered shaman and leader, a distant thing. Nobu began to believe such a doctrine would eventually doom them. During this tumultuous time, Rachna emerged. Rachna proved himself a fierce, unwavering leader whose resolve to confront the humans resonated with Nobu’s growing frustrations. Rachna portrayed a vision of strength and unity, channeling anger toward empowering the shodeth and preparing them for potential conflict.
Compelled by this vision, Nobu joined the ranks of the shodeth. He trained rigorously, embracing the harsh but necessary doctrines that Rachna preached. The bond he formed with his fellow warriors gave him a sense of belonging, something he had craved after feeling trapped by fear for so long. Nobu found that his skills in stealth and combat flourished under Rachna’s tough mentorship, and his loyalty grew fierce.
As he climbed the ranks, Nobu became a staunch supporter of Rachna’s hardline stance against the humans. He began to see the shodeth not just as protectors but avengers, warriors with a purpose far greater than mere survival.
Yet, despite his unwavering loyalty to Rachna, Nobu maintained respect for Acharat. Their encounters became complex, and Nobu often defended his beliefs against the shaman’s pacifist views. He understood Acharat’s desire for peace but felt confronting the humans head-on was their only path to true freedom.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Nobu first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).