Ibzan

**"Ibzan"**, once known as **Alexei Kuznetsov**, **Gold**, and several other aliases, is a former Sergeant of The Deathless’  Special Units Department. Having served as a member of the SUD Leader’s Personal Staff for thirteen years, Ibzan was seen by several of his closest colleagues as a trusted confidant and loyal soldier. However, his life took a dramatic turn early in the year 3201, leading to a great many changes. Among them, the disclosure of his synthetic nature, coming into contact with the person he’s now committed his life to, and his eventual retirement from the Deathless.

## Traits and Appearance

In terms of physical appearance, Ibzan is a younger looking man with long brown hair he oftentimes ties into a bun and a pair of striking golden eyes. His pale skin is unnaturally smooth thanks to an extensive operation involving specialized skin fibers. These fibers have also left his skin incredibly difficult to cut, as well as making it easier for him to conceal the vast array of cyberware he has been implanted with.

In conversation, Ibzan endeavors to maintain a respectful tone with just about anyone he speaks to. In his eyes, everyone is deserving of kindness, regardless of their position; be they a noble or serf. Though, ultimately, Ibzan’s efforts stem from the hope that he will leave a positive impact — however small — on the lives of those around him, as he is tired of living in a Sector rife with conflict.

This altruism isn’t without its limits, however. There have been a number of occasions where Ibzan has encountered people with zero regard for the happiness of those around them, or who regularly abuse their power and position to crush other people beneath their heel. For these kinds of people, the former mercenary is willing to make an exception when it comes to violent action.

## Biography

### Early Life (circa. 3176 - 3180)

Originally registered as **01XC-A0N**, the unit later known as Ibzan was built by one Grand Biologist Triangulum Yazata Aredvi Sura Anahita and their partner, Lord Genetic Engineer Cygnus Amatore Czesław. 01XC-A0N, dubbed **Wojciech** by Anahita, was later gifted to Lady Δ Karim Suvi and Lady Cygnus Amatore Leila as an engagement present, knowing the pair were hoping to raise a child of their own. Instead, Karim and Amatore later brought 01XC-A0N to Lab 0178, one of the many temporary research facilities built upon Lovelace’s surface. There, the two Nobles carried out a series of tests revolving around the unit’s cybernetic tolerance, as well as DNA manipulation, through the use of Body Sculpting, an Identity Submersion Trigger, and other various cyberware. While their experiments were cut short once the War Against the Artificials began, 01XC-A0N was recorded as a success, supposedly having been implanted with thirteen different cyberware enhancements.

Uncovered documentation penned by Lady Amatore shows that Ibzan was not the first subject to receive this series of tests, and later lists the reasons behind these experiments as them simply trying to, “Further our understanding of a Synthetic’s System Strain.” However, House Crux Inquisitors in charge of investigating Amatore and Karim’s affairs after the War hypothesize that the former had ulterior motives, and may have misled her partner throughout their time spent together.

## Equipment

* **Silenced Mag Pistol:** Ibzan’s work as an operative within the SUD often required him to be discreet and avoid making a scene, and as a result utilized a silenced variant of the typical mag pistol. Even after his retirement, Ibzan carries the weapon with him inside his Holdout Cavity.
* **Reticulum Mastercrafted Mag Rifle:** Forged by Crafters within House Reticulum, this masterfully made weapon was a gift Ibzan received from a since-deceased brother-in-arms. After his retirement from the Deathless, possession of this weapon was transferred to the SUD's enigmatic Commander WISP as thanks for all they had done for the former Sergeant throughout his time as a mercenary.
* **Identity Submersion Trigger Master Key:** Many ISTs are implanted with a master key, and Ibzan’s is no exception. His IST’s master key is a complicated spirographic pattern interwoven into the palimpsest of an old prayer book, which the mercenary always keeps locked away in his apartment with Vistraj on Intaglio.
* **Body Arsenal Array:** This cyberware has allowed Ibzan to conceal a blade of approximate length to his forearm, which he can produce via mental command.
* **Deflector Array:** Acheron Rho holds nothing but opportunity for mercenary work, and customers within the nobility are known to pay quite a hefty sum - by serf standards - for jobs well done. After finding himself in a few too many situations where his life was in another person’s hands, Ibzan used savings from prior contracts to purchase a Deflector Array which is worn underneath his clothing.