"The stars were never mine to grasp."
—Rakash
Admiral Rakash Zaaba IV was unoffically a member of the Chimera as a DMPC. A noble prince of House Zaaba, he was the brother of Mahataraja Azani Zaaba III. Rakash was also married to Inkosikazi Adeaa Vanem of Jamre and had a daughter named Chikuu before they separated.
Rakash became famous across the world for his naval victories against the Lunar Collective at a very young age, and was well known for his use of a swordspear.
Biography
Early Life
Rakash and Azani had a terrible relationship with their father, and Mahataraja Kretu Zaaba II would often punish them with physical violence. Their elder cousin Raniji Miina often also acted like a third parent to them. While his older brother Azani grew up physically weak and sickly, Rakash was tall and in great shape, already training to be in the Sena even as a teenager.
Near the end of his reign when Kretu II was in his late 70s, there are rumors of an incident in which the elderly Mahataraja fell down some stairs and broke his leg. He called Rakash to help him, but Rakash only stared at him and left without helping no matter how much Kretu II yelled in pain.
His brother Azani III ascended the throne at the age of 21 in 3E433. The first few years of Azani III's rule were tumultous, as even after losing the Vyzumi territories the Hukumat became involved in the ongoing Lunar Ashfall War. The Lunar Collective had been expanding their colonies within the Ashfall Isles, and set their sights on Therah in 3E435. The Lunars would hold the city of Therah for five long years while blockading Kasaaq from trade, the two nations witnessing maritime clashes throughout this occupation. In 3E439, Rakash became an Admiral at the young age of 20, and would then ambush the Lunar blockade off the coast of Suneb. During the battle, Rakash sunk a ship that was being commanded by Ballista Gemini. The Battle of Suneb was infamously the biggest maritime loss that the Lunar Navy ever experienced, and by early 3E440 Azani III would use this victory as one of the bargaining chips that he needed to negotiate peace with the Lunars. In truth, while Rakash's gambit worked, he attacked the Lunars without the approval of the Mahataraja. The brothers argued a lot about their choice of tactics, but everything seemingly worked out for the best. In fact, Rakash's victory led to many calling him 'Rakash IV' despite him not being on the throne.
Rakash was then married to the princess of Jamre, Adeaa Vanem. She stayed in Kasaaq for the first decade of their marriage, but Rakash would spend most of his time at sea or abroad. Their daughter, Chikuu Vanem-Zaaba, was essentially raised by Azani III alongside his own children. Eventually Rakash and Adeaa became estranged, and she took their daughter back home to Jamre upon her ascension as the new ruler of the Kwadenhi. Rakash started to drink his problems away, gaining a reputation as a drunkard.
Tale of the Sunless Dunes
Check the main campaign page for the detailed plot summary.
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"You know, we Zaabas are descended from slave astrologers. Ours is a belief that the fates are governed by the stars above. This month of Skyfall is considered one of the most important months in Kasaaqi Astrology, as stars rain nightly. Our family has weaved our fates time and time again, and I will be no exception. I am still Prince Rakash Zaaba, fourth of his name, Admiral of the naval division of the Kasaaqi Sena. And I have never given up on my mission. And to you, my companions on this journey, my brothers, my sisters- we have saved each other time and time again. If what you say is true, the gods themselves are on our side, even if their angels are not. I ask of you to trust me, one last time, and accompany me to Jamre, to save our daughters, and to bring them home. Chimera! Are you with me? I may have lived as an idiot, but I will not die as one."
- Rakash to the Chimera during a meteor shower.
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Timeline
3E419 - Rakash is born in Kasaaq.
3E439 - Rakash became an Admiral at age 20, and won the Battle of Suneb against the Lunar Collective.
3E451 - He is married to Princess Adeaa Vanem of Jamre.
3E452 - Rakash has a daughter with Adeaa named Chikuu.
3E461 - Adeaa Vanem leaves alongside Chikuu, moving back to Jamre. Rakash begins to drink his problems away.
3E467 - Rakash is sent by his nephew Tarajkumar Zavii to aid the Chimera in their quest to kill a commander of the Calamity Covenant during the events of the Tale of the Sunless Dunes campaign.
3E468 - Rakash spends nearly a year in a Lunar prison in Angelroost, but is broken out by the Chimera who had been in the Feywild. He helps rescue his daughter from Jamre.
Gallery
A younger Rakash (Credit: Vijay)
Rakash's Vyzum Pixel Art (Credit: Daibik)
Rakash in his Vyzum Disguise (Credit: Daibik)
