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Jhazaad Azah Ha'ash
The Word-Weathered
Shokhyr Jhazaad Azah Ha'ash (pronounced [dʒəˈzɑːd ˈɑːzɑː heɪʃ], juh-ZAHD AH-zah HAYSH; born Garda 27, 269), formally Jhazaad adn Samirak adn Malukhar qa-Majhun Azah Ha'ash, also known as "qa-Majhun," is a distinguished Western Kaliti human nobleman, financier, patron, and purported sorcerer. An eminent figure of the Free City of Shaalith: he sits upon the Shomajla ruling council, and as patriarch of the "Great Skull" (an ancient familial house) Azah Ha'ash, Jhazaad serves as Grand Keyholder of the White Bank - counted among the most prestigious banking houses and financial networks in Liadain.
Jhazaad's life was marked by tragic events early; first with the loss of his mother during birth, before too losing his father shortly thereafter. He found refuge, solace, and comfort in the saray of his paternal grandfather's harem. Into adolescence, his education flourished within the Ha'ashai palace school, surrounded by his close family and devoted servants. Guided by his grandfather, the esteemed founder and first Grand Keyholder of the White Bank, Jhazaad embraced a studious path, absorbing knowledge under his mentor's watchful eye and exacting discipline throughout his youth and early adulthood.
Late into his grandfather's life, Jhazaad served as steward and aide-de-camp, often attending to familial, mercantile, and political affairs on his behalf. Following his grandfather's death in 299, Jhazaad was left to inherit the patriarchy of Azah Ha'ash as well as control of the White Bank; three weeks subsequent, the ruling council of Shaalith saw fit to extend the honor of a junior seat at the high table of power.
Since his appointment to the Shaalitheen oligarchy over seventy years hence, Jhazaad has used his position - and its increasing seniority and power - to strengthen the prestige of his house, foster and grow the arts and academia of Shaalith, and expand the reach and connectons of the White Bank far beyond the peripheries of western Amol-Kalit. He is renowned within Shaalith as both shrewd, commanding, and visionary, while also often being perceived as enigmatic, secretive, and - among the nobility and aristocracy - uncompromising in his pursuits.
The question of Jhazaad's age is an open but unspoken secret within Shaalith. Known most often by the sobriquet "qa-Majhun" - a title indicative both of sagacious respect and occult suspicions - the fact that he has lived far beyond the typical lifespan of a human is not discussed outside of palatial sanctums or beyond the hushed whispers of aristocrats.
Jhazaad's life was marked by tragic events early; first with the loss of his mother during birth, before too losing his father shortly thereafter. He found refuge, solace, and comfort in the saray of his paternal grandfather's harem. Into adolescence, his education flourished within the Ha'ashai palace school, surrounded by his close family and devoted servants. Guided by his grandfather, the esteemed founder and first Grand Keyholder of the White Bank, Jhazaad embraced a studious path, absorbing knowledge under his mentor's watchful eye and exacting discipline throughout his youth and early adulthood.
Late into his grandfather's life, Jhazaad served as steward and aide-de-camp, often attending to familial, mercantile, and political affairs on his behalf. Following his grandfather's death in 299, Jhazaad was left to inherit the patriarchy of Azah Ha'ash as well as control of the White Bank; three weeks subsequent, the ruling council of Shaalith saw fit to extend the honor of a junior seat at the high table of power.
Since his appointment to the Shaalitheen oligarchy over seventy years hence, Jhazaad has used his position - and its increasing seniority and power - to strengthen the prestige of his house, foster and grow the arts and academia of Shaalith, and expand the reach and connectons of the White Bank far beyond the peripheries of western Amol-Kalit. He is renowned within Shaalith as both shrewd, commanding, and visionary, while also often being perceived as enigmatic, secretive, and - among the nobility and aristocracy - uncompromising in his pursuits.
The question of Jhazaad's age is an open but unspoken secret within Shaalith. Known most often by the sobriquet "qa-Majhun" - a title indicative both of sagacious respect and occult suspicions - the fact that he has lived far beyond the typical lifespan of a human is not discussed outside of palatial sanctums or beyond the hushed whispers of aristocrats.
Appearance
By all accounts, Jhazaad is the picture of a healthy, well-conditioned, Western Kaliti man in his mid-forties. While his height is above average among many human demographics, he is not uniquely or characteristically imposing in his physicality; this says nothing of the general weight of his presence, however, in which his demeanor imparts a certain commanding imposition by way of both a noble magnetism and an enigmatic charisma - a product of his prestige, Shalitheen renown, and social-political capital.
His skin is of a rich, sun-touched bronze that, while not without blemish or signs of senescence, is a clear product of care and a privileged, healthy lifestyle. While predominantly black, Jhazaad's lengthy hair and beard also hold traces of a reddened umber - a trait inherited from his mother, known for her deeply-auburn hair. As a child, illicit rumors were spread among the nobility as to his lineage, predominantly due to his appearance: his overall features, build, and complexion hold a remarkable resemblance to his grandfather, with only the near-golden brown of his eyes being indicative of his father.
