So lets talk about Kerze.

Brother Kerze is a Rosy Maple moth, pure and simple. Any insectoid in the land of Halsundra, be they born there or not, are known as Exo. Most insects have an exoskeleton, and as such are known as 'Exo' be it an insectoid that has an actual shell or not.

Kerze was born in an arid, sandy desert region known as the Stonefell Straits, a rather inhospitable location of heat and sand. Insectoids seem to prefer this climate for some reason, and will most often be found there.

Born a Curative (we may come back to this subject in another picture), Kerze from an early age was encouraged to take up a healing role at his home, Curative magic is always in demand and a healer in the middle of a desert is always a blessing. Even from that young age, Kerze understood and took pride in his Curative affinity, even training it far younger than others tended to when responsibility came knocking.

As he reached his teenage years he travelled to the Order of Arcane, to learn more of how to heal and help others.

Upon opening a particular ancient tome, an eldritch being far beyond any comprehension and comparison reached out and took Kerze hostage to a sense. Corrupting his mind briefly, Kerze found himself at odds with something angry at mortalkind for sealing it away. In exchange for his life and not suffering in eternity in the hellscape, Kerze had become a servant to this being. It needed-- demanded blood on a regular basis. Rituals and summoning rites. Kerze could only obey, or suffer forever.

As a 'gift' for working for this being, Kerze became affiniated with all magic, Necromancy in particular...even gaining a very basic level of Umbral Arts. This, to aid in the occasional monthly blood ritual or unsealing. All to bring the being back.

Despite this, Kerze was too afraid to tell anybody and moved on quickly, living a drifter life. Going from place to place, healing and helping others in a somewhat selfish attempt to atone for his serial murders. Kerze doesn't want to do it, but he cannot bring himself to do something about it. Be it the life of someone nobody will miss over someone who is doing good. Somewhat selfish.

Kerze and Baldric have never met, but they will, eventually. They won't get along-- Baldric never gets along.

In reality, the eldritch being that has Kerze in service is rather powerless and pitiful. It simply manages to be utterly intimidating in presence, and has just enough sway to have coerced Kerze to servile life.


Also,  reddyeno5 did this, I get a lot from them.