Wakil Ashraf (U-15)

Wakil Ashraf, a prominent figure in the city of Madan Alyaqa, served as one of the Seven Merchant Princes, an influential group of oligarchs governing the city. Renowned for his astute business acumen and specialized knowledge in the lucrative Lorian trade, Wakil emerged as one of the region's most powerful rulers. Within Madan Alyaqa, Wakil's responsibilities revolved around overseeing the extraction and trade of precious commodities, particularly gold and jewels. His keen understanding of the trade industry, combined with his sharp business acumen, propelled him to prominence and solidified his position as a key player in the realm's commerce.

Beyond his commercial pursuits, Wakil Ashraf was widely recognized for his close friendship with the daring and adventurous Selene Silverwood. Although the precise origins of their relationship remain shrouded in mystery, their bond was characterized by an unwavering trust and mutual respect.

Despite his esteemed status as an Alyaqi prince, Wakil's immediate family was relatively small. He had a sole daughter named Zaphyra, whose marriage to Prince Ubadah Ahmad was a subject of controversy. Against her wishes, Zaphyra was wedded to Prince Ubadah, creating tension within the noble community.

Wakil played a pivotal role in the hiring of Smallish Threat, a renowned hero group enlisted to combat the nefarious attacks orchestrated by Numnus and his cult on Küstehauf. Initially, his relationship with the group remained cordial, united by a common goal. However, complications arose as Wakil became entangled with the Stellungian colonists, leading to strained relations with the hero group and the eventual arrest of Ivar Toogen, one of its members.

Wakil's life was abruptly cut short when he fell victim to assassination at the hands of Ivar Toogen. The incident occurred at the end of the year 363 4E at Ashraf Palace, following his decision to imprison Ivar for treasonous acts. His untimely death provided an opportunity for Prince Ubadah Ahmad to seize control of the city, resulting in a brief transformation into a monarchy that would shortly end when he also fell to Ivar's hands.

## Character

Wakil presents an imposing presence with his tall and muscular physique, dark complexion, and graying hair. While he often dons refined attire for formal occasions, his preference leans towards a more relaxed and casual style in his day-to-day life.

Beneath his formidable exterior, Wakil harbors a friendly and approachable nature, demonstrating genuine empathy and understanding towards others. He is renowned for his acts of generosity towards those he considers true friends. However, those who betray his trust are met with an entirely different side of him – unwavering, unyielding, and emotionally detached. He has no qualms about swiftly meting out justice, be it through arrests or even executions, if the circumstances demand it.

## History

### Background

Wakil Ashraf was born into the esteemed city of Madan Alyaqa, renowned for its rich history and culture. As he reached adulthood, Wakil's exceptional skills and keen eye for craftsmanship led him to be chosen by the nobles to succeed his father in the prestigious assembly of the Seven Merchant Princes. In this esteemed position, Wakil's expertise as a jeweler allowed him to amass great wealth, enabling him to embark on extensive journeys across the world, eager to explore new lands and expand his horizons.

During one of his captivating expeditions, Wakil encountered Selene Silverwood, a remarkable individual whose intelligence and charm captivated him. The encounter sparked a profound friendship that would shape the course of Wakil's future endeavors. Little did he know that Selene would later play a crucial role in the unfolding events of Küstehauf, when she would send Kayl Esholl and Musca to deal with Numnus and inadvertedly found Smallish Threat.

Before the fateful attack on Küstehauf, Wakil, recognizing the potential benefits of forging powerful alliances, proposed a momentous betrothal. He offered the hand of his beloved daughter, Zaphyra Ashraf, in marriage to Ubadah Ahmad, the scion of a prestigious noble house. This union not only solidified the bond between their families but also strengthened their political influence and consolidated their power.

### Arcarea: The Legend of The Stormreavers

#### First Arc: The Tolling of the Bells

##### **Unlikely Heroes (1x01)**

In the anticipation of the arrival of two heroes dispatched by Selene to address the brewing crisis in Küstehauf, Wakil found himself engaged in discussions with the ingenious engineer Kross. The purpose of their meeting was to explore potential investments in the groundbreaking inventions of the drallin inventor. Kross, eager to impress, unveiled a wooden armed carriage, a creation that evoked a lackluster reaction from the discerning Wakil. While Kross attempted to justify the merits of his invention, the long-awaited heroes, Kayl and Musca, suddenly appeared on the scene. Wakil, cognizant of the gravity of the situation unfolding in Küstehauf, elucidated the urgency in resolving the imminent threat. Overhearing their conversation, Kross expressed a fervent desire to join forces with the heroes, vowing to enhance his invention and present a creation worthy of investment upon their triumphant return. Recognizing Kross' determination and potential, Wakil extended his support, promising each member of the group a generous reward of two thousand gold coins.

###### **A Distant Hope (1x07)**

Following a much-needed respite in the harbor, the group decided to settle their debts with Wakil and Ubadah Ahmad. They ventured to Wakil's opulent palace, determined to apprise him of the unspeakable horrors that had befallen Küstehauf and the atrocities committed by the sinister Numnus. The weight of the revelations visibly disturbed Wakil, yet he bravely accepted the grim reality and extended his gratitude to the group for their valiant efforts. Wakil also mentioned the pressing need to dispatch a representative to Vergeltung to convey the dire situation, though he refrained from divulging further details.

#### Second Arc: High in the Clouds

##### **Scales** **(1x10)**

In the period preceding this episode, Wakil entrusted Kress with a crucial mission. He dispatched him with a carefully composed letter addressed to the esteemed General Lotharwulf Greenblood. The missive provided a detailed account of the calamity that had befallen Küstehauf, stressing the urgency of restoring vital trade routes to avert a recurrence of the devastating events that transpired in Walstung. Wakil also shared intelligence indicating that the notorious pirate John Arthur Evans had been sighted operating along the southern coast of Ghaba. Unexpectedly, Ivar cunningly intercepted the letter intended for General Greenblood, withholding its contents and ultimately revealing it to his comrades in Kirdege. Unbeknownst to Wakil, this stolen correspondence would set the stage for the group's subsequent journey to Dragon's Harbor and their eventual encounter with Alastair Redsea.

##### **The Drowned Man** **(1x13)**

Having narrowly escaped the clutches of Alastair, enduring the perils of being stranded on an island, and ultimately finding salvation through the enigmatic Gruld Greensails, the group sought an audience with Wakil once more. Their purpose was to present a compelling investment opportunity in Kross' improved combat carriage. As they awaited the prince's arrival, Tura stumbled upon a letter from Vergeltung, a missive that carried grave accusations against their group, squarely blaming them for the catastrophic events that unfolded in Walstung. The letter, penned by an unfamiliar name, Dietrich Ahler, ignited Tura's curiosity and compelled him to share the revelation with the rest of the group. Determined to take matters into their own hands, they resolved to forge a response to Dietrich while navigating the labyrinthine alleys of the city's bustling black market.

Meanwhile, Wakil, recognizing Kross' potential and impressed by his proposition, extended his support to the brilliant inventor. He allocated substantial funds to facilitate the assembly of a significant number of combat carriages, eagerly anticipating the fruition of Kross' ingenuity. Additionally, Wakil, driven by a surge of ambition and self-interest, initiated a clandestine plot in collaboration with Ubadah Ahmad. Their aim was to embezzle a substantial portion of the profits generated by the Drallin Armories, ensuring that only a fraction of the rightful benefits would reach the Drallin brothers. Wakil also began selling part of his combat carriages and diverse weaponry to the Stellungians, helping them re-arm.

##### **Betrayal (1x17)**

News of Wakil's treachery and his imprisonment of Kress reached Kross' ears, prompting him to spring into action. Fueled by a mixture of determination and loyalty, the group, accompanied by Ubadah Ahmad, converged upon Wakil's magnificent palace, determined to unravel the truth and clear their names. Ivar, displaying his characteristic lack of cooperation, aggravated the already tense situation, compelling Wakil to summon his personal guard and brandish his weapons in a show of force. Despite the imminent threat, the group remained composed and resolute, choosing not to retaliate with violence. In a selfless act, Kross offered himself up for arrest in exchange for his brother's freedom, but Ubadah, recognizing the gravity of the situation, convinced him to relinquish Ivar, who bore a greater share of the blame. Thus, Ivar's arrest was ordered, and the group, along with Kress, was forcibly expelled from Wakil's opulent palace.

Unfortunately for Kross, the Drallin Armories found themselves entangled in a precarious position, compelled to maintain their contract with the now irate Wakil. Recognizing the urgent need to mend the frayed relationship, Kriss stepped forward, offering her mediation skills to ease tensions and restore harmony between Kross and the prince. Meanwhile, Wakil, driven by a belief that the stellungian shipments would exacerbate existing friction and instability, took the drastic step of severing ties with them.

##### **Blood in the Harbor (ES1x05)**

In the wake of the tumultuous events involving Kross and Kress, Wakil's wrath and embezzlement schemes escalated exponentially. The audacious irregularities plaguing the profit reports sparked Kriss' suspicion, prompting her to diligently gather evidence pertaining to the company's accounting practices. Sensing that his fraudulent activities were nearing exposure, Wakil, wary of antagonizing the influential Kross, initiated contact with Nicholas Trench, a renowned detective from Geldland. In a calculated move to secure his own safety, Wakil struck a deal with Trench, offering valuable information regarding the illicit slave trade in exchange for protection. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the detective, who promised to facilitate his journey to the Ada Empire, where Wakil intended to start afresh, the nobleman found himself on the precipice of a new chapter in his tumultuous life.

Merely a day before his scheduled meeting with Nicholas, Wakil's palace became a revolving door of unexpected visitors. First in line were Kriss and Kruss, who sought to interrogate Wakil, hoping to extract information and exploit his embezzlement for their own gain. However, their efforts proved futile. Shortly thereafter, Ubadah Ahmad entered the premises, presenting an enticing proposition aimed at seizing control of the Drallin Armories' production. Seeking to evade further complications, Wakil promptly declined the offer. Following this encounter, he found himself face to face with Uhmad, the esteemed chief engineer of the Drallin Armories. Wakil enticed Uhmad with an enticing job opportunity in the Ada Empire, cunningly stealing Kross' designs in the process. However, Uhmad remained unconvinced, deeming the monetary offer insufficient. As dusk settled, Harmand Forst, a notable figure involved in arms shipments, graced Wakil with his presence. Harmand expressed the growing impatience of Dietrich Ahler and revealed the tenuous nature of their dealings. Despite the mounting pressure, Wakil's unwavering confidence stemmed from his impending departure from the island.

Little did Wakil suspect that his seemingly eventful day would take a tragic turn. Meeting with Yardan, his trusted captain of the guard, Wakil unknowingly faced his demise. In an unexpected twist, Yardan revealed himself to be Ivar Toogen in disguise, exacting revenge on the man who had imprisoned him. In a swift, calculated move, Ivar assassinated Wakil, leaving his lifeless body sprawled across the palace's common room, forever altering the course of the grand narrative.

After the lifeless body of Wakil was discovered by Nicholas Trench, and the diligent members of Mohammed's Militant Watch squad, chaos ensued. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the team swiftly launched an investigation, beginning with the interrogation of Yardan, the captain of the guard who was, unbeknownst to them, Ivar Toogen in disguise. Yardan's deceptive responses, cunningly calculated to mislead the investigators, led them on a wild goose chase.

Returning empty-handed from their fruitless pursuit, Trench and the squad were confronted with a grisly scene. The lifeless bodies of most of Wakil's guards lay strewn across the palace grounds, a haunting testament to the violence that had unfolded. A trail of blood, serving as a macabre breadcrumb trail, ominously led them towards the depths of the prison. Meanwhile, Mohammed and his vigilant squad, driven by their unwavering determination, ventured into the bowels of the palace. It was within the depths of the prison that Mohammed and his squad stumbled upon a ghastly sight. They discovered the mummified remains of the real Yardan, a horrifying revelation that shattered their preconceived notions and added an even greater layer of complexity to the unfolding mystery.

Simultaneously, in the grand hall, Trench found himself embroiled in a violent confrontation with Ivar, who had shed his disguise. In the desperate struggle that ensued, Trench bore the brunt of Ivar's aggression, losing an eye in the process. The partially blinded detective fought valiantly, unwilling to succumb to his injuries, and managed to make Ivar flee the scene.

### Legacy

The untimely demise of Wakil had far-reaching and devastating consequences for the city he ruled over. With his absence, a power vacuum was created, one that Ubadah Ahmad, seizing the opportunity, eagerly sought to fill. Asserting control over the crucial harbor, Ubadah swiftly implemented a forceful quarantine that encompassed the opulent population, effectively isolating them within the confines of Wakil's Palace.

Within the palace walls, a sinister plan began to take shape. Ubadah, driven by fear and paranoia, orchestrated the Black Venue, a nefarious act in which his soldiers attacked the guests at the palace. During this shocking betrayal, Kriss and Jonathan Hogan, who had found themselves in the midst of battle, fell victim to Ubadah's treachery, losing their lives at the hands of their supposed ally alonside many others. However, Ubadah's reign of terror would be short-lived. Ivar, fueled by his own self-interested motives, would swiftly behead Ubadah after the massacre was finished.

The tragic events that unfolded following Wakil's death sent shockwaves throughout the population, and the city mourned the loss of their capable and respected prince. His passing and the subsequent collapse of the city, marred by betrayal and violence, would be forever etched in the annals of history as a profound tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the people who once thrived under Wakil's leadership.

## Appearances

### Arcarea: The Legend of The Stormreavers

* Unlikely Heroes (1x01)
* A Distant Hope (1x07)
* The Drowned Man (1x13)
* Betrayal (1x17)
* Blood in the Harbor (ES1x05) (Death)