As is typical among Shaalitheen men, his ears hold numerous piercings: each lobe twice, several helices, as well as a left daith. Jhazaad's nasal septum is also pierced, and is occasionally chained to his ear with delicate gold. His right index and middle fingers are marked with simple tattoos consisting of five bars each, indicating his years of education within a palace school. Similarly, Jhazaad's left ring finger has a set of seven tattooed rings, one for each wife he has wed.
Unbeknownst to all but his wives and immediate household, much of Jhazaad's chest, abdomen, back, upper arms, and upper thighs are etched with intricately detailed tattoos. These consist variously of complex sigils, occultic scrawl and symbols, as well as geometric patterns and shapes - all of seemingly unknown provenance. A persistent rumor among Jhazaad's household slaves alleges a servant once mentioned these, only to lose her tongue before being shipped to Cerak At'Thul; the validity of said rumor is unknown.
It is expected in Shaalith, as in much of the world, for the nobility to dress to impress. While Jhazaad is not one to be obscenely ostentatious by Shaalitheen standards, he does not shirk demonstrating his and his house's wealth - either in a rare public appearance or within meetings of confidence. He is often dressed in fineries of silk, brocade, damask, and finer wools. Jhazaad's favored attire includes a kaftan, sirwal, and a turban, but occasionally adorns himself in a bisht and thawb. Aside from his piercings, with regard to jewelry and gems, he is often adorned in gold, amber, carnelian, and pearl, as well as finely-cut rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. Jhazaad is rarely seen without his golden chain of office and a key-shaped pin of white gold.
His skin is of a rich, sun-touched bronze that, while not without blemish or signs of senescence, is a clear product of care and a privileged, healthy lifestyle. While predominantly black, Jhazaad's lengthy hair and beard also hold traces of a reddened umber - a trait inherited from his mother, known for her deeply-auburn hair. As a child, illicit rumors were spread among the nobility as to his lineage, predominantly due to his appearance: his overall features, build, and complexion hold a remarkable resemblance to his grandfather, with only the near-golden brown of his eyes being indicative of his father.
As is typical among Shaalitheen men, his ears hold numerous piercings: each lobe twice, several helices, as well as a left daith. Jhazaad's nasal septum is also pierced, and is occasionally chained to his ear with delicate gold. His right index and middle fingers are marked with simple tattoos consisting of five bars each, indicating his years of education within a palace school. Similarly, Jhazaad's left ring finger has a set of seven tattooed rings, one for each wife he has wed.
Unbeknownst to all but his wives and immediate household, much of Jhazaad's chest, abdomen, back, upper arms, and upper thighs are etched with intricately detailed tattoos. These consist variously of complex sigils, occultic scrawl and symbols, as well as geometric patterns and shapes - all of seemingly unknown provenance. A persistent rumor among Jhazaad's household slaves alleges a servant once mentioned these, only to lose her tongue before being shipped to Cerak At'Thul; the validity of said rumor is unknown.
It is expected in Shaalith, as in much of the world, for the nobility to dress to impress. While Jhazaad is not one to be obscenely ostentatious by Shaalitheen standards, he does not shirk demonstrating his and his house's wealth - either in a rare public appearance or within meetings of confidence. He is often dressed in fineries of silk, brocade, damask, and finer wools. Jhazaad's favored attire includes a kaftan, sirwal, and a turban, but occasionally adorns himself in a bisht and thawb. Aside from his piercings, with regard to jewelry and gems, he is often adorned in gold, amber, carnelian, and pearl, as well as finely-cut rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. Jhazaad is rarely seen without his golden chain of office and a key-shaped pin of white gold.
Skills & Abilities
Born within a noble household, Jhazaad has had the privileges of wealth and extensive reserves of social capital since childhood. Receiving a highly distinguished, palatial education, as well as an extensive period of mentorship beneath his paternal grandfather, has gifted him more than enough scholarly insight and skills to become an accomplished autodidact in his adulthood - saying nothing of his own, inherent gifts. As he has matured into a senior position of power, both within the Shaalitheen halls of governance as well as behind the pale marble of the White Bank, experience, ambition, and necessity have only honed such to a keen edge.
Even so, beneath his mundane, if but exceptionally-developed, mental skills and intellectual faculties, fundamentally: the rumors are true. Though ignorant as to their futility, it is well that some hang charms upon their doors to ward off ill spirits in the night; it is the right habit to only raise mention of the whispers of this truth behind shuttered windows and in high confidence; it is wise for heads to hang low, steps to hasten, in the shadow of the crimson kaftan.
Forgotten Sorcery. It is not considered commonplace for a child to be found slumbering in a garden, a cobra of sand and polished stone protectively circling them, but this was nonetheless an early sign of Jhazaad's inherent occult talents. With his grandfather's guidance and tutelage, never-the-mind copious ancient volumes of arcane rituals and half-a-dozen or more scholars and wisemen to supplement, he grew to hone his magical skills quickly; with each year, Jhazaad's aptitude grew, excelled, and ultimately surpassed even his grandfather's own. Yet, with the support of his ever-present mentor, his arcane interests diverged from the more oft-tread paths, such as College magic.
