TV-Series
Description
Kagrava, also known by the longer name Ka Grava-Rai Fuu-Durham Stahl and sometimes shortened to Kaguraba, is the eccentric and immortal ruler of Haiga, the only truly neutral territory in the land of Nil Kamui. His appearance is highly distinctive, as he exists in a robotic or golem-like state, often described as having a body of metal parts and a boiler-shaped form that lacks a conventional face.
His personality is a striking blend of mercenary greed and genuine altruism. On the surface, Kagrava is an immortal capitalist and a skinflint, constantly concerned with the expenses of running his city. However, this avarice is entirely in service of the general welfare of Haiga. He treats all of the city's subjects as true equals, including the discriminated Bounded Ones, many of whom serve as his closest confidantes. This has allowed him to maintain Haiga as a prosperous city of peace and equality, a stark contrast to the war-torn regions around it.
Kagrava's primary motivation is the preservation of Haiga and its citizens. The secret to his immortality is an expensive magic known as Wu Xing Ti, which imbues metal parts with his essence. He must remain immortal because his continued existence is the only guarantee of Haiga's promise of safety and neutrality. Even his seemingly chaotic actions, such as secretly funding the rebellion against the empires of Kouran and D'Natia, are done to stir the political pot and work toward a greater, if unpredictable, good.
In the story, Kagrava serves as a powerful and unconventional ally to the protagonist, Ibuki, and his party. When the armies of Kouran and D'Natia surround Haiga, suspecting him of aiding the rebellion, he strikes a bargain with the group. In exchange for their help in resolving this siege, he promises to guide them to the fearsome Red Dragon and act as their ambassador. He is a man of his word, ultimately sacrificing his city's autonomy to a Cold War occupation by both empires to help Ibuki, a promise he had also once made to the Red Dragon itself.
His key relationships are defined by past business dealings. He has a complicated, almost friendly, history with Gakusho, a high-ranking and ambitious general from Kouran. Their acquaintance began when he tricked her into a bad deal, cornering the gunpowder market and selling her a stockpile of firearms at an inflated price. Despite this, they are former partners, and Kagrava believes a new deal can always be struck. He also shows a sharp observational skill, later pointedly noting to Ibuki an apparent attachment to Gakusho that the young royal had developed.
Kagrava does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation over the course of the narrative, as his role is largely that of a static, stabilizing force. His development is instead revealed through the explanation of his past and the revelation that his immortality and governance are a burden he bears for the sake of others. His notable ability is his immortality itself, which allows him to survive being shot through the head, simply requiring a new head to be screwed on afterward. This state, combined with his sharp mind for negotiation and his unique political position, makes him an invaluable, if unconventional, guide and protector.
His personality is a striking blend of mercenary greed and genuine altruism. On the surface, Kagrava is an immortal capitalist and a skinflint, constantly concerned with the expenses of running his city. However, this avarice is entirely in service of the general welfare of Haiga. He treats all of the city's subjects as true equals, including the discriminated Bounded Ones, many of whom serve as his closest confidantes. This has allowed him to maintain Haiga as a prosperous city of peace and equality, a stark contrast to the war-torn regions around it.
Kagrava's primary motivation is the preservation of Haiga and its citizens. The secret to his immortality is an expensive magic known as Wu Xing Ti, which imbues metal parts with his essence. He must remain immortal because his continued existence is the only guarantee of Haiga's promise of safety and neutrality. Even his seemingly chaotic actions, such as secretly funding the rebellion against the empires of Kouran and D'Natia, are done to stir the political pot and work toward a greater, if unpredictable, good.
In the story, Kagrava serves as a powerful and unconventional ally to the protagonist, Ibuki, and his party. When the armies of Kouran and D'Natia surround Haiga, suspecting him of aiding the rebellion, he strikes a bargain with the group. In exchange for their help in resolving this siege, he promises to guide them to the fearsome Red Dragon and act as their ambassador. He is a man of his word, ultimately sacrificing his city's autonomy to a Cold War occupation by both empires to help Ibuki, a promise he had also once made to the Red Dragon itself.
His key relationships are defined by past business dealings. He has a complicated, almost friendly, history with Gakusho, a high-ranking and ambitious general from Kouran. Their acquaintance began when he tricked her into a bad deal, cornering the gunpowder market and selling her a stockpile of firearms at an inflated price. Despite this, they are former partners, and Kagrava believes a new deal can always be struck. He also shows a sharp observational skill, later pointedly noting to Ibuki an apparent attachment to Gakusho that the young royal had developed.
Kagrava does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation over the course of the narrative, as his role is largely that of a static, stabilizing force. His development is instead revealed through the explanation of his past and the revelation that his immortality and governance are a burden he bears for the sake of others. His notable ability is his immortality itself, which allows him to survive being shot through the head, simply requiring a new head to be screwed on afterward. This state, combined with his sharp mind for negotiation and his unique political position, makes him an invaluable, if unconventional, guide and protector.