Naaima
Naaima was a former Cathayan courtesan, a vampire and the first and most loyal of Queen Neferata's Lahmian sisterhood in the World-that-Was and is again a handmaiden of Neferata in the Age of Sigmar.
Overview
As a Vampire of the first generation her powers were extremely formidable including inhuman strength, speed and resilience and like her mistress she was highly skilled at shapeshifting - often taking the form of a black cat or a panther to amuse herself or her queen. Neferata noted that her handmaiden "lacked a stomach for slaughter, preferring to sup in moderation, taking gentle nourishment from suitable docile partners or pets."[2] On occasion she would leave the Queens side (or be briefly banished) and wander the world at large.
History
World-That-Was
Originally known simply as the White Orchid, Naaima was a Cathayan courtesan, extensively and expensively trained to be a beautiful ornament and companion for princes and emperors. On a whim she was demanded as a parting gift by Queen Neferata from the visiting Prince Xian of Cathay in the 76th year of Phakth the Just (-1597 Imperial Calendar). She was given her new name by the Queen and turned into a vampire using the Elixir of Life.[1]
She then served Neferata as her devoted handmaiden and lover for the rest of long existence until the conclusion of the End Times. Accompanying Neferata for much of her unlife she was with her when she fled to Araby and subsequently when she fought over and later ruled the city of Bel Aliad in that land. She stayed with her when that city fell to Arkhan the Black and they found brief safety in the corsair city of Lashiek before moving on to Sartosa before they had to leave to escape Khalida. Naaima was pivotal in the fall of Silver Pinnacle as the pair managed to first infiltrate and then open the gates of the dwarf hold to the invading undead army of Ushoran.[2][4][6] Her final fate in the World-that-Was is not described but she was active in the plots and plans of the Queen throughout that period being present at such actions as the Battle of Skull Chasm.[3]
Mortal Realms
In the Age of Sigmar she once again serves the Queen of Mysteries.[5]
Quotes
| Always I have loved you. And I will do so until the end.
Remember that, when all the others have betrayed you. ~ Naaima to Neferata.[1] |
Sources
- 1: The Rise of Nagash by Mike Lee
- 2: Neferata by Josh Reynolds
- 3: Warhammer: The End Times Nagash
- 4: Master of Death by Josh Reynolds
- 5: Spear of Shadows by Josh Reynolds
- 6: The Lord of the End Times by Josh Reynolds