Jhazaad is exceptionally skilled and maintains a perennial and ongoing fascination with forgotten, ancient, and oft-forbidden disciplines, crafts, and sorcerous practices. In his age, it has become a rarity for him to discover a practice which he does not at least hold a passing familiarity by-name; when he does, it becomes a personal imperative to learn of it what he can. This fascination and ongoing practice has increased his preternatural reserves and stamina to a phenomenal degree; while like many magi that to some degree rely on the strain of their own arcane exertion, Jhazaad's power is far from limitless or without its own tax - though he has, by age and experience, learned when and how to best optimize his exertions.
Masterful Evocation. As evidenced by the propensities of his early childhood, Jhazaad has had a life-long fascination with evocation - conjuration, summoning. It is one matter to conjure a sandborn-serpent, little more than a servitor or familiar; it is another matter entirely to liaise with a being of unknown provenance with an intellect comparable to that of the higher races of Arethil. Of the ancient sorceries to which Jhazaad has committed himself, none other surpasses his skill as a conjurer: he has mastered the craft of summoning objects and beings, both of lesser and higher orders, and either entreating of them service or, by sheer force of magical will, dominating and binding them into his service or bondage.
Using peculiar methodologies - some of his own design - Jhazaad has learned to bind beings to his person directly by way of a protracted and arduous set of rituals. The ancient spells, incantations, and the very liaised dialogues of these initial consorting acts are writ by agony and the occult into his very flesh: a myriad of tattoos, fading with time and use, that mar much of his body, allowing him to later call-upon and summon at-will his chosen by rationing the collateral of his own pain and exertion. For objects or beings of more specific use, Jhazaad may select an object or even a place to bind them by arcane terms for a length of time, calling them into service as needed.
This novel route Jhazaad chose - to bind some of his most trusted and controlled to his own person, compartmentalizing their diffuse influence - lead down a natural path, albeit one considered forbidden and vulgar by those few aware of the existence of the process: the binding of beings to others, either as a willing host or via the violation of possession. Through a modified, albeit similar set of rituals, he may bind an entity to another; though considered a heinous violation, Jhazaad may then utilize the magical, telepathic link of correspondence between conjurer and conjured to surveil through the host's own senses, intercept and interpret their thoughts, or even influence their actions - albeit through exceptionally taxing strain.
Outer Patronage. Centuries ago, a man was driven by ambition to seek power and patronage. He plumbed the depths of primeval sand-strewn ruins, plundered ancient tombs, scoured private collections: anything he could do to find the avenue he desired. In a desolate place, he heard a whisper; calling out to it, the whisper became screams of revelation. A pact was born. A pact that ensured longevity to the man and protection of lineage, but with the cost of seeing those of that same lineage - the very man's children, grandchildren, and beyond - die as he lingered, and the threat of ages' worth of calamity to befall those whom may survive the pactbound were he to pass without remit. That man was Malukhar, Jhazaad's grandfather; that revelatory power was Sabakhûn, the Whispers in the Wastes.
In great age - an age far beyond the eighty years he wore - Malukhar sought the confidence of his mentee, his grandson. The terms of the Whispers' pact were clear: were Malukhar to die, all of the calamities that had been held back from his house would rush back upon them without respite or reprieve. He knew his days were numbered - he could feel the pact waning in his very bones. There was but one out: a willing and knowing, direct blood descendant. Jhazaad took up his grandfather's pact, the pact which placed his family as collateral, and mere days hence, his grandfather passed in some semblance of peace.
This pact with Sabakhûn has afforded Jhazaad years more beyond the expected for humans, as well as a subtle boon of protection to his kin: namely, that insofar as he lives, he will guide his house, and that the price of ages would not befall them, would not destroy them; for this, he must linger within his mortal chains, watching as his own kin live, age, and die. Jhazaad has done well to stack the deck in his favor, being fruitful and multiplying, knowing a day will come when he, too, must choose an heir to his burden. Even so, in his consorting with the Whispers in the Wastes, the Far Antecedent, he has elevated himself to some transactional service. Once or twice, with the appropriate rituals, when the stars were right, he invoked the primordial name, to both great ends and great costs.
Eminent Influence. In the over five-hundred years Malukhar expended in his lengthy life, he built many things: the fiction of Azah Ha'ash, raising a long-dead lineage back into reality by carefully manipulating his own presence, father-to-son; the Great Library of Shaalith, a store of innumerable tomes, manuscripts, and scrolls ripe with knowledge, and all the coterie of scholars it attracts; the policies, body of law and jurisprudence, and norms of the high table at which he sat as Shokhyr; and the White Bank, with its far-flung bureaus and networks, both financial and informational. Jhazaad, through both his own skills and by benefit of this inherited tapestry of power, has only grown this eminence.
