The Great Žabin

art by sleii

**The Great Žabin** is an human bard played by *Daniel Argaez.*

Žabin was first introduced in Episode 1 - Strangers in Hnoje and one of the founding members of the Adversaries.

He is currently with the Adversaries on a mission to stop the Benefactor while trying to salvage what ever is left between him and Amari.

## Backstory

Once upon a time, there was a kind and handsome man named Otec, son of Straýa. He fell deeply in love with a beautiful woman while on the bumpy road. After sharing a long year with her, traveling with his troupe, I was born on the Winter solstice the 21st day of the Month of Candles. The following morning she was gone never to be seen again, leaving only her purple crystal pendant hanging on a thin gold chain.

Although my mother left my father and me, we were never alone. You never could be in a troupe, (In fact, we often had a difficult time finding any privacy.) My troupe had a wealthy patron, Lord Dragosta, who allowed us to use his name and colors to travel freely under his protection. In exchange, the patron expected us to perform in his court for part of the year, and to conduct ourselves in a manner that would reflect well upon his reputation. This was a mutually beneficial arrangement, as the patron gained notoriety as a tasteful and artistic individual, while the troupe gained financial support and the patron's influence to overcome suspicion wherever we traveled.

All Vadrani troupes are bound under the maxim, "One Blood". Growing up in that family was the best childhood a kid could ever want. Traveling from rural towns to crowded cities, being introduced to many different cultures and walks of life. Our frequent movement also helped our family pick up new stories of local legends and myths to use for our shows. I was told at an early age that I learned quickly, picking up the various branches of the arts such as acting, music, literature, and dance. Many times my teachers (being troupers) would express to my father how astonished they were by a boy of such a young age beginning to master his craft. Some even advised that life in the troupe would hold me back, that great things would come “if he had a proper education”.

Not long after, my father (using his vast array of contacts) found a proper Master to further my studies. Before leaving me under the care of Master Foltys at the age of 10, with his hand on my shoulder, he let me know that he wanted nothing but the best for me, that by learning under this master I would become a great man and leave a mark in this world. In his final words, he put around my neck my mother’s necklace. Watching him walk away (my love for him knows no bounds) I swore that I would make him proud by being the greatest, so no other could rival my talent or ability. Father left me with Master Foltys, now with a sense of duty to make my father proud.

I studied under the House of Foltys for five years. First I was taught the manners of high society, how low to bow, when to speak, how to speak, how to sit, how to eat. Second I dove into studying linguistics, poetry, and writing music. All the while Master Foltys would take me to extravagant balls and intimate banquets to put what I learned to the test. Lastly, at the beginning of the fifth year, the Master’s wealthy Nephew young Andrik two years my senior began to join the lessons in spellcasting. With my natural-born ability to learn things, I began to be leaps and bounds ahead and an unhealthy rivalry took place.

* Almost every day was a test of some kind. He was an exacting tutor—not punishing, but not very liberal with his praise. A very guarded man, and even having trained under him for 5 years, you’re still not sure you have a good handle on him as a person.
* Foltys regarded the rivalry between me and Andrik with disdain at the best of times, and with threats to stop training us both at the worst of times (not an uncommon threat, given how often you and Andrik would fight). While it’s true Andrik probably had some hand in my expulsion, the two of you came into a very heated argument at one point, and attempted to use magic on each other—something I’d been ordered never to do—and that was the final straw for Foltys.
* Probably a lot of aggravation for me around this time, because exceptions were made for Andrik that weren’t made for you—since he’s from a
* higher class, and, well… a blood relative of the teacher. That’s not to say Foltys showed him favoritism, but my station brought added challenges.

Andrik, filled with jealousy, used his position over his uncle and ordered him to relinquish me from his protection.

Having yet to make a name for myself I felt unqualified to return back to my father. In the following two years spent as an Urchin in Zavaž. That is when I picked up the bad habit of stealing and met Amari. At first, it was more of a necessity solely to get enough to purchase my own lute. Once I got my instrument I was able to play every night at The Tabard in exchange for two meals a day and a small room. Settled into that repetitive routine,  I grew bored and fell back to old habits. At first, it was picking pockets and it slowly escalated to planning elaborate heists from wealthy estates. As this continued my reputation began to grow and grew to the nickname The Tressym.

## History

King of Sonnets and Ballads, prolific and influential musician, the greatest of his time—although half the age of most of the group—he has led the Adversaries through each of their epic quests. He was there when the town of Hnoje burned down and saved its people from the grasp of a horde of walking dead. He walked through the Black Mirror, spoke with gods, and used a spell on the Black Priest and lived. He broke into the Witching Hole freed a prisoner and walked out unseen.

## **Trivia**

* Is an avid supporter of Jansports
* Accidentally used Detect Thoughts on the Black Priest