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loyrendchild · 7 months ago

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Ember Rose Wylds

VA: TBA

Meaning:

The name Ember is a gender neutral name which means “spark” or “low burning wood” - I thought this was perfect because I wanted her to have a fiery (pun intended 😂) personality to match with her name— similarly to how Aloy lives up to her name and personality; she’s strong, hard, and but also steeled

Basics:

Alignment: Chaotic good

Sex: Female

Species: Human being

Age: TBD

Occupation / role(s):

• Healer

• Dyer (part time)

• Hacker

• Tinker (part time)

• Machine tamer

• Banuk chieftess

Religion:

Banuk - Shamanism

Nicknames/Alias(es):

• Em

• Wildfire (by her dad)

Affiliation(s):

• Oseram tribe (via dad)

• Nora tribe (via mom)

• Banuk

Physical Appearance:

Hair:

Her mane is a stunning, fiery auburn, transitioning into a sunlit copper that seems to glow with warmth. The roots are dark, similar to Erend’s sandy-blonde hair, but as it reaches her shoulders, it lightens into a soft, reddish gold, almost like embers in a fire. It’s thick and slightly wavy, often pulled back into a practical braid or loose ponytail, but strands of unruly hair frame her face, echoing Aloy’s wild, adventurous spirit. When she moves, her hair catches the light in streaks of gold, orange, and red, giving her an aura of both fierceness and warmth.

Eyes:

Her eyes are a mesmerizing, deep green—vivid and piercing like the color of fresh spring leaves, but with hints of gold flickering in the irises, a unique blend of both parents. The golden flecks reflect her fiery nature, while the green symbolizes the wisdom and calm her Oseram father brings. When Ember looks at someone, her gaze is sharp, but there’s a warmth and openness in it that betrays her fierce loyalty and kindness. Her lashes are thick and dark, adding an intensity to her already striking eyes.

Face & Features:

Her face is defined but soft, with high cheekbones, a small, straight nose, and full lips. She carries the strength of Erend’s Oseram heritage but the soft, rounded features of Aloy’s Nora descent. There’s a slight freckling across her cheeks and nose, especially after being out in the sun, giving her an earthy, natural look that fits her rugged yet graceful personality. Her skin has a warm, sun-kissed complexion, not overly tanned but healthy and glowing from the time she spends outdoors, taking after both parents in this regard.

Build and Physique:

Her physique is athletic and solid, yet not overly bulky. Her muscles are defined, reflecting Erend’s Oseram toughness, but her body moves with the fluidity and agility of a fighter trained for both strength and speed. She’s a bit shorter than her father, with a more compact frame like Aloy’s, but there’s a noticeable power in her stance, hinting at her Oseram lineage. Her posture is confident, but there’s also an ease in the way she carries herself—like someone who is accustomed to both battle and navigating the wilds with ease. She can leap, climb, or sprint with the same precision and grace as Aloy, but she also has Erend’s resilience, able to withstand long battles or harsh conditions.

Clothing and Gear:

Ember’s style combines functionality with elements that hint at both the Nora and Oseram cultures. Her attire is practical for combat—light armor with leather, fur, and metal accents. The armor, crafted with intricate details, is reminiscent of the Oseram craftsmanship, combining sturdy materials with finesse. She wears a variety of tools and weapons, from a bow that reflects Aloy’s expertise to a hammer or axe that speaks to her Oseram roots. Her attire is well-worn, reflecting someone who’s spent plenty of time in the field, and there’s a slight ruggedness to her overall look. She often wears a cloak or a fur-lined hood, perfect for both the cold and the sun.

Expression and Aura:

Ember’s expression often exudes quiet confidence, and when she smiles, it’s full of warmth. While her eyes might be intense, her face carries an underlying kindness. She has a calm and collected nature, but when angered, her fiery red hair seems to match the blazing intensity in her eyes. She has the aura of someone who is both a protector and a leader—someone who can stand tall in the face of danger but also be counted on for loyalty and strength. Her demeanor is both approachable and commanding, and there’s something magnetic about her presence that makes others trust her.

