But Ataskra knows that his kind can never match the might of the advanced races. He sees one great hope, and that is in the plagues Ras Tila is creating. The only problem is Ras's refusal to allow Daroneasa or Ataskra, or anyone for that matter, have control of the viruses. Ataskra seeks to unleash these on the homeworlds of his enemies, knowing that pre-empting an attack by destroying the aliens utterly is the only way he can save Otska. As long as his treason is not exposed, he will continue to be the emperor in shadows and plot to further his wife's power.
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 220 lbs
Race: Draeg
Occupation: Grand Advisor to the Empress (formerly a slave raider)
Religion: Puermac
Personality:
Ataskra exudes charm and appeal. Most people find him extremely likeable on the surface, and the fact that he is also very handsome increases this impression. A politician extrodinaire, with a wit as keen as his blades, Atty never fails to impress, though his arrogance and condescending wit are well noted.
However, it is all a mask. Ataskra hates his equals. Because of a string of emotional abuses by his father (the culmination of which was allowing Gravak Kamshor to slay his cousin and lover, Zeveera, when he was seventeen), Ataskra has been warped into hatred of his caste. He takes sadistic joy in destroying powerful men and women. He has few if any reservations when it comes to assassination, and rather enjoys it in most cases. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, the first of which is to save his world and a close second is making himself the most powerful person in it.
Ataskra has a bit of honor, though. He refuses to kill children under any circumstance, and also shrinks away from harming slaves. Middle-class commoners are fair game, if it's necessary, but not fun for him. He'd always rather be killing someone of worth.
Ataskra does not prey upon the weak, he even protects them when it's possible.
His violent nature is usually hidden, but if you know just the right buttons to push, Ataskra can become very unpleasant very quickly.
Daroneasa: A political marriage to the last, much to Atty's ire. He wants to love Daroneasa, and also to have children with her. She steadily refuses.
Ras: Ataskra secretly admires Ras, and considers the 'mudling' to be his only intellectual equal. But he's still prepared to kill Ras if it comes down to it: the virologist's conscience can't be allowed to doom their species.
Ramak: The father Ataskra despises
T'Enki: Atty's older brother, who is his father's son in every way, save that he's an idiot.
Hyran: Ataskra's much younger brother whom he adores as he would his own child.
Kali: Ataskra's favorite slave. Kali and Ataskra genuinely love each other because Atty did not force himself on Kali (or any other woman, for that matter), and bonded with her at an early age.
Hillikea: Ataskra's first child by a merchant's daughter. He has had little contact with her due to the mother's hostility towards him.
Zevik: Ataskra's second child, whom he ends up raising. Ataskra loves Zevik more than he loves himself, and that's saying something. He is a devoted and loving father, patient and kind beyond anyone's expectations.
Ascepki: Ataskra's Ascevenka ally.
Killing Taka
Zevik and Atty
One Last Mercy
Love to Hate Me