Nagaazut

## Nagaazut the Bugbear

*Character art by Kelsey Dutton [1]*

## Good Pup

A spotted, furry humanoid with the snout of a dog and feet of a feline bent over a bloody stump as a greataxe severed its neck - this was the first memory of an especially gangly bugbear pup living in a nomadic tribe. Here, the young grew up fighting and silently stalking each other for practice while avoiding beatings from the rough elder folk. If they came of age, their future was to become scavengers and hunters for their community. While the gangly pup lacked a killer instinct, he was quite strong; adept at using his unique leverage to his advantage.

The pup earned the name Nagaazüt after reaching adulthood as he began raiding for the tribe. On one unfortunate instance, he and his unit found themselves in a most unusual cave. They heard unusual sounds inside and after investigating further, found an unusual being. Dark eyes peered towards the unit as Nagaazüt felt the need to serve this creature. Not a word was exchanged between the two, but the bugbear knew what he must do. Other members of the raiding party were not so fortunate. They attacked the dark being and were effortlessly cut down. This is where the gangly bugbear would spend the next several years, doing the bidding of his new master.

## Fitting In

The master grew ill during a summer season. On a day like most others, the gangly servant was carrying out his terrible duties - bringing what must be brought to the pool - when he saw his master collapse. As the dark being fell, the bugbear instantly no longer felt the desire to serve him. He walked to the lair entrance where he saw an adventuring party passing by and proceeded to join them. While they were put off by his monstrous appearance at first, they were charmed with his funny way of speech.

The party consisted of 4 dungeon crawling adventurer’s before the bugbear joined. Understanding the difficulty of his birth name, the gangly outlander decided Zuke would suffice as a name. The cleric of the party taught him of the Gods, morality, and the importance of doing good as well as the consequences of doing evil. The sorcerer taught him of magic and its power. Zuke both feared and respected the sorcerer and, after asking repeatedly, had him impart the bugbear with a few basic spells. The fighter was the cutest of the bunch. Always trying to wrestle with Zuke and one up him in any kind of contest. She was like a little sibling to the bugbear. Finally there was the bard. Zuke hated the bard. He would play pranks, sing annoying songs, and make fun of the gangly bugbear. He contemplated killing the bard or luring him back to his old master on multiple occasions.

## Riding Solo

After a few successful months of looting dungeons and slaying beasts, most of the party retired with their earnings. They returned home to care for their families with their substantial sums of sanctums. But Zuke had no home to go back to, not knowing where his tribe had traveled to, so he continued on with the sorcerer. It wasn’t long before a situation turned hairy with the two of them, and without the aid of the cleric, the sorcerer fell. Zuke, now friendless and alone, looks to find a teacher of the arcane arts as well as a new party to travel with.

## During the Campaign

### Hiding In Plain Sight

Zuke was discovered captured by a Drow raiding party in Kombray. The **Wizlocks** allowed him to join with them as they continued deeper into the nation to confront the Emperor.(x).

### Battle of the Five Armies/Ostoril Interlude

Zuke helped the party clear out Fort Ostoril and was rewarded with the title of **Minister of War**, making him a Lord(x). He also started the **Exotic**, a brothel with unique women, and became a little slovenly(x).

### Flight of the Corsairs

Zuke is finally convinced to leave his comfortable life as Lord and travel via airship with the party. While onboard he discovers an **Elder Brain** is controlling some of the crew. Despite his fear of being controlled again, he and the party confront and kill the creature, saving the airship.

After the party defeat the Pirate King, Zuke takes over his ship, **The Emerald Skull**. He leaves the party and seemingly sails off into the sunset to start his new life as the new **Pirate King**(x).