Scarring(s):

• Ember has good one eye, after a particular hunt, that went downhill. So for a prosthetic eye she had used the materials of a Watcher thus she is able to scan her surroundings (like they can)

• Due to fights with hostile machines (and people) — Ember has claw-like markings blue threads etched into her skin all throughout her body to represent the Banuk’s shamanic ways (which actually fits her personality and character a lot more than being just a Oseram tinkerer or Nora warrior)

Family:

Mother: Aloy

Father: Erend

“Aunt”: Beta

(adoptive) Grandfather: Rost (✝️)

Grandmother: Elisabet

(surrogate) Aunt: Zo

(surrogate) Uncle Varl (✝️)

Romantic interests:

• Avad

• Naltuk

Personality:

High intelligence - She is sharp-minded, with a keen intellect for solving problems and understanding complex machinery. Her curiosity drives her to constantly learn, and she’s quick to analyze situations, making her both resourceful and strategic. Her intelligence isn’t just technical; she’s emotionally perceptive, able to read people and situations with impressive accuracy. Though she values independence, Ember knows when to use her knowledge to help others, combining her cleverness with her deep sense of loyalty. Whether fixing a machine or navigating a tricky conversation, Ember’s mind is always working a step ahead.

Compassionate - She is fiercely protective, not just physically but emotionally. She’s deeply in tune with the feelings of others, often sensing when someone is struggling, even if they don’t speak it. Her protective nature isn’t just about defense—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe and understood. She’s the first to stand up for the underdog, ensuring no one is left behind. Her loyalty to those she cares about runs deep, and she’ll go to any length to shield them from harm or hardship. Whether it’s comforting a friend or taking the weight of a burden herself, Ember’s strength lies in her ability to safeguard not just bodies, but hearts.

Tech guru - While she’s drawn to machines and technology, she doesn’t lose sight of the importance of people and relationships. She has a practical approach to technology, using it to help others but never forgetting the value of human connection, showing both her Oseram heritage and her mother’s focus on purpose.

Tinker - She has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, finding joy in creating and fixing things with her own hands. Whether it’s repairing a machine or crafting something from scratch, she thrives in the process of making. Her Oseram heritage fuels this passion, and her technical skills are matched by her love for the artistry in building. She relishes the challenge of designing functional yet beautiful creations, whether it’s a new piece of equipment or a hand-crafted trinket for someone special. This love for craftsmanship connects her to the world around her, blending practicality with creativity in everything she does.

Mannerisms:

Gesticulation

<> Tinkering with objects: Whether it’s a small tool or a piece of scrap, she often fiddles with things in her hands, a habit she picked up from her love for craftsmanship and machinery.

<> Signal with tools or objects while speaking: As someone who loves craftsmanship and is always surrounded by tools, Ember often gestures with whatever’s in her hand while talking, whether it’s a wrench or a scrap of metal. (Not to mention it adds to some of Aloy’s sass particularly those she doesn’t want to talk to like *points to weapon* “Can you not see I’m busy here?” 🤣)

<> Adjusting Gear - Whether it’s a tool or armor, she frequently checks or adjusts her gear, making sure everything is in place, a reflection of her preparedness and attention to detail.

Scratching the back of her neck - A nervous or reflective habit, usually when she’s thinking hard or caught off guard by something emotional, revealing a more vulnerable side.

Talking to herself - She said often, when doing a task by herself whether it’s crafting or doing something else she always asks rhetorical questions to herself (which is actually something Aloy does a lot; but that’s because she doesn’t have anyone else to talk to, and the fact that she had no tribe to talk to)

Drinking excessively - In most stressful cases she would either (depending how bad it was) often or rarely be inebriated or perhaps particularly for celebratory occasions

Resting hands on her hip — When she’s being protective or assertive, Ember might rest her hand on her hip with a firm stance, signaling her confidence and readiness to step in if needed.

Background:

Residency:

Her home, at the age of 18+, is nestled near the remnants of a forgotten Oseram workshop, a place where tinkerers once thrived. These ruins are filled with rusted machines, half-finished contraptions, and blueprints that might hint at forgotten inventions. Growing up among these remnants, Ember developed a fascination with machinery, learning to repair and repurpose old devices, despite the challenging environment.

Family:

She is the daughter of Aloy, the legendary savior of the world, and Erend, a high-ranking Oseram warrior known for his strength and diplomacy. Her birth was a symbol of hope and unity, combining the strengths of both the Nora and Oseram peoples. Growing up with such powerful figures as parents, Ember was often held to high expectations, but she quickly learned the value of independence and strength in her own right. Her father taught her to value people over things, while her mother showed her the importance of perseverance and self-reliance.

