Zelda Bens
Proprietor Zelda Shaena Bens (a.k.a. The Black Knight)
Zelda Shaena Bens is a cunning and ruthless merchant queen who has built a vast trading empire through her intelligence, charm, and willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. With a focus on wealth, power, and influence, she has established a veritable monopoly on trade routes and shipping across the kingdom, using her mastery of complex trade negotiations and her sharp mind to eliminate competition and expand her reach. Her refined, aristocratic accent and sophisticated language belie a quick wit and a calculating nature, which she uses to manipulate others and achieve her goals. With a reputation for being merciless and cunning, Zelda is a force to be reckoned with in the world of trade and commerce.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Early Life (Age 1-30)
Zelda Shaena Bens was born in the coastal town of Arrowport, where her family had a long history of seafaring and trade. Her parents, Eira and Thorne Bens, were respected merchants who taught her the value of hard work, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Growing up in Arrowport, Zelda was fascinated by the sea and the diverse cultures that came with each new ship. She spent many hours listening to sailors' tales and learning about the world beyond her hometown.Founding the South Wind Trading Company (Age 30-50)
With a vision to create a trading empire that would connect the disparate ports and cities of the realm, Zelda left Arrowport and traveled to Castleport. She spent years building relationships, gathering resources, and studying the market. In her mid-40s, she founded the South Wind Trading Company (SWTC), leveraging her knowledge, charisma, and cunning to establish the company as a dominant force in Castleport's trade and commerce.Proprietorship (Age 50-73)
Under Zelda's leadership, the SWTC expanded its reach, forging new alliances and securing lucrative contracts. She became known for her shrewd business acumen, her ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and her ruthless determination to protect her company's interests. As Proprietor, Zelda has solidified the STC's position as a powerhouse in Castleport's mercantile scene.Personal Life
Zelda's personal life remains marked by a few significant relationships and events. Her marriage to Arin, a fellow merchant, ended in a messy divorce, and their son, Elrik, now works as a rival merchant, often finding himself at odds with his mother's interests. Zelda has also been known to maintain discreet relationships with influential figures in Castleport, using her charm and wit to further her business interests.Education
Early Education (Age 5-18)
Zelda received a traditional education in Arrowport, focusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, and basic navigation skills. She showed a keen interest in mathematics and trade, often helping her parents with their merchant endeavors. Her parents also hired private tutors to teach her languages (Common, Elvish, and Dwarvish), diplomacy, and etiquette.Apprenticeship (Age 18-25)
Zelda apprenticed with a local merchant family in Arrowport, learning the intricacies of trade, commerce, and negotiation. She worked closely with the family's patriarch, a seasoned merchant named Marcellus, who became a mentor to her. During this time, she honed her skills in accounting, market analysis, and risk management.Self-Study and Travel (Age 25-40)
As Zelda traveled and expanded her business interests, she continued to educate herself through self-study and real-world experience. She read extensively on economics, politics, and history, often seeking out rare and obscure texts. She also learned from her interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, adopting a pragmatic and adaptable approach to business and life.Mentorship and Networking (Age 40-73)
Throughout her career, Zelda has sought out mentors and advisors who could help her navigate complex situations and provide valuable insights. She has built a network of influential contacts, including politicians, nobles, and fellow merchants, who respect her intelligence and cunning. These relationships have helped her stay informed about market trends, political shifts, and emerging opportunities.Employment
Zelda Bens is the Proprietor of the South Wind Trading Company which she runs with a seeming iron fist. She has worked in this company for several years now and is the founder of the organization.
Founder and Proprietor (Age 45-present)
Zelda founded the SWTC with a vision to create a dominant trading empire that would connect the disparate ports and cities of the realm. She leveraged her extensive network, business acumen, and charisma to establish the company as a major player in Castleport's mercantile scene.CEO and Managing Director (Age 45-60)
As the SWTC grew, Zelda took on the roles of CEO and Managing Director, overseeing the company's overall strategy, operations, and finances. She made key decisions on trade routes, investments, and partnerships, always keeping a keen eye on the bottom line.Chairwoman of the Board (Age 60-present)
As the SWTC continued to expand, Zelda transitioned to the role of Chairwoman of the Board, focusing on high-level diplomacy, strategic planning, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. She remains the ultimate authority on major decisions, using her experience and influence to guide the company's direction.Intellectual Characteristics
High Intelligence: Zelda possesses exceptional cognitive abilities, with a keen mind for strategy, finance, and politics. She is adept at analyzing complex situations, identifying patterns, and making informed decisions.
Cunning: Zelda is incredibly cunning, able to think several steps ahead of her competitors and adversaries. She is a master of manipulation, using her charm, wit, and intelligence to influence others and achieve her goals.
Ruthless: Zelda is unsentimental and willing to make tough decisions, even if they involve harming others or sacrificing short-term gains for long-term success. She is fiercely competitive and will stop at nothing to protect her interests and maintain her position.
Strategic Thinker: Zelda has a talent for developing innovative, long-term plans, often anticipating and preparing for potential obstacles and challenges.
Calculating Risk-Taker: She is willing to take bold risks when the potential rewards align with her goals, but also has a keen sense of when to hold back and reassess.
Adaptable: Zelda is highly adaptable, able to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances or new information.
Master of Deception: She is skilled at hiding her true intentions and feelings behind a mask of charm and diplomacy, making it difficult for others to discern her true motives.
Insatiable Curiosity: Zelda has a constant desire for knowledge and understanding, driving her to seek out new information, consult with experts, and explore uncharted territories.
Exceptional Memory: She possesses an impressive ability to recall details, conversations, and events, allowing her to keep track of complex relationships and negotiations.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Ambition: She is driven to establish a veritable monopoly on trade routes and shipping across the kingdom, solidifying her position as the most powerful merchant in the land.
Wealth and Power: Zelda's primary goal is to accumulate wealth and power, using her cunning and ruthless tactics to eliminate competition and expand her influence.
Revenge: She seeks revenge against those who have wronged her in the past, including her ex-husband and rival merchants who have attempted to undermine her success.
Security: Zelda is driven to ensure her own security and prosperity, using her wealth and influence to protect herself and her interests.
Recognition: She craves recognition and respect from her peers, seeking to be acknowledged as a master trader and a formidable leader.
Personal Freedom: Zelda values her independence and autonomy, using her wealth and influence to maintain her freedom and make choices that align with her own interests and desires.
Profit above All: She is willing to do whatever it takes to maximize her profits, including colluding with pirates, manipulating others, and eliminating competition.
Vices & Personality flaws
Vices:
Greed: Her insatiable desire for wealth and power drives her to make ruthless decisions and prioritize her interests above all else. Pride: Her confidence and success have made her arrogant, leading her to underestimate others and overestimate her own abilities. Manipulation: She uses her charm and wit to influence others, often exploiting their weaknesses for her own gain. Deception: She has no qualms about lying, cheating, or stealing to achieve her goals. Vindictiveness: She holds grudges and seeks revenge against those who have wronged her.Flaws:
Overconfidence: Her successes have made her complacent, leading her to take unnecessary risks and ignore potential threats. Emotional attachment to wealth: Her obsession with gold and power has become an emotional crutch, driving her to make impulsive decisions. Difficulty with empathy: Her focus on her own interests has made her neglect the needs and feelings of others. Inability to trust: Her experiences have led her to believe that everyone has an ulterior motive, making it difficult for her to form genuine relationships. Short-sightedness: Her focus on short-term gains can lead her to overlook long-term consequences and potential dangers.
Current Location
Species
Age
73
Children
Gender
Female
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Gold is the only currency that matters, and I am its master."
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Comments