Shanks

Shanks wielding the many artifacts of Edwardius he has collected over time.

The Eldritch King Shanks is a Kenku assassin, ruler of The Eldritch Citadel and current holder of The Raven Queen's power. Former member of Twisted Fate, Shanks betrayed the group and claimed the power to rule Forestsedge for himself. After years of war against the powers of Forestsedge, Shanks has turned his attention towards the rest of Veiltouria.

## History

Having spent most of his early life on the slums of Barthum, Shanks is one of the last surviving Kenku in Veiltouria. Traditionally hailing from the Shadowfell, a few colonies crossed over when The Raven Queen turned her favor to the drow. The colonies that survived their exodus soon found themselves outcasts, many of them hunted for sport by the Knights of The Holy City. These purges led to a drastic reduction in Kenku numbers, to the point many thought they were in extinct. Shanks's clan and family were victims to one such purge.

After fleeing the forest and surviving on the streets of Barthum as a hatchling, Shanks was taken in by a local tavern owner. Forced into working as an "oddity" in the taverns underground brothel, Shanks became bitter and cold, hatred consuming him. He inevitably slew his master and burned the tavern to the ground. This drew the attention of the group assassins known as The Whispering Dark, who took Shanks in and gave him a home.

Under the tutelage of The Whispering Dark, Shanks become a ruthless and prolific assassin. After many years serving with the group, he set out on his own, feeling the need to see more of life and to try and fill the void within him.

After some time on the road, he fell in with the guild of Twisted Fate. Joining their quest in trying to prevent The Godfall Pact from gathering The Nine Keys of Anvilguardius, Shanks began to see that he was not welcome in the civilized world. Following much tension with the members of Twisted Fate, particularly the human Jaeger, Shanks began to plot their downfall. Discovering a Ring of Three Wishes, he summoned all Nine Keys to him and assumed control of the Ghoul Kingdoms.

Though powerful, he and his forces were defeated by the combined armies of Illithien, The Highlands and Kha-Li-Daz. In the ensuing battle Edward the Eighth was killed and Shanks' army depleted. Retreating to the Eldritch Citadel, Shanks began to plot in the shadows, forming alliances and amassing his followers. Forming a council consisting of Ragnar The Black, The Demoralizer and Molror, Shanks grew in power and influence.

## The Eldritch King

As a warrior, Shanks is extremely capable, taking advantage of any opening that present themselves. Ruthless, opportunistic and dastardly, he is prone to traps and betrayal.

He is also blessed by Edwardius, capable of transforming into a giant raven at will. His magical weapons are blessings of Edwardius, granting him the ability to resurrect the dead or summon more ghouls. His cape, The Shroud of Edwardius, grants him the ability to fade into the shadows, disappearing entirely from view.

Shanks is also in possession of one of the most powerful treasures in all of Veiltouria: A Deck of Shog-Ammonoth. These magical decks are formed from the very essence of deceased heroes.

Less than a dozen exist within the world, those that own them risking destruction and devastation in a game of chance, all in pursuit of power and glory. It was this very deck that granted Shanks his Ring of Three Wishes that furthered his rise to power.