Zaer

*“Fight, Feast, F\*\*k!”- Zaer*

Zaer

## Description

Zaer is tall and lean for a Skorgolk, standing at 7’8” (234 cm) and weighing 305lbs (138kg). He has marbled grey-blue skin, a bald head, and a taut, muscular frame adorned in warpaint and scars.

His size and experience still make him a formidable fighter, but decades of battle (and the celebrations after) have taken their toll on his body. He is often seen leaning and lounging about, drinking his aches and memories away. Once proud and boastful in his youth, he now feels isolated and inadequate, and takes his frustrations out on all who cross his path.

He travels the land looking for one last adventure, a worthy cause which to give his Final Breath, so that his name might be sung in the songs of legend.

## Arms and Armor

Zaer prefers less restrictive medium armor, as it compliments his long reach and surprising agility. In group conflicts he couples this with a massive shield and one-handed spear, harassing and maneuvering the enemy into a more advantageous position for his allies to strike. When solo - or enraged - he bears a terrible two-handed hammer, recklessly laying arcs of destruction around him.

## History

Zaer is a prince, of sorts. Being the third born son of the most prominent Skorgolk tribe made him both important and expendable. He spent his youth shadowing his older brothers, admiring them while also absorbing their jests and beatings. As a young adult he flourished his martial skills in the vanguard of his father’s army, bringing great notoriety to himself and glory to his house.

Though not well learned or well spoken, he rose on a tide of fame to become an ambassador of the Skorgolk, visiting other tribes and kingdoms to offer trade and protection. Again he enjoyed great success, always securing favorable terms for his side, though not without controversy as most of his negotiations involved ruthless intimidation.

It was during one of these ambassadorial missions that against all odds he befriended the Itsi Seyrahel, daughter of a man who had sought the Skorgolks protection from Orcish incursion into their forest. She had approached Zaer with curiosity and without fear, a fragile innocence that melted his heart. He found himself shockingly capable of returning her kindness, and as he returned every few months to check in on the Itsi, their bond grew.

One day he road toward the forest, a bouquet of pink flowers concealed behind his shield, but the rare smile across his face quickly turned to concern as he saw smoke rising from the trees. He arrived to find Orcish marauders kicking through the ash, smiling as they swung their axes. Each one surrendered to his blade, toppling headless like the trees around them. He gingerly stepped through the debris until he arrived at her home, and finding it utterly destroyed, fell to his knees.

For the first time in his life, he knew failure. For the first time in his life, he wept.

He laid the pink flowers over their makeshift grave and swore an oath of vengeance, though he knew there were no gods to hear him. He began to rise, but through his tears noticed a pattern of tiny footprints leading away from the forest. He followed them as far as he could, but darkness and thick fog descended on him. He stumbled over a root, head smashing into a boulder, knocking himself unconscious.

He awoke in Kullinzios, the Itsi girl standing over him, tending to his wound.

### Skills

Experienced using and maintaining most weapons, a capable crafter of arms and armor, and moderately skilled builder. Strong and agile, but not very smart.

### Major Flaw/Flaws:

Desperate - Now past his prime, Zaer is becoming increasingly desperate to prove his worth and find his purpose, and may be willing to bend his personal morals to keep an advantage

Drunk - Despite his size, Zaer gets drunk easily, willingly, and often. In this state he is known to spill his secrets as well as his ale.

### Minor Flaw/Flaws:

Ignorant - Zaer is dismissive of people and things he doesn’t understand.

Reckless - Zaer tends to charge headfirst into situations without considering the consequences

## Personality

Zaer is rude and judgemental of strangers, especially wary of immortals and magic users. He adheres to a personal code of honor, but can easily be won over by gifts or sharing combat experience. He is fiercely loyal to his friends, and ruthlessly aggressive towards his enemies.

## Relationships

#### Seyrahel

Zaer cares for her deeply, enough so that he keeps his distance and tries not to interfere with her life’s journey. He struggles to find the balance between being over-protective and supportive of her (often poor) decisions. She is his moral compass, and often bails him out of awkward social situations.

#### Micah Stalvind

They bicker and jest, but Zaer considers him to be one of his few true friends.

#### Dela

His first true enemy, Zaer had threatened her life on three separate occasions. They are now rumored to be romantically involved. Strange times …

#### Ecuy

They have shared the bond of battle and are now “warrior friends”. He respects her skill and toughness.

#### Kodaimue

This strange devil has been appearing with him more and more recently ...