Cultural / Religious influences:

Ember’s Oseram heritage could be reflected in a distinctive, crafted item—perhaps a mechanical pendant, a gear-based bracelet, or a modified tool that serves both practical and symbolic purposes. This item, made with precision and care, would serve as a testament to her resourcefulness, ingenuity, and her ability to blend the technical with the personal. It might be something she built herself, incorporating elements from both her Oseram upbringing and her more recent experiences. The mechanical design could incorporate a motif of a gear or some other Oseram symbol, signifying her connection to the craft and innovation that is central to her identity. Such an item would be both functional and representative of her independence and engineering expertise.

Her Nora markings or tattoos are be an important contrast, embodying her reverence for the natural world. These markings could symbolize an important animal spirit—such as a hawk for keen vision, a wolf for loyalty, or a bear for strength—that aligns with her values. Perhaps she received these markings after an especially significant experience, like surviving a harsh trial of nature, or after a spiritual pilgrimage to the Sacred Lands where she underwent a vision quest. The tattoo or markings would not just be decorative; they would represent her deep bond with the natural world and her commitment to protect it.

Distinguishing marks:

Ember has Nora face paint with three lines down her face and one on her right side of her cheek (basically the same as Aloy and Rost 😊) despite being part Oseram which don’t really do that custom.

<> I’ve noticed this tended to happen more frequently among those who are in the same group or family so I thought it was fitting for Ember to have as well 🥹

Education:

~ Because Ember has no limitations to just one clan; she is apart of every other tribe and has knowledge of different cultures and different traditions

Nora - by extension - (via mom):

• Given Aloy’s own adaptability and her experiences with ancient technology, she’d likely encourage Ember’s curiosity for machinery. She would teach Ember how to study, repair, and use technology to her advantage, blending both her Nora reverence for nature and Oseram ingenuity.

• Having faced many challenges herself, Aloy would teach Ember how to persevere in the face of hardship. She’d instill in her the strength to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the road may be.

• Aloy’s connection to her instincts is key to her success. She’d teach Ember to trust her intuition and instincts when making decisions, especially in high-pressure situations.

• While Aloy often works alone, she understands the importance of alliances and teamwork. She would teach Ember the value of trusting others, building relationships, and how to be an ally as much as a leader.

• Lastly, Aloy would pass on her wisdom about self-discovery and staying true to oneself. She would guide Ember in finding her own path in the world, encouraging her to embrace both her Oseram and Nora sides, and to balance her fierce independence with the need to protect and help others.

Oseram (via dad):

• Erend, having faced personal tragedies, would teach Ember how to navigate grief, loss, and the importance of picking oneself up after difficult times.

<> Unfortunately she learns to drink her sorrows under the table — particularly when overly emotional— which becomes a flawed habit of hers although she’s pretty good majority of the time; it has to be something really bad to her to that point (like father daughter eh? 😉)

• Erend’s experiences in battle would lead him to teach Ember how to think on her feet, assess situations quickly, and develop strategies to deal with threats.

<> As a skilled warrior, Erend would likely train Ember in physical combat, whether in the form of hand-to-hand combat, using weapons, or survival tactics in dangerous environments

• Erend values loyalty above all else, especially when it comes to friends and family. He’d make sure Ember understands the significance of standing by others, no matter the cost.

• Ember has learned to put her emotive feelings aside and ground herself (more literally than metaphorically), to learn of the sacred songs and to live within nature and horticulture; to connect with the land thus learning farming techniques and balance of all living things.

Utaru (via Zo):

The Utaru teach her about the natural cycles of growth and decay, fostering patience and mindfulness as she observes how all life is interconnected.

• The Utaru pass on their deep understanding of plants, teaching Ember how to create potent remedies, salves, and even poisons using natural ingredients.

• Ember could develop an interest in weaving or creating tools from plant fibers, blending Oseram engineering with Utaru artistry

(Perhaps this is where she gets her passion for her artistry; making her own garments and using makeshift dye to both sell and use herself)

Banuk(via Ourea Naltuk):

Since her passion very well extends beyond of her mother’s technology (surpassing even Beta 😂) Ember goes to the Banuk tribe to get some answers that those within her family can’t even answer.

• The Banuk teach Ember how to survive in freezing, desolate landscapes. She learns advanced hunting, tracking, and shelter-building techniques to thrive in harsh climates.

<> Climbing icy cliffs and navigating snowstorms becomes second nature to her as she trains with Banuk hunters.

