¶ Notes
¶ Referenced
¶ Overview
Zusgut, a charismatic and cunning goblin, is the self-proclaimed Goblin King of Absalom and the leader of The Goblin Court, a community of outcasts, goblins, and misfits in the flood-ravaged Puddles District of Absalom. A former aide-de-camp to the exiled Watcher-Lord Ulthun II of Lastwall, Zusgut has leveraged his experiences and street smarts to carve out a position of influence in the city's criminal and political underbelly.
Though theatrical in nature—often staging dramatic retellings of his life where he plays the hero—Zusgut is no mere jester. He is a shrewd strategist, a populist leader, and a master manipulator with growing influence over the lawless parts of Absalom.
¶ Early Life & Connection to Lastwall
While details of Zusgut’s early life remain murky, it is known that he served as an aide-de-camp to Watcher-Lord Ulthun II of Lastwall. His exact role in Lastwall's hierarchy is unclear, though it is likely he acted as a scout, messenger, or unofficial advisor in underhanded dealings. His survival after Lastwall’s fall suggests a keen ability to adapt and outmaneuver threats.
Zusgut’s connection to Ulthun II gives him an air of legitimacy in some circles, though many suspect he embellishes his role significantly. Some believe he knows valuable secrets about Ulthun II’s plans or potential allies, making him a target for political intrigue in Absalom.
¶ The Goblin Court
Upon arriving in Absalom, Zusgut quickly gathered a following of goblins, miscreants, and disenfranchised citizens. He declared himself the Goblin King of Absalom, setting up The Goblin Court within the Puddles, a sinking slum district filled with wreckage, criminal activity, and makeshift structures.
His court is a chaotic yet thriving society, operating under a mix of goblin traditions and Absalomian street politics. Visitors must pass riddles, undergo bizarre tests, or amuse Zusgut with a performance before gaining an audience.
¶ Culture & Economy
- Goblin Theater: Zusgut commissions plays that dramatically retell his life, often portraying himself as a heroic figure. These performances, staged by underprivileged youth and goblins, are terribly inaccurate, wildly exaggerated, and immensely entertaining to those with a taste for chaotic storytelling.
- Brinewater Pickles: The Goblin Court is known for producing this infamous local delicacy, made from dubious ingredients and reputedly an acquired taste.
- Tide Market: At low tide, goblins and urchins set up makeshift markets to sell scavenged goods, disappearing before the water rises again.
¶ The Soddenhouse Shankers
Zusgut commands a small but growing militia known as the Soddenhouse Shankers, a band of knife-wielding miscreants and self-styled revolutionaries. They act as his enforcers, defending his court and expanding his influence over the Puddles.
¶ Allies & Rivals
¶ Allies
- Disenfranchised Goblins & Outcasts – Zusgut’s followers see him as a symbol of empowerment and a leader who fights for those overlooked by Absalom’s elite.
- Ulthun II (Potential Connection) – His past service to the former Watcher-Lord gives him some political weight, though his true importance remains uncertain.
¶ Rivals & Threats
- Haigen Topkick – Formerly the unchallenged leader of the Puddles, Haigen sees Zusgut as a threat to his power and criminal enterprises.
- Absalom’s Elite – Many in Absalom’s government and crime syndicates view Zusgut as a nuisance, though some see his court as a useful distraction for their own schemes.
- Aspiring Goblin Leaders – Some goblins challenge Zusgut’s claim as "king," though he has proven adept at silencing dissent with cunning or spectacle.
¶ Zusgut’s Role in Absalom’s Politics
Despite his loud and theatrical presence, Zusgut has a sharp political mind and an uncanny ability to turn chaos into opportunity. He has remained elusive when political factions attempt to use him, never fully committing to any side but keeping himself too valuable to remove outright.
Many speculate that his larger ambitions may extend beyond the Puddles—perhaps even into Absalom’s government, the wider criminal underworld, or deeper connections to Ulthun II’s exile.
His ability to turn perception into reality, coupled with his unpredictable nature, ensures that Zusgut remains a wild card in Absalom’s ever-shifting power struggles.
¶ Quotes
- "Welcome, welcome! You seek audience with the Goblin King? Ha! First, you must answer me this—why is a pickle like a dream?!"
- "You call me a troublemaker? Pah! I am but a humble king of the people! And people love a little trouble, yes?"
- "They say I know secrets. Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. But what fun is truth without a little mystery?"