Nesh

Nesh is a Saurian member of the Middlesea Free Rangers party. He is descended from the line of the Oldest through his mother Ilyana, a heritage that makes him the only one capable of accessing a cave or vault east of the Oasis. He does not know who his parents are and did not grow up knowing his origins.

Description

Nesh has unusually high magical resistance, which causes notable reactions from those who attempt to cast investigative or detection spells on him. When he dropped his defenses, Scout's Essence spell determined he is from Red. He carries the Buccaneer's Sword (originally Agility at x4 damage, but changed to x3 while becoming lighter). He is perceptive, stealthy, and effective in social situations; other Saurians frequently take notice of him, sometimes without being able to explain why.

He is known as:

• The Buccaneer, a traditional asset of Melmane historically aligned with the Admiralty or the Saurian city there
• "Nesh, son of Ilyana, last of the line of the Oldest" (his oath name when founding the Free Rangers)
• "Bearslayer", a title given by Vidan after the owlbear fight

Background

Virga, an officer of the law in Jabar, investigated Nesh after cataurs were found carrying a compass that pointed to him. Nesh speculated that the Oasis wanted him because he is the only one who can open the cave east of the Oasis, a capability tied to his descent from Ilyana. Virga later found reports of an attack on a Saurian woman named Karina and her daughter Ilyana using a similar compass, suggesting the hunting of Nesh's family line has a history.

In Melmane's Northport, the Saurian librarian reacted with suppressed surprise when Nesh mentioned being born in the Rainbow Isles and having a connection to the line of the Oldest. Philippa of the Admiralty asked how he came by his sword; he said he had always had it and assumed his parents gave it to him. A Blue Saurian had previously told him he probably could not take the sword away.

Cataur Threat

The Oasis repeatedly directed cataurs to capture Nesh. He negotiated a Purple-bound vow with cataur captain Rashkar that the cataurs would not hunt him. That vow was later dispelled by unknown parties who boarded the cataur boat and cast a spell making the remaining cataurs appear human. During the Free Rangers oath ritual, cataurs broke into the castle, wounded Nesh badly, and were only driven off when Diomarche trampled them.

The Oasis's interest in Nesh was explained by Tisana - they want him to open the cave east of the Oasis. An opposing group led by Lacrisa also sought him.

(summarized with Claude)