Ezíkus

Ezíkus Vàlzard, Pryn Roð

Ezíkus Vàlzard joined the Temple of Roth at a later age than most priests. A blacksmith by trade, the Oðàri native was blessed with talent for working iron from an early age. He apprenticed in the town of Vullìnshrið under Master Cūllon for five years. At the age of 15 with his journeyman writ in hand, Ezíkus the Black moved to Loston in 614 DR where he worked for three years before securing a smithy of his own in Hanat. In 619 DR he married a young woman named Mēála and they had two children: Laran and Tēála. Mēála died during her second childbirth.

Ezíkus’ master was remiss in instilling the proper Roði values and teachings into his apprentice. Because of this, Ezíkus never gave religion much thought except when customers would approach him with matters for the Temple, matters for which he could not advise them.

In 637 DR everything changed for Ezíkus. His son Laran had been sent to the City of Oð to purchase and return home with some goods. The caravan he was traveling with had decided to overnight at a tavern in the Sulyard when the place was swarmed by Merchant Guardsmen. Neither Ezíkus nor Laran had heard about the growing unrest in the city due to “Dayla’s War”. The Merchant Guardsmen had been pursued by the Lord’s Men after raiding a mint shop on a nearby street. Survivors of the Tin Horse Inn later explained that there was “great confusion” because the Merchant Guard had long been viewed as the constabulary in most areas of the city. When it became apparent that the High Lord’s soldiers were circling the inn, no-one knew what to do. Most customers retreated to the upstairs rooms while others (including Laran) retreated to the cellar. In the conflict that raged above them, lamps were tipped and fire spread quickly through the half-timber building. Many who were hiding in the top stories were able to climb or jump to safety, but no-one escaped from the cellar. When Ezíkus received word that his only son had died, he was inconsolable. He closed his smithy and left Hanat, stopping to leave Tēála with family before being swallowed by the City.

In 640 DR his body was dragged from a sewage sluice in the Naryard, his fingers still tight around an broken bottle. The man cleaned him up, feeding him and ridding him of mites and worms. When he was returned to health the man explained that he was a Priest of Roth. Hearing Ezíkus’s story the man talked about the teachings of the Old Master. After some time in the care of Pryn Toldus, Ezíkus accompanied him to the Kyrm Oryroð where he was entered into the priesthood school there. A quick learner, Ezíkus (then adopting the surname of his father) was ordained into the Forge of Roth in 643 DR. Due to his age (44) he was assigned to Temple duties and in 651 DR was sent to Kryr Shùrulm where he served as a chapel attendant until 653 DR. In that year, Ezíkus volunteered along with one acolyte to accompany his friend Saldus Greymane on a mission across the Tor’n Evalshat. During the journey, the 54 year old priest often displayed more energy than those half his age. Despite great hardship and great losses (including the life of his acolyte), Pryn Ezíkus rode, marched and sailed to the City of Taldàna where he was given audience with the High Priestess Elésēa XI.

Aside from mundane possessions, Ezíkus has a suit of leather armor, vestment of Roð and a warhammer.

male Yrūn Exp4; CR 3; Medium Humanoid; HD 4d6+4; hp 23; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (+2 Armor); DR –/–; Atks +3 melee (warhammer); Face/Reach 5 ft. x 5 ft.; AL LG; Fort +4; Ref +1; Wil +8; Str 12; Dex 10; Con 13; Int 14; Wis 19; Cha 13; Height 5 ft. 10 in.; Weight 135 lb; Feats: Great Fortitude, Martial Weapon Proficiency (Warhammer), Toughness; Skills: Speak Language (Oðic), Speak Language (Murdwürmor), Read/Scribe (Late Oðávar), Appraise 9, Craft (Blacksmithing) 8, Diplomacy 7, Heal 10, Knowledge (Religion) 9, Knowledge (Ritual) 7, Profession (Scribe) 9, Ride 1, Search 5, Sense Motive 7, Spot 7, Swim 2; Possessions: Leather armor, Vestment of Roð, Warhammer