Ariks Eshteross

Lord Ariks Eshteross is an orc living in Jrusar, Marquet. As an NPC, he is played by Matthew Mercer.

Appearance
Lord Eshteross is an older orc with grayish skin who walks with a cane. He has gray, receding hair (bald on top) with a well trimmed goatee and beard. He stands about 6'2" and has broad shoulders and a wide neck. His face bears old scars. When first encountered, he was wearing a pair of spectacles, a deep crimson-burgundy high-collared robe and a scarf around his shoulders.

Personality
He is described by Bertrand Bell as having a strange manner. Bertrand also believed that Eshteross is "interested in preserving the good folk of Jrusar" and wanting to see good done in the city.

Background
Lord Eshteross took over the estate 20 years ago, after Mistress Prudaj died. He is reclusive, with "strange things" said about him in Jrusar and little is known about him. He and Betrand previously worked together some months before in 843 PD.

Campaign Three
After Bertrand Bell gathered a group of wanderers and adventurers, he proposed that they go together to see Eshteross in pursuit of employment, though he refused to speak on the manner of expected employment. The next morning, the group visited Eshteross' manor and, though he was not expecting a visit from Bertrand, were granted an audience in his study. Eshteross, distrustful of how highly Bertrand spoke of the group, asked the group if they felt they had much to offer and what they wanted. When the group hesitated to answer, he turned on Bertrand, who quickly provided that the group sought to be paid, to have a chance to prove themselves, and to build a reputation in the city. He asked the group if they sought to prove themselves, and when Imogent Temult confirmed so, he signaled to his caretaker Evelyn Wress to leave the room and lock the door. When done, he attacked the group.

Bertrand Bell
Bertrand previously worked with Eshteross some months before in 843 PD, though they have not spoken or seen one another in the time since, and Bertrand described himself as eager to bring people able to help Eshteross in his goals. Bertrand spoke well of Eshteross to others, characterizing him as having noble intentions for the city. Despite this, Bertrand is nervous in his presence. Eshteross apparently holds a disdainful view of Bertrand, describing his presence in the manner as a "stain" and immediately naming Bertrand's swaggering manner empty in front of others.