Vex'Rok Thunderstrum
Trained as a traditional Øztazian musician but given the secondary position of a lutist, in accompaniment to the thunderous and subtle power of Øztazian drums, he dumped all of that when he discovered rock and roll. He picked up the feared battle lute and since being a luthier is a skill of a traditional Øztazian lutist, he merged that with his engineering skills to come up with his Battle Lute, the Axe of Justice. Now he rocks as a guitarist with Guerilla Radio.
The Axe of Justice Guitar Specs
Body:
* Type: Solid body, double-cutaway with a contoured edge for comfort during marathon jam sessions.
* Wood: Premium Z'hara hardwood, known for its tonal clarity and resonance, with a dense grain for sustain.
* Finish: Cosmic Nebula Burst - A custom deep blue paint job with shimmering silver undertones. Sealed with a high-gloss finish for added protection and pop on stage.
Neck:
* Type: Set-in neck for added sustain.
* Wood: 5-piece Z'hara and Lyrium-striped for added strength and stability.
* Profile: Thin "U" shape for faster playability.
* Fretboard: Ebony, with luminescent Lyrium crystal inlays that glow during performances.
* Frets: 24 jumbo frets, optimized for both rhythm and lead playing.
* Scale Length: 25.5 inches.
Electronics:
* Pickups: Two Øztazian humbuckers - bridge and neck, known for their high output and clear tonality, even when cranked up to 11.
* Controls: Master volume and master tone knobs, both with a push/pull coil-split feature. 3-way toggle switch.
* Special Feature: Built-in preamp with adjustable gain control hidden under the backplate for when Vex'Rok wants that extra punch.
Hardware:
* Bridge: Locking tremolo system, allowing for aggressive dive bombs and squeals without losing tuning stability.
* Tuners: Øztazian locking tuners with dimensional stability technology, ensuring the guitar is always pitch-perfect.
* Nut: Synthetic bone for tonal consistency.
* Jacks & Ports: Standard ¼ inch jack, with an additional port for intergalactic amp connections.
* Knobs: Custom-designed, galaxy-themed volume and tone knobs with a smooth grip.
Extras:
* Pickguard: Transparent and lit from below, giving the guitar an ethereal glow.
* Strings: Reinforced Øztazian nickel-wound strings, known for their durability and bright tone.
* Strap Locks: Standard, because even in space, guitar safety is essential.
* Case: Hardshell case with cosmic cushioning, ensuring the Battle Lute's protection on any planet or during any gig.
Sound:
Bright, clear highs with a punchy midrange, and a growling low end. Thanks to its Øztazian humbuckers, the Battle Lute can handle everything from crystal clear cleans to the gnarliest of distortions.
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For Vex'Rok, the Battle Lute isn't just an instrument - it's an extension of his very soul. Designed to be both a workhorse and a showpiece, it's played a pivotal role in countless Guerilla Radio performances across galaxies. And with its advanced tech and timeless design, it's no wonder it's the envy of rock stars universe-wide.
Guitar Style
Vex'Rok Thunderstrum, with his rebellious spirit and the weight of his Øztazian heritage, showcases a unique playing style that’s an eclectic mix of tradition and raw energy.
1. Øztazian Rhythms: Growing up in the House of Bones, Vex'Rok was heavily influenced by the rhythmic pulses of his planet’s ceremonial music. These intricate beats and patterns often weave into his riffs and solos, giving his playing an otherworldly, hypnotic rhythm that's distinctly his.
2. Raw Energy: Being a warrior-guitarist, Vex'Rok’s style is aggressive, intense, and filled with raw power. When he plays, each strum, each note, feels like a call to battle, charging the atmosphere with electric tension.
3. Slide and Bend Techniques: Borrowed from the classic blues guitarists of Earth, Vex'Rok often employs deep bends and ethereal slides, adding a soulful touch and conveying the depth of his emotions, especially during his solos.
4. Two-handed Tapping: Vex'Rok is known for his swift two-handed tapping, a technique that allows him to play both melody and rhythm simultaneously. This creates an intricate layering of sounds, showcasing his dexterity and command over the Battle Lute.
5. Cosmic Feedback Manipulation: Using the advanced tech of his guitar, Vex'Rok has mastered the art of manipulating feedback. Instead of it being a disruptive sound, he turns it into a hauntingly beautiful, controlled resonance, echoing the vastness of space.
6. Percussive Techniques: Vex'Rok often uses the body of the Battle Lute as a percussion instrument, adding a rhythmic tap or beat, further layering his soundscape and enhancing the dynamism of his live performances.
7. Modal Exploration: Drawing from both Earth's ancient scales and Øztazian modal systems, Vex'Rok often ventures beyond traditional scales, exploring modes that produce exotic and mystifying sonic landscapes.
8. Improvisation: Every performance of Vex'Rok is unique. He believes in the spirit of the moment and often veers off into long improvisational segments, taking his audience on an unexpected and thrilling musical journey.
In essence, Vex'Rok Thunderstrum is a force of nature on stage. He doesn’t just play the guitar; he battles with it, converses with it, and channels the stories and energies of his universe through it. His style is an embodiment of his life - a dance of chaos and order, of raw energy and refined technique.
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Warrior Training
Vex'Rok's warrior training was a gritty, relentless journey that combined ancient Øztazian martial traditions with the fiery spirit of rock and roll rebellion that bubbled in his veins.
The Trial of Thunderstrum: This was a foundational and grueling rite of passage in the Øztazian culture, where young warriors were taken to the turbulent Thunderstrum Plains to endure a series of physical and spiritual challenges. Vex'Rok, named after these very plains, showed an exceptional blend of resilience and grace during this trial.
Combat Rhythm Training: Øztazians integrate music into every aspect of their life, including their combat training. Vex'Rok learned to synchronize his movements with the pulsating rhythms of war drums, transforming each battle into a deadly dance where strikes landed with the precision of a metronome.
Weapon Mastery: As a part of his training, Vex'Rok became proficient in wielding a variety of weapons, including the legendary Thunder Axes of Øztaz. His skill with these axes translated seamlessly into his prowess with the Battle Lute, allowing for a fusion of music and martial artistry.
Guerrilla Warfare: Given the rebellious streak that marked his personality and later, his music, Vex'Rok was trained in guerrilla tactics. He learned the art of ambush, subterfuge, and hit-and-run strategies, which later influenced his guerrilla rock movement, characterized by surprise performances in unexpected locations.
Philosophical and Ethical Studies: A warrior in Øztaz was not only trained in the arts of combat but also in the philosophies of justice, duty, and honor. Vex'Rok became well-versed in the ancient texts and moral codes that guided the warrior class, grounding him in a strong ethical foundation.
The Spiritual Journey: This part of his training involved seeking solitude in the sacred Øztazian groves, where Vex'Rok meditated and connected with the cosmic energies that flowed through his world. It was here that he honed his psychic abilities, learning to harness the energy around him to augment his physical and musical capabilities.
The Mentorship of Maestro Xarn: As Vex'Rok's talent with the Battle Lute became evident, he was taken under the wing of the legendary Maestro Xarn, a master musician and warrior. Under Xarn's guidance, Vex'Rok's music and fighting styles became seamlessly intertwined, reaching levels of artistry that few could match.
Formation of Guerilla Radio: After his formal training, Vex'Rok formed the rebel rock band Guerilla Radio. This band became a platform where his warrior training and musical genius fused, spearheading a musical revolution that shook the foundations of the Øztazian society.