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Lord Nesban

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The numbers don't lie, my dear. A debt is a debt, and even in death, I will collect what is due.
—Lord Nesban

Lord Nesban was once a lowly Nim accountant of the Cinnabarim Company before he married Zaya's mother, the company's owner, but rose to prominence by orchestrating a brutal coup against her. This act of betrayal set the tone for his rule, cementing his reputation as a man who sees loyalty as a commodity to be bought and sold.

Under his leadership, the Cinnabarim Company transformed into a sprawling network of mercenaries and treasure hunters, willing to sell their services to the highest bidder. Nesban’s wealth made him an indispensable ally to the likes of Rhansmarc the Cruel, with whom he shares an uneasy alliance. While Rhansmarc seeks retribution against his enemies, Nesban cares only for profit, leveraging the pirate lord’s ambitions to expand his own influence.

Nesban’s personal life is as dark as his business dealings. His daughter Zaya, a skilled treasure hunter in her own right, harbors a deep hatred for him after he orchestrated the murder of her mother to seize control of the company. Both of them wear Rasan masks taken from the Cinnabarim treasury, and both are unwittingly cursed by the corrupt spirits within. Nesban dismisses Zaya's revenge pact as little more than the rantings of an ungrateful child, though he keeps an eye on her from afar, knowing that even a wounded animal can strike back.

Nesban believes that power lies in controlling the flow of resources. His calculating nature makes him a formidable adversary, as his influence stretches far beyond the Merrivale Islands.

Adventure Hook

Nesban exercises soft power to control situations, and would never be caught unawares or risk direct confrontation with the party. Defeating him will require beating him at his own game, either through politics or superior wit.

Dissatisfied with Nesban’s leadership, a union within the Cinnabarim Company is forming and seeks the party’s help. They reveal a cache of incriminating documents that could dismantle Nesban’s empire, but warn that exposing him will bring swift retribution to all involved. Nesban, aware of their treachery, offers the party a counter-deal: crush the rebellion, and he will pledge his loyalty to their cause.

What do the incriminating documents reveal about Nesban’s past dealings, and how do they affect the party’s perception of him?
Can the party outmaneuver Nesban’s schemes and avoid becoming pawns in his games?
What happens if Nesban survives the rebellion and seeks vengeance?

Tags: NPCs Villains

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Lord Nesban

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