Naireus Rex
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
This page is about the Praetorian Naireus Rex. For the Primal Earth version, see Naireus.
| |
| Naireus Rex | |
| Player: @Drimble Wedge | |
| Origin: | Natural |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Brute |
| Threat Level: | 28 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Naireus |
| Known Aliases: | Coral King |
| Species: | Aquanoid |
| Age: | Approximately 200 years |
| Height: | 6 ft |
| Weight: | 170 lb |
| Eye Color: | Teal Blue |
| Hair Color: | Aquamarine |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | None |
| Occupation: | Conqueror |
| Place of Birth: | Indian Ocean (Praetoria) |
| Base of Operations: | Sharkhead Isle |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Known Relatives: | None |
| Known Powers | |
| Able to summon coral formations, telepathy, telekinesis | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Skilled combatant, able to live in ocean | |
| Equipment | |
| Chains, wrist bands, and belt | |
| Naireus is active in the Rogue Isles. | |
Contents |
Biography
The life of the Naireus Rex is marked with the need to control and dominate all others around him. Driven by his lust for power, he has traveled wide the unexplored expanse of the sea, discovering whole new worlds to conquer before circumstances brought him ashore. From Praetoria to the Rogue Isles, he continues to search for a land to rule all his own.
Rise and Fall
Hatched out of an egg in some long forgotten undersea nest, Naireus was presumably the last of his kind, the final member of an offshoot race of marauding creatures sometimes referred to as Aquanoids. An ancient and deserted settlement at the bottom of the Indian Ocean was all the legacy passed on to the aquatic infant, who succored himself surviving and feeding off what limited resources he could find. As the long years of his youth passed he became stronger and faster, more adept in his skills by living off the underwater land, but more so he realized he was far more intelligent than the typical sea life around him.
Eventually the desire to wander and seek out other areas, as well as others like himself or possessed of similar intelligence, took him away from the land of his birth to travel the sea. He encountered several strange and unusual creatures in his travels, most of them unfriendly, though in meeting them he learned such things as speech and the rudiments of reading. It was through one such encounter with a dark and ancient sea monster that he learned the lore of the titans of the deep, and so desiring to emulate such power and majesty as was described to him he named himself after one of them, henceforth calling himself "Naireus."
As Naireus reached what he would later learn to be adolescence, he found within him the ability to control and manipulate the growth of coral about his body, giving him an added advantage in situations involving combat. With this new power he routinely tested himself against all manner of opponents, intelligent or not, relishing in the ability to dominate and assert his will onto others. Most of all he began to desire a place from which to rule and command all he surveyed.
It was about this time that Naireus found, deep within uncharted grounds of the sea, the land of the Coral Creatures. Comprised mostly of lumbering, brutish beasts of hardened rock, they seemed an ideal species for Naireus to command. A peaceful and simple people, the Aquanoid had little resistance in setting himself up as their new leader through a series of brief but violent displays. Calling himself Naireus Rex, he soon directed the dull-witted Coral Creatures into various great works, including the creation of a vast fortress known as Coral Keep and expanding their overall territory.
Naireus soon became known as the Coral King among other denizens of the deep, and ruled for many years as he saw fit. As king he entered into war and defeated the nearby race of mutated Squid People, wiping out the hideous beasts. He lead the raid into Devil's Den and stole the riches of the pirate captain Black Charlie and his spectral ghost crew. Wealthy and secure in his impregnable coral castle, Naireus enjoyed the fruit of his labors, surrounding himself with thralls and servants.
However, when the cataclysmic conflict known as the Hamidon Wars began above the surface of the waters, not even Naireus and his coral kingdom was spared. Massive monsters, members of the Devouring Earth, sank and appeared in the depths to wreak havoc on all that was built. Ecological turmoil poisoned the waters as giant creatures razed Coral Keep and tore it asunder. In the chaos that followed, Naireus escaped with his life, beginning a hunted existence while the world battled the Hamidon above.
Praetorian Power
After years of searching, all while being pursued in a desperate fight for survival, Naireus finally found peaceful shores surrounding a series of small Atlantic islands. Rising up from the waves he found a gleaming city of many towers populated by happy surface dwellers. Taking his first few tentative steps on dry land, he entered the bounds of Nova Praetoria.
It was not long before he was found by the PPD and surrendered himself to their custody. He was questioned, and at the same time learned what he could of this strange new world. Finally he was processed and offered placement in a program all considered to be the best choice for a creature of such unusual characteristics: Powers Division. Naireus accepted, and so swore loyalty to his new leader in the form of Marcus Cole, and all the while dreamed of somehow usurping his emperor.
As time passed Naireus served as the consummate Loyalist, fighting back the dissatisfied hordes of the Resistance while helping to keep the general order in Praetoria. The firm hold of the domineering Praetors suggested few openings for a true rebellion, leaving the ruddy Merman to bide his time.
And then, opportunity! A wondrous portal to another world, exactly like his own, except unspoiled by the ravages of the Hamidon, was offered him by well-meaning scientists. He was given some claptrap about trying to establish peaceful relations between Praetoria and "Primal Earth" as it was known, but Naireus saw the gateway for what it was--a chance to build a new and better kingdom for himself alone. Forsaking his past for a new future, he crossed the bridge of worlds to enter into the Rogue Isles, the lawless land where anyone of sufficient strength could establish his rule!
