Shinome

The Doll-Faced Trader of The Dragon Wastelands was once known only for selling polished rocks and salvaged bits of armor. With their wide, innocent eyes and unassuming attire, travelers saw them as a harmless fixture, a welcome spot of cheer amid the fog and skeletal remains. That was before the ice storm that unearthed the blade. They found it in a shallow grave, humming with a cold that bit deeper than any wind. When Shinome touched it, something inside them cracked open and reformed, layer by layer. The ascension was quiet, unseen. Yasuke was the first to notice, watching them casually freeze a bandit's spear mid-throw without ever losing their grin. The merchant is still there, but now, one of the painted dolls on their head has eyes that don't smile back.