• Ember gains a new perspective on machines as sacred beings. The Banuk teach her how to “listen” to machines and understand their patterns without necessarily seeing them as enemies.

• Ember develops advanced techniques for disabling machines non-lethally, such as severing power lines or freezing components.

• Ember participates in Banuk hunting challenges, where she must outsmart and outlast both nature and machines.

• The Banuk’s fascination with ancient technology could push Ember to further her understanding of Old World ruins. She learns how to interpret their data and recognize their significance in a way the Banuk frame as spiritual rather than purely logical.

Their spirituality and reverence for machines give her a fresh outlook, helping her reconcile her technological curiosity with a respect for the natural order.

• Her Banuk education might inspire her to create hybrid tools and weapons that combine machine power, spiritual design, and practical functionality.

Personality:

• Resilient

• Advocate

• Stubborn

• Maternal (depending on the situation; not very often)

Ember believes in salvaging and repairing, not destroying, whenever possible. This applies to machines, Old World artifacts, and even people—she might strive to help those who are broken or lost.

• Independent

Ember’s fierce independence might sometimes clash with her sense of loyalty. She could struggle with balancing her desire to take on challenges alone with her need to protect and support others. This internal conflict could lead to moments where she pushes others away, even when they try to help, feeling that she must handle everything herself to prove her worth.

• Curious

Given her curiosity about machinery, Ember might be drawn to repairing or building technology that others would see as dangerous or a relic of the past. However, her mother’s influence could provide a moral check, leading her to question the ethics of certain technological advancements. For example, she might hesitate to repair a dangerous piece of old-world tech because of its potential for harm, struggling with the idea of rebuilding a broken world without repeating past mistakes.

• Authoritative

• Intelligent (via mechanical craftsmanship)

<> Ember has a knack for deciphering the complex systems of Old World machinery. She might figure out how to activate or repurpose ancient devices that others see as broken or useless. This intelligence could make her a sought-after ally—or a target for those who want to exploit her skills.

<> Her Oseram heritage shines through her ability to design, build, or modify tools and weapons. She might create a unique weapon or device that combines Old World tech with modern materials, showcasing her innovative mind.

• Temperamental

Ember’s fiery temper makes her a target for manipulation by enemies and a source of tension with her allies. Rivals or foes might deliberately provoke her, knowing she’s prone to emotional outbursts that can disrupt plans or lead to reckless decisions. For example, an enemy could insult her competence or question her loyalty to her Nora or Oseram roots, baiting her into making a rash move.

These moments of anger could also strain her relationships with companions, particularly those who prefer careful planning or diplomacy. While Ember values loyalty, her frustration with hesitation or conflicting opinions might lead to heated arguments. Over time, this dynamic could lead her to reflect on how her outbursts affect those she cares about and how enemies exploit this weaknes

• Assertive

• Highly sensitive (and / or volatile depending on the situation)

• Inventiveness

Strengths:

• Analytical thinker

• Mechanical genius

• Diplomatic

• Knowledge of the Old World

• Craftsmanship

• Combative skills

• Political leadership

• Artistry

Weakness:

• Social anxiety 😂

• Distrust of authority

• Temperamental

Likes:

• Fixing and repairing things - Ember will spend majority of her time (to her mother’s concern) in her family’s workshop

• Delving in old ruins

• Spending time with her father or aunt

• Machine hunting

• Going for rides (on her Strider)

• Making face paint with flowers (even created a pattern herself both adoring her parents respective colours which looks pretty cool)

• Sneaking out

• Playing with Old World technology

• Politics

• Staying busy

• Painting

• Zen moments - Riding Tallnecks

• Fighting in arenas

Dislikes:

• If any disrespect/ harm towards the machines (although it’s fine if she does it for a part she needs 😂

<> The idea kind stems from with Zo and the tame machines in her tribe

• Losing games

• Stuff being touched (someone once did this and broke something she had just created, so she’s a little paranoid)

• Chores

• Confrontation (although she will do it to argue her point across despite not liking it - particularly if it comes to her mother)

• Creative block 😂

• Being told what to do by her parents

• Confrontation

• Standing idle (especially being grounded 😂)

Flaws:

• Ember’s drive to protect others might lead her to take unnecessary risks, putting herself in danger without fully considering the consequences.