Jhazaad has connections, both within Shaalith and far beyond, by benefit of both the White Bank and the countless foreign scholars the Great Library attracts - an institution to which he continues extensive patronage. In Shaalith, as a Shokhyr himself, he has manipulated the politics of the Free City, subtly competing and cooperating with his presumptive equals to the betterment of Azah Ha'ash; the fact that a significant amount of the city's debts sit within his vaults is not incidental. Through both scholars and his employed, he has nurtured and grown an intelligence network that touches any city housing a White Bank bureau. In times of need, he may find a scholar, an operative, an assassin, or even a free company to exact his plans; with a word and a bit of coin, little is beyond possibility.
Noble Erudition. Within Shaalith, the smallfolk often depend upon the charity of the nobility and aristocracy. While a few may themselves rise, often through mercantile venues, to the ranks of the aristocracy, for most such is near-impossible. Even literacy cannot be presumed. Among the privileged, however, there are the palace schools: institutions of learning holding patronage from powerful individuals or families, those who open their homes to kin, kith, and the children of loyal servants, imparting worldly learning and education - often itself in exchange for a promise of future service or some manner of compensation. As the child of a Great Skull, Jhazaad greatly benefited from years within this institutional framework.
History, law and jurisprudence, merchant endeavors, mathematics, courtly life, noblesse oblige, both Shaalitheen Kaliti and the Trade Tongue, among a myriad of other subjects were included in Jhazaad's years of education. Beyond such, however, he had the special privilege of being mentored by his grandfather in matters of the arcane, familial and Shaalitheen politics, and was reared to be the inheritor and next Grand Keyholder of the White Bank. Jhazaad never abandoned this studious practice, despite his age, and takes great pride in his polymathy; even when attending to court functions, it is rare to see him without some tome or scroll in hand - whether it be a current object of interest or a work of his own.
Subtle Stratagem. In polite society, it is considered not only a faux pas, but a fundamental violation of the conventions of interpersonal relations to treat individuals as tools, as means to an end. Few value their opinions and views being coerced, fewer still find grace in being deceived and manipulated to meet others' goals - even without a detriment to themselves. Even in Shaalith, such machinations must be made with subtly, soft power, and a gentle touch - the prestige of the Free City, of its nobility, of its collective honor depend upon it. To Jhazaad, however, all are viewed through an instrumentalist lens.
Through over seventy years of political and commercial experience, as well as an advanced theory of mind, Jhazaad has learned how to read people, how to assess their emotions and desires, how to coerce and deceive, how to paint a picture that would make a beggar give up his last copper for investment in a venture he will never live to see mature. While no deceiver, no manipulator, has a perfect track record, Jhazaad's own speaks for itself. Few are beyond the scope of his willingness to play and scheme; in the face of his family, its survival, and its prestige, not even his own blood are exempted from this controlling puppeteering.
Even so, beneath his mundane, if but exceptionally-developed, mental skills and intellectual faculties, fundamentally: the rumors are true. Though ignorant as to their futility, it is well that some hang charms upon their doors to ward off ill spirits in the night; it is the right habit to only raise mention of the whispers of this truth behind shuttered windows and in high confidence; it is wise for heads to hang low, steps to hasten, in the shadow of the crimson kaftan.
Forgotten Sorcery. It is not considered commonplace for a child to be found slumbering in a garden, a cobra of sand and polished stone protectively circling them, but this was nonetheless an early sign of Jhazaad's inherent occult talents. With his grandfather's guidance and tutelage, never-the-mind copious ancient volumes of arcane rituals and half-a-dozen or more scholars and wisemen to supplement, he grew to hone his magical skills quickly; with each year, Jhazaad's aptitude grew, excelled, and ultimately surpassed even his grandfather's own. Yet, with the support of his ever-present mentor, his arcane interests diverged from the more oft-tread paths, such as College magic.
Jhazaad is exceptionally skilled and maintains a perennial and ongoing fascination with forgotten, ancient, and oft-forbidden disciplines, crafts, and sorcerous practices. In his age, it has become a rarity for him to discover a practice which he does not at least hold a passing familiarity by-name; when he does, it becomes a personal imperative to learn of it what he can. This fascination and ongoing practice has increased his preternatural reserves and stamina to a phenomenal degree; while like many magi that to some degree rely on the strain of their own arcane exertion, Jhazaad's power is far from limitless or without its own tax - though he has, by age and experience, learned when and how to best optimize his exertions.
Masterful Evocation. As evidenced by the propensities of his early childhood, Jhazaad has had a life-long fascination with evocation - conjuration, summoning. It is one matter to conjure a sandborn-serpent, little more than a servitor or familiar; it is another matter entirely to liaise with a being of unknown provenance with an intellect comparable to that of the higher races of Arethil. Of the ancient sorceries to which Jhazaad has committed himself, none other surpasses his skill as a conjurer: he has mastered the craft of summoning objects and beings, both of lesser and higher orders, and either entreating of them service or, by sheer force of magical will, dominating and binding them into his service or bondage.
Using peculiar methodologies - some of his own design - Jhazaad has learned to bind beings to his person directly by way of a protracted and arduous set of rituals. The ancient spells, incantations, and the very liaised dialogues of these initial consorting acts are writ by agony and the occult into his very flesh: a myriad of tattoos, fading with time and use, that mar much of his body, allowing him to later call-upon and summon at-will his chosen by rationing the collateral of his own pain and exertion. For objects or beings of more specific use, Jhazaad may select an object or even a place to bind them by arcane terms for a length of time, calling them into service as needed.
