Role

Chapter 3

Zanzar sat in lavish comfort in his sect hall, watching coins from his purse
roll from his fingers in the coffers. He had done well, all things considered.
He had arrived on the mainland unnoticed, unrecognized and with a new identity
and riches to back him. The War master seemed invested in him. He had a way of
making himself valuable to the Empire, while slowly building his reputation.
Politically, he had hundreds of gold passed around to various individuals for
future favor. People's allegiances were so easily bought, it was rarely a
challenge. But this served him well for now. He had not yet approached the
dark gods, many plans were still being intricately weaved, pieces placed on
the game board that could move in many ways. For now, he needed to establish
to his enemies that he was a threat, and enemies were plentiful. Furthering
his reputation as a force to be reasoned with while being careful to select
the proper alliance within the Empire to work with, if any.

He was playing a dangerous game, one with mortal consequences, but the reward
to him was worth the risks. He had thought of all the cunning moves that he
had made to get him where he was, some hard lessons, some simpler, but always
traveling and learning more and more each day. Though his powers of persuasion
are not magical, he has been seeking dark alternatives though magical
artifacts to supplement his own menacing war songs. Secrets long lost to Thera
would not stay secret to him long, but what information in the days to come
would have the most value, which would elevate him? He had a lot to think
about as he stepped forward as a more vocal force in the imperial army, but
the time was near. For now, he would continue the Blood tax in the name of the
Empire, and cement himself as a true champion and conqueror among his peers.