Zaheira Basara
Former Merchant Lady | Silent Advisor to the BTC Zaheira Basara
Background & Legacy
Zaheira Basara was never just the wife of Dahmir Basara—she was his partner, his strategist, and his closest confidante. While Dahmir built BTC’s external empire through trade, alliances, and political maneuvering, Zaheira worked behind the scenes, ensuring their foundation was unshakable.
Born into a minor merchant family, she was sharp-witted and fiercely independent, refusing to let tradition dictate her life. When she met Dahmir, they quickly realized they were kindred spirits—both ambitious, both ruthless, and both determined to carve out something greater than the fate they were born into.
While Dahmir expanded BTC, Zaheira managed the internal structure of their growing trade empire, overseeing the company’s financial networks, personnel loyalty, and risk management. Many believe BTC would not have survived its early years without her careful guidance.
After Dahmir’s assassination in 459 AEL, she withdrew from active leadership, choosing to let her daughter Ellenore shape BTC’s next era. However, she remains a powerful figure behind the scenes, and even at 65, her mind is as sharp as ever.
Personality & Skills
Strategic & Calculating – Even in retirement, she sees everything and forgets nothing. If BTC faces internal problems, noble rivalries, or dangerous whispers, Zaheira knows before anyone else.
Unshakable & Ruthless When Necessary – While not as openly intimidating as Ellenore, Zaheira’s word still holds weight, and those who dismiss her as an aging noble often regret it.
Fiercely Loyal to Family – She is devoted to her children and grandchildren, but she will not coddle them—she expects strength and intelligence above all else.
Master of Political Survival – Having spent decades navigating noble courts and merchant rivalries, she knows how to manipulate, negotiate, and outlast anyone.
"A merchant’s empire is not built on gold alone. It is built on the bones of those who could not keep up."
Her Role in the Present
Unofficial Advisor to Ellenore – Though she no longer runs BTC, Ellenore still seeks her counsel, especially on matters of internal politics, financial stability, and noble alliances.
Respected Elder Within BTC – Many older merchants and company leaders still look to her for guidance, fearing her more than Ellenore in some ways.
Guardian of the Next Generation – She keeps a close eye on her grandchildren, especially Ashtar and Safiya, ensuring they are prepared for the brutal world they will inherit.
Relationship with Her Family
Ellenore Basara (Daughter, 38) –
Respects her daughter’s rule but does not always agree with her methods.
Worries that Ellenore’s rapid expansion of BTC may lead to instability or dangerous enemies.
Though she rarely intervenes, her advice can shift the course of BTC’s direction.
"Strength is knowing when to take what you want. Wisdom is knowing when to leave something alone. You have strength, Ellenore. Do not forget wisdom."
Omar Basara (Son, 34) –
She is fond of him but sees his reliance on brute force as shortsighted.
Though she respects his skills as a naval commander, she often urges him to think more strategically instead of acting impulsively.
"A spear is strong, but a spear alone cannot hold a kingdom. Remember that, my son."
Ashtar Basara (Grandson, 13) –
Sees in him the sharp mind of both Dahmir and Ellenore, and believes he could be a future leader of BTC.
She tests him subtly, offering him riddles, negotiations, and thought exercises to sharpen his mind.
"A throne is not taken by swords alone. Learn that, or you will never truly rule."
Safiya Basara (Granddaughter, 7) –
Adores her youngest grandchild, recognizing the quiet intelligence in her even at a young age.
Zaheira often teaches her old merchant tricks, such as reading people’s intentions from their posture, expressions, and voice.
"A child who listens sees more than a king who speaks."
Rumors & Speculation
Some believe Zaheira still pulls more strings within BTC than people realize, subtly shaping its future through quiet influence.
She has suspicions about Dahmir’s assassination and is quietly hunting for those responsible, even decades later.
There are whispers that she has stashed away an emergency fortune in case BTC ever falls into chaos, ensuring that her family will always have a means of escape.
Final Thoughts
Zaheira Basara may no longer sit at BTC’s helm, but her influence has not faded. She is the quiet storm that lingers behind the throne, the ever-watchful eye on the family’s legacy. While Ellenore may be The Iron Wall of Basara, it is Zaheira who laid its foundation, and even in retirement, she ensures it will never crumble.
Relationships
Current Location
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Former Merchant Lady | Silent Advisor to the BTC
Age
65
Date of Birth
20th of Thallen, 409 AEL
Birthplace
Reaper's Port
Spouses
Marquis Dahmir Basara 402 – 459 AEL
(spouse)
Siblings
Pronouns
She/Her
Sex
Female
Gender
Woman
Presentation
Feminine
Eyes
Amethyst Eyes
Hair
Long Greying Black Hair
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Greyish Purple
Height
5' 9"
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