This novel route Jhazaad chose - to bind some of his most trusted and controlled to his own person, compartmentalizing their diffuse influence - lead down a natural path, albeit one considered forbidden and vulgar by those few aware of the existence of the process: the binding of beings to others, either as a willing host or via the violation of possession. Through a modified, albeit similar set of rituals, he may bind an entity to another; though considered a heinous violation, Jhazaad may then utilize the magical, telepathic link of correspondence between conjurer and conjured to surveil through the host's own senses, intercept and interpret their thoughts, or even influence their actions - albeit through exceptionally taxing strain.
Outer Patronage. Centuries ago, a man was driven by ambition to seek power and patronage. He plumbed the depths of primeval sand-strewn ruins, plundered ancient tombs, scoured private collections: anything he could do to find the avenue he desired. In a desolate place, he heard a whisper; calling out to it, the whisper became screams of revelation. A pact was born. A pact that ensured longevity to the man and protection of lineage, but with the cost of seeing those of that same lineage - the very man's children, grandchildren, and beyond - die as he lingered, and the threat of ages' worth of calamity to befall those whom may survive the pactbound were he to pass without remit. That man was Malukhar, Jhazaad's grandfather; that revelatory power was Sabakhûn, the Whispers in the Wastes.
In great age - an age far beyond the eighty years he wore - Malukhar sought the confidence of his mentee, his grandson. The terms of the Whispers' pact were clear: were Malukhar to die, all of the calamities that had been held back from his house would rush back upon them without respite or reprieve. He knew his days were numbered - he could feel the pact waning in his very bones. There was but one out: a willing and knowing, direct blood descendant. Jhazaad took up his grandfather's pact, the pact which placed his family as collateral, and mere days hence, his grandfather passed in some semblance of peace.
This pact with Sabakhûn has afforded Jhazaad years more beyond the expected for humans, as well as a subtle boon of protection to his kin: namely, that insofar as he lives, he will guide his house, and that the price of ages would not befall them, would not destroy them; for this, he must linger within his mortal chains, watching as his own kin live, age, and die. Jhazaad has done well to stack the deck in his favor, being fruitful and multiplying, knowing a day will come when he, too, must choose an heir to his burden. Even so, in his consorting with the Whispers in the Wastes, the Far Antecedent, he has elevated himself to some transactional service. Once or twice, with the appropriate rituals, when the stars were right, he invoked the primordial name, to both great ends and great costs.
Eminent Influence. In the over five-hundred years Malukhar expended in his lengthy life, he built many things: the fiction of Azah Ha'ash, raising a long-dead lineage back into reality by carefully manipulating his own presence, father-to-son; the Great Library of Shaalith, a store of innumerable tomes, manuscripts, and scrolls ripe with knowledge, and all the coterie of scholars it attracts; the policies, body of law and jurisprudence, and norms of the high table at which he sat as Shokhyr; and the White Bank, with its far-flung bureaus and networks, both financial and informational. Jhazaad, through both his own skills and by benefit of this inherited tapestry of power, has only grown this eminence.
Jhazaad has connections, both within Shaalith and far beyond, by benefit of both the White Bank and the countless foreign scholars the Great Library attracts - an institution to which he continues extensive patronage. In Shaalith, as a Shokhyr himself, he has manipulated the politics of the Free City, subtly competing and cooperating with his presumptive equals to the betterment of Azah Ha'ash; the fact that a significant amount of the city's debts sit within his vaults is not incidental. Through both scholars and his employed, he has nurtured and grown an intelligence network that touches any city housing a White Bank bureau. In times of need, he may find a scholar, an operative, an assassin, or even a free company to exact his plans; with a word and a bit of coin, little is beyond possibility.
Noble Erudition. Within Shaalith, the smallfolk often depend upon the charity of the nobility and aristocracy. While a few may themselves rise, often through mercantile venues, to the ranks of the aristocracy, for most such is near-impossible. Even literacy cannot be presumed. Among the privileged, however, there are the palace schools: institutions of learning holding patronage from powerful individuals or families, those who open their homes to kin, kith, and the children of loyal servants, imparting worldly learning and education - often itself in exchange for a promise of future service or some manner of compensation. As the child of a Great Skull, Jhazaad greatly benefited from years within this institutional framework.
History, law and jurisprudence, merchant endeavors, mathematics, courtly life, noblesse oblige, both Shaalitheen Kaliti and the Trade Tongue, among a myriad of other subjects were included in Jhazaad's years of education. Beyond such, however, he had the special privilege of being mentored by his grandfather in matters of the arcane, familial and Shaalitheen politics, and was reared to be the inheritor and next Grand Keyholder of the White Bank. Jhazaad never abandoned this studious practice, despite his age, and takes great pride in his polymathy; even when attending to court functions, it is rare to see him without some tome or scroll in hand - whether it be a current object of interest or a work of his own.