Rogue Rules
The Rogue Isles presented many new and different challenges to the Aquanoid, who found that brutal displays of power and a general defiance of the law was the easiest way to progress among the so-called villains. Many amazing discoveries awaited him, each one adding new dimensions to his future destiny.
One such discovery was that he was not alone. There were many forms of advanced aquatic life living and breathing on the surface world. Some had only a rudimentary intelligence, like the hybrid Coralax that prowled along the shores. Others were as independent and intelligent as he, and likewise were considered villains, while some were called heroes.
Another revelation was the curious fact that often in Primal Earth existed a mirror self of the person, bearing qualities near or identical to the original. This turned out to be true for himself as well, and so Naireus took the time to find and encounter his "Primal" self. This turned out to be a blue-skinned Merman of many disagreeable traits, but some interesting information was yet gleaned from the brief meeting.
But most of all, it was the lore of Sharkhead Isle that would inevitably attract his attention. In fact it explained much, like the existence of the Coralax, but it went on to reveal much more. The red coral, drenching his dreams in blood and glory, called out to him as a source of great power, and like many before him he began to pursue its collection. In the meantime he delved into written records, investigating all sources of knowledge, and began to divine the secrets of the stone. Now, at last, did a way present itself, a key to the future he always wanted: a way to build a new Coral Kingdom on the back of the dead Leviathan, ruled alone by Naireus Rex!
Physical Attributes
Naireus has many abilities that may be unique to his species. Some of his powers have been augmented by use of the red coral.
Powers and Abilities
Since coming into his own in the waters of Praetorian Earth, Naireus has been able to summon and control the growth of coral, which he uses in a variety of ways. Mainly, in battle, it serves as a form of armor as well as a way to make a handy weapon. In this way he subdued the Coral Creatures and became their king.
The Aquanoid's mental powers, if ever he had them before, were underdeveloped until he became in steady contact with Sharkhead Isle's infamous red coral. Through it his own dominating personality began to extend to others, and then expanded further into other areas. Telekinesis is one prime example. Levitation, or as he sees it, the ability to swim in the air, is another.
Finally, the ability to survive in water along with enhanced strength and durability all separate him from the average human.
Weaknesses
Naireus would admit no weakness to himself, and once encrusted in his coral armor it is hard to argue the point. Likewise his mind is a powerful force not easily bent to the will of others. While arrogant he is also shrewd, and not likely to be baited into encounters he can not win.
However, in his bid for more power he is likely to risk almost anything. Even now as he accumulates the red coral the will of the Leviathan threatens to take control of his body and turn him into just another thrall like many before him.
Paraphernalia
In the most comfortable and casual of atmospheres Naireus prefers to wear nothing except leggings of shimmering scales and a few adornments of gold.
In battle he prefers a form of light armor, shod in boots of hard pearl, a kind of organic armor of white and gold trim for his legs, and a plate for his chest. A more formal variation of this outfit includes complete covering for his torso, as well as shoulder pads and a cloak.
Finally, for reasons of ceremony, he has kept a slender decoration of golden coral as a crown, though this is rarely seen.
Social Relations
In the end, Naireus seeks to control or otherwise manipulate every person he meets to his own ends.
Group Membership
Currently the Aquanoid is not affiliated with any groups, and only has plans for forming his own societies, secret organizations, and grand empires. Whether or not such plans will ever crystallize remains to be seen.
Allies
Naireus has few official ties to anyone, let alone friends as he begins to set his ideas into motion. However, as an agent of Arachnos, he has been taken under the fin of Captain Mako as his patron and mentor. This was, of course, only natural, as the mutant shark and his other protege, Barracuda, are both heavily involved in the trade of the precious red coral.
Enemies
As a conqueror to the core, Naireus is at war with the world. Thus he has many enemies, including the heroes of Paragon City as well as the warring factions of the Rogue Isles. Still, at any time these foes may become friends as necessity dictates an easier passage to the way of power.
The Other Naireus
As Naireus Rex, the Aquanoid, is from Praetoria, he has a counterpart in the form of Naireus of Primal Earth. Both originated in the Indian Ocean, seemingly the last of their kind. They have the exact same build and a similar bone structure. Both have a form of vegetative substance that grows from their body instead of regular hair, found on their head, shoulders, and legs. Of course, both are a breed of Merman.
In contrast, the Naireus of Primal Earth is blue instead of red. His skin is smooth, not scaly, and he possesses no tail. There are subtle differences in the shape of his face and color of his eyes. Finally, his powers are completely different, utilizing a mastery over some kind of water aura to aid him in combat, along with a pair of swords. He has no mental abilities to speak of save for a simple telepathy that communicates only with creatures like himself. In terms of personality, the red-skinned Naireus considers the other to be small-minded and sullen, unable to grasp the scope of his vision, pursuing petty, idealistic dreams.
Trivia
- The name "Naireus" is an adaptation of the name "Nereus," a titan of the sea in Greek myth.
- In the game, this character appears under the name "Auqanoid."
