The Asuri

The Asuri
The Asuri are 13 mystical beings, created before the First Human-Spirit war. These beings were created to defend humanity, and, to a lesser extent, all life, against the influence and power of the gods. Because of this, the Asuri frequently come into conflict with the Immortals.

Creation
The Asuri were created sometime around the First Human-Spirit War, by an unknown force. Many believe Deian, the mother of humanity, to have created them to protect her creation. Some believe a powerful mage during the war stole the essence of the gods, and created the Asuri to help win the war. Either way, there is little modern evidence, as even the Asuri don't know where they came from.

Appearance
The Asuri look like normal humans, but they are usually taller than average and stronger than a peak human. They are physically identical to humans, save for one feature. The Asuri have strange eyes (with the exception of the 13th) that provide them with a powerful sense of vision. Visually, the eyes are unique because the resemble a normal eye, except the eye is divided in two by their pupil. It separates the eye vertically, and is about the width of an index finger. Their eyes were once like any other humans', complete with colored irises. Over time, the irises faded into white, which now completely blends into the sclera.

Location
The Asuri reside in Burhanaddin Temple, magically concealed somewhere in Turia. At the temple, they have a thriving community complete with acolytes and other people that have recruited by the Asuri to help them tend and protect the temple in their absence. These acolytes also help organize operations and peacekeeping missions for the Asuri.

The 12 Asuri
There are 12 "main" Asuri. These men and women work tirelessly to protect the world and humanity against any and all threats. They are very powerful, and proficient in nearly all forms of combat. They are also expert magic users, and specialize in war magic. While not individually as powerful as the immortals, two or three Asuri can usually overpower a single Immortal in combat.

The 12 Asuri are immortal, but not in the same sense as the Immortals. When injured, the Asuri can quickly regenarate life threatening wounds. When slain, their body rapidly decomposes, and regenerates in around 24 hours at Burhanaddin Temple. After a full rotation, the Asuri must regenerate in Burhanaddin for twenty years. The effects of the regeneration and the reason for regeneration are unknown.

The 13th Asuri
The reason of the creation of the 13th Asuri is unknown. The other Asuri claim that the 13th Asuri is supposed to defend them while they regenerate.

The 13th Asuri is fundementally different from the others in a myriad of ways, listed below. The 13th Asuri is largely independent of the other Asuri, but usually maintains good relations.
 * Does not have the Mark of Man
 * Does not have the unique eye of the other Asuri
 * Can transfer between humans, unlike the other Asuri (This has only happened once)
 * Does not need to regenerate like the other Asuri
 * Can die like the other Asuri, but regenerates at a speed depending on the severity of the wound
 * Does not regenerate at Burhanaddin Temple, instead regenerating at the largest remaining part of the body

The Mark of Man
All the of the Asuri and all acolytes have the Mark of Man, which is a magical brand that connects the Asuri together. Anyone without the brand is unable to enter Burhanaddin Temple. The brand also allows the Asuri to directly control anyone who is branded, and in extreme situations, teleport and swap places with an acolyte (though this usually kills the acolyte).

The Mark of Man is a small hexagonal brand that depicts the 13 Asuri. It can exist anywhere on the body. It glows blue if the person is telepathically communicating or being controlled by the Asuri.

Acolytes
Acolytes were originally recruited to maintain the temple in the absence of the Asuri. After a few hundred years, the Asuri actively recruited people to serve Burhanaddin Temple and the Asuri absolutely, sacrificing their previous lives in service to the Asuri. They are considered by most to be fanatical, as they are completely willing to die in the name of the Asuri.

When not tending to the temple, the acolytes train fervently, keeping themselves in peak physical shape. They also train in things like spy-craft and warfare. At any given time, the Asuri have thousands of acolytes out and about the world, spying and making sure the Asuri aren't needed. In times of extreme duress, the Asuri can mobilize the acolytes into an army.