Zzzolthek the Carver

Biography

Zzzolthek the Carver wasn’t always just the man behind the grill—he was once one of Krog Nocrum’s fiercest combatants. A proud veteran of the city’s militia, Zzzolthek spent decades defending the swamps and river routes from outside threats during the city’s more tumultuous years. He fought side-by-side with Skarrix Ironscale, and though the two formed a close bond, it wasn’t without controversy—especially among Skarrix’s dragonborn kin, who saw Zzzolthek’s bugfolk heritage as something less than worthy.
Zzzolthek bore the disdain quietly, never one for speeches or grand gestures. He let his blade, his discipline, and his loyalty speak louder than bloodlines. And eventually, when peace crept in and conflict turned from steel to policy, he traded the battlefield for a place behind the counter at The Cluster, Krog Nocrum’s rowdiest and most beloved tavern.
Today, he serves as both chef and sometimes bartender, a calm center amid the nightly chaos of brawling fists, shattered mugs, and sweaty celebration. Though his fighting days are mostly behind him, locals know he could still put down a drunk ogre or two with a frying pan and a cleaver if needed.
Zzzolthek is a tall, broad-shouldered insectoid creature with thick orange horns, segmented limbs, and a carapace darkened from years of smoke and flame. His exoskeleton gleams faintly with polished sheen, and his sharp mandibles twitch when he’s concentrating on a cut. He wears a heavy, stained butcher’s apron etched with grease, scorch marks, and tiny runic charms meant to ward off bad luck in the kitchen.
His eyes are violet, multifaceted, and expressive despite their inhuman shape. His boots and bracers are reinforced with old militia gear, and he often carries a massive cleaver in one hand and a smoked drumstick in the other. His voice is low and gravelly, with a subtle chittering undertone, and he rarely raises it—because he doesn't have to.
Zzzolthek is stoic, dry-witted, and surprisingly gentle—except when someone disrespects his food, his patrons, or his city. He speaks in short, clipped phrases and is known for pausing a beat before answering, as though weighing not just his words but the emotions behind them.
Despite his stern demeanor, he is deeply respected by the people of Krog, and acts as an unofficial mentor to younger fighters who frequent The Cluster. He sees every dish he serves and every glass he pours as a small act of hospitality… and sometimes a lesson in restraint.
He still considers Skarrix a close friend, though their paths have diverged politically. With the rise of Zivrathi Dunechain and her push for a more open and diverse Krog Nocrum, Zzzolthek has found himself drawn to her vision—perhaps more than he’s ready to admit. This loyalty puts him at odds with the one person who once stood by him on the battlefield, and though neither have spoken of it directly, the tension simmers quietly beneath their shared history.

Current Status

Head Chef at The Cluster