• Her curiosity about machinery can sometimes cause her to focus more on fixing things than addressing the emotional or social aspects of a situation.

• While she respects the Nora’s ways, her Oseram pragmatism might make her dismiss traditional practices or beliefs she finds impractical, causing tension with more traditional people.

• Her humor, while endearing, can sometimes come off as dismissive or biting, alienating others unintentionally.

Strengths:

• Ember’s drive to protect and improve her world gives her an unshakable sense of direction and motivation.

• Her independence and resourcefulness make Ember excellent at sneaking around or infiltrating enemy territory. She can move quietly and avoid detection when needed.

• While she can be blunt, Ember is capable of negotiating and finding common ground, particularly when the stakes are high, as her sense of responsibility compels her to keep the peace when necessary.

• Her Oseram upbringing in a world of trade and exchange means she’s skilled at haggling, knowing how to get the best deals or convince others to part with valuable items.

• As a Banuk, Ember would be acclimated to extremely cold environments, with the ability to withstand freezing temperatures and thrive in harsh, snowy landscapes.

• As a Banuk, Ember might become a respected leader among her people, known for her strength in combat and her ability to guide others through the treacherous wilderness of the frozen mountains.

• Ember might engage in Banuk artistry, such as crafting intricate totems, painting or carving images of the machines, or weaving blankets and garments to reflect her status or achievements.

Abilities:

• Foreign Languages — Ember can read Old Ones glyphs and text in Old Ruins - so can understand it so much she can even write the dead language

• Machine Tamer - Ember has the ability to be able to speak directly to the machines; deciphering the different sounds they make and can converse it.

• Combative skills - Ember knows hand to hand combat and is very skilled in weapon proficiency if the need arises

• Tech Savvy - Ember is very savvy with her Focus since she was a child (but is even more advanced than her mother)

<> Not only did is she self taught but also from the fact that she spent most of her time with her “aunt” she quickly adopted the ability to hack into certain things and take it one step further as to try and understand Old World technology thus surpassing even her mother’s knowledge about it

• Body Language— Ember is able to detect whether someone is lying or not.

• Alcohol Consumption - Ember has a very high tolerance — and most of the time drink her drinking buddies under the table (much to her mother’s dismay)

Relationships:

With Aloy:

While Ember respects Aloy’s skills, she feels her mother sometimes struggles with emotional vulnerability. She often pushes back against Aloy’s seriousness, subtly challenging her worldview and reminding her that not everything is about the fight. This could create some tension as Ember might clash with Aloy over priorities, yet the underlying love and admiration are always present.

Ember admires her mother’s strength but has a secret fear of being overshadowed. As they face challenges together, Ember occasionally doubts whether she’s strong enough to live up to Aloy’s legacy. Through moments of vulnerability, she seeks reassurance and discovers her own strength, one that doesn’t need to mimic her mother’s to be valuable.

Also the fact that her mother fiercely encouraged Ember, as a child, to interact and socialise with people; make some friends — not wanting her to befall the same fate she had (and as parents they want what’s best for their children and not repeat the hardships that had been inflicted upon them)

With Erend:

Despite Erend’s laid-back nature, he becomes the source of wisdom for Ember in unexpected ways. His humor and carefree attitude help her navigate the world without taking everything too seriously. They bond over shared moments of laughter and frustration, with Erend teaching Ember how to balance her serious side with the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Ember’s playful rivalry with Erend grows into a unique relationship where both challenge each other to grow. They constantly try to one-up each other in creative problem-solving or mechanical tinkering, but there’s a deep respect underlying their banter. Their rivalry pushes Ember to refine her skills, while also learning to value the lessons that come from Erend’s unconventional wisdom.

With Beta:

Ember and Beta share a quiet and close bond. Beta’s gentle and reserved nature makes her easy for Ember to talk to, especially when she needs to vent about her frustrations or worries. Beta never judges or argues, which makes Ember feel safe opening up to her.

For Ember, Beta is like a safe haven. While others might try to fix her problems, Beta listens patiently and gives advice only when asked. This makes Ember feel understood and allows her to process her emotions without pressure.

Beta cares deeply for Ember and admires her strength and confidence. Though she isn’t bold herself, Beta helps in small, thoughtful ways, like making tools or quietly solving problems. Their relationship is calm and supportive, giving them both the connection they need.

