Atavo Dren
Master Atavo Dren (a.k.a. "The Merchant Dragon" , "The Silk Emperor")
Brief Overview
Master Atavo Dren is one of the most influential trade lords in the Free Mercantile Lords of Tzarog, controlling a vast network of spice, silk, and rare metal imports between Kozuka and Granheim. His wealth, shrewd business acumen, and deep-rooted political connections make him a formidable force in the world of commerce. Though outwardly polite and respectful, he harbors a fierce rivalry with the Saffron Winds Trade Union and its leader, the Marquis of Milas, within the Vorr’Khal Sultanate.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born into a distinguished merchant dynasty in Kozuka, Atavo Dren was groomed from childhood to take over his family's trade empire. His upbringing was steeped in Kozukan tradition, emphasizing discipline, honor, and the pursuit of mastery. He was sent to Sakurai, the Imperial Capital of Kozuka, where he studied business, diplomacy, and the art of subtle influence.
In his early thirties, he expanded his family's trade operations into Granheim, securing exclusive deals in rare metals, spices, and Kozukan silk. This bold move set him at odds with the Saffron Winds Trade Union, which had long sought to monopolize the lucrative trade routes between Granheim and Kozuka. Over the years, their conflicts have ranged from legal disputes over trade rights to acts of corporate espionage, making Atavo one of the greatest obstacles to the Sultanate’s economic expansion.
Now a key figure in Tzarog’s Council of Coin, Atavo commands an extensive trade network, stretching across the seas and deserts of Granheim, ensuring that his influence rivals even the most powerful merchant houses in the Vorr’Khal Sultanate.
Education
Atavo Dren was educated at the Shinsei Institute of Mercantile Arts, an esteemed economic and political institute located in Sakurai, the Imperial Capital of Kozuka. There, he studied mercantile law, international relations, financial strategy, and Kozukan diplomacy under the tutelage of some of the greatest minds in Kozuka’s economic and philosophical circles.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Expanded Kozukan trade influence into Western Granheim, securing exclusive rights to certain spice and silk exports.
Built a formidable merchant fleet, allowing him to outmaneuver Sultanate-aligned trading companies.
Created a vast information network, gathering intelligence on political and economic shifts across Granheim.
Survived multiple assassination attempts—suspected to be orchestrated by agents of the Saffron Winds Trade Union.
Established key alliances with Tzarog’s most powerful merchant lords, ensuring his continued dominance within the Contingent.
Morality & Philosophy
Atavo Dren follows the Kozukan principle of Kōmyō (Enlightened Prosperity), believing that true power lies in influence, not brute force. He sees commerce as a battlefield where only the shrewdest tacticians survive. Though he is known for his honor in business, he is not above exploiting loopholes, using espionage, and orchestrating quiet ruin for his enemies.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To solidify Kozukan trade dominance in Granheim, pushing back against Sultanate-controlled markets.
To outmaneuver and dismantle the Saffron Winds Trade Union, ensuring their monopoly never extends beyond Milas.
To expand Tzarog’s economic power, ensuring its prosperity without succumbing to political manipulation.
To cement his family’s legacy as the greatest trade empire Kozuka has ever produced.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Lord Salvio Xenthos – Respected Ally, fellow member of the Council of Coin.
Lady Calista Vorrun – Cautious Business Partner, often at odds over naval interests.
Marquis of Milas (Leader of the Saffron Winds Trade Union) – Bitter Rival, economic enemy in a silent war for control over trade routes.
Kozukan Imperial Court – Maintains ties, ensuring continued Kozukan support for his business ventures.
The Sandfang Irregulars – Employs their services for land-based trade protection.
Various Kozukan Daimyo and Merchant Houses – Allies and competitors alike, navigating shifting loyalties.
Family Ties
House Dren – A powerful Kozukan merchant dynasty, controlling multiple trade routes.
Father: Lord Hirotaka Dren (Deceased) – The former patriarch of the family, who built its trade empire.
Mother: Lady Shizuka Dren (Alive) – An elderly stateswoman, still influencing Kozukan commerce from behind the scenes.
Younger Brother: Kenji Dren – A shipbuilding magnate, overseeing Kozukan dockyards.
Younger Sister: Mariko Dren – A diplomatic envoy, liaising between Kozuka and Granheim.
Wife: Lady Mei Dren – A former Kozukan noble with strong political connections.
Eldest Son: Renji Dren – Heir to the Dren trading empire, a skilled negotiator.
Middle Son: Daiki Dren – Oversees security and military aspects of the trade business.
Youngest Daughter: Hana Dren – Studying diplomacy and commerce, expected to further expand the family’s influence.
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Master of Silk and Spice
The Silk Emperor
Lord of Coin, Free Mercantile Lords of Tzarog
Age
52
Date of Birth
26th of Xerxes, 422 AEL
Birthplace
Sakurai
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Piercing obsidian black, often regarded as calculating and enigmatic.
Hair
Kept in a traditional topknot, streaked with silver at the temples.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Jet black Fur
Height
5' 11"
Quotes & Catchphrases
“The coin that buys a kingdom is worth more than the blade that defends it.”
“A merchant’s power is measured in debts owed, not swords drawn.”
“Milas thinks itself a lion of trade, but I have spent my life slaying lions.” (In reference to the Saffron Winds Trade Union.)
“A bargain is only fair when the fool does not know he has been robbed.”
Aligned Organization
