Azar

In the middle of the Sahara lies a prison for the worst of the worst. It has no name, for fear that speaking it aloud might curse those who know of its existence. But beneath its walls, through miles of suffocating darkness and filth, another world thrives. Azar lives in the sewers. A kraken with an uncanny knack for survival, Azar has carved out his own little kingdom beneath the prison. He has a system, a network, and connections that reach into every shadowy corner of the facility. Need contraband? He can get it. A secret passage? He knows a few. Information about a guard’s dirty little habits or a prisoner’s hidden past? Oh, he’s practically drowning in gossip. Everything has a price, of course. Azar isn’t a prisoner. He isn’t a guard. He doesn’t answer to the warden, follow prison rules, or pledge allegiance to anyone. He’s simply a businessman operating in an environment where trust is a luxury and desperation makes for excellent customers. He’s even arranged an escape once. Once. The prisoner actually made it beyond the prison walls, which Azar considers a remarkable success. Unfortunately, the unfortunate soul’s freedom was rather short-lived. The Sahara is a cruel place, and apparently, surviving a maximum-security prison doesn’t prepare you for the world’s largest sandbox. Still, Azar considers the venture a valuable learning experience. He’s adjusted his rates accordingly. Now, he lurks beneath the prison, trading favors, smuggling forbidden goods, and collecting secrets like shiny little treasures. After all, people talk when they think nobody is listening. And in the sewers, Azar is always listening. Besides, the gossip is absolutely to die for.