With Zo:

Ember’s surrogate familial relationship with Zo is built on mutual respect and understanding. Zo offers guidance and support, recognizing Ember’s vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. While Ember initially resists Zo’s advice, their growing trust strengthens their bond, with Zo’s belief in her potential becoming a cornerstone of their connection.

Over time, Ember begins to accept Zo’s role in her life, not as a replacement for her biological family but as someone who chooses to invest in her. Zo’s presence helps soften Ember’s independence, teaching her the importance of connection and support. Despite Ember’s reluctance, Zo becomes an anchor, reminding her that even in a harsh world, chosen family can shape one’s journey.

Not to mention that Zo has been the one who suggested that Ember starts to become more involved with the Utaru community if she wanted to have a better handle on her temper; they share something in common when it comes to nature and docility of machines and the way of the former’s cultural beliefs

#OC #horizon (trilogy)#ember vansguardsman #constantly updating

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loyrendchild · 7 months ago

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Companion Review:

Ten & Aloy:

When I first played the game and saw these two together, I initially thought, ‘aww, they’re cute together.’ However, I didn’t consider two things at first: one, she was just a child when they met, while he was likely in his teens, 18 years old at the very least, which made his smile toward her a bit concerning (I felt) in retrospect. And two, even as an adult, he has this clingy, borderline ‘stalker’ vibe that doesn’t sit right.

He constantly hovers around her, almost as if he doesn’t trust her abilities or her independence. It’s like he needs her to need him in some way, and that subtle possessiveness comes across as both controlling and, honestly, a little unsettling. He seems like the type who could end up being overprotective to the point of obsession, almost like he sees her as his project or responsibility rather than a person with her own agency. To me, he comes off as either a stalker, a groomer, or maybe even both.

(Now, I acknowledge, I might be completely wrong here, because I often mistake a manipulation for kindness). All this could be because he’s sheltered and genuinely concerned for Aloy’s safety, not wanting her to go out of the gates and risk being killed, but honestly, to me, the whole thing feels a little off. He’s seen her as a child outcast, so he’s aware that she can handle herself out there—if her ‘lone wolf’ demeanour wasn’t enough of an indicator that she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. It just seems like he doesn’t trust her individualism, or worse, he’s trying to undermine it by constantly stepping in, as if she’s incapable of making her own decisions. If anything, her independence should be something he respects, but instead, it feels like he’s trying to impose his version of what’s best for her. That type of behaviour can easily cross the line into something more manipulative, especially when he doesn’t seem to take hercompetence into account.”

Aloy & Sun-King Avad:

Honestly, I thought these two were cute together, and of course, I shipped them immediately. But after playing Zero Dawn and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that, unfortunately, they wouldn’t be compatible in the long run. While I love the idea of them ruling side by side, I now see that: 1) Aloy is a free spirit who doesn’t exactly excel at socializing unless absolutely necessary, and as a ruler, you’d have to deal with people and their problems constantly. 2) She’s not someone who enjoys attention—in HFW, she was embarrassed by a statue of herself and even more uncomfortable being called a ‘savior,’ though she grins and bears it. These traits just don’t align with the responsibilities of ruling.

(Not to mention that she didn’t want to become chieftess of the Banuk clan or even be a Sun Hawk of the Hunters Lodge — that goes to Talanah anyway but still it goes to show Aloy doesn’t want any sort of hierarchical status, she prefers her feet firmly on the ground, proverbially speaking)

However, if Avad actually stepped down—like he mentioned he might—then maybe I’d reconsider this option. It’s something I’d love to explore further, especially if the devs ever decide to make Horizon 3. There’s potential for a shift in dynamics that could open up more opportunities for Aloy’s personal life, though it would depend on how the story develops. But then again, this could be one of those ideas that fits better as fanfiction or headcanon.

Horizon 3 would most likely focus heavily on the conflict with NEMESIS, with action and adventure taking center stage. Romance would probably take a backseat unless it’s woven into some kind of epilogue or a minor subplot. It’s hard to imagine a full romance arc in a story that’s all about high-stakes survival and technological warfare, but I’d definitely be interested if they managed to work in a quieter, more personal moment for Aloy. In the end, it’s all just speculation unless the devs surprise us with something completely unexpected.

If Aloy had accepted Avad’s offer, it could have been a powerful strategic alliance more than a romantic one. — although I suppose there could always be time for that if the the feelings were mutual and as we’ve seen it definitely is on his part — From Avad’s perspective, it would have been an opportunity to integrate the Nora, a highly independent tribe, into a broader alliance, reinforcing his influence over the different factions. As king, Avad had already achieved some degree of coexistence between the Oseram and Carja, and bringing the Nora into this fold would make his vision of a united, stable region even stronger.

