Teshunda

Teshunda
Details
Race	Human
Birthplace	Femeref, Jamuraa, Dominaria
Lifetime	Mending Era

Sidar Teshunda is the magistrate of Femeref on the continent of Jamuraa, on the plane of Dominaria.

Description

Teshunda holds a crucial role in the governance of Femeref. He holds the title of "Sidar," signifying his position as one of the highest-ranking generals and military tacticians in the city's history. His background includes a deep study of ancient wars and a reverence for historical leaders who triumphed against great odds. Despite his military prowess and authoritative status, Teshunda is depicted as a man burdened by age and internal conflict.

Physically, Teshunda is described as being of a "ripe age," with "cloudy eyes" that suggest both his advanced years and perhaps a metaphorical clouding of judgment or moral clarity. He sits upon a raised, embroidered throne, signaling his leadership position within the Council of Voices, a governing body comprised of scholars, judicial and religious leaders, economists, and army generals from both human and dwarven backgrounds.

History

During a meeting in the Great Chamber, Teshunda listened to Niambi, a speaker and advisor, who challenged a decree preventing aid to the Efravan caravan. The Council, including members like the Grand Historian Awateh, held a firm stance against aiding the Efravan, driven by fears of Phyrexian infiltration — a fear that Teshunda seemed to share, influenced by his councilors and possibly his own experiences and fears. Throughout the heated exchange, Teshunda revealed himself to be a man caught between the rigid security measures advocated by his council and the compassionate, humanitarian arguments presented by Niambi.

Despite his formidable background, Teshunda's decisions were increasingly swayed by the fear of the unknown and the influence of his council, who fanned the flames of paranoia about the potential dangers posed by the Efravan people. This fear was compounded by recent unsettling dreams, leaving him sleepless and troubled. One night, Teshunda confessed to Niambi about a recurring, haunting dream where he, as a tree, was consumed by insects, refusing help from a bird — a reflection of his current moral and emotional turmoil. Niambi, compassionate and understanding, persuaded Teshunda to visit the Efravan people, who had sought refuge in a secluded mine.

As they journeyed to the mine, Teshunda observed the modesty and industriousness of the Efravan people. Inside the cave, he noticed several families living in makeshift arrangements. Despite their displacement, there was a sense of community and resilience. Teshunda was particularly struck by the sight of an Efravan man playing a gentle tune on a flute, providing comfort and a semblance of normalcy to the children gathered around him. Nearby, he saw a leonin woman, Pallar Ojanen, her arms cradling a sleeping infant she had named Lark - the little bird from Teshunda's dream. These simple, domestic moments touched Teshunda deeply, forcing him to confront the reality of their plight and the innocence of those affected by his decrees.

Niambi, holding Teshunda’s hand, explained that the Efravan were "birds in search of rest upon an embittered tree," highlighting their vulnerability and need for compassion. Surrounded by the warmth of Niambi's sun magic and the undeniable humanity of the Efravan, Teshunda felt the weight of his decisions and the potential for redemption. This experience brought Teshunda to a crucial juncture: he had to decide whether to continue letting fear and prejudice dictate his actions or to embrace compassion and offer protection to these vulnerable people. Despite his council's protestations, he welcomed the Efravan to Femeref in a final ruling.

Story appearances

Title	Author	Publishing date	Set	Setting (plane)	Featuring
Faith in Birds	Marcus Terrell Smith	2022-08-17	Dominaria United	Dominaria	Niambi, Pallar Ojanen, Zar Ojanen, Gbega, Jabras, Teshunda, Awateh, Kequia, Denik, Esbo, Mabutho, Lark Ojanen