ZakMack

Zak (IGN: ZakMack) is a citizen within the Vulperium and the current Count of Vulperia. His official species is known as the "Avali", a rare type of flightless bird that has origins to the frozen lands in the north of Eldham. Although his place of birth is unconfirmed as to this day, his countless time spent living within the Vulperium has affected his perspective on Eldham. ZakMack strongly sees himself as a fellow Vulpur and dismisses the idea of being anything else but one.

Early Life in Eldham
The early life of ZakMack is currently unknown as he has shown very little interest in discussing his childhood or teenage years.

While there is very little evidence to support this, it is speculated that the young Avali was originally from the continent of Elastra due to it's similar climate and geography. The speculation of this however has gone under question as the journey from Elastra to Serrona would have been a long and tedious one, especially without the proper equipment. Passing through three separate continents without any additional security also poses the risks involved with the wilderness such as bandits and wild animals. ZakMack has also stated that he disapproves of this 'theory' and any ideas from it, leaving the topic to rest until a later day.

Arrival in Serrona
Once arriving into the continent of Serrona, ZakMack found the western part of the lands claimed by the Vulperium empire, a multicultural group of provinces combined together under the leadership of a monarchy. Intriguing him more than any other place he had explored, the young Avali decided to set up a temporary squatter hole north of Adnan. After examining all the nearby towns, architecture and learning about cultures of the land, he had decided to introduce his existence to the nation who welcomed him within Aroforn (capital region of the Vulperium) with open arms. This surprised the Avali as he expected a tougher introduction to be necessary, however, he wholeheartedly felt at home right away and wanted to support his newfound homeland in any way that he could. Within Aroforn, ZakMack was granted a small house within the inner walls of the capital. He immediately gave the building a small renovation before venturing out to gain the materials required to forge a strong, durable and eternal pickaxe. After fishing up two mending books, he was finally able to craft a god pick only after a few days. He surprisingly decided to dedicate the pickaxe's name to the Vulpur Nabu's goddess "Diruskyria" as they are the manifestation of the seas in which Zak was able to pull the enchantment books out from. Setting off into the deep underground, the Avali would mine away until he nearly reached one million gold, contributing supplies and equipment along the way to build projects in Aroforn and Pastel.

Affiliation with Vulpinian culture
After spending a couple of months within the Vulperium, the young Avali would have an identity crisis in which he would never shake out from. A popular and promoted culture within the capital and surrounding regions of the nation was the Vulpur, a species similar looking to the Kumiho and Foxtarians that went from near extinction to thriving in the world of Eldham. Zak seemingly viewed the species he lived beside as almost desirable in every form, seeing them as a family more than possibly any of his own species. Going as far to compare himself in every way to them such as their preference for colder living environments, their fluffy body and similar anatomy. He disapproves any remark that his feathers, flightless wings or much longer tail makes him any different than the Vulpurs around him.

Riches and Prosperity
While making sure to contribute building supplies whenever necessary, the Avali was carefully gaining more and more wealth overtime as his pickaxe struck away at the earth. Bit by bit, he was able to earn himself quite a sane amount of money. While it is currently not shown in his wallet, he has made sure to earn enough for himself and his loving wife. Two sets of max tools and armor were commissioned and maintained by the duo, while Oakendale's balance was securely insured to last for generations after him. Zak does not however go down into the depths of those mines as often as before, he still regularly contributes money and supplies to his fellow countrymen whenever asked.

The Town of Oakendale
Whilst working to gain as much wealth and resources for his nation as possible, ZakMack had a growing desire to help in a public build project that benefited the empire in a much greater way. He had gained enough equipment and supplies for himself in order to fund anything that came to his mind, but secretly he yearned to assist in even greater aspects.

A slightly different opportunity came to him when Burin Regulus, the former Head Architect of the Vulperium, asked the nation if someone was willingly to contribute to the abandoned peninsula of Oakendale. Determined to begin on work, ZakMack would firstly connect the town's location to the main roads and highway network before beginning construction work. At the time of writing, Oakendale is set to become a peaceful and nature centered town. The ambitious Avali hopes that it will become a small yet calm place for a small batch of Vulperium citizens to settle down in and enjoy life as it happens. He also hopes that this will allow residents of Oakendale to prioritze sending resources to other parts of the nation in order to help in the bigger picture.

Relationship and Marriage
During a routine fishing trip within the walls of Aroforn, ZakMack met a neighboring resident within the town named Wickerbeast. In his eyes, this was the most adorable and precious Vul he had either seen. The two began to fish together quite often and eventually felt feelings towards one another. One fishing trip together however, Wicker grabbed ZakMack's paw and proposed to him, making the Avali's heart melt inside. He said yes and the two happy hugged one another embracing each other's presence.

On June 19th 2022, both the young blue Avali and young gray Vul met within the beautiful church of St. Nuncio within Aroforn. After countless time spent and enjoyed together, the two were married with the help of Vulperium's priest Blackleaf and the support of all of their friends. Wicker fainted halfway through the ceremony due to anxiety but the ceremony continued and everyone in the end was happy. The wedding wrapped up with some thoughtful words, drinking and a cake pinata supplied by the town of Pastel.

Both ZakMack and Wicker currently reside within the town of Oakendale. Although the Avali makes regular trips to neighboring towns to help when needed as does the gray Vul when they travel back to the Republic of Falholt, they both care and support each other and vow to stay loyal to one another forevermore.