For Aloy, however, this alliance might have posed challenges. While her authority and leadership capabilities are undeniable, her independence is essential to her character. Aligning herself formally with Avad would have inevitably drawn her into political responsibilities she might find restrictive, given her calling to roam and address threats beyond any singular kingdom. Additionally, her connection with the Nora is complicated—they see her as an outcast rather than a direct representative. So, while she could hold influence over her people through Avad, her authority with the Nora wouldn’t necessarily be rooted in mutual trust or shared ideology.

In this scenario, if Avad married Aloy, he would gain influence over the Nora tribe, even if he wasn’t king anymore. By marrying her, he’d be able to bring the Nora closer to the other tribes he’s already united, like the Oseram and Carja. This marriage would give him a way to connect with the Nora and include them in his vision of unity.

Nil & Aloy:

Again , I used to ship these two because they had something in common—they were both outcasts from their respective tribes. There was something appealing about the idea of two people who had been cast aside finding understanding in each other. But then I realized that, in reality, they’ve probably only seen each other a handful of times: once in Zero Dawn and another time in HFW. Despite their shared experiences as outsiders, their interactions have been so limited that it’s hard to justify any deep emotional connection. While I was initially drawn to the idea of them bonding over their mutual struggles, I’ve come to see that their relationship is more of a surface-level connection than I first thought. It’s almost like they’re more symbolic of each other’s isolation than truly connected on a personal level, especially considering how little time they’ve actually spent together. It’s a nice thought, but in the grand scheme of things, there’s not enough to make it a strong, lasting connection.

Varl & Aloy:

In Horizon Zero Dawn, we see Varl’s admiration for Aloy, which some might interpret as the beginning of a possible romance. But HFW reveals a deeper layer to his character—he’s able to move past his initial feelings for her and grow in his own emotional journey. When he meets Zo, we see that he has a capacity for a more profound and true connection.

This shift emphasises how sometimes what we perceive as romantic interest is really just admiration or respect, which can be misinterpreted until someone like Zo enters his life, allowing him to experience an emotional bond on a deeper level. His relationship with Zo also brings out a more vulnerable, supportive side of him, which highlights that his connection with Aloy was more a reflection of his admiration for her strength and mission rather than true romantic potential. (But it also doesn’t mean they’re not also good friends)

Erend & Aloy:

When it comes to to these two characters, I’m a proud member of Team Loyrend, and here’s why: from the very beginning of Horizon Zero Dawn to Forbidden West, Erend has been a steadfast ally by Aloy’s side. His loyalty and support are unwavering, making their bond one of the most solid and dependable in the entire series. But there’s something else that makes their connection even more fascinating—Aloy’s name itself is a piece of the puzzle. “Aloy” comes from the word “alloy,” which means a blend of metals, and is only one letter away from “steel.” Now, consider this: the Oseram people, Erend tribe, are known for being master tinkers, skilled in crafting and engineering. This irony adds a whole new layer of depth to their relationship.

While Aloy’s strength is often seen in her physical abilities, there’s a deeper kind of resilience in her connection with Erend, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences. It’s not just about the big battles they fight together—it’s about the quiet moments of support, the alliance that grows over time. Their bond shows that true partnerships aren’t just about romance or grand gestures; they’re about consistency, loyalty, and working together toward a common goal.

Given their combined strength, it’s clear that their partnership would be exceptional in both practical and combat scenarios. Aloy’s ability to craft and modify weapons, paired with her ingenuity, would only be enhanced by his technical skills—should she ever need an ally to push her boundaries. While Aloy is fiercely independent and capable of handling most challenges herself, having someone who can design and build something entirely new could offer her an edge, especially in particularly challenging battles or when facing new enemies. Their collaboration, whether in fixing equipment or taking on cultists and machines, could create a synergy that strengthens both their individual abilities and their teamwork, making them nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. Their compatibility would beyond just fixing things—they would be a powerful duo both strategically and emotionally, able to rely on each other in ways that would deepen their bond.

(Like or repost if you want me to do a part two— maybe for the females this time! 🤭

#horizon zero dawn #hfw #horizon forbidden west #character relationships #constantly updating

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