Izura

Izura is T'kel, a race of reptilian humanoids from the Gerborian Grasslands. Historically, the T'kel were a war-like and violent race, until one of the great Philosopher-kings, Zuras, led them to an enlightened age (see T'kel histories, Dragon magazine, March 2004). As a result, the T'kel have progressed toward a civilization of martial artists and nature worshipers. Although they still follow a somewhat nomadic hunter-gatherer way of life, most T'kel live in walled towns and villages near their legendary monasteries.

Izura herself, is the twice great-granddaughter of Philosopher-king Zuras. Although they don't necessarily have royalty per se, the line of Zuras holds a special place in T'kel civilization. As a child, Izura grew up much like most children of other races. However, at age 10, she was brought before the T'kel elders of her clan (Ur'Zurasdanii- "clan of the Wise<Zuras> Dragon<Daniir>"). After a series of tests, she was given the choice of entering one of the many T'kel monasteries and become a monk, or live a citizen's life in the clan. She chose to become a monk, and journeyed to the Jishun Monastery. There she began her training in the Wei Shahn Do (Path of Five Dragons) style of martial arts.

Wei Shahn Do epitomizes the T'kel belief in nature and the draconic heritage they belong to . The five dragons of this style of martial arts, covers the dragons of earth, air, water, fire, and void/spirit. They are not necessarily reflective of the chromatic or metallic dragons , but are instead embodiments of all dragons that come under each separate, and combination of, the five "elemental" types. As well as martial excellence and prowess, Wei Shahn Do also encompasses magical/divine training. Like many other civilizations of the Gerborian Grasslands, the T'kel have embraced a warrior-mage/cleric/druid society. Each head of a T'kel clan is a warrior/monk with some also being multi-classed with a mage, clerical or druidic class. Izura's own father, Clanlord Arakis, is also one of the High Advisors to the current Philosopher-king Bardann.

Izura excelled in her training and became one of the Circle Guards, an elite personal guard to the Philosopher-kings. She stayed on as one of the elite until the second stage of her monastic training called her away. At age 25, she began her journey away from her clan and monastery to observe the world and "learn from the universe" as the T'kel perceive it. Because of this journey, Izura has gained much in her training monastically and magically. She has become a shiro' na-dan, or enlightened fist, and continues her journeys into the world. Izura has been part of several adventuring parties, culminating in joining the current party involved in seeking a valuable artifact.

Journeying across the Northlands, Izura and her comrades came across a destroyed caravan, along with those who attacked them...a few dead orcs. while the rest of the party search the decimated caravan, Millain ,in hawk form, scouted across the obvious trail left by the orc party. What she found was a large orc raiding party. After casting a few spells, she flew back to the caravan and group, followed by a large number of angry orcs. What followed was an immense battle at the caravan site.

The group prepared for the onslaught and managed to slay a large number of orcs. Izura and the Crusader, Trona, slew one of the Orcish berzerkers and simultaneously a large number of Orc regulars. The Orcish Bard/Shaman(?) was still at large and a nuisance, while the remaining Orc berzerker was still relatively unaccounted for in the battle. It was during a slight lull in the battle, that Izura met her end. After slaying the Orc Berzerker with Trona, Izura charged a group of Orcs and decimating a number of them. Panicked, the Orcs rallied and fifteen of them grappled her. During the struggle, she managed to slay three of the Orcs grappling her, but the sheer number was too much. The Orcs brought her down and four others systematically began administering sword-thrusts on her pinned body. Her comrades saw her situation and rushed to her aid, but they were too late. Izura succumbed to her wounds and died a warrior's death.