Orbas "Orby" Zanou Character in Lanternal | World Anvil

Orbas "Orby" Zanou

Orbas Zanou, known as Orby to those close to him, was born in the bustling Nissean city of Armorel in 515 Second Era. Raised as the son of a moderately wealthy captain, he grew up surrounded by tales of seafaring adventures and distant lands. From a young age, Orby displayed an upbeat personality and a natural charm that endeared him to those he met.   Inspired by his father's adventurous spirit and the captivating stories of exploration, Orby dreamed of forging his path beyond the city's confines. As he matured, he became increasingly determined to embark on his journey of discovery and enterprise. Harnessing his charisma and keen business acumen, Orby started his first expedition company at the remarkably young age of 23. Fuelled by a burning desire to explore uncharted territories and discover new treasures, he embarked on daring expeditions, sailing across the vast Afthyric Ocean in search of the unknown on Iothea Isle.   Orby's innate leadership skills and ability to connect with others proved instrumental in building a team of skilled and loyal individuals. Together, they braved the dangers of the seas and the mysteries of distant lands, leaving a trail of successful expeditions in their wake.  

Discovering Pop Ore

In 540 Second Era, the fateful year that forever altered Iothea Isle's history, Orby and his fellow Dwarven explorers stumbled upon a magnificent island secret. The discovery of the explosive pop ore not only led to the establishment of Orby's Borers but also set Orby on a course that would shape the future of the settlement and the island itself.   Orby's pioneering spirit and unwavering determination allowed him to transform a mining camp into the thriving settlement of Orbytos. His company's success and the invaluable contributions of pop ore and pop powder enriched the world of exploration, warfare, and industry on Iothea Isle and the mainland of Nissea.   As the years passed, the pop ore deposits on Iothea Isle gradually depleted, posing a significant challenge to the sustainability of Orby's Borers. Orby would have had to strategize and explore new mining sites or diversify the company's focus to ensure a steady stream of income and resources, but the rapid growth of Secula Faru influenced interested parties away from Orby's Borers in favor of newer enterprises.   In 620 second era, the sudden discovery of the native population on Iothea Isle introduced tensions and conflicts between the settlers and the indigenous people. After decades of exploration with no trace of the native people, they appeared and quickly took offense with the cities erected by the colonizers, launching sporadic attacks against them. In his later years, Orby grappled with finding a delicate balance between expanding the company's operations and respecting the rights and territories of the island's original inhabitants.  

Leadership and Legacy

Orby Zanou's remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to Orby's Borers led the company to brave new frontiers and make groundbreaking discoveries beyond the realm of Pop Ore. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and adventure unearthed invaluable resources, including the final ingredient required for the cure of Sarcoxie, a life-changing breakthrough for those afflicted by the condition.   Among the many discoveries, one location in the depths of Iothea's jungles captured Orby's imagination like no other. In his final decade, an obsession took hold of him, and he poured much of his personal capital into guarding the secrecy of this mysterious location. Hidden deep within the dense foliage, these ancient ruins held secrets that seemed to consume Orby's thoughts, driving him to safeguard them from all eyes, even those of his closest allies.   As his time drew to a close, Orby felt a profound responsibility to preserve the sanctity of the ruins, which he entrusted to all future successors of Orby's Borers. He composed one final letter , a cryptic message warning against visiting the ruins or disclosing their location. This secret burden weighed heavily on him, and he kept it closely guarded from the rest of the settlement and the company.   To many around him, Orby's single-minded focus on the enigmatic ruins raised concerns about his mental state in his later years. Some whispered that he had succumbed to madness in his golden days, captivated by an obsession that outsiders could not comprehend.   Yet, within the heart of Orby, there remained a driving purpose, a determination to protect the secrets of the past and respect the sanctity of the ruins he had discovered. This hidden side of Orby became an enduring enigma, adding to the mystique surrounding the legendary founder of Orby's Borers.   As Orby Zanou passed into history, his legacy became a tapestry woven with triumphs, discoveries, and a well-guarded secret that would linger through the ages. Throughout his life, Orby remained a beacon of inspiration to the settlers and adventurers of Iothea Isle. His legacy as a daring explorer, a charismatic leader, and the founder of Orby's Borers continues to resonate through the annals of history, forever immortalizing his name as a trailblazer in the realm of adventure and enterprise.

Physical Description

Body Features

Standing at an average height for a dwarf, Orby's sturdy and robust build exemplified the resilience and strength that came to be associated with him. His broad shoulders and muscular frame spoke of his adventurous spirit and the physical demands of his explorations.

Facial Features

Often described as warm and inviting, Orby's eyes shone with an undeniable spark of curiosity and enthusiasm. They mirrored his insatiable thirst for discovery and genuine passion for exploring the unknown.   With its contagious charm, his smile could light up a room and put even the most cautious at ease. Orby's upbeat personality and high charisma were evident in his interaction with others, making him a natural leader and a beloved figure among his crew and fellow explorers.

Identifying Characteristics

Orby Zanou bore a few prominent scars on his weathered and adventurous body, serving as tangible reminders of the perils he had faced in his explorations and conquests.   One such scar ran across his left forearm, a memento of a harrowing encounter with a ferocious creature deep within the jungles of Iothea Isle. During an expedition, Orby faced off against a massive territorial predator that threatened the safety of his team. He sustained a deep gash from the creature's sharp claws in the intense battle.   Another scar adorned Orby's right cheek, a souvenir of a skirmish with native inhabitants of Iothea Isle. In the later years of Orby's tenure at Orby's Borers, conflicts arose between the settlers and the indigenous people, leading to tense confrontations as both parties sought to defend their territories and resources. In one such encounter, Orby was grazed by a venomous arrow, leaving a distinctive mark on his cheek.

Apparel & Accessories

In his explorations, Orby often wore practical and sturdy clothing designed to withstand the rigors of his adventures. His attire spoke of a no-nonsense approach to life, where function and utility took precedence over aesthetics.
Species
Age
127 (deceased)
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Gender
Man
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Olive
Height
5'1"
Weight
240 lb
Ruled Locations


Cover image: by Midjourney
Character Portrait image: by Midjourney

Comments

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Aug 17, 2023 23:37 by LexiCon (WordiGirl)

Intriguing article and nice layout. Thanks for entering the category. :D Much success with the writing! <3