Subtle Stratagem. In polite society, it is considered not only a faux pas, but a fundamental violation of the conventions of interpersonal relations to treat individuals as tools, as means to an end. Few value their opinions and views being coerced, fewer still find grace in being deceived and manipulated to meet others' goals - even without a detriment to themselves. Even in Shaalith, such machinations must be made with subtly, soft power, and a gentle touch - the prestige of the Free City, of its nobility, of its collective honor depend upon it. To Jhazaad, however, all are viewed through an instrumentalist lens.
Through over seventy years of political and commercial experience, as well as an advanced theory of mind, Jhazaad has learned how to read people, how to assess their emotions and desires, how to coerce and deceive, how to paint a picture that would make a beggar give up his last copper for investment in a venture he will never live to see mature. While no deceiver, no manipulator, has a perfect track record, Jhazaad's own speaks for itself. Few are beyond the scope of his willingness to play and scheme; in the face of his family, its survival, and its prestige, not even his own blood are exempted from this controlling puppeteering.
Personality
Self-restraint, decorum, and respect are important to Jhazaad - a consequence of both his noble upbringing as well as the Shaalitheen customs within which he matured. Even so, his expectations are high. Jhazaad expects success of himself, as well as an overall restraint; calculating and strategically-minded, he keeps his true thoughts and views guarded, shielded, presenting different aspects and facades to others based upon his judgment of their desired perceptions, contrasted to his own goals. The beggar peasant may see the crimson kaftan and judge him aloof but benevolent, while his contemporaries see a man of an uncompromising and fierce determination.
Such expectations extend well beyond his person, however. Jhazaad expects his kin, Azah Ha'ash, to uphold the family's honor, prestige, public image, and secrecy without fault. It is one thing to fail; it is another thing entirely to fail due to incompetence or a lack of personal self-restraint. Such failures - familial or otherwise - are one occurrence that is known to push Jhazaad from his guarded persona into a demanding and uncompromising force; as a consequence of his routine control and restriction of his emotions, when those guards are lowered, his mere raised voice can bring silence to a room. Failure within the family is met with a range of consequences; without the protection of kinship, such consequences are truly severe.
In the face of success, however, Jhazaad's high standards bring considerable rewards. Associates, hires, employees, even family which reach the high bar he sets routinely find themselves with favor. Loyalty truly cannot be bought, and is paid in kind. His dealings are often transactional, his attitude quid pro quo; individuals who by merit have demonstrated their use are gifted a softening of Jhazaad's severity, usually accompanied by preferred postings, lengthy and favorable terms of employment, the benefit of his influence and word, or even riches. "Patronage" has many meanings and implications; Jhazaad is familiar with and practiced in the use of each. Even so, one mistake, one fault of which the blame can only be placed upon a personal failing - a bout of drunkenness, an oversight, or not fulfilling a contract to the letter - and such gifts can be snatched away with a single word.
Despite his general demeanor, severity, and distance, Jhazaad is not rude. To be rude is not merely a breach of decorum, but evidence of weakness when unwarranted - a personal failure of control. There is a precise time, a precise place, for raised voices and assertive aggression, but such are few and far between in Jhazaad's eyes. In true Shaalitheen style: it is easier to gain flies with honey than vinegar, but sometimes jackals and asps are of more use. Sincerity is highly valued when surrounded in deception, but to fall into the trap of naiveté is more dangerous than a hidden, poisoned dagger. Jhazaad is almost never outwardly violent; to slip into violence in a moment of stress or anger is the ultimate failure, as it represents the absolute surrender of control. Even in his use of bloodshed, he demands restraint and calculation.
Fundamentally, Jhazaad keeps his cards hidden throughout the complex, manipulative game of life. With few exceptions, even among his family, he is reserved and guarded, overall presenting an aloof or even severe exterior - statuesque and enigmatic. Transactional and utilitarian, he only ever provides people with a slim glimpse of the inner workings of his mind. Jhazaad is a student not only of coin and conjuration, but of people and their perceptions. Calculating and exact, despite his stern presence, Jhazaad extends the level of respect he feels others deserve, and until they meet his exacting standards, little else.
Philosophy
Studious from a young age, Jhazaad is very familiar with the writings of learnéd scholars, philosophers, magi, and madmen from across the world - the Great Library of Shaalith serving as a testament to such. Overall, his beliefs revolve around a descriptive expectation of egoism from the world: practiced self-interest and self-favor as a basic, psychological norm; he does not believe himself above this dog-eat-dog mentality, but instead assesses the morality of his actions within the framework of an agent-focused consequentialism. In other words: "Do the ends justify the means?" This transactional, pragmatic amorality extends to his interactions with the preternatural, coloring the loose collection of religious beliefs Jhazaad holds.
To Jhazaad, his actions and moral prescriptions revolve around Azah Ha'ash, his family. It is one of the few things he feels warrants a true expression of love; with the exception of his wives and, on rare occasions, his children, few would ever find him affectionate. Love of family is wrapped in the complex intersection of Jhazaad's own self, his role in Azah Ha'ash, and prestige: he is the best helmsman for the ship that his is family, the best captain to command, and thus that which benefits him, by extension, benefits his family. This viewpoint is shaped not merely by his preternatural patronage, but in his views and opinions regarding his grandfather, the Ha'ashai patriarch that preceded him, and, by way of a sequence of identities, guided his family for over five hundred years.
All potential actions and courses are ultimately judged by the questions of personal and familial benefit. The White Bank, the Great Library, even his role within the governance of Shaalith itself are weighed against such prospects. If a course of action may harm Jhazaad or a member of his family, it is avoided; if it may benefit either, then any action, no matter how socially taboo or broadly-considered morally reprehensible, is valid. A course which may personally inconvenience himself, his wives, or his children is likely to be avoided, even if such presents little burden, unless it has a far greater utility; conversely, entire family lines of enemies, even neutral parties, may be worthy of annihilation if the result is strategically pertinent and rewarding.
This viewpoint extends to Jhazaad's consorting with preternatural beings and the manner of "religion" in which he believes. He is not one for worship, but the necessary veneration and transactional contact with his patron is acceptable: the benefit of such far outweighs the costs, even though the costs are dire. Within the nebulous network of cults to the Whispers in the Wastes, Jhazaad sees little purpose in maintaining connectivity, much less in prescribing to what formalities and rituals he judges to be fruitless pomp and circumstance. He is aware of what works and what does not, and finds little reason to gallivant in the desert, wrapped in burlap robes, groveling to every wash of the wind.
In the end, Jhazaad's morality is guided by a simple series of questions and judgments. To some, such may be considered amorality, even immorality, but such concerns are meaningless when derived from the self-serving and sycophantic. By his judgment, were every man in his position, they, too, would cast their lots and chart a course based upon similar principles - presuming they were intelligent and self-restrained enough to do so.
To Jhazaad, his actions and moral prescriptions revolve around Azah Ha'ash, his family. It is one of the few things he feels warrants a true expression of love; with the exception of his wives and, on rare occasions, his children, few would ever find him affectionate. Love of family is wrapped in the complex intersection of Jhazaad's own self, his role in Azah Ha'ash, and prestige: he is the best helmsman for the ship that his is family, the best captain to command, and thus that which benefits him, by extension, benefits his family. This viewpoint is shaped not merely by his preternatural patronage, but in his views and opinions regarding his grandfather, the Ha'ashai patriarch that preceded him, and, by way of a sequence of identities, guided his family for over five hundred years.
All potential actions and courses are ultimately judged by the questions of personal and familial benefit. The White Bank, the Great Library, even his role within the governance of Shaalith itself are weighed against such prospects. If a course of action may harm Jhazaad or a member of his family, it is avoided; if it may benefit either, then any action, no matter how socially taboo or broadly-considered morally reprehensible, is valid. A course which may personally inconvenience himself, his wives, or his children is likely to be avoided, even if such presents little burden, unless it has a far greater utility; conversely, entire family lines of enemies, even neutral parties, may be worthy of annihilation if the result is strategically pertinent and rewarding.
This viewpoint extends to Jhazaad's consorting with preternatural beings and the manner of "religion" in which he believes. He is not one for worship, but the necessary veneration and transactional contact with his patron is acceptable: the benefit of such far outweighs the costs, even though the costs are dire. Within the nebulous network of cults to the Whispers in the Wastes, Jhazaad sees little purpose in maintaining connectivity, much less in prescribing to what formalities and rituals he judges to be fruitless pomp and circumstance. He is aware of what works and what does not, and finds little reason to gallivant in the desert, wrapped in burlap robes, groveling to every wash of the wind.
In the end, Jhazaad's morality is guided by a simple series of questions and judgments. To some, such may be considered amorality, even immorality, but such concerns are meaningless when derived from the self-serving and sycophantic. By his judgment, were every man in his position, they, too, would cast their lots and chart a course based upon similar principles - presuming they were intelligent and self-restrained enough to do so.
Preferences
Due to his noble birth, and despite his oft-perceived severe exterior, Jhazaad has gained a fondness for the finer things in life. Unlike some in Shaalith, however, he does not see value in obscene ostentation or opulence for its own sake; some within the Free City might spend the value of an entire palace in a single gown or bit of jewelry. To Jhazaad, not only is this a waste of coin, it demonstrates a lack of control, a lack of restraint in the face of wanton hedonism. He holds no fondness for such degeneracy, even when he himself is dressed in finery which may dwarf the annual earnings of an entire peasant family.
As his primary passion, Jhazaad enjoys books: literature, philosophical treatises, grimoires, and scrolls of primeval provenance. While his grandfather grew the Great Library, Jhazaad has bloated its contents tenfold the same measure. It is one of the few matters in which he feels an obscene amount of gold may truly be worth the expense. Jhazaad's personal collection, among other things, includes: ancient historical accounts regarding Amol-Kalit, manuscripts recording the lineage and personalities of Anirian noble houses, obscure and forbidden grimoires, and dozens of single-tract works by forgotten practitioners from Cortos to Thagretis.
Adjacent and complementary to his love of books and literature, Jhazaad is exceptionally studious. Though most commonly expressed through his research and practice of forgotten sorceries, his interest is not constrained to a single subject. History is of particular note, be it political, martial, or on cultural topics. Similarly, Jhazaad holds a profound fascination with the Forbidden City. He has studied many treatises published under the auspices of the College of Elbion; albeit finding most wanting, few escaped donation to the Great Library. Jhazaad has put his research-oriented nature to good use, and devotes considerable time and effort into the study of any practice or commercial concern before investing.
Though introduced to fine art at a young age, it was not until Jhazaad met his first wife that such became a considerable interest - namely due to her passion for such. It is was one of the few matters in which he allows himself to be outwardly sentimental, providing patronage to worthy artists far beyond what pragmatism might otherwise suggest is useful. After his wife's passing, he commissioned a series of artists from across Amol-Kalit to design and create a jewel-encrusted mosaic within a prominent hall of the Ha'ashai Palace; the mosaic acts as a visual representation of the Ha'ashai family tree, albeit taking the form of a dazzling peafowl - his late, first wife's favorite animal.
Jhazaad is fond of coffee, wine, and above other vices, tobacco - namely mu'assel. While both coffee and wine are common imports for the nobility of Shaalith, Jhazaad has made considerable expenses to invest in native tobacco plantations along the Bay of the Neck, as well as several, smaller ventures in the Horseman Highlands. One coastal plantation is of particular note, as he has fostered such a close relationship with its proprietors that they cultivate, dry, and produce a mu'assel catering specifically to Jhazaad's personal tastes. Shipments of the sweet, nectarine-scented tobacco and molasses preparation arrive bi-weekly to the harbor of Shaalith. His preferred mixture is often a gift of choice when Jhazaad holds court or seeks particularly prestigious partnerships.
Bigotry is more often a hindrance than a help, from Jhazaad's perspective. He holds no particular distaste among the species and races of the world; this is not out of any personal moral or ideological repudiation of such prejudices, instead he simply views such as a needless restriction on potential pools of talent. Humans, abtati, orcs, and even more bestial-folk can all be found in his employ. Even so, when needed, Jhazaad is not above exploiting the bigotry and prejudices of others in order to achieve his ends or capitalize on a lucrative opportunity.
As his primary passion, Jhazaad enjoys books: literature, philosophical treatises, grimoires, and scrolls of primeval provenance. While his grandfather grew the Great Library, Jhazaad has bloated its contents tenfold the same measure. It is one of the few matters in which he feels an obscene amount of gold may truly be worth the expense. Jhazaad's personal collection, among other things, includes: ancient historical accounts regarding Amol-Kalit, manuscripts recording the lineage and personalities of Anirian noble houses, obscure and forbidden grimoires, and dozens of single-tract works by forgotten practitioners from Cortos to Thagretis.
Adjacent and complementary to his love of books and literature, Jhazaad is exceptionally studious. Though most commonly expressed through his research and practice of forgotten sorceries, his interest is not constrained to a single subject. History is of particular note, be it political, martial, or on cultural topics. Similarly, Jhazaad holds a profound fascination with the Forbidden City. He has studied many treatises published under the auspices of the College of Elbion; albeit finding most wanting, few escaped donation to the Great Library. Jhazaad has put his research-oriented nature to good use, and devotes considerable time and effort into the study of any practice or commercial concern before investing.
Though introduced to fine art at a young age, it was not until Jhazaad met his first wife that such became a considerable interest - namely due to her passion for such. It is was one of the few matters in which he allows himself to be outwardly sentimental, providing patronage to worthy artists far beyond what pragmatism might otherwise suggest is useful. After his wife's passing, he commissioned a series of artists from across Amol-Kalit to design and create a jewel-encrusted mosaic within a prominent hall of the Ha'ashai Palace; the mosaic acts as a visual representation of the Ha'ashai family tree, albeit taking the form of a dazzling peafowl - his late, first wife's favorite animal.
Jhazaad is fond of coffee, wine, and above other vices, tobacco - namely mu'assel. While both coffee and wine are common imports for the nobility of Shaalith, Jhazaad has made considerable expenses to invest in native tobacco plantations along the Bay of the Neck, as well as several, smaller ventures in the Horseman Highlands. One coastal plantation is of particular note, as he has fostered such a close relationship with its proprietors that they cultivate, dry, and produce a mu'assel catering specifically to Jhazaad's personal tastes. Shipments of the sweet, nectarine-scented tobacco and molasses preparation arrive bi-weekly to the harbor of Shaalith. His preferred mixture is often a gift of choice when Jhazaad holds court or seeks particularly prestigious partnerships.
Bigotry is more often a hindrance than a help, from Jhazaad's perspective. He holds no particular distaste among the species and races of the world; this is not out of any personal moral or ideological repudiation of such prejudices, instead he simply views such as a needless restriction on potential pools of talent. Humans, abtati, orcs, and even more bestial-folk can all be found in his employ. Even so, when needed, Jhazaad is not above exploiting the bigotry and prejudices of others in order to achieve his ends or capitalize on a lucrative opportunity.
