Appearance

Mentality

Personal history

Zalen, born in the lush jungles of his homeland, grew up honing his acrobatic skills among the treetops. His nimble movements and charming persona made him a local sensation, performing daring feats that left audiences captivated. His father, a charismatic but elusive gang leader, had a magnetic pull on those around him. Zalen's older brother, a figure of admiration, met a tragic end during a gang confrontation, shaping Zalen's early years with grief and a hunger for retribution.

Amidst the chaos, Zalen's mother, an alchemist and herbalist, sought to distance him from the criminal influence of his father. The split left scars on the family, leading Zalen to choose the path of his father over the protective arms of his mother.

After discovering the thrill of thievery, Zalen transitioned from a charming performer to a skilled rogue. His talents caught the attention of a local gang in Radiant Plaza, known as the Shadow Syndicate, who saw potential in his unique blend of charisma and agility. Zalen quickly rose through the ranks, establishing himself as a clever strategist within the criminal underworld.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Mastermind of the Great Gem Heist

Zalen orchestrated a daring heist that involved stealing priceless gems from an affluent Perlisian jeweler. The success of this operation elevated his status within the Shadow Syndicate.

Navigational Virtuoso

Zalen's acrobatic skills and familiarity with the city's layout have enabled him to navigate complex structures and evade law enforcement seamlessly, contributing to the gang's ability to operate discreetly.

Information Broker

Zalen has cultivated a network of informants, allowing the Shadow Syndicate to stay ahead of rival gangs and law enforcement. His knack for extracting valuable information has proven crucial in planning successful criminal activities.

Failures & Embarrassments

Betrayed Trust

In a moment of desperation, Zalen trusted a woman he believed to be an ordinary citizen, unaware that she was an undercover agent working to infiltrate the criminal underworld. When his trust was shattered, the revelation not only exposed the Shadow Syndicate's plans but also led to a series of arrests and a damaging blow to Zalen's credibility within the gang. The emotional toll of being deceived by someone he considered an ally still echoes in his dealings with new contacts and alliances.

Mental Trauma

Betrayal Trauma

Zalen carries the weight of betrayal after discovering that someone he considered trustworthy was an undercover agent. This has left him with deep-seated trust issues, making it difficult for him to confide in others or form genuine connections.

Intellectual Characteristics

Tactical Acumen

Zalen possesses a sharp mind for devising intricate plans and strategies, a skill honed through his experiences in various heists and criminal operations.

Resourcefulness

Having navigated the criminal underworld, Zalen is adept at finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges. He can think on his feet, adapting to changing circumstances effortlessly.

Streetwise Knowledge

Zalen has an extensive understanding of the streets, knowing the ins and outs of urban environments. His street smarts enable him to gather information, avoid detection, and navigate complex cityscapes.

Deception Expertise

Zalen excels in the art of deception. His ability to manipulate situations and people, coupled with a charismatic demeanor, allows him to operate covertly and maintain a facade when necessary.

Lockpicking Proficiency

A skill developed through years of thievery, Zalen is an expert lockpicker. He can handle a variety of locks with finesse, making him valuable in situations where discreet entry is required.

Criminal Network Knowledge

Zalen has an extensive network of criminal contacts, informants, and allies. His knowledge of the criminal underworld provides him with valuable resources and connections that aid in his activities.

Morality & Philosophy

Pragmatic Opportunism

Zalen believes in seizing opportunities, regardless of morality, if it benefits him or his allies. His experiences in the criminal world have shaped a pragmatic outlook where survival often demands morally ambiguous choices.

Loyalty to Kin

Despite the fractured relationship between his parents, Zalen values loyalty to family, especially to his father. He is willing to go to great lengths to protect family members, even if it means embracing the darker aspects of his past.

Survival Above All

The harsh reality of the criminal underworld has ingrained in Zalen the principle of prioritizing personal survival. This often leads him to make decisions that favor self-preservation, even if they compromise ethical considerations.

Cynical Realism

Zalen harbors a cynical view of the world, recognizing its harshness and unpredictability. This outlook guides his actions, making him skeptical of grand ideals and more inclined to navigate the complexities of life with a practical mindset.

Anti-Authoritarian Stance

Zalen is inherently distrustful of authority figures, likely stemming from his experiences with a father involved in criminal enterprises. This skepticism extends to governments, organizations, and institutions, making him reluctant to bend to their rules.

person.sexuality

Zalen is straight.

Taboos

Betraying Kin

Despite his pragmatic nature, Zalen considers betrayal within the family a grave taboo. The bonds of blood carry a significant weight for him, and violating this trust goes against his moral code.

Direct Harm to Innocents

Zalen avoids actions that directly cause harm to innocent individuals. While his criminal background might involve illicit activities, he draws a line at causing unnecessary suffering to those not involved in the underworld.

Working with Law Enforcement

Due to his deep-seated mistrust of authority figures, cooperating with law enforcement is a taboo for Zalen. The risk of betrayal or manipulation by those in power makes him avoid any dealings with official channels.

Revealing Gang Secrets

Zalen considers the inner workings of his criminal organization sacrosanct. Disclosing sensitive information about his gang's operations is a taboo, as it could lead to internal strife or external threats.

Defying the Shadow Syndicate

Disloyalty to the Shadow Syndicate, the criminal organization Zalen belongs to, is strictly forbidden. Going against the interests or betraying the trust of this group is a taboo that could have severe consequences.

Resorting to Uncontrolled Violence

Zalen avoids unnecessary brutality and excessive violence. While he may engage in covert criminal activities, gratuitous harm or cruelty is a line he's unwilling to cross without a compelling reason.

Known Languages

Common, Tabaxan, Jungle Speak

Personality

Motivation

Gang Ascendancy

Zalen harbors a burning ambition to elevate the Shadow Syndicate to new heights of power and influence. His motivations are driven by a desire to see his criminal organization become the preeminent force in Perlis, ensuring prosperity and dominance.

Personal Wealth and Comfort

Accumulating wealth and enjoying a life of comfort is a key motivation for Zalen. He seeks financial success not just for the gang but for personal gain, indulging in the finer things in life and securing a stable and affluent future.

Revenge for His Brother

The loss of his older brother fuels Zalen's desire for revenge. He aims to settle scores with those who wronged him.

Legacy Building

Zalen desires to leave behind a lasting legacy. Whether through the success of his criminal exploits or the establishment of a thriving syndicate, he seeks to be remembered as a formidable figure in Perlis's underworld.

Challenging Rival Gangs

Motivated by a competitive spirit, Zalen is determined to outsmart and overcome rival criminal organizations. The thrill of strategic maneuvering and asserting dominance over competing gangs keeps his ambitions fueled.

Maintaining Personal Freedom

Zalen values his independence and autonomy. One of his motivations is to ensure that he remains free from external control, avoiding situations where he might become subservient to higher powers or authorities.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Savvies

Savvy Negotiator

Zalen excels at negotiation and bargaining, using his charisma to strike deals that benefit the Shadow Syndicate. His ability to read people and manipulate situations makes him a skilled negotiator.

Street Smarts

Zalen has an innate understanding of the streets and the criminal underworld. His knowledge of the local landscape, contacts, and rivalries gives him a distinct advantage when navigating the complex dynamics of Perlis's criminal scene.

Cunning Tactician

Zalen possesses a strategic mind, making him an effective planner and tactician. He can devise intricate schemes and outmaneuver adversaries, ensuring that the Shadow Syndicate stays steps ahead of its rivals.

Ineptitudes

Impulsive Decision-Making

Zalen's impulsive nature sometimes leads to hasty decisions. In critical situations, his tendency to act on instinct rather than careful consideration could result in unforeseen consequences for the Shadow Syndicate.

Disdain for Authority

Zalen's rebellious streak translates into a deep-seated disdain for authority figures. While this can fuel his anti-establishment stance, it may also lead to conflicts when dealing with influential figures or individuals in positions of power.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes

Shady Hangouts

Zalen appreciates the atmosphere of clandestine meeting spots, enjoying the secrecy and low visibility that these places offer for covert discussions.

High Stakes Gambling

Zalen finds thrill and excitement in high-stakes gambling, participating in games where risk and reward are equally intense.

Exotic Spices

Zalen has developed a taste for exotic spices, enjoying dishes that incorporate unique and flavorful seasonings from various cultures.

Dislikes

Law Enforcement

Zalen harbors a strong aversion to law enforcement and authoritative figures, viewing them as obstacles to his way of life.

Arrogance

Zalen has little patience for arrogant individuals who flaunt their success or prowess without merit, often finding ways to humble them.

Seafood

Despite the maritime nature of Perlis, Zalen dislikes seafood, attributing it to a childhood distaste that never waned. He prefers land-based cuisines over anything from the ocean.

Virtues & Personality perks

Resourceful Strategist

Zalen excels in resourceful strategic thinking, often finding creative solutions to complex problems, making him an invaluable asset in tight situations.

Acrobatic Prowess

His history as a performer grants Zalen exceptional agility and acrobatic skills, allowing him to navigate urban environments or evade pursuers with grace.

Keen Observation

Zalen possesses a sharp eye for detail, making him an excellent observer who can pick up on subtle cues and hidden motives during interactions or investigations.

Quick Reflexes

His acrobatic background has honed Zalen's reflexes, enabling him to react swiftly in combat scenarios or avoid danger with remarkable speed.

Criminal Network Connections

Zalen's involvement in the criminal underworld has afforded him valuable connections, providing access to information, safe houses, and potential allies.

Vices & Personality flaws

Overconfidence

Zalen's past successes and agile abilities can sometimes lead to overconfidence, causing him to underestimate opponents or situations.

Compulsive Risk-Taker

The thrill of criminal activities often drives Zalen to take unnecessary risks, seeking the adrenaline rush that comes with danger.

Trust Issues

Betrayed in the past, Zalen struggles to trust others fully, making it challenging for him to form genuine connections or alliances.

Unresolved Grief

The loss of his older brother in gang violence continues to haunt Zalen, occasionally clouding his judgment or triggering emotional responses.

Impulsive Decision-Making

Zalen's impulsive nature can lead him to make decisions without thoroughly considering the consequences, potentially putting himself or allies at risk.

Personality Quirks

Collecting Trinkets

Zalen has a penchant for collecting small trinkets, often swiped from unsuspecting victims, serving as both mementos and subtle trophies of his exploits.

Social

Mannerisms

Purring Sound

In moments of contentment or satisfaction, Zalen unintentionally produces a soft purring sound, a remnant of his tabaxi heritage.

Fidgety Fingers

Zalen's fingers often exhibit a constant, subtle fidgeting motion, reflecting his agile and nimble nature.

Stealthy Footsteps

Zalen unconsciously moves with almost silent footsteps, a lingering skill from his days as a thief and infiltrator.

Sly Grin

Zalen frequently sports a sly grin, especially when plotting or anticipating a successful scheme. It's a telltale sign that he's up to something.

Quick Assessments

Zalen possesses a knack for swiftly assessing people and situations. His eyes often dart around, subtly gauging potential threats and opportunities.

Cocky Demeanor

Zalen carries himself with a confident, somewhat cocky demeanor. It's a blend of charisma and arrogance, reflecting his self-assured approach to life.

Hobbies & Pets

Card Games of Deception

Engaging in card games that involve bluffing and deception is a favorite pastime for Zalen. It's a way for him to sharpen his cunning and outwit opponents.