Background: Zenobious Baza, the formidable head of House Baza and the iron-fisted ruler of Bazuit, looms large both in stature and reputation. Standing at an imposing 6'4" and possessing a massive, grossly obese frame, a testament to House Baza’s decadence and opulence, Zenobious is always shrouded in crimson robes that amplify his aura of power and menace. His commanding presence reflects his unyielding control over his domain, a land where his authority is both feared and revered.

Zenobious is notorious for his ruthless and manipulative approach to governance. His reign is marked by a complex web of schemes, alliances, betrayals, spies, assassins, the dark arts, and covert operations. As a master of statecraft, Zenobious employs a combination of espionage, bribery, and assassination to both eliminate threats and consolidate his power. His methods ensure that dissent is swiftly crushed and loyalty to House Baza is unwavering. Under his rule, Bazuit has become a nexus of political intrigue and ruthless ambition.

The foundation of Zenobious’s power lies not only in his strategic acumen but also in his formidable support and intelligence network. His brothers, Vessavious and Octavious Baza, are key figures in maintaining the stability and strength of House Baza. Vessavious, the cunning manipulator, excels in subterfuge, spy craft, and intelligence gathering, while Octavious is known for his brutal enforcement and military discipline. Their collective influence ensures that Zenobious’s decrees are executed with precision and efficiency. House Baza also has one of the realms most ruthless and deadliest assassins guild at their disposal, The Crimson Fangs. The Crimson Fangs have been used to dispose of rivals and dissidents in Bazuit as well as dispatching of political and military leaders and adversaries abroad. Bazuit is also home to the infamous Lyceum of the Lost Magus, a guild, school and conclave of wizards, sorcerers and warlocks committed to the pursuit of lost arcane knowledge, mysticism and the dark arts. All tools at the disposal of Zenobious and House Baza.

Adding to Zenobious’s might is Admiral Thoren Drake, known as "The Crimson Tempest." Drake’s strategic brilliance and ruthlessness on the high seas have solidified House Baza's dominance in maritime affairs. Together, Zenobious and Drake form a formidable alliance that frequently brings them into conflict with neighboring powers.

Zenobious's rise from the collapse of the Old Empire is a testament to his resilience and ambition. His rule is characterized by relentless conflicts with various factions, including the Neldoran Council, the Ivory Realm, the Dwarf Lords of Cordivar, and the elves of Dorinar. These conflicts are not merely battles for territory but also part of a broader struggle for dominance and influence across Zyricus.

Zenobious maintains a close alliance with Lord Harrick Blackstone, whose shared interests in power and expansion align with Baza's own objectives. His dealings with the demi-humans of Korthail, Tackus, Eastern Daddock, Western Daddock and the Horned Islands are marked by extortion, slavery, cruelty, and manipulation, leveraging his influence for personal gain and to further the influence of House Baza. Additionally, his ties with Milthaxis and House Azpar are driven by self-serving interests, further illustrating his complex network of alliances and enmities. Although at times strategic rivals, there is a long standing rivalry with Heldrik von Azpar and the The Arcane Collegium of the Iron Tower both houses and institutions battling for domination in underworld and black market arcane trade and regularly at odds with the goals and objectives of the Lyceum of the Lost Magus and House Baza. Zenobious is also an active and instrumental orchestrator of underground market and slave trading activities in Zyricus. Baza and his schemes know no moral compass. Baza’s utilization of Underrealm trade routes to support his black market and slave trade activities regularly brings him into contact and conflict with Baron Danthel Belorym, the “Baron of Brokers Pass” and his associates. Both Baza and Baron Belorym despise one another but are required to negotiate and make political and trade concessions when necessary. In his lust for power and his incessant curiosity with the dark arts, Zenobious is also one of the few lords in Zyricus who actively contacts Nathrak Ultar and his cursed associates in Klethos. Like all of his relationships, this is purely self-serving and his only goal is to further his pursuit of power and wealth and disrupt his adversaries in the realm.

In every facet of his rule, Zenobious Baza exemplifies the archetype of a tyrant and narcissist whose ambition knows no bounds, leaving a legacy of fear and intrigue in his wake.