Victer Zerkeen

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Look how old we have become, Fodel Bersk, like the relics of this place… Do you hear that sound? So quiet, like a whisper. It is the sound of your dying god, its wings beating for the last time. Is this the sound you wish to hear in the last moments of your life? I prefer the roar of the One God, whose fires will purify the whole of the world...
—Inquisitor Victer Zerkeen

Inquisitor Victer Zerkeen, one of the most feared leaders in the Congress of Judges, wields the power of judgment with cold precision and merciless resolve. A staunch devotee of the One God Avestar, Zerkeen has spent decades enforcing the Empire’s decrees, rooting out dissent, and silencing rebellion. His very presence intimidates Imperials and rebels alike, for wherever Zerkeen goes, swift and brutal justice follows.

Zerkeen is a master of psychological manipulation and interrogation, known for his ability to turn allies against each other and uncover the deepest secrets of his enemies. His fiery maleficence—a divine gift from the One God—allows him to discern truth from lies, making him an unerring judge in trials held under the Congress’ purview. This power has also isolated him, as his colleagues and subordinates fear the Inquisitor’s scrutiny.

Despite his unwavering loyalty to the Empire, Zerkeen is not without complexity. Rumors among the Congress speak of a past betrayal that shaped his fanatical devotion to the One God. Some suggest that Zerkeen once had a family, but his unyielding pursuit of justice led to their ruination. Whether out of guilt or a need to atone, Zerkeen’s fervor is unmatched, and his belief in the righteousness of his cause blinds him to the moral cost of his actions.

Zerkeen’s encounters with the party may be fraught with tension, as he views them as both a threat to the Empire and a test of his own faith.

Adventure Hook

Zerkeen’s relentless pursuit of the party can introduce recurring tension. For example, he might predict their movements through the visions of the Prophets, leading to ambushes that test their ability to stay one step ahead. Zerkeen’s reputation as an interrogator also puts the party’s secrets at risk, as he might force them to reveal the truth in infiltrations or negotiations.

Zerkeen captures a key ally of the party and plans to conduct a public trial in the Congress of Judges. Because the captured NPC is a scholar from Ambion, a neutral territory in Arcadia, the Empire is forced to prove his guilt. The party must infiltrate the proceedings to rescue their ally or sway the Imperial Court’s judgment.

What evidence can the party present to counter Zerkeen’s accusations?
How does the trial expose the inner workings of the Congress of Judges?
Can the party turn the tide of public opinion against Zerkeen?

Tags: NPCs Villains

Victer Zerkeen

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