... Just need to look out for some people she gave details to.... Zerich thought to himself as he stood on the deck of a ship bound for Lantan. He was slightly pale, though he did not seem bothered by the wind and the slight rain which had chosen to fall as he set on the long journey from Arelith to the nation of Lantan.
Somehow, in spite of wearing a blacksteel collar and for the past months, perhaps even a year he was a slave. Waking up from sleep in an Inn in Waterdeep on a slave ship to Arelith could have been one of the worst possible nightmares for him to endure. And yet, even with the nightmare he had to endure, he had a chance.
A chance which came from many hours of toil and work for his Mistress. Lucretia... a being whom brought great fear and dread in his mind, yet also in the same breath, a hope. A hope to get away from the horror of the Underdark.
A hope which he now was very much appreciative of as he looked on to the Trackless while the ship he sat upon sailed to its destination of Lantan.
On arrival in Lantan it was noted that he had deep in his lungs trace amounts of Timmarsk spores but prior treatment, care and some follow up treatment on Lantan itself helped to minimize the damage done.
True to his word and original plan, he travelled to Lantan to study Economics and the Merchantile. In order to help fund his studies, he took up a job working under a smith and moonlighting as a Bartender and Cook. While working at the bar, he kept his eyes and ears open, talking to adventurous sorts and hearing of their adventures.
Tales of those from Westgate would draw his attention in particular. While still keeping to appropriate propriety and professionalism, he would ensure to particularly make note of those folk.
... If the price of freedom is information about some specific people, so be it. As long as Rosalia and my parents are safe.
Howdy folks, another Rogaku Kudos thread, this time for the character of Zerich Calderi.
While there are a number who have had an influence in Zerich's life I would like to thank, I am uncertain if I'll be able to cover them all in this post:
Lucretia: The mistress who laid claim to Zerich and who had been one of the most influential people in Zerich's life on Arelith. The character has been both a source of dread, inspriation and in a weird way that people might not believe, Hope. A fair mistress and a good player to end up under if you choose to play a Slave PC.
Most might not think it but even ICly, Lucretia is a fair mistress as long as you are willing to work hard. As a player, they are definitely one of the best examples of how a Slave PC's owner should work with their slave.
Kethra: A slave under Lucretia when we first met, she had been the one to steer Zerich into Lucretia's employ and I am glad for her doing so. It was very painful for Zerich to see her die, but at the same time it was a very sound reminder that life in the Underdark is rough and can claim even those able to free themselves. It has shaped Zerich's decisions since, even more with the background I had written for him.
Vestelle: Another slave under Lucretia who earned her way to Seneschal of the Coven. Definitely someone who's taken a strong role in Zerich's life after Kethra passing. Unlike Zerich, she had been captured living a life in Guldorand.. however she has been another positive example of Lucretia's fairness in the ability to earn one's freedom the proper way (at least in Zerich's eyes.. which I can explain more on below)
Vama: A longtime friend, Vama has been a rock to Zerich and helpful when needed, as well as another presence to help inspire hope in what would and should otherwise be a darker life.
Stregabor: Stregabor has been one of Zerich's most longtime regular associates and the source of where a lot of Zerich's more day to day work contributions have gone. As a player he has gone out of his way to ensure that I had opporitunities to pursue what would interest me while staying true to the character and his work.
Gwynnestri: Another who has been a good friend to Zerich in spite of the circumstances of how they knew one another. Like with all of the others , Zerich is glad to have known someone who (Without getting into spoiler seasons) should be someone who should scare him absolutely witless and similar. While I can't nescessarily detail, she definitely makes a very good consultant on certain subjects.
A good quote to round off her entry: "It's odd, for as reasonable as I am people are intent in making me do horrid things."
Avarice: While initially Zerich didn't get along with him, he at least earned Zerich's respect by working his way out of the debt he found himself in under Stregabor.
Kyra: Another who became a slave to Lucretia.. from what I know of the character she presents as an interesting take on the worship of the deity I believe she worships.
Ruby Sylux: Though I didn't get to interact too much with Ruby, she is another positive and happy influence in what should be a dark life. Inky, her adorably kitty cat was also adorable. Meow. Also, if it hadn't been for Ruby's influence Zerich's life would've been in a worse state for sure.
Eduard Helbrect: I do know that he and Zerich weren't in the best of positions but at the same time he was definitely an interesting presence overall. Definitely wondering what will come of his career in the time to come! Also I am sorry I did not get a chance at another visit.
Khalida bint Lahib : I can't say I've had many interactions but the few I've had show that you are definitely a good fit for Sibayad and I hope you continue to rule well, with the support of those who want to se Sibayad flourish.
Inashi Takayama : Another character who I have seen around doing a lot for Sibayad though only interactd with briefly. Definitely like how you've been handling the Arbiters so far and as a character. While I am fond of Samurai as a concept, I can also understand your concept and why it'd be not so fond of them.
Thraxus: I really wish I got more chances to speak to your character, and to learn more of how he came to be the way he is. I do know we had a brief conversation of it but it would've been interesting to learn more of his story.
Nicholai Silanyev: Not many interactions with him but it sounds like him and Lucretia have an extended backstory and I have to wonder just how long ago and how they ended up meeting!
Ingrid: (And her Wolf) We didn't get to talk too much but any conversations we had were pleasant. You also knew how to make a good use of your Wolf companion to add to scenes ongoing in a wonderful way! Hopefully wherever Ingrid is, she's happily doing what she enjoys.
Paislee: Not a character I had as much direct interaction with save a few specific cases but definitely a fun character of I want to say the Moonshae.
Salvatore Montero: While I didn't have many interactions, what we did have were interesting... and the fact one of the first interactions was about Mustache maintenance had to make me laugh.
Adelyn Belle'rose: Having heard about your character in the past but mostly in passing, it was good to finally come across her in person and actually get to see more about them than just what one casually might have expected to be exposed to.
Bellatrix: Another of Lucretia's slaves, Hopefully she learned well and minds what little advice Zerich was able to offer when it comes to behaving as a slave.
Vaskiira: A Slave taken up by Lucretia more recently and another perspective in Zerich's life. Definitely hope all goes well for Vaskiira down the road.
Vokur: A baron and hobgoblin, but ever the gentleman. He was always fair in any conversations with Zerich and whatever he does in the future I look forward to possibly hearing about.
If I missed you in my Kudos I apologize and mean no ill but Zerich has had a respectable career and time in his journey.
A note I'd like to make overall and it is an important thing both as a player to keep in mind and to note: Even if characters are evil or seemingly evil , they can form into groups that albeit are non-traditional, form families and comraderies that can transcend what people might expect. Lucretia and her coven became a form of family to Zerich not unlike the one he left behind and hoped to get back to.
Another note: It isn't often that I root for those traditionally seen as antagonistic but I do admit, playing even in the periphery of a group that fits that role has changed my mind some. At least while I'm a member of said group.
Until next character, Rogaku signing off.
