Streamstrider pointed it out to me shortly after…whoops… Edited version below!
Asura
Like many other asura, Iggis held a dream of becoming a krewe leader and being in charge of his own laboratory. He passed it off as a mere interest in flora and fauna, but it was an interest no less that would bring him recognition for his work to earn him his dream. The completion of his thesis, the use of skale oil as a component in high flammable and combustible fuels, would soon find him overlooking his own lab. Amidst his krewe stood his thin, slightly taller than average physique; his complexion gray, with black; swept-back; short hair complementing his inquisitive blue eyes. He could be curt, and he only showed it on occasion, but he had respect for his fellow researchers.
Life was almost perfect for Iggis, at least, until the rise of the Elder Dragons. He preferred to hope that the Elder Dragons would remain in their slumber, or that one of the Orders could take care of them; surely they had the capability if Destiny’s Edge nearly defeated him, causing Kralkatorik to flee. And yet, Zhaitan’s minions continued to flood the mainland of Tyria, even threatening Rata Sum. The awakening of Primordius was enough…he hoped to remain with his research, though a childhood friend urged him to join the Pact just after its formation; one who had ambition greater than he, and yet, they left their research to fight. Iggis knew he couldn’t fight, but perhaps as a Priory scholar he would be useful. Leaving his research would mean putting his dream on hold, if he could even ever return, though maybe his fuels could be turned into explosives…maybe he wouldn’t be giving up his dream after all.
Human
Born into a well-to-do noble family, Lady Alessia knew little beyond her family’s social status and the realm of Krytan nobility. Her father and mother upheld and raised her family’s status before passing duties along to her eldest brother, while her other two elder brothers used family status and connections to become well off themselves, leaving only their fair and rather coveted younger sister without much to do, though her presence and kind demeanor attracted many courtiers. Fair skinned, with long, dark blond hair and sky blue eyes, a bit on the thin side and taller than average soon found her a renowned and respectable fiancé to her liking, though despite having everything a noble could want, she wasn’t really happy.
Lady Alessia’s noble background kept her safe, though while on an outing into the Krytan fields for a picnic, she and her escorts and company witnessed the brutality of Zhaitan’s minions firsthand. Her fiancé only thought to take her back to the safety of Divinity’s Reach, and she was carried back in a panic, shocked at witnessing the loss of civilian life. Unsettled, late that night she left under the cover of darkness to try to look for those in need, brining with her only a ceremonial dagger that she barely had the slightest idea how to use, having watched the Blades. Zhaitan’s minions had not been beaten, and she found herself nearly suffering the same fate, if not for a battle-hardened female Pact platoon leader. She was urged to go home, and although terrified as she was, she refused, instead wishing to fight. She insisted upon joining, and reluctantly, the platoon leader took her along. She thanked her family in a letter later on, and to herself renounced her noble status and vowed to fight as Alessia.
Norn
Beginning as a renowned Wolfborn, then joining the Vigil, making his way to a Warmaster, the tide of battle was all Karnath Valensson knew. Taught to fight by his father, and well to do growing up, he had known little hardship, and although boisterous at times, he knew respect, and demonstrated such humbly. Rare was it that he was bested in a match, and he was well-respected in turn for his cajoling demeanor among his allies both in Hoelbrak and in the Vigil. Though only newly promoted, he was excited to be a Warmaster, and ready for the coming challenges; or so he thought.
The rise of Zhaitan saw the formation of the Pact, and he still held a position of leadership, his rank respected even by the Priory and Whispers, and above all the rest he was eager to take the fight to the Elder Dragons. For the first time in his life, he would be bested in battle, and badly beaten. Zhaitan’s minions were a new enemy, overwhelming, tireless, and yet some had cunning. He overestimated the prowess of his allies and himself, fighting more of Zhaitan’s minions than he could handle, and covering the retreat for his comrades, he nearly lost his life…though he was saved by another Pact Warmaster, and a Mesmer at that. His spirit was broken, though he still struggled and fought, with many more allies than before, not believing in his strength as he once did. After some time to regroup and rest, the same Warmaster would be the one to inspire him once again; he was reminded to train beyond physical strength, to trust in one’s allies and teamwork, and that, for the sake of his pride, he would have another chance to prove himself: the assault on Zhaitan himself.
Sylvari
Soon after being born into the world, Nylanna found herself entangled within the thorns of the Nightmare Court. They attempted to convert her, and when that failed they sought to kill her. Harassed for months, she finally found refuge with a Pact convoy who dispatched her pursuers, leaving those not caught up in the heat of battle to retreat and give up. She knew next to nothing of the world, though she had some fighting prowess, and could defend herself one on one well enough, thus was invited to stay with the convoy until they reached Fort Trinity.
Nylanna had suffered the atrocities of the Nightmare Court firsthand, and thought her wyld hunt to be to help others be free of their ensnarement, and yet, she felt compelled to stay at Fort Trinity, to see how the fight against Zhaitan would fare. A personnel transfer from Fort Trinity to each of the Orrian temples to each of the six human gods was soon underway, and though she thought she yearned to return to the Grove, she instead continued on with the convoy. She learned from the other Pact members, training her combat skills along the way, and soon found herself volunteering to assist with maintaining the Pact camps in Orr. She sought to learn, often engaging with Pact members from the Priory, and utilizing what she learned in battle. In time, she would find herself more than a novice healer and potion maker, aiding her prowess with bow and arrow and dagger. She could be shy until she started on a task, after which her determination would not fade. She found friends in the pact: Priory, Whispers, and Vigil alike. Nylanna wished an end to the nightmare court, though even the Nightmare Court would make no difference if all fell to the Elder Dragons. Perhaps she was yet to discover her true wyld hunt.
Charr
Malyth Shadowtrace, Ash Centurion and leader of the Trace Warband who earned his rank challenging the orders of a former centurion, in the end avoiding a crossing through the Brand during a mission to infiltrate and assassinate the leaders of a separatist camp. Often stationed near the brand, he knew the consequences and resources it would take to cross the Brand, and he wished to avoid it at all costs.
Sleek, dark fur, the color of the dimly lit shadows, true to his namesake, though his chest revealed a tuft of silver fur; all most would ever see of him is the silver tip of his tail, either before he disappeared into the shadows, or before his enemies were silenced. He was open to discussion, though those he commanded knew his final word was law, and no one dared test his judgment, out of respect for both his continuous success and skill with a blade.
Even though not a Sentinel, Malyth’s understanding of corruption and how he worked with it caught the attention of his Tribune, who asked him to lend his aid to the Pact’s assault on Zhaitan. Despite preferring to work within his homelands, he knew the threat the Elder Dragons posed, and he refused to see any further spread of their minions, much less the creation of another corrupted land.
Leaving Trace’s second in command in charge in his absence, along with a respected Legionnaire and personal friend of his, he aimed to share his knowledge with the Pact, train their soldiers, to guarantee Zhaitan’s defeat. Malyth carried his armor, his weapons, and his skills with him, and they were the only things anyone other than his closest friends and warband would see. Within the shadows of his heart, however, he carried the burden of loss: a still-healing soul from the loss of his mate to the Brand, instilling in him his dedication and desire for vengeance against the Elder Dragons. Not even all of his warband knew of his loss, though he always pushed forward; hoping, one day, for a place he could call home, that he could defend, and where it would be safe. Every day, he thought of his mate, his resolve unwavering as he remembered his smile, sometimes revealing a rare smile of his own.