Shago is a Chultan gladiator who works as a wilderness guide out of Fort Beluarian. He is the only son of Zhanthi, one of Port Nyanzaru’s merchant princes, though his loyalties lie with the Flaming Fist mercenaries rather than his mother or the merchant princes.
Background and Motivations
Shago has led many Flaming Fist expeditions into the jungle to clear out undead threats. Despite harboring a great fear of being turned into a zombie or ghoul, he believes the undead must be defeated and is frustrated that the merchant princes won’t take effective action against the threat beyond hiring city guards. His main goal is to impress Commander Liara Portyr enough to earn an official rank within the Flaming Fist.
Relationships
Zhanthi (mother): One of Port Nyanzaru’s seven merchant princes and a secret member of the Ytepka Society. She believes she has “recruited” Shago to spy on the Flaming Fist, but he rarely provides her with any secret or useful information, as his sympathies lie with the mercenaries.
Liara Portyr: The commander of Fort Beluarian whom Shago seeks to impress.
Kwayothé: In one possible side quest, the merchant prince Kwayothé demands that characters kill Shago within 10 days as payment for forgiving another man’s crime involving illegal dancing monkey fruit. No explanation is given for why Kwayothé wants Shago dead.
Game Mechanics
- Stats: Chultan gladiator with Survival +7
- Physical description: 6 feet 3 inches tall, 220 pounds, with rippling muscles and a friendly smile
- Special benefit: While Shago serves as the party’s guide, characters gain advantage on Charisma checks made to influence members of the Flaming Fist
Adventure Hooks
Shago can be hired as a wilderness guide at Fort Beluarian. However, characters may also be tasked with assassinating him as part of the “Help a Dyeing Man” side quest, creating a potential moral dilemma if they’ve already met or hired him.