Shamruuc

Shamruuc (Pronouced SHAM-rouk) was a human male whose origins were unknown, though he did reside in Atmora at one point before traveling to Barovia. Shamruuc was a member of the Saviours of Barovia, the group responsible for ending Strahd Von Zarovich's current reign over that region. After Strahd's defeat, Shamruuc returned to The Amber Temple with the intent to learning the secret to Lichdom.

History

Early Years and Personal Life

Very little is known about the origins of Shamruuc. His year and place of birth is unknown, though he spent at least several years within Atmora as an adult. It was clear that Shamruuc had been well traveled, as he spoke several of the languages used across Naneth and possessed impressive magical abilities.
At some point during his adult life, Shamruuc had been married to a woman. Married life did not end well for Shamruuc, as his wife was killed by a Higher Vampire. This tragedy drove Shamruuc into a path of vengeance, always searching for his wife's killer. Eventually, this path drove him into the clutches of Kelemvor, as he sold his soul to the God of Death in exchange for great power. Using Kelemvor's power and teachings, Shamruuc was able to capture his late wife's soul and store it within a magical staff. Shamruuc hoped to find a path of resurrection, and also used this staff as a focus for his own spellcasting.

Arrival to Barovia

In AoR 597, Shamruuc joined a hunting party within the holy city of Krysset. The goal of this party was to hunt down and discover the orgins of several dark creatures that had been spotted in the nearby area of the Pinetrost Woods. Thinking it may give him a lead on his wife's killer, Shamruuc joined the hunt. After a short journey to the woods, and subsequent betrayal by their guide; Vindril, Shamruuc and the rest of the hunters found themselves trapped within a portal to Barovia. While trapped within this Death House, Shamruuc and the rest of the hunters uncovered a cult dedicated to the vampire known as Strahd Von Zarovich. While escaping the house, Shamruuc was assaulted and knocked unconscious by a animated broom, forcing his allies to rescue him.
Once free of Death House, Shamruuc and the rest of the party arrived in Barovia Village. It was here Shamruuc met first met Ismark, Ireena and Father Donavich. Upon Shamruuc's first sighting of Strahd Von Zarovich and the reveal of Doru's (Donavich's son) as a vampire, he questioned the priest for information regarding his own wife's killer, though it was to no avail.

Vallaki and the First Resurrection

After agreeing to help Ireena avoid Strahd's clutches, Shamruuc and the rest of party traveled towards Vallaki, arriving in the large town after only a few days of travel. It was here that the party discovered that the town was infested with Strahd's minions, the most notable example being a nest of Vampire Spawn hidden within the coffin maker's workshop. The party battled these creatures, emerging victorious, yet drawing undue attention to themselves in the of form Vallaki's city guard. Despite the best efforts of Sarge , he and Shamruuc were taken by the city guard to the manor of Baron Vargas Vallakovich for questioning. Shamruuc, not one to bend to the will of others, escaped his bonds within the manor, escaping out the window and leaving Sarge behind. While this happened, Tylus Symshade launched a frontal attack upon the Baron's manor, creating enough of a distraction for Sarge to fight his way out and for Shamruuc to return for his belongings, including the staff harboring his wife.
Upon re-entering the house, Shamruuc entered combat with several members of the city guard, though they were easily dispatched. Unfortunately, Izek Strazni, the captain of the Vallaki guard was also present inside the manor. He engaged with Shamruuc and attacked the Warlock with his battle-axe, killing him instantly. The rest of the party escaped, while Shamruuc's corpse was deposited in a ditch behind the Baron's estate. As Shamruuc's soul departed his body, he was contacted by Kelemvor, his patron. Kelemvor offered Shamruuc the chance to return to life, to yet avenge his wife's death. In return, Kelemvor bade Shamruuc destroy Strahd Von Zarovich, whom Kelemvor viewed as an aberration to his own power over death. Shamruuc agreed, now returning to life under these new terms.
Later, Shamruuc was responsible for leading a heist on the Wachter mansion. Shamruuc polymorphed into a fly and led an invisible Tylus through the house, seeking a wedding dress that the party required for the resurrection of Norgold Dragonsbane, at the hands of The Abbot of Saint Markovia. After successfully returning to The Abbot with the wedding dress, the party was granted favors by the powerful priest. Shamruuc, after consulting with his allies, asked The Abbot to guide his wife's soul to the afterlife. Shamruuc released his wife's spirit into the Abbot's protection and delivered a heartfelt goodbye. Shamruuc was now fully committed to his current goal; the destruction of Strahd.

The Amber Temple and the Second Resurrection

While seeking powerful artifacts with which the party hoped to defeat Strahd, the Saviours of Barovia traveled high into the mountains, arriving at The Amber Temple. The group soon discovered the true nature of the temple; a housing or prison for several dark powers or vestiges, all of them dedicated to different sources of evil. This intrigued Shamruuc, whom had continued to search for ways to grow more powerful. Shamruuc studied the vestiges that held these powers, and felt the temptations of power held within. Shamruuc easily succumbed, and released several vestiges of evil into his own body, allowing them to posses his very being. This transformed Shamruuc into an absolute abomination, his body now a vessel for demonic activity. Because of this development, Shamruuc and Tylus, whom had also accepted various dark power, became much less trustworthy in the eyes of thier allies. Among these 'gifts', was the power of resurrection. This power would allow Shamruuc to return to life, three additional times. By the time Strahd was defeated, Shamruuc would have used two of these.
As the party continued to explore, Shamruuc came face to face with Exethanter, an ancient Arch-Mage turned Lich. Exethanter's magical ability and immortality enchanted Shamruuc and would later lead to his return to the Amber Temple.
Upon leaving the Amber Temple, Shamruuc immediately spent the first of his resurrections, as he fell to the bottom of Tsolenka Pass, his body exploding over the rocks below.

Baba Lysaga and the Third Resurrection

While searching for the magic gems responsible for keeping the The Wizard of Wines productive, Shamruuc and the other Saviors headed into the Ruins of Berez, an area that was now little more than a rancid swamp. It was here the party encountered Baba Lysaga, an ancient and powerful being of unknown origin. Due to regrettable actions of the part of Tylus, the party became embroiled in combat with Baba and her animated witch house. During the fighting, Shamruuc was knocked unconscious and was eventually devoured by a swarm of black flies, joining Perrin in this horrific fate. Shamruuc was resurrected beside his own corpse only a few seconds later, and continued to fight Baba Lysaga, whom eventually fled the battle.

The Defeat of Strahd and Return to the Amber Temple

Shamruuc, along with the rest of the Saviours, finally faced Strahd in a final battle atop the Overlook of Ravenloft. While Sarge and Norgold contended with the will of Strahd and Tylus, Shamruuc and Tanka Barbearian dealt with Strahd's mount, an undead dragon, formerly Argynvost of Argynvostholt. Shamruuc attempted to equal the power of the dragon and polymorphed into a mammoth, leading him to successfully defeat the beast. Now free of the dragon, Shamruuc attacked Strahd, helping to destroy the vampire that was now under great threat. Shamruuc then watched as his allies plunged a wooden stake into Strahd's chest, finally ending his reign over Barovia.
Now free of Strahd, Kelemvor once again spoke to Shamruuc, this time involving all the Saviours of Barovia. Kelemvor and his dark followers commended Shamruuc on a job well done, as their personal Plane of Dread was now free of Strahd's will, at least for the time being. As a reward, Kelemvor opened the mists between Barovia and the The Teeth, allowing the Saviours of Barovia a one-way exit from the valley. However, when Shamruuc attempted to pass through the mists, he found that his soul could not leave Barovia. Along with Tylus, Shamruuc's soul now belonged to the dark powers of The Amber Temple, and leaving Barovia would now be impossible.
Trapped within Barovia for eternity, Shamruuc decided to return to Exethanter at the Amber Temple. Here he would begin to uncover the secrets to becoming a Lich, while working under the tutelage of Exethanter himself. Whether Shamruuc was ever successful in this endeavor is currently unknown, though Shamruuc believes an exit from Barovia is possible if he is ever successful in his transformation.

Basic Information

Race: Human, Male
Ethnicity: Atmoran
Occupation: Adventurer, Warlock
Other Names/Titles: The Undying, Herald of Kelemvor, Vessel of the Dark Powers
Home: Atmora (Formerly), Barovia (Currently)
Status: Unknown (Last Seen Alive)

Dates

Birth: Unknown
Death: AoR 597 (Multiple Deaths)
Cause of Death/s: Killed By Izek Strazni (1st Death), Fell from Tsolenka Pass (2nd Death), Eaten by Black Flies (3rd Death)
Resurrection: AoR 597