Zehira Deryan
Turmishan Privateer & Secret Storm Giant
True Appearance & Identity
In truth, Zehira Deryan is a storm giant princess in disguise, using the powerful Iltkazar Scepter—an ancient dwarven ruling artifact—to appear as a human noblewoman. Standing over 30 feet tall in her true form, she possesses the graceful athletic build and shimmering gray skin of storm giant royalty, with piercing dark eyes and midnight-black hair woven with silver seashell braids. The scepter allows her to walk among smallfolk undetected, maintaining the illusion of a cunning Turmishan privateer.
Backstory
- Secret Heritage: Younger sister of Princess Serissa, daughter of King Hekaton and Queen Neri. Rejected storm giant court politics to live among humans, using Iltkazar Scepter to disguise herself and pursue life as an adventurer and privateer.
- Family Loyalty: Despite avoiding Maelstrom's throne room intrigues, Zehira remains fiercely loyal to her sister Serissa. Returns to aid the storm giant court during crises, wielding her artifact knowledge and smallfolk connections to resolve problems giants cannot address directly.
- Artifact Guardian: Bonded to the Iltkazar Scepter (one of ten Ruling Scepters of Shanatar), which grants teleportation, sending spells, and Wyrmskull Throne compatibility. The artifact cannot be used by others and protects Zehira if threatened.
Public Persona
As a human, Zehira appears as an experienced privateer in her prime—olive skin, keen dark eyes, black hair in tight braid, dressed in practical seafaring leathers with subtle Thayan influences. Known as cunning swashbuckler and reliable ally throughout Faerûn, her reputation masks her true giant heritage and royal bloodline.
Role in Storm King's Descent
Serissa's most trusted smallfolk ally (in truth, her hidden sister), Zehira coordinates delicate missions requiring subtlety and human-world expertise. Bridges gap between Maelstrom's giant court and smallfolk adventurers, using Iltkazar Scepter's powers to infiltrate dangerous locations and recover vital artifacts like the stolen Wyrmskull Throne.
Motivations & Personality
Intelligent, kind, yet recklessly adventurous, Zehira balances giant heritage with human-world affinity inherited from Queen Neri. Protects greater good while safeguarding Iltkazar Scepter from falling into wrong hands. Her dual life allows unique perspective—storm giant strength combined with smallfolk cunning and resourcefulness.