Van Droth and Ruthazek: A Pact of Power
The Discovery
Van Droth, ever the opportunist and master manipulator, found Ruthazek, the Gorilla King in his throne room atop Muun Tok's central ziggurat. His spies—serpentmen remnants and shadowed scouts—had uncovered the existence of the Ritual of the Gorilla King and Ruthazek’s vulnerability to its binding curse. The ritual that granted Ruthazek his title and might also tethered his power to the totem of Anghazhan in Chak Lu’um, meaning another could claim his throne simply by completing the ritual anew.
Van Droth approached Ruthazek not as an invader but as a benefactor. With chilling confidence, he offered the Gorilla King a deal: the destruction of the ritual’s binding magic and the permanent consolidation of Ruthazek’s rule, in exchange for the Gorilla King's service.
The Bargain
Van Droth painted a vivid picture: no more fear of usurpers, no more need to defend his position from ambitious challengers. Ruthazek would reign eternally, free of Anghazhan’s totem’s grip. However, there was a price: Ruthazek would serve as one of Van Droth’s warlords, leading his armies of undead and beasts to conquer regions Van Droth deemed critical to his grand designs.
The Gorilla King, proud and ambitious, initially resisted. But Van Droth’s display of necromantic might—raising the fallen defenders of Muun Tok to do his bidding—brought Ruthazek to the negotiating table. The lich’s knowledge of the Stone of Night, a rumored relic buried within the city, further enticed the king, as it promised even greater power over life and death.
The two struck a pact: Van Droth would destroy the ritual binding Ruthazek to Anghazhan and ensure his immortality, while Ruthazek would enforce Van Droth’s will across the Valley of Exiles and beyond.
Ruthazek’s Transformation
Under Van Droth’s tutelage, Ruthazek's raw might was refined with necromantic prowess. The Gorilla King became a necromancer in his own right, commanding the dead alongside his army of awakened apes. He gained the power to channel necrotic energy and raise fallen foes to bolster his ranks. To symbolize his pact, Van Droth gifted Ruthazek a Cloak of the Gorilla King, woven from dark, shimmering threads of necrotic energy.
Ruthazek now serves as Van Droth’s enforcer in the Valley of Exiles, as well as being called up for special missions. His presence alone inspires terror, and his newfound magical abilities make him a more dangerous foe than ever.
Motivations and Conflict
Ruthazek’s pride and ambition remain, and while he has no love for Van Droth, he values his power and the security of his throne. However, whispers among the awakened apes and lizardfolk suggest cracks in Ruthazek’s allegiance. If the Stone of Night can be found, Ruthazek believes he may surpass even Van Droth and become a power unto himself.
Killed in the Lost City of Nirnaeth by the Sentinels of Seregon. Was instructed in magic by Ravana. Was accompanied by the Dread Herald of Van Droth who created teleportation circles.