Zeke

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Basic Information

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• Race: Unknown (presumably human)
• Allegiance: Eldoran Empire (spy)
• Location: Last known heading toward Eldora
• Occupation: Imperial spy, assassin
• First Mentioned: Session 11 - “You Only Live Once”
• Revealed as Murderer: Session 13 - “Burning down the house”

Background

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Zeke operated as a deep-cover Eldoran spy in Milstrom, maintaining the facade of a local resident while conducting intelligence operations for the Empire. His primary mission appeared to involve monitoring the hidden Goliath prince (Red/Thurnok Skyhammer) and tracking Goliath clan movements in the surrounding mountains.

The Murder of Red’s Parents

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Zeke is responsible for the deaths of Marion and Robert Cross, Red’s adoptive parents:

The Method

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• Poison: Deliberately contaminated the well water at the Cross family home
• Cover-up: Made the deaths appear to be from natural illness rather than murder
• Timing: Killed them after they discovered his true identity and threatened to expose him

The Motive

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According to witness testimony from Magnolia:

• Zeke had an argument with Red’s parents on the night they died
• After he left, they discussed how “Zeke knows too much”
• They planned to “take care of him,” suggesting they intended to expose or eliminate the spy
• Zeke likely returned to silence them before they could act

Evidence from Zeke’s Journal

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The party recovered Zeke’s personal journal from his cottage, which revealed:

• Imperial Mission: Detailed records of his spying activities for the Eldoran Empire
• Surveillance Operations: Extensive monitoring of Red and Goliath clan activities
• Murder Confirmation: Documentation of poisoning the well water
• Escape Plans: Recent entries showing preparation to flee Milstrom
• Intelligence Reports: Information about Goliath movements and potential resistance activities

Current Status

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• Fugitive: Fled Milstrom ahead of the party’s investigation
• Destination: Tracked heading toward Eldora, likely to report to Imperial handlers
• Evidence: Left behind purple magical traces that the party attempted to follow
• Transportation: Escaped on horseback with additional riders, suggesting Imperial support

Threat Level

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Zeke represents a significant ongoing threat because:

• Imperial Knowledge: Possesses detailed intelligence about Red’s true identity
• Strategic Information: Knows about Goliath clan locations and activities
• Escape Success: Has successfully returned to Imperial territory with sensitive intelligence
• Potential Return: May lead future Imperial operations against the mountain clans

Investigation Timeline

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1. Initial Suspicion: Magnolia identified Zeke as present during the murders
2. Cottage Investigation: Party discovered his journal and evidence
3. Accidental Destruction: The cottage burned down during the investigation, destroying additional evidence
4. Pursuit Attempt: Party tracked his escape route but arrived too late to intercept

Relationships

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• Marion and Robert Cross: His murder victims, Red’s adoptive parents
• Red/Thurnok: Primary surveillance target, unaware of Zeke’s true identity
• Eldoran Empire: His true masters and handlers
• Magnolia: Witness to his presence during the murders (though unreliable due to drug use)

Campaign Significance

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Zeke’s revelation as the murderer of Red’s parents represents a major turning point in Red’s character development and provides a direct personal connection to the broader conflict with the Eldoran Empire. His escape with crucial intelligence about the Skyhammer bloodline potentially compromises the safety of Red’s entire clan.

Unresolved Threats

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• May provide intelligence for future Imperial attacks on Goliath settlements
• Could expose Red’s location and identity to Imperial forces
• Represents the Empire’s deep infiltration capabilities in remote communities
• His knowledge of local resistance activities threatens Twilight Company operations

Justice Pending

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The party has sworn to pursue justice for Red’s parents’ murder, making Zeke a priority target for future missions. His crimes against the Cross family have made this conflict deeply personal for the entire party.