Five Background Concepts for Ziyadi
1. Ziyadi Sahrebe once held a prominent position as a budding young historian and sage in the Great Library of Tephu.
2. Unfortunately, when he reached adulthood, a terrible curse took effect, passed down for generations in his family’s bloodline ever since his great grandfather disturbed the tomb of an ancient spirit.
3. The curse inflicts a terrible wasting disease that prematurely ages all who acquire it, cutting their lifespan well short of what a normal human would expect. Except for Ziyadi.
4. The curse spread to his family, and Ziyadi has outlived every one of his relatives and children, a fact that doubly-cursed him to a haunted existence as their spirits now torment him.
5. It cost Ziyadi years of his life trying to research any records of his curse. Utterly determined, he now believes he must find such information by going directly to the source—venturing into the same tombs and ruins as his great grandfather. And so, he’s come to Wati in the hopes that some lost relic, hieroglyph, or spirit might give him the insight he needs to end his curse.
Two Goals for Ziyadi
1. Despite all that Ziyadi has lost—his family, his physical and mental health, as well as his livelihood—he still clings to his faith in Sarenrae, hopeful of healing and redemption for the trespass of his great grandfather.
2. Failing that, he’ll settle for vengeance against whatever force cursed his line on behalf of his children.
Two Secrets for Ziyadi
1. Ziyadi does not explain why he seemingly speaks to the air. He would rather let his companions believe that he has lost his mind completely than reveal his shame: that his cursed bloodline killed his family and trapped them in the afterlife. (what he knows)
2. The force that cursed his line is actually the Sky Pharaoh Hakotep, after Ziyadi’s great grandfather disturbed the tomb of his favorite paramour. (what he doesn’t know)
Three People that Ziyadi Knows
1. Tetaf was Ziyadi’s eldest son, a lanky boy of 15 years. Of the spirits that haunt Ziyadi, his anger at his death burns brightest. Tetaf is a constant voice for destruction and vengeance in Ziyadi’s ear.
2. Mabju was Ziyadi’s wife, a builder and brewer. As calm in death as she was in life, Mabju’s presence comforts her husband and preaches for patience and deference in most matters.
3. Ghebji was Ziyadi’s daughter, a six-year old girl. Lost and confused, she has yet to speak to her father, but he can hear her crying. Any attempts to reach out to her has so far been met with silence. This, perhaps most of all, hurts Ziyadi the most.
Three Mannerisms, Quirks, or Traits
1. Ziyadi often casts his virtue orison as part of a ritual he believes will stave off the wasting disease inflicted by his curse. This causes him to mutter such prayers in moments of stress, particularly if heading into battle.
2. Ziyadi thoroughly enjoys academic pursuits and philosophical debates, having worked as a sage in the past. He will get along well with like-minded companions, often staying up late to converse on those subjects.
3. Despite his general optimism and positive attitude, feelings of melancholy and survivor’s remorse often afflict Ziyadi. Having outlived his own children, he represents the last of his line. At the same time, he fears time is running out on his opportunity to lift the curse, and he becomes increasingly agitated and frustrated with any delays.
