ZANIE

**Early Life**

Zanie was born in Brimstone Village centuries ago. From a young age, she showed exceptional skill as a craftsman, which earned her a place on the underground exploration team. On one expedition, she came across a dragon egg-something she had never seen before. Curious and bold, she cracked it open, and in the process, accidentally consumed its essence, halting her growth from that moment onward. Years later, the dwarves discovered Sal'thorin and struck a deal with the Essail to harvest dragon eggs. Zanie opposed their plan to summon the god, so she left the village and established her own underground lab, dedicating herself to creating lethal weapons an... pushing the limits of her craft

**Notable Bonds**

* Eldric: Zanie was more desperate than any other dwarf to break the curse she carried. When the dwarves collaborated with the Essail to resurrect the god, she left the village, believing their solution wouldn't last. She established an underground lab and began developing formidable weapons Eldric, her junior, shares her vow to lift the curse on the dwarves, but their relationship has grown strained due to their differing views. * Hugin: Zanie is Hugin's mentor, and Hugin holds her and the other villagers of Brimstone in high regard Though Zanie was already well-known before leaving the village, her peers and some juniors still remember her. The younger generation of dwarves, however, knows little about her. * Merlin: Initially, Zanie traveled with Merlin by chance, hoping to leverage Merlin's power to achieve her goals After facing numerous challenges together, she gradually came to see Merlin as a true friend.

**About**

* Zanie is skilled at gaining support and favors through her social talents. When the situation calls for it, she can adopt a childlike tone to appear harmless. She knows many secrets about both the dwarves and the Essail. * Zanie enjoys joking around, always careful not to overstep. But against her enemies, her threats are delivered with ruthless precision. * Zanie specializes in crafting explosive and powerful machines. She is rarely seen without her automated turrets, one of which has been affectionately designed to resemble a puppy. * After drinking the dragon egg essence, Zanie remains forever youthful Deep down, however, she harbors a hidden fear and resentment, aware that she could still die in this form. * Having taught many students through classes and lectures, Zanie considers Hugin her most accomplished disciple so far.

**Affinity Tales**

• Zanie does her own hair, having tried countless styles before settling on the easiest to maintain.

• Zanie isn't exactly an all-rounder—she only has a basic understanding of mining, smelting, and construction. Her expertise lies in machinery, materials, and development work.

• Unlike most inventors, Zanie succeeds in bringing many of her ideas to life.

• Although Zanie mostly works alone in the lab, she is actually quite a capable project manager and can even oversee three mining teams all by herself.

• Zanie always makes time to learn the latest tech.

• She can't cast magic but knows more about it than many mages, thanks to her meticulous records on magical effects.

• Having taught quite a number of students and held classes and talks, Zanie considers Hugin her best disciple so far.

• Despite her age, Zanie still carries a lively and youthful spirit. Her energy is probably fueled by creativity.

• Though not found of travel, Zanie spent her early years roaming the continent, quietly gathering experiences that enriched her craft.

• Zanie often changes her identity to keep her long life under wraps, but rarely changes her name—